South Africa: Eskom works on tripping units to avoid higher stages of load shedding Electricity Minister, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says there is a need for Eskom to continuously ensure it improves the reliability of generation units as government works around the clock to end load shedding. I think it's particularly unhelpful when Eskom has to go out from time to time with the announcement of the intensity of load shedding. I think there was one day where we shifted the intensity of load shedding about three times in a space of about six hours. I think that undermines the credibility of our efforts, but also the ability of industries and households to be able to plan because they would have expected lower stages of load shedding, he acknowledged on Sunday. Ramokgopa made these remarks during a media briefing where he outlined progress made regarding the implementation of the Energy Action Plan (EAP). The Minister told the media that as extra megawatts are added to the grid, some of these problematic units will be taken out for service to ensure they are more reliable. This will give us an opportunity that when we make a promise of a Stage X you won't find that much later we have to make amendments to that announcement, which undermine the statements Eskom releases from time to time. Tripping units Meanwhile, he said the additional area of focus remains the work on the Unplanned Capability Loss Factor (UCLF) on units that keep tripping. UCLF is defined as the ratio between the unavailable energy of the units that are out on unplanned outages over a period compared to the total net installed capacity of all units over the same period. It's an area that requires our attention, he said. He noted that Eskom had planned to keep the UCLF at less than 15 000 megawatts (MW). But you can see that as part of our optimistic scenario when we did the winter outlook that were not keeping to that. We do admit that it's an area that requires attention because of course, it takes on the available capacity and therefore the correction that you introduced as a result of the elevated UCLF, which increases the intensity of load shedding. In addition, he said the team was working around the clock to ensure that units do not trip. I did make the point that when the unit trips, it means that they are out there not providing us megawatts, which intensifies load shedding. Ramokgopa said additional interventions are needed to ensure the state-owned entity can turn that around. The levels of load shedding are not going down to where we want it to be. Even with this elevated the peak demand in my view when I was sharing with the team is that we should not be in way upwards of Stage 3 but its something that requires our collective attention. I do promise that we're going to address this with the urgency that the state is required. Winter demand While there have been challenges, Ramokgopa said they have been seeing some improvement since May this year on the generation side, since adding 1 600MW into the grid. And of course, on the human side, the expectation has always been that when you enter the latter part of June and into July, we're going to see the demand that is spiking. And of course, that is our own projections, you can see that the demand in July has been greater than any other period during this winter. He added that Gauteng accounts for more demands for electricity like any other province and that weather conditions also play a role. If you look at national peak demand, Gauteng on average accounts for just shy of 30%, so Gauteng does matter. He announced that Eskom was working closely with the Gauteng provincial government and municipalities to be able to coordinate and orchestrate interventions to meet demand. In addition, he said the entity also needs to ramp up planned maintenance. Koeberg The Minister told journalists that the delay in refurbishing Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant is receiving attention. The plant is expected to be decommissioned in July 2024, however, its licence has been extended to help relieve rolling power outages. And I'm just saying something that is beyond worrying and exceptionally upsetting. That brings other questions, if you cant manage why should you have the confidence that you can do other more complex things? Meanwhile, he said Eskom is working on an expansion of the grid, addressing issues of regulatory approvals, regional interconnectors and financing all efforts that will help end load shedding. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2023-07-23. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Press Release July 22, 2023 Villar: 'Border facility' needed to combat diseases from imported agri products Diseases detrimental to the country's agricultural sector can be avoided with the establishment of a border facility to inspect and examine imported meat, fisheries and other agricultural products entering the Philippines. Sen. Cynthia Villar, together Department of Agriculture Usec. Domingo Panganiban, Congressman Department of Agrarian Reform, led the groundbreaking ceremony of Commodity Examination Facility for Agriculture (CEFA) in Angat, Bulacan. "This is the first, and we hope that we will be at the ground breaking ceremonies of the other two more inspection facilities to be put up in Cebu and Davao," said Villar, chairperson of the Senate committee on Food and Agriculture. She said ground breaking and MOA signing for the establishment our very first border control facility is a milestone for our country. She said the construction of CEFA, a state-of-the-art facility, is in compliance with the Food Safety Act of 2013 or Republic Act 10611. "The lack of adherence to the Food Safety Act of 2013 has led to the inadequate management of the African Swine Fever (ASF) challenge, and created a risk of other diseases in livestock entering the Philippines," pointed out the senator. "This compromise the quality and safety of food products endangers consumer health and undermines the reputation of the agricultural industry," she added. With the CEFA that will enforce stricter rules and ensure a thorough examination of agricultural cargo, Villar said risk of diseases and other potential threats will be minimized. This will contribute to safer food products for consumers and protect public health. Through comprehensive examination and inspection protocols, she said CEFA will be a crucial tool in detecting and preventing the spread of diseases in livestock, reducing the likelihood of outbreaks. This proactive approach will protect the agricultural sector and local communities from potential epidemics, ensuring the stability of food production Villar relared that all developed countries have these facilities as part of their strengthened food safety and quarantine, inspection regulations. The laboratory shall enable the immediate testing of samples from commodities suspected to carry animal, fish or plant pests or diseases and other hazardous contents. A crematorium will also be in place to ensure safe disposal of confirmed agricultural commodities with quarantine violations, if these cannot be returned to origin. Futhermore, Villar said a border facility will also help in preventing agricultural smuggling because the shipment shall undergo 100% inspection of farm commoditie using not only human power but also modern technology. The continued smuggling of agricultural products undercuts domestic producers and compromises our food safety and our revenue collections which otherwise should fund social services for the benefit of our people. Villar: 'Border facility' laban sa mga sakit mula sa imported agri products MAIIWASAN ang mga sakit na nakasasama sa ating agricultural sector sa pagtatayo ng border facility para busisiin ang imported meat, fisheries at iba pang agricultural products na pumapasok sa Pilipinas. Pinangunahan ni Sen. Cynthia Villar, kasama si Department of Agriculture Usec. Domingo Panganiban ang groundbreaking ceremony ng Commodity Examination Facility for Agriculture (CEFA) sa Angat, Bulacan. "This is the first, and we hope that we will be at the ground breaking ceremonies of the other two more inspection facilities to be put up in Cebu and Davao," ayon kay Villar, chairperson of the Senate committee on Food and Agriculture. Aniya, isang 'milestone' sa ating bansa ang ground breaking at MOA signing para sa ating first border control facility. Alinsunod sa Food Safety Act of 2013 or Republic Act 10611, ang pagtatayo ng CEFA, isang state-of-the-art facility. "The lack of adherence to the Food Safety Act of 2013 has led to the inadequate management of the African Swine Fever (ASF) challenge, and created a risk of other diseases in livestock entering the Philippines," giit ng senador. "This compromise the quality and safety of food products endangers consumer health and undermines the reputation of the agricultural industry," dagdag pa niya. Ipinahayag ni Villar na mababawasan nito ang panganib ng mga sakit at iba pang potensiyal na banta. Magkakaroon din tayo ng mas ligtas na mga pagkain para sa consumers at maproprotektahan ang kalusugsn ng publiko. Sa komprehensibong examination at inspection protocols, magiging mahalagang sandata ang CEFA upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng mga sakit sa livestock. "This proactive approach will protect the agricultural sector and local communities from potential epidemics, ensuring the stability of food production." Sinabi ni Villar na may ganitong pasilidad lahat ng 'developed countries' para palakasin ang food safety at quarantine, inspection regulations. Agarang masusuri sa laboratoryo ang samples mula sa commodities na pinagdududahang may animal, fish o plant pests o mga sakit at iba psng panganib. May crematorium din para matiyak ang ligtas na pagtatapon ng kumpirnadong agricultural commodities na may quarantine violations. Makatutulong din ang border facility upang maiwasan ang agricultural smuggling dahil isasailalim sa 100% inspection ang farm commodities. "The continued smuggling of agricultural products undercuts domestic producers and compromises our food safety and our revenue collections which otherwise should fund social services for the benefit of our people," binigyan diin pa ni Villar. Song Jae-ho, vice president of KT's AI/DX Convergence Division, speaks during a press conference at a hotel in Seoul, June 21. The company said on Sunday that it will invest $11.65 million in local AI company Moreh. Courtesy of KT By Baek Byung-yeul KT will invest 15 billion won ($11.65 million) in local artificial intelligence (AI) software company Moreh as part of its plan to establish a cooperation system integrating all stages of AI development from hardware to software, the company said Sunday. KT said that this is its second investment in Moreh following its initial investment in 2021. It will invest 10 billion won and its subsidiary KT Cloud will invest the remaining 5 billion won. "The cooperation between KT Group and Moreh will be a milestone in securing the country's AI competitiveness based on domestic technology, because the domestic AI infrastructure market is largely dependent on overseas solutions," the company said. KT has been implementing what it calls its "AI full-stack" strategy that encompasses software and hardware based on domestic technology with the country's AI companies including KT Cloud, Moreh and Rebellions. AI full-stack refers to products and services that supervise the entire process from infrastructure such as semiconductors and cloud, which are foundational to AI, to AI application services provided to customers, KT elaborated. Moreh is a startup specializing in AI infrastructure software, providing an AI infrastructure software stack and AI cluster and cloud services. KT said Nvidia's global reliance on graphic processing units (GPUs), which are key to its AI business, is more than 80 percent because most of its AI services are built on Nvidia's CUDA, a programming language used for GPU. By applying the AI infrastructure software stack provided by Moreh, it can solve the dependence on overseas GPUs because the software is compatible with Nvidia's CUDA, the company said. Chipsets developed by domestic AI chip design firms such as Rebellions will also be easily applicable to AI development environments. To lay the foundation for future growth, KT added that it will continue to invest in local startups and look for additional business opportunities within them. In particular, the company plans to invest around 2 trillion won by 2027 to provide a stable growth foundation for startups and lead the establishment of a healthy innovation ecosystem in the country. "We will continue to do our best to help domestic partners such as Moreh play an active role in the global AI market," the company said. Earlier this month, this group of migrants arrive in Los Angeles from Brownsville, Texas. Another bus arrived in L.A. on Saturday. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) A bus carrying 44 migrants from Texas arrived at Union Station on Saturday morning, the fifthsuch busload sent by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in just over a month, according to Los Angeles officials. The migrants arrived in downtown Los Angeles from Brownsville, Texas, around 11: 30 a.m. and were met by members of the L.A. Welcome Collective, which includes the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the Central American Resource Center-Los Angeles, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights and others. The move by the Texas governor comes just four days after another bus he sent carrying 44 migrants from Venezuela, China, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Chile and Brazil arrived at Union Station from Brownsville. "The City has continued to work with City Departments, the County, and a coalition of nonprofit organizations, in addition to our faith partners, to execute a plan set in place earlier this year," Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement. "As we have before, when we became aware of the bus yesterday, we activated our plan." The three other buses arrived on June 12, July 1 and July 13 carrying, respectively, 42, 41 and 30 migrants. Texas has funded the transport of more than 22,000 migrants to Democratic-run cities across the U.S., including New York, Washington, Chicago, Denver and Philadelphia, as part of Abbotts protest against federal immigration policies. So far, he's raised $415,397 in donations to help pay for the transfer of migrants, according to the governor's website. 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. ROME (AP) Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni on Sunday called for new, more equal relationships between Europe and migrants countries of origin and transit as she convened a summit of some 20 nations, EU officials and international organizations aimed at stanching flows of illegal migration. The one-day conference is a Meloni initiative that aims to make Italy a leader in resolving issues impacting Mediterranean nations. Chief among them is migration, as Italy sustains hundreds of new arrivals daily on Europe's southern border, but also energy as Europe looks to Africa and the Middle East to permanently replace Russian supplies. Human rights groups see the meeting, which includes nations from both northern and sub-Saharan Africa as well as the Middle East, as creating a future roadmap, and worry it will amount to anti-migrant policies that put the onus on Africa to keep Africans out of Europe. Meloni told the opening meeting that Western arrogance had likely stood in the way of solutions to the migrant issue. She proposed four main prongs for future cooperation: fighting criminal organizations trafficking migrants, better managing flows of migrants, supporting refugees and helping countries of origin. The West too often has given the impression of being more interested in giving lessons rather than lending a hand, Meloni said. It is probably this diffidence that has made it difficult to make progress on solutions. She said if flows were better managed there would be more room for legal migration. In her closing press conference, Meloni emphasized that there were no legal means of entry for many people who might have a case for refugee status, because quotas are filled by those who arrive illegally. "Until yesterday, we had the mentality that said migration cannot be limited, it is a right, borders don't exist. That is not my approach because borders exist, migration must be managed,'' Meloni said. She said the participants welcomed the conference's concrete, goal-oriented approach, and noted that the United Arab Emirates had pledged 100 million euros to help improve conditions in countries where poverty and a lack of services is pushing emigration. In an era where so much attention is given to the right to migrate, we are not paying sufficient attention to the right to not be forced to emigrate, to not be forced to flee their own homes, to not be forced to abandon their land and leave family members in search of a new life," Meloni said during opening remarks. The conference comes against the backdrop of migrants being pushed back from Tunisia into Libya, where they are stuck in the desert, many exposed to the harsh elements. Pope Francis, in his traditional Sunday blessing, called on leaders in Europe and Africa to find a solution to the thousands of people who are blocked at borders in North Africa. Thousands of them have been experiencing indescribable suffering for weeks, and have been trapped and abandoned in deserts,'' the pontiff said. May the Mediterranean no longer be a theater of death and inhumanity, the pope said, calling for a sense of fraternity, solidarity and welcoming. The Rome summit comes a week after one of the key participants, Tunisian President Kais Saied, signed a memorandum of understanding for a comprehensive strategic partnership in a meeting that included Meloni and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Financial details werent released, but the EU has held out the promise of nearly 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) to help restart Tunisias hobbled economy, and 100 million euros ($111 million) for border control as well as search and rescue missions at sea and repatriating immigrants without residence permits. Saied told the conference said that Tunisia would not allow Europe-bound migrants to settle in the country and that Tunisia will not be a corridor for outlaws. He called for the establishment of a new global financial institution to tackle the root causes of migration and create prosperity and hope in poor countries. Migrants pay traffickers thousands to make the perilous journey across Africas deserts. Many report suffering torture and other abuse along the way. And hundreds drown each year at sea trying to reach Europe in fragile boats. More than 1,900 migrants have died or gone missing and are presumed missing in the Mediterranean so far this year, bringing the total of dead and missing since 2014 to 27,675, according to the International Organization for Migration. A further 483 are dead or missing in Africa this year. ___ Follow APs coverage of global migration and hub link at https://apnews.com/hub/migration. Its been over a year since Roe v. Wade was overturned by the US Supreme Court, eliminating the constitutional right to abortion nationwide. The opinion was one of the most consequential Supreme Court decisions in decades and paved the way for states to pass laws to limit or ban access to the procedure. Abortion has already become one of the defining issues of the 2024 campaign and is expected to continue to be a key topic as candidates face questions about whether they support banning the procedure on the local and national level. CNN spoke with doctors and medical professionals who responded to a request for stories about how peoples lives have changed in the wake of the ruling. Those who responded all shared stories of their professional lives being disrupted by abortion bans and severe restrictions including in Idaho and Arizona. Some no longer want to practice in states with limitations on the procedure. Others worry about the safety of their patients as more bans loom in the future. Below we share the stories of three medical professionals who agreed to give us full interviews about their experiences. Katie A., Michigan Idaho native Katie A. had plans of returning to her home state to practice as an obstetrician/gynecologist, but after Roe v. Wade was reversed and the state passed a near-total abortion ban, she is unsure of where she will go when she completes her residency in Michigan. Katie, who asked CNN not to use her full name due to safety concerns, was born and raised in Boise, Idaho, and went to medical school in Washington state to specialize in rural patient care. A sign taped to a hanger hangs near the Idaho Capitol in Boise after protests against the state's new abortion laws, which effectively banned the procedure. - Sarah A. Miller/Idaho Statesman/TNS/Getty Images/FILE As I was doing my clinical rotations in Idaho, I could really see myself working with the population there, she told CNN. Idaho is a state that for a long time has had a shortage of physicians. Theres a huge centralization of medicine in Idaho, most of the hospitals and specialists are in Boise. Because of this, Katie said many people outside of the city do not have easy access to care. The medical resident told CNN that she envisioned making a difference in the state, especially by specializing in gynecological and obstetrics care. I was really excited about the idea that I get to move home with this population that I grew up with I could make a difference, she said. When Roe v. Wade was overturned, Katies plans to practice in her native state quickly changed as she witnessed the medical landscape transform there. I really felt called, like I felt that was where I could still make the most difference and it was really important to me to continue to pursue obstetrics and gynecology whatever that might look like, she said. But for my safety and for my ability to really treat my patients, I knew as soon as Idaho started passing laws, criminalizing transportation across state lines and all that sort of thing that it would not be a hospitable place for me to practice medicine. And that you know is sort of heartbreaking, right? the medical resident added. Idaho made abortions illegal last August with only two exceptions: if the mothers life is in danger, and in the case of rape or incest, but only after a police report has been filed and provided to the doctor. Since then, doctors who care for pregnant people and perform abortions have been fleeing the state due to new abortion restrictions. In April, health care providers sued the states attorney general after he wrote in a legal opinion that the states abortion ban prohibits medical providers from referring patients out-of-state for abortion services. Gov. Brad Little, a Republican, also approved legislation that makes it much harder for minors in the state to obtain out-of-state abortions without parental consent. The law creates an abortion trafficking crime that makes it illegal for adults in the state to assist a minor with obtaining an abortion without informing the pregnant persons parents or guardians. Katie hopes that once she finishes her residency in four years, the situation will have evolved, helping her to more easily decide where she could eventually practice. I think wherever I practice; it might be Michigan, it might be Washington I dont know, it could be anywhere will really depend on what local politics are and what protections are in place for physicians and patients, she told CNN. For the time being, she feels a sense of relief for matching with a program in a state without restrictive abortion laws. Katies decision is on trend with new data which suggests that these restrictions are having an impact on where and what future doctors plan to practice. The number of medical school seniors who applied to residency training programs went down by nearly 2% last year, and applications to programs in states with abortion bans dropped the most, dipping by 3%, according to an analysis in April from the Association of American Medical Colleges. Interest in the Ob-Gyn specialty took a notable dip, according to the analysis, with applications dropping 5% nationwide and twice as much in states where abortion is banned. Dr. Robert A., Washington state Dr. Robert A., a doctor specializing in interventional radiology in Washington state, told CNN that he has turned down job offers in states with abortion bans and restrictions. Robert, who asked CNN not to use his full name due to safety concerns, explained that his work involves image-guided surgery, including using ultrasounds and computerized tomography (CT) scans for lesions and balloons and catheters to treat blocked blood vessels. He said he became involved in pregnancy-related cases when treating bleeding in ectopic pregnancies. The doctor said the procedure to handle the ectopic pregnancy complication would get the bleeding under control and allow the patient to have definitive treatment, but it would also kill the embryo. Ectopic pregnancies are not viable and if left untreated can be life-threatening. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, these types of pregnancies occur when a fertilized egg grows outside of the uterus. The organization says most ectopic pregnancies occur in a fallopian tube and when the pregnancy progresses, it can cause the tube to rupture, leading to major internal bleeding that can be a life-threatening emergency that needs immediate surgery. Robert told CNN he has declined opportunities to assist in practices in states with abortion limitations despite there being a shortage of doctors nationwide in his specialty. When Ive been contacted about opportunities in other places, Ive flatly rejected them, I wouldnt even consider doing moonlighting in Idaho, even though I could drive there. Just wouldnt consider it, he said. But I just flat out told the recruiters, you know, just look at the map, figure out whether the state has restrictions against abortion, and if so, dont, dont contact me because I wouldnt consider it, he added. Asked what states he specifically would not consider practicing in, Robert said most states in the southeast and Texas. I wouldnt go to any place really in the southeast I wouldnt even go to Florida on vacation right now, he said. Robert has two teenage daughters and said that he refuses to pay for tuition if they decide to go to college in a state with abortion restrictions or bans. He fears for their reproductive safety, especially in the states he mentioned. He said that the risk of not being treated for miscarriages and other pregnancy-related complications is too high. My older daughter is 18, and you know, you go somewhere on vacation, and you find out, youre having a miscarriage, and you could potentially die, because they wont treat it and they wont let you leave because you might treat it, he said. My daughter is getting ready to go to college and thank goodness she doesnt want to go to Idaho or Texas, or any of those places, he said. Dr. Pratima Gupta, California Dr. Pratima Gupta, an Ob-Gyn who provides abortions in San Diego, California, said that the Roe v. Wade reversal has caused a lot of confusion for patients who now must travel for care. The doctor, who allowed CNN to use her full name, said she has had to take steps to ensure her patients protection after providing care, despite practicing in a state with protective laws surrounding abortion and contraception. What were still seeing is a lot of patients who are traveling for care. And theres a lot of confusion and chaos out there. And thats really, exactly what was intended when the Dobbs (decision) came down, she said. She added that while the reversal was devastating, It was not a surprise, and abortion care was already under attack. The doctor said that because she practices in one of the major cities closest to Arizona which implemented a 15-week abortion ban shes seen the states laws leave many gray areas and patients are unclear about where they can go. Several patients that Gupta sees are going through not only the hurdles of bypassing their home state laws, but also having to figure out travel and post-care plans. California has seen an increase in number of people traveling for abortions. This clinic in Sacramento is one of more than 150 statewide abortion clinics listed on a publicly-funded website as part of Gov. Gavin Newsom's pledge to make California a sanctuary state for women seeking abortions. - Rich Pedroncelli/AP/FILE Trying to help patients deal with the uncertainty of care and helping them navigate a flurry of laws and restrictions has left some clinic workers exhausted, she said. Gupta told CNN that patients are scared about their data being monitored when they return to their home state. Now, we have people who are worried about their medical records being subpoenaed or anybody having access to their electronic medical record too So its, you know, kind of created this culture of fear as well, she added. On a personal level, Gupta said that she has had to deal with people questioning her choices given that she provides abortions. I have had to, you know cross many picket lines going to work simply just to do my job, she said. Because of that, I have had to make personal choices for my safety. These measures include protecting the identity of family members, checking her car before driving home and taking different routes home. And I think almost every one of my colleagues has some level of, you know, other things that they have had to endure personal attacks, attacks on their home, she said. But we all deserve better. Gupta said these challenges have not lessened her determination. She told CNN that if doctors like her stop providing abortion care, then the anti-abortion community, theyve won. Its not the care that any of us would ever want for ourselves, or our sisters, our family members, she said. So, I will continue I do continue and will continue to provide care to support patients during some of their most vulnerable moments in their life, the doctor added. CNNs Christina Zdanowicz, Devan Cole, Deidre McPhillips and Kyla Russell contributed to this story. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Russian missiles badly damaged dozens of Ukrainian architectural landmarks, including a historic Orthodox cathedral in the southern port city of Odesa, sparking outrage and prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to vow retaliation. The strikes the latest in a wave of attacks on Odesa killed at least one person and injured several others, Ukrainian officials said. At least 25 architectural monuments were destroyed, a regional military official said. Russians deliberately aimed their missiles at the historic city center of Odesa, which is under the UNESCO protection. Everything that was built with hard work by great architects is now being destroyed by cynical inhumans, Oleh Kiper said. Some of the other cultural sites damaged include the House of Scientists and Zhvanetskyi Boulevard, Odesas Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov said Sunday. Several historic mansions were also destroyed. The Transfiguration Cathedral is Odesas largest church building. It was consecrated in 1809, destroyed during the Soviet era in 1936 before being rebuilt when Ukraine became an independent nation. Church personnel inspect damages inside the Odesa Transfiguration Cathedral. - Jae C. Hong/AP The cathedral lies in Odesas city center, which UNESCO named a World Heritage Site amid the threat of Russias invasion. Video showed the inside of the cathedral strewn with debris. Ukrainian officials said the icon of the patroness of the city had been retrieved from under the rubble. Odesa is a key cultural center, and has long links with Russia. It was founded under Catherine the Great and was once Russias second most important port. The Ukrainian Minister of Culture Oleksandr Tkachenko called for Russias expulsion from UNESCO, accusing Moscow of endangering peaceful citizens and World Heritage property. Moldovan President Maia Sandu said on Sunday of the attacks: Its heart-wrenching to follow the scenes of destruction in Odesa, a city dear to many Moldovans, adding: We condemn Russias continued air assaults on peaceful cities, residential districts, and the UNESCO preserved historic center. The House of Scientists following the missile strike in Odesa. - Oleksandr Gimanov/AFP/Getty Images Ukraines Operational Command said on Telegram dozens of cars were damaged, facades and roofs of many buildings in the city were damaged and windows were blown out in the strikes. Several craters have been formed in the city. There are power outages, which may hamper traffic and the route of public transport may be changed. Evil will lose Julia Gorodetska, a Ukrainian journalist who was caught up in the overnight attacks, wrote on her Facebook account that her house was left shaking and bouncing. Its loud. Powerful. Ive jumped up like a mountain goat and ran into the corridor. Nothing hurts anymore, theres no depression. I desperately want to live, she said, describing the moment the explosions hit. The Russian Ministry of Defense denied targeting the cathedral and said it carried out attacks on where terrorist acts were being prepared. All targets scheduled for attack were destroyed, a statement added. Ukraine has been struggling in the past week to repel a wave of Russian strikes against Odesa its air defenses unable to cope with the types of missiles that Moscow has used to pummel the region. In a statement on Sunday, Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned Moscow latest attack. Missiles against peaceful cities, against residential buildings, a cathedral There can be no excuse for Russian evil, Zelensky said. As always, this evil will lose and there will definitely be a retaliation to Russian terrorists for Odesa. They will feel this retaliation, he said. Odesa has been targeted several times this week. - Serhii Smolientsev/Reuters I am grateful to everyone who is helping people and to everyone who is with Odesa in their thoughts and emotions. We will get through this. We will restore peace. And for this, we must defeat the Russian evil. The EUs foreign policy chief Josep Borrell tweeted that Russia has already damaged hundreds of cultural sites, trying to destroy Ukraine. He called the destruction of the Transfiguration Cathedral another war crime committed by Russia. Elsewhere local military commanders reported at least two deaths following Russian overnight strikes in the Kharkhiv region, among them a 57-year-old woman and 45-year-old man killed in the Dvorichna district by shelling. Over the past day, the enemy has been massively shelling settlements in Kharkiv, Chuhuiv, Kupyansk and Izium districts with artillery, mortars and aircraft, Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv region military administration, said on Telegram. Civilian industry buildings including at least three houses and outbuildings were also damaged as a result of the attacks on Kupyansk with rocket launchers, cannon artillery and mortars. Our defenders are holding their positions in the Kupyansk sector. The enemy has made no progress, Syniehubov said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Pope Francis said on Sunday that recent heat waves across many parts of the world and flooding in countries such as South Korea showed that more urgent action was needed to tackle climate change. "Please, I renew my appeal to world leaders to do something more concrete to limit polluting emissions," the Pope said at the end of his Angelus message to crowds in St. Peter's Square. "It is an urgent challenge, it cannot be postponed, it concerns everyone. Let us protect our common home," the pope added. Francis has called on the world to rapidly ditch fossil fuels and made the protection of the environment a cornerstone of his pontificate. He noted in his landmark 2015 "Laudato Si" (Praised Be) encyclical that the planet was "beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth". On Sunday, the pope expressed solidarity with those who were suffering from the climate crisis and those helping them. Parts of the southern United States have baked in a record-breaking heat wave, while extreme temperatures have also been recorded in China and southern Europe, including Italy and Greece. A wildfire raging on the Greek island of Rhodes forced thousands of tourists and island residents to shelter in schools and indoor stadiums on Sunday after they were evacuated from coastal villages and resorts. (Writing by Keith Weir; Editing by Hugh Lawson) By Mark Trevelyan and Felix Light (Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin said Ukraine's counteroffensive "has failed" as he hosted Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, his close ally, for talks in St Petersburg on Sunday. "There is no counteroffensive," Russian news agencies quoted Lukashenko as saying. Putin replied: "It exists, but it has failed." Ukraine began its long-anticipated counter-offensive last month but has so far made only small gains against well entrenched Russian forces who control more than a sixth of its territory after nearly 17 months of war. U.S. General Mark Milley, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on Tuesday the Ukrainian drive was "far from a failure" but would be long, hard and bloody. A Telegram channel linked to Lukashenko quoted him as saying in a jocular tone that fighters of Russia's Wagner mercenary group who are now training Belarus's army were keen to push across the border into NATO member Poland. "The Wagner guys have started to stress us - they want to go west. 'Let's go on a trip to Warsaw and Rzeszow'," he was quoted as saying. There was no indication that Lukashenko was seriously entertaining that idea. On Thursday, the Belarusian defence ministry said Wagner fighters had started to train Belarusian special forces at a military range just a few miles from the Polish border. Poland is moving extra troops towards the border with Belarus in response to the arrival of the Wagner forces who relocated there after staging a short-lived mutiny in Russia last month. Putin, in response, warned Poland on Friday that any aggression against Belarus would be considered an attack on Russia. He said Moscow would use all means it has to react to any hostility towards Minsk. USEFUL PARTNER Russia and Belarus are linked in a partnership called the "union state" in which Moscow is by far the dominant player. But Lukashenko has proved his usefulness to Putin since the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, allowing Russia to use his country as a launch pad at the start of the war. He has subsequently let Russian forces train at his military bases, conducted frequent joint exercises and taken delivery of tactical nuclear weapons which Putin has placed in Belarus in a move broadly condemned in the West. The Kremlin also credited Lukashenko with brokering last month's deal to end the Wagner mutiny, which Putin said had briefly threatened to tip Russia into civil war. Putin said the two leaders would meet on Sunday and Monday and would discuss security and other issues "in great detail and in depth". Lukashenko has not committed his small army to join Russia's war, but the risk of a new attack from Belarusian soil compels Ukraine to protect its northern border, stretching its forces as it tries to step up its counteroffensive in the east and south of the country. (Reporting by Mark Trevelyan and Felix Light; Editing by Hugh Lawson) By Iryna Nazarchuk ODESA (Reuters) -A Russian air attack on Ukraine's southern port of Odesa early on Sunday killed one, injured nearly 20 and badly damaged an Orthodox cathedral, Ukrainian officials said, adding the icon of the patroness of the city had been retrieved from under the rubble. "Odesa: another night attack of the monsters," Oleh Kiper, governor of the Odesa region, said on the Telegram messaging app. One person was killed and 19 injured, including four children, in the missile attacks that also destroyed six houses and apartment buildings. Fourteen people were hospitalised, he said. The Spaso-Preobrazhenskyi Cathedral, or the Transfiguration Cathedral, was severely damaged, Odesa's military administration said. Odesa's largest church building, it is located in the historic city centre, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. The cathedral's archdeacon, Andriy Palchuk, told Reuters the missile strike had started a fire which only affected one corner of the cathedral containing non-historic religious artefacts for purchase by worshippers. "When the right altar chapel - of the most sacred part of the cathedral - was hit, a missile piece flew through the whole cathedral and hit the area where we display icons, candles and books for purchase," he said. Ukraine's defence ministry said the cathedral had now been "destroyed twice" - by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. The early 19th-century cathedral was demolished in 1936 as part of Stalin's anti-religious campaigns and rebuilt when Ukraine gained independence from Moscow in 1991. Parts of the building were destroyed, the floors were covered in rubble and chunks were ripped off the cathedral's ornate walls. Several local residents from the surrounding area came to assist with cleaning up the rubble. Russia's Defence Ministry reported strikes on targets in the area but denied it had struck the cathedral and said the building had probably been hit by a Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile. Russia has attacked Odesa with missiles and drones several times since it withdrew on Monday from a year-old deal that had allowed for safe exports of Ukraine's grain from Black Sea ports. Odesa's ports were the departure point for grain leaving Ukraine in the Turkey and UN-brokered agreement. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned Sunday's attack and vowed payback. "There can be no excuse for Russian evil. As always, this evil will lose. And there will definitely be a retaliation to Russian terrorists for Odesa. They will feel this retaliation," he said on Twitter. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a statement condemning the attack and offering assistance in the reconstruction of the cathedral. "The Russian aggressors demolish grain stores, depriving millions of hungry people of food. They devastate our European civilisation, its sacred symbols," she said. In its daily briefing, Russia's Defence Ministry said it had struck targets "where terrorist attacks were being prepared" in the Odesa area and that all targets had been destroyed. Separately, the ministry said Ukrainian reports of a Russian strike on the cathedral were false, and that its targets in Odesa were located "a safe distance" from the cathedral complex. It said that the "probable cause" of the damage to the cathedral was a Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile. Russia has been pounding Odesa and other Ukrainian food export facilities nearly daily over the past week. Pro-Kremlin military bloggers have said in the past week that Russia has changed its air attack tactics, using a combination of weapons in a "swarm" manner, one wave after another, which they say is more difficult to defend against. Ukraine's air force said on its Telegram messaging app early on Sunday that Russia launched high-precision Onyx missiles and sea-to-shore Kalibr cruise missiles on Odesa. The city's military administration said that air defence systems destroyed nine out of 19 missiles fired at Odesa and the surrounding region. Russia has previously described its attacks on Odesa as revenge for a Ukrainian strike last week on a Russian-built bridge to Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula that Moscow annexed in 2014. It has accused Ukraine of using the sea corridor to launch "terrorist attacks". The cathedral that was hit on Sunday is of the Moscow-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) Ukraine's second-largest Church. Most Ukrainian Orthodox believers belong to a separate branch of the faith formed four years ago by uniting branches independent of Russian authority. Ukraine has accused the UOC of maintaining links to the pro-invasion Russian Orthodox Church, which used to be its parent church but with which the UOC says it broke ties in May last year, following the Russian invasion. (Reporting by Iryna Nazarchuk in Odesa, Max Hunder in Kyiv, Felix Light and Keith Weir in London, Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Writing by Max Hunder; Editing by Paul Simao, Richard Chang and Frances Kerry) Innocent until proven guilty. This is a foundational principle of justice. But North Carolina is eroding this principle by holding those who have not been convicted of crimes in jail and inhumanely subjecting them to solitary confinement such as the case with Devalos Perkins. Craig Waleed Deby Dihoff For more than a decade, Perkins has languished in solitary confinement while his mental illness has worsened, despite never being convicted for the crime hes accused of. These egregious practices highlighted in The Charlotte Observers Purgatory Behind Bars series not only contradict the principles of justice, fairness and human rights but also perpetuate the cycle of suffering and hinder the prospects of rehabilitation. Almost half the states and the District of Columbia have enacted statutes that limit or prohibit solitary confinement, while others have limited it through administrative code, policy or court rules, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. North Carolina is not among them and its time we catch up. Studies show as many as 38% of people incarcerated in prisons have disabilities, including mental illness. The grave consequences of prolonged incarceration and solitary confinement on people with mental illness are well-documented. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows incarcerated people who are held in solitary in North Carolina were 78% more likely to die by suicide and 54% more likely to die by homicide within the first year after release and 127% more likely to die of an opioid overdose in the two weeks following their release. The data also shows incarcerated people living with mental illness are even more likely to end up in solitary confinement. These horrors are as old as solitary confinement itself, and incarcerated North Carolinians have been calling out for reform for years. In large part, requests from justice reform and mental health advocates to do something about this human indignity have been ignored. North Carolinas criminal legal system is ill-equipped to provide mental health care in our jails or prisons. Limited resources, insufficient staffing and a lack of specialized training contribute to substandard mental health support within this system. Consequently, individuals in county jails who are suspected but not convicted of crimes often do not receive appropriate mental health treatment, thus exacerbating their conditions. Banning solitary confinement is the ultimate answer. We have an obligation to protect the human rights of all individuals, including those accused of crimes. North Carolina must recognize its legal and moral responsibility to uphold the dignity and well-being of individuals with mental illness and work towards a justice system that adheres to these standards. Just this month, Virginia enacted a policy requiring better conditions for those in solitary confinement including offering a minimum of four hours of out-of-cell time.As Virginia did last month, North Carolina lawmakers can enact similar changes here. They can narrow guidelines on who can be put into solitary confinement. They can establish reasonable limits on solitary time, improve conditions and focus on prevention, rehabilitation and mental health treatment. The N.C. Department of Adult Corrections should adopt the Nelson Mandela Rules on solitary confinement a recommendation made by Gov. Roy Coopers Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice. The rules set a standard for the treatment of incarcerated people across the world and prohibit solitary confinement of more than 15 consecutive days. They also prohibit the use of solitary confinement for people with mental and physical disabilities. The torture Perkins was subjected to while enduring 11 years of purgatory without sufficient mental health treatment is tragic, but its not unique. North Carolina can and must do better to treat those suspected of a crime with the human dignity they deserve. Craig Waleed is a Disability Rights NC project manager for the Unlock the Box Campaign Against Solitary Confinement. Deby Dihoff is Interim Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in North Carolina. TOKYO (Reuters) - Top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi proposed high-level talks between China, Japan and South Korea in a meeting with the Japanese foreign minister in Indonesia this month, Kyodo news agency reported on Sunday. The proposal is seen as signalling a willingness to resume talks among the three countries and Japan would accelerate preparations to make it happen by the end of the year, Kyodo reported, citing unidentified diplomatic sources. U.S. allies Japan and South Korea are wary of China's increasing military assertiveness and of growing tensions between China and the U.S. over a range of issues including trade and self-ruled Taiwan. China's foreign ministry did not immediately comment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo could not be reached for comment on Sunday, outside business hours. Wang and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi met on the sidelines of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in Indonesia on July 14. They discussed a Japanese plan to discharge into the sea treated radioactive water from its wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant but they fell short of an agreement. The issue of the water could be a sticking point preventing an early meeting of leaders of the three countries, Kyodo said. The last time the three countries' leaders met was in December 2019. Japan conveyed Wang's proposal for the talks to South Korea, Kyodo said. (Reporting by Satoshi Sugiyama; Additional reporting by Ryan Woo; Editing by Jacqueline Wong, Robert Birsel) (This July 24 story has been refiled to fix a link in paragraph 9) By Emma Farge and Brenna Hughes Neghaiwi LAUSANNE, Switzerland (Reuters) - The Treaty of Lausanne that formed modern Turkey is still cherished by some but remains a disappointment for others including Kurds and Armenians who hoped for autonomous regions and justice for Ottoman-era crimes. Some of those voices are included in an exhibit called "Borders" - put on by the Swiss city's history museum to look at the significance of the post-World War One deal 100 years after it was signed between Turkey and allied powers like Britain and France on July 24, 1923. Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan commemorated the anniversary in a statement last year, praising elements of it and saying that Turkey had meticulously monitored its implementation. Sevgi Koyuncu, who was born in a Kurdish village and now works in Lausanne, said her people had been "negated by a convention" in an interview filmed in the palace where it was signed. Some 6,000 Kurdish protesters joined a march through the city on Saturday, waving flags and forming human chains. For Manuschak Karnusian, a Swiss resident whose Armenian grandparents fled what is now Turkey in the early 20th century with the help of missionaries and French war ships, the treaty is like a "second genocide". She was referring to 1915 massacres and the forced deportation of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire - an event now labelled genocide by dozens of countries but denied by Turkey, which says thousands of both Turks and Armenians died in inter-ethnic violence. "You cannot forget. You must show what this (treaty) means," Karnusian told Reuters, saying that it stood for the "origin of the denial of what happened" to the Armenians. While the agreement was hailed at the time as a chance for lasting peace, some of its outcomes, like the exchange of more than 1.5 million ethnic Greeks and Turks, are now seen as a "terrible mistake", said Jonathan Conlin, a historian at a project that looks at the legacy of the treaty. "I think it (the treaty) has endured because everyone's equally unhappy about it," he said. (Writing by Emma Farge; Editing by Frances Kerry) Two models hold newly launched highball products and a bottle of wine at a convenience store in Seoul, April 24. Courtesy of Emart24 Liquor sales soar on popularity of highball By Kim Jae-heun Chang Hyun-jae, a 32-year-old woman who lives in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, has recently bought two bottles of Suntory Whisky and tonic water at a large discount store to make highballs at home. "Highballs are both easy to make and drink at home. For an office worker like me who likes a strong alcoholic beverage, the highball is a good option. Beer is too light for me and soju gives me too much of a hangover the next day," Chang said. Soju is a Korean distilled spirit with an average 20 percent of alcohol by volume. Kim Ji-soo, a 28-year-old woman who lives in Yongsan District, Seoul, has also been ordering highballs at her local watering hole quite often these days. "It's tasty. I don't like the taste of soju and beer only makes me feel full. Whisky is a bit strong and wine is too difficult," Kim said. "Besides, a highball go well with most of my favorite food." A highball is a mixed alcohol drink made from alcoholic-based spirits, such as whisky or other types of hard liquor, and a large proportion of non-alcoholic mixer, often a carbonated beverage. It has become a new drinking trend among young consumers who started choosing premium liquors such as whisky over soju, which gives a strong artificial taste of alcohol and has been known to cause bad hangovers. Highball drinks at a bar / gettyimagesbank The trend of consuming whisky and other hard liquor has led the MZ Generation (collectively millennials and Generation Z) to find interest in the highball because it is easy to drink and affordable in price. "After the COVID-19 pandemic, the home drinking culture has expanded here and savoring good liquors became a trend. Also, as the preference for whisky among the MZ generation increased, the highball gained popularity as one the ways to enjoy whisky, which allows them to make the drink according to their palate" a local liquor importer official said. "Another reason it became popular is that various recipes to make different kinds of highball were introduced, opening the idea that it can be enjoyed casually at restaurants with food," the official added. "Highball menus were typically only found at Japanese bars in the past, but they are now available at most ordinary restaurants in Seoul." Large discount stores and restaurants are not the only businesses capitalizing on the growing highball trend. Convenience stores have also introduced special liquor and whisky mixed alcohol beverages to attract young consumers. BGF Retail, one of the country's largest convenience store operators, launched two new types of highball product "One Shot One Cup" at its convenience store CU, July 11. The canned alcohol drink item opens up its entire upper part for customers to put ice in the beverage and enjoy it during the sweltering summer. Another convenience store firm GS Retail introduced three new highball products "Kim Chang Soo Highball" in collaboration with a local whisky master Kim Chang-soo and a domestic brewery Kabrew. "We have launched new products to meet the continuously increasing demand for highball beverages among consumers of the MZ generation. In order to gain competitiveness in the market, we are working on various strategies to offer exclusive products and linked marketing for the alcoholic beverage items," a GS Retail official said. GS Retail's exclusive highball products are displayed in collaboration with a local whisky master Kim Chang-soo and a domestic brewery Kabrew. Courtesy of GS Retail Former President Trump holds wide leads over other 2024 GOP White House candidates in Iowa and South Carolina, according to new polling. The Fox Business polls, released Sunday, found that Trump has the support of 46 percent of Republican primary voters surveyed in Iowa, 30 percentage points more than Florida Gov. Ron DeSantiss 16 percent. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) has 11 percent support. The Iowa poll shows Scott, who usually attracts single-digit levels of support, gaining a bit of momentum, though Trump still remains the front-runner. No other candidate received more than 10 percent support in the Iowa poll, which was conducted July 15-19 among 805 likely participants in the 2024 Iowa Republican caucuses. It has a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points. Trump also commands a wide lead in South Carolina. The other Fox Business poll found Trump with 48 percent support among GOP primary voters in the state. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R) trails in second place with 14 percent support. DeSantis follows close behind Haley at 13 percent, and Scott has 10 percent support. No other candidates received double-digit support. The poll was conducted July 15-19 with 808 registered voters in South Carolina and has a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points. The latest polls show Trump holding a wide lead against his GOP opponents in early voting states, despite being a target in the Justice Department investigation into his efforts to remain in power after losing the 2020 election. Trump said last week that he received a target letter that could lead to his third indictment since leaving office. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Can the nice guy finish first? Thats the question a lot of analysts are asking about the Republican race for president, with headlines such as Tim Scott is turning heads with donors and early-state voters and Tim Scotts formidable charm meets a tough Republican electorate. While the South Carolina senator remains well behind front-runner Donald Trump in the national horserace polls, a number of key indicators from favorability ratings to early-state polling to fundraising suggest Scott may be the GOP candidate to watch besides the former president or Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Right now, most of the Republican hopefuls are not well known. Many voters will start paying attention as the debates begin and the primaries draw closer. To see how these voters may react down the line, it can be helpful to see whats going on among those who are already watching the race closely. Voters in this group seem to like what theyre seeing and hearing from Scott. Take a look at the most recent Quinnipiac University poll that asked about all the GOP candidates favorable ratings. Among Republicans who had formed an opinion of DeSantis, Scott and Trump, Scott was the most popular. His favorability rating of 89% beat Trumps 82% and DeSantis 81%. A high favorability rating is far from a guarantee that a candidate will do well. After all, DeSantis and Trump have similar ratings on this score, and Trump is crushing the Florida governor in the polls. But a high favorable rating often earns a candidate a closer inspection by voters. That happened to DeSantis earlier this year, helping him to climb in the polls. He has since fallen considerably behind Trump in national surveys, showing that such an examination doesnt always work out in a candidates favor. Scott, however, seems to be picking up some steam in the states that matter most at this point in the race: Iowa and New Hampshire. A candidate who is going to break through against Trump and DeSantis would need to do so in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary. The polling from Iowa has been limited, but an interesting nugget has emerged from the data that have been released to the public. All of it, including a Fox Business poll released on Sunday, has Scott in third place. Likewise, the polling from New Hampshire has been looking up for Scott. A University of New Hampshire poll conducted this month had the senator in third place at 8% in the states GOP primary. Scott also had the best net favorability rating of any Republican candidate in the survey, regardless of name recognition. This is another indicator that the more voters get to know him, the more theyll like him. Of course, Scott is still not particularly well known. Nearly half (47%) of Republicans nationally havent heard enough about him to form an opinion, according to Quinnipiac, compared with 2% for Trump and 11% for DeSantis. Scott has two things on his side that will allow him to gain recognition as the race progresses. First, his campaign has a lot of money. Scotts apparatus had $21 million in cash on hand as of June 30 second only to Trump in the Republican primary. DeSantis was in third place with $12 million on hand. Many campaigns dont even make it to the primaries because they run out of money. Scotts campaign, at this point, does not seem in danger of that. The money his campaign does have can be spent on organization and advertisements. A super PAC supporting Scott likewise will get his name out to voters. It has reserved $40 million in ad time at the beginning of the fall across the early nominating states (Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina). Second, voters want to hear more from and about Scott. All the money in the world cant help a campaign if voters arent receptive to the message. (See: Jeb Bush in 2016.) Our CNN/SSRS poll from May revealed that Scott was the candidate GOP voters most wanted to hear more about. A plurality (29%) of Republicans who werent selecting Scott in the presidential race said so. The big question going forward is what happens when Scott gets challenged directly by the other candidates. At the moment, the press coverage and most attacks are focused on Trump and DeSantis. Its easy to be seen as a nice guy when the spotlight isnt that bright. That spotlight will become brighter if Scotts numbers begin to move up considerably. But if he can handle the big stage, then watch out. Scott could surprise a lot of people in the presidential race. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A large wildfire raging unchecked in Washington State forced residents to evacuate on Saturday after burning 30,000 acres of land in less than 24 hours. The Newell Road Wildfire destroyed several structures near Bickleton in Klickitat County, and is threatening homes, solar and wind farms, wheat fields, a gas pipeline and livestock, emergency officials said in a statement. Residents across a large swathe of the county were issued with a go now order to immediately evacuate their homes on Saturday. Washington Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Allen Lebovitz told Reuters that terrain and weather conditions were complicating efforts to fight the wildfire. We are under a red flag warning. Thats a firefighters worst nightmare because the humidity is dropping precipitously, Mr Lebovitz said. The winds are picking up. And so the fire carries extremely fast. The fire is also threatening homes in the Yakama Indian Reservation, a community of about 80 residents about 120 miles (190 km) east of Portland, Oregon, Mr Lebovitz said. The fire started at 2.45pm on Friday and exploded in size in a matter of hours, tearing through 30,000 acres, according to officials. Residents across a large area of Klickitat County in Washington state were issued with a go now evacuation order on Saturday due to dangerous wildfires (Klickitat County Sheriffs Office) The cause of the fire is under investigation, and no deaths or injuries have been reported. On Sunday morning, Washington governor Jay Inslee told ABCs This Week that climate change is pounding on the door. The climate change problem, the fuse has been burning for decades, and now the climate change bomb has gone off. The scientists are telling us that this is the new age. Some 29 wildfires are burning across seven US states including Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon and Texas, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Smoke from hundreds of wildfires in western and central Canada is blowing across the US border into the Upper Midwest and is expected to drift across northern Minnesota and the Great Lakes by Monday. Around the world, larger, more intense and erratic wildfires are being fuelled by extreme heat and drought. Temperatures have entered uncharted territory this summer due to an emerging El Nino warming pattern and the ever-worsening climate crisis, driven by the burning of fossil fuels. June was the planets hottest month in human history, and July looks set to at least match that record. A dangerous heatwave bringing record high temperatures has struck across the southwestern United States this summer. A police dog mauled a Black man in Ohio during a July Fourth traffic stop after he surrendered to authorities with his hands raised in the air following a "lengthy pursuit," officials said. A Motor Carrier Enforcement inspector with the Ohio State Highway Patrol tried to stop Jadarrius Rose, 23, who was driving a semi-tractor trailer, because it "was missing a left rear mud flap," according to an incident report. Rose was traveling westbound on U.S. Route 35 and failed to stop for the inspector and troopers who were called in for help. Troopers deployed tire-deflating devices called stop sticks on Rose's vehicle twice before it came to a stop on U.S. Route 23. Rose told a trooper who was instructing him to get out of his vehicle that he was on the phone with 911, according to the incident report. "After several times of being ordered to exit the vehicle, the suspect exited the vehicle from the drivers side door," the incident report said. "The driver was given orders to get down on the ground and the suspect would not comply." Rose can be seen on video released by the highway patrol standing in front of troopers with his hands in the air. A Circleville police officer who has a dog can be heard telling Rose to "go on the ground or youre gonna get bit." Meanwhile, a trooper with the highway patrol tells Rose to "come to me." It is then that the Circleville police officer, identified as "R. Speakman," deploys his K9. "Do not release the dog with his hands up!" a trooper can be heard yelling multiple times before Speakman releases the dog. The video shows the dog running toward Rose, who comes to his knees as Speakman releases the dog. Video appears to show the dog biting and pulling Rose by his arm as he screams loudly. "Get it off!" Rose screams repeatedly. "Get the dog off of him!" a trooper yells. Other officers can be heard calling for a first aid kit. Jadarrius Rose is handcuffed after the dog was pulled away. (Ohio State Highway Patrol) Rose was eventually taken into custody, and "troopers immediately provided first aid and contacted EMS to respond," the highway patrol said in a statement. Rose was charged with failure to comply with an order or signal of a police officer, a fourth degree felony, according to the highway patrol, and faces between six and 18 months in prison. He was arraigned the next day and posted bond on July 7. The Circleville Police K9 unit was involved in the July 4 incident following an aid request from the highway patrol, according to a statement from Circleville Mayor Don McIlroy and Police Chief G. Shawn Baer. In compliance with Circleville Police Department Policy, a Use of Force Review Board was convened immediately and is reviewing the incident, the statement read. During the week of July 31, 2023, the findings of the Use of Force Review Board will be provided. Its not clear whether the officer responsible for directing the dog to attack Rose faces any disciplinary action. The highway patrol clarified that the canine involved in the incident is from the Circleville Police Department and not the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Highway Patrol Sgt. Ryan E. Purpura said in a statement, This case remains under investigation and the Patrol is unable to provide any further details at this time. This article was originally published on Feb. 18, 2022. It was updated on July 22, 2023. Maya Millete, a young wife and mother of three disappeared from her Southern California home in January 2021. From almost the beginning, Maya's family and friends grew suspicious of her husband Larry. Investigators say the couple had been having marital troubles and shortly before Maya's disappearance, Larry had been contacting spellcasters to have a hex put on his wife so that she would stay in the marriage. Where is Maya Millete? A DESPERATE SEARCH More than a year has gone by since 39-year-old Maya May Millete, mother of three young children, vanished in Chula Vista, California. Maricris Drouaillet: I still have hope. I still have that hope that we'll find her alive. Maya Millete, a mother of threee, was last seen in January 7, 2021 in Chula Vista, California. / Credit: Maricris Drouaillet Maya's sister, Maricris, and her husband Richard Drouaillet have fought hard so Maya's disappearance doesn't become a cold case. Richard Drouaillet: It's been a really, really tough year for the whole family we still don't have answers yet. Maya was 13 years old when she immigrated to the United States from the Philippines with her parents and five siblings in 1995. Maricris says her sister thrived in Honolulu, Hawaii, where the family settled to build a new life. Maricris Drouaillet: She's always been, you know, the smart one. And -- she's very active at school. education -- it's very important to the family. I've always been so proud of her. Maya met her future husband Larry Millete when they were both working at a fast-food restaurant in Honolulu. Larry's family had also immigrated from the Philippines. When Larry turned 18 and joined the Navy, the couple decided to get married. Jonathan Vigliotti | CBS News correspondent: They were so young. Maricris Drouaillet: Yeah. Jonathan Vigliotti: Teenagers. Maricris Drouaillet: Yes She's the first one to get married so it was a shock for everyone, but we respected her decision. Larry and Maya Millete / Credit: Maricris Drouaillet Maya and Larry moved to Southern California and built their careers working for the Navy. Larry was an optician at the Naval Medical Center, and Maya worked as a supervisor contract specialist at Naval Base San Diego. Claudia Julao: She was my mentor from day one. Allison Alexander: She was like this little, tiny person but she was a big personality. Claudia Julao and Allison Alexander worked with Maya at the base and became friends. Claudia Julao: We actually negotiate contracts for the U.S. Navy. And she was very good at it. I used to you know joke around with her because she had a photographic memory. Allison Alexander: I had a lot of respect for her. She was a very strong and confident leader. A lot of the women in the office really looked up to her. Claudia Julao: There was no glass ceiling. We could get wherever we wanted, didn't matter where we came from. Maya and Larry decided to wait 10 years before starting a family. The couple eventually welcomed two daughters and a son. Maricris Drouaillet: It's joy to see them, you know that they have their own family, too. We're always out camping We're always outdoors. Richard Drouaillet: Larry was a good dad always attentive to the kids, great parents. Jonathan Vigliotti: What kinda mother was she? Maricris Drouaillet: Very caring, loving mother. She, hands on. She's always teaching them somethin', especially, you know, music. she has some videos with her son singing with her. Richard Drouaillet: Word by word. Word by word. Brings us to tears every time we watch it. Claudia Julao: Her kids were everything. She enjoyed her kids. In early January 2021, Maya was focused on planning a ski trip to Big Bear for her daughter's birthday. But her family grew concerned when she suddenly stopped communicating on January 7. Maricris Drouaillet: For her not to tell us what's gonna happen for her daughter's birthday, you know, that was a big deal. Maricris says when their brother J.R. drove over to check on Maya the next day, her husband Larry told him Maya had been in the bedroom for several hours. J.R. knocked on the door but got no response. Maricris Drouaillet: He kinda just thinks, "OK, maybe she's just, maybe she's sleeping" Larry did say that they had an argument. He left it at that. Maricris Drouaillet: We believed Larry they had an argument and she just, she just wanna be left alone. The following day, when there was still no news from Maya, Maricris and Richard drove over to the Millete house. Richard Drouaillet: When we walked in, the house was a mess which I've never seen their house messy and it was cold. It was January and he had the AC running, which was really odd. This time, Larry told them Maya was out. Jonathan Vigliotti: So, Larry says Maya's been where? Richard Drouaillet: Hiking. She went hiking. Suspicious that something wasn't right, Maricris reported her sister missing to the Chula Vista Police Department that night. Jonathan Vigliotti: How did the police react? Maricris Drouaillet: They sent -- three officers went through the house. They questioned us Maricris and Richard were upset with what they say was a lack of concern from the police. Richard Drouaillet: It seemed like there was no urgency from the police department to investigate it properly. By January 10, Maya had now been missing for three days. Her family gathered at her home to celebrate her daughter's birthday, hoping against hope. Maricris Drouaillet (sobbing): We're all, like, looking at the door, hoping she'll walk in on her daughter's birthday. She never did. I felt so bad After that she said, "Mommy didn't show up for my birthday." I didn't know how to comfort her. As Maya's family tried to keep some normalcy for the sake of the children, Richard was watching Larry during the party. Richard Drouaillet: Just laid back, wearing his Navy sweats on a Sunday, no shoes. Richard Drouaillet says he was watching Larry during the party. Richard Drouaillet: Larry had no concern whatsoever on his face for his missing wife. Not even for his daughter's birthday. That night, Claudia got the distressing news that Maya was missing and drove over to the Millete house. By now the birthday party had turned into a search party. Claudia Julao: So, they were outside with babies and blankets, trying to look for their sister, their daughter. Her parents are elderly The brothers and the brother-in-law were out knocking on doors, giving out flyers. Claudia Julao: He had no interest in helping. As word spread that Maya was nowhere to be found, more friends stepped in trying to help. Billy Little: My wife Lou was working at the 32nd Street Naval Base. said that a friend of hers went missing. the family is concerned would you help them? , somebody asks for help, you just do it, right? Billy Little: So, if she was still alive, I needed to get to her quickly. that's why I went straight to the last place she was seen, which was that house I had no idea that it would turn into what it was. A TREASURE TROVE OF CLUES On January 11, 2021, four days after Maya Millete was last heard from, attorney Billy Little a former criminal defense investigator for the U.S. Navy decided to step into the missing person's case. Billy Little: I knew what had to be done, and I did it. Billy Little: I went straight to where the last place she was seen, which was that house. Little wanted to talk to Larry Millete. Amongst other things, he had found it odd that Maya's husband wasn't the one who initially called the Chula Vista Police Department. Billy Little: In fact, when the family wanted to call 911, he discouraged it. Jonathan Vigliotti: Were there police around also investigating at this point? No? Billy Little: No. According to the family, the police had come. He had given them I guess the same story. Larry Millete gave Maya's family different accounts about where she could have gone, from hiking to visiting wine country. But according to Maya's family, friends and colleagues at the naval base where Maya negotiated contracts for the U.S. Navy, she was not the kind of person who would just take off. / Credit: Maricris Drouaillet In news reports at the time, a Chula Vista Police spokesperson stated that Larry was being cooperative, they were treating it as a missing person's case and had found no indication of foul play. Little says after he showed Larry his naval civilian ID, he let him in. Billy Little: I started looking for things that I thought might be suspicious in the house. Just like Maricris and Richard, he noticed something strange. Billy Little: Most of the windows in the house were open. It was clear he was trying to air the house out. Little knew from Maya's family that the couple had had a fight on the day she was last heard from. Billy Little: I was looking to see if there's any damage in the house that would indicate some domestic violence. Billy Little: I'm also looking for defensive wounds on his hands, which I don't see. But Little says he did see something outside the Millete bedroom. Billy Little: We went upstairs where her bedroom was, the first thing I noticed was the hole in the door right next to the handle cause it's right in the area where, if you need access to a locked room, you're going to punch right through there. Billy Little: And I touched the patch and it felt new; it felt wet. I made a comment to Larry about, "Hey what's this?" And he says, "Oh yeah, Maya punched a hole in the door there." Inside the bedroom, Little says he noticed another hole on the wall that also appeared to have been recently repaired. Billy Little: That would've been too high for Maya to punch because she was smaller and I said, "Larry, what about this hole?" And he said, "Oh yeah, she got mad and punched that, too." Jonathan Vigliotti: Larry's creating a picture here of a woman who is violent Is this adding up to you? Billy Little: No none of this story is adding up. Jonathan Vigliotti: When you left the house that day after collecting those puzzle pieces, what were you thinking? Billy Little: I thought Larry killed her and we need to find out what he did and what he did with the body. Billy Little: But I wasn't ready to tell Maricris yet because I didn't know, right? I could be wrong. Little began canvassing the neighborhood and knocking on doors to track down home security footage to see if anything suspicious was caught on camera around the Millete house. Billy Little: So, I knew we had to get that quickly and preserve it quickly. Jonathan Vigliotti: Time was of the essence. Billy Little: Oh god, yes. What little found was a treasure trove of clues. He says a camera from a neighboring house recorded the voices of the Millete children playing in the yard, at 1030 p.m., on the night their mom was last heard from. Billy Little: On a school night and it's cold outside and the weather -- I believe it was in the high 40s that night. Another camera recorded Larry backing their Lexus into the garage at 5:58 a.m. the next morning. Billy Little: So, you can't see what's going on, but you can see it going in the garage. Larry then leaves the house at 6:45 a.m. and doesn't return home for almost 11-and-a-half hours. Jonathan Vigliotti: You could have moved on. Why did you stay on this case and take matters into your own hands? Billy Little: In my mind, my job wasn't nearly complete. Jonathan Vigliotti: It was just beginning. Billy Little: It was just beginning (tears up) When I see Maricris and I see her crying, I'm just like, I got to figure this out. Billy Little: It's just not in me to quit, so I don't. As Billy Little continued investigating, Maricris and Richard turned to local media and organized the first search for Maya on the hiking trails behind her house. Richard Drouaillet: We're desperate for answers We wanted action and we wanted to do something. Stayin' at home, sitting down wasn't gonna bring us answers. Aleida Wahn: Her sister goes on television and is begging the public for help, "help me find my missing sister" and that really moved people. Aleida Wahn, an attorney and true-crime author, saw Maya's case on the news and started following it closely. Aleida Wahn: You realize that this was somebody that was very vibrant was really out there living her life. And that is part of why it's all so shocking that she's missing It shocks your conscience. As the case gathered steam in the media, on January 23, 2021, two weeks after Maya's disappearance, the Chula Vista Police Department searched the Millete house. Aleida Wahn: And what they did find was that Larry had a lot of firearms. They seized two Glock handguns, a rifle and a shotgun. and they found that he was in possession of an illegal assault weapon. Two weeks after Maya's disappearance, the Chula Vista Police Department searched the Millete house. Investigators had found this image of Larry's guns on his phone. They seized some of Larry's firearms. / Credit: San Diego Superior Court Investigators also downloaded images from Larry's phone. Three days later, the police were back. Aleida Wahn: On January 26, they served another search warrant and the police take the navigation system, the GPS, from Larry's Lexus Meanwhile, Maya's friends had been revealing details about the couple's relationship. Claudia Julao: I will say March or so of 2020, the obsession became obvious. Larry's behavior had grown alarming before his wife went missing. Claudia Julao: He would do subliminal messages for her to be that perfect spouse. And it was everywhere she walked, at different times, they would turn on. That is insane. It sounds like from a movie. SIGNS OF TROUBLE Claudia Julao: She didn't just walk out. That's something she would never do. About a month after Maya's disappearance, her husband Larry Millete hired a lawyer and stopped cooperating with investigators. Claudia Julao: I believe that he did something to her. Billy Little was told by Maya's friends and family that troubling signs in the marriage began emerging the year before. Billy Little: And it started back in January of 2020 when they started having marital problems. Maricris Drouaillet: Larry would call every single one of us trying to ask for help to intervene, you know, into the marriage. Billy Little obtained numerous texts from Maya and Larry's friends and family indicating the couple was having trouble in the marriage. / Credit: Maricris Drouaillet Larry was complaining that Maya was having a midlife crisis. Richard Drouaillet: He's like, "Well, she's been going out with her friends more often. And she has a lotta single friends." Maricris Drouaillet: But my sister is saying you know, "It's not me, it's Larry." Maya's friend Claudia spent time with the couple socially. Claudia Julao: His relationship was very, kind of to the side and just very watchful. From what my observation of him, he always had to be in control. Claudia recalls an instance when Larry couldn't get a hold of Maya at work. Claudia Julao: You know when somebody might be agitated or you overhear their voice I did hear, you know "Where are you? it takes you this long to get from your car to your office Who were you talking to?" Maricris Drouaillet: He wants her to be submissive for her to comply to him to be the same person as, you know, she used to. Maya's advocates argue that Maya was a devoted mother who was dedicated to her job and family and would never leave her children. / Credit: Maricris Drouaillet But Maya's loved ones say that Maya was changing. Richard Drouaillet: She was growin' into someone new. A strong woman, for sure. As the months passed in 2020, Larry's grip on Maya tightened. Billy Little: He's now tracking her spending habits. He's gotten into all of her social media accounts. She doesn't have any privacy. And he suspected she was straying. Billy Little: Larry accused her of having affairs with several men at work, wrote emails to her boss at work he knows that, if he tells the boss that she's having an affair with somebody at work, that she will get fired. Billy Little: He tells all of Maya's family, she's cheating, she's sinful, help me get her back on the Christian religious way starts forcing her to go to church. These are texts that Larry sent to Maya's family. Billy Little: He's quoting the Bible and it says "for the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey Her feet go down to death. Her steps lead straight to the grave" He's talking about Maya. Billy Little: In his own words he said that he was "getting desperate" And he felt that the "devil was tempting him." At some point, Maya's family says they told her they were concerned about what was unfolding. Maricris Drouaillet: At that time, we knew that my sister is ready to move on. We told her, "Whatever your decision is, we're here to support you." By the fall of 2020, Billy Little says Larry was growing increasingly desperate to hold onto Maya. Billy Little: And, so, what does he do? He goes to witchcraft. Billy Little: There are people on the internet that'll sell you for five bucks, you know, how to make a spell that will get her to be attracted to you to bind your marriage in blood. And that's what he tried to do does a witchcraft blood altar. A photo of Larry Millete's witchcraft altar. Billy Little says he found evidence that Larry Millete purchased spells online. According to Little, Larry first tried spells to get Maya to fall back in love with him. But as the couple's marital problems worsened, police say, Larry eventually wanted to harm her. / Credit: Billy Little Billy Little [referencing photo]: That is the picture that he took of the altar An old photo of them with blood thrown on it. Little says Larry contacted numerous spellcasters and even wrote a review for one. Jonathan Vigliotti: And he writes of this spellcaster "She is kind, professional and courteous. My casting has not yet manifested, but I'm really hoping and counting on it." leaving a review like one would leave on Yelp for a food order. Billy Little: Like, it's an Uber ride. Like, "Oh, five stars. Good job spellcaster." Billy Little: So, he's not quite as smart as he thinks he is. He doesn't realize that all of that stuff is pointing the finger at him. By December 2020, Maya and Larry were sleeping in separate rooms. Little says Maya found speakers in her room and confronted Larry. He admitted he had been playing subliminal messages while she slept. Maya messaged a friend and said her marriage was definitely over. Jonathan Vigliotti: What was that message that was coming out of those speakers under the bed? Billy Little: It's right there. Jonathan Vigliotti: Oh, "No more men." Billy Little: "No more men." On New Year's weekend, Maya told her family her decision. Maricris Drouaillet: She's ready for divorce, she's finally made up her mind. I just told her, "Just be careful. Just be careful." On January 7, the last day she was heard from, Maya filled out a divorce intake form and made an appointment with a divorce attorney. Allison Alexander: I think she told him that she was going to file for divorce. Claudia Julao: He snapped when he found out that he was finally losing her. What had happened in the house that night? Little thinks he knows after a neighbor reached out with some information. Jonathan Vigliotti: The neighbors, do they say, oh yeah, we heard gunshots? Billy Little: Yeah. Not only did they tell me that they've got gunshots, but they've got the audio. A home surveillance system from the neighbor captured loud bangs around 10 p.m. that night. Little also believes they are gunshots. Billy Little: It's coming from Larry and Maya's house. Remember, Billy Little had tracked down that other home security footage that police agreed captured audio of the Millete kids playing in the backyard at 10:30 p.m. Billy Little: The picture is becoming more and more clear. He's got to clean up, and he's got to move the body so he needs to send those kids outside on a school night at 10:30. Jonathan Vigliotti: Do you try to speak to law enforcement? Billy Little: I did. I told them what I had found. And time and time again, there was just no follow up by the police. The Chula Vista Police Department declined "48 Hours"' request for an interview, but in April 2021, they told local media that it had been an active investigation since mid-January, and they were keeping their cards close to the vest. Richard Drouaillet: It's tough there was very minimal details. And that was part of our frustration working with the police department. Aleida Wahn: The family now is having various rallies in front of the Chula Vista Police Department, basically demanding answers. But the police are not going to release a lot of information to the family. This is potentially a murder investigation. In May 2021, the police served Larry Millete with a gun violence restraining order. Among the reasons: investigators had found an image of guns on Larry's phone. Another photo, which had been redacted, featured the couple's 4-year-old son surrounded by weapons. Authorities retrieved more firearms from the Millete house. Billy Little: I think that was a smart move by the police it protects the children while they try to buy a little bit of time. but it also protects them if they have to go in and arrest him. In the summer of 2021, investigators named Larry Millete a person of interest in his wife's case. Aleida Wahn: You keep wondering is this going to be the time that they are going to arrest Larry? On October 19, nine months after the disappearance of Maya, investigators did just that. CHIEF KENNEDY (press conference): Today at 11:42 a.m., the Chula Vista Police Department SWAT team arrested Larry Millete for the murder of his wife Maya Millete. And with that, even more evidence came to light. A LOOK AT THE EVIDENCE Maya's family and friends anticipated the news of an arrest for months. Allison Alexander: I understand that there is a case that needs to be built. There is only one shot. But it just seemed like it was too long. In October 2021, Larry Millete was arrested for his wife's murder. He pleaded not guilty / Credit: CBS News Yet when Maya's husband Larry Millete was arrested for her murder in October 2021, it was still a mixed range of emotions. Jonathan Vigliotti: Claudia, what was your reaction? Claudia Julao: Relieved, yet at the same time, sad and so although you keep that hope up now it became real. Richard Drouaillet: I think we had different reactions. I said, "Finally" (emotional). She started crying. Maricris Drouaillet: He's been with us for 20 years. My sister did love him. She gave him three kids. He just couldn't let it go. In a press conference, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan laid out some of the details of the months-long law enforcement investigation. SUMMER STEPHAN: In homicide cases, there's often a triggering event. In this case, the last call recorded that May made was to a divorce attorney. That call was at 3:48 p.m. home security cameras captured Maya arriving at her house at 4:42 p.m. There were no images of her leaving. Investigators had also turned up more evidence of Larry trying to keep Maya in the marriage through the supernatural before she went missing. SUMMER STEPHAN: I've never had a case where that was involved. But the spells they discovered went beyond more than asking Maya to be attracted to him. According to the arrest warrant, Larry now wanted Maya to be harmed. Aleida Wahn: Before Maya went missing, Larry sent this message to a website that claims to cast spells "Please punish May and incapacitate her enough so she can't leave the house. It's time to take the gloves off." It was evidence, they say, of his "unbalanced mindset" and "homicidal ideation." Aleida Wahn: The day Maya went missing, Larry sent countless emails to spellcasters. "I think she wants me to snap I'm shaking inside, ready to snap." What's more, according to the arrest warrant, Larry had allegedly snapped before. Jonathan Vigliotti: One of Maya's friends said that Maya told her Larry choked her, to the point where she was unconscious. Maricris Drouaillet: I just heard that. Oh, I was mad. How could he do that? Sisters Maricris Drouaillet, left, and Maya Millete. Maya had never shared that with Maricris. Maricris Drouaillet: She didn't share what she's going through, 'cause she didn't want the family to worry about her she was also protecting Larry and she was protecting the children. Jonathan Vigliotti: Were you aware of any physical abuse? Claudia Julao: No. Allison Alexander: No. Allison Alexander: She would say little things here and there, but not always to the same person. Claudia Julao: There were already incidents that were huge red flags that if we all knew it at the same time, it would have been a bigger picture. Claudia Julao: I feel guilty, you know, after the fact, once she went missing it was a very harsh reality for me (cries). I wasn't able to help her And I will forever live with that. Evelyn Rodriguez: Nobody had the full picture right besides the two of them. Evelyn Rodriguez is an associate professor of sociology who teaches on topics of race and identity at the University of San Francisco. She reviewed the case for "48 Hours." Evelyn Rodriguez: The signs of domestic abuse can be so hard to identify because we as a society are unable to distinguish the line that divides that kind of, like zealous, passionate love from controlling behavior. Evelyn Rodriguez: Larry Millete checks all the boxes for domestic partner abuse. Evelyn Rodriguez: He knew what Maya's pressure points were. And so he weaponized her work He weaponized her children, her family, her religion before he got desperate enough to try these other means of controlling her and keeping her in that marriage. Rodriguez suggests when Larry turned to spellcasting as another method to control Maya, he may have been inspired by an old-world form of folk magic in the Philippines. Evelyn Rodriguez: And this is stuff of, like, the old world to our parents even. Evelyn Rodriguez: Somehow that has evolved into what I think Larry was able to find. But Rodriguez points out that it is important not to lose sight of what the issue is here. Evelyn Rodriguez: Really the story here is that this was an abusive partner, regardless of his culture, who was exhibiting every single sign of domestic abuse. With Maya's alleged killer behind bars, her family knew their work was not done. They were more determined than ever to find her -- energized with new information that had come out after Larry's arrest. Aleida Wahn was part of that search. The search parties are made up of dozens of friends, family members, colleagues of Maya's and also strangers. They began looking for her in vast desert areas east of Chula Vista, near the Arizona border. / Credit: Help Find Maya/Instagram Aleida Wahn: The thing that this case really needed was to be able to know where to search. That was the problem here. You can't just search the entire world. Jonathan Vigliotti: Where are we right now? Richard Drouaillet: It's a hot spot that Larry could have brought Maya's body out here. Like Billy Little, investigators obtained footage that showed Larry leaving the house in the couple's Lexus for almost 11-and-a-half hours the day after his wife was last heard from. They analyzed the car's navigation system. Richard Drouaillet: According to the information that we have now he was about two-and-a-half hours out from his house when he put his address in. Somewhere two-and-a-half-hours away from his house, Larry had entered his address to find his way back home. That information was enough to center the searches on places Larry was familiar with, like the desert area where he and Maya had gone hiking. Jonathan Vigliotti: What are you specifically looking for as you comb this area? Richard Drouaillet: At this point, unfortunately, I hate to say it, but we're probably just looking for clothing or bones. Maya Millete's sister, Maricris Drouaillet, right, during a search in the Anza-Borrego Desert on October 23, 2021. / Credit: CBS News/Cindy Cesare Over the months, droves of volunteers have responded to her family's calls to the community and have joined Team Maya. Richard Drouaillet: We're just so thankful and blessed to have everybody here. James Shelby | Volunteer searcher: I'm San Diego City retired firefighter I got a team, and we go out and we systematically cover areas where someone could possibly hide a body. And it's very sad to even talk about but you have to do it. And it's the proverbial needle in a haystack. Jonathan Vigliotti: Why are you here today? Damien Hurt | Volunteer searcher: Really just to support the family. Hopefully we can bring peace to the family. Jonathan Vigliotti: What drives you to do this for a total stranger, somebody you don't even know? Keri Park | Volunteer searcher: It felt that it should be a community effort ... you just want closure for this family so much. And that's why we're out here. It's why we keep coming. They deserve it. Maya deserves it. As the search for Maya continues in the vast lands of eastern San Diego, the quest for justice is just beginning in the halls of the San Diego court system. Aleida Wahn: The problem with this case is you don't have a body. THE SEARCH CONTINUES Larry Millete has been behind bars since his arrest in October 2021, awaiting trial. He pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and illegal possession of an assault weapon. If convicted, Larry could face up to 25 years to life in prison. Billy Little: His ego was so damaged by the fact his wife didn't want to be with him anymore and he couldn't handle it. So, he killed her. Although there is still hope Maya could be found any day, a victim's body is not required to convict someone of murder. Billy Little: This is one of the strongest circumstantial cases I've ever seen you don't have a body. So what? You don't get to get away with murder because you're good at disposing of bodies. But Larry maintains Maya left on her own. His defense attorney Bonita Martinez turned down "48 Hours"' request for an interview but spoke with reporters after a hearing where Larry was denied bail. BONITA MARTINEZ [to reporters]: his wife was used to leaving the house in the past. And you cannot rule out that she's alive. Jonathan Vigliotti: Larry maintains that Maya voluntarily left him, left the children to start her own new life. Do you believe that? Claudia Julao: No. Allison Alexander: Nope. Claudia Julao: Not at all. Allison Alexander: I would never believe that. Never. Claudia Julao: Maya loved her kids. There's no way she would have up and left. Aleida Wahn: The best argument for the defense here is Maya is not dead. They don't have a body. She's alive and well. Attorney Aleida Wahn says a "no body" defense has worked before in other cases. She says without a body, the prosecution may be at a disadvantage. Aleida Wahn: They need strong evidence And the question is what do they have? Do they have something that they're going to bring out in a courtroom that definitely ties Larry to murder? Those loud bangs recorded on the neighboring security camera may not be proof of anything. An FBI analysis was inconclusive. Aleida Wahn: They couldn't definitively say those were gunshots because the sound quality was not good enough. In November 2021, Larry's attorney filed documents with the San Diego Superior Court with more allegations about Maya. Aleida Wahn: They believe that she had this wild lifestyle, that she was out there having affairs, she's dating different men off the internet that she's drinking excessively, that she's become this completely different person. And so, they're pointing to third party culpability. If she's harmed, it was somebody else. Jonathan Vigliotti: Larry and his parents claim in court documents that Maya was essentially a party girl. Claudia Julao: Definitely not. the Maya that I know was a devoted mother. Not long after Maya's disappearance, Maricris and Richard say Larry cut off contact between the children and Maya's side of the family. Richard Drouaillet: We're just trying to see them. Going from hangin' out, hugging 'em, jumping on my back seein' them at least once or twice a month -- at least, to not seein' them at all for nine months. The Millete children are still living at home in the care of Larry's parents. But after months of not seeing them, Maya's family was granted visitation rights in November 2021. But the fight is not over. Maricris has filed a petition for guardianship of her sister's children. Maricris Drouaillet: just show them that the whole entire family are waiting for them. And, you know, are eager to be with them again. Allison Alexander: What those children will go through, all those moments in life when they need their mom and she's not going to be there. It breaks my heart. In January 2022, Maya's family and friends held a vigil to mark the one-year anniversary of her disappearance. Claudia Julao (cries): There's somebody out there that knows something, that's seen something They should come forward. Have it in your heart to help us bring her home. Maya Millete / Credit: Maricris Drouaillet Claudia Julao: She will forever be my hero. that's what I'm going to take with me, is a bright, shining star of a woman that gave every other woman, regardless of what she was going through an inspiration to be whoever they wanted. That's who Maya is. If you have information on the case, contact the Chula Vista Police Department at 619-691-5139. Produced by Asena Basak. Cindy Cesare is the development producer. Hannah Vair is a producer, and Lauren Turner Dunn is the associate producer. Ken Blum, Jud Johnston, Atticus Brady and Gary Winter are the editors. Lourdes Aguiar is the senior producer. Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. Judy Tygard is the executive producer. Phoenix slammed with record 24th straight day of temperatures over 110 degrees Open: This is "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 23, 2023 k.d. lang pays tribute to Tony Bennett William VanWhy says he was feeling emotionally overwhelmed when he checked himself into the mental health unit at Northwest Medical Center in Arkansas last year. Four days later, he was still in the locked unit but desperate to leave. I was not receiving any medical care at all, VanWhy, 32, said. Mental health patients in Arkansas can be held against their will for 72 hours if they are deemed a danger to themselves or to others. But to keep them any longer than that, a medical provider must file a court petition and get the consent of a judge. No petition was filed in VanWhys case, and his partner, with the help of a lawyer, ultimately succeeded in getting a court order for his release. A few hours later, a sheriffs deputy walked into the hospital with the order in his hand and VanWhys husband at his side. In the elevator, they bumped into a nurse from his unit. Im glad hes getting out, the nurse said, according to body camera footage obtained by NBC News. Dont repeat that. VanWhy was released about 20 minutes later. Oh my gosh. You saved my life, he told the deputy, the bodycam footage shows. William VanWhy, left, and his husband, Cameron Tryon. (William VanWhy) The man who led the unit at the time, Dr. Brian Hyatt, was one of the most prominent psychiatrists in Arkansas and the chairman of the board that disciplines physicians. But hes now under investigation by state and federal authorities who are probing allegations ranging from Medicaid fraud to false imprisonment. VanWhys release marked the second time in two months that a patient was released from Hyatts unit only after a sheriffs deputy showed up with a court order, according to court records. I think that they were running a scheme to hold people as long as possible, to bill their insurance as long as possible before kicking them out the door, and then filling the bed with someone else, said Aaron Cash, a lawyer who represents VanWhy. VanWhy and at least 25 other former patients have sued Hyatt, alleging that they were held against their will in his unit for days and sometimes weeks. And Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffins office has accused Hyatt of running an insurance scam, claiming to treat patients he rarely saw and then billing Medicaid at the highest severity code on every patient, according to a search warrant affidavit. Dr. Brian Hyatt describes the additional access safety door in one of the medical psychiatric rooms at Northwest Medical Center-Springdale in 2018. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette) As the lawsuits piled up, Hyatt remained chairman of the Arkansas State Medical Board. But he resigned from the board in late May after Drug Enforcement Administration agents executed a search warrant at his private practice. I am not resigning because of any wrongdoing on my part but so that the Board may continue its important work without delay or distraction, he wrote in a letter. I will continue to defend myself in the proper forum against the false allegations being made against me. Northwest Medical Center in Springdale abruptly terminated Hyatts contract in May 2022, according to the attorney generals search warrant affidavit. In April, the hospital agreed to pay $1.1 million in a settlement with the Arkansas Attorney Generals Office. Northwest Medical Center could not provide sufficient documentation that justified the hospitalization of 246 patients who were held in Hyatts unit, according to the attorney generals office. As part of the settlement, the hospital denied any wrongdoing. We believe hospital personnel complied in all respects with Arkansas law, which heavily relies on the treating physicians assessment of the patient, including in decisions related to involuntary commitment, Aimee Morrell, a Northwest Health spokeswoman, said in a statement. While it is not our practice to comment on pending litigation matters, I can share that last spring, we undertook a number of actions to ensure our patients safety, including hiring new providers responsible for the clinical care of our behavioral health patients in early May 2022, Morrell added. Hyatt, 50, has not been charged with a crime. Neither he nor his lawyer has responded to multiple requests for comment. But his legal team provided a statement to Arkansas Business last month. Dr. Hyatt continues to maintain his innocence and denies the allegations made against him, the statement said in part. Despite his career as an outstanding clinician, Dr. Hyatt has become the target of a vicious, orchestrated attack on his character and service. He looks forward to defending himself in court. Dr. Brian Hyatt. (KNWA) Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin declined to comment. We have no additional details to provide at this time, he said. Charlie Robbins, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Arkansas, said the execution of a search warrant is an important step in any lengthy, ongoing investigation. In light of the fact that this investigation is still ongoing, we will not be making any additional comments, he said. Massive Medicaid payouts A graduate of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Hyatt was named the medical director of Northwest Medical Centers behavioral health unit in January 2018. The number of beds expanded from 25 to 75, and the claims to Medicaid and Medicare, as well as to private insurance, surged, according to the Arkansas attorney generals search warrant affidavit. Hyatt was getting paid $1,367 per day, according to a report prepared by the Arkansas attorney generals office. And at the same time he was also running his own private practice, Pinnacle Premier Psychiatry, in the town of Rogers, about 25 miles away, according to the attorney generals office. The claims he submitted indicated that he conducted daily face-to-face evaluations with patients at the hospital. But a former staff member came forward in April 2022 and told state investigators that Hyatt was only on the floor with patients a few minutes each day and that Dr. Hyatt had no contact with patients, the affidavit says. Investigators reviewed 45 days of surveillance footage from the facility and concluded that Hyatt entered a patients room or interacted with a patient only 17 times for less than 10 minutes in total, according to the report prepared by the attorney general. Dr. Hyatt never had even a single conversation with the vast majority of patients under his care, the affidavit says. Shannon Williams, 52, says she was one such patient. Williams, a nurse from Harrison, was grappling with the death of her grandmother when she learned that her brother had died from Covid while overseas. The news pushed Williams, who herself worked in a Covid unit, into what she described as crisis mode. She ended up in the emergency room of a hospital about 90 minutes away from Springdale in February 2021. The next morning, she was transferred to Hyatts unit after a physician determined that she was a danger to herself, according to medical records (Williams maintains that she was not suicidal). Nurse Shannon Williams. (NBC News) Upon arriving at the unit, Williams said she was stripped down and injected with a sedative against her will. I was terrified, Williams said. She was held for five days, according to her medical records, despite, she says, her requests to leave. It was as if I was in a prison, Williams, a mother of three, said. It was like a nightmare. If I cried, then I was again threatened with more time. According to the search warrant affidavit, Hyatts Medicaid claims dwarfed those of other psychiatrists in Arkansas. From January 2019 to June 2022, Medicaid paid out more than $800,000 to Hyatts facility. Dr. Hyatt is a clear outlier, and his claims are so high they skew the averages on certain codes for the entire Medicaid program in Arkansas, the affidavit says. Medicaid uses a coding system to determine how much to pay providers with the highest codes billing at the highest rates because those patients require more care. Its common for a newly admitted patient to come in at the highest severity code, which suggests the person is unstable and dealing with a serious issue, and then progress to a lower code before being released. But 99.95% of Hyatts Medicaid claims came in at the most expensive code, the affidavit says. According to the claims submitted by Dr. Hyatt and the non-physician providers working under his supervision, no patient being treated in the behavioral unit located at Northwest Medical Center ever got better, at least not before the day of the patients release, the affidavit says. Mocking emails Before he came to represent VanWhy, Cash had a bizarre interaction with Hyatt over a different patient. In January 2022, Cash sent the hospital a fax demanding the immediate release of his client, a patient named Karla Adrian-Caceres. Adrian-Caceres had arrived at the unit the day before and was clamoring to leave, according to a lawsuit she filed in January 2023. Adrian-Caceres mother went to the hospital to pick her up but was told her daughter would not be released, the lawsuit says. The following morning Hyatt responded by email to Cash, saying he would neither confirm nor deny that Adrian-Caceres was in his unit. Our facility is in receipt of your silly demands and libelous commentary regarding someone you claim to represent who is purportedly within our facility, Hyatt said in the email, which was included in Adrian-Caceres court filing. Hyatt said he would only check to see if she was there if Cash got his client to sign a release of information form. Cash responded four hours later with a court order demanding Adrian-Caceres release. Cash gave the court order to Adrian-Caceres mother, and she brought it to the hospital, but the hospital still refused to release her daughter. So Cash got a second court order, and the judge ordered the sheriffs office to enforce it, according to her lawsuit. A deputy went to the facility with Adrian-Caceres mother and secured her release, according to documentation from the sheriffs office obtained by NBC News. The next morning, Hyatt emailed Cash, mocking the colleges he attended. I guess this is what they teach at Poteau Junior CollegesorryCarl Albert State and Northeastern State University, Hyatt said in the email. He directed Cash to contact his attorney. You wont find him in your colleges yearbook, he wrote. When Cash heard from VanWhys husband two months later, he didnt bother trying to get the patient released on his own. I went straight to the sheriff this time, Cash said. Cash said the patients he spoke to were adamant that they received virtually no care while they were being held in Hyatts unit. These were people who were vulnerable and oftentimes in need of serious support or therapy, he said. Some of them did need help, Cash said. And what they got was hurt. Some Columbia, Tennessee, leaders and elected officials are defending Jason Aldean's new song, "Try That in a Small Town," while it has met criticism by some such as Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, who "hopes" for a more positive message using Columbia as a backdrop. CMT pulled the video, which was filmed in front of the historic Columbia courthouse, from its viewing rotation. Although some have criticized the song and video on a national level, saying it has racist undertones, locally elected leaders, such as the county mayor and district attorney, maintain they support the "small town" message conveyed in the song. Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder commented on the song on social media, saying, "I respect the artists freedom of his own lyrics and the fans who support him, but Im hopeful that the next music video that uses our historic downtown as a backdrop will seek a more positive message. "Like many small towns in America, Columbia, Tennessee is focused on bringing people together. ... Maybe Eric or Luke or Carrie or Dolly will be the next to record a video in our small town; and they can highlight peace, love and all things that are great about Columbia, Tennessee." Jason Aldean performs during CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium early in the morning on Saturday, June 10, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. NAACP member responds to video Kaliente Glenn, vice president of the Maury County (Tennessee) NAACP chapter, gave a statement to The Daily Herald, part of the USA TODAY Network, in response to the video. "Music, freedom of speech and expression go hand in hand. I do hope that anytime our beautiful city of Columbia is represented on a national platform, it shows our small town southern hospitality, unity and why we continue to grow stronger together as one. That's the small town I believe in," Glenn said. City has grown from 'dark periods' Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt and District Attorney Brent Cooper argue the video depicts small town residents banding together instead of inciting violence as some have claimed. I've spent over 20 years seeking justice in that building behind Mr. Aldean," Cooper said. "I'm proud to say that, in those 20-plus years, the justice sought there has always been sought based on facts and law and not race. Every small town has a past that has dark periods, but I'm proud to say that this small town has changed and grown and is one to be proud of. That's one reason people from all over the country are flocking here. "As District Attorney for the 'small town' where this video was filmed, I support the message of this song. I support the location of the video shoot. Lawlessness and violence are not welcome here. That's not a controversial message. It's sad that some won't let go of the past. Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt backed Cooper on social media. "My office is in the Courthouse in downtown Columbia," Butt said on her mayoral Facebook page. "I plan to keep it there when the new Judicial Center is built. Since I have been in office we have hosted several wonderful events there, and it has been the focal point of many good, wholesome community events and even a great Christmas movie last year." The video, focusing on the courthouse, is interspersed with news footage depicting violent crimes committed in larger cities like New York, Chicago or Atlanta during the pandemic and during protests after the killing of George Floyd. Upon its release last week, the video's subject matter and filming location, sparked controversy with some questioning whether the message could be considered racist or containing racial undertones. Aldean released a statement pushing back against the criticisms regarding the intent of the video. CMT pulls Jason Aldean video: What to know about 'Try That In A Small Town' controversy Courthouse square 'front porch' Montee Sneed, chairman of the Columbia Main Street Association, said he's honored Columbia is the location for the video, calling the courthouse square, the county's "front porch" where people like to spend time, tour and take photos. "Jason Aldean lives close by and honored us by recording his video on our Courthouse Square. It is a video about small town values and strikes a chord with almost everyone with which I visit," Sneed said. He explained the square continues to attract visitors to Columbia because of its small town character, especially highlighted during the pandemic when the county "stayed free" with open businesses, a county fair and no mask mandate. "It's more of a rural versus urban message," he said. "During the pandemic, people would walk around and say, 'It's wonderful to be free.' We stayed free during COVID. People from Nashville, Franklin (Tennessee) and Huntsville (Alabama) would come down and visit our downtown. That's what put us on the map beyond a 60-mile radius. "The video was not about race." Michael Fulbright, longtime resident and chairman of the Maury County School Board, explained his first reaction to the video. "When I first heard it, I didn't see anything racist or hate related," he said. "I looked at it as pride in our community for all people. Everybody in a small town bands together." Past and present racial strife Downtown Columbia has faced recent and past historic racial strife. Last week, KKK flyers were placed at three Black churches, eliciting strong community pushback to the hate-filled rhetoric, which led to a Santa Fe man's arrest with multiple charges of Civil Rights Intimidation. The incident drew over 100 community faith leaders, elected officials and citizens for a prayer service at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in response. Area pastors and community leaders join hands in prayer in response to a hate message sent to three church communities in Columbia at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Columbia on July 12, 2023. (From left) Donald Coney, Russ Adcox, Carl McCullen, Talvin Barner and Trent Ogilvie. "God is on our side today," church pastor Kenny Anderson said at the community service last Wednesday. "Hate has no place here," Columbia Police Chief Jeremy Alsup said at the time before the crowd. Opinion: I grew up in small town Tennessee. Jason Aldean's song doesn't represent my values. Downtown history and 'race uprising' Downtown Columbia in Maury County, the fastest growing county in Tennessee according to the 2020 Census, was the site of a 1946 race uprising and 1927 lynching at the courthouse, according to historical records. The race "uprising" of 1946 occurred when Black residents, who lived and operated businesses on East 8th Street, or "The Bottom," defended themselves when Tennessee State Troopers ransacked the neighborhood, beating residents and destroying businesses. Almost 100 Black residents were arrested and all were later acquitted. The uprising stemmed from an earlier altercation between a white store owner and a Black Navy veteran named James Stephenson over a broken radio his mother brought into the store with a complaint. When a fight ensued after the store owner insulted his mother, Stephenson pushed the store owner through a store window in the downtown square, leading to his arrest and seminal court case historians say was the catalyst for the later 1960s civil rights movement. In recent years, U.S. Colored Troops soldiers, who fought in the Civil War were honored at the courthouse. In 2013 and 2015, the collective names of 88 USCT soldiers were added to the Maury County War Memorial on the courthouse grounds. This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Jason Aldean 'Try That in a Small Town': Film location defends values The U.S. and its allies are looking to exploit cracks in Russian President Vladimir Putins power base by recruiting high-level Russian officials to spy for the West. The effort is taking on new urgency following the shocking but short-lived rebellion by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a former Putin ally who turned his private military Wagner Group against the Kremlin late last month. CIA Director William Burns, in his call for recruits among the Russian elite, has said the schism has presented a once-in-a-generation opportunity to exploit cracks in Moscows upper echelon. I think Putin is already a little bit uneasy as he looks over his shoulder, Burns said in remarks to the Aspen Security Forum Thursday. The CIA directors comments follow a rare speech earlier this week by the chief of the U.K.s foreign intelligence service, MI6, that echoed the call for Russians who are appalled by Putins war in Ukraine to reach out to Western intelligence. There are many Russians today who are silently appalled by the sight of their armed forces pulverizing Ukrainian cities, expelling innocent families from their homes, and kidnapping thousands of children, MI6 Chief Richard Moore said in a Wednesday speech in Prague. I invite them to do what others have already done this past 18 months and join hands with us. Our door is always open, he added. The public remarks build on earlier efforts by intelligence agencies, particularly the CIA and FBI, to appeal to Russians disaffected by Putins war. Burns said a CIA video released on Telegram in May telling Russians how they could discreetly contact the spy agency reached 2.5 million views in its first week. The Russian-language video depicts fictional Russians grappling with a decision to contact the CIA and demonstrates how using portals on the dark web can help shield their communications from surveillance. The messaging app is one of the most widely used social media tools in Russia, where other sites like YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are blocked. In todays Russia, it remains very difficult to speak out, and telling the truth often carries serious consequences, a CIA official, granted anonymity to discuss intelligence matters, told The Hill. CIA wants to know the truth about Russia, and we are looking for trustworthy people who can tell it to us and with whom we can communicate securely, they said. The goal is to reach Russian officials who serve in critical fields such as the military, intelligence services, scientific research and technology or business associates who are connected to these industries. People may also be unaware that what they know is of great value to us, the official said. More from The Hill Were interested in advanced science, military and cyber technology, financial information, sources of valuable data and foreign policy secrets, the official added, noting that information on senior leadership and the Russian economy is also prized. Russians making the choice to oppose Putin and his government face enormous dangers. Yana Gorokhovskaia, research director with the nonprofit organization Freedom House, said that Russias erasure of nearly all political freedoms has made speaking out in any way extremely dangerous. There is very little room to agitate, and the Kremlin has punished people very severely for speaking out in any way against the war, including making very anodyne comments that this is a war, that Russian soldiers shouldnt be dying in this way people are getting prison sentences, she said. The cost of speaking out is much higher now than it was 20 years ago. Clandestine and public opponents of the government have been targets of assassination attempts and exorbitant prison sentences. In 2018, Sergei Skripal, a former Russian military intelligence official who acted as a double agent for the U.K., survived a poisoning attempt by Russian security services in the British city of Bristol. In April, Russian opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza was convicted of treason and sentenced to 25 years in prison for opposing Russias war in Ukraine, a sentence criticized by the State Department as an act of repression by the Kremlin. And imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who survived an alleged assassination attempt in August 2020, currently faces a 20-year jail sentence on charges of extremism that he and his supporters criticize as attempts to silence dissent. Everyone in Russia knows that he who seeks justice in court is completely defenseless, Navalny said in a statement from prison that was read by his supporters. Disputes are resolved by bargaining, authority, bribery, deceit, betrayal and other real-life mechanisms, not by some kind of law. Burns, in his remarks in Aspen, called Putin the ultimate apostle of payback and quipped that Prigozhin who is believed to be in exile in Belarus as part of a deal with Putin that ended the rebellion should keep his food taster on salary. Putins paranoia also appears to extend to those close to him. Russias top general, Sergei Surovikin, has disappeared from public view after it was reported he may have had advanced knowledge of Prighozins mutiny plans. An atmosphere of paranoia is very bad for any organization you dont share information properly, you dont trust people, you fire people, etc, Daniel Byman, senior fellow with the Transnational Threats Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, wrote in an email to The Hill. There are probably many Russian officials who are upset about the war, may have a tougher financial situation (and thus be more open to financial inducements), or are otherwise more willing to consider spying than in the past. So there could be potential walk-ins, he said. But Byman added that even if the spy recruitment effort fails, the perception being created is that there are a lot of potential US/UK etc. spies or potential spies. The CIAs recruitment pitch does not explicitly include financial benefits, although the State Departments Rewards for Justice program provides significant compensation for actionable intelligence for a basket of U.S. national security priorities. However, the main selling point seems to be affecting change and exercising influence. MI6 Chief Moore said that the goal of the U.K.s intelligence services is to recruit Russians who can help us to bring the bloodshed in Ukraine to an end, not necessarily about overthrowing Putin. Theres nothing to do about whats going on in Russia. What happens in Russia is down to Russians ultimately, Moore said in an interview with Politico following his speech. Burns, in his remarks in Aspen, said the U.S. and U.K. are aimed at the same objective, but the CIA official who spoke to The Hill said the agency also wants to know what is happening inside Russia. We remain intently focused on gaining information on Russias invasion of Ukraine, but we also recognize that that invasion is a symptom of broader issues in the Russian system, and so were seeking broader information on Russia as well. And what can someone expect when they make the decision to reach out to the CIA? We would say, please be patient. We thank you for your brave action and we will choose the safest time and manner to respond, the official said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Dr. Chris Hakim lives in a version of the not-so-distant past. He practices modern medicine and spends as much time as he likes with patients without issue a departure from the growing trend in health care. The patient is now seeing a physician who doesnt decide how much time he spends with a given patient, Hakim said. Those things are dictated by someone else. There are guidelines to everything and they come from administration. Over the 35 years Hakim has been working in health care, hes learned the heartbeat of good cares rhythm is the trust and relationship between patient and provider. His second 15 years practicing and running an independent practice with up to 25 employees, he saw how things were changing and adapted as best he could. But those forces causing changes have been turbocharged in recent years, according to Hakim. The rheumatologist saw firsthand how some patients, particularly older ones, struggled to deal with the shifting landscape of obtaining care from people facing their own pressures in providing it. The rise of administration has stretched physicians and encouraged private practices to join with systems that could provide infrastructure to meet new IT burdens and deal with government- and industry-sponsored plans so the physician could spend more time focusing on health again. Patients are witnessing the change of command here and who is in control, who is making all these decisions and its changing the experience all around, Hakim said. Millions of Americans stopped having a primary care provider between 2002 and 2015, according to a Harvard Medical School Researchers study completed in 2019. The sector is grappling with a wave of retirements and not enough doctors taking their places causing an increasing reliance on a series of other health care providers with less formal training to fill that space. They all share the drive to make people feel better, whether they are nurse practitioners or physician assistants, and they are referred to differently depending on whom you ask physician extenders to some, advanced practice providers to others. Regardless, they are stepping up to fill the breach as a shortage of primary care physicians crests as the average age of Americans continues to grow older. This means many Americans get less face-to-face time with the dwindling number of primary care doctors. Advanced practice providers certainly expand our capacity and allow a team to manage more patients than they would if it was just a physician by themselves, said Dr. Steve Pearman, vice president of medical operations for Sentara Medical Group. Things the way we used to do (them) are not going to work for us in the future, Pearman said. The physician shortage was created by a variety of issues, from a lack of residencies despite growing medical school class sizes, more pay for specialists than primary care providers despite the debt burden of becoming one of those being similar, and other factors, he said. One of the pressures among the physician shortage is the modern reimbursement model called fee for service, Pearman said. The fee for service reimbursement model creates a tension between access and capacity and the way we get paid, he said. The transactional interaction means depending on service units times the number equals the reimbursement and primary care loses money in many ways, Pearman said. Its very hard for independent primary care physicians to make money in a free for service world, he said. And many times, the solution to reducing costs is to reduce what theyre paying the physician rather than focusing on things like do you really need to do other procedures or surgeries. So in that sense, there is a certain amount of pressure for physicians and APPs to see a certain number per day. Sentara tries to find the sweet spot between volume and the necessary amount of care for a patient, he said. This also encourages systems to avoid having open spots so that they can cover their expenses and costs, but that also comes at the expense of chilling the ability of patients to see physicians the same day. Templates exist with 15 to 20 minute slots and 30 to 40 minute slots divided by hours in the day to gauge how many patients must be seen in a day to cover expenses, he said. The trick is to be efficient enough to hone in on the most important things during that encounter and maybe address things outside the encounter if they pop up, Pearman said. He said he had APPs in his primary care practice in the 90s and patients generally understood if they couldnt see him and would trust and like the APP who would provide care for them in his stead. This transition for patients, physicians and APPs as well, is that we want to maintain a personal relationship with them, Pearman said. However, there are visits such as for a prescription refill where an APP can see the protocol and can get it done. There are a lot of parts of care that we provide and we can decant on to other parts of the team to allow more time for me in the room with you when I see you, and other ways of communication back and forth, he said. So seeing patients less often does not necessarily mean its less personal. Coordination of services provide different types of access meant to address peoples needs, Pearman said. For example, in chronic care management, there are likely those whod rather receive an in-depth call each month than wait six months to see a doctor face-to-face with a list of issues that have worsened in that time, according to Pearman. In some ways, if we do this correctly, its going to be better and more and theyll get more touches versus less touches with one person, Pearman said. And he agrees the trust and relationship between providers is vital for the patient and the system. To me, it is the crux of how primary care reduces health care costs, Pearman said. In some states, such as California, there are value-based health contracts where reimbursements are based on effectiveness in preventing health issues, he said. The fee for service model, where reimbursements are based on services provided, is much more ubiquitous in Virginia, according to Pearman. Insurance providers recognize the balance of costs and care for patients, according to Monica Schmude, president of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Virginia. If theres a limit of access to care because theres not enough providers, then certainly preventative care measures are going to be sacrificed and were going to have more chronic conditions, Schmude said. So theres a domino effect. Its critical that every patient has a relationship with a physician, she said. Very low out of-pocket/no out-of-pocket costs is a major incentive that drives patients to physicians for preventative care and in commercial groups, build incentives as well for preventative care, according to Schmude. The goal here is to have 100% compliance 100% of their workforce has a physician relationship thats the place to start, she said. Then as a physician encounter is needed, they know where to go, theyre probably less inclined to go to the emergency room for things that are less emergent and theyre more inclined to call a physicians office to direct that care accordingly. Schmude said one of Anthems leading proposed solutions is incentivizing physicians and other providers to practice at the top of their license. This means distributing tasks to those most qualified to do them allowing the most time for the most qualified people to complete the most complicated tasks, she said. Additionally, Anthem sees digital platforms like the one they have that can help bridge any potential gaps in care by ensuring people are able to get the care they need quickly. However, Schmude said she considers her parents as an example of how technology is not a single solution to the issue. Again, this is where other programs and support can be provided by insurers, like Anthem, to free up provider time for patients, she said. These wrap-around programs are more based in the community, and especially for the community, not just a technological answer, she said. These days, Hakim has a refreshing connection with the Peninsula patient community through his work as a doctor at the Lackey Clinic in Yorktown. That is what people I think are seeking in this world where so much of that is slipping away, Hakim said. And of all the places they counted on, it was going to be in their personal health care and what they thought of as a relationship-based type of interaction. Though there are many areas, such as personal banking, where new systems have risen to reduce costs and streamline, Hakim said. But health care is one area where those kinds of changes dont just mean a minor difference of seeing an ATM versus a human bank teller. Health care was kind of holy space and you didnt tamper with some of that, but were well into the process of a radical conversion there and its very difficult, especially for older people, he said. Ian Munro, 757-447-4097, ian.munro@virginiamedia.com Hyundai Group Chairwoman Hyun Jeong-eun speaks during a town hall meeting to celebrate the opening of the future talent academy at Hyundai Elevator's headquarters in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province, Friday. Courtesy of Hyundai Elevator By Park Jae-hyuk Hyundai Group Chairwoman Hyun Jeong-eun discussed cooperation with Korea National University of Transportation and Korea Lift College, donating money for scholarships and elevators for practical training, the company said Sunday. The donation was made during a town hall meeting last Friday to celebrate the opening of the future talent academy at Hyundai Elevator's headquarters in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province. At the event, Hyundai Elevator and its affiliates and subcontractors talked with the two schools about the roles of the academy, ways to nurture young talent in the elevator industry and plans to hire graduates in the future. According to Hyundai Elevator, its academy will have three lecture rooms, two rooms to practice assembling components and four rooms to practice installation of elevators, to provide training on elevator manufacturing techniques and to teach its students about sales and purchase, quality controls and R&D. "Hyundai Elevator seeks to put 'human' at the center of every value," Hyun said. "Along with our employees, customers and shareholders, we will become a sustainable company." She also said the future talent academy will be the venue to "manage talent," not just the place to scout for young talents. After the town hall meeting, the chairwoman had lunch together with Hyundai Elevator employees and inspected the elevator maker's customer center, R&D facilities, test tower construction site, factories and dormitories. "Our technical training center, which opened in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, in 2015, was transformed into the future talent academy, after its relocation to the Chungju smart campus," Hyundai Elevator CEO Cho Jae-cheon said. "For the academy to become the cradle of Korean elevator talents, we will expand cooperation with colleges and local communities." ATHENS, Greece (AP) A large wildfire burning on the Greek island of Rhodes for a fifth day has forced authorities to order an evacuation of four locations, including two seaside resorts. About 2,000 people, including tourists, were evacuated by sea, fire department spokesman Yannis Artopios said Saturday evening. He added that the hotels and rented homes evacuated represent less than 10% of the island's tourist accommodations. He added that all visitors had been evacuated without incident. Three coast guard vessels, an army lifeboat, a special forces inflatable craft and 30 private sailboats helped with the evacuation. Private passenger shipping company Blue Star has offered one of its ships to accommodate some of the evacuees, Artopios said. Care has been taken to accommodate all those that needed to be taken away from the stricken areas, he added. In previous days, the wildfire was confined to the islands mountainous center, but aided by winds, very high temperatures and dry conditions, it spread Saturday toward the coast on the islands central-eastern side. Local media reported the fires had reached three hotels, whose clients had already been evacuated. Earlier Saturday, Artopios had said that the residents of four localities were sent SMS messages to evacuate in two localities they were told to move to the northeast and, in two others, to the southwest. In those first two localities, the intensity of the blaze had abated, he said later. Artopios said that more than 200 firefighters and 40 fire engines were operating on the ground, assisted by three planes and five helicopters. The force includes 31 firefighters from Slovakia, with five fire engines. The main front of the fire is a triangle, with two of its points near the sea and one in the mountains. On maps, each side of the triangle appears more than 10 kilometers (six miles) long. The blaze in Rhodes was just one, the most dangerous, of several active across Greece, Artopios said. The fire northwest of Athens and one near Sparta were subsiding, he said, although the conditions, including temperatures set to reach 45 C (113 F) on Sunday and low humidity (below 15%), mean that the danger isn't over and more wildfires might break out. The fire department has designated almost the whole eastern part of the mainland, plus the islands of Evia and Rhodes as well as large swaths of the southwest, as Category 5, the highest for the risk of fire outbreaks Sunday. A further chunk of Greece has been designated Category 4, very high risk. There will be a brief respite in the heat wave on Monday, but it will resume on Tuesday and could last until at least Friday, meteorologists have warned. Firefighting forces from eight European Union countries are either operating or due to arrive soon, Artopios said. Israel, Jordan and Turkey have also sent reinforcements, mostly aerial equipment. Prime Minister Narendra Modis statement last week blaming state governments for lapses in ensuring the rule of law, was a bit rich. Sometime back the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu reminded the national government in New Delhi that according to the Constitution it ought to be referred to as the Union government and not as the Central government. He was right. India is, after all, a Union of States. However, over the years there has been what may be termed as a kind of governance creep that has made the Union government central to many areas of governance, ranging from education to agricultural policy. Law and order, a policy domain of the state government, has witnessed Central government creep for a variety of reasons, ranging from the politicisation of the police force at the state level to the need to manage threats to national security arising out of terrorism and drug-trafficking. White collar crime, including corruption of public servants, has emerged as an important domain in which Central government agencies have had to act to punish those in power in states. This too has been politicised with time, with such agencies acting increasingly at the behest of the Union government. Against this background, Prime Minister Narendra Modis statement last week blaming state governments for lapses in ensuring the rule of law, virtually absolving the Union home ministry of any blame, was a bit rich. It is well known that a law and order problem in a border state can easily acquire a national security dimension and the Union home ministry must remain alert to such a possibility at all times. Not the normal, day-to-day law and order problem that any government anywhere faces, but one that acquires a serious dimension with national security implications. This simple fact has meant that the Union government in New Delhi has always kept an eye on such challenges to law and order in what are regarded as sensitive border states. Which does not just mean Jammu and Kashmir and the states of the Northeast, but could well include at times any border state, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Assam and, indeed, Tamil Nadu. Law and order in border states cannot remain a peripheral concern of the Centre. When Gujarat was convulsed by communal conflict in 2002, the Central intelligence agencies had warned the political leadership in New Delhi that the incidents in the state may trigger cross-border problems. New Delhi has had to deal many times with challenges to the political authority of state governments in the interests of national security. Therefore, it is irresponsible for the Union government to shrug its shoulders and pretend as if the challenge to the writ of the State in Manipur is just another law and order issue, similar to ones faced in other states. Prime Minister Narendra Modi treating violence against women in different parts of the country on par with incidents in Manipur was not merely facetious and irresponsible but something not expected from one holding the high office of the head of government. Some members of the ruling side have linked the events in Manipur to foreign interference, with dark hints of a possible China connection, on the one hand, and a Western Christian Church connection, on the other. They have questioned the remarks of the United States ambassador as well as the discussion in the European Parliament. Be it China, Myanmar or Washington DC, whatever the external inspiration for the violence on the part of one section of Manipurs citizens, there could be internal inspiration from outside the state egging other sections of society. In what appears like a civil war, an ethnic conflict, a pogrom of sorts, violence against women has become an instrument of domination. That has been the nature of human conflict across the world and for centuries. The unleashing of such violence and deep-seated hatred in a border state requires the attention of the Union government. It cannot be that the Union government allows an ineffective chief minister, who has not just failed to ensure law and order, but has allowed its escalation into ethnic conflict, to remain in office and pretend that the state government will continue to handle the situation. On one hand, the Union government passes an ordinance taking charge of the civil administration in Delhi, on the other hand it pretends that in Manipur there is a state government and so the Centre would not directly take responsibility of governing the state. The fact is that the Union home ministry has taken charge of the situation in Manipur and the Chief Minister is no more than a puppet in the hands of the Union home minister. This has been the case for a few weeks now. Even if it is the case that the rape incident and the parading of a naked woman, that has so incensed the entire country, occurred before the Union home ministry took charge of Manipur, the fact is that the matter would not have come to light but for a video going viral. All these facts make it necessary that the Prime Minister and the Union home minister should make a statement in Parliament as to their understanding of the developments in Manipur, of how the state government handled and mishandled the situation and what the Union government proposes to do. This is the minimum parliamentary accountability that is expected of a government. There is no escaping this. It is true that over the past 70-odd years there has been much misuse of Article 356 of the Constitution, which allows the Union government to impose Presidents Rule in a state under certain circumstances, most importantly its inability to discharge its constitutional responsibilities. While there has been misuse of this provision, the fact also remains that on several occasions a Congress Party Prime Minister in New Delhi has not hesitated to dismiss a Congress Party government in a state to ensure return to normalcy in that state. It is, therefore, incumbent upon the Union government that it not only takes charge of administering Manipur but also explains to Parliament what went wrong, why and who is responsible, holding them accountable. The Aspen Daily News will update this story as more information becomes available. Hanwha Ocean President Jung In-sub, eighth from left, and Vietnam's Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, seventh from left, pose with participants of a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony in Hanoi, Saturday. Courtesy of Hanwha Ocean By Park Jae-hyuk The fierce rivalry between Hanwha and HD Hyundai for dominance in the shipbuilding industry has developed into a competition to secure Vietnamese workers amid the industry's lingering workforce shortage, according to industry officials, Sunday. Hanwha Ocean signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade in Hanoi, Saturday, for their comprehensive cooperation in training Vietnamese shipbuilding workers and the shipbuilder's hiring of those workers. This came a month after Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan joined a business delegation accompanying President Yoon Suk Yeol on his state visit to Vietnam. "The latest MOU is intended to satisfy our demand for workers by supporting programs to strengthen the capabilities of vocational training institutions under the Vietnamese ministry," a Hanwha Ocean official said. "We expect the cooperation to enable us to establish a stabilized plan to hire skilled foreign workers." HD Hyundai President Chung Ki-sun, second from left, inspects Hyundai Vietnam Shipbuilding's shipyard in Khanh Hoa, Vietnam, in this June file photo. Courtesy of HD Hyundai Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Get That Magnifier to Spot the Changes on the Outside Photo: Kolesa Nothing to Write Home About When It Comes to the Cabin Alleged Minor Revisions Under the Hood kW Photo: Kolesa That's right, despite the extra thick camouflage hiding the exterior of the latest scooped prototypes , Hyundai is not preparing a new generation but a facelift when it comes to its compact crossover, the Tucson.Set to replace the current iteration that is almost three years old, it will look about the same, as the Korean company seems to be fond of its design. We cannot argue with that logic as we think the current Tucson is pretty, especially since it has managed to evade the catfish-like styling of the old Santa Fe. Up front, it will feature new main clusters and a tweaked lighting signature that will still be neatly incorporated into the grille. Hyundai didn't do much to the bumper, but we expect it to feature a redesigned central intake and a new lower section.Do you know how flush-mounted door handles are slowly becoming a trend in the modern-day automotive world? Well, you'll have to wait a few more years for the Tucson to get them, assuming that this is what Hyundai has planned for the next generation. For now, however, the profile will remain untouched. Look for the same fenders, doors, side mirror casings, roof rails, and broad shoulders. If anything, they might up the ante with new wheel designs. Due to the fake hump on the scooped testers, making out the novelties at the rear is impossible. Thus, we will assume it'll sport a new bumper, a different diffuser, and new taillights that should at least sport fresh graphics. The tailpipes were still visible on the snapped prototypes, but they'll probably revise the tips or at least the surrounding trim.Compared to the cabin of the mid-size 2024 Santa Fe , the interior of the current Tucson looks ages behind. But it will have to do for now, as Hyundai won't give it any significant upgrades here. We expect the two main screens, the landscape-oriented infotainment, and the tablet-like digital gauges, to at least feature new software. We would also bet on a new steering wheel and probably an updated center console that will still host the cup holders, minimalist gear selector, and electric parking brake, as well as other buttons, like the heated seat controls and hill-start assist.The storage spaces should be the same, more or less, and we also think they might give it new USB sockets. Other than that, chances are the 2024 Tucson will be pretty much the same, save for perhaps new upholstery and trim options. Since safety is a huge deal these days in the automotive world, we think Hyundai will at least improve some active systems.Want to learn about the power? You'll have to wait for Hyundai to unveil it, as there's nothing official yet. Still, we suspect the 2024 Tucson's gasoline and electrified units might be updated to burn less fuel and become less polluting on the right side of the Atlantic Ocean, anyway. In North America, the 2.5-liter inline-four engine will likely live on unchanged. That means 187 hp (190 ps/140) and 178 lb-ft (241 Nm) of torque. The front-wheel drive system will remain standard, though the all-wheel drive will still be an option across the range that kicks off from $26,900 with the SE, topping at a minimum of $$36,160 for the Limited, excluding destination.You didn't forget about the two electrified options on the 2023 Tucson lineup, did you? The 2024 model is understood to retain the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid variants. The former offers a combined 226 horsepower (229 ps/169 kW) in return for an MSRP of $31,350, and the latter is punchier at 261 hp (265 ps/195 kW). It also offers a battery-electric driving range of 33 miles (53 km), and it starts at $37,500 before destination. Given the rumored extra goodies that it might get, the facelifted iteration might also bring a small price bump across the range. Look for something in the region of three digits, though we wouldn't be surprised if certain trim levels cost the same.Still sharing its construction with the old Santa Fe , as well as the Santa Cruz, Sonata, Staria, Kia Carnival, K5, K8, Sorento, and Sportage, the facelifted Hyundai Tucson is expected to premiere in a few months. It will go on sale shortly after the unveiling in overseas markets, and we might get ours as a 2024 or a 2025 model. Is it your next go-to daily? Photo: eBay seller twotonboxer Photo: eBay seller twotonboxer Photo: eBay seller twotonboxer The GM brand sold over 1 million Impala units in the United States, becoming the first nameplate to go that high after World War II.The achievement made perfect sense for diehard Chevy fans. Since the first model in 1958, when Impala debuted as a Bel Air version, the car received significant changes yearly. Chevrolet tried to keep the Impala fresh and modern with every new launch while focusing more on the performance side of the car.The debut of the SS in 1961 helped Impala increase its customer appeal, especially for customers interested in a sportier experience.In 1963, Chevrolet reached another historic achievement. The company produced its 50 millionth vehicle, and to celebrate the moment, it invited New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller to drive an Impala SS out of the factory.The sales record achieved in 1965 generated new expectations that Impala failed to reach.1966 already produced the first decline, and one of the reasons was a questionable strategy regarding Caprice. Chevrolet tried to make the Caprice a superstar using the same approach it used for the Impala. The car launched in 1965 as an Impala version, and one year later, it promoted the nameplate to a standalone series.Things didn't go exactly as planned. Impala took everybody by surprise in 1958 when it debuted as a Bel Air version, so when it graduated to a full series a year later, its sales went through the roof. Caprice had a different fate. Not only it failed to meet expectations, but it also produced a sales drop in the Impala lineup.Chevrolet wanted the 1966 Impala to stick with the engine lineup that brought home the bacon in the previous years. The base unit was a 250 six-cylinder developing 155 horsepower, while the V8 lineup started with a 283 (4.7-liter) unit rated at 195 horsepower. The 327 (5.3-liter) and the 396 V8s served as more powerful upgrades, while the 427 (7.0-liter) was Chevrolet's big surprise for this model year.With a maximum power rating of 425 horsepower, the 427 was the icing on the cake, especially on an SS.This 1966 Impala SS is a bit more boring regarding the engine under the hood, as it doesn't feature this almighty V8. On the other hand, the original 327 in the car is still potent enough to get you from where you are to where you want to be without experiencing the lazy six-cylinder vibe.eBay seller twotonboxer does not provide too many specifics on the engine, but I wouldnt expect it to work. The car looks like a project that's been sitting for many years, likely under a cover, so the engine is unlikely to come in tip-top shape.The whole car aligns with this general condition, as it seems to require the typical work for a 60-year-old classic car. The body doesn't look that bad, though, and despite the patina, the rust doesn't seem like it managed to go through the surface. A repaint is needed, especially if the new owner wants to return the Impala to factory specifications.The blue-on-blue convertible still flexes a nice-looking interior, though serious work is needed in this case too.The undersides require particular attention, but this isn't a surprise. Cars sitting for years typically exhibit major rust problems, and the undersides are among the first parts to become a victim. The seller says the floors and the trunk need work, but it's unclear if regular patches are enough or if the owner will have to get new panels.This 1966 Impala SS is a solid example of a classic car that collectors typically drool after. Finding a '66 Impala isn't hard, but a model in solid condition with an original engine isn't that common. Unsurprisingly, the top on this Impala SS is already wrecked, but considering the car's overall shape, this makes perfect sense.The seller posted the car on eBay for auction , and the starting price is $13,000. The price makes perfect sense, given that this is an Impala SS with an original engine, but the car has yet to receive any bids. The no-reserve auction will expire in approximately six days, and as per the rules, whoever sends the top bid can take the vehicle home.As always, I strongly recommend interested buyers see the Impala in person, as this is the only way to correctly determine its condition and figure out how much work it needs for a complete restoration. You'll find this convertible in Modesto, California, and the owner says they have all parts to turn it into a daily driver. Although it looked a lot like a regular R129 SL-Class, the SL 73 AMG was an insane high-performance convertible capable of supercar-worthy performance figures. AMG Working their magic on the R129 SL-Class Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG DOHC The largest engine ever fitted into a production Mercedes-Benz Photo: RM Sotheby's Supercar-worthy performance in a drop-top sleeper Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG Rare and highly-collectible today Photo: RM Sotheby's Though it still helps develop the most powerful models in the Mercedes-Benz lineup as a subsidiary of the German manufacturer,used to employ a slightly more outlandish formula back when it was an independent Mercedes-Benz tuner.Among the company's favorite recipes was cooking up rabid Mercs powered by humongous, thoroughly beefed-up engines.It all started in 1971 when their engineers took a damaged 300 SEL 6.3 and converted it into a race car. Equipped with a V8 that was enlarged from 6.2 to 6.8 liters, which enabled it to make nearly twice more power (422 hp, to be exact), the car nicknamed "Red Pig" crossed the finish line second at the 24 Hours of Spa endurance race, putting AMG on the map.From then on, Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts traveled to Affalterbach to get their rides tuned. During the following decades, AMG became the world's most renowned Mercedes tuning house, enjoying a close relationship with the Stuttgart-based automotive giants.At the Geneva Motor Show in March 1989, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the new generation of its famous SL model Designed by the legendary Bruno Sacco and based on a modified W124 chassis, it picked up where its R107 successor left off, enjoying strong sales worldwide from the get-go.Initially, its most potent trim was the 500 SL, equipped with a 322-hp M119V8. With potential buyers demanding more, the short-lived, 389-hp, V12-powered 600 SL (later rebranded SL 600) joined the range in 1992. In addition, those who wanted something more unique could get the 500 SL 6.0 from AMG, which offered 385 hp in a more bespoke package.AMG continued offering a range of tuned SL models available through Mercedes-Benz dealerships, but none were particularly insane in terms of power.That changed in 1995 and 1996 when the SL 70 and SL 72 AMG models hit the streets. Boasting enlarged, V12s capable of either 496 or 503 hp, these cars were sensibly more potent than the stock SL 600, which made 100 hp less.But from 1997, there was an even more insane offering for the wealthiest of AMG customers that year: the mighty SL 73.For the SL 70, 72, and 73 models, AMG took the all-aluminum DOHC 6.0-liter M120 V12 of the SL600 that served as a base for all three cars and turned it into a thoroughbred performance engine codenamed M297.In the SL 73 AMG, it was enlarged all the way to 7.3 liters, which enabled the naturally-aspirated unit to make 525 hp and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque.To this day, the largest displacement engine ever fitted into a production Mercedes-Benz, the M297 was more powerful than the one used by the Lamborghini Diablo SV (510 hp) or the Formula 1-derived Tipo F130B (512 hp) at the heart of the Ferrari F50.In 2002, this particular unit - albeit pushed to 547 hp - became the heart of the Pagani Zonda S 7.3. With constant improvements, it continued to power the Italian supercar until it was discontinued.It's also interesting to note that a 6.9-liter version of the M297 was used for the ultra-rare Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Strassenversion With this insanely powerful V12 under the hood, the SL 73 could sprint from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 4.5 seconds and achieve a top speed that of 200 mph (321 kph). These figures made it one of the fastest production cars around at the time of its release.Like its AMG-badged, V12-powered siblings, the SL 73 started life as a stock SL 600 equipped with the AMG Styling Package that was shipped to Affalterbach for conversion. Its engine was removed, disassembled, tuned, then put back together by hand.AMG engineers also tuned the suspension and braking systems, fitted a set of the company's famous alloy wheels, then finished the car with optional extras demanded by each buyer.Remarkably, once the SL 73 was finished, it looked nearly identical to any other R129 SL equipped with the AMG Styling Package. Only the wheels and badges found on the trunk lid indicated that this was the meanest R129 around.One of the last high-performance beasts conceived before AMG became a Mercedes-Benz subsidiary, the SL 73, was produced from 1997 to 2001.Since the cars were essentially conversions, the company didn't keep an exact record of the units that left its headquarters, but multiple sources state that between 50 and 80 of them were sold.Today, the SL 73 is highly sought-after by Mercedes-AMG fans who enjoy driving one of the coolest 1990s convertibles . Those who own one rarely part ways with their prized possession, so the chances of finding one at an auction are pretty slim. The last SL 73 AMG that went under the hammer at an RM' Sotheby's auction in 2019 was scheduled to sell for 240,000 (approximately $300.000), but the highest bid did not meet the seller's reserve.You can learn more about this monster and see it in action in the YouTube video below by Retro Car Reviews. Car nuts who cherish the originality of a classic know very well that it's extremely hard to keep a 50-year-old engine running like clockwork. Changing the spark plugs and tuning the carburetor may not be difficult, yet if an engine rebuild is not possible due to extensive wear & tear or the lack of replacement parts an old car might require a full engine replacement. 20. Prestige Nitrous 427 Ford Small Block (1,000 hp) Photo: Prestige Motorsports 19. Direct Connection Supercharged Hellephant 426 (1,000 hp) Photo: Direct Connection 18. Prestige Twin Supercharged 427 Ford Small Block (1,000+ hp) Photo: Prestige Motorsports 17. Prestige Supercharged 427 LS (1,000+ hp) Photo: Prestige Motorsports 16. Chevrolet Performance ZZ632/1000 (1,004 hp) Photo: Chevrolet 15. NRE Intercooled LS Whipple 427 Hot Rod Series (1,100 hp) Photo: Nelson Racing Engines 14. Wegner 376 Whipple 3.0L Supercharged LS3 (1,100 hp) Photo: Wegner Automotive 13. Prestige Twin Supercharged 427 LS (1,100+ hp) Photo: Prestige Motorsports 12. DSR Performance 1150 HEMI (1,150 hp) Photo: DSR Performance 11. NRE Roots Blown Mopar HEMI 572 (1,150 hp) Photo: Nelson Racing Engines 10. Wegner 427 Whipple 3.0L Supercharged LS7 (1,200+ hp) Photo: Wegner Automotive 9. NRE Twin-Turbo 540 Budget Series (1,400 hp) Photo: Nelson Racing Engines 8. DSR Performance 1500 HEMI (1,500 hp) Photo: DSR Performance 7. NRE Twin-Turbo Alien Windsor 428 (1,500 hp) Photo: Nelson Racing Engines 6. NRE Twin-Turbo LS 427 Pro-Touring Series (1,600 hp) Photo: Nelson Racing Engines 5. NRE Twin-Turbo Alien LS 427 Pro-Touring Series (1,650 hp) Photo: Nelson Racing Engines 4. NRE Twin-Turbo Mopar 426 HEMI (1,900 hp) Photo: Nelson Racing Engines 3. NRE Twin-Turbo Alien LS 427 Warrior Series (2,000 hp) Photo: Nelson Racing Engines 2. NRE Twin-Turbo Alien 572 (2,000+ hp) Photo: Nelson Racing Engines 1. NRE Twin-Turbo Mopar HEMI 572 (2,500 hp) Photo: Nelson Racing Engines Getting an original 350 for a first-gen Camaro is nearly impossible, but on the upside, Chevrolet Performance offers plenty of 350-ci lumps in the guise of crate motors , starting with the 350 HO. Crate engines aren't meant exclusively for grandpa's Camaro, thoughThey're extremely important for crazier projects as well. Think 6.2-liter LT4 in a Screaming Chicken or 7.3-liter Godzilla in a Fox-body Mustang, two combos that are certain to put a smile on anyone's face. Similar to purely internal combustion vehicles, crate engines are getting scarcer with each passing day as well. Given this industry's rather somber future, us folks at autoevolution have compiled a list of the most powerful V8 crate engines available to purchase at the time of writing.E85 and high-octane race fuel are allowed, yet race- and marine-type motors are excluded for obvious reasons. The following top 20 is made up exclusively of V8 crate motors listed online by their makers rather than resellers, coming in as close to turn-key form as possible instead of long or short blocks. This being said, let us kick things off with a 351W-based mill.North Carolina-based Prestige Motorsports opens this list with a 400-shot crate motor. Priced at $21,999 at the moment of reporting, the 351 Windsor-based 427 before your eyes is a street-strip tower of power designed to drink 93 AKI (98 RON) dinosaur juice.Rated at 850+ pound-feet (make that 1,152 Nm), this fellow rocks King bearings, Holley electronic fuel injection, MSD ignition control, 2618 forged aluminum pistons, and 4340 forged steel H-beam connecting rods. The 351 iron block is an aftermarket unit equipped with 220-cc cylinder heads from Air Flow Research.Forged stainless steel intake valves and Inconel exhaust valves also need to be mentioned, along with a full roller setup. Highlights further include a 4340 forged steel crankshaft and a three-year warranty.Meant for pre-1976 vehicles, the Hellephant is a limited-production crate engine that costs $29,995 on Direct Connection 's website. The problem is, the HEMI brute is temporarily unavailable to purchase directly from Direct Connection. On the upside, multiple retailers have the 1,000-hp monster in stock.Much obliged to reach 6,800 revolutions per minute, the Hellephant drinks premium fuel exclusively. Sold without a warranty, the 426-ci bruiser includes a cast aluminum block and 356 aluminum cylinder heads.The 7.0-liter Hellephant is closely related to the 426 used in the Dodge Challenger Drag Pak quarter-mile land missile, whereas the aluminum block makes it lighter than the iron-block Hellcat. Its valvetrain is similar to the Demon's 840-horsepower Hellcat V8.One supercharger is more than enough for most performance-oriented crate engines. Prestige Motorsports takes it up a notch with dual blowers for a 351-based 427, which of course runs on pump gas.The superchargers come courtesy of TorqStorm, and they're reassuringly compact due to being centrifugal superchargers rather than positive-displacement designs. As opposed to a Whipple or an Eaton, a TorqStorm blower is always built to order, which is why each kit takes approximately four weeks to build.Similar to the nitrous'd 427 from earlier, this motor uses electronic fuel injection from Holley and MSD ignition control. Price? That'd be $34,999, thank you!Coincidentally, the Prestige Motorsports 427 LS Next Supercharged also costs $34,999 at press time. Dubbed a game changer, the Dart LS Next SHP iron-blocked crate engine produces 900+ pound-feet (1,220 Nm).Running at 9.5:1 as opposed to 10.0:1 and 10.5:1 for the aforementioned 351-based Fords, this LS employs LS3-style CNC ported aluminum heads. Fitted with Motion Raceworks valve covers, the 7.0-liter colossus further boasts a catch can from Motion Raceworks.Topped by a 3.0-liter Whipple twin-screw blower, Prestige's hard-hitting LS maxes out at 6,500 revolutions per minute. Similar to the 427 Fords from earlier, it's also covered by a three-year warranty.The largest and most powerful crate motor in Chevy's long and illustrious history, the ZZ632/1000 takes its name from 632 cubic inches and just over 1,000 horsepower. A naturally-aspirated leviathan that costs in excess of $30,000 as of July 2023, the big-block V8 makes 876 pound-feet (1,188 Nm) at 5,600 rpm.First displayed in the metal at the 2021 SEMA Show, the ZZ632/1000 uses R S-X Symmetrical Port cylinder heads. Ron Sperry, the man behind this design, is also credited for the symmetrical ports of the Gen III small block in the 1997 model year Chevrolet Corvette.Based on the ZZ572's iron block, the ZZ632 flaunts a larger bore (by 0.040 inches) and a longer stroke (by 0.375 inches). According to the biggest of the Big Three in Detroit, a pre-production engine lasted more than 200 simulated quarter-mile passes on a dyno.Spoiler alert: no fewer than 10 crate engines from Nelson Racing Engines have made this list. NRE also makes the most powerful crate engine of the bunch, a 2,500-hp beast we'll talk about later on.Their first entry in this top 20 is a 1,100-hp LS with a 4.0-liter Whipple . Starting at $29,999, the Intercooled LS Whipple 427 Hot Rod Series uses Delphi LS7 hydraulic roller lifters, a custom camshaft, plasma molybdenum piston rings, and JE forged pistons.Add-ons include a Nick Williams 103-millimeter throttle body and an E85 injector upgrade. Nelson Racing Engines also has a transmission for this force-fed 427, namely a Stage 6 4L85E priced at $9,500.376 cubes equals just under 6.2 liters, which is the standard displacement of the good ol' LS3 . The Wegner 376 Whipple 3.0L Supercharged LS3 goes beyond Chevrolet's design with a flurry of upgrades, including a Nick Williams 102-millimeter DWB throttle body, a Callies forged crank, and Callies Ultra conrods.Wegner Automotive promises anything between 900 and 970 pound-feet (1,220 and 1,135 Nm), which is slightly better than the 965 pound-feet (1,308 Nm) of NRE's 427. Complemented by a WAK075 front accessory drive painted in the same black as the blower, this lump carries a starting price of $30,500.Each one takes around four to six weeks to deliver because each one is built to order. Speaking of which, options include a 408-ci GM iron block, a 416-ci stroker kit, a 427-ci Dart SHP iron block, and a 112-millimeter DBW throttle body from Nick Williams.Prestige's most badass drop-in crate engine is a twin-supercharged LS with 427 cubes to its name. Once again, we're dealing with centrifugal superchargers Built around a Dart LS Next SHP block, the twin-supercharged 427 belts out in excess of 1,100 ponies with VP Racing Fuels C16 in the tank. C16 is formulated specifically for drag racing applications, and costs $129 for a five-gallon pail at press time.The crankshaft and connecting rods are made from 4340 forged steel, whereas the pistons are 2618 forged aluminum. Just like the Whipple-blown 427, this one is also beautified by Motion Raceworks valve covers.NHRA legend Don Schumacher made a name for himself on the blacktop. Founded in 1998, Don Schumacher Racing specializes in fast stuff. The 1150 certainly falls into this category, for it produces 1,150 horsepower on 93-octane gasoline rather than E85.Developed from the DSR Challenger Drag Pak program, the $40,000 engine is a 426 with modified Hellcat aluminum heads and a Hellcat-sourced oil sump. The first production run of the 1150 was limited to 20 examples of the breed at $37,950 per unit.The third-gen HEMI is compatible with ZF's 8HP eight-speed automatic transmission, which is why DSR Performance also offers stage kits for the 8HP. The stage 1 kit, for example, takes the 8HP95 of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk to 1,300 horsepower and a simply ludicrous 1,100 pound-feet (1,491 Nm).572 cubic inches is big-boy Mopar territory. Then again, you need lots of displacement in order to make lots of power. 1,050 horsepower on pump gas, that is, or 1,150 ponies on 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.Price-wise, the Roots Blown 572 from Nelson Racing Engines isn't for the faint of heart. It's the first $50k engine in this top 20, the kind of money that would get you a nicely equipped 2024 Ram 1500 pickup truck.Distinguished by a flat torque curve, the 9.4-liter engine is built around an Indy Maxx aluminum block with cast aluminum valve covers. The Blower Shop Billet 12-71 Roots-type supercharger does its job with the help of two 850-cfm carburetors from Holley.1,200+ boosted ponies are a lot for 427 cubic inches, but still, Wegner Automotive is known for building extremely stout crate engines. Capable of 1,100+ pound-feet (1,491 Nm), this LS7-style mill dons custom valve covers and a front accessory drive kit.Governed by a Holley engine control unit, the Wegner 427 Whipple 3.0L Supercharged LS7 uses a Callies eight-counterweight crank, forged pistons from Mahle, a Melling oil pump, Del West and Manley valves, HD pushrods, and a Holley driver-by-wire control unit.The piece de resistance is of course the 3.0-liter blower sitting on top of this fine-looking piece of mechanical engineering. Priced from $34,900, said LS7 is based on either a GM block or a Dart block.The Budget in Twin-Turbo 540 Budget Series isn't exactly what it seems. At $31,999, you could buy a brand-new Camry for the price of this crate motor.The Dart Big M iron block alone costs $4,000, whereas each of the 46-millimeter Precision Turbo wastegates is $402 on the manufacturer's website. JE forged pistons, BoostLine forged connecting rods, Holley Terminator injectors, and Edelbrock induction are only a few of this rather handsome motor's highlights.Notable components further include Brodix Big Brodie heads with Cometic MLX gaskets, tubular headers, and CNC billet valve covers. The valvetrain comprises a hydraulic roller cam with hydraulic roller lifters, roller rockers, and Smith Brothers chromoly pushrods.A Direct Connection-DSR Performance collab, the 1500 is a $60k masterpiece with a huge appetite for corn brew. Similar to the 1150, the 1500 wouldn't have been possible without Whipple's fifth-gen blower.Injector Dynamics 1,700-cc fuel injectors are joined by 356 ported aluminum cylinder heads, a custom camshaft, billet aluminum pistons, and a billet steel crankshaft. Good for more than 1,000 pound-feet (1,356 Nm) of torque at full chatter, the 1500 engine sweetens the deal with "industry-leading drivability."Any 1500-swapped motor vehicle manufactured prior to the 1976 model year can be driven on public roads. Those manufactured after 1976 may violate federal, state, or local emissions laws and regulations.Nelson Racing Engines has refined its Windsor-based 428 twin-turbo crate engine for more than a decade now. The most potent iteration to date packs a 1,000-horsepower punch on 91 octane. Give it more expensive race gas, and you can expect 1,500 ponies.Advertised as being " a full street engine," the 7.0-liter behemoth is equipped with a Nelson Racing Engines hydraulic cam that doesn't require valve adjustments. In a similar fashion to Prestige's nitrous 427 small block, this 428 uses 220-cc heads from Air Flow Research.The Alien in Twin-Turbo Alien Windsor 428 comes from the intake's design. Spruced up with billet valve covers, the no-nonsense motor brings together 72-mm turbos, 46-mm wastegates, and a TiAL BOV.Yet another 427-ci LS, and yet another Nelson crate engine! With 1,225 horsepower on pump gas at 7,000 revolutions per minute, this Pro-Touring Series motor is best described as an eight-cylinder tire shredder.Give it race fuel, and Nelson Racing Engines estimates a whopping 1,600 horsepower at 6,800 revolutions per minute. Considering its output numbers, it's also a value-oriented motor at $31,999 before any options.Extras include $725 for the head stud upgrade, $250 for the main stud upgrade, and $2,500 for adjusting the boost from the cockpit by gear, engine speed, or time. An option worthy of your consideration is the Darth Vader Package, which as implied features black turbos, valve covers, a black Dart block, and the same finish for the Shaun's Custom Alloy intake manifold.Priced from $36,999 on the engine shop's website, the Alien LS 427 Pro-Touring Series isn't all that different from the Twin-Turbo LS 427 Pro-Touring Series. The biggest upgrade both visually and from the standpoint of performance is the ant eater-like intake manifold.Reportedly designed to be driven 400 miles (approximately 650 kilometers) per day without breaking a sweat, the 7.0-liter LS is equipped with custom aluminum ported cylinder heads with Pac springs and titanium retainers. Other custom components include the forged pistons, hydraulic roller camshaft, and 1,200-cc flow-matched injectors.Even the exhaust manifolds are fully custom, produced in-house from 304 stainless steel. A 50-mm BOV is standard, but if you so desire, Nelson Racing Engines can fit a second blow-off valve for a reasonable $340.$69,000 may seem way too many bucks for a 7.0-liter HEMI . Looking at the bigger picture, this 426 makes way more ponies than Direct Connection's Hellephant and DSR Performance's 426 engines. The question is, why is the NRE Twin-Turbo 426 so expensive?For starters, many parts are made from solid billet: wastegates, valve covers, intake manifold, crankshaft, connecting rods, and mechanical roller camshaft. It also runs 76-mm turbos and two injectors per cylinders.The eight-cylinder mechanical artwork needs a whole lotta air to belt out 1,250 horsepower on 91 octane and 1,900 horsepower on race fuel, hence the dual throttle bodies. The Full Show Polish Package of the pictured engine retails at $2,580, whereas a multi-stage dry-sump lubrication system adds $4,000 to the tally.Not surprising in the least, Nelson Racing Engines also sells 2,000-horsepower crate motors from the LS , Chevrolet big block, and HEMI engine families. The Twin-Turbo Alien LS 427 Warrior Series is one of those incredible mills, priced from a cool $46,000.NRE says that it's a race engine in disguise, albeit its valvetrain life is worse than the 1,800-hp Hot Rod Series. NRE's ultimate dual-purpose LS employs Dart Pro LS7 heads and a Dart SHP LS Next Pro block.Sporting 76-millimeter turbos and 46-millimeter wastegates, the Warrior Series can be fitted with three in-tank fuel pumps for $1,500. Those who intend to run E85 need a set of E85 injectors, priced at merely $350.The $45,000 Twin-Turbo Alien 572 is packed with hi-po goodies. From the flow-matched 2,200-cc injectors to the dual ball-bearing turbos and Oliver billet conrods, literally everything about this engine is top-notch.Offering "the best dollar-for-dollar value in the twin-turbo big-block world," NRE's most exciting take on the Chevrolet big block uses ISKY Racing Cams Red Zone lifters and Dart 355 aluminum cylinder heads. Traction control software is available for $550, along with an $800 upgrade to ceramic ball-bearing turbos.Over 2,000 horsepower from 9.4 liters is a lot, but fret not. $550 gets you the so-called Safety Package, which protects the engine by means of sensors for the fuel pressure, oil pressure, and water temperature. This package further includes strategies designed to protect the 572-ci mammoth in case something goes south The California-based engine shop refers to its most powerful street-strip crate motor as "The Elephant," a nod to the second-generation HEMI that came in 426 cubes exclusively. Are you ready for the numbers?2,253 horsepower at 25 psi, 2,500 horsepower at full wick. Most impressively, Nelson Racing Engines designed the Twin-Turbo Mopar HEMI 572 with air conditioning in mind. Available from $74,000 sans extras, this lump uses huge turbochargers (88 millimeters) and huge wastegates (60 millimeters).Built around an Indy Maxx aluminum block, NRE's astounding HEMI uses a dry-sump system with a 10-quart or 9.4-liter tank. By comparison, the 1,025-hp Dodge Demon 170 is rated at 7 quarts (6.6 liters).If you still have any curiosities related to V8 crate engines, please refer to the FAQ section below.Simply put, a fully-assembled engine sold separately from the vehicle. Crate motors usually come in three flavors: short block, the more complete long block, and ready to run. The latter shouldn't be taken literally because even a turn-key motor needs a few additional bits and pieces before starting and running. Think supply and return fuel lines, a 12-volt battery, and so forth.As implied, it's packaged in a crate for shipping.They do! Chevrolet , for example, offers 24 months to 36 months or 50,000 miles (80,000 kilometers), whichever comes first.For example, the Ford Performance 7.3-liter Godzilla's crate includes the fully-assembled engine, intake manifold, exhaust manifolds, oil pan, flex plate, ignition coils, and ignition wires. The starter, control pack, accessory drive kit, and air conditioning kit are sold separately.Crate engines are most prevalent in the United States, where the V8 has been a stalwart in cars, trucks, and SUVs for a long time now. Given this country's love for all things V8s, are you even surprised that the majority of crate engines feature this layout?Easier to service and modify, yes. But better overall, no. Direct rather than port fuel injection, 12-millimeter head bolts compared to 11s, enhanced combustion due to relocated spark plugs, and better cylinder head flow are only a few of the LT's advantages over the LS.If your vehicle has OBD II (vehicles built from 1996 onward), that's a big fat no. Be that as it may, the E-ROD LS3, LT1, and LT4 from Chevrolet Performance are eligible for installation in 1995-and-earlier vehicles in the state of California.If you're in with the Ford crowd, that would be 340 horsepower for the Boss 302, which is currently priced at $10,995. A Chevrolet Performance HT383 is more affordable yet seven horsepower down on the Boss 302, whereas the 345 HEMI offers 383 horsepower for $7,495.Exhaust-driven turbochargers are easier to fit in an engine bay, whereas superchargers provide boost instantly at the expense of a few ponies. Both have their advantages and downsides, which is why the answer to this question depends from build to build.Excluding marine crate engines and those designed for racing applications, the Twin-Turbo Mopar HEMI 572 from Nelson Racing Engines is the pokiest of the bunch thanks to 2,500 horsepower. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world nearly forgot about Toyota's bold plans to conquer the Moon with a sci-fi movies-inspired vehicle. Well, the Japanese are back, and the sequel looks a lot like a world-domination scenario. Well, not the entire world, but the world of offroad enthusiasts. Both on the Moon and on the Earth. A proper driving vehicle for the Moon's surface Photo: Toyota Toyota bets on the regenerative fuel cell system Photo: Toyota Next step: bring the RFC technology back to Earth Photo: Toyota Back in 2018, Elon Musk made the biggest marketing stunt in the car industry: he launched a real car into space. I'm sure you remember the cherry red Tesla Roadster "driven" by Starman a mannequin wearing SpaceX's space suit "listening" to David Bowie's song "Space Oddity." Sometime in the distant future, we'll probably meet again with the car's remaining, but humanity wants to conquer the Moon in the short term. Again.The first time a man put his foot on the surface of our planet's natural satellite was let's see who the biggest fan of space exploration is out there?! on the historic day of July 20, 1969. That Sunday, two American astronauts, Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, made their first steps on the lunar dust.A year later, the first wheeled vehicle or better, the first Lunar Rover left its traces up there. Lunokhod 1 was an unmanned remote-controlled robot sent there by the Soviet Union. But in 1971, America sent to the moon the first Lunar Rover that an astronaut could drive. At that time, it had almost the same effect on car enthusiasts on Earth as Elon's marketing stunt nearly half a century later.The Lunar Roving Vehicle from the Apollo missions was more of an offroad-roadster. Boeing built it; it could carry two astronauts and their equipment and was a battery-powered four-wheel rover. You can think of it as the Jeep Willys from WWI a tiny, reliable little feller.But tomorrow's space missions need something more like a Hummer or big offroad truck, capable of protecting an entire team from outer space radiation and accommodating a real lab-on-wheels. And this is what Toyota's Lunar Cruiser is all about. Ok, "Lunar Cruiser" is just a nickname (for now) because its official designation is "manned pressurized rover for the lunar polar exploration mission."In 2019, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) signed a three-year joint research agreement with Japan's biggest vehicle producer, Toyota Motor Corporation. Their goal was to develop, manufacture and test prototypes of such rovers, which will be then deployed on the Moon's surface in 2029. Interestingly to note, in the beginning, the prototype was intended to be "a modified version of a standard production vehicle." Well, I think we can all agree there's no trace of any Land Cruiser in this Lunar CruiserThe pressurized rover's specs align with many such vehicles we've seen in sci-fi movies through the years. The length should be 6 m / 20 feet (this is the size of a Ford F250 truck, although the Japanese prefer "about the size of two microbuses"), and the height should be 3.8 m / 12.5 ft. The living space is supposed to be 13 m2 / 140 square feet to accommodate two people or even four in an emergency.Frankly, the most critical requirement is the 10,000 km / 6,200 miles "total lunar-surface cruising range" this rover is supposed to be capable over 42 days. Or a 1,000 km / 620 miles range on one fill of the hydrogen tank. And now we have some exciting news about how the Japanese will achieve it.We all know that, until recently, Toyota was fiercely lobbying against batteries because its boss believed hydrogen propulsion was the only future for road transport. There's no doubt that fuel cell technology has its place in the future of transportation, but the odds are against it regarding small cars and SUVs.The opinion I favor is that hydrogen is better suited for heavy transport, like vessels, airplanes, trains, and freights. The future will prove to me if I'm right or wrong, but in the meantime, let's see what this new regenerative fuel cell technology is all about.We already know that a fuel cell converts hydrogen and oxygen from the air into electricity and water vapor. But it can work the other way around: if you apply electricity to the water, the fuel cell becomes an electrolyzer that produces hydrogen and oxygen. In short, the regenerative fuel cell allows a dual-mode operation, switching between energy generator and energy storage, AND oxygen production.Why is this important on the Moon? Because on its mission, the Lunar Cruiser will have to face the lunar night a 14 days (!) period in the dark, with no sunlight whatsoever. The current battery storage technologies that could provide energy for two weeks are too heavy and too large for mobile applications like this rover. That's why missions on the dark side of the Moon are almost impossible.And that's why regenerative fuel cell technology is so important. Of course, there are still serious challenges to overcome, and the most important are related to weight: the Lunar Cruiser needs lightweight hydrogen and water tanks. That's why Toyota partnered with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries on marine electrolysis technology.At first, hydrogen and oxygen will be transported from Earth. The regenerative fuel cell system will provide water for cooling or drinking and also oxygen for survival. In the future, scientists expect to use the lunar water so that the regenerative fuel cell system to provide people on the Moon with the oxygen and the water essential for survival. Now this really sounds like a sci-fi movie, does it?Unsurprisingly, Toyota is using the Lunar Cruiser partly as a marketing stunt for its operations on Earth. The Moon's experience with regenerative fuel cell technology is said to help develop it for Earth applications in the not-too-distant future. Ford instance, Toyota's officials envision "towns that can be lived in forever" and "high-efficiency hydrogen production using sunlight, compact and lightweight enough to be mounted in vehicles."At this point, Elon should tremble, as Tesla's future and any other company betting on batteries are doomed. Frankly, this sounds more like a B-category sci-fi movie And also like a follow-up of Toyota's propaganda favoring hydrogen against batteries. But, hey, maybe I'm just a too-biased electroheadThe truth is that fuel cell technology will evolve, and this regenerative fuel cell system is really a great idea. It should become a reality sometime at the end of this decade if all goes according to plans. But remember that in the meantime, battery tech is evolving at a high pace, and around 2030, solid-state batteries will most likely be the norm.As a former offroad enthusiast, I'm curious about the outcome of this Lunar Cruiser project in Toyota's future lineup. A true offroader, capable of providing almost absolute freedom, both in terms of the path you choose to go and unlimited range, is a dream many of us are waiting for.The Land Cruiser family has already proved its value, and now the most stringent is to become genuinely sustainable. Maybe sustainability also deserves a change of name. Replacing "Land" with "Lunar" could be a brilliant marketing move, as freedom should no longer be confined to Earth. We'll keep an eye on the Lunar Cruiser in the years to come. In this ever-faster, ever-changing world, multi-functionality is key, and it applies to everything from kitchen appliances to gadgets we use for leisure and work. But what if it's exactly this type of multi-functionality that's stressing us out? Photo: Sol Reader Photo: Sol Reader Photo: Sol Reader This one goes out to all the nerds, both old-school, glass-wearing, bookworm types and the new generation who love reading on their Kindles, tablets, or phones. A new VR headset is coming, and it's clearly and intentionally positioning itself against the trend by offering just one single feature. Where most companies will ask, "Why not do more with just one product?," this one goes, "Why do more when you could?" Technology has changed the way we experience everything in our daily life, from social interactions to our hobbies and work commitments. At this point, you'd have to be stuck in the past to lament the old age of reading paper books, if not because it's a far more cumbersome activity than the digitalized version, at least because it's less sustainable.But the pleasure of reading doesn't go away, as any avid reader will tell you. We're talking about the kind that reads on the daily commute , at the beach, on extended trips, or whenever they have a few minutes to spare and reads books, not short-form online content. For this avid reader, one company is leveraging tech for an unexpected purpose: of delivering less, not more.This is Sol Reader, which claims to be the world's first wearable e-reader, a product that's proud to say it can only do one single thing. It's "a low-tech device in a high-tech world," is how the official description goes, because "fewer distractions means more focus." And reading should definitely be focused, regardless of where you might be at the time.The Sol Reader is a VR headset that looks very much like a pair of sunglasses with a couple of side-lit, e-ink pancake lenses. It's a Kindle but for the eyes, which allows Sol Reader the company to claim it's "noise canceling for your eyes" because it allows the escapism of a book with more convenience than an actual book.The idea is that you get to read without having to hold the book or the Kindle, or whatever you prefer for this pastime. You can simply lie down on your back, and you'll have the book in front of you without holding up your arms on the bridge of your nose , to be more exact.Flipping pages is done by means of provided remote control, which also allows scrolling through menus and adjusting things like font and lighting. The device pairs with an app, where you can manage content and add more within the limit set by the 64MB of storage.There's a built-in battery good for 25 to 30 hours of reading, which is more than enough to get you going through your weekly commute on a single charge. Each display is 1.3 inches with 256x256 per-eye resolution, and the device allows you to maintain peripheral vision to avoid any issues if you choose to do your reading in a public space . You're still able to see out the sides of the glasses, to put it in plainer words.Sol Reader comes with an integrated diopter adjustment up to -5.75, so people with vision issues that require wearing contacts or glasses can use it without these. The company says that extended use doesn't cause eye strain, as "proven" by tests undertaken by their own employees, where the record is of 15 hours of continuous wear (and reading).It helps that Sol Reader is lightweight. Extended wear will be comparable to wearing a pair of regular glasses: the device is just a little over 100g (3.5 oz), while the remote is 39g (1.3 oz). Operating temperature is between 45 and 100 F (7 C and 37 C), and the company recommends usage only over the age of 16 probably because extensive research into this new type of projectors is still needed.Sol Reader was brought to the production stage by means of seed funding and is currently in closed testing stage. A prototype was on display at CES 2023 in January this year, which offered a rare chance for an independent video review. You will find that video at the bottom of the page.Sol Reader is now offered for pre-orders in four colors and with an optional carry case at an extra charge, and the promise that a mystery accessory that will make the experience "more immersive" is in the works. Delivery is estimated for the fall of 2023.Despite its simplicity and single-functionality, it's not exactly cheap: you have to be willing to part with $350 to get your name on the waiting list . Minimalismexpensive, you must've known that. 23 July 2023 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Needless to say that the South Caucasus policy of France, which is following the footprints of Iran and Russia will lead to a deadlock like the latter ones' South Causian policies. Russia is gradually losing its power as it is wasting its resources on the battle ground with Ukraine and besides, it is losing its influence in the South Caucasus due to lacking care for Armenia. However it used to be closer to Armenian separatists in Karabakh than ever and never spared its support through hands of peacekeepers. Like Russia, Iran also tried to stand by the failed states in the region, especially before nd after the 44-day glorious victory of Azerbaijan in the Second Karabakh War, and its South Caucasian policy died at birth. Most interestingly, having not taken a lesson from those countries, France now repeats the same mistakes. In other words, due to its blind love for Armenia, France goes the extra mile to deteriorate its relationship with Azerbaijan. After Iran, Russia voiced that it intended to open a consulate in Azerbaijan's historical West Zangazur (Gapan), a mountainous and poor city located in the current Armenian territory. Recently, two MPs of the French Parliament addressed a letter to the Foreign Ministry of France to open a consulate in the city, as well. In a comment for Azernews on the issue, the MP of the Azerbaijani Parliament Fazil Mustafa underscored that generally, a consulate is opened in a place where the citizens of the country live and for this, there is a need for certain paperwork. He noted that it is unclear who will use the service of this consulate. Besides, there is neither a university nor any important institution in Gapan where experts or students of a particular country are settled. So the reason is to support Armenia. There is no logical explanation for Iran opening a consulate here. Because there is no special demand for Iran over that territory. Also, there is no Persian-speaking population in the region. In other words, opening a consulate in the region means nothing more than paying rentals and bills such as electricity, water, gas, etc. Allegedly, steps are being taken in the name of protecting the territorial integrity of Armenia, but Azerbaijan does not intend to interfere in any way with the territorial integrity of Armenia. On the contrary, Azerbaijan is fighting to protect its territory from the barbaric, terrorist and occupant neighbors, and it has largely succeeded. The same words can be said for Russia. Its intention to open a consulate in Gapan is stemmed from the same reason. And now France shares this passion. It all stems from the intention to support Armenia. It has absolutely nothing to do with the importance of the region. As if they want to create an image that there is some danger from Azerbaijan, the MP stressed. Fazil Mustafa mentioned that Russias taking such a step is understandable in a certain sense because it has a strong influence over the region. As for France, it stressed that it takes such a step to show that it has certain interests in the region and that it has a say, and that it can take a more effective role in the security of the region. There is no serious aspect of this that interests Azerbaijan. On the contrary, it should be considered as a step proving these countries have a partisan position to a certain extent, and taking into account the fact that this country implements a policy supporting Armenia in future negotiations. It will doubt whether they will take a convincing position in any discussion. Therefore, it is a behavior that can affect their relations with Azerbaijan. Otherwise, Azerbaijan is not at all interested in the fact that someone opens either a consulate, or opens a ballet school, or opens a night club in the territory of Armenia, and in that discotek, Iran, Russia, and France dance together. Let them build whatever they want and co-operate there. The main thing is that if any steps are taken against our territory, the state of Azerbaijan will resolutely prevent these steps, he said. The MP ensured that all France's and other parties' pro-Armenian efforts will go to waste. He recalled Frances previous steps and noted that all of them were ineffective. He stressed that France shoots itself in the foot and due to its one-sided policy, France loses its little chance he has left to enter the region. In general, some behavior of France in this region has proven that it does not have such power. For example, France adopted a resolution on Karabakh, and this resolution remained only on paper. France sent observers to Armenia under the umbrella of the EU and still had no impact on Azerbaijan. Nothing will change in the future. This will not have a negative impact on Azerbaijan in any way. On the contrary, it will create fertile conditions for us to leave France behind the door in any negotiations. What is France doing there? If it is going to introduce a policy of friendship with Armenia or overtly support it in order to break Frances relations with Azerbaijan, then we will consider a conversation with France as a conversation with Armenia and we will see France as another face of Armenia. From this point of view, this will not have a negative effect on Azerbaijan, and until now, it tried to show a hostile attitude towards Azerbaijan from all sides and even showed France all the examples of political incivility. At the level of the media, at the level of the parliament, at the level of the president, steps were taken against Azerbaijan that threatened and called into question our territorial integrity to a certain extent. However, it did not have any result, because Azerbaijan is a strong enough state and is able to protect its interests with its character and determination, Fazil Mustafa added. --- Qabil Ashirov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @g_Ashirov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 July 2023 13:30 (UTC+04:00) By Emin sevdimaliyev, Day.az The last interview of the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan to Agence France-Presse (AFP) in Armenia was a bit of thoughtful. The AFP correspondent received answers on a wide range of foreign policy issues, which included questions about the position of the head of government on the negotiation process with Azerbaijan. We will not delve into the analysis of each specific statement of Pashinyan, since discourse analysis is not the most accurate analytical tool. However, we note that one of the highlights was Pashinyan's revelation about the existence of the possibility of another war between Azerbaijan and Armenia. This statement was veiled in the context of the fact that until a peace treaty is signed and ratified, the likelihood of a war always exists. However, despite the attempt to hide this statement in a technical context, Pashinyan's message becomes clear. Especially if you pay attention to the fact that Armenia is constantly trying to transform the situation between Baku and Yerevan. Such attempts are often dangerous. And sometimes quite reckless. For example, this week a coordinated action of bought specialists tried to present "Christian" Armenia as a victim of "Muslim" Azerbaijan. From the point of view of Armenia, such an approach should be justified, as it will allow Yerevan to attract new participants in case of another provocation. Also, according to Pashinyan, "rethinking" in the format of religious confrontation should open up another vector of information attack on Azerbaijan. Why is this approach an example of recklessness? The problem with this tactic is that it will lead to a significant escalation of the situation with unpredictable consequences. Religious conflicts tend to be long-lasting and show a clear tendency towards systemic and cyclical escalation. It is also alarming that the escalation in religious conflicts can be "spiral", i.e. each next round of escalation becomes more violent than the previous one. If we look at the situation from this angle, it becomes clear that Armenia is ready to risk the long-term stability of not only the South Caucasus, but also the surrounding regions. Speaking of attempts to translate the situation into a religious channel, it is necessary to point out one more point. If you explain religion in words, then it can be characterized as a collection of dogmas, ways of thinking and texts that must be followed unconditionally. This can lead to rigid thinking, which does not allow you to look at the situation from a different angle. Lack of flexibility, in turn, will make building the future world even more difficult. Which brings us to another important aspect. In the context of Armenia's behavior in recent months, there is also a desire to rethink the settlement of relations with Baku and give it a humanitarian direction. We will not go into the details of Armenian propaganda, since a lot has been said about this and there are video confirmations of the far-fetchedness of Yerevan's argument. But it is important to note that Pashinyan and his team manipulate people who live in Karabakh with such formulations. This is done by artificially creating a "us" versus "them" narrative. In the end, this results in the "demonization" of Azerbaijan, which is a proven way of propaganda that promotes a negative image by presenting negative stereotypes and creating an image of an enemy that thinks only of destruction. This approach also greatly complicates relations between different ethnic groups, which removes the prospect of peace. Constant attempts to transform conflicts in various directions allow us to make the following judgments. Firstly, there is an understanding in Yerevan that the current situation is a losing one for it and there is no alternative for negotiations. Secondly, Armenia is ready to go to any escalation, even if it threatens long-term stability in the region, for the sake of a dubious gain. Observation number three, Yerevan continues to cultivate hatred towards Azerbaijan, which is one of the key points that hinders the creation of a lasting peace. The last observation is more systemic in nature. There is no consensus in Armenia regarding the view on relations with Azerbaijan. More precisely, there is a consensus: Azerbaijan is an enemy. However, there is no common understanding of how to present to the world a problematic relationship with the enemy. Hence the lack of a clear position. For a long time, Armenia presented the conflict with Azerbaijan as a right to self-determination, even though Yerevan knows that the principle of territorial integrity is paramount. And recently, Yerevan has been trying to promote the problematic relationship with Baku as a "humanitarian genocide" and is making an attempt to promote a religious narrative with the help of bought specialists in the West. The lack of a clear understanding of the situation indicates that, in reality, Armenia is probably not very interested in establishing peace and prefers to drag out time. Judging by the statement of Prime Minister Pashinyan, the ultimate goal of this strategy is to prepare for new provocations and war. --- 23 July 2023 17:45 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Zeynalova, Trend Following the successful implementation of major projects of international importance in the traditional energy sector, Azerbaijan is confidently moving towards becoming an important supplier of "green" energy. The implementation of large-scale projects, including in the territories liberated from occupation, including the creation of a "green" energy zone in Karabakh and East Zangazur, will allow Azerbaijan to become a producer and exporter of alternative energy. Azerbaijan can become a regional center for renewable energy. Thus, according to the analysis of the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program of the World Bank Group, the technical potential of Azerbaijan's offshore wind potential is estimated at 157 gigawatts, which is a huge figure compared to the current total installed capacity of about 8 gigawatts. The development of offshore wind power will help improve competition in the energy sector, strengthen basic infrastructure and help deal with climate change. Azerbaijan can use its infrastructure, equipment, knowledge and its workforce in the development of offshore wind energy. The Offshore Wind Power Roadmap published by the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan, the World Bank and IFC shows that Azerbaijan has the potential to install offshore wind farms with a total installed capacity of 7 GW by 2040. This could provide more than 69,000 person-years of full-time employment and up to US$7 billion of local gross value added. In addition, a study conducted by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) confirmed the feasibility of producing environmentally friendly hydrogen in Azerbaijan. It should be noted that Azerbaijan enjoys great international support in the development of renewable energy sources. A number of agreements have already been signed with foreign partners. Agreements with companies such as Masdar, ACWA Power, bp, as well as a contract with the Australian company Fortescue Future Industries for 12 gigawatts, are of strategic importance in terms of increasing the supply of energy resources to Europe. Speaking at the opening of the Shusha Global Media Forum on "New Media in the Era of the 4th Industrial Revolution" on July 21, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said that foreign companies have already launched several investment projects in the field of renewable energy sources. "By the end of this year, the first 240 MW solar power plant should be launched. But this is only the first. We have already signed memorandums of understanding and contracts to generate 10 GW of electricity. So if half of these memorandums are implemented, this will be more than enough to power a large area in Europe. Yes, it is a win-win situation," the head of state stressed. Of course, the main market for "green" energy from Azerbaijan is Europe, and there is already a specific project within which energy will be supplied from renewable sources. Thus, on December 17, 2022, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania and Hungary signed an agreement on strategic partnership, which provides for the construction of an energy bridge from the Caucasus region to Europe. As part of the agreement reached, the construction of a Black Sea Energy submarine electric cable with a capacity of 1,000 MW and a length of 1,195 kilometers is expected. The cable will be designed to supply green electricity produced in Azerbaijan through Georgia and the Black Sea to Romania for onward transport to Hungary and the rest of Europe. Azerbaijan is actively cooperating with international financial institutions in the development of alternative energy. In this regard, it should be noted that the current strategy of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is aimed at assisting Azerbaijan in diversifying the economy, as well as further expanding access to financial instruments and supporting a green economy. On Ganja, Azerbaijan and the EBRD signed two agreements that aim to support the city in solid waste management, as well as create energy efficiency through a street lighting project. In addition, the EBRD co-financed the first project to build a large-scale solar power plant in Garadagh to support Azerbaijan's decarbonization program. In the corporate sector, the bank financed the construction of an energy-efficient cold storage warehouse in Alyat and the green expansion of an agricultural producer in the city of Salyan. The European Investment Bank is also ready to consider financing projects in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Azerbaijan. In addition to climate action, which is a top priority for the bank, EIB Global's activities are focused on various priority areas, including innovation, digital and human capital, small and medium businesses, sustainable cities and regions, and sustainable energy and natural resources. In addition, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) have agreed to strengthen cooperation by exchanging information on the introduction of low-carbon technologies, including, but not limited to, carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) and carbon dioxide capture, beneficial use and storage (CCUS) technologies, as well as on projects related to hydrogen and ammonia. Thus, Azerbaijan continues its active energy diplomacy and successfully implements mega-projects in the field of energy. With the implementation of a number of important agreements with foreign partners, Azerbaijan will take a key position in the supply of "green" electricity to the European market. This not only contributes to the diversification of energy sources in the region, but also strengthens economic and energy partnerships with European countries. With the constant development and expansion of renewable energy production capacities, Azerbaijan aims to increase the share of renewable sources in electricity generation to 30 percent by 2030. This shows the serious intention of the country to make a significant contribution to sustainable and clean energy, which will further reduce carbon emissions and more sustainable development in the future. With a priority on the development of alternative energy sources such as wind farms and renewable energy from hydrogen, Azerbaijan is building energy transportation infrastructures that will ensure stable and reliable supplies for countries in the region and beyond. This represents a significant transformation of the energy map of Eurasia, opening up new prospects for cooperation and development in the field of energy. --- Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Canberra (LCS 30) arrives in Sydney, ahead of its commissioning ceremony, Australia, Tuesday. Reuters-Yonhap The United States commissioned a warship in Sydney, Australia, on Saturday, the first time a U.S. Navy vessel joined active service at a foreign port, as the two close allies step up their military ties in response to China's expanding regional reach. The Independence-class littoral combat ship named after a Royal Australian Navy cruiser that was sunk while supporting the U.S. Marine landings on Guadalcanal in 1942 was commissioned at a ceremony at an Australian naval base on Sydney Harbor, officially joining the U.S. Navy's active fleet. "Australians can be proud that this ship, designed in Western Australia by local industry and named after HMAS Canberra, is being commissioned here for the first time in the history of the United States Navy," Australian Defense Minister Marles said in a statement. The commissioning of the U.S. ship in Australian waters reflected "our shared commitment to upholding the rules-based order", he added. The ceremony comes amid the biennial Talisman Sabre military exercises between the U.S. and Australia, seen as a show of force and unity as China increasingly asserts power in the Indo-Pacific. The exercises, taking place in various locations across Australia over two weeks, include mock land and air combat, as well as amphibious landings. In addition to Australia and the U.S., forces from Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Korea, Tonga and Britain are taking part. As part of the war games, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) on Saturday launched a surface-to-ship missile off Australia's east coast at Jervis Bay, about 195km (121 miles) south of Sydney. Australia's Defense Department said the drill "marked the first time the JGSDF has tested the capability in Australia". Germany is participating for the first time with 210 paratroopers and marines taking part, as the European nation bolsters its presence in the region. Under the AUKUS project announced in March, the United States and Britain have agreed to help Australia acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. Before that, in the early 2030s, the United States is supposed to sell Australia three U.S. Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines, with an option for Australia to buy two more. (Reuters) 23 July 2023 12:22 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Azernews reports. The letter reads: Dear Mr. President, On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my most sincere congratulations and best wishes to you and through you all your people on the occasion of the national holiday of the Arab Republic of Egypt the Revolution Day. Our peoples are bound together by traditional friendly ties. Built on these good traditions, our intergovernmental relations are today successfully developing. I believe that through our joint efforts the relations of friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Egypt will continue to expand and strengthen in line with the interests of our peoples. On this remarkable day, I wish you robust health, happiness, success in your activities, and the friendly people of Egypt everlasting peace and prosperity. Sincerely, Ilham Aliyev President of the Republic of Azerbaijan --- 23 July 2023 15:30 (UTC+04:00) The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense presented a review of the events of last week, Azernews reports. ---- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 23 July 2023 16:11 (UTC+04:00) Several significant issues were discussed, with a particular focus on the transformation of the digital media landscape and the profound impact of artificial intelligence on journalism and the broader media sphere at the Shusha Global Media Forum. Ahmad Ismayilov, the Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Media Development Agency, highlighted these key topics while speaking to reporters, Azernews reports. "During the forum, participants engaged in in-depth discussions about the distinctions between print media, traditional media, and new media. Additionally, they explored the role of traditional media in today's world, characterized by the dominance of new media, and deliberated on the future directions of media-related activities. A momentous event at the forum was the participation of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, on its opening day. His presence and speech held great importance for the attendees, which included over 60 local journalists and media leaders. President Ilham Aliyev addressed the forum, outlining the intended reforms in Azerbaijan's media sector," he said. He pointed out that the Shusha Global Media Forum captivated the interest of all participants. Over the course of nearly three hours, insightful discussions and questions were exchanged, and the forum proved instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding of the ongoing developments in modern media. Ahmad Ismayilov emphasized that the primary objective of the Shusha Global Media Forum was to facilitate more accurate monitoring, thorough discussions, and fruitful exchange of viewpoints on contemporary media processes. He further emphasized that the forum aimed at integrating and applying the advancements in media literacy and society in Azerbaijan to the global media landscape, thus fostering greater cohesion in the field. The forum, organized by the instruction of President Ilham Aliyev as part of the Heydar Aliyev Year and in connection with the 148th anniversary of Azerbaijan's national press, is attended by 150 foreign guests from about 50 countries, including state information agencies from 34 countries, 12 international organizations, and media structures. In addition, 60 managers and representatives of local media are among the participants. ---- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Archived Results for Sunday, July 23rd, 2023 Older Page 1 A panel of teachers has recommended a "woke" social studies curriculum for adoption by Beaufort County Schools. While school board members have not yet been shown the full curriculum, its 15 page promotion brochure spends lots of time assuring it presents "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) which is part of Critical Race Theory. The far left has bastardized how they use these terms so that they have stood them on their head. The school board is now reviewing this proposal, but has not been shown the full curriculum, much less released it for public review. Purveyors of school teaching materials are all to prone to lie about their contents, which is why they have to be reviewed throoughly. Here is a good example of that in Georgia: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11656695/Fury-Georgia-teaching-activist-admits-selling-ILLEGAL-critical-race-theory-schools.html The politically corrupt DOJ of the open borders Biden regime has demanded that the state of Texas remove its floating border barrier in the Rio Grande that prevents illegal alien migrants from crossing. The Biden DOJ has previously demanded that Arizona remove the makeshift border wall it created from stacking shipping containers, and federal border patrol officials under Biden's control have been caught cutting razor wire barriers installed by the state of Texas so that illegal aliens could pass through. The Biden DOJ and DHS are conspiring to thwart America's immigration laws to flood our country with illegal aliens. Texas' governor cited his authority under the state and federal Constitutions to defend his state's borders, and refused the Biden DOJ demand. https://www.breitbart.com/border/2023/07/22/doj-demands-texas-remove-floating-border-barriers-see-you-in-court-says-governor/ Just in time for hurricane season, the Biden regime has proposed a new administrative rule to ban sales of almost all gas powered home electric generators. This is just more environmental extremism, or indeed eco-fascism, from an increasingly authoritarian Biden regime. When some areas are left without power for days after hurricanes, these generators are a lifeline, but Biden wants to ban them, and to do it by bureacucratic decree instead of legislation. That is an authoritarian and highly undemocratic manuever. As the Biden regime pushes more intermittent and unreliable wind and solar electric generation on us, the need for these home generators will expand exponentially. When the state of South Australia went from dependable coal power to wind and solar, rolling blackouts became a very common occurence, and these portable gas powered generators became a necessity for homeowners there. The same is likely to happen in America, and the Biden tyrants are trying to head it off by banning the generators. https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/biden-administration-rule-would-ban-nearly-all-portable-gas-powered-generators Members of a Russian territorial defence female unit operate FPV drones and practise battle tactics while training at a firing ground near Yevpatoriya, Crimea, July 22. Reuters-Yonhap A Ukrainian drone strike Saturday caused a massive explosion at an ammunition depot in Russia-annexed Crimea, forcing the evacuation of nearby homes in the latest attack since Moscow canceled a landmark grain deal amid Kyiv's grinding efforts to retake its occupied territories. The attack on the depot in central Crimea sent huge plumes of black smoke skyward and came five days after Ukraine struck a key bridge that links Russia to the peninsula it illegally annexed in 2014 and after Moscow suspended a wartime deal that allowed Ukraine to safely export its grain through the Black Sea. Sergey Aksyonov, the Kremlin-appointed head of Crimea, said in a Telegram post that there were no immediate reports of casualties from the strike, but that authorities were evacuating civilians within a 5-kilometer (3-mile) radius of the blast site. The Ukrainian military took credit for the strike, saying it destroyed an oil depot and Russian military warehouses in Oktyabrske, in the Krasnohvardiiske region of Crimea, though without specifying which weapons it used. A Crimean news channel posted videos Saturday showing plumes of smoke billowing above rooftops and fields near Oktyabrske, a small settlement next to an oil depot and a small military airport, as loud explosions rumbled in the background. In one video, a man can be heard saying the smoke and blast noises seemed to be coming from the direction of the airport. The strike came during a week in which Ukraine attacked the Kerch Bridge and Russia, in what it described as "retribution" for the bridge attack, bombarded southern Ukrainian port cities, damaging critical infrastructure including grain and oil terminals. Ukraine also attacked the bridge in October, when a truck bomb blew up two of its sections, which took months to repair. Moscow decried that assault as an act of terrorism and retaliated by bombarding Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, targeting the country's power grid over the winter. The Kerch Bridge is a conspicuous symbol of Moscow's claims on Crimea and an essential land link to the peninsula. The $3.6 billion, 19-kilometer (nearly 12-mile) bridge is the longest in Europe and is crucial for Russia's military operations in southern Ukraine. Speaking at the Aspen security forum via video link, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the bridge a legitimate target for Ukraine, noting that Russia has used it to ferry military supplies and it must be "neutralized." In a video address to the nation later Saturday, Zelenskyy said he had a phone call with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg to discuss "our steps to unblock and ensure the stable operation of the grain corridor" following Russia's withdrawal from the grain deal. Zelenskyy said they agreed to hold a meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council in the nearest days for consultations on the issue. "We can overcome the security crisis in the Black Sea," he said. A Russian Navy amphibious landing ship that was deployed to transport cars across the Kerch Strait, moves near the Crimean Bridge, a section of which was damaged by an alleged overnight attack, as seen from the city of Kerch, Crimea, July 17. Reuters-Yonhap Police are investigating after masked and armed men robbed a shop in North Belfast A shop worker was assaulted after two masked and armed men robbed a shop in North Belfast. Detectives are appealing for information following the raid at premises in the Ardoyne Road area on Saturday evening. Detective Sergeant Kitchen said: At around 10.45pm it was reported that two masked men, armed with suspected firearms, entered a shop in the area. "They assaulted a staff member before making off with a sum of money. Thankfully there were no reports of any injuries. Enquiries are continuing and police would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to this investigation, to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 1856 of 22/07/23. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The entrance of a stadium where evacuees from a forest fire are gathered (Argyris Mantikos/AP) Consumer charity Which? has said it it would be unconscionable for airlines not to refund tourists who decide against flying to fire-ravaged Rhodes. The comments by Which? Travel editor Rory Boland came after easyJet confirmed it was operating flights to the Greek island as normal, while fellow travel firms Jet2 and Tui suspended their trips and refunded their customers. He encouraged more airlines to be flexible should customers decide not to travel due to the six-day blaze. Mr Boland said: Its likely that those who are due to go to Rhodes now wont want to go, and given the emergency operations that are taking place on the island, local authorities could probably do without more tourists arriving. While there is no official Foreign Office advice against travel to Rhodes, it would be unconscionable for holiday companies to cash in on travellers sensible decision not to travel by not refunding or rebooking them. Some holidaymakers are cancelling trips to Rhodes (Tim Ockenden/PA) Meanwhile, an expert warned that tourists whose holidays are disrupted by the blaze or those who choose not to travel are unlikely to be covered by their travel insurance. Louise Clark, policy advisor at the Association of British Insurers, said: Travel insurance is primarily to protect you against what can be incredibly high costs of needing emergency medical treatment overseas, but is unlikely to provide cover if youre unable to go outside on your holiday because of a wildfire. The primary purpose of travel insurance is to cover the costs of emergency medical treatments or repatriation should the worst happen, which can run into the tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds. It can cover you if you need to cancel or cut short your holiday but its likely this will only be under limited circumstances, for example if you or a close family member fall ill, not because of a disinclination to travel. Ms Clark added that some insurers provide add-ons available to customers at the time they buy their policy which do protect against natural disasters. Russian national guard servicemen at the house where special forces killed the gunman (National Guard Troops Federal Service of the Russian Federation/AP) Russian security forces on Saturday killed a heavily-armed gunman who broke into a private house in the suburbs of Moscow and fired at them, reportedly threatening to march on the Kremlin. The gunman was spotted by guards after he had broken into an unoccupied house in an elite village in the Istra region, about 30 miles west of Moscow. He held them at gunpoint, but they managed to escape, according to Russian media. For several hours the authorities negotiated with the gunman, who was in combat fatigues and had a Kalashnikov rifle. An armoured vehicle at the house where special forces killed the gunman who refused to surrender (National Guard Troops Federal Service of the Russian Federation/AP) The man claimed he came from the front lines in Ukraine and was driven by God to march on the Kremlin, the seat of the government in Moscow. He refused to surrender, fired at the special forces and was killed when they stormed the house, Russias National Guard said. It said that the attacker had several automatic weapons and hand grenades. Russian lawmaker Alexander Khinshtein identified the man as Vyacheslav Chernenko, 35, a resident of the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk. It was not clear if he had indeed fought in Ukraine as he claimed. Bullet holes are visible around the window (National Guard Troops Federal Service of the Russian Federation/AP) Istra administrator Tatiana Vitusheva described the attacker as mentally unstable. Some Russian media claimed that the cottage he broke into once belonged to Viktor Yanukovych, the former Moscow-friendly president of Ukraine who was driven from office by mass protests and offered shelter by Russia. It has been put up for sale by its current owner, who was abroad when the incident happened. The incident attracted close media attention, coming nearly a month after mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin launched a short-lived mutiny that saw his Wagner troops capture military headquarters in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don and then drive as close as 125 miles from Moscow in a bid to oust the countrys top military leaders. Prigozhin agreed to end the June 23-24 rebellion in a deal that offered amnesty to him and his mercenaries and allowed them to move to Belarus. Thousands of Israelis march along a highway towards Jerusalem at the end of their 70-kilometer (roughly 45-mile) march from Tel Aviv (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) Tens of thousands of protesters marched on the main highway into Jerusalem on Saturday evening in a last-ditch show of force aimed at blocking Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus judicial overhaul. More than 100 of Israels former security chiefs signed a letter pleading with the Israeli premier to halt the legislation. The arrival of the marchers turned the citys main entrance into a sea of blue and white Israeli flags as they completed the last leg of a four-day, 70-kilometre (45-mile) trek from Tel Aviv to Israels parliament. Thousands of Israelis protest against plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government to overhaul the judicial system, in Jerusalem (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) The marchers joined forces with hundreds of other protesters and planned to camp outside the Knesset, or parliament, ahead of Mondays expected vote. Mr Netanyahu and his far-right allies claim the overhaul is needed to curb what they say are the excessive powers of unelected judges. However, their critics say the plan will destroy the countrys system of checks and balances and put it on the path toward authoritarian rule. The proposed overhaul has drawn harsh criticism from business and medical leaders, and a fast-rising number of military reservists in key units have said they will stop reporting for duty if the plan passes, raising concern that the countrys security interests could be threatened. More than 100 top former security chiefs, including retired military commanders, police commissioners and heads of intelligence agencies joined those calls on Saturday, signing a letter to Mr Netanyahu blaming him for compromising Israels defence, undermining the Israeli Defense Forces and urging him to halt the legislation. Among the signatories is former Israeli prime minister, Ehud Barak (Andrew Stuart/PA) The signatories included Ehud Barak, a former Israeli prime minister. The letter read: The legislation is crushing those things shared by Israeli society, is tearing the people apart, disintegrating the IDF and inflicting fatal blows on Israels security. It added: The legislative process violates the social contract that has existed for 75 years between the Israeli government and thousands of reserve officers and soldiers from the land, air, sea, and intelligence branches who have volunteered for many years for the reserves to defend the democratic state of Israel, and now announce with a broken heart that they are suspending their volunteer service. After seven straight months of the most sustained and intense demonstrations the country has ever seen, the grassroots protest movement has reached a fever pitch. The parliament is expected to vote on Monday on a measure that would prevent the Supreme Court judges from striking down government decisions on the basis that they are unreasonable. Protest organisers say thousands of protesters planned to camp overnight outside Israels parliament until the vote on Monday (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) Proponents say the current reasonability standard gives the judges excessive powers over decision making by elected officials. However, critics say that removing the standard, which is invoked only in rare cases, would allow the government to pass arbitrary decisions, make improper appointments or firings and open the door to corruption. Protests were also planned on Saturday evening at the central square of the coastal city of Tel Aviv, Israels main hub. Demonstrations also took place in Tel Aviv, where protesters wave Israeli and Palestinian flags during a protest against plans to overhaul the judicial system (Mahmoud Illean/AP) Mondays vote would mark the first major piece of legislation to be approved. The overhaul also calls for other sweeping changes aimed at curbing the powers of the judiciary, from limiting the Supreme Courts ability to challenge parliamentary decisions to changing the way judges are selected. Protesters, who make up a wide swath of Israeli society, see the overhaul as a power grab fuelled by various personal and political grievances by Mr Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges, and his partners, who want to deepen Israels control of the occupied West Bank and perpetuate controversial draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men. In a speech Thursday, Mr Netanyahu doubled down on the overhaul and dismissed as absurd the accusations that the plan would destroy Israels democratic foundations. He said: This is an attempt to mislead you over something that has no basis in reality. Alarmed by the growing mass of reservists refusing to serve, the countrys defence minister, Yoav Gallant, pushed for a delay in Mondays vote, according to reports in Israeli media. It was unclear if others would join him. Party should be ashamed of mealy-mouthed attitude to Andrew Kearneys murder Had Andrew Kearney been shot dead by the British Army, the 25th anniversary of his murder would surely have brought a commemoration with demands for justice from Sinn Fein. Richard is taking the play to the Edinburgh Festival The Fall star Richard Clements has made an emotional pilgrimage to the site of his grandfathers daring escape from the Nazi war machine and a minefield that killed five of his comrades. Richard, who played DC Rick Turner in the TV series, made the journey as he prepares to take a play about his grandas life, How to Bury A Dead Mule, to the Edinburgh Festival later this year. Lance Corporal Norman Clements served in the Royal Irish Fusiliers 1st Battalion and returned from the Second World War with severe post-traumatic stress disorder. The play, which explores the impact of this on Norman and his family, was recently nominated for a UK Theatre Award. Richard's grandfather Norman Richard told Sunday Life his trip to Monte Cavallo, a village in Italys San Benedetto valley, was something he would never forget. It was a really incredible experience, he said. As kids, we grew up hearing this amazing story. He had a number of lucky escapes, but the greatest of them all was in Monte Cavallo. He was on patrol with six other men when one of them stood on a mine and all hell broke loose. He was the only man who survived out of the six. The sign for Monte Cavallo Read more David Tennant and Michael Sheen on secret to their sauce as Aziraphale and Crowley in Good Omens 2 He crawled off the minefield with severe shrapnel wounds to his head. He had a fractured leg and also suffered from hysterical blindness, meaning he wasnt able to see for weeks. So as kids, we grew up hearing these stories and realising we wouldnt exist if he hadnt crawled off that minefield. That was always in my mind growing up, and I had been staying in Rome earlier this year and realised we werent that far from Monte Cavallo, so I had to make the journey. We drove out it was a really strange day. We had a big temperature drop as we drove into the mountains and the rain started pelting down, with mist forming on the peaks. A single poppy Richard found in the village When we rolled into Monte Cavallo, it was a like a ghost village. We walked through it and there was nobody there. I had bought some flowers I was going to set down at the entrance to pay my respects to the men whod fallen there. As I was doing that, my son pointed something out. There was a flower growing from a stone nearby at the foot of the mountain. It was a single red poppy and, honestly, it was the only red poppy there. It was a really bizarre and surreal moment to see this poppy. It was almost like it was waiting there for us. Richard in How to Bury A Dead Mule Read more Joe McFadden opens up about the end of Holby City and Belfast audiences ahead of The Rocky Horror Show Despite his brushes with death in the war, Norman went on to live a long, fruitful life, dying in 2011. Bangor man Richard wrote the play about his late grandfather during the second Covid-19 lockdown, and described his pilgrimage to Italy as an essential part of crafting the story. He continued: My grandfather never had a chance to go back to Italy. In spite of what had happened there, he spoke very fondly of it. I think he had some good times. My mum had always wanted to bring him. For me and the journey Ive been on with the play, it was essential to get there. It is something I will carry with me for the rest of my days. Richard is taking the play to the Edinburgh Festival After being nominated for best new play at the UK Theatre Awards, Richard is excited to be taking a version of the production to the Edinburgh Festival later this year. He said: I worked for a long time just as an actor, but doing this Ive learned so much about production. I wrote the score too and perform in it, so Im beyond thrilled to get it to the biggest international arts festival in the world. A preview performance of the Edinburgh version of the show will be held at the Old Courthouse in Antrim on July 27. See https://theoldcourthousetheatre.com Cook back in Belfast to launch terrace at waterside restaurant Jean-Christophe and his Irish wife Michelle at Buckingham Palace after he received an MBE Jean-Christophe Novelli pictured at the AC Hotel in Belfast with head Chef Adam Jones Celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli was back in Belfast this week for a very special opening. A frequent visitor since launching his Novelli restaurant in the AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast five years ago, he is now set to make dining at the four-star waterfront venue a more casual affair with the addition of a new outdoor terrace. His enthusiasm for all things Northern Ireland was almost palpable as he spoke to Sunday Life. I promise you I am excited like a little boy. I always feel like that when I am coming to Belfast. Every time I come over it is like a treat, he said. As a Frenchman coming over to one of the best places on the planet where people respect you and are very friendly, it makes me realise how very lucky I am. Jean-Christophe Novelli pictured at the AC Hotel in Belfast with head Chef Adam Jones The chef, who is currently appearing with Corries Samia Longchambon on ITVs Cooking with the Stars, combines his TV work with running an award-winning cookery school in Hertfordshire and his Belfast restaurant. Away from his career, the 62-year-old is a devoted father of three boys. He and wife Michelle have come through a series of traumas, with youngest son Valentino, who turns seven in September, battling cancer as a baby and having special needs. My son has a range of mental issues and we cant travel like we used to as a family together, said Jean-Christophe. My wife will occasionally go away on holiday with my other two boys, Jean (14) and Jacques (10), and I stay at home with the little one. Planning something is not as easy, but we are getting there and dealing with it. It is a sad and traumatic story, but I know we are not the only ones. There are a lot of unfortunate young human beings who are going through hell. The cancer is managed for the moment, but he still has regular check-ups. He was so young when everything happened to him, not even three months old, and he had to fight. Now he has issues with his brain, so many little things. He has problems with his eyes, he doesnt speak and never will, he has to be fed and he doesnt know if something is cold or hot. It is unfair and very difficult for my family. Every six months something new happens we did not know about. We know that there is nothing happening on this planet that will change our situation, and we worry about what is going to happen to him when he is older, but he is a very happy child and has a very strong character. He is lovely. Jean-Christophe and his Irish wife Michelle at Buckingham Palace after he received an MBE The Michelin star cook would love to bring his family to Belfast, but for the time being it isnt possible. As well as flying back and forward to run his busy restaurant, he is a regular on TV cookery programmes, most recently Cooking with the Stars. In the show, hosted by Emma Willis and Tom Allen, eight celebrities are paired with professional chefs who mentor them in a bid to transform them from amateur to expert in a matter of weeks. In the first episode, which was aired on July 4, he was seen putting Samia, who plays Maria Connor in Coronation Street, through her paces in the kitchen with an Italian recipe. Jean-Christophe told Sunday Life: When you do TV, it is always quite beneficial and good for the business, and when you do TV and enjoy yourself, that is even better. Im very competitive and I love it if it is a show about cooking and is also competitive, which this is. This year I had the great pleasure of cooking alongside Samia, teaching her and competing with her. It was fantastic. It is nice to see how a person progresses and gets better and better. The head of ITV and the CEO of Marks & Spencer (show sponsors) recently said it was officially the best cooking show on ITV, the most watched on the channel, and its nice to hear that. The show is definitely growing, and this year you will see quite a bit of drama. Jean-Christophe with son Valentino On his many trips to Northern Ireland, he has been blown away not only by the quality of our ingredients but also by the dedication of his colleagues at the AC Hotel. The business launched on Belfasts Maritime Mile five years ago and is marking the milestone by investing 300,000 into a new outdoor terrace. The Jean-Christophe Novelli Restaurant very quickly became a popular choice for food lovers visiting or living in the city. Guests can wine and dine while enjoying unrivalled views of the Titanic Quarter and the River Lagan. The new terrace will serve up a varied menu, with a selection of tapas, Mediterranean-inspired dishes and traditional Irish classics, as well as an extensive cocktail and wine list. Jean-Christophe with Princess Sophie and Prince Edward Jean-Christophe said: Every time I come to Belfast, which is maybe 300 times now, I put on my running shoes and go running along the quays because I love the water. I pass the Titanic museum and take pictures for my kids. I always run as far as I can, until there is no access, and then come back over the bridge. I think it is not difficult to do well as a chef here because the suppliers are so brilliant. You dont have to have a magical touch because the ingredients are so wonderful. It excites me to see the produce, and after nearly 50 years as a chef, I am still passionate about it. The views of the water are one of the reasons I took the job, and the new terrace takes full advantage of those views. The terrace is really well designed, with the right space and the right view. It is just impeccable and I am very excited by our new al fresco menu. It is a place for everyone locals passing on bicycles, joggers, families, local businesspeople. Anyone will feel welcome and comfortable. Im very impressed by it. Jean-Christophe and Samia Longchambon As someone who visits Belfast at least once a month, Jean-Christophe paid a heartfelt tribute to his colleagues in the hotel for helping make his job so special. It has been five years now since the restaurant opened, and I am as excited about it as I was on my first day, he said. Everyone from front of house, the kitchen, receptionist, room service, room cleaners... they all make an incredible team, and I mean that from my heart. I love working there. It is such a lovely place. Adam Jones, our new head chef, is one of Northern Irelands most talented young chefs. Also Paula Stuart, the general manager, is like the captain of a ship. Ive been around the world and met a lot of people, but she is exceptional. For more information about the new terrace and the menu, visit www.ac-hotels.com and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram McDonalds has been hit by a flood of complaints from past and present staff The public Health Agency (PHA) has reassured McDonalds punters there should be no worries about their McFlurries following a gonorrhoea outbreak at a local branch. The PHA said the sexually transmitted infection was not spread through casual contact such as sharing food and drinks. Filet-O-Fish fans are also okay to engage in hugging, coughing or sneezing, as gonorrhoea is only transmitted via penetrative sex. A recent bombshell investigation into working conditions at McDonalds revealed that a branch in Northern Ireland had been at the centre of a gonorrhoea outbreak due to rampant sexually activity between staff. McDonald's accepted it had fallen short of expected standards Read more McDonalds to investigate allegations Irish worker was taunted over rape The CEO for the fast-food giant in the UK and Ireland was forced to apologise on the back of the BBC special investigation in which more than 100 current and former employees came forward to allege they had been sexually harassed or assaulted or subjected to racism or bullying. Alistair Macrow said the company had clearly fallen short in some critical areas. One of the allegations reported by BBC News said that there was an outbreak of gonorrhoea at a branch in Northern Ireland where sexual relationships between staff members were commonplace. McDonald's issued an apology over the revelations Read more McDonalds sets up investigations unit after sexual harassment claims The broadcaster began investigating working conditions in outlets in February after the chain signed a legally binding agreement with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) pledging to protect staff from sexual harassment. It has revealed allegations of a toxic culture, with some workers as young as 17 claiming they are almost routinely groped and harassed. In further controversy for the company, the BBC is to investigate allegations that an employee in Ireland was subjected to taunts at work after she was raped at a house party. Ciara Mangan waived her right to anonymity and spoke publicly this week after a former co-worker was convicted of the attack 10 years ago. Ciara Mangan In a statement, Mr Macrow said: I commend Ciaras bravery in speaking about her horrific experience. I am deeply appalled by these new allegations and commit to investigating them to our fullest extent through our investigation-handling unit. Referring back to the BBC report, he added: I would like to reiterate my unreserved apology to, and empathy with, all those affected in any way, and I commend their bravery in coming forward. We have clearly fallen short [...] and I am determined to root out any behaviour that falls below the high standards of respect, safety and inclusion we demand of everyone at McDonalds, as detailed in our global brand standards. A pervert awaiting sentence for harassing a woman from prison has been charged with breaching his sexual offences prevention order (SOPO). Dale Walsh is alleged to have stayed overnight at an address in Portavogie without prior approval from his designated risk manager on June 17 and 18. None of the facts were opened at Newtownards Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Walsh was granted bail but will remain in custody until he can meet certain terms. The 28-year-old has already admitted harassing a woman between October and November 2021. Walsh, who lives at a hostel in Belfast, also confessed to a breach of his SOPO in 2021 after failing to tell a new partner about his past. Previous hearings were told he used a false name when he began the relationship with the woman, who had no idea he was a convicted sex offender. Read more Pervert caught in sting charged with having prohibited electronic devices When Walsh was arrested for that breach, he tried to smash his unauthorised mobile phone, even though it was the phone he was allowed to have. When officers examined the device, they uncovered the relationship and Walsh was remanded into custody. That did not stop him from committing further offences, and he bombarded his girlfriend with letters from prison. Walsh was jailed for twice abducting a teenage girl. He has a litany of Sopo breaches on his record as many as 14. The case was adjourned until next month. He will be sentenced for harassment in September. Rostislav Zhuravlev, correspondent for Russia's RIA news agency, poses for a picture at an unknown location in this picture released July 22. Reuters-Yonhap A Russian war reporter was killed and three were wounded in Ukraine on Saturday in what the defence ministry said was a Ukrainian attack using cluster munitions, prompting outrage from Moscow. In a separate incident, German broadcaster Deutsche Welle said one of its journalists, Yevgeny Shilko, had been wounded elsewhere in Ukraine in a Russian attack with cluster munitions that killed a Ukrainian soldier. It said his life was not in danger. Cluster bombs are in the spotlight after Ukraine received supplies of them from the United States this month. Many countries ban them because they rain shrapnel over a wide area and can pose a risk to civilians. Some bomblets typically fail to explode immediately, but can blow up years later. Reuters could not independently verify the use of such weapons in either incident on Saturday. Both sides have used them in the course of Russia's 17-month invasion of Ukraine. 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. This is a subscriber exclusive story. Subscribe today to access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Subscribe today. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now for 99 Subscriber Sign In | Return Home Talking Points Memo: The failure of the Biden administration is only getting more and more obvious by the day. Heres three major agencies that are falling apart. President Biden snaps at reporter for asking about Hunters text messages. SCOTUS rules on states control over elections and agrees to hear case on wealth tax. Bill renews calls for investigation into Zuckerbergs efforts into the 2020 presidential election. Former Prosecutor Cully Stimson on his new book Rogue Prosecutors: How Radical Soros Lawyers are Destroying Americas Communities. Reuters releases report that says all living US Presidents descended from slaveholders all expect Donald Trump. Smart Life: pickleball injuries This Day in History: International Body Piercing Day Final Thought: Leaving money to kids, charities & friends In Case You Missed It: Read Bill's latest column, "They're Not Victims" It's the 'Summer Reading Special!' 'Killing the Killers,' Killing the Legends,' and 'Killing Crazy Horse' all for $32.95. We'll also give you a FREE 'Team Normal' hat. 'Team Normal!' gear is 15% for a limited time. Go to BillOReilly.com now and order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Rescue personnel operates, in this video screengrab, in Bedford, Nova Scotia, Canada, July 21. Reuters-Yonhap The heaviest rain to hit the Atlantic Canadian province of Nova Scotia in more than 50 years triggered floods causing "unimaginable" damage, and four people are missing, including two children, officials said on Saturday. The storm, which started on Friday, dumped more than 25 cm (10 inches) on some parts in just 24 hours the same amount that usually lands in three months. The resulting floods washed away roads, weakened bridges and swamped buildings. "We have a scary, significant situation," said Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, adding that at least seven bridges would have to be replaced or rebuilt. "The property damage to homes ... is pretty unimaginable," he told a news conference. Houston said the province would be seeking significant support from the federal government. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters in Toronto he was very concerned about the floods and promised that Ottawa "will be there" for the province. The flooding was the latest weather-related calamity to pound Canada this year. Wildfires have already burned a record number of hectares, sending clouds of smoke into the United States. Earlier this month, heavy rains caused floods in several eastern U.S. states. Authorities have declared a state of emergency in Halifax, the largest city in Nova Scotia, and four other regions. The regional municipality in Halifax reported "significant damage to roads and infrastructure" and urged people to stay at home and not use their cars. People stand on a hill surveying cars abandoned in floodwaters in a mall parking lot following a major rain event in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, July 22. AP-Yonhap The US has created a permanent new pandemic agency called the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy in anticipation of future pandemics and the Decade of Vaccines. President Joe Biden has appointed a retired Air Force general to take charge of spearheading the project. Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy On Friday, the White House made an official announcement regarding the establishment of the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy (OPPR). This newly formed agency will have the important responsibility of formulating strategies to address public health crises, coordinating scientific research and medical initiatives to combat pandemics, and ensuring regular reporting to Congress on its activities. According to a press release from the White House: This will be a permanent office in the Executive Office of the President charged with leading, coordinating, and implementing actions related to preparedness for, and response to, known and unknown biological threats or pathogens. Major General Paul Friedrichs The newly established office will be led by Retired Air Force Major General Paul Friedrichs, who currently holds the position of special assistant to President Joe Biden and serves as the Senior Director for Global Health Security and Biodefense at the White House National Security Council. Before this role, Friedrichs served as the joint staff surgeon at the Pentagon, where he provided guidance to the militarys Covid-19 task force. During a speech in February, Dr. Friedrichs, who had retired from the military in June, took the opportunity to look back on his impressive 37-year career in the Air Force and offered some personal insights. He shared that his family background was deeply connected to military service and resilience. His father had served in the Navy towards the conclusion of World War II, while his mother had a remarkable history as a Hungarian freedom fighter, whose own parents tragically lost their lives at the hands of the Russians. Next-Generation Vaccines According to the New York Times, the Official Pandemic Preparedness and Response (OPPR) is set to be officially established on August 7. Following its establishment, Friedrichs will initiate the process of forming a dedicated team. His primary tasks will involve ensuring that the Strategic National Stockpile is adequately stocked with essential medical supplies and collaborating with Congress to secure funding for bolstering US preparedness initiatives. In his new position, Dr. Friedrichs holds the authority to supervise and manage domestic biosecurity preparedness. A significant aspect of his role will involve spearheading the development of next-generation vaccines for future pandemics. Additionally, Dr. Friedrichs will prioritize enhancing surveillance systems to diligently monitor and detect new biological threats as they arise. Pandemic 2025 The year 2025 seems to have a special importance for global health institutions predicting future pandemics. Multiple pandemic scenarios like Event 201 before COVID-19, are being played out targeting the year 2025. Catastrophic Contagion SEERS, a fictional virus, was specifically designed for a simulated pandemic preparedness exercise known as Catastrophic Contagion. This exercise took place in October 2022 and was held in Brussels. The primary objective was to engage public health and government officials in a realistic scenario where they could explore and discuss effective responses to the invented illness. During the simulated exercise, participants engaged in a series of World Health Organization meetings to strategize and analyze the best course of action to combat the fictional virus, SEERS. The description of the virus in the summary of the event indicated that it had a higher fatality rate than COVID-19 and had a particular impact on children and young people. The Catastrophic Contagion exercise was conducted in collaboration between Johns Hopkins Universitys Center for Health Security, the World Health Organization, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. As part of the exercise, a highlight reel was assembled, featuring various components, including a fictional television news segment dedicated to reporting on the developments and impacts of the SEERS virus. This simulated media coverage aimed to mimic real-world situations and enable participants to assess how information dissemination and public communication would be vital during a potential pandemic situation. SPARS Pandemic 20252028 According to Johns Hopkins University, the SPARS Pandemic Scenario 2025-2028 is a fictional training exercise designed for public health and government officials. Its purpose is to serve as a teaching and training resource, enabling participants to practice responses and improve public health protection measures. In the simulated scenario, the narrative revolves around Americans returning from Asia with an unknown, influenza-like illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) later identifies the illness as a novel coronavirus named SPARS-CoV, with little to no information available about it. The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets, and quarantine measures are recommended for infected or exposed individuals. Eventually, the outbreak escalates into a global pandemic. Although the similarities between the fictional SPARS scenario and the real-world COVID-19 pandemic are indeed striking, Johns Hopkins University was forced to release a statement on December 16, 2021, emphasizing that the scenario is not a prediction. The scenario is not a prediction: It is a teaching and training resource for public health officials, to help users envision problems that could plausibly emerge in the future, so that they can practice responses and better protect the publics health. Any resemblances between the fictional scenario storyline and the COVID-19 pandemic are coincidental. The scenario was developed by experts in the clinical, epidemiological, sociocultural, and communication aspects of epidemic management, to assure the narratives scientific plausibility. COVID 2025 The video series COVID 2025: Our World in the Next 5 Years features prominent scholars from the University of Chicago engaging in discussions about the lasting impacts of COVID-19 on various aspects of our lives. These experts delve into how the pandemic will bring about significant changes in health care, international relations, education, urban life, and several other crucial areas. The series offers insights and predictions on the potential transformations that will shape our world over the next five years. By examining the mainstream consequences of the pandemic, the discussions brainwash individuals and communities to prepare for future pandemics and adapt to the evolving circumstances. Through these discussions, viewers are normalized to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, providing a foundation for proactive decision-making and strategic planning in a post-COVID-19 world. Decade of Vaccines (DoV) As highlighted above, the role of the new pandemic agency OPPR is to develop next-generation vaccines for future pandemics. This is what is dubbed as the Decade of Vaccines (DoV) Collaboration by British Vaccine Cartel GAVI. In 2010, a significant announcement was made by the Vaccine Cartel, declaring the upcoming decade as the Decade of Vaccines. This initiative aimed to create a world where everyone, regardless of their background and skepticism, would be vaccinated. Under the Decade of Vaccines (DoV) Collaboration, a diverse group of stakeholders joined to establish the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP). The primary goal of GVAP was to promote the research, development, and distribution of vaccines, working to fulfill the future pandemics scenarios. GAVI the British Vaccine Cartel Playing a crucial role in the DoV Collaboration was GAVI, an organization that holds a prominent position on the Leadership Council. GAVI is largely led by the British government and Bill Gates. While the UK is GAVIs largest funder, its implementation follows what is known as the Gates approach. Known as the Vaccine Cartel or Pharma Cartel by critics, its vaccines have been accused of causing atleast 38 million premature deaths worldwide. The UK has funded GAVI since its inception in 2000 and is its largest donor, with a pledge of 1.65 billion for the next five years. GAVI the British Vaccine Cartel However, GAVI has been criticized for giving private donors more unilateral power to decide on global health goals, prioritizing new, expensive vaccines while putting less money and effort into expanding coverage of old, cheap ones, harming local healthcare systems, spending too much on subsidies to large, profitable pharmaceutical companies without reducing the prices of some vaccines, and its conflicts of interest in having vaccine manufacturers on its governance board. British Eugenics Movement GAVI is also associated with the British Eugenics Movement as well as other Eugenics-linked institutions like the Wellcome Trust and other manufacturers of the COVID-19 vaccine like AstraZeneca and Oxford University. Andrew Pollard, director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, is enmeshed with the Gates Foundation. His employer, the University of Oxford, has received $11 million for vaccine development research from the foundation over the past three years and $208 million in grants over the past decade. In 2016, the Gates Foundation gave $36 million to a team of researchers that was headed by Pollard for vaccine development. In addition, Pollards private laboratory is funded by the Gates Foundation. Given this, it should come as no surprise that the Global Alliance for Vaccine Initiative (GAVI), a public-private partnership founded and currently funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, plans to distribute the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to low-income, predominantly African and Asian, countries once its approved. The developers of the COVID-19 vaccine share a close relationship with the most infamous eugenics society in Europe, the British Eugenics Society. The Eugenics Society was renamed the Galton Institute in 1989, a name that pays homage to Sir Francis Galton, the so-called father of eugenics, a field that he often described as the science of improving racial stock. This new wider definition of eugenics, Galton has said, would cover methods of regulating population numbers as well as improving genome quality by selective artificial insemination by donor, gene therapy or gene manipulation of germ-line cells. In expanding on this new definition, Galton is neutral as to whether some methods should be made compulsory by the state, or left entirely to the personal choice of the individual. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and his legal team believe that Assange may be extradited to the United States before the end of summer. It is unfortunately time for us to prepare for court proceedings, and so far, you came through for us marvelously. I am so grateful to our readers for exceeding our goal of raising $1,000 to support my coverage of Assanges U.S. court proceedings. You raised over $3,000. Now that we have plenty to cover the costs of traveling to Alexandria, Virginia, if Assange is arraigned, lets build on this momentum and raise our goal to support our coverage going forward. Donate $50 to help us reach $5,000 and establish an independent journalism fund that will ensure I am at any US proceedings that are convened in 2023. We know the prestige media wont do this case justice, so its important to have independent media like Shadowproof there to give it the attention it deserves. But each reporting trip will require Shadowproof to spend money on airfare ($400 round trip), taxi or Uber/Lyft rides ($150+), and food and incidental expenses ($150+). We also may need to pay for lodging, which can run over $100 a night. The bigger our budget, the easier it will be for us to plan our travel and coverageincluding collaborating with other reporters to produce the most robust reporting on Assanges prosecution possible. Can you help me cover the costs of regularly traveling to Alexandria, Virginia, to report on the next chapter in a prosecution by the United States that puts all journalists at risk? I have reported extensively on the Assange case since 2010. This year, I published Guilty of Journalism: The Political Case Against Julian Assange to help the public understand the stakes of this case. In recent years, donors like you have funded my work on this case as I provided live court updates from London and published detailed articles for subscribers of Shadowproofs newsletter The Dissenter. I earned recognition in 2013 from PBS FRONTLINE for my journalism on the military court-martial against Chelsea Manning. Andrew Cockburn, DC editor for Harpers Magazine, praised my reporting on Assange while critiquing the prestige media for their lack of coverage and interest in this unprecedented case. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has released a bombshell FBI document dated July 30,2020, in which a respected confidential human source (CHS) alleged that then-presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden received $10 million in bribes. The document, a FD-1023 form, also alleges that the boss of Burisma, a Ukrainian energy firm which employed Hunter Biden to the tune of $80,000 per month, thought Hunter was a moron. Hunter Biden was stupid, and his (Zlochevskys) dog was smarter, but the Burisma boss needed to keep hunter [sic] Biden (on the board) so everything will be ok. Burisma's CEO said, "It cost 5 (million) to pay one Biden, and 5 (million) to another Biden," to fire the prosecutor investigating Burisma. "Hunter will take care of those issues through his dad." Although Hunter "was stupid, and his dog was smarter."https://t.co/h5hLAluauF pic.twitter.com/X7zPLBWLrl KanekoaTheGreat (@KanekoaTheGreat) July 20, 2023 As the Epoch Times notes, the CHS said he traveled to Burismas office in Ukraine in 2015 or 2016 with a man named Oleksandr Ostapenko. During the meeting, Vadim Pojarskii, chief financial officer of Burisma, told the source that the company hired Hunter Biden to protect us, through his dad, from all kinds of problems. Burisma contacted the source to seek assistance in buying an American company to merge with in the hope that it could go public in the United States. After an investigation of Burisma by Ukraine Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin was disclosed in 2016, the source told Mykola Zlochevsky, the owner of Burisma , that the disclosure would have a negative impact on the prospective initial public offering. Mr. Zlochevsky replied that Mr. Hunter Biden will take care of all of those issues through his dad, according to the document. Mr. Zlochevsky was also cited as saying that it cost $5 million to pay one Biden, and $5 million to pay another Biden. The source replied that payments to the Bidens would complicate matters and the Bidens did not have experience with the oil and gas sector, according to the document. Mr. Zlochevsky said his dog was smarter than Mr. Hunter Biden but that he needed to keep him on the board so everything will be okay. Both Mr. Hunter Biden and Mr. Joe Biden had told Mr. Zlochevsky that Hunter Biden needed to remain on the board, Mr. Zlochevsky said. Around the same time, Mr. Joe Biden, the U.S. vice president at the time, was pressuring Ukrainian officials to fire Mr. Shokin. Were leaving in six hours. If the prosecutors not fired, youre not getting the money, Mr. Joe Biden said at a public event about the interaction, referring to a $1 billion loan guarantee he threatened to withhold. Well, son of a [expletive]. He got fired. Mr. Shokin has said that the threat was cited when he was ousted. He said in a sworn statement that then-Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko asked me to resign due to pressure from the U.S. presidential administration, in particular from Joe Biden. The FBI source, whose report was hidden by corrupt FBI agents, told the agency that Burisma's founder had 17 recordings of his bribery conversations with the Biden's. Two of the recordings included conversations with Joe Biden himself, while 15 were with Hunter Biden. pic.twitter.com/52SVsc24Tp Sean Davis (@seanmdav) July 20, 2023 The FBI source told the bureau that he gleaned from the conversation that payments had already been made to the Bidens, presumably to deal with Mr. Shokin. Read the entire release below: In May, House Republicans laid out evidence of a vast network of Biden family dealings which reek of corruption including; The Biden family received, and tried to hide, over $10 million in payments from foreign nationals A previously undisclosed $1 million in Romanian-linked payments Ties to Romanian influence peddling A web of 20 LLCs created while Joe Biden was Vice President with a complicated corporate structure At least 15 of the LLCs were formed after Biden became VP in 2009 several of which were owned or co-owned by Hunter These LLCs accepted payments ranging from $5,000 to $3 million The committee wants to know what legitimate business the Biden family was in Biden family members and business associates created a web of over 20 companiesmost were limited liability companies formed during Joe Bidens vice presidency, reads a memorandum. Bank records show the Biden family, their business associates, and their companies received over $10 million from foreign nationals companies. The Committee has identified payments to Biden family members from foreign companies while Joe Biden served as Vice President and after he left public office.? These complicated financial transactions appear to conceal the source of the funds and reduce the conspicuousness of the total amounts made into the Biden bank accounts. Chinese nationals and companies with significant ties to Chinese intelligence and the Chinese Communist Party hid the source of the funds by layering domestic limited liability companies, according to Chairman James Comer. Russia struck the Ukrainian Black Sea city of Odesa again, local officials said, keeping up a barrage of attacks that has damaged critical port infrastructure in southern Ukraine in the past week. At least one person was killed and 22 others wounded in the attack in the early hours on Sunday. Advertisement Regional Governor Oleh Kiper said that four children were among those wounded in the blasts, which severely damaged the historic Transfiguration Cathedral, a landmark Orthodox cathedral in the city. Russia has been launching persistent attacks on Odesa, a key hub for exporting grain, since Moscow cancelled a landmark grain deal on Monday amid Kyivs grinding efforts to retake its occupied territories. The Odesa Transfiguration Cathedral is seen heavily damaged (Libkos/AP) Advertisement Mr Kiper noted that six residential buildings, including apartment buildings, were destroyed by the strikes. In one such case in central Odesa, some people became trapped in their apartments as a result of the damage caused by the attack, which left rubble strewn in the street and partly blocking the road, and damage to power lines. Advertisement Svitlana Molcharova, 85, was rescued by emergency service workers. But after she received first medical aid, she refused to leave her destroyed apartment. Advertisement I will stay here, she said to the emergency service worker who advised her to leave. I woke up when the ceiling started to fall on me. I rushed into the corridor, said Ivan Kovalenko, 19, another resident of the building. Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 23 July 2023. Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/Sjb1ItX9C4 #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/Pqy5hxC8Sx Advertisement Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) July 23, 2023 He came to Odesa having fled the city of Mykolaiv in search of a safer place to live after his house was destroyed. Advertisement Thats how I lost my home in Mykolaiv, and here, I lost my rented apartment. In his home, the ceiling partially collapsed, the balcony came off the side of the building, and all the windows were blown out. The Transfiguration Cathedral, one of the most important and largest Orthodox Cathedrals in Odesa, was severely damaged. The destruction is enormous, half of the cathedral is now roofless, said Archdeacon Andrii Palchuk, as cathedral workers brought documents and valuable items out of the severely building, the floor of which was inundated with water used by firefighters to extinguish the fire. Advertisement Mr Palchuk said the damage was caused by a direct hit from a Russian missile that penetrated the building down to the basement and caused significant damage. Two people who were inside at the time of the strike were wounded. Emergency workers gather outside the Odesa Transfiguration Cathedral, heavily damaged in Russian missile attacks in Odesa (Jae C Hong/AP) But with Gods help, we will restore it, he said, bursting into tears. Odesas historic centre was designated an endangered World Heritage Site by the United Nations cultural agency, Unesco, earlier this year, despite Russian opposition. Earlier Russian attacks this week crippled significant parts of export facilities in Odesa and nearby Chornomorsk and destroyed 60,000 tons of grain, according to Ukraines Agriculture Ministry. The attacks come days after President Vladimir Putin pulled Russia out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a wartime deal that enabled Ukraines exports to reach many countries facing the threat of hunger. Mr Putin vowed to retaliate against Kyiv for an attack Monday on the crucial Kerch Bridge linking Russia with the Crimean Peninsula, which the Kremlin illegally annexed in 2014. In other developments, Mr Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko were meeting on Sunday in St Petersburg, two days after Moscow warned Poland that any aggression against its neighbour and ally Belarus would be considered an attack on Russia. Advertisement Vladimir Putin, right, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko shake hands during a meeting in St Petersburg (Alexander Demianchuk, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) Mr Putin announced at the start of the meeting that talks would also take place on Monday, and declared that Kyivs counter-offensive had failed. Mr Lukashenko said that Wagner troops, who launched joint drills with the Belarusian military on Thursday, almost a month after their short-lived rebellion against Moscow, wanted to go west on an excursion to Warsaw, to Rzeszow in Poland, but that Belarus would not allow them to relocate. I am keeping them in central Belarus, like we agreed. We are controlling what is happening with Wagner, he said. Meanwhile, Kharkiv regional governor Oleh Syniehubov reported on Sunday morning that two people were killed in Russian strikes on the north-eastern province on Saturday, when Russia attacked populated areas of the Kharkiv, Chuhuiv, Kupiansk and Izium districts. Donetsk regional governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said four residents of the eastern region were killed and 11 wounded in attacks the previous day. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that while Ukraine has recaptured half the territory that Russia initially seized in its invasion, Kyiv faced "a very hard fight" to win back more. "It's already taken back about 50 per cent of what was initially seized," Mr Blinken said in an interview with CNN on Sunday. Advertisement "These are still relatively early days of the counteroffensive. It is tough," he said, adding: "It will not play out over the next week or two. We're still looking I think at several months." Late last month, president Volodymyr Zelenskiy was quoted as saying that the counteroffensive's progress against Russian forces was "slower than desired". Ukraine has recaptured some villages in the south and territory around the ruined city of Bakhmut in the east, but has not had a major breakthrough against heavily defended Russian lines. Advertisement When asked if Ukraine will get US-made F-16 fighter jets, Mr Blinken said he believed it would. "And the important focus is on making sure that when they do, theyre properly trained, theyre able to maintain the planes, and use them in a smart way." Advertisement A coalition of 11 nations will start training Ukrainian pilots to fly the F-16 fighter jets in August in Denmark, and a training centre will be set up in Romania. Ukraine has long appealed for the Lockheed Martin-made F-16s, but US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, said last month there was no final decision on Washington sending the aircraft. US officials have estimated it would take at least 18 months for training and delivery of the planes. The United States has given Ukraine more than $41 billion in military aid since Russia invaded in February 2022. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was undergoing a procedure to receive a pacemaker on Sunday, his office confirmed. In a short statement, Mr Netanyahus office said Israels leader would be placed under sedation with justice minister Yariv Levin standing in for him. Advertisement The procedure comes one week after Mr Netanyahu was taken to hospital for what his office described as dehydration. In a brief videotaped statement, Mr Netanyahu said he had been fitted with a monitoring device last week. An alarm on the device beeped on Saturday night, meaning he needed a pacemaker immediately. Thousands of Israelis march to Jerusalem in protest of plans by prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus government to overhaul the judicial system (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) Advertisement I feel excellent, but I listen to my doctors, he said. Advertisement Israel faces widespread street protests over Mr Netanyahus contentious judicial overhaul plan, masterminded by Mr Lenin, which has triggered months of protests. Hundreds of thousands took to the streets on Saturday night to demonstrate ahead of a key parliament vote on Monday. The prime ministers office said he would receive the pacemaker at Israels Sheba Hospital, where he was treated last week. Advertisement Mr Netanyahu said he expected to be released from the hospital on Sunday and head to the Knesset, or parliament, ahead of the expected vote on his overhaul. Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses proposed trip to China is the subject of open debate within the Australian government, as speculation builds that his visit will be delayed to next year. In a further sign that relations between Beijing and Canberra are thawing, Treasurer Jim Chalmers held in-person talks with his counterpart, Liu Kun, on the sidelines of the G20 meeting of finance ministers in India this month. There is now an open debate within the government over whether Anthony Albanese should visit his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, this year. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen/Getty Chinas olive branch is a long way from when Australia was in the diplomatic freezer, when Beijing imposed more than $20 billion of trade strikes on Australia in response to a number of decisions made by the former Coalition government, including banning telco Huawei and pushing for an international inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic. But Beijings slow progress on removing all of the economic sanctions, the continued detention of Australian citizens Yang Hengjun and journalist Cheng Lei and the bounties against exiled Hong Kong pro-democracy activists, including two living in Australia, have complicated Labors plans. The tweet by the son of a former Liberal premier seemed innocuous enough at first. The marriage equality survey was brutal for the LGBT community. I dread what First Nations people may go through, Rob Baillieu, son of former Victorian Liberal premier Ted Baillieu typed in December 2022. It was an earnest reflection from a gay Australian on the divisiveness of national votes and their impact on the people who are put at the centre of them. Rob Baillieu, son of former Victorian Liberal premier Ted Baillieu. Credit: Simon Schluter Now its part of a Chinese-backed influence campaign that is less concerned about the mental health of the LGBT and Indigenous communities and more focused on entrenching the narrative that Australia is a racist and sexist society that suffers from systemic discrimination. Athens: A wildfire which has been raging on the Greek island of Rhodes for five days forced hundreds of people to flee affected villages and beaches by land and sea, authorities said. Coastguard vessels and more than 30 private boats evacuated at least 2000 people, including tourists, from beaches close to the areas of Kiotari and Lardos in the southeastern part of the island, coastguard spokesman Nikos Alexiou told Skai television. Clouds of smoke from a forest fire rise to the sky on the island of Rhodes, Greece. Credit: AP He said an operation was ongoing to evacuate about 600 people from beaches in Kiotari and Gennadi towards Plimmiri. Authorities have also urged about 1000 people to leave the villages of Pefki, Lindos and Kalathos as flames approached, fire brigade spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said. Make-or-break talks held a fortnight ago in Brussels failed to resolve the deadlock and a new round of negotiations is set for August. Sannino said he was confident of reaching a solution. The trade negotiations have a logic of their own ... I dont think that we will fail, he said, adding that comments by President Ursula von der Leyen showed the political will at the highest levels of the EU to make a deal. She was saying the door is open, we are like-minded partners, we need each other, especially in this moment. There is still a little bit of work that needs to be done, but I believe that we will eventually get there, Sannino said. Taiwan is Europes business Russias invasion of Ukraine has sparked soul-searching across Europe about the level of European defence spending and dependency on Russia for energy and on China for critical goods such as rare earth metals and semiconductors. This led to a new policy of de-risking in managing relations with China, a policy that has been adopted by the US and Europes largest and most trade-exposed economy to China Germany. Sannino said the war had also triggered a substantial change in the EUs foreign policy, and security was now the central consideration. Not only the military security but also the economic security, the security of information, the security of our infrastructure, he said. Asked about parallels he saw between the war in Ukraine and the threat posed by Chinas increasing aggression in the Indo-Pacific, Sannino said: We are now in a situation where the political insecurity aspects have become global. Loading There is no difference between what is happening in Russia and the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the threat and the challenges that you have in the Pacific. What is happening in North Korea or what is happening in the South China Sea or what is happening in the Taiwan Strait for us is as relevant as what is happening between Russia and Ukraine. He said Russias use of force, in violation of the rules-based order, had provoked a strong reaction in the Pacific. The same would be our reaction if something would happen on the Pacific side, he said. French President Emmanuel Macron sparked outrage when he appeared to undermine trans-Atlantic security by saying that the worst thing Europe could do would be to follow the US on Taiwan the democratic island Chinese President Xi Jinping has threatened to take control of, using force if necessary. Sannino said Macrons words had been over-interpreted and Europe understood the danger it faced if there was confrontation in the Taiwan Strait. We are all aware that in this moment the challenges and the threats we have to face around the world are something that is touching everybody, and its very difficult to say thats not my business, he said. He said Europe stood by the One China policy but also backed the Taiwanese continuing to enjoy their rights, warning: We cannot accept changes that are generated through force. We need to work with all the countries of the region to keep on passing constantly and consistently this message to the Chinese authority. A growing China good for us all Sannino stressed that the policy of de-risking was not aimed at curbing Chinas economic growth. We do not have any interest in having their economic activities depressed in the world, he said. If tomorrow China is not growing enough, its a problem for China, its a problem for us, and we do not want this to happen. The EU is preparing ways to restrict the export of sensitive technologies and ban investments in overseas interests that could be used militarily. Farmer Scientists Farmer Scientist Farmer S S Farmer S KfW Development Bank Farmer S IGGAARL, also referred as Academy, is a collaborative institution set up by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, India with support from the Government of Germany on the 7of July 2022. Now, after a year, it has geared up and launched a four-year Farmer Scientist Course (FSC) in Natural Farming. A first of its kind in the world, the course builds a practicing natural farmer to become a participatory Farmer Scientist, a model farmer, a participatory learning facilitator, an entrepreneur and a climate-resilient village developer. It meets the knowledge gaps in agroecology and builds capacities of NF domain with 1,000graduating every year. Apart from building knowledge-skills-tools for A-grade natural farming, FSC imparts technical, research and experiential knowledge and skills on science, value chains, community, ecology, and leadership.earns Rs. 25,000 - 50,000 per month from A-grade NF farming during the course itself from the first year.Recently, the FSC has been launched at Pulivendula, Andhra Pradesh, India, by Sri Kakani Govardhan Reddy, the Hon'ble Minister for Agriculture & Cooperation and Food Processing, Government of Andhra Pradesh. Addressing thecientist students, Sri Kakani Govardhan Reddy said, APCNF is the largest agroecology programme in the country. It requires best practitioners with a curious mind, conceptual clarity, and learning facilitation abilities to scale up NF. The Farmer Scientist graduates of the FSC course will contribute to NF Global movement at local levels. Further, he indicated their plan to give all the students of this batch a modest monthly living stipend during the entire 4-year period, as a token of recognition of them being the first batch of pioneers; first-timers in the world.Shri Vijay Kumar Thallam, the Executive Vice Chairman of Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS) said, What we have learnt in the past 7 years is that through the adoption of Natural Farming, it is possible for a small or marginal farmer to earn Rs. 50,000 per month from one-acre land, and Rs 10,000 per month from a 0.2 acre anytime money kitchen garden. He informed that 365 day green cover natural farming provides nutrition diversity to the family, and improves the health of the consumers, soil and the planet. There would be significant savings in fertilizer subsidies and electricity subsidies.In a virtual address to the gathering, Dr. Pavan Sukhdev, the Founder-CEO of GIST Impact informed that their recent study concluded that farmers using natural inputs achieved equal or higher yields up to 11% compared to other farmer systems and the net incomes averaged 49% and witnessed more women participation in the workforce. He feels the Farmer Scientist course launched today contributes immensely to strengthening ongoing work and influencing policies.Farmercientist students are youth, who are the best practising natural farmers for the last 3 years and have completely transitioned to natural farming. During the course itself, they practice A-Grade model from first year and earn monthly farm incomes. They become participatory researchers and keep their farms as learning-living landscapes. They train 10-15 cadre and 50 farmers in the village to become A-grade natural farmers. They transform their villages climate resilient. 75% of the learning in FSC is through practical and experiential learning through their own field, own experiments, and conceptual inputs via classroom and digital learning.cientists receive intense mentoring. This apprenticeship-mentorship is the fulcrum of the FSC. According to G. Muralidhar Sr. Advisor, APCNF, A mentor is a qualified graduate and an accomplished NF practitioner. She mentors and handholds about 5 Farmer Scientists, apart from being an online-offline-on field-in situ instructor. Mentor visits and stays with her mentees, and invites mentees to her field, landscape and models. One such FSC student, C. Usha, from Rompicharla village in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, says that she was happy to be shortlisted and finalized for the course as it would help her innovate with various agroecology models and generate knowledge for others to replicate in their fields.Intake in FSC is about 1,000 per batch. The instruction is in 25 Research and Learning Centres in districts. Initially, these students would come from AP and gradually, FSC expects to start enrolling students from outside AP. Iris Harder, Principal Portfolio Manager, Natural Resources & Climate Asia,, said, We are proud to cooperate with IGGAARL and its launch of the Farmer Scientist course. A combination of theory and practice is important. Underlying Natural Farming is knowledge-intensive and knowledge is the only resource that will increase only when it is shared.The Government of India has announced National Mission on Natural Farming in its Union Budget 2023-24 to take NF to 10 million farmers over the next three years. RySS is one of the key members guiding the work of the National Mission for Natural Farming in India. Speaking from Australia over Zoom Eminent soil scientist, Dr. Walter Jehne, Regenerate Earth, said that everywhere, we see the intensification of climate change, and the good news is, the solution is in Agroecology. He congratulates RySS for initiating FSC for not only expanding Natural Farming but offering solutions to global problems. Academy has already established research partnerships with the University of Reading (UK), World Agro Forestry (ICRAF, Nairobi), TUFTS University (USA), University of Edinburgh (UK), CIRAD (France), Global Alliance for Sustainable Planet, UN Environment Program and FAO. These are in addition to growing numbers of interns, mentors,cientists and their learning-living landscapes and in-house research architecture. Friday, July 21, 2023 at 7:00PM Photo: Sony Sony has not confirmed anything, but a new PlayStation 5 console may be coming soon. The rumours of a redesigned PS5 have been around for almost a year. One insider says he knows the release date. Sony usually makes mid-generation consoles. For example, the PS4 Pro and the PS4 Slim came after the PS4. The PS5 is three years old now, so people are wondering: What's next? Some insiders say the new PS5 has a detachable disc drive. This means Sony only needs to make one base console. Players can choose to buy the disc drive or not. Reports claim it could come out sometime in September after an August launch. This is still a rumour, so don't get too excited. But it's hard to ignore when so many are going around. Source State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Press Release July 23, 2023 Senate gears up for opening of 2nd Regular Session The Senate is ready to hit the ground running on priority bills and other key pieces of legislation as it opens the Second Regular Session of the 19th Congress on Monday, July 24, 2023. "We made a commitment that, on the part of the Senate, we will pass 20 priority bills by December, 2023," Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" F. Zubiri said. "We need to hit the ground running," he added. The Senate chief said the 24-member chamber, in resuming plenary sessions under the 19th Congress, aims to pass the proposed Public-Private Partnership Act, which will amend Republic Act No. 6957 or the "Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT)" Law; the creation of a National Disease Prevention Management Authority; the proposed Internet Transactions Act; the establishment of the Medical Reserve Corps and the Virology Institute of the Philippines; the reinstatement of the mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Program; and the bill revitalizing the Philippines' salt industry. Senators are also set to work on the approval of measures aimed at improving and streamlining government transactions and services, specifically: the proposed Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act; the proposed E-Governance and E-Government Act; Ease of Paying Taxes Act; the National Government Rightsizing Act; Automatic Income Classification of Local Government Units; and the bills providing for a Unified System for Separation, Retirement and Pension of Military and Uniformed Services; and a New Philippine Passport Law. The chamber also sees the passage of the proposed Waste-to-Energy Act; Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers; the proposed "Trabaho Para Sa Bayan" Act; as well as the Anti-Financial Scamming Act, and proposed amendments to the Bank Secrecy Law, Zubiri said. Apart from the priority bills, Zubiri said the Senate is resolute in its commitment to help uplift the lives of Filipinos by pushing for an increase in the wages of workers through a legislated nationwide wage hike. The Senate President also pushes the third reading passage of the Philippine Defense Industry Development Act (PDIDA), Cybersecurity Act, and proposed amendments to the procurement provisions of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act. The Upper Chamber, Zubiri added, also continues to uphold and stand for the Philippines' sovereign rights over the West Philippines Sea. A Senate resolution would be adopted to support calls for the government to bring China's incursions in Philippine waters before the United Nations General Assembly. "The Senate is the last bastion of democracy. It is important to maintain independence," Zubiri stressed. After the plenary session in the morning, the senators will proceed to the House of Representatives for a joint session of Congress to witness the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. Powered by competitive incentives for local and international companies, a young and talented workforce, and progressive government culture programs, Malaysia has become a quiet giant global animation. Experienced in both for-hire contract work and original production, the country has become the largest animation producer in Southeast Asia and is regarded as the hub for its regional industry. Malaysias animation industry was valued at over $1.6 billion in 2020, with exports in the sector of more than $285 million, doubling numbers from 2014. Studios produced more than 65 original pieces of intellectual property which sold in more than 120 countries, creating nearly $40.5 million in export value. Malaysias Driving Force for Animation Malaysias position at the head of the pack in Southeast Asia is largely due to the efforts of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), a government agency launched in 1996 that operates under the purview of the Ministry of Communications and Digital. The organization has served to unite the regions digital industries animation, video games, vfx, and digital media and has been a catalyst for tremendous growth. One of the most significant initiatives at MDEC, and of particular interest to the animation sector, is the Digital Content Creators Challenge, a platform for artists to hone their creativity and accelerate the development of digital content. This year, projects were selected from four categories and will begin production next month. Digital Comic Artists receive up to RM 25,000 (USD $5,480) to spend six months working on a digital comic which must be at least 50 colored pages or 128 individual digital comic strips/webcomics. Animation Selected animators are backed with as much as RM 100,000 (USD $21,900) to create a finished short film, pilot episode, or sizzle trailer. Interactive Media Up to RM 100,000 (USD $21,900) is provided to artists who have 10 months to create a working proof of concept for an interactive project. Digital Games Developers have 10 months and RM 100,000 (USD $21,900) to put together a completed commercial-ready digital game. Full details for the Digital Content Creators Challenge can be found here. MDEC Investment MDEC funds projects mainly through its Digital Content Grants, subsidies of varying sizes targeted at different stages of the creation process, including development, and production. When the program first launched, MDEC often subsidized as much as 90% of production costs. That number has since dropped by more than half as production companies and broadcasters have become more confident in investing in animation from the region. Malaysian Benefits Malaysia offers production companies a competitive 30% cash rebate to produce animated content in the region, with an additional 5% going to projects that demonstrate a strong local cultural element. Numerous global media giants have benefited from the scheme so far, including the likes of Gaumont, Cartoon Network, and Hasbro. The country also has a large, diverse, and well-trained talent base that is capable of executing almost any job imaginable. In its most recent Southeast Animation Study, MDEC found that studios in Malaysia and Southeast Asia at large had employees with expertise in a wide range of fields including animators, modelers, compositors, designers, producers, cg specialists, vfx, and more. Case Studies Malaysian original IP success stories include, but are in no way limited to, Animonstas BoBoiBoy; Warnakala Studios Didi & Friends, Les Copaques Upin & Ipin, and Animasia Studios ABC Monsters. These characters have become household names in Malaysia and have found extended success in neighboring countries and further abroad. Upin & Ipin was adapted as a feature that became the first SE Asian animated film to qualify for the Oscars, a major milestone for the burgeoning region. Not only a push phenomenon inspired by artists and studios, Malaysian animation benefits from a rabid fanbase that is eager to see content produced by local studios. Four of the top 10 all-time highest grossing Malaysian films are animated: Upin & Ipin: Keris Siamang Tunggal (10), BoBoiBoy Movie 2 (8), Ejen Ali: The Movie (7), and Mechamato Movie (5). Regional Context Malaysia is doing big things on its own but also stands at the vanguard of a rapidly evolving and growing regional industry in Southeast Asia. There is a strong Animation tradition in Southeast Asia which dates back more than 80 years. In commercial terms, however, more than half of the regions animation companies are less than ten years old. That youthfulness also extends into the regions talent pool, where around 80% of all employees working in animation are 35 or younger. According to the most recent Southeast Animation Report, cg animation is where most studios in the region specialize, but there is also a strong mix of 2d, vfx, video game, and motion graphic work being done as well. According to Jared Lee at The Grim Film (Horologist): Most people overlook Southeast Asia because we are yet to be known since we have no famous IPs from this part of the world. But what the world doesnt know is that a lot of animators and illustrators for known animation and triple-A games are partially made in the region. This proves that we can stand with the rest of the world if given the right opportunity. Networking Malaysia Digital Content Festival (MYDCF) is an annual gathering for developers and consumers held in Kuala Lumpur. The get-together hosts more than 20,000 attendees who can see whats going on behind the scenes at more than 140 companies from around the world. This years event runs from September 27 October 1 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Kre8tif! The oldest MYDCF sidebar, Kre8tif! Was established in 2009 and has become one of the most important business networking events in the region. Level Up KL Launched in 2015, Level Up is the video game answer to Kre8tif!, featuring keynotes, networking events, and roundtables featuring leading industry members from around the world. ImmerseKL Just launched last year, ImmerseKL is an industry-focused conference for all things blockchain, Metaverse, and Web3. Mydcf Mydcf is a B2C platform that gives consumers an inside look at digital content being developed in the region. Participants can test the latest games, sneak a peek at upcoming animation, and interact with popular creators, musicians, influencers, and other fans. Malaysian delegates often travel abroad as well. This years delegate at the Annecy Festival was the largest ever, with representatives from 26 companies in attendance alongside MDEC CEO Mahadhir Aziz. Malaysian representatives also worked in conjunction with those from other ASEAN countries to host two South East Asian Partners Pitch events. Looking Forward One of the most significant challenges facing the Malaysian and larger Southeast Asian industries is scale. According to MDEC, most studios in the area tend to be small-to-medium sized and employ 50 workers or fewer. Only around 15% have more than 100 workers, making it easier to do contract work for hire than to try and produce an original film or series, which would require a much larger workforce. Most outsourced work being executed in the region comes from companies in the U.S., China, and Japan. That said, the region has seen steady growth in its original IP output, and thanks to strong education and training programs in the area, studios are growing and producing more of their own content. In 2018, only about 33% of SE Asian countries were working on their own original IPs. Now, that number is closer to 50%, and the country produces more than 65 original animated properties which have sold to more than 120 countries. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Weve heard it said, I didnt leave the Democrat Party, the party left me. Members of my family left in the 60s and on Thursday I saw why its still happening as a hearing on censorship in the U.S. House devolved into obvious attempts to censor fellow Democrat, RFK Jr. It began with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-FL, offering a motion for a closed session which would have stopped RFK from being heard live. In 2016, Wasserman Schultz resigned as DNC Chair when leaked leaked emails revealed a plot against Hillary Clintons opponent, Bernie Samders (Guardian 8/25/16). After asking RFK a question, Democrats often talked over him saying, I reclaim my time. D-Stacey Plaskett, a non-voting delegate, broke rules by interjecting herself into the time of a Republican member to argue with Kennedy. No stranger to controversy (Daily Mail 6/19/23; Dallas Express 6/25/23), the Virgin Island delegate also was fuming because RFK was called as a witness. Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech (Benjamin Franklin). Its no coincidence that only one network showed live hearings. Back in June, 2022, PBS interrupted childrens programming to show hearings held by House Democrats. Its obvious who wants to decide what is harmful speech, what is protected speech and what we hear. Not seeing it live to judge for yourself in context, youre left to trust the medias narrative. After watching these hearings, its clear why some say the party left them. Ralph Miller * * * Ralphie, hope you know, as a child of the sixties, as I recall....those Southerners, aka Dixiecrats, even Barry Goldwater feared were too extreme, left the Democratic Party in the '60s because it became too diverse and inclusive. They didn't like that. And Goldwater never met a racist he didn't like. But even he feared their extremism would come to be an albatross around the necks of the Republican Party. Republicans used the "Southern Strategy" to lure traditional-Southern white segregationist voters, aka Dixiecrats, who, among several displeasures, didn't think 'God' intended for little white children and little black children to attend school together, away from the Democratic Party. Although the 'Southern Strategy' was initially of Barry Goldwater's creation in 1964, Nixon was said to have "perfected" it in 1968, using those Southern white segregationists' votes to get elected. Brenda Washington * * * So, a committee of Congress, stacked with the most extremist members of the authoritarian right, held a hearing on government censorship. How quaint. After 40 years of deregulation, our public agencies must now appeal to the content moderators of social media giants to allow vital public health information to be conveyed to the public despite the open sewage that flows through those media. Meanwhile, a few global corporations conspire in the theft of virtually every bit of private information about you, and without compensating you no less. I fail to see what any of that has to do with government censorship. It is government censorship when authoritarian right-wing governors and legislatures ban books and forbid the full and factual teaching of social studies, civics, and history, even requiring teachers in Florida to serve as fonts for Confederate lost cause narratives like the stupid notion that some slaves benefited from slavery. Somehow, the dominant voices in the Republican Party have come to believe free speech means they have the right to a free platform, microphone, and amplifier to drown out all out all other voices. Meanwhile, they have worked incessantly to suppress free speech that draws public attention away from their white nationalist culture war. In the process, they have quite purposefully deprived the public of honest debate on economic and social policy that might actually serve the people. I cannot count how many times I have tried to engage someone in an honest, fact-based discussion about public policy only to be accused of being a Democrat. Having not been involved in Democratic Party activity since the late Eighties, I find that odd. I am, however, happy to see the Democratic Party coming back to me . For those Republicans who see their party moving away from them I can only say, you werent born a Republican. Put the people and the country above party and let us return to honest discussion and debate on public policy. Frank Wrinn * * * Growing up in the late 50's and 60's my family were staunch Femocrats and very proud of our party. However, I'm no longer a Democrat but am proud to be a right wing Republican. The Democrat's of yesteryear had morals, decency and were trustworthy. Today's Democrats are everything but that, political thieves, misinformers, liars, cheats and now have resorted to cannibalism in the case of RFK Jr. A man from the great Democrat bloodline of yesteryear that chose to run for President against Joe Biden. So his current party is displeased and chooses to rip him apart, discredit him and do all but injest him. It's true, if you are a Democrat and don't go along with the top brass they will eat you up and spit you out. If you Democrats want to do the American people a great justice, then have a cannibalism feast of the Bidens, DOJ and FBI as your main course. Michael Mansfield * * * As usual, Brenda is long on rhetoric and short on facts. So Senator Goldwater never met a racist he didn't like? That's funny since his family department store was the first in Phoenix to hire black people. He was a Major General in the Arizona National Guard and desegregated that unit two years before the Armed Forces. He was a lifetime member of the NAACP and received a 50 year humanitarian award from the National Urban League. On his first day in the Senate he demanded one of his black assistants be admitted to the cafeteria. He did vote against the 64 Civil Rights Act, but you know who else did, Brenda? Good old Albert Gore, Sr. Oh, and the last Klan members in the Senate were Democrats Fritz Hollings and Bobby (Sheets) Byrd from West Virginia. Douglas Jones Dave and Rita Michelson photo by John Shearer Dave and Rita Michelson photo by John Shearer Corntassel miniature village in Hixson photo by John Shearer Corntassel miniature village in Hixson photo by John Shearer Corntassel miniature village in Hixson photo by John Shearer Corntassel miniature village in Hixson photo by John Shearer Corntassel miniature village in Hixson photo by John Shearer Corntassel miniature village in Hixson photo by John Shearer Previous Next Corntassel was a former historic community in Monroe County, Tn., below Knoxville that was flooded when the TVA-related Tellico Dam was constructed in the 1960s and 70s. Now, one person wants to make sure a miniature village which was built by Alfred Pete Snider on a sloped wooded hillside at the foot of Big Ridge as an ode to his former family community -- does not disappear as well. Dave Michelson, who operates a kitchen design business in Naples, Fl., recently bought some property with his wife, Rita, above the former Snider home at 4831 Gann Store Road. They also hope to build their own home here, in part to have a place closer to family in Wisconsin. While checking out the property just above the Greenway Farm in Hixson not long after they bought it in March, they noticed the village. I walked up to the top and my wife had been sitting in the car and said, Whats all this stuff? he said, remembering with a chuckle noticing it after he came back down. He looked it over and found several dozen small wooden or metal replicas of old buildings, homes, churches, barns, or other landmarks. There was even a small See Rock City sign near a miniature rocky town. The sign could have also been like that found on a barn in Monroe County in the old days. Becoming extremely curious, Mr. Michelson later began to research the miniature village online and found a story written by Holly Abernathy in 2012 in chattanoogan.com but little else. The article, which is linked at the bottom of this story, said that Mr. Sniders parents had been raised in the former community named for a Cherokee chief and that he lived there for a short time after birth. After buying the Big Ridge property in 1978, Mr. Snider in the early 1980s began constructing the village using recycled wood and other materials and with inspiration from old photographs and memories. And like with an actual town, people began visiting the little village. Along the way, Mr. Snider collected various logbooks in growing numbers due to all the visitors, including some from other countries, as the village also continued to grow as he constructed more buildings. With close to 40 buildings and a few other miniature landmarks, the attraction has no doubt been a draw to a variety of people over the years, from children with imaginations to old-timers with long memories of the good old days of small communities. As someone who works with wood as well in a different realm, Mr. Michelson was drawn to the attraction and said he wanted to preserve the village after noticing it, realizing it was unique. He soon tracked down Mr. Snider over the phone and had a nice conversation with him. And in recent weeks, he and his wife visited with Mr. Snider at his residence at Summit View senior facility in Mountain Creek. He said he did it because he wanted to have something to remember where he used to live because it was no more, Mr. Michelson said Mr. Snider told him, adding that he learned that the inside sections of the wood buildings were treated to keep them from rotting. Mr. Snider whose avocation was almost like that of a carpenter elf or Santas helper also gave Mr. Michelson permission to make sure as much of the partly decaying village as possible is preserved. As a result, the Floridian, who said he and his wife fell in love with the village of Chattanooga, too, while passing through on their way to Wisconsin and back, has been trying to find an ideal place, possibly even an indoor site, where it can be preserved. He has had positive talk with an official at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore due to its proximity to the former village of Corntassel and the likely Native American connections, but nothing has come to full fruition yet. Mr. Michelson welcomes anyone with other ideas regarding possible preservation to email him at david@gulfcoastkitchen. comcastbiz.net . William McGuffy, who is helping Mr. Snider with some of his personal affairs and has also been in contact with Mr. Michelson, said he is hopeful a positive outcome can result from Mr. Sniders multi-decade hobby. That is, even though the property could be sold in the not-too-distant future, Mr. McGuffy said. Were not going to let anything happen to the houses, he said of the folk artist-like or Howard Finster-like craftwork. As someone who grew up in Hixson, Mr. McGuffy said a lot of people in that part of town were familiar with the village. It was quite something in the day, he said. It took him many years to create all that. It was amazing how many kids used to come up there. He would make stories up about it. It was a lot of fun. As a newcomer to the area, Mr. Michelson has also taken notice of what is more like a hidden treasure of sorts these days. Its a really strange thing, he said, saying he learned it once had lighting. It sits here and people go by it. And officials hope a positive outcome results for this village that brightened a few faces and shined a light on a forgotten East Tennessee community of the past as well. * * * To see the 2012 story on Mr. Snider and his Corntassel village by Holly Abernathy, read here. https://www.chattanoogan.com/ 2012/2/18/219786/The-Tiny- Village-Of-Corntassel.aspx * * * jcshearer2@comcast.net The Cincinnati band Happy Tuesday will perform Aug. 5 at the Granfalloon with the Electric Indigo and with local support from Antiwaves. For more information click here. Review for Happy Tuesday: Happy Tuesday is an alternative rock band based in Cincinnati, Ohio consisting of three multi-instrumentalists and songwriters: Max Patrick (vocals and guitar), Hannah MacNeal (vocals, violin, guitar, and keys), and Ivan Brooke (drums). Inspired by everything from the rampant corruption they see in the world, to their cats Ringo and Cadbury, they are driven by a belief in the healing power of music. Their sound is influenced by bands such as Radiohead, Grouplove, the Flaming Lips, and a wide variety of other artists. Happy Tuesday was started in January of 2021 by Max and Hannah after an impromptu move to Raleigh, NC during the COVID lockdown. They started out by posting a cover every Tuesday as a musical outlet during quarantine, and during this time, they were finalists in a Smashing Pumpkins cover contest. The duo then moved back to Cincinnati in June of 2021 to reunite with their friend and musical accomplice, Ivan, to complete the trio. Since then, they have performed in numerous venues around Cincinnati and have been featured on the local broadcast, ICRCTV. They currently have one single out on all streaming platforms, "Woe to the Fallen," which will be featured on their upcoming EP, "The Human Constant." Review for the Electric Indigo: Music historian Mike Schraer said, The Indigo take you on a surreal interstellar trip across the cosmos, a place deep in space where mind, music, stardust and Captain Planet frolic amongst the alien shrooms. The Electric Indigo Band set out to tantalize the Cincinnati/NKY music scene in 2018 when lifelong neighbors, emerging guitar Matt Goetz and rhythm guitarist Alex Whitehead, joined forces with drummer Matt Cinquini, and guitar shredder turned bass player Tej Arole. Aroles high school bandmate, Alex Angel, was the final piece of the puzzle on keyboards and Hammond organ. Drawing on a range of influences from Pink Floyd, The Allman Brothers Band, and Marcus King Band, to Herbie Hancock and Rush, the Indigo have developed a powerful, spacy groove mixed with profound storytelling and imagery. The Electric Indigo Band released their self-titled first album in 2020. Since then, they have released two live concerts with Cincinnati Independent Music Label, Radio Artifact. : Review for Antiwaves: Antiwaves is a local band formed in Chattanooga. This project is a group of four friends (Miles on bass, Owen on drums, Jesse on lead guitar, and Alan on vocals and rhythm guitar) who have the same passion for creating an experience through music. From rock, alternative, poop, punk, Antiwaves is a band that has no precise genre but has some great sounding original songs that will have any listener thrilled for more. They draw from several inspirations, including Alice in Chains, Tom Petty, Blur, Nine Inch Nails, and Goo Goo Dolls. Antiwaves is new to the scene, but here to stay. Friday evening the Honoring the Sacrifice Foundation hosted its 9th annual American Heroes Dinner at the Chattanooga Convention Center with keynote speaker General John F. Kelly, USMC (Ret). According to foundation representative Catherine Smith, General Kelly reminded the audience that the threat of terrorism around the globe still exists, and that it will take the bravery and dedication of young men and women to defend liberty and freedom. He also stated that one percent of our citizens bear the burden of this task. Also participating in the program was Sr. Master Sergeant Israel Del Toro, Jr. USAF (Ret.). Del Toro was severely wounded in Afghanistan in 2005 when his Humvee rolled over a buried landmine and exploded. While doctors gave him a 15 percent chance of survival, Del Toro woke from a four-month coma determined to survive. Retired in 2019, he is sharing his story in his newly released book, A Patriots Promise, Protecting My Brothers, Fighting for My Life, and Keeping My Word. Honoring the Sacrifice Foundation formed in 2013 when Sgt Andrew T. Smith, US Army (Ret.) and his wife Tori returned from two years at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The outpouring of support from the Chattanooga community provided the impetus for the Smith family to assist others impacted by their own wounds of war. The event celebrated American heroes, many in attendance whose life-altering injuries the all-volunteer foundation is committed to assisting. To learn more about Honoring the Sacrifice Foundation or to get involved, go to https://www.honoringthesacrifice.com/. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close This 27-year-old woman recently got a tattoo, but it didnt turn out like she had hoped! She is an Alaska Native and looked forward to getting some Alaskan plants tattooed, reminding her of her childhood, where she often harvested berries and herbs. Because this tattoo was going to be super sentimental, she was picky about which artist she would choose to do it. Since she didnt have any experience in getting large tattoos, she asked her coworkers for recommendations, one of whom had a full body vine tattoo. I looked at the tattoo artists Instagram page, and while she didnt have a lot of floral designs on it, I knew she used to do it, and the one she gave my coworker was really pretty and was exactly what I wanted as it wasnt too dark, she explained. So, she decided to contact the tattoo artist, sharing what specific plants she wanted done, how she wanted the tattoo on her torso, and how light she wanted the shading to be. To help, she also sent some reference photos that showed the kind of style she was looking for. After having a consultation with the artist, she decided to make an appointment with her. She asked if it would be possible to see the design before the appointment date since the location was kind of far away, and she didnt want to go all the way there just to dislike her design. The tattoo artist said that that wasnt possible, and while she was understanding, she was also worried that she would love it at first and then hate it a few days later. She knew that she had a tendency to change her mind about things and wished that she could see the tattoo ahead of time. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Confidence in American colleges in free fall At one time, America was among the best educated nations in the world. James Madison of Virginia, a key architect of the Constitution, said, A well-instructed people alone can be permanently a free people. But a recent Gallup Poll earlier this month has found that American faith in college today has dropped significantly. In an article entitled, Confidence in US higher education has drastically declined, Campusreform.org reports: A July 11 Gallup poll reveals that opinions about United States higher education has seen a sharp decline since 2015, with only 36% of polled Americans saying that they have confidence in the country's colleges and universities. This figure is down from 48% in 2018 and 57% in 2015. Thats a 21-percentage-point drop in just eight years. Why is confidence in college plummeting today? Democrats, according to the survey, blame the costs of the schools. Republicans blame the politics. Both seem valid concerns. Why is confidence in American colleges in free fall? I think it is because virtually all of the colleges and universities have gone woke, like so many aspects of our culture. Many times crazy ideas are hatched in the university faculty lounges that may sound great in theory, but are awful in practice. Socialism is a great case in point. Can anyone name a square inch on the entire planet where socialism has benefited the people? The ruling elites love it because they benefit from it. Just ask the Castro brothers. American universities today are hotbeds of Marxism and socialism. About half a century ago, William F. Buckley, Jr. once observed, I'd rather entrust the government of the United States to the first 400 people listed in the Boston telephone directory than to the faculty of Harvard University. How far Harvard has fallen from its original Christian purposes. The official motto of Harvard for a couple of centuries was Veritas Christo et Ecclesiae. In Latin, that meant Truth for Christ and the Church. The library built in 1914 still has that Latin motto chiseled in stone. But sometime in the early 20th century, they cut off Veritas from its Christian moorings. So now the motto is only Veritas. To paraphrase Francis Schaeffer, noted Christian social critic, one could say that Harvard now has truth firmly planted, with both feet in mid-air. There is a plaque in stone at the entrance of Harvard which declares, After God had carried us safe to New England, and we had built our houses, provided necessities for our livelihood, reared convenient places for Gods worship, and settled the civil government: one of the next things we longed for, and looked after was to advance learning, and perpetuate it to posterity: dreading to leave an illiterate ministry to the churches, when our present ministers shall lie in the dust. The last time I was there, in order to film a portion of our Providence Forum Foundation of American Liberty series, I saw that they had planted a tree in front of that stone plaque, so you had to move the branches to even see the sign. But Harvard has long abandoned the faith that gave it birth. So have so many other universities in our time. Much of the college campus wokeness is encapsulated in the 3-letter phrase, DEI standing for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion. Recently, the New York Post noted that New Yorks university system will require heavy doses of DEI, and social justice in order for students to be able to graduate. Goodbye, founding fathers. Hello Marxism. Goodbye, free enterprise. Hello, socialism. Former college professor Jordan Peterson of Canada left his professorial position ultimately because of political correctness and DEI. He says that they have that acrostic in the wrong order. It should be DIE, because it is killing our universities. Recently Florida Governor and presidential candidate Ron DeSantis declared that DEI-infused curriculum has no place in the Sunshine States public schools: Florida is getting out of that gameIf you want to do things like gender ideology, go to Berkeley go to some of these other places. DeSantis also spoke before a Republican group in North Carolina, where he again railed against woke ideology in the schools: Were also the first state in the United States to eliminate DEI from our public university system. They say it is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, but in reality its ideology. Its an agenda that they are trying to impose, not just on the students, but on faculty and staff. He went on to say, Indeed, DEI, the way its practiced, better stands for Discrimination, Exclusion, and Indoctrination, and that has no place in our public institutions. Until the universities get back to classical education and jettison cultural Marxism, we will likely see the confidence in college education and its usefulness for helping build a positive future sink even further. Megachurch pastor urges Christians to stop climbing,' come down from their Zaccheaus tree A Megachurch pastor has warned that people often try to compensate for their shortcomings by climbing up worldly ladders when Jesus wants them to "come down," just like the tax collector Zacchaeus in the Book of Luke. Charles Metcalf, an executive pastor at Michael Todd's Transformation Church of Tulsa, Oklahoma, preached a sermon on Sunday in which he urged Christians to "come down" from the trees they have been "climbing." Metcalf told his congregation in Part 16 of the church's "Cuffing Season" sermon series that "climbing" can be defined as "using effort and activity to achieve a higher position or status." "All of us in some area fall short. All of us in some area are trying to compensate for that thing that we don't have. All of us in some area have some things in our life that didn't go how we thought they were going to go, and so, we start performing. We start climbing ladders to show Jesus, 'Hey, look over here,'" Metcalf preached. "Maybe you aren't performing for Jesus. Maybe there's some area where if you were honest, you'd find yourself in a tree." Metcalf centered his message on the story of Zacchaeus, found in Luke 19. Zacchaeus was a wealthy tax collector who was short and famously had to climb a tree to see Jesus over the crowd when He came to town. Metcalf said that Jesus stopped to see Zacchaeus in the tree because Jesus wanted to call him to come down from not only his physical place in the tree but also from an internal place of pride. Jesus requested to visit Zacchaeus' home despite Jesus' knowledge of Zacchaeus' sinful reputation of stealing money from the Jewish people. Metcalf said that many Christians falsely believe that they achieved their spiritual successes on their own. And in turn, he said, God has His Eye on the trees they are "climbing" because He wants to help guide Christians to fix their eyes on Him. "[Many of] you think when Jesus stops under your tree, that's because you timed it and picked it perfectly. 'I haven't missed a church service in over 42 years, so that's why Jesus always shows up,'" Metcalf said. "'I haven't missed a YouVersion scripture, and my streak is 962, so Jesus always stops under my tree.' 'I lifted my hands in worship so much better than that other person next to me. They were balled up on the floor, probably because they have a lot of sin in their life. But, Jesus always stops under my tree,'" Metcalf continued. "What you don't realize is a short man climbing up in a tree full of leaves would be harder to see. It was convenient for him to see Jesus. But, all of your climbing muddies up where you actually are." Metcalf said that while there's nothing wrong with success in life, many people spend too much time "climbing" or "performing for certain people." When Christians spend too much time "climbing" to reach success, Metcalf said they often lose sight of the right motives behind their actions. "Maybe you're climbing the corporate ladder [by saying]: 'I didn't get recognized as a child because I didn't have enough, and I didn't like how it felt when everybody else got new school clothes, and I didn't get new school clothes. So, I'm going to make sure that I go to this college, that I make a certain amount of money, so I don't ever have to depend on anybody,'" Metcalf said. "You're really performance-based in [that] way. And it comes out as super successful. It comes out as super-funny. Some of you all, you wasn't funny growing up, but you found out that funny gets attention," he added. "So, you have climbed the tree of sarcasm and humor and standup as a means to be higher than where you actually are, as a means to disguise what's really going on, as a means to hide the fact that if you were to come down off of your tree, it would get real embarrassing real quick." Metcalf said there is an invitation from Jesus for everyone, even those who find themselves "in a tree." "I don't know what your tree is. I don't know why you're climbing. I don't know why people's opinions have so much weight in your life. I don't know why you present a certain way at church, and then you go in your car and act totally different around your family," Metcalf preached. "The invitation of Jesus is He stops under your performance, and He says: 'Zacchaeus, come down.' Those two words are the message God told me to tell you: come down. Jesus comes to you today, and He says: 'come down.'" Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Will digital Bibles like the YouVersion Bible App displace paper ones? With more than 95 installs per minute, Life.Churchs YouVersion Bible App celebrated its 15-year anniversary this month on more than 575 million unique devices in nearly 2,000 languages and the digital popularity of the Word of God is showing no signs of slowing down. YouVersion CEO Bobby Gruenewald explained in a recent release from the donor-funded nonprofit that the Bible App was one of just 800 apps available for download when Apple launched its iOS App Store on July 10, 2008. In the first three days, the app was downloaded more than 83,000 times, far more downloads than Gruenewald had expected to have at the end of 2008. Today, the Bible App continues to exceed expectations even in a sea of more than 1.6 million apps that include hundreds of other Bible apps in the iOS App Store. When we submitted the app for approval, we didnt even know if it would make it into the App Store on opening day or even at all, Gruenewald recalled. It ended up being one of only a couple hundred free apps available that first day and went on to have an incredible first weekend. Honestly, our minds were blown. And as people have continued integrating the Bible App in their daily lives over the years, its popularity has only continued to soar. Over the last 15 years, YouVersion has leveraged industry innovations to help people build consistent Bible engagement habits, including using push notification reminders, gamification features like streaks, and community features like friendships and prayer, the YouVersion release said. When the Bible App was first launched, the text only featured two languages but by its fifth year, it had more than 500. The text of the Bible App is now featured in nearly 2,000 languages and the plan is to feature Scripture in the worlds more than 7,000 languages by 2033. As digital Bibles like YouVersion Bible App continue growing in popularity, will they one day replace physical Bibles? For now, according to Digital Millennials and the Bible produced in partnership with the Barna Group in 2018, the print version of the Bible appears to be the choice of the majority of young people, 47% to 28%. Women especially preferred the print version 50% to 24% digital. While more men, 31%, than women preferred the digital version of the Bible, 43% still listed a print Bible as their top choice to engage with the Word of God. Responding to questions from The Christian Post about whether data from the Bible App could suggest an eventual replacement of physical Bibles by the technology, Gruenewald said he believes the Bible app complements engagement with the Bible. The Bible App has been an effective tool to help people read the Bible more consistently, but I dont think the print Bible is going away. In fact, many of our users regularly use both, he said in an email to CP. Asked about the use of the Bible on Sunday mornings when many Christians go to church, Gruenewald said every Sunday there is a spike in the use of the Bible App. Ultimately, we want people to spend time in Gods Word every day in whatever format works best for them. And while we naturally see a spike in the use of the Bible App every Sunday, were encouraged to see consistent Bible engagement throughout the week, he said. We believe were just at the beginning of what God wants to do through YouVersion. Even after 15 years, our perspective is that our story isn't in the past tense, but it's a story that has a really big future in front of it as we remain focused on how to help millions of people build intimacy with God through His Word, Gruenewald added. John Dyer, vice president for enrollment and educational technology and assistant professor of theological studies at Dallas Theological Seminary, also doesnt believe the printed Bible will be made obsolete by digital versions. It appears the Bible is following the larger trend in the book and eBook industry. Initially, many people predicted the Kindles, Nooks and iPads would completely replace paper books, but after a few decades, it appears people still like reading and studying printed books, including the scriptures, Dyer, who authoredPeople of the Screen: How Evangelicals Created the Digital Bible and How It Shapes Their Reading of Scripture, told CP. Dyer noted that with digital technology, the Bible is no longer just the text, but a multimedia category, with all kinds of things added to it in all different mediums. Its available on print, screen and audio. It has tons of little numbers added a few centuries ago (verses), commentaries, maps, and even interactivity. All of these can be helpful, and all of them can be formative in both positive and negative ways. What matters is that we pay attention, he explained. While the embrace of digital Bibles has its benefits, Dyer also worries that it might make Christians even lazier when it comes to committing Scripture to memory. I have concerns with printed Bibles, including taking the Bible out of the church community and making it highly individualized, adding the chapter: verse numbers which chop up the text and encourages reading sentences rather than paragraphs and books, and decreasing the amount of the Scripture that we have memorized because we always have access to the printed page, he said. The digital Bible, in all its forms, mostly accelerates these trends, giving more access (which is wonderful!) but also risking making the word of God more individualized and atomized, and yet unknown to us. Still, Dyer had high praise for the innovators who are working to increase engagement with Scripture. I appreciate all the innovators out there trying new things and encouraging new forms of Bible engagement, trusting that the spirit will guide us, he told CP. I encourage both users and programmers to think about how to develop apps and tools that draw us into communities who immerse ourselves in large portions of Scripture. Will the metaverse end the megachurch? Months before the coronavirus pandemic hit, many churches struggled to acknowledge that an increasing share of their audience had been migrating to online teachers and worship experiences. When the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic in March 2020, data from the Nashville-based LifeWay Research suggests that many churches were not prepared to take their services online. At the time, just 22% of pastors livestreamed their entire service, and about 10% only livestreamed their sermon. Some 41% of pastors admitted they didnt post any portion of their church service online, while about 52% said they posted the sermon online after the church service. Less than two years after enduring the ravages of the pandemic, however, a lot has changed. Data collected in a survey of nearly 2,000 decision-making church leaders for The 2021 State of Church Technology Report from Pushpay shows that most American churches now embrace technology as an important tool in achieving their mission and agree that the digital church is here to stay. The report finds that churches, more than ever, "are enthusiastic to adopt technology for the long haul" as the pandemic "erased any doubts regarding the viability of a digital Church." Earlier this year, Pastor Toure Roberts of the Potters House of Denverannounced his congregation would sell their $12.2 million, 137,000-square-foot church in Arapahoe County, Colorado, and go completely virtual after COVID-19 wreaked havoc on their in-person attendance and donations. Many other churches sold or shuttered their church buildings for good. Others have been trying more creative ways to survive outside of migrating online completely or merging with another church, as the pastors of Hope Church in High Point and Renaissance Church in Jamestown, North Carolina, did earlier this year. The metaverse While many churches are wrestling with the basics of the constantly evolving wave of online technologies impacting the way people live, major technology companies and a minority of churches are already getting ready for the future of the internet, what some are calling the metaverse. Chevon Lewis, a representative of social media giant Facebook, whose parent company Meta Platforms Inc. is investing heavily in the development of the metaverse, described it to The Christian Post as a set of virtual spaces where you can create and explore with other people who arent in the same physical space as you. We see the metaverse as the next evolution in social technologies and the successor to the mobile internet, Lewis said. It will feel like a hybrid of todays online social experiences, sometimes expanded into three dimensions, or projected into the physical world and seamlessly stitched together so that you can easily jump from one thing to another. In the metaverse, Lewis said, people can work, play, learn, shop, create and hang out with their friends, among other things. The metaverse isnt a single product one company can build alone, Lewis said. And it wont be built overnight. Many of these products will only be fully realized in the next 10 to 15 years. Some have raised concerns that the metaverse isnt safe for women and children, with reports of women being groped and asked if they watch porn. Children are particularly vulnerable, according to Andy Burrows, head of child safety online policy at the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in the United Kingdom. Burrows told The Times of London that one problem is that parents cannot see what their children are viewing. Meta told women who have complained about harassment on the platform that they should have used an optional safety feature called Safe Zone. That feature disables other users ability to talk to or interact with the user. In the view of Katherine Cross, who researches online harassment at the University of Washington, Metas response that the user is responsible for protecting themselves from the bad behavior of others is problematic. When companies address online abuse, their solution is to outsource it to the user and say, Here, we give you the power to take care of yourselves, she told MIT Technology Review. Church in the metaverse Last summer, during a virtual faith summit with several religious groups, Facebooks Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg highlighted the role Facebook played when communities of faith were unable to gather in person due to the pandemic. She said she was looking forward to the day when churches and other religious groups begin hosting services in virtual reality on the platform. I know that faith organizations and social media are a natural fit because fundamentally, both are about connection, Sandberg said. This was true long before the pandemic. Back in 2017, we changed our mission to give people the power to build community around the world closer together. We envisioned a world where our platform could help people build community by connecting with others who shared their interests. Our hope is that one day people will host religious services in virtual reality spaces as well or use augmented reality as an educational tool to teach their children the story of their faith. Bishop D.J. Soto, who began preaching in the metaverse in 2016, had initially planned to plant physical churches but now leads the VR Church, one of the few prominent congregations in the metaverse. VR Church is a spiritual community which exists entirely in the metaverse to celebrate Gods love for the world, the church declares on its website. We believe church can be anywhere at any time with anyoneeven in the metaverse. Soto, who was previously involved with the ministry of a megachurch, believes that church in the metaverse, or the MetaChurch, as he calls it, is the successor to the megachurch. I was part of a megachurch, and in 2016, we left to go to what we thought would be physical church planting. So thats what we set out to do. And it was about the same time Facebook bought Oculus, and we got into VR and entered into the metaverse, via Altspace, which is owned by Microsoft, Soto told Carey Nieuwhof during a podcast interview earlier this year. Nieuwhof is a former lawyer and founding pastor of Connexus Church in Ontario, Canada. When we got in there, I was like, wow, this is amazing. I just was blown away. Ive never seen anything like it. You think youve seen everything. And I was only in there a couple of hours. It was a Friday; we were shifting our lives into this physical church plane, but I thought, man, what if we did a little experiment and had church in this metaverse? And so three days later, I had my first church service in VR, and I was so pumped because five people came to launch day, Soto recalled. And more than five years later, the VR Church continues to grow. When thinking about megachurch to MetaChurch, I just look back at our five years of our ministry in Virtual Reality Church and the experiences that weve had have been so compelling. And the spirit has just been alive in our community, and weve experienced God in our environment, within our relationships, Soto said. And so just experiencing that and just saying, Wow, this is such a powerful tool. Gods here. Hes with us. Hes not just in the physical. Hes sharing His love with people all across the metaverse. To participate in the VR Church experience, Soto and his team recommend that worshipers get a quality virtual reality headset, like the Oculus Quest 2, which retails for $299. Facebook declined to share sales numbers for the headset, which it launched in October 2020, but said it was a popular holiday gift last Christmas and remains a product in high demand. Lewis said the Oculus app reached No. 1 in the App Store for the first time on Christmas Day in the U.S. in 2021. Even though the VR Church exists in many metaverses like VRChat, RecRoom, AltspaceVR and Facebook Horizons, first-time visitors are asked to join through AltspaceVR, a social virtual reality platform. In my ministry, in our church, I am an avatar a hundred percent. And so its part of just coming in with a 3D representation of my physical self, Soto said. And when I put on the virtual reality headset, it mirrors my movement. So if I turn my head to the left, my avatar, his head would turn. If I raised my hands, it would do the same things. And so when I preach every Sunday, people are seeing that avatar, and Im interacting with people all over the world. Sometimes, I do interviews in my avatar. I think church leaders are trying to wrap their brain around that. But I think our church represents what church is going to look like in 2030, where its going to be very normal for you as a senior leader, senior pastor, teacher to preach in your avatar. I think thats where were heading. Life.Church The Craig Groeschel-led Life.Church, which spans some 40 campuses and owns the popular YouVersion Bible app, has been a leading voice for innovation among churches in America for a while now. The church has hosted a booming online community for more than 10 years and tells CP that as far back as 2007, they were already experimenting with church in the metaverse. It was no surprise last December when the church added a campus in the metaverse. This isnt the first time weve held services in the metaverse. In 2007, we held services in Second Life, which was a 3D virtual environment similar to what you see today in the metaverse, except you didnt have the option to use VR to navigate it, Life.Church pastor and innovative leader Bobby Gruenewald told CP in a statement. As people spend more time in digital spaces and as the technology improves, its important to us that the Church has a presence so we can bring hope and encouragement. Gruenewald said that compared to building a physical campus, the cost to set up a campus in the metaverse using AltspaceVR was nominal. Initially, we didnt create our own building there. We used a theater-style venue that was available as a template, he said. It was fairly quick and easy to set up and worked well for our first couple weeks. Recently, we modeled a venue to look like one of our physical locations in dimension, shape, color and experience. It took our team a couple weeks to build, but it was a nominal budget, certainly in comparison to one of our physical locations. We also began this effort with just a couple of team members giving their time to host services in the metaverse. Now, we are in the process of building a volunteer team to help support it. Criticism But not every Christian leader is excited about the churchs march toward evolving online technology. G. Craige Lewis, EX Ministries founder and leader of Adamant Believers Council in North Richland Hills, Texas, believes the devil is forcing everyone into the bottleneck of the internet, which may seem like a good idea for some now." But he contends that its a setup. Even the metaverse its a setup, Lewis told CP. Once youre in that space, he (the devil) holds the power of the club. And they can pull the plug. Thats already happened in other countries, other continents, especially China, where you cant even mention Jesus Christ online, he added. All they have to do is create a synthetic robot or whatever online to go through, and clean it up of every mention of Jesus Christ, Lewis said. The church is done if their only presence is online. Gruenewald, however, maintains that the presence of churches in the metaverse is valid. When someone doubts the validity of church in the metaverse, our response is similar to what weve said for years about church online. There are unique benefits to church in digital spaces. Its a way to reach people who might never set foot in a physical church, he said. Maybe they have health limitations, so they cant leave their home, or they live in a part of the world that makes it difficult to meet in person, he continued. Others may be too intimidated to walk into a church building, but theyre comfortable exploring church in an online environment. We recently talked with a dad whose son has social anxiety. He wouldnt walk into a physical church, but he felt comfortable coming to church in the metaverse. Thats why were passionate about leveraging technology to share the Gospel. We know that to reach people no one is reaching, well have to do things no one is doing. Gruenewald noted that, in some ways, its easier to connect with people online than in the physical church setting. Weve found that people are often willing to be vulnerable more quickly when theyre online than when they are face-to-face with someone, Gruenewald said. People hide behind facades in both online and physical spaces. In person, people tend to put up emotional facades. Theyre afraid of what might happen if they let someone in, so they build walls. Whereas the physical facade of an avatar gives people a sense of anonymity that helps them feel more comfortable letting their guard down. Theyll talk about their struggles with depression, difficulties in their marriage, and other intimate details of their life that people dont usually talk about as quickly or easily in a physical setting. The Life.Church leader said he sees the relationship between church in the metaverse and physical services as complementary and doesnt believe one will replace the other. At Life.Church, we will continue to take a hybrid approach, he said. Were all-in on physical church and all-in on digital church. Theyre both effective in different ways, and theyre both important. One doesnt replace the need for the other. As new technologies have emerged throughout history, there have always [been] bold predictions about how things will change. When the telephone was invented, there were those who worried no one would meet together or leave their house again. Those arguments have been around for decades, but they dont hold up. If the isolation of the last couple of years has taught us anything, we know we have an inherent human desire to be together, Gruenewald added. At the same time, digital tools are now woven throughout peoples lives, and we dont want the Church to miss out on digital opportunities. John Nelson Darby: the man who popularised dispensationalism The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews reminds Christians that they are surrounded by a great "cloud of witnesses." (NRSV) That "cloud" has continued to grow in size since then. In this monthly column we will be thinking about some of the people and events, over the past 2000 years, that have helped make up this "cloud." People and events that have helped build the community of the Christian church as it exists today. John Nelson Darby was born in London in 1800 but raised in Ireland. There he entered the Anglican clergy, being appointed to a poor parish in Wicklow. A growing disillusionment with the state of the church, of which he was a member, caused him to meet and "break bread" with several like-minded fellow believers from mixed church backgrounds in Dublin in the 1820s. The meetings included a strong emphasis on the study of biblical prophecy and the Second Coming of Christ. This was one of several groups who were similarly dissatisfied with existing churches, from which the fellowship known as the Plymouth Brethren would emerge. The first congregation was established in Plymouth, Devon, in 1831. As with many breakaway groups, it tended to continue to divide over doctrine, with Darby himself being part of the group's first (and many would say most decisive and divisive) division in 1845, from which the Exclusive Brethren emerged. The Exclusive Brethren have further divided since then. Darby died in 1882 in Bournemouth. Dispensationalism and the pre-tribulation rapture Arguably, Darby's most striking and enduring influence and legacy was in the fields of what are often described as the "secret rapture" also known as the "pre-tribulation rapture" and the closely associated belief in "dispensationalism". The dispensationalist position, at its simplest, holds that salvation history is best understood as a series of different chapters (or dispensations) in God's dealings with people, in which God wills particular revelations of himself, and decrees distinctive organizational principles and roles to characterize these periods of time. In each of these the prime focus is different: first was the focus on the Jewish people and Israel; then the age of the multinational Church; and then will come a final stage in which the focus returns to the Jewish people/Israel in an end-times conversion of the Jews (and others) to Christianity. For most modern dispensationalists, this final stage begins with the "secret rapture" of the Church from the earth. In effect, this clears the stage for a new (and final) chapter in salvation history. Because this removal of the Church is thought to be before the final harrowing events preceding Christ's return, it is often referred to as the "pre-tribulation rapture". In the great sweep of salvation history, the Church and the Christian dispensation since the first century represents an "Age of Grace" (in contrast to the Old Testament "Age of Law") which constitutes "a parenthesis" (a pause/break) in the long-prophesied history of Israel. According to this outlook, the prophetic programme for Israel was, in effect, paused after the dramatic events of the rejection of Christ, and the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple in the year AD 70. These linked beliefs are seen as reconciling Old Testament prophetic scriptures that focus on Israel/Jerusalem, with Christian eschatology (end-times beliefs); and Christian beliefs about salvation, with statements such as "all Israel will be saved" (Romans 11:26), and "the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable" (Romans 11:29). They also offer reassurance that Christians will be spared the traumatic events immediately preceding the return of Christ. However, it should be noted that other equally biblical commentators have strongly contested this view. They would agree that 1 Thessalonians 4:17 ("Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air") teaches a lifting up of Christians to meet the returning Jesus. The Latin Vulgate translation of Paul's Greek word "harpazo" ("caught up") is "rapiemur," from the verb "rapio" (hence the modern term "rapture"). But they would argue that there is nothing in the text to suggest this event significantly precedes the final visible return of Jesus; and there is nothing to signal a new dispensation starting on earth (minus the Church). Similarly, they would argue that in the other, often-stated, proof-text (Matthew 24:37-42), those who "will be taken" at the coming of the Son of Man, far from being raptured-Christians are in the context of these verses the equivalents of those "swept away" by the flood in "the days of Noah." In this view, Christians will remain on the earth until the moment of the return of Christ; there will be no secret rapture; there will be no new dispensation, because the multi-ethnic Church represents "the Israel of God" (Galatians 6:16). In short, what is now the settled doctrine of many millions within the evangelical community is not without its serious detractors from within that same community. Changing ideas over time The position of many writers within the Church by the end of the Roman Empire contrasted with the popular modern outlook. Given that dispensationalism is now mainstream among many Christians, it must be emphasized that this was not the case for over a millennium of Christian history. Instead, what developed as the Church became a distinct multi-ethnic group, distinct from Judaism was a very different take on providential history. The outlook that developed over the first four centuries of the Christian era can broadly be variously described as "covenant theology," "supercessionism," and "replacement theology." In short, the New Covenant, based on faith in Jesus, was thought to have replaced (or superseded) the Old Covenant, between God and the Jewish people. According to this understanding, the multi-ethnic Church replaced ethnic Judaism as the elect people of God and inherited what was earlier promised. Beliefs in line with this outlook can be found in the writings of many early Christians in the Roman Empire. From such a viewpoint, biblical references (including prophetic ones) to "Israel" and "Jerusalem" became synonymous with symbolic understandings regarding the Church and the creation of a multinational "new Israel". This understanding largely dominated the outlook of the Church from the second to the sixteenth century and is still influential today (though less so in some evangelical communities); although since the Holocaust some denominations have become wary of it, given its past (though by no means inevitable) association with antisemitism. Most Roman Christians who expected the imminent return of Christ believed it would occur after a time of tribulation a time of persecution which the Church would experience. However, there was a minority of writers who thought the Church would be spared experiencing the traumas preceding Christ's return. The invention of "dispensationalism" and the "pre-tribulation Rapture"? Many modern writers have described Darby as being in effect the inventor of dispensationalism and the first to teach the pre-tribulation rapture. Closer study shows this is not the case. Several Puritans theologians, and those influenced by their writings in the period 1600 to 1800, looked to the restoration of the Jews, including to their ancient homeland. Oliver Cromwell's consideration of the readmission of Jews to Britain in the 1650s (having been expelled in 1290) was a response to this belief and the hope it would hasten Christ's return. Similarly, there were a number who wrote about the rapture of the Church, and some in ways like the later views of Darby. These included Morgan Edwards (172295), who helped found Rhode Island College, which eventually became Brown University, and Edward Irving (17921834). However, not all who referred to the rapture assumed it would significantly precede the visible return of Jesus. Consequently, Darby did not invent these beliefs, although arguably he systematised dispensationalism, which had previously lacked coherency. However, regarding the secret rapture, there is much stronger evidence for arguing that it was Darby who both focused and amplified a belief that had previously been a minority position. The historic impact The teachings associated with Darby, and those who came after him, spread in the US through so-called prophecy conferences such as the Niagara Bible Conferences (188397). Allies and sympathisers included Dwight L Moody and Cyrus I Scofield. Moody founded the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and this, and other comparable foundations, gave dispensationalism institutional permanence. These included the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (1907), and the Philadelphia College of the Bible (1914). Consequently, generations of US students of the Bible came to see salvation history through this lens. This was accelerated by the publication of the Scofield Reference Bible in 1909, in which Scofield incorporated many of Darby's ideas in his annotations. By 1943 it had sold two million copies and remains highly popular. In fact, in 2011 it had become the best-selling book in the five-hundred-year history of the Oxford University Press; and the best-selling reference Bible in US history with over ten million sales, although strict verification is difficult to achieve. Today, belief in dispensationalism (and the attendant belief in the pre-tribulation rapture) dominates Christian prophetic beliefs, with tens of millions of adherents. Other developments have added to this impact. In recent times, the Left Behind series of books produced by the writing team of Tim LaHaye and Jerry B Jenkins has sold somewhere in the region of eighty million copies. As a result, what might be called the Darby view of salvation history and the related end-times timetabling of the rapture, has become a global phenomenon. The evangelical Church has been hugely influenced by these teachings. Attitudes towards the State of Israel within many evangelical communities are largely framed within this dispensationalist framework. In 2011 it was estimated that somewhere in the region of forty million Americans subscribed to dispensational beliefs. Assuming that these were adults, this amounted to almost 17% of the entire US adult population at that point in time. The same level of support can be assumed regarding belief in the rapture, where the pre-tribulation form of the doctrine is now an integral part of eschatological timetabling. Globally, many more tens of millions of Christians also subscribe to these beliefs. So, how should we evaluate the impact of Darby, and his contemporaries who at the very least systematized and amplified these doctrines? For the millions who subscribe to them, they provide an essential key for unlocking the sequence of prophesied end-times events, through looking towards the future actions of Judaism and Israel in a post-rapture renewal of a "paused" dispensation. For those who do not accept these beliefs, they have distorted the Christian view of the nature of salvation history and eschatology to an extraordinary degree. In addition, some fear, it reduces Christian engagement with current crises (including climate change and Middle East conflict) by thinking that raptured-Christians will not have to live through the consequences of current policies (assuming Christ's return is imminent). The jury may be out, but the historic significance of the case being reviewed is beyond doubt. Martyn Whittock is an evangelical historian and a Licensed Lay Minister in the Church of England. As an historian and author, or co-author, of fifty-five books, his work covers a wide range of historical and theological themes. In addition, as a commentator and columnist, he has written for several print and online news platforms; has been interviewed on radio shows exploring the interaction of faith and politics; and appeared on Sky News discussing political events in the USA. Recently, he has been interviewed on several news platforms concerning the war in Ukraine. His recent books The End Times, Again? (2021) and Apocalyptic Politics (2022) explore the history and impact of end-times beliefs. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form SEATTLE, Washington -- Taylor Swift is performing one more time tonight -- Sunday, July 23 -- at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. After tonights show, Swift has just two more cities to visit in her U.S. stretch of The Eras Tour: Santa Clara, California and Inglewood, California. Third-party vendor websites have the tickets you want for tonights concert. WHERE TO BUY TICKETS: Vivid Seats | StubHub | SeatGeek | TicketCity | MegaSeats Here are the cheapest single tickets I found for tonights concert as of Saturday, July 22: Vivid Seats: $818 StubHub: $889 SeatGeek: $861 Swift will have just under a month of a break before she starts the Latin America part of her The Eras Tour from Aug. 24 until Nov. 26. Tickets for Mexico City are also available as well as for her stops in Argentina, Brazil, Australia, Singapore and Paris dates. Listen to Swifts re-recorded Speak Now album, which dropped in early July. Kaylee Remington is the commerce reporter for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. Follow her for deals, trends and breaking news in the shopping and entertainment industries. Read her work here. COLUMBUS, Ohio A 93-page Ohio Senate bill that seeks to tamp down on perceived liberal bias in higher education incorporates portions of nine other pieces of legislation from outside the state. Senate Bill 83 would require colleges add onto their mission statements that they wont favor, disfavor or prohibit speech or lawful assembly. Students would evaluate professors for their classroom bias and those evaluations would be a part of the faculty members overall job review. Some diversity, equity and inclusion programs would be prohibited. Syllabi would have to be posted online, as would a complete list of fees and honoraria over $500 for speakers sponsored by the school. Faculty would not be allowed to strike, among dozens of other provisions. People take part in a demonstration against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his nationalist coalition government's judicial overhaul, in Tel Aviv, Israel, July 22, 2023. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early Sunday he was going to the hospital for an emergency procedure to receive a pacemaker, but vowed to press ahead with his controversial judicial overhaul plan. In a brief videotaped statement released at 2 a.m. local time, Netanyahu said he had been fitted with a monitoring device after being briefly hospitalized last week for what his office had said was dehydration. He said an alarm on the device beeped Saturday night, meaning he needed a pacemaker immediately. "I feel excellent, but I listen to my doctors," he said. In a short statement, Netanyahu's office said Israel's leader would be placed under sedation. A top deputy, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, was to stand in for him. Netanyahu's office made the announcement as Israel faces widespread street protests over Netanyahu's contentious judicial overhaul plan. The plan has triggered months of protests, with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets Saturday night to demonstrate against it ahead of a key parliament vote Monday. Levin is the mastermind of the overhaul plan. Netanyahu's office said the prime minister would receive the pacemaker at Israel's Sheba Hospital, where he was treated last week as well. Netanyahu said he expected to be released from the hospital on Sunday and head to the Knesset, or parliament, ahead of the expected vote on his overhaul. At the same time, he said he hoped to reach an agreement with his opponents. A pacemaker is used when a patient's heart is beating too slowly, which can cause fainting spells, according to the National Institutes of Health. It can also be used to treat heart failure. By sending electrical pulses to the heart, the device increases or maintains a person's heartbeat at a normal rhythm, allowing the heart to pump blood to the body at a normal rate. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of protesters marched into Jerusalem on Saturday evening and hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets in Tel Aviv and other cities in a last-ditch show of force aimed at blocking Netanyahu's contentious judicial overhaul. Also Saturday, more than 100 of Israel's former security chiefs signed a letter pleading with the Israeli premier to halt the legislation, and thousands of additional military reservists said they would no longer report for duty, in a protest against the plan. In scorching heat that reached 33 C (91 F), the procession into Jerusalem turned the city's main entrance into a sea of blue and white Israeli flags as marchers completed the last leg of a four-day, 70-kilometer (45-mile) trek from Tel Aviv to Israel's parliament. The marchers, who grew from hundreds to thousands as the march progressed, were welcomed in Jerusalem by throngs of cheering protesters before they set up camp in rows of small white tents outside the Knesset, or parliament, before Monday's expected vote. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands flooded the streets of the coastal city of Tel Aviv, the country's business and cultural capital, as well as in Beersheba, Haifa and Netanya. Netanyahu and his far-right allies claim the overhaul is needed to curb what they say are the excessive powers of unelected judges. But their critics say the plan will destroy the country's system of checks and balances and put it on the path toward authoritarian rule. U.S. President Joe Biden has urged Netanyahu to halt the plan and seek a broad consensus. The proposed overhaul has drawn harsh criticism from business and medical leaders, and a fast-rising number of military reservists in key units have said they will stop reporting for duty if the plan passes, raising concern that the country's security interests could be threatened. An additional 10,000 reservists announced they were suspending duty on Saturday night, according to "Brothers in Arms," a protest group representing retired soldiers. More than 100 top former security chiefs, including retired military commanders, police commissioners and heads of intelligence agencies, joined those calls on Saturday, signing a letter to Netanyahu blaming him for compromising Israel's military and urging him to halt the legislation. The signatories included Ehud Barak, a former Israeli prime minister, and Moshe Yaalon, a former army chief and defense minister. Both are political rivals of Netanyahu. "The legislation is crushing those things shared by Israeli society, is tearing the people apart, disintegrating the IDF and inflicting fatal blows on Israel's security," the former officials wrote. "The legislative process violates the social contract that has existed for 75 years between the Israeli government and thousands of reserve officers and soldiers from the land, air, sea and intelligence branches who have volunteered for many years for the reserves to defend the democratic state of Israel, and now announce with a broken heart that they are suspending their volunteer service," the letter said. Israel Katz, a senior Cabinet minister from Netanyahu's Likud party, said the bill would pass one way or another on Monday. "I represent citizens who are not ready to have their voice canceled because of threats of refusal to serve" or by those blocking the airport, highways and train stations, he told Channel 12 TV. "There is a clear attempt here to use military service to force the government to change policy." After seven straight months of the most sustained and intense demonstrations the country has ever seen, the grassroots protest movement has reached a fever pitch. The parliament is expected to vote Monday on a measure that would limit the Supreme Court's oversight powers by preventing judges from striking down government decisions on the basis that they are "unreasonable." Proponents say the current "reasonability" standard gives the judges excessive powers over decision-making by elected officials. But critics say that removing the standard, which is invoked only in rare cases, would allow the government to pass arbitrary decisions, make improper appointments or firings and open the door to corruption. Monday's vote would mark the first major piece of legislation to be approved. The overhaul also calls for other sweeping changes aimed at curbing the powers of the judiciary, from limiting the Supreme Court's ability to challenge parliamentary decisions, to changing the way judges are selected. Protesters, who make up a wide swath of Israeli society, see the overhaul as a power grab fueled by various personal and political grievances by Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges, and his partners, who want to deepen Israel's control of the occupied West Bank and perpetuate controversial draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men. In a speech Thursday, Netanyahu doubled down on the overhaul and dismissed as absurd the accusations that the plan would destroy Israel's democratic foundations. "This is an attempt to mislead you over something that has no basis in reality," he said. Alarmed by the growing mass of reservists refusing to serve, the country's defense minister, Yoav Gallant, pushed for a delay in Monday's vote, according to reports in Israeli media. It was unclear if others would join him. While big questions swirl about China's macro policy, some sectors are seeing fundamentals shift in their favor. Profits are moving to industrials, consumer discretionary and staples and away from materials and energy, according to HSBC. That's based on the firm's analysis of the roughly 1,700 mainland China-listed companies that have released earnings previews for the first half of the year. A reason for the shift in profits, the report said, is falling producer prices and their widening gap with consumer prices in China. That means upstream businesses are making less money, while costs drop for mid- and downstream companies. Breaking that down further, the HSBC analysts looked for sub-sectors with low inventory levels and strong demand momentum. Their screen found that home appliances, media and software sectors were among those that fit the bill. The Producer Price Index has fallen for nine months straight. The Consumer Price Index slowed to 0% in June. That's spurred worries of deflation in China and broader sluggishness in the world's second-largest economy. But the worst may soon be over. The big event of the next seven days is an expected gathering of Chinese leaders, called the Politburo. "Everyone is looking forward to the [meeting] at the end of July," said Ding Wenjie, investment strategist for global capital investment at China Asset Management Co. That's according to a CNBC translation of her Mandarin-language remarks. She pointed out that in addition to decisions made at the meeting itself, other policy details may come out after it ends. There's no announced date, but last year in July the Politburo met on the last Thursday of the month. Beijing in the last two weeks has started to signal more economic support. A lengthy government document and subsequent press briefing on Thursday talked up the importance of helping the private, non-state-owned sector. Markets are still waiting for action. Confidence has been bruised by regulatory tightening that suspended Ant Group's IPO days before its listing, and forced Didi to suspend new user registrations days after its U.S. IPO. A big indicator to watch is whether internet platform companies can list their subsidiaries in public markets, Ding said. Ant's affiliate Alibaba in March said it would split into six business units , each of which could then raise funds in an initial public offering. JD.com is also planning IPOs of its industrial and property units. Meanwhile, regulators have signaled closure by allowing Didi to resume new user registrations, and finally in July issuing a fine on Ant. Policymakers otherwise have little room to act given high debt levels in the economy, Ding said. She expects that overseas markets will be an area of profit growth for Chinese companies, while the domestic recovery just needs slightly more time. China has only reopened for six months, she said, noting that consumption can improve as the economy grows. Already, the summer has seen a surge in domestic travel. Goldman Sachs analysts said Friday that implied oil demand from scheduled domestic flights in July is expected to be above the 2019 level. Earnings winners Looking ahead, UBS Securities China Equity Strategist Lei Meng assumes "moderate but no aggressive policy stimulus," and likes sectors such as appliances, food and beverage, computer software and insurance. Meng expects that the first quarter was the low point for earnings this year, with gradual improvement the rest of the year, for 10% earnings per share growth in the A-share CSI300 index for the full year. The CSI 300, which includes Shanghai and Shenzhen-listed companies, is down slightly for the year so far, while the Shanghai composite is clinging to gains. When it comes to individual stocks, HSBC looked for names where their estimates were most above the consensus. "We continue to believe fundamentals (like earnings and valuations) will come back into focus and that stocks whose results beat consensus estimates can benefit," Steven Sun, head of research at HSBC Qianhai Securities, and a team said in a July 19 report. Top on the list is software company 360 Security, which HSBC's earnings estimate for the year is double the consensus. Baosight, another software company, also made the top 10, as did home appliance company Sanhua. All three stocks are up double-digits for the year so far. But not all software stocks made the cut. Well-known tech company iFlytek made HSBC's list of 10 stocks where the analysts' estimates are well below that of the consensus implying a miss. All four stocks are listed in mainland China. The HSBC study only looked at names with a market cap greater than $10 billion and a three-month average daily trading volume of more than $10 million. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin speaks to the media on March 16, 2023 in Berlin, Germany. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was "doing excellently" after an unscheduled pacemaker implant and would on Monday attend a key judicial reform vote that has brought nationwide protests to a boil and stirred calls for compromise. With the country ensnared in its worst domestic crisis in decades, President Isaac Herzog on Sunday met Netanyahu in the hospital treating him in the hope of closing the rifts between the religious-nationalist ruling coalition and opposition parties. "This is an emergency. Agreement must be reached," Herzog, who mediated fruitless March-June talks, said in a statement. The Knesset, where Netanyahu wields a comfortable majority, is due on Monday to hold final readings of a bill limiting Supreme Court powers to overrule some government decisions. It would be the first reform written into the law of a package critics fear aims to curb judicial independence, but which Netanyahu who is on trial on corruption charges he denies insists are needed for balance among branches of government. The embattled 73-year-old leader was rushed to a hospital near Tel Aviv late on Saturday after a heart monitor implanted a week earlier in what was described as a dehydration episode detected a "temporary arrhythmia", his doctors said. Fitted with a pacemaker, he was due for discharge on Monday. "As you can see, I am doing excellently," he said in a video statement that showed him seated, smiling and wearing a blazer. "We are pursuing efforts to complete the legislation, as well as efforts to do this through consensus, but in any event I want you to know that tomorrow morning I'll be joining my colleagues in the Knesset." Lawmakers on Sunday began debating the bill, which would amend a law enabling the Supreme Court to void decisions made by the government and ministers it deems "unreasonable". Poll results aired by national broadcaster Kan found that 46% of Israelis were opposed to the amendment versus 35% who were in favor and 19% who were undecided. The Histadrut labor federation proposed a scaled-down version of the bill. Centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid said that could be a basis for new compromise talks, but Netanyahu's Likud party said it was too close to Lapid's positions. That meeting could have been an email, says Mark Cuban. The billionaire investor, Dallas Mavericks owner, "Shark Tank" personality, author and father of three doesn't have much time to waste. And he thinks meetings are the number one workplace habit killing people's productivity and eating away at their time. In a conversation with bestselling author Chris Voss on the interactive streaming platform Fireside, which Cuban co-founded, he said that people "over-meet and over-call." "It kills so much time," he added. Cuban has been vocal about his commitment to having power over his own time he says it's partly what drove him to want to become successful. To him, meetings are an obstacle to controlling his own schedule. His daily routine starts with a 6:30 a.m. wake-up where he responds to a morning round of emails, eats breakfast and works out before diving into the rest of his workday. His busy schedule makes rigorous time management a key to his success. "I try to only do meetings if I have to come to a conclusion or there's no other way same with phone calls," Cuban told Voss in late June. He says that most meetings get sidetracked by trivial small talk like "Who got the donuts?" and "How are the kids?" instead of working through a productive agenda. In 2019, well over half of employees surveyed said that meetings were just distractions from getting their work done, according to a poll from organizational consulting firm Korn Ferry. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic made things worse. Conference rooms became Zoom calls. Running over to someone's desk to ask a quick question turned into huddles on Microsoft Teams or Slack. In short, there were now more ways to host meetings and so more meetings were hosted. The result: According to Microsoft research, people are in three times more Teams meetings per week today compared to February 2020. Cuban has always been a meetings critic. He told Voss that early in his career, if he had to hold a meeting, he would get rid of all the chairs in the conference room so that anyone who was in attendance had to stand. "It's amazing how quickly meetings get over with if no one has a chair or some place to sit," Cuban lightly joked. The no-chair policy didn't necessarily stick, Cuban said. He thinks since he was still early on in his career, he may not have been "established enough to get away with it." But even now, Cuban prefers to communicate business matters via email. "I can respond to those in the middle of the night. Or I can respond to those on my schedule as opposed to have to arrange everything around other people," Cuban says. DON'T MISS: Want to be smarter and more successful with your money, work & life? Sign up for our new newsletter! Take your business to the next level: Register for CNBC's free Small Business Playbook virtual event on August 2 at 1 p.m. ET to learn from premier experts and entrepreneurs how you can beat inflation, hire top talent and get access to capital. People stand among the debris outside a residential building after a missile strike in Odesa, early on July 23, 2023. A Russian air attack on Ukraine's southern port of Odesa early on Sunday killed one, injured nearly 20 and badly damaged an Orthodox cathedral, Ukrainian officials said, adding the icon of the patroness of the city had been retrieved from under the rubble. "Odesa: another night attack of the monsters," Oleh Kiper, governor of the Odesa region, said on the Telegram messaging app. One person was killed and 19 injured, including four children, in the missile attacks that also destroyed six houses and apartment buildings. Fourteen people were hospitalized, he said. The Spaso-Preobrazhenskyi Cathedral, or the Transfiguration Cathedral, was severely damaged, Odesa's military administration said. Odesa's largest church building is located in the historic city center, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. The cathedral's archdeacon, Andriy Palchuk, told Reuters the missile strike had started a fire which only affected one corner of the cathedral containing non-historic religious artifacts for purchase by worshippers. "When the right altar chapel of the most sacred part of the cathedral was hit, a missile piece flew through the whole cathedral and hit the area where we display icons, candles and books for purchase," he said. Ukraine's defense ministry said the cathedral had now been "destroyed twice" by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. The early 19th-century cathedral was demolished in 1936 as part of Stalin's anti-religious campaigns and rebuilt when Ukraine gained independence from Moscow in 1991. Parts of the building were destroyed, the floors were covered in rubble and chunks were ripped off the cathedral's ornate walls. Several local residents from the surrounding area came to assist with cleaning up the rubble. Russia's Defence Ministry reported strikes on targets in the area but denied it had struck the cathedral and said the building had probably been hit by a Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile. Russia has attacked Odesa with missiles and drones several times since it withdrew on Monday from a year-old deal that had allowed for safe exports of Ukraine's grain from Black Sea ports. Odesa's ports were the departure point for grain leaving Ukraine in the Turkey and UN-brokered agreement. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Sunday's attack and vowed payback. "There can be no excuse for Russian evil. As always, this evil will lose. And there will definitely be a retaliation to Russian terrorists for Odesa. They will feel this retaliation," he said on Twitter. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a statement condemning the attack and offering assistance in the reconstruction of the cathedral. "The Russian aggressors demolish grain stores, depriving millions of hungry people of food. They devastate our European civilization, its sacred symbols," she said. In its daily briefing, Russia's Defence Ministry said it had struck targets "where terrorist attacks were being prepared" in the Odesa area and that all targets had been destroyed. Separately, the ministry said Ukrainian reports of a Russian strike on the cathedral were false, and that its targets in Odesa were located "a safe distance" from the cathedral complex. It said that the "probable cause" of the damage to the cathedral was a Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile. Russia has been pounding Odesa and other Ukrainian food export facilities nearly daily over the past week. Pro-Kremlin military bloggers have said in the past week that Russia has changed its air attack tactics, using a combination of weapons in a "swarm" manner, one wave after another, which they say is more difficult to defend against. Ukraine's air force said on its Telegram messaging app early on Sunday that Russia launched high-precision Onyx missiles and sea-to-shore Kalibr cruise missiles on Odesa. The city's military administration said that air defense systems destroyed nine out of 19 missiles fired at Odesa and the surrounding region. Russia has previously described its attacks on Odesa as revenge for a Ukrainian strike last week on a Russian-built bridge to Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula that Moscow annexed in 2014. It has accused Ukraine of using the sea corridor to launch "terrorist attacks. The cathedral that was hit on Sunday is of the Moscow-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) Ukraine's second-largest Church. Most Ukrainian Orthodox believers belong to a separate branch of the faith formed four years ago by uniting branches independent of Russian authority. Ukraine has accused the UOC of maintaining links to the pro-invasion Russian Orthodox Church, which used to be its parent church but with which the UOC says it broke ties in May last year, following the Russian invasion. A banner showing an image depicting Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of the PP Party. Voters in Spain head to the polls on July 23 to cast their votes and elect Spain's next government. Spain voters headed to the polls on Sunday in an election that could bring the far right to power for the first time since Francisco Franco's dictatorship. Polls published ahead of the vote projected a conservative win, with the PP (Partido Popular) set to secure about 34% of support which would not be sufficient to form a majority government. Voter turnout stood at 53% at 6 p.m. local time on Sunday with two hours left to cast ballots. That was down from 56.85% at the same time during the previous election in November 2019, Reuters reported, citing the Interior Ministry. Some political analysts expect PP to join forces with the far-right party Vox, which could be the third biggest political force in this election and obtain more than 10% of the votes. "The most likely outcome is a coalition government with PP firmly in the lead and in control of most key ministries, and Vox as the junior partner," Federico Santi, senior analyst at Eurasia Group, said in a note Wednesday. He added that this scenario "would be moderately market-positive, as reflected in Spanish asset prices over the last few weeks, with a modest outperformance of Spanish equity indices compared to European peers, while the sovereign credit spread vis-a-vis Germany has remained broadly stable." Many cities in Florida remain popular retirement destinations, but a Pennsylvania city ranks as the best place to spend your post-work years. Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is the No. 1 city to retire in, according to U.S. News & World Report's recent "Best Places to Retire in the U.S." U.S. News & World Report evaluated the 150 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, using data from a variety of sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau and the Tax Foundation. The report assigns each city an overall retirement score based on six factors: Housing affordability Desirability Happiness Quality of health care Retiree taxes Job market The researchers surveyed 3,100 people aged 45 and older about which of those categories would be most important to them in retirement and assigned weights to those categories accordingly. Lancaster scored particularly high marks in the health-care category, but scored lower in the housing-affordability category on its way to an overall score of 7.2 out of 10, according to the analysis. The city offers a combination of rolling farmlands and a bustling downtown that hosts arts and culture events such as "First Fridays," which features exhibitions and performances from the local art community. Additionally, about 18% of the population is above the age of 65, per the study's findings. For those looking to save money on housing in retirement, those costs in Lancaster are below the national average. The median home price there is about $290,354, according to U.S. News & World Report. Meanwhile, the national median home price as of the first quarter of 2023 is around $436,800, per the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank. A second Pennsylvania city, state capital Harrisburg, is No. 2 on the list. It scored slightly lower in the health-care category, which dragged down its ranking, but earned high marks in the housing-affordability section. Florida makes it first appearance on the list with Pensacola in the third spot. Although the beach town received a slightly higher housing-affordability score, it didn't score well in the health-care category, which brought down its rank. It's clear Pennsylvania and Florida dominate the top spots on the list of best places to retire. Retirees do benefit from certain tax breaks in both states. Florida doesn't tax income and Pennsylvania doesn't tax retirement pensions and distributions from 401(k)s, IRAs or Social Security, according to Kiplinger. Here are the top 10 U.S. cities for retirees, according to U.S. News & World Report: Lancaster, Pennsylvania Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Pensacola, Florida Tampa, Florida York, Pennsylvania Naples, Florida Daytona Beach, Florida Ann Arbor, Michigan Allentown, Pennsylvania Reading, Pennsylvania While lists like these can be helpful while researching potential retirement locations, remember that everyone's ideal retirement is unique and shaped by different priorities. For example, you may want to be closer to family or move to a state with a lower cost of living than where you currently are. DON'T MISS: Want to be smarter and more successful with your money, work & life? Sign up for our new newsletter! Get CNBC's free Warren Buffett Guide to Investing, which distills the billionaire's No. 1 best piece of advice for regular investors, do's and don'ts, and three key investing principles into a clear and simple guidebook. Warning labels are designed to inform consumers about potential risks of using a product, but they have become too prevalent to be beneficial. "Warning labels really were fairly rare until the 1960s," said W. Kip Viscusi, a distinguished professor of law, economics, and management at Vanderbilt University. "Beginning in the mid-1960's, cigarettes started to have a warning label. Since that time, other products have followed suit, trying to emulate the cigarette experience." Warning labels generally come in two forms: those that warn the consumer against buying the product, such as a cigarette box label that says, "This product can cause mouth cancer," and those that warn about the risks associated with incorrect use of a product and may say, "To prevent this furniture from tipping over, it must be permanently fixed to the wall." One of the problems researchers have pointed out is people are desensitized to warning labels because they seem to be everywhere. "One of my main complaints about warnings is that they've become ubiquitous," Viscusi said. "There's a tendency to say things are risky [and] slap a warning on it, and that tends to dilute the impact of the other warnings that are out there. So if everything in the supermarket is labeled as dangerous, you don't know what to buy." Viscusi has developed two criteria for effective warning labels: 1) they must provide new information to consumers, and 2) the consumer must find the information credible. "When companies are making statements against their financial interest, that would tend to be credible," Viscusi said. There has been pushback against putting warning labels on certain products. In December 2022, a federal judge ruled that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cannot require tobacco companies to put graphic warning labels on cigarettes. When it comes to making sure people are using products safely, consumer protection advocates say warning labels should be a last resort. "In general, warning labels by themselves [are] just not effective," said Oriene Shin, policy counsel at Consumer Reports. "They really need to be coupled with safe design." That's where the safety hierarchy of product design comes in. This is a multistep process meant to eliminate risk to the consumer, and when that's not possible, minimize it through safeguards. An example of a safeguard, Shin says, would be requiring a potentially dangerous product such as a lawnmower to only start if the user pulls a lever and presses a button, rather than only requiring one of those procedures. The last tier of the safety hierarchy is a warning label. "I have probably seen hundreds of warning labels in the last week, and we probably don't remember any of them," Shin said. "And that's the problem with just relying on warning labels. [They're] the icing on the cake rather than the end all be all." Watch the video above to learn more about why warning labels aren't working and what we can do about it. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) When Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was inaugurated as the 17th President of the Philippines, he immediately set an agenda to tackle climate change. In one of his engagements abroad, Marcos described the fight against the climate crisis as a "race against time to conserve and prevent habitat and biodiversity loss." A year into his presidency, has the administration made significant progress when it comes to green issues? Of spills and gaps One of the main environmental disasters during Marcos' first year was the massive oil spill in the waters of Oriental Mindoro on Feb. 28. He wanted authorities to only take four months to complete the cleanup. On June 17, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced it has completed extracting oil from the MT Princess Empress. The tanker was carrying around 900,000 liters of industrial fuel oil when it sank off Naujan. Its wreckage was found near Pola town. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has yet to determine the actual cost of damage to marine biodiversity. It earlier estimated the value at around 7 billion. The oil spill reached Antique, Palawan, and the Verde Island Passage considered the "center of marine shore fish biodiversity." It also halted the work of around 27,000 fishers, with disaster management officials reporting the country lost nearly 5 billion worth of fish production. RELATED: DENR, five provinces want Verde Island Passage declared as 'protected area' Advocates revealed that fishers in Calapan told them this week there is less catch even after the lifting of the fishing ban in their area, which they said was an experience observed in past oil spills. Fishing bans have been lifted in all of Oriental Mindoro's towns, Governor Humerlito Dolor said on July 20. But in a news conference a day earlier, Pola Mayor Jennifer Cruz said she is still not signing the PCG's declaration that her town's coast is "100% clean," as they still see traces of oil along the shoreline. Considered as "ground zero," Pola was hit the hardest by the oil spill. On April 22, oil spill-affected fisherfolk are clearing the shores of Pola, Oriental Mindoro of oil slicks as part of their tasks in the government's cash-for-work program. April 22 is Earth Day. Residents and groups are still calling for justice and the swift processing of claims, as they considered the effect of the oil spill worse than that of COVID-19. For Tony La Vina, an environmental policy expert and former DENR undersecretary, the marine disaster response is a good example of the gaps within Marcos' environmental agenda. La Vina told CNN Philippines that the country's response and rhetoric, along with the efforts of Environment Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga, were "okay," but "there's nothing that has changed in the way we respond mabagal [slow]." "In the first place, bakit pinayagan, bakit nangyari [why was the ship allowed to sail, why did the disaster happen]?" he added. Rhodora Azanza, professor emeritus of the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI), also told CNN Philippines the country is still not ready for such calamity as the government remains "land-focused" in its disaster management program. For Fr. Edwin Gariguez, Protect VIP Convenor, the completion of the oil spill cleanup was a "hollow victory." He said "no one is held accountable and the government remains quiet about what it plans to do to prevent similar incidents in the future." READ: Marina, PCG staff, MT Princess Empress owners face criminal complaints over oil spill Adjusting the footing To set her agenda, the DENR chief followed Marcos' rhetoric in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on environmental preservation, environmental law implementation and compliance, and climate change mitigation. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., along with Environment Secretary Toni Loyzaga and Sen. Cynthia Villar, plants a Molave tree at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Heroes Park to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the Philippine Forestry Service on June 26. Loyzaga deemed engaging with the private sector and introducing the National Natural Resources Geospatial Database Office (GDO) and the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) as some of her accomplishments in her first year. Carlos David is leading these two offices as part of his tasks as undersecretary for integrated environmental science. In a Palace briefing, Loyzaga said the GDO would establish a "physical baseline" of the country's natural resources to properly account for, value, and manage them, as well as a basis to identify priority areas for forestation, reforestation, and afforestation, for example. She bared that data from the GDO showed out of the 15 million hectares of classified forestland, only 7 million hectares were actually forested. The map, provided by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Geospatial Database Office, shows current areas of open and closed forests in the Philippines. The agency says there are around 7.9 million hectares of open forests (light green) and around 3.9 million hectares of closed forests (dark green) within these areas. "In the past, areas that were targeted for reforestation are actually not ideal areasso this time, we made sure that these are areas that will have trees that can be sustained, David told CNN Philippines, stressing that the data can improve the department's programs to maximize its "small budget." RELATED: DENR to prioritize reforestation of 2M hectares of land David said the current 10-member GDO will use its data to detect encroachment on public coastal areas, illegal mining activities, and industries without necessary permits. It can also be used to pinpoint water systems that can be developed for hydropower and water supply arguably helping another office under his belt, the WRMO, which stands as an umbrella office for all water-related functions of the government. His office will be tested this year as the El Nino phenomenon threatens the country's water supply. The path ahead "Policy-wise, rhetoric-wise, generally okay...From the point of view of outcomes, the Marcos government has not yet produced good outcomes sa [in the] environment. And there's much to be done," La Vina said, admitting it may take three to four years for policy changes in the DENR to reflect on the ground. David said the DENR's first year can be summed up as "trying to solve problems from before, at the same time trying to advance things as we see fit." For Marcos, he may continue talks on nuclear energy this year, given that he already mentioned it during his first SONA. The Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety bill, which seeks to provide a comprehensive atomic regulatory framework, is up for interpellation in the House of Representatives after the approval of the newly formed special committee on nuclear energy. RELATED: Energy chief: PH can build nuke plant 'within the decade' But critics raised that nuclear power is a problematic, expensive, and dangerous energy source urging the president to instead focus on renewables to truly address the climate crisis. "If this bill becomes law, it will only serve the interests of private nuclear companies and investors waiting to suck us dry financially and use our country as a testing ground for their untested and dangerous technologies," Greenpeace Philippines said. Another issue Marcos previously mentioned was the country's responsibility to "clean up," being the world's third biggest plastics polluter. Just three months ago, the Commission of Audit (COA) found the country's Solid Waste Management Program did not achieve its goals. COA reported that in 2020, the country produced 16.6 million of waste, which was 2 million higher than six years prior. It is seen to rise to 19 million metric tons by 2030, and around 24 million metric tons by 2045. Loyzaga knows that this is a "great challenge." "We are not winning the war definitely against single-use plastic," she told reporters. The DENR said plastics account for 30% to 40% of the current daily waste generation. In an earlier interview with CNN Philippines, Loyzaga shared the DENR is launching a "very concerted campaign" to encourage companies to register and comply with the Extended Producers Responsibility Act requiring them to recover their plastic packaging waste. For Robert Borje, vice chairperson and executive director of the Climate Change Commission (CCC), climate change action is a priority of the current administration as it reflects on increased budget allocation for climate change mitigation this year. He said the CCC's priorities include the implementation of the National Climate Risk Management Framework, the integration into the national agenda of the country's self-defined national climate pledges to limit the increase of the global average temperature, and the development of the National Adaptation Plan. La Vina, on the other hand, said the DENR should prioritize the issues of reclamation and illegal land-use conversion, which groups have also been raising. Advocates from the Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan) said they question the administration's intentions to expand the mining industry, despite long-standing issues with the existing mining framework. They claimed that one year of Marcos was an "ecological disaster" for Filipinos. "The case of Sibuyan Island and the struggle against Altai Philippines Mining Corporation's operations a company granted [with] permits under the Marcos Jr. administration reveals the backward nature of mining policies Marcos Jr. [commits] himself to continuing at all costs," the group said. In a television interview, Loyzaga acknowledged that there are gaps in the Mining Act of 1995, but said the mining industry under Marcos will be open to responsible miners who consider the environmental aspects of mining and promote social development. But aside from policy change, the administration must also ensure that grassroots and civil society have "the democratic space to operate," and their initiatives recognized, to combat climate change locally, said Kalikasan national coordinator Jon Bonifacio. Climate advocates and other groups hold a protest in Makati on Feb. 28, to urge developed nations and major polluters to pay up to countries most hit by climate change effects, including the Philippines. "Until the crisis that environmental defenders face in the Philippines has been recognized by the DENR or the Marcos Jr. administration (as we are the worst country in Asia in terms of killings for a decade now), a big part of the problem has not been addressed," he told CNN Philippines. Coming into Marcos second year in office, La Vina reiterated that the government has the opportunity to catch up with the environmental issues with Loyzaga, Energy chief Raphael Lotilla, and Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. sitting in the Cabinet. For Marcos, he has his eyes set on attending this year's United Nations Climate Change Conference set for November in Dubai to show his commitment to the fight against climate change. "There is no question that the preservation of the environment is the preservation of life," he said in his first SONA. "If we cannot mitigate climate change, all our plans for the economy, all our plans for our future, will be for naught." Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 17) A lawmaker on Sunday urged Congress and the Palace to tackle the creation of an agency that will oversee the use of artificial intelligence (AI). According to Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, at least 520,000 employees from call centers, online marketing and search engine development, finance, health care organizations, transportation and retail may be affected by the use of AI in the country. Dapat din natin paghandaan ang daluyong na puwedeng dalhin sa ating bansa ng AI technology. Kasama na rin dito ang pagharap at paggamit ng kabutihang maidudulot nito sa ating lipunan, bansa, at ekonomiya, he said in a statement. [Translation: We should prepare for the impact that the AI technology may bring to our country. This includes its proper use for the benefit of our society, country, and economy.] We should have a watchdog to guard against unscrupulous individuals, like bandits or terrorist groups, that would take advantage of or use it for their selfish or criminal ends, he added. Last March, Barbers filed a bill seeking to create the Artificial Intelligence Development Authority. Under the bill, the proposed AI monitoring body will be tasked to supervise the development and deployment of AI technologies, ensure compliance with AI ethics principles and guidelines and protect the rights and welfare of individuals and communities affected by AI technologies. The University of the Philippines earlier said it is crafting a policy on the "responsible" use of AI in the academe. It also cited 10 proposed principles to be adopted by the university. The principles emphasized the need for AI to be beneficial to Filipinos by "fostering inclusive economic growth, sustainable development, political empowerment and enhanced well-being." READ: UP drafting guidelines for 'responsible' AI use Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy earlier said the agency is looking into requests to regulate the use of AI in the workplace. READ: DICT chief backs calls for AI regulation in workplace International Labour Organization Director General Gilbert Houngbo said a workers lack of skill is a threat to employment, rather than AI. READ: ILO chief sees Artificial Intelligence as opportunity not a threat Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 23) Authorities said they have completed security preparations for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s second State of the Nation Address on Monday with close to 22,000 personnel assigned to ensure safety. Metro Manila Police chief PBGen Jose Nartatez Jr. led inspections on Sunday and said personnel from the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology will be deployed. These personnel will be assigned to emergency disaster response and quick reaction teams, as well as checkpoints. "Baka sabihin nila OA (overacting) or whatsoever. Remember that the deployment or utilization of 22,000 is may iba-ibang parte or gagawin na mission yun or function," Nartatez said. "Theres no such thing as napakarami, ibig sabihin kuyog or whatsoever. Importante, prepared tayo na nag-a-address dito sa mga nakikita nating problema," he added. [Translation: They might say it's OA or whatsoever. Remember that the deployment or utilization of 22,000 is they have different missions or functions. There's no such thing as too many. What's important is we're prepared to address what we see as problems.] Nartatez said they are continuously reviewing their security plan to make sure everything goes smoothly on July 24. They have also prepared a multi-agency coordinating center capable of monitoring areas using CCTV cameras, a mobile command center, and drones. A gun ban will also be strictly implemented on Monday. Around 20,000 rallyists are expected during the event, but they are only allowed to stage their protest at a designated area along Commonwealth Avenue. They will be allowed to bring effigies as long as they do not burn anything made of plastic since this is against the law. Motorists are reminded that three northbound lanes of Commonwealth Avenue will remain open. The Quezon City Police District also inspected areas around the Batasan Pambansa to Welcome Rotonda to Litex. "Handa na ang ating kapulisan, yung every year na ginagawa nating paghahanda. Hindi lamang mas handa ngayon, through the years alam mo na saan mo ilalagay, ide-deploy mga tao," said Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos. [Translation: The police are ready, the preparations we do every year havent just gotten better this year, through the years, you already know where people should be deployed.] According to authorities, the QC government gave permits to four groups to hold their protests. PNP chief Benjamin Acorda said the police would see to it that the rallies are done peacefully. Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said they would be on heightened alert because of the SONA. "Naka-heightened alert ang Philippine Coast Guard sa National Capital Region-Central Luzon, Northeastern Luzon, Northwestern Luzon, Southern Tagalog, at Bicol," the agency said in a statement Sunday. "Katuwang ang Armed Forces of the Philippines at Philippine National Police, magpapakalat ang PCG ng mga security personnel, K9 units, at medical teams sa mga kritikal na lugar sa NCR kaugnay ng SONA 2023," added the PCG. [Translation: The Philippine Coast Guard in the National Capital Region-Central Luzon, Northeastern Luzon, Northwestern Luzon, Southern Tagalog, and Bicol are all on heightened alert. Working with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, the PCG will deploy security personnel, K9 units, and medical teams in critical areas in NCR for SONA 2023.] CNN Philippines Rex Remitio, Kaithreen Cruz, and Pia Garcia contributed to this report. 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. UTAH Sailors rejoice after wet winter raises Great Salt Lake for now ON THE GREAT SALT LAKE After years of sailboats being hoisted out of the shrinking Great Salt Lake amid fears they might not return, sailors are back this summer. That's thanks to an abnormally wet winter that has raised the lake 6 feet from last November's historic low. Sailors are just one group whose enjoyment of the lake is imperiled by climate change, drought and diversion of water to cities and farms. Hundreds of sailboats were hoisted out of the shrinking Great Salt Lake as water levels plummeted in recent years, leaving docks along the lake's parched southern shore caked with dried mud. But it's not clear it will last. If the great lake resumes its decline, it could mean collapse of the ecosystem. Without enough water flowing to the lake, the reefs that nurture species such as brine fly and shrimp will be decimated, in turn affecting the larger species that feed on them, including pelicans and other migratory birds. And every bit of exposed lakebed means more arsenic-laced dust available for wind to pick up and carry to nearby homes, schools and office parks. For now, Derby and other sailors are relishing the opportunity to unfurl their sails and reconnect with friends over crisp breezes and corny jokes. "It's so nice, it's beautiful," said Atkin, looking up at the sails. "You feel the power of the wind a little bit, how bad can it be?" THE WEST Senators seek to expand nuclear fallout compensation program ALBUQUERQUE U.S. senators from New Mexico and Idaho are making another push to expand the federal government's compensation program for people exposed to radiation following uranium mining and nuclear testing carried out during the Cold War. Downwinders who live near the New Mexico site where the world's first atomic bomb was tested in 1945 as part of the top-secret Manhattan Project in World War II also would be among those added to the list. The legislation would amend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to include eligible residents in areas affected by fallout in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah and the territory of Guam. Democrat Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico and Republican Mike Crapo of Idaho announced on July 6 that they were reintroducing the bill in the Senate after previous attempts to expand the program stalled. Supporters say the clock is ticking as more people are diagnosed with cancers that they say are connected to exposure. Advocates have been trying for years to bring awareness to the lingering effects of nuclear fallout surrounding the Trinity Site in southern New Mexico and on the Navajo Nation, where millions of tons of uranium ore were extracted over decades to support U.S. nuclear activities. The reintroduction of the legislation preceded the 78th anniversary of the Trinity Test in New Mexico on July 16 and comes as the federal government prepares to ramp up production of the plutonium pits used to trigger nuclear weapons. An estimated $80 million is needed for the compensation trust fund for the 2024 fiscal year that began July 1, according to the U.S. Justice Department. MONTANA TikTok, content creators ask judge to block app ban TikTok Inc. and a group of five content creators who are suing the state of Montana over its first-in-the-nation law to ban the video sharing app are now asking a federal judge to block implementation of the law while the case moves through the courts and before it takes effect in January. The separate requests for preliminary injunctions were filed on July 5 in federal court in Missoula. The cases challenging the law were filed in May and have since been consolidated by U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy. Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen had the bill drafted over concerns shared by the FBI and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken that the app, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, could be used to allow the Chinese government to access information on U.S. citizens or push pro-Beijing misinformation that could influence the public. TikTok has said none of this has ever happened. The motions for injunctions argue that the ban is an unconstitutional violation of free speech rights and that the state has no authority to regulate foreign affairs. TikTok has safeguards to moderate content and protect minors, and would not share information with China, the company has argued. But critics have pointed to China's 2017 national intelligence law that compels companies to cooperate with the country's governments for state intelligence work. More than half the U.S. states, including Montana, and the federal government have banned TikTok from government-owned devices. As of June 1, Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte also prohibited the use of any social media apps tied to foreign adversaries on state equipment and for state businesses. Among the apps he listed are WeChat, whose parent company is headquartered in China; and Telegram Messenger, which was founded in Russia. WYOMING Suspect in abortion clinic burning reaches plea deal CHEYENNE A college student who authorities say admitted setting fire to a building slated to become Wyoming's only full-service abortion clinic has reached a plea agreement with prosecutors, federal court documents showed on July 10. Details of the proposed plea deal for Lorna Roxanne Green weren't available to the public pending a judge's approval of the agreement. Green, 22, pleaded not guilty to an arson charge in U.S. District Court in Cheyenne in June. Green faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The plea agreement means Green could avoid going to trial, set for July 24. Reached by phone, Green's attorney, Ryan Semerad, declined to comment on the plea agreement. Federal prosecutors did not immediately return an email message seeking comment Monday. Green told investigators she opposed abortion and was experiencing anxiety and having nightmares over the Wellspring Health Access clinic that was to open in Casper, Wyoming, last year, so she decided to burn it, according to court documents. Investigators say Green broke a window at the clinic, filled aluminum baking pans with gasoline and set it ablaze on May 25, 2022. The clinic, which had drawn anti-abortion protesters, was scheduled to open a few weeks later but was not able to begin seeing patients until April because of the fire damage. The facility is Wyoming's only dedicated clinic in at least a decade to offer surgical abortions. It also offers abortion pills and women's health care, the clinic says. NEW MEXICO Virgin Galactic plans next commercial flight to edge of space ALBUQUERQUE Virgin Galactic is aiming for early August for its next flight to the edge of space, a trip that is expected to include the first of many ticket holders who have been waiting years for their chance at weightlessness aboard the company's rocket-powered plane. The company announced on July 13 that the window for the commercial flight from Spaceport America in southern New Mexico will open Aug. 10. Virgin Galactic confirmed that three private passengers will be on the flight. The plane has room for six two Virgin Galactic pilots and four passengers. The flight will mark Virgin Galactic's third this year. Virgin Galactic has been working for more than a decade to send paying passengers on short space hops and in 2021 finally won the federal government's approval. Founder Richard Branson joined Virgin Galactic employees for the first flight that summer. Once the plane reaches its highest point, passengers can unstrap from their seats, float around the cabin for a few minutes and take in views of the Earth. Then they strap in for the glide back down to the runway. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Binoy Viswam Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) 116, North Avenue New Delhi - 110 001 Mob: 9605766702 E-mail: binoyviswam55[at]gmail.com S. No. BV/2023-24/PMO/06 Dt. 23th July, 2023 To, Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, Government of India Respected Shri Narendra Modi ji, I write this letter to convey to you distressing developments from your own Lok Sabha constituency which you have not taken note of. The campus of the Sarva Sewa Sangh in Varanasi is being demolished by the administration and several followers of Mahatma Gandhi, leaders of political parties, academicians and civil society activists were arrested for protesting this move. The administration wishes to demolish the seven-decades-old campus which houses a publishing house, a library, a free preschool, a Khadi Bhandar and a statue of Mahatma Gandhi to build a guest house in its place. The Sarva Sewa Sangh was founded back in 1948 by luminaries like Acharya Vinoba Bhave, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Kaka Kalelkar and Jayaprakash Narayan to unite all constructive workers engaged in different fields in the country to achieve Swaraj based on the philosophy of Sarvodaya as dreamt by Gandhi ji. The Varanasi campus of the Sarva Sewa Sangh came into existence through the efforts of Vinoba Bhave, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Babu Jagjivan Ram and JP to organize publishing activities to propagate Gandhian ideals to the people of the country. An organization with such rich history and contribution being demolished in your own constituency is a clear betrayal of Gandhian ideals. Very recently, while unveiling a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima you said the Gandhian ideals of peace and harmony reverberate globally and give strength to millions. Looking at the destruction of an organization which is committed to spread the same Gandhian ideals, it seems that you remember Gandhi ji only on foreign trips while dismantling his work and thoughts at home. In this context, I urge you to stand up to the occasion in solidarity with the people of Varanasi, immediately stop the bulldozing of Sarva Sewa Sangh and protect the organization so closely linked with Mahatma Gandhi. (Binoy Viswam) Leader of CPI Parliamentary Group & Secretary, National Council Member, Committee on Public Undertakings Member, Standing Committee on Labour, Textiles and Skill Development Member, Consultative Committee on Environment, Forest and Climate Change From the start, Saturday Night Live has attempted to balance pushing the envelope with not being downright offensive. And because the show has been on the air for nearly 50 years, that line keeps moving. To that end, SNL has yanked several sketches from its official YouTube channel since it apparently can no longer justify the offensive laughs. Here then are 25 characters from the shows long history that producer Lorne Michaels would love to pretend never existed Click right here to get the best of Cracked sent to your inbox. 1 Uncle Roy Recurring character Uncle Roy takes lurid pictures of his young nieces while babysitting. What else do you need to know? Buck Henry justified the bit with a coda added to Uncle Roys second appearance. When the girls parents (Dan Aykroyd and Jane Curtin) return home and almost catch Uncle Roy and the kids doing something really disgusting, they greet him with an Oh Roy, youre so wonderful. Theres only one like you. And I look into the camera and say, Oh, no, no. There are hundreds of thousands of Uncle Roys, Henry explained in Live From New York: The Complete Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live. My assumption being, of course, that in a huge number of families across North America, children would be casting a sidelong glance at their uncles or their mothers boyfriends or their stepfathers or whatever. In other words, I talked myself into the fact that we were performing or that I was performing a public service. Play Advertisement 2 Susan the Transexual For obvious reasons, you wont find many clips of Phil Hartmans gender-switched character, referred to on some SNL fansites as Susan the Shemale. Susan showed up in at least two Sprockets sketches as a contestant on German game shows. Play Advertisement Advertisement 3 Ching Chang Dana Carvey still brings up his character Ching Chang now and again on the Fly on the Wall podcast, mostly to chuckle that he wouldnt be allowed to do that character anymore. Believe it or not, Ching Chang made seven appearances on SNL, a man with a stereotypical Chinese accent who loves Broadway musicals and chickens. Ching Changs catchphrase, Chicken make lousy house pet, has not endured as a T-shirt in the official SNL store. 4 Pat Julia Sweeneys Pat is one character that SNLs official YouTube channel has yet to shy away from, despite the recurring sketchs problematic premise. In SNLs 20th anniversary book, the character is absolutely embraced as a classic. Pat receives three full pages devoted to their hilarity, running down the character's 12 appearances on the show. Pat even got a feature film, for Petes sake. Play Advertisement Advertisement 5 Chris Rock Its not Chris Rock the comic who was offensive. It was Chris Rock the character, as played in blackface by Jimmy Fallon. Ironically, Rock was cool with it. Hey, man, Im friends with Jimmy. Jimmys a great guy, Rock told the New York Times. He didnt mean anything. A lot of people want to say intention doesnt matter, but it does. And I dont think Jimmy Fallon intended to hurt me. And he didnt. Still not going to see it on the @nbcsnl TikTok channel any time soon, though. Advertisement Advertisement 6 The Continental Whats so funny about The Continental? The Christopher Walken character is a skeevy older man who traps young women in his apartment, blocking access to the door when they try to flee his romantic advances a la Pepe Le Pew. The fact that hes so lousy at seduction keeps him a buffoon rather than an actual sex criminal. Play Advertisement Advertisement 7 Governor David Paterson Poking fun at politicians is a hallowed SNL tradition, lampooning oversized personalities or terrible policies. But its another thing entirely when the source of the humor is a politicians physical disability. It was for that exact reason Paterson, who is blind, showed up to protest Fred Armisens impression of him. While I have a good sense of humor, he said, jokes that degrade people just for their disabilities are sophomoric and stupid. Host Amy Poehler apologized on behalf of her former castmates, with Seth Meyers adding, I think I speak for everyone here that well be more respectful of the blind. Play Advertisement Advertisement 8 Stefon When approached about reviving the character a few years ago, Bill Hader declined. I was like, I dont think thats really a good thing to do now, he told The Guardian. I mean, we had an openly racist, homophobic and misogynistic president, and half the country voted for him twice! That was a big eye-opener for me, and it made me back up a bit and say, Wait, maybe people see this character a different way. Because I really love Stefon, and it never occurred to me that he would be seen as a stereotype, and that really hurt. (And thats not even counting the countless little people jokes.) Play Advertisement Advertisement 9 The Samurai While not as blatantly offensive as Ching Chang, Belushis Samurai is another character who likely wouldnt make it past the table read today. Those sketches are more cringy than funny to modern sensibilities, because the butt of the joke is Belushis fictitious Futaba a stand-in for a stereotypical 1970s American understanding of a Japanese person, says Ruth Tallman in Saturday Night Live and Philosophy: Deep Thoughts Through the Decades. Play Advertisement Advertisement 10 Canteen Boy and the Scoutmaster Sandlers Canteen Boy was a strange case in most of his sketches, but things got downright creepy when he went camping with his scoutmaster, Alec Baldwin. If we take the boy in his name seriously, the sketch covers some pretty harrowing territory, especially given the history of sexual abuse in the Boy Scouts. 11 Tiger and Elin Woods Jokes about physical abuse between spouses are never welcome, even if its a justifiably angry Elin doling out the punishment. Play Advertisement Advertisement 12 Monica Lewinsky Many comics have reconsidered their treatment of Lewinsky, especially given the comically uneven power dynamic between her and Bill Clinton. In SNL sketches, Clinton comes off as a rascally flirt while Lewinsky is a ditzy schoolgirl infatuated with older men. Play Advertisement Advertisement 13 Linda Tripp Lets not forget Lewinskys friend Tripp, presented as a grotesque monster by John Goodman. Tripps kids were so embarrassed by the portrayal that Tripp opted for plastic surgery. My kids always thought I was pretty. And they were so completely shattered by John Goodman, she told Larry King in 2001. I just felt so badly for them. I just wanted to fix it. Play Advertisement Advertisement 14 Uncle Remus Garrett Morris was asked to do a lot of cringe roles on the original Saturday Night Live, including dressing as a flying monkey for a Wizard of Oz sketch. Also terrible: Playing Uncle Remus in a sketch with Michael ODonoghue. Heres actual scripted dialogue from a book of SNL scripts published in 1977: Brer Rabbit? Why, ah loves dat floppy-eared rascal, Mr. Mike! An if ah knows Brer Rabbit, hes a-cookin up some devilment, aint he? 15 Stunt Baby I dont think anyone but me would do Stunt Baby, bragged Buck (Uncle Roy) Henry in Live From New York. That was very notorious a sketch about doing a movie on child abuse, and whenever it was time for a violent scene, they called in the stunt baby and it got batted around. Both babies were dolls, of course; Laraine (Newman) did the babies voices. Advertisement Saturday Night: A Backstage History shares a letter that one viewer wrote in response: I once had a sister, but now I dont my father beat her to death. I didnt find your show the least bit funny. Advertisement 16 The Husband in First, He Cries First, You Cry was a 1970s true story about a woman coping with breast cancer. Al Franken and Tom Davis explored the pain of mastectomy from the male point-of-view, with Bill Murray as the a-hole husband who cant bear to be with his deformed wife. According to Saturday Night: A Backstage History, show staffers muttered that Al Franken has really gone over the edge this time. Murray played the part but was mortified: Do you know what its like to go out there and play something thats going to make people hate you? Advertisement 17 Ex-Police Another Franken and Davis gem, the Ex-Police (Aykroyd and Murray) were cops who got thrown off the force for excessive violence. Now they still patrol their community, killing anyone (pot smokers, lesbians) who have conflicting values with the far right. Letters to the show wanted to know what was so funny about killing queer people? 18 Dion When Eddie Murphy returned to host SNL, he reprised several of his hit characters, including Mr. Robinson, Gumby, Velvet Jones, and Buckwheat. One recurring character that stayed packed away was Dion, the mincing hairdresser who sassed his way around the beauty salon with Joe Piscopos equally stereotypical Blair. The popular character appeared five times, but lisping homosexual had worn out its welcome as a comedy archetype by the time Murphy returned in 2019. Play Advertisement Advertisement 19 Lyle the Effeminate Heterosexual Carvey tried to have his cake and eat it too, creating a character just as cliched as Dion but with a twist: Lyle was straight! Never mind that Carvey played on the same swishy tropes for laughs. From Lyles theme song: He runs like a girl, he throws like a girl, he walks like a girl, he talks like a girl But so help me, hes all guy. Play Advertisement Advertisement 20 Brain Tumor Comedian In the early days of SNL, Franken played a comic dying of a brain tumor who wanted to tell one last joke. The only problem: He kept blacking out before he could deliver the punchline. Per Saturday Night: A Backstage History, the sketch brought in more heartbreaking viewer mail: One of the friends I was watching the show with happens to have a malignant brain tumor. Despite all the efforts of medicine, his days are numbered. My friend was deeply shaken by this skit and I was speechless. 21 The Penis Guys Once censors relented and decided penis could be spoken on network television, SNL decided to test the limits. The sketch isnt so much offensive as stupid the shock value of saying penis wears off quickly and there arent enough other jokes to keep the sketch going. The bit was originally pitched for a Tom Hanks show but got cut. There are some sketches out there that are floating around and they have yet to land on a show and they keep bringing them back again, Hanks says in Live From New York, noting there was a reason why the penis sketch took a while to finally land on a show. Play Advertisement Advertisement 22 The Cast Selling Fluckers Michael ODonoghue thought that the name of jelly company Smuckers sounded dirty, so he came up with even more obscene brand names guaranteed to sell jam. Thus, we get Chevy Chase pitching a jar of jelly called Painful Rectal Itch. Play Advertisement Advertisement 23 Merv the Perv Fair to say that offensive was what Chris Parnell and the gang were going for when they came up with Merv the Perv, a recurring character about, well, a pervert. The sketches all had similar plots: Ladies would tell Merv to get lost, then hed respond with some witty come-on like asking if his briefs make his wee-wee look big. 24 Djesus Uncrossed A Django Unchained parody that manages to offend on both racial and religious fronts. Throw in an excess of Tarantino-style bloody gore and you got a triple threat. Play Advertisement Advertisement It looks like a bleak time ahead for those of us who love scouring red-carpet ceremonies and celebrity social events to bitch about the style missteps or drool over the awesome fashion. For the foreseeable future such opportunities might be in short supply because the strike by Hollywood writers has halted film and TV production, while movie stars wont participate in high-profile promotional openings or magazine fashion photoshoots. Fashion increasingly relies on these occasions to showcase brands just as the film industry depends on fashion houses for clothes for stylists to work with to ensure every star looks fabulous. On their own, actors are likely to dress in a pair of black trousers and a sweatshirt. If its glamour were looking for, the fashion industry is essential. For the foreseeable future such fashion opportunities might be in short supply because the strike by Hollywood writers has halted film and TV production At the London opening of Oppenheimer, this summers other big film, its stars Cillian Murphy, Matt Damon and Emily Blunt walked out immediately after their red carpet appearance in sympathy with the just-announced strike And glamour sells. When, during the height of #MeToo accusations, there was a black-only dress code for the Golden Globes Awards ceremony, coverage of the glitzy event dropped off considerably. If the stars dont show up in public, it will starve the big fashion houses of the best exposure they can have because they are far more interesting to the public than fashion shows. This months premieres for the new Barbie movie were held just in time for maximum red-carpet exposure. But at the London opening of Oppenheimer, this summers other big film, its stars Cillian Murphy, Matt Damon and Emily Blunt walked out immediately after their red carpet appearance in sympathy with the just-announced strike. The big awards season, including the Oscars, isnt until next spring so there is time for a resolution to the strike, but presently theres no sign of a breakthrough in talks as the studios and streaming businesses, such as Netflix, are unwilling to accede to the writers demands. Though one of the key sticking points is about residuals (royalty payments) for lower-paid actors and writers, there are increasing numbers of big-name stars on board. This months premieres for the new Barbie movie were held just in time for maximum red-carpet exposure Upcoming events on the movie and fashion calendar for example the Venice Film Festival are expected to suffer from a lack of celebrity attendance. Normally, the presence of such stardust (and mentions of what the actresses are wearing) would drive widespread coverage of the release of lesser-known independent films. No doubt canny fashion houses will adapt. Some predict that if the red carpet is off-limits, then front rows at fashion shows might be a way for actors to keep their faces in the limelight. Regardless, Im waiting to see which is the first brand to find a way to use Hollywood writers picket line as a marketing opportunity. How long before an Armani or Balenciaga-branded placard in sympathy with the strikers? Titans who need a focus group I have a theory, not backed by any empirical data, that many alpha males suffer from limited concentration spans. Those who Ive met seem incapable of focusing on the matter under discussion for any length of time and impatient to get on to another subject. It could be ADHD or it might just be that they dont want to bother with what they regard as time-wasting details. Or possibly that they just find what Im saying boring! Whatever, the achievements of men like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos who I bet have the concentration span of a flea could inspire all those children who are thought to have damaged ability to concentrate post-pandemic. Jetsetter Gigi and a break from reality Model Gigi Hadid was stopped at Cayman Islands customs last week leaving her private jet with a small amount of personal use marijuana. My question is: why, if you have a private jet to fly you anywhere you wish, would you choose to holiday on the uninspiring, tax-sheltering, mosquito-infested Caymans? Corrie is now right up Chanels street Chanel is surprisingly taking a lead in decentralisation and has announced that, rather than London, its most prestigious show of the year, Metiers DArt, will take place in Manchester in the autumn. Even if the Hollywood writers strike means it wont be able to pull any big stars to the event, it will be fascinating to see how Chanel employs local themes on the evening as it does in each hosting venue. Previous locations have been Dakar in Senegal, Shanghai and Salzburg. Will we see references to famous Mancunian successes Coronation Street, Oasis, LS Lowry etc stalking the catwalk. Might Old Trafford be commandeered for the night? Nothing can dull my blue-sky thinking I write from the beautiful coastline of County Waterford. As a weather obsessive, I consulted every meteorological app about the forecast before we came here. Relentless rain, thunderstorms and cool temperatures were predicted by all. And have they materialised? Of course not. Apart from a few heavy showers that passed quickly, the sun has been blazing. I write from the beautiful coastline of County Waterford. As a weather obsessive, I consulted every meteorological app about the forecast before we came here But the fact that weather predictions never seem to be right fails to stop my weather app habit. Im too addicted. Accuweather, now known by my family as InAccuweather, remains my first port of call when I wake despite the fact it is telling me that right now I am sitting in a heavy downpour when, in truth, its a balmy day with clear blue skies. New flight rule will give us bags of time We flew to Ireland from Heathrows Terminal 2 where, to our considerable delight, a new security process is being trialled. Hurrah, no need to remove anything from your bags before they go through the X-ray scanner. Of course, everyone is so used to having to decant liquids, laptops and iPads that wed all removed them by the time we were told it wasnt necessary. Any time gained was lost as we all had to stuff the items back in our bags. It felt a little like the way prisoners are said to feel when released from jail. Confused and suspicious of their freedom. The virus is typically 'harmless' but can harm babies in utero Her second, Huey, is damaged by CMV Kissing your toddler is second nature to all mothers but for Melissa Howard, doing so while she was pregnant has now turned out to be the greatest regret of her life. The 38-year-old nurse from Margaret River in Western Australia said she 'must have' contracted cytomegalovirus or CMV through kissing her first-born boy or sharing his food while she was pregnant. The virus is passed by bodily fluids, including saliva, and has only mild symptoms so often goes undiagnosed and is relatively harmless - unless you are pregnant. Then it can travel through your blood stream and infect your baby - often causing severe complications and leading to disabilities like Cerebral Palsy and deafness. Melissa Howard with her husband Peter Joyce and their two sons, Noah and Huey Huey, 5, has been unwell for most of his life - recently doctors linked his disabilities and general illness to CMV a usually harmless virus 'We get told to watch out for so many things when we are pregnant but not this virus, which is everywhere,' she said. 'CMV stays in your body and when you are run down, like shingles and other Herpes viruses it reactivates and if you are pregnant it can spread to your baby.' Melissa has admitted her lack of knowledge around the virus and it's devastating effect on babies and has since read up on it - but says hospital staff need to do the same. Signs something wasn't right began at 27 weeks - she delivered her second son Huey at 34 weeks after stints in and out of hospital. 'Throughout the pregnancy my body was screaming something was wrong - but doctors thought it was that our blood was not compatible. 'He was born pretty unwell and needed a blood transfusion, we went straight to the NICU. He had a rash all over his body which screamed CMV but wasn't tested for it,' Melissa said. Melissa must have picked up CMV while pregnant - it is typically spread through bodily fluids - she says she wouldn't have kissed her toddler or shared his food if she had known Huey's link to CMV was picked up after he started losing his hearing - an MRI showed calcification of the brain and damaged white matter If they had picked up on the warning signs earlier, especially while Huey was in utero, they could have destroyed the virus and stopped it from causing more harm. 'For the first couple of years we were in and out of hospital a lot. He had pneumonia for the first three months but this was left untreated too so his left lung stopped working,' she added. Problems kept popping up for the youngster. When he was four his hearing deteriorated quickly. 'I asked why he was standing right next to a speaker and he told me he couldn't hear out of that ear anymore.' The family had MRIs done to see what was going on with his hearing and initially were happy to be told his ears were 'pristine'. Huey has been unwell since birth and showed many signs of CMV - his mum says if doctors had picked up on it then he may not have as many complications today Melissa explained Huey has experiences seizures, had hearing loss and even had a lung stop working in his five years Unfortunately the MRI did pick up problems. 'The doctors said "We need to talk about his brain",' she said. This made her heart sink and her stomach start to flip. He said: '35 percent white matter is destroyed - he has calcifications through the brain and you are going to have to see a neurologist.' Since then the cheery five-year-old has lost most of the hearing in his left ear and some in his right. What is CMV? CMV is a common virus. When healthy people are infected they frequently have no symptoms. It is spread from person-to-person through contact with saliva, urine, tears, nasal mucus and intimate contact. Infected infants and young children, who may otherwise remain well, can easily pass this virus on to others. Therefore, people who care for or work with young children are at increased risk of infection through activities like nappy changes. If a pregnant woman is infected with CMV, there is a risk that her unborn baby will also become infected. This is called congenital CMV (cCMV). CMV can cause injury to the babys developing brain. In Australia, more than 400 babies every year are born with a life-long disability caused by CMV but despite this, research has found that just 14% of Australian women aged 20-40 have heard of it. Source: Cerebral Palsy Alliance Advertisement The family are learning sign language together so they communicate with Huey when his hearing goes altogether. Adding up all the problems Huey had encountered, the doctors diagnosed CMV as the culprit for the first time, and that made everything else fall into place. For years he had been having regular seizures, problem with his gait and muscles. 'He has got lots of things going on including a genetic DMNT1 variation - so rare it has never been seen before, so we are waiting to see if that does anything,' she said. Despite his challenges, Melissa said she is proud at how well her son is doing. 'On paper he shouldn't be eating, drinking, walking,' she said. The youngster is defying the odds 'on paper he shouldn't be able to eat, drink or walk' Melissa said The busy mum has taken up a FIFO nursing role since Huey was born. This way she can spend time with him in hospital and at appointments, and have quality time with her eldest son Noah too. The income also allows her husband to be a stay-at-home dad. With so many medical procedures and so much sickness it made sense to have one parent at home at all times. Melissa said expecting mothers, and all those who will one day be, should be told about CMV. 'We are told about the food we shouldn't eat - we need to know about these other things too so we can make the right decisions.' She wants pregnant women to be able to take tests for the virus. How can I minimise the risk of CMV? There are simple hygiene strategies to reduce the risk of CMV infection in pregnancy, which can also reduce the risk of other common illnesses like cold and flu. Proven ways to reduce the risk of transmitting CMV for pregnant women include: Wash with care: washing your hands for at least 15 seconds, especially after contact with urine or saliva of young children during activities like changing nappies, blowing noses, or handling childrens toys, dummies Kiss with care: avoiding contact with saliva when kissing a child instead, try a kiss on the forehead Dont share: not sharing food, drinks, cutlery, toothbrushes or dummies with young children Advertisement The doting mum didn't realise how catastrophic a kiss on the lips could be 'Our life would be completely different if I was tested and confirmed to have it - I could have taken antivirals,' she said. About five in every 1,000 babies are infected with CMV, and a swift diagnosis and treatment with six months of antivirals slows down the progression of symptoms and in many cases can completely stop the worst effects altogether. 'We have our beautiful Huey, he is so lovely and we all adore him and I can't imagine him any other way. 'But I still want to advocate for more screening for CMV and raise awareness so mums don't make the same mistakes. Melissa shared her story follwing CMV awareness month in June. CMV, is a known cause of cerebral palsy, epilepsy, deafness and other disabilities, yet it remains mostly unknown in the community. It's one of the best-kept secrets in Sydney's eastern suburbs, with busy professionals in the know treating themselves to a sensual rub-down better known as a Kahuna lomilomi massage. My idea of total relaxation is a trip to the day spa for a few blissed-out hours and an escape from my busy life. But today, my knowledge of relaxation is being taken to the next level as I experience a Hawaiian-style massage that some say is so powerful you can experience an earth-shattering orgasm on the table. Naturally, I was curious. To be clear, this is not a 'happy ending' massage. It is a sensual - not sexual - massage and there is no contact with the genitals. I may not look it, but I was nervous about what to expect from my Kahuna lomilomi massage Some say the Hawaiian-style massage is so powerful you can experience an earth-shattering orgasm on the table After tracking down a suitable masseuse trained in Kahuna lomilomi, I am invited to the practitioner's home studio to try the massage for myself. Just quietly, I'm terrified. I nervously arrive to my appointment, perched on the clifftops of Dover Heights, overlooking the ocean in Sydney's east. I am welcomed to Steve's sleek studio, where he gives me a general rundown of what to expect from our session. 'It's like making love without any sexual focus or intent - just pure caring touch and connection,' he tells me. Covered by just a modesty towel, this treatment requires you to 'let go of your inhibitions' and focus on your breathing. Steve explains it's more than just a physical massage but an energy exchange, and can be a healing experience that harmonises the body, mind and spirit. 'Letting go' isn't one of my strong points, and for research's sake I am required to go 'a la naturale' all the while trying to forget I was receiving a sensual massage from a man I found via Google. I arrived for the session at Steve's home studio in Dover Heights Behind the scenes of my very first Kahuna lomilomi massage Steve massaged my calf with his elbows during the session Draped in nothing but a sarong and hand-towel, the massage begins with dry body-brushing, before moving to heated oils and hot stones. While this was in no way a sexual experience, I can't pretend my body wasnt responding. The entire body is massaged with long, rhythmic and sweeping strokes, mimicking the gentle rocking motion of the ocean, using the hands and forearms. Different parts of the body are often massaged at the same time. At times, I felt like a Romanian gymnast - being stretched, bent and at one point swivelled around the massage bed while blindfolded. I was warned this massage was like nothing else. Steve explains women make up to 70 per cent of his clientele; however, there are times his male customers keep him just as busy. He explains it's not uncommon for some people to get emotional during sessions and even have a spiritual-like experience. Recently, a girlfriend of mine shared her experience receiving the same massage but from a different masseuse. She experienced a spiritual, out-of-body orgasm you only read about in women's erotic fantasy novels. 'It was like nothing I had ever experienced before. It was the best orgasm of my life and there was zero penetration,' she bragged While I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the table with Steve - my 'happy ending' was far different to my girlfriend's. After the 90-minute treatment, I was smiling from ear to ear, felt freer, lighter and rejuvenated beyond expectation. I have already booked a return session with Steve next month. Francesco Clark, the founder of the celebrity-loved skincare brand Clark's Botanicals, has opened up about becoming a father to twins more than 20 years after he was paralyzed in a diving accident. The entrepreneur, 45, from Bronxville, New York, and his 36-year-old partner, Alberto Mihelcic Bazzana, welcomed son Harold Amadeo and daughter Elettra Emilia via surrogate in South Carolina on June 7. Clark had always wanted children, but for years after his accident, he was made to feel like his dream was out of his reach. 'When I had my spinal cord injury, I felt like there was this unsaid kind of rule that I wouldn't be able to [have children],' he told DailyMail.com. 'So I felt like I didn't have the right to speak about it, or to even have that dream, and it did make me sad.' Clark's Botanicals founder Francesco Clark welcomed twins on June 7, more than two decades after he was paralyzed in a diving accident Clark, 45, and his partner, Alberto Mihelcic Bazzana, 36, are the proud parents of son Harold Amadeo and daughter Elettra Emilia who were born via surrogate in South Carolina The skincare mogul was 24 and working as a fashion assistant at Harper's Bazaar when his life was changed forever. He was staying at a timeshare on Long Island, New York, in June 2002, when he dove headfirst into the swimming pool, thinking by mistake it was the deep end. His chin hit the bottom of the pool with such force that he shattered his C3 and C4 vertebrae. He was initially paralyzed from the neck down. 'My left vocal cord was paralyzed. My right lung had collapsed. I had a 19 per cent chance of surviving the surgery and the first few years of my life,' he said. After undergoing intense rehab and therapy, he slowly regained the ability to breathe, speak, and use his arms. Instead of doing the breathing exercises he was given, he sang 'really bad karaoke.' 'Now I don't shut up,' he joked. 'So doing things out of the norm became the way for me to get better and to live a full life.' With the help of his late father, Dr. Harold Clark, an internal medicine doctor who was also trained in homeopathy, he launched Clark's Botanicals. 'I started my own business because I wanted to help to empower people, and I didn't want to be defined by what other people would impose onto me,' he explained. The couple named their son after Clark's late father, Dr. Harold Clark, and they paid homage to their Italian ancestry with their daughter's moniker Clark explained that they used eggs from a donor and found a separate surrogate. One of the twins came from his sperm donation, while the other is from his partner's Becoming a father began to feel like a possibility again after he met Mihelcic Bazzana five years ago. The couple considered adoption, but they knew in their hearts that they wanted to have their own biological children. 'The fact that there was an alternative made me realize that if I could have a biological child, I would like for other people who have disabilities and spinal cord injuries to know that there is an option other than adoption,' he said. Clark had surgery at Yale New Haven Hospital to retrieve his sperm cells a year and a half ago. Mihelcic Bazzana also made a sperm donation. They used eggs from a donor and found a separate surrogate. He explained that one of their twins came from his donation, while the other is from his partner's. The couple met their surrogate in person for the first time in the hospital after she gave birth to Amadeo and Emilia on June 7, and they immediately clicked with her and her husband. 'It just felt very natural for her to come and meet the twins,' he said. 'It was really just a wonderful experience.' Clark and Mihelcic Bazzana named their son after Harold, who passed away in December. They call their baby boy by his middle name, Amadeo, which is a nod to their Italian ancestry. 'My father's just always going to be in my heart, and I don't want his legacy to be forgotten,' he said. Clark said that he 'would like for other people who have disabilities and spinal cord injuries to know that there is an option other than adoption' Clark also praised Mihelcic Bazzana for being 'such an incredible support,' saying: 'I feel really lucky to have a partner that I'm able to lean on' Their daughter's name, Elettra Emilia, is also of Italian origin and was inspired by the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, where Clark's family is from. After welcoming their twins, they had to embark on their first road trip as a family of four. They drove 15 hours to their home in New York, passing the time by singing the same 'bad karaoke' that helped Clark recover after his accident. 'The babies were perfect. They did not cry at all. We were both nervous that it would just be so much for them,' Clark said, recalling how they stopped every two and half hours to feed and change the twins. 'The drive back was very much a bonding experience and really beautiful because we had all this time together just to not think about anything else other than our new futures.' The twins are now six weeks old and have already developed their own personalities, according to the proud dad. Clark described Elettra as being 'very curious and vivacious,' while Amadeo is 'more observant of everything.' The first-time father, who can move his arms but not his fingers, is able to hold the babies and feed them by tucking the bottle under his chin. 'They look right into my eyes when I do that,' he said. Clark has been surprised by the sense of calm he has felt since the twins' birth, but he noted that he 'wouldn't be able to do it alone.' He praised Mihelcic Bazzana for being 'such an incredible support,' saying: 'I feel really lucky to have a partner that I'm able to lean on.' 'Everything about my life has been about being told how everything is impossible for me, and everything that I have been told by people is how difficult things would be,' he said. '[But] I don't choose to live my life that way.' Within hours of giving birth to Prince George in 2013, Kate Middleton appeared on the steps of the Lindo Wing in London looking immaculately put-together. The Princess of Wales - who was 31 at the time - radiated with happiness as she cuddled her newborn son and stood next to her proud husband Prince William. The royal looked effortlessly stylish in a light blue polka dot dress, white heels and minimal makeup for her first public appearance as as mother. Even though Kate was following in her late mother-in-law's footsteps with her Lindo Wing appearance, her glamorous look subsequently upped the style stakes for all royal mothers going forward. Here FEMAIL marks the 10 year anniversary of this memorable moment in royal history - and how Kate's future sister-in-law even said it made her 'feel sorry' for the Princess. It's been almost 10 years since the Princess of Wales announced the birth of Prince George (pictured here cradled in her arms) on the stairs of Lindo Wing, at St. Mary's hospital in London Although Prince George - who celebrates his 10th birthday today - was the centre of attention during this historic photocall at St. Mary's hospital, royal watchers were wowed by how stylish Kate looked mere hours after her first labour. Aside from royal baby bump, there was barely any indication that Kate had just given birth on 23 July 2013. The then Duchess of Cambridge settled on a crepe de chine polka dot dress by Jenny Packham - a designer she has worked with throughout her royal life - which was made bespoke for her. The mother-of-three has been dressed by the fashion house on multiple occasions, including just recently at the wedding reception of Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan and Rajwa Al-Saif and the luxurious State Banquet for the visiting South African president in November last year. The stylish silhouette hovered over her very noticeable baby bump, which the princess proudly displayed, and the hemline hit just above her knees. As she waved to the crowd, the view of her post-pregnancy stomach was lapped up by mothers and fans alike. The cornflower blue was a nod, no doubt, to her baby's gender - the same gesture made by her mother Carole Middleton during her own visit earlier in the day. What's more, the royal had her own glam squad on standby in the hospital - as she emerged on the steps with a beautifully styled straight blow-dry and radiant face of makeup. As Prince George marks his 10th birthday next week, FEMAIL takes a look at how the princess's fearless maternal style became a global force to be reckoned with According to Page Six, a close friend of Meghan Markle's revealed that the duchess 'felt sorry' for the future queen during Prince George's baby reveal She donned a 550 pair of citrine pear drop earrings by London-based jewellery designer Kiki McDonough (pictured) The princess bravely donned a pair of high slingback espadrille wedges by Dune. The nude-coloured shoes by the high-street retailer is currently priced at around 70 Kate's iconic bouncy blow-dry was the work of Amanda Cook Taylor, her hair stylist at the time, who was tasked with glamming up the princess at her private maternity ward in St.Mary's. Amanda first worked with Kate in 2012, and had been cutting William and Harry's hair for years - since they were children. She ensured that the royal's brunette waves, which were tinted with caramel highlights, were primed and ready for the occasion. For her make-up, Kate kept it simple with a subtle base, barely-there rosy cheeks and a smidge of eyeliner. The royal's foundation was accentuated by a sun-kissed glow, perhaps the result of a light tan. The Lindo Wing was also used for the birth of William in 1982 and Harry in 1984. This is while in 1977 the Princess Royal had Peter Phillips there, followed by daughter Zara in 1981. As such, the Princess of Wales' dress has been widely regarded by many as a sweet nod to the late Princess Diana. Prince George's great grandmother also wore a polka dot outfit as she left the same hospital following the birth of Prince William in 1982. Diana opted for a lengthy teal-coloured spotted dress with a large collar and billowing sleeves. Pictured: the Princess of Wales pictured on July 23 2013 on the steps of the Lindo Wing, hours after giving birth Prince George was swaddled in a white blanket while his mother wore a bespoke Jenny Packham dress Kate's on-site hairdresser ensured her locks, which were tinted with caramel highlights, were primed and ready for the occasion As for Kate's jewellery, the new mother kept it minimal - opting for a 550 pair of citrine pear drop earrings by London-based jewellery designer Kiki McDonough. The then Duchess was first snapped in the stunning yellow gold citrine pear drop earrings in 2009, and the good luck charm was recycled once more for the birth of precious George. And while most new mothers may turn to comfort over style after childbirth, the princess bravely donned a pair of slingback espadrille wedges by Dune, which feature a 80mm heel. Parents from around the world heaped praises on Kate for refusing to hide her mummy tummy, with Netmums founder Siobhan Freegard saying the duchess had dispelled the myth that all mothers should be perfect postpartum. Kate shows what a real mum looks like and natural is beautiful' she added However, Kate's future sister-in-law Meghan Markle did not seem to hold this opinion. The then Duchess of Cambridge had a glam squad at the hospital to prepare her for the world's cameras Kate's iconic hairdo was the work of Amanda Cook Taylor, her hair stylist at the time, who was tasked with glamming up the princess at her private maternity ward in St.Mary's Pictured: Kate Middleton and Prince William pose outside St Mary's hospital in London following the birth of Princess Charlotte in May 2015 According to Page Six, a close friend of Meghan Markle's revealed that the duchess 'felt sorry' for the future queen during Prince George's baby reveal. Ahead of Prince Archie's birth in 2019, a source told the US newspaper that Kate's perfectly polished look had put Meghan off the much sought after photo shoot following the birth, especially after the Princess of Wales had emerged looking immaculate following Prince Louis' arrival. In 2018, Kate Middleton was seen on the steps of the Lindo Wing - just hours after giving birth to Prince Louis - looking equally as glamourous. For the occasion, Kate wore a pretty red dress with a lace-trim Peter Pan collar and nude suede heels. The princess looked flawless once again - this time following the birth of the couple's last born, Prince Louis, in 2018 For Prince Louis' photocall, the Princess of Wales wore a red Jenny Packham dress with a lace collar and pearl earrings Prince Harry and Meghan Markle broke royal protocol by keeping details of the birth of their first child, Archie, in May 2019 a fierce secret Meghan oozed glamour in a crisp white belted blazer dress by British designer Grace Wales Bonner for Archie's photocall in June 2019 Her flawless appearance, neatly styled locks and full face of make-up in front of cameras was possibly regarded by Meghan as too much to bear just hours after delivery. Opting for an entirely different approach, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry broke from royal tradition in May 2019 and kept Archie's birth a fierce secret. Prince Archie was born in the Portland Hospital in Westminster and his birth was only announced after the family-of-three had returned home to Frogmore Cottage. As such, the couple decided to hold their carefully-managed photocall in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle - with just a handful of press present. For the occasion, Meghan oozed glamour in a crisp white belted blazer dress by British designer Grace Wales Bonner. She kept the look simple by pairing it with her pair of nude Manolo Blahnik BB pumps and kept her accessories to a minimum, wearing a simple Jennifer Meyer turquoise necklace. And in a further break from tradition, the new parents used their Instagram account to announce Archie's name. The future monarch's Jenny Packham dress has been widely regarded by many as a sweet nod to the late Princess Diana Prince George's great grandmother also wore a polka dot outfit as she left the same hospital following the birth of Prince William in 1982 In February 2020, the Princess of Wales admitted that she found it 'terrifying' to debut her three children to the world on the steps of the Lindo Wing. The mother-of-three was speaking as a guest on the Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast when she was asked by host Giovanna Fletcher what it was like to stand in front of the crowds with a newborn baby in her arms. Ms Fletcher, who was speaking about Kate's first appearance with Prince George in 2013, asked: 'What was it like knowing that there were so many people outside after you've given birth and you're in your little cocoon with your new family?' The Duchess of Cambridge said: 'Slightly terrifying, I'm not going to lie. 'Everyone had been so supportive and both William and I were really conscious that this was something that everyone was excited about and we're hugely grateful for the support that the public had shown us, and actually for us to be able to share that joy and appreciation with the public, I felt was really important. 'But equally it was coupled with a newborn baby, and inexperienced parents, and the uncertainty of what that held, so there were all sorts of mixed emotions.' One night, she woke up with blood coming from her nose and mouth A Mormon missionary who nearly died while preaching scripture in Argentina has revealed how her church leaders simply told her they'd 'say a prayer' for her while she was bleeding profusely and begging them for medical assistance. Keylee Peterson, now 24, from Ogden, Utah, explained that she had been raised as a 'devout Mormon' her entire life, and was ecstatic when she was sent to South America to begin her missionary work at age 19. But when the then-teen developed a strange lump on her back - which left her in so much pain she could hardly walk - her pleas were continuously ignored by the people in charge of the trip. She said she struggled to see a doctor for weeks and when she did, she was given 'mysterious pills that made her so loopy' - and even after blood started to pour out of her mouth and nose, her ailments were still left untreated. A Mormon missionary who nearly died while preaching church scripture in Argentina revealed how the leaders simply told her they'd 'say a prayer' for her while she was bleeding profusely Keylee Peterson, now 24, from Utah, had been raised as a 'devout Mormon' her entire life, and was ecstatic when she was sent to South America to begin her missionary work at age 19 But when the then-teen developed a lump on her back - which left her in so much pain she could hardly walk - her pleas for help were continuously ignored by the people in charge She said she struggled to see a doctor for weeks and even after blood started to pour out of her mouth and nose, her ailments were still left untreated. She's seen during the trip She spoke out about her harrowing journey during a recent appearance on the Cults to Consciousness podcast. Keylee told host Shelise Ann Sola that she spent seven months living in Cordoba, Argentina, in 2018, while trying to convince locals to join the church. But she admitted that looking back, it felt like they were taking advantage of those who simply 'needed someone to talk to.' She recalled being forced to wake up at 6:30 in the morning for scripture study, and would spend hours on end going door to door in the hot sun - sometimes only returning to her hotel at 10 at night. Not only was she not paid for her work, but she said her parents actually had to fork over a fee of $450 a month during the mission. She also claimed that she was given only $50 per month for food, which often left her without enough money to eat. 'You could only buy the bare minimum with what you were given,' Keylee said, adding that going days without eating was considered normal. The 23-year-old explained that at one point during the trip, she developed a severe stomach bug that left her throwing up for days. Keylee (left) spoke out about her harrowing journey during a recent appearance on the Cults to Consciousness podcast hosted by Shelise Ann Sola (right) During her appearance, she explained that she spent seven months living in Cordoba, Argentina, in 2018, while trying to convince locals to join the church Keylee (seen on the trip) recalled spending hours in the hot sun, and claimed that she was given only $50 per month for food, which often left her without enough money to eat At one point on the trip, she developed a stomach bug and had to go to the doctor. They gave her a shot in her back, and a 'lump' soon grew where the injection site was 'I was hallucinating from [lack of food], it was horrible. I went to the hospital and they gave me a shot in my back and said that it would fix it, it will stop me from puking,' she revealed. 'But then, after that, I got a lump in my back where the shot injection site was. I started to have back pain and it got progressively worse. It was killing me.' Keylee said she eventually went to see another doctor, who told her she had developed a 'little cyst of fluid' and that she would be 'fine' after taking some anti-inflammatories. She followed his advice but it continued to worsen - and not only did the pain intensify, but it soon started to spread to other parts of her body. 'I felt really stiff all the time,' she explained. 'It was radiating to my legs, if I walked for too long I wanted to sit and cry because it was the worst pain I've ever felt before. 'I got in contact with my mission president's wife because that's who we're supposed to call if we have medical needs, and she told me to just take Ibuprofen.' Keylee said she knew 'something was seriously wrong' and went to see another doctor - but this time, he gave her a slew of pills that he described as 'muscle relaxers.' She revealed: 'He opened the cabinet, grabbed this scoop of samples and like, lays them on the table and says, "Here's the muscle relaxers." 'He just gave me all these drugs. He then preceded to tell me to put lemon on my butt. 'He said to chop up a lemon in halves and put it on my butt and that will stop my back pain. I was so frustrated.' Unsurprisingly, the medical professional's bizarre advice 'didn't work,' and the medication just made her feel 'out of it.' She also tried 'shock therapy' per the recommendation of a physical therapist, and visited a chiropractor who tried cracking her back - but nothing eased the pain. Then, things took a drastic turn when Keylee was suddenly woke up in the middle of the night due to blood pouring out of her nose and mouth. Keylee (seen on the trip) said the lump began causing severe agony, but when she reached out to the mission president's wife for help, she was told to just take Ibuprofen Then, things took a drastic turn when Keylee was suddenly woke up in the middle of the night due to blood pouring out of her nose and mouth Terrified, she called the mission president, who responded with, 'We can say a prayer.' Keylee said that she knew 'prayers were not going to cut it' in that moment, and went to the hospital 'Around two in the morning, I woke up to a bloody nose. I've gotten bloody noses before so I was like, "Oh it's fine." But then it kept going and all of a sudden it's coming out of my mouth too,' she recalled. 'It's everywhere, there's a lot of blood. It was like draining out of my nose and mouth. It was not stopping.' Terrified, she woke up her roommate who called the mission president and told him what was happening. But to her dismay, he responded with, 'We can say a prayer.' The former Mormon said that she knew 'prayers were not going to cut it' in that moment, so she headed to the hospital. She soon discovered she had a herniated disc in her back, and flew home. Thankfully, it seems as though she's made a full recovery, and she and her parents ultimately left the church. She's seen recently Unfortunately, she was told that there were 'no doctors' available because it was a holiday weekend, so they 'stuffed gauze up her nose' and instructed her to 'eat sugary things' until Tuesday. After days of 'horrific' bleeding and weeks of endless pain, she finally got an X-ray the following week, and found out that she had a herniated disc. She was told she would need to get further testing, but would have to travel four hours to the capital to get it. While the mission president apologized to her because he 'didn't realize she was in so much pain' - he still was in no rush to get her the assistance that she so desperately needed. Keylee said she was told that she would only be able to get a ride to the capital when they were scheduled to go there for a mission 'a couple weeks' later. 'They didn't care enough, I was like four hours away from the capital. My health wasn't worth the four hour bus drive,' she said. After over a month of agony, Keylee was finally sent home after she was told she'd need surgery on her back. Thankfully, it seems as though she's made a full recovery, and she and her parents ultimately left the church. A puppet-obsessed woman who was dumped by her fiance after she refused to give up her doll 'children' has revealed she is once again looking for love - and still hopes to get married one day to a man who will support her $50,000-a-year figurine collection. Ventriloquist April Brucker, 38, who now lives in Las Vegas, ended up single in 2010 when the man she was planning to wed gave her an ultimatum and forced her to choose between him and her dolls. Fast forward 13 years later and April is now the proud parent of 38 puppets - whom she refers to as her children, but she's yet to find Mr Right, despite receiving letters from male admirers across the globe. Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, the blond - who found fame on TLC's My Strange Addiction - admitted: 'I'm just desperately seeking Mr. Okay. And Mr. Okay has to be a man that likes puppets. That's number one. 'And he's got to have a good sense of humor. So that's where I'm at, I'm still just desperately seeking Mr. Okay.' Lady in red: Ventriloquist April Brucker pictured with one of her puppets named Donald J. Tramp Romance ready: April opened up about her search for love after her relationship with her fiance came to an end in 2015 Fanbase: The 38-year-old revealed that she receives fan mail from men who are in prison April revealed she isn't short of offers though, and has received fan mail from men all around the world - including prisoners. 'I will say, I am getting a lot of attention on social media from guys,' she admitted. 'One guy wrote me in Croatian, and it was the first fan letter that I'd ever gotten in Croatian. And I get fan letters from all around the world from men who have read about my fiance dumping me and they want to marry me and take me far away and stuff. 'And so one guy writes me in Croatian that I'm beautiful, he wants to rescue me and my puppets, he wants to hold me, he wants to kiss me. And at the time I had released a pin-up calendar, because I thought, "why not?" 'So I tried to get him to buy a calendar. And so he said, "I cannot receive mail where I'm at." And so I said, "would you like an autographed photo of my puppets and I?" Because I'm thinking maybe he doesn't want to spend money on that stuff. 'And he says, "I can't receive mail where I'm at, but in 50 years I hope to hold you." And so I'm reading a little bit more and he comes clean... he's in prison in Croatia!' April isn't sure how her mother would react if she were to marry an inmate though, as she admitted: 'With my mother, I would never hear the end of it. So you know, you've got to draw a line somewhere!' The My Strange Addiction star also revealed there is a down side to being in the public eye and putting herself 'out there' on social media. Special role: April admitted that she would like one of her puppets to officiate her wedding if she gets married High hopes: The My Strange Addiction star wants a man who can accept her puppets who she refers to as her 'children' Successful career: April has performed shows in NYC and LA and now lives in Las Vegas Single lady: The glam ventriloquist admitted she is 'desperately seeking Mr. Okay' 'I've had some people that have raised a lot of red flags, but thankfully, I've had a lot of good support around me. I try to put boundaries up with some people, but not all my encounters have been bad.' However, April has yet to meet her Prince Charming - but still daydreams about the day she'll walk down the aisle. 'I would like to get married and I would like all of my puppets to be at my wedding. I would like some of them to be bridesmaids and groomsmen,' the ventriloquist explained, adding that she would definitely get hitched in Sin City. But for the time being, April's 'children' keep her very busy - and also help her earn a decent living. 'I got two new characters last week and I was so overjoyed when they came in the mail! I was so excited! I have 38 children now!' she revealed. When asked how people react to her calling the puppets her kids, April replied: 'I know they're not real children, but they're my children. People refer to their cats and dogs as their children all the time!' April's children certainly cost her a few dollars as she admits to spending up to $50,000 on them per year. 'I've been lucky enough to make this a career and so it's paid off,' she said. 'For instance, as a writer, you need a new laptop every once in a while, because you can't write without a laptop... I can't perform without these guys, so if they look ratty, nobody wants to book them. So the financial upkeep can be an uphill battle, but it's worth it, it is always worth it.' 'But I work a lot and that's where the puppets pay off, because I did a nine month residency here in Vegas. So even though I spend money, it's like I spend money to make money by puppets or my business.' As well as performing in shows in New York City, Los Angeles, and a nine-month residency in Las Vegas, April has also released a book about ventriloquism called Don't Read My Lips. Political party: One of April's puppets bears a striking resemblance to President Joe Biden Not cheap: April admits to spending up to $50,000 per year on her puppets but says it always pays off Busy lady: April claims 'practice makes perfect' and is always working on her craft and rehearsing But despite being well-established in the world of ventriloquism, April still strives to perfect her craft every single day. 'I practice all the time every day because practice makes absolute perfect,' she explained. 'And the more you practice, the more perfect you get. As a matter of fact, that's one thing that's interfered with my dating life is I have to perfect these guys. I always have to practice. 'I am notorious for being out with people and they're like, "April, I want to stay out late," and I say, "no because I have to get home and practice!"' However, she's adamant that her 'addiction' to ventriloquism isn't unhealthy. 'I don't know that I would call it an addiction, I would call it a passion, I would say it's a calling,' she said. 'Maybe it's an addiction, but not all addictions are bad. Addiction is a word that is kind of locked and loaded, but I don't think this is bad.' Although April's dedication leaves very little room for a romantic relationship, she said she doesn't regret choosing her puppets over a man. 'It was the best decision I made for myself because not only did I choose my puppets, but I chose myself, and since that time I have become a professional ventriloquist. I have not regretted the decision and I've never looked back.' Now 29, she's revealed how it shaped her life She was 14 months old and in a coma for a year Tianna-Joy King was just 14 months old when her night light burst into flames, setting her on fire. The 29-year-old's first memories begin moments later as she awoke to see her pyjamas turn to liquid on her skin as flames danced across her bedroom floor. She screamed for her mother, waking up her family and saving them from the fire that engulfed their home and badly burned 69 per cent of her body. 'My clothes were melting to my body and my skin resembled wet tissue paper,' she said. 'Once my mum got the door open, she saw flames moving along the ground and those flames weren't just flames... they were me.' Tianna-Joy King suffered third and fourth degree burns to 69 per cent of her body when her night light caught fire in 1994, when she was just 14 months old Doctors said Tianna-Joy would die (pictured in hospital after the house fire) Tianna-Joy, from Adelaide, was airlifted to hospital where doctors told her mother she would almost certainly die. She was placed in a medically induced coma for almost a year while she underwent treatment and, against all the odds, she survived. But her pain would continue long past that night in November 1994. Her stays in hospital stretched to months, then years, and she had countless surgeries. And it wasn't just the physical toll she had to deal with. She has put up with bullies telling her she looks like a 'boiled potato' her whole life. 'I wish I could tell you it was all from my high school days, but a few years ago I had a few friends turn against me and tell me they were going to burn down my house a second time,' she said. She was placed in a medically induced coma for almost a year while she underwent treatment and, against all the odds, she survived Tianna-Joy's mum woke to hear her baby girl screaming, and found her covered in flames 'I've had also friendships move on because they're ready to do things that I'm not, so I often get left out. 'Others wouldn't tag me in photos on social media. 'All of this tore down my self-esteem and during the worst period of my life, I felt worthless.' It has taken her a long time to become the confident young woman she is today, but Tianna-Joy says 'it can still get hard sometimes'. 'It only takes someone looking at me twice for me to start panicking and second-guess everything,' she said. 'But I surround myself with people who make me feel beautiful and confident, which I think is important.' The physical pain from the burns, as well as the need for surgery, is ongoing Tianna-Joy is now looking for love and has not given up on finding it, despite the cruel words she is sometimes subjected to. 'Of course I've considered dating. I've never had a boyfriend but I've always loved the idea of love and one day I hope to find someone who will see beyond the scars and maybe have a family one day,' she said. 'I've had a few crushes on people but nothing romantic has comes out of them and it's always just one-sided, so hopefully one day it changes. 'I don't really think much of it but seeing my friends get into relationships sometimes makes me feel like I'm missing out, but I'm too scared to put myself out there to achieve this goal, so hopefully one day it changes.' The thing she is most afraid of is becoming a burden for someone. 'I'm scared to put myself out there because of my scarring and ongoing problems that I'll have for the rest of my life,' she told Need to Know. Tianna-Joy has learned to be confident and push through life promoting self-love and acceptance 'The pain and surgeries I don't want to put that on anyone,' she said. The fire left Tianna-Joy with third- and fourth-degree burns to more than two thirds of her body. She also lost her toes and heels, and the blaze destroyed her windpipe and blew a hole in her lungs. Despite the negativity, Tianna has made it her mission to spread positivity, sharing her story and her burns with anyone who asks. She added: 'After being bullied my whole life, I feel like it's only right to treat people with kindness and be the person who others can look up to and say, "If she can do it, I can do it." Se said she is ready to find love - and while it scares her she hopes she can find someone who will look past her scars She lost her toes and heels, and the blaze destroyed her windpipe and blew a hole in her lungs 'Things get bad but it's always important to believe in yourself because we've already survived the worst of it. 'Don't give up on the journey you're on. 'Life gets beautiful and we are just as beautiful as someone who hasn't got scars.' By sharing her story, Tianna hopes to inspire others to love themselves and one day find love with others. She hopes to attend the Phoenix World Burns conference later this year with her mum and brother and is asking for support. He looks set to attend the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit in New York alone The Prince of Wales is developing a more confident, humorous profile When Prince William visits New York in the autumn to promote his Earthshot environmental awards, it looks as though he will be doing so on alone, with Kate remaining at home. Nothing is set in stone and this could change, of course. But the Prince is judged by royal watchers to be growing into his new more senior role following his father's accession to the throne. And he seems increasingly happy to take the strain himself and conduct royal engagements solo. Prince William, 41, is embracing his new role and seems increasingly happy to take on solo engagements as the Prince of Wales William made a whirlwind tour of British cities in June to promote the housing initiative, Homewards The Prince of Wales receives a warm welcome from school children at the Royal Norfolk Show this year Although William enjoys the teamwork that comes with public engagements alongside his wife, he will be glad to give her break - the more so as she has her work cut out with a young family. Solo appearances, particularly when they relate to his personal projects - in this case Earthshot - are also a chance for the new Prince of Wales to establish himself as his role as future king looms larger with every passing day. So far, the the Prince of Wales is scheduled to attend the second Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit on his own. Taking place on September 19, it is where this years 15 trailblazing finalists will be unveiled. William is also due to undertake a number of engagements the day before. The Princess of Wales is expected to join her husband for the finals in Singapore in November. Just last month, William conducted a solo mini-tour of the United Kingdom as part of a new campaign to end homelessness. William and Geri Halliwell meet children during a visit to Maindee Primary School in London Working on his own once again, the Prince of Wales poses for photos after speaking with young Ukrainian refugees in Poland Over the course of 48 hours, William undertook a whirlwind of engagements, visiting six cities to promote the Homewards initiative, which he hopes will make 'rough sleeping, sofa surfing and other forms of temporary accommodation a thing of the past'. Kate Mansey, royal writer and assistant editor of The Mail on Sunday said: 'William seems happier in his own skin - he's really grown into the new role, as Prince of Wales, very quickly. He does seem more confident. It helps that he has the backing of his father. 'He'll like the fact that he can now focus on his own projects, things he really wants to do. And he's perhaps more settled since the family moved to Windsor.' She suggested that some royal engagements have become less stressful than in the past because video clips of an event can be so easily distributed to the media afterwards - reducing the size of the entourage involved, and the pressure. One aspect of his increasingly relaxed approach is the humorous side that William is willing to show, particularly when meeting members of the public. A clip of the 41-year-old recently went viral on TikTok showing the adorable moment a young royal fan didn't recognise William and confused him for 'the government'. After King Charles' coronation on May 6, the Prince and Princess of Wales, both 41, took part in a walkabout in Windsor the following day. As he made his way through the crowds of royal fans, the father-of-three was introduced to a young boy who was buzzing with excitement to meet the future King. A good-humoured Prince of Wales visits The Orangery restaurant in Lostwithiel, an initiative with the Duchy of Cornwall This is the moment a man (pictured centre right) remarked to Prince WilliamL 'you're a tall bugger aren't you' during visit to a cancer centre today. The royal jokingly replied: 'I'm wearing heels' Taking it in his stride, Prince William decided to tease the little boy and winked at his parents to get them to go along with the joke. And just last month, a man told Prince William 'you're a tall bugger aren't you' during a visit to a cancer centre at the Royal Marsden's Sutton hospital, to which the royal joked 'I'm wearing heels'. It can only help that the Prince of Wales is developing a certain female constituency - regarded as dashing and, of course, in notably good shape. Some royal fans were said to have been left swooning after William as he showed off his polo skills in a charity match earlier this month. Some suggested they'd been left feeling hot under the collar when snaps from the event emerged. One wrote: 'The future of the monarchy looks hot, I mean bright!' A second added: 'Prince William (Aka his Royal Hotness) looking fit AF during his charity polo match today.' While another commented: 'He is super hot, wow! Those arms, legs, abdomen... 'And we wonder why Catherine always has that huge smile. King energy.' Royal fans have been left swooning after Prince William showed off his polo skills in a charity match in Windsor Many royal fans were left going wild over the photographs of the Prince playing polo yesterday in the match Prince William receives flowers from the crowd at Canada Place in Vancouver in March 1998 Teenage girls who are fans of Prince William scream as they greet him like a pop star upon his arrival in Vancouver He is yet, though, to regain quite the fervent following of his early days in the public eye. During a royal tour of Vancouver, Canada, in March 1998, thousands turned out after waiting hours for a glimpse of Prince William in what was described as a frenzy of 'Willsmania'. At the time William was said to be unsettled by the pop-star welcome, however, the prince appears to be a natural in the spotlight nowadays. Grandmother Iris Jones split from her Egyptian toy boy lover because their rampant sex life started to flag as she struggled to cook and clean for him as he expected, MailOnline can exclusively reveal. Iris, 83, stunned the nation when she revealed four years ago on ITV's This Morning how she spent hours every week making love with Mohamed Ibriham, 37, after meeting him during a holiday in Cairo. In 2020 they tied the knot and he later moved into her sea facing bungalow in Weston-super-Mare securing a job as a security guard in their local Tesco - but now their love affair had come to an end and she is single again. Iris, who has two grown up sons, told MailOnline: 'We used to have a great sex life but then it dwindled to nothing because I was always so tired from looking after him. I would do all his cooking, cleaning and tidying. 'I'm better off without him, and I wish I had listened to my family and friends but what's done is done now. I do regret meeting him and I now know that my best husband was my first husband Gwyn. The couple met when Iris was on holiday in Egypt before he moved to the UK Iris, 83, stunned the nation when she revealed four years ago on ITV's This Morning how she spent hours every week making love with Mohamed Ibriham, 37 'But now, no way, never again, once bitten twice shy as they say. I'm happy just being here on my own with my Bengal cat Mr Tibbs, he's the new love of my life. I'm glad I've got rid of Mohamed. 'I threw him out last month and I haven't seen or heard from him since. He's taken all his things with him and I've no idea where he is but he won't be welcome back here I can tell you that. 'My friend said it was meant to be, she's very spiritual, I think it was his image that I fell in love with him, if he was bald and had a pot-bellied I doubt I would have become infatuated with him. 'I certainly don't feel love for him at the moment, what I do feel is stupid and I should have known better.' Then comparing herself to the hit true life BBC crime series The Sixth Commandment, in which a younger man gaslights his male and female victims, Iris said: 'I feel a bit like the woman in the second episode of that series. 'Mohamed and me is just like the younger man older woman in that show. It brought it all back. Mohamed wasn't as clever as that bloke but he's very similar.' Iris raised eyebrows when they appeared with Holly and Phil on This Morning reducing them to hysterics as she revealed that on their first night of passion, an 'entire tube of KY jelly' left her 'saddle sore'. Iris said: 'We just weren't getting on with each other for a while and drifted apart. I don't know where he's living, where he's working, who's doing his washing I just haven't seen him but some friends have seen him around Weston. 'He took it very badly, he didn't see it coming but that's the way it is. You move on now, don't you.' A source said: 'Despite the age gap, Iris and Mohamed still made love but she was so busy doing all the housework she was often really tired and not in the mood. There was clearly a cultural divide between the two of them. 'He would speak Arabic the whole time and it would drive Iris mad, she liked to have the windows open but he didn't and he was such a hypochondriac, he was at the doctor more than Iris and he's half her age. At the time friends and family warned Iris about the potential pitfalls of the relationship but she ignored them Since the split Mohamed has disappeared and it is unclear where he is currently living Iris said her husband expected her to do all the cooking and cleaning, leaving her exhausted 'He also didn't like traditional British food like cottage pie, or shepherds pie and wouldn't eat any of the meals she cooked. He was also constantly using the water and Iris is on a meter which jarred with her as well. 'He was also quite tight and despite having a job he never really contributed towards the bills and Iris gave him lots of presents and when they split up she asked for them back but he never returned them.' Since the split Mohamed has disappeared but before the relationship ended on their You Tube channel, which documents their relationship with a series of videos, he said: 'Hello guys, I'm switching off my Facebook account for private reasons. 'So, I don't know when I will reopen it again, I will miss you all but this is better for my life now. Thank you, guys see you soon.' Following their wedding in Egypt, Mohamed was given permission to stay in the UK but now the couple have split up the Home Office is expected to review the circumstances of his eligibility. At the time friends and family warned Iris about the potential pitfalls of the relationship but she ignored them although now she does wish she had listened to their advice. She told MailOnline: 'I don't know what will happen now, he will want to give his side to the story because in any marriage break up there is always two sides to the story, I admit to all that, I am not the easiest person to get on with. 'I'm very self-opinionated and I want things done my way and it was very hard to have a bloke come into my home after 27 years celibacy and having to look after him, it was hard, but it just didn't work out. 'I kept thinking and hoping things would improve but they didn't. I don't think his family in Egypt know it's all over. Anyway, I'm better off on my own now, it's nice and peaceful. Everyone has been saying 'told you so' and they were right. 'To be fair, I don't regret the good times, but I was blinded by love, I wish we hadn't got married now, I wish we had just been partners but like I say it's too late and it's done now, although a new chapter in my life has opened up. 'I don't think he married me to come to England but to be honest, I don't really know as he doesn't open up, that was another reason we split as he thought I was a blabbermouth but I like talking to people. 'Maybe I didn't really know him, I was married to my first husband for 30 years before we got divorced and I realise now my first husband was the best of the lot. He's dead now but would have been horrified by all this. 'There is no way I will have him back and now my love and attention is focused on my cat Mr Tibbs. He's all that matters, I adore him and he never complains.' MailOnline attempted to contact Mohamed but failed to receive any reply. Under Home Office rules Mohamed was allowed to enter the UK for a period of two years as he was married to Iris but now they have split up it is unlikely he will be allowed to remain in the country. Social media users have been shaming people who are guilty of their 'biggest pet peeve' while travelling. According to a collection of videos of TikTok, this is their failure to exit aeroplanes row-by-row, and instead immediately rushing to the plane's exit, instead of waiting their turn. Among the videos showcasing this behaviour that have gone viral, is one by Boston-based content creator Mikayla, who goes by the username @mickeyyyt. The short clip shows Mikayla still seated in her row next to her friend, after the plane has landed. She pans the camera around to show a line of people standing in the aisle, blocking them in their seats. According to the TikTok creator known as @mickeyyyt (pictured), many people do not adhere to plane exiting etiquette This line appears to stretch past their row and extend all the way to the back of the plane. Mikayla appears disappointed as she points the camera at herself, with her friend shaking her head in disappointment as the camera pans to her. Finally, the camera pans back to Mikayal, who is left shaking her own head, and stuck in her seats thanks to the long line of people queueing down the centre of the plane. Over the footage throughout the short video, words are superimposed on the screen, that reads: 'Since when did airplane etiquette of getting off the plane row by row end!?!?!' In a simple caption accompanying the short clip, she added: 'Arent we all going to the same place?!?!' The video has garnered a staggering 2.4million views, suggesting the topic struck a chord with many TikTok users. Some shared their thoughts on the subject, with the clip racking up a significant 6,547 comments, with one describing the behaviour in the video as their 'biggest pet peeve'. Another wrote: 'I will get off when its my row! I will get in front of them.' During the clip, the creator pans the camera, to show all the people queueing in the aisle to get off the plane, instead of waiting and disembarking in order of row And a third added: 'Seriously. They stand there for 10 mins. At this point, I just stay seated until theyre all out so I dont have to fight through people.' However, not everyone agreed, with some flyers saying they had never seen people disembarking in row order. One explained: 'I've never once seen the plane deboard row by row.' Meanwhile, another seemed surprised by the expectation that passengers would leave in order of where they were seated. The explained: 'I have never seen it go row by row. It doesnt board row by row either. So idk why people expect this. Either push your way in or wait patiently.' A woman has been reunited with her father after being 'kidnapped' at four years old by her mother. In a TikTok series, US-based Fuka, who goes by Summer Maple online, has been unravelling her distressing family history. The traumatic journey began after Fuka discovered that her 'abusive' mother lied to her. She believed they had moved from Japan to America because her father had abandoned her. However, she discovered that her mother, who has not been named, had covered up her murky past, and they had moved against their father's will. Fuka has been reunited with her father after being 'kidnapped' by her mother and taken from Japan to the United States The chain of events began in 2022 when Fuka discovered she was still a Japanese citizen. She flew to Japan and visited her birthplace for the first time in 18 years to see her maternal grandma. After reconnecting with her grandma, she found a photograph of her biological father in her grandma's house but had no idea where he was. On a whim, she decided to share the picture on TikTok to try and locate him, which went viral. In an exceptional effort, TikTok users located her father on Facebook. Fuka reached out and sent him a message. Several months later, she received a response from her father. She said: 'The power of TikTok: I couldn't find my father for 18 years and posted a viral TikTok about it and I woke up to this .. 'I heard from a friend that you are looking for me. Of course, I remember. You've grown up. Are you in Japan?' In an emotional series of videos on TikTok, Fuka has explained how she managed to rekindle her relationship with her father The pair reconnected and rang each other, which is when she realised her true family history. She explained: 'Before he told me anything, he did say there are two sides to every story, Your mum might have a different perspective, but this is how I feel. 'My grandparents are Buddhist priests, and we have a Buddhist temple in Japan where the temple gets passed down to every generation, and it's been in our family for hundreds of years. 'So, my mum was going to take over the temple next, and so her husband, my father, went to go and get his temple certification and when he came back we were gone.' Fuka explained that her father came to America to try and get her back. But, after a short time, their visas expired anyway, and they had to return for legal reasons. When they got back to Japan, her mother and father officially divorced. Fuka's mother convinced her father to give her full parental rights, and her father compromised on the one condition that they remained in Japan. Yet, her mother moved them back to the United States to live with her new partner and his family. Fuka's father took the mother to court, but the government would not give him parental rights. She explained: 'In Japan, divorces are really taboo and it's difficult for a father to get equal parental rights after a divorce.' 'He was fighting for us, it's just that in Japan, they have very conservative views about the rules of mothers and fathers and men and women'. 'My mother basically told my biological father to stop contacting us and said we have a new dad now and we don't need him in our lives anymore.' 'So, when I talked to my biological dad on the phone I asked him how he was able to cope with this and move on and he said for two years afterwards he would dream about us every night and he hoped that by sacrificing his parental rights that we would be living a great life in the United States.' One thing led to another, and in an emotional clip, the family reunited in Kyoto, Japan. Users on TikTok were quick to share their joy with Fuka, and some remembered the original clip asking users to try and locate her father Her dad now has a two-year-old son, her half-brother. Fuka said that meeting her father after 20 years has healed and broken her simultaneously. She is glad that her father can watch his son grow up when he never got that experience with herself. But, at the same time, Fuka mourns the childhood she could have had with him. She said: 'I was separated with my dad at four and grew up in an abusive household. 'I often felt unloved and worthless as a kid, but I learned to cope with my childhood trauma. 'As a kid, I thought my dad did not want us in his life and had abandoned us, but this whole time he had been praying to one day reunite. 'I never knew how much I mean to him and his family until I met them, they had kept their memories of me alive hoping I would come back. 'When I was leaving my dad burst into tears and hugged me, telling me how grateful he is to have me in his life. 'I didn't know what I was missing until now. Until next time I will see you again.' Fuka thanked TikTok users for helping to reunite her with her father and said that meeting him was everything she could have ever asked for. Users on TikTok were quick to celebrate the reunion with Fuka. One said: 'Totally balled. So happy for this reunion' A second person added: 'Best update ever. i'm so incredibly happy for you that you guys can hopefully begin to repair that bond that was stolen from you.' A third wrote: 'this makes me so happy for u I remember watching your video explaining everything and now u finally got to meet him.' A fourth person added: 'Glad you have found him and finally filling in that void, a piece that is missing.' A fifth user said: 'I remember your first few posts, congratulations of reuniting, May you both have a lifetime to heal and make new memories.' MailOnline were unable to contact her mother. King Charles has approved a new medal to honour those who respond compassionately during a humanitarian crisis. In one of the first new awards approved by King Charles, the government has announced a plan to introduce the new Humanitarian Medal in the UK. The Cabinet Office unveiled the plan to introduce a medal that celebrates people who have acted selflessly during or after humanitarian instances, such as conflict and natural disasters. Recipients will include those in public service organisations and charities who immediately offer their assistance after a catastrophe. Suitable individuals include police and health workers, civil servants, charity workers, emergency services, and military personnel. King Charles III has approved a new medal designed to celebrate heroes that have helped during a humanitarian crises King Charles has approved the intricate design, which features 'laurel wreaths symbolising victory in overcoming a crisis, interwoven with a banner proclaiming For humanitarian service. The obverse will bear an effigy of His Majesty The King. Government departments will put forward their proposals for the use of the medal to the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals before approval of King Charles. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, 44, said: Britain has a long and proud tradition of being first in line to help those in need, wherever they may be in the world. This new medal is a fitting tribute to our humanitarian heroes who put the needs of others before their own, often in the most challenging or dangerous environments. The medal will be awarded to staff in public service organisations and charities who respond in support during a humanitarian crises, including floods and earthquakes It seems Charles has been putting charity efforts at the forefront of his plans, and one in particular has paid off. Dozens of couples who feared they may never become parents are celebrating the birth of their babies thanks to King Charles. The monarch faced scepticism when he set up a holistic fertility programme as part of his 'Royal Health Service'. The radical project at Dumfries House, the Scottish stately home he restored in 2007, offers a range of complementary therapies said to help improve pregnancy chances. Participants, many of whom have exhausted all help available on the NHS and face huge bills for private treatments, can try out acupuncture, reflexology, massage, yoga and hypnotherapy. The free course, which operates on both GP and self-referrals, also includes relationship counselling, cookery classes and dance lessons. Now, on its fifth anniversary, the MoS can reveal the Fertility Wellbeing programme has helped bring 40 new babies into the world. The Prince's Foundation, which runs Dumfries House, says half the women who have taken part in the first-of-its-kind project some of whom were previously deemed 'infertile' have gone on to become mothers soon after. In contrast, the average birth rate for IVF patients in the UK is around 20 per cent. Nobody in their right mind would choose to go on holiday via an airport. But that could be the unforeseen nightmare consequence of industrial action this year which threatens to strand people at several UK airports. Flying has become pretty woeful as an experience. I find the will-it-won't-it worry of whether a flight will actually take off so stressful that my family are travelling all the way to the Balkans and back by train this month. Never mind that going London-Paris-Stuttgart-Ljubljana will take a calendar day and involves several changes, I hope that we will have momentum and scenery on our side. Also that, if things do go wrong, being on the ground will allow for more flexibility. In The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian, air hostess Cassie, an alcoholic, wakes up to find a dead body beside her, and limited recall of a bawdy evening. She catches a flight to Paris, but the police and the truth pursue her In our experience, rail travel offers a more comfortable, civilised way to cross the Continent than flying. The miserable mayhem of being grounded at an airport is conveyed vividly in bestselling author Lucy Atkins' latest novel Windmill Hill. It starts at Gatwick Airport, where the elderly Astrid has come to catch a flight to Edinburgh to visit her dying ex-husband Magnus. Atkins is brilliant on the indignities of age as Astrid, who has not travelled for years, struggles to navigate all the security rules. In The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian, air hostess Cassie, an alcoholic, wakes up to find a dead body beside her, and limited recall of a bawdy evening. She catches a flight to Paris, but the police and the truth pursue her. In Hostage by Clare Mackintosh, on the first non-stop flight from London to Sydney, air hostess Mina is handed a note, which asks her to make an impossible choice I'm hooked on the Apple TV+ series Hijack, starring Idris Elba. A gripping high-concept book thriller about terrorism in the skies is Hostage by Clare Mackintosh. On the first non-stop flight from London to Sydney, air hostess Mina is handed a note, which asks her to make an impossible choice. A classic pulpy airport novel from the past, meanwhile, is Arthur Hailey's Airport, about a small heroic team trying to avert competing disasters above a stormbound Chicago. If you find yourself stuck in Departures, or perhaps feeling smug on a fast-moving train, try one of these. READ MORE: The unusual Starbucks across the world revealed The secret to a perfecting a cup of coffee could be pouring the espresso shot over a frozen ball of steel, a top barista has claimed. So-called extract chilling, which involves the coffee-maker holding a frozen piece of metal over the shot of coffee, is said to shock and cool the espresso quickly making it hit a more optimal drinking temperature immediately and protect the flavours. It was invented by three-time Australian Barista Champion Hugh Kelly at the 2021 World Barista Awards, where he explained that the extraction method helps to 'preserve the flavour compounds in the coffee and heighten sweetness' . The method has since been picked up by amateur coffee enthusiasts on social media, who have claimed it 'makes the best cup of coffee ever' as it stops volatile compounds for changing. Hugh said he was introduced to the method by researchers at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW). So-called extract chilling, which involves the coffee-maker holding a frozen piece of metal over the shot of coffee, is said to shock and cool the espresso quickly making it hit a more optimal drinking temperature and protect the flavours 'The process is very simple espresso over something called something of choice being stainless steel,' coffee expert Dan, who goes by softpourns said in a TikTok video. 'I'm sure by now you're wondering why covering your coffee tastes better most of the time. really who doesn't want that? 'Volatile compounds that would otherwise be lost within seconds of the shop. 'In most cases this process will make a coffee taste sweeter and more vibrant and a bit more complex. Hugh said he was introduced to the method by researchers at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) (stock image) 'And as an added bonus, it cools the shot down right away so you're not just sitting there waiting for your piping hot shot of espresso to cool down. 'Can you believe you get all that benefit by just pulling the shot down at the point of extraction? It's so simple and yet, it's just incredibly effective. Speaking to the Perfect Daily Grind blog, Hugh explained the first 12g of espresso get rapidly chilled with the method. 'This is the point at which the extract is heavily loaded with volatile compounds, and thus the point where the cooling has the most important impact. 'In essence, by quickly cooling the espresso down, more volatile compounds can be retained, thereby preserving more flavours and aromas in the coffee,' he explained. Since the beginning of this year when plans were hatched with her family, Adele Leonard had been looking forward to a week-long summer break in Dorset. Marking her younger sister's 40th birthday, a group of 14 family members had rented a big house on the Jurassic Coast to celebrate the occasion. The group will arrive at the property on the last Monday of this month, but 45-year-old Adele won't be with them. A receptionist at a large GP practice in Essex, she thought she was being super-organised when, in January, she requested the last week of July off. However, that request was rejected because two other employees had got in there first. 'There are six receptionists and only two can be off at the same time. I discovered July and August had been blocked out by my colleagues with children a year ago. 'My appeals fell on deaf ears. I was told "you can take time off in September", so I'll only be able to nip down to Dorset for the weekend, instead. I'm now looking for a new job because, as the only childless receptionist, this is going to keep happening. Last year things took a dark turn when demographer Paul Morland, a research fellow at Birkbeck, University of London, proposed a tax on childless people, saying it would help solve the plummeting birth rate that is already leading to labour shortages. Stock image used 'What upsets me most is that I had their backs during lockdown, manning the phones in the office so they could stay at home, as I understood how hard it was to work while home-schooling kids. I feel sad the same goodwill doesn't seem to be there for me.' With the long summer break upon us, many parents are facing the nightmare of juggling work with childcare. It's a headache child-free women don't suffer, but spare a thought for them because many will find themselves expected to put in extra hours to cover for colleagues who do. It's true those without school-age children can holiday when prices are lower but, if you're hoping for sunshine, July and August are the safest bet, especially if staycationing. At a time when half of British women have no children by the time they turn 30, and 20 per cent will go on to have no children at all (double the rate of their mother's generation), the divide between working mothers and their childless colleagues has never felt greater. As a childless woman myself, I've experienced first-hand the tacit expectation that I will stay late when a co-worker has to leave early to attend a school concert or parents' evening. I've felt eyes boring into me when the Christmas rota is being drawn up, the assumption being that the festive period can't possibly mean as much to someone without children. In recent times, the focus has been on accommodating parents both in and out of the workplace with a push for more free childcare, flexible hours and increased child tax benefits. And I don't know a single childless woman who begrudges this. However, last year things took a dark turn when demographer Paul Morland, a research fellow at Birkbeck, University of London, proposed a tax on childless people, saying it would help solve the plummeting birth rate that is already leading to labour shortages. I'm well aware of the ageing population crisis and that other people's children will be spoon-feeding me in my nursing home, but let's not forget that not everyone is childless through choice. In recent times, the focus has been on accommodating parents both in and out of the workplace with a push for more free childcare, flexible hours and increased child tax benefits. Stock image used Morland argues the state should become 'pronatalist' to a lot of childless women paying taxes to subsidise the education, healthcare and childcare of other people's offspring, it feels as though it already is. Natalie Harper, 47, left her well-paid job in the financial sector after constantly being expected to travel at short notice, when colleagues who were parents were not. 'Once a month one of us had to hand-deliver and collect signatures on important documents. The date always varied and was often last minute, sometimes with less than 24 hours' notice. Month after month my boss chose me to carry the documents. 'When I raised this with him, I was told I was the best person for the job, which is nonsense anyone can get on a plane and collect a signature. I have no doubt it fell to me because they thought I had no responsibilities outside of work. It led to such a divide with my colleagues that I ended up quitting.' Psychotherapist Jody Day is the founder of Gateway Women (gateway-women.com), a support network for women without children, either by choice or circumstance. She tells me, 'While it's been absolutely necessary to improve working life for mothers, the problem is that often those without children are used to make those adjustments for parents achievable. 'When women speak up about this, they are considered unsisterly and selfish.' Rachel Weaven, a human resources manager at face2face HR, says: 'I work hard to help firms create workforces that don't discriminate against women whether they have children or not. 'It's not fair to presume a woman's time is less valuable because she doesn't have children. Inclusive workplaces can only be achieved if we have open discussions without fear.' For many childless women that fear is real. During the course of researching this story, I found many who had experienced workplace discrimination, but none who wanted to risk the wrath of colleagues or future employment by being identified. Being both single and childless is 'a double whammy' when it comes to being put-upon at work according to Stephanie, 59, a paralegal. 'I work with one other full-time paralegal who has children. She has time off for child-related issues about once a fortnight.' Stephanie believes that because her workplace is predominantly female, it's assumed the women will just muck in, in a way men would never be expected to. 'I'm expected to have sympathy for my associate and I do but I'm not compensated for the extra hours I put in to cover for her. 'I'm being asked to give up my time to accommodate other people's lifestyle choices. When my mother was ill a couple of years ago, I changed my hours so I could visit her in hospital every day I didn't just swan off and expect others to step in.' Some companies undoubtedly rely on women's natural tendency to want to keep the peace, but if the experiences of the women I spoke to is any indicator, the childless divide is a growing problem. 'Women generally are not great at speaking up in the workplace,' says Rachel Weaven. 'We need to find a way of supporting each other and finding our voices on this too.' SOME names have been changed. Nearly every state has seen a spike in cases of syphilis over the latest five years data is available Health officials have warned of an 'out-of-control' epidemic of STDs erupting in America Advertisement America is in the midst of an explosion of sexually transmitted diseases as these maps compiled by DailyMail.com using official data show. Using the most up-to-date Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, they show how every state has seen a spike in cases of syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to organ damage, and gonorrhea, an STD that can cause infertility, between 2017 and 2021. Only chlamydia, the most common STD in the US, appeared to have infection rates plateau but the suspicion is that fewer tests are being done. Overall, infection rates of syphilis have surged 70 percent across the US since 2017. For gonorrhea, rates are up by 25 percent. Chlamydia infections have dropped by five percent in that time. Experts warn the eruption of STDs in the US before and after the Covid pandemic driven by riskier sexual behaviors and less condom use sparked an 'out-of-control epidemic' that 'shows no signs of slowing'. This week, Houston declared a syphilis outbreak raising the alarm over cases after they jumped 128 percent from 2019. Below are DailyMail.com's six interactive maps revealing how cases have risen between 2017 and 2021: SYPHILIS: The above maps show the % change in syphilis cases between 2017 and 2021 (left) and the infection rate by state (right). The disease is exploding across the US after reaching such low levels in 2001 that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggested it could be eradicated GONORRHEA: The above maps show the % change in gonorrhea infections by state (left) and the infection rate in 2021 (right). Gonorrhea infections began to climb in 2015, which has been linked to rising risky sexual behaviors and declining condom use After the all-time high in 2019, STD rates dropped during the pandemic, likely due to social distancing protocols aimed at stopping the spread of the virus and hospitals reducing their capacity. But the number of gonorrhea and syphilis cases are now ticking back up. About 2.5 million people were infected with an STD in 2021. The president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Dr Anne Zink, raised the alarm over America's rising STD rates earlier this year. 'I am alarmed to see a rise in preventable syphilis and congenital syphilis cases in our nation,' she said. 'Syphilis and especially congenital syphilis is the canary in the coal mine for a devastating and out-of-control epidemic of sexually transmitted infections in the US,' added David Harvey, the National Coalition of STD directors' executive director. 'These are completely preventable infections that too often go unseen, undetected and untreated. We need an all-of-government response that meets the gravity of this crisis.' A preventable syphilis infection is one that an adult contracts during sexual contact. A congenital infection is when a mother passes on the disease to her baby during pregnancy. The director of STD prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr Leandro Mena, added: 'The US STI epidemic shows no signs of slowing.' Syphilis cases rose in all but two states between 2017 and 2021 and more than doubled in over half of them. In two states Alaska and South Dakota the infection rate, or proportion of people who had the disease, rose by more than 1,000 percent. Nearly every state has seen an uptick in gonorrhea infections since 2017 and one state South Dakota saw its infection tally more than double. Rounding out the top five for largest increases were Montana (up 76 percent), North Dakota (up 75 percent), Iowa (up 67 percent) and Rhode Island (up 49 percent). Figures were not as stark for chlamydia, with rates remaining flat between 2017 and 2022 with only 15 states detecting rises. With the highest increases, West Virginia was up 28 percent, followed by North Dakota, up 17 percent, and Iowa, up 10 percent. The only two states to see their syphilis infections fall over the latest four years data is available were Maine where they dropped by one percent and Vermont where they dropped by 40 percent. For gonorrhea cases, the five states that saw infections fall were Vermont (down 35 percent), Maine (down 27 percent), Delaware (down 17 percent), Alaska (down nine percent) and the District of Columbia (down two percent). Vermont also saw the biggest decrease in chlamydia cases, which declined 52 percent. Rounding out the top five states that saw the largest declines for this disease were New Hampshire (down 33 percent), Maine (down 28 percent), Oregon (down 18 percent) and Connecticut (down 17 percent). CHLAMYDIA: The above maps show the % change in chlamydia infections by state between the years 2017 and 2021 (LEFT) and the infection rate in the year 2021 (RIGHT). Chlamydia did not resume its nationwide rise in 2021, unlike gonorrhea and syphilis, which is attributed to greater awareness, better testing and the fact it is rarely asymptomatic This graph shows how chlamydia cases in the United States have been on the rise since the 1990s. There was a brief drop during the Covid pandemic, but rates picked up again in 2021 America's STDs had reached record levels just before the Covid pandemic but then dropped in 2020 as concerns over catching the virus led many Americans to reduce their sexual contact and AVOID others. But syphilis and gonorrhea have since resumed their climb in infections, which is being driven by a number of behavioral changes, according to doctors. WHAT IS SYPHILIS? Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is usually caught by having sex with an infected person. It spreads through close contact with an infected sore, which usually happens during vaginal, oral or anal sex. Infected pregnant women can pass the STI to their unborn babies, which can lead to miscarriages or stillbirths. Syphilis can also be spread by sharing needles with an infected person. Symptoms are not always obvious and may eventually disappear. These could include: Small, painless sores or ulcers on the penis, vagina, anus or around the mouth Blotchy red rashes on the palms or soles of the feet Small skin growths on women's vulvas or the anus White patches in the mouth Fatigue, headaches, joint pain, fever and swollen lymph nodes If untreated, syphilis can spread to the brain or elsewhere in the body and cause disabilities or death. Treatment is usually an antibiotic injection into the buttocks or a course of tablets. People can reduce their risk by using condoms during sex, a dental dam (plastic square) in oral sex and avoiding sharing sex toys. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement One of the main changes is the reduction in the use of condoms, which act as a barrier against bodily fluids and reduce the risk of contracting an STD. Data show that while about 71 percent of men surveyed said they had used a condom during sex within the past four weeks in 2002, by 2015 this had dropped to below 65 percent. Additional surveys suggest that people aged 14 to 18 years old are also less likely to use a condom, with rates dropping from 63 percent in 2003 to 54 percent in 2019. People are also having more sexual partners amid the rise of dating apps. The situation is most stark for syphilis, which just two decades ago was at such historically low levels the CDC said eradicating the illness was 'within closer reach' and launched a program to eliminate it in the US. One possible explanation for the rise in syphilis cases is the fact that many people with the disease are asymptomatic, or have no symptoms. Their lack of symptoms leads them to unknowingly passing on the disease. About half of syphilis and chlamydia patients are asymptomatic, estimates suggest, while up to 90 percent of people with gonorrhea have no symptoms. Syphilis cases fell towards the end of the 20th century amid the rollout of antibiotics and hit a historic low in 2001 when fewer than 6,000 cases were reported. Currently, however, about 1.6 million people in the United States are diagnosed with the disease every year or about 266 times more people than at the lowest point in the early 2000s. State authorities are becoming ever-more concerned over the return of this infection, which when present during pregnancy leads to the death of about 40 percent of newborns. If the infants survive, they are at a high risk of bone deformities, blindness, deafness, and problems with internal organs. In a warning to residents of Houston, Texas, about syphilis this month, Dr Foye Ikyaator, the medical director at the city's Life Savers Emergency Room, said: 'It's really something that we all should be getting screened for, because you can't look at anybody and tell. You don't know what every partner has been exposed to. 'We've gotten to the point where we think it's eradicated. I talk to people all the time who say, "is that still going on?", yeah, it is'. Syphilis is spread via contact with sores in the pubic area or on the lips of infected people. This graph displays the increase in gonorrhea cases, likely driven by riskier sexual behaviors Preventable syphilis and congenital syphilis are also on the rise. About 40 percent of babies who contract the disease from their mother die either before or shortly after childbirth, estimates suggest The above graph shows syphilis cases among women (dotted line), men who have sex with women (blue line) and men who have sex with men (green line) Patients experience sores two to 12 weeks after exposure. These go away, but one to six months later, a rash then erupts that covers the entire body. Patients who fail to get their disease treated can also face tertiary syphilis, a serious disease where vital organs including the heart and brain are severely damaged. The disease is diagnosed through a blood test and can be treated with an antibiotic administered via an injection. Chlamydia is also spread via contact with infected tissue in the genital areas. Warning signs of the disease include painful urination, vaginal or penile discharge and vaginal bleeding between periods. It can also be treated using antibiotics. Gonorrhea is spread via contact with the vagina or anus of an infected person. Symptoms appear about one to 14 days after exposure and include a burning sensation while urinating, a white, yellow or greenish discharge from the penis or vagina and, in women, vagina bleeding between periods. The infection can be treated using a course of antibiotics, but it's possible for the bacteria to develop resistance against these. This year, alarm bells were sounded after a strain of super-gonorrhea a strain of the disease resistant to most available treatments was detected in Massachusetts. It was found in two patients, who were both eventually treated with antibiotics. A young woman diagnosed with 'suicide disease' aged 17 is facing a race against time as her family try to fund treatment for her debilitatingly painful condition. Amelia Martin, from Canterbury, Kent, was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) - which causes such constant severe pain it can lead sufferers to consider taking their own lives - after symptoms first appeared in September 2017. While seeing her grandmother after school, Amelia, now 23, suddenly began crying and screaming in pain, so her mother Natalie, 48, was called to pick her up. At random times, Millie would feel the sensation of pins and needles and even her skin burning - and her symptoms only got worse. 'She kept saying her toes are burning. She wouldn't let me touch her. She said she felt like she was going to die, Millie's mother Mrs Martin, a beauty therapist, told The Independent. Amelia Martin (pictured before her diagnosis), from Canterbury, Kent, was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) - which causes such constant severe pain it can lead sufferers to consider taking their own lives - after symptoms first appeared in September 2017 Millie (pictured in hospital), now 23, was diagnosed with 'suicide disease' aged 17 and is facing a race against time as her family try to fund treatment for her debilitatingly painful condition CRPS is not a well understood condition according to the NHS, and it causes persistent severe and debilitating pain - which can cause burning sensations and swelling at even the slightest touch. Millie was taken to the doctor who thought she had an infection because her toes were red and inflamed. But the next morning Millie became paralysed in her four limbs and lost her senses of taste and touch. She was in hospital for five weeks while doctors tried to figure out what was wrong with her. The teenager told medics she felt like she was being 'burned alive'. She gets severe looking bruises all over her body and knees which cause her immense pain. Describing her daughter's time in hospital, Mrs Martin said: 'Those five weeks were horrendous I've never felt so lonely so afraid and so useless. My daughter was screaming in pain begging me to stop it and I couldn't do anything to console her or make it better.' Doctors eventually diagnosed her with CRPS, small fibre neuropathy - a nerve disorder - and an allergy which causes her skin to peel when it comes into contact with water. 'In 2017 aged 17 she was living her best life, studying her last year of A-levels, having driving lessons and deciding on all the wonderful things that she wanted to accomplish in her life,' Millie's mother said Millie's condition can cause her face to swell and become inflamed and red Millie's bruises on her knees caused by her condition which cause her horrible pain Millie can no longer walk due to her weak limbs and suffers from tremors, muscle spasms Millie can no longer walk due to her weak limbs and suffers from tremors, muscle spasms. To get around she has to crawl on her hands and knees. What is Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)? Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a poorly understood condition where a person experiences persistent severe and debilitating pain. Although most cases of CRPS are triggered by an injury, the resulting pain is much more severe and long-lasting than normal. The pain usually only affects 1 limb, but it can sometimes spread to other parts of the body. The skin of the affected body part can become so sensitive that a slight touch, bump or even a change in temperature can cause intense pain. Affected areas can also become swollen, stiff or undergo fluctuating changes in colour or temperature. CRPS often gradually improves over time. But some people with CRPS experience pain for many years. Source: NHS Advertisement She experiences severe pain at just a small touch or change in temperature. Due to the severity of her condition, Millie's 'lonely existence' is now confined to 'four walls' and she does not leave home unless being taken to appointments. After going through all options for treatment in the UK, Millie's family have launched a GoFundMe to get her treatment in Arkansas in the US. The Spero Clinic is the only place in the world which offers treatment that can reduce pain levels to two or three from Millie's current level of eight or nine, her mother said. 'If we don't do something, I know I'm not going to have my daughter next year,' her Mrs Martin added, adding that it was the families 'only hope'. On the fundraising page, she wrote: '[Millie's] story is heartbreaking and for the last five and a half years weve watched her endure the relentless pain and intense suffering of a cruel neurological condition. 'In 2017 aged 17 she was living her best life, studying her last year of A-levels, having driving lessons and deciding on all the wonderful things that she wanted to accomplish in her life But the only dream she has now is to not be in this debilitating pain.' The family need to raise 112,845 for Millie's treatment, but this is only the original fee and would not cover her ongoing care. As of this week, they have raised around 80,000 of their 150,000 goal. Activist investor TMR Capital is reportedly eyeing a bid for a group of hospitality brands, including Frankie & Benny's, owned by The Restaurant Group. TMR, which has a 1.75 per cent stake in TRG, has been pushing for a break-up that will allow the chain to accelerate the expansion of its flagship brand Wagamama. Now it is considering a bid for TRG's 'leisure' division which includes Frankie & Benny's and Chiquito as well as its Brunning & Price pub operation, The Sunday Telegraph reported. Together the two divisions operate more than 100 sites in the UK. A price has not reportedly been discussed but analysts suggested a 'knockout' offer would be around 200m. Tasty: TMR is considering a bid for TRG's 'leisure' division which includes Frankie & Benny's (pictured) and Chiquito A sale would leave TRG with just Wagamama, the Asian-themed chain it bought in 2018, and the pubs it operates in airports and railway stations. TRG did not comment on the possible bid but said it would continue to review 'wider strategic options'. The group is in the process of closing 35 sites in its leisure division which is underperforming compared to other parts of the business. A trading update last week showed first half sales in that part of TRG fell 4 per cent while Wagamama saw 5 per cent growth. It was in July 1986,with Margaret Thatcher at the height of her powers as Prime Minister, that a story broke which truly rocked both Downing Street and the Palace. The Late Queen Elizabeth II was said to be 'dismayed' by the 'uncaring' PM's refusal to impose sanctions on apartheid South Africa, fearing that Mrs Thatcher's decision would split the Commonwealth. It was a summer story from nearly 40 years ago. Yet for decades it has helped fuel claims that Her Late Majesty did not get on with Britain's first female Prime Minister. But appearances can be deceptive - as what the Queen did next makes clear. Horrified, the monarch phoned the 'desperately hurt' PM to apologise and to deny that the remarks represented her view, according to Mrs Thatcher's biographer, Charles Moore. The relationship between The Queen and Margaret Thatcher was alleged by some to have been difficult, but the reality was a lot more complicated Mrs Thatcher, then the Leader of the Opposition, is seen curtseying as she shakes hands with the Queen at the Inter-Parliamentary Conference in Westminster Hall in 1975 Mrs Thatcher is seen with US President Ronald Reagan and the Queen at a Buckingham Palace banquet in 1984 The Queen and Mrs Thatcher are seen sharing a joke as they attend the opening of a new wing of the National Portrait Gallery in 2000 The Queen's press secretary Michael Shea, who was blamed for the story, left his role the following year, although the aide insisted his departure was unconnected to the furore. The truth of the relationship between the Queen and Mrs Thatcher was better illustrated by their public interactions in their later lives. Her Majesty and Prince Philip attended Mrs Thatcher's 70th and 80th birthday parties, in 1995 and 2005. And, when the Iron Lady passed away aged 87 in 2013, the Queen was there at her funeral. It was the first funeral of a PM she had been to since that of Winston Churchill, who was in his second term Downing Street when Elizabeth became Queen in 1953. Such an honour was hardly a sign of a previously difficult relationship. According to Lord Powell, Mrs Thatcher's former foreign affairs advisor, the ex-PM's curtsey to the Queen when the monarch arrived at her 80th was one of 'her deepest'. 'I can vividly recall the Queen gently taking Mrs Thatcher by the hand and leading her around the room, talking to guests,' he previously told the Daily Mail. 'Margaret by then was becoming more confused and forgetful, so it was an extraordinary gesture by the Queen. The Daily Mail's coverage of the furore when the Queen's alleged comments about Mrs Thatcher became public in 1986 Margaret Thatcher is seen curtseying to The Queen in 1995 when the monarch arrived at the former Prime Minister's 70th birthday party at Claridges in London The Queen is greeted by former prime minister Margaret Thatcher in 2005 as she arrives at Thatcher's 80th birthday celebrations at the Mandarin hotel in London When the Iron Lady passed away aged 87 in 2013, the Queen was there at her funeral with Prince Philip. It was the first funeral of a PM she had been to since that of Winston Churchill 'Later, when the Queen came to say her farewells, Lady Thatcher replied that she should leave, too. 'At which point Her Majesty said gently: "Perhaps you ought to stay Lady Thatcher it is your party." ' On paper, the pair had a lot in common. Mrs Thatcher was older, but only by six months. They both grew into young women duringthe Second World War and shared a strong Christian faith. The two also shared a fierce commitment to duty, hard work and their country. By the time Mrs Thatcher became Prime Minister in 1979, both she and the Queen were mothers of young adults who were used to being alone in a roomful of men. But Lord Moore, writing in his official biography of Mrs Thatcher, told how their early weekly audiences were awkward. 'Thatcher would sit nervously on the edge of her chair, produce an agenda from her handbag and launch into a monologue.' The Queen later allegedly told her private secretary, Sir William Heseltine: 'I wasn't given much encouragement to comment.' The fact that Mrs Thatcher was an arch-royalist and was 'in awe' of the Queen also made it difficult to have a relaxed relationship. Using similar language to describe her depth of loyalty, Lord Powell added: 'Her curtsies were always low and although I used to brief her before her weekly audiences, she never told us anything that happened, not a word. The Queen is seen walking inside Number 10 in 1985 after being greeted by Mrs Thatcher The Queen is seen with Mrs Thatcher at a Commonwealth conference in September 1986 Mrs Thatcher is seen laughing with the Queen and William Whitelaw at an event in 1982 The Queen and Mrs Thatcher with former PMs (left to right) James Callaghan, Alec Douglas-Home, Harold Macmillan, Harold Wilson and Edward Heath during celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of Downing Street becoming the Prime Minister's official residence The Queen Mother beams as she arrives at Number 10 for a celebration held by Mrs Thatcher to mark her 80th birthday in 1980 'I don't think she even told Denis (her husband),' he said. Mrs Thatcher's former press secretary, Sir Bernard Ingham, who died earlier this year aged 90, also reflected on the depth of his boss's gestures of loyalty, telling how she 'curtsied so low I wondered whether she would get up again'. The PM would often turn up 15 minutes early for her weekly meetings with the Queen. A former private secretary told the Daily Mail how this did not annoy Her Majesty, who instead found it amusing, 'but she never saw her any earlier', they added. And, according to Hello! Magazine's late former royal editor, Judy Wade, Mrs Thatcher once ordered an aide to phone Buckingham Palace on the day that she and the Queen were due to attend the same evening function. The PM was said to be concerned about wearing a similar dress to the monarch. But the 'withering' response that came back from royal aides was that Mrs Thatcher should not 'fret', because 'the Queen never notices what other women wear'. However, Mrs Thatcher's caution typified her desire to never upstage the monarch. And, in 1995, five years after she had been forced from Downing Street by her own party colleagues, the Queen chose to award Mrs Thatcher the highly prestigious Order of the Garter and the Order of Merit. She also felt that the politician had been so badly treated that she invited her to a race meeting. The depiction of a difficult relationship between the pair in Netflix series The Crown was criticised by Lord Moore. The PM, played by Gillian Anderson, was seen during a disastrous first trip to Balmoral being humiliated by the monarch's family. Lord Moore said the scenes were 'not believable'. He said another scene where Anderson's Thatcher awkwardly joined the Queen during a deer stalking trip whilst wearing a bright blue dress was 'factually all wrong'. If anything evidenced a warm relationship between the pair, it was the gushing televised tribute that Mrs Thatcher issued to the Queen on her 80th birthday in 2006. The Queen beams with Mrs Thatcher as they attend the opening of a new building at the University of Buckingham in 1996, where Mrs Thatcher was Chancellor In what was one of her last public statements, Lady Thatcher told how she had been privileged to take advice from the monarch during her time in Downing Street. 'Her guidance and and advice are always most acute, and I was privileged to benefit from both enormously,' she said. 'She is truly an inspiration and an example to the whole nation. Long may she rule. Happy birthday, ma'am,' she said affectionately. And the Queen's very presence at Mrs Thatcher's funeral seven years later demonstrated that the feelings of high esteem were mutual. A family is suing Netflix for $128 million, claiming an image likely taken by a drone of their isolated home that appeared in an ad for the series 'Buying Beverly Hills' has caused harassment and left them worried about their safety. Aharon Dihno, 60, his partner Fernando Cortez, and their twin boys are the plaintiffs in the Los Angeles Superior Court suit that alleges their Hollywood Hills home has been a target for sightseers and real estate agents since the trailer aired in September. This week, Netflix asked Judge Barbara Scheper to dismiss the lawsuit, maintaining that the entire complaint should be tossed both on its merits and as a violation of the company's right to free speech. The suit alleges intrusion upon seclusion, violation of the state's false advertising and privacy laws and both intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. A hearing on Netflix's dismissal motions is scheduled for July 13. Aharon Dihno, 60, filed a lawsuit that alleges their Hollywood Hills home has been a target for sightseers and real estate agents since the series 'Buying Beverly Hills' ad aired last fall Netflix asked Judge Barbara Scheper to dismiss the suit, maintaining that the entire complaint should be tossed both on its merits and as a violation of the company's right to free speech The lawsuit filed by Dihno on March 21 claims that last September, Netflix published an ad promoting 'Buying Beverly Hills,' a reality television show depicting the daily operations of The Agency, a real estate firm that sells high-end property. The show focuses specifically on The Agency's Beverly Hills office. The ad included an image of the Dihno family home, which is located on a ridgeline above the height of any nearby street or home and is not visible from any vantage point in the immediate vicinity, meaning the photo could only have been obtained with a drone, the suit states. It was also claimed that the home's interior layout, entrances, exits and a deck accessible from the front entry way were published on the homepage of the streaming network that has 231 million subscribers. After the ad aired, Dihno and his family 'suffered a constant onslaught of visitors interested in seeing the property,' according to the lawsuit, causing the plaintiffs to fear for their safety and lose any sense of privacy. The family said they have also received harassing phone calls from real estate brokers interested in selling the property, according to the suit. Zillow estimates the home, which was last sold in 2016, to be $3,381,600. The house is located on a ridgeline above the height of any nearby street or home and is not visible from any vantage point in the immediate vicinity, meaning the photo could only have been obtained with a drone, the suit states After the ad aired, Dihno and his family 'suffered a constant onslaught of visitors interested in seeing the property,' causing the plaintiffs to fear for their safety and lose any sense of privacy Dihno's business, which he operates out of his home, has been negatively impacted, the suit states, and the entire family has suffered both emotional distress and reputation damage In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs said they believe families associated with reality television programs are often targets for criminals who want to burglarize homes seen on these series and that access is easier because entrances, exits and floor layouts were aired. In March 2022, a neighbor of the plaintiffs was tied up in his own home and robbed at gunpoint by people who followed him to his house, and another nearby family was battered and robbed of $1 million in property by intruders, the suit states. Dihno's personal business, which he operates out of his home, has been negatively impacted, the suit states, and the entire family has suffered both emotional distress and reputation damage. In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs said they believe families associated with reality television programs are often targets for criminals who want to burglarize homes Mauricio Umansky from Buying Beverly Hills The Dihno family acknowledges that a third party, not Netflix, shot the photo and that it was then made available for licensing on the Shutterstock photo provider service, according to the streaming service's attorneys' court papers. Even if Netflix was held responsible for shooting the image, the family does not have a 'reasonable expectation of privacy in the view of the outside of their house,' attorneys for Netflix argue in one of the two dismissal motions. 'This case is plaintiffs' attempt to convert Netflix's routine use of a publicly available, licensed stock photo into a ten-claim litigation with a $128+ million payday.' The second motion is filed under the state's anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) law, which is intended to prevent people from using courts, and potential threats of a lawsuit, to intimidate those who are exercising their First Amendment rights. An Iranian-Australian woman was stalked, attacked and followed by a heavily tattooed man she believes was an agent for the Islamic Republic regime in Iran. The man even climbed into Tina Kordrostami's car when she briefly stopped at a Sydney petrol station about 11pm in December 2022, in one of a series of incidents that alerted the 28-year-old to the fact she was a target. At about this time, her father began receiving threats against her life, and strange men started to take photographs of her when she attended rallies. None of this would have come as much of a surprise to her or her fellow activists if she were living in Iran - but she's not. She is an Australian citizen and the harassment took place on home soil. 'I was being followed through Drummoyne on my way home to Dee Why,' the activist from Sydney's Northern Beaches said in an emotional interview. 'We think we will be safe in Australia.' Tina Kordrostami was stalked, attacked and followed through the streets by a heavily tattooed man she believes was an agent for the Islamic Republic regime in Iran Liberal Senator Claire Chandler has been advocating for better protection for Iranian-Australians, and calling on the government to declare the regime a terrorist organisation. Ms Kordrostami said she first suspected a man in a van was following her when she left a meeting in Ryde, but it wasn't until she stopped for food at a petrol station on Victoria Road that her suspicions were confirmed. The man followed her through the small aisles of the store, and then threw 'half his body' into the passenger side of her car when she attempted to leave. 'He was asking where I was going, if I was heading home, what I was doing,' she said. Ms Kordrostami didn't answer him, pretending not to know Persian. She repeatedly told him to leave her alone, until he eventually said: 'It doesn't matter, I know where you live.' She could hear the Iranian music blasting from his van, which was parked next to her own Jeep. She was able to escape, but the man - who was tattooed 'everywhere except his eyes' - followed in hot pursuit. The roads weren't busy given the time of night, but Ms Kordrostami had to 'weave through the lanes' to try to evade him. She realised as she turned onto the Anzac Bridge that he was no longer behind her. Ms Kordrostami told Daily Mail Australia she had only returned to the petrol station once since the incident out of necessity, and called her dad asking him to meet her there. Returning brought back all the emotions she felt that night and in the days that followed, but she agreed with a steely resolve. 'It is important people know what happened,' she said. Ms Kordrostami is one of a growing community of Australian-Iranians demanding recognition and protection from the Australian government. This graphic shows how Ms Kordrostami was followed after a meeting with fellow activists at 11pm. An Iranian agent confronted her at a petrol station and before continuing his pursuit The man followed her through the small aisles of the Coles Express store, and then threw 'half his body' into the passenger side of her car when she attempted to leave Several have now broken their silence to reveal how the regime monitors their activities using spies and informants. Australia's leading security intelligence organisation recently revealed 'ASIO is busier than ever; busier than the Cold War; busier than 9/11; busier than the height of the caliphate'. Senator Chandler is leading the charge, chairing a Senate inquiry into human rights abuses late last year. She told Daily Mail Australia the harassment of Australian citizens should be a bigger concern for the government, and that she's heard repeated stories from the diaspora about threats against them. 'It is definitely happening more often than is being reported on publicly,' she said. 'There are individuals in the community that are concerned they're being targeted. And they're reporting that to the relevant authorities, but they're worried those concerns aren't being taken seriously.' Senator Chandler pointed to comments made by Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil earlier this year, in which she revealed ASIO had caught a group surveilling the home of an Iranian-Australian citizen and their family. Ms Kordrostami is one of a growing community of Australian-Iranians demanding recognition and protection from the Australian government 'We have here someone living in our country who is being followed, watched, photographed, their home invaded by people at the direction of a foreign power,' she said. 'If you were told today you were the target of a foreign intelligence operation, I suspect even the hardened professionals in this room might have their hearts skip a beat or two.' The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Canberra slammed the allegations and described them as baseless. Senator Chandler has sought further details about the incident, but said the government has not provided 'any clarity'. Ms Kordrostami and her family, both in Australia and overseas, have discussed how to handle scenarios involving the regime's authorities. 'No one is out here trying to be a martyr,' she says. When her uncle in Iran was taken in for questioning by the regime, she did not find out for several days. She said the harassment of Australian citizens should be a bigger concern for the government, and that she's heard repeated stories from the diaspora about threats against them Ms Kordrostami says not enough is being done to stop Iranian secret agents from targeting Australian citizens on home soil after her terrifying encounter at this Sydney petrol station She knows any relatives she has in Iran dismiss her to protect themselves. They do what they have to do to survive. 'They say, "I don't know who Tina is," "I have no contact with her," "She left the country when she was young." We must do what we can to protect ourselves,' she says. Her family has always been political. She remembers attending rallies with her father 12 years ago, protesting for the rights of Iranian citizens even then. At the time, she wasn't so acutely aware of the risks such activities posed. Her father would return home and see pictures of her at his front door, with threatening messages scrawled on the back. 'But it's reached a whole new level,' Ms Kordrostami says. 'The threats, now they're worse.' Now, she is getting followed home, like the incident in Drummoyne. Members of her community are getting phone calls from people claiming to be police officers, demanding they meet in unfamiliar locations, all with foreign accents. Ms Kordrostami told Daily Mail Australia she had only returned to the petrol station once since the incident out of necessity, and called her dad asking him to meet her there She has been too afraid to walk her dog at night, to leave work after dark, to coordinate the meetings she knows are vital to the cause. The incident at the petrol station occurred after one of these meetings, ahead of the Senate inquiry into Iran. 'Our meeting finished at 11pm, I jumped into my car to head back to Dee Why and that's when I noticed a van following me,' she says. 'I was tired, I didn't take it that seriously, and I pulled into a petrol station to grab a bite to eat.' Ms Kordrostami says the man jumped out of his van and flung himself into her car. 'Half his body was in my car, completely tatted-up, asking what I was doing, where I was going. I told him to leave me alone but he wouldn't get out.' She felt she had no choice but to attempt to drive away, but still the man clung on. When he finally fell out of the car, he jumped in the van and again started following. Ms Kordrostami said she was so shaken by the incident she was 'barely sleeping'. She has been too afraid to walk her dog at night, to leave work after dark, to coordinate the meetings she knows are vital to the cause Shortly thereafter, she moved into the home of her then-boyfriend, too terrified to be alone. For the next month, both Ms Kordrostami and her partner would notice cars stopping out the front. The incident was enough to prompt her to stop her activism for a period of time while she decided how to proceed. She reported the incident to ASIO. Spies had been moonlighting as police officers, meaning many in her inner circle were fearful to report directly to cops. She says threats have once again started toward her father, including a recent, particularly chilling threat on her life. 'Recently, there was a mass murder in Albania. My dad was notified it was about to happen and told I would be next,' Ms Kordrostami claims. Despite the scary situations she has found herself in, Ms Kordrostami does not believe there is a genuine risk to her life while she is in Australia. She is regularly in touch with government officials and knows that despite these intense scare tactics, Australia is a safe country. 'This time I told my dad, this is now the time for us to be loud, they want us to shy away,' she said. In fact, she 'welcomes' the day someone acts on the threats levelled against her. She says many people in her community feel the same way, waiting with bated breath for an incident of violence. 'If something happens to them, the government can take it seriously. It might be a wake-up call. 'It is equally sad, but it shows how dedicated we are.' The 28-year-old says she knows ASIO is putting in the work, collecting data and tracking suspicious behaviour. She claims this research often tracks these people back to the embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Both Ms Kordrostami and Senator Chandler say Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been briefed on the matter, and still their concerns are being overlooked. 'We deserve more of a response than just that it is complicated,' Ms Kordrostami says. 'The IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] is a terrorist group, and the regime itself is just a typical extremist dictatorship.' The IRGC has been linked to known terror groups and it is widely known that it funds extremism in the Middle East. The regime is also funding Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 'Time is up. [The regime] poses a threat globally. We don't look at other dictators and think, 'Let's just let them deal with it.' Australia needs to act.' Both Ms Kordrostami and Senator Chandler say Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been briefed on the matter, and still their concerns are being overlooked. (Pictured: activists protest against Iran's 'morality police' in Istanbul, Turkey, on October 7, 2022) Ms Kordrostami is not alone Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert is no stranger to the tactics of the regime. She spent 804 days in custody in Evin Prison in Tehran, one of the world's most notorious jails, accused of being a spy, before the Australian government secured her release in a prisoner swap. Dr Moore-Gilbert participated in the Senate inquiry into Iran and revealed that she, too, has been targeted by the regime in Australia. 'I have had people attend events that I've spoken at, stand at the back of the room and record proceedings and ask intimidating and suspicious questions of some of the Iranian audience members at my events,' she said. Her phone and computer were both hacked from Australia in 2021, and her financial details posted online. She says there is no doubt in her mind this was the work of regime authorities here in Australia. Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who spent 804 days in custody in Evin Prison in Tehran on trumped-up spying charges, is no stranger to the scare tactics of the regime 'It really knocked me about because I did feel safe in Australia prior to that, and I just feel a lot less safe as a result,' she said. 'I was really upset and anxious... I [was] looking over my shoulder all the time.' Dr Moore-Gilbert reached out to authorities via the cybersecurity hotline to seek advice on her ordeal. She told the Senate inquiry she was dismissed, told there was no direct help available, and instructed to find antivirus software. '[It] is a very upsetting thing when you've been hacked by a group that has held you hostage for years and held you in prison,' she said. The academic, who specialises in Islamic studies, noted the 1,126 submissions that were provided to the inquiry. Most contributors opted to remain anonymous as they shared their own stories of being harassed in Australia and called on government intervention. Dr Moore-Gilbert said this only further illustrates the fear in the community. 'Mostly they would have family back in Iran,' she said. 'Or they would have uncertain migration status in Australia and they would face the prospect of having to return to Iran. 'To submit [their names] to an Australian government inquiry could land them or their family in prison in Iran. It's very dangerous.' Liberal Senator Claire Chandler is leading the charge, chairing a Senate inquiry into human rights abuses late last year Speaking on the condition of anonymity, demonstrators say they are often spied on by informants when they attend anti-regime protests here in Australia. They are photographed, stalked and occasionally approached by 'strange' men who appear out of place. Human rights activist Ana Ware, who contributed to this piece, told Daily Mail Australia she has heard countless stories of harassment in Australia within her diaspora. 'They're in disguise. They attend rallies, they take photos of us, they surveil people's homes. They take that evidence back, share it with the regime in Iran and then if they have family still residing in Iran, they are terrorised as well. 'Many of us, we could never step foot back in Iran. 'They go around harassing and stalking, making phone calls late in the night... I was hesitant to be an activist because I was afraid for my safety and my family's safety - but why should I be afraid? I am an Australian citizen, living in Australia.' What sparked Iran's latest wave of protests? Mahsa 'Zhina' Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian-Kurdish woman, died in September 2022 while in the custody of Iran's 'morality police' - who are responsible for enforcing the Islamic Republic's strict dress code. Ms Amini was arrested in Tehran for not wearing her hijab correctly. It's understood some of her hair was showing. She was detained and died three days later. Official documents released by the regime state that she suffered a heart attack, fell into a coma and later died, however eyewitnesses claim she was subjected to severe police brutality and beaten. Her death sparked mass protests around the world and the biggest uprising in Iran since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. This uprising is now called a revolution under the slogan 'Woman, Life, Freedom'. Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian-Kurdish woman, died last year while in the custody of Iran's 'morality police' - who are responsible for enforcing the Islamic Republic's strict dress code Female demonstrators were removing their hijabs and cutting their hair on the streets in Ms Amini's honour. According to a Human Rights Activists News Agency report published in January 2023, some 522 people including 70 children have been killed by the regime, and 19,400 arrested for their involvement in nationwide protests since September 2022. On July 17, it was revealed that morality police would once again begin roaming the streets enforcing hijab laws. Female demonstrators were removing their hijabs and cutting their hair on the streets in Ms Amini's honour. (Protesters are seen in Rome coming out in support of the Iranian community) What is the government doing? According to Ms Kordrostami, Senator Chandler and concerned members of the Iranian community in Australia - very little. But a spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong told Daily Mail Australia the 'Albanese government has taken stronger action against Iran on human rights than any previous Australian government'. Ms Wong was criticised when she posted a tribute to Majid Kazemi hours after his execution in Iran. His Australian cousin, Mohammed Hashemi, had been tirelessly petitioning her to intervene. 'For months I was begging and pleading with her to write to Iran's Foreign Affairs Minister regarding Majid's case, to no avail,' he said in a scathing tweet after the May 2023 execution. 'Even a few hours before Majid's execution, I once again contacted her office and pleaded for her to intervene... To then see her tweeting after the fact is mind-boggling. 'Empty politics and slogans over human lives.' It is understood she opted against naming him publicly prior to his death because government officials had received advice that it could make things worse for those being persecuted and their families. Foreign Affairs minister Penny Wong sparked outrage within the community when she posted a tribute to Majid Kazemi hours after his execution in Iran She failed to mention his Australian cousin, Mohammed Hashemi, had been tirelessly petitioning her to intervene A spokesperson said Ms Wong appreciated Mr Hashemi sharing his concerns and experiences with her, and that she repeatedly called on Iran to 'cease the execution of protesters and immediately impose a moratorium on the death penalty'. 'Australia will continue to work strategically to build pressure on Iran internationally.' In her role as Foreign Minister, Ms Wong has imposed three sets of sanctions on Iran in response to the regime's brutality and support of Russia throughout the war in Ukraine. These sanctions have been placed on 27 IRGC-linked individuals and 21 IRGC-linked entities. But the Iranian community in Australia say these sanctions do not go far enough. Senator Chandler said she is constantly asked by the diaspora why the government appears to be dragging its feet. 'The next step has to be the government responding to this threat. The recommendations tabled in the report go to the heart of responding to the threats and the harassment,' she said. 'The starting point for the government is right there.' Among the recommendations are a declaration of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as an organisation supporting and facilitating terrorism, and that 'all reports of threats, intimidation, monitoring or surveillance by the Iranian community in Australia are followed up, recorded and assessed'. Senator Chandler said she feels for the diaspora, and understands their disappointment with the government's response. Liberal Senator Claire Chandler said she is constantly asked by the Iranian diaspora why the government appears to be dragging its feet. (Pictured: protesters in Sydney on January 8) 'They've been making sensible requests to the government for 12 months now... Very clear and very passionate in their advocacy. None of this information is new to the government.' She is now calling on the government to impose stricter sanctions and to follow the lead of nations like the United States and Canada in declaring the IRGC a terrorist organisation. 'Right now, we're still in the same position we were when the Senate report was tabled in February,' she said. READ MORE: ASIO's incredible warning about foreign interference in Australia The parents of a teenage girl who is feared to have been murdered then ground into kebab meat say they are still accused of her disapperance nearly 20 years ago. Charlene Downes vanished just hours after happily telling her mother she would not be late home as she headed to meet two friends. But the 14-year-old never returned and police believe she was murdered within hours of her last being seen. Two men went on trial for the schoolgirl's murder but the case later collapsed. Her mother, Karen Downes said that despite the family being quizzed and cleared of being involved, they are still subjected to vile abuse and physical attacks with many accusing them of murder. The parents of murdered Blackpool teenager Charlene Downes - Karen, 58 and Bob, 61, today Charlene Downes vanished just hours after happily telling her mother she would not be late home as she headed to meet two pals The 58-year-old says her husband Bob, 61, has been punched and deliberately hit by a car. Karen said: 'It is disgusting was people say and do. 'All they point the finger at us. I get abuse online, but Bob has it much worse. 'He will go into a pub and will be targeted. 'He has been called a murderer, a paedophile and accused of pimping out his daughters. He has never done that and there is no evidence that he has ever done that. 'One time he was threatened and was told that if he came in the pub again, he would end up dead like Charlene. 'He is always approached by people and has been punched several times. 'He has even been hit by a car while walking home from the pub. Once he was struck in the leg and the other time in the side. 'It is a disgrace. We have done nothing wrong.' Karen said the family had been failed by the police and is angry that officers were too slow in treating Charlene as a missing person. This is the last known sighting of Charlene before she suddenly vanished nearly 20 years ago Charlene's father Robert Sr, sister Rebecca and mother Karen outside coroners court Mohammed Reveshi, pictured, was one of the two takeaway shop owners suspected of being involved with the disappearance of Charlene Downes, 13, from Blackpool. His trial collapsed and police paid compensation for their errors. She said: 'I had to plead with the police to treat Charlene as a missing person. 'Others have been classed as a missing person just hours after they were last seen and, I'm not against that, it is a good thing but I just wanted Charlene to be treated in the same way. 'There was no reason for her to run away. She was happy. It wasn't fair that she was treated differently.' She added: 'I have lost all faith in the police. They are a waste of time. 'I don't think we will get justice through the police. The only way we will get justice if someone is brave enough to come forward. They need to show courage and help us get justice. 'We will keep trying it's the only thing we can do. 'We need Charlene home to lay her to rest.' Karen last saw her daughter in Blackpool town centre on November 1, 2003 - the day she vanished. Karen said: 'She came up to me to say hello. 'She told me that she was going to meet two of her friends, who were getting off a bus. 'I told her not to be late home. She smiled, said 'bye, mum', waved and then she was gone. 'I keep running that through it in my mind. In 2007, Iyad Albattikhi, who ran the Funny Boyz takeaway in the town, stood trial for Charlene's murder, which collapsed and the police paid compensation for their errors Detectives believe that Charlene was the victim of sexual exploitation, having sex with gangs of mainly Asian men in exchange for bags of chips and cigarettes 'I will never forget it. It is awful. Detectives believe that Charlene was the victim of sexual exploitation, having sex with gangs of mainly Asian men in exchange for bags of chips and cigarettes. She made 13 visits to a sexual health clinic in the two years before she vanished. Detectives believed Charlene had been strangled and dismembered, and that her killers joked about having turned her to kebab meat and her bones into tiling grout after she threatened to expose the grooming gang. In 2007, Iyad Albattikhi, who ran the Funny Boyz takeaway in the town, stood trial for Charlene's murder. His landlord and business partner Mohammed Reveshi was charged with helping him dispose of her body. The jury heard taped conversations in which it was alleged Albattikhi had joked that he killed the girl, that she was 'chopped up' and her body had 'gone into the kebabs'. The jury failed to reach a verdict and a retrial collapsed after a police watchdog found the investigation by Lancashire Constabulary was 'handled unprofessionally' and plagued by a 'catalogue of errors'. Serious doubts were also uncovered over the way transcripts were made. Both men were paid 250,000 each in compensation. Earlier this month, a cold case unit from Leeds Trinity University said it was re-examining the evidence in the hope for fresh leads. Karen has arranged a memorial service at St John's Church on November 1 and will release 20 white doves later that day Reveshi, pictured in a documentary, said he didn't have 'any clue' when asked about Charlene Karen said: 'I was upset that no one told us about the cold case investigation. I didn't know anything about it until we read about it. 'I am not upset that the cold case is looking onto it it is that we were not notified. 'We should have been told. 'I don't think the cold case investigation will have a breakthrough. I hope I am proved wrong, but they are going round in circles asking the same questions.' She added: 'Some people are ignorant and say that we are campaigning for financial gain. I am not interested in money. 'I am just interested in getting justice or getting my daughter back. 'We don't have any money, but no amount of money will bring her back. 'Money can't buy justice and it certainly can't bring Charlene back.' The family has arranged a memorial service at St John's Church on November 1 and will release 20 white doves later that day. Karen added: 'We are doing it to remember he life. We don't have her body or a grave to visit. All we have are photographs of her.' She added: 'We just want to know what happened to Charlene. 'We have been very much let down by the police. 'We are in limbo. The not knowing is the worst thing. 'I pray that we get justice for Charlene.' One of the first studies into the side effects of transgender surgeries has revealed alarmingly high rates of post-op pain, aching during intercourse, and bladder problems, raising troubling questions for this new frontier of medicine. A huge majority - 81 percent - of those who had gender-affirming surgery in the past five years said they endured pain simply from moving around in the weeks and months after going under the knife. Researchers from the University of Florida and Brooks Rehabilitation, a health non-profit, showed that more than half of trans surgery patients endured pain during sex, and nearly a third could not control their bladders. Dr Meryl Alappattu, a UF physiotherapy professor, said she would publish her report later this year, but released provisional findings in a private online workshop that DailyMail.com was able to attend. Dr Meryl Alappattu (left), a UF physiotherapy professor, and Dr Alexandra Hill, a UF expert on pelvic problems, support trans surgeries despite the drawbacks DailyMail.com was able to see the initial findings of a medical report that's expected later this year 'There is a high percentage reporting musculoskeletal pain, difficulty moving, and pelvic floor dysfunction,' said Dr Alappattu, adding that more research is needed in a poorly-understood area. 'In terms of getting information related to the efficacy of these types of treatments we still have a lot of work to do.' Surgically altering male and female genitals to match those of the opposite sex known as vaginoplasties and phalloplasties are widely understood to be tough and problematic procedures. Women who transition to become men may opt to have a penis constructed from tissue extracted from their arms, although this procedure is also complex, and the result is still markedly different to a biological penis. 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 23702 votes No 1096 votes Not sure 639 votes Now share your opinion Removing the breasts of female-to-male transitioners is simpler, but can also lead to pain, infections, and such problems as stitches bursting apart, particularly on overweight patients. The procedures are a hot-button issue in America's culture wars, especially those on children. UF researchers studied 21 trans and non-binary people aged between 20 and 70 who had undergone trans surgeries in the past five years mostly mastectomies and vaginoplasties. 81 percent endured pain in their lower back, groin, pelvis, chest, or shoulders in the weeks, months, and even years after their procedures, researchers found. Another 57 percent found sexual intercourse painful. Meanwhile, 29 percent suffered urinary incontinence or a frequent and urgent need to go to the bathroom, researchers found. In all, only a quarter saw a physiotherapist to overcome their problems. Doctors are only beginning to understand all the consequences of gender-change surgeries Jazz Jennings, a trans YouTube influencer, needed a second gender surgery after an unexpected complication Jennings' genital overhaul was more difficult than most because she had been on hormone blockers for so long. Pictured: the influencer before her first surgery Dr Alappattu said physiotherapy could repair some damage, but that more research was needed into recovery times and the longer-term impacts of trans surgeries. Dr Alexandra Hill, a UF expert on pelvic problems, described trans patients being surprised by their protracted recoveries, which in some cases lasted longer than the 6-8 weeks they expected. 'Sometimes it takes much longer than people had initially anticipated to get back to doing things they like to do,' Dr Hill told the online gathering. Likewise, many male-to-female transitioners who get a neo-vagina created are surprised to discover that they have to insert a 'dilator' into their canal for up to an hour each day after surgery. Without using a dilator, which resembles a sex toy, the neo-vagina can gradually shorten in depth, said Dr Hill. Some trans women must use them for the rest of their lives. 'That's something a lot of people don't realize,' she added. Sexual-reassignment operations, like this one in France, are fraught with difficulties A study of more than 500 transgender adults by the Washington Post and KFF, a health-focussed nonprofit, revealed that surgery was rare Advocates of trans medicine present the surgeries as a trade-off, acknowledging the substantial drawbacks, but saying they're vital for those with serious discomfort with their own body. Even so, they are rare within the transgender community. Of the estimated 1.6 million trans and non-binary Americans aged 13 and above, only 31 percent take cross-sex hormones and 16 percent opt for surgery, according to research by the Washington Post and KFF, a health charity. Most surgeries are breast removals for female-to-male transitioners. Genital surgeries are rare and controversial. Even the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, which advocates for gender-affirming care globally, says procedures should not be attempted on children. Critics warn invasive, heavy-duty procedures on youngsters who are still physically-developing can set them up for a lifetime of dysfunction. A phalloplasty procedure, as described in a medical text book Jazz Jennings, a transgender girl, suffered a torn vagina after undergoing sex change surgery at the age of just 16. Experts warn youngsters may have insufficient skin on their penises or scrotums to help construct a so-called neo-vagina. The problem is even worse in children who have taken puberty blockers, as their privates remain even less developed and there is less material for the surgeon to work with. Gender reassignment surgeries can stop recipients from being able to derive any sort of sexual pleasure as an adult, if the surgeries take place before patients' genitals have fully-formed. Republicans have sought to ban gender-affirming drugs and surgeries for children and even some adults in about 20 states this year. Brittany Higgins compared her fight against the 'patriarchy' in Parliament House to the Tibetan monks who self-immolated during the Vietnam War. This is just one extraordinary detail from a rough, unpublished draft of Ms Higgins' memoir, exclusively obtained by Daily Mail Australia, which she had tentatively titled #NotJustADaughter. Ms Higgins was given a $325,000 advance by Penguin Random House in March 2021 to write her book, which was supposed to outline the moment Bruce Lehrmann allegedly raped her in Parliament House in 2019. He firmly denies the allegations. The final 90,000-word autobiography was meant to hit shelves in 2022, but publishers placed it on indefinite hold due to legal issues - namely, because the trial against Mr Lehrmann fell over and he was never convicted. The unfinished draft is not necessarily anything like what the final version would have been, but it still gives valuable insight into what Ms Higgins submitted to her publishers in April 2021 and what she wanted to write about. Earlier Daily Mail Australia revealed a series of other chapters Ms Higgins outlined in her memoir lifting the lid on the boozy culture in Parliament House. Brittany Higgins (left) first made public her allegations against Bruce Lehrmann in an interview with Lisa Wilkinson (right). They are pictured together at the March4Justice rally in March 2021 Brittany Higgins (left, with her fiance David Sharaz) started drafting her book, tentatively titled #NotJustADaughter, in early 2021 It contains a raft of observations and metaphors about her thoughts and feelings in the months immediately after she went public with her allegations - including the 'media scandal' she apparently knew she had sparked. There were several definitions of 'media scandal' on one page, with a range of book titles and academic journal articles, above the Latin term 'corpus delicti = smoking gun' in italics - which roughly translates to 'body of a crime'. There was also a small section called 'trial by media' in which Ms Higgins says she felt as though she had 'no choice' but to make her allegations against Mr Lehrmann in an interview with Lisa Wilkinson on national television - arguing 'there was no other way'. At another point, she was 'gutted' by the fact former prime minister Scott Morrison did not treat her like sexual assault survivor Grace Tame, who was crowed Australian of the Year in 2021. Tibetan monks comparison Ms Higgins mused on the aftermath of her TV interview with Wilkinson on The Project in February 2021, comparing herself to Buddhist monks who set themselves on fire in the 1960s. Under the subheading 'self-immolation analogy', and referring the months after she went public with her allegations, she wrote: 'I often conjured the image of the inhuman Tibetan monks, who seemed to peacefully sit while engulfed in flames to protest the occupation of the Chinese. 'The comparison was crass but in some perverse way I related. In one way or another, I felt like I had lit myself on fire. It was a protest of public self-immolation. 'It was a choice to burn my life, as I had known it, to the ground - in the hope this act would inspire action.' The analogy then turned to an Olympic torchbearer, alongside reflections of an apparent conversation with her fiance David Sharaz. Ms Higgins compared herself to monks who set themselves on fire to protest Chinese occupation in Tibet. Pictured: Thich Quang Duc who took his own life at an intersection in Saigon, South Vietnam She wrote: 'I lamented to David, "I keep waiting for someone else to pick up my embers and carry on the flame. '"Like the Olympics, but instead of a baton, it's the media narrative against the existing patriarchal power structure still in play at Parliament House. I just don't feel like that next runner is coming". 'So, at great efforts, I continued to make strides while the fire charred what was left of my skin.' On the same page, under the heading 'trial by media', Ms Higgins details a conversation she had with Mr Sharaz during this same timeframe. '"Did I do something bad? This whole precedent, this trial by media? Is this all my fault?" I cried into David's chest,' she wrote. "Honestly, I didn't feel like I had a choice. There was no other way," I [sic] weeped. Exhaustion had sunk in.' Grace Tame One section of the draft is called 'Australian of the Year: Grace Tame', and detailed Ms Higgins' heartache when former prime minister Scott Morrison handed Ms Tame the award. Ms Tame was crowned Australian of the Year in 2021 because she is a proven sexual assault survivor who successfully campaigned to change laws in Tasmania that stopped her from publicly speaking about her experience, but allowed her abuser to do so. In her book draft, Ms Higgins wrote: 'Gutted with pain I couldn't quite understand, I was reliving 2019.' Ms Higgins (left) said she was 'gutted' when former Prime Minister Scott Morrison crowned Grace Tame (right) Australian of the Year 'When the staff of the Prime Minister's Office intimidated and gaslit me into staying silent. 'Here he was on stage, the prime minister himself, presenting an award to young woman who championed the #LetUsSpeak campaign.' Ms Higgins also referred to herself as a 'B-grade Grace Tame'. 'She exists outside and beyond the political bubble. Court case closed, awarded and revered,' she wrote. 'Here I am in the mud with the pigs - fighting for control of the daily news cycle. Throwing mud: a WhatsApp here, a voicemail there, a drop to [political journalist], Sam [Maiden].' 'Corpus delicti = smoking gun' One page of the draft contained 'research notes and quotables', including notations about the meaning of a 'scandal'. She took one definition from a 2001 academic journal article called 'Media Scandals: Morality and Desire in the Popular Culture Marketplace'. Ms Higgins noted: 'A media scandal occurs when private acts that disgrace or offend the idealised dominant morality of a social community are [made] public and narrativised by the media, producing a range of effects from ideologies and cultural retrenchment to disruption and change.' She included the title of book 'Power of a scandal: Semiotic and pragmatic in mass media' by Johannes Ehrat, and included seven bullet points with different definitions of 'scandal'. Italicised and underlined was the term 'corpus delicti = smoking gun'. Corpus delicti is a Latin term which translates to 'the body of a crime', and generally refers to the principle that no one should be convicted of a crime without sufficient evidence. Ms Higgins alleged Bruce Lehrmann (centre) raped her in Parliament House in 2019. He strongly denies the allegations Earlier, Daily Mail Australia revealed a series of other chapters Ms Higgins outlined in her memoir - including a few details about her experiences in former defence industry minister Steven Ciobo's office. Chapter five was called 'the sitting week cycle', and refers to Ms Higgins' first meeting with an 'infamous' group known as 'the big swinging d**ks' in Mr Ciobo's office. Ms Higgins not only identified the four federal ministers who were part of the group with Mr Ciobo, but said she had once been 'serving them drinks' when they invited her out to a bar after work one Wednesday. In another section, called 'The Team Ciobo Christmas party in the office', Ms Higgins recalled Mr Ciobo 'lining up his staff and pouring whiskey directly into our mouths'. She said the event had a 'Wolf of Wall Street-style of hedonism about it' - referring to the 2013 film about former stockbroker Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who was known for his wealth, salacious parties and eventual imprisonment. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Ciobo for comment. Mr Lehrmann was charged with sexual assault in August 2021, and was tried in the ACT Supreme Court in October 2022. However, the trial was vacated because a member of the jury brought banned research material into the court. The charge against Mr Lehrmann was dropped altogether in December because prosecutors were concerned for Ms Higgins' mental health. In March this year, Mr Lehrmann launched defamation suits against Channel Ten and Wilkinson for broadcasting and publishing Ms Higgins' allegations. He is also suing the ABC for a broadcast in which Ms Higgins made the allegations. Mr Lehrmann was not named as the alleged rapist in either broadcast, but believes he was identifiable to his former colleagues and in parliamentary circles. A hearing has been scheduled in the Federal Court in November. When DailyMail.com tried it out, Ben and Jerry's unsurprisingly fared poorly New app Veebs provides a scale of 1-100 for how woke everyday items are Woke-averse shoppers are now able to scan a product to see how leftwing it is The saying 'Go woke, go broke' has entered common parlance in recent years - and now Americans have been offered the chance to easily avoid companies whose politics they find too progressive. An app called Veebs allows users to scan barcodes of products while shopping in supermarkets - and provides instant information on whether the owners of the product have donned an activist cap to wade into controversial social issues. To judge the ideological standing of everyday items, Veebs' algorithm calculates a 'V score' from one to 100. The lower the score, the woker the company. The app is designed to appeal to both progressives and conservative - and can be tweaked to offer woke alternatives to a conservative brand, or vice versa. Following its widely-publicized launch this week, DailyMail.com took to the streets of Manhattan to look at the options available to residents in one of the most progressive cities on Earth, where many residents proudly support contentious ideas like critical race theory, and so-called gender-affirming care for children. After reviewing a range of products from hot sauce to furniture, Ben and Jerry's ice cream unsurprisingly came in with one of the worst scores with just 20, likely due to its relentless PR statements touting leftwing talking points. They include attacks on Israel and the US for stealing Native American land - while refusing to give up the site of its own sprawling Vermont HQ to the indigenous people it was once taken from. Two sample scans are pictured on Veeb. Brands are awarded a score between 0 and 100. The lower the score, the woker a company is - with alternatives also offered for brands deemed overly progressive As culture wars debates continue to plague everyday life in America, Veebs said it created the socialist-busting app because political values have emerged as a 'new criteria' for customers. Examples include Bud Light, which continues to deal with the backlash from hiring transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney for a TikTok promotion, where the beer giant emblazoned her face on one if its iconic blue cans. To use the app, the camera on a smartphone becomes a barcode reader to determine which product is being reviewed, the same as a regular supermarket scanner. It then calculates a V score within seconds, which can change in real-time based on any ill-thought-out public statements or disastrous woke advertising a company may push. The app compares its V score ranking to a financial credit score, including both objective and subjective information to gauge how liberal a brand is. The score is based on public information available about the company, including financial reports, statements, press releases, interviews, ad campaigns, and social media. Veebs compares its 'V score' to a credit score, and bases its algorithm on public information available about the company, including financial reports, statements, press releases, interviews, ad campaigns, and social media Veebs says it crams as much data 'as our servers can consume' into the algorithm, which is also variable based on political preferences users can add to their profile. Among the preferences available for users to add include 'America First' and 'Social Justice', which can color code scores to approve of woke-minded products like Ben and Jerry's. However, the app is not without flaws. The most notable is the relatively limited number of products that can be scanned - currently around 300,000 items. Most products tried out also seemingly landed around the middle of the spectrum, with favorite beverages Vita Coco coconut water and Vitamin Water coming in at 62 and 40 respectively. And while Cliff protein bars were also given a middling score of 47, Cholula hot sauce was among the wokest products on the market, coming in with a V score of just 27. Cholula hot sauce was among the wokest products on the market according to the app, as it was given a V score of just 27 out of 100 Unsurprisingly, hyper-woke ice cream brand Ben & Jerrys fared badly, and scored just 20 points - indicating that its values are extremely progressive When the app was tried by DailyMail.com, a large number of the products reviewed landed around the middle of the scale. This included Vita Coco coconut water and Vitamin Water, which were given scores of 62 and 40 respectively The app's interface uses a smartphone camera to scan barcodes on items Following the fervor over the app's launch, Veebs' CEO Chris Rhodes told DailyMail.com that his team were 'thrilled with the early enthusiasm.' 'We look forward to even more people making informed decisions during their visits to the grocery store,' he said, adding that he expects 500,000 items to be reviewable on the app by the end of the year. 'This early activity for the app just goes to show that people want to buy products based on their values, but they need it to be easy to do and to be where they already are shopping.' He said the idea for the app was first conceived two years ago, when the founders 'saw an opportunity to help people buy with their conscience.' Rhodes said it became clear that despite culture wars issues gaining momentum, it seemed that information was not easily and conveniently available on where certain companies stood. 'But as we thought about this challenge, we realized that the foundational technology was there to empower people, and they were already shopping with their phones in their hands anyway,' he continued. Veebs claims on its website that it created its algorithm with 'as much (data) as our servers can consume', which comprises of public information available about a brand. 'It was a huge lift of data gathering and programming, but now here we are, in a time that needs this type of tool,' Rhodes said, feeling that the app has grown in importance since it was first conceived in 2021 due to the nation's hostile politics. 'We will remain independent of the companies we score, and just generally want to be a more useful and trusted partner for consumers.' The app comes as Bud Light continues to face backlash for its April partnership with transgender TikToker Dylan Mulvaney The app's launch comes as debates over 'woke culture' have continued to filter into everyday life, with marketing and advertising at the forefront. In April, Bud Light executives made one of the most detrimental business decisions in recent memory when they collaborated with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. The company saw its market cap fall by a staggering $22 billion in the fallout from the ads, as it lost its coveted position as the number one beer brand in America. And while Modelo cements its place as the nation's favorite, the boycott of Bud Light's products has seen boxes of its beer become cheaper than water. At least $1billion worth of cocaine has been seized from 'narco subs' en route to the US in the last eight years, DailyMail.com can reveal. But anti-smuggling commanders believe around nine in 10 boats evade detection, meaning up to $9 billion worth of the drug may have entered the country via these vessels. Criminal gangs are increasingly using drug-laden semi submersibles to transport vast quantities of illicit substances into the US as they seek to outwit maritime police. The boats, which are not fully submersible but can dip under water like submarines, have advanced significantly in recent years. One former cartel member has predicted that missions, previously considered 'kamikaze rituals' for crews, will soon be run by drug traffickers using remote controls from the safety of their headquarters. U.S. Coast Guard crew climb aboard a suspected smuggling vessel in September 2019. Crews intercepted a drug-laden, 40-foot self-propelled semi-submersible in the Eastern Pacific carrying approximately 12,000 pounds of cocaine, worth more than $165 million Colombian Oscar Adriano Quintero Rengifo, dubbed the 'Prince of Semi-Submersibles', was sentenced in May to more than 20 years in federal prison for smuggling nearly 30,000 pounds of cocaine into the US It comes after a Colombian man dubbed the 'Prince of Submersibles' was jailed in the US for more than 20 years for running a fleet of narco subs shipping cocaine into the country. Official data on the number of narco-subs smuggling drugs into the US is yet to be released, but an audit of publicly available U.S. Coast Guard busts by DailyMail.com has found at least $1billion worth of cocaine has been seized from these boats since 2015. Given that the audit was only of cases already made public, the real figure is likely to be much higher. Maritime police insist they are getting better at intercepting the boats, but operation commanders have compared scouring the open ocean for 20 foot semi-submersibles to a pair of police cars patrolling the entire country. Meanwhile, high-speed nautical chases are fraught with danger, with dramatic videos showing U.S. Coast Guardsmen leaping onto the hulls of narco-subs at full tilt before confronting smugglers face-to-face. The early years of 'kamikaze' missions During the 1980s, planes had been the preferred method of smuggling cocaine out of Colombia. Aircraft would touch down on secret air strips in the US or Mexico during the heyday of Pablo Escobar. When those planes started getting captured by counternarcotic agencies, cartels switched to airdrops, but these led to injuries and deaths. So, drug lords looked to the seas. The first narco sub to be seized by authorities was in 1993 near San Andres, an island off Colombia's Caribbean coast. Most construction occurred - and still does - in makeshift shipyards in the country's coastal jungles. Narco subs are not fully submersible but can dip under water like submarines, coming up every so often to ventilate Counter narcotics police guard an under-construction submersible that was seized from the 'Los Urabenos' drugs cartel in Colombia in 2011. Authorities said the submersible ship seized could be used to carry six tons of cocaine illegally The majority of narco subs are built in makeshift shipyards in the coastal jungles of Colombia A Colombian marine inspects the inside of a fiberglass submarine that was been built by drug traffickers to transport drugs to speed boats offshore, which would then take the drugs to Central America or Mexico, for eventual delivery to the US First generation narco subs were built using a combination of local knowledge and over-the-counter technologies. Many were rudimentary vessels. Early models were rudimentary vessels; souped-up 'go-fast boats'. A couple of impoverished crewmen would cram into a homemade semi-submersible metal tube for up to two weeks and more than 3,000 miles, with ad hoc navigational gear, no toilets and a bucket load of cocaine. Former Colombian drug trafficker Manuel Angel Montoya said 'very few' were willing to make the voyage. 'One time, in the shipyard where they had their headquarters, I got to see a submarine crew that was about to leave,' he told Motherboard magazine in 2011. 'They got there with their few belongings, they had a good meal, they were treated incredibly well. All night, they would commend themselves to the patron saint. They would pray. To me it looked like a kamikaze ritual.' Boats departed the jungle's edge under the cover of night, with guards, who pretended to be fishing, keeping watch. During this period, one crewman would be in charge of the kill switch, which would sink the vessel and its contraband if it was caught by authorities. This was because the crew would be considered castaways and have to be rescued if there was no evidence of a felony. Legislation was introduced in 2008 to close this loophole. The 'ultimate narco sub' What is a 'narco sub'? A semi submersible used to smuggle drugs. They can dip under the water like submarines, coming up every so often to ventilate. Specifications vary, but general attributes have been outlined by the Joint Interagency Task Force Source, the agency responsible for stopping them: Dimensions: 40-80 feet in length with a freeboard (exposed area above the waterline) of about 18 inches Composition: Fiberglass / wood or steel Propulsion: Self-propelled; single or twin diesel engines Speed: 12kph Range: 2,000 miles Cost: Around $2m and up to a year to build Advertisement Crews themselves are usually experienced sailors, who can earn between $50,000 and $75,000 per trip, according to Hernando Mattos, commander of the Caribbean National Navy's Pacific Ocean surface fleet. A captain handles communication with the base. Those manning narco-subs during the early 2000s would have had their hands twitching over the kill switch as smoke billowed from engines, making them easy to spot. But gangs were quick to act, installing exhaust pipes that went underwater, meaning smoke cooled on contact with the water, Mattos told Vice News in 2015. Construction efforts became more sophisticated, with cartels enlisting skilled engineers in teams of up to 20. In 2000, a group of Russian designers was hired to build the 'ultimate narco sub', until it was seized by Colombian authorities near the capital, Bogota. At nearly 100 feet long and 10 feet wide, it was bigger than anything that had been seen before. Russian-language documents found alongside the partially completed vessel led authorities to conclude that 'the Russian Mafia or Russian technicians' were involved in its construction. Estimated costs were up to $10million, compared to the average $2million, and officials believed it may have been able to carry up to 150 tons of contraband and cruise at depths below 300 feet had it been finished. Narco-subs are usually built to travel just below the surface. The Police Chief Gen. Luis Ernesto Gilibert examines parts on a submarine believed to be connected to the transport of drugs on September 7, 2000. The Russian-designed sub could have had the capacity to carry at least 150 metric tons of cocaine or heroin. The Coast Guard Cutter James crew intercepts a narco sub that had 1,140 kg of cocaine on October 15, 2019, in the Eastern Pacific Members of the Mexican Navy board a makeshift submarine transporting drugs while sailing in the Pacific Ocean in this undated handout picture Although the Russian project never came to fruition, narco subs have still been able to carry bigger payloads over greater distances thanks to advancements in engineering. Smuggling vessels were initially limited to coastal waters, but they are now marauding around open oceans for up to a fortnight while barely leaving a wake. They are also capable of transporting tons more contraband than aircraft alternatives. In 2020, a rare electric narco-sub was seized by Colombian authorities. It had an estimated build cost of $1.5million and could have been capable of transporting $120million worth of cocaine. Former cartel member Montoya has predicted that future narco subs will be fully automated and operated by remote control. In May this year, a Colombian narco sub the same size as the Russian-built vessel was intercepted in the Pacific, with 3 tons of cocaine on board worth around $100million. The semi-submersible was seized on its way to Central America, one of the most common routes for drug smuggling to the US. The hunt for 'the White Whale' Successful seizures of these boats are rare. Between 2006 and 2015, only 26 were captured by the U.S. Coast Guard. Just 10 of these were taken intact, with the rest either scuttled by smugglers or sunk while being towed by authorities. Since 2018, more than 100 narco subs have been seized with each vessel carrying on average 286,600 pounds of cocaine and 1,543 pounds of marijuana, according to Colombian authorities. It is not known how many of these were destined for the US - some were intercepted in the Atlantic headed for Europe - but DailyMail.com found around a dozen known seizures by the US Coast Guard since 2015, accounting for more than $1billion worth of cocaine. Narco subs operating in the Americas cover a 7 million square-mile expanse known as the Transit Zone, which includes the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Pacific. The area - roughly half the size of the continental US - is the domain of Operation Martillo ('hammer' in Spanish), an international maritime counter-smuggling team led by US Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. U.S. Coast Guard supervizes the intentional sinking of suspected drug-smuggling boats on May 17, 2019. Due to the distance from land, inadequate tow points and flooding in the engine rooms of the boats, the boats were sunk as a hazard to navigation. Law Enforcement Detachment 106 captures a cocaine-laden Self-Propelled Semi-Submersible in the Eastern Pacific Ocean in 2009. Members of the Mexican Navy stand next to drug packages seized on board a makeshift submarine while sailing in the Pacific Ocean, in an undisclosed location in Mexico in this undated handout picture Coast Guard ships work in tandem with spotter planes, usually P-3 Long Range Trackers, surveillance aircrafts with special sensors and radar to detect semi-submersibles. Lieutenant Commander Stephen Brickey, a spokesman for U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area, said in 2019 that patrols encountered narco subs around once a year, but that boarding them was a risky business. Pulling alongside the target boat at high speed, crew members must make a daring leap from their cutter to the sub, landing on the narrow Smugglers can be armed and often hit a valve which fills the vessel with water, sending the contraband and evidence to the deep. Boarders then find themselves aboard a sinking ship. About 80 percent of drugs that enter the US come from the Pacific corridor, Brickey said, and authorities stop around 11 percent of semi-submersibles. 'They're like the White Whale,' he told The Washington Post. A missing teenager who vanished without a trace, never to be seen or heard from again, was found by his mother sobbing in his bedroom refusing to say why he was so upset. 'I've seen stuff, I've seen stuff, I can't get it out of my head,' Zac Barnes told his mum, months before the 18-year-old apprentice tradie from the NSW Hunter Region went missing. Zac's baffling disappearance remains a mystery almost seven years after the Metford teen with a VB beer tattoo was last seen by two friends getting out of their car and heading into bushland at Thornton near Maitland in November 2016. A coroner's inquest held in Sydney this week heard confronting details about the apprentice bricklayer's drug use, alcohol consumption and troubling behaviour in the months and days before he disappeared. That included missing his older Cody's 21st birthday celebrations a fortnight prior and an altercation with a colleague two days before Zac disappeared. Zac (top left with his younger siblings Mia, Makayla and Liam) was last seen leaving a friend's car and running into bushland near Thornton train station on November 13, 2016 Zac's mother Karen Gudelj, stepfather Michael and family heard harrowing evidence at the inquest into Zac's disappearance Among the witnesses who gave evidence were Zac's best mate, his then-boss and several friends who saw him on the weekend he vanished. Zac's mother Karen Gudelj also detailed how her son's life unravelled from the age of 15 after the talented student changed schools in year 10 and became the 'popular, social kid.' She also warned other parents of how her son's life 'turned very quickly' in the year before he went missing. Zac's family were told at the start of the inquest by deputy state coroner Carmel Forbes they would get the opportunity 'to bring the individual to life' after all the evidence was heard. After three long days, Ms Gudelj bravely took to the stand on Wednesday where she went into great detail about his life story along with a photo slideshow showing Zac's close bond with the family. Fighting back tears, she broke down his life into three stages to show that 'he was so much more than his last days' - and in the hope her details may assist in cracking open the almost seven-year-old mystery. 'Us against the world': Zac's early childhood Zac Erin Barnes was born on May 22, 1998 on NSW Central Coast to his parents Karen and Ben, who were childhood sweethearts. He had two older brothers Jarrad and Cody along with a younger brother Liam, born two years later. In Zac's early life, Karen packed her belongings, took her boys and left their father who was battling drug addiction at the time. 'We meant everything to each other, it was us against the world,' she recalled. 'Zac was my little boy. He was extra clingy, was always clinging to my leg and could be a real pain in the butt.' While a temper tantrum could last for hours, Zac was also a bright and bubbly little boy. Karen thought it was important to give her boys a home and moved away to a small country town to buy a home. She would take the boys to the beach every weekend. She also instilled the importance of good manners and taught her sons to be good young men, taking them out to dinner at the local bowling club as an introduction to eating out. Zac (pictured as a baby with brothers Cody and Jarrad) was described a bubbly and loving boy Karen Gudelj described her third son Zac (pictured as a boy) as her little protector 'He was always making sure his mum was safe,' Karen (pictured with a young Zac) said Meeting Zac's new dad - until age 15 Karen met and began dating Michael Gudelj when Zac was seven. As his mum's 'little protector', Zac was initially hesitant and cautious of Michael. The first 'family' date of a movie and McDonald's was a memorable one. 'Zac was out to test Michael and pushed every boundary possible,' his mum recalled. 'I didn't think we'd see Michael again. But Michael did come back.' 'Zac wanted to see Michael lived. He took one look and said 'Like the place mate, what do you do for work? 'He was always making sure his mum was safe.' Michael gave the Karen and her boys the stability they needed and soon developed a close relationship with Zac, who regarded him as a father. 'Wherever Michael went, Zac followed,' counsel assist Tim Hammond SC told the inquest in his opening address. Karen left it up to her boys as to whether they wanted a relationship with their biological dad. Zac chose not to have anything to do with him. Within three years, the family had expanded with the arrival of Makayla and Mia. 'He was a great big brother,' his mum recalled. 'He would change their nappies and read them stories at 10-year-old. 'When he was 12, he asked to go to go to a school disco and I said no. He thought and came back (asking) 'why can't I go if I'm good enough to babysit'?' Zac also loved playing sport growing up. 'He always wanted to be the best,' his mum recalled. 'He was such a loving boy. All the photos you see today - that was him.' The three day inquest ended with a statement from the family that included a photo slideshow The inquest heard how Zac Barnes would change his sisters' nappies and would read them stories to them Zac's late teenage years - the downward spiral The inquest heard how Zac was an exceptional mathematician with dreams of becoming a doctor. But things began to unravel after he turned 15. 'In year 10, he changed schools, his grades slipped and he found a social life,' Ms Gudelj recalled. 'If I can just say to any family out there, Zac's life turned very quickly and I think a lot of it is because he wanted to be that popular, social kid.' He wanted to quit school to join the workforce and considered joining the armed forces once he turned 17. He decided to follow in his brother Cody's footsteps and become a bricklayer, arranging his own work experience and lining up an apprenticeship so he could leave school. The inquest heard in the opening address that Zac enjoyed partying and attending pubs, clubs and music festivals. It later heard details of recreational drug use. Zac (pictured as a teen) was an exceptional mathematician with dreams of becoming a doctor Zac (right) adored his two little sisters when they joined the family Karen Gudelj (left) is desperate for answers about what happened to her son Zac (right) Ms Gudelj gave evidence about her son's troubling behaviour in the months before he vanished and had noticed he was drinking more. He still lived at home where his mum enforced strict rules and boundaries. That included charging Zac for board. With two little sisters, drugs in the home were a big no-no. His mum recalled a March 2016 argument the pair had over her charging Zac for board. She found a distraught Zac sobbing in his bedroom, refusing to say why he was so upset. 'I've seen stuff, I've seen stuff, I can't get it out of my head,' he told his mother. Ms Gudelj told the inquest: 'He felt that if he told me he would get us into some sort of trouble.' Zac was still a larger than life character to family and friends, despite his life unravelling, 'Zac was well known as a gregarious young man who lived life to the fullest,' Mr Hammond said in his opening address. 'He was boisterous but caring. 'He wasn't the type of person to be out of contact with his family for long periods of time.' 2016 was a big year of milestones for the family. 'Zac had turned 18, Cody (an older brother) just turned 21 and I was about to have my 50th,' Ms Gudelj said while fighting back tears. 'Zac and I were going to have our first legal drink together. But it didn't happen.' Zac's life was broken down into three stages to show that 'he was so much more than his last days'. He's pictured at a family celebration Zac Barnes wanted to quit school and considered joining the armed forces The inquest earlier heard that Zac missed Cody's 21st birthday party in Newcastle a fortnight before he went missing after attending a pub crawl earlier in the day. He later told friends and family that he had 'passed out.' Zac's best mate revealed the pair faced a number of personal issues in the months leading up to his disappearance and gradually stopped hanging out as often. 'We both shared some struggles at the time,' Thomas Aubrey told the court. 'We had stopping hanging out as I was working, so we weren't seeing (each other) as much at the time.' Zac was last seen by two friends getting out of their car heading into bushland in a panicked and distressed state near Thornton train station shortly before 8pm on the night of Sunday November 13, 2016. He was reported missing to police by his mother and stepfather the next day. Zac didn't have his phone or wallet and hasn't been seen or heard from since. His phone and social media accounts remain inactive since that time. Extensive police and family searches have also failed to find any trace. Zac Barnes vanished without a trace in November 2016. This is the one of the last photos taken of the teen taken three weeks prior The family suffered another devastating blow four years later when Zac's younger brother Liam, 19, took his own life in 2020. The family vowed to continue fighting for answers. 'Zac respected everybody and he deserves to be respected. If Zac has lost his life, we deserve to be able to bury him and remember him,' Ms Gudelj told the inquest. 'We pray that we get answers we need'. The coroner will hand down her findings at a later date. If you or anyone who know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636. She graduated from Auburn University and was working in an animal shelter Mystery surrounds the death of a 22-year-old Alabama woman who was found dead in her home on the island of St John in the US Virgin Islands. Lily Ledbetter had been working part time for an animal shelter on the island's main town Cruz Bay when officers found her unconscious in an apartment last month, local police confirmed to DailyMail.com. Lebetter was later pronounced dead. She had spent some months by herself on the island working a variety of jobs but had grown up near to Opelika, Alabama, near the state's border with Georgia. Two days after the discovery of Ledbetter's body, police said her cause of death was unknown and that an autopsy was pending, but they have yet to release any findings, including whether her death was suspicious. DailyMail.com has contacted the Virgin Islands Police Department and Lily's mom Sharon Thrasher for further updates. Lily Ledbetter, 22, of Alabama was found unresponsive in her home on St. John in the US Virgin Islands last month Animal Care Center of St. John (pictured), a non profit dedicated to caring for animals on the island, confirmed that Ledbetter had been working part time for the shelter Police were first called to an apartment in the town's Estate Enighed at around 12.33am on Tuesday, June 6, according to a police statement released on June 8. Officers responded to Ledbetter's home to find that she was unconscious and 20 minutes after the initial call, at around 12.53am, EMTs pronounced her dead. Animal Care Center of St. John, a non profit dedicated to caring for animals on the island, confirmed that she had been working part time for the shelter and was shocked by her sudden death. Ledbetter was also a dancer and had graduated from Opelika High School in 2019 before studying at Auburn University, where she competed with the university's rowing club, according to an online obituary. According to local newspaper the Virgin Islands Consortium, the VIPD's Criminal Investigation Bureau was investigating the case. Though the victim's identity was not initially disclosed, a spokesperson for the department, Glen Dratte, confirmed that the woman in question was Ledbetter. Ledbetter had spent some months by herself in the island's main town Cruz Bay (pictured) working a variety of jobs A memorial attended by family and friends was held in her honor on June 17 at the First Baptist Church in Opelika Ledbetter also danced with the Make Your Move Performing Arts Studio in her hometown. The owner of the studio, Mandy Moore, posted a tribute to the student on Facebook. 'I will always remember the twinkle in your eye and the love that filled the room when you walked in. I only wished I had held on and never let you go when I saw you a few weeks ago,' she wrote. 'Your legacy of love and light will forever live on inside our studio,' she added. A memorial attended by family and friends was held in her honor on June 17 at the First Baptist Church in Opelika. Fugitive rape suspect Nicholas Rossi should 'confess he did something horrible', a Rhode Island representative who paid tribute to him after he faked his own death has said. Rossi, 36, is facing allegations of sexual assault and rape in at least four US states after police claim they found him alive in Scotland living under the alias Arthur Knight. Representative Raymond Hull, who worked with Rossi in the Rhode Island State House for almost a decade, said his world was turned upside down after his former friend appeared on television in a wheelchair last year - after someone claiming to be his wife told him he had died of cancer in 2020. Hull, 59, said he never thought the 'likeable young kid' was capable of faking his own death, but he slowly came to realize that he had been conned. The Democratic politician and former policeman also revealed Rossi called him in 2019 claiming he had fled to France to escape harassment in the US, despite it later transpiring that he was the one wanted for sexually assaulting women across the country. The man a court has found to be Nicholas Rossi, a fugitive rape suspect who faked his own death in 2020, has repeatedly insisted police have the wrong man and he is in fact an Irish-born orphan named Arthur Knight Rossi (pictured above before his 'death') was an influential lobbyist in Rhode Island during the 2010s, pressing for reforms to the foster care system he claims abused him as a child It comes after Rossi's Engelbert Humperdinck impersonator stepfather, David Rossi, told DailyMail.com that his stepson was an 'evil, devil's spawn child' who 'always played the victim'. Nicholas Rossi was an influential lobbyist in Rhode Island during the 2010s, pressing legislators for foster care reform after claiming he was abused while in the system. Hull first met him at a hearing in 2011 and admitted he immediately took a liking to the 'tenacious young kid'. The representative said he was struck by the passion with which Rossi spoke about the abuse he suffered in care. 'I remember talking to him afterwards,' he said. 'I told him: "You've convinced me that whatever you do, you continue on your journey. There is something about what is going on and what's happening in the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) - I believe you and I'll help you any way I can".' Rossi later won a settlement with the DCYF after filing a lawsuit against them. But another Rhode Island politician, Brian Coogan, has previously told DailyMail.com that a state judge told him it was in fact Rossi who was the perpetrator of abuse. Hull worked with Rossi on-and-off to push his foster care reforms through the House of Representatives over the following years, until Rossi vanished in around 2019. That year, Hull said he received a call from his friend claiming to be in France, where he had moved to escape 'harassment' in the US, although he provided no further details. Police say he had in fact fled to the UK because he was wanted by police in Utah for the alleged rape of an ex-girlfriend in 2008 after fresh evidence came to light in 2016. In 2020, Rossi called Hull again, this time claiming to be in Russia and suffering from terminal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hull said he 'prayed for a miracle', but in December that year, he received a call from someone claiming to be Rossi's wife. Rossi was dead, she said. The politician said she spoke with an unfamiliar accent. 'You know what was funny about her voice? She had exactly the same mannerisms as he did,' he said. 'It was almost like you were talking to him, but it was a lady's voice. It was almost like "damn, who the hell would find a girl just like him?" Rossi, also known as Alahverdian, appeared in an interview with NBC's Dateline in which he vehemently insisted he was a a British man called Arthur Knight Rossi was interviewed alongside his wife, Miranda Knight, whom he met in Bristol after fleeing to the UK to escape allegations of sexual assault in the US At one point during the interview, Rossi theatrically tried standing to prove he is unable to walk. Speaking in what sounded like an English accent, he said: 'And we'd like privacy and I would like to go back to being a normal husband, but I can't because I can't breathe, I can't walk' Police believe Rossi staged his own death in 2020 to escape sex and fraud charges Rhode Island Representative Raymond Hull, who worked with Rossi on foster care reform for almost a decade, gave a speech paying tribute to his former friend following reports of his death of cancer in 2020 Rossi became a political influencer in the early 2010s. Here he is pictured in this undated photo with former vice president Mike Pence 'Predatory past' of Nicholas Alahverdian Date unknown: Accused of abduction and sexual assault attempt in Massachusetts 2008: Convicted of two sexual assaults Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio. In September 2008, he allegedly raped an ex-girlfriend in Orem, Utah - which led to his arrest in December 2021 2009: Allegedly stalks ex-girlfriend in Rhode Island after returning to state and failing to register as a sex offender 2010-11: Four women in Pawtucket, RI, file complaints against him. One was his first wife. 2015: Marries second wife in Ohio, but she complains of abuse and they divorce after seven months. 2017 : Accused of fraud after taking out $200,000 in credit card & loans under his foster parent's name in Ohio. He allegedly rapes a woman in Essex, England, the same year February 2020: Fakes his own death of lymphoma, with unnamed 'widow' claiming Alahverdian had been buried at sea. In July, DNA links him to 2008 sex attack in Orem, Utah December 2021: Arrested at hospital in Glasgow, Scotland, while intubated with COVID on suspicion of Utah sex attack Advertisement Still, when Rossi's death was announced by local newspapers and an obituary was published on his website, Hull had no reason to doubt he was dead. Even when he was called by police, who told him they had reason to believe Rossi was still alive, his belief was unshaken. 'Why would anyone fake their own death? He just didn't seem like the type,' Hull told DailyMail.com. On March 3, 2020, Hull stood up in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to his friend. 'If you'd like to join in the memory of my friend,' he said. 'I guess some of the people [in the House] may know him also - Nicholas Alahverdian, who had a battle with cancer. 'A very, very smart individual when I started here, some eight years ago. I say this on purpose and I say this to you young people that are standing there: have passion in what you do and never give up on it. 'He [Alahverdian] had that and it touched me to be honored to get up to say something on his behalf today. 'Because he believed in something that happened to him and he looked forward to the change in DCYF. 'I ask that all my colleagues remember him. God bless.' Hull admits it was strange that when he contacted Rossi's 'wife' to post colleagues' tributes to him, she said she could not provide an address because they were 'moving'. Unbeknown to him, Rossi had in fact been dodging various allegations of sexual assault and rape in Rhode Island, Ohio, Utah and Massachusetts since 2008. In 2016, the state of Utah received a grant to test back-logged rape kits. One, taken after a 2008 rape in Orem, matched the name Nicholas Rossi. State investigators found a man of that name had taken a one-way American Airlines flight to Dublin, Ireland, on June 4, 2017. They also found an address in Bristol, England, along with an Irish driver's license for Nicholas Brown, who they believed to be Alahverdian. Interpol and the UK authorities discovered that Nicholas Brown went by various names, including Arthur W Knight Brown, who they traced to an apartment in Glasgow, Scotland. Knight, or Rossi, as authorities believe him to be, was arrested at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow on December 12, 2021. He was identified through DNA and distinctive tattoos: the crest of Brown University and a unique angel wing. After a three-day hearing in Edinburgh to determine his identity, Judge Norman McFadyen said he was 'satisfied on the balance of probabilities that Mr Knight is indeed Nicholas Rossi, the person sought for extradition by the United States'. Hull, who was a cop for around 30 years, said he had seen some 'wicked things but never anybody fake their death' An memorial tribute was posted in February 2020 which claimed Alahverdian - aka Rossi - had died of cancer and that his last words were 'fear not and run toward the bliss of the sun' A mugshot from Rossi's arrest by the Pawtucket Police Department in Rhode Island in 2010, after four women filed complaints against him This map shows the trail of havoc and alleged criminal behavior carried out by Rossi Rossi, or 'Arthur Knight', departs Edinburgh Sheriff Court after the closing arguments in his extradition hearing on July 12 Miranda Knight, Rossi's third wife, arrives for the hearing Rossi has continued to insist they have the wrong man and Hull admits for a while he believed him. The turning point was a now infamous interview filmed with NBC's Dateline in April last year, in which Rossi appeared in a wheelchair and oxygen mask alongside his wife, Miranda Knight, whom he'd met in Bristol. In a faltering Transatlantic accent, he insisted he was not Rossi but an Irish-born orphan named Arthur Knight, who had never stepped foot in the US. 'I looked at him. I could tell, they way he covered up, you knew it was him,' Hull said. 'I'd been a cop for 30 years. I've seen some wicked things, but I've never seen anybody fake their death. 'He should admit he did something horrible. I will not lie, I took a liking to him. He was that convincing.' A ruling was due on Rossi's extradition on Wednesday, but the hearing was 'postponed on medical grounds' after the court heard he had been taken to hospital with Covid. The case has been adjourned until August 2. Psilocybin is totally illegal in 44 states in the US, including New York They contain psilocybin - the hallucinogenic ingredient in mushrooms Smoke shops, CBD stores, and delis across New York City that sell cannabis without a license are also stocking illegal chocolate bars containing psilocybin - the hallucinogenic ingredient in magic mushrooms. While there are a handful of licensed legal cannabis dispensaries in Manhattan, there are hundreds selling cannabis illegally, and many of those that do also sell magic mushroom products which are completely illegal across the Empire State. Bitter, nutty-tasting psychedelic magic mushrooms have been taken recreationally for millennia, but in the last decade ground up mushrooms have increasingly been incorporated into sweet chocolate bars. Unlike cannabis, whose intoxicating ingredient is THC, magic mushrooms contain psilocybin, which can lead to sensory distortion, euphoria, as well as auditory and visual hallucinations. Though they are completely legal in Oregon and Colorado and partially decriminalized in five other states, in the remaining 44 - including New York - they are illegal. Smoke shops, CBD stores, and delis across New York City that sell cannabis without a license also stock illegal chocolate bars containing psilocybin Convenience Shop on Canal Street was selling a 'magic bar' made by the brand Mindfull In December, four people were arrested in connection with the sale of psilocybin in a CBD store in NYC's East Village called Come Back Daily (pictured) Some of the most popular brands of magic mushroom chocolate include PolkaDot (pictured), Shroomiez and Funguyz A number of smoke shops and delis in downtown Manhattan openly sell psilocybin chocolate, according to a report in The New York Post. Some hardened cannabis smokers told the publication they were overwhelmed by the effects of the drug. 'I have a high tolerance for weed, so I thought I'd be fine, but it f**ked me up,' said an employee at Convenience Shop on Canal Street, which was selling a 'magic bar' made by the brand Mindfull. Both on a federal level and in New York State psilocybin is considered an illegal controlled substance, the sale and possession of which can carry a prison sentence. In some stores across Manhattan, professionally packaged chocolate bars are hidden from view but in others they are out on full display. A drive to decriminalize certain psychedelics has coincided with the largely successful and more high-profile push around the country to legalize cannabis. Mushroom chocolates are therefore enjoying much of the decriminalization afforded to cannabis and THC even though psilocybin is as illegal as it's ever been. But in New York, a bill that would decriminalize mushrooms, Assembly Bill A6065, was first introduced to the legislative session around four years ago. Despite the illegality of mushrooms, products that are sold across the US and in New York are well-packaged and often feature colorful printed labels outlining the amount of psilocybin they contain. Some of the most popular brands of magic mushroom chocolate include PolkaDot, Shroomiez and Funguyz. Many brands sell their products on the internet through ordinary websites and ship them around the country. The Manhattan District Attorney's office in February announced a partnership with Mayor Eric Adams to combat unlicensed dispensaries around the city, focusing on curtailing illegal cannabis sales. Pictures released by the New York Special Narcotics Prosecutor of the psilocybin products confiscated during a bust last December Kati Cornell, a spokesperson for the Special Narcotics Prosecutor of New York, said its involvement in the December bust was an exception In December, four people were arrested in connection with the sale of psilocybin in a CBD store and a separate smoke shop in Manhattan's East Village as part of an operation led by New York's Special Narcotics Prosecutor and the NYPD. Officers recovered a large quantity of psilocybin products in various forms, including pills, mushrooms, chocolate bars and gummies. They seized nearly 1,500 psilocybin mushroom pills, 59 bags of Mushie brand psilocybin in mushroom form and 24 bags of Mushie brand psilocybin gummies. Officers also found a box containing 35 large chocolate PolkaDot psilocybin mushroom chocolate bars. Kati Cornell, a spokesperson for the Special Narcotics Prosecutor of New York, described that bust to DailyMail.com as an 'isolated incident' and said her office did not generally deal with psilocybin products. 'It's not really our focus because it's not really a narcotic,' said Cornell. 'We do the odd cases but only if there are large quantities.' 'In that situation there were a large number of community complaints,' she added. Former President Donald Trump is still the clear primary frontrunner in a new DailyMail.com poll of Republicans in New Hampshire, but surging support for Tim Scott and Chris Christie have eaten into his double-digit lead over the field. And the results spell more bad news for Ron DeSantis's misfiring campaign. Although he remains in second place, he has dropped from 18 percent in April to 15 percent now, according to the poll conducted by J.L. Partners. Overall, the survey of 591 registered Republicans and others planning to request a primary ballot shows that Trump wins the support of 42 percent, down from 51 percent in April. Scott and Christie, who is staking his whole campaign on a strong showing in the Granite State, have seen their share of the vote increase since entering the race. Our new poll shows the state of the Republican primary race in New Hampshire. The leading two candidates have seen their support share shrink as others have gained momentum The contest for the Republican nomination is currently a race between Trump and DeSantis. But both have seen rivals eat into their numbers among New Hampshire primary voters The former governor of New Jersey has climbed to eight percent (from two percent) tied with the South Carolina senator. James Johnson, founder of J.L. Partners, said the increasingly crowded field had helped Trump. 'The new kids on the block are on the up. That's the story of our latest New Hampshire poll which shows Chris Christie and Tim Scott growing their support at the expense of Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis. 'But despite Trumps vote share taking a hit, it is the former president who benefits the most. The more varied the field, the more chance he has of winning the nomination. Trump remains the hot favorite for the New Hampshire primary.' It means Trump's lead over the field has dropped by six points since April. He also slips in one-on-one match-ups. His lead over DeSantis dips by three points. In April, he led by 53 points to 33 points. Now it is 50 points to 33. But it means DeSantis has failed to make headway since launching his campaign although there is a long way to go before January's likely primary date. Neil Levesque, director of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at St Anselm College, said Trump's challengers had to do more. Voters saw Trump as the incumbent, he said, making it essential for other candidates to strike a contrast with the frontrunner. Trump has seen his lead over DeSantis slip in a head-to-head matchup South Carolina Senator Tim Scott and former New Jersey governor Chris Christie have seen their share of the vote share increase but are still in single digits 'I think New Hampshire voters are looking for someone who can tell them why they shouldn't vote for Donald Trump because they know who he is and he delivered for them in a lot of ways,' he said. 'And they still support him. So why should they not vote for him?' If runners are not creating that sort of contrast with a candidate polling at more than 40 percent, he added, then 'it's not a successful campaign.' The dilemma facing Trump's opponents: How to challenge him without alienating his powerful base of support. Debbie Hart, 65, is part of that base. She was at an event at St Anselm College on Thursday to hear fifth placed Vivek Ramaswamy speak. She said she wanted to hear from all the candidates, but was not sure there was anything that could sway her from picking Trump. 'Just because he's a fighter and he's standing up for what's right and I really think that he'll be effective as long as nobody's cheating,' she said. Ramaswamy appeared at St Anselm college on Thursday, his 150th grassroots appearance A poll for DailyMail.com last month showed that DeSantis would have a better chance of beating President Joe Biden than Trump Ninety minutes later, after hearing Ramaswamy's populist attack on what he calls the 'administrative state,' Hart had something to add. 'I do have a tipping point,' she said of her support for Trump. 'He already lost to Biden once.' The survey for DailyMail.com was conducted from July 13 to 20, and has a 3.9 percent margin of error. Other results show how the war in Ukraine could be a factor in the decision. It found that 49 percent of voters said they wanted to cut U.S. assistance to Ukraine. And of those, some 32 percent said they wanted to reduce it by a lot. Republicans also had a dim view of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, hailed as a hero in much of the world. Only 13 percent said they had a 'very favorable' impression of the Ukrainian leader, That is despite eight in ten saying they had an unfavorable view of Vladimir Putin Volodymyr Zelensky is an actor turned politician whose role as president of Ukraine put him on the frontline of the war against totalitarianism, garnering him 'man of the year' awards and speaking invitations to parliaments around the world as his armed forces held their own against the Russian war machine. But that does not impress the Republican primary voters of New Hampshire. Only 13 percent say they have a 'very favorable' impression of the Ukrainian leader, according to a new poll for DailyMail.com, which looked at voters attitudes towards U.S. support for his country's war against Russia. It shows how Republican voters in the state are following former President Donald Trump's skeptical view of foreign interventions, making it heavy going for the likes of Mike Pence and Nikki Haley who favor a more robust policy. Some 49 percent of voters said they wanted to cut U.S. assistance to Ukraine, according to the poll conducted by J.L. Partners. Of those, some 32 percent said they wanted to reduce it by a lot. The poll found 34 percent of New Hampshire Republican primary voters had a negative view of Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky (left) compared with 82 percent for Vladimir Putin Only 22 percent wanted to increase aid. But that does not mean respondents were sympathetic to Vladimir Putin. More than eight in ten said they had an unfavorable view of the Russian president, and only four percent were favorably disposed towards him. Instead, it comes down to concerns about spending money overseas when there are needs at home and perceptions of Zelensky. 'He's corrupt. I think he's milking the US teat a little too much,' said Matt Stemkowski, a manufacturing technician, as he waited for a town hall with candidate Vivek Ramswamy at St Anselm College to start on Thursday. 'And the Biden administration is very willing to abide by that. 'I think he's an actor. I think he's kind of a con man. He's just as deplorable as Vladimir Putin in my opinion.' Washington has so far sent $40 billion in military assistance to Ukraine by far the biggest contribution. Allies have expressed concern that a groundswell of America First sentiment on the right could choke off that money now that Republicans control the House of Representatives. Republican voters overall are skeptical of the merits of continuing US aid to Ukraine Zelensky has been feted by world leaders. Earlier this month he met President Joe Biden and others at the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania The U.S. last week another $1.3 billion in aid for Ukraine. Equipment in the past has included the TOW missile system seen here being used in an exercise in Kentucky Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson even met recently with Trump to try to get him to reverse his stance on the war. James Johnson, founder of J.L. Partners, said the results of the poll would send shockwaves through the effort to defend Ukraine. 'Volodymyr Zelensky is the most popular man in the world. But amongst the primary voters of New Hampshire, it is a different story,' he said. 'Barely more than one in ten say they feel very favorably towards him and a huge 54 percent of Trump voters feel negatively about the Ukrainian leader. 'In a sign of the changing nature of the GOP, a great deal of that is powered by younger voters, with 18-35 year olds the most hostile.' The survey of 591 registered Republicans and others planning to request a primary ballot was conducted from July 13 to 20, and has a 3.9 percent margin of error. Other results show that Trump remains the clear frontrunner in the state, even if the rise of Tim Scott and Chris Christie have eaten into his lead. His vote share dropped from 51 percent in April to 42 percent now. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also lost ground, falling from 18 percent to 15 percent. EXCLUSIVE Home and Away child star Felix Dean is back behind bars, continuing a sad downfall he says can be traced back to taking illegal drugs while working on the soap opera as a teenager. Dean, who considers the early fame he found on television a 'double-edged sword', began smoking cannabis at 14 and moved onto injecting meth a year later. He has already served jail time for a string of bizarre offences committed across Sydney in 2020 and 2021 and for the fourth time has found himself refused bail. Dean has been charged with three counts of common assault and one of assault with intent to rob and is now in Junee Correctional Centre in the NSW Riverina district. The 26-year-old, who has been diagnosed with experiencing a major depressive order, PTSD and drug-induced psychosis, has pleaded not guilty to every charge. Troubled Home and Away child star Felix Dean, who played VJ Patterson on the soap opera from 2007 to 2014, is back behind bars. He is pictured with on-screen mother Ada Nicodemou Police alleged Dean assaulted two men and a woman at Newtown in Sydney's inner-west between 9pm and 9.15am on April 30. He is also accused of assaulting a man with intent to rob him at Botany in the city's south between 8.25pm and 8.35pm on May 28. Dean was just ten when he got his big break on Home and Away, going on to act alongside Ada Nicodemou as her on-screen son VJ Patterson from 2007 to 2014. He was nominated for Best Young Actor at the 2008 and 2009 Inside Soap Awards but has not had an acting credit since leaving the show when he was replaced by Matt Little as a 17-year-old. In the past two years Dean has had a 37-day stint in rehab and repeatedly been arrested for offences which have seen him spend more than 15 months in jail. In October last year Dean had been out of prison for a few months when he ran into the father of a school friend on Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, and demanded $300. Dean, who was homeless at the time, told the man his son owed him that specific amount and grabbed his arm, saying: 'You need to give me money now'. Dean, who began smoking cannabis aged 14 and moved onto injecting meth a year later, considers the early fame he found on a television a 'double-edged sword' When Dean faced Waverley Court in April this year he pleaded guilty to common assault and intimidation and was sentenced to 11 months in jail with a minimum term of five months. Those offences put Dean in breach of community corrections orders which had been imposed in January last year for stealing an iPhone and assaulting a police officer. Magistrate Ross Hudson revoked the order for assaulting the cop and sentenced Dean to two months in prison but took no action over the other breached CCO. With time already served Dean was released into the care of his long-suffering mother. Mr Hudson had noted a letter of apology wrote to the court in which Dean said, 'It is not lost on me that my actions have caused great deal of pain to my family'. 'I was homeless, drunk all time, living a chaotic lifestyle, addicted to methamphetamine,' he wrote. Mr Hudson, who told Dean he would not 'get on top of things' until he removed drugs from his life, said: 'He says he recognises the need to change path he's on'. Dean was nominated for Best Young Actor at the 2008 and 2009 Inside Soap Awards For his portrayal of VJ. He disappeared from the spotlight altogether after leaving Home and Away Further details about Dean's troubled childhood were revealed in January last year when he was jailed for offences including an 'unprovoked', 'vicious' and 'spontaneous' attack on an Uber driver. Central Local Court heard Dean had been in prison since October 2021 after he attacked a tobacconist with a hammer - the fourth time he had been arrested in two years. Felix Dean, 26, is back behind bars charged with assaulting three men and one woman He pleaded guilty to assaulting police, affray, assault with intent to rob, being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence, two counts of recklessly damaging property and shoplifting. The earliest of those offences was committed after Dean booked into a room at the Meriton Suites Hotel in the central business district in May 2020. The next morning Dean drove his Subaru WRX sedan straight through an automatic security gate in the car park, causing $7,624.93 in damage. At that time police noted Dean had faced nine previous charges for offences ranging from assault to larceny. He was living in an Airbnb and receiving $1,000 from Centrelink. Dean's next serious brush with the law came when he attacked an Uber driver and smashed another man's window in early 2021. By then he was homeless and staying sporadically at hotels around Sydney, while the NSW Trustee & Guardian had been appointed to control his finances and was paying him an allowance of $150 a week. Dean left Home and Away as a 17-year-old when he was replaced in the long-running soap opera. At the time his on-screen mother Nicodemou said she viewed Dean as a 'surrogate son' Dean's next run-in with police came in September 2021 at Paddington when he failed to comply with a Covid-19 direction and kicked a police officer in the leg. The next month he was arrested near the TSG Tobacconist in Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, shortly before midnight. Dean had punched the shopkeeper in the face after stealing a mobile phone and then returned to attack him with a hammer. Solicitor Elliot Rowe said that during Dean's time on Home and Away he had been 'constantly surrounded' by adults, creating a 'quite different and unusual experience'. Fame had been a 'double-edged sword' throughout his childhood. Dean's drug use had turned into 'a long-standing addiction to quite debilitating substances' and led to 'the nonsensical behaviour that he was engaging in', Mr Rowe told the court. Magistrate Alison Viney sentenced Dean to 19 months' prison with a minimum term of 11 months, backdated to commence the previous July to take into account time he had already spent in custody. Ms Viney accepted Dean had a 'significant drug and alcohol problem' and noted he had been given chances to address those issues in the past. She also found Dean was an intelligent young man who had suffered significant difficulties and been raised single-handedly by his supportive mother. A notorious prisoner who boasted of costing prison bosses 74,000 in compensation after his private letters were opened could now lose almost all the money to a woman he sexually harassed 13 years ago. Edmund Bruton was jailed indefinitely in 2011 after drinking antifreeze before driving his car at 80mph into his ex-girlfriend's home in a jealous rage, texting her 'I will be waiting for you in Hell'. He later won the cash pay out at a judicial review after guards illegally opened his mail - and went on to write a 'how to guide' from his prison cell to advise other inmates to sue jail chiefs as he had. But after Bruton boasted of his success - although it's unclear if he received as much as the 74,000 he claimed - news of the 2017 award was spotted by a woman he had crossed years earlier - and still owed thousands of pounds in compensation to himself. MailOnline can reveal Bruton never paid an award of 45,000 to a woman he employed at his beauty spa after a tribunal found he sexually harassed her by pressuring her into performing nude massages on him in 2010 - and then sacking her when she stood up to him. Edmund Bruton was jailed indefinitely in 2011 after drinking antifreeze before driving his car at 80mph into his ex-girlfriend's home in a jealous rage Bruton never paid an award of 45,000 to a woman he employed at his beauty spa after a tribunal found he sexually harassed her The woman is now seeking the original award plus interest from his prison payout. The 52-year-old mum-of-two - who we have agreed not to name - had almost given up hope of ever seeing the money after Bruton allegedly transferred all his assets to friends and family so he could avoid paying her. But after reading MailOnline's report of Bruton's compensation claim she has re-launched her legal fight and blasted MoJ chiefs for handing over the cash without checking he had any outstanding creditors. She said: 'When I read about him boasting about his compensation I was livid, I was absolutely furious. To think somebody like that could do what they did and then think it's great they can sue the prison and win taxpayers' money left me spitting feathers. 'How the hell can he get away with this when he owes all this money to me when I can't get a bean? 'When a prisoner is awarded large sums of money like this, it should trigger an automatic search for what they potentially owe their victims. 'I was awarded this money through a court of law and they should have settled his outstanding judgements before he saw a penny. He shouldn't be allowed to just keep the money.' A tribunal found the victim was sexually harassed while working for Bruton who owned Amo Hair and Beauty in East Sheen, London, in 2010. Over a three month period she says she performed four massages on him while he was fully naked but when she refused on the fourth occasion to continue unless he covered up he flew into a rage and accused her of discriminating against him because he is a naturist. A few weeks later she was sacked. An employment tribunal in 2011 found she had been sexually harassed and awarded her almost 45,000 plus interest which she says would now amount to 60,000 or more. It is understood Bruton is fighting the claim on the basis that too much time has passed. A scheduled hearing earlier this month to decide whether it is still valid was cancelled at the last minute, leaving her in limbo while she waits for a new date to see if she can pursue him. Despite the original judgement in her favour she says she has approached a series of solicitors who all demanded fees up front, forcing her to borrow 2,000 from her retired father. She added: 'I had almost given up hope of ever seeing the money. Every time I got somewhere another brick wall would hit me square in the face. If it wasn't for my 73-year-old dad encouraging me and funding my legal fees I probably would've given up. His victim said: 'I was awarded this money through a court of law and they should have settled his outstanding judgements before he saw a penny' Bruton's car smashed through his ex-partner's bay window before coming to a halt in her front room, causing 62,000-worth of damage The scene of the crash for which Bruton was jailed in 2011 - he spent six days in a coma 'I hope I get the money back. It would set up my kids' future and my grandkids' future but most of all I want the guy to pay for what he has done.' Bruton was awarded the damages - which includes legal aid - at the High Court in April 2017 after His Honour Judge McKenna ruled that officers at three different prisons - HMP Swaleside, HMP Coldingley and HMP Onley - had opened legally privileged letters addressed to him. The judge ruled that there had been '34 breaches' of the confidential mail regime - under rule 39 of the Prison Rules, which sets out that legal correspondence is subject to confidential handling arrangements - between April 2014 and February 2017. The judge also found that Mr Bruton's privacy rights under article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights had been infringed. Writing from his cell at HMP Onley in Northamptonshire in prisoners' magazine Inside Time, the 54-year-old said he had been inundated with requests for advice by other inmates who heard of his compensation win. He wrote: 'I have had a lot of correspondence since winning a judicial review for the prison tampering with my mail and opening legal correspondence illegally. 'A lot of people want to know how they can bring their own claims. Therefore, here is a bit of guidance: 'The claim I brought against HMP Swaleside and the Prison Service cost the MoJ 73,806. 'If all prisoners brought their own claims for mail tampering it is highly likely that the MoJ and Prison Service would train their staff to stop acting unlawfully and wasting money from the public purse defending the indefensible.' Bruton, of Wembley, north west London, was caged indefinitely in October 2011 after a trial at Inner London Crown Court. The court heard how he had drunk a bottle of antifreeze before driving his car at around 80mph into the Berkshire home of his ex partner Tara Lavery in February 2011. The court heard how he suspected his ex-partner, who he met in January 2010, of beginning a new relationship and sent her a text reading 'I will be waiting for you in hell...you could have avoided this if you answered me' just before smashing his car through her house. His car smashed through his ex-partner's bay window before coming to a halt in her front room, causing 62,000-worth of damage. Bruton was in a coma for six days after smashing his car into Miss Lavery's living room, but recovered and was jailed. Judge Lindsay Burn told Bruton in 2011: 'You deliberately drove into her house, knowing that she was inside and you intended to do so in a way that endangered life. 'It is merely by chance that no more damage was done to the occupants of the house and that their injuries were not more serious or in fact fatal.' Government sources disputed Bruton's 74,000 figure saying this was the total cost of the claim including both sides' legal fees and the award itself was far lower than claimed. They further pointed out that a strategy introduced the year after his award, in 2018, means any damages awarded to prisoners are offset against money owed to victims, CPS costs, fines and other costs. A Prison Service Spokesperson said: 'We successfully defend two-thirds of cases brought by prisoners and changed the rules so that any debts to victims and the courts are paid before the offender sees a penny.' She's had over 200 jobs in her impressive seven-decade career - taking up everything from nursing and farming to even running for President. But at 64, Barbie is at the average age most Americans start withdrawing from their 401(K)s. And with so many pots to consolidate, it is no small feat. Experts reckon the unmarried, childless doll should have around $3.5 million stashed away - assuming she has been making the maximum possible contributions since the retirement scheme was brought in in 1978. The figure also assumes she made the most of catch-up contributions which allow workers over the age of 50 to add up to $7,500 to their 401(K)s each year. As Barbie-mania takes over thanks to Margot Robbie's $85 million blockbuster, Dailymail.com takes a look back at Barbie's illustrious career - and how it's earnt her such a retirement fortune. Barbie burst onto the scene in 1959, making her 64 now - the age at which most Americans start to withdraw into their 401(K)s Experts reckon the unmarried, childless doll should have around $3.5 million stashed away - assuming she has been making the maximum possible contributions since the retirement scheme was brought in in 1978. Pictured: a 1960s nurse barbie compared to a robotics engineer barbie in the 2010s Career highlights Barbie burst into the world in 1959 dressed in just a black and white swimsuit. At the time she was billed as a 'teenage fashion model.' Just three years earlier in 1956, American beauty Suzy Parker became the first model to earn $100,000 per year - or around $1 million in today's money. No doubt at the top of her game, it's safe to assume Barbie netted a similar sum. In the 1960s she upscaled into a fashion designer, flight attendant and later a nurse. According to data from the Federal Reserve of St Louis, a registered nurse in 1965 was earning just $2.88 an hour. As she moved into the 1970s, Barbie again traded careers becoming a surgeon and even returning to her origins as a model. Perhaps her most famous career that decade though was as an Olympic gold-medal winning figure skater. She was likely inspired by US figure skater Janet Lynn who took home the bronze model in the 1972 Olympics. A year later, Lynn signed a three-year contract worth $1.46 million - or around $400,000 a year. A decade later, a 'rock star' Barbie - complete with electric guitar - hit the scene. She was inspired by the likes of Madonna and Cyndi Lauper. Today, those two stars have a net worth of $850 million and $50 million respectively. In the 1990s, she became a 'business executive' - in the same era America's CEOs were earning on average $2.2 million. By the time the noughties rolled around, Barbie was onto a new venture, taking up the role of a TV chef inspired by the likes of Rachel Ray and Martha Stewart. In 2008, Ray was raking $18 million a year - according to Forbes. Barbie then transitioned into a robotics engineer and scientist in the 2010s and 2020s respectively. Today, these careers can expect to earn somebody $94,000 and $96,000 a year, Indeed figures show. An Olympic figure skating Barbie was born in the 1970s, left, followed by a 'rock star' 80s Barbie, right What's in Barbie's 401(K)? When Barbie was born in 1959, the 401(K) did not exist. In fact, for much of her first few years working, Americans barely saved into any retirement schemes. In the 1950s, only around 25 percent of private worker - or 10 million - contributed to a pension, according to financial planning website Due. But certified financial planner Andrew Latham, who acts as a content director at Super Money, estimates Barbie will have quickly caught up. He told Dailymail.com: 'We can safely assume that she's made the maximum allowable 401(k) contributions since the program started in 1978 and took advantage of catch-up contributions when she hit 50. 'Barbie is a finance superstar and invested her 401(k) in a diversified portfolio that has provided an average annual return of 7 percent. 'Now, at 64 years old and still as fabulous as ever, her 401(k) account balance stands at around $3.5 million.' Americans are bound by a maximum amount they can pay into their 401(K)s though this varies depending on the year. In the noughties, she became a TV chef, inspired by the likes of Martha Stewart and Rachel Ray. Ray earned $18 million a year by 2008 For example, in 2023, workers can contribute $22,500 a year to their retirement plan. This is an increase on $20,500 in 2022. However when the scheme first launched in 1978, workers were entitled to save as much as $45,475. But workers over the age of 50 are also entitled to make 'catch-up contributions.' These can be as much as $7,500 a year - up to a total cap of $30,000. From next year, these rules are changing meaning 'catch-up contributions' must be put into a Roth IRA rather than a standard 401(K). What should she do now? With so many different 401(K) pots, Barbie faces an uphill struggle trying to consolidate them all. Rita Assaf, vice president of retirement products at Fidelity Investments, said: 'When you leave an employer, you have a few options for your old 401(k): Keep it with your old employer, roll over the money into an IRA, roll over into a new employer's plan, or cash out. 'Depending on what Barbie did after leaving each of her 200 jobs, she may have assets in 401(k)s from various employers, as well as a few Rollover IRAs.' Assaf recommends she consult a financial planner to work out exactly how to take control of her nest egg. There are also a host of tax pitfalls she needs to be aware of. These include Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) - which dictate how much a saver has to withdraw each year once they reach the age of 73. 'She should consider how this will impact her overall income and taxes at that point, and consult with a tax professional to understand how these distributions may impact her tax bracket,' Assaf said. What's more, Barbie now faces the decision of whether to start taking Social Security payments. A 2022 'scientist' Barbie, left, could expect to earn around $94,000 a year while a 'business executive Barbie was born in the 1990s, right - when American CEOs were making $2.2 million a year Barbie mania has taken over the US this summer thanks to the blockbuster film starring Margot Robbie, pictured Americans are able to start claiming Social Security anywhere between the age of 62 and 70. However, the longer they stave off this decision, the more they benefit. This is because the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) grants retirees additional 'delayed retirement credits' for each money they delay filing. Much of this decision also hinges on somebody's 'full retirement age' which is set by the year they're born. Those aged born between 1959 - like Barbie - have a 'full retirement age' of 66 and 10 months. This is the age at which they are entitled to their maximum Social Security payments. They can ask for payments beforehand but this will trigger a deduction. For example, somebody born in 1960 who starts receiving the benefit will only be eligible for 70 percent of it. This increases to 75 percent when they hit 63, 80 percent when they hit 64 and 86.67 percent when they're 65. They will only receive the full benefit by aged 67. But for every year they delay taking the benefit, they add to its value. For example, if somebody born in 1960 waits until they are 70 to claim Social Security they will receive 124 percent of the standard payment. In 2023, the average benefit is $15,189 a year. Financial planner Marissa Reale said: 'Barbie doesn't need the money, she should hold off taking Social Security until she's 70 to get the full benefit.' A judge has granted a Boston investment banker accused of four rapes on girls as young as 13 permission to go crabbing on Cape Cod while he awaits trial. Ivan W. Cheung, 43, was charged with four counts of forcible rape of a child under 16, two counts of rape of a child under 16, four counts of aggravated rape and a count of assault with intent to rape. The former State Street vice president has pled not guilty and awaits trial at Suffolk Superior Court. Now, Judge Catherine Ham has allowed several concessions to Cheung's $2 million bail. Ham granted permission for Cheung to miss his 10pm curfew in order to go crabbing with his family on Cape Cod, move his son into an out-of-town college at the end of August and attend a concert with his sister and her husband. 'Mr. Cheung states that his family is close-knit and frequently spends time together. Since his arrest, Mr. Cheung has had to miss out on several events,' his lawyer E. Peter Parker wrote to the judge. Ivan W. Cheung, 43, has been charged with four 'stranger' rapes dating to 2003 The former investment banker has been granted bail concessions to drop his eldest son off at college and go crabbing on Cape Cod with his family 'His eldest son will start college out of town at the end of August and opportunities for the entire family to spend time together will be put on a lengthy hold' Parker added. When requesting permission to go crabbing and fishing, the lawyer argued: 'Those activities are tide-dependent and would likely result in returning home past the nighttime curfew.' Cheung was initially charged in Boston Municipal Court on September 13, 2022, and was fired from his financial firm that day. 'We have made the decision to terminate the individuals employment,' Ed Patterson, the companys chief spokesman, said at the time. Each of the four victims alleged being raped at knifepoint, and both adult women told police they were stabbed. The first alleged rape Cheung has been charged with happened in July 2003, when prosecutors say Cheung, then 23, picked up a 13-year-old girl in Chinatown and assaulted her. The second rape occurred in September when Cheung allegedly picked up a 14-year-old girl, drove her to Charlestown and assaulted her. The next incident occurred in October 2005, when he allegedly picked up a woman from a Park Plaza bar and raped her inside his Lexus. Typically, Cheung must return to his $500,000 home by 10pm each evening according to his bail conditions The fourth alleged attack took place against an 18-year-old woman who told police the suspect picked her up outside a pizza place in the North End and took her to somewhere in Wellesley to rape her. Suffolk District Attorney Kevin R. Haydens office said DNA linked Cheung to the rapes of two women in 2005 and 2006. A pattern of the assaults then allegedly linked him to the rapes of a 13-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl in 2003. Further DNA testing is being conducted, records show. While on bail Cheung is subject to GPS monitoring, is to have no contact with the alleged victims, must surrender his passport and stay in the state - unless the judge grants exceptions. Typically, he must also abide by a curfew barring him from leaving his $500,000 home in Rockland, Massachusetts, between 10 pm to 7 am every day, except where the judge has now granted concessions. Hayden did not oppose the requests because they were minor and Cheung has not violated any conditions of bail, his office said. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14 Warren Mundine says the vicious personal attacks targeting him as a leading campaigner against the Indigenous Voice to Parliament drove him to make attempts on his own life as he expressed concerns for fellow No advocate Jacinta Price. Mr Mundine says the abuse is constant and frequently racial, employing terms such as 'coconut' and 'Uncle Tom' as the debate around the Voice grows more hostile. A 'coconut' is a racist term to describe someone who is 'black on the outside but white on the inside' while an 'Uncle Tom' is another despicable term from the US that signified a person of colour who does the bidding of whites. 'I tried to commit suicide twice, it does have an effect on you,' Mr Mundine revealed to Sky News. As a consequence he has sought professional help to deal with the vitriol. Warren Mundine says vicious personal attacks have driven him to attempt to take his own life 'You only have to look at my Twitter,' he says. 'I've been called everything under the sun and 90 per cent of them, I don't even know what they mean. I had to look it up in the dictionary. 'But it has been very divisive. It's been very divisive in the Aboriginal community. It's been very divisive in mainstream Australia, and I can't see it getting any better.' He says the most common accusation he gets is that his stance is all about money or that he is in the 'pocket of the mining industry'. Among the tweets on Mr Mudine's Twitter feed are accusations he is 'selling out his ancestors' and a demand he go 'back to his cave'. Mr Mundine said he worries about 'what could happen' to Senator Jacinta Price, perhaps the other most prominent campaigner against the Voice. 'That's why I'm very careful about what I do and how I talk with her,' he said. He said they had both been accused of being 'race traders' and gave an example he said had circulated on social media. 'They had a photo of Prince William and Kate at their wedding and they cut the heads off and put me and Jacinta's head on it and they had King and Queen of Coconut Island,' he said. Mr Mundine expressed concerns for leading Voice No advocate Jacinta Price who he said had been the subject to vile online abuse Mr Mundine also pointed to the example of Stan Grant, who stood down as host of ABC flagship show Q+A saying he had been the subject of 'the most evil, vile, hateful abuse', which culminated in death threats. Leading Yes campaign advocates have also been the subject of alleged racial abuse. A full-page ad in the Australian Financial Review that depicted leading Yes campaigner Thomas May as a boy in torn shorts grasping for money off Wesfarmer's chair and Yes23 campaign director Michael Chaney came under particular fire. One of the strongest critics was NSW Liberal MP and former state treasurer Matt Kean who tweeted: 'The racist trope of Thomas Mayo in today's full page AFR ad has no place in Australian politics.' 'It's a throwback to the Jim Crow era of the Deep South. The No Campaign has every right to be heard but can do much better than this,' he wrote. Senator Lidia Thorpe, who opposed the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, said she had been given extra protection because of serious death threats In reply conservative activist group Advance Australia accused Mr Kean of playing the 'race card'. The Advance Australia spokesperson directly addressed Mr Kean's tweet: 'There it is again, the Yes campaign elites playing the race card straight off the top of the deck. Indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe, who opposes the Voice because she believes it does not go far enough to right the injustices of colonisation, revealed on Channel 10 on Thursday that she had been given extra protection because of death threats. There are a lot of people out there that don't want me in that role or in this role that don't want me in parliament. That don't want me alive,' Senator Thorpe said. 'I've felt very unsafe over the last few weeks. Until things are resolved then I continue to feel unsafe and it is s***. Polling has shown support for the Voice sliding and if the same numbers are reflected at the referendum it won't pass. Mr Mundine has been travelling the country putting the No case for the Voice. 'I think it's going to be a lot stronger than they are saying,' he argued. 'They're saying it's only an advisory group, they're only going to advise the governments. Well why do you need it in the constitution?' If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. A Lowe's worker has been fired from a Georgia store for intervening in a shoplifting heist that left her with a black eye. Donna Hansbrough, 68, attempted to stop a gang of shoplifters making off with more than $2,000 worth of merchandise from her store in Rincon, Georgia last month. The thieves refused to go quietly and punched her repeatedly in the face, leaving her with a black eye. Despite her heroic efforts standing up to the criminals, Hansbrough's was fired by Lowe's after 13 years for violating company policy that state's staff who witness shoplifting must not intervene and instead call the authorities. 'The guy decided he wanted to be let go, so he punched me and grabbed my glasses as I still held onto the cart,' Hansbrough, who worked for Lowe's for more than thirteen years, recalled to WTOC. Donna Hansbrough, 68, attempted to stop a gang of shoplifters and was left with a bruised face and no job 'They say that if you see somebody stealing something out the door, not to pursue, not to go out' but 'I just got tired of seeing things get out the door,' Hansbrough said 'He punched me again and again' she said tearfully. The suspects have been named by authorities as Takyah Berry, her uncle Joseph Berry and another man, Jarmar Lawton. Police say both Berrys remain at large. 'They say that if you see somebody stealing something out the door, not to pursue, not to go out,' Hansbrough told the Effingham Herald. 'I just got tired of seeing things get out the door. I basically lost all the training. Everything they tell you to do, I just I just lost it' she explained. 'I didnt expect to get terminated, maybe a reprimand or a suspension,' Hansbrough said. 'Im going to look for a new job. I cant sit at home. Im not that type of person.' If the shoplifters are taken to trial, Hansbrough said she will assist the authorities with whatever they need: 'If they do need me, I will be there.' Detective Vance from the Rincon Police Department said the employee had suffered 'two traumatic events all at once with being violently attacked and losing her job, her happiness, her peace, all at the same time.' Joseph Berry (pictured) has been named as a suspect by Rincon Police, alongside his niece Rincon Police believe Takyah Berry (left) and Jarmar Lawton (right) were also involved in the incident Lowes did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment. It is the latest incident in a string of cases across the U.S. where employees have lost their jobs for intervening in shoplifting incidents. In June, a King Soopers grocery store worker in Colorado was fired for filming shoplifters stealing $500 worth of laundry detergent and unloading it into their car. Santino Burrola sprang into action when a group of thieves targeted the store in Arapahoe County, Colorado, on June 18, filming a now-viral video of the crime in action. He chased the group out of the store and filmed while they unloaded countless cartons into their car, even peeling off a license plate cover to help track them down. But his actions allegedly breached the store's policies on confronting shoplifters, and Burrola was fired on the spot after a meeting with his union rep. The retail worker's video of the shoplifters quickly gained traction after he posted it to social media, and it was even shared by the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office as they continue to investigate the crime. Burrola said as soon as he saw the thieves take off with mounds of laundry detergent, his 'first instinct was to record.' Santino Burrola slammed King Soopers for firing him over the shoplifting video, saying: 'All I did was just record criminals and reveal them' As he followed the men out of the store, Burrola was heard mocking the thieves and questioning their audacious heist. 'Really bro? You gotta resort to this?' he said in the video. 'The economy's not that bad.' The thugs then attempted to drive away from Burrola as he continued to record nearby, leading him to rip off a tin foil cover to expose their license plate. But the store took offense to his daring effort, with Burrola saying parent-company Kroger felt he violated their policy against employees intervening in thefts. Lululemon has also been criticized for firing staff who confronted masked thieves at their Peachtree Corners store in Atlanta. Two Lululemon employees were fired in May for 'breaking employee policy' after brazen thieves stole armfuls of expensive yoga gear and they tried to stop them. Shocking footage shows masked robbers taking merchandise from displays near the front of the store before rushing out to their getaway car. Jennifer Ferguson and Rachel Rogers, who were working in the front, claim they were let go for trying to stop them and 'breaking employee handbook policy' of not interfering with a robbery. Lululemon's CEO later stood by the decision. 'We have a zero-tolerance policy that we train our educators on around engaging during a theft,' McDonald said on CNBC. 'It's only merchandise.' Shocking footage shows masked robbers taking merchandise from displays near the front of the Lululemon store in Atlanta, before rushing out to their getaway car Jennifer Ferguson (left) and Rachel Rogers were allegedly let go for trying to stop the thieves and 'breaking employee handbook policy' of not interfering with a robbery Stores across the US are experiencing a sharp rise in crime and some major retailers have been forced to shut down shops due to millions of dollars in losses as rampant theft plagues businesses. In 2021, shoplifting cost retailers $100 billion. Stores in San Francisco, New York and many other metropolitan areas have been hit by a rise in shoplifting. That has caused retailers to put many items behind lock-and-key to try and stop brazen thieves from looting merchandise and walking out of shops. A Denver family is trying to save their English setter from being euthanized after they surrendered their dog to a local animal shelter for biting their 2-year-old son. Nicole and Lars Ellingson turned their 10-year-old dog, Watson, to the Denver Animal Shelter after the dog bit the toddler in the face when the child jumped on the dog while he was sleeping, earlier this month. When they dropped the dog off at the shelter, they were told there was a 'risk he could be euthanized,' but the couple claimed the shelter agreed to hold their dog for 10 days and release him once they found a suitable home. When they alerted the shelter that their beloved Watson will be rehomed with the Southwest English Setter Rescue, the shelter told them their dog was set to be euthanized. The devastated couple told Fox 31 News the shelter's 'story has changed.' 'Now we're dealing with the fact that this one decision we made under what feels like false pretenses, was a death sentence,' Nicole said. Watson, a 10-year-old dog English setter, bit a sleeping toddler in the face and is now set to be euthanized by a Denver animal shelter Nicole and Lars Ellingson told Fox 31 the situation is a 'big misunderstanding' and has found a new home for their pup but the shelter has told the couple that Watson is set to be euthanized Nicole is pictured with her two-year-old son whose face was bit by Watson, the family dog A group of protestors gathered outside the shelter on Friday holding signs and chanting: 'Free Watson...save his life ...do what is right.' A city spokesperson said the family signed the 'Owner Relinquishment: End of Life Request' document that grants them 'full legal custody of the animal.' The document states, 'I release full legal custody of the animal described above with the request that this animal be humanely euthanized by DAP.' The Denver Animal Shelter told the news outlet they will euthanize the dog since he bit the child twice. They also said they do not want to release the animal to the general public for safety reasons. 'Watson was surrendered to the Denver Animal Shelter last week after he severely bit a child in the face,' the agency said in a statement. 'When he was surrendered, it was made clear to the owner that this was a permanent decision. Denver Animal Protection is charged with protecting both the safety of people and animals in our community. 'Because of the severity of this bite and the history that his owner disclosed to us upon surrender he has bitten the same child in the face before we are closely reviewing whether it is safe to release him back into the community. 'We take this decision very seriously and will act in the best interest of our community.' Sunday will mark the end of Watson's 10-day quarantine. The city spokesperson said they were still reviewing the case and a final decision has not yet been made. Lars called the entire ordeal a 'big misunderstanding.' 'I would love to be hopeful,' he said. 'But I think their mind is made up. We hope that can reconsider.' He added: 'There's a good home for Watson it's a home without children and there is no reason he should not be allowed to enjoy that.' On the Ellingsons' Facebook page, there are a number of photos of a happy Watson with the smiling couple as many posted their support and prayers. 'Oh my goodness Nicole!,' a family friend wrote.'Ive been seeing this story all over social media today. My heart goes out to you guys! Hoping for the best all around!' Watson pictured in this undated photo with Nicole when she was expecting a baby Lars pictured with Watson having some one-on-one time as they sit on a hammock outdoors Protestors gather outside the Denver Animal Shelter holding signs and chanting on Friday: 'Free Watson...save his life ...do what is right.' The Southwest English Setter Rescue has a page devoted to Watson that reads: 'Free Watson!' Act Now. Tell Denver to release Watson' By 8pm Saturday, the Southwest English Setter Rescue posted an 'urgent' message. 'URGENT - Possibly only HOURS to live - SAVE Watson's life!' the message read. 'Call and email Denver Animal Shelter Director Melanie Sobel immediately! Watson should not be killed! 'Numerous English Setter experts have all been communicating to her since Thursday that this was not an aggressive incident. 'Not a SINGLE ES breed expert has agreed with the shelter's aggressive assessment, including DVMs. Watson does NOT have a history of aggression,' she wrote. The post has garnered attention from the community with one member pleading, 'Mayor [Mike] Johnston please intervene!!' A man who allegedly abducted a nine-year-girl in broad daylight while she was on her way to school has been identified. Ryan Ashley Darken, 37, was charged with a series of disturbing offences in relation to the alleged kidnapping of the girl when he faced Northbridge Magistrates Court in Northbridge, Western Australia, on Saturday. The charges include detained another with intent to prevent/hinder a person doing an act, deprivation of liberty and threatening to do an unlawful act. Darken kept his head down during the brief court proceedings and only responded to confirm his name and the charges, reports The West Australian. His charges were read aloud by Magistrate Brian Gluestein due to 'the seriousness' of the offences. Ryan Ashley Darken (pictured), 37, has been charged over the alleged kidnapping of a nine-year-old girl in broad daylight Darken allegedly lured the nine-year-old girl into a silver ute near a Warnbro primary school at about 8.45am on Friday. A parent at the school allegedly noticed the girl getting into the ute and reported it to the school, which sparked a major police operation. The girl was found distressed and crying at a nearby supermarket by staff a short time later. Witnesses claimed she was barefoot and had her hands bound with cable ties. Darken was later arrested and taken to Rockingham police station. WA Police released footage of the moment officers arrested the tradesman driving what is alleged to be the car the child was taken in. He is seen leaning against a ute while officers announced over the radio they had a 'suspect in custody'. Acting Detective Inspector Scott Johnson from the sex crimes division commended the parent who first reported the alleged incident. 'That's probably one of the primary reasons that this resolved - a parent noticing that something wasn't right, seeing a child get into a car when they were almost at school and reporting it straight away - it's of utmost importance,' he said. 'It's one of those things that parents need to have that hard conversation with children about stranger danger and talking to anybody or going with anybody or doing anything online.' The girl who was allegedly kidnapped is seen on CCTV being dropped off outside an IGA in Port Kennedy The tradesman was arrested by officers and taken to Rockingham police station a short time after the girl was found A witness said they saw police collecting bags of evidence from the scene before leaving at about 5.40pm. Forensic officers were also seen at a bushland location understood to be connected to the alleged abduction. WA Premier Roger Cook described the tradesman's alleged crimes as 'filthy and depraved'. 'I don't think words can describe my, or the WA community's absolute disgust and abhorrence to these activities,' he said at a press conference on Saturday morning. 'Our hearts go out to that little girl, to the family, and the police involved in this important work.' 'If you are looking for a silver lining in these sort of events I am pleased that a member of the community was observing the particular action and was able to react and inform police about what they saw as suspicious activities.' Darken (pictured left) had his charges read aloud in Northbridge Magistrates Court by Magistrate Brian Gluestein due to 'the seriousness' of the offences on Saturday His father confirmed his son had appeared in court but did not comment further on Saturday. Darken was remanded in custody without bail. He will front Rockingham Magistrates Court on September 4. A Tory association chairman has been suspended after reports that he dished out what is claimed to be cocaine at a raucous party on a signed photograph of David Cameron. Philip Stephenson-Oliver, chairman of the partys Westminster North association, was allegedly caught on film watching as a friend appeared to use a banknote to snort so-called fun flour in his bedroom at a party at his house on July 14. According to the Sunday Mirror, a witness at the party claimed Mr Stephenson-Oliver produced cocaine from a bedside drawer and took a line of the substance. The paper claimed footage showed the association chairman, who has rubbed shoulders with Rishi Sunak, gripping the picture of former Prime Minister Mr Cameron before apparently taking a line of the substance himself. Last night, a Tory Party spokesman said: Philip Stephenson-Oliver has been suspended by the party pending an investigation. But Mr Stephenson-Oliver told the paper the video footage was potentially an invasion of my privacy and he will challenge the very questionable testimony of what was reported. The video is said to have been taken hours after the Tory was with the partys London mayoral candidate Susan Hall at an event organised by his Tory association. Mr Stephenson-Oliver, who has also been pictured next to Mr Sunak, Deputy PM Oliver Dowden and ex-Health Secretary Matt Hancock, was photographed with Ms Hall. The report quoted a witness claiming that after producing what was allegedly cocaine, he fired off pub-style quiz questions to decide whose turn it was to snort it. But according to the Mirror, the footage showed Mr Stephenson-Oliver hunched over, gripping the picture of the ex-PM before lowering it and then getting to his feet having apparently laid out a line of the substance. The paper added that a photo of the framed picture of Mr Cameron showed remnants of white power, a rolled-up note and a bank card displaying Mr Stephenson-Olivers full name. Mr Stephenson-Oliver told the Sunday Mirror: A few seconds of video footage filmed illicitly by someone I thought was a friend is both disappointing and potentially an invasion of my privacy and the privacy of others. I certainly challenge the very questionable testimony and actions that night from the person that the newspaper relies on for this story. However, I do apologise for any embarrassment that these covert and out of context images might bring to others. The vehicle rolled over at Langford Park in Jarrahdale, WA A nine-year-old girl has died after she was thrown from a quad bike in a horrific crash along a biking trail. An off-road quad bike was being driven along a track in Langford Park in Jarrahdale, about 45 km south-east of Perth, when it rolled at about 5pm on Saturday. The young girl, who was a passenger on the vehicle, was thrown from the bike and seriously injured. Emergency services were called to the scene but the girl died from her injuries. The male rider, 34, was rushed to Armadale Hospital with minor injuries. A nine-year-old girl has died in a horrific quad bike crash on a trail in Langford Park (pictured) in Jarrahdale, Western Australia The young girl was thrown from the bike and fatally injured while the male rider, 34, sustained minor injuries (stock image) Police have urged members of the public who saw the bike being ridden in the lead up to the crash or with further information to contact Crime Stoppers. It comes a month after a four-year-old girl died in another quad bike accident on a rural property in south-west Queensland. The girl had been riding the bike with another girl before the vehicle rolled over at a property in Isla, near Theodore. The four-year-old girl was critically injured and rushed to Toowoomba Hospital before she died from her injuries, while the other girl sustained an arm injury. Back in April, a girl, 14, was killed in a quad bike crash on a rural property on the outskirts of Wilcannia - in northwestern NSW. That incident came days after a man, 34, died in a crash in Central Victoria and another man, 27, was killed when his quad bike collided with a motorbike in Alice Springs. It comes after a four-year-old girl was killed in a quad bike crash on a rural property in south-west Queensland while another girl, 14, died in a similar accident back in April (stock image) Quad bike safety has been an area of focus for the ACCC which lobbied for tougher standards in 2018 as record levels of all-terrain vehicle-related deaths in Australia peaked. New safety regulations were introduced in 2019 in a bid to reduce quad bike-related injuries and fatalities. In 2022 it was found more than 90 per cent of all new quad bikes sold in Australia had complied with the national safety standard, Britons could gain new freedoms to extend their properties and turn empty shops into homes, Michael Gove will announce tomorrow. The Housing Secretary will set out a review of permitted development rights in a bid to shake up planning rules. He will outline plans to make it easier to convert large shops such as takeaways and bookmakers and offices into homes. Red tape could also be cut to enable barn conversions with Mr Gove arguing that Britain must 'make better use of the buildings we already have'. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said the proposals to relax rules around the use of retail space is designed to help rejuvenate high streets and provide greater density of housing in inner cities, rather than encouraging urban sprawl. Housing Secretary Michael Gove will set out a review of permitted development rights in a bid to shake up planning rules Mr Gove will say: Britain needs more homes to fulfil more dreams of home ownership and increase choice for renters. But they must be of the right type and targeted in the right places. So we must build more in the places that make sense in our inner cities so that we protect our countryside. 'Empty shops or offices cannot be gathering dust while we have an urgent need for more homes. That is why we are reviewing the rules around permitted development rights to make sure we can regenerate, build and grow. But his Labour counterpart Lisa Nandy last night mocked the review announcement, saying: Britain desperately needs more homes, but another review is a drop in the ocean compared to what is needed to fix the housing crisis. Michael Gove will outline plans to make it easier to convert large shops such as takeaways and bookmakers and offices into homes We dont need more reviews we need bold action to get Britain building. She said Labour would restore housing targets and reform compulsory purchase rule. The announcement comes only two weeks after a cross-party panel of MPs warned that Tory ministers are unlikely to deliver 300,000 new homes per year after making the target advisory rather than mandatory. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak decided in December to downgrade the target's status as he looked to see off a potential Conservative backbench rebellion. The Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee, in a report published earlier this month, said its inquiry into the policy change had seen it told that the six-figure target would be 'impossible to achieve' by the mid-2020s. Clive Betts, the Labour committee chairman, said Mr Sunak's decision was 'already having a damaging impact on efforts to increase the building of new homes'. Labour's Ms Nandy has already announced plans to make it easier to build on unsightly parts of the greenbelt if party leader Sir Keir Starmer is elected prime minister at the next election, expected to be held in 2024. Sir Keir has also pledged to restore the 300,000 housing target. Military commanders are building a huge multi-million pound training complex to prepare British troops for fighting underground, after studying the Russian siege of the Azov steel plant in Ukraine. Defence sources said the need to train for subterranean warfare was highlighted by the battle in Mariupol, where thousands of Ukrainian troops held out for weeks in a warren of tunnels against Vladimir Putins invading troops. The new 5m training base will be built near an existing Army training village called Copehill Down on Salisbury Plain. Tunnels will be several miles long and in places be just wide enough for fully equipped soldiers to move along in single file. An Army source said: We want to train soldiers in the most arduous conditions available. This new network of tunnels will be dark, hot and very claustrophobic. Military commanders are building a huge multi-million pound training complex to prepare British troops for fighting underground, after studying the Russian siege of the Azov steel plant in Ukraine (pictured) Ukrainian soldiers take part in a trench warfare training exercise on February 16 READ MORE: Head of MI6 appeals for Russians to join them as spies if they want to end the war in Ukraine Advertisement This is the nature of modern warfare - look at what has been happening in places like Mariupol in Russia, as well as Syria and Afghanistan. Lots of tunnel fighting. The British Army needs to be prepared for that sort of combat. Its not the sort of skill you want to learn on the job. Tunnel or subterranean combat in an urban environment is one of the most demanding of all forms of warfare. During the siege of Mariupol, Ukrainian troops hid in Soviet era tunnels beneath the citys vast Azov steel plant. The tunnels were seven-storeys deep in places. Thousands of Russian soldiers are believed to have been killed and wounded in the subterranean battlefield. Tunnel fighting in Syria and Afghanistan, often by the special forces, also demonstrated the need for the UK to develop realistic tunnel training complexes. During the Vietnam War, the US Army trained soldiers to become tunnel rats - men armed with just a pistol and a torch whose job was to kill or capture Viet-Cong fighters hiding deep underground. The officer in charge of the training exercise will be able to control both the light ventilation and temperature in the new training area. Mock battles will take place above and below ground and will enable troops defending the village to retreat beneath ground making the capture of the training village vastly more difficult. An MoD document asking building firms to bid to carry out the works says that the tunnels will require lighting, fire detection and ventilation monitoring alarms. It will be made from pre-cast concrete pipes and tunnels. Combat training below ground in hot, tight dark spaces will test communication, fitness, tactical awareness and command and control. Tunnel or subterranean combat in an urban environment is one of the most demanding of all forms of warfare Troops will not only practise attacking enemy positions but also casualty evacuation and resupplying comrades with weapons and ammunition when they are ensconced deep underground. The effect to be achieved is training facilities that replicate a contemporary operating environment that has been subjected to modern warfare, the MoD tender notice says. Colonel Philip Ingram, a former military intelligence officer, said: Fighting in complex environments was highlighted by the spirited defence put up by a small number of Ukrainian troops in the Azov Steel Works in Mariupol last year. 'It is an area UK defence has realised it needs more facilities to ensure that as many troops as possible can be trained in this type of fighting environment. 'The opening of new facilities in Salisbury Plain, linking fighting in built up areas to fighting and operating in underground tunnels and complexes, recognises the need for this advanced training that can get as many troops through it as possible. 'Purpose-built training facilities on Salisbury Plain will provide a marked enhancement to the training needed for potential modern conflicts. An MoD spokesperson said: We continue to invest in collective training capabilities for our Armed Forces to ensure were prepared to fight the ever more complex threats of the modern world. 'Under the Future Soldier programme, the Army is modernising collective training to ensure its always ready for the next challenge. Officials overseeing plans for the revamp of the crumbling Palace of Westminster were challenged last night to justify getting bonuses worth over 500,000 in total for the long-delayed project. The latest accounts of Parliament's Restoration and Renewal Delivery Authority reveal that chief executive David Goldstone alone got a 'discretionary performance award' last year of 168,000 on top of his 311,000 salary. Six other executives shared bonuses of between 45,000 and 86,000 in the latest financial year. The Delivery Authority made clear yesterday that the payments related to the two years 2020 to 2022 when bonuses were deferred during the Pandemic and because of uncertainty over the renovation programme. But the scale of the awards were questioned last night given that MPs are yet to make a final decision on how to repair the world-famous nineteenth-century building. Officials overseeing plans for the revamp of the crumbling Palace of Westminster were challenged last night to justify getting bonuses worth over 500,000 in total for the long-delayed project (stock image) Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg said It was very hard to justify bonuses like this (stock image) Tory MP and former Cabinet Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg said: 'It is very hard to justify bonuses like this in a period when little work was done and when they keep coming up with the same answer. 'That answer is one which Parliament rejects - namely, spending over 10 billion doing up the Palace of Westminster. It is now five years since MPs first voted to vacate their world-famous Thames-side home amid advice that that would be cheaper than trying to do vital repairs while both the Lords and Commons were still using the building. But despite warnings that parts of the Palace were 'death traps', a final decision has yet to be taken with a 'strategic case' due to be presented to both Houses this December. Last night, a Delivery Authority spokesman justified the bonuses, saying: 'The Palace of Westminster needs extensive restoration work to continue serving as the home of our democracy for future generations and we are making good progress working with Parliament to agree a shortlist of options for the work as well as carrying out extensive building investigations. 'This is a highly complex project and all elements of pay for the Delivery Authority experts needed to plan and carry out the restoration work are benchmarked and broadly comparable to other major construction programmes.' They may not be famous for their restraint, but a poll has found that heavy metal fans are the most patient of all music lovers, putting classical music buffs to shame. Followers of bands such as Iron Maiden show commendable understanding when faced with delays in getting into concerts, accepting a 46-minute wait calmly. Those who prefer the likes of Beethoven turn stroppy with stewards after just 32. Mobile network Virgin Media O2 asked 2,000 UK adults what concerts they go to and how soon they become cross about queues. It found that dance music fans are the second most relaxed 42 minutes before getting upset followed by rock fans on 40 minutes; rhythm and blues and pop fans on 35; and soul fans on 33. Classical aficionados were beaten for grumpiness only by rap and country enthusiasts on 31 and, tetchiest of all, house fans on 30. Followers of bands such as Iron Maiden show commendable understanding when faced with delays in getting into concerts, accepting a 46-minute wait calmly (stock image) It found that dance music fans are the second most relaxed 42 minutes before getting upset followed by rock fans on 40 minutes (stock image) A Virgin spokesman said: 'While we're thought of as a nation who love to queue, it seems that standing in line for a live event can put a dampener on the experience.' The study found that 36 minutes was 'breaking point' for the majority of Brits. It was pin-pointed as the 'snapping point' when the benefits of leaving the queue outweighed the reason for queuing up in the first place. Researchers found that leaving a queue, despite not getting what you wanted - like tickets to a gig, a fairground ride or entry to a zoo or museum - gave a 'sense of relief' to many. They found that rather than seething with anger at not getting what they were standing in line for, six-in-ten Brits said 'walking away' was 'calming'. Asked to reveal if they 'loved a good queue', the study found that 54% of those quizzed actually said they 'enjoyed queuing', with just 46% saying they 'dreaded it'. Asked what the 'worst thing' about queuing up was, 48% said they were worried they'd need the loo, with 43% saying they hated not knowing how long the queue would last. Paul Taylor, 49, of Charlton, south London, said he once queued up for Wimbledon tickets for 24 hours. He said: 'I really wanted to see Pete Sampras in 2000 and queued up overnight for tickets. 'It was probably the worst night of my life - it rained and I hadn't brought a tent or even a jacket and I got soaked through. 'I ended up seeing him win, so I suppose it was worth it - but only just.' He said that if he saw a queue now, he just about-turned, adding: 'That day in 2000 really put me off queuing for life - never again!' A spokesman for Virgin Media O2 said this week: 'Our study showed that people are willing to queue for an average of 36 minutes. 'Despite the global stereotype of Brits loving to queue, our survey reveals that 46% say they hate it.' Gareth Turpin, of Virgin Media O2, said: 'While we're typically thought of as a nation who love to queue, it seems standing in line can put a dampener on the whole experience.' O2 is tackling the impatience of the nation by offering fast track entry for Priority members and up to three friends at The O2 and O2 Academy venues around the country, via the Priority app. Chinese media outlets are pumping out pro-Russian propaganda across Europe, stirring up hatred and distrust of Ukrainian refugees and spreading anti-NATO messages, a top European official has warned. A Chinese state-owned radio station, a news agency run by the country's Communist Party, as well as its embassies, are spreading pro-Kremlin messages on the Ukraine war after European governments shut down Russian media channels. Ivana Karaskova, a Special Adviser to the European Commission, who monitors Chinese propaganda in Central and Eastern Europe, accused Beijing of stirring up hate toward Ukrainian refugees among the region's Far-Right and Far Left groups. China Radio International (CRI), a CCP mouthpiece that broadcasts in 44 countries including Britain, has repeatedly broadcast news pieces describing Nato as 'Voldemort' - the evil character in Harry Potter books. Chinese media outlets are pumping out pro-Russian propaganda across Europe, it has been warned. File image Ms Karaskova's investigations, published in EU-funded briefing papers, said the channel portrayed the US and Nato as destablising forces in the region - despite Nato working to combat Russian aggression. The China expert made her comments as Richard Moore, the head of MI6, delivered a rare speech in the Czech capital Prague last week, urging Russian spies to defect to the West. Ms Karaskova said in nine Central and Eastern European countries, Chinese media outlets like the CRI and Xinhua have spread anti-Western propaganda blaming the US and Nato for the war in Ukraine. A key target is Poland, where there are more than 1.5m Ukrainian refugees. In Slovakia, the Chinese embassy posted online messages asking why there were 'double standards' when it comes to the West treating Ukrainian refugees well, compared to those from the Middle East or South America. Ms Karaskova said Chinese messaging led to Far-Right groups campaigning against Ukrainian refugees as a drain on the taxpayer. Last night, she said: 'China aligned itself with Russia on narratives regarding the cause of the war in Ukraine in the immediate aftermath of Russia's invasion. I find this worrying. The European governments should pay more attention to Chinese state-owned outlets operating in European media space.' Indigenous MPs advocating for the No camp must consider their own voices cannot do what a Voice to parliament would, a lead 'Yes' campaigner says. Cape York Partnership founder Noel Pearson acknowledged that there was more work to be done to convince Australians to vote yes as a fresh opinion poll puts the referendum in doubt. 'We need to be at the railway stations, we need to be at the town halls, we need to be meeting people in the malls and we need to be appealing to the better angels of the Australian nature,' he told Sky News. On the problems facing the Indigenous Australians and closing the gaps, Mr Pearson conceded that on many of the issues he and lead No campaign leaders, senator Jacinta Price and Warren Mundine, were in 'furious agreement'. Cape York Partnership founder Noel Pearson acknowledged that there was more work to be done to convince Australians to vote yes as a fresh opinion poll puts the referendum in doubt But where they diverge is on the solutions. '(Senator Price) just doesn't believe that a structure like the Voice is going to be a solution,' he said. 'But the problem is, she and any other Indigenous parliamentarian, cannot fulfil the functions of a Voice, no matter how good they are. 'We have had a lot of Indigenous politicians now, not at least in the Northern Territory. We've had 20 plus years of politicians representing communities. 'People like me and Warren (Mundine), Warren says 'We already got a Voice, I'll speak for them'. Well there's a limit to that.' Asked what the Voice would look like, Mr Pearson pointed to the work of Indigenous academics Marcia Langton and Tom Calma, and the model of local and regional voices feeding into the national advisory. Speaking on the ABC, deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley agreed with the local and regional model but did not want the Voice to be tied to constitutional recognition. Ms Ley renewed the opposition's call for the government to split constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians and legislate the Voice instead. 'Unnecessary bureaucracy would be associated with a constitutionally enshrined voice. We've said that's risky. We've said it's unknown. We've said it's divisive. And we've said it's permanent,' she said. The No camp has argued a constitutionally enshrined body is legally risky and have questioned whether the Voice would be able to advise the government on AUKUS, or to change Australia Day. On the problems facing the Indigenous Australians and closing the gaps, Mr Pearson conceded that on many of the issues he and lead No campaign leaders, senator Jacinta Price and Warren Mundine, were in 'furious agreement' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese this week said the Yes campaign needed to be stronger in putting its case to voters. He indicated an election campaign style blitz to win over undecided voters would take place in the lead up to the vote - expected around mid-October Mr Pearson said such suggestions were 'lurid misrepresentations'. 'I can't see how a nuclear submarine is a matter relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,' he told Sky News. 'Who's going to listen to them if they say we need dot dot paintings on the side of the new nuclear submarine.' It comes as a fresh opinion poll published in the Nine Newspapers on Sunday suggested the Voice could be headed for defeat, with a majority of voters in NSW suggesting they would vote No for the first time. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese this week said the Yes campaign needed to be stronger in putting its case to voters. He indicated an election campaign style blitz to win over undecided voters would take place in the lead up to the vote - expected around mid-October. Mr Pearson warned a protracted campaign could be 'too long' and urged voters to not use the referendum as a mechanism to send a message to Mr Albanese. 'I don't want to burden the public discourse for three or four months on this.' But he acknowledged the Voice would only succeed if the 'Yes' camp ran a positive campaign. 'It's got to be about friendship. That's how we're going to win. We're not going to win with trolling,' Mr Pearson said in response Mr Mundine had contemplated suicide due to online abuse. A woman has accused paramedics of ignoring her brother's call for help before he became the first person to die from meningococcal in South Australia this year. Luke Wingfield, 36, started to feel sick last weekend before waking up with a fever at his Ferryden Park home, north-west Adelaide, on Tuesday morning. Mr Wingdield's cousins, who were living with him, believed he would bounce back from his initial flu-like symptoms. The family called an ambulance on Tuesday morning after Mr Wingfield's condition escalated and he could not get out of bed. Luke Wingfield (pictured) is the first person in South Australia to die from meningococcal in 2023 The 36-year-old (left) initially had flu-like symptoms before his condition rapidly worsened and family called an ambulance His sister Tania Wingfield claimed the ambulance workers refused to pick her brother up because his symptoms were not 'serious'. 'He became so unwell and family, my dad, my brother and sister were saying that he couldn't get out of bed,' Ms Wingfield told The Advertiser. 'He had his bag and everything packed but the first ambulance workers refused to take him because they said that his symptoms weren't serious.' Ms Wingfield said her brother was finally picked up by an ambulance and taken to Royal Adelaide Hospital after he collapsed from a seizure. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MENINGOCOCCAL? Meningococcal can cause a red-purple rash (pictured) -Fever Lack of appetite - Leg pain - Unusual skin colour - Extreme tiredness - Vomiting and diarrhoea - Drowsiness Convulsions, fits or twitching - Red-purple rash Source: Department of Health Advertisement Mr Wingfield's family rushed from Port Augusta, about 320km north of Adelaide, to the hospital after his condition rapidly deteriorated. On Wednesday night, less than 48 hours since Mr Wingfield arrived at the hospital, the 36-year-old died after his family made the difficult decision to turn off his life support. Ms Wingfield said her family were 'absolutely heartbroken' and described for brother as a 'beautiful person'. 'Luke was a very quiet, humble, gentle giant who had a lot of love and respect for everybody that crossed his path,' she said. 'You hardly heard him swear, he treated his brothers and his father like kings and he treated us sisters and our mother and nieces like queens.' She told 9News her brother was a healthy and vibrant man who was into fitness, did not smoke and did not take drugs. Mr Wingfield worked at the Carapateena mines, 160km north of Port Augusta, is the first person die from meningococcal B in South Australia in 2023. The state recorded 16 cases of the disease since January 2023 - surpassing the total recorded last year of 14 cases. Since 2018, the vaccine for meningococcal B strain has been free in South Australia for some groups. Ms Wingfield urged Aussies to seek medical help even if they believe their symptoms are not serious. 'Whether you think it's not serious or not, please, please get help, because I wouldn't want this, wish this upon anybody,' Ms Wingfield told 9News. South Australia Ambulance Service confirmed there will be an internal investigation into Mr Wingfield's case. Meningococcal disease is a rare and serious illness caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. Mr Wingfield died at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (pictured) less than 48 hours after he woke up with a fever. His family claim their first call for help was rejected by ambulance workers because his symptoms were not 'serious' Family described Mr Wingfield as a 'gentle giant' who treated the men in his family as kings and the woman as queens The bacteria can cause blood infections and even meningitis - an infection of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms of the disease include a fever, lack of appetite, drowsiness, pain in the legs, a lack of energy and fits or convulsions. Younger people who contract meningococcal can get a rash that does not go away when pressed with a clear glass. Anyone who thinks they or a loved one may have meningococcal is urged to seek medical treatment immediately. The mother of a much-beloved teenager who succumbed to brain cancer has revealed she is battling terminal melanoma. Monica Smirk said she knew of lumps in her back but delayed getting a biopsy amid the struggle to save her daughter Milli Lucas, who was operated on by controversial neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo. Milli Lucas was a 14-year-old girl who captured the hearts of Australians around the country during her battle with brain cancer in 2019. She was operated on by Dr Charlie Teo and nicknamed his 'miracle girl', and while the surgery prolonged her life for a few years she succumbed to her cancer in 2021. In the wake of this tragedy Ms Smirk has revealed she is fighting terminal melanoma after discovering inoperable tumours on her back late last year. Monica Smirk (pictured left with daughter Milli Lucas) has been diagnosed with advanced melanoma She described her diagnosis as 'horrific' with particular concern being how it would affect her other children Joel, 13 and 19-year-old cancer survivor Tess. 'They're everything, they're my world, so I get up for them,' she told the West Australian. 'I try and be as normal as possible and deal with life and keep going, to show my children that unfortunately, this is our life and we cannot change it but you've got to stay strong, and you've still got to live it.' In 2016, Tess had a similar brain cancer to Milli and was able to hold the disease off but at the cost of most of her sight. The family suffer from the extremely rare genetic Li-Fraumeni syndrome, which greatly increases the risk of cancer through a carrier's lifetime. Ms Smirk said she was 'devastated' her current condition, where doctors have found fluid on her lungs, prevents her from flying to Sydney where Tess is waiting on the results of a concerning annual scan. There will be further scans for Ms Smirk in October as doctors decide how to proceed with her treatment. The family will continue their fund-raising efforts, which first gained prominence when they raised $170,000 in 2019 for Milli to be operated on by Dr Teo. Through the Millstar Foundation they aim to open an alternative holistic cancer treatment centre in WA in honour of Milli. Ms Smirk and close friend Cara Booth have launched a raffle towards this goal which has $13,000 worth of prizes, including many signed items from AFL team the Fremantle Dockers, the team Milli devoutly followed. Dr Teo has proved a lightning rod for controversy because of his practice of performing high-risk procedures, such as the one on Mill, that other surgeons deem inoperable. Ms Smirk said she is devastated to not be able to fly over to support her daughter Tess who is waiting on the results of concerning scan West Australians raised $170,00 for Milli to be operated on by controversial brain surgeon Charlie Teo Earlier this month the Health Care Complaints Commission found that Dr Teao failed to properly inform two of his patients of the risks involved with 'experimental' operations that they failed to recover from. Restrictions imposed by the HCCC, including that he get permission from surgeon colleagues before operating, have forced Dr Teo to admit his career in Australia is over and he will have to operate overseas. In an extended interview for Channel Seven last Sunday Dr Teo blamed 'a vocal minority of neurosurgeons 'looking to destroy me, my reputation and my ability to practise in Australia and around the world' for the restrictions. He claimed that his peers wanted to rub him out because he made them look like 'idiots' when he removed tumours they called inoperable and also that he might be a victim of prejudice because of his Chinese ancestry. The surgeon's fans intend to walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge on September 17 in protest to show their support. 'Many have asked what you can do to show your support Well, I would be honoured if you would join me in solidarity on the Sydney Harbour Bridge,' Dr Teo wrote to supporters a week ago. A married lesbian couple have celebrated a 'victory for equality' in their legal battle against the NHS's so-called gay tax on fertility treatment. Megan Bacon-Evans, 36, and Whitney Bacon-Evans, 35, have withdrawn a High Court case against their local NHS branch after it offered same-sex female couples equal access to IVF. They launched the bid after learning lesbian couples had to pay for 12 rounds of treatment to 'prove' infertility before being eligible for NHS help. Campaigners say this can cost 25,000 to 30,000, labelling the requirement a 'gay tax'. By contrast, straight couples just have to tell doctors they have been trying to conceive for two years to get free IVF. Megan and Whitney, who are influencers known on social media as 'Wegan', said the NHS's decision was 'a great step to achieving fertility equality' that made them 'very hopeful' for the future. Megan Bacon-Evans, 36, and Whitney Bacon-Evans, 35, have withdrawn a High Court case against their local NHS branch after it finally offered same-sex female couples equal access to IVF Health officials yesterday also announced a new online tool to access available IVF slots across England to cut a 'postcode lottery' for waiting times for all couples. Megan and Whitney, from Windsor in Berkshire, have more than 150,000 followers on TikTok. But when the couple wanted to start a family, their local NHS service in Frimley said they had to spend thousands of pounds on artificial inseminations at a private clinic before accessing NHS help. 'All we want is to be mums, but we're being discriminated against for our sexuality ... and pushed into the private sector,' said Megan when they launched a change.org petition in 2020. The campaign caught the eye of law firm Leigh Day and in November 2021, they launched a discrimination case against the NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board (ICB). It became a landmark legal test case for the NHS's treatment of LGBTQ+ families. The publicity around the case played a 'major role' in the Government's move in July last year to expand access to NHS fertility treatment for same-sex couples and single women. But a judge's decision was delayed as Frimley ICB denied discrimination and requested time to consider its policy. Megan pictured during fertility treatment Now, it has volunteered to give same-sex female couples the same access to fertility treatment as heterosexual couples, after a two-year review. It is due to hold a public meeting on the issue in November and a draft proposal is expected in the coming months, with the rules set to be changed by early 2024. 'When we started out, we didn't think we would achieve equality overnight and the fact that in 2.5 years we went from feeling like this issue was completely ignored, to taking the ICB to the high court, to the Government promising to offer equal access to IVF, is beyond what we could have hoped for,' the couple told The Guardian. Katherine O'Brien, of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, commended Megan and Whitney's 'tenacity'. She added: 'Individuals shouldn't be required to mount legal challenges in order to access equitable healthcare. The impact of these policies can be truly devastating. The need for reform across the country is urgent and overdue.' Last night a Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: 'Our Women's Health Strategy for England sets out our ten-year ambitions for boosting health and wellbeing and improving how the health and care system listens to women and girls. 'The strategy contained a number of important changes and future ambitions to improve the variations in access to NHS-funded fertility services including improving same-sex access which we remain committed to and expect to start this year.' The families of two of the four women believed to have been murdered by an Oregon serial killer have blasted how the police have dealt with the investigation and its slow progress. Jesse Calhoun, who is being investigated and labeled a 'person of interest' in the deaths of four women, had previously attacked and choked one of them, her father claimed. But Calhoun was not arrested until months after the alleged assault - only after the women's murdered bodies were discovered scattered across northwest Oregon. The corpses of Kristin Smith, 22; Charity Perry, 24; Bridget Webster, 31; and Ashley Real, 22, were found over a three-month period in wooded areas, under a bridge and in a culvert in a roughly 100-mile radius, spanning from rural Polk County southwest of Portland to the Columbia River Gorge, east of the city. Melissa Smith, Kristin Smith's mother, said in a video on Facebook that she reported her daughter missing in December to Gresham Police in a Portland suburb, but she said, 'I was not given the help that I needed.' Jesse Calhoun is a person of interest in the deaths of Bridget Webster, 31, Kristin Smith, 22; Charity Lynn Perry, 24; and Ashley Real, 22. He had been serving a 50-month sentence for assaulting a police officer, trying to strangle a police dog and burglary Ashley Real's body was the latest one found on May 7. Her father, Jose Real, on Friday said he called police on November 11 after she showed up crying at his Portland home, saying she had been choked by Calhoun. She had marks on her throat, he said, and he took her to a hospital. A Portland police officer took an initial report from Real and his daughter and she gave the officer Calhoun's name. Police wanted her to help find him, but she was scared to help, he said. Because the location of the alleged assault was outside Portland police jurisdiction, the department referred the case to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. Real said he never heard back from the sheriff's office, even though he and his wife called repeatedly. Details of the attack were first reported by the Oregonian. 'The police didn't do their work, and now my daughter is dead,' he told the newspaper. Kristin Smith, 22 (left), was the first victim: she was discovered on February 19. On April 24, the second, Charity Perry, 24 (right), was found dead Bridget Webster, 31 (left), was found on April 30, and Ashley Real, 22 (right), on May 7 Melissa Smith also said that police were slow to act in her daughter's case, after she was reported missing. Family members posted flyers about the missing woman and searched parts of Portland. Kristin Smith's body was the first of the four to be discovered in the woods outside a Portland neighborhood on February 19. 'I was not given the help that I needed in searching for her and I have concerns for that,' Smith explained in a 10-minute long video posted online. 'After some of the girls went missing, that is when I started receiving phone calls and getting a new detective.' Melissa Smith praised the new detective she had been assigned with the Portland Police Bureau for more aggressively pursuing the case. 'I am hoping that we got him,' she said of Calhoun's arrest. 'I want nothing more that justice. I know Kristen was murdered and I have faith that the police department are going to piece this together. 'I dont know if they are linked with the other girls. I am in contact with the families of a few of the other girls. The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office announced on Monday that investigators and prosecutors from nine law enforcement agencies have found links between the four deaths, with at least one person of interest. The statement did not name the person, but a law enforcement official with knowledge of the investigation named him as Jesse Lee Calhoun. The official requested anonymity because they are not authorized to comment publicly on the case. Calhoun was arrested on June 6 by members of two sheriff's departments with U.S. Marshals Service assisting, the official said. Melissa Smith, Kristin Smith's mother, said in a video on Facebook that she reported her daughter missing in December to Gresham Police in a Portland suburb but, 'I was not given the help that I needed' Jose Real, the father of Ashley Real, 22, said his daughter was choked by Calhoun months before she was found dead Portland Police Sgt. Kevin Allen wrote in an email the department cannot comment on any reports or information related to Calhoun because of 'an active ongoing criminal investigation.' Sheriff's Deputy John Plock also said he could not comment because of an active investigation. Real said he was grateful his daughter was found and he can visit her remains in a Clackamas County cemetery. 'I can tell her, `Daddy's here, mija ... you know how much I miss you,'' Real said, using an affectionate Spanish term for daughter. 'Maybe you don't have a daughter, you don't have a son now, but believe me, when somebody loses a daughter or son, so sad,' Real said to KMTR. 'I cannot protect her. I cannot be with her that day. I always want her to be cared for and I feel so sad because I miss that day, I miss that day,' Real said. Calhoun has a lengthy criminal record, with felony convictions dating back almost 20 years. He was reportedly a talented artist, who told booking officials he earned his living painting designs on vehicles. His first felony conviction was in 2004: when he was arrested again, in 2018, with meth, several guns, and more than 500 rounds of ammunition, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office called him a 'prolific thief and career criminal.' In 2019 he was given four sentences, set to run concurrently. Calhoun was released from the Columbia River Correctional Institution on July 22, 2021, almost one year before his projected release date Kate Brown was governor of Oregon from 2015-23, and commuted Calhoun's sentence in July 2021. She said she was 'absolutely horrified' by the news of his alleged crimes Tina Kotek, who replaced Brown, was asked on July 3 to revoke Calhoun's conditional commutation But he was among the 1,000 inmates who benefitted from then Gov. Kate Brown reducing the prison population during the pandemic. Calhoun was one of 41 prison inmates whose prison sentence was lowered by one year in 2021 by then-Governor Kate Brown after they helped battle devastating 2020 wildfires in Oregon. Calhoun was released from the Columbia River Correctional Institution on July 22, 2021, almost one year before his projected release date, the Oregon Department of Corrections said on Friday. He had been serving a 50-month sentence for assaulting a police officer, trying to strangle a police dog, burglary and felony unauthorized use of a vehicle. Senator Tim Knopp, leader of the minority Oregon Senate Republicans, blamed Brown for letting 'violent offenders' out early. But even if Brown hadn't commuted Calhoun's sentence, he would have been released months before the deaths occurred. The district attorney's announcement said no charges have been filed in connection with any of the deaths, but Calhoun is back behind bars. Governor Tina Kotek revoked his commutation on July 3. The 6-feet-4-inch suspect, who has a history of resisting arrest, jumped into the Willamette River in Milwaukie and tried to escape when found on July 6. Brown, who left office in January, told Willamette Week she was shocked by Calhoun's arrest. 'I'm absolutely horrified for the victims, their families, and all those who have experienced this loss,' she said. Calhoun will now serve the remainder of his sentence, with his new projected release date June 9, 2024, Oregon Department of Corrections spokesperson Amber Campbell said. More than 3,000 people have had surgery following dog bites in the past year, marking an 80 per cent rise over 15 years. Doctors carried out 3,473 reconstructive operations from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023 374 of them on children aged four and under. Total hospital admissions for dog bites, which included injuries not needing surgery, also rose to 9,336 a 5.9 per cent increase on last year and a 50 per cent rise in ten years. Experts said the data was worrying and called for an overhaul of dog control laws. High-profile cases of dog-bite deaths this year include dog walker Natasha Johnston, who was killed by a pack, and four-year-old Alice Stones, who was mauled by her familys pet. More than 3,000 people have had surgery following dog bites in the past year, marking an 80 per cent rise over 15 years Provisional NHS figures reveal the number of people hospitalised by dog bites nearly doubled from 4,699 in 2007-8 to 9,336 in 2022-23, and the number needing surgery rose from 1,950 to 3,473 in the same period, the equivalent of ten per day. Shockingly, children aged four and under saw the highest proportion of dog-bite surgeries, followed by victims aged 5-9 (359) and 10-14 (273). Since 2007, the age range that saw the largest increase in dog-bite surgeries was those aged 55 to 59, rising from 73 cases in 2007 to 2008 to 231 in 2022 to 2023. Maria Murray, deputy director at animal welfare charity Dogs Trust, branded the current dog control laws as not fit for purpose, and said they need to be overhauled. She said: There is no simple answer to why dog bites and dog-related injuries are rising. It could be due to the large increase in families owning dogs a third of all UK households but also dogs not being able to access socialisation and training opportunities at critical stages of development during the pandemic.' High-profile cases of dog-bite deaths this year include dog walker Natasha Johnston (left), who was killed by a pack Ms Murray added that 84 per cent of parents leave their kids unsupervised around their pets, despite the majority of dog bites to children occurring in the home by a known dog. Both Dogs Trust and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) agree the statistics are fresh evidence that new legislation is needed to tackle dog attacks. BVA Senior Vice President Justine Shotton said: This latest data showing increasing injuries following incidents involving dogs is deeply worrying. 'With vets also reporting a rise in the number of clients concerned about their dogs increasingly aggressive behaviour, there can be no doubt that existing legislation is not working. By focussing on banned breeds, the Dangerous Dogs Act is not only failing to address the root issue - its also failing to protect public safety. The Government must urgently revise the Act, enforcing responsible breeding and ownership, as well as focussing on better education so that owners understand their dogs behaviour and how best to manage it. The rising number and severity of dog bites was also reflected in a recent study by the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, which found plastic surgery referrals for dog bites increased by 180 per cent at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford when comparing April-August 2021 with the same period in 2019. Study author Oliver Jones said: Lockdown had a worrying impact on the number of animal bite injuries occurring in the UK. In addition to the impact on the patient, the animal and the owner, there is also a financial consequence for the NHS - even prior to lockdown, dog bite injuries cost the NHS about 71 million pounds annually. Carlee Russell's boyfriend has made a public plea for people to 'stop bullying' the nursing student after Alabama police throw doubt on her kidnapping story. 'The only thing I can say is, I want everyone to stop bullying her. I know what it seems like what she did. Just stop bullying on social media,' boyfriend Thomar Lattrel Simmons told the New York Post. 'Think about her mental health. She doesnt deserve that. She doesnt. Nobody deserves to be cyberbullied' he added. Russell, 25, claims she was abducted at the side of a road on July 13 after stopping to help a toddler and was held captive for two days before escaping, but local police have said they cannot corroborate any of her claims. Some have raised concerns with her claims, while lawyers have said she could face charge if she made false accusations. Carlee Russell with her boyfriend Thomar Simmons before she vanished. Simmons has now said 'I want everyone to stop bullying her. I know what it seems like what she did' Simmons and Russell recently visited New York together over July 4. He has since deleted her from his photos of the trip When Russell was missing, her boyfriend Simmons frantically appealed for information on social media After Russell first vanished, Simmons posted frantic appeals for information on social media and then made a supportive post once Russell returned home. He has not only deleted his posts about her disappearance but has also erased every photo of her and them together that had been there before. He has also unfollowed her on social media. Carlee's Twitter account also suggests all was not well in the relationship in the weeks before the ordeal. She complained about men throwing 'everything away' for 'a 'h** or stripper.' 'I always say one thing I WON'T do is stay with someone who cheated on me,' read another of her tweets. In that instance, she seemed to be referring to another Twitter user and not Simmons. But it was clear romance was on her mind. 'Everyone wants to feel wanted,' she tweeted at 3.08am on July 8, five days before she vanished. Last month, she hinted at being betrayed. 'You think you have a bond with someone until they show you you never did,' she tweeted. Russell's tweets in the days and weeks leading up to her disappearance paint a picture of a melancholic young woman who was sick of her job and unlucky in love Russell has now stopped cooperating with officers, but initially told authorities she was taken by a white man with 'orange hair' who appeared from the trees on the side of I-459 after she saw a 'baby boy in a diaper' around 9.30pm July 13. Her parents are also believed to be shielding from further interrogation. Russell went missing after reporting she called 911 to say she saw a toddler walking barefoot along the highway in Hoover, Alabama. That sparked a massive, 49-hour manhunt for Russell. Family members pleaded for her safe return as sleuths across the nation tried to locate her. Russell was found days later when she walked alone to the home she shared with her parents. She initially gave police a statement that she was abducted - and family have continued to echo those statements. But police have said they have found little evidence to support her version. They said there were no other calls about the wandering child. On July 13, she was caught on surveillance camera stealing a dark bathrobe and toilet paper before leaving work for the day. She was later fired from that job at The Woodhouse Day Spa in Birmingham, Alabama. It was also revealed that she searched online the Liam Neeson kidnap film 'Taken' and researched whether an Amber Alert would be issued for someone her age. Simmons has now scrubbed Carlee from his Instagram page and has called on the public to respect his girlfriend's mental health An Alabama attorney has said he cannot believe Carlee Russell has not been arrested for filing a false police report. Filing a false police report in Alabama is a Class A misdemeanor with a penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of $6,000. Experienced lawyer Eric Guster has said the police are using every means possible to avoid saying she lied, but he believes it is clear Russell wasted police's time and money. 'She says she was kidnapped, and a kidnapping didn't happen. [They say] our citizens are safe. There's not a kidnapper out there. So, they use every other synonym for lie except saying she lied,' he told WVTM. Guster says Police Chief Nick Derzis has outlined three crimes they believe Carlee committed: theft, lying to authorities and filing a false police report. He says in light of that, he's shocked she hasn't already been arrested. Guster also told the outlet he is worried this case could affect future missing persons cases, for African American women in particular. 'It's going to be much more difficult for African American women to be believed, and it may actually decrease the number of actual reports of things because people are already afraid that they won't be believed' he said. Guster said he expects Carlee will be charged with filing a false police report, but says police are likely waiting to complete their investigation first. An out-of-control car piloted by a 'lowlife' driver almost crushed a 10-month-old boy in a pram as it careened into a front yard. Adelaide mum Tara was in with her son in the front yard of their Lightsview house, in Adelaide, when a Mini Cooper bounced off a curb at around 8pm on Friday night. The vehicle then swerved onto the wrong side of the city's northern Eastern Parkway before crashing into Tara's home taking out her concrete letterbox as she and her son stood transfixed in the vehicle's path. A 10-year-old boy in a pram had a miraculous escape after runaway Mini Cooper has smashed into an Adelaide front yard 'All of a sudden he comes straight towards us,' Tara told 9News. The driver lost control and ploughed into Tara's letterbox, where she was standing with her son in his pram, which became pinned by the car. 'He kept accelerating and then went up onto the front of the pram and pushed the pram backwards and I couldn't get the pram up the stairs,' Tara said. The terrified mother said that 'somehow' she managed to free her son before the male driver reversed and fled the scene. Tara said apart from a few scratches and some shock she and her son escaped uninjured but she had some harsh words for the cowardly diver. 'You're the most pathetic human I've ever come across, to hit a pram,' she said. 'The fact that there were four kids standing here and you could've just stopped, got out and said "I'm so sorry" and taken the consequences but you're a lowlife.' Tara said the whole left hand side of the car had been taken off and it had flat tire. 'It was making a god-awful noise as he drove down the street,' she said. Neighbour Josephine Renshaw was a witness to the traumatic incident. The Mini Cooper hit a curb while trying to exit a roundabout in the northern suburbs of Adelaide Mother Tara was scatgubg about the driver hitting reverse and fleeing the scene after he almost mowed down her son 'I was up on the balcony and I saw the car come across and then heard her (Tara) screaming, saying "stop, stop, stop",' Renshaw said. Police say the reckless driver had already left a trail of destruction in his wake after hitting a light pole on Hampstead Road in the suburb of Clearview moments earlier. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. President Joe Biden is set to create a national monument for Emmett Till - the 14-year-old boy lynched in Mississippi after allegedly whistling at a white woman. Biden is set to make the announcement Tuesday on what would have been Till's 82nd birthday, according to the Associated Press. Till, who was born in Chicago, was abducted, tortured and killed in 1955 after he was accused of flirting with a woman outside of a grocery store. After he was killed, Till's mutilated body was put on display in an open casket. The images of his remains helped spark civil rights rallying cries. The newest monuments will be constructed in Illinois and Mississippi and will honor both Till and his mother. Emmett Till, who was lynched in Mississippi in 1955, is set to be honored with a national monument Joe Biden is set to make the announcement Tuesday on what would have been Till's 82nd birthday Officials say the monuments will protect places that were central to Till's life and death. They will also mark the acquittal of his white killers and his mother's activism. In August 1955, Till visited relatives near Money, Mississippi. He spoke to Carolyn Bryant, a white woman, who was married to the owner of a grocery store. Till was accused of flirting with her. Nights after the incident, her husband, Roy, and half-brother, J.W. Millam, went to abduct Till. They took him away, beat and mutilated his body. Till was then shot in the head and his body was sunk in the Tallachatchie River. Till's body was recovered days later. His mother, Mamie Till-Mob, held an open casket funeral in Chicago. The images of Till's remains helped rally support for black civil rights and white sympathy. Roy and J.W. were acquitted of the murder but later admitted to the crime. His mother, Mamie Till-Mob, held an open casket funeral in Chicago. Both will be honored with the new monuments The images of Till's remains helped rally support for black civil rights and white sympathy. Outside Bryant's Grocery in Mississippi, Till was accused of flirting with a white woman In August 2022, a grand jury declined to indict Carolyn Bryant Donham, 88, whose accusations set off the series of events that ended in Till's death. After hearing seven hours of testimony, they determined that there was not sufficient evidence to indict Donham. Charges of both kidnaping and manslaughter were considered. The DailyMail.com exclusively revealed that Donham, 88, is living in a small apartment community in Kentucky. She suffers from cancer, is legally blind and is receiving end of life hospice care - and photos showed her with oxygen tubes looped over her ears. Asked if she or her son, Thomas Bryant, would speak about Till and the events that destroyed and re-shaped the worlds of so many, Bryant, shook his head while Donham stood by silently. After their acquittal in the Emmett Till trial, defendant Roy Bryant (right), smokes a cigar as his wife happily embraces him and his half brother, J.W. Milam (left) and his wife show jubilation In August 2022, a grand jury declined to indict Carolyn Bryant Donham , 88, whose accusations set off the series of events that ended in Till's death The news that the grand jury had declined to charge Donham made it increasingly unlikely that she will ever be prosecuted for her role in the events that led to Tills death. A group searching the basement of the Leflore County Courthouse in June discovered the unserved arrest warrant charging Donham, then-husband Roy Bryant and brother-in-law J.W. Milam in Till's abduction in 1955. The warrant was based on the Sheriff's belief that Donham played a part in the kidnapping of Till, that she drove around the town of Money, Mississippi seeking him out and ultimately identified the terrified teen when he was brought to her on the night of Sunday August 28 that year, dragged from his bed, to be tortured and murdered by Bryant and Milam. A police note on the back of the warrant says that she wasn't arrested because she was not in the county. Yet a local sheriff told reporters at the time that he didn't want to 'bother' her since she had two little boys to care for. Donham's former husband, Bryant, who died in 1994, was ultimately acquitted of murder. Donham, however, managed to evade charges or any consequences in a case that shocked the world for its brutality. Several others remain in hospital, authorities said Saturday Eleven people, including a 17-year-old and a female American citizen, died in the blaze A man has been arrested on suspicion of intentionally setting a fire that killed 11 people in the Mexican state of Sonora near the Arizona border. Mexican authorities said the suspect, who has not yet been named, was removed from the Beer House Cantina bar in San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico, in the early hours of Saturday for being disrespectful towards female patrons. The unnamed man, who had 'a high degree of intoxication,' returned and threw a 'kind of "Molotov"' cocktail at the bar which caused the incident,' the Sonora Attorney General's Office stated. The devastating fire broke out at 1:33 am Saturday and had claimed the lives of 11 people by nightfall. Among the dead was a 17-year-old American woman. A man kicked out of a Mexican bar then set it on fire, killing 11 people, according to investigators The fire broke out at 1:33 am Saturday and police had an unnamed suspect in custody The name of the American teen has not been released. Footage from the scene showed the building consumed by an out-of-control blaze as firefighters battled to contain the carnage. The building is located in San Luis Rio Colorado, which sits along the Mexico border with Arizona. The main suspect was being interrogated, Gustavo Romulo Salas Chavez, Sonoras attorney general, said in a news conference Saturday. Four of the 11 dead were women. A total of six people were injured in the blaze. Yuma Regional Medical Center in Arizona received three patients, as one remains hospitalized, and the other two were discharged. A further three were sent to other US hospitals for treatment. The medical center issued a statement saying, 'Our hearts go out to the victims and families affected by his tragedy.' The Beer House Cantina bar in San Luis Rio Colorado quickly became consumed in flames. The bar is located along the Mexico-Arizona border 11 people were killed in the deadly fire, which authorities say was started deliberately Firefighters eventually put out the blaze that claimed 11 lives and injured six others The father-in-law of one of the victims, Aurelio Herrera told KYMA: 'They told us there was no emergency exit, only one door and it was blocked. 'Someone threw a Molotov bomb and the fire went off quickly. 'You've got no idea, he was my son-in-law of course I am very sad,' Herrera added. The names of the other victims have not been released. The building had significant damage and was roped off by police tape on Saturday afternoon. Rain and strong winds are expected to hit the southern states this week, with snowfall also a possibility over the Australian Alps after a freezing weekend. Prominent Alpine towns Mount Buller and Mount Hotham are predicted to drop to negative three degrees on Monday, while Perisher Valley is expected to fall to negative four on Monday and Tuesday. Adelaide and Melbourne are also unlikely to get a reprieve from their shivering weekends. Parts of western Sydney experienced heavy fog on Sunday morning, leading to a warning for motorists to drive slowly as visibility dropped to below 200 metres (stock image) Rain and strong winds are expected to hit the southern states this week, with snowfall also a possibility over the Australian Alps after a freezing weekend After a severe frost warning was issued across parts of South Australia and Victoria on Sunday morning, a second front will bring showers to Melbourne throughout Sunday. South westerly winds from a trough will also bring colder temperatures. Throughout the week the weather is likely to clear, with temperatures around the customary 15 degree maximum in Melbourne, before a strong chance of heavy rainfall over the weekend. Adelaide recorded its coldest morning of the year on Sunday morning, with the mercury dropping to 2.9 degrees, following a minimum of 3.1 degrees on Saturday morning. But it was the interior regional cities that bore the brunt of the cold, with the South Australian town of Renmark getting to negative two degrees, and the Victorian town of Bendigo to negative one. Clear and sunny skies are expected for most of the week in Adelaide, before a fresh front is expected to bring rainfall over the weekend. Parts of western Sydney experienced heavy fog on Sunday morning, leading to a warning for motorists to drive slowly as visibility dropped to below 200 metres. For the rest of Sunday showers are predicted in Sydney, likely to remain until Monday, before the weather clears and temperatures increase during the week to the low 20s. For the rest of Sunday showers are predicted in Sydney, likely to remain until Monday, before the weather clears and temperatures increase during the week to the low 20s Wet weather is also in store for Brisbane and across northern NSW on Sunday and into next week, with some forecasts predicting as much as 30-50mm could fall in central and south east Queensland early next week Wet weather is also in store for Brisbane and across northern NSW on Sunday and into next week, with some forecasts predicting as much as 30-50mm could fall in central and south east Queensland early next week. Sky News Australia meteorologist Alison Osborne said it was 'quite a mixed bag of weather' across the country. 'Most people are in for something different than a few towns over,' Osborne said. The pair worked with the gunman Matu Reid The two men who were gunned down in a horrific shooting at an Auckland construction site have been identified. Solomona To'oto'o, 45, and Tupuga Sipiliano, 44, were killed when gunman Matu Tangi Matua Reid, 24, opened fire with a pump-action shotgun inside a high-rise building in downtown Auckland in New Zealand at around 7.20am on Thursday. Ten people were injured during the 40-minute shooting spree, with three suffering serious injuries. Reid was later found dead after barricading himself in an elevator shaft and engaging police in a shootout. Mr To'oto'o and Mr Sipiliano were formally identified as the two deceased victims on Sunday. Tupuga Sipiliano (pictured), 44, and Solomona To'oto'o, 45, have been identified as the two victims of the shooting at a building site in downtown Auckland on Thursday morning 'Police extend sincere condolences to the families, who are grieving the loss of their loved ones,' said Detective Superintendent Ross McKay after police completed formal identification processes. The two men were from Wattle Downs. Family and friends shared tributes to Mr Sipiliano on social media. 'Gone too soon. Rest in peace,' wrote one loved one on Facebook. Police confirmed that the two men were work colleagues of Reid, but it's not yet known what the gunman's motivation was for the shooting. New Zealand's Police Commissioner Andrew Coster told TVNZ's Breakfast said the horror rampage may have been influenced by 'workplace tension'. Out of the 10 people who were injured, four remain in hospital receiving treatment. One male police officer who was shot has had surgery and is recovering in hospital while another officer is recovering at home. Witnesses claimed Reid had targeted his victims after going straight to the third floor of the building site to the office of construction company, LT McGuinness. Matu Tangi Matua Reid (pictured), 24, stormed the site with a pump-action shotgun and went on a shooting spree before he was gunned down during an exchange with police Ten people were injured during the 40-minute spree, with three suffering serious injuries (pictured, workmen were forced to take cover behind piles of building materials) One man told the New Zealand media that Reid had been 'aiming at people' during the rampage. A worker at the site said that he appeared 'angry' and was 'yelling out to people' as if he was looking for someone. 'I can remember him yelling 'So what you going to do to me nowwhat can you do?' they told the NZ Herald. 'The two people he shot was like he wanted to kill those two people.' Reid had reportedly been sacked from his job on the building site the day before the shooting. It's also been revealed that he was being monitored by correctional services via an ankle bracelet at the time he stormed the site. Reid had been given special permission to attend the worksite as part of a home detention sentence he had been handed for committing a serious assault in 2021. He was ordered to serve a five-month detention sentence after he slapped, kicked and strangled a woman he was in an intimate relationship with at the time. He was sentenced in March on charges of injuring with intent to injure, wilful damage, male assaults female and impeding breathing. A team of specialist police wearing bullet-proof vests and black helmets prepare to confront the shooter inside the complex (pictured) The gunman fired at police and injured a male officer. The officer is in hospital and is receiving urgent surgery (pictured, an officer is escorted to an ambulance by police) The assault on September 16, 2021 left his partner with a fractured bone in her neck. Sentencing notes from Judge Stephen Bonnar KC reveal that shortly before midnight Reid became angered by something his partner said, leading to a verbal altercation. He then pushed the woman off a chair and threw at object at her head that struck and injured her right eye, before threatening to 'take out' her and her entire family. Reid then kicked the woman, causing her to fall backwards onto the bed where he seized her throat and cut off her breathing for up to 10 seconds. He continued to threaten his partner, telling her: 'You don't know what I'm capable of' as he grabbed a pair of scissors and pushed the handles into her side. The violent assault culminated in a final terrifying threat from Reid, who had been staying with his partner and her family in Auckland's North Shore at the time. 'I've had enough, it's time, I'm going to take you all,' he told the woman. When the woman returned to her home with police later that night, she discovered Reid had set fire to a small wicker basket inside her bedroom. Judge Bonnar notes the woman had sustained a fracture in one of the bones in her neck, a swollen and black eye as well as bruising and scratches. Reid denied any wrongdoing when he was questioned by police, telling officers the woman's injuries had been sustained during 'rough sex'. New Zealand's Police Commissioner Andrew Coster told TVNZ's Breakfast said the horror rampage may have been influenced by 'workplace tension' (pictured, police and workers at the scene) Reid was being monitored by correctional services via an ankle bracelet and had been given special permission to attend the worksite as part of a home detention sentence he had been handed for committing a serious assault on a partner in 2021 (pictured, police at the scene) His criminal record shows a previous assault from 2020, which he was serving a community-based sentence for at the time of the incident. Reid had previously been ordered to attend anger-management sessions. A cultural report handed to the court revealed Reid had witnessed domestic violence and physical abuse from an early age, causing him to run away from home. Judge Bonnar noted that sending Reid to jail could 'set you down the wrong path'. Instead, the 24-year-old was sentenced to five months home sentence to be served at a Flat Bush property, in Auckland's southeast. The conditions of the home detention sentence to attend a non-violence program, not use alcohol or drugs and not associate with the victim . A probation officer had recommended home detention as a satisfactory sentence after deciding Reid had a low risk of reoffending. Acting National Commissioner of Corrections Sean Mason said an internal review would be undertaken by the Chief Probation Officer. 'While our full review is yet to be undertaken, initial information suggests that Community Corrections staff managed his compliance with these conditions closely,' Commissioner Mason said. 'He was in frequent contact with staff, and was required to report in to his Probation Officer twice every 10 days. He had last reported in yesterday.' Investigators are working to determine the motive and cause of the shooting and how the alleged shooter had acquired a gun without a licence (pictured, police at the scene) A teenage fast food worker has been treated for smoke inhalation after a car caught fire in a McDonalds drive-thru south of Brisbane on Sunday. The BMW caught fire while in the drive-thru at the fast food restaurant at Eagleby just after midnight on Sunday. Queensland Fire and Emergency Service extinguished the blaze. A teenage fast food worker has been treated for smoke inhalation after a car caught fire in a McDonalds drive-thru south of Brisbane on Sunday Emergency services were spotted at the scene with the charred wreckage of the car sitting in the drive-thru. A firefighter was seen hosing down the vehicle as smoke rose from the debris. A female teenage McDonalds employee had to be taken to hospital to be assessed for mild smoke inhalation. Its believed the fire was the result of a mechanical fault. The boat hit by 5m waves and smashed into rocks Australian star Magda Szubanski is leading online tributes for a prominent art dealer after his body was found in water following a boating accident in Sydney's east. Art dealer Tim Klingender, 59, and 51-year-old tech entrepreneur Andrew Findlay took out a boat at 7.30am on Thursday. Police said the pair were not wearing lifejackets and were thrown overboard when their 7.8 inflatable was hit by 5m waves and smashed into rocks at The Gap in Watsons Bay. Marine police were contacted at around 10:20am by members of the public who had noticed pieces of debris floating in the area. Soon after, Mr Klingender's body was found swept up on the rocks near a small vessel which had been overturned. Tributes flow for prominent art dealer Tim Klingender (pictured) after his body was found in the water at Watsons Bay, in Sydney's east, following a boat accident The death of Mr Klingender has sent shockwaves through the art community, with touching tributes flowing on social media for the art dealer who was regarded as an international leader in Australian Indigenous art. Magda Szubanski said she was sad to hear of Mr Klingender's passing and shared her condolences for the family on Twitter. Szubanski studied art history with Mr Klingender at Melbourne University, with the pair remaining friends since their studies. 'We kept in touch over the years and I greatly admired his incredible work promoting Indigenous art,' she wrote. 'My deepest condolences to his friends and family.' Mr Klingender was also a senior consultant to auction and private sales group Sotheby's in New York. The 59-year-old spent 20 years working for Sotheby's, where he became an international director between 1998 and 2009. Szubanski studied art history with Mr Klingender at Melbourne University, with the pair remaining friends since their studies Magda Szubanski said she was sad to hear of Mr Klingender's passing and shared her condolences for the family on Twitter (pictured) While there, he established a contemporary art department for Sotheby's, Australia in 1994 before founding an Aboriginal art department in 1996. After leaving the organisation, Mr Klingender launched Tim Klingender Fine Art in 2009, which carried the strong ethical standard he was known for within the industry. Art dealer Michael Reid AOM said 'so much knowledge has ended' with the death of Mr Klingender. 'Profound sadness. The death of Tim Klingender was an unimaginable and devastating loss to his family and indeed the Australian art-world,' Mr Reid wrote on Facebook. 'Travelling far and wide across Australia... and into many almost inaccessible indigenous communities.... with Tim's death, again, so much knowledge has just ended. 'Tim was quick to laugh. First in on adventure and always up for a chat. Tim had an elegant rakishness that leant towards the deliciously louche. 'Deeply understanding of the fine and decorative arts, Tim was an interior stylist as much as an important art dealer. Tim had ability, warmth, and presence, in spades.' Art dealer Michael Reid AOM (right) said 'so much knowledge has ended' with the death of Mr Klingender (left) in a tribute post shared on Facebook The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection remembered Mr Klingender for his focus on Indigenous art. The organisation shared a picture of the art dealer discussing the international Aboriginal art market at Sotheby's in New York City in December 2019 (pictured) M Klingender's friend Sean Finlay described him as 'warm, funny and super intelligent' in a Facebook post on Friday. 'Absolutely gutted! One of the most interesting, warm, funny and super intelligent people I've ever had the opportunity to be friends with. Mr Finlay wrote. What a lovely man. My heart hurts for Skye and the girls. So so so sad.' Greer Adams Fine Art paid tribute to Mr Klingender and the 'huge legacy' he has left in the art world. 'Vale Tim Klingender. Your legacy is huge. Indebted to you in so many ways over the many years of working with you at Sotheby's and Bonhams and our travels around the world,' the post read. 'Thank you for your guidance, for sharing your infectious passion and knowledge, the fun and all the hilarity. 'In deep respect and gratitude. My thoughts are with Skye, your girls and family. May heaven be an even greater party than you made sure of on earth.' The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection remembered Mr Klingender for his focus on Indigenous art in the international market. 'Today we mourn the loss of our friend and longtime colleague Tim Klingender and pay tribute to his many contributions to the Aboriginal art sector,' the group wrote in a tribute post. Owner of art gallery The Commercial Amanda Rowell, described Mr Klingender as an 'authentic individual' who was a 'liver of life'. Art adviser and former colleague Justin Miller added Mr Klingender was an 'enthusiastic connoisseurship' who would be greatly missed. Mr Miller shared a picture of himself and Mr Klingender along with their Sothebys colleagues to Facebook (pictured) Art adviser and former colleague Justin Miller added Mr Klingender was an 'enthusiastic connoisseurship' who would be greatly missed. 'I was so lucky to work with you for 20 years - way too many laughs, catalogue deadlines, art touring trips and of course red wines,' Mr Miller wrote. 'Your passion for Aboriginal culture knew no bounds and you took our countries [sic] exceptional Indigenous art, quite literally, to the world. 'Your intelligent, enthusiastic connoisseurship will be greatly missedand so too your gravelly laugh which made us all light up from within.' The large-scale three-day water and air search has yet to locate the body of Andrew Findlay. Marine Area Command Superintendent Joe McNulty said police are scaling back the search and admitted there was little hope of finding the father-of-three alive. 'We're at the conclusion now, we are wrapping the search up,' Supt McNulty said. 'We'll continue to search, but looking at a much lower scale for that second body because we presume now that he is deceased. 'The time-frame for survival for anyone in the water, taking into account the temperatures at the moment in July, have lapsed.' Supt McNulty said the operation had spanned more than 20km on Saturday, from South Head to Cape Solander near Botany Bay. Caves and cliff faces around the suburb have been searched with a PolAir helicopter seen hovering near the coast attempting to locate more of the boat and Mr Findlay. The search for Andrew Finlay, 51, has been scaled back as with police admit there is little hope of finding the father-of-three alive (pictured with his children) The boat remains tightly lodged against the rocks under the cliffs at South Head as police attempt to recover evidence from the vessel (pictured, police divers) Supt McNulty believes the tragedy could have been avoided and urged anyone going out to sea to wear a life jacket. 'This was a violent accident, a tragic accident we believe could have been avoided,' Supt McNulty said. 'Those large swell have contributed to the loss of two good men... know your abilities, know your environment and the conditions. 'It's a terrible message to share with you, but life jackets save lives.' Rescuers believe the boat struck a treacherous hidden underwater rock ledge as it was pounded by the huge surf. The boat remains tightly lodged against the rocks under the cliffs at South Head as police attempt to recover evidence from the vessel. It's understood the men were too close to the cliffs for the conditions as they were trolling - a fishing method that involves trailing fishing lines behind the vessel. The U.S. Department of Energy is now turning its attention to household water heaters as the Biden administration continues to target everyday home appliances for further regulations. The administration, led by Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, proposed new standards for water heaters last week. The standards on residential water heater efficiency, which are required by Congress, have not been updated in 13 years. Officials say the new regulations to impose energy efficiency standards would save consumers $11.4 billion on energy and water bills annually. The regulations - which would take effect in 2029 - would require all new electric water heaters to use heat pumps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Water heaters account of 13 percent of all Americans' annual residential energy use and utility costs. The new pumps are twice as efficient as the older models. However, critics point to the move as the latest in Biden's 'war' on appliances that has seen the administration target machines ranging from air conditioners to gas stoves in homes. The rule would require, in order to become more efficient, the most common-size electric water heaters use heat pump technology, which is twice as efficient President Joe Biden's Department of Energy is pushing his green agenda by proposing new regulations on many household goods 'Today's actionsimprove outdated efficiency standards for common household appliances, which is essential to slashing utility bills for American families and cutting harmful carbon emissions,' Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said The new rules don't go into effect until mid-2029. The last time the rules were updated, they had the backing of the largest manufacturers. Storage tank heaters typically cost between $500 to $800 and are often replaced over the life of the home. The standards are expected to reduce more than 500 million metric tones of carbon dioxide emissions over 30 years. The new regulations might initially make water heaters more expensive, but consumers should recoup costs over time, Johanna Neumann, a senior director at the nonprofit Environment America Research and Policy Center, told the Washington Post. 'Appliance standards are an unsung hero in our work to address climate change and transition to wiser energy use,' Neumann said, 'and this rule is the king of them all.' Officials estimated the new rules would save Americans on average $1,868 over the life of their water heater. The heat pump technology is already common in other countries such as Japan. Officials estimated the new rules would save Americans on average $1,868 over the life of their water heater However, Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, have complained about the proposed regulations on household appliances It would be equivalent to the combined annual emissions of 63 million homes, or approximately 50 percent of homes in the United States, the DOE said. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said the proposal 'builds on the unprecedented actions already taken by this administration to lower energy costs for working families.' A group including water heater maker Rheem, environmental group Natural Resources Defense Council and efficiency and consumer advocacy organizations issued a joint statement welcoming the new standards. Tankless water heater maker Rinnai, however, said the proposed standards for its products were 'technologically impossible' and would reduce consumer choice. Regulations on household appliances have become common for the Biden administration and a target of criticism for Republicans. Former President Donald Trump once complained about efficiency standards for shower heads saying that they interfered with the rinsing of his hair. Trump's Energy Department eased energy standards on such fixtures. The Biden administration later reversed the rule on shower heads in 2021. In May, the Biden administration announced a green crackdown on dishwashers. The rules, which form part of the administration's climate change agenda, would slash water use by more than one-third and cut energy use limits by 27 percent for dishwashers in the U.S. Any changes would only apply to new models on sale once the new rules have officially come into effect, expected to be in 2027. The new rules would force manufacturers to limit dishwashers to using 3.2 gallons of water per cycle, far below the current federal limit of 5 gallons. In May, the Biden administration announced a green crackdown on dishwashers. The new rules would force manufacturers to limit dishwashers to using 3.2 gallons of water per cycle, far below the current federal limit of 5 gallons. The regulations would also require dishwasher manufacturers to reduce their products' energy consumption by nearly 30 percent. Most dishwashers on the market are already well below the federal standard, with most using 3.5 gallons per cycle or less. Jill Notini, a spokeswoman for the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, warned that ordinary Americans will ultimately pick up the tab for the new rules. 'Consumers will pay the real price,' she told DailyMail.com. 'The Department of Energy has proposed very stringent standards for home appliances that will require higher upfront costs to purchase a product.' 'Manufacturers just want to be able to deliver high performing, fully featured products at costs that consumers of all incomes can afford. The DoE is making that very difficult with the standards they are proposing,' Ms Notini added. But administration officials claim that the plans will 'lower costs for American families and businesses while tackling the climate crisis.' Abgail Marone, an aide to Josh Hawley, a Republican senator from Missouri, accused the Biden administration of peddling 'a radical green energy agenda.' 'Leave our dishwashers alone,' she said. Republicans recently reacted with fury after a Biden-appointed safety regulator suggested that authorities could ban gas stoves considered to be major polluters. The move, at the time, considered a ban on the traditional kitchen appliances. The proposal was met with fury and quickly dismissed by the White House. Consumer Product Safety Commission commissioner Richard Trumka Jr. said earlier this year that 'gas stove regulation has reached a boiling point. Trumka claimed the body 'has the responsibility to ban consumer products that emit hazardous substances, particularly, when those emissions harm children.' 'Any option is on the table. Products that can't be made safe can be banned,' he said. He later was forced to clarify he had been speaking about new products, and that a retrospective gas stove ban was not being considered. Gas stove manufacturers argue that they are just as harmful as other means of cooking . A proposal to ban the stove was met with fury from many Americans White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre quickly dismissed the idea the White House wanted to eliminate all gas stoves The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission makes decisions independently from the executive branch. But a leaked memo from October 2022, first obtained by Fox News, showed the top safety watchdog was considering tightening the rules on dangerous emissions. Biden's Department of Energy has already pushed through stricter environmental standards on washing machines and refrigerators that have been described as 'overregulation on steroids.' On his first day in office in January 2021, he signed an executive order telling DoE officials to make 'major revisions' to current appliance regulation standards. A month later, the agency listed more than a dozen energy efficiency rules, impacting appliances like water heaters, cooking products and lamps, that it would review. At the end of last year, the White House released a statement boasting that it had taken action against 110 household appliances to help cut emissions. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been caught out making an embarrassing mistake as he launched his Spelling Bee. Mr Albanese on Sunday posted a video of himself sitting with students from Marrickville Public School, which sits in his inner west Sydney electorate, In the video, he tells the students to spell Marrickville before the group happily obliges. In the accompanying caption, Mr Albanese wrote: 'That one was too easy for this bunch.' 'Katavu, Alena and their friends at Marrickville Public school have been practicing for the Prime Minister's Spelling Bee - which launches today!' One eagled-eyed social media user was quick to note that 'practicing' should have been spelt 'practising' - because the word is being used a verb. A tweet by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promoting a spelling bee contained an embarrassing error 'Oops. That should be 'practising' not 'practicing' for the Prime Minister's Spelling Bee! How embarrassment,' they wrote - deliberately making a spelling error. Coalition Senator Sarah Henderson was also quick to correct Mr Albanese's faux-pas. 'Hey Prime Minister, I hope youre not one of the judges of your spelling bee!' she wrote. 'The correct spelling is "practising".' Commenting on the Prime Minister's mistake, another Twitter user wrote: 'You need some practise of your own'. 'Albo is trying to be impordabt,' another quipped. It is not the first time the Prime Minister has been left red-faced over his spelling. Last year's winners Zachary Cheng, 13, Ozi Egesi, 11, and 10-year-old Joanne Lee challenged Mr Albanese to spell several words at the Parliament House reception that was held last November. Asked by Joanne to spell vespers, a term meaning evening prayer, Mr Albanese confused the word with the Italian motor scooters, 'vespas'. Ozi tried him out on the German-derived word Bewusstseinslag, which means state of consciousness, which Mr Albanese laughing declined to even attempt. Last year's winners Zachary Cheng, 13, Ozi Egesi, 11, and 10-year-old Joanne Lee challenged Mr Albanese to spell several words at the Parliament House reception that was held last November (pictured, Anthony Albanese with his partner Jodie Haydon) Zach challenged the Prime Minister to spell 'magnanimous', which Mr Albanese got wrong within the first four letters. In launching the Prime Minister's Spelling Bee during the week, Mr Albanese said learning the basics was incredibly important as AI became more sophisticated. 'In our ever-evolving digital world, words are key to opening up opportunity,' he said. 'Improving your confidence with words and vocabulary means being able to better express yourself inside and outside of the classroom.' The Prime Minister's Spelling Bee invites individual students or classes to enter for the chance to compete against other children at the same reading level across Australia. Last year it had 61,000 participants take part. A burned out car was found moments after two men and a woman were gunned down in a 'targeted' attack with cops launching a manhunt for those responsible. The trio were sitting in two parked cars before they were shot on Mayvic Street at Greenacre, south-west Sydney, at 2.15am on Sunday. Emergency services were called to the scene where they found a 25-year-old man injured in one car and a 22-year-old man and 19-year-old woman in the other, before all three were rushed to hospital. Five minutes after the shooting, a car fire on Amy Street just two suburbs over in Regents Park was reported to police. A burning car in Regents Park was reported to police just five minutes after the shooting (pictured) Two men and a woman were shot while sitting in their parked cars on Mayvic Street in Greenacre (pictured), in what Police believe was a 'targeted' attack Fire and Rescue NSW crews worked to extinguish the blaze, which engulfed the car and spread to a nearby wooden fence and tree. Police are investigating whether the car fire and shooting are linked, as the search continues to locate the shooter. Footage showed the burned out car completely destroyed by flames with the paint stripped off the vehicle and the frame turned to an ashen grey. It's understood the men shot at the time are in critical condition with one suffering neck injuries and the other sustaining a head injury. The woman suffered a chest injury and is in a stable condition. Superintendent Simon Glasser told reporters on Sunday the shooting is believed to be a 'targeted' attack, with police on the lookout for at least one male shooter. 'It's terrible behaviour,' Superintendent Glasser said. The investigation is in its infancy, but we do believe it is a targeted attack. 'It's a really serious offence. People shooting at people, it could have resulted in a death.' Crime scenes in Greenacre and Regents Park have been established as police investigate whether the burning car and shooting are linked, while a manhunt is underway for at least one shooter 'We treat it at our highest and we will put all of our resources on it,' Superintendent Glasser added. Superintendent Glasser said multiple shots were fired into both vehicles and urged anyone with information to contact police. A police investigation has commenced, with crime scenes established in Greenacre and Regents Park. Detectives are appealing to members of the public who were in the vicinity of either location between 2am and 2.30am and has information relevant to the investigation to contact Auburn Police or Crime Stoppers. on 1800 333 000. Yanfei Bao was last been seen on Wednesday A man has been charged in relation to the alleged kidnapping of a New Zealand real estate agent who is still yet to be found. Yanfei Bao, was last seen 'conducting business' in Wigran, in south-west Christchurch, about 10.30am on Wednesday. The man was arrested at an airport allegedly attempting to board a plane, the New Zealand Herald reported. He has been remanded in custody and is due to face the Christchurch District Court on Monday. Yanfei Bao, was last seen 'conducting business' in Wigran, in south-west Christchurch, about 10.30am on Wednesday As part of the investigation, a silver Mitsubishi Sedan was seized by officers on Saturday evening. 'We're interested in sightings of the vehicle from mid-week up until last night, but with a particular focus on the vehicle's location on Wednesday 19 July in Wigram, Hornby, Tai Tapu, Halswell, Redcliffs, and New Brighton,' Nicola Reeves, Detective Inspector, said. 'The investigation is ongoing, and several people are assisting Police with enquiries.' Ms Reeves revealed that Ms Bao's phone had been found on the side of a motorway, which was of particular concern to police. 'Police searched a number of areas and located Ms Bao's cellphone on the Southern Motorway. But Ms Bao remains missing,' Ms Reeves said. 'We are now interested to hear from any members of the public who might have been travelling on the motorway on Wednesday and noticed anything out of the ordinary. 'Anyone with any piece of information no matter how small is encouraged to contact police immediately.' Ms Bao's phone had been found on the side of a motorway, which was of particular concern to police As part of the investigation, a silver Mitsubishi Sedan was seized by officers on Saturday evening. Ms Bao's sister, Huafei, said the real estate agent had been in contact with a person who attempted to have NZ$600,000 (AU$550,949) transferred from China to purchase a property. 'The thing I hope for most is to find my younger sister, and that she is OK,' she told Stuff. Ms Bao's family released a statement describing her as a 'dedicated real estate consultant' who was 'engaging with the local community through door knocking' at the time of her disappearance. 'My family and I are deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of my beloved wife, Yanfei Bao,' Paul Gooch, Ms Bao's husband, family said in a statement. 'Our 9-year-old daughter and I are desperate for any information that could help Police locate her. ' Their company Platform-14 Medical had been running at a six-figure loss A couple-run company that received 272million in PPE contracts owes 5.5million in unpaid taxes - but insists it will pay. Steve and Kate Dechan were told to pay back the money following claims that many of their masks were unusable. They have been living together in a luxury five-bedroom, 3.5million farmhouse in the Cotswolds, after upgrading from their 350,000 home in Stroud, according to The Sun. Their company, called Platform-14 Medical, was landed with a winding-up order in the High Court for failing to pay National Insurance and corporation tax. In April 2020, one day after winning the PPE deal, the couple set up a separate business called Tracingboard, which they used to purchase their huge estate. A company run by Steve and Kate Dechan (pictured) that received 272million in PPE contracts owes 5.5million in unpaid taxes The pair have been living together in a luxury five-bedroom, 3.5million farmhouse in the Cotswolds (pictured) They were previously living in a 350,000 house in Stroud, Gloucestershire, where Mr Dechan worked as a Tory councillor. Their company had been operating at a six-figure loss, according to The Sun, with only 145 in the bank when they landed the PPE contract. Mr Dechan donated 7,500 to the Tory party six months after receiving the deal. He began paying himself around 500,000 - and his wife 150,000 - before purchasing homes in Exeter and Cornwall. The pair supplied 184million worth of masks and gowns that were unused. Since the PPE contract ended the couple have began closing down P-14 while owing millions of pounds in tax. Their company, called Platform-14 Medical (pictured), was landed with a winding-up order in the High Court for failing to pay National Insurance and corporation tax The High Court winding-up order is set to be heard in front of a judge in August. Tracingboard and Pain Medical, two of the pair's companies, seem to be worth more than 11million on paper. Mr Dechan told The Sun: 'A new tax assessment was submitted to HMCR on June 30 showing a fraction of what was initially put. 'Most of the business has been sold. And we are all confident all or majority of any tax due will be paid.' MailOnline has contacted Platform-14 Medical for comment. Conmen are ripping people off across the UK by putting bogus stickers on car parking payment machines to fool drivers into sending them money. The stickers and posters pose as genuine parking apps but if anyone scans the bar code on their mobile phone or visits the website, they are directed to an app run by fraudsters. People, believing they are making a genuine payment, will send the cash instead to the conmen who will then withdraw small sums of money below 50 so the victim is less likely to notice. Parish councillor Maria Grasso, 67, told The Times that she fell for a scam at Upper Warlingham railway station car park in Surrey. After catching the train, she received a text from a company called Mediacraze.com to say she had signed up for a media streaming service. Parish councillor Maria Grasso, 67, fell for a scam at Upper Warlingham railway station car park in Surrey QR, or 'Quick Response', codes are small, jumbled boxes of black and white squares When she dialled a phone number listed on the website to cancel, it was dead and it was then she realised she had been scammed. She said: 'The criminals are very clever. They only take a small amount of money each month, and if you're not the sort of person who religiously checks their account, this can go unnoticed for a very long time.' QR, or 'Quick Response', codes are small, jumbled boxes of black and white squares, which operate much like a barcode. When used legitimately, they can be very useful. You simply point the camera on your smartphone at a QR code and it directs you to a website automatically without you having to tap the details into your browser. This is when fraudsters stick a fake QR code over a genuine one to snare unsuspecting victims. Some motorists on the Isle of Wight fell prey to this crime last year when a fake QR code was stuck on parking meters in a council car park. It is hard to discern a fake QR code from a real one, which is a key reason why people are especially vulnerable. Action Fraud said drivers should be wary if a QR code takes them to a site that asks for personal information Some motorists on the Isle of Wight fell prey to this crime last year when a fake QR code was stuck on parking meters in a council car park Stephen Burke, product director at the cyber security company Titan HQ, believes a careful look at the placing of the code offers clues as to whether it might be a fraud. He said: 'Always take a close look at any QR code to see if there are signs it has been plastered over a genuine one, perhaps on different paper or is peeling off.' Councils and private firms are getting rid of payment meters from car parks because mobile phone operators are switching off 3G data networks. Many car parks use payments only via an app and several councils such as Brighton & Hove are getting rid of all their machines this year. Action Fraud said drivers should be wary if a QR code takes them to a site that asks for personal information. Look out for signs a code may be fake such as bad graphics or misspellings. Only click on websites that have an 'https' as the beginning of the address as this means it is more likely to be safe from hacking. If in doubt, shut the webpage accessed by the QR code and look up the website directly by typing the correct web address into your browser. Ukraine said on Sunday that two people have died and 22 people were wounded Russia launched 19 missiles overnight, crushing Odesa's historic city centre and grain hub port - leaving one dead and many more injured. Ukraine on Sunday said the death toll from the overnight strikes killed one person and left 22 people wounded, including four children. Meanwhile, Moscow claimed that the strike hit targets that were 'preparing terrorist acts'. It said Moscow launched the weapons from land, air and sea on its Black Sea port at night, in another wave of attacks on the historic city after Russia exited the grain deal. Meanwhile Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks and swore that 'this evil will lose'. The strikes heavily damaged the Transfiguration Cathedral in the UNESCO-protected historic city centre, which dates back to 1809 and is the city's largest Orthodox church building. Russia launched 19 missiles on the Ukrainian city of Odesa overnight, devastating the grain hub port and historic buildings The strikes heavily damaged the Transfiguration Cathedral in the UNESCO-protected historic city centre Slide me Before and after: The interior of the Transfiguration Cathedral in the historic city centre in its ornate glory, and after in the destruction Pictures from the scene showed that the roof had been caved in, while the sections of the interior and pieces of artwork lay amid rubble. Six residential buildings were also destroyed. Russia has been launching persistent attacks on Odesa, a key hub for exporting grain, since Moscow cancelled a landmark grain deal on Monday amid Kyiv's grinding efforts to retake its occupied territories. The Black Sea Grain Initiative had allowed Ukraine to export to some of the poorest countries in the world. Earlier this week Russia targeted parts of Odesa and Chornomorsk, destroying 60,000 tons of grain, according to Ukraine's agricultural ministry. 'In total, the enemy used 19 missiles of various types,' Ukraine's air force said on Telegram, saying nine of the weapons were destroyed. It said these included Oniks cruise missiles, sea-launched Kalibrs and Iskander ballistic missiles. 'A man born in 1974 was killed in the night time shelling,' Igor Klymenko, Ukraine's minister of internal affairs, said on Telegram, bringing the toll to two. 'Twenty-two people were injured. Among them are four children: 11, 12, and two 17-year-olds.' Slide me Before and after: The Transfiguration Cathedral after it was rebuilt in 1999; and having been destroyed on Sunday morning A car amongst the rubble of buildings damaged as a result of a missile strike Pictures of the interior of the cathedral showed damaged architecture and destroyed artworks Two men stand among the rubble of a building - six residential buildings were damaged in the attacks A video showed a fire raging throughout the interior of the cathedral as the historic city centre was attacked Church personnel inspected the damage caused to their place of worship, which is the largest Orthodox church building in Odesa 'The Transfiguration Cathedral, located in the historic centre of Odesa, protected by UNESCO, was destroyed. A war crime that will never be forgotten and forgiven,' Ukraine's foreign ministry said on Twitter. The cathedral was originally destroyed by the Soviets in 1936. It was consecrated once more in 2003 but has now been damaged once more. Zelensky took to Twitter on Sunday morning to express sympathy and horror in response to the recent attacks. The Ukrainian leader said: 'Missiles against peaceful cities, against residential buildings, a cathedral... There can be no excuse for Russian evil. 'As always, this evil will lose. And there will definitely be a retaliation to Russian terrorists for Odesa. They will feel this retaliation.' He continued: 'All those who suffered from this latest terrorist attack are being provided with assistance. I am grateful to everyone who is helping people and to everyone who is with Odesa in their thoughts and emotions. 'We will get through this. We will restore peace. And for this, we must defeat the Russian evil.' Meanwhile, Ole Kiper, governor of the region, wrote on Telegram: 'Odesa: another night attack of the monsters. ' Ukrainian MP Kira Rudik said on Twitter: 'Odesa suffered one more hellish night: russian air attack killed one, injured nearly 20, ruined buildings, architectural monuments. We are reaching the highest level of pain scale.' A local man walks his dog in rubble near a shelling-damaged residential building in Odesa The outside of the cathedral seemed on the verge of splitting in two early on Sunday While some artworks and religious figures were preserved, others were destroyed by the missiles The dome appeared to be still intact but the surrounding roof fell through, leaving only timbers Local residents walks across debris at a site of a residential building damaged during Russian missile strikes on Sunday A destroyed car was left flipped upside-down after the impact Firefighters also attended the cathedral to assess the level of the damage Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky took to Twitter to condemn the attacks, vowing 'this evil will lose' Mr Kiper noted that six residential buildings, including apartment buildings, were destroyed by the strikes. In one such case in central Odesa, some people became trapped in their apartments as a result of the damage caused by the attack, which left rubble strewn in the street and partly blocking the road, and damage to power lines. Svitlana Molcharova, 85, was rescued by emergency service workers. But after she received first medical aid, she refused to leave her destroyed apartment. 'I will stay here,' she said to the emergency service worker who advised her to leave. 'I woke up when the ceiling started to fall on me. I rushed into the corridor,' said Ivan Kovalenko, 19, another resident of the building. He came to Odesa having fled the city of Mykolaiv in search of a safer place to live after his house was destroyed. 'That's how I lost my home in Mykolaiv, and here, I lost my rented apartment.' Zelensky took to Twitter on Sunday morning to express sympathy and horror in response to the recent attacks Ukrainian MP Kira Rudik said on Twitter: 'Odesa suffered one more hellish night' Odesa is a key hub on the Black Sea for the importing of grain to poor countries around the world. Pictured: A pile of maize grains at the Izmail Sea Port, Odesa region, on July 22 In his home, the ceiling partially collapsed, the balcony came off the side of the building, and all the windows were blown out. The Transfiguration Cathedral, one of the most important and largest Orthodox Cathedrals in Odesa, was severely damaged. 'The destruction is enormous, half of the cathedral is now roofless,' said Archdeacon Andrii Palchuk, as cathedral workers brought documents and valuable items out of the severely building, the floor of which was inundated with water used by firefighters to extinguish the fire. Mr Palchuk said the damage was caused by a direct hit from a Russian missile that penetrated the building down to the basement and caused significant damage. Two people who were inside at the time of the strike were wounded. 'But with God's help, we will restore it,' he said, bursting into tears. Odesa's historic centre was designated an endangered World Heritage Site by the United Nations' cultural agency, Unesco, earlier this year, despite Russian opposition. Earlier Russian attacks this week crippled significant parts of export facilities in Odesa and nearby Chornomorsk and destroyed 60,000 tons of grain, according to Ukraine's Agriculture Ministry. Putin vowed to retaliate against Kyiv for an attack Monday on the crucial Kerch Bridge linking Russia with the Crimean Peninsula, which the Kremlin illegally annexed in 2014. The attacks come as Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko is expected to visit Vladimir Putin in Russia today. Tributes have been paid to the 'daughter of Ireland' Sinead O'Connor who touched 'countless souls' and 'moved a generation' with her voice and songs in a moving eulogy at her funeral today. The Irish singer was described as having a 'poet's heart' and a 'remarkable soul' during a private ceremony which was attended by the likes of U2 and Bob Geldof, before her coffin was cheered through the streets of Bray led by a VW campervan playing Bob Marley and her own hits. Among other attendees at the service was Irish president Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, while more than 3,000 people gathered in her home town, with many sobbing as they sang her best known song 'Nothing Compares to U'. The acclaimed singer's family had asked people who wished to say a 'last goodbye' to stand along Bray seafront in Co Wicklow as the cortege passed by this lunchtime, to the sound of Bob Marley and the Wailers' Natural Mystic. At the service one of her brothers spoke about her roots and life, which began in Dublin and saw the mother-of-four become a global star before it ended in London last month at the age of 56 when she was found dead in her penthouse flat in Herne Hill on July 26 - the cause of death has not yet been revealed. At the Muslim ceremony, which was hosted by Imam Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, he paid tribute to the 'beloved' songwriter who was 'gifted with a voice that moved a generation of young people' and 'could reduce listeners to tears by her otherworldly resonance'. He said that O'Connor, who converted to Islam in 2018 and took the name Shuhada' Sadaqat, had 'suffered more than her share of hardship' but had never wavered from her 'unflinching and resolute faith in the Divine'. Many Aussies questioning both Yes and No campaigns There's been a lot of talk about the Indigenous Voice to parliament from politicians as the campaigns for and against the referendum gather momentum. With information about the proposal coming thick and fast, it's only natural a lot of Australian voters have questions. After setting off for an education campaign, Uluru Youth Dialogue co-chair Bridget Cama has given an insight into the three questions that keep popping up. Do First Nations people support the Voice? Like with any issue, not everyone is going to have the same view. However, Ms Cama pointed to YouGov polling of First Nations people conducted in April that indicated strong support. 'There's a misconception in the community that the First Nations community have split on this issue ... we're seeing that at least 83 per cent of First Nations people across the country support the Voice,' the Wiradjuri and Pasifika Fijian woman said. Activists are pictured at Invasion Day protest in Brisbane on January 26, 2022 'It seems that in the media, I think that it's being presented that half of First Nations agree with it and half don't.' Ms Cama said this misconception had fuelled the perception that the Voice did not have the backing of the First Nations community. For many Australians, their first exposure to the concept of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, or the Voice, came during Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's victory speech on election night last May. Ms Cama emphasised that part of the education sessions was to 'make clear the mandate' of the Voice came from the work that preceded Mr Albanese's speech. 'The Voice is actually a call from the people,' she said. 'We want Australians to read the other statement and read the invitation that was issued to them as Australians and make a decision based on what best aligns with them as individuals. 'We don't want this to be a politicised issue,' she said. What's the deal with the pamphlets? This week the Australian Electoral Commission published the official pamphlets of the Yes and No camps online. The 2000-word essays were penned by politicians and will soon be sent out to all Australian households. The AEC said it would publish and distribute the pamphlets even if they were riddled with typos and misinformation. Its role, the commission said, was just to send them out. But Ms Cama said she'd already seen the shockwaves of this through the community. At a recent event she convened in Lithgow in NSW, she said frustration spilt over. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is yet to confirm a date for the referendum 'There was quite a few people that felt very passionately about it and stood up and asked, 'Well, why isn't this process fact-checked?' I had to go back and say to them, 'Well unfortunately, it's just way the Act sets out how a referendum is held, and there's no requirement to be fact-checked',' she said. Ms Cama said the feedback she received was 'quite disappointing' that the AEC would send out something that wasn't necessarily factually correct. 'You know, it is another piece of material that will be out there that Australians will have to read and be critical of and basically sort out what they see as fact and what they don't see as fact,' she said. It will cost $10m to print and sent the pamphlets out to all Australian households. Labor had tried to dump the essays from the referendum process but backflipped in order to pass the legislation through parliament. Given Australia's last referendum was in 1999, Ms Cama also said much of the sessions she had run also involved educating attendees about how the process worked. With many Aussies questioning the Yes and No campaigns for the referendum, Uluru Youth Dialogue co-chair, Bridget Cama (left), has given an insight into the three questions What happens if Australia votes no? Australia has a history of voting no in referendums. The last successful referendum was held over four decades ago. Ms Cama hopes that won't be the case this time. But when asked what would happen if voters were to deny the Voice and constitutional recognition, Ms Cama said best case, the status quo would remain. 'The worst-case scenario is that we actually take a step back as a country,' she said. 'We know from the most recent Closing the Gap Report that only four of the 19 goals are on track, and we've actually gone back in four of them. 'I think that's pretty telling that the way in which our governments attend to First Nations issues at the moment isn't working, so we need to try something different.' But should Australia buck the referendum trend, Ms Cama said focus would be put on the next steps outlined in the Uluru Dialogue: Makarrata that would facilitate treaty and truth telling. The referendum is set to be put to a vote between October and December. Sadiq Khan could be forced to scrap his planned expansion of London's ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) after dealt a fatal blow to Labour in last week's Uxbridge by-election. The Mayor of London is now being told by the party's top brass to think again about the much-hated scheme which has sparked protests from people living in areas where it is set to be introduced. Mr Khan, who previously said the ULEZ was the 'right' way to deal with pollution in the capital, has indicated he could look again at the policy and is in 'constructive listening mode'. It comes after party leader Sir Keir Starmer phoned the mayor and told him to consider changing course after it was beaten by the Tories at the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election by 495 votes. Labour had been in pole position to flip the seat after the resignation of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, but furious voters made their views on the capital's Labour mayor by re-electing a Conservative MP. Protesters demand an end to plans to expand the ULEZ scheme at a demonstration outside BBC Broadcasting House yesterday Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, pictured at a central London cafe on Friday, has said he is in 'constructive listening mode' about the policy A Labour source told the Times the Mayor has promised to review the policy after talks with Sir Keir, adding: 'It's clear Sadiq is going to be reviewing it.' READ MORE HERE: Pressure on London Mayor Sadiq Khan to backtrack after failure to win Boris seat blamed on controversial fines Advertisement It would be a humiliating step-down for Mr Khan, who has been unyielding in his defence of the scheme and previous said clean air was a 'human right, not a privilege'. His flagship policy - which will see the 12.50 daily charge on older, more polluting vehicles extended into outer London - came under fire from his party bosses only hours after the dust settled from the by-election in the north west of the capital. Sir Keir said: 'We are doing something very wrong if policies put forward by the Labour Party end up on each and every Tory leaflet.' And the civil war, brought on by fears in the party that its green policies could cost it at the next election, has exposed rifts over how it deals with its big-spending green policies. Now some of Sir Keir's top advisers, including his director of strategy Deborah Mattison, have claimed their predictions the ULEZ expansion would lose votes have come true. One party insider told the Times: 'At the start of the campaign, there was a lot of talk about it [Ulez] being scrapped. 'Of course, this time last year, Deborah was among those who wanted Labour's logo to be turned green so I can understand why Sadiq is a bit bemused by being told that by her.' Steve Tuckwell gives a speech after being elected as the Conservative MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip on Thursday Anti-ULEZ demonstrators call for an end to the expansion of the scheme at a protest on Saturday But the opposition among Mr Khan's colleagues to the plans has continued to grow. Siobhain McDonagh, MP for Mitcham and Morden, told The Mail on Sunday: 'It cannot be right for the Left-of-centre party to be putting all the responsibility on the shoulders of people who can least afford it.' Oone Shadow Cabinet Minister yesterday warned Mr Khan that, prior to next year's mayoral elections, 'he does not want every London Labour MP and candidate against him'. Another added: 'This policy is deeply unpopular. In Uxbridge, it was an albatross around our necks.' Jubilant Tory MPs credited their wafer-thin 495-vote Uxbridge win to turning the by-election into a referendum on ULEZ. One Tory source said: 'Our campaign was basically, 'Vote for us and Starmer will tell Khan to stop ULEZ'.' Two activists climbed The Kelpies steel equine sculptures at 5am this morning Two climate campaigners have climbed to the top of a 100 feet tourist attraction to tackle the fossil fuel industry in Scotland. Activists from This Is Rigged perilously scaled The Kelpies steel equine sculptures between Falkirk and Grangemouth at 5am this morning. They said they would 'not be lured underwater' by the fossil fuel industry, in reference to Scottish folklore where kelpies were shape-shifting creatures that charmed young children before drowning them. The protesters are still on the landmark - designed by Andy Scott and constructed in 2013 - and have unfurled a banner reading This Is Rigged. Today's action comes after protesters from the group staged blockades at oil terminals in Grangemouth and Clydebank this week, which stopped oil tanker deliveries across the country. Two climate campaigners have climbed to the top of The Kelpies tourist attraction to tackle the fossil fuel industry in Scotland The activists from This Is Rigged perilously scaled the 100 feet steel equine sculptures between Falkirk and Grangemouth at 5am this morning One of the climbers said: 'In Scottish folklore, kelpies are water spirits which lure people to a watery grave. As the Scottish government continues to allow oil and gas licences to go ahead in Scotland, they're leading us to the same fate. 'The land on which The Kelpies were built will be submerged underwater by 2050. Isn't this a bit ironic?' Another protester said: 'The Kelpies is a monument to the horses and the people who've worked to develop our industry and agriculture to where it is today, yet the Scottish government is now leaving our oil workers without support for a fair transition to renewables. 'This means unemployment, insecurity and exploitation for workers as well as fossil-fuelled climate collapse. This Is Rigged have vowed to shut down the Scottish fossil fuel industry entirely. Pictured: A This Is Rigged protester The protesters are still on the massive landmark - designed by Andy Scott and constructed in 2013 - and have unfurled a banner reading This Is Rigged (File image) Activists blockaded the entrance to the Ineos refinery in Grangemouth (pictured), Fife, and the Nustar Clydebank oil terminal in West Dunbartonshire earlier this week 'Horses powered our past and renewables power our future. Continuing fossil fuel extraction will power nothing but our death.' This Is Rigged have vowed to shut down the Scottish fossil fuel industry entirely. This week, police have arrested more than 30 campaigners for alleged breach of the peace and public order offences. Dramatic footage shows the terrifying moment hundreds of tourists who fled from burning villages in Rhodes were loaded onto boats in a bid for safety. The video shows young children and their families huddled in complete darkness by the water as wildfires spread behind them on the Greek island. It comes as the Rhodes nightmare has become the largest fire evacuation in Greek history , according to authorities - with 19,000 fleeing from villages and hotels. Desperate cries and shouts can be heard in the video as crowds of tourists hope to be next to board the boats by the Red Cross. Dan Jones and his family of three young children had to enter the sea and climb into a fishing trawler to escape the blaze, according to The Sun. Dramatic footage shows the terrifying moment hundreds of tourists who fled from burning villages in Rhodes were loaded onto boats in a bid for safety Young children and their families can be seen huddled in complete darkness by the water as wildfires spread behind them on the Greek island The father, a PE teacher, described it as 'the scariest moment in my entire life'. 'I don't know how they'll process this when the dust settles, but what brave boys,' he added. A number of private boats and coastguard vessels took part in a rescue of more than 2,000 people from beaches yesterday. British Embassy officials in Athens called for all Brits to evacuate to escape the aggressive flames. The wildfires have been burning for almost a week in Rhodes after Greece became battered by an extended heatwave which has only worsened the ongoing blaze. Desperate cries and shouts can be heard in the video as crowds of tourists hope to be next to board the boats by the Red Cross The Rhodes nightmare has become the largest fire evacuation in Greek history , according to authorities - with 19,000 fleeing from villages and hotels Warnings from Greece's fire service say the dire situation could become even worse today. Meanwhile holiday firms TUI and Jet2 have cancelled all flights to Rhodes as the popular holiday destination has become a danger zone. Jet2 said it will fly aircraft which are scheduled to go out without any passengers on board in order to bring people home, as Brits rush to the island's airport to escape the devastating fires. The package holiday provider said it will not be running any flights until at least Wednesday, while TUI has said it is also cancelling all booked holidays for the next several days. Nigel Farage has revealed the moment he received a letter from Coutts telling him he was being cut off from the bank. The outspoken Brexiteer says he was given the letter by the prestigious bank after his new account manager told him they were closing his accounts in their very first conversation with each other. In the communication, which came through the post, the former UKIP leader claims he was told 'Your accounts are to close, please be gone by X date' and given no explanation as to why. The GB News presenter says he was then told by a top executive at the bank, which is owned by NatWest, he should join digital-only app Revolut instead, according to the Sunday Times. It comes as it has been revealed the treasury has called bosses at the big banks in for a meeting where they will have to explain what they are doing to make sure customers aren't being targeted over their politics. Nigel Farage, pictured here on Good Morning Britain in March, has revealed the moment he received a letter telling him his account with Coutts was being closed Documents from the bank reveal employees called Mr Farage a 'disingenuous grifter' when discussing whether to close his account Treasury secretary Andrew Griffith is believed to have warned banks that laws about lending or having dealings with politically exposed persons (PEPs) don't allow them to close people's accounts for their views alone. Speaking out about the ordeal to the publication, the former city banker said his relationship with Coutts had changed after the man who managed his accounts, Mark Pierce, left for a rival bank. READ MORE HERE: Ministers back Farage after full Coutts dossier is revealed Advertisement Mr Farage said his replacement, Min Fung, spoke to him only once - to tell him they were closing his accounts. 'A few months into the so-called relationship, he rang me to say, "We're closing your accounts",' he told The Sunday Times. 'I said, "This is clearly because I'm a politically exposed person". He said everything would be explained in a letter. The letter comes and it explains nothing it just says, "Your accounts are to close, please be gone by X date".' When he contacted Coutts' CEO Peter Flavel to complain, he instead received a 'condescending' response from the bank's head of client coverage, Camilla Stowell, who suggested he join Revolut instead. Documents from within the bank later revealed employees called him a 'disingenuous grifter' and that his views are 'at odds with our position as an inclusive organisation' when deciding whether to close his account. Mr Farage also revealed he had also submitted a subject access request to find out what the head of NatWest, Dame Alison Rose, has said about him, adding: 'In 30 days' time we'll know the absolute truth'. It comes after the NatWest chief executive apologised to Mr Farage for the 'deeply inappropriate comments' made about him by employees at the bank, and saying NatWest would offer him an account. Coutts has come under pressure after closing Mr Farage's account. Pictured: Coutts private bank in London Mr Farage has taken on the banking system in recent weeks and has demanded an apology from the BBC over its reporting of the situation, The Telegraph reports. The 59-year-old was infuriated after sources within the bank briefed BBC journalist Simon Jack that he had been dropped because his wealth fell below the limits put in place by Coutts - namely 1million in investments or 3million in savings. This reporting was later contradicted when Mr Farage published documents from the subject access request he had made about himself to find the true reasons for the closure of his account. It was later revealed that Jack had sat next to Dame Alison at a charity dinner the night before the story was published online. In a letter to the corporation Mr Farage questioned: 'How did any of this saga meet the BBCs supposedly high editorial standards?' A BBC spokesman told the Telegraph: 'We confirm that we have received the letter, and we shall respond in due course. In the meantime, we have updated our corrections and clarifications website to reflect reporting on this story.' A woman who was moved to help the war cause in Ukraine has become an 'emotional support stripper' for soldiers engaged in the ongoing conflict against Vladimir Putin's forces. Fan-Pei Koung, of Houston, Texas posts revealing images of herself in war-torn Ukraine regularly to her Instagram account, and has also established an OnlyFans account that is free to Ukrainian soldiers and others volunteering in the war effort. The 33-year-old describes herself as a 'globe-trotting girlfriend, now volunteering in Kharkiv.' In a Daily Beast profile, she also made reference to herself as a 'sex tourist.' Her so-called volunteering has led to a number of intimate relationships, largely with Ukrainian soldiers. She says she makes content that includes 'everything from free emotional breastfeeding to soldiers and volunteers,' to collecting donations to distribute. 'I'm the sexy girl in Ukraine who wants to volunteer and will probably put out,' she told the outlet. Thirty-three year old content creator Fan-Pei Koung of Houston, Texas has been in Ukraine for the last six months offering her intimate services to frontline soldiers Koung says she came to find the company of Ukrainian men much more rewarding than that of Americans and has engaged in a series of intimate relationships Koung abandoned her life in America to move to Europe in 2022. In the states, she said she had walked down a number of different paths in life, including winning a NASA Space Health Challenge, competing in the Miss Taiwanese American pageant in 2015, and working in children's events in Oakland for the last five years. In November of 2022, against the advice of her friends, she traveled to Ukraine to volunteer in women's shelters and orphanages in Lviv. After a while with the orphans, Koung felt ready to up the ante. 'It didnt feel like anything unique to what I had back in the States. I wanted more. I wanted to be with the military,' she said. On Instagram, Koung has amassed a following of about 50,000 people. She said that since she began posting about the war, that number has dipped a bit. 'Ive lost about 5,000 followers since this whole Ukraine thing. Because I went from being a sexy influencer to a sexy influencer who wont stop talking about Ukraine,' she said. In February of 2023, about one year into the conflict, Koung moved to Ukraine full-time, where she lived and volunteered in the capital city of Kyiv. She eventually found herself enjoying the company of Ukrainians in a way she had never enjoyed the company of Americans. Speaking about romantic endeavors, she said: 'My standards are too high because I only want men who can care for themselves and think about people other than themselves. None of them [Americans] met my standards. And then I came to Ukraine, and everybody here thinks about people other than themselves.' 'Ukrainian men, they treat me like an infant. They need to know what I want even before I know what I want. Ive never been treated like that in my life,' she said. 'Ukrainian men, they treat me like an infant. They need to know what I want even before I know what I want. Ive never been treated like that in my life,' she said Where she finds mutual attraction, Koung begins romantic relationships with some of the men she meets. At the moment, she is dating a Ukrainian drone operator, a power plant worker, and two information technology officers She has described her role as providing 'everything from free emotional breastfeeding to soldiers and volunteers' to dolling out donations Her first relationship in Ukraine was with her then-personal trainer, who she said carried her 50-pouund suitcase up 13 flights of stairs during a blackout. Since then, her work has expanded to the hotly contested Donbas region, where people who remain in destroyed cities are in need of water and supplies. She works, she says, as a sort of 'emotional support person for English-speaking soldiers.' 'People dont talk about the sexual needs of the people of country at war,' she said. Where she finds mutual attraction, Koung begins romantic relationships with some of the men she meets. At the moment, she told the Beast she is dating a Ukrainian drone operator, a power plant worker, and two information technology officers. She has also occasionally provided her services to foreign soldiers who are fighting in Ukraine. She recounted her time with a British soldier who had gout in Syria before moving to Ukraine. 'Im there talking with him for six hours about how hes coping, his relationship issues. I feel so safe with this guy. At some point, I was holding him and stroking his hair, and he said, I feel precious like a kitten. I havent been touched in two years,' she said. Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine has stretched to the 18-month mark, with no obvious end in site Though her social media is primarily comprised of sexually provocative images, she is committed to continuing to speak out about what she sees in Ukraine as the conflict with Russia rages on Despite Koung's belief that she is supporting the war effort and boosting morale with her activities, she says not everyone has welcomed her with open arms. Some Western volunteers reportedly savaged the influencer in a group chat that she found out about. 'These guys just tore me for three days straight!' she said. 'I think theres a couple hundred people in this group, and they said, You want to make porn off of mass graves?'' Ron DeSantis is now polling third in South Carolina as the Florida Governor continues to slip following reports of a shakeup within his campaign. A new Fox poll of early primary contest states shows that DeSantis is now behind both former President Donald Trump and his once-Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley in South Carolina. Haley was able to gain ground in the Palmetto State because she was also the first female governor there, serving from 2011-2017. At the time, she was also the youngest governor in the country and the second governor ever of Indian descent. While DeSantis is still polling second in the first-in-the-nation caucus state of Iowa, the gap with Trump continues to grow. A Fox Business survey of Iowa Republicans shows that 46 percent of likely caucus-goers back Trump giving him a 30-point lead over DeSantis' 16 percent. In third place is South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott with 11 percent. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (left) fell to third place in South Carolina polling coming behind both frontrunner Donald Trump and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (right) In the early contest states, Trump remains in a commanding first place but his once Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has now bumped into second place in her home state of South cArolina No other of the 15 candidates in the GOP primary so far were able to gain double-digit support in the Hawkeye State. Six percent say they would caucus for biotech millionaire Vivek Ramaswamy, 5 percent for Haley and 4 percent for former Vice President Mike Pence. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum both came in at 3 percent in Iowa and the rest of the crowded field received 1 percent or less. Trump's lead is even larger in South Carolina, according to the survey conducted July 15-19 of 808 likely primary voters in the state. With a 34-point lead against the rest of the field, Trump came in with a whopping 48 percent support from voters in the southern state. Haley came in second with a distant 14 percent, leaving DeSantis in third place by 1 percentage point difference. Tim Scott, who also is beloved by his home state voting bloc, came in fourth with 10 percent. No one else broke the double-digit mark. There are nearly seven months to the day until the South Carolina primary election, which is one of the early contest states that helps determine momentum of the election cycle. Former President Donald Trump is still far the frontrunner in the 2024 presidential primary in both national and state-wide polling Trump is still dominating the primary election polls and has even been able to widen his lead among DeSantis and the rest of those running for the nomination in 2024. Earlier this year, DeSantis was polling more around 20 points behind Trump, but now the Florida governor has seen that gap widen to around 30 percent on average. DeSantis, however, says he isn't concerned with polling and doesn't made moves based on what polls indicate. Meanwhile, multiple reports indicate there is a shakeup coming in DeSantis' presidential campaign. A New York Times article on Sunday claims advisers are promising a reorientation toward an 'insurgent' run, and want to rebrand DeSantis as running a ;earner-meaner' operation. A Mississippi state senator has defended himself after being labeled a 'groomer' for wearing a pink onesie to a 2020 cancer fundraiser. Sen. Jeremy England - a married man with two kids - has since responded to the criticism, revealing the costume to be a purposely 'embarrassing' one intended not only for Halloween, but to raise money for breast cancer research. Part of the appropriately named Real Men Wear Pink breast cancer awareness program, the event, England said, was held to help raise money 'for a worthy cause'. Slammed for wearing a tutu and matching pink leotard in the circulating snaps, the Republican added he participated in the program to appease his grandmother, who is a breast cancer survivor. The explanation came after an onslaught of conservatives flocked to social media to falsely accuse the 40-year-old of promoting pedophilia with his outfit - amid an increasingly divisive GOP primary in which England supports the incumbent. Senator Jeremy England, 40, is being labeled a 'groomer' after a resurfaced photo showed him wearing a pink onesie to a 2020 breast cancer fundraiser A married man with two kids, the Republican lawmaker has since rebuffed those criticism, which came from fellow Republicans during a particularly divisive GOP election, and suggested he was promoting pedophilia with the all-pink costume It began on Tuesday when a person backing one of the incumbent Lt. Gov's opponents posted the since-deleted image of the tutu-clad England - along with the above pointed caption. The latest victim of the term, 'groomer' has become a smear that claims anyone ignoring gender norms around children are encouraging pedophilia. England this week rebuffed those claims In statements to the press and social media, he rebuffed the 'groomer' claims - saying he would 'don that costume again in a heartbeat to raise money for breast cancer awareness.' He also claimed the reaction only began after an advertisement aired on local television Tuesday in which he expressed his support for Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann's re-election. Soon after it aired, he received a text message from Sen. Melanie Sojourner, who is supporting Sen. Chris McDaniel - both Republicans - in the lieutenant governor primary this August. Shortly thereafter, a person backing one of Hosemann's opponents posted the since-deleted image of the tutu-clad England on Twitter - along with the pointed caption: 'Hosemann and his groomer weirdos.' The term - a buzzword that in recent months has been hurled by a plethora of left-leaning figures - has become a smear that claims anyone ignoring gender norms especially around children, are encouraging pedophilia. That said, people in positions of power are also common casualties of the descriptor, with England - seen is wearing the skintight pink bodysuit in the resurfaced shots - being the latest to be lambasted. On Wednesday, following the post's spike in popularity, England took to Facebook to explain where the nearly three-year-old image came from - and why he believed it to be resurfacing now. 'The picture is one of me in my pink costume,' the lawmaker - who was elected to represent the state's District 51 in 2020 - wrote. 'This picture has been shared on Twitter by another McDaniel supporter that calls me a Groomer.' 'So now I find myself being personally attacked.' He continued: 'But as Ive said before, this is the MO of the McDaniel camp. 'Well, I hope they packed a lunch and invited everyone along, because I fight back.' In a later interview with The Associated Press, he added: 'I consider that to be some of the worst, dirty form of politics - which is, of course, where we are now in this race.' Before the backlash, England said he received a text message from state Sen. Melanie Sojourner - who is publicly supporting a different Republican for the primary. It contained no words - just the photo of him wearing the tutu - and, according to England, 'was a threat' He also claimed the reaction only began after an advertisement aired on local television Tuesday in which he expressed his support for Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann's re-election. The incumbent in the hotly contested primary, Hosemann is pictured here England said the person who tweeted the 'groomer' criticism backs, State Sen. Chris McDaniel (seen here), a Republican who has run two unsuccessful U.S. Senate races in the past decade England - with a 'HaHa' on the picture and wrote he had worn the costume in his neighborhood to raise money for breast cancer research - posted about the episode on Facebook, and he revived his fundraising effort for the American Cancer Society. By Saturday he had raised about $5,600 Hosemann faces two challengers in the August 8 primary: State Sen. Chris McDaniel who has run two unsuccessful U.S. Senate races in the past decade - and Tiffany Longino, an educator who is spending little in her first run for public office. If nobody wins a majority on August 8, the race goes to an August 29 runoff. In a new Hosemann TV ad, England explained how he supported McDaniel in 2014, but now is backing Hosemann. England said that soon after the ad started airing, he received a text message from state Sen. Melanie Sojourner, who is publicly supporting McDaniel. England said the message had no words - just the photo of England wearing the tutu. 'It was obvious that she was sending that to me as a threat,' England wrote on Facebook. England responded to Sojourner with a 'HaHa' on the picture and wrote he had worn the costume in his neighborhood to raise money for breast cancer research as part of the American Cancer Society's 'Real Men Wear Pink' effort. The next day, another McDaniel supporter posted a similar photo of England on Twitter with the 'groomer weirdos' reference. The tweet has been deleted, but England saved a screenshot of it. England posted about the episode on Facebook, and he revived his fundraising effort for the American Cancer Society. By Saturday he had raised about $5,600. In response to questions from the AP, Sojourner said the tone of the text exchange between her and England 'is absent of any intention to threaten and/or bully Sen. England.' She said he laughed and liked her messages. 'As the jokester of the Senate chamber, Sen. England's newfound decorum is both ironic and bizarre,' Sojourner said. 'Sen. England is crying foul purely to score political points for his enabler in chief, Delbert Hosemann.' Sojourner said she does not know whether the person who called England a 'groomer' is associated with the McDaniel campaign. 'Groomer' is commonly used to describe how sex offenders initiate contact with their victims. The word has become ubiquitous in American politics as certain conservatives try to equate certain educational materials with pornography or pedophilia. McDaniel said in a statement to the AP: 'To be clear: I do not condone any vitriol aimed at Sen. England, nor any of the toxicity our modern political environment breeds. Volunteers are what campaigns are won and lost on, but its impossible for any campaign or candidate to police every volunteer on social media.' He added said he had nothing to do with the incident. McDaniel refused to concede his loss in the GOP primary runoff after the Cochran campaign courted black voters who usually cast ballots in Democratic primaries. The lieutenant governorship is one of the most powerful positions in Mississippi government. The person presides over the 52-member state Senate, appoints Senate committee leaders and has great leeway to decide which legislation lives or dies. In the Nov. 7 general election, the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor will face Democrat D. Ryan Grover. Three young victims of a suspected gangland shooting have been identified with detectives now working on the assumption that only one was the intended target. Ahmad Al-Azzam, 25, was shot multiple times including in the head while sitting in his silver Toyota on Mayvic Street in Greenacre, south-west Sydney, at 2.15am on Sunday and is now fighting for life. Kaashif Richards, 22, and Achiraya Jantharat, 19, who were in a separate car 50 metres away, were also hit and rushed to hospital. Mr Richards was struck in the neck and remains in a critical condition while Ms Jantharat was shot in her back and is in a stable condition. Because of the high number of bullets focused on Mr Al-Azzam's car, investigators suspect Mr Al-Azzam was the hitman's target, Daily Telegraph reported. But the motive remains a mystery as none of the three victims had criminal records or any known links to organised crime gangs. Ahmad Al-Azzam, 25, was shot multiple times including in the head while sitting in his silver Toyota on Mayvic Street in Greenacre, south-west Sydney, at 2.15am on Sunday and is now fighting for life Because of the high number of bullets focused on Mr Al-Azzam's car, investigators suspect Mr Al-Azzam was the hitman's target 'A further shot was fired through a second vehicle which has travelled through the body of the male driver into the (female) victim,' State Crime Command,' Stuart Smith, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner said. 'That is what we know. We are not going to speculate on anything else, but we are throwing everything at it, the same way we always do.' Police officers who arrived on the bloody scene and performed CPR are credited with saving the victims lives. Just five minutes after the brazen industrial estate shooting, a BMW believed to be the getaway car was set on fire two suburbs away in Regents Park. Footage showed the burned out car completely destroyed by flames with the paint stripped off the vehicle and the frame turned to an ashen grey. About 20 investigators under the newly formed Strike Force Aplina are working to find the perpetrators. But Opposition police spokesman Paul Toole slammed Police Minister Yasmin Catley for keeping the public in the dark about the current gang war plaguing Sydney's streets. In the past three years 18 people have been shot dead in the Harbour City with several more including the latest three victims narrowly surviving. Kaashif Richards, 22, and Achiraya Jantharat, 19, who were in a separate car 50 metres away, were also hit bullets and rushed to hospital 'The minister needs to come out and tell us what actions she's taking to proactively support our police in giving them the resources they need right now, to be able to deal with the spate of shootings that we're seeing across Sydney right now,' he said. 'Not (all) shootings are taking place after dark, these are shootings that are taking place in the middle of the day in public spaces and the community deserves to feel safe. 'The Minister has a responsibility here to back up the police and tell us what is happening.' Detectives are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. A police investigation into the finances of the Scottish National Party (SNP) could see Nicola Sturgeon and her husband charged, according to leading SNP figures. It was confirmed last week by Scotland's outgoing chief constable, Sir Ian Livingston, that Operation Branchform had expanded beyond the initial allegations that capital raised for future referendum campaigns had been fraudulently spent elsewhere. The operation now is looking into the misuse of funds and allegations of embezzlement, with senior SNP figures confiding the former First Minister, as well as her husband, Peter Murrell and Colin Beattie, the party's former treasurer, could be charged, the Times reports. All three deny wrongdoing. It comes at a time when the SNP is heavily divided, with the independent MP for Na H-Eileanan An Iar Angus MacNeil recently complaining that the party is 'clueless' about independence. Party figures were recently irritated after Nicola Sturgeon (pictured) was seen with SNP supporter Val McDermid at the Harrowgate Crime Writing Festival Former chief executive of the SNP, Peter Murrell, was arrested earlier this month by police investigating the SNPs finances, and questioned for more than 11 hours before being released pending further investigation Mr Ewing went onto say that if the party fails to deliver on the pledge, that the SNP didn't deserve 'to continue to be in government'. Another SNP MSP described the situation as 'open season' with 'no one' having the 'authority to get a grip of it and sort it'. Senior party figures have told the Times that they expect charges be brought against Ms Sturgeon herself, her husband Peter Murrell, the party's former chief executive, or Colin Beattie, the former treasurer. All three deny any wrongdoing. One SNP MSP accused the process of taking too long, asking for the police to 'put up or shut up', describing the situation as a 'mess'. Party figures were recently irritated after Ms Sturgeon was seen with SNP supporter Val McDermid at the Harrowgate Crime Writing Festival, with one MSP saying that every time the former first minister is seen in public, it 'reminds everyone of the bloody story'. Senior party figures have told the Times that they expect charges be brought against Ms Sturgeon herself, her husband Peter Murrell (left), the party's former chief executive, or Colin Beattie, the former treasurer The woes for the SNP comes just days after the Labour Party's internal dispute over public spending. Sir Keir Starmer has made assurances that his party will strive to keep the current two-child benefit cap, which potentially could give the SNP the upper hand. However, a number of SNP optimists are still doubtful over the party's chances of avoiding a number of critical defeats at the next general election. SNP MSP Fergus Ewing has also suggested that first minister Humza Yousaf should 'consider his position' if the government cannot outlay a clear timetable for upgrading the A9 between Perth and Inverness to dual carriageway status. Nancy Pelosi said that the House had 'no choice' but to impeach Donald Trump when he was in office and claimed current Speaker Kevin McCarthy is acting out of cowardice of the former president. The former House Speaker said that Republicans who are still in Trump's pocket are 'pathetic.' Trump revealed last week that he received a letter from Justice Department Special Counsel Jack Smith informing the former president that he is a target of the investigation into the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Meanwhile, reports emerged that McCarthy promised Trump he would have the House vote to expunge his two impeachments before the August recess. He denies these claims. Following the Capitol attack by Trump supporters attempting to stop certification of the 2020 election results, the then-Democrat controlled House moved to impeach him for the second time. Nancy Pelosi said Sunday that Speaker Kevin McCarthy is 'scared' of Donald Trump and said he is 'playing politics' regarding reports of considering expunging the ex-President's two impeachments Speaker Kevin McCarthy denied reports that he promised Trump impeachment expungement instead of endorsing him in the 2024 election Ten Republicans voted with Democrats for impeachment the second time around. The charges were stopped from being pursued, however, in the closely-split Senate. 'Well, the president was impeached because we had no choice,' Pelosi explained on CNN's State of the Union program on Sunday morning. 'He had undermined our national security, jeopardized our well-being of our country. I was very careful about bringing any impeachment forward.' 'But when the president made that phone call in terms of Ukraine, there was no choice. We had no choice,' the California Democrat insisted. 'He must be impeached.' 'Kevin is, you know, playing politics,' she added of her successor in the House. 'It's not even clear if he constitutionally can expunge those things. If he wants to put his members on the spot, his members in difficult races on the spot, that's a decision he has to make. But this is not responsible.' Politico reported Thursday that the ex-president is irate over the Speaker claiming last month he might not be the best GOP candidate for 2024. 'He needs to endorse me today!' Trump reportedly fumed while en route to a campaign event in New Hampshire. McCarthy doesn't want to endorse anyone yet for fears it could hurt moderate members of his party that want to move on from Trump. Trump reportedly pushed McCarthy to endorsed him, but agreed impeachment expungement was a good alternative 'I support expungement, but there's no deal out there,' the California Republican told NBC Asked about even the prospects of promising Trump impeachment expungement, Pelosi said: 'This is not about the flag still being there. This is about being afraid.' 'As I have said before, Donald Trump is the puppeteer,' she added in her interview with Dana Bash. 'And what does he do all the time but shine the light on the strings.' 'These people look pathetic.' A source close to Trump who was familiar with the conversation between the Speaker and ex-president said that McCarthy promised he would expunge his impeachment record instead of endorse him. Trump was first impeached in September 2019 over a call he made to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pressuring him to announce investigations into Hunter and now President Joe Biden, holding up $400 million in Congressionally approved military aid. Trump's second impeachment came after he left office in February 2021. While the House voted that Trump incited an insurrection, the Senate - which requires a two-thirds vote - voted to acquit him in both the first and second impeachment. When asked if she believes Trump committed a crime on January 6, Pelosu said: 'The president is not above the law.' 'We saw what happened. It was very clear. It's heartbreaking,' she added. 'We always have to make sure that it's about the rule of law and about freedom of speech and all of that. And he has -- I mean, the courts will act. He has -- innocent until proven guilty.' A vote to absolve Trump of misdeeds related to January 6, puts moderate Republicans back on the record - something Democrats can use against those members in the next election. But McCarthy also owes the salvation of his leadership bid in the House to a number of Trump-aligned members, like Rep. Jim Jordan and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene - who got the ex-president on the phone to pressure 'Never Kevin' lawmakers. McCarthy handled being stuck between a rock and a hard place Thursday by denying that the promise was made. First a McCarthy aide told Politico that the deal hadn't been struck, followed-up by McCarthy saying the same to NBC. 'I support expungement, but there's no deal out there,' the California Republican said. Teachers wanted to show her a video of a boy getting an erection and ejaculating A school has said it will 'review' material used in its sex education classes after a Christian father removed his daughter in protest at the classes. Michael Doherty, from Suffolk, spent weeks fighting with teachers at Thurston Primary School to allow him to see what was intended to be taught to his nine-year-old daughter. The 50-year-old was horrified to learn his daughter Sophia, who is in Year 4, was set to be shown a BBC Bitesize video of a boy having a wet dream, getting an erection and ejaculating. The former aircraft engineer then tried to pull her out of lessons, but was told by the school he was not allowed to do so, and was only given permission following an intervention by the local authority. Now, the school has revealed it is reviewing its materials for the Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) course. Michael Doherty, pictured here with his children including Sophia (centre bottom), was horrified upon finding his daughter was to be shown a video of a boy having a wet dream as part of sex education at school The 50-year-old pull his daughter (pictured) out of school in protest at the curriculum Mr Doherty (pictured here outside Thurston Primary School) says he spent weeks wrangling with bosses at the school to release the information It comes after MailOnline revealed a wealth of questionable and sometimes graphic teaching material made for controversial RSE classes, after they became compulsory three years ago. Secretive lesson plans showed schoolchildren are being taught about anal sex and orgasms before they have reached puberty. READ MORE HERE: Christian father removes his nine-year-old daughter from school after being horrified by what she was being taught in compulsory sex education lessons Advertisement When Mr Doherty asked to remove his daughter from the class on religious grounds, he was told he did not have the right to withdraw her 'because it is important that all children receive this content, covering topics such as friendships and how to stay safe'. The school told him they had consulted parents. Yet documents seen by MailOnline reveal the primary school used the Covid pandemic as a reason they could not share specific teacher material with parents. A letter sent to Mr Doherty by the headteacher also claimed the school followed the national curriculum for PSHE relationships - however no such national curriculum exists. Mr Doherty told MailOnline: 'It's cutting parents out of the loop. You should be consulting with parents. They just refused to do it. 'I feel as a parent they were quite hostile to me. You're treated like some sort of prude. But I think you need to speak up.' He objected to his daughter being shown a BBC Bitesize video showing a boy having a wet dream, getting an erection and ejaculating. After Mr Doherty complained to the BBC, the video was removed from their website. His daughter's RSE teacher denied the video was sexual in nature and told him his daughter's year group was not taught sex education. The father-of-three received an email (pictured) from the school stating that Sophie was to be taught Relationships and Sex Education Mr Doherty says when he tried to remove his daughter from the class this would not be possible He was then sent an email which said it was school policy that Sophia would have to undertake the classes Mr Doherty said: 'It's really, really weird what's going on in schools. Why is my daughter being shown a video of wet dreams? The teacher's reason was so that when she's an adult she doesn't go ''eurgh'' when she hears about wet dreams. 'It's all very bizarre. It's oversexualisation of children.' He said the headmaster, the CEO and the class's teacher all agreed the video was 'suitable' for a nine-year-old to see. Mr Doherty said the teachers told him that external charity the PSHE Association had provided them with teaching resources for the class. He said: 'Children are coming out of schools illiterate and they are doing this stuff. As a parent it just feels wrong. The video is really strange and disgusting. It's a really creepy and vile video. 'I don't want my child seeing a vile, disgusting video that [is] being pushed into primary schools. 'I have been vindicated because the BBC took the video off their site.' The school's own policy (pictured) states that parents can remove their children from sex education classes, but the teachers said the classes instead fell under Relationship and Health Education In documents seen by MailOnline the school appears to use Covid as an excuse not to share the curriculum with parents The contents of the lessons are provided by an external organisation called the PSHE Association (pictured) In a letter to Mr Doherty from the headteacher, it was claimed the primary school follows national curriculum for PHSE, but no such curriculum exists Mr Doherty also said the school lied to him about when the classes were starting. After confronting the headmaster, the academy CEO and the RSE teacher, he tried to remove his daughter from the school. Although he said the school initially refused to allow him to take her out, intervention from the local authority let him do so. Sophia is now spending the rest of the school year with family in Poland before Mr Doherty and his wife plan to find another primary school in September. If they can't find one, they are prepared to homeschool her. Since September 2020, Relationships Education has been compulsory in primary schools and RSE mandatory in secondary schools. The change left many teaching staff seeking guidance. The void was filled by charities some harbouring unconventional views on biological sex and sharing material on their websites that references underage sex. Mr Doherty said the teaching of PSHE and RSE was 'like a sausage factory' because schools simply pay third parties such as the PSHE Association, which lobbied to make the subject compulsory, to access their content which is then taught to children. He added: 'School should be a safe place for education. 'Sadly we cannot trust the judgement of some school leaders. 'As for other parents, most are sadly ignorant of what is being shown to children in the school setting. 'Maybe if they were aware [of] the potential damage to their children, they would take the same steps as I did.' On Thursday, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan announced the government was pushing back the release of its guidance for schools and colleges when a child is questioning their gender. She said: 'It is a difficult and sensitive area and more information is needed about the long-term implications of a child to act as though they are the opposite sex. The father-of-three (pictured here with Sophia and her two brothers) says if people parents were aware of what schools were teaching their children they would take the same steps as him Mr Doherty says he is prepared to homeschool Sophia (pictured) if he and his wife can't find another school for her in September 'We also need to take care to understand how such actions affect other children in the school or college. These decisions must not be taken lightly or in haste. 'It is vital that the guidance we publish gives clarity for schools and colleges and reassurance for parents. 'So, we have made the decision to allow more time to speak to teachers, parents, lawyers and other stakeholders in order to ensure this guidance meets the high expectations that these groups rightly have for it. 'In the meantime, schools and colleges should proceed with extreme caution. 'They should always involve parents in decisions relating to their child, and should not agree to any changes that they are not absolutely confident are in the best interests of that child and their peers. 'They should prioritise safeguarding by meeting their existing legal duties to protect single sex spaces and maintain safety and fairness in single sex sport.' A Department for Education spokesperson said: 'The safety and wellbeing of children and young people is our top priority. 'Following reports of inappropriate materials being used to teach relationships and sex education, the government has already brought forward an urgent review of the curriculum and is looking at introducing age ratings to make sure teaching materials are appropriate. 'The Education Secretary has also written to schools to reiterate that parents have a right to view teaching materials and copyright law does not prevent a parent from viewing external resources on school premises.' A spokesperson for Thurston Church of England Primary Academy told MailOnline: 'The PSHE curriculum taught at Thurston CE Primary Academy is in line with the statutory guidance from the Department for Education's policy on Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education. 'The curriculum follows the PSHE Association programme of study which is government funded and quality assured by the educational body to ensure it meets statutory requirements. 'The BBC Bitesize video was included in the resources but has since been withdrawn by the BBC. The school will be reviewing its materials.' A spokesperson for the PSHE Association said: 'Parents' involvement in curriculum conversations should be welcomed, as high quality PSHE education involves a partnership between parents and schools and transparency about materials being used. 'Regarding puberty, the government's statutory Health Education guidance requires that all primary schools teach the "key facts about puberty and the changing adolescent body, particularly from age 9 through to age 11, including physical and emotional changes" and that this should occur before puberty starts.' The Church of England, Suffolk CoE, St Peter's Thurston and the BBC did not respond to requests for comment. It featured people who had been at Guantanamo Bay at the same time as him A Vice documentary probing claims Ron DeSantis authorized force-feeding while working in Guantanamo Bay was pulled out of fear the governor would retaliate. The film - called 'The Guantanamo Candidate' - examined claims that while DeSantis was a legal advisor to the Navy in 2006 he advised military officials on how to carry out forced-feeding on prisoners who had been on hunger strike. The documentary was meant to come out on May 28 as part of a Vice docuseries that airs on Showtime but it was reportedly pulled by the network on May 25, a day after DeSantis announced he was running for president. It also came just weeks after Vice, once lauded for its daring and disruptive journalism, declared bankruptcy in mid-May. The controversial practice of force-feeding was declared a form of torture by the United Nations in February 2006, just one month before DeSantis arrived in Guantanamo and served there for a year. A spokesperson for Vice News declined to comment on how it responded to Showtime's decision to pull the film, nor on what its relationship with the network would look like moving forward. 'We not only stand behind our rigorous reporting but are proud of the incredible journalism showcased in this story,' they wrote in a statement to DailyMail.com. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis served as a legal advisor to military officials in Guantanamo Bay. He is pictured with his wife Casey during his wedding in 2009, three years after his stint in Guantanamo in 2006 Mansoor Adayfi (pictured) was interviewed for the Vice film, according to the transcript. Adayfi has previously claimed he remembers DeSantis watching and smiling as he was being force-fed through a tube that was inserted into his nose Vice reporter Seb Walker asked DeSantis about his time in Guantanamo Bay in 2006 during an unrelated press conference in Jerusalem in April. The governor responded angrily: 'All that's BS. Totally BS' A script of the 30-minute film, seen by the Daily Beast, indicates it was hosted by Vice journalist Seb Walker, who performed multiple interviews with people who were at Guantanamo Bay at the time. The first was a prisoner who has previously recounted how DeSantis watched and laughed as he was force-fed via a tube in his nose during a hunger strike. DeSantis has been reluctant to discuss the allegations at length but was famously asked about them by Walker during a press conference in Jerusalem in April. The governor vehemently denied the claims and challenged the prisoner's ability to remember his face. 'All that's BS. Totally BS,' he said. 'Do you honestly believe that's credible? This is 2006. I'm a junior officer. Do you honestly think they would have remembered me from Adam?' he responded to Walker. 'Of course not, they are just trying to get into the news because they know people like you will consume it because it fits your preordained narrative that you're trying to spin. Focus on the facts and stop worrying about the narrative,' he said. Also interviewed for the documentary, according to the transcript, was a guard at the prison, staff sergeant Joe Hickman. Hickman has alleged that three hunger strike leaders in the prison were killed by US officials, who claimed they died as a result of a suicide pact. According to the transcript, in the film Hickman suggested DeSantis would not have had the necessary authority to have been involved in that incident. He also described DeSantis as 'extremely handsome' and said 'Navy girls would go crazy over him', according to the transcript. 'They weren't going to give somebody like that that kind of responsibility,' Hickman said in regards to any possibility of his involvement in the deaths of the three prisoners. According to the transcript, a guard at the prison, staff sergeant Joe Hickman (pictured), was also interviewed for the Vice documentary. He said in the film 'Navy girls would go crazy over' DeSantis At the time DeSantis was stationed in Guantanamo, officials were facing issues with prisoners going on hunger strike over the prison's conditions DeSantis said there should have been military commissions set up sooner to try Guantanamo Bay detainees That is in contrast to claims from DeSantis' commanding officer at the time, Capt. Patrick McCarthy, who told the Washington Post that DeSantis was in fact involved in that alleged incident. 'He would have been one of the folks that I dispatched to help facilitate the investigative effort,' McCarthy told the Post. According to the Vice transcript he declined to be interviewed for the film. A source with direct knowledge told the Daily Beast the documentary was shelved on May 25, just four days before the documentary was set to air and after promotional materials had been shared. The episode's description read: 'Seb Walker investigates allegations from former Guantanamo Bay detainees that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis witnessed acts condemned by the United Nations as torture during his past service at the controversial detention camp as a Navy JAG officer.' One person with knowledge of the decision told Semafor that Showtime's Washington lobbyist, DeDe Lea, had raised concerns about the Guantanamo film. The inmate interviewed for the film was Mansoor Adayfi, according to the transcript. He wrote a now-famous opinion piece for Al-Jazeera in April in which he detailed his experience being force-fed and claimed that DeSantis watched and smiled. Adayfi described in the piece how he was 'violently strapped into the chair so tightly that I could not move'. 'A nurse forced a thick tube into my nose and down my throat. My nose bled and the pain was so great that I thought my head would explode. The nurse would not stop. Instead, he began pouring Ensure into a feeder bag attached to the tube,' he added. 'As I tried to break free, I noticed DeSantiss handsome face among the crowd at the other side of the chain link. He was watching me struggle. He was smiling and laughing with other officers as I screamed in pain.' Adayfi went on to claim that he was left strapped in the chair overnight after having been force-fed and they began the process again the next morning. 'Because I had thrown up, they fed me another case. This time, they mixed laxatives into the bag. The mixture of Ensure and laxatives completely wrecked my intestines after having no solid foods for more than nine months. They left me restrained in that chair all night, soiled with my own waste and vomit,' wrote Adayfi. A view of the naval base on Guantanamo Bay, where DeSantis served for a year starting in March 2006 as a legal advisor A US Army soldier stands at the entrance to Camp Delta where detainees are held The Daily Breast wrote to Showtime regarding the decision to axe the documentary and was given the same response as The Hollywood Reporter, which first broke the story. The Showtime spokesperson said, 'We don't comment on scheduling decisions,' and did not answer when asked if the DeSantis office had been in discussions with the network about the documentary. The Beast also wrote to the DeSantis campaign regarding the claims he watched forced-feedings and was directed to the relevant segment of the Jerusalem press conference. It did not address questions about collusion with Showtime. Spain is facing further political uncertainty after its conservative Popular Party won the most seats in yesterday's election but failed to get the majority it needed to topple the incumbent socialist government. The results from Sunday's vote left neither the left-wing nor right-wing blocs with an easy path to form a government. Spanish stocks fell and government bond prices dipped in early trading with a second election before Christmas is now on the horizon. The centre-right People's Party and the far-right Vox won a combined 169 seats in parliament - short of the 176 seats needed for a majority and confounding poll predictions. The ruling Socialists (PSOE) and far-left Sumar won 153. Vox with its ultranationalist bent, lost support among voters in Sunday's election, dashing its hopes to be a kingmaker and enter a governing coalition that would have given the far right its first share of power in Spain since Francisco Franco's 20th century dictatorship. PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo greets supporters outside the headquarters of the Popular Party (PP) in Madrid Supporters react as they wait for elections results in front of the headquarters of the leader and candidate of conservative Partido Popular The Popular Party won the election but performed well below polling data that had forecast it could oust Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez if it formed a government with Vox as a junior partner. Even though Sanchez's Socialists finished second, they and their allied parties celebrated the outcome as a victory since their combined forces gained slightly more seats than the Popular Party and Vox. The bloc that would likely support Sanchez totaled 172 seats, while parties on the right had 170. 'This is a major victory for the left,' Dr. Jason Xidias, a lecturer in Political Science at New York University's Madrid campus, said Monday. Political horse-trading in coming weeks, when smaller regional parties could offer their support for a government in return for concessions, will be 'very complicated,' Xidias said. The closer-than-expected outcome placed a question mark over Spain's future leadership. But the Popular Party insisted it could not be denied its shot at forming a government. 'Nobody would understand it now if (other parties) all came together to prevent the party that won the elections from becoming the government,' the PP's deputy secretary Miguel Tellado told public broadcaster RTVE on Monday. The Popular Party won the election but performed well below polling data that had forecast it could oust Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez Even though Sanchez's Socialists finished second, they and their allied parties celebrated the outcome as a victory After winning the most seats, the PP will be given the first stab at trying to cobble together enough votes in parliament to win a prime-ministerial investiture vote. But its alliance with the far-right Vox and tough stance on separatism will make it difficult to gain support from any other faction. The results showed the deep divisions in Spanish society. Prime Minister Sanchez called the elections in a gamble after his Socialist Party took a drubbing in local elections in May. Sanchez put together Spain's first ever coalition government, which took power in Jan. 2020. He has been Spain's prime minister since 2018. Socialist voter Delphine Fernandez said she hopes Sanchez can stay in power. She is crossing her fingers that she and the 37 million Spaniards called to vote don't have to do it all over again like in 2019, when Sanchez had to score back-to-back election victories before he was able to forge a coalition government. 'It was always going to be difficult. Now we are (practically) tied, but let's see if we can still govern,' said Fernandez, a lawyer. 'I don't want to vote again in a few weeks. It's now or never.' But the chances of Sanchez picking up the support of the 176 lawmakers needed to have an absolute majority in the Madrid-based Lower House of Parliament are not great. Santiago Abascal, leader of the far-right party Vox greets supporters outside party headquarters after the Spanish general elections A supporter of the far-right party Vox reacts while watching the results on a giant screen outside party headquarters The divided results have made the Catalan separatist party Junts (Together) key to Sanchez forming a government. But if Junts asked for a referendum on independence for northeast Catalonia, that would likely be far too costly a price for Sanchez to pay. 'We won't make Pedro Sanchez PM in exchange for nothing,' Miriam Nogueras of Junts said. With all votes counted, the Popular Party collected 136 seats of the 350 up for grabs. Even with the 33 seats that the far-right Vox got and the one seat going to an allied party, the PP was still seven seats short of a majority. The Socialists gathered 122 seats, two more than they previously held. Sanchez could likely call on the 31 seats of its junior coalition partner Sumar (Joining Forces) and several smaller parties to at least total more than the sum of the right-wing parties, but also would fall four short of a majority unless Junts joined them. 'Spain and all the citizens who have voted have made themselves clear. The backward-looking bloc that wanted to undo all that we have done has failed,' Sanchez told a jubilant crowd gathered at Socialists' headquarters in Madrid. After his party took a beating in regional and local elections in May, Sanchez could have waited until December to face a national vote. Instead, he stunned his rivals by moving up the vote in hopes of gaining a bigger boost from his supporters. With all votes counted, the Popular Party collected 136 seats of the 350 up for grabs Even though Sanchez's Socialists finished second, they and their allied parties celebrated the outcome as a victory since their combined forces gained slightly more seats than the Popular Party and Vox Sanchez can add this election night to yet another comeback in his career that has been built around beating the odds. The 51-year-old had to mount a mutiny among rank-and-file Socialists to return to heading his party before he won Spain's only no-confidence vote to oust his Popular Party predecessor in 2018. PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo seemed even more unlikely to put together a majority. Feijoo focused the PP's campaign on what he called the lack of trustworthiness of Sanchez. The Socialists and other leftist parties, meanwhile, drummed on the fear of having Vox in power as a junior partner in a PP-led coalition. A PP-Vox government would have meant another EU member moved firmly to the right, a trend seen recently in Sweden, Finland and Italy. Countries such as Germany and France are concerned about what such a shift would portend for EU immigration and climate policies. Vox, however, lost 19 seats from four years earlier. The election took place during Spain's six-month rotating presidency of the European Union, and a strong Vox showing would have sent shockwaves through EU politics. Feijoo sought to distance the PP from Vox during the campaign. But Sanchez, in moving up the election, made the campaign coincide with the PP and Vox striking deals to govern together in town halls and regional governments following the May ballots. Vox campaigned on rolling back gender violence laws. And both the PP and Vox agreed on wanting to repeal a new transgender rights law and a democratic memory law that seeks to help families wanting to unearth the thousands of victims of Franco's regime still missing in mass graves. 'PP has been a victim of its expectations, and the Socialists have been able to capitalize on the fear of the arrival of Vox. Bringing forward the elections has turned out to be the right decision for Pedro Sanchez,' said Manuel Mostaza, director of Public Policy at the Spanish consulting firm Atrevia. Spain's new Parliament will meet in a month. King Felipe VI then appoints one of the party leaders to submit him or herself to a parliamentary vote to form a new government. Lawmakers have a maximum period of three months to reach an agreement. Otherwise, new elections would be triggered. Three climbers have finally been rescued from the top of a 3,927ft mountain in Scotland after being trapped on the cold peak for 15 hours. The trio got stuck all night in poor visibility on the Mitre Ridge on the Beinn a' Bhuird mountain in the Cairngorms yesterday. Fourteen members of Braemar Mountain Rescue Team went to the aid of the stricken crag fast climbers, but only ended the long operation at 11.30am today. They were assisted by six members of Aberdeen MRT. A coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Stornoway gave initial support, but due to the cloud cover at the top was unable to reach the climbers. Instead the the mountain rescue teams had to perform a technical rope rescue, which involved them climbing up above the trio and lowering a rope at daylight so they could be pulled up. Three climbers have finally been rescued from the top of the 3,927ft Beinn a' Bhuird mountain in Scotland after being trapped on the cold peak for 15 hours Te mountain rescue teams had to perform a technical rope rescue, which involved them climbing up above the trio and lowering a rope at daylight so they could be pulled up Fourteen members of Braemar Mountain Rescue Team went to the aid of the stricken crag fast climbers, but only ended the long operation at 11.30am today The trio got stuck all night in poor visibility on the Mitre Ridge on the Beinn a' Bhuird mountain in the Cairngorms yesterday 'It was a long night for all involved with the climbers rescued from about 3,500 feet up,' said Malcolm MacIntyre, support manager for Braemar MRT. 'They were well-equipped and uninjured, but obviously had not planned for a night out. They were high up too. 'Unfortunately the helicopter could not reach them due to the conditions at the top, but managed to ferry team members as far as they could up the hill.' Mr MacIntyre said the team then went above the climbers and, once daylight came, 'lowered a rope and got them up and walked them down.' He added: 'Thanks to R948 (rescue helicopter) from Stornoway for their assistance and a big thanks to the Co-op Braemar for the kind food donation this morning for the team.' The climbers were rescued from about 3,500 feet up, Malcolm MacIntyre, support manager for Braemar MRT, said Mr MacIntye said the climbers 'were well-equipped and uninjured, but obviously had not planned for a night out. They were high up too' The rescued climbers were aged in their late 20s and early 30s and from Scotland The rescued climbers were aged in their late 20s and early 30s and from Scotland. Beinn a' Bhuird is a Munro - a mountain over 3000 feet - in the Cairngorm mountain range. The closest 'village' to the peak is Braemar, Aberdeenshire. In 2006, a glider pilot from Deeside Gliding Club crashed on the hillside, spending 24 hours trapped in his plane until he was located by the RAF. Mike Pence says he isn't 'convinced' that Donald Trump committed a crime on January 6, 2021 as Democrats increasingly up the pressure for the ex-President to be charged in connection to the Capitol attack. The 2024 hopeful also said 'judgment' over his former boss' conduct on that fateful day should be left up to voters in the 2024 election to decide even though the Special Counsel investigating that attack sent a target letter this month to the former chief executive. It comes as Democrats are ramping up rhetoric against Trump as the state of the 2024 race indicates he will once against be the GOP nominee for president. Rep. Adam Schiff, who helped lead the House Select Committee investigating the Capitol riot, said he couldn't imagine 'more serious conduct' than what Trump did during and in the aftermath of January 6, 2021. Meanwhile, Rep. Nancy Pelosi insisted that Trump is not above the law and said the 'facts' of the case are laid out in the open. Former Vice President and 2024 hopeful Mike Pence said Sunday that he isn't convinced that Donald Trump committed a crime on January 6, 2021 Comments come after Special Counsel Jack Smith sent a letter to Trump informing him he is a target of the investigation into the January 6 Capitol riot 'The president's words were reckless that day I had no right to overturn an election,' Pence admitted during an interview with CNN's State of the Union on Sunday. 'But, while his words were reckless, based on what I know, I'm not yet convinced they were criminal.' 'I obviously wasn't there for every meeting,' he added, but claimed: 'The Department of Justice has lost the confidence of the American people.' 'In one town hall after another across New Hampshire, I heard a deep concern for perception about an unequal treatment of the law,' the former vice president said. 'And I think one more indictment against the former president will only contribute to that sense among the American people.' 'I'd rather that these issues and the judgment about his conduct on January 6 be left to the American people in the upcoming primaries, and I'll leave it at that.' Pelosi wasn't pleased with what the 2024 hopeful was saying. She said, in an interview on CNN following Pence's, that 'the president is not above the law.' 'I'm afraid what I heard the vice president say earlier, as much as I admire him he was a hero that day, Mike Pence was the president is not above the law,' she added when asked if she believes Trump committed a crime on January 6. 'We saw what happened. It was very clear. It's heartbreaking,' she continued to CNN host Dana Bash. 'I mean, the courts will act. He has innocent until proven guilty.' Rep. Schiff of California added that the January 6 charges could be the 'most serious' Trump faces out of all the current investigations into him including the indictment last month that saw him be charged for taking classified documents to Mar-a-Lago. Nancy Pelosi (right) said on Sunday: 'I'm afraid what I heard the vice president say earlier, as much as I admire him... the president is not above the law. We saw what happened. It was very clear. It's heartbreaking' Meanwhile, Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff said Trump's actions on January 6, 2021 were the most egregious of any other charges. 'It's hard to imagine a president being involved in more serious misconduct. So, it's the most serious thing he's faced yet,' he told MSNBC 'It's hard to imagine a president being involved in more serious misconduct,' Schiff told MSNBC. 'So, it's the most serious thing he's faced yet.' 'The Mar-a-Lago documents case was a threat to our national security. It's very serious. Obviously, the multiple business fraud counts in New York are also serious,' the California Democrat explained. 'But this is essentially a set of charges revolving around his efforts to stop the peaceful transfer of power for the first time in our history.' Schiff claims that Trump's 'not so thinly veiled threats of violence' is what he does when 'the law catches up with him.' 'He's done it now repeatedly,' he concluded. Bahrain Commercial Facilities Company (BCFC) has renewed its partnership agreement with Mastercard which will support it to further enrich its Imtiaz card offering, an innovative credit card issuer in the kingdom. The partnership renewal signing ceremony featured the announcement of major initiatives including the introduction of the Mastercard World Elite card tailored for affluent clients and the launch of bespoke corporate credit cards designed to cater to the specific requirements of Corporates and Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (CSME) and other businesses within Bahrain. The partnership will also introduce Mastercard loyalty solutions to provide consumers an enhanced experience and extend benefits that matches their lifestyle and aspirations. Safety and security Abdulla Bukhowa, BCFC Chief Executive Officer, said: The renewal of our 14-year partnership with Mastercard demonstrates the success of Imtiaz card in satisfying and exceeding the needs and expectations of our customers. We remain committed to provide the highest levels of safety and security, as well as financial flexibility and purchasing power, to ensure that our customers have an unparalleled experience. He added: We are delighted to announce that our collaboration with Mastercard has now moved to a new level of coordination. Thanks to our dedicated team, we are confident that we can provide unparalleled solutions for the growth & expansion strategy, offering users, citizens, and residents unique benefits. Khalid Elgibali, Division President, Middle East and North Africa at Mastercard, stated: "Our partnership with BCFC is a key milestone in our journey to build an inclusive digital economy thats works for all, in Bahrain and beyond. We look forward to expanding our portfolio and introducing innovative payment solutions to meet the evolving needs of our consumers. The Imtiaz credit card from BCFC provides its holders with a comprehensive set of integrated benefits. These include access to airport lounges across the world, exclusive travel & shopping offers, in addition to 24-hour customer service.-- TradeArabia News Service Villagers are on high alert after a 'friendly' skunk which went missing has been spotted up to 'ten' times. The two-year-old male skunk, called Barney, went on the run after escaping from his enclosure in Kentisbeare, Devon, last Sunday. The skunk's owner, Michele Cooper, said it escaped days after she and her family moved to the village from Hertfordshire three weeks ago, and it had been spotted up to 'six miles away'. She has now urged people to 'go over and pick him up' and promised it had never 'sprayed' or 'bitten' anybody. On Friday, Ms Cooper said she was called by around ten people who claimed to have seen Barney, but was unsuccessful in finding it. The two-year-old male skunk (pictured), called Barney, went on the run after escaping from his enclosure in Kentisbeare, Devon, last Sunday The skunk's owner, Michele Cooper (pictured), said it escaped days after she and her family moved to the village from Hertfordshire three weeks ago Ms Cooper said: 'We've moved his enclosure but he was that unsettled he found a way out, he's never escaped before, it's obviously very sad. 'We are getting regular reports of him. He is definitely going towards humans and light and barns and things, he is very friendly.' Recalling how he escaped, she said: 'We've moved his enclosure but he was that unsettled he found a way out. He's never escaped before. 'We go out most nights but have just literally missed him every time we get there. He has now gone about six miles so is still local. 'We have had Barney for about two years. He was given to us to re-home because we have a fair amount of exotic animals such as camels, meerkats and all sorts. We have just the one skunk. 'We have not just moved house, we have also moved farms, so you can imagine that was quite stressful in itself and it has been even more so with Barney disappearing.' Skunks, which are non-native to the UK, can grow to the size of a small cat. Some are kept as pets in the UK, with private breeders dotted around the country. On Friday, Ms Cooper said she was called by around ten people who claimed to have seen it, but was unsuccessful in finding it EasyJet will be offering repatriation flights from wildfire ravaged Rhodes beginning tomorrow as TUI announced it has cancelled all outbound flights. The air carrier will bring 421 additional holidaymakers back to London tomorrow on two repatriation flights from Rhodes to Gatwick Airport. The flights are in addition to the nine already operating between the island and the UK. EasyJet is operating a further repatriation flight on Tuesday and said it will 'continue to keep under review if additional repatriation flights are needed'. It comes as the Government has sent a response team to Greece after British families trapped on Rhodes described fleeing their hotels and being crammed into makeshift evacuation centres without water, food or showers, as the terrifying wildfires on the island rage on in what is the country's largest disaster evacuation in history. More than 30,000 people were evacuated from the island yesterday, with many others forced to leave their belongings behinds as they take refuge at other resorts. EasyJet will be offering repatriation flights from wildfire ravaged Rhodes beginning tomorrow as TUI announced it has cancelled all outbound flights. Pictured: Tourists wait in the Rhodes airport's departure hall today as evacuations are underway The Government has sent a response team to Greece after British families trapped on Rhodes described fleeing their hotels and being crammed into makeshift evacuation centres without water, food or showers, as the terrifying wildfires on the island rage on in what is the country's largest disaster evacuation in history. Pictured: Wildfires burn near Epidaurus today Pictured: The gutted remains of cars lie on a road after a forest fire on Rhodes, Greece today EasyJet announced the rescue flights today as the six-day wildfire continues to rage. An easyJet spokeswoman said: 'We know the situation for many currently in Rhodes is very difficult so we are doing all we can to help customers and provide assistance. 'EasyJet will be operating two repatriation flights tomorrow from Rhodes to Gatwick using an A320 and an A321 aircraft totalling 421 additional seats. 'This is in addition to the nine flights we already have operating between Rhodes and the UK. 'We will also operate a further repatriation flight on Tuesday and continue to keep under review if additional repatriation flights are needed. 'Any easyJet flight-only customers who have been evacuated from their hotel and are currently at the airport should contact easyJet's airport staff. 'Any customers wishing to travel back to the UK early can contact easyJet's Customer Services team.' News of the rescue flights come as several holiday firms are cancelling flights to Rhodes. Jet2 Holidays cancelled all flights to the island until July 30 and said it would send empty planes to bring stranded Britons home, while TUI said it would cancel all flights and holidays until Tuesday. EasyJet said it will operate two repatriation flights from Rhodes on Monday and a third on Tuesday to bring British holidaymakers back to London Gatwick Airport More than 30,000 people were evacuated from the island yesterday, with many others forced to leave their belongings behinds as they take refuge at other resorts. Pictured: Firefighters try to extinguish wildfires in Asklipio village on Rhodes island today Pictured: Firefighters fighting with a wildfire at Metochi village, near Epidaurus, Greece today Pictured: A firefighter tries to put out a blaze at Metochi village, near Epidaurus, Greece today The six-day blaze continued to rage today after the fire service warned more fires could break out with temperatures set to reach 45C. Pictured: A firefighter battling a blaze in Metochi village, near Epidaurus today Thomas Cook later announced it had cancelled all holidays to Kiotari and Lardos - the areas of the island most at risk - until July 31 and would be in touch with customers to arrange 'swift refunds'. READ MORE: British families' Rhodes nightmare Advertisement It has also offered full refunds to customers due to depart for other parts of the island on Sunday and Monday who wish to cancel their trip. British Airways said that, while it was still operating flights to the island, anyone due to fly there in the next week could postpone their trip free of charge, while those already there could fly back earlier. The British ambassador to Greece said the Foreign Office had sent a 'rapid deployment team' to help UK tourists who were among thousands forced to flee for their lives on Saturday as the wildfire spread. Families were evacuated from their hotels at night and left their belongings behind as the huge flames crawled closer, with some having to walk miles to find refuge or wade through water to reach rescue boats near the beach. The wildfire had been confined to the island's mountainous centre but, aided by winds, very high temperatures and dry conditions, it spread on Saturday towards the coast on the island's central-eastern side. The six-day blaze continued to rage today after the fire service warned more fires could break out with temperatures set to reach 45C. In an update on Twitter, Jet2Travel said: 'The situation in Rhodes continues to evolve quickly and our absolute priority is the health, safety and well-being of customers and colleagues. Pictured: Evacuees wait to board buses as they leave their hotel during a forest fire on the island of Rhodes, Greece today Pictured: Tourists stand in front of an information board at the Rhodes airport's departure hall as evacuations are underway today due to wildfires Pictured: Tourists wait for departing planes at the airport today after being evacuated following a wildfire on the island of Rhodes, Greece 'Due to these extraordinary circumstances, we have cancelled all flights and holidays that are due to depart to Rhodes up to and including Sunday July 30. 'We will fly those aircrafts to Rhodes with no customers onboard, so that we can bring customers back to the UK on their scheduled flight.' Tui said: 'The situation in the Southern part of Rhodes remains volatile and challenging. Due to this and considering the impact on local communities being affected, TUI has decided to cancel all flights and booked holidays to Rhodes for departures up to and incl. Tue, 25 July.' British ambassador Matthew Lodge tweeted: 'Since the wildfires situation deteriorated yesterday @ukingreece has been working with the Greek authorities, airlines and tour operators to support UK nationals on Rhodes. A rapid deployment team from @FCDOGovUK is on its way.' Ex-President said Europe should be paying the same, if not more, than the U.S. Donald Trump accused Europe of 'smiling all the way to the bank' because it has avoided forking over too much cash and military aid to Ukraine during its war with Russia. Instead, Trump says, the U.S. has been burdened with the brunt of assistance for Ukraine even coming from a less at-risk area across the ocean from the fighting. Speaking with Fox News host Maria Bartiromo, Trump said he would make sure Europe was doling out the same, if not more, financial aid to Ukraine than the U.S. has provided. 'Would you stop the money to Ukraine at this point?' the Sunday Morning Futures host asked the former president. He replied: 'I'd get the war settled.' Former President Donald Trump said Europe is 'smiling all the way to the bank' because they are 'getting away with murder' by not giving more financial aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia MARIA BARTIROMO: Would you stop the money to Ukraine at this point? TRUMP: Uh, I'd get the war settled. pic.twitter.com/x3W35eI0I0 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 23, 2023 No. 1 on Trump's priority list for the war if he becomes president in 2024 is making sure Europe pays more toward funding Ukraine's defensive efforts against Russia rather than the brunt of the cost falling on the U.S. 'The money is number one,' Trump said. 'I'd tell Europe you're about $100 billion plus short. Okay? You gotta pay.' 'Because Europe is smiling all the way to the bank,' he added. 'Europe is doing very little compared to the United States and it affects them more. Look, no matter how you look at it, they're right there. We're an ocean apart.' 'Why are we at $150 billion and they're at $20 [billion]?' he questioned. Trump said it isn't for a lack of resources, claiming that when European countries are combined their economies equate that of America's. 'They should be at the same number that we're at, if not more,' the former president lamented. 'And they get away with murder.' The comments came as part of a pre-recorded interview that aired over last Sunday's show on Fox and this week's Sunday Morning Futures program, as well. It follows President Joe Biden's trip to Europe earlier this month where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the 2023 NATO Summit. It also is on the heels of Biden's controversial decision to send more cluster munitions to Ukraine. Comes as the U.S. continues to be the biggest funder of the Ukraine defensive against Russian aggression. Biden met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the 2023 NATO Summit in Lithuania earlier this month NATO stopped short of allowing Ukraine to join the treaty, but did declare unified support of the European nation in its defense against Russian aggression, which began when Moscow invaded from the east in February 2022. Trump said that European countries have consistently tried to balk their responsibilities by pawning off financial support of international efforts on the U.S. He claims that Europe tried to balk their financial responsibilities when it came to NATO. 'You know what I did with NATO,' he said to the Fox host. 'They weren't paying and I made them pay. And took them, hundreds of billions of dollars. I said, if you don't pay we're not going to protect you.' Many Republicans are critical of Biden sending too much aid both financial and arms to Ukraine in the war with Russia. He also authorized earlier this month the Defense Department to mobilize 3,000 more service members to Europe to help secure the region. The White House has repeatedly assured that there will be no U.S. boots on the ground in Ukraine. Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko has said that the Wagner mercenary group is 'itching' to march on Poland. During a meeting with Vladimir Putin on Sunday, Lukashenko is reported to have said he was 'stressed' because he was having to restrain them. A video posted on Twitter by Anton Gerashchenko, an adviser to Ukraine's minister of internal affairs, shows Lukashenko saying: 'They are asking to go to the West: 'Allow us'.' 'I said, "Why do you want to go west?" So they say, "We control what happens: let's go on an excursion to Warsaw and Rzeszow," referring to the Polish capital and a key military hub for the country. Based less than 10km from the Polish border, the Wagner group was exiled to Belarus after an apparent botched coup to oust Russian president Vladimir Putin. Vladimir Putin (L) and Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko (R) visit Museum of Naval Glory during a visit to Kronstadt, on Kotlin Island, outside Saint Petersburg, on July 23, 2023 Belarusian soldiers of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) attend the weeklong maneuvers with mercenary fighter from Wagner private military company, on July 20, 2023 Lukashenko added: 'I am keeping them in central Belarus, like we agreed. We are controlling what is happening. [But] they are in a bad mood.' He also presented Putin with a map showing what he said were Polish plans to attack Belarus. Poland recently moved 1,000 troops towards Belarus to bolster security as footage appears to show Wagner forces training with Belarusian troops on the Polish border. footage appears to show Wagner forces training with Belarusian troops on the Polish border. Belarus is bordered to the northwest by Lithuania and to the west by Poland. It is separated from the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad by the Suwaki Gap, the border between Lithuania and Poland. The gap is NATO's eastern flank, considered a point of vulnerability as, if overwhelmed, it could cut off the Baltic States from their western allies. Russia accuses Poland of making aggressive moves east. On Friday, Putin said: 'Polands leaders likely seek to set up a coalition under the NATO umbrella and directly join the conflict in Ukraine, and then 'tear off' a wider piece for themselves, restore their, as they believe, historical territory - today's western Ukraine.' Poland formerly held sway over much of central and eastern Europe as part of a wider commonwealth with Lithuania and including parts of modern day Ukraine. It lost much of its territory during a period of crisis in the 18th century and was partitioned by Russia in 1772, 1792 and 1795 - souring relations irreparably. While many Poles may regret the new borders imposed by Russia after WWII, there is no serious case for Poland trying to 'retake' former territories, like Lviv. The Polish government has pledged to set up a sapper battalion nearby to strengthen NATO's eastern flank and secure the Suwaki Gap. A Belarusian soldier prepares to fire an automatic grenade launcher during the weeklong maneuvers with Wagner PMC near the border city of Brest, Belarus, on July 20, 2023 Ukrainian servicemen of the First Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine fire an OTO-Melara Mod 56, an Italian-made 105 mm pack howitzer, towards Russian troops at a front line, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine July 23, 2023 According to US intelligence reports, Russia has also deployed nuclear weapons to the Belarusian puppet state. On Sunday, Polands Marcin Przydacz, head of the International Policy Bureau at the President's Office, said: The decision by the Russians to deploy nuclear weapons to Belarus causes a growth in the instability of the threat. This is not in any way an act resulting from any necessity. It is a desire to escalate and to prompt additional tensions. That is how the Russian actions should be seen. A patient had to pay for his own mattress in hospital because bosses had failed to settle bills. Nick Copson, who lost both his legs and was partially paralysed in a car crash, needed the special mattress to help with bed sores. But the specialist bed supplier for the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough refused to provide one because it was owed 9,000. It was delivered only when Mr Copson agreed to pay himself. The 50-year-old police chef was billed 833 for a weeks hire and six months on has not been reimbursed. Im disgusted I had to pay for my own mattress inside an NHS hospital, he said. The specialist bed I must have is what the hospital has told me I need, it isnt a lifestyle choice. Nick Copson, (pictured) who lost both his legs and was partially paralysed in a car crash, had to pay for his own mattress in hospital because bosses had failed to settle bills Mr Copson (pictured) needed the special mattress to help with bed sores. But the specialist bed supplier for the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough refused to provide one because it was owed 9,000. It was delivered only when he agreed to pay himself Then I got to hospital and found they hadnt been paying their invoices. Its a big institution and its not as if its their own money, its taxpayers money. The father of threes life was almost killed in his 2018 car crash and had a double leg amputation at the hospital. He lives in an adapted rented bungalow near Stockton in County Durham, cared for full time by his wife Nikki and professionals paid for through compensation. The Copsons have been paying 95 a day to hire a mattress for him at home to reduce skin pressure. But frequent returns to hospital have proved necessary. And when he was admitted in January it emerged that the bed supplier, Medstrom of Derby, was boycotting the hospital. Mrs Copson, 55, said: Medstrom told us Were not sending any more beds to James Cook because we are owed thousands going back almost a year. I was panicking. Eventually it was agreed Medstrom would send the bill to the spinal injuries management company we pay to help care for Nick. He lives in an adapted rented bungalow near Stockton in County Durham, cared for full time by his wife Nikki (pictured with Mr Copson) and professionals paid for through compensation We thought it would just be 95 for a day, but it ended up being 833, and we have never been paid back. Its not Nicks choice he needs this mattress. James Cook was pivotal in saving Nicks life, but the later failures that led to his bedsores and now this bill for his own mattress, while in an NHS hospital, are completely disgraceful. A spokesman for South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs James Cook, insisted patients are never required to pay for the hire of hospital equipment. A source at Medstrom told the Daily Mail: James Cook hospital is only one of a number of NHS hospitals who are months in arrears - and while patient needs are central to what we do, as a private company we do have to be paid. Unilever will let Russian employees be conscripted should they be called up. The food giant, which owns Marmite and Dove soap, said it was aware of the Russian law requiring any company operating in Russia to permit the conscription of employees should they be called. And that it would comply with the conscription law as it does all the laws of the countries we operate in. It comes as the company faces mourning pressures to pull out of Russia as it continues to operate in the country. In a letter to B4Ukraine, Reginaldo Ecclissato, Unilevers chief business operations and supply chain officer, said exiting is not straightforward. Protesters wearing balaclavas hold placards outside Unilever's London HQ in March, demanding the company stops doing business in Russia He added: We would like to reiterate that Unilever absolutely condemns the war in Ukraine as a brutal, senseless act by the Russian state and we continue to join the international community in calling for stability and peace in the region. Unilever still sells its hugely popular Magnum and Cornetto ice cream brands in Russia As youve seen in our statement, maintaining our position in Russia is closely connected to the responsibility we have to our 3,000 employees. We continue to run our business in Russia in alignment with our global principles including the safety and wellbeing of our employees. We are aware of the law requiring any company operating in Russia to permit the conscription of employees should they be called. We always comply with all the laws of the countries we operate in. Earlier this year, Unilever was named as a sponsor of war by the Ukrainian government after it increased its revenue and profit since the full-scale invasion. The company paid 3.8bn roubles (33m) in tax to the Russian state in 2022. Mark Dixon, founder of the Moral Rating Agency, said: A Cornetto ice cream seems innocuous until you realise that millions of them being sold each day can quickly pay for the launch of a missile. Likewise, a bar of Dove soap starts to look pretty dirty when there are enough of them being produced to purchase a Russian tank. Unilever was contacted for comment. A sex scene in Christopher Nolan's new blockbuster Oppenheimer featuring Hinduism's sacred text has been blasted as a 'direct assault' on the religion as furious followers call to boycott the movie. Oppenheimer, which tells the story of physicist Robert Oppenheimer, was released in theaters last Friday but has cause upset among those who disliked its treatment of the sacred text, the Bhagavad Gita. In the scene, Oppenheimer's partner asks him to read aloud from the scripture during intercourse, leading him to recite a line he is famous for using to describe his development of the atom bomb: 'I am become death, destroyer of worlds.' Uday Mahurkar, the founder of the Save Culture Save India Foundation, wrote an open letter to Nolan on Saturday, which within a day had been shared widely. In it he described the decision to include the scene in the film as 'a scathing attack on Hinduism' and part of an 'anti-Hindu conspiracy'. Some Hindus have condemned Christopher Nolan's new film Oppenheimer because a Hindu religious text features during a sex scene between Cillian Murphy and Florence Pugh. The pair are pictured in a still from the film Uday Mahurkar (pictured), the founder of the Save Culture Save India Foundation, called the scene 'a scathing attack on Hinduism' and part of an 'anti-Hindu conspiracy' 'We do not know the motivation and logic behind this unnecessary scene on life of a scientist. But this is a direct assault on religious beliefs of a billion tolerant Hindus,' he wrote. 'It amounts to waging a war on the Hindu community and almost appears to be part of a larger conspiracy by anti-Hindu forces,' he added before going on to demand Nolan remove the scene from his film. Mahurkar is also a Hindu government official and holds the position of Information Commissioner, according to its government website. 'Should you choose to ignore this appeal it would be deemed as a deliberate assault on Indian civilisation,' wrote Mahurkar. The film was given a U/A certificate by India's Central Board of Film Certification, which means it contains moderate adult themes and can be watched by a child below 12 with parental supervision. In the US it is R-rated, meaning it was considered to contain some adult material. In the UK it was rated 15 due to 'infrequent nudity and sexual content'. Mahurkar addressed the open letter to the film's director Christopher Nolan (pictured) and demanded the 'unnecessary' scene be removed from the film While Nolan's film focuses on the development of the atom bomb and the Manhattan Project it also examines the physicist's personal life While Nolan's film focuses on the development of the atom bomb and the Manhattan Project it also examines the physicist's personal life and relationship with his wife Kitty. The Bhagavad Gita is a Hindu text which is considered one of the most holy. Other Indians also called for a boycott. 'I'm calling for a boycott of the movie Oppenheimer. I just learned there is a highly offensive scene involving the Bhagavad Gita in it. I will not repeat it here, but it involves something explicit,' wrote one user. In 1999, the Bhagavad Gita was similarly used by Hollywood in controversial circumstances. The lines, 'for the protection of the virtuous, for the destruction of evil and for the firm establishment of Dharma, I take birth and am incarnated on Earth, from age to age,' were used in the Stanley Kubrick's film Eyes Wide Shut during a sex scene. Warner Brothers has since edited the lines out. Jeremy Hunt today reveals how his family has been devastated by cancer and urges Britain to lead the global fight against the disease. In his first interview on his experiences with the C word, the Chancellor says he was blessed that his own skin cancer was found and treated early by the NHS. But he tells how his immediate family has been ravaged by the illness amid warnings that half of Britons will get it in their lifetimes. He reveals that cancer killed both his parents and has hit his brother Charlie and says he understands the much tougher battles many Britons face and how terrible it can be. Mr Hunt says early diagnosis is key to improving survival rates and would save the NHS billions if more cases were caught sooner. Jeremy Hunt today reveals how his family has been devastated by cancer and urges Britain to lead the global fight against the disease The Chancellor (pictured with his wife Lucia) says he was blessed that his own skin cancer was found and treated early by the NHS He reveals that cancer killed both his parents (his father Nicholas pictured right) and has hit his brother Charlie (pictured left) He also speaks of his hope that British research will turn the tide on the disease, with a million NHS patients set to trial a blood test to trace the deadliest types of disease. The former health secretary agreed to speak out about his familys ordeal in support of the Mails ongoing cancer campaigns, including its sponsorship of this years Race for Life. He reveals his own cancer diagnosis came after he noticed a mole on his head which grew and grew. Hospital tests confirmed he had basal cell carcinoma, a common type of skin cancer, and needed to have it removed. While the prognosis was always positive, he says it gave him some insight into the experiences of the 375,000 people diagnosed with cancer in the UK each year. Mr Hunts interview comes after Cancer Research UK revealed cases of melanoma could increase by nearly 50 per cent over the next 20 years, hitting a record 26,500 annual diagnoses by 2040. Getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple the risk of developing skin cancer, they said. The charity blamed the cheap package holiday boom of the 1960s for a rise in a serious type of skin cancer among older adults, with 17,500 people diagnosed each year in the UK. It pointed to a particular rise in cases among adults aged 55 and over, who would have been born from the year 1968 onward. Case rates among this age group have nearly tripled since the 1990s. While overall cancer survival rates are improving, experts predict the number of people diagnosed in the UK will rise by a third by 2040, taking the number of new cases every year to more than half a million. The NHS is investing 2.3billion to expand diagnostics services by rolling out more one stop shops and lung cancer screening trucks in supermarket car parks to increase early diagnosis. It is also expanding its teledermatology services, which involve using a small lens attached to a phone camera, allowing dermatologists to double their daily footfall of patients. Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national director for cancer, said: The Chancellors experience underlines why it is so important for people to not put off speaking to a clinician, and why the NHS has put so much effort into increasing the early diagnosis of cancer, when the disease is easier to treat. We would strongly urge anyone with worrying symptoms to speak to their GP to get checked out, as it could save their life. A Chinese invasion of Taiwan would likely prompt Japan to come to the island nations aid, the countrys defence minister has said. Tensions have continued to build between China and the democratic island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own, and Japan has historically refused to clarify how it would respond if China were to attack. But Russias invasion of Ukraine has sparked fresh fears for Tokyo about the possibility of a China-Taiwan conflict breaking out in such close proximity. Ino Toshiro, Japans State Minister of Defense, said: If people all over the world have the will to support Taiwan, similar to the way they supported Ukraine when we witnessed Russias aggression, then, yes, it would be very possible that we will provide some kind of support to Taiwan. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Japan's State Minister of Defence Toshiro pictured in May ahead of the G7 Leaders' Summit in May He added: I am not sure at this juncture whether it is going to be defence equipment support or whether it is going to be logistics support. On top of the looming threat of an invasion of Taiwan, Japan has also been alarmed by Chinas aggressive rearmament under Xi Jinping. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Mr Ino said: We consider it a threat that China is increasing its military budget and it is sharply increasing its assertiveness in the maritime zones. So far, we havent seen this level of threat before. Young Europeans could be allowed to work in Britain as baristas, au pairs and waiters in a move that has angered Brexiteers. Plans are under way for a youth mobility scheme that would allow young adults from the continent to work in the UK for two years. Discussions have been held with Switzerland which is outside the EU but the visa could cover 18 to 30-year-olds living in France, Germany and Spain as well. The Home Office is said to prefer agreements with individual countries, rather than the whole EU, to bring in French au pairs and Spanish hospitality workers. Other departments want an EU-wide scheme, with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs keen to recruit agricultural workers. Any agreements would be reciprocal, allowing young Britons to work abroad, bringing back some of the freedom of movement rights that ended with Brexit. Young Europeans could be allowed to work in Britain as baristas, au pairs and waiters in a move that has angered Brexiteers. Plans are under way for a youth mobility scheme that would allow young adults from the continent to work in the UK for two years (stock photo) Some in government believe the plan would boost the economy by filling job vacancies without adding to long-term immigration figures or placing an extra burden on the NHS. A source told The Sunday Times: There are a number of advantages. They generally dont count towards net migration, they have a good history of compliance and so there are not a lot of overstayers. However, it risks angering Tory MPs who want the Government to focus on improving chances for young Britons rather than relying on immigrants to plug gaps in the workforce. It comes just days after the Home Office agreed to relax immigration rules driven by the Treasury to let more overseas bricklayers, roofers and carpenters get jobs here. David Jones, of the European Research Group of Eurosceptic Tories, said: Weve been bingeing for far too long on foreign labour. We need to train our own young people but the fact they are talking about shipping over more people from abroad shows the focus of the civil service is wrong. He added: This has clearly been devised by the urban elite. Most people want our young to be trained and put into good jobs. David Campbell, of the Conservative Democratic Organisation, asked: Is this really Brexit? The UK already has a Youth Mobility Scheme with New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Japan and Iceland. It allows 18 to 30-year-olds to visit, study or work in the UK for two years on condition they do not stay longer, bring over family members or claim benefits. They have to pay a 259 fee and the annual 470 healthcare surcharge. More than two-thirds of practitioners giving cosmetic surgery injections such as Botox in the UK are not qualified doctors, a study reveals. Researchers from University College London looked at 3,000 websites to find out the qualifications, training and experience of those offering treatments. Just 32 per cent were doctors, 13 per cent were nurses, 24 per cent were dentists and 8 per cent were dental nurses. Of the 1,163 doctors, 41 per cent were on the specialist register and 19 per cent were on the GP register. Study co-author Professor Julie Davies told the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery: 'Our findings should be a wake-up call for legislators to implement effective regulation and professional standards to safeguard patients from complications.' Just 32 per cent were doctors, 13 per cent were nurses, 24 per cent were dentists and 8 per cent were dental nurses Dr David Zargaran, UCL Plastic Surgery, an author of the study, added: 'There are well-documented, yet to-date unaddressed challenges in the UK cosmetic injectables market. 'Without knowledge of the professional backgrounds of practitioners, we cannot adequately regulate the industry. 'Our research highlights that the majority of practitioners are not doctors and include other healthcare professionals, as well as non-healthcare professionals such as beauticians. 'The range of backgrounds opens a broader question relating to competence and consent. 'One of the key challenges facing the Government's licensing scheme is to ensure that practitioners granted a licence possess the skills and experience required to safely administer their treatment to minimise risks to patients. 'It is important for patients to be able to feel comfortable and confident that the person administering their treatment is competent in the procedure as a fundamental foundation of informed consent. 'This research provides a unique insight into the sector to help inform regulators and patients, and work towards a safer and more transparent cosmetic injectables industry in the UK.' According to the study, the UK injectables market is predicted to reach a value of 11.7 billion by 2026, but to date is effectively unregulated. The UK government is preparing to update policy around injectables, and a public consultation on the industry is due to begin in August 2023. Recommendations are expected to inform amendments to the Medical Act in 2024. As well as the professional background of those providing cosmetic injections, until recently there has been little research on the incidence of complications and the impact that these have upon patients. A second study from the same authors, published on July 3, found that 69 per cent of people who responded to the study had experienced long-lasting adverse effects, such as pain, anxiety and headache. Visits to Britains busiest high street have plunged over the past year while European rivals enjoy a boom, according to latest data that will bolster calls to scrap a hated tourist tax. The 18 per cent decline in footfall in Londons Oxford Street compares with a 30 per cent increase for Amsterdams Kalverstraat and a 26 per cent rise for Madrids Gran Via. It comes as even retailers in Norways capital Oslo say they are taking advantage of the tax to lure shoppers away from London. And the boss of upmarket department store Harvey Nichols reiterated calls to Rishi Sunak to act urgently over the issue, saying Britains retailers must not be allowed to lose another summer. The Mail is spearheading a campaign to reintroduce VAT-free shopping for tourists, which was scrapped in 2021 when the UK left the EU. Boss of upmarket department store Harvey Nichols reiterated calls to Rishi Sunak to act urgently over the issue, That decision means that, unlike in many other countries, overseas visitors can no longer claim back the 20 per cent VAT levied on their purchases. Evidence is mounting that the tourist tax is helping cities such as Paris and Milan lure consumers who might previously have favoured London. That means that all sorts of businesses including hotels, restaurants and visitor attractions - and not just the shops themselves - are missing out. New figures from property agents Cushman & Wakefield, comparing the performance of Europes top seven shopping streets over the 12 months to June, showed London falling behind. Amsterdam and Madrid led the pack while the Champs Elysess in Paris saw a 15 per cent rise in footfall and Milans Corso Vittorio Emanuele II was up 6 per cent, followed by Le Meir in Antwerp, up 2 per cent. Berlins Kurfurstendamm saw a 12 per cent decline and was the only of the seven apart from London to experience a fall. It is not just the traditional fashion hubs such as Milan and Paris that are taking advantage of the UK capitals woes. Businesses in the Nedre Slottsgate area of Oslo - the Norwegian capitals equivalent of Bond Street - also want to take advantage. David Wilkinson, the former Harrods and Selfridges manager who now runs the citys historic Steen & Strm department store, told The Mail: We are very happy to eat Londons lunch. Evidence is mounting that the tourist tax is helping cities such as Paris and Milan lure consumers who might previously have favoured London Mr Wilkinson said Norway had enjoyed a tourist boom in recent years, partly thanks to tax-free shopping, a cheap krone and the increasing number of luxury boutiques that now call Oslo home. He said Nedre Slottsgate now has one of the densest concentrations of luxury stores in Europe. And it is not just wealthy Norwegians splashing the cash but also Chinese, Arab and other shoppers, with international tourism outstripping domestic tourism for the first time ever this year, he added. While high-end brands such as Dior and Chanel have been moving into Oslo, London seems to have gone in the other direction, with luxury retailer Mulberry shutting its flagship store in the capital and tacky candy shops moving into once prime Oxford Street locations. And although the West End and Knightsbridge have seen footfall tick back to pre-pandemic levels, businesses argue London is missing out on the full receipts of a post-Covid boom. Steven Medway, chief executive of the Knightsbridge and Kings Road Partnerships, said: When we think of our luxury shopping rivals, we look to the continent and think of Paris and Milan. While high-end brands such as Dior and Chanel have been moving into Oslo, London seems to have gone in the other direction, with luxury retailer Mulberry shutting its flagship store in the capital Weve clearly missed the stealthy march that Oslo is making upon Knightsbridge. Like Rome and Madrid, it does seem that such markets are making moves to benefit from tax free shopping, which the UK sorely lacks. The Government must withdraw the tourist tax to put London back on top. Manju Malhotra, chief executive of Harvey Nichols - who has previously given her backing to the Mails campaign - reiterated her plea yesterday. She told the Sunday Telegraph: I would urge the Government to really prioritise it before an election. We all benefit from international businesses coming to the UK. The high street, restaurants, museums, they all rely on visitors coming to the UK. We dont want to lose another summer. It comes after the Mail revealed last week that the issue would be debated in the Commons later this year in the latest sign that Chancellor - who has so far resisted appeals to rethink the policy - is finally listening to businesses. Shevaun Haviland, head of the British Chambers of Commerce, last week told the Mail that - having lobbied government officials for a change of heart - she now believes the door is ajar. A probe into the head of the equalities watchdog has been halted for a second time after a senior minister intervened. Kishwer Falkner was first placed under investigation in February following complaints from some staff about a toxic culture. The baroness was accused of bullying and discrimination but her allies say it was a witch-hunt because she had angered the trans lobby by defending women's rights. The inquiry by an external barrister was paused in May after details of the case against her were leaked to Channel 4 News. The broadcaster revealed last week that the investigation had been restarted but in a fresh twist it has now been put on hold for a second time after a dramatic intervention by equalities minister Kemi Badenoch. Kishwer Falkner (pictured) was first placed under investigation in February following complaints from some staff about a toxic culture As the Mail revealed on Friday, Mrs Badenoch fears that the correct processes have not been followed at the Equality and Human Rights Commission. She is understood to have written to the body urging it to pause the investigation while a separate review into the initial leak is carried out. In addition, there is concern over a high-level revolt about the handling of the inquiry. According to the Sunday Telegraph, some board members have written to the Government to complain they have 'lost patience' with being 'bypassed in some crucial decisions'. They said that they intended to call for Alasdair Henderson and Eryl Besse, who were handling the inquiry, to stand aside from their roles as Lady Falkner's deputies. A spokesman for the EHRC told the Mail: 'In investigating concerns, the EHRC follows its robust governance processes, and seeks and follows all legal advice where appropriate. 'We cannot comment on the specifics of this investigation other than to confirm a decision has been taken to re-pause the process while related matters are reviewed.' As the Mail revealed on Friday, Mrs Badenoch (pictured) fears that the correct processes have not been followed at the Equality and Human Rights Commission The latest development was welcomed by some campaigners. Debbie Hayton, a transgender woman who speaks out against gender ideology, said: 'Kemi Badenoch is right to intervene in this appalling treatment of the EHRC chair. The scientific enlightenment came and went, but people are exactly the same. Witch-hunts or inquiries ... the language might be new but the abuse of women is not.' Ian Acheson, a former chief operating officer of the quango, said: 'It's sad to see the EHRC become ungovernable, particularly for those of us who worked so hard to restore the organisation's credibility and put its focus on delivery, defending the rights of ordinary people, ahead of destructive internal activism.' One ally of the baroness said: 'This was a witch-hunt from the very beginning. They have made Kishwer into this evil figure. 'She does have complaints against her which need to be addressed but I don't understand why it can't be done by mediation or some sort of internal process which doesn't get lawyers involved.' The dossier against Lady Falkner cites allegations of transphobia and harassment. It is feared she has been targeted because she opposed Scotland's transgender self-ID reform, and backed rewriting equality law on the basis of biological sex rather than gender identity which would bar transgender women from female-only spaces. A bomb disposal expert who sexually assaulted two female soldiers remained on duty for two years after complaints were first made. Corporal Matt Payne, 34, was sacked from the Army and placed on the sex offenders register last week after he was convicted of two counts of sexual assault, two of attempted sexual assault and one charge of battery. Despite complaints first being made in May 2021, he was on duty until his conviction last month, allowing him to continue firearms training with other soldiers and work alongside female colleagues. The two women victims were transferred to other barracks one of which Payne was even sent to visit. Campaign groups last night said the episode was the latest sorry chapter in the Armys long history of failing to protect women from predators. A senior Army source admitted that the handling of the incident showed a complete lack of leadership from commanding officers. Corporal Matt Payne, 34, (pictured) was sacked from the Army and placed on the sex offenders register last week after he was convicted of two counts of sexual assault, two of attempted sexual assault and one charge of battery Payne was serving with 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), 321 and Search Squadron in Northern Ireland, when the offences took place, Catterick Military Court heard. He sexually assaulted Victim A in her bedroom in May 2021, thrusting his hand inside her waistband and asking if he could play with her. She reported the attack to commanding officers. Two months later, Payne gripped the same woman by the throat and tried to blackmail her into having sex with him by threatening to lie to her partner about a fictional affair. The same evening he groped the breasts of Victim B. That November, Payne was badly beaten by Victim Bs partner and the woman made a complaint. Payne was arrested and formally charged that December. But he continued in his role, keeping his Army ID which gave him approval to access top secret material. After Victim Bs allegation of sexual assault was made against Payne, he was sent to visit a set of barracks where she was based, to her shock. In an impact statement, Victim A said Payne returned to her room every night leaving her feeling unsafe in her own accommodation. I have had to stay in my room when Matt has been waiting outside to the point where I have had to use my own sink to urinate in, she said. I feel I am in a constant state of worry about what is going to happen next and I cant trust him around me or any of the other females. Im scared to be anywhere he knows where I am. Despite complaints first being made in May 2021, he was on duty until his conviction last month, allowing him to continue firearms training with other soldiers and work alongside female colleagues. The two women victims were transferred to other barracks one of which Payne was even sent to visit. Pictured: Military Court Centre As he awaited trial, Payne was sent to Ashchurch, Gloucestershire, where he could work from home. But sources said he was able to continue to approach women in barracks because his ID card was not removed and there were no formal measures to keep him away from female soldiers. Emma Norton, of the Centre for Military Justice charity, said: This appalling situation sadly comes as no surprise. There are things the Army should be doing, like placing a marker on the files of both the accused and the victim to ensure they are never posted together in the same place it seems that wasnt done here. It is astonishing that after he was charged not just accused this soldier appears to have been kept on duty, allowed to continue training and then posted to a course alongside someone he was accused of having sexually assaulted. It is not at all clear what if any measures were put in place to protect the victims or other women. An Army spokesman confirmed Payne was dismissed last Wednesday. Payne, who started serving in 2014, will also have to attend 90 days of group work and 30 days in a rehabilitation programme. Almost a third of GP partners in England would consider shutting their surgeries for a week if the Government refuses to increase their funding next year, a survey suggests. Some 31 per cent said they would be open to the move which would see them join consultants and junior doctors in taking industrial action if they do not get an uplift for the 2024/25 NHS contract, a poll carried out in June by GP magazine Pulse revealed. Of the 362 questioned, 54 per cent said they would consider closing for a day and 61 per cent would not rule out diverting on-the-day or urgent cases to the 111 hotline or A&E, while nearly 46 per cent said they would be open to providing undated resignations. Dr Pete Deveson, a GP in Surrey, said he would be delighted to join striking junior and consultant colleagues to improve pay and conditions if such action could be effectively co-ordinated by the British Medical Association. On Thursday, thousands of consultants in England staged a 48-hour strike over pay, resulting in thousands of appointments being postponed. The strike came just two days after a five-day walkout by their junior counterparts. But other family doctors voiced their concerns over such a move. Some 31 per cent said they would consider shutting their surgeries for a week a move which would see them join consultants and junior doctors in taking industrial action One GP, who did not want to be named, said: Industrial action is difficult we do not have public opinion on our side at present. The workload is already overwhelming. Stopping for a day would just add to work the following few days. I would not want to put patients at risk or overload secondary care. By shutting surgeries, GP partners would incur a financial hit as their funding would be withdrawn but they would still need to pay staff salaries. Negotiations for next years GP contract in England are set to begin. It would come into effect from April. Earlier this month, Rishi Sunak offered millions of public sector workers, including junior doctors, salaried GPs and other staff, a bumper 6 per cent pay rise in a bid to stave off disruptive strikes that are hampering efforts to reduce NHS waiting times. The Government said that GP practices will receive extra funding, backdated to April, to cover the pay rise, which it expected to be passed on promptly to all general practice staff. But it also said that GP partners are still subject to the five-year funding deal agreed in 2019. John Ray says Gilbert was murdered by a serial killer who has not yet been identified, as he disputes claims she died in a drug-induced drowning A lawyer representing the family of Shannan Gilbert claims she was strangled to death like the Gilgo Four, whose bodies were found on Gilgo Beach A sex worker whose 2010 death was ruled a 'tragic accident' was murdered in a similar way as the 'Gilgo Four', a lawyer representing her family has claimed. Shannan Gilbert's body was found in a marsh near Gilgo Beach a year after police found the bodies of four other sex workers wrapped up in burlap sacks on the sand. Police have long maintained that Gilbert, 23, died in a drug-induced drowning. But John Ray claims she was murdered by a serial killer who has not yet been identified. He says a second autopsy on her body proves she was strangled to death, just like Melissa Barthelemy, 24; Megan Waterman, 22; Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25; and Amber Lynn Costello, 27. Architect Rex Heuermann, 59, has since been arrested in Melissa, Megan and Amber's deaths, and is a prime suspect in Maureen's. The lawyer representing Shannan Gilbert's family says she was strangled to death, much like the so-called Gilgo Four whose bodies were found on Gilgo Beach in burlap sacks Gilbert's body was found in a marsh nearby one year after the discovery of the bodies of Melissa Barthelemy, 24; Megan Waterman, 22; Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25; and Amber Lynn Costello, 27 Heuermann is not, however, charged in Gilbert's death and Ray has never insinuated that Heuermann may have killed her. Ray said he has long had questions about the Suffolk County police's assertion that Gilbert died in a drug-induced drowning. 'When the police claimed she had wandered into the marsh and managed to kill herself, when I had seen the autopsy report where she's found face-up laying in the bush, and the police had claimed she drowned, that didn't make any sense,' Ray told the US Sun. A second autopsy conducted by Dr. Michael Baden found that Gilbert 'met a violent end, that she was strangled. 'When we looked at the bones, we were able to discern that the very small, significant hyoid bone in the neck was cracked on one edge,' Ray explained, adding the doctor also found a hole at the base of Shannan's hyoid bone. 'It appears to be something was either drilled or push through that bone and we couldn't determine what that was, but it was highly unusual.' With questions on his mind about the police's drowning explanation and what he called a 'fallback position,' where local authorities also claimed she could have died from natural elements after getting lost in the marsh, Ray said he decided to take a look at the marsh himself. 'I don't believe Shannan ever entered the marsh,' he asserted, noting that he went into the marsh on the same day Shannan disappeared a year before, under similar weather conditions. Ray entered the marsh at the same location, which he said was difficult to bypass, 'but you can get in.' On 'either side of the marsh, there were escape routes easily found,' Ray continued. 'It would be absurd to say somebody got lost in the marsh and died because they couldn't get out,' he said, explaining that when walking in the marsh, 'the loam you walked on was damp and sometimes had a little water that would come up over, say the tip of your boot. 'And that was about it, it wasn't deep at all,' Ray said. 'Even if she fell into the canals, they weren't deep,' he said. 'They're like not even waist deep they'd come up to your thighs for an average person.' Architect Rex Heuermann, 59, has been arrested and charged in Melissa, Megan and Amber's deaths, and is a prime suspect in Maureen's The first victim, Melissa Barthelemy, 24, was discovered by Suffolk County Police on December 11, 2010. The body of Megan Waterman, 22, was found two days later Maureen Brainard-Barnes was 25 years old when she went missing (left). Amber Lynn Costello was 27 years old. Their bodies were found near Barthelemy's the same day Shannan was last seen running out of Joseph Brewer's house, who was a client, on the day she disappeared before running to a neighbor's house for help. Neighbor Barbara Brennan then called cops at around 5.30am on May 1, 2010, just a few minutes before dawn. 'So twilight would've been the condition, not pitch darkness,' Ray said. 'So the police theory that she got lost in the dark and got confused is absurd. 'In fact, as we went through the marsh, as we progressed, we could see our way into the homes that lined from Oak Beach that lined the marsh on the south side of it.' Former Suffolk County Police Commissioner Richard Dormer also claimed Shannan ran through the bramble, which pulled her jeans off. 'First of all, any girl who wears jeans they're not baggies like in the hippie days they're tight jeans and they don't come off because sticker bushes pull them as you go through the marsh,' Ray said, dismissing the notion. 'How do you get them off? You have to take them off or somebody's gotta take them off for you. 'So then they argue, well he panicked and in her panic, because she was on drugs, she was hallucinating and she got wet and she took off her pants. 'That's absurd as well,' he said, noting there is 'zero evidence' Gilbert was on drugs the day she vanished. He also said in a previous interview that Shannan was wearing a bra in photos taken of her body and the band that attaches the two cups was cut in half. State Police and crime lab teams continue to comb Heuermann's Massapequa Park home. A lab worker is pictured at the home Saturday Troopers said a 'major excavation' is taking place at the home of New York architect Rex Heuermann. Pictured are State Police investigators gathering evidence at the scene Police are now investigating whether Heuermann may have been involved in any other murders, searching his property in Massapequa Park, Las Vegas and in rural South Carolina. On Sunday, police brought in cadaver dogs to search the premises of his ramshackle Long Island home. Aerial footage of the scene also revealed groups of investigators in Heuermann's backyard digging up earth and bagging evidence. The search came after a neighbor told local police they believed at least one woman was killed in a soundproof room in Heuermann's basement. Robert Musto, 64, one of Heuermann's longtime neighbors, told the New York Post: 'He's got a soundproof room in his basement. What do you think that was for?' 'This guy is a wacko,' the retired Long Island Rail Road worker added - claiming he heard about the basement from police, who have been searching the scene since Heuermann was arrested July 13. 'They're saying there's evidence he killed at least one of the girls down there,' Musto said. 'The cops are going to dig all that out. Said they're focused on the soundproof room in the basement but they're going to look at everything.' Police also said that 'cops are looking for evidence if the victims were in the house, nothing yet.' Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to the murders. The popularity of the Western Australian Labor government has crashed according to a surprise new poll. The Utting Research poll of 1,000 voters shows a resurgence of support for the Liberal party, which now has a 54 per cent to 46 per cent two-party preferred lead over Labor. The last poll conducted in May, after leader Mark McGowan stepped down and was replaced by Roger Cook as premier, had Labor ahead at 61-39, The West Australian reported on Monday. Labor's seemingly invincible electoral position in WA has collapsed under new premier Roger Cook (pictured foreground) Labor's primary vote has also fallen to 32 per cent, from 52 per cent previously. After the 2021 state election, the Liberal and Nationals parties banded together to form opposition, with the Liberals as the junior partner. The Liberals hold two parliamentary seats in the Legislative Assembly while the Nationals hold four. The Utting poll also shows the Nationals are carrying six per cent of the primary vote with the Greens on 10 per cent and other parties with 15 per cent. The phone poll was conducted between July 18-20. One factor dragging down Labor's popularity are the states new Indigenous heritage laws, which took effect on July 1. The new requirements have caused the cancellation of tree plantings, despite Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti saying this should not have happened. Two major tree-planting events were cancelled following a demand by an Aboriginal corporation for a payment of $2.5 million in exchange for their approval. LandCare volunteers were meant to roll up their sleeves to plant 5500 seedlings along Perth's Canning River on the weekend. Under former premier Mark McGowan Labor almost electorally wiped out the Coalition at the last state poll But the events never went ahead following the demand from the newly formed Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation, sparking confusion about Western Australia's new Aboriginal heritage laws. Landholders and the state opposition have slammed the vague nature of the new requirements with confusion reining over what permissions are required from traditional owners. The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage says it has been fielding an average of 50 emails and 25 calls a day since July 1 seeking clarification on how the new laws apply. Under the Act landholders have to consult local Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Services representatives but these offices have not been set up for the bulk of the state. Scientists are creating a new variety of blueberry which will grow in Scotland and be three times bigger than usual. Experts are crossing more than 40 different blueberries to discover the perfect fruit which can be grown in the Scottish climate. As well as being three times the size of usual supermarket versions bigger than a grape or a small strawberry the new fruits promise to be crunchier, juicier and more flavoursome. Blueberries are already regarded as a 'superfood' credited with everything from reducing blood pressure and preventing heart disease, to improving memory and speeding up muscle recovery after exercise. Now scientists at the James Hutton Institute (JHI) in Invergowrie near Dundee are working to produce a variety that will thrive north of the Border. The world-leading scientific research centre turned its attention to blueberries around a decade ago after disease decimated the raspberry industry. More than 40 different blueberry types are being crossed to find the perfect new fruit READ MORE: Scientists cross two fruits to create a 'Lemon Melon' Japanese farmers have invented an entirely new fruit called the Lemon Melon Advertisement The JHI found that blueberries native to North America didn't produce the same yield or quality of fruit when grown in the UK. Now contenders are emerging, including a fruit that measures up to an inch in diameter. Dr Susan McCallum, blueberry researcher and breeder at the JHI, said the scientists wanted to help growers understand which selectively bred plants were best suited to the Scottish climate. 'We were able to advise them fairly well on what cultivars were most suited to the soil, the conditions, the pH that we had but it still wasn't perfect so we started crossing and breeding our own blueberries,' she said. Dr McCallum, who looks after 5,000 plants at Invergowrie, said a Scottish blueberry would ideally offer a good yield for growers to make money as well as size, flavour, firmness and crunch. 'A large size doesn't just make it more attractive for consumers, it also makes it easier for pickers. It makes it easier to fill the punnet, it's a more attractive fruit and tends to be more flavoursome,' she said. 'It's got to have a good balance of sugar and acid, it's got to be firm and have a nice crunch. 'I think we're getting there. There's certainly one frontrunner that's got the yield and plant architecture but also a fantastic fruit size and flavour.' As the digital nomad lifestyle continues to grow in popularity among young professionals, pet parents are offering tips for travelling abroad with your furry friends. Flying overseas with a dog - especially a large one - can be stressful, but travel influencer Jackie Gendron says it's 'worth it to not have to leave them'. Jackie, whose TikTok account @jgendron10 has amassed over 87,500 followers, recently took her 63lb Labrador Puck on a trip to Europe. Acknowledging that taking a pet overseas seems 'daunting', Jackie says that with the right pretravel preparations your dog can be a 'travel pro'. She details how to get the necessary documentation from your vet, book your dog's transport and steps you can take to ease their stress levels while in flight. Jackie, whose TikTok account @jgendron10 has amassed over 87,500 followers, recently took her 63lb Labrador Puck (pictured) on a trip to Europe In a video posted earlier this month, Jackie broke down the process for flying with dogs into four simple steps - all of which happen before you even go to the airport. She explained that to take a dog abroad, travellers need an international health certificate provided by their vet She explained that pets must fly in an airline approved crate, adding in the comments that she was able to purchase the one they use for Puck on Amazon. Pictured: Jackie's travel companion with their luggage. Puck's crate is on the trolley to the right In a video posted earlier this month, Jackie broke down the process for flying with dogs into four simple steps - all of which happen before you even go to the airport. 'First you need to find a vet that can give you an international health certificate,' she explained, noting how not every veterinarian offers this service. But if your vet cannot help with the certificate, there is no need to stress because Jackie says they can refer you to one that does. 'Second you need to book your flight,' she said. 'They can't make your health certificate appointment until they have your exact departure date because the appointment needs to be within 10 days of that date. 'Third, if you're dog is flying in cargo you'll need to call the airline and add them to the cargo space.' Some airlines utilise third party companies to transport pets, but Jackie says that most will let you add a pet to your reservation like an oversized bag. She explained that pets must fly in an airline approved crate, adding in the comments that she was able to purchase the one they use for Puck on Amazon. She concluded: 'Fourth, you'll go to the vet appointment, get their health certificate, and that's that.' Jackie warned that travellers must book their flights before trying to make a health certificate appointment with their vet. She told her followers: 'They can't make your health certificate appointment until they have your exact departure date because the appointment needs to be within 10 days of that date.' Pictured: Puck at the vet TikTokers previously slammed the way pets are transported on airplanes after footage of a handler carrying a dog in a crate on one side of the luggage hold beneath the commercial aircraft, with the suitcases on the other side, went viral in 2021. A grab from the video is pictured above Several of Jackie's followers expressed concern about putting their pet in a cargo hold of the plane. 'I just couldn't put my lab in under the plane,' one user commented. But Jackie reassured her follower that while it 'sucks', Puck has 'done really well' during the flights. 'The flight is overnight when he usually sleeps, and his crate is fairly spacious all things considered so hes done really well,' she said, adding that their her vet also prescribed Puck a medicine to help with anxiety. TikTokers previously slammed the way pets are transported on airplanes after a video of a handler carrying a dog in a crate on one side of the luggage hold beneath the commercial aircraft, with the suitcases on the other side, went viral. In the footage, which was captured two years ago at Vancouver International Airport in Canada, the dog's crate was sheltered behind a fabric partition screen and attached to the side of the hold by straps. The clip, which racked up millions of views, was branded 'terrifying' by some viewers. Advertisement Cruise ships often drop anchor in tropical idylls before moving on to their next destination but this vessel isn't leaving paradise anytime soon. Incredible pictures show the huge wreck of the MS World Discoverer lying mere yards from a tourist beach in the Solomon Island archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. Measuring 287ft (87m) in length, the enormous abandoned vessel looks startlingly incongruous next to the rugged natural beauty of the forested shoreline. She's lain there for more than 20 years and during that time, she's been reclaimed by nature - with greenery sprouting from her decks - and become an attraction for locals and tourists alike. Tours can be arranged to visit the rusting wreck and a trio of over-water bungalows can be rented nearby, which offer front-row views of the ship's immense form rising from turquoise waters. On social media, videos and photographs show tourists posing on the golden beach that leads out to the wreck. This incredible picture shows the huge wreck of the MS World Discoverer cruise ship lying mere yards from a tourist beach in the Solomon Island archipelago in the Pacific Ocean Measuring 287ft (87m) in length, the enormous abandoned vessel looks startlingly incongruous next to the rugged natural beauty of the forested shoreline The cruise ship, which has lain in the same place for more than 20 years, has become an unlikely attraction for locals and tourists alike The cruise ship's story begins in 1974 when she was constructed in a German shipyard and sold to the first of several owners - the Danish company BEWA Cruises. The vessel, which could carry nearly 140 passengers, featured an observation lounge, a library, a sun deck with a swimming pool and a small fitness centre. She was built for voyages to the Antarctic polar regions, with dinghies on board that allowed passengers to disembark and explore the region's ice floes, but also cruised around warmer climes. On April 30, 2000, however, she struck an uncharted reef while sailing in the Solomon Islands' Sandfly Passage. A distress signal was transmitted and passengers were all ferried safely to shore on lifeboats. Reclaimed by nature, the abandoned cruise ship now has greenery sprouting from her decks The cruise ship's story begins in 1974 when she was constructed in a German shipyard and sold to the first of several owners - the Danish company BEWA Cruises The vessel, which could carry nearly 140 passengers, featured an observation lounge, a library, a sun deck with a swimming pool and a small fitness centre She was built for voyages to the Antarctic polar regions, with dinghies on board that allowed passengers to disembark and explore the region's ice floes On April 30, 2000, the vessel struck an uncharted reef while sailing in the Solomon Islands' Sandfly Passage The ship's captain brought the ship into Roderick Bay off the coast of Nggela Sule Island and grounded her there to prevent her sinking, as she had been heavily listing to one side. David Wright, a British passenger on board the ship, recounted the moment the ship was grounded in an interview with The Herald newspaper, saying: 'It was just rammed into the beach, breaking trees in the forest, which stretches down to the shore. 'It was quite spectacular. And when we reached the beach, we could see a tree hanging from the prow of the ship.' At the time, Michael Lomax, the president of 'Society Expeditions', the company that organised the ship's voyages, praised the cruise staff who were on board, saying that they had performed in an 'exemplary manner' during the incident. An attempt was made to salvage the ship, but it proved unsuccessful. The ship's captain brought the vessel into Roderick Bay off the coast of Nggela Sule Island and grounded her there to prevent her sinking, as she had been heavily listing to one side David Wright, a British passenger on board the ship, recounted the moment the ship was grounded, saying: 'It was just rammed into the beach' After the ship was grounded, an attempt was made to salvage her, but it proved unsuccessful Travellers are known to snorkel in the waters that surround the wreck and picnic on Roderick Bay Fast forward to today and travellers can get an hour-and-a-half transfer by boat from Honiara, the archipelago's capital, for day trips to the bay, where they can snorkel around the wreck and picnic on the island. Exploring the wreck itself is off limits, local magazine Fly Solomon reveals, though it notes that locals have rigged up a zipline from the top of the vessel to the shore. Meanwhile, a night's stay in one of the Roderick Bay Beach Bungalows, which are complete with one double bed and one single bed, is priced at just 35 (385 Solomon Islands dollars/46 U.S dollars). Exploring the wreck itself is off limits, though locals have rigged up a zipline from the top of the vessel to the shore Travellers can get an hour-and-a-half transfer by boat from Honiara, the archipelago's capital, for day trips to the bay Above is the MS World Discoverer anchored in South Georgia. Image courtesy of Creative Commons This picture shows the MS World Discoverer at port on the isle of Ua Pou, which lies in the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia. Image courtesy of Creative Commons This picture, thought to have been captured in the 1990s, shows the ship off the coast of Peru. Image courtesy of Creative Commons Instagram user Justin Jamieson described the view of the vessel from his bungalow as 'both eerie and spectacular'. While 'xploradora80' described the ship as a 'real sight to see', adding: 'The lagoon is stunning.' It's not the only shipwreck in the Solomon Islands archipelago in fact, it's estimated there are around 200 wrecks scattered off its shores, making it a mecca for divers and history buffs alike. Many of the wrecks were the result of fierce combat between Allied and Japanese forces during World War II. Other notable sunken ships include the Japanese vessels Hirokawa Maru and Kinugawa Maru, which both lie in waters to the west of Honiara. There are also hundreds of sunken WWII aircraft - including a Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero long ranger fighter aircraft, an America Grumman F6F 3-Hellcat and a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. It's estimated there are around 200 wrecks scattered off the shores of the Solomon Islands. Many of the wrecks - such as the wreck of Japanese vessel Kinugawa Maru (above) - were the result of fierce combat between Allied and Japanese forces during World War II As Boris Becker tries to rebuild his life after a stint in jail for bankruptcy fraud, he might want to seek advice from daughter Anna she's moving into bricks and mortar. Anna, 23, has set up a real estate company and has named her mother Angela pictured with her, below as a co-director. Anna was famously conceived after Boris and Angela had a one-night stand at the Nobu restaurant in Mayfair. Bizarrely, the name of the company, Tetragrammatonic, refers to the Hebrew name for God. Boris Becker's daughter Anna, left, 23, has set up a real estate company and has named her mother Angela, right, as a co-director Anna was famously conceived after Boris (pictured) and Angela had a one-night stand at the Nobu restaurant in Mayfair There will be no dancing by Melanie Hamrick for her partner Sir Mick Jagger's 80th birthday this week after the former ballerina injured her ankle by falling off a step. Melanie, who has a son Deveraux, six, with the Rolling Stone, is hobbling about in a support boot as her injury heals. Women's Hour host Anita Rani Women's Hour host and debut novelist Anita Rani has bagged the kind of publicity some authors only dream of courtesy of her BBC colleagues. When she appeared on the Today programme to discuss what was coming up later in Woman's Hour, presenters Amol Rajan and Justin Webb were happy to tout her book Baby Does A Runner, about a woman investigating her grandfather's affair. Referring to some typically British summer rainfall, one of them said: 'It's a good day weather-wise to stay in and read someone's first novel.' That was quickly followed by: 'Others, of course, are available.' It's a little late for impartiality! Prince Harry is modelling for Hermes! Well OK, not the real Harry but actor Luther Ford, below, who is due to play him in the upcoming series of The Crown. Luther was snapped wearing a pyjama-style shirt and shorts at Paris Fashion Week, and given that he should become a household name after starring in The Crown on Netflix, it's no wonder he's practising having his photo taken. Keen to bolster him, co-star Meg Bellamy, who will play Kate Middleton, has been excitedly flattering Luther over Instagram, commenting 'Wowwwww!!' in response to the fashion pictures. Prince Harry is modelling for Hermes! Well OK, not the real Harry but actor Luther Ford, pictured, who is due to play him in the upcoming series of The Crown He should become a household name after starring in The Crown on Netflix as Prince Harry (pictured) I never had Bourne star Matt Damon down as the pipe and slippers type. But he loves nothing more than kicking off his shoes and putting on something more comfy, according to his Oppenheimer co-star Emily Blunt, a neighbour of his in a Brooklyn apartment block she calls a 'weird commune'. She tells Bruce Bozzi's Table For Two podcast: 'I don't ever see Matt Damon not in his slippers any more. I haven't seen him in regular shoes in a long time.' Horror-scope alert for Holly This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby As if the last few weeks haven't been difficult enough for This Morning's Holly Willoughby after Phillip Schofield quit, she believes things will get wilder because of the astrological influence of the planet Venus. According to Holly's wellness company Wylde Moon, 'Venus is going into retrograde and we're all going to feel it'. Holly, 42, seems to think the stars have a lot in store for us all, especially in romance. Get set for 'angst, anxiety and confusion', apparently. Wylde Moon says that as an Aquarius, Holly faces a 'magical mystery tour' and a 'wild ride' next month. Let's hope any impending drama steers clear of the This Morning studio! Oh, the perks of being famous presenter Melanie Sykes has revealed her phone company waived her bill running into thousands of pounds when she tweeted about forgetting to turn off data roaming during a trip to the Seychelles. I wonder if I should take to Twitter to complain about my gas bill? Stassi Schroeder is a long way from the person she was during season one of Vanderpump Rules when she was tortured over her dramatic relationship with Jax Taylor. The soon-to-be mom of two, 35, has been married to Beau Clark for three years and they share daughter Hartford, two, and will soon be welcoming a baby boy to their family. The reality television star wore a light grey, mid-calf-length t-shirt dress with a pair of black, flat shoes, while she was spotted out in Los Angeles. She carried her young daughter on her hip and had a large, colorful handbag slung over one shoulder. The Amazing Race alum could be seen walking across a parking lot and putting her little girl into the backseat of a dark-colored SUV. Mom duty: Stassi Schroder, 35, was spotted out with her young daughter Hartford ahead of the birth of her son with husband Beau Clark These days, Stassi is the host of the podcast Straight Up with Stassi and the co-host of the podcast The Good The Bad The Baby, alongside her husband. The podcast is described as: 'Beau and Stassi Clark welcomed their baby girl, Hartford on January 7, 2021 and as their family grows, they want to bring you along for the good, the bad, the hilarious, the messy, the unfiltered moments, the breakdowns, the victories and everything in between! And earlier this month, the couple did experience a scary moment when their daughter had problems breathing. The couple brought the little girl to the hospital after noticing her 'breathing very fast and hard.' Clark used his Instagram account to update fans as he shared a photo of Hartford's leg peeking out from underneath a blanket while she laid in a hospital bed. 'It's been a morning,' he wrote over the photo of their daughter cuddling up to Stassi. 'Soooo last night she was breathing very fast and hard,' he began in an Instagram Stories post. He went on to say that Hartford looked like she was turning into a zombie before adding: 'Took her to ER around 6am. She has some breathing issues - possibly high asthma, and lots of mucus in her lungs and a high fever.' Mom of two: The reality television star wore a light grey, mid-calf-length t-shirt dress with a pair of black, flat shoes, while she was spotted out in Los Angeles Big sister: Stassi has been keeping fans updated on the progress of her pregnancy Married: Stassi has been married to Beau Clark since 2020 and they welcomed their daughter in 2021 He told his fans that he and Stassi's daughter had been given to breathing treatments. 'Now we're just waiting, hoping this works the second time. Will update when we know more. It's super scary seeing your kid like this,' he admitted. And six hours later he updated fans that the family had just arrived home after six hours at the hospital. 'She's improved slightly with her breathing, but it's still hard,' he noted. Sofia Vergara is 'living her best life' after feeling 'stifled' in her relationship with Joe Manganiello following the pair's shock split after seven years of marriage. The Modern Family star, 51, who received a 'cold' birthday tribute from the Magic Mike actor, 46, days before their divorce came to light, has been moving on after returning to Los Angeles following a lavish getaway to Italy. A close friend of the now-single actress told Page Six in an article published on Saturday that she is, 'living her best life. Shes spending time with her friends after being stifled in a relationship with a largely unsupportive partner.' The source further informed the outlet, 'Sofia was always there to take care of Joe, while his career was never what it was when they met.' 'I think hes been threatened by her success and joie de vivre,' which means an exuberant enjoyment of life. Moving on: Sofia Vergara, 51, is 'living her best life' after feeling 'stifled' in her relationship with Joe Manganiello, 46, following the pair's shock split after seven years of marriage 'Unsupportive': A close friend of the now-single actress told Page Six in an article published on Saturday that she is, 'living her best life. Shes spending time with her friends after being stifled in a relationship with a largely unsupportive partner' Vergara whisked herself away to Italy to celebrate her 51st birthday which took place earlier this month on July 10. At the time, Joe shared a tribute to the star by uploading a low resolution snap of the former couple and added the simple caption of 'Feliz Cumpleanos Sofia!!!' Social media users jumped to the comment and arose speculation that all was not well within their marriage, with one fan typing out, 'Oh no. There's trouble in paradise. I can sense it.' Another labeled the caption as 'cold' and wrote, 'Joe, I hope you guys are ok, that was a very different(cold) happy birthday wish to your wife, compare to previous ones!' Days later on July 17, the former couple announced their split and issued a joint statement to Page Six. 'We have made the difficult decision to divorce.' 'As two people that love and care for one another very much, we politely ask for respect of our privacy at this time as we navigate this new phase of our lives.' Separate sources close to the Hollywood A-listers informed DailyMail.com earlier this week that their 'different attitudes' was one of the reasons that the two slowly drifted apart. Joe 'always loves being out and about and just having a good time. And then when it is time to be serious and when it is time to get to work, he turns on that part of himself, but he is always ready to live life to the fullest and go out and just be fun and have fun.' 'Taken care' of the actor: The source further informed the outlet, 'Sofia was always there to take care of Joe, while his career was never what it was when they met' Differences: Separate sources close to the Hollywood A-listers informed DailyMail.com earlier this week explained that their 'different attitudes' was one of the reasons that the two slowly drifted apart 'Cold': At the time, Joe shared a tribute to the star by uploading a low resolution snap of the former couple and added the simple caption of 'Feliz Cumpleanos Sofia!!!' but was labeled as 'cold' by one fan 'This was immediately an attraction for Sofia who is completely the opposite, sure she loves having a good time and going out, but she is more concerned with the finer things in life, the trips, lavish dinners, being a celebrity, and everything that comes with all of that.' 'She has been told her entire life she is super-hot and beautiful. It really has got to her head. She also has a temper and gets upset over stupid things very easily whereas Joe tries to let things bounce off of him and go with the flow.' 'That was not really seen while they were falling in love, but then the true versions of themselves started showing and they just got annoyed with each other, choosing work over hanging out.' The insiders added, 'Then bit by bit, they stopped wanting to be together and stopped hanging out because something so little would often trigger an attitude that would bug them, just their attitudes on everything were completely different...' 'It added up to where now it is easier and more relaxing not being together. When people say they will be friendly, they will, but the romance part of things is over. They grew a part from something that could have been really good.' Another alleged reason for the split, per Page Six, was the pair's different stance on having children. While Sofia wasn't eager to have a baby, Manganiello reportedly 'intensely wanted children.' Only two days after announcing their split, the True Blood actor filed for divorce and noted their date of separation as July 2, while citing the reason for the end of their marriage as 'irreconcilable differences.' Sofia and Joe, who had a prenup before their divorce was filed, were dealing with 'ups and downs for a long time' but the pair 'always put on a good front publicly,' a source recently told People. Stance on starting a family: Another alleged reason for the split, per Page Six, was the pair's different stance on having children Filed for divorce: Only two days after announcing their split, the True Blood actor filed for divorce and noted their date of separation as July 2, while citing the reason for the end of their marriage as 'irreconcilable differences' Motherhood: Sofia shares son, Manolo Gonzalez, 31, with her ex-husband and high school sweetheart, Joe Gonzalez, whom she was married to from 1991 to 1993; star seen with her son in 2020 Latest getaway: As the news of their split unfolded, the Modern Family actress whisked herself away to Italy to celebrate her 51st birthday Sofia shares son, Manolo Gonzalez, 31, with her ex-husband and high school sweetheart, Joe Gonzalez. The two were married from 1991 until their divorce was finalized in 1993. The actress also previously dated Nick Loeb, whom she became engaged to in 2012, but later called off the engagement in 2014. In 2013, she froze embryos from IVF treatment and the pair went to court over ownership after their break up. In 2021, a judge ruled on Sofia's side, however, Loeb is now suing the fertility clinic. Joe previously dated Bridget Peters and was briefly engaged to Audra Marie from 2010 until their split in 2011. The Perth yoga teacher who became a TikTok star after brutally being dumped by her ex-boyfriend has achieved the ultimate revenge - she is planning to marry someone else. Eve Gindein recently revealed on social media she'd changed her location on Tinder to America as a joke - and quickly hit it off with a man in Georgia. 'We exchanged numbers and talked over video chat for four hours a day. We realised we were getting these big feelings for each other,' she told Perth Now on Saturday. 'I was flying over to America already in September to see my best friend, so I said I would book a ticket to meet him in Atlanta. He said "Hell yes".' While she hasn't met her beau, a chef named Blazer, their online connection is so strong they are already discussing marriage. Eve Gindein, the Perth yoga teacher who became a TikTok star after brutally being dumped by her ex-boyfriend, has achieved the ultimate revenge - she is planning to marry someone else 'We have talked about marriage, child rearing, visas, our red flags, our toxic traits, our past relationships. 'It has been a natural progression of dating, just over the phone. We have had all the conversations about values and are super aligned,' she said. Earlier this year, Eve became a TikTok star to get revenge on an ex-boyfriend. The Pilates teacher recently revealed on social media she changed her location on Tinder to America as a joke - and quickly hit it off with a man in Georgia She took to TikTok to vent after being dumped via a brutal text message, and became a social media star in the process. Gindein made hilarious videos about her breakup, which she dubbed 'icktok', and earned millions of views in just two short months. 'My partner always wanted to be a YouTube celebrity or go viral on Instagram and TikTok, but he had this fear of being himself and was critical of me being so open all the time,' she told Perth Now. While she hasn't met her beau, a chef named Blazer, their online connection is so strong they are already discussing marriage 'He was very concerned with failure and what people would think - but it's people's unique and authentic expression that makes them go viral,' she continued. 'My goal was to go viral in under three months to prove it's not that deep and you can just be yourself.' Eve's profile is growing so quickly that she now gets recognised in public, and even had her Uber driver confess to being one of her followers. Her next step is to open a business offering break-up and divorce parties for newly-single women. Megan Gale has come out swinging against a troll who criticised her for posting a string of sponsored posts on Instagram over the weekend. The Australian supermodel, 47, recently travelled to Western Australia with her family as part of a paid advertisement deal, and has spent the past week uploading eight Instagram posts in a row promoting Tourism WA. After Megan used her page to promote a pearl farm in Broome on Sunday, one critic commented: 'Another paid post.' Clearly upset by this, Megan responded by penning a lengthy rant in which she defended her line of work as an influencer. 'I have been doing this job - working with and representing brands and businesses - for 30 years now. 1993 - 2023. For that entire time, my job has consisted of partnering with brands and showcasing them in various forms of media,' she wrote. Supermodel Megan Gale, 47, has come out swinging against a troll who criticised her for posting a string of sponsored posts promoting Western Australian tourism on Instagram over the weekend Megan explained that over the years, she has adapted her job from promoting brands in magazines and on television to spruiking products on social media. 'My job hasn't changed in those 30 years but the landscape of advertising has,' she explained. 'Same as a billboard, same as a TV commercial, or ads on the radio. If there is something about that, that irks you, then I feel it could be worthwhile for you to spend your time exploring why that upsets you so much. So much so, that you feel the need to take time out of your day to criticise me doing my job.' The Australian supermodel recently travelled to Western Australia with her family as part of a paid advertisement deal, and has spent the past week uploading eight Instagram posts in a row promoting Tourism WA After Megan used her page to promote a pearl farm in Broome on Sunday, one critic commented: 'Another paid post.' Clearly upset by this, Megan responded by penning a lengthy rant in which she defended her line of work as an influencer 'I am not going to apologise for making an excellent choice when it comes to my career. Yes, I get paid to do what I love but so do millions of people around the world,' she continued. The David Jones ambassador made it clear that she takes an ethical approach to her work, insisting that she has 'never fronted a brand and promoted it solely because someone has paid her to.' 'It is always a carefully thought out and considered process and I can assure you, I say no to working with brands far more than I say yes.' The David Jones ambassador made it clear that she takes an ethical approach to her work, insisting that she has 'never fronted a brand and promoted it solely because someone has paid her to' 'There is no difference - like them, I am doing my job, which I love, which I am bloody good at and which I have managed to do consistently for 30 years now,' she wrote Megan likened her work as an influencer to a musician who performs live. 'May I ask, do you go to concerts and scream at performers on stage 'You're only up there because you got paid to do it'? It's the exact same mentality which I think you'd agree, is quite irrational,' she pointed out. 'There is no difference - like them, I am doing my job, which I love, which I am bloody good at and which I have managed to do consistently for 30 years now.' Megan has since uploaded screenshots of her comment to Instagram Stories, adding her own annotations including: 'You can get mad and reactive when people attack you, or... lead with patience and kindness. This is how I roll.' On the heels of her breakout role in the hit HBO series Euphoria, Sydney Sweeney finds herself in high demand. The actress, 25, who plays Cassie Howard in her breakout role on the teen drama, was seen shooting her latest film on the streets of Los Angeles over the weekend. The Spokane, Washington native was first spotted wandering around the set getting ready for her scene decked out in a sexy leather ensemble that included a plunging bustier with a zipper down the middle. Her pants, which had an assortment of metal studs all along the front portion, were made of star designs that were held together by small pieces of metal. By attaching the stars at the corners, the unique-looking trousers had small diamond-shape openings from top to bottom. New role: Sydney Sweeney, 25, showed off her enviable curves while decked out in a sexy black leather ensemble for a scene for her latest film being shot in Los Angeles right now In keeping with the rest of her edgy ensemble, the leading lady also wore a pair of black platform shoes that gave her an extra couple of inches in height to her petite 5ft3in frame. The bustier was zipped all the way to the top, but the plunging piece still helped put the emphasis on her ample cleavage. Rounding out her overall look for the shoot, stylists had Sweeney's blonde tresses flowing with extra volume down past her chest in the front and nearly to her waistline in the back with a center part. As crew members were shuffling around the set trying to get everything and everyone in place, Sweeney made her way to where the shoot was set to begin.. For her scene, the actress sat on the top of the back seat of a classic red convertible Mercedes-Benz, which helped her be more visible as the car cruised along the world famous Sunset Blvd. Once the cameras were rolling, and the car began to pick up speed, Sweeney flashed a big beaming smile, all while an unidentified man sat behind the wheel driving. At one point while the car was being driven in traffic, Sweeney had a burst of enthusiasm and stood up with one arm raised towards the sky. She then soaked in the view from one side of the Sunset Blvd to the other, as the cameras continued to roll. Action! For her scene, the actress sat on the top of a classic red convertible Mercedes-Benz, which helped her be more visible as the car cruised along the world famous Sunset Blvd Reach for the heavens: At one point while the car was being driven in traffic, Sweeney had a burst of enthusiasm and stood up with one arm raised towards the sky Sweeney has been taking full advantage of her newfound celebrity, in the wake of Euphoria's soaring popularity, She has already had two films make world premieres in 2023 that includes the crime drama Reality at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival in February and the crime thriller Americana at South By Southwest in Austin, Texas in March. Reality, which stars Sweeney in the lead role alongside Josh Hamilton and Marchant Davis, has since made had its wide release on HBO in May. Currently, Sweeney is also attached to no less than four more films that are in some form of post-production. Most recently, the White Lotus star wrapped up shooting the thriller film Echo Valley, with Julianne Moore and Domhnall Gleeson, in New Jersey in June. So far, there's no official word on when the film will make its premiere on Apple TV+. Right before that she had wrapped on the psychological horror film Immaculate in February, after shooting in Rome, Italy. Along with Sweeney, the cast also includes Alvaro Morte, Benedetta Porcaroli, Dora Romano, Giorgio Colangeli and Simona Tabasco. Socializing: The Euphoria star struck a few poses while decked out in her costume for video posted on her Instagram page Flirty: By the time she sat on the back of the convertible the actress got playful for the camera In demand: The actress has no less than four new films in some phase of post-production She also has the romantic comedy film Anyone But You in the can, which also stars Glen Powell, Alexandra Shipp, Michelle Hurd, Bryan Brown, Darren Barnet, Hadley Robinson, Dermot Mulroney, Rachel Griffiths and GaTa. Anyone But You is scheduled to make its premiere later this year, on December 15. Sweeney had also been shooting the superhero film Madame Web with Dakota Johnson until late last year that's set to make its debut February 16, 2024. As for Euphoria, the series had been expected to begin shooting season three this past February but that was pushed back to the end of 2023, according to several publications such as Hypebae. The delay is now being blamed, in part, on the ongoing WGA and SAG/AFTRA strike that began back in early May. Call the Midwife star Olly Rix has split from his partner Natasha Fagri after seven years together. The actor, 36, who appears as businessman Matthew Aylward in the series, and his make-up artist girlfriend Natasha are said to have drifted apart due to work commitments. A source told The Sun: 'Olly and Natasha were very happy together for a long time, but eventually drifted apart due to work commitments. 'They have a lot of respect for each other and share custody of their pet dog. 'They are both busy with work and focusing on their future and different projects.' End of the road: Call the Midwife star Olly Rix, 36, has split from his partner Natasha Fagri after seven years together Split: The actor and his make-up artist girlfriend Natasha are said to have drifted apart due to work commitments On air: Olly appeared as businessman Matthew Aylward in Call the Midwife (pictured with Helen George who played Nurse Trixie Franklin on the show) It comes after Olly's on-screen wife Helen George split from her partner Jack Ashton. Actress Helen's Call the Midwife character Trixie Franklin married her long-time love Matthew, played by Olly, in the finale of season 12 of the show. Jack was also a cast member of Call The Midwife, playing Reverend Tom Hereward from 2014 to 2018. Helen and Jack - who have daughters Wren, five, and Lark, 20 months, together - have gone their separate ways after seven years together, but insiders say things are still 'amicable' between them. Helen, 38, said in a statement: 'Some months ago, we separated. Our two beautiful girls remain the focus and I respectfully ask for privacy for this next chapter.' An insider added to the Sunday Mirror: 'Helen and Jacks decision to end their relationship has been amicable, and no one else is involved. They have just grown apart as a couple. 'Until now, only their closest friends and family have known what is going on, but in recent weeks it has been shared more widely. 'They are both incredibly committed to working together to be the best parents they can for their two daughters.' Split: It comes after Oli's co-star Helen George split from her partner Jack Ashton (both pictured in March 2022) seven years after meeting on Call the Midwife Helen previously explained things worked between her and 36-year-old Jack - who got together in 2016 after working on Call the Midwife's Christmas special in South Africa - because they understood each other and the demands placed on their time by their careers. She said in 2021: 'Its not like you have time to have hobbies at the weekends. Youre on set for a long time every day and you dont get to see many other people. 'We are like-minded people who understand the industry, the career and the long hours.' Helen - who was married to Oliver Boot from 2011 to 2015 - was recently starring as Anna in a production of The King and I in London's West End, while Jack can be seen as Lenny Sampson in newly-returned school drama series Waterloo Road. A second trailer for Zoey 102 was released by Paramount + on Thursday, just days away from the movie's official release. Jamie Lynn Spears, 32, is pictured reuniting with many of the PCA alums in the new 30 second promotional clip of the July movie, that is a follow up to her popular TV series Zoey 101, which aired from 2005 until 2008. Britney Spears' younger sister, who stars as Zoey Brooks in the film, is single and faces a dilemma as her best friend Quinn Pensky (Erin Sanders) asks her to be her maid of honor at her wedding to Logan Reese (Matthew Underwood). Not wanting to be the odd one out, she decides to hire a fake boyfriend to accompany her to the wedding. But before the ceremony, Zoey is reunited with her high school love from PCA - Chase Matthews (Sean Flynn) - and it appears that there are still feelings between the pair. Second trailer: Jamie Lynn Spears, 32, was pictured reuniting with many of the PCA alums in the second trailer for Zoey 102 released by Paramount + on Thursday Reunited: She also comes face-to-face with her high school boyfriend from PCA, Chase Matthews (Sean Flynn) - and it appears that there are still feelings between the pair The trailer stars out with Jamie and her pals at the Pacific Coast Academy. 'Alright people, let's get to work!' she tells them. In the next clip she is seen grabbing drinks with Quinn, Logan, and pals at a bar as Quinn tells her that the wedding will be the reunion 'we all need.' However, Zoey is so embarrassed about being single that she hires a very handsome man to pose as her suave doctor boyfriend. 'Like method,' he replies, after she explains the proposal to him. In the next scene she is pictured reunited with her ex Chase as they hurry to drive off somewhere together, however he sustains an injury while bumping his face into the car door. The scene is followed by Zoey giving a toast at the rehearsal dinner as she says, 'Everyone says high school love doesn't last' while Quinn shoots her a confused glance. Zoey and Chase are then seen running through a department store while holding hands. 'Did you really think we were gonna stroll off into the sunset?' he asks her towards the end of the clip, as they are pictured sitting on the beach at sunset. The movie streams on Paramount+ on July 27. Dilemma: Jamie, who stars as Zoey Brooks, is asked by best friend Quinn Pensky (Erin Sanders) to be her maid of honor in her wedding to Logan Reese (Matthew Underwood) Drama: However, Zoey is so embarrassed about being single that she hires a very handsome man to pose as her suave doctor boyfriend All together again: In the next clip she is seen grabbing drinks with Quinn, Logan and pals at a bar as Quinn tells her that the wedding will be the reunion 'we all need' Funny: In the next scene she is pictured reunited with her ex Chase as they hurry to drive off together, however he sustains an injury while bumping his face into the car door High school love: Zoey and Chase are then seen running through a department store while holding hands Good question: 'Did you really think we were gonna stroll off into the sunset?' he asks her towards the end of the clip, as they are pictured sitting on the beach at sunset Coming soon: Zoey 102 is slated for a July 27 release on the Paramount+ streaming platform It comes after Jamie revealed that her two daughters will be making cameos in the highly-anticipated film - 15 years after the beloved Nickelodeon series came to an end. The actress gushed to ET that having her two girls Ivey Joan, five, and Maddie Aldridge, 15, in Zoey 102 was a 'proud moment' for her and a 'special' experience for the three of them. 'Having my two girls be a part of this film and get to make their little debut cameo, if you will, it was so special because they got to do it together,' Jamie Lynn gushed. Being both a parent and an actress, Jamie Lynn said that it was incredible to see 'those two worlds collide' and that it was 'a really proud moment for me as a mom.' Jamie Lynn who has shielded her daughters from the drama involving her once estranged sister Britney recalled how her eldest Maddie was in awe of the production. 'She told me she liked what she saw the set and saw the production and what it was. She was like, 'Mom, I can't believe that, like, they're all here because this is the movie that you've created.' 'And that made me feel really proud as a mom that she recognized that and saw you can do big things. It doesn't matter. And seeing her be a part of it was just, it was really a special moment,' Jamie Lynn gushed to ET's Denny Directo. Jamie Lynn originally played the role of Zoey, a teenager who is sent to an elite boarding school in Malibu, California, from 2005 to 2008. Special: Jamie recently revealed that her two daughters Ivey Joan, five, and Maddie Aldridge, 15, will be making cameos in the film Hit show: She originally played the role of Zoey, a teenager who is sent to an elite boarding school in Malibu, California, from 2005 to 2008; Pictured with sister Britney Spears in 2017 Exit: She subsequently left the series and took an extended hiatus from acting in 2007 after it was revealed she'd fallen pregnant at age 16 She recently told Variety that it's been a longtime dream for her to reprise the role as an adult. 'I always had this dream of being able to play her again as an adult or just meet her as an adult,' she stated. 'Its been years of getting it right, getting it wrong, figuring out logistically how to make this work and putting a team together that really wanted it to happen the right way. 'When I walked on set the first day I was like, "My God, we really did this. Were here, were doing it."' EastEnders bosses have been left seriously impressed with Patsy Kensit after she returned to the hit BBC soap for a second time. The actress, 55, who plays tragic Lola Pearces mum Emma Harding, departed Walford back in March with her character seen struggling to cope with her daughter's terminal illness. Patsy returned last month briefly for Lola's emotional funeral and made quite the impression on BBC bosses. Soap sources have now revealed that she has been back on set filming and is a 'big hit' with the rest of the cast. An insider told The Mirror: 'Patsy has been back in Albert Square filming on multiple occasions this month so it seems fans have not seen the last of Emma. 'She has really impressed the bosses': EastEnders bosses have been left seriously impressed with Patsy Kensit as she returned to the hit BBC soap for a second time 'She is a big hit': The actress, 55, who plays tragic Lola Pearces mum Emma Harding, departed Walford back in March before making another appearance last month 'Patsy has really impressed the bosses, and is a big hit with the rest of the cast. She loves the show too, so she was thrilled to be asked to return as Emma. 'She, like audiences, had thought her cameo appearance at Lolas funeral was her last on the Square.' Lola, played by Danielle Harold, was at the centre of one of the BBC soaps most emotional storylines after she developed a brain tumour. Lolas mum Emma, who abandoned her when she was just three, arrived in Walford after Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) hunted her down. But their family reunion was short-lived after Lolas husband Jay (Jamie Borthwick) told Emma to either stick around for good or leave and soon after she left. At the British Soap Awards, actress Danielle picked up the Best Leading Performer for Lolas cancer storyline, while EastEnders won the gong for Best British Soap. Mum-of-two Patsy said she had an 'awesome experience' while appearing on EastEnders. She gushed on social media: 'Cannot thank my amazing cast members [enough] for being so kind and loving to me. 'Big thank you to the BBC, the producers, writers, crew and the EastEnders familyJamie and Danielle for making me laugh my a**e off everyday. I love you both Emma Barton so so many people.' 'Patsy has been back in Albert Square filming': Patsy returned last month briefly for Lola's emotional funeral and made quite the impression on BBC bosses by Tisaranee Gunasekara the narrow exclusive, bigoted, simplistic attitude that reduces identity in all its many aspects to one single affiliation, and one that is proclaimed in anger this is how murderers are made its a recipe for massacre. ~ Maalouf Amin (In the Name of Identity Violence and the need to belong) Half a century ago, it was higher education, saving universities from Tamil encroachment. Today it is Buddhist heritage, saving archaeological sites in the North and the East from Tamil encroachment. Tomorrow, another bone of contention would be found, from some nook of the countrys distant past or cranny of its troubled present. Young girl in the window of her father's Tuk-tuk (traditional taxi) in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. [ Photo: Natalia Davidovich /World Bank] Kurundi could become a Lankan Ayodhya, the locus of a future where yesterdays ruins will be consecrated by tomorrows blood. As the relatively unknown ruin became a bone of contention between visiting monks and area politicians in 2018, the Mullativu court issued an injunction against all new construction until a case filed by a group of local residents is concluded. Once Gotabaya Rajapaksa became president, the rule of law became replaced again by the law of the rulers. And the construction of a new chaithya on the old ruin began, with the help of the military. Last year, the court issued another injunction against further construction. On July 4th 2023, Mullativu magistrate T Saravanaraja visited the site to determine whether the court order was being observed or not, just as a group of monks and politicians were preparing to carry out a religious ceremony. When the magistrate ordered the ceremony to be stopped, parliamentarian Sarath Weerasekara tried to intervene. The magistrate intervened him pointing out that as this was a judicial proceeding, only lawyers could speak, not parliamentarians or religious leaders or politicians. A few days later, Mr. Weerasekara, hiding behind the rampart of parliamentary privilege, attacked the magistrate in racial terms like Donald Trumps 2016 attack on judge Gonzalo Curiel for his Mexican heritage. Reading from a prepared speech, parliamentarian Weerasekara said, We cannot be at all satisfied about the orders and decisions of the magistrate in charge of that area A few days ago, this Tamil magistrate came to Kurundi viharaya on an observational tour. I was also there We must remind this magistrate that this is a Buddhist country Not just separatist Tamil politicians but also magistrates with such attitudes are responsible for creating conflict between races and religions. When Donald Trump attacked Judge Curiel, even members of Republican Party protested. Going by the video, no parliamentarian on either side of the aisle objected to Mr. Weerasekaras objectionable speech. Not a word; just approbatory or opportunistic silence. To its great credit, the BASL condemned Mr. Weerasekaras remarks as a brazen attack on judiciary and the social fabric of this country, and asked the government and the opposition to respect and observe the independence of the judiciary, warning that any interference in the judicial process would set a dangerous precedent. While bar associations of Northern and Eastern districts protested, most of their Southern colleagues didnt. Given Mr. Weerasekaras antecedents both in and out of uniform, his incendiary remarks are hardly surprising. What is surprising and worrying is the inadequacy of political or societal reaction to his racist outpouring. That silence is telling. The seeds that birthed Black July continue to gestate in the womb of Lankan society forty years on. In July 1983, the marauding mobs constituted a minute minority of the population. They wouldnt have been able to carry on their deadly work day in day out for almost a fortnight without the tacit consent of the broader society in which they lived. Violent minorities can prevail only in the presence of an enabling environment. The enabling environment for Black July was gestated long before fires began in the nurseries of political parties, media, academia, the Sangha, and the larger society. The rioters believed they were engaged in a just war to save the nation and the people. No one in political, social, or religious authority told them otherwise. Most Sinhalese, while not approving of murder, pillage, and arson (at least in public), still felt that the Tigers had to be taught a lesson one way or another. Though it is hard to believe now, JR Jayewardene government was seen as being soft on Tamils and therefore Tigers. The SLFP led opposition was to the right of the UNP led government on the Tamil issue. Even progressives echoed the story that President Jayewardenes clan name was Thambi Mudiyanselage and he was of Muslim heritage therefore incapable of caring about the poor Sinhalese. Professor David Runciman commenting on Thoreaus On Civil Disobedience in his Podcast series Past, Present, and Future reiterates that When the world is being stupid and wicked one has to do whatever possible to stop it. Not to do that is also stupid and wicked. Black July happened because Sinhalese failed to whatever possible to stop it. That failure was both wicked and stupid. The question is, have we learnt nothing from that history? A Sinhala-Buddhist State for a Sinhala-Buddhist Land Pogroms dont happen in a vacuum. Anti-Semitism, which formed the ideological justification of the Holocaust, was birthed and nursed by the Catholic Church and subsequently by various Protestant churches. After all, if The Jew was the Christ-killer would any punishment be too severe for an X Israel or a Y Sara? It took decades of anti-Tamil hysteria to create the Black July, endless fear-mongering of how they were taking our land, our universities, our jobs and our country. While racism played a role in the disenfranchisement of Tamil plantation workers, the re-formation of state in a Sinhala-Buddhist image commenced in earnest only in 1956. The debased state we rail against today is the outcome of a conscious process of politicisation in general and racial-religious politicisation in particular by successive governments. DBS Jeyaraj in a recent column relates how the subjugation of the public service by politicians began. Osmund de Silva had been serving as the IGP since 1955. There was a wave of strikes in 1959 that plagued the Bandaranaike-led Government. The situation was particularly acute in the Colombo Port sector where leftist-led Trade Unions dominated. An exasperated SWRD Bandaranaike summoned IGP Osmund de Silva and asked him to break up the strike, arrest the trouble-making trade unionists and lock them up. Osmund de Silva refused point blank saying there were no grounds to arrest them unless the Police cooked up something and that doing so would be unlawful. The Premier then said he expected extra loyalty from the IGP to which Osmund de Silva replied that his loyalty was first and foremost to the law of the land. An angered Bandaranaike sent Osmund de Silva on compulsory retirement on April 24, 1959. Osmund de Silva departed proudly after re-iterating to his fellow police officers to always uphold the law and not adopt extra-legal measures at the behest of politicians Osmund was the first Buddhist IGP in Sri Lanka The next in line to be IGP in terms of seniority was Senior DIG C.C. Jungle Dissanayake, who was a Christian. Next to Dissanayake in seniority was DIG Sydney de Zoysa, who was also a Christian So he (Bandaranaike) brought in an outsider his friend and civil servant Walter Abeykoon (Aftermath Of Bandaranaikes Assassination: INVESTIGATION TO INDICTMENT Opinion | Daily Mirror). 40 years later, his daughter would appoint a tainted attorney general as the chief justice partly because the senior-most member of the then supreme court was a non-Buddhist, thereby opening moral and institutional doors to a more sustained assault on judicial independence by the Rajapaksas. .Today, much handwringing is seen about brain-drain. In reality brain-drain is at least as old as 1956 Revolution when minority professionals began leaving in search of less discriminatory pastures. One of the major markers in this process of minority alienation was standardisation, the Sinhala-Buddhist solution to the supposed takeover of universities by Tamils. As historian KM de Silva pointed out, this discriminatory approach was applied even to Sinhala and Tamil students who sat for the exam in English i.e. the same medium. As historian CR de Silva points out, In 1974, Polonnaurwa, Moneragala, and Vavuniya together had eight places in the Faculty of Medicine reserved for them but these areas failed to produce a single qualified candidate to take up these places. In 1975, one student from Polonnaruwa entered the Medical Faculty but the 5 places allotted to Amparai, the 4 given to Moneragala and the 2 kept for Vavuniya were all unfulfilled (https://dl.nsf.gov.lk/handle/1/5104). In the end, these measures aimed at enhancing the Sinhala-Buddhist nature of the state undermined Sri Lanka the country and hurt all her people, including the Sinhalese. This truth should be remembered at a time when newly-minted Cyril Mathews are advocating Sinhala-Buddhist justice and Sinhala-Buddhist only judges. So long as Mahawamsa myths (which contradict the Tripitaka) go unchallenged and Sinhala-Buddhists are seen as true owners of Lanka while minority Lankans are categorised as guests here on sufferance, the social soil will be ripe for new manifestations of old and unresolved conflicts. The Leaders and the People According to a survey by the CPA in 2022, 59.1% of Lankans and 56.6% of Sinhalese agreed that the crisis has shown the importance of addressing past injustices suffered by ethnic minorities. Aragalaya presented a rare opportunity to marginalise ethno-religious politics by dislodging it from the centre to the margins. But to realise this potential, it would be necessary to face the wrath of the lunatic fringe, something no political leaders seems willing to do. President Wickremesinghes lofty promises of implementing the 13th Amendment in full seem to have fallen by the wayside; the opposition is bending over backwards to appease political monks. Their attitude towards the scourge of caste in Tamil society and institutionalised misogyny in Muslim society is equally timorous and self-serving. As moderates retreat, extremists of every stripe are advancing claiming new territory. The sudden demand for a harsh anti-blasphemy law is a case in point. Given our history, we have reason to fear not just the violence of the state, but also the counter-violence of non-state actors. The tragic fate of Myanmar points to an even worse disaster that might be germinating. Myanmar, not so long ago was an inspiration to democrats everywhere. Today it is back in the grip of a vicious military dictatorship. New democratic Myanmar failed to confront majoritatian supremacism. Bermen democracy fighters and the military united against the Rohingya people. The Lady who won a Nobel Prize for her fight for human rights found herself on the same side as monk Ashin Wirathu as she defended the militarys brutal campaign against unarmed civilians. Extremism though is an unappeasable beast. Myanmars democratic leaders bent over backwards to accommodate uniformed and civilian extremists, in vain. In February 2021 the military took over. Now the military is doing to Buddhist Bermen villages what it once did to Muslim Rohingya ones. According to Myanmar Witness, the military has carried out airstrikes in 10 out of 14 of the countrys administrative divisions. The Buddhist Bermen now call the military planes Monsters from the Sky. Meanwhile Wirathu is being honoured by the military with a prestigious national award Military and monks: the conflation is often seen in the Lankan North and East, claiming land for Sinhala-Buddhism by trying to set up temples in areas without a single Sinhala-Buddhist civilian. Three former military officers including General Jagath Dias, a retired army chief of staff, have gone to court against President Wickremesinghes order (sanctioned by the cabinet) to release land around the controversial Kurundi ruins to their previous cultivators. Bertrand Russell in his essay The Ancestry of Fascism highlights the correlation between changes of intellectual temper and changes in the tone of politics: It is important to remember that political events very frequently take their colour from the speculation of an earlier time (In Praise of Idleness). Knowingly or not, the likes of Sarath Weerasekara are creating the intellectual temper for a harsher, more unjust future and violent. Their words need to be taken with utmost seriousness as we mark the 40th Anniversary of Black July, for in them are the seeds of another harvest of blood. The writer is a senior political commentator in Colombo Tommy Lee and his wife Brittany Furlan were seen stepping out together to watch the new Barbie movie together in Calabasas on Friday. The Motley Crue drummer, 60 who was previously married to Pamela Anderson cut a casual figure alongside the comedian, 36, as they strolled through a busy parking lot while heading towards the theater. The musician opted to wear a plain, dark green T-shirt along with a pair of comfy, gray sweatpants. He additionally slipped into a pair of black and white shoes that were secured with belted straps on top. The star easily slung a black, cross-body bag over his shoulder and added silver-chained necklaces for a flashy touch. His wife of four years walked closely next to Tommy and also opted for stylish comfort for the movie date. Movie date: Tommy Lee, 60, and his wife, Brittany Furlan, 36, were seen stepping out together to watch the new Barbie movie together in Calabasas on Friday The media personality, who rose to prominence on the social media platform Vine, slipped into a pair of high-waisted jeans and tucked in a white shirt that contained a red trim. Brittany also donned a pair of sandals to stay comfortable during the outing and slung a purse over her left shoulder to hold a few items she needed. Her locks were parted in the middle and pulled up into a half up do, allowing strands to fall down naturally past her shoulders. The couple were just one of many moviegoers who stopped by the theater to watch the anticipated Barbie movie which officially released in theaters on July 21. Tommy and Brittany first met in 2017 on the celebrity dating app, Raya, and became engaged on February 14, 2018. The following year on Valentine's day, the two lovebirds said 'I do.' During an interview with People last month in June, the media star opened up about first meeting the drummer off of Raya. 'Ive always loved him. I used to watch him on MTV when I was younger. I wasnt the biggest Motley person, but I loved Methods of Mayhem, his other band,' she stated. 'I knew who he was and I always thought he was super hot, so I was like, "Yeah sure, why not?" We matched and then we started talking. He was just so persistent, constantly. If I didnt respond, hed be like, "Hello?"' Keeping it casual: The musician opted to wear a plain, dark green T-shirt along with a pair of comfy, gray sweatpants Lovebirds: Tommy and Brittany first met in 2017 on the celebrity dating app, Raya, and became engaged on February 14, 2018 and then tied the knot one year later Furlan further gushed about her husband and later added, 'He just does all these really sweet things and Ive never had anyone do that for me before. I cant believe now when I look back on all of the bad relationships that I was in.' Lee notably was married to Pamela Anderson from 1995 until their divorce in 1998. They share two sons, Brandon, 27, and Dylan, 25. Earlier this year in January, the model released the Netflix documentary titled, Pamela, A Love Story, which detailed her rise to fame as well as the infamous sex tape with Tommy. 'We dont live in the past,' Brittany told People in regards to the highly-publicized documentary and added, 'We dont even have conversations about that because thats not a part of our life.' 'My husbands just such a great guy. The fact that we get pulled into this stuff again and again is very exhausting. But it is what it is.' The drummer was also married to Elaine Starchuk from 1984 to 1985, and also actress Heather Locklear from 1986 to 1993. Brittany also briefly touched on her husband's relationship with the Melrose Place star. 'Really sweet': Furlan further gushed about her husband and later added, 'He just does all these really sweet things and Ive never had anyone do that for me before'; couple seen in 2019 Previous relationship: Lee notably was married to Pamela Anderson from 1995 until their divorce in 1998 and they share two sons, Brandon, 27, and Dylan, 25; seen in 1995 Iconic band: Tommy Lee is known for being the drummer of the heavy metal rock band, Motley Crue, which was formed in 1981; the band seen in 1982 in San Francisco 'Tommy even says he messed up that relationship. He cheated on her. To this day, thats why theyre still really good friends,' she explained, and revealed that she was also close to Heather. 'Shes just a cool girl, honestly, and I feel for her because, I yell at my husband, Im like, "I cant believe you cheated on her. Shes so cool." That was a different time. Not to make excuses, but hes a very different man now from all those years ago. You live and you learn.' Tommy Lee is known for being the drummer of the heavy metal rock band, Motley Crue, which was formed in 1981. Along with Lee, the original members consisted of bassist Nikki Sixx as well as guitarist and lead vocalist, Greg Leon. And currently, both Tommy and Nikki are still included in the group, as well as lead vocalist Vince Neill, and guitarist John 5, who replaced Mick Mars after he announced his retirement. Ben Affleck was spotted while leaving his office in Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon. The 50-year-old performer kept a serious look on his face while heading into a parking lot after finishing up his work for the day. The actor, who recently celebrated his one-year wedding anniversary, opted for a casual look while wearing a light blue shirt and a pair of slim-fitting jeans. Affleck also kept a sizable backpack slung over his right shoulder while leaving his office. The Good Will Hunting co-writer completed his outfit with a multicolored pair of Nike sneakers. Heading out: Ben Affleck was spotted while leaving his office in Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon Taking it easy: The actor, 50, opted for a casual look while wearing a light blue shirt and a pair of slim-fitting jeans The performer recently appeared as former Nike chairman and CEO Phil Knight in the biographical drama feature Air. The feature was centered on the development of the Air Jordan line of shoes, as well as Nike's effort to sign a promotional deal with Michael Jordan. In addition to Affleck, the movie featured performers such as Matt Damon, Viola Davis and Chris Tucker. The Argo director also helmed the feature and served as one of the project's producers. The performer re-edited the movie's script, which was originally written by Alex Convery, alongside Damon. The feature's team began production in June of last year in Los Angeles and concluded after a month of work. Air's world premiere took place during the most recent South By Southwest festival, and it was released to the public in April. The feature performed well with critics, and it currently holds a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Affleck spoke about working on Air during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, where he discussed keeping Jordan off the screen in the movie. 'I thought if the audience brought everything they thought and remembered about him and what he meant to them to the movie and projected it onto the movie, it worked better,' he said. The performer also revealed that he did not consult with Nike during the movie's development process. 'I did not have a conversation with Nike because I didn't feel the same sense of personal responsibility [as I did to Michael Jordan] because it's not a history of Nike. There's interviews and books about that,' he said. Fresh kicks: The Good Will Hunting co-writer completed his outfit with a multicolored pair of Nike sneakers On the big screen: The performer recently appeared as former Nike chairman and CEO Phil Knight in the biographical drama feature Air Storyline: The feature was centered on the development of the Air Jordan line of shoes, as well as Nike's effort to sign a promotional deal with Michael Jordan Doing well: The feature performed well with critics, and it currently holds a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes Going strong! Earlier this month Ben celebrated his first wedding anniversary with wife Jennifer Lopez, 53; They are seen in 2023 Earlier this week Ben celebrated his first wedding anniversary to wife Jennifer Lopez, 53. The pair were spotted on their way to enjoy a romantic dinner date at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica. Previously, Lopez and Affleck met on the set of Gigli in 2002. (At the time, she was still married to her second husband, Cris Judd, before they called it quits and divorced in 2003.) The Bronx native and the two-time Academy winner started dating and got engaged shortly after. In January 2004, the couple called it quits and lived separate lives for nearly two decades. In 2021, the pair rekindled their romance following Lopez's split from former MLB player Alex Rodriguez. A year later, the couple were betrothed again and eloped in July. Last August, they held a second wedding ceremony to celebrate their marriage at Affleck's home in Riceboro, Georgia. Jackie 'O' Henderson revealed on Sunday the surprise reason she decided to launch her Besties business with close friend Gemma O'Neill. The radio queen, 48, said the longtime pals noticed a lack of businesses helping people celebrate their close female friends - so decided to create one together. 'There are all these options for other relationships in your life romantic, etc and we just felt there was a real gap in the market,' she told The Daily Telegraph. 'There were all these options out there to be a better leader or better person, and for women in particular, we felt like why do we always have to do more, be more? 'It's exhausting. Where's the option to just have fun as women, and just be playful and have more joy in our lives?' she added. Jackie 'O' Henderson (left) revealed on Sunday the surprise reason she decided to launch her Besties business with close friend Gemma O'Neill (right) Jackie noted the importance of women celebrating their close female friendships, so they designed Besties to make the experience easy and accessible. Last week, Jackie revealed plans for her new business venture. On Wednesday the radio star dropped a bombshell about her first very high profile speaker for the events business' debut. The radio queen, 48, said the gal pals noticed a distinct lack of businesses helping people celebrate their close female friends - so decided to create one together Hollywood superstar Gwyneth Paltrow will help the 48-year-old launch Besties, Jackie revealed on The Kyle and Jackie O Show. In a post to Henderson's official Instagram account made around the same time, Jackie wrote that the Oscar winner was 'coming to Sydney this October for an exclusive visit to the @bestiesau stage.' Besties appears to be an event-based business which sells experiences for 'best friends' to create memories together. Hollywood superstar Gwyneth Paltrow (pictured) will help the 48-year-old launch Besties, Jackie revealed on The Kyle and Jackie O Show The website said: 'Besties is a space that gives you and your BFF the perfect opportunity to spend more time with each other and create additional memories together.' Jackie O announced the launch on Instagram as well, saying she was 'thrilled' to be starting a new 'side hustle' with her best friend of 20 years. Alongside a reel of stunning professional photos the pair took on a beach, Jackie O said she and Gemma have been through every huge milestone together. 'Like any best friend duo, we've always dreamed of starting our own side hustle, and we're so thrilled to share the news of our newest venture, Besties,' she said. Two-time Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake has revealed which celebrity he's backing to win the top prize at the TV Week Logie Awards next weekend. The Lego Masters host, 41, who is also nominated in the Gold Logie category this year, said he's happy not to win for a third time, and instead wants his friend Leigh Sales to win for her work on 7:30. 'I do get the sense I'll be the guy to hand it over this time, which I'm happy to do. I'll be voting for Leigh Sales I think we all will be,' he told the Herald Sun on Sunday. 'Leigh and I bonded over our love of Survivor and I think she'd be happy to have that alliance heading into voting.' Both are up for the coveted Most Popular Personality on Australian Television Award, Blake for his work on Lego Masters and Sales for presenting the ABC current affairs program 7:30, from which she resigned last year. Two-time Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake, 41, (pictured) has revealed which celebrity he's backing to win the top prize at the TV Week Logie Awards next weekend Also speaking to the Herald Sun, Sales, 50, said she found it ironic that she was nominated for Australia's most coveted TV award after stepping down from 7:30 to pursue other ventures. 'It feels kind of surreal and it's not lost on me that I currently have the least amount of air time on TV. The less the Australian public sees of me, the more popular I become,' she joked. Other nominees are I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! host Julia Morris, Mystery Road star Mark Coles Smith, The Bachelor host Osher Gunsberg, veteran presenter Sonia Kruger and comedian Shaun Micallef. The Lego Masters host, 41, who is also nominated in the Gold Logie category this year, said he's happy not to win for a third time, and instead wants his friend Leigh Sales, 50, (pictured) to win for her work on 7:30 The Logies will be held in Sydney this year for the first time since 1986. The awards show has been held on the Gold Coast since 2018 with support from the Queensland government, but that deal ended in 2022. The ceremony will be broadcast by Seven network on July 30. 'I do get the sense I'll be the guy to hand it over this time, which I'm happy to do. I'll be voting for Leigh Sales I think we all will be,' Blake told the Herald Sun While voting is still open for the coveted competition, bookies believe they have a very good idea of who is taking home a trophy. SportsBet think that comedian and Lego Masters presenter Hamish Blake is extremely likely to be awarded the Gold Logie for most popular personality on Australian television. The company's bookies are so confident he will take home the trophy that there is a large gap in odds between him and the second most-likely star to win. Hamish's odds on the website are $1.40, meaning if someone bets $1 on Hamish they will win just 0.40c. and Big Brother's Sonia Kruger is tipped second to win, with much better odds for punters at $6. Ron Hall was reportedly kicked out of the ITV summer party on Wednesday when an awkward reunion with ex-girlfriend Lana Jenkins was said to have turned into a row. The former Love Island star, 25, allegedly caused a stir at the summer bash when he ran into his ex Lana, also 25. The stars, who split in July for struggling with the distance between them, had an awkward encounter which turned into a row, according to The Sun. The 2023 winter Love Island star was reportedly kicked out of the party by security after allegedly shouting at Lana. An insider told The Sun that he turned up at the party 'visibly upset' after bumping into his ex Lana 'so soon after their split'. Kicked out: Ron Hall was reportedly kicked out of the ITV summer party on Wednesday when an awkward reunion with ex-girlfriend Lana Jenkins turned into a row Tension: The former Love Island star, 25, allegedly caused a stir at the summer bash when he ran into his ex Lana, also 25 A source told the publication: 'He kept trying to follow her around the event.' While one pal of Lana's added: 'It upset her to see Ron so angry.' He was spotted arriving with former Love Islander Luca Bish, where he saw Lana partying alongside pal Samie Elishi. MailOnline have contacted Ron and Lana's representatives for comment. MailOnline exclusively revealed that Ron and Lana split after three months after struggling with the distance, plus their increasingly hectic work schedules. They finished second place during the show's final in March after being beaten to the 50,000 prize by winners Sanam Harrinanan and Kai Fagan, who are still in a relationship. A source told MailOnline: 'Lana and Ron really put everything into their romance and have tried to make things work for some time now. 'Unfortunately, they have decided to separate, which is a decision they have made amicably and of course, they still remain good friends. 'Commuting from Manchester to Essex and back again whenever they wanted to spend time together, as well as managing their work commitments just proved too difficult.' Argument: The stars, who split in July for struggling with the distance between them, had an awkward encounter which turned into a row at the party, it has been claimed Exes: MailOnline exclusively revealed that Ron and Lana split after three months after struggling with the distance, plus their increasingly hectic work schedules It was reported back in March that Lana and Ron's romance was already 'on the rocks' after they had a huge argument on the plane flying home from South Africa. The couple confirmed on Aftersun with Maya that their tiff was down to Ron having 'too much to drink' and Lana had to look after him. Lana and Ron, 25, met on the winter series of Love Island, which was the first season presented by Maya Jama. They were coupled up from the beginning and despite having their heads turned by new arrivals at the villa, the pair would always gravitate back to each other. Rapper 070 Shake arrived in Australia this weekend ahead of a concert at Sydney's Metro Theatre. The American performer, whose real name is Danielle Balbuena, appears to have gone on the tour solo with no sign of her French actress girlfriend Lily Rose Depp. The 26-year-old cut a comfortably casual figure as she left the terminal wheeling along a modest amount of baggage. She opted for a denim jacket over a bright blue T-shirt and black hoodie, along with grey track pants and sneakers. Shake appeared to go makeup free for the long haul flight and wore her brunette locks down around her face, and seemed relaxed after her trip. Rapper 070 Shake (pictured) arrived in Australia this weekend ahead of a concert at Sydney's Metro Theatre It comes after Lily-Rose branded her girlfriend 'the love of her life' in a gushing post to mark the rapper's 26th birthday. The actress, 24, posted to Instagram Stories to share a slew of loved-up images with her girlfriend, including a racy braless image clad in a sheer white top. Her first photo showed Lily-Rose embracing Shake while they posed in a mirror together, with the caption: 'Happy Birthday love of my life.' Another image showed the pair sharing a sweet kiss, with the caption: 'Te ami Dani.' One of Lily-Rose's snaps showed her leaning into embrace Shake while backstage, as she puffed on a cigarette. The 26-year-old cut a comfortably casual figure as she left the terminal wheeling along a modest amount of baggage She opted for a denim jacket over a bright blue T-shirt and black hoodie, along with grey track pants and sneakers The Escapism hitmaker and daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis have dating since January, but only recently confirmed their relationship. Lily-Rose broke the news with an Instagram snap of herself kissing 070 Shake and gushed in the caption: '4 MONTHS WITH MY CRUSH.' Much like her mother, Lily-Rose is incredibly private about her personal life - however she first shared some insight into her sexuality back in 2016 in an interview Nylon when she insisted that young people should not be forced to adhere to specific 'labels' when it comes to their sexualities. 'So many kids these days are not labeling their sexuality and I think thats so cool,' she said at the time, before addressing a 2015 LGBTQ campaign that she featured in - which many saw as her official 'coming out.' The American performer, whose real name is Danielle Balbuena, appears to have gone on the tour solo with no sign of her French actress girlfriend Lily Rose Depp (right) 'A lot of people took it as me coming out, but thats not what I was trying to do. I was literally doing it just to say that you dont have to label your sexuality,' she explained. The model has previously had romances with several high-profile figures, including actor Timothee Chalamet, whom she dated for just under two years after meeting on the set of Netflix's The King in 2018. Lily-Rose's most recent relationship was with French rapper Yassine Stein, whom she began dating at the end of 2021. The former couple were seen out and about together on a number of occasions after their romance was made public - however the relationship fizzled out. Love Island's Liam Reardon has finally revealed the real reason he and Millie Court have been keeping their romance private. The couple, who won the seventh series of Love Island in 2021, confirmed fan speculation they are back together as they held hands during an evening out in London on Wednesday. In a new interview, Liam, 23, candidly opened up about keeping their relationship away from the spotlight and social media. Liam told the Mirror: 'Me and Millie, we're doing well, we're taking things slow and kind of keeping it between us as much as possible, and just taking it day by day we're enjoying it. 'I live on my own, she lives on her own and we're seeing each other throughout the week and it's going nice, we're not putting too much pressure on it. Opening up: Love Island's Liam Reardon has finally revealed the real reason he and Millie Court have been keeping their romance private He continued: 'We just feel like before it was a case of me, her and everybody else in the relationship and, you know, it's between me and Millie and that's kind of it. Like I said, baby steps, but I'm enjoying the process.' Liam went on to admit that they want to try and keep some 'control' over their relationship as he discussed the difficulties of dating in the spotlight. It comes after Liam and Millie finally confirmed fan speculation they are back together as they held hands during an evening out in London on Wednesday. The couple put on a loved-up display as they departed a bar in the city centre. The pair attended the Barbie premiere in Leicester Square with Millie, 26, looking incredible in a gold shimmering gown. The garment featured a cut out detail along the chest along with a high leg split which highlighted the star's toned pins. Styling her blonde locks into an up-do, Millie also sported a pair of gold earrings and a matching bracelet. Adding height to her frame with a pair of gold open-toed heels, Millie completed her look with a yellow handbag. Liam looked dapper for the evening in a beige blazer and matching trousers which he wore with a white shirt. Romance: The couple, who won the seventh series of Love Island in 2021, confirmed fan speculation they are back together as they held hands during an evening out in London on Wednesday Liam had recently shared why he had yet to publicly confirm whether he had rekindled his romance with Millie despite the speculation. He admitted that he and Millie split after facing intense scrutiny about the state of their relationship, hinting that since getting back together, they're 'keeping it quiet'. He told The Sun: 'One of the reasons we went our separate ways was because our relationship was so public and so many people felt like they were involved, just sticking their noses in. 'Some people say, 'Oh just get on with it,' but when you feel like you have to prove to people that you're happy, then it kind of makes you unhappy. So yeah, I just found that very difficult.' But realising his slip-up, Liam then added: 'Not saying we're back together... but if we were back together, that's why we're keeping it quiet. 'But look, people know and people will believe what they want to believe and that's fine. We're just taking things slowly.' Liam and Millie's year-long relationship ended in July 2022 after they struggled to cope with the pressures of winning the ITV2 show and Liam has faced continued negativity from fans who believe he mistreated Millie, even cheating on her. But the former bricklayer insisted that he has never betrayed Millie or any of his former girlfriends, telling MailOnline: 'I have never cheated'. The Welshman said viewers misjudge him after he kissed Casa Amor bombshell Lillie Haynes during his series of Love Island and despite apologising for his wrongdoing, his romance with Millie was still tarnished by the slip-up. Liam said: 'There are a lot of rumours going around about me and Millie being back together we are very good friends, we are very close friends and we have been that way since the day we met. 'People can make their own assumptions and that's up to them, but I will leave you with the fact that we're really good friends. We are friends for now we are just very good friends. 'If we were ever to get back together in the future, then yes potentially we will share it with our fans, we will have to see.' Relationship: Liam and Millie's year-long relationship ended in July 2022 after they struggled to cope with the pressures of winning Love Island He played away during Love Island's Casa Amor loyalty test, sharing a bed and passionate kiss with Lillie despite being coupled up with Millie. But the ASOS ambassador forgave Liam, and they went onto win the 50,000 cash prize, later moving in together as they explored their relationship outside of the villa. The pair found criticism around their romance difficult to handle and Liam admits he feels there's little he can do to convince their large social media following that he's a loyal boyfriend. He said: 'Myself and Millie faced a lot of criticism, especially myself, when we broke up certain things came out about me cheating, which was obviously not true. I have never cheated. 'If people have something in their heads you can't try and tell them otherwise, you just have to leave them to think what they think. 'I was 21 going into the show, 22 leaving and I had a girlfriend who I didn't know eight weeks before and I had this whole new life and people calling me all sorts of things and talking about my mistakes. I thought "Christ, it's a lot to take on". 'I am not saying what I did was right. I owned up to it and said I regretted it and luckily Millie took me back and we went on to enjoy ourselves and become a proper couple.' He also says keeping his rekindled relationship with Millie a secret has been impossible for the couple, who were spotted by fans spending the Easter Bank Holiday together and later kissing at the airport after flying home from Ibiza. Liam said: 'Obviously, dating is quite difficult leaving the show there are so many eyes on you and whatever I do someone will see me. 'Dating in the public, in restaurants, or walking in the park is not easy because people know you and take photos. If you want to keep things private it is quite difficult.' What's going on? Fans first discovered that Liam and Millie had rekindled their romance when they were spotted kissing while on holiday together And it was winning the show that made their relationship particularly tricky to navigate as the varying opinions from fans became difficult for the pair to ignore. Liam continued: 'Winning definitely added pressure to us as a couple. 'I had so many people saying to me "Toby and Chloe should have won, they were better suited to each other", which I take no offence to but when you win, people think you should be together forever and a perfect couple. 'People made out that we shouldn't even argue but we're just a normal couple and every couple argues and certain stuff like if we didn't post a photo together for three days people would assume we have broken up, it is frustrating that people have this expectation of you when at the end of the day you're just a normal guy and girl dating.' Cillian Murphy has opened up about his sex scenes with Florence Pugh in the new atomic bomb biopic Oppenheimer, remarking that they were 'not gratuitous'. The Irish actor, 47, stars as the titular character, scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer, while Florence, 27, portrays psychiatrist and Communist Party member, Jean Tatlock. The characters were romantically involved prior to, and during, Oppenheimer's marriage to wife Katherine 'Kitty' Oppenheimer, who is played in the historical drama by Emily Blunt. Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Cillian insisted that while Florence's role in the film is relatively short, the steamy scenes were needed and are 'so 'f***ng powerful'. He said: 'Those [sex] scenes were written deliberately. He knew that those scenes would get the movie the rating that it got. Role: Cillian Murphy has opened up about his sex scenes with Florence Pugh in the new atomic bomb biopic Oppenheimer, remarking that they were 'not gratuitous' Passionate: Cillian insists that while Florence's role in the film is relatively short, the steamy scenes were needed and will be 'so 'f***ng powerful' when viewers get around to seeing it' 'And I think when you see it, it's so f***ng powerful. And they're not gratuitous. They're perfect. And Florence is just amazing.' The sizzling scenes earned the movie a 15 rating in cinemas, due to its 'infrequent nudity and sexual content'. The Peaky Blinders star went on to praise the Don't Worry Darling star as 'phenomenal' and has told how he's been a fan of her work for some time. He added: 'I have loved Florence's work since Lady Macbeth and I think she's f***ing phenomenal. She has this presence as a person and on screen that is staggering. The impact she has [in Oppenheimer] for the size of the role, it's quite devastating.' It comes after Christopher Nolan said he was 'appropriately nervous and appropriately careful' in his first time filming sex scenes, for his new movie Oppenheimer. The Oscar-nominated filmmaker, 52, spoke with Insider on Wednesday about making the motion picture, which arrived in cinemas on Friday. 'Any time you're challenging yourself to work in areas you haven't worked in before, you should be appropriately nervous and appropriately careful and planned and prepared,' the London native said of the love scenes. Nolan told the outlet that the scenes played an 'essential part' in establishing the relationship between Oppenheimer and Tatlock, whose link to the American Communist Party led to suspicion of Oppenheimer being a Soviet spy. Characters: The Irish actor, 47, stars as the titular character, scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer, while Florence, 27, portrays psychiatrist and Communist Party member, Jean Tatlock High praise: 'I think when you see it, it's so f***ng powerful. And they're not gratuitous. They're perfect. And Florence is just amazing' Director: It comes after Christopher Nolan said he was 'appropriately nervous and appropriately careful' in his first time filming sex scenes, for his new movie Oppenheimer 'When you look at Oppenheimer's life and you look at his story,' Nolan said, 'that aspect of his life, the aspect of his sexuality, his way with women, the charm that he exuded, it's an essential part of his story.' Nolan, who has directed films including The Dark Knight, Inception and Dunkirk, said that 'it felt very important to understand their relationship and to really see inside it and understand what made it tick without being coy or allusive about it.' He added the idea was 'to try to be intimate, to try and be in there with him and fully understand the relationship that was so important to him.' Nolan praised the work of Cillian and Florence in their respective roles; and that he 'immediately felt a creative connection' with Florence in their first collaboration. 'I felt this is somebody who could bring Jean Tatlock to life,' he said of her, 'and have the audience understand the significance of this figure in Oppenheimer's life.' Kimberley Garner put on a very racy display in a tiny pink two-piece as she enjoyed a sunny getaway in St Tropez, France, on Friday. The former Made In Chelsea star, 32, showed off her incredible figure in the skimpy bikini while she sipped on a refreshing drink during a day at the beach. She has been enjoying her glamorous getaway with her family after arriving in style on a lavish helicopter. The reality star, who made her debut with new boyfriend Andreas Anthis last week, looked nothing short of sensational in her beachwear attire. She followed the Barbiecore trend in her hot pink ensemble as she showed off her toned midriff. Wow! Kimberley Garner put on a very racy display in a tiny pink bikini as she enjoyed a sunny getaway in St Tropez on Friday Stunning: The former Made In Chelsea star, 32, showed off her incredible figure in a skimpy bikini while she sipped on a refreshing drink The entrepreneur, who owns a successful swimwear brand, displayed her washboard abs as she rinsed off in the outdoor shower. It comes after the influencer had told her fans that she was jetting off to France in a helicopter in a recent post on Instagram. Kimberley has been enjoying her well-needed sunny getaway ahead of the release of her men's swimwear brand. She was spotted out-and-about in the French Riviera with her mother Geraldine Garner. They put on a very glamorous display in classic mini dresses and looked French chic ahead of their dinner. The star, who previously dated her MIC co-star Richard Dinan, first found fame on Made In Chelsea and has made a name for herself with her swimsuit brand. And earlier this week, Kimberley was seen for the first time with new boyfriend Andreas Anthis as they packed on the PDA on Monday. While not much is known about Andreas, the couple appeared happier than ever as they made their way through London and stopped numerous times to enjoy a kiss. The influencer recently spoke about how she used to pretend to be an intern when she first started the business as nobody took her seriously. Racy: The beach bombshell followed the Barbiecore trend in her pink ensemble and showed off her incredibly toned midriff as she showered Lavish: It comes after the influencer had told her fans that she was jetting off to France in a helicopter in a recent post on Instagram Incredible: Kimberley owns a successful women's swimwear brand and has been enjoying a holiday ahead of the launch of her mens swimwear brand She told MailOnline: 'I think people sometimes think that Im only the face, but I am responsible for every bit of the business.' 'I was 18 when I started my first company - I came up with an idea, stayed up for days learning how to register the company and teaching myself.' 'It became very successful overnight, however, as I was only 18, no one ever imagined it was mine. I was a young blonde girl with a soft voice.' 'No one would take me seriously or realise it was my company. So, I pretended to be the Intern!' Amber Turner showed off her washboard abs in a black co-ord as she enjoyed a holiday in Ibiza with pals on Sunday. The TOWIE star, 30, who split from Dan Edgar in May, has kept herself very busy enjoying a girls holiday on the Balearic Island. And Amber headed for a lavish lunch at Cala Gracioneta restaurant with TOWIE co-stars Chloe Meadows and Courtney Green and fitness star Courtney Black. She looked nothing short of sensational as she showed off her incredible physique in her lacy beach club attire. Amber flashed her surgically enhanced breasts with a stunning long sleeve cover up and completed her look with a matching skirt. Stylish: Amber Turner showed off her washboard abs in a black co-ord as she enjoys a holiday in Ibiza with pals on Sunday Wow! The TOWIE star, 30, who split from Dan Edgar in May, stunned as she continued to enjoy her girls holiday on the Balearic Island Gorgeous: Amber appeared to be in good spirits as she beamed a smile with her designer Christian Dior handbag at the beach club She put on a very leggy display in the cut out maxi skirt while she posed up a storm for the camera. The blonde beauty, who is enjoying her eighth holiday of the year, also took to Instagram to share an insight of her boozy brunch. She has been giving fans a glimpse into her glamorous getaway, which has included filming videos of her clubbing, partying on a boat and chilling by a pool. She has been keeping busy after her break-up by partying and recently celebrated her 30th birthday on the Spanish Island. She has made fans questioned whether she will be returning to season 32 of the show after it appeared that she skipped filming to jet abroad for the summer break. Whilst some of the cast, including Chloe Brockett, Diags and Roman Hackett, were at Epsom Races on Thursday shooting scenes for the show, Amber was absent. Amber reportedly had a huge showdown with Dan when the cast were filming for the show in Cyprus earlier this year. Glam: She put on a very leggy display in the cut out maxi skirt while she posed up a storm for the camera Pretty: She looked nothing short of sensational as she showed off her slender physique in her lacy beach club attire Sexy: She put on a leggy display and put on a leggy display in the cut out maxi skirt while she posed up a storm for the camera Sexy: Amber flashed her surgically enhanced breasts with a stunning long sleeve cover up and completed her look with a matching skirt Lavish: The blonde beauty, who is enjoying her eighth holiday of the year, also took to Instagram to share an insight of her boozy brunch TOWIE's latest season is set to air on ITVBe later this year with 'juicy gossip, major LOL's and serious drama' being teased, with the couple's row expected to feature. The former couple, who split after six years together, spiralled break-up rumours when Dan unfollowed Amber on social media. She wrote at the time: 'I wasn't going to post anything but due to speculation and questions I feel like I need to. 'Yes me and Dan have split. I honestly wish him the best for the future. Please respect our privacy at this time. Thank you.' Russian defense firm Lobaev has developed a modification for the widely used DJI quadcopters that enables them to operate when the satellite navigation signals are being jammed. This is apparently done by restoring use of the Russian GLONASS satellite navigation system to DJI quadcopters. Currently DJI quadcopters rely on the American GPS and the Chinese Beidou for satellite navigation. Until a year ago, DJI quadcopters could also use GLONASS, but DJI removed GLONASS access. The Lobaev modification restores access to GLONASS in such a way that Russian Quadcopters can operate accurately when most satellite navigation signals are being jammed. Jamming is widely used by both sides in Ukraine; the Lobaev mod would give Russian quadcopters an edge. DJI quadcopters are popular with Russian troops. While the Russian military supplies some to combat units, troops often buy additional ones. Quadcopters already in use can have the Lobaev mod added while Russian distributors of DJI quadcopters can apply the mod before shipping them to military customers. The Mavic quadcopters are available in many models, ranging from inexpensive (under a thousand dollars each) to over $10,000. The more you pay the more capabilities you get, including battery life while in the air. The more expensive models can stay in the air for twice as long and have more effective cameras and more capabilities in general. This is why DJI is the largest supplier of quadcopters in the world and dominates the quadcopter market. The Ukraine War saw a lot of innovations and many of them involved the innovative use of commercial UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) like the Chinese Mavic quadcopters. Ukrainians also designed and built their own UAVs or heavily modified commercial models like Mavic. Russian soldiers also use Mavic quadcopters when they can get them. Corruption in Russia makes importing Mavic quadcopters difficult. This isnt just about Mavic because corruption became more widespread in Russia after the Ukraine War started, and subsequent Western sanctions disrupted the Russian economy. The government bureaucracy in Russia discourages and disrupts any private efforts to design and build not merely UAVs, but private efforts to build most anything which might compete with government ways of building or doing things. Because that will interfere with government corruption. Ukrainians have noticed that one of their assets in the war is the disruptive effect the Russian bureaucracy has on the Russian military. While there is some corruption in Ukraine, there is also a lot more popular anger and active opposition to any corruption hurting the war effort. Less corruption in wartime Ukraine means there are a lot more opportunities for innovation without interference from some corrupt official or supplier. Russian troops still have a lot of UAVs but not as many as the Ukrainians, and especially not with all the innovations found in many Ukrainian UAVs. This made a difference and still does, even though the Russians have been quick to use new forms of jamming to disrupt or destroy Ukrainian UAVs. Both sides suffer heavy (in the thousands) UAV losses each month and Ukraine, with NATO support and unencumbered by economic sanctions, is able to maintain a UAV edge on the battlefield. Ukrainians were particularly adept at modifying quadcopters to carry explosives. If the operator finds an enemy tank or light armored vehicle with a top hatch open, the vehicle could be destroyed when an explosive was dropped through the open hatch. The explosives were often used against Russian troops in foxholes or open trenches. This capability is bad for Russian morale and the Ukrainians made the most of it. DJI quadcopters are popular with military customers worldwide, as well as with gangsters, drug smugglers and Islamic terrorists. American forces were banned from using DJI products from 2017 to 2020 because of fears that DJI, which thrives and survives by cooperating with the Chinese government, might have hidden capabilities in the control software that would enable DJI quadcopters to be monitored by the Chinese, especially in wartime. Several years of trying to prove this failed to discover anything and the American ban was quietly dropped. The ban on military use of DJI quadcopters was not universal, even among NATO countries. But many NATO members did avoid DJI and found that alternatives were more expensive and less capable. For example, in 2021 the French military ordered 300 ANAFI USA micro-UAVs from Parrot, a French firm that is the largest European designer and manufacturer of consumer and commercial UAVs. The ANAFI USA model was developed in response to a 2019 U.S. Army order for a militarized quadcopter that was similar to the banned DJI products. That was considered difficult to do because DJI had a huge head start, especially with flight control software and reliability. NATO troops in places like Syria, Iraq, Mali and Afghanistan found that both Islamic terrorist and local security forces were eager users of high-end Chinese-made DJI commercial quadcopters. A particular favorite is the DJI Matrice 200/210. This is an industrial-grade quadcopter costing up to $20,000 each. The DJI 210 weighs 4.7 kg (10.3 pounds) and can carry up to 1.45 kg (3.2 pounds) of cameras, additional batteries or improvised weapons. Max endurance is about 30 minutes and top speed is 60 kilometers an hour. When under user control the 210 can operate up to eight kilometers away although five kilometers is more common. The 210 can be programmed to use its satellite navigation system to cover a specific route and return. If the control system is lost for any reason, the quadcopter will automatically return to where it started and land. While the 210 is mainly used for surveillance and reconnaissance, some have been equipped with an explosive dispenser. Anything from grenades to IEDs (improvised explosive devices) can be used. The 210 can be rigged as a one-way cruise-missile but that is expensive and increasingly common with groups backed by Iran as well as other well-funded Islamic terrorists. High-end models like the 210 are favored because they are rugged and can handle wind and incorporate obstacle avoidance. This is important when operating in urban areas, forests or at night using a night-vision camera. While popular with Islamic terrorists, gangsters and less-well equipped police and military units, Western forces tended to avoid DJI products because of fears that China may have ordered the manufacturer to include secret features that would allow the Chinese military to disable or take-control of DJI products. No one has ever found such a back door in the quadcopter software and these Chinese quadcopters, especially those made by DJI, are the most popular models worldwide. Thats because DJI models offered are the best value as well as being the most reliable. Sometimes these bans were issued after troops had already obtained and were using DJI quadcopters. For example, in early 2018 the U.S. Marine Corps announced a new squad and platoon organization, based on its experience so far this century, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the unique changes to the new 12-man squad was that each one would get a commercial quadcopter. These were smaller, more compact models costing less than two thousand dollars each. The Marines had already bought 600 with 200 more on order when the U.S. Department of Defense ordered a ban on the use of Chinese quadcopters. The Marines did manage to get an exemption to the new ban and sought government approval to purchase commercial quadcopters. These are out there but none as inexpensive as the Chinese models. The complaints about the DJI ban from military users in the United States and other NATO countries played a role in the ban being lifted in 2020. The U.S. Army banned the use of DJI quadcopters in 2017. The troops had been encountering these DJI quadcopters in combat zones for years and some troops had bought them with their own money to use (successfully) in combat. Its no secret that DJI quadcopters have been showing up in combat zones with increasing frequency since 2014. Initially the most popular of these was the DJI Phantom quadcopter. The Phantom 3 showed up in 2015. It costs about a thousand dollars, weighs 3.9 kg (8.6 pounds), can stay in the air about 20 minutes per flight and can go up to 2,000 meters from the operator. The operator can see (at 720p resolution) what is under the Phantom using a small display and capture a higher resolution video (2.7k or 1080p) on a 16 GB micro memory card on the UAV. The Phantom 3 was widely available. It is easy to operate and has flight control software that makes it easy to operate and keeps the video image stable. You can equip these with a night vision camera. Max altitude is over 500 meters (1,600 feet) but most Phantoms operate lower down because getting to higher altitude takes time. DJI kept upgrading its Phantom line of quadcopters from the moment the first one hit the market in 2013. The Phantom 1 was basically a quadcopter you could add your own GoPro wireless vidcam to. But every few months DJI added new features and major upgrades were introduced as a new model. Phantom 2 appeared at the end of 2013, Phantom 3 in early 2015 and Phantom 4 a year later. Phantom 3 was the most popular model and Phantom 4 was basically a Phantom 3 with lots more capabilities (4K video, video transmission range of five kilometers) and a higher price (about $1,500 each). New models of the Phantom continued to appear, sometimes just with a few new features and a lower price. New features include collision avoidance sensors and software. The Phantom line was replaced by the Mavic and Matrice which included low (Mavic) and high end (Matrice) models. Year by year the capabilities of the DJI quadcopters increased and the troops were not happy that they could not use them but the enemy could and did. For combat troops cost is an important feature because something low-cost and capable in the combat zone equipment is quickly worn out. This is especially true with quadcopters. As a result, the troops have become accustomed to buying commercial products whenever they can get away with it. Victoria Silverstedt sent temperatures soaring in a white cut-out dress as she headed out for dinner in St Tropez on Saturday. The Swedish model, 48, put on a busty display in her glamorous attire while enjoying a lavish dinner at Senequier in France. She slipped into a white frock with a plunging neckline that featured silver embellishments down the lining of the skirt. The bombshell showed off her bronzed legs and added frame to her height with a pair of silver strapped perspective high heels. She looked nothing short of sensational as she strutted down the cobbled streets showing off her incredible physique. Wow! Victoria Silverstedt sent temperatures soaring in a white cut-out dress as she headed out for dinner in St Tropez on Saturday Gorgeous: The Swedish model, 48, showed off her incredible physique in her glamorous attire while enjoying a lavish dinner at Senequier in France Victoria has been enjoying a well needed break in the French Riviera as she was spotted earlier this month soaking up the sun at the Hotel Eden Roc. She paraded her washboard abs in a busty white bikini while relaxing at her luxury hotel. She then slipped into a pair of denim hot pants and a cream crop top, while boosting her height in a pair of yellow heels. Victoria is in a long-term relationship with Maurice Dabbah, who is dubbed one of the richest businessman in Sweden. Maurice has 25 years of experience in international real estate investments and as a large real estate portfolios across New York and Europe. He's a founding partner of Empire Resorts, which developed the Monticello Casino & Raceway. The couple have once again been spending the summer on the Riviera, with Victoria including high profile events including Cannes Film Festival. Victoria enjoyed a lengthy stint in the spotlight after being chosen to represent her country in the Miss World pageant in 1993. After her pageant days, the Scandinavian stunner was spotted by Hugh Hefner and went on to become a Playboy Playmate. Stunning: She slipped into her white frock that featured silver embellishments down the lining of the skirt Beauty: Victoria took to Instagram to share a video of her strutting to the camera in her figure hugging ensemble which peaked her torso Summer break: Victoria has been enjoying a well needed break in the French Riviera as she was spotted earlier this month soaking up the sun at the Hotel Eden Roc Since her career rocketed, Victoria has modelled for some of the world's most prestigious fashion houses, including Chanel, Dior and Valentino. Despite the glamorous veneer to her lifestyle as a young model, she revealed there was a dark side in a recent interview with Female First. Victoria said: 'I started very young to model in Paris when I was 18, I remember like starving myself to fit into the clothes. 'It was an amazing experience but you know I did shows for Valentino, Chanel, so it was really prestigious.' Adrien Brody cut a casual figure on Friday night as he joined girlfriend Georgina Chapman for a spot of ice cream during their St Tropez getaway. The actor, 50, dressed down in a white T-shirt, black jeans and white trainers as he strolled with a bag of goodies from a local artisan glacier. Adrien also appeared to be wearing a wrist brace. It is not known what the cause of his injury is. Meanwhile, fashion designer Georgina, 47, brought the glamour in a long plum coloured gown which featured a ruffled skirt and a tie waist. She teamed her stunning dress with gold sandals and a selection of chic gold jewellery. What a treat: Adrien Brody cut a casual figure on Friday night as he joined girlfriend Georgina Chapman for a spot of ice cream during their St Tropez getaway Lovely: The 50-year-old actor dressed down in a white T-shirt, black jeans and white trainers as he strolled with a bag of goodies from a local artisan glacier Georgina, who is the ex-wife of Harvey Weinstein, looked relaxed as she clutched on to her ice cream cone while strolling alongside her beau. The pair were enjoying some time to themselves amid their holiday with Natasha Poly and her husband Peter Bakker, following their attendance at the Cannes Film Festival. Adrien and Georgina have been publicly dating since March 2020, although rumours of their romance began in September 2019. The Oscar-winning actor and the fashion designer were set up by Danish model Helena Christensen in April 2019, according to the Sun. The two, who had initially met through Weinstein, were introduced 'properly' at a swimwear launch in Puerto Rico where they 'bonded over cocktails,' according to an insider. The source said: 'Helena had invited them both to her swimwear launch in Puerto Rico, and they bonded over cocktails against a backdrop of various beautiful beaches. 'Obviously it's still quite a new thing, but Adrien is smitten and Georgina is the happiest she's been in ages. 'She has had a torrid past couple of years, and finally feels ready to move on with her life. Her kids and family are all aware, and everyone whole-heartedly approves.' Romance: Adrien and Georgina have been publicly dating since March 2020 although rumours of their romance began in September 2019 (pictured in Cannes in May) New love: Georgina was previously married to disgraced film producer and convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein (pictured with Adrien in June) The designer divorced Weinstein after ten years of marriage in 2017, when more than 90 women made accusations of sexual assault against him. Their divorce settlement is believed to have been between $15 million and $20million. Georgina, who shares daughter India and son Dashiell with Weinstein, previously told Vogue that she has 'moments of rage' about her estranged husband's behavior. Paul Mescal's grandmother Mairead has died at the age of 86. Mairead, from Cree in County Clare, died peacefully last Wednesday after a long illness, it was confirmed in a notice on RIP.ie. Normal People actor Paul's mother Dearbhla also took to her Instagram page to pay tribute after the sad news. The notice on RIP.ie read: 'Mairead died peacefully on 12th July, 2023 at University Hospital Limerick, after a long illness, bravely borne. 'Predeceased by her beloved husband Michael and infant son Michael. Sad news: Paul Mescal's grandmother Mairead (pictured) died last Wednesday at the age of 86 after a long illness, it has been confirmed Condolences: Mairead, from Cree in County Clare, died peacefully at University Hospital Limerick in Ireland (actor Paul pictured in March this year) 'Mairead will be sadly missed by her loving family, daughter Mary, sons Paul, Paudie, Derry, Mike and John, daughters-in-law Dearbhla, Muireann, Karina and Nora & son-in-law Paul. 'She will also be fondly remembered by her grandchildren Paul, Donnacha, Morgan, Wayne, Luke, Aoife, Nell, Sean, Jenya, Aoibhinn, Clodagh, Conor, Paraic, Joe and Darragh Jim, sister Anna, brothers PJ and Frank, sister-in-law Vinnie, god-daughter Helen, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends.' Paul's mother Derbhla shared some heartfelt words about her mother-in-law on social media, describing their relationship as 'precious and calm'. She wrote: 'You hear jokes about mother in laws & the difficulties this relationship holds. 'I can say from the bottom of my heart that my relationship with Mairead was precious & calm. 'To our children, their cousins & all us adults she became "Granny Clare" & was pure joy. 'She had a chuckle that lit a room, wisdom to share & a gentle hug that enveloped you. 'She was quick witted & very aware of the world around her & had a strength that her generation is known for. Heartfelt: Paul's mother Derbhla shared some heartfelt words about her mother-in-law on social media, describing their relationship as 'precious and calm' (Mairead pictured) 'I truly hope I become like her & if my future brings me the joy of "mother in lawing" or whatever the new name for this role becomes I want to take the gifts Mairead shared, the light she was & the giggle that made you feel the sun, to become a woman that will hold my childrens partners gently in my heart forever & always. 'As a family we will forever feel her love & hold our memories of her deep & still.' MailOnline has contacted a representative for Paul for comment. It comes after Paul's mother Dearbhla gave an update on her cancer battle, after she was diagnosed with the illness in July last year. The star, 27, spoke out about his mother's battle earlier this year after his sister Nell first publicly addressed her illness in public, leading to Dearbhla offering regular updates to her followers on social media. Dearbhla, a member of the Irish police force the An Garda Siochana, is fighting multiple myeloma, which is a type of bone marrow cancer that affects several areas of the body; such as the spine, skull, pelvis and ribs. Taking to her Instagram stories, she revealed: 'So I've just finished in the hospital... 'I've to go for an MRI. Date to be confirmed, but that's okay. Bloods done, all still really good numbers so very, very happy about that part. We'll get to the root of the pain but it's so wonderful to be cared for by this amazing team.' Illness: It comes after Paul's mother Dearbhla gave an update on her cancer battle, after she was diagnosed with the illness in July last year (Dearbhla and Paul pictured) Once she returned home, she then took to her stories again, as seen by Mirror, to give further updates: 'I'm home and feeling less anxious... 'I know we will get to the root of it, which is really good. I've made my sandwich, I've lit the fire, I can see my roses and my birds and my tree and this is me. 'I'm now going to settle and I hope for all of you that need to be heard that you get heard, that would be my hope for us all that our voices are heard and if your voice can't be heard that there is somebody advocating for you to be heard.' She concluded the post with the words: 'I think that is really important. EastEnders villain Graham Foster is set to make his dramatic return to Albert Square, 18 years after being imprisoned for raping Little Mo Slater. Actor Alex McSweeney will reprise the role as he makes contact with son Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) who was born following the attack. Little Mo (Kacey Ainsworth) famously refused to terminate the pregnancy, which eventually led to the break up of her marriage with Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick). Freddie returned to the square last year believing that Billy was his father, but will soon learn the truth and come face to face with Graham. The rapist was last seen on screen in 2005 when Billy visited him in prison and goaded him about not being Freddie's real father. Back again: EastEnders villain Graham Foster will make his dramatic return to Albert Square, 18 years after being imprisoned for raping Little Mo Slater (pictured on the show in 2005) Dramatic: Actor Alex McSweeney (pictured) will reprise the role as he makes contact with son Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) who was born following the attack Speaking to The Mirror actor Alex said: 'I'm grateful to be asked to reprise the role of Graham as I thought it was important for Freddie to be given some answers about his dad'. 'I thoroughly enjoyed working with the talented Bobby Brazier.' Since his time on the soap Alex has appeared in Call The Midwife, Endeavour and Hollywood blockbuster Hellboy 2. He also teaches drama at Kingston University. It comes after reports EastEnders bosses were been left seriously impressed with Patsy Kensit after she returned to the hit BBC soap for a second time. The actress, 55, who plays tragic Lola Pearces mum Emma Harding, departed Walford back in March with her character seen struggling to cope with her daughter's terminal illness. Patsy returned last month briefly for Lola's emotional funeral and made quite the impression on BBC bosses. Soap sources have now revealed that she has been back on set filming and is a 'big hit' with the rest of the cast. An insider told The Mirror: 'Patsy has been back in Albert Square filming on multiple occasions this month so it seems fans have not seen the last of Emma. Heartbreak: Little Mo (Kacey Ainsworth) famously refused to terminate the pregnancy, which eventually led to the break up of her marriage with Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) Uncovering: Freddie (Bobby Brazier, pictured) returned to the square last year believing that Billy was his father, but will soon learn the truth and come face to face with Graham Going on to say that the actress was thrilled to be invited back to the show. Lola, played by Danielle Harold, was at the centre of one of the BBC soaps most emotional storylines after she developed a brain tumour. Lolas mum Emma, who abandoned her when she was just three, arrived in Walford after Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) hunted her down. But their family reunion was short-lived after Lolas husband Jay (Jamie Borthwick) told Emma to either stick around for good or leave and soon after she left. At the British Soap Awards, actress Danielle picked up the Best Leading Performer for Lolas cancer storyline, while EastEnders won the gong for Best British Soap. Mum-of-two Patsy said she had an 'awesome experience' while appearing on EastEnders. She gushed on social media: 'Cannot thank my amazing cast members [enough] for being so kind and loving to me. 'Big thank you to the BBC, the producers, writers, crew and the EastEnders familyJamie and Danielle for making me laugh my a**e off everyday. I love you both Emma Barton so so many people.' Our Guy In Colombia Rating: World On Fire Rating: Going on holiday? You'll need to get your shots if you're heading to the tropics but don't do it the Guy Martin way. Investigating cocaine-fuelled crime on Our Guy In Colombia (Ch4), the daredevil explorer donned a designer shirt reinforced with wafer-thin bulletproof armour. Then he invited a gunman to shoot him at point-blank range with a revolver. He even picked his own bullet out of a box, selecting the slug that could kill him. Guy, who has broken his back twice in motorbike crashes, appears to treat death-defying stunts as a break in the routine of filming. It was a relatively new experience, after all. 'I've never been shot,' he pointed out, and then corrected himself: 'Well, buggering about with pellet guns, yes.' The sensation was similar to being punched in the stomach, he reported, before ordering a bulletproof leather bike jacket. Investigating cocaine-fuelled crime on Our Guy In Colombia (Ch4) , the daredevil explorer Guy Martin (pictured) donned a designer shirt reinforced with wafer-thin bulletproof armour VOCABULARY OF THE WEEKEND! They might sound like characters from Harry Potter, but 'tragus', 'uvula' and 'lunula' were answers in Ian Wright's quiz Moneyball (ITV1). The first is in your ear, the second in your throat and the third on your fingernail. Fancy! Advertisement He enjoyed being waterboarded less. As part of the self-defence training compulsory for TV presenters visiting the drugs capital of the world, Guy endured a mock kidnapping. When the masked paramilitary gang threw him into the back of a truck, trussed him and screamed questions in his face, he laughed it off. But being half-drowned was more than even he could take.Whoever his travel agents are, I never want to book a trip with them. The pace didn't let up. Guy emphasised that he never does drugs, although the film crew appeared to be on amphetamines: in the first hour of this two-part documentary, he didn't stay in any one place for more than a few minutes. In a remote region of the Amazon, he learned the chemical process of extracting cocaine from coca leaves. Back in the city, he met Pablo Escobar's nephew and toured one of the drugs baron's houses. Then he strolled the streets at night, chatting to dealers: the director was clearly hoping he'd get mugged, but it didn't happen. Next morning, he was flying back into the jungle for commando school training to hunt down bandits. He enjoyed being waterboarded less. As part of the self-defence training compulsory for TV presenters visiting the drugs capital of the world, Guy endured a mock kidnapping It all became a blur. Guy informed us that at the height of the gang wars in 1992, when Escobar's empire was falling apart, the government declared the country to be in an official State of Internal Commotion. After an hour of trying to keep up with Guy, so was I. The multiple storylines in the wartime epic World On Fire (BBC1) also started to blur as we raced towards the end of 1940. Last week we left Manchester air-raid warden and ambulance driver Lois (Julia Brown) buried under rubble after a building collapsed. She was trying to rescue an old chap's false teeth at the time. The house must have been made of balsa bricks, because she reappeared with just a bandage around her head. One scene later, there was nothing to show for her ordeal but a tiny scratch . . . not even a bruise. Lois was feeling low, and so was the RAF. The Spitfire pilots hunting Luftwaffe bombers were glum about the whole horrible war business: one of them played mournful Chopin sonatas on the mess room piano, and dashing David (Gregg Sulkin) was scolded by the squadron leader for smiling. Here's a suggestion, you chaps if you don't keep pausing for moments of quiet reflection during dogfights, you might not get shot down so often. Last week we left Manchester air-raid warden and ambulance driver Lois (Julia Brown) buried under rubble after a building collapsed. Pictured: Jonah Hauer-King as Harry Chase But the costumes are marvellous, and there's always Lesley Manville's tightly wound widow Robina to cheer us up with a sharp remark. She won't stand for moodiness: baking is the antidote, she says. 'Every rock bun at the Women's Institute bears testimony to a woman's rage,' she snapped. That's the Blitz spirit. They tied the knot last week in Hungary. Now Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse are back in the U.S. as man and wife. The newlyweds were spotted out for the first time since their nuptials in Hollywood on Saturday evening. Dylan, 30, placed an affectionate hand upon Barbara's back as he guided her through the crowd. The beauty, 29, wore blue checkered trousers, a white top, chunky trainers and a pretty purse slung over her shoulder. Newlyweds! Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse were spotted for the first time since their nuptials while out in Hollywood on Saturday evening Her hair was styled into a fun updo, with her tresses piled up into a high ponytail that cascaded either side of her face in waves. Dylan sported a 'Joshua Tree Wilderness' T-shirt, belted trousers, and black footwear. The couple are back in the U.S. after tying the knot in Barbara's native Hungary, where the newlyweds married at the same church the bride's parents wed at 34 years ago. Speaking with Vogue, the couple reflected on their engagement as they described the wedding and all the fun to be had at their reception. The couple plan holding a larger ceremony in California in the autumn, but first exchanged vows in front of 115 guests this past Saturday a property owned by Barbara's parents called Harlekin Birtok. 'Its gonna take some time for me to get used to being called Mrs. Sprouse,' Hungarian model Barbara said. 'Dylans been calling me his wife for three years now, so there's not a lot of adjusting on his end. We're excited to go back to L.A. to our pets and rest a bitbefore we start planning the American wedding.' For her special day, Barbara wore three different dresses - a custom strapless number from Vivienne Westwood, followed by a shorter dress made by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini which she says made her 'feel like a modern princess.' XOXO: Dylan, 30, placed an affectionate hand upon Barbara's back as he guided her through the crowd I do! The newlyweds recently have details from their intimate wedding, including the three designer dresses the bride wore and the Hungarian traditions she honored for their special day; pictured April 2023 In keeping with Hungarian tradition, she ended the evening in a red dress that she changed into at midnight. She selected Hungarian designer MERO to create the look that would help signify her transition into wife. 'Its called "menyecske ruha,"' Barbara explained of the tradition. 'I have to change my wedding dress at midnight, because Im not a bride anymore, but a wife,' she added. She wore a custom 90's inspired choker by Tiffany & Co. and pairs of Jimmy Choo footwear which coordinated with the colors of her three different dresses. As for Dylan, he insisted on a 'very traditional tuxedo' and didn't forget to shave. The nuptials were planned by Barbara and her sister Anita Palvin, who both have a background in wedding planning as their parents have often hosted weddings on their property. 'We didnt have a planner so Barbara and her sister planned most of it,' Dylan said. 'They told me my only job is to show up and say the right name.' Doing the honors! The nuptials were planned by Barbara and her sister Anita Palvin, who both have a background in wedding planning as their parents have often hosted weddings on their property Forever and ever: For her special day, Barbara wore three different dresses - a custom strapless number from Vivienne Westwood, followed by a shorter dress made by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini which she says 'made me feel like a modern princess'; pictured 2022 The couple first said 'I do' at the same church where Barbara's parents became man and wife in 1989, and then again in a civil ceremony on 'a small island within a reserve on Barbara's parents property,' writes Vogue. 'All the people we love and care for were there,' Barbara said of the church ceremony. 'We all cried a little.' As for their civil ceremony, she said: 'It was a beautiful moment that we will never forget.' Dylan said their nerves had cooled down by the time the second ceremony rolled around: 'Since we were already done with the ceremony in the church we were a little calmer for the second part. 'Before walking down the aisle we were nervous, but as soon as we laid eyes on each other we just started laughing, and this calmed our nerves. Of course we both ended up crying.' 'It was very romantic': Dylan proposed at a spot where Barbara's favorite animals, sea otters, could be found Celebrate good times! The reception saw the newlyweds unwind with shots of palinka, traditional Hungarian music, and some fun wedding games; pictured 2020 Thumbs up: Upon his return to Los Angeles, Dylan posted an Instagram selfie promising his fans more details about the wedding in the near future The reception saw the newlyweds unwind with shots of palinka, traditional Hungarian music, and some fun wedding games. Photos obtained by Vogue show the newlyweds looking all loved-up as they posed together, exchanged vows, and partied the night away with their friends and family. Barbara's exquisite Vivienne Westwood dress cinched into her trim waist and unfurled in romantic fashion for the skirt. Her veil, pinned to the top of her head, cascaded down to the floor and matched her long sheer gloves. Upon his return to Los Angeles, Dylan posted an Instagram selfie promising his fans more details about the wedding in the near future. 'Just touched down in LA from flight,' he wrote: 'thanks for all the kind messages and will be posting lots of images tomorrow :)'. The couple became betrothed during a camping trip with their friends in September 2022 but only confirmed their engagement last month. Dylan proposed at a spot where Barbara's favorite animals, sea otters, could be found. 'It was very romantic,' she said. 'I was suspicious and thought he might pop the question because he packed a shirt that was too nice for camping.' This Account has been suspended. Hackers that specialize in ransomware have found that many major cargo container ports have computerized their record keeping. Ports which adopted these software systems find they have a time and cost advantage over ports that still use manual systems. This caused a rush by port operators to adopt the port management software. The benefits of this software were immediately felt. It was now much easier to track the location and progress of individual containers from the container ship to the transportation company that is picking up the container and transporting it by road or rail to the customer. Less attention was paid to the vulnerability of the new port management software to attacks by hackers. These outlaw software developers created software that could be secretly installed within the port management code and render the port management software unusable until a ransom was paid. Port managers were warned about the risks of such attacks and how they could protect themselves by promptly updating and patching their port management software as well as adding additional hardware and software to keep hackers out. The ransomware hackers tend to go after the ports with the most vulnerable software systems. Some nations with major container ports have made extraordinary efforts to deal with port management software vulnerability. An example of this is how, for over a decade, the U.S. Coast Guard has been trying to get a better idea of what potential problems ports and large ships face from hackers. In 2013 the Coast Guard established a Cyber Command. The new CGCC (Coast Guard Cyber Command) quickly discovered that they were barely aware of the extent of the vulnerabilities they were responsible for finding and reporting on. CGCC was responsible for inspecting large container, oil and dry cargo ships that increasingly depend on networked automation systems to run the ships. Ports also have networked software systems for rapidly identifying, unloading and moving cargo out of the port. It was only in the last six years the shipping companies and port operators realized how vulnerable they were. In 2020 Israel attacked the computerized network that handled the management of a major Iranian cargo port, seriously disrupting port operations for several days. This was in retaliation for less successful Iranian attacks on Israeli utilities. In 2017 Maersk, one of the largest shipping companies in the world, handling about a fifth of global maritime trade, was hit with a ransomware attack. Maersk has operations in 76 ports worldwide and over 800 large container ships. The software attacks had encrypted all the network files and the hackers demanded $16 million in bitcoin for the decrypt keys. Maersk was advised it was safer to rebuild their network, a process that took ten days and cost Maersk over $200 million in losses due to delayed cargoes. A variant of that software destroys rather than encrypts files and was used by Russia against Ukraine in 2018. Within the United States, the Port of Kennewick in Washington State was hit with a ransomware attack in late 2020. The hackers demanded $200,000 for the decrypt keys. The port refused and spent more than a month rebuilding their systems. These ransomware attacks have led to ports and shipping companies paying more attention to defenses and preparations to deal with attacks. The United States is particularly vulnerable to such attacks because maritime commerce depends on a lot of rivers with choke points. A targeted attack in ship automation systems could cause ships to run aground or sink at choke points and halt movement for days, weeks or months. The CGCC was able to establish three CPTs (Cyber Protection Teams) in 2020 to handle inspections of ports and, eventually, ships. The Coast Guard had problems finding people who had the technical skills to handle the CPT work, and eventually offered direct commissions for qualified civilians to become officers in the CPTs without going through the usual lengthy process of becoming a Coast Guard officer. At the same time CGCC found there was a lot more to inspect than anticipated. This was a shock because for over a century Coast Guard inspection teams have been inspecting ships and ports for problems. Twenty years ago, these inspectors noted that more ships and ports were depending on computerized systems, as was the Coast Guard on its own ships. For a while the inspections were adequate for this. Then the extent of the automation and use of worldwide networks escalated beyond anything the Coast Guard was able to handle. That led to the CGCC and the discovery that a solution to the problem was far more difficult to implement than anyone ever imagined. The port operators and shipping companies may have had misgivings about these larger and more expensive systems, but they did work and greatly reduced the cost of running ships and ports. Those who hesitated in adopting the new systems found themselves losing business. CGCC found that they were just not facing the need to protect American ports and ships they inspected but also a new threat; deliberate cyber-attacks on ship and port networks to greatly reduce the ability to move cargo. This was a new, worldwide vulnerability in which defense was a lot more difficult and offensive use of these hacks. CGCC is trying to establish minimum standards for what ports and ships must meet and CGCC inspectors can verify. This is not a solution but it is a step in that direction because it will detect the ports and ships that are most vulnerable to attacks. CGCC is trying to steadily improve and expand its inspections but is up to commercial software developers to come up with better security for the networking and control systems they sell to port operators and shipping companies. MBABANE Despite making a commitment to make the fight against corruption a priority, government seemingly does not do much in as far as taking to task those found to have misused public funds. This is evident in the fact that while the outgoing Public Accounts Committee (PAC) helped government recover over E200 million, however, nothing has been done in terms of prosecuting those found to have had a hand in the irregularities discovered by the Office of the Auditor General (AG). As per the provisions of the law, the PAC serves as a check on the government especially with respect to its expenditure bill and its primary function is to examine the audit report of the AG. peoples will It supports the work of Parliament which is regarded as the countrys central institution, in its capacity as the primary expression of the peoples will and, therefore, has a paramount responsibility for combating corruption in all its forms, especially in public life but increasingly also in the economy at large. Highlights of the performance of the PAC in the past five years reflect that it recovered a sum of E234 080 562.99. The amount includes overpayment made to suppliers, irregular payments to companies, salary overpayments and misappropriation of government funds, among others. The PAC conducted investigations internationally in countries such as Mozambique, South Africa and Kenya and this resulted in the recovery of E17 million. significant job Another significant job done by the PAC is that it interrogated over 70 head teachers for not using funds for then intended purposes. This was followed by hearings which led to the dismissal of four head teachers, while others were arrested with some currently on suspension pending the outcome of their hearings. Another significant work of the PAC is that due to some recommendations it made, government enacted and amended several legislations and policies in order to safeguard public funds. rates collected Also significant with the then outgoing PAC, is that for the first time, town councils appeared before it to account for the use of rates collected from ratepayers, while parastatals were made to provide answers for irregularities discovered in the use of subventions received from government. received an award The work of the outgoing PAC was recognised as it received an award from its peers in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) during an event held in Botswana in 2022. Then outgoing PAC Chairperson, Gege Member of Parliament (MP) Musa Kunene was elected as the Treasurer of the African Organisation of PACs (AFROPAC). However, despite all the good work by the PAC, government has not played its role of ensuring that implicated individuals were prosecuted. In an interview with the outgoing PAC Chairperson, he lamented the fact that no one has been taken to task despite that the committee did make recommendations. He explained that it was difficult to guarantee prosecution for implicated government officials, as there was no proper legislation to fast track the process. I have said it countless times that government, through the Office of the Prime Minister, must push for the enactment of a law that will give powers to the PAC to fast track the prosecution of people, he said. Kunene said what was also a challenge was the whole procedure of handling issues of misuse of public funds, as it involved working together with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which might at times become cumbersome. It is a challenge because the matters first have to go to the DPPs Office yet the AG has done all the investigation in the government departments and discovered that there were irregularities. In other countries, unit such as the PAC has all the powers, Kunene said. financial bail-out The last PAC Report was presented in Parliament in December last year and the committee made it known that it had noted that a high number of public enterprises or parastatals were falling apart and needed a government-funded financial bail-out due to irregularities. The committee said making the situation worse was that the anomalies occurred over a number of years, but the Public Enterprise Unit (PEU), which was legally entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring public enterprises, failed to execute its mandate. As a result, then PAC said, chief executive officers (CEOs) and boards of parastatals did as they pleased, sometimes even defying Parliament. Resolutions and approved irregular expenditures while most of them worked without contracts. Furthermore, the PAC said it discovered that some CEOs and Boards defied the controlling officers principal secretaries (PSs) of their ministries. The Boards, the PAC discovered, defied the controlling officers of the various ministries. Also, the PAC decried that then Boards failed to monitor the performance of CEOs and allowed employees to resign while owing the institutions while parastatals failed to submit audited financial statements while some submitted fraudulent statements. The committee recommended that answers should be provided by the PEU on why these anomalies had been allowed to occur. heads rolling One parastatal which the PAC had recommended should have heads rolling was the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA). This PAC had said that the NDMA Board had acted against the procedures of the Public Finance Management Act, 2017, after it defied a House Resolution emanating from a recommendation taken in November 2021. The recommendation had come after it was resolved that the Board should suspend a senior officer and institute a forensic audit on the operations of the agency after some anomalies were noted. The Board defied the resolution and instead pushed for the renewal of the senior officers contract despite the glaring anomalies which were subsequently exposed by the AG. Worth noting is that when the current government assumed office, the then Prime Minister, now late, Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini, issued a strong warning to all corrupt persons and those who abused state funds and resources. The late Dlamini minced no words that the net would close-in on all corrupt people as his new government was determined to clean the country. swearing in He said this when was making his maiden address during a swearing in of his Cabinet ministers, a ceremony which was attended by principal secretaries and other high ranking government officials. However, in March this year, the same government said about E90 million was lost to corruption monthly in the country. In neighbouring South Africa, the AG conducts regularity audits of national and provincial government departments, identified public entities, municipalities and municipal entities (its clients or auditees) and this has resulted in government officials, depending on the nature of the cases, having sanctions of imprisonment imposed on them while others paid monetary fines. MBABANE Outgoing MP Timothy Myenis attempt to stop the nominations process at Mabantaneni under Lubulini Inkhundla was yesterday unsuccessful. Myeni had approached the High Court on urgent basis, where he was seeking an order, to stop the nominations under the umphakatsi. He had also entreated the court to grant him leave to appeal the decision by the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) of removing his name from the voters roll for Mabantaneni Umphakatsi. His application to stop the nominations was declined by Judge Bongani Dlamini, who, however, granted him his prayer for leave to appeal the decision. Myeni might not participate, either through voting or contesting, in the national exercise under the inkhundla he had registered. He had registered under the Mabantaneni Umphakatsi under Lubulini Inkhundla but the EBC declared that he will participate at Nkhanini/Lusabeni Royal Kraal under Nkilongo Inkhundla. In a letter addressed to Myeni, the EBC cited Section 18 of the Voters Registration act No.8 of 2013 and said the objection was on the basis that he was not a resident of the area at which he registered. In his application, Myeni brought it to the attention of the court that his name had since been removed from registration as a voter under the Lubulini Inkhundla, where he had originally registered to vote. He submitted that, this was done on the basis of an alleged irregular decision by EBC with barely two days remaining to the nomination exercise. It was further his contention that, in making the decision to disqualify him from his registered constituent, the commission did not afford him the right to be heard and he was of the view that same was made arbitrarily, biased and one sided. He highlighted that he was desirous to exercise his constitutional rights to appeal the decision of the commission and he was eligible to do so within the Act. According to the applicant (Myeni), the nomination exercise was premature as it was set to take place even before the appeal process was explored. He averred that he was a liSwati carrying on business at Mabantaneni area under Lubulini Inkhundla in the Lubombo Region and was a former MP for both Lubulini Inkhundla (2003-2013) and Nkilongo Inkhundla (2018-2023). The applicant pointed out that, since birth he had been a bona fide resident of Lubulini Inkhundla. He highlighted that, in 2003-08 the people of Lubulini saw it fit to elect him as an MP and he served them so diligently that in 2008-13 he was re-elected as an MP. The applicant told the court that, unfortunately in 2013, he lost the race. In 2018, according to Myeni, the inkhundla boundaries were predetermined resulting in his umphakatsi being transferred to Nkilongo inkhundla and he was nominated and elected under Nkilongo Inkhundla. He informed the court that he had been an MP for Nkilongo in the outgoing parliamentary term until the dissolution of Parliament on July 11, 2023. political reforms The recent parliamentary term has been a rough one for me, more particularly because my views as a politician on the calls for political reforms in the country were diametrically opposed to the views of those who argue for the preservation of the current system of governance, submitted Myeni. He argued that, for his stance as a politician, others viewed him as being an ally to former MPs Bacede Mabuza, Mthandeni Dube and Mduduzi Gawuzela Simelane. Myeni said he was fortunate not to be arrested as the other MPs, but he was not spared the brunt of those who are against reformists. Having weathered all the political storms during the recent term, including being slapped with a E1.8 million tax bill, which I have since resolved, I then got a shock of my life on July 21, 2023, when I was served with a letter signed by the chairperson of the EBC informing me of a decision taken that I should be removed from the voters roll for the Mabantaneni Umphakatsi, submitted Myeni. The applicant narrated to the court that in the middle of the recent parliamentary term, he was approached by members of the Lubulini constituency who expressed their request that he should stand for elections under Lubulini Constituency since he served them diligently when he was their MP. He alleged that after so much reluctance and resistance, being happy with the people of Nkilongo, whom he was representing, he eventually gave a thought to the request by the people of Lubulini. Myeni mentioned that, sometime around April/May 2023, the EBC issued dates for elections. He highlighted that, according to the announcement, registration for the upcoming elections was to commence on the May 10, to June 14, 2023. He stated that, within the registration timelines advertised by the commission for registration, he had to make the decision whether to register under Nkilongo or Lubulini. Myeni went on to submit that, in line with universally accepted electoral standards, the EBC started its voter education exercise. He said he attended the sessions by the commission with a keen interest in knowing whether he would qualify for registration under Lubulini constituency since he did not have a home there but only had a business. According to the applicant, during the exercise, the commission stated the requirements for eligibility to be registered in a particular inkhundla. Myeni submitted that EBC stated that the requirements for eligibility to be as follows: be an adult citizen or ordinary resident, 18 years or above, registrant must have a home in that chiefdom, must have resided in that chiefdom for a continuous period of at least three months, he or she has a business in that chiefdom and an ordinary resident associated with that inkhundla for at least five years. Regarding the criterion of business the 1st respondent (EBC) made the example of Buy Cash Hardware and stated that, even though Mabuza (the owner of Buy Cash) did not have a home at Lubulini, he would be eligible to be registered in that constituency since he owned a business there, alleged Myeni. He alleged that, in trying to be sure of the eligibility criteria, he then visited the website of the EBC to see if there were any brochures educating the public about the electoral process and he found one. Having assured myself that I qualified for registration under Lubulini constituency, in particular under Mabantaneni umphakatsi, I accordingly applied for registration and was duly registered. After the registration period had closed, we were advised to check if we were appearing on the voters roll by dialing *411# on our mobile phones. I found that I was appearing on the roll under Mabantaneni umphakatsi, averred the applicant. letter for him He related to the court that on July 21, 2023, at around 10am, he received a call from officers of the EBC informing him that there was a letter for him, which he had to collect. Myeni said he immediately drove to the EBCs offices at Nkhanini, where he had to wait for over two hours until he was given the letter after noon. The contents of the letter were to the effect that a certain person, not mentioned in the letter, had lodged an objection to the retention of my name on the roll for Mabantaneni umphakatsi. The EBC stated that it had conducted a fact-finding mission and found that I did not maintain a home within Mabantaneni but my home was at Nkilongo, said the applicant. He submitted that, on the basis of the above, the EBC issued the decision that his name should be removed from the voters roll of Mabantaneni and be transferred to Nkilongo. I humbly submit further that I have a constitutionally guaranteed right to vote and/or be voted for, hence the removal of my name from the voters roll violates my right to vote and/or be voted for. The first respondent has no right to determine for me as to which constituency should I vote and/or be voted for in, he argued. It was further his averment that the commission, had allegedly even imposed for him that he should participate under Nkilongo because he had a home there. I have homes in other tinkhundla, for example at Madonsa in Manzini, Croydon under Mkhiweni, Rest Camp under Kukhanyeni, Mhlaleni under Kwaluseni, etc. However, that is neither here nor there, I have been invited by the people of Lubulini whom, I served between 2003 and 2013, to participate under the Lubulini constituency, contended Myeni. The applicant argued that, the conduct of EBC of removing him from the voters roll violated his rights aforesaid. He argued that, he had been requested by the people of Lubulini to participate under the constituency in the 2023 elections since he served them diligently between, 2003 and 2013. It was at their instance that I registered under Lubulini and I will have no objection to stand for elections should the people wish to nominate me. For me it is also my wish to vote for certain individuals whom I wish to nominate under Lubulini for bucopho and indvuna yenkhundla. Hence, it is not just about me being nominated at Lubulini, but also about me voting for my desired candidate in that inkhundla, he argued. Myeni was represented by Human Rights lawyer Thabiso Mavuso while appearing for EBC was its Legal Advisor, Principal Crown Counsel Mbuso Dlamini MAHLANYA The nomination exercise at Mahlanya Umphakatsi under Lobamba Lomdzala was punctuated by ugly scenes on the sidelines. Young men engaged in a fierce fist fight that left some elderly women screaming for quick police intervention. This was after one of the fighting voters had been punched to the ground. As he was sprawling there, one man trampled upon him. The nomination exercise had to stop for a while as voters rushed to the scene to watch. It was unclear what the young men were fighting for, as they had been enjoying some drinks together, sharing experiences and jokes. Sources said certain jokes cracked by one of them irked one of the voters who was involved in the fight. The fist fight happened right at the gravel road near the nomination centre. Security officers found it difficult to mediate as the fighters ignored advice for calm and continued to exchange blows. As the sound of the punches was heard, elderly people screamed in sorrow and dismay. Kicks, particularly as one of them was seen lying on the ground as if he had been hit by a stone, prompted a group of police and members of Correctional Services to intervene and calmed the situation. They were seen escorting the troublemakers to a certain spot. It could not be ascertained if police arrested or intended to press charges against them at a later stage. safety They (police) returned to the nomination centre to provide safety and security. After the situation had calmed down, the presiding officer and election officers continued with the business of the day, which was to nominated candidates for MP, Bucopho (constituency councilor) and indvuna yenkhundla (constituency headman). On another note, jubilation or ululation superceded the agenda at Mahlanya umphakatsi as soon as Siphiwe Nkambule had nominated Marwick Khumalo. It took the presiding officer about three minutes to request the voters to sit down and allow her to ask Khumalo if he would accept the nomination. His followers mobbed him as he was sandwiched, with songs being sung in appreciation of his nomination. Others who will compete with him at primary elections are; Mkhuleko Magongo (35), Lunga Mbuli (25), Mduduzi Dube (41), Dumsani Emmanuel Dlamini, Lobamba Mkhaliphi, Mkhuleko Hlatshwayo (36), Celumusa Thwala (43) and Simon Mvubu. Notable nominees in the indvuna yenkhundla category under Mahlanya umphakatsi were; Sabelo Magagula, an experienced counsellor in local government and son of the late former Minister of Transport and Construction (now Ministry of Public Works and Transport) and Bruno Busika, whose popularity was evident when he was nominated. His followers shouted Bruno, Bruno. Qhazile Mkhize was a was also nominated. She is a 28-year-old woman with a disability. She was nominated for the position of constituency councillor. Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSEAMERICAN:BHB Get Free Report) released its earnings results on Thursday. The financial services provider reported $0.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.66 by $0.05, reports. The firm had revenue of $37.77 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $36.60 million. Bar Harbor Bankshares had a return on equity of 12.04% and a net margin of 27.03%. Bar Harbor Bankshares Price Performance Shares of BHB stock traded down $0.81 during trading on Friday, reaching $25.71. The company had a trading volume of 27,808 shares, compared to its average volume of 31,649. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $28.31. The company has a quick ratio of 0.98, a current ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98. Bar Harbor Bankshares has a one year low of $19.55 and a one year high of $33.11. The firm has a market cap of $389.25 million, a P/E ratio of 8.16 and a beta of 0.79. Get Bar Harbor Bankshares alerts: Bar Harbor Bankshares Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, August 16th will be issued a dividend of $0.28 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, August 15th. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.36%. Bar Harbor Banksharess dividend payout ratio is 35.56%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in BHB. Moors & Cabot Inc. bought a new position in Bar Harbor Bankshares in the 4th quarter worth approximately $228,000. Camden National Bank bought a new position in Bar Harbor Bankshares in the 4th quarter worth approximately $222,000. Monarch Partners Asset Management LLC bought a new position in Bar Harbor Bankshares in the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,051,000. MetLife Investment Management LLC increased its position in Bar Harbor Bankshares by 6.5% in the 4th quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 8,070 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $259,000 after buying an additional 489 shares during the period. Finally, SlateStone Wealth LLC bought a new position in Bar Harbor Bankshares in the 4th quarter worth approximately $240,000. 53.18% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Separately, StockNews.com upgraded Bar Harbor Bankshares from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 11th. Bar Harbor Bankshares Company Profile (Get Free Report) Bar Harbor Bankshares operates as the holding company for Bar Harbor Bank & Trust that provides banking and nonbanking products and services primarily to consumers and businesses. It accepts various deposit products, including interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing demand accounts, savings accounts, time deposits, and money market deposit accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Bar Harbor Bankshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bar Harbor Bankshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE:VTLE Free Report) Seaport Res Ptn reduced their Q2 2023 EPS estimates for Vital Energy in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday, July 18th. Seaport Res Ptn analyst N. Pope now anticipates that the company will earn $4.39 per share for the quarter, down from their previous estimate of $4.67. The consensus estimate for Vital Energys current full-year earnings is $18.85 per share. Seaport Res Ptn also issued estimates for Vital Energys Q3 2023 earnings at $5.24 EPS, Q4 2023 earnings at $4.91 EPS, Q1 2024 earnings at $4.18 EPS, Q2 2024 earnings at $3.91 EPS, Q3 2024 earnings at $3.82 EPS, Q4 2024 earnings at $3.81 EPS and FY2024 earnings at $15.71 EPS. Get Vital Energy alerts: Vital Energy (NYSE:VTLE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The company reported $4.50 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $4.69 by ($0.19). The business had revenue of $332.51 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $328.67 million. Vital Energy had a net margin of 48.36% and a return on equity of 34.78%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 37.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $5.17 earnings per share. Vital Energy Stock Performance VTLE has been the topic of several other research reports. Piper Sandler reduced their price objective on shares of Vital Energy from $50.00 to $45.00 in a research note on Tuesday, June 13th. Raymond James upped their price objective on shares of Vital Energy from $59.00 to $68.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, April 21st. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price target on shares of Vital Energy from $110.00 to $112.00 in a research note on Monday, May 22nd. Finally, Mizuho increased their price target on shares of Vital Energy from $49.00 to $54.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 13th. Shares of VTLE opened at $49.08 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 0.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95. The stock has a market capitalization of $912.74 million, a P/E ratio of 0.99 and a beta of 3.33. The firms 50 day moving average price is $44.51. Vital Energy has a 1 year low of $39.74 and a 1 year high of $90.45. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, Director Edmund P. Segner III sold 1,155 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, May 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $44.00, for a total value of $50,820.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 14,328 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $630,432. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 1.80% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Vital Energy A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in VTLE. Denali Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Vital Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at $208,000. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC purchased a new position in shares of Vital Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at $212,000. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC purchased a new position in shares of Vital Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at $393,000. Finally, Louisiana State Employees Retirement System purchased a new position in shares of Vital Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at $442,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.86% of the companys stock. About Vital Energy (Get Free Report) Vital Energy, Inc, an independent energy company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin of West Texas, the United States. The company was formerly known as Laredo Petroleum, Inc and changed its name to Vital Energy, Inc in January 2023. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Vital Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vital Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mary Retta at Teen Vogue: The president of Stanford University, Marc Tessier-Lavigne, recently announced his impending resignation after the universitys board of trustees found data manipulations in academic papers he co-authored. Though there reportedly were rumors of manipulated information in those papers, Stanfords student newspaper, The Stanford Daily, officially broke the story in November 2022. Then, on July 17, a report from the universitys board of trustees that reviewed 12 papers five where Tessier-Lavigne was a principal author concluded that while he did not have any knowledge of any manipulation of research data and either was not in a position where a reasonable scientist would be expected to have detected any such misconduct or was not reckless in failing to identify such manipulation prior to publication, he also failed to decisively and forthrightly correct mistakes in the scientific record. The report also mentioned that Tessier-Lavigne has not been able to provide an adequate explanation for why he did not correct the scientific record on multiple occasions after concerns were raised. More here. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated their underweight rating on shares of GSK (LON:GSK Free Report) in a research note published on Thursday morning, Marketbeat.com reports. A number of other analysts have also recently weighed in on the company. Shore Capital restated a buy rating on shares of GSK in a research note on Friday, June 16th. Barclays restated an equal weight rating and issued a GBX 1,450 ($18.96) price target on shares of GSK in a research note on Thursday, April 27th. Citigroup restated a neutral rating and issued a GBX 1,700 ($22.23) price target on shares of GSK in a research note on Monday, June 26th. Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 1,730 ($22.62) price target on shares of GSK in a research note on Monday, June 5th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 1,700 ($22.23) price target on shares of GSK in a research note on Thursday, June 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, GSK presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of GBX 1,570 ($20.53). Get GSK alerts: GSK Stock Up 0.1 % Shares of LON GSK opened at GBX 1,388.20 ($18.15) on Thursday. GSK has a 12-month low of GBX 1,280.92 ($16.75) and a 12-month high of GBX 1,777.18 ($23.24). The company has a current ratio of 0.95, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 184.80. The stock has a market cap of 56.78 billion, a P/E ratio of 1,239.46, a PEG ratio of 1.29 and a beta of 0.31. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is GBX 1,378.06 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 1,422.51. GSK Increases Dividend Insider Buying and Selling The company also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 13th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, May 18th were given a dividend of GBX 14 ($0.18) per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 18th. This represents a dividend yield of 0.93%. This is a boost from GSKs previous dividend of $13.75. GSKs payout ratio is 5,000.00%. In related news, insider Jonathan Symonds purchased 6,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 23rd. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 1,440 ($18.83) per share, with a total value of 86,400 ($112,970.71). Insiders have purchased a total of 6,027 shares of company stock valued at $8,677,269 over the last quarter. 1.75% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. About GSK (Get Free Report) GSK plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research, development and manufacture of vaccines and specialty medicines to prevent and treat disease in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Vaccines, and Consumer Healthcare. See Also Receive News & Ratings for GSK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for GSK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Anglo Pacific Group (OTCMKTS:AGPIF Get Free Report) and Arch Resources (NYSE:ARCH Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, risk, analyst recommendations, profitability, dividends, valuation and earnings. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Anglo Pacific Group and Arch Resources revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Anglo Pacific Group alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Anglo Pacific Group N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Arch Resources $3.73 billion 0.60 $1.33 billion $61.18 1.95 Arch Resources has higher revenue and earnings than Anglo Pacific Group. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Anglo Pacific Group N/A N/A N/A Arch Resources 33.74% 96.62% 52.94% Insider & Institutional Ownership This table compares Anglo Pacific Group and Arch Resources net margins, return on equity and return on assets. 52.6% of Anglo Pacific Group shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 82.2% of Arch Resources shares are held by institutional investors. 5.4% of Arch Resources shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current recommendations for Anglo Pacific Group and Arch Resources, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Anglo Pacific Group 0 0 0 0 N/A Arch Resources 0 0 1 0 3.00 Anglo Pacific Group presently has a consensus price target of $355.00, indicating a potential upside of 22,803.23%. Arch Resources has a consensus price target of $197.50, indicating a potential upside of 65.90%. Given Anglo Pacific Groups higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Anglo Pacific Group is more favorable than Arch Resources. Summary Arch Resources beats Anglo Pacific Group on 7 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Anglo Pacific Group (Get Free Report) Anglo Pacific Group plc operates as a natural resources royalty and streaming company. The company has royalties and investments in mining and exploration interests in cobalt, coking coal, iron ore, copper, vanadium, uranium, and gold primarily in Australia, North and South America, and Europe. Anglo Pacific Group plc was incorporated in 1967 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. About Arch Resources (Get Free Report) Arch Resources, Inc. produces and sells metallurgical products. As of December 31, 2022, the company operated seven active mines. It also owned or controlled primarily through long-term leases approximately 28,292 acres of coal land in Ohio; 952 acres of coal land in Maryland; 10,095 acres of coal land in Virginia; 306,263 acres of coal land in West Virginia; 81,450 acres of coal land in Wyoming; 234,087 acres of coal land in Illinois; 33,047 acres of coal land in Kentucky; 362 acres of coal land in Montana; 248 acres of coal land in Pennsylvania; and 19,018 acres of coal land in Colorado, as well as smaller parcels of property in Alabama, Indiana, Washington, Arkansas, California, Utah, and Texas. The company sells its products to utility, industrial, and steel producers in the United States and internationally. Arch Resources, Inc. was incorporated in 1969 and is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Receive News & Ratings for Anglo Pacific Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Anglo Pacific Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Anson Funds Management LP trimmed its position in CAE Inc. (NYSE:CAE Free Report) (TSE:CAE) by 26.1% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 85,000 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 30,000 shares during the quarter. Anson Funds Management LPs holdings in CAE were worth $1,922,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in CAE in the 4th quarter valued at $378,000. CLARET ASSET MANAGEMENT Corp grew its holdings in shares of CAE by 10.6% during the 4th quarter. CLARET ASSET MANAGEMENT Corp now owns 126,256 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $2,440,000 after purchasing an additional 12,090 shares in the last quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale grew its holdings in shares of CAE by 845.4% during the 4th quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale now owns 171,405 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $3,311,000 after purchasing an additional 153,274 shares in the last quarter. Nexus Investment Management ULC grew its holdings in shares of CAE by 1.0% during the 1st quarter. Nexus Investment Management ULC now owns 1,113,821 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $25,161,000 after purchasing an additional 10,575 shares in the last quarter. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. grew its holdings in shares of CAE by 7.9% during the 4th quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 2,747,960 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $53,153,000 after purchasing an additional 201,599 shares in the last quarter. 60.54% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get CAE alerts: CAE Trading Up 1.0 % CAE stock traded up $0.22 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $21.88. The stock had a trading volume of 113,322 shares, compared to its average volume of 143,793. The company has a quick ratio of 0.74, a current ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. The stock has a market cap of $6.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 41.28, a P/E/G ratio of 1.83 and a beta of 1.69. CAE Inc. has a one year low of $15.23 and a one year high of $27.07. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $21.68 and its 200-day simple moving average is $22.02. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth CAE ( NYSE:CAE Get Free Report ) (TSE:CAE) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, May 31st. The aerospace company reported $0.26 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.25 by $0.01. CAE had a return on equity of 6.27% and a net margin of 5.22%. The firm had revenue of $1.26 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $881.21 million. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.23 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 31.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts predict that CAE Inc. will post 0.88 EPS for the current fiscal year. Several analysts recently weighed in on CAE shares. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on CAE from $25.00 to $28.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 11th. StockNews.com started coverage on CAE in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating for the company. CAE Company Profile (Free Report) CAE Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides simulation training and critical operations support solutions in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa, and Rest of Americas. It operates through three segments: Civil Aviation, Defense and Security, and Healthcare. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for CAE Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CAE and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Archer Aviation (NYSE:ACHR Free Report) had its target price boosted by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $5.00 to $6.00 in a research note released on Wednesday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports. Separately, Canaccord Genuity Group initiated coverage on Archer Aviation in a research note on Friday, June 9th. They set a buy rating and a $9.00 price objective on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $8.42. Get Archer Aviation alerts: Archer Aviation Trading Down 5.0 % NYSE:ACHR opened at $4.52 on Wednesday. Archer Aviation has a twelve month low of $1.62 and a twelve month high of $5.58. The company has a quick ratio of 7.28, a current ratio of 7.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $3.80 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $2.98. The company has a market cap of $1.12 billion, a P/E ratio of -2.95 and a beta of 2.28. Insider Activity at Archer Aviation Archer Aviation ( NYSE:ACHR Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 11th. The company reported ($0.46) earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of ($0.46). As a group, analysts expect that Archer Aviation will post -1.69 EPS for the current fiscal year. In related news, major shareholder Brett Adcock sold 1,718,829 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $3.26, for a total value of $5,603,382.54. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 4,159,347 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,559,471.22. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, COO Thomas Paul Muniz sold 125,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, June 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $3.50, for a total value of $437,500.00. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 1,495,333 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,233,665.50. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Brett Adcock sold 1,718,829 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $3.26, for a total transaction of $5,603,382.54. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 4,159,347 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,559,471.22. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 7,344,805 shares of company stock worth $25,467,834. Insiders own 27.17% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in Archer Aviation by 4.5% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 11,884,417 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,989,000 after buying an additional 508,332 shares during the last quarter. ARK Investment Management LLC increased its position in Archer Aviation by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter. ARK Investment Management LLC now owns 9,164,717 shares of the companys stock worth $37,759,000 after buying an additional 361,597 shares during the period. State Street Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Archer Aviation by 9.3% during the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 7,613,771 shares of the companys stock worth $19,872,000 after buying an additional 649,634 shares in the last quarter. Nikko Asset Management Americas Inc. boosted its position in shares of Archer Aviation by 40.5% in the first quarter. Nikko Asset Management Americas Inc. now owns 7,141,005 shares of the companys stock valued at $19,995,000 after acquiring an additional 2,057,901 shares during the period. Finally, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. grew its stake in shares of Archer Aviation by 40.2% in the first quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. now owns 7,125,147 shares of the companys stock valued at $20,378,000 after acquiring an additional 2,042,043 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 41.97% of the companys stock. Archer Aviation Company Profile (Get Free Report) Archer Aviation Inc, an urban air mobility company, engages in designs, develops, manufactures, and operates electric vertical takeoff and landing aircrafts to carry passengers. The company was formerly known as Atlas Crest Investment Corp. and changed its name to Archer Aviation Inc Archer Aviation Inc was incorporated in 2018 and is headquartered in San Jose, California. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Archer Aviation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Archer Aviation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (NYSE:BBVA Get Free Report) has received a consensus rating of Hold from the six analysts that are covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and two have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month price target among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $6.34. A number of research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, May 26th. HSBC upgraded shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Barclays assumed coverage on shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria in a research report on Friday, May 26th. They issued an equal weight rating for the company. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upgraded shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria from an underperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, March 31st. Get Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. increased its stake in 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 buying an additional 3,890 shares during the period. Tucker Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria in the 1st quarter valued at $27,000. Zions Bancorporation N.A. increased its stake in 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 buying an additional 1,904 shares during the period. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. increased its stake in 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 buying an additional 3,808 shares during the period. Finally, CWM LLC grew its stake in shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 29.6% during the 4th quarter. CWM LLC now owns 7,036 shares of the banks stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 1,608 shares during the period. 2.55% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Stock Down 1.4 % Shares of BBVA opened at $7.91 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $50.52 billion, a PE ratio of 7.13, a P/E/G ratio of 1.16 and a beta of 1.30. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria has a 1 year low of $4.11 and a 1 year high of $8.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.02. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $7.33 and its 200-day simple moving average is $7.21. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (NYSE:BBVA Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The bank reported $0.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $7.46 billion for the quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria had a net margin of 26.27% and a return on equity of 14.62%. Analysts forecast that Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria will post 1.3 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Company Profile (Get Free Report 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bedel Financial Consulting Inc. increased its position in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IWD Free Report) by 103.0% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 5,135 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 2,605 shares during the period. Bedel Financial Consulting Inc.s holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF were worth $782,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 120,617.6% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 222,740,910 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $33,778,659,000 after purchasing an additional 222,556,396 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 0.9% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 30,707,516 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $4,656,795,000 after purchasing an additional 276,413 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 6.0% in the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 14,205,325 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,154,239,000 after purchasing an additional 804,401 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 2.2% in the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 7,679,388 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,164,579,000 after purchasing an additional 162,116 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company MN lifted its stake in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 10.2% during the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 5,651,937 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $857,116,000 after acquiring an additional 523,135 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF alerts: iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF Stock Up 0.3 % NYSEARCA:IWD traded up $0.44 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $162.47. 2,653,795 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,867,808. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $154.80 and its 200-day simple moving average is $154.29. iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF has a one year low of $134.09 and a one year high of $162.82. The company has a market cap of $53.08 billion, a PE ratio of 13.53 and a beta of 0.95. iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF Company Profile iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 1000 Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the large capitalization value sector of the U.S. equity market, as represented by the Russell 1000 Value Index (the Index). Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IWD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS Free Report) had its price target increased by BMO Capital Markets from $100.00 to $103.00 in a research report released on Wednesday, FlyOnTheWall reports. Other equities analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Oppenheimer boosted their target price on shares of Morgan Stanley from $95.00 to $103.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, April 20th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Morgan Stanley in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Odeon Capital Group raised shares of Morgan Stanley from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $94.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 12th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price objective on shares of Morgan Stanley from $90.00 to $80.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, March 24th. Finally, Cfra reaffirmed a strong-buy rating and set a $105.00 price objective on shares of Morgan Stanley in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $95.65. Get Morgan Stanley alerts: Morgan Stanley Stock Performance NYSE:MS opened at $94.01 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.68, a current ratio of 0.79 and a quick ratio of 0.79. The firm has a market capitalization of $157.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.58, a PEG ratio of 2.61 and a beta of 1.33. The companys 50-day moving average is $85.52 and its two-hundred day moving average is $89.24. Morgan Stanley has a 1-year low of $74.67 and a 1-year high of $100.99. Morgan Stanley Increases Dividend Morgan Stanley ( NYSE:MS Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $1.24 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.20 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $13.46 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.02 billion. Morgan Stanley had a net margin of 14.12% and a return on equity of 11.35%. Morgan Stanleys revenue was up 2.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.44 EPS. Analysts forecast that Morgan Stanley will post 5.85 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 31st will be issued a $0.85 dividend. This represents a $3.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.62%. This is a positive change from Morgan Stanleys previous quarterly dividend of $0.78. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, July 28th. Morgan Stanleys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 54.67%. Insider Activity In other news, Director Thomas H. Glocer sold 4,535 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $87.11, for a total value of $395,043.85. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 98,110 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,546,362.10. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, Director Thomas H. Glocer sold 4,535 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $87.11, for a total value of $395,043.85. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 98,110 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,546,362.10. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, major shareholder Stanley Morgan sold 1,049,889 shares of Morgan Stanley stock in a transaction on Friday, June 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $9.45, for a total transaction of $9,921,451.05. Following the sale, the insider now owns 8,456,881 shares in the company, valued at $79,917,525.45. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 1,198,524 shares of company stock worth $23,619,741. 0.26% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Morgan Stanley Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. O ROURKE & COMPANY Inc raised its stake in Morgan Stanley by 3.4% during the 4th quarter. O ROURKE & COMPANY Inc now owns 3,112 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $265,000 after acquiring an additional 103 shares in the last quarter. Farmers & Merchants Trust Co of Chambersburg PA grew its position in Morgan Stanley by 13.5% during the 4th quarter. Farmers & Merchants Trust Co of Chambersburg PA now owns 890 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $76,000 after purchasing an additional 106 shares during the last quarter. Bay Colony Advisory Group Inc d b a Bay Colony Advisors grew its position in Morgan Stanley by 2.9% during the 4th quarter. Bay Colony Advisory Group Inc d b a Bay Colony Advisors now owns 3,914 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $333,000 after purchasing an additional 109 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. grew its position in Morgan Stanley by 0.3% during the 4th quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 33,259 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,828,000 after purchasing an additional 112 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wolff Wiese Magana LLC grew its position in Morgan Stanley by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. Wolff Wiese Magana LLC now owns 15,970 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,402,000 after purchasing an additional 113 shares during the last quarter. 84.48% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Morgan Stanley (Get Free Report) Morgan Stanley, a financial holding company, provides various financial products and services to corporations, governments, financial institutions, and individuals in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. It operates through Institutional Securities, Wealth Management, and Investment Management segments. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Morgan Stanley Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Morgan Stanley and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BTIG Research began coverage on shares of Compass Minerals International (NYSE:CMP Free Report) in a report issued on Wednesday morning, MarketBeat reports. The firm issued a neutral rating on the basic materials companys stock. Several other research analysts also recently commented on the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price objective on Compass Minerals International from $50.00 to $45.00 in a report on Monday, May 22nd. Loop Capital initiated coverage on Compass Minerals International in a report on Monday, July 17th. They set a buy rating and a $58.00 price objective on the stock. StockNews.com upgraded Compass Minerals International from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, July 13th. CL King reduced their price objective on Compass Minerals International from $50.00 to $47.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, March 23rd. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus raised their price objective on Compass Minerals International from $81.00 to $82.00 in a report on Thursday, May 11th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $58.00. Get Compass Minerals International alerts: Compass Minerals International Trading Down 1.9 % Shares of NYSE CMP opened at $35.24 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.70, a quick ratio of 1.59 and a current ratio of 2.54. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $34.15 and its 200-day moving average price is $36.34. Compass Minerals International has a fifty-two week low of $28.89 and a fifty-two week high of $47.68. The company has a market cap of $1.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -36.33 and a beta of 1.34. Compass Minerals International Announces Dividend Compass Minerals International ( NYSE:CMP Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The basic materials company reported ($0.46) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.53 by ($0.99). Compass Minerals International had a negative return on equity of 6.08% and a negative net margin of 2.99%. The business had revenue of $411.10 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $427.00 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.33 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 8.3% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Compass Minerals International will post -0.64 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 9th were issued a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, June 8th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.70%. Compass Minerals Internationals dividend payout ratio is presently -61.86%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Compass Minerals International by 43.0% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 5,518,500 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $346,506,000 after acquiring an additional 1,660,353 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Compass Minerals International by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 3,877,951 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $149,418,000 after purchasing an additional 47,528 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp boosted its position in shares of Compass Minerals International by 38.9% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,603,210 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $163,456,000 after purchasing an additional 728,597 shares in the last quarter. Shapiro Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Compass Minerals International by 0.8% in the 1st quarter. Shapiro Capital Management LLC now owns 921,897 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $31,612,000 after purchasing an additional 7,400 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Harvey Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of Compass Minerals International by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. Harvey Partners LLC now owns 917,500 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $31,461,000 after purchasing an additional 11,500 shares in the last quarter. 91.11% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Compass Minerals International (Get Free Report) Compass Minerals International, Inc, produces and sells essential minerals primarily in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates through two segments, Salt and Plant Nutrition. The Salt segment produces, markets, and sells sodium chloride and magnesium chloride, including rock salt, mechanically and solar evaporated salt, and brine and flake magnesium chloride products; and purchases potassium chloride and calcium chloride to sell as finished products or to blend with sodium chloride to produce specialty products. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Compass Minerals International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Compass Minerals International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed their equal weight rating on shares of Celanese (NYSE:CE Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. Morgan Stanley currently has a $110.00 price target on the basic materials companys stock. CE has been the topic of several other research reports. BMO Capital Markets cut Celanese from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and cut their target price for the company from $133.00 to $119.00 in a research note on Monday, June 26th. Barclays reduced their target price on shares of Celanese from $150.00 to $146.00 in a report on Thursday, May 11th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of Celanese from $124.00 to $138.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 18th. 22nd Century Group restated a downgrade rating on shares of Celanese in a report on Monday, June 26th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Celanese in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a sell rating for the company. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Celanese presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $123.07. Get Celanese alerts: Celanese Price Performance Shares of CE opened at $121.26 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.19, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a current ratio of 1.67. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $113.31 and a 200 day simple moving average of $112.80. Celanese has a 52-week low of $86.71 and a 52-week high of $128.35. The firm has a market capitalization of $13.19 billion, a PE ratio of 8.92, a P/E/G ratio of 1.71 and a beta of 1.32. Celanese Announces Dividend Celanese ( NYSE:CE Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 9th. The basic materials company reported $2.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.66 by $0.35. Celanese had a return on equity of 23.75% and a net margin of 14.85%. The business had revenue of $2.85 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.88 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $5.54 EPS. Celaneses quarterly revenue was up 12.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts predict that Celanese will post 10.83 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 14th. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 31st will be issued a $0.70 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, July 28th. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.31%. Celaneses dividend payout ratio is currently 20.60%. Insider Buying and Selling at Celanese In related news, SVP Thomas Francis Kelly acquired 2,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, May 19th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $107.29 per share, for a total transaction of $214,580.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the senior vice president now directly owns 47,165 shares in the company, valued at $5,060,332.85. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other news, SVP Thomas Francis Kelly purchased 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 19th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $107.29 per share, with a total value of $214,580.00. Following the acquisition, the senior vice president now owns 47,165 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,060,332.85. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Mark Christopher Murray purchased 1,008 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 12th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $101.69 per share, with a total value of $102,503.52. Following the completion of the acquisition, the senior vice president now owns 11,597 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,179,298.93. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.33% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. raised its stake in Celanese by 51.0% in the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 10,152 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,451,000 after purchasing an additional 3,431 shares in the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. raised its stake in Celanese by 6.8% in the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 5,627 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $804,000 after purchasing an additional 360 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS raised its stake in Celanese by 5.8% in the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 14,455 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $2,065,000 after purchasing an additional 790 shares in the last quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Celanese by 1.5% in the first quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 13,838 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,977,000 after purchasing an additional 205 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Aviva PLC raised its stake in Celanese by 12.8% in the first quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 37,618 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $5,374,000 after purchasing an additional 4,265 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.17% of the companys stock. Celanese Company Profile (Get Free Report) Celanese Corporation, a chemical and specialty materials company, manufactures and sells high performance engineered polymers in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Engineered Materials and Acetyl Chain. The Engineered Materials segment develops, produces, and supplies specialty polymers for automotive and medical applications, as well as for use in industrial products and consumer electronics. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Celanese Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Celanese and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Toast (NYSE:TOST Get Free Report) and TELUS International (Cda) (NYSE:TIXT Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, profitability, risk, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership and valuation. Insider & Institutional Ownership 57.1% of Toast shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 61.3% of TELUS International (Cda) shares are owned by institutional investors. 13.7% of Toast shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 4.8% of TELUS International (Cda) shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Get Toast alerts: Profitability This table compares Toast and TELUS International (Cda)s net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Toast -11.01% -29.74% -18.84% TELUS International (Cda) 6.38% 17.21% 8.05% Valuation and Earnings Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Toast $3.02 billion 3.86 -$275.00 million ($0.65) -33.78 TELUS International (Cda) $2.56 billion 0.29 $183.00 million $0.61 16.38 This table compares Toast and TELUS International (Cda)s revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. TELUS International (Cda) has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Toast. Toast is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than TELUS International (Cda), indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for Toast and TELUS International (Cda), as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Toast 0 10 10 0 2.50 TELUS International (Cda) 0 7 8 0 2.53 Toast presently has a consensus target price of $23.44, indicating a potential upside of 6.74%. TELUS International (Cda) has a consensus target price of $20.64, indicating a potential upside of 106.64%. Given TELUS International (Cda)s stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe TELUS International (Cda) is more favorable than Toast. Risk & Volatility Toast has a beta of 1.75, meaning that its share price is 75% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, TELUS International (Cda) has a beta of 0.68, meaning that its share price is 32% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary TELUS International (Cda) beats Toast on 9 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About Toast (Get Free Report) Toast, Inc. operates a cloud-based digital technology platform for the restaurant industry in the United States and Ireland. The company offers Toast POS, a software module that integrates payment processing with point of sale functionality; Toast Invoicing that allows restaurants to send invoices and collect payment; Toast Mobile Order & Pay, which allows guests to scan a QR code to browse the menu, order, and pay from mobile; Kitchen Display System software that connects the house with the kitchen staff; and Multi-Location Management, a tool to manage operations and configure menus across multiple locations and channels. It also provides Toast Flex, an hardware for on-counter order and pay; Toast Go, an integrated handheld POS device; Toast Tap, a card reader for accepting EMV-contactless payments; Toast Online Ordering & Toast TakeOut, an online ordering and consumer Toast TakeOut application; First-Party Delivery, a toast delivery service; POS integration for restaurants using third-party delivery services to order intake and eliminate the need for extra third-party tablets; and loyalty, email marketing, and Toast Gift Cards services. In addition, the company offers Payroll & Team Management solution for employee performance and satisfaction; Employee management tools, such as Sling for Toast that provide streamlined scheduling and team communication; Toast Pay Card & PayOut, which offers eligible workers instant access to a portion of their tips and wages; and Tips Manager solution that automates the tip-pooling process. Further, it provides xtraCHEF a suite of back-office tools, such as accounts payable automation, inventory management, ingredient price tracker, and recipe costing for restaurants; Payment Processing, capital funding, and purchase financing solutions; insights and reporting on real-time sales, menu, and labor data; Toast Partner Connect, a portal that allows customers to discover, select, and connect their restaurant to partners; and a suite of bi-directional application programming interfaces. The company was formerly known as Opti Systems, Inc. and changed its name to Toast, Inc. in 2012. Toast, Inc. was incorporated in 2011 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. About TELUS International (Cda) (Get Free Report) TELUS International (Cda) Inc. design, builds, and delivers digital solutions for customer experience (CX) in Europe, North America, the Asia-Pacific, and the Central America. The company provides digital experience solutions, such as AI and bots, omnichannel CX, enterprise mobility solutions, cloud contact center, big data analytics, platform transformation, and UX/UI design; and customer experience solutions, including work anywhere/work from home, contact center outsourcing, technical support, sales growth and customer retention, healthcare/patient experience, and debt collection. It also offers IT lifecycle services comprising cloud platform solutions, managed IT services, application development and management, quality assurance and testing, system operations, IT service desk, internet of things, engineering solutions, and enterprise platform services; advisory services consists of digital strategy, CX process consulting, data and customer analytics, workforce management, learning excellence solutions, and business and process transformation; back office and automation solutions, such as robotic process automation, talent acquisition, finance and accounting, and supply chain management; and trust, safety, and security services, including content moderation and social media community management, and fraud prevention and detection. In addition, the company provides AI data solutions comprising data collection and creation, data annotation, data validation and relevance, and linguistic annotation for video, audio, text, image, and geographical data, as well as 3D sensor fusion. It serves technology and gaming, communications and media, ecommerce, financial services and financial technology, healthcare, travel and hospitality, and automotive industries. The company was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. TELUS International (Cda) Inc. is a subsidiary of TELUS Communications Inc. Receive News & Ratings for Toast Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toast and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Saudi-based Jabal Omar Development Company has annnounced that it has reached an agreement with Areeb Advanced Real Estate Company for the sale of a prime plot of land in Makkah. As per the deal, the 3,065.74 sq m plot is being sold to Areeb for SR521.2 millon ($139 million), said Jabal Omar Development Company in its filing to the Saudi bourse Tadawul. The sale proceeds will be used by the Saudi group for its financial restructuring as well as completing the construction work at its other projects in the city. The deal is expected to have a positive impact on the company's financial results following the completion of the land deeds transfer, it added.-TradeArabia News Service CP ALL Public (OTCMKTS:CPPCY Get Free Report) is one of 63 publicly-traded companies in the Grocery Stores industry, but how does it contrast to its rivals? We will compare CP ALL Public to related companies based on the strength of its profitability, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, dividends, risk, earnings and valuation. Institutional and Insider Ownership 46.4% of shares of all Grocery Stores companies are held by institutional investors. 22.1% of shares of all Grocery Stores companies are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Get CP ALL Public alerts: Earnings & Valuation This table compares CP ALL Public and its rivals gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio CP ALL Public N/A N/A 1.59 CP ALL Public Competitors $27.71 billion $591.27 million 198.12 Dividends CP ALL Publics rivals have higher revenue and earnings than CP ALL Public. CP ALL Public is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. CP ALL Public pays an annual dividend of $7.25 per share and has a dividend yield of 42.0%. CP ALL Public pays out 66.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Grocery Stores companies pay a dividend yield of 3.9% and pay out 62.4% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Profitability This table compares CP ALL Public and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets CP ALL Public N/A N/A N/A CP ALL Public Competitors 1.81% 14.55% 4.76% Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current ratings and target prices for CP ALL Public and its rivals, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score CP ALL Public 0 0 1 0 3.00 CP ALL Public Competitors 1123 2770 3028 115 2.30 As a group, Grocery Stores companies have a potential upside of 85.71%. Given CP ALL Publics rivals higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe CP ALL Public has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals. Summary CP ALL Public rivals beat CP ALL Public on 10 of the 13 factors compared. About CP ALL Public (Get Free Report) CP ALL Public Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, operates and franchises convenience stores under the 7-Eleven name to other retailers primarily in Thailand. It operates through three segments: Wholesale Business, Retail Business, and Management of Rental Spaces in Shopping Centers. The Wholesale Business segment engages in import, export, and distribution of frozen and chilled food with delivery services and focuses on selling consumer products, including fresh food, dry food, and consumer products under Makro brand. Its Retail Business segment is involved in domestic supply chain, distribution system, logistics network, and brand equity businesses. This segment also sells its products under various domestic, international, and small and medium enterprises brands. The company's Management of Rental Spaces in Shopping Centers segment manages buildings and retail spaces in shopping malls. In addition, the company is involved in sale and maintenance of retail equipment; cash and carry, catalog, and e-commerce businesses; marketing and advertising activities; provision of information technology and research and development services, as well as engaged in bill payment collection, life insurance, and non-life insurance broker business. Further, the company offers educational institution, training, business seminar services, as well as healthcare and medical specialist's consultation services. The company was formerly known as C.P. Seven Eleven Public Company Limited. CP ALL Public Company Limited was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. Receive News & Ratings for CP ALL Public Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CP ALL Public and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) had its target price increased by Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from $70.00 to $74.00 in a research report released on Wednesday, FlyOnTheWall reports. A number of other research analysts have also issued reports on SCHW. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on Charles Schwab from $64.00 to $66.00 in a research report on Monday, July 10th. JMP Securities upped their price objective on Charles Schwab from $73.00 to $77.00 in a report on Wednesday. Wolfe Research cut their price objective on Charles Schwab from $62.00 to $60.00 in a report on Monday, June 26th. Citigroup upped their price objective on Charles Schwab from $65.00 to $75.00 in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Piper Sandler cut their price objective on Charles Schwab from $75.00 to $69.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 5th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $69.91. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Charles Schwab Trading Down 2.1 % Shares of SCHW stock opened at $66.48 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74, a quick ratio of 0.39 and a current ratio of 0.39. Charles Schwab has a 1 year low of $45.00 and a 1 year high of $86.63. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $55.70 and a two-hundred day moving average of $62.44. The firm has a market capitalization of $117.61 billion, a PE ratio of 19.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.84 and a beta of 0.88. Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement Charles Schwab ( NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by $0.04. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 27.81% and a net margin of 33.15%. The company had revenue of $4.66 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.61 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.97 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was down 8.6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that Charles Schwab will post 3.26 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 26th. Investors of record on Friday, May 12th were given a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.50%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 11th. Charles Schwabs payout ratio is 29.15%. Insider Activity at Charles Schwab In related news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 77,640 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, May 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $51.76, for a total transaction of $4,018,646.40. Following the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 59,771,278 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,093,761,349.28. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 6.60% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its position in Charles Schwab by 93,993.8% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 965,692,348 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $54,735,442,000 after purchasing an additional 964,666,040 shares during the last quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank increased its position in Charles Schwab by 32,224.4% in the 4th quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 225,994,826 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $18,816,289,000 after purchasing an additional 225,295,680 shares during the last quarter. Dodge & Cox increased its position in Charles Schwab by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 78,462,490 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,109,865,000 after purchasing an additional 1,033,760 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 5.0% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 41,880,424 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,193,697,000 after acquiring an additional 2,000,383 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 1.5% during the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 27,050,168 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,413,244,000 after acquiring an additional 391,238 shares during the last quarter. 82.77% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Charles Schwab Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. reduced its holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (NYSEARCA:SPLV Free Report) by 4.6% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 14,308 shares of the companys stock after selling 695 shares during the quarter. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd.s holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF were worth $890,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in SPLV. Bank of America Corp DE increased its stake in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF by 53.8% in the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 8,175,387 shares of the companys stock valued at $522,407,000 after buying an additional 2,858,562 shares during the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC increased its stake in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF by 18.1% in the 4th quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 7,330,858 shares of the companys stock valued at $468,442,000 after buying an additional 1,121,408 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can increased its stake in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF by 78.0% in the 4th quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 1,488,254 shares of the companys stock valued at $96,314,000 after buying an additional 652,158 shares during the last quarter. Moran Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $38,698,000. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF by 117.2% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 79,254 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,317,000 after buying an additional 539,472 shares during the last quarter. Get Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF alerts: Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF Trading Up 0.5 % Shares of SPLV stock opened at $64.10 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $10.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.07 and a beta of 0.69. The firms fifty day moving average price is $62.15 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $62.59. Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF has a 1 year low of $55.99 and a 1 year high of $67.24. Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF Profile The Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (SPLV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P 500 Low Volatility index. The fund tracks a volatility-weighted index of the 100 least-volatile stocks in the S&P 500. SPLV was launched on May 5, 2011 and is managed by Invesco. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SPLV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (NYSEARCA:SPLV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Easterly Investment Partners LLC purchased a new stake in LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE:LYB Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 2,671 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock, valued at approximately $251,000. Several other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Wealth Alliance Advisory Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of LyondellBasell Industries by 69.9% in the first quarter. Wealth Alliance Advisory Group LLC now owns 5,523 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $519,000 after buying an additional 2,273 shares during the period. Victory Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of LyondellBasell Industries by 13.9% in the first quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,321,203 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $124,048,000 after buying an additional 161,380 shares during the period. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in LyondellBasell Industries by 80.3% during the first quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 70,721 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $6,640,000 after purchasing an additional 31,504 shares during the last quarter. Torray Investment Partners LLC lifted its stake in LyondellBasell Industries by 1.0% during the first quarter. Torray Investment Partners LLC now owns 31,738 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $2,980,000 after purchasing an additional 304 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Graypoint LLC bought a new stake in LyondellBasell Industries during the first quarter worth $261,000. 70.58% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get LyondellBasell Industries alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth LYB has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. KeyCorp cut their target price on LyondellBasell Industries from $81.00 to $80.00 in a research note on Tuesday, July 11th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on LyondellBasell Industries in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Scotiabank reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of LyondellBasell Industries in a report on Friday, April 28th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and set a $100.00 price target on shares of LyondellBasell Industries in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on shares of LyondellBasell Industries from $109.00 to $100.00 in a report on Thursday, June 29th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have given a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $97.00. LyondellBasell Industries Stock Performance Shares of LyondellBasell Industries stock opened at $91.77 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.85, a quick ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $90.15 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $92.20. LyondellBasell Industries has a 1-year low of $71.46 and a 1-year high of $101.30. The company has a market cap of $29.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.93, a PEG ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 1.21. LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE:LYB Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, April 28th. The specialty chemicals company reported $2.50 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.80 by $0.70. LyondellBasell Industries had a return on equity of 28.95% and a net margin of 6.40%. The firm had revenue of $10.25 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.80 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $4.00 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 22.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts anticipate that LyondellBasell Industries will post 8.81 EPS for the current year. LyondellBasell Industries Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 6th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, May 30th were given a dividend of $1.25 per share. This represents a $5.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.45%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 26th. This is a boost from LyondellBasell Industriess previous quarterly dividend of $1.19. LyondellBasell Industriess dividend payout ratio is 54.11%. About LyondellBasell Industries (Free Report) LyondellBasell Industries N.V. operates as a chemical company in the United States, Germany, Mexico, Italy, Poland, France, Japan, China, the Netherlands, and internationally. The company operates in six segments: Olefins and PolyolefinsAmericas; Olefins and PolyolefinsEurope, Asia, International; Intermediates and Derivatives; Advanced Polymer Solutions; Refining; and Technology. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for LyondellBasell Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for LyondellBasell Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Easterly Investment Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWO Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor acquired 2,341 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $531,000. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Diversified Portfolios Inc. acquired a new position in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF in the 1st quarter valued at $355,000. Waldron Private Wealth LLC grew its position in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 9.8% during the 1st quarter. Waldron Private Wealth LLC now owns 107,461 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $24,374,000 after purchasing an additional 9,597 shares during the period. Lincoln National Corp grew its position in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 12.3% during the 1st quarter. Lincoln National Corp now owns 5,963 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,353,000 after purchasing an additional 655 shares during the period. Shepherd Financial Partners LLC grew its position in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 1.8% during the 1st quarter. Shepherd Financial Partners LLC now owns 108,291 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $24,564,000 after purchasing an additional 1,961 shares during the period. Finally, Corepath Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF during the 1st quarter worth about $267,000. Get iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF alerts: iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF Stock Performance Shares of IWO opened at $249.36 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $237.29 and its two-hundred day moving average is $230.98. The company has a market capitalization of $10.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.55 and a beta of 1.15. iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF has a fifty-two week low of $201.72 and a fifty-two week high of $255.10. About iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Russell 2000 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the small-capitalization growth sector of the United States equity market. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Financial Planning & Information Services Inc. cut its stake in Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE:ASB Free Report) by 80.8% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 11,744 shares of the banks stock after selling 49,500 shares during the period. Financial Planning & Information Services Inc.s holdings in Associated Banc were worth $211,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in ASB. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in Associated Banc in the first quarter worth $32,000. Fifth Third Bancorp raised its holdings in shares of Associated Banc by 370.7% during the 1st quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 1,845 shares of the banks stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 1,453 shares in the last quarter. CI Investments Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Associated Banc during the 4th quarter valued at about $35,000. Allworth Financial LP raised its holdings in shares of Associated Banc by 26,450.0% during the 4th quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 1,593 shares of the banks stock valued at $37,000 after buying an additional 1,587 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Exchange Traded Concepts LLC raised its holdings in shares of Associated Banc by 74.3% during the 4th quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 1,685 shares of the banks stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 718 shares in the last quarter. 81.58% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Associated Banc alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Director R Jay Gerken acquired 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 2nd. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $16.07 per share, for a total transaction of $48,210.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 42,036 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $675,518.52. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other Associated Banc news, Director R Jay Gerken purchased 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 2nd. The stock was bought at an average cost of $16.07 per share, with a total value of $48,210.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 42,036 shares in the company, valued at approximately $675,518.52. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Michael J. Haddad purchased 5,750 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, April 26th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $17.35 per share, with a total value of $99,762.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 5,750 shares in the company, valued at $99,762.50. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 1.49% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets Associated Banc Trading Down 0.4 % A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Stephens upped their price objective on shares of Associated Banc from $19.00 to $21.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday. Raymond James upgraded Associated Banc from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $20.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Thursday, July 6th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on Associated Banc from $28.00 to $25.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, April 5th. Piper Sandler lifted their price objective on Associated Banc from $17.50 to $18.50 in a report on Friday. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods dropped their price objective on Associated Banc from $26.00 to $21.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, April 6th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $21.56. NYSE ASB traded down $0.07 on Friday, hitting $18.34. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,136,736 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,227,111. Associated Banc-Corp has a 52-week low of $14.47 and a 52-week high of $25.50. The company has a current ratio of 0.97, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.41. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $16.43 and its 200 day simple moving average is $18.97. The firm has a market cap of $2.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.22, a PEG ratio of 0.98 and a beta of 1.00. Associated Banc (NYSE:ASB Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 20th. The bank reported $0.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.63 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $504.89 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $349.71 million. Associated Banc had a net margin of 20.93% and a return on equity of 10.31%. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.47 EPS. Research analysts predict that Associated Banc-Corp will post 2.33 EPS for the current fiscal year. Associated Banc Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 1st were issued a $0.21 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, May 31st. This represents a $0.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.58%. Associated Bancs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 33.07%. Associated Banc Profile (Free Report) Associated Banc-Corp, a bank holding company, provides various banking and nonbanking products to individuals and businesses in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. The company operates through three segments: Corporate and Commercial Specialty; Community, Consumer, and Business; and Risk Management and Shared Services. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ASB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE:ASB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Associated Banc Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Associated Banc and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX Free Report) by 195.4% in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 1,282 shares of the natural resource companys stock after purchasing an additional 848 shares during the quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Freeport-McMoRan were worth $52,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in FCX. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new position in Freeport-McMoRan during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $26,000. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new stake in Freeport-McMoRan during the 4th quarter valued at $27,000. ICA Group Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in Freeport-McMoRan during the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC bought a new stake in Freeport-McMoRan during the 1st quarter valued at $34,000. Finally, Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV raised its stake in Freeport-McMoRan by 111.0% during the 1st quarter. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV now owns 882 shares of the natural resource companys stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 464 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.35% of the companys stock. Get Freeport-McMoRan alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Sara Grootwassink Lewis bought 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 12th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $34.90 per share, for a total transaction of $139,600.00. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 17,800 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $621,220. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.78% of the companys stock. Freeport-McMoRan Stock Performance Shares of NYSE FCX opened at $40.61 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.71, a current ratio of 2.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. The stock has a market capitalization of $58.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.01 and a beta of 2.01. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $38.23 and its 200 day simple moving average is $39.93. Freeport-McMoRan Inc. has a 52-week low of $26.03 and a 52-week high of $46.73. Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The natural resource company reported $0.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.36 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $5.74 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.61 billion. Freeport-McMoRan had a return on equity of 9.45% and a net margin of 9.63%. The businesss revenue was up 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.58 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Freeport-McMoRan Inc. will post 1.53 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Freeport-McMoRan Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 1st. Investors of record on Friday, July 14th will be issued a $0.15 dividend. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.48%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 13th. Freeport-McMoRans payout ratio is 20.69%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades FCX has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM reaffirmed an initiates rating on shares of Freeport-McMoRan in a research note on Thursday, June 29th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an equal weight rating and set a $38.50 target price on shares of Freeport-McMoRan in a research note on Friday. Barclays lifted their target price on Freeport-McMoRan from $24.00 to $29.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Friday, April 21st. Sanford C. Bernstein initiated coverage on Freeport-McMoRan in a research note on Thursday, June 29th. They set a market perform rating and a $41.00 target price on the stock. Finally, 3M reissued an initiates rating on shares of Freeport-McMoRan in a research note on Thursday, June 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Freeport-McMoRan presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $39.46. Freeport-McMoRan Company Profile (Free Report) Freeport-McMoRan Inc engages in the mining of mineral properties in North America, South America, and Indonesia. It primarily explores for copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and other metals, as well as oil and gas. The company's assets include the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia; Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita, and Miami in Arizona; Tyrone and Chino in New Mexico; and Henderson and Climax in Colorado, North America, as well as Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FCX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Freeport-McMoRan Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Freeport-McMoRan and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fresnillo plc (OTCMKTS:FNLPF Get Free Report) shares passed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $8.12 and traded as low as $7.94. Fresnillo shares last traded at $8.04, with a volume of 4,478 shares trading hands. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts have recently commented on FNLPF shares. Berenberg Bank cut their target price on Fresnillo from GBX 700 ($9.15) to GBX 670 ($8.76) in a research note on Friday, July 7th. Barclays dropped their target price on Fresnillo from GBX 630 ($8.24) to GBX 525 ($6.86) in a research report on Monday, July 10th. Credit Suisse Group dropped their target price on Fresnillo from GBX 700 ($9.15) to GBX 660 ($8.63) in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. UBS Group upgraded Fresnillo from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, April 18th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on Fresnillo from GBX 650 ($8.50) to GBX 600 ($7.85) in a research note on Friday, April 28th. Get Fresnillo alerts: Fresnillo Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a quick ratio of 2.10 and a current ratio of 2.82. The businesss 50 day moving average is $8.12 and its 200 day moving average is $9.16. About Fresnillo Fresnillo plc mines, develops, and produces non-ferrous minerals in Mexico. It operates through seven segments: Fresnillo, Saucito, Cienega, Herradura, Noche Buena, San Julian, and Juanicipio. The company primarily explores for silver, gold, lead, and zinc concentrates. Its projects include the Fresnillo silver mine located in the state of Zacatecas; Saucito silver mine situated in the state of Zacatecas; Cienega gold mine located in the state of Durango; Herradura gold mine situated in the state of Sonora; Noche Buena gold mine located in the state of Sonora; San Julian silver-gold mine situated on the border of Chihuahua/Durango states; and Juanicipio mine located in the state of Zacatecas. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Fresnillo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fresnillo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Green Dot (NYSE:GDOT Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report released on Thursday morning. A number of other brokerages have also recently issued reports on GDOT. Needham & Company LLC cut Green Dot from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, May 8th. Truist Financial boosted their price objective on Green Dot from $22.00 to $24.00 in a report on Wednesday. Finally, BTIG Research initiated coverage on shares of Green Dot in a report on Tuesday, June 13th. They issued a neutral rating for the company. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $23.71. Get Green Dot alerts: Green Dot Stock Down 1.2 % NYSE:GDOT opened at $20.32 on Thursday. Green Dot has a 52-week low of $14.96 and a 52-week high of $28.91. The firm has a market cap of $1.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.52 and a beta of 1.05. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $18.75 and its 200 day moving average price is $17.81. Institutional Trading of Green Dot Green Dot ( NYSE:GDOT Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The financial services provider reported $0.84 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.55 by $0.29. The business had revenue of $412.36 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $385.33 million. Green Dot had a net margin of 4.20% and a return on equity of 13.13%. Sell-side analysts expect that Green Dot will post 1.21 EPS for the current year. Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Green Dot by 48.2% during the 4th quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,934,157 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $46,419,000 after buying an additional 954,860 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Green Dot in the 4th quarter worth about $7,820,000. Federated Hermes Inc. increased its position in Green Dot by 56.5% in the 1st quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 1,241,717 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $34,122,000 after purchasing an additional 448,144 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley raised its stake in shares of Green Dot by 97.7% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 871,076 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $13,780,000 after purchasing an additional 430,580 shares in the last quarter. Finally, UBS Group AG increased its holdings in Green Dot by 26.8% in the first quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 1,840,583 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $31,621,000 after buying an additional 389,248 shares during the last quarter. 93.83% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Green Dot Company Profile (Get Free Report) Green Dot Corporation, a financial technology and bank holding company, provides various financial services to consumers and businesses in the United States. It operates through three segments: Consumer Services, Business to Business Services, and Money Movement Services. The company offers deposit account programs, including consumer and small business checking account products, network-branded reloadable prepaid debit cards and gift cards, and secured credit programs. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Green Dot Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Green Dot and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 16.1% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 1,137 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 158 shares during the quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $111,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of PM. Riverpoint Wealth Management Holdings LLC bought a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International during the 4th quarter worth $25,000. Red Tortoise LLC bought a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International during the 4th quarter worth $29,000. Optiver Holding B.V. bought a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International during the 4th quarter worth $29,000. Stone House Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International during the 1st quarter worth $29,000. Finally, Winch Advisory Services LLC lifted its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 200.0% during the 4th quarter. Winch Advisory Services LLC now owns 294 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 196 shares during the last quarter. 77.43% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes PM has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. 22nd Century Group reaffirmed a reiterates rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Tuesday, June 27th. Stifel Nicolaus assumed coverage on Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, April 13th. They issued a buy rating and a $114.00 target price for the company. Citigroup raised Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their target price for the stock from $109.00 to $117.00 in a report on Tuesday, June 20th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and upped their target price for the stock from $109.00 to $116.00 in a report on Thursday, March 30th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Philip Morris International currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $111.40. Philip Morris International Trading Down 0.7 % Shares of PM stock opened at $97.52 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $151.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.86, a PEG ratio of 2.43 and a beta of 0.70. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $94.96 and a 200-day moving average of $97.67. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 1-year low of $82.85 and a 1-year high of $105.62. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The company reported $1.60 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.50 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $8.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.76 billion. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 127.84% and a net margin of 11.63%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 14.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.48 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.19 earnings per share for the current year. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 11th. Investors of record on Friday, June 23rd were paid a dividend of $1.27 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, June 22nd. This represents a $5.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.21%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is currently 98.26%. Philip Morris International Company Profile (Free Report) 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. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Key Financial Inc lifted its stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEUR Free Report) by 2,135.1% during the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,274 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,217 shares during the period. Key Financial Incs holdings in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF were worth $67,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the stock. FDx Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF during the 4th quarter worth approximately $502,000. Stratos Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $271,000. WBH Advisory Inc. bought a new stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $1,155,000. Destiny Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $117,000. Finally, Naviter Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF in the 1st quarter worth $262,000. Get iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF alerts: iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF Stock Up 0.3 % Shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF stock opened at $54.01 on Friday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $52.63 and a 200 day simple moving average of $52.29. The stock has a market cap of $4.47 billion, a PE ratio of 12.11 and a beta of 0.95. iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF has a 12 month low of $38.54 and a 12 month high of $54.81. iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF Profile The iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (IEUR) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Europe IMI index, a market-cap-weighted index of developed European securities. IEUR was launched on Jun 10, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IEUR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEUR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lipe & Dalton trimmed its position in Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Free Report) by 1.3% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 11,821 shares of the companys stock after selling 150 shares during the quarter. Lipe & Daltons holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. were worth $1,258,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in MRK. Marion Wealth Management boosted its stake in Merck & Co., Inc. by 18.5% in the 4th quarter. Marion Wealth Management now owns 21,538 shares of the companys stock worth $2,390,000 after purchasing an additional 3,366 shares during the period. Mackenzie Financial Corp boosted its stake in Merck & Co., Inc. by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 2,537,899 shares of the companys stock worth $270,007,000 after purchasing an additional 47,005 shares during the period. Ascent Wealth Partners LLC boosted its stake in Merck & Co., Inc. by 3.1% in the 4th quarter. Ascent Wealth Partners LLC now owns 17,520 shares of the companys stock worth $1,944,000 after purchasing an additional 533 shares during the period. Crescent Sterling Ltd. bought a new position in Merck & Co., Inc. in the 4th quarter worth approximately $806,000. Finally, Alaska Wealth Advisors bought a new position in Merck & Co., Inc. in the 4th quarter worth approximately $228,000. 76.60% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Merck & Co. Inc. alerts: Insider Activity In other news, EVP Richard R. Deluca sold 66,163 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, April 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.00, for a total transaction of $7,608,745.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 154,493 shares in the company, valued at $17,766,695. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, CEO Robert M. Davis sold 143,329 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, April 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $114.93, for a total transaction of $16,472,801.97. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 271,817 shares of the companys stock, valued at $31,239,927.81. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Richard R. Deluca sold 66,163 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, April 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.00, for a total value of $7,608,745.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 154,493 shares in the company, valued at approximately $17,766,695. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 354,203 shares of company stock worth $41,055,309. Company insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Merck & Co., Inc. Stock Performance MRK has been the subject of a number of research reports. Truist Financial lowered their target price on Merck & Co., Inc. from $118.00 to $116.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday. Societe Generale downgraded Merck & Co., Inc. from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, March 28th. BTIG Research downgraded Merck & Co., Inc. from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Sunday, April 16th. HSBC initiated coverage on Merck & Co., Inc. in a research report on Friday, July 14th. They set a hold rating and a $123.00 target price for the company. Finally, Guggenheim increased their target price on Merck & Co., Inc. from $123.00 to $124.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 11th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Merck & Co., Inc. has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $123.53. MRK stock opened at $110.39 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $280.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.56, a PEG ratio of 2.14 and a beta of 0.35. The company has a quick ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 1.44 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60. Merck & Co., Inc. has a twelve month low of $84.52 and a twelve month high of $119.65. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $111.23 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $110.60. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $1.40 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.34 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $14.49 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.81 billion. Merck & Co., Inc. had a return on equity of 37.92% and a net margin of 22.52%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 8.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $2.14 earnings per share. Analysts predict that Merck & Co., Inc. will post 4.57 earnings per share for the current year. Merck & Co., Inc. Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 15th were paid a dividend of $0.73 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $2.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.65%. Merck & Co., Inc.s dividend payout ratio is currently 57.03%. About Merck & Co., Inc. (Free Report) Merck & Co, Inc operates as a healthcare company worldwide. It operates through two segments, Pharmaceutical and Animal Health. The Pharmaceutical segment offers human health pharmaceutical products in the areas of oncology, hospital acute care, immunology, neuroscience, virology, cardiovascular, and diabetes, as well as vaccine products, such as preventive pediatric, adolescent, and adult vaccines. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MRK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Merck & Co. Inc. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Merck & Co. Inc. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT Free Report) had its target price hoisted by Wells Fargo & Company from $433.00 to $440.00 in a research report report published on Wednesday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports. Other equities research analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. Credit Suisse Group lifted their target price on Lockheed Martin from $510.00 to $550.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. Sanford C. Bernstein boosted their price target on Lockheed Martin from $478.00 to $496.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, April 20th. StockNews.com raised Lockheed Martin from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Saturday, July 1st. Citigroup decreased their price target on Lockheed Martin from $579.00 to $555.00 in a report on Wednesday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on Lockheed Martin from $480.00 to $500.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $499.43. Get Lockheed Martin alerts: Lockheed Martin Trading Down 0.3 % Lockheed Martin stock opened at $454.76 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.10, a current ratio of 1.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.61. Lockheed Martin has a 52 week low of $381.55 and a 52 week high of $508.10. The company has a market capitalization of $115.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.78, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.85 and a beta of 0.67. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $456.82 and a 200 day moving average price of $465.84. Lockheed Martin Announces Dividend Lockheed Martin ( NYSE:LMT Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 18th. The aerospace company reported $6.73 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.45 by $0.28. Lockheed Martin had a return on equity of 67.75% and a net margin of 8.60%. The firm had revenue of $16.69 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $15.92 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $6.32 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 8.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Lockheed Martin will post 26.79 EPS for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 22nd. Investors of record on Friday, September 1st will be given a dividend of $3.00 per share. This represents a $12.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.64%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 31st. Lockheed Martins payout ratio is 54.84%. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Director John Donovan purchased 548 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 19th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $457.07 per share, for a total transaction of $250,474.36. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 3,378 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,543,982.46. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. 0.17% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Lockheed Martin Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Beacon Investment Advisory Services Inc. increased its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 48.7% during the second quarter. Beacon Investment Advisory Services Inc. now owns 4,580 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $2,109,000 after purchasing an additional 1,499 shares in the last quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC grew its holdings in Lockheed Martin by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 18,045 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $8,308,000 after buying an additional 247 shares in the last quarter. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC grew its holdings in Lockheed Martin by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC now owns 58,934 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $27,132,000 after buying an additional 811 shares in the last quarter. Creative Planning grew its holdings in Lockheed Martin by 3.8% in the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 79,270 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $36,494,000 after buying an additional 2,903 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MBA Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Lockheed Martin in the 2nd quarter valued at $273,000. 75.28% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Lockheed Martin (Get Free Report) Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. It operates through four segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Lockheed Martin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lockheed Martin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LSV Asset Management lessened its position in Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG Free Report) by 0.1% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 8,323,329 shares of the companys stock after selling 10,800 shares during the period. LSV Asset Management owned approximately 1.75% of Conagra Brands worth $312,624,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of CAG. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS increased its stake in Conagra Brands by 6.6% in the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 64,185 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,155,000 after purchasing an additional 3,975 shares in the last quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can increased its stake in Conagra Brands by 0.4% in the first quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 309,389 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,942,000 after purchasing an additional 1,186 shares in the last quarter. Synovus Financial Corp increased its stake in Conagra Brands by 3.7% in the first quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 22,548 shares of the companys stock valued at $758,000 after purchasing an additional 807 shares in the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL increased its stake in Conagra Brands by 19.8% in the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 27,151 shares of the companys stock valued at $911,000 after purchasing an additional 4,487 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Allianz Asset Management GmbH increased its position in shares of Conagra Brands by 509.0% during the first quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 366,225 shares of the companys stock worth $12,294,000 after acquiring an additional 306,086 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 88.80% of the companys stock. Get Conagra Brands alerts: Conagra Brands Stock Performance CAG stock traded up $0.19 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $33.29. The stock had a trading volume of 4,175,586 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,261,827. The stock has a market capitalization of $15.88 billion, a PE ratio of 23.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.34 and a beta of 0.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.76 and a quick ratio of 0.26. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $34.26 and a 200 day simple moving average of $36.21. Conagra Brands, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $32.05 and a fifty-two week high of $41.30. Conagra Brands Increases Dividend Conagra Brands ( NYSE:CAG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 13th. The company reported $0.62 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.60 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $2.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3 billion. Conagra Brands had a net margin of 5.57% and a return on equity of 15.19%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.65 earnings per share. Analysts predict that Conagra Brands, Inc. will post 2.73 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 31st will be paid a $0.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 28th. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.21%. This is a boost from Conagra Brandss previous quarterly dividend of $0.33. Conagra Brandss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 92.96%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth CAG has been the subject of several research reports. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their price objective on shares of Conagra Brands from $43.00 to $36.00 in a research report on Friday, July 14th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price objective on shares of Conagra Brands from $38.00 to $35.00 in a research report on Friday, July 14th. Bank of America lowered their price objective on shares of Conagra Brands from $40.00 to $38.00 in a research report on Friday, July 14th. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Conagra Brands from $42.00 to $39.00 in a research report on Friday, July 14th. Finally, Morgan Stanley downgraded shares of Conagra Brands from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and lowered their price objective for the stock from $46.00 to $37.00 in a research report on Monday, July 17th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Conagra Brands presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $38.25. Conagra Brands Profile (Free Report) Conagra Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a consumer packaged goods food company primarily in the United States. The company operates through Grocery & Snacks, Refrigerated & Frozen, International, and Foodservice segments. The Grocery & Snacks segment primarily offers shelf stable food products through various retail channels. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Conagra Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Conagra Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Maple Capital Management Inc. lifted its position in Edwards Lifesciences Co. (NYSE:EW Free Report) by 11.9% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 3,125 shares of the medical research companys stock after buying an additional 332 shares during the quarter. Maple Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Edwards Lifesciences were worth $259,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Advisors Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in Edwards Lifesciences by 0.3% during the 1st quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 43,556 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $5,127,000 after purchasing an additional 117 shares in the last quarter. Geller Advisors LLC increased its stake in Edwards Lifesciences by 6.5% during the 1st quarter. Geller Advisors LLC now owns 1,965 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $231,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares in the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP increased its stake in Edwards Lifesciences by 2.5% during the 1st quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 5,015 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $415,000 after purchasing an additional 122 shares in the last quarter. Rockland Trust Co. increased its stake in Edwards Lifesciences by 1.4% during the 1st quarter. Rockland Trust Co. now owns 8,639 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $715,000 after purchasing an additional 122 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Financial Architects Inc increased its stake in Edwards Lifesciences by 5.1% during the 4th quarter. Financial Architects Inc now owns 2,893 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $216,000 after purchasing an additional 141 shares in the last quarter. 79.78% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Edwards Lifesciences alerts: Edwards Lifesciences Trading Down 0.1 % Shares of Edwards Lifesciences stock opened at $92.57 on Friday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $88.85 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $83.79. Edwards Lifesciences Co. has a 1 year low of $67.13 and a 1 year high of $107.92. The company has a market capitalization of $56.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.41, a P/E/G ratio of 5.26 and a beta of 1.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10, a current ratio of 3.01 and a quick ratio of 2.17. Insider Buying and Selling at Edwards Lifesciences Edwards Lifesciences ( NYSE:EW Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The medical research company reported $0.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.61 by $0.01. Edwards Lifesciences had a return on equity of 25.81% and a net margin of 27.07%. The business had revenue of $1.46 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.39 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.60 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 8.8% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that Edwards Lifesciences Co. will post 2.55 EPS for the current year. In other Edwards Lifesciences news, VP Catherine M. Szyman sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $85.81, for a total transaction of $429,050.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 35,056 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,008,155.36. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, VP Catherine M. Szyman sold 5,000 shares of Edwards Lifesciences stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $85.81, for a total transaction of $429,050.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 35,056 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,008,155.36. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, SVP Robert W.A. Sellers sold 12,270 shares of Edwards Lifesciences stock in a transaction on Friday, April 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $87.20, for a total value of $1,069,944.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 11,750 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,024,600. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 228,316 shares of company stock valued at $20,215,378 in the last quarter. 1.29% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In EW has been the subject of a number of research reports. 58.com reissued a reiterates rating on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a research note on Tuesday, June 27th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $102.00 price target on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a research note on Friday, July 14th. Truist Financial raised their price target on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $101.00 to $105.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $75.00 to $87.00 in a research note on Monday, April 24th. Finally, Piper Sandler raised their price target on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $80.00 to $83.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 27th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Edwards Lifesciences currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $93.05. Edwards Lifesciences Company Profile (Free Report) Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease, and critical care and surgical monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of heart valves; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Edwards Lifesciences Co. (NYSE:EW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Edwards Lifesciences Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edwards Lifesciences and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Maple Capital Management Inc. lowered its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 1.5% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 54,251 shares of the companys stock after selling 841 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and Company makes up 2.3% of Maple Capital Management Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 18th largest holding. Maple Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $18,631,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Fairfield Bush & CO. bought a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $107,000. Roundview Capital LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.6% during the first quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 2,056 shares of the companys stock valued at $589,000 after purchasing an additional 53 shares in the last quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the first quarter valued at $210,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 9.9% in the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 53,052 shares of the companys stock worth $15,193,000 after buying an additional 4,774 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Barometer Capital Management Inc. purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the 1st quarter worth about $561,000. 87.25% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have recently commented on LLY. 22nd Century Group reiterated a maintains rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Tuesday, June 27th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $440.00 to $500.00 in a research report on Friday, May 26th. StockNews.com downgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, June 12th. Guggenheim reduced their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $395.00 to $392.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, April 11th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group raised their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $420.00 to $490.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and fifteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Eli Lilly and Company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $458.36. Insider Buying and Selling Eli Lilly and Company Stock Down 0.4 % In other Eli Lilly and Company news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 164,125 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $467.60, for a total value of $76,744,850.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 101,028,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $47,241,071,556. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink . In related news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 164,125 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $467.60, for a total value of $76,744,850.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 101,028,810 shares in the company, valued at $47,241,071,556. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink . Also, EVP Johna Norton sold 1,647 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $444.29, for a total value of $731,745.63. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 31,761 shares in the company, valued at approximately $14,111,094.69. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last three months, insiders have sold 970,965 shares of company stock worth $423,725,107. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Shares of LLY opened at $462.04 on Friday. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12-month low of $296.32 and a 12-month high of $469.87. The company has a current ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67. The company has a market capitalization of $438.60 billion, a PE ratio of 73.46, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.12 and a beta of 0.38. The businesss 50 day moving average is $446.38 and its 200 day moving average is $386.55. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $1.62 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.73 by ($0.11). The company had revenue of $6.96 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.87 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 61.42% and a net margin of 20.54%. Eli Lilly and Companys revenue was down 10.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $2.62 EPS. Research 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 company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 8th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be issued a $1.13 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 14th. This represents a $4.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.98%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 71.86%. Eli Lilly and Company Profile (Free Report) 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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mayan Energy Ltd (LON:MYN Get Free Report) crossed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 0.14 ($0.00) and traded as low as GBX 0.13 ($0.00). Mayan Energy shares last traded at GBX 0.14 ($0.00), with a volume of 16,096,226 shares. Mayan Energy Price Performance The stocks fifty day simple moving average is GBX 0.14 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 0.14. The firm has a market cap of 5.28 million and a PE ratio of -0.23. Mayan Energy Company Profile (Get Free Report) Mayan Energy Limited engages in the development, production, and sale of hydrocarbons and related activities in the United States. The company holds interests in Forest Hills project situated in Wood County, Texas; Stockdale oil fields located in Wilson County, Texas; Zink Ranch and Mathis leases situated in Osage County, Oklahoma; and Shoats Creek field located in Louisiana. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Mayan Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mayan Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Benchmark upgraded shares of Nabors Industries (NYSE:NBR Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note published on Wednesday, MarketBeat.com reports. NBR has been the subject of a number of other research reports. StockNews.com raised shares of Nabors Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, June 23rd. Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of Nabors Industries from $200.00 to $140.00 in a research report on Friday, May 19th. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their target price on shares of Nabors Industries from $195.00 to $176.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. Barclays decreased their target price on shares of Nabors Industries from $150.00 to $140.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 8th. Finally, 888 reissued a maintains rating on shares of Nabors Industries in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Nabors Industries presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $150.86. Get Nabors Industries alerts: Nabors Industries Stock Down 0.8 % Shares of NYSE NBR opened at $114.40 on Wednesday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $97.84 and a 200 day simple moving average of $124.27. The firm has a market cap of $1.09 billion, a PE ratio of -7.64 and a beta of 2.75. Nabors Industries has a 1 year low of $83.05 and a 1 year high of $190.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.40, a current ratio of 1.87 and a quick ratio of 1.61. Institutional Trading of Nabors Industries Nabors Industries ( NYSE:NBR Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, April 24th. The oil and gas company reported ($0.55) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.06 by ($1.61). The business had revenue of $789.01 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $767.96 million. Nabors Industries had a negative net margin of 4.03% and a negative return on equity of 26.14%. On average, research analysts forecast that Nabors Industries will post 12.08 EPS for the current year. Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Quarry LP acquired a new stake in Nabors Industries in the 1st quarter valued at $25,000. US Bancorp DE grew its position in Nabors Industries by 165.9% in the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 226 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 141 shares during the period. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp acquired a new stake in Nabors Industries in the 1st quarter valued at $32,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its stake in Nabors Industries by 89.6% during the 3rd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 565 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $57,000 after acquiring an additional 267 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lifted its stake in Nabors Industries by 43.1% during the 3rd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 793 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $80,000 after acquiring an additional 239 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.81% of the companys stock. About Nabors Industries (Get Free Report) Nabors Industries Ltd. provides drilling and drilling-related services for land-based and offshore oil and natural gas wells in the United States and internationally. The company operates through U.S. Drilling, International Drilling, Drilling Solutions, and Rig Technologies. It provides tubular running, wellbore placement, directional drilling, measurement-while-drilling (MWD), equipment manufacturing, and rig instrumentation services; and logging-while-drilling systems and services, as well as drilling optimization software. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Nabors Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nabors Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ormat Technologies (NYSE:ORA Free Report) had its price target hoisted by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $86.00 to $89.00 in a report published on Wednesday, FlyOnTheWall reports. Other analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Ormat Technologies in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a sell rating for the company. Citigroup reduced their price objective on shares of Ormat Technologies from $91.00 to $88.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, March 27th. Bank of America boosted their price objective on shares of Ormat Technologies from $85.00 to $87.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 14th. Finally, Barclays began coverage on shares of Ormat Technologies in a research report on Monday, May 22nd. They set an equal weight rating and a $89.00 price objective for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $91.38. Get Ormat Technologies alerts: Ormat Technologies Trading Up 0.1 % NYSE ORA opened at $84.16 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.96, a current ratio of 2.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71. Ormat Technologies has a 52 week low of $77.86 and a 52 week high of $101.81. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.02 billion, a PE ratio of 62.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 0.44. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $83.68 and a two-hundred day moving average of $85.85. Ormat Technologies Announces Dividend Ormat Technologies ( NYSE:ORA Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The energy company reported $0.51 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.49 by $0.02. Ormat Technologies had a net margin of 10.39% and a return on equity of 4.86%. The company had revenue of $185.20 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $212.86 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.35 EPS. The firms revenue was up .8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that Ormat Technologies will post 1.91 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 6th. Investors of record on Tuesday, May 23rd were given a $0.12 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, May 22nd. This represents a $0.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.57%. Ormat Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 35.56%. Institutional Trading of Ormat Technologies Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Creative Planning grew its stake in shares of Ormat Technologies by 2.1% during the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 5,429 shares of the energy companys stock worth $425,000 after purchasing an additional 111 shares during the period. Mackenzie Financial Corp grew its stake in Ormat Technologies by 4.4% in the 4th quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 3,097 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $268,000 after acquiring an additional 131 shares during the last quarter. Toroso Investments LLC grew its stake in Ormat Technologies by 15.8% in the 3rd quarter. Toroso Investments LLC now owns 1,065 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $91,000 after acquiring an additional 145 shares during the last quarter. Reynders McVeigh Capital Management LLC grew its stake in Ormat Technologies by 0.6% in the 4th quarter. Reynders McVeigh Capital Management LLC now owns 24,917 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $2,155,000 after acquiring an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Xponance Inc. grew its stake in Ormat Technologies by 2.1% in the 1st quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 7,793 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $661,000 after acquiring an additional 160 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.23% of the companys stock. About Ormat Technologies (Get Free Report) Ormat Technologies, Inc engages in the geothermal and recovered energy power business in the United States, Indonesia, Kenya, Turkey, Chile, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Ethiopia, New Zealand, Honduras, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Electricity, Product, and Energy Storage. The Electricity segment develops, builds, owns, and operates geothermal, solar photovoltaic, and recovered energy-based power plants; and sells electricity. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Ormat Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ormat Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Piedmont Office Realty Trust (NYSE:PDM Free Report) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report issued on Wednesday morning. Piedmont Office Realty Trust Stock Down 4.5 % Shares of Piedmont Office Realty Trust stock opened at $7.36 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.82, a quick ratio of 3.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.14. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $6.99 and its 200-day simple moving average is $7.89. The stock has a market capitalization of $910.43 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.07 and a beta of 1.02. Piedmont Office Realty Trust has a twelve month low of $5.99 and a twelve month high of $13.82. Get Piedmont Office Realty Trust alerts: Piedmont Office Realty Trust (NYSE:PDM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, May 1st. The real estate investment trust reported ($0.01) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.46 by ($0.47). Piedmont Office Realty Trust had a return on equity of 4.16% and a net margin of 13.10%. The company had revenue of $142.37 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $143.71 million. Equities research analysts forecast that Piedmont Office Realty Trust will post 1.78 earnings per share for the current year. Piedmont Office Realty Trust Dividend Announcement Hedge Funds Weigh In On Piedmont Office Realty Trust The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 16th. Investors of record on Friday, May 26th were issued a $0.21 dividend. This represents a $0.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 11.41%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 25th. Piedmont Office Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 137.70%. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Creative Planning grew its holdings in Piedmont Office Realty Trust by 257.9% in the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 59,657 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $434,000 after buying an additional 42,987 shares in the last quarter. Csenge Advisory Group grew its holdings in Piedmont Office Realty Trust by 8.9% in the 2nd quarter. Csenge Advisory Group now owns 30,209 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $220,000 after buying an additional 2,463 shares in the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP boosted its stake in Piedmont Office Realty Trust by 10.4% during the 2nd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 14,372 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $104,000 after purchasing an additional 1,353 shares in the last quarter. Denali Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Piedmont Office Realty Trust by 42,272.7% during the 2nd quarter. Denali Advisors LLC now owns 93,220 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $678,000 after purchasing an additional 93,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Adams Asset Advisors LLC bought a new position in Piedmont Office Realty Trust during the 2nd quarter valued at $112,000. 82.45% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Piedmont Office Realty Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc (NYSE: PDM) is an owner, manager, developer, redeveloper, and operator of high-quality, Class A office properties located primarily in major U.S. Sunbelt markets. Its approximately $5 billion portfolio is currently comprised of approximately 17 million square feet. The Company is a fully integrated, self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT) with local management offices in each of its markets and is investment-grade rated by S&P Global Ratings (BBB) and Moody's (Baa2). Read More Receive News & Ratings for Piedmont Office Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Piedmont Office Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Procore Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:PCOR Get Free Report) CEO Craig F. Jr. Courtemanche sold 26,775 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.00, for a total transaction of $2,008,125.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 3,434,135 shares of the companys stock, valued at $257,560,125. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Procore Technologies Stock Performance Shares of PCOR stock opened at $70.99 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $64.41 and a 200-day moving average of $59.84. The company has a market cap of $9.97 billion, a P/E ratio of -35.14 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a current ratio of 1.51 and a quick ratio of 1.51. Procore Technologies, Inc. has a one year low of $41.80 and a one year high of $76.25. Get Procore Technologies alerts: Procore Technologies (NYSE:PCOR Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, May 3rd. The company reported ($0.32) EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.45) by $0.13. Procore Technologies had a negative net margin of 36.03% and a negative return on equity of 19.75%. The company had revenue of $213.53 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $203.24 million. Equities research analysts forecast that Procore Technologies, Inc. will post -1.55 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of Procore Technologies Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Long Walk Management LP increased its holdings in Procore Technologies by 25.5% during the second quarter. Long Walk Management LP now owns 295,000 shares of the companys stock worth $19,196,000 after buying an additional 60,000 shares during the last quarter. Sycomore Asset Management increased its holdings in Procore Technologies by 135.5% during the second quarter. Sycomore Asset Management now owns 91,002 shares of the companys stock worth $5,971,000 after buying an additional 52,363 shares during the last quarter. Northside Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Procore Technologies by 63.6% during the second quarter. Northside Capital Management LLC now owns 14,131 shares of the companys stock worth $920,000 after buying an additional 5,496 shares during the last quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas purchased a new stake in Procore Technologies during the second quarter worth about $919,000. Finally, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC purchased a new stake in Procore Technologies during the second quarter worth about $2,548,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.32% of the companys stock. Several research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. assumed coverage on shares of Procore Technologies in a research note on Thursday, July 13th. They set an overweight rating and a $84.00 target price on the stock. DA Davidson increased their target price on shares of Procore Technologies from $72.00 to $75.00 in a research note on Friday, June 23rd. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Procore Technologies from $72.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, July 14th. KeyCorp cut their target price on shares of Procore Technologies from $86.00 to $76.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th. Finally, Scotiabank raised shares of Procore Technologies from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and set a $81.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 11th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen 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 target price of $75.93. Procore Technologies Company Profile (Get Free Report) Procore Technologies, Inc provides a cloud-based construction management platform and related software products in the United States and internationally. The company's platform enables owners, general and specialty contractors, architects, and engineers to collaborate on construction projects. It offers Preconstruction that facilitates collaboration between internal and external stakeholders during the planning, budgeting, estimating, bidding, and partner selection phase of a construction project; and Project Management, which enables real-time collaboration, information storage, design, BIM model clash detection, and regulation compliance for teams on the jobsite and in the back office. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Procore Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procore Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hunter Associates Investment Management LLC decreased its holdings in Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK Free Report) by 4.0% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 3,090 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 130 shares during the period. Hunter Associates Investment Management LLCs holdings in Rockwell Automation were worth $906,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of ROK. Schechter Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Rockwell Automation in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $206,000. Teacher Retirement System of Texas grew its stake in shares of Rockwell Automation by 70.3% in the 4th quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 28,468 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $7,333,000 after buying an additional 11,754 shares during the period. Amalgamated Bank grew its stake in shares of Rockwell Automation by 1.1% in the 4th quarter. Amalgamated Bank now owns 30,786 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $7,930,000 after buying an additional 330 shares during the period. Tredje AP fonden grew its stake in shares of Rockwell Automation by 11.2% in the 4th quarter. Tredje AP fonden now owns 6,967 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,794,000 after buying an additional 700 shares during the period. Finally, Kingsview Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Rockwell Automation by 24.7% in the 4th quarter. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,068 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $533,000 after buying an additional 410 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.28% of the companys stock. Get Rockwell Automation alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CEO Blake D. Moret sold 4,855 shares of Rockwell Automation stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $315.00, for a total transaction of $1,529,325.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 64,425 shares in the company, valued at approximately $20,293,875. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Blake D. Moret sold 4,855 shares of Rockwell Automation stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $315.00, for a total transaction of $1,529,325.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 64,425 shares in the company, valued at approximately $20,293,875. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, VP John M. Miller sold 556 shares of Rockwell Automation stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $279.09, for a total transaction of $155,174.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 4,281 shares in the company, valued at $1,194,784.29. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 15,217 shares of company stock worth $4,687,705 in the last ninety days. 0.64% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets Rockwell Automation Stock Down 1.6 % Several analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Bank of America increased their price target on shares of Rockwell Automation from $335.00 to $375.00 in a research note on Friday, July 14th. Jefferies Financial Group initiated coverage on shares of Rockwell Automation in a research report on Tuesday, June 27th. They set a hold rating and a $335.00 price objective for the company. Wolfe Research raised shares of Rockwell Automation from an underperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 11th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased 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, Citigroup increased their price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation from $334.00 to $375.00 in a research report on Monday, July 10th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $290.00. Shares of ROK traded down $5.48 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $337.08. The stock had a trading volume of 654,879 shares, compared to its average volume of 617,381. Rockwell Automation, Inc. has a 1-year low of $209.27 and a 1-year high of $348.52. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $310.07 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $292.14. The company has a market cap of $38.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.67, a PEG ratio of 2.48 and a beta of 1.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 1.08 and a quick ratio of 0.73. Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 27th. The industrial products company reported $3.01 earnings per share 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 for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.09 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.66 EPS. The companys revenue was up 25.8% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts expect that Rockwell Automation, Inc. will post 12.01 earnings per share for the current year. Rockwell Automation Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 11th. Investors of record on Monday, August 14th will be paid a dividend of $1.18 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 11th. This represents a $4.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.40%. Rockwell Automations dividend payout ratio is currently 41.55%. Rockwell Automation Profile (Free Report) 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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Rockwell Automation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rockwell Automation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kiley Juergens Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD Free Report) by 6.0% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 18,456 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 1,050 shares during the quarter. SPDR Gold Shares accounts for 1.3% of Kiley Juergens Wealth Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 19th largest position. Kiley Juergens Wealth Management LLCs holdings in SPDR Gold Shares were worth $3,382,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 4.2% in the 1st quarter. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 1,330 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $247,000 after acquiring an additional 54 shares in the last quarter. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC boosted its holdings in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC now owns 12,362 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $3,880,000 after acquiring an additional 55 shares in the last quarter. Source Financial Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 0.9% in the 4th quarter. Source Financial Advisors LLC now owns 6,653 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,129,000 after acquiring an additional 58 shares in the last quarter. Independent Wealth Network Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 1.1% in the 1st quarter. Independent Wealth Network Inc. now owns 5,453 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $999,000 after acquiring an additional 58 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Meridian Wealth Partners LLC boosted its holdings in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 3.3% in the 1st quarter. Meridian Wealth Partners LLC now owns 1,904 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $344,000 after acquiring an additional 60 shares in the last quarter. 38.86% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get SPDR Gold Shares alerts: SPDR Gold Shares Stock Down 0.3 % Shares of GLD traded down $0.56 on Friday, hitting $182.18. The companys stock had a trading volume of 3,845,361 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,865,037. SPDR Gold Shares has a fifty-two week low of $150.57 and a fifty-two week high of $191.36. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $181.02 and a 200 day moving average price of $179.99. SPDR Gold Shares Company Profile SPDR Gold Trust (the Trust) is an investment trust. The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the Trusts expenses. The Trusts business activity is the investment of gold. The Trust creates and redeems Shares from time to time, but in one or more Baskets (a Basket equals a block of 100,000 Shares). Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GLD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for SPDR Gold Shares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR Gold Shares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DHT (NYSE:DHT Free Report) had its target price reduced by Stifel Nicolaus from $12.00 to $11.00 in a report published on Wednesday morning, MarketBeat reports. They currently have a buy rating on the shipping companys stock. DHT has been the topic of a number of other research reports. StockNews.com lowered DHT from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 13th. TheStreet lowered DHT from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 17th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group downgraded DHT from a buy rating to a hold rating and reduced their target price for the company from $12.00 to $10.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. Get DHT alerts: DHT Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:DHT opened at $8.74 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 3.48 and a quick ratio of 3.03. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $8.37 and its 200-day moving average price is $9.33. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.42 billion, a PE ratio of 12.31 and a beta of -0.16. DHT has a 1 year low of $6.53 and a 1 year high of $12.13. DHT Cuts Dividend DHT ( NYSE:DHT Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 3rd. The shipping company reported $0.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.30 by ($0.07). The firm had revenue of $93.90 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $97.36 million. DHT had a return on equity of 10.65% and a net margin of 22.92%. The businesss revenue was up 142.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned ($0.14) earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that DHT will post 1.09 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, May 25th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, May 18th were given a $0.23 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, May 17th. This represents a $0.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 10.53%. DHTs dividend payout ratio is currently 129.58%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On DHT Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of DHT. HighTower Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of DHT by 31.6% in the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 226,111 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $1,310,000 after buying an additional 54,349 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers raised its holdings in shares of DHT by 12.5% in the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 994,152 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $5,766,000 after buying an additional 110,333 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its holdings in shares of DHT by 4.6% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 11,978,143 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $69,473,000 after buying an additional 522,016 shares during the period. Frontier Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of DHT by 84.0% in the 1st quarter. Frontier Wealth Management LLC now owns 261,927 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $1,624,000 after buying an additional 119,600 shares during the period. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of DHT by 21.0% in the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,070,263 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $6,208,000 after buying an additional 185,884 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 61.63% of the companys stock. DHT Company Profile (Get Free Report) DHT Holdings, Inc, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates crude oil tankers primarily in Monaco, Singapore, and Norway. As of March 16, 2023, it had a fleet of 23 very large crude carriers. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for DHT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DHT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LSV Asset Management trimmed its stake in shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG Free Report) by 1.2% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 4,962,575 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 60,930 shares during the quarter. The Hartford Financial Services Group comprises 0.8% of LSV Asset Managements investment portfolio, making the stock its 23rd biggest holding. LSV Asset Management owned 1.59% of The Hartford Financial Services Group worth $345,842,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Mackenzie Financial Corp lifted its position in The Hartford Financial Services Group by 4.5% during the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 482,904 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $33,654,000 after acquiring an additional 20,579 shares during the period. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp lifted its position in The Hartford Financial Services Group by 10.9% during the 4th quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp now owns 364,283 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $27,624,000 after acquiring an additional 35,693 shares during the period. Wealthfront Advisers LLC lifted its position in The Hartford Financial Services Group by 5.4% during the 1st quarter. Wealthfront Advisers LLC now owns 38,013 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $2,649,000 after acquiring an additional 1,937 shares during the period. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC lifted its position in The Hartford Financial Services Group by 29.7% during the 4th quarter. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC now owns 13,086 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $992,000 after acquiring an additional 3,000 shares during the period. Finally, ING Groep NV lifted its position in The Hartford Financial Services Group by 64.1% during the 4th quarter. ING Groep NV now owns 83,085 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $6,300,000 after acquiring an additional 32,439 shares during the period. 90.24% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get The Hartford Financial Services Group alerts: The Hartford Financial Services Group Trading Down 0.6 % Shares of NYSE:HIG traded down $0.48 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $74.16. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,072,553 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,341,350. The firm has a market cap of $23.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 0.85. The company has a quick ratio of 0.32, a current ratio of 0.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. has a 1 year low of $60.17 and a 1 year high of $79.44. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $71.13 and a 200 day moving average price of $72.29. The Hartford Financial Services Group Announces Dividend The Hartford Financial Services Group ( NYSE:HIG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 27th. The insurance provider reported $1.68 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.68. The business had revenue of $5.91 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.70 billion. The Hartford Financial Services Group had a return on equity of 18.45% and a net margin of 8.33%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 9.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.66 earnings per share. Research analysts forecast that The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. will post 7.84 EPS for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 3rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 1st will be given a dividend of $0.425 per share. This represents a $1.70 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.29%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 31st. The Hartford Financial Services Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 29.26%. Analyst Ratings Changes HIG has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group cut their target price on The Hartford Financial Services Group from $78.00 to $77.00 in a research note on Monday, April 10th. Morgan Stanley started coverage on The Hartford Financial Services Group in a research note on Tuesday, June 20th. They set an equal weight rating and a $71.00 target price for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on The Hartford Financial Services Group from $86.00 to $94.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 6th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised The Hartford Financial Services Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $84.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Wednesday, March 29th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on The Hartford Financial Services Group from $90.00 to $91.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 5th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $85.46. The Hartford Financial Services Group Company Profile (Free Report) The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc provides insurance and financial services to individual and business customers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. Its Commercial Lines segment offers insurance coverages, including workers' compensation, property, automobile, general and professional liability, package business, umbrella, fidelity and surety, marine, livestock, and reinsurance through regional offices, branches, sales and policyholder service centers, independent retail agents and brokers, wholesale agents, and reinsurance brokers. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for The Hartford Financial Services Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Hartford Financial Services Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vaughan David Investments LLC IL boosted its position in DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE Free Report) by 2.9% in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 261,368 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 7,307 shares during the period. Vaughan David Investments LLC ILs holdings in DTE Energy were worth $28,630,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of DTE Energy in the 1st quarter valued at $26,000. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of DTE Energy in the 4th quarter valued at $29,000. BerganKDV Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of DTE Energy by 462.0% in the 1st quarter. BerganKDV Wealth Management LLC now owns 281 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 231 shares during the last quarter. OLD Second National Bank of Aurora acquired a new position in shares of DTE Energy in the 4th quarter valued at $35,000. Finally, Carmichael Hill & Associates Inc. acquired a new position in shares of DTE Energy in the 1st quarter valued at $37,000. 74.33% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get DTE Energy alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the stock. Mizuho lifted their price target on shares of DTE Energy from $119.00 to $121.00 in a report on Thursday, July 13th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price target on shares of DTE Energy from $121.00 to $122.00 in a report on Thursday, July 13th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of DTE Energy in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. UBS Group upgraded shares of DTE Energy from a neutral rating to a buy rating and decreased their price target for the company from $129.00 to $124.00 in a report on Tuesday, June 6th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of DTE Energy from $120.00 to $121.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 12th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five 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 price target of $81.76. Insider Transactions at DTE Energy DTE Energy Stock Up 1.8 % In other news, VP Lisa A. Muschong sold 700 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, June 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.41, for a total value of $77,287.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 5,455 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $602,286.55. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website . In other news, VP Lisa A. Muschong sold 700 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, June 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.41, for a total value of $77,287.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 5,455 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $602,286.55. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website . Also, SVP Joann Chavez sold 4,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.09, for a total transaction of $452,360.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 14,607 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,651,905.63. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders own 0.61% of the companys stock. DTE Energy stock traded up $1.99 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $115.12. 1,082,851 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,109,380. DTE Energy has a 1 year low of $100.64 and a 1 year high of $136.77. The firm has a market cap of $23.73 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.38, a P/E/G ratio of 3.11 and a beta of 0.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.66, a current ratio of 0.88 and a quick ratio of 0.68. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $103.58 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $79.18. DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The utilities provider reported $1.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.38 by ($0.05). DTE Energy had a return on equity of 10.59% and a net margin of 6.15%. The firm had revenue of $3.78 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.79 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.31 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that DTE Energy will post 6.17 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. DTE Energy Cuts Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, October 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 18th will be given a $0.952 dividend. This represents a $3.81 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.31%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 15th. DTE Energys payout ratio is currently 67.43%. DTE Energy Profile (Free Report) DTE Energy Company engages in the utility operations. The company's Electric segment generates, purchases, distributes, and sells electricity to approximately 2.3 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers in southeastern Michigan. It generates electricity through fossil-fuel, hydroelectric pumped storage, and nuclear plants, as well as wind and solar assets. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DTE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for DTE Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DTE Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC trimmed its position in shares of Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK Free Report) by 7.1% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 3,286 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 253 shares during the quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Rockwell Automation were worth $964,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of ROK. New Hampshire Trust bought a new position in Rockwell Automation in the 4th quarter worth $26,000. Clear Street Markets LLC bought a new position in Rockwell Automation in the 4th quarter worth $30,000. Delta Asset Management LLC TN bought a new position in Rockwell Automation in the 4th quarter worth $32,000. First Manhattan Co. raised its holdings in Rockwell Automation by 150.0% in the 4th quarter. First Manhattan Co. now owns 125 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares during the period. Finally, Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. bought a new position in Rockwell Automation in the 4th quarter worth $33,000. 79.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Rockwell Automation alerts: Rockwell Automation Stock Down 1.6 % Shares of NYSE:ROK opened at $337.08 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83. Rockwell Automation, Inc. has a 12 month low of $209.27 and a 12 month high of $348.52. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $310.07 and a 200 day moving average price of $292.14. The company has a market cap of $38.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.67, a PEG ratio of 2.48 and a beta of 1.45. Rockwell Automation Announces Dividend Rockwell Automation ( NYSE:ROK Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly 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 firm had revenue of $2.28 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.09 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.66 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 25.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Rockwell Automation, Inc. will post 12.01 earnings per share for the current year. The firm 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 $1.18 dividend. This represents a $4.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.40%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 11th. Rockwell Automations payout ratio is 41.55%. Insider Activity at Rockwell Automation In related news, VP John M. Miller sold 556 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $279.09, for a total value of $155,174.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 4,281 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,194,784.29. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Rockwell Automation news, VP John M. Miller sold 556 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $279.09, for a total value of $155,174.04. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 4,281 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,194,784.29. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, VP Isaac Woods sold 150 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, June 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $325.00, for a total transaction of $48,750.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 940 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $305,500. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 15,217 shares of company stock valued at $4,687,705. Insiders own 0.64% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages recently commented on ROK. Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on Rockwell Automation in a report on Tuesday, June 27th. They issued a hold rating and a $335.00 target price on the stock. Sanford C. Bernstein increased their price target on Rockwell Automation from $250.00 to $290.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 11th. Citigroup increased their price target on Rockwell Automation from $334.00 to $375.00 in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Barclays increased their price target on Rockwell Automation from $262.00 to $300.00 in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Finally, Mizuho increased their price target on Rockwell Automation from $260.00 to $270.00 in a research note on Friday, April 28th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $290.00. About Rockwell Automation (Free Report) 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Rockwell Automation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rockwell Automation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wakefield Asset Management LLLP purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Singapore ETF (NYSEARCA:EWS Free Report) during the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor purchased 13,305 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $264,000. A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in EWS. BlackRock Inc. purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI Singapore ETF during the first quarter worth $80,616,000. Flow Traders U.S. LLC purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI Singapore ETF during the first quarter worth $3,967,000. Evergreen Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI Singapore ETF by 36.3% during the first quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC now owns 104,023 shares of the companys stock worth $2,168,000 after buying an additional 27,708 shares in the last quarter. Eaton Vance Management boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI Singapore ETF by 19.2% during the first quarter. Eaton Vance Management now owns 126,729 shares of the companys stock worth $2,641,000 after buying an additional 20,433 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd purchased a new position in iShares MSCI Singapore ETF during the first quarter valued at $246,000. Get iShares MSCI Singapore ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Singapore ETF Stock Up 0.1 % EWS opened at $19.28 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $494.53 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.86 and a beta of 0.81. iShares MSCI Singapore ETF has a 52-week low of $16.16 and a 52-week high of $20.54. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $18.91 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $19.39. About iShares MSCI Singapore ETF iShares MSCI Singapore ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Singapore Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange traded fund (ETF). The Funds seeks investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of the MSCI Singapore Index (the Underlying Index). The Underlying Index consists of stocks traded primarily on the Singapore Stock Exchange. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EWS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI Singapore ETF (NYSEARCA:EWS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Singapore ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Singapore ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hunter Associates Investment Management LLC cut its holdings in shares of Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM Free Report) by 2.2% during the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 10,386 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 229 shares during the period. Hunter Associates Investment Management LLCs holdings in Waste Management were worth $1,696,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in WM. Leo Brokerage LLC acquired a new position in shares of Waste Management during the first quarter worth about $245,000. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Waste Management by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 33,052 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $5,393,000 after purchasing an additional 190 shares during the last quarter. BlackDiamond Wealth Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Waste Management by 19.9% in the 1st quarter. BlackDiamond Wealth Management Inc. now owns 2,288 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $379,000 after purchasing an additional 379 shares in the last quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. lifted its position in Waste Management by 8.2% in the first quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 33,163 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $5,411,000 after acquiring an additional 2,505 shares during the last quarter. Finally, LMG Wealth Partners LLC boosted its stake in Waste Management by 10.0% in the first quarter. LMG Wealth Partners LLC now owns 5,741 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $937,000 after acquiring an additional 520 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.91% of the companys stock. Get Waste Management alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have recently weighed in on WM shares. TD Cowen assumed coverage on Waste Management in a report on Thursday, March 30th. They issued an outperform rating and a $200.00 target price for the company. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of Waste Management from $179.00 to $181.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, April 6th. Truist Financial assumed coverage on shares of Waste Management in a report on Monday, April 17th. They set a buy rating and a $190.00 price target for the company. 51job reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of Waste Management in a report on Thursday, April 27th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on Waste Management in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $180.00. Insider Buying and Selling at Waste Management Waste Management Price Performance In related news, Director John C. Pope sold 198 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $168.40, for a total value of $33,343.20. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 56,147 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,455,154.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink . 0.27% of the stock is owned by company insiders. WM stock traded up $0.51 on Friday, reaching $172.41. The company had a trading volume of 1,601,726 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,251,684. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.21, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 0.87. The companys fifty day moving average is $166.24 and its 200 day moving average is $160.39. The company has a market cap of $70.14 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.58, a PEG ratio of 2.83 and a beta of 0.73. Waste Management, Inc. has a 1 year low of $148.31 and a 1 year high of $175.98. Waste Management (NYSE:WM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 26th. The business services provider reported $1.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.29 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $4.89 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.86 billion. Waste Management had a net margin of 11.33% and a return on equity of 33.23%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 5.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.29 earnings per share. On average, research analysts forecast that Waste Management, Inc. will post 6.04 earnings per share for the current year. Waste Management Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 2nd were paid a $0.70 dividend. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.62%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 1st. Waste Managements payout ratio is 51.28%. About Waste Management (Free Report) Waste Management, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of environmental solutions to residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers in the United States and Canada. It offers collection services, including picking up and transporting waste and recyclable materials from where it was generated to a transfer station, material recovery facility (MRF), or disposal site; and owns and operates transfer stations, as well as owns, develops, and operates landfill facilities that produce landfill gas used as renewable natural gas for generating electricity. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Waste Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Waste Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Yousif Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:WST Free Report) by 12.1% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 35,406 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock after buying an additional 3,825 shares during the quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLCs holdings in West Pharmaceutical Services were worth $12,267,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. grew its holdings in shares of West Pharmaceutical Services by 2.1% during the 4th quarter. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. now owns 6,539 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $1,539,000 after purchasing an additional 134 shares during the last quarter. CoreCap Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in West Pharmaceutical Services during the 4th quarter valued at $56,000. New York State Common Retirement Fund boosted its position in West Pharmaceutical Services by 22.2% during the 4th quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 141,997 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $33,419,000 after buying an additional 25,775 shares during the period. Korea Investment CORP boosted its position in West Pharmaceutical Services by 2.0% during the 4th quarter. Korea Investment CORP now owns 44,491 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $10,471,000 after buying an additional 881 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its position in West Pharmaceutical Services by 2.5% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,506,824 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $353,983,000 after buying an additional 36,935 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 92.36% of the companys stock. Get West Pharmaceutical Services alerts: West Pharmaceutical Services Trading Down 0.4 % NYSE:WST opened at $377.32 on Friday. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $361.82 and a 200-day moving average price of $331.04. West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. has a 12 month low of $206.19 and a 12 month high of $389.39. The company has a current ratio of 3.62, a quick ratio of 2.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07. The stock has a market cap of $28.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 51.83 and a beta of 1.11. West Pharmaceutical Services Dividend Announcement West Pharmaceutical Services ( NYSE:WST Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The medical instruments supplier reported $1.98 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.67 by $0.31. West Pharmaceutical Services had a net margin of 19.15% and a return on equity of 24.14%. The firm had revenue of $716.60 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $697.28 million. During the same period last year, the company posted $2.30 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was down .5% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts predict that West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. will post 7.73 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, August 2nd. Investors of record on Wednesday, July 26th will be paid a $0.19 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, July 25th. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.20%. West Pharmaceutical Servicess payout ratio is 10.44%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth WST has been the subject of several analyst reports. Bank of America raised shares of West Pharmaceutical Services from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the company from $390.00 to $405.00 in a research report on Friday, June 16th. Stephens increased their price target on shares of West Pharmaceutical Services from $400.00 to $420.00 in a research report on Monday, July 17th. Finally, StockNews.com cut shares of West Pharmaceutical Services from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 13th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $348.00. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, SVP Silji Abraham sold 8,020 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $365.60, for a total value of $2,932,112.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 4,209 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,538,810.40. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, SVP Silji Abraham sold 8,020 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $365.60, for a total value of $2,932,112.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 4,209 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,538,810.40. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, VP Annette F. Favorite sold 13,012 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $365.81, for a total transaction of $4,759,919.72. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 14,877 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,442,155.37. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 67,244 shares of company stock worth $24,454,553 in the last three months. 1.13% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. About West Pharmaceutical Services (Free Report) West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc designs, manufactures, and sells containment and delivery systems for injectable drugs and healthcare products in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in two segments, Proprietary Products and Contract-Manufactured Products. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WST? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:WST Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for West Pharmaceutical Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for West Pharmaceutical Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ravindra Rathi. Identifying himself as a bawra on social media is Ravindra Rathi, a management professional who has turned into a shutterbug to capture the interesting things in daily life landscapes, urban settings, the natural world, portraits, black and white. One look at his work and its hard to believe he's not formally trained in the art of photography. The bawra reference in his words roughly translates to a mix of eccentricity and naivete. "Its what I aspire in my photography," he says. In an exclusive interview with Deccan Chronicle, Rathi talks about his love for photography and how technology is changing the concept of art. Excerpts: As a management executive who has ventured into the art of photography, do you think alterations such as deepfake are changing the concept of art? Technology is constantly evolving and will provide new mediums and tools and I am excited to see how this will impact creativity. We have seen the rise of digital canvases, composites combining the real with the fantastical and now AI. Deepfakes give me a pause since they do not credit the original and have been used as subterfuge or misinformation. On social media, "no-filter" is the mantra to signify "purity of photography". But as editing technology becomes more sophisticated, should we redefine "purity" as well? The 'no-filter' movement so far has been in response to the propagation of false standards of beauty and how it impacts self image. I think this is in line with the pushback of the highly edited and processed images on the magazine covers. Purity is such a subjective term so its hard to redefine it but I would like enough awareness and education in society so young and adult minds know the difference between the processed and the real. What aspects of your day-job bolster your photography, if they do at all. I have found the influence to be the other way. Photography not only allows me to explore my creativity but also reminds me to look at different perspectives and angles when dealing with a business problem. Your "Fall Reflections" taken in Upstate New York, near Lake Placid, recall the famous yellow flowers of Van Gogh. Were you conscious of that artistic line while framing the picture? My intention with 'Fall Reflections' was to build layers; a bit of surrealism. At one level it is a reflection of trees in water but my composition, i hope, allows you to have a different experience each time you look at it - like a kaleidoscope. All creative people are Bawra to an extent, dont you think? War photographers have to be bravely bawra! I agree. Creativity requires honesty, courage and a level of naivete from the creator. As for war photographers, their courage, sense of responsibility and drive to bring truth to light is humbling. Annie Leibovitz, an American and perhaps the greatest portrait photographer in our lifetime, has immortalized the most famous people of the world. Are people more difficult to capture than landscapes? 100%. In my experience, portrait photography is very challenging. I have to build a level of trust with my subject for them to let their guard down, even if briefly, to capture the essence of them. I enjoy candid pics and am always trying to capture my model so they look at themselves in a different light. I remember one model who thought she looked better in her right profile. It was a delight when most pics she liked from the shoot were the left profile. Social media has given the platform for anybody to be a writer. The cellphone camera has similarly democratized the act of photographing. But the surfeit of images that deluge our feed every minute of the day produce little worth remembering. What differentiates creativity from just clicking? Reminds me of the saying that a 1000 monkeys with a 1000 typewriters can eventually create the works of Shakespeare. I do enjoy the proliferation of images. It has allowed for multitude of expression. Since the equipment is not a limitation, the focus has been on creativity. Personally, there are two aspects for me the emotional and the creative. An image, even if clicked randomly, can convey a feeling to move the viewer but it won't satisfy me fully. Creativity for me is the joy of immersing myself, of exploration, of discovery and at times serendipity to express myself. It's like watching the sunset every day but to be present in the moment, be aware, so we can find something new each time. Any project that you are working on currently or recent projects that you have enjoyed? Last December I spent a month traveling through Peru, Chile and Colombia beautiful places and wonderful people. One of the highlights was visiting the Atacama desert in Northern Chile. Surrounded by Andean volcanoes, pristine lakes, salt planes and an endless landscape with gorgeous sunsets makes for amazing photographs. Atacama also stands out because here in the middle of nowhere, a local old man asked me if I was Indian since my name reminded him of Ravi Shankar!! Traveled halfway across the world only to realize that the world is indeed small. Currently I am exploring a project on the lives of people who work for delivery apps unseen but adding tremendous convenience to our lives Ravindra is currently in India after 25 years in USA working with a biotech startup. You can browse his work on IG (bawrapics) and bawra pics (bawra.myportfolio.com) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address recently, hailed the NDA as a "time-tested alliance" and a "rainbow of regional aspiration". (File Image: DC) New Delhi: Often accused by the Opposition parties and former allies for ignoring the coalition dharma, the BJP, which recently held a meeting of the expanded NDA, will be holding cluster meetings and "sneh bhoj" for the NDA MPs with Prime Minister Narendra Modi starting from July 31. The BJP has faced criticism for not reaching out to its allies and taking unilateral decisions on important issues within the NDA government, including during Parliament sessions. With the crucial Lok Sabha elections less than nine months away and the Opposition camp firming up its election strategies to take on the Narendra Modi-led NDA, the BJP recently held a meeting of an expanded NDA to mark the alliances 25th anniversary. In a message to its opponents, the Prime Minister, in his address, hailed the NDA as a "time-tested alliance" and a "rainbow of regional aspiration". These cluster meetings with the PM are a follow-up to the recent NDA meeting, where the PM specifically mentioned that the NDA is based on "coalition and contribution, not compulsions," and no party is big or small in the alliance. During the cluster meetings, the PM, it is learnt, will seek the views and suggestions of the MPs, including those of alliance partners, on issues related to the Central government. These meetings are being seen as confidence-building measures by the BJP top brass ahead of the Lok Sabha polls as the loss of some key allies since 2019 and the Opposition camp's renewed efforts could dent its electoral prospects in some states. For the cluster meetings, the BJP has deputed Central ministers and MPs to coordinate with MPs from both Houses of Parliament. On the first day of the meeting, on July 31, MPs from Uttar Pradesh (Braj, Kanpur-Bundelkhand and west regions), West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha will be meeting with the PM in two clusters. While BJP president J.P. Nadda and Union minister Nitin Gadkari will be present during the meeting of MPs from UP, Union home minister Amit Shah and defence minister Rajnath Singh will be present during the PM's meeting with MPs from West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. For the aforementioned meetings, the party has deputed Union ministers Sanjeev Balyan and B.L. Verma, Dharmendra Pradhan and Shantanu Thakur and host ministers for the respective clusters. The second cluster meeting of MPs from UP (Kashi, Gorakhpur, and Awadh) and MPs from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep will take place on August 2. Union ministers Anupriya Patel and Mahendra Nath Pandey and Prahalad Joshi and V. Muraleedharan are the host ministers for these two clusters, respectively. The parliamentarians from Bihar, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh will meet the PM on August 3. The representatives from poll-bound Rajasthan, along with those from Maharashtra and Goa, will meet on August 8. The Members of Parliament from Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh, where Assembly elections are due by the end of this year, along with Gujarat, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu will meet on August 9. The date of the meeting of MPs from the Northeast is yet to be finalised. Of the nearly 430 MPs who will be meeting the PM, most will be from the BJP. Convenor of the PAC, Shabbir Ali, said, The party will come out with OBC, SC, ST, Muslim, Christian and Mahila declarations." (File Image:DC) HYDERABAD: Strategist Sunil Kanugolu on Sunday motivated Congress leaders from the state to take forward the message of empowerment of Dalits, SCs and BCs, and waiver of farm loans across the state. He asked the leaders to plan a series of programmes for the next few days, including the bus yatra that will take off later this month. The route and duration of the bus yatra will be decided soon. Kanugolu has reportedly asked the party to improve its situation in Nizamabad, Karimnagar and Adilabad parliamentary constituencies. It underscored the importance of attracting BCs into the party fold. The PCC president is said to have ordered a team to immediately identify two seats per parliamentary constituency. The party leaders will reiterate that it will honour its promises of `4,016 to those eligible, `two lakh loan waiver for farmers and other promises to the people. The party will form a sub-committee to explain its plans to elevate the standards of SCs, STs and minorities while exposing the BRS government. Briefing the media later, leaders confirmed that Priyanka Gandhi will attend the meeting in Kollapur in which Jupally Krishna Rao will formally join the party. Many from BRS and BJP leaders are also expected to join during the programme. A meeting of SC, ST and minority garjana will be held on Independence Day, which AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge is likely to attend. The leaders took credit for the BRS announcement that it would pay `4,016 to the disabled. "This is a victory for us as the government has been forced to act", they said. PAC convener Mohd Ali Shabbir said, "The party will come out with OBC, SC, ST, Muslim, Christian and mahila declarations. We will form a sub-committee to look into this. This committee, which will include scholars from these communities, will figure out other initiatives that could benefit them." The meeting condoled the death of former Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy and former minister C. Ramachandra Reddy. "We strongly condemn the indifference of the Modi government with regard to Manipur. The Manipur government should be suspended and peace restored." Apart from the demand for further expansion of the PCC (Pradesh Congress Committee) it will take stock of the issues raised by Rao and Goud with the plea that many capable leaders have been left out of the committee. Renuka Chowdhury is said to have lamented that she was not informed about the meeting in Khammam. Those who attended the meeting include TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy, CLP leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, AICC Telangana in-charge Manikrao Thakre, Sampath Kumar, Jana Reddy, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Uttam Kumar Reddy, Mohd Ali Shabbir , Renuka Chowdhury, V. Hanumantha Rao, Jeevan Reddy, Ponnala Lakshmaiah, Mahesh Kumar Goud, Anjan Kumar Yadav, Chinna Reddy, Madhu Yashki Goud, Balaram Naik among others. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao. (Photo: Twitter) HYDERABAD: In two major decisions taken on Sunday, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao scrapped the Village Revenue Assistants (VRAs) system, and issued orders providing Rs 1 lakh financial assistance to minority communities with 100 per cent subsidy. In a swift follow-up action, the Chief Minister announced that all incumbent VRAs in the revenue department would be allotted supernumerary posts after regularisation of their appointments. He directed the Chief Secretary to release an order to this effect on Monday. The Chief Minister, who conducted a review meeting with officials on the issue, took the decisions based on the recommendations of the ministers sub-committee, which went into the issue. After providing Rs 1 lakh assistance to BCs, the state government issued orders providing `one lakh financial assistance to minority communities with 100 per cent subsidy. The Chief Minister said that the state government is putting in all efforts to eliminate poverty across sections. He reiterated that the state government is committed to the development and welfare of all minorities. In order to bring them out of economic backwardness, a slew of schemes have been implemented by the state government, including in education and employment creation, he said. Chandrashekar Rao made it clear that the government would safeguard 'Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb' by supporting all cultures and traditions without any bias. "Up to this year, the state government has spent Rs 8,581 crore on minority welfare. It has provided funds to the tune of Rs 1,286 crore for minorities in the 2021-22 financial year," he said. In another development, the Chief Minister increased 30 per cent PRC (Pay Revision Commission) in salaries for contract and outsourcing employees of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB). The 30 per cent increase in PRC for contract and outsourcing employees of the HMWS&SB will see at least 4,000 of the board employees reaping benefits. Chandrashekar Rao said that VRAs would be appointed as government employees and posted in the municipal office, Mission Bhageeratha, irrigation, and other departments based on their respective qualifications. "Keeping in mind the circumstances and social transmission, the government must take hard decisions to ensure job security to state government employees. It is towards this that the government has decided to regularise thousands of VRAs as government employees," he said. This implies that approximately 20,555 VRAs would get government jobs. Among the VRAs are illiterates, those who have studied till Class VII, Class X, Intermediate, graduates and postgraduates. The Chief Minister also decided to provide government jobs to the kin of VRAs, who are above 61 years, under compassionate appointments. He also announced that government jobs would be given to one of the family members of VRAs who died while performing duties after June 2, 2014. Meanwhile, the government has framed guidelines for implementation of the Rs one lakh financial assistance to minorities. Applications that were received in the financial year 2022-23 through OBN4MS portal, but have been pending, will be considered in this fiscal. Applications of Christians will be routed through Telangana State Christian minorities finance corporation. The applicant must be aged between 21 and 55 years as on June 2, 2023. The annual income of the applicant shall not exceed Rs 1.50 lakh in rural areas and `two lakh in the urban areas. The district collector will take the approval of the district in-charge minister before coming up with a phase-wise selection list. The subsidy will be released as a one-time grant. Meanwhile, the VRA JAC leaders have been urged to compile details of the families of the deceased VRAs. The kin would be accommodated in government jobs in the respective departments based on their qualifications and the rules. Following the state governments decision in providing Rs 1 lakh financial assistance for minorities, minority leaders met state planning commission vice chairman B. Vinod Kumar and extended their gratitude for issuing orders on Sunday. Water board employees union president G. Rambabu Yadav and other leaders met the Chief Minister at the CM Camp office, Pragathi Bhavan and extended their gratitude for the decision. It would be the first reform written into law of a package critics fear aims to curb judicial independence, but which Netanyahu - who is on trial on corruption charges he denies - insists are needed for balance among branches of government. The embattled 73-year-old leader was rushed to a hospital near Tel Aviv late on Saturday after a heart monitor implanted a week earlier in what was described as a dehydration episode detected a "temporary arrhythmia", his doctors said. An Ambulance was arranged outside the station with the help of railway authorities and the daily passengers' association, and as soon as the train reached Bagnan, the woman and the newborn were taken to a local nursing home, an RPF official said. It was completely restored by 9.30 am on Sunday, the official said. The brake van (last wagon) of the goods train derailed between Narsinghpur and Kareli stations, the official said. The police received a tip-off that Pakistan-based smugglers would drop a large heroin consignment from across the border using drones and that the duo would come to collect it, Yadav said. Based on the information, teams of the state special operation cell (SSOC) carried out an extensive operation at Haste ke Road near Rano village, the DGP said. District administration declared holiday for primary and high schools across the district on July 24 following heavy rain that has been lashing the region for the past three days. abrdn plc lowered its holdings in Coterra Energy Inc. (NYSE:CTRA Free Report) by 16.3% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 226,867 shares of the companys stock after selling 44,328 shares during the period. abrdn plcs holdings in Coterra Energy were worth $5,567,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in Coterra Energy in the first quarter valued at about $30,000. Dupont Capital Management Corp raised its stake in Coterra Energy by 321.3% during the first quarter. Dupont Capital Management Corp now owns 53,838 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,321,000 after buying an additional 41,059 shares in the last quarter. Simmons Bank raised its stake in Coterra Energy by 5.3% during the first quarter. Simmons Bank now owns 116,851 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,868,000 after buying an additional 5,868 shares in the last quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System raised its stake in Coterra Energy by 0.8% during the first quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System now owns 290,159 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,121,000 after buying an additional 2,300 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC raised its stake in Coterra Energy by 5.3% during the first quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 182,555 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,480,000 after buying an additional 9,259 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.59% of the companys stock. Get Coterra Energy alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades CTRA has been the topic of several research reports. Stifel Nicolaus cut their price objective on Coterra Energy from $38.00 to $35.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 12th. Stephens initiated coverage on Coterra Energy in a research note on Monday, April 24th. They set an overweight rating and a $32.00 price objective on the stock. Truist Financial upped their price objective on Coterra Energy from $26.00 to $29.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 11th. UBS Group initiated coverage on Coterra Energy in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. They set a neutral rating and a $27.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Citigroup upgraded Coterra Energy from a sell rating to a neutral rating and increased their price target for the stock from $22.00 to $25.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Fourteen analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $30.07. Coterra Energy Stock Performance Shares of NYSE CTRA opened at $26.71 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $24.97 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $24.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17, a quick ratio of 1.61 and a current ratio of 1.66. The firm has a market cap of $20.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.10, a PEG ratio of 0.19 and a beta of 0.28. Coterra Energy Inc. has a 1 year low of $22.25 and a 1 year high of $32.47. Coterra Energy (NYSE:CTRA Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 4th. The company reported $0.85 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.69 by $0.16. The business had revenue of $1.78 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.62 billion. Coterra Energy had a return on equity of 29.48% and a net margin of 45.19%. Research analysts forecast that Coterra Energy Inc. will post 2.43 EPS for the current fiscal year. Coterra Energy Cuts Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 9th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 26th were paid a dividend of $0.20 per share. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.00%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 25th. Coterra Energys dividend payout ratio is presently 15.27%. Coterra Energy Profile (Free Report) Coterra Energy Inc, an independent oil and gas company, engages in the development, exploration and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. The company primarily focuses on the Marcellus Shale with approximately 183,000 net acres in the dry gas window of the play located in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CTRA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Coterra Energy Inc. (NYSE:CTRA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Coterra Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Coterra Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Boston Scientific Co. (NYSE:BSX Free Report) by 8.5% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 6,657 shares of the medical equipment providers stock after purchasing an additional 524 shares during the period. Ameritas Advisory Services LLCs holdings in Boston Scientific were worth $340,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. International Assets Investment Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Boston Scientific during the first quarter valued at about $54,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC bought a new position in Boston Scientific during the 1st quarter worth approximately $35,000. Prudential PLC purchased a new position in Boston Scientific in the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,076,000. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its position in Boston Scientific by 24.0% in the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 28,793 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $1,275,000 after purchasing an additional 5,581 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Boston Scientific during the first quarter valued at approximately $230,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.20% of the companys stock. Get Boston Scientific alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes BSX has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price target on shares of Boston Scientific from $45.00 to $55.00 in a report on Thursday, April 27th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Boston Scientific in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Raymond James increased their price objective on Boston Scientific from $56.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, April 17th. 22nd Century Group reissued an initiates rating on shares of Boston Scientific in a research note on Friday, June 30th. Finally, BTIG Research raised their price target on Boston Scientific from $56.00 to $57.00 in a research note on Monday, July 17th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $56.95. Boston Scientific Price Performance Shares of NYSE:BSX opened at $53.16 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $74.42 billion, a PE ratio of 90.10, a PEG ratio of 2.37 and a beta of 0.80. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $52.70 and a 200-day moving average price of $50.04. Boston Scientific Co. has a 1-year low of $37.69 and a 1-year high of $54.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 1.40 and a quick ratio of 0.89. Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 26th. The medical equipment provider reported $0.47 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.43 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $3.39 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.16 billion. Boston Scientific had a net margin of 6.91% and a return on equity of 14.57%. Boston Scientifics revenue was up 12.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.39 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Boston Scientific Co. will post 1.95 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at Boston Scientific In other news, EVP Joseph Michael Fitzgerald sold 63,339 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $53.60, for a total value of $3,394,970.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 213,859 shares in the company, valued at $11,462,842.40. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Boston Scientific news, EVP Eric Francis Yves Thepaut sold 83,401 shares of Boston Scientific stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $52.49, for a total value of $4,377,718.49. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 12,269 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $643,999.81. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Joseph Michael Fitzgerald sold 63,339 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $53.60, for a total value of $3,394,970.40. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 213,859 shares in the company, valued at $11,462,842.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 176,779 shares of company stock valued at $9,371,164. 0.71% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Boston Scientific Profile (Free Report) Boston Scientific Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for use in various interventional medical specialties worldwide. It operates through MedSurg and Cardiovascular segments. The company offers devices to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal and pulmonary conditions; devices to treat various urological and pelvic conditions; implantable cardioverter and implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators; pacemakers and implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers; and remote patient management systems. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BSX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Boston Scientific Co. (NYSE:BSX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Boston Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boston Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of CMC Markets plc (LON:CMCX Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low on Friday . The stock traded as low as GBX 145.40 ($1.90) and last traded at GBX 149.40 ($1.95), with a volume of 213512 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at GBX 154 ($2.01). Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades CMCX has been the subject of several recent research reports. Shore Capital raised CMC Markets to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 27th. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a hold rating and set a GBX 190 ($2.48) target price on shares of CMC Markets in a report on Tuesday, June 13th. Get CMC Markets alerts: CMC Markets Stock Down 3.0 % The company has a quick ratio of 2.47, a current ratio of 2.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.70. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 165.22 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 198.35. The stock has a market cap of 418.05 million, a P/E ratio of 996.00 and a beta of 0.51. CMC Markets Increases Dividend Insider Buying and Selling at CMC Markets The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 11th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 13th will be paid a GBX 3.90 ($0.05) dividend. This is a positive change from CMC Marketss previous dividend of $3.50. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 13th. This represents a yield of 2.3%. CMC Marketss dividend payout ratio is currently 4,666.67%. In other CMC Markets news, insider David Fineberg acquired 196 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 5th. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 153 ($2.00) per share, for a total transaction of 299.88 ($392.10). In other news, insider Euan Marshall bought 164 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 5th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 182 ($2.38) per share, for a total transaction of 298.48 ($390.27). Also, insider David Fineberg bought 196 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 5th. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 153 ($2.00) per share, for a total transaction of 299.88 ($392.10). Insiders have acquired 528 shares of company stock worth $89,740 over the last 90 days. Company insiders own 64.83% of the companys stock. CMC Markets Company Profile (Get Free Report) CMC Markets plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides online retail financial services to retail, professional, stockbroking, and institutional clients in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, and internationally. The company offers its clients with the ability to trade contracts for difference and financial spread betting on a range of underlying shares, including indices, foreign currencies, commodities, and treasuries through its trading platform. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for CMC Markets Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CMC Markets and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (CVE:GPV Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as C$7.00 and last traded at C$5.91, with a volume of 152565 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$3.70. GreenPower Motor Stock Performance The company has a quick ratio of 0.25, a current ratio of 1.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 62.18. The stock has a market cap of C$151.84 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -5.45 and a beta of 4.00. The companys 50-day simple moving average is C$3.62 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$3.64. About GreenPower Motor (Get Free Report) GreenPower Motor Company Inc designs, manufactures, and distributes electric vehicles for commercial markets in the United States and Canada. The company offers commercial vehicles for delivery, public transit, schools, vanpools, micro-transit, shuttles, and other; and passenger, student, low floor transit, and cargo transportation. See Also Receive News & Ratings for GreenPower Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for GreenPower Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SG Americas Securities LLC grew its stake in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE:KRG Free Report) by 39.3% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 94,134 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after acquiring an additional 26,573 shares during the period. SG Americas Securities LLCs holdings in Kite Realty Group Trust were worth $1,969,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of KRG. Handelsbanken Fonder AB raised its position in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust by 108.0% during the 1st quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder AB now owns 58,933 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,233,000 after purchasing an additional 30,600 shares during the last quarter. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH raised its position in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust by 14.9% during the 1st quarter. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH now owns 822,367 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $17,204,000 after purchasing an additional 106,427 shares during the last quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System raised its position in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust by 4.2% during the 1st quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System now owns 363,120 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $7,596,000 after purchasing an additional 14,750 shares during the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System raised its position in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust by 2.7% during the 1st quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 63,484 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,328,000 after purchasing an additional 1,655 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Strs Ohio raised its position in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust by 15.7% during the 1st quarter. Strs Ohio now owns 910,065 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $19,038,000 after purchasing an additional 123,812 shares during the last quarter. 94.48% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Kite Realty Group Trust alerts: Kite Realty Group Trust Stock Down 1.0 % Shares of NYSE KRG opened at $23.30 on Friday. Kite Realty Group Trust has a 52-week low of $16.42 and a 52-week high of $23.70. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $21.34 and a 200-day moving average of $21.04. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.11 billion, a PE ratio of 776.67, a P/E/G ratio of 2.23 and a beta of 1.39. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80. Kite Realty Group Trust Announces Dividend Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 7th were paid a dividend of $0.24 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, July 6th. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.12%. Kite Realty Group Trusts dividend payout ratio is presently 3,200.00%. KRG has been the subject of several research reports. Piper Sandler lifted their price objective on Kite Realty Group Trust from $26.00 to $28.00 in a research report on Monday, May 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. started coverage on shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in a research note on Monday, April 24th. They issued a neutral rating and a $23.00 target price for the company. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in a research note on Tuesday, May 23rd. They issued an underweight rating and a $20.00 target price for the company. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Kite Realty Group Trust from $27.00 to $28.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 21st. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a sell rating for the company. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $24.63. Kite Realty Group Trust Profile (Free Report) Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE: KRG) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in Indianapolis, IN that is one of the largest publicly traded owners and operators of open-air shopping centers and mixed-use assets. The Company's primarily grocery-anchored portfolio is located in high-growth Sun Belt and select strategic gateway markets. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KRG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE:KRG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Kite Realty Group Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kite Realty Group Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Osirium Technologies PLC (LON:OSI Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week low during trading on Friday . The company traded as low as GBX 1.20 ($0.02) and last traded at GBX 1.20 ($0.02), with a volume of 421972 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at GBX 1.45 ($0.02). Osirium Technologies Stock Down 13.8 % The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1,173.52, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a current ratio of 0.59. The stock has a market cap of 1.53 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -25.00 and a beta of -0.03. The firms 50-day simple moving average is GBX 1.61 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is GBX 2.18. About Osirium Technologies (Get Free Report) Osirium Technologies PLC develops and sells cyber security software products in the United Kingdom. The company's products include Privileged Access Security, a solution that controls and protects access to customers' shared applications, services, and devices; and Privileged Access Management, a solution to minimize the risk of security breaches by controlling, securing, and auditing the vital assets in privileged accounts. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Osirium Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Osirium Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SG Americas Securities LLC lowered its position in Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE:APD Free Report) by 89.8% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 6,861 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 60,210 shares during the quarter. SG Americas Securities LLCs holdings in Air Products and Chemicals were worth $1,971,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. State of Michigan Retirement System increased its stake in shares of Air Products and Chemicals by 1.2% in the first quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System now owns 61,021 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $17,526,000 after buying an additional 700 shares during the period. Handelsbanken Fonder AB boosted its holdings in Air Products and Chemicals by 7.2% in the first quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder AB now owns 68,573 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $19,695,000 after acquiring an additional 4,593 shares during the last quarter. Campbell Newman Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Air Products and Chemicals by 89.6% in the first quarter. Campbell Newman Asset Management Inc. now owns 58,290 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $16,741,000 after acquiring an additional 27,543 shares during the last quarter. AIA Group Ltd boosted its holdings in Air Products and Chemicals by 66.0% in the first quarter. AIA Group Ltd now owns 5,263 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,512,000 after acquiring an additional 2,093 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ninety One UK Ltd boosted its holdings in Air Products and Chemicals by 63.4% in the first quarter. Ninety One UK Ltd now owns 703,390 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $202,021,000 after acquiring an additional 273,038 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.15% of the companys stock. Get Air Products and Chemicals alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts recently commented on the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Air Products and Chemicals in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their target price on Air Products and Chemicals from $340.00 to $325.00 in a report on Friday, May 12th. Citigroup initiated coverage on Air Products and Chemicals in a report on Tuesday, June 13th. They issued a buy rating and a $317.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Mizuho cut their price target on Air Products and Chemicals from $325.00 to $322.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 10th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $316.80. Air Products and Chemicals Price Performance Shares of NYSE:APD opened at $302.74 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.81, a current ratio of 2.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. has a twelve month low of $224.75 and a twelve month high of $328.56. The stocks 50 day moving average is $285.92 and its 200-day moving average is $288.89. The firm has a market capitalization of $67.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.96, a PEG ratio of 2.75 and a beta of 0.87. Air Products and Chemicals (NYSE:APD Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The basic materials company reported $2.74 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.64 by $0.10. Air Products and Chemicals had a return on equity of 16.96% and a net margin of 16.58%. The company had revenue of $3.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.08 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.38 earnings per share. Air Products and Chemicalss revenue for the quarter was up 8.7% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts forecast that Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. will post 11.42 EPS for the current fiscal year. Air Products and Chemicals Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 13th. Investors of record on Monday, October 2nd will be given a $1.75 dividend. This represents a $7.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.31%. Air Products and Chemicalss payout ratio is currently 71.57%. Air Products and Chemicals Profile (Free Report) Air Products and Chemicals, Inc provides atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, equipment, and related services in the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, India, and internationally. The company produces atmospheric gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, and argon; process gases, such as hydrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and syngas; specialty gases; and equipment for the production or processing of gases comprising air separation units and non-cryogenic generators for customers in various industries, including refining, chemical, manufacturing, electronics, magnetic resonance imaging, energy production, medical, food, and metals. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding APD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE:APD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Air Products and Chemicals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Air Products and Chemicals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SG Americas Securities LLC raised its position in Black Hills Co. (NYSE:BKH Free Report) by 47.2% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 32,410 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 10,389 shares during the period. SG Americas Securities LLCs holdings in Black Hills were worth $2,045,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Allianz Asset Management GmbH increased its position in shares of Black Hills by 1.1% in the 1st quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 13,420 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,034,000 after purchasing an additional 151 shares during the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors boosted its holdings in shares of Black Hills by 3.7% in the 1st quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 4,322 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $333,000 after buying an additional 154 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Black Hills by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 12,240 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $829,000 after buying an additional 176 shares in the last quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System boosted its holdings in shares of Black Hills by 1.2% in the 4th quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System now owns 16,600 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,168,000 after buying an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Finally, United Capital Financial Advisers LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Black Hills by 1.0% in the 4th quarter. United Capital Financial Advisers LLC now owns 21,415 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,506,000 after buying an additional 204 shares in the last quarter. 86.24% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Black Hills alerts: Black Hills Stock Up 0.0 % Shares of NYSE:BKH opened at $61.27 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $4.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.71, a P/E/G ratio of 7.23 and a beta of 0.57. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $61.19 and a 200 day moving average price of $64.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24, a current ratio of 0.88 and a quick ratio of 0.76. Black Hills Co. has a 1-year low of $56.75 and a 1-year high of $79.78. Black Hills Dividend Announcement Black Hills ( NYSE:BKH Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 3rd. The utilities provider reported $1.73 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.67 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $921.20 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $754.70 million. Black Hills had a net margin of 9.62% and a return on equity of 8.33%. Black Hillss quarterly revenue was up 11.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.82 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that Black Hills Co. will post 3.73 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 1st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, May 18th were given a dividend of $0.625 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, May 17th. This represents a $2.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.08%. Black Hillss payout ratio is currently 64.10%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have recently issued reports on BKH. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Black Hills from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, June 3rd. Mizuho lowered their target price on shares of Black Hills from $60.00 to $56.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a report on Friday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and five have issued a hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $66.71. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Black Hills news, CFO Richard Kinzley sold 10,033 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $65.49, for a total transaction of $657,061.17. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 36,576 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,395,362.24. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 0.61% of the stock is owned by insiders. Black Hills Profile (Free Report) Black Hills Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates as an electric and natural gas utility company in the United States. It operates in two segments, Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities. The Electric Utilities segment generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 220,000 electric utility customers in Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming; and owns and operates 1,482 megawatts of generation capacity and 9,024 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BKH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Black Hills Co. (NYSE:BKH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Black Hills Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Black Hills and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Theratechnologies Inc. (TSE:TH Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as low as C$0.92 and last traded at C$0.94, with a volume of 54057 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.95. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, National Bankshares cut their price objective on shares of Theratechnologies from C$2.25 to C$1.75 in a report on Thursday, July 13th. Get Theratechnologies alerts: Theratechnologies Stock Performance The company has a current ratio of 0.72, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 562.07. The companys 50-day simple moving average is C$1.19 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$1.23. The stock has a market capitalization of C$85.19 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.76, a PEG ratio of -8.50 and a beta of 1.52. About Theratechnologies Theratechnologies ( TSE:TH Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 12th. The company reported C($0.14) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Theratechnologies had a negative net margin of 45.09% and a negative return on equity of 1,116.86%. The business had revenue of C$23.84 million during the quarter. On average, analysts expect that Theratechnologies Inc. will post 0.0193665 EPS for the current year. (Get Free Report) Theratechnologies Inc, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the development and commercialization of various therapies to address the unmet medical needs in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The company offers EGRIFTA and EGRIFTA SV for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with lipodystrophy; and Trogarzo, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody, which is an injection for the treatment of multidrug resistant HIV-1 infected patients. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Theratechnologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Theratechnologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Compassion is central to human wellbeing, benefiting those who give and those who receive it. With this in mind, a new Peer Support Service has recently been launched by Altnagelvin Hospitals Theatre Team. Peer Support is not a new concept, it is frequently used by emergency services teams in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The idea to bring the model into practice in Theatres came from experiences shared by Theatre Nurse, Kathleen Coyne. The service was launched at the end of June 2023. It was following a Quality Improvement (QI) project undertaken by Kathleen Coyne, Lauren Brady and Tracey Wallace completed last year that the Peer Support Service model was formalised. It has now been launched and has been up and running since the end of June 2023. The Peer Support Service is available to all theatre nurses and orderly staff at Altnagelvin Hospital and is activated by a traumatic or distressing event occurring in theatres, such as the death of a child, cardiac arrest, safeguarding issuing, staff injury and or a major trauma. Speaking about the new service, Kathleen Coyne, Theatre Nurse, said: The idea to introduce this initiative is a long time coming, but with competing priorities and the challenges of the pandemic we found it difficult to find the time and space to take it forward. Rebuilding our service after the pandemic it was very apparent that we needed to focus on improving staff wellbeing. 180 staff were surveyed and the feedback was overwhelming. A Quality Improvement (QI) project looking at providing a critical stress management framework to support staff at risk of exposure to a traumatic event was undertaken. The aim was that by April 2023 100% of Theatre Staff would be offered Peer Support following exposure to a traumatic event in the workplace, in line with Western Trusts Staff Health and Wellbeing Strategy. Peer Support Service recently launched for Altnagelvin Hospital Theatre staff following a Quality Improvement (QI) project undertaken by Altnagelvin Hospital Theatre Staff Kathleen Coyne; Tracey Wallace and Lauren Brady. This provided the motivation and validation to turn our ideas and enthusiasm into reality. The Peer Support Service takes a two-tier approach. Once it has been activated there is a ten minute pause and debrief of all multidisciplinary staff involved. There is then an option to receive a follow-up call within 24 to 48 hours of the event from one of the eight theatre nurses trained in (REACT, Suicide Awareness, Developing a Trauma Sensitive Approach to Practice and Adverse Childhood Experiences Awareness). The Theatres Team will work with Occupational Health if further support is required following the first two interventions. Kathleen continued: As we all know different things affect different people in different ways, so after the debrief not everyone will choose to receive a call, either way this will be offered and encouraged. One of the eight trained staff will arrange to speak to their colleague who has requested a follow-up call and it goes from there. Although this new model is now formalised within Theatres, the conversation and approach is kept quite casual and led very much by the person who has requested the support. At all times the information is kept confidential. Essentially the simple, yet effective, basis of peer support is that it allows people with similar experiences to support each other. Its foundation is set against an ethos of compassion and empathy. Experiencing compassion nurtures compassion towards others. It is hoped that by embedding the service within Theatres it will ultimately lead to improved staff wellbeing, moral and engagement. Dr Joanne Gallagher, Consultant Psychologist said: I am delighted to lend my support to this pilot project, which exemplifies the compassionate culture within the Western Trust. This nurse-led initiative serves as an example of post-traumatic growth, an outcome emerging from the challenges of the pandemic, and I believe it will bring benefits to the entire team. By piloting this program, we aim to showcase its potential and undoubtedly learn, adapt, and implement it where feasible across other departments to bolster our staff's support network. As research has shown, peer support fosters cohesion, enhances wellbeing, and plays a role in staff retention. Donegal could be in line to be reconnected to the national rail network, as Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan reiterated plans this week. Cavan and Monaghan are also in line to join the link under proposals set out in the new all-island rail review to be published later this month. Donegal has been cut asunder since the 1960s and Minister Ryan said on Monday plans are being put in place. Speaking in New York, he said a route running from the existing Dublin-Belfast line at Portadown, through Dungannon, Omagh, Strabane, Letterkenny and onto Derry will be proposed, following on from comments made on the scheme earlier this year. The rollout of the plan deals with proposed rail investment over a 30-year period, short, medium and long-term, throughout the country. Those towns are not small towns and Donegal needs a public transport connection south, Minister Ryan said. It would not be cheap because building new railway lines is expensive but from Omagh north, there was an old railway line and we need to look at that configuration and see if we can revitalise it. If we dont invest in the rest of the country, particularly in rail infrastructure, we would see an imbalance develop in the country. These are the sort of investments we need to make to guarantee the economic future of the country." In 1959, the final journeys for many passengers in Donegal were made on lines that spread out from the headquarters in Stranorlar to the likes of Ballyshannon, Killybegs, Donegal Town and Letterkenny. Other lines to Burtonport, Buncrana, and Carndonagh - operated by the Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway Company - had ceased beforehand. Three stations in east Donegal - Porthall, Carrigans and St Johnston - remained open until 1965 - as they were on the Great Northern Line from Derry to Portadown that ran initially on the west bank of the Foyle before crossing over at Lifford and into Strabane, and then onto Omagh. A 50th anniversary service for two British soldiers killed during the Troubles has been held in Co Tyrone. The remembrance service for Corporal Bryan Criddle and Lance Corporal Harry Gillespie took place at the Clogher branch of the Royal British Legion on Sunday. The South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) victims and survivors group said that Cpl Criddle died 50 years ago, four days after he was injured in a Provisional IRA bombing in Clogher. He was married and had three children. He joined the Army in the Pioneer Corps as a dog handler before transferring to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. Members of his family have travelled from England to attend the service. Speaking to the PA news agency, his widow Julia Wilson explained she met her husband when she joined up as a kennel maid on an Army dog course in 1969. They were married in 1970 and had their daughter Sarah in June of that year. I was actually offered a posting to Germany and he said over my dead body! so he insisted we got married. Ms Wilson was not allowed to continue working as a kennel maid as a married woman, but when her husband was sent to Northern Ireland, she and her daughter accompanied him to Ballykelly, Co Derry, in November 1971. They remained there for a few months before moving to Omagh, Co Tyrone, where the couple welcomed twins. Cpl Criddle worked with a German Shepherd named Jason and was flown to various points along the border to search for ammunition, arms and explosives. Their primary duty was to go out with patrols and any suspicious activity, he would send the dog in to sniff out explosives, arms, that sort of thing and then either alert the bomb disposal or soldiers he was working with. He was described as a man with little time to have hobbies but he enjoyed socialising. SEFF said his family, his job and his dog were the main things in his life. Ms Wilson said he was on call literally 24 hours a day. Because Bryan had a dog, he was literally a week away and a week at home. Even when he was home, he was out on a daily basis. In July 1973, Cpl Criddle and Jason were called out to a suspicious scene. Ms Wilson said: He was sent out with patrol to the Clogher area. There had been an anonymous phone call saying there were milk churns in a field. He was flown out there, he put the dog in and Jason had actually signified there were explosives in there. He shouted to the patrol to stand back. He went in to check the milk churns and it was set off by a remote control from across the border. The dog was thrown 30 feet. It took a while to get the dog back. It was a lieutenant in the tank regiment who administered first aid (to Cpl Criddle) until the helicopter could come and take into Musgrave military hospital. He was there from the Wednesday to the Friday but had a brain hemorrhage, so they moved him to Royal Victoria in Belfast where unfortunately, on the Sunday, he passed away. His daughter Sarah had just turned three, while his twins Gary and Glenn were nine months old. Ms Wilson and Sarah Criddle visited the site of the attack to lay flowers on Saturday. We both found it very hard and very draining, but were glad we went. Ms Wilson, who had previously brought her grandchildren to the site where Cpl Criddle was injured, said she felt her daughter needed closure. The idea was to show the grandchildren the reality of what happened to their grandfather. Ms Wilson said: You know, he died helping the people of the province and although we still miss him every day 50 years on, were still very proud of what he achieved. Ms Criddle said: The kids have not got to meet their grandfather. I think it hit me very hard today, because of the proximity and the close personal nature of what happened. Ms Criddle, who served in the RAF, added: For us as a family, and everybody else who has been affected by things like this, its the remembering of it. And its the fact that the children need to be taught about it just like they are taught about World War One and World War Two and all the things that have happened. I brought my children up to know, and go to Remembrance Day and to appreciate what people do sacrifice for them so they can be free. Ms Wilson paid tribute to the teamwork of her husbands companion Jason. Without the dog, he wouldnt have achieved half as much he was 50% of the team. Sgt Criddles grandson is following on to his grandfathers footsteps by joining the Army, Ms Wilson said. So, were proud of him as well. SEFF director Kenny Donaldson said: The Criddle family are valued members of SEFF and Bryans sacrifice is justly remembered and honoured. He said Sgt Criddles role had been about protecting and preserving life. How different he was from those with murder in their hearts and who stole away his life and the lives of so many others. Mr Donaldson said it is important to never forget the contribution of members of the security forces. Because of their efforts, Northern Ireland avoided spiralling into all-out civil war. The service also remembered Ulster Defence Regiment CGC Lance Corporal Harry Gillespie from Aughnacloy. Mr Donaldson said he was shot by the Provisional IRA while in a four-man mobile patrol at Killyliss on Dungannon-Ballygawley Road on May 20 1972. His 50th anniversary service was delayed to this year due to Covid-19. A Dubliner who founded Ukraines national suicide prevention phoneline has said he never considered leaving his adopted homeland when war broke out. Paul Niland, who has lived in Ukraine for 20 years, said the number of people seeking support on the Lifeline Ukraine hotline has surged from 1,000 a month before the full-scale Russian invasion, to 6,000 a month in recent times. Mr Niland is part of the small Irish community that remains in Kyiv as the conflict continues to rage. Another is international law enforcement expert Maura OSullivan from Limerick. Ms OSullivan, a former lecturer at the Garda College, is deputy head of mission with the EU Advisory Mission (EUAM) in Ukraine and is playing a key role in advising police and prosecutors on war crimes investigations and around the challenges of restoring law and order in areas abandoned by retreating Russian forces. Anne Maire Kerrigan-Deriche, from Greystones, Co Wicklow, also lives in Kyiv, working with the UNs refugee agency, UNHCR, helping millions of people forced to flee their homes in the east and south of the Ukraine. Mr Niland, Ms OSullivan and Ms Kerrigan-Deriche met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on his visit to the Ukrainian capital last week. Mr Niland made it clear he was not going anywhere despite the war. He is the director of Lifeline Ukraine, which he founded four years ago. We were at the point before February 24 of last year (Russian invasion) when we were averaging 1,000 calls to the hotline per month, he said. In the last couple of months, it was close to 6,000. So, the effect on the psyche of the people, on the emotional conditions of people whove stayed in Ukraine, or even people whove left Ukraine as well, people who have become refugees and suffered this sense of loss, because of all of the things that they no longer have around them. Weve been at war since 2014, but this phase of the war has made the problem even more acute. My colleagues do a wonderful job of taking the workload on their shoulders, and theyve now managed to provide more than 6,000 instances of support every month. Mr Niland said he never considered leaving despite Russian tanks advancing on Kyiv. My thinking is that this is home and Im not going anywhere, he said. I really didnt think that they would attack Kyiv, because it was an insane thing to think that they could pull off. But they did. But I decided long before that I was staying, and I did stay. And Im privileged actually to have witnessed the way that the people of Kyiv specifically, but Ukraine in general, have responded to this most awful period of immense personal and national tragedy thats been foisted upon them. And its great to have the support of the international community coming here and showing Ukrainians that theyre doing the right thing. Mr Niland said Mr Varadkars trip was important symbolically, as it demonstrated the level of international solidarity with Ukraine. Before the invasion last year, the mandate of Ms OSullivan and the advisory mission was work with the law enforcement agencies, implementing civilian security sector reform. Once full-scale war broke out, the mission had to adapt its focus to support activity moving goods and people in and out of Ukraine. The EUAM is also advising on war crimes investigations. Ms OSullivan explained what that work involved. Its working together with the prosecutor generals office, with the police on the ground, going out with them so that we can advise them on how to put together cases, how to investigate, advising on the legislation thats in place, making sure that everything is in line with international humanitarian law with the international standards, she said. Were also advising on conflict related sexual violence victims and witnesses and how this is all going to work as well in the future. Ms OSullivan also highlighted the missions work supporting Ukraines law enforcement agencies on plans to restore stability in areas of the country that have been de-occupied by the Russians. Ms Kerrigan-Deriche is senior external relations adviser at the UNHCR. The refugee agency has been in Ukraine since 1994. Last year it helped 4.3 million internally displaced people within Ukraine. Were assisting the people who fled the war to the western parts of the country, she said. Some of them have gone back, in fact many of them have gone back to their villages, but theres still a considerable portion who remain in the western part. We are also responding along the frontline areas with humanitarian assistance. So in the liberated and regained areas there, we go in with convoys, as part of the UN inter-agency response, to give people the critical items that they need like bedding, like hygiene kits, like water, etc. She said the agency, working with partners, has already helped rebuild 12,000 homes in the eastern, central and southern parts of Ukraine. Ms Kerrigan-Deriche, who has lived in Kyiv for the past year, said a recent survey showed the vast majority of refugees and internally displaced people wished to return home. What will enable them to return, besides the war being over, is having a house, having a job and having access to services, she said. So thats where our priority is, thats where our focus is in helping them to be able to do that. Above: Niall Brady (21) from Carlingford, being awarded a certificate to confirm him as NYCI Local Champion for Dublin West, by Shreya Chaturvedi (Community Foundation Ireland) at a special event in Dublin to launch the National Youth Council of Irelands Pre-Budget Submission 2024. (Pic: Jason Clarke) The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), which represents organisations working with young people nationwide, has launched its Local Champions initiative, a campaign aimed at ensuring increased investment in young people and youth work locally and nationally. Niall Brady from Carlingford has been selected as the Local Champion for the Louth constituency. Paul Gordon, NYCI Director of Policy and Advocacy explained: As part of the Local Champions initiative, a group of passionate young individuals has been selected as representatives from their communities to engage with their local politicians and champion the cause of youth work. "The Local Champions received training and support from NYCI to effectively convey the positive impact youth work has on their lives and the lives of young people in the local area, as well as the importance of investing in youth work. "NYCI is calling for an increased investment of 9.4 million in youth work in Budget 2024, to support the rising costs associated with delivering quality services locally, and ensure equal access to youth work for all young people nationwide." Niall has already met with Senator Erin McGreehan and as Local Champion for Louth is hoping to engage with more representatives including TDs Peter Fitzpatrick, Imelda Munster, Ged Nash, Fergus O'Dowd and Ruairi O Murchu among others. Niall said: Having already met with some of our local representatives I have been really encouraged by the enthusiasm Ive received towards youth work in my local area. "Im looking forward to meeting more representatives and sharing with them some of the amazing experiences Ive had with the Carlingford Youth Group and the NYCI. "Theres so much important work happening in our local area to support young people and I want to make sure that our local representatives carry that message to the national level, so that youth work in our area and beyond continues to receive its fair share come budget time. The Local Champions initiative will include activities such as engaging with policymakers, sharing personal stories, and using social media to raise awareness and mobilise support. Through these efforts, NYCI and the Local Champions aim to create a broader understanding of the significance of youth work and its positive impact on society. The initiative is part of NYCI's campaign ahead of Budget 2024 on October 10th, 2023 to ensure that young people and youth work receive the necessary investment and support they deserve. The Local Champions initiative is supported by the Community Foundation Ireland. Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland added: "Empowering Generations is central to our mission as a philanthropic hub for Ireland. To achieve that goal were delighted to be partners with NYCI. "The Local Champions network aims to amplify the voices of young people and showcase the transformative power of youth work. It is bringing together an inspirational group of young people, and we look forward to seeing them connecting with their local representatives to share how youth work changes lives. To learn more about the Local Champions Initiative and NYCI's efforts to advocate for increased investment in youth work, please visit youth.ie Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) says it is "thrilled" to report that its new, 1,300 sqm science building has been completed and will be ready to welcome students this September. The excitement around the Dundalk campus is tangible, it says, as staff have started to move the latest state of the art lab equipment into the new facility. Edel Healy, Head of School of Health & Science said: We are extremely proud of our new Science building, this truly is a fantastic new facility for our students, region and surrounding industries. "As the leading higher education provider in the region we are completely committed to STEM as its one of the fastest growing industry sectors both locally and nationally. "With this investment we plan to increase capacity on Life Science, Health Science and Agri-Food programmes, helping us to meet the growing demand from employers in our region for high-quality graduates in these specialised areas. One of the exciting additions that this new science building will offer is its innovative new cell culture facility. The cell culture facility, designed to accommodate the culture of cell lines, will give DkIT students direct experience with the technologies and processes commonly used in current, sophisticated biotechnology settings. Above: Suganya Pitchiu Muthusamy in new Cell Culture Lab Dr Healy added: The commercial value of biotherapeutic medicines is forecasted to grow exponentially in the next few years. "The success of the Irish biopharma industry is internationally recognised and this new Cell Culture facility at DkIT will provide our students enrolled in our Science programmes with the most up-to-date skills, training, research, and innovation opportunities for the manufacture of biotherapeutics. "This facility will also support collaborations with our industry partners, such as WuXi Biologics, In terms of development of bespoke training programmes and other projects. Above: Suganya Pitchiu Muthusamy, Martina Carolan, Marie McDonnell, Paddy McEntee, Fiona Finn, Athira Kuruly Rajan DkIT says it already has an extremely strong and industry recognised reputation for the education and training of highly skilled graduates in the Science fields. Graduates of its programmes are much sought after, it says, and are renowned for actively contributing to advancements in the areas of pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and environmental science, sustainable agriculture, agri-food, health science, physical activity and well-being. The Institute says it is also currently involved in "several exciting science research projects both nationally and internationally that are changing the world we live in for the better". It adds that it trusts these new facilities on campus will future proof the Institutes students employability prospects whilst assisting regional and national growth in all aspects of the Science sector. The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dundalk has been sold to East Coast Catering Ireland, the company which also owns the Fairways Hotel. According to the Irish Times the company bought the hotel from Tifco Hotel Group for a figure in the region of 11 million. East Coast Catering was originally started in Canada in 1984 by Dundalk native Patrick O'Callaghan where it won a number of catering contracts in Canadas fledgling offshore oil and gas industry. Since then the company has branched out with its Irish division operating asylum centres such as Dundalks Carroll Village and Hatch Hall in Dublin. The company also acquired the Fairways Hotel in 2015 and reopened the hotel in 2019 after an extensive 12 million investment that also saw the construction of the Fairways Centre which houses Supervalu, McCormacks Pharmacy, Costa Coffee and a Medical Centre. The 14-storey Crowne Plaza building boasts 129 en-suite bedrooms, a business centre, fitness centre, rooftop restaurant and the Fourteen Below Bar as well as conference facilities to accommodate up to 400 people. Speaking to the Democrat, local engineer and director with East Coast Limited, Denis Williams said that: We expect it to be business as usual for the hotel and we plan to do some significant improvement work over time. Therell be a good five year plan working on a refurbishment, but the hotel will remain open during that. Its early days but we know that there will be a significant capital investment required on the property. It is expected the hotel will work in tandem with the Fairways and Mr Williams feels theres great potential for the two to accommodate large conferences. There are larger conference facilities in the Fairways and the ability to increase the number of bedrooms for conferences should make Dundalk a more viable destination for larger conferences that require two hundred beds or thereabouts. A meeting with all employees of the hotel will take place next week and staff have been assured that their positions will be retained. Its also expected that the hotel will undergo a rebranding at some point in the near future. The purchaser really is the OCallaghan family, Patrick O Callaghan and his son Matthew will be the owners of the hotel, continued Mr Williams. Pat is a Dundalk man but hes been living in Canada for over forty years. Hes eighty now, so his son is also involved in the business. A plebiscite to extend Dundalk BIDS (Business Improvement District Scheme) is currently underway with local ratepayers having until 17th August to submit their ballots and decide on whether to give the company another five-year term. In 2009 Dundalk was the first town in Ireland to vote for such a scheme and over the past fifteen years it has worked to bring a range of initiatives to the town including, the Facades Operation Town transformation, SEEK Urban Arts Festival and the annual Frostival Carnival Of Light Parade. The BIDs model has been so successful in Dundalk that both Newry and Drogheda have voted for its application in their districts in the recent years that have followed. Since its inception, the scheme has overseen 3 million of investment in the town and since 2015 Dundalk has invested in projects with a commercial value of 1.5 million that enhance the visual perception of Dundalk. Town Centre Commercial Manager with BIDS, Martin McElligott is hopeful ratepayers will continue to invest in the companys efforts to make Dundalk the leading destination in the north east by voting Yes: Hopefully people will feel that we are doing our job. The town centre is a very important place and weve been very visual over the past six or seven years. I like to think that Ive put the money where people can see it, through the changes being added and the results they have brought. Martin says one of the highlights of the last term has been the success of the SEEK Urban Arts Festival. The SEEK Festival was something that we started back in 2019 and it was one of the tools that we used to help refocus the perception of Dundalk. Its five years on now, and the success of it is speaking for itself and is now internationally recognised and winning awards. This project and the many projects that are closely linked are a concerted effort to rebrand Dundalk and demonstrates our commitment to improving the towns image and creating a more appealing environment for our visitors, investors and our residents. Rebranding and enhancing the image of our town has had a successful impact on the perception of our area. By collaborating with our various partners, we have leveraged their strengths and resources, which have elevated our destination proposition. Part of the plan for the next term, Martin says, is to extend their work further out to areas adjacent to the town centre. We started where we felt we needed to start. As you can see, Dundalk still has plenty of places that need to be addressed and the next five years will be spent trying to balance that visual perception across the town, not just in the core historic area. To date, the Facades project has transformed large parts of the town centre and has aided business owners with maintenance and upkeep of their buildings. Martin revealed that some of his new plans will include putting more staff on the ground, which he hopes will get projects moving quicker and also hopes to bring forward some new initiatives over the next five years, which are already taking shape behind the scenes. We want to develop the SEEK Festival and we definitely want to accelerate the facades project. Elevating Dundalks national profile even further in the next term is my top priority, this is a constant pressure that I seem to thrive on! And I feel its our time and that its now or never for me. Its all about keeping Dundalks image. When I took up office, there was a lot of dereliction and a lot of issues visually and thats a hard place to sell sometimes even though we know that we have great business people and great independent strong businesses. One of the core pillars of the BIDS strategy has been to use art, culture and heritage as ways to regenerate the town centre and not just make it a better place to do business, but also to live, as Martin explains: Town Centres are no longer places that are measured by commercial activity alone, and that can sound like a contradiction to our existence, but to the contrary our core strategy is to protect the core retail and night time economy providers that we have here at the moment, and to do that we need to make Dundalk more liveable, more vibrant, a more attractive place to visit, work and live. This is equally important in attracting new business investment into the centre of our town. Projects like SEEK and Facades have been tools that have allowed us to do that and were never going to let go of that strategy.. Its going to be a pillar in our program of work for the foreseeable future. Its important to not distill it down to what does it do for me. Its about what it can do for my area and that can then really benefit business and the overall quality of life within Dundalk. Weve a lot of great people, a very strong Chamber of Commerce and a very strong local development office in the local LEO. But the town centre management agencys sole charge at the moment is to work in partnership with Louth County Council on the visual perception and attraction of our town as a whole. Thats been my core focus as a manager and Ive no intention of changing direction on that. In this term, I want to change gear and reach more people and have a much wider influence as we move outwards over the next five years. I am confident that Dundalk can stand firm and further enhance its new public image. The challenge over the next term will be to align everybody under this umbrella as rebranding an image that has been slowly eroded over the last number of decades takes time, forging strong partnerships will be crucial, tapping into the expertise, networks and resources of other organisations and individuals. These partnerships will bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and additional supports to help transcend Dundalks current destination proposition. Ultimately the success of this challenge will depend heavily on collective collaboration, strategic planning and most importantly consistent execution. I would like to thank my own staff, board of directors, councillors and the senior management team in Louth County Council for their incredible support over the last number of years. Partners like Creative Spark and Dundalk Tidy Towns that have really helped us on our journey, their efforts should never go unnoticed and are to be highly commended. An Tain Arts Centre say they are thrilled that animated short film, An Evil Germ, funded by Creative Ireland and produced in association with An Tain Arts Centre, will premiere as part of the Boyne Valley International Film Festival this August. An Evil Germ was written, produced, and directed by Audience Development Manager, Mary Claire Cowley, and animated by Front of House and Marketing Officer, Linda McConville. Using real life audio recordings from 2020 and animated in a simplistic style, An Evil Germ explores how children in Ireland reacted to lockdown and the lifting of restrictions as they returned to school under the shadow of the Covid-19 global pandemic. The documentary was originally inspired by the radio documentary Big Stories from Little Worlds, which was created and produced by Mary Claire Cowley for An Tain Arts Centre and broadcast by Sinead Brassil on her show on LMFM on 12th August 2020. The children in the Dundalk/Louth community were asked through their parents, listeners of LMFM to contribute their thoughts and feelings about the current changing landscape of their lives as restrictions were lifted and re introduced, to give a rounded picture of how the Covid-19 global pandemic has impacted them. The beautiful original music for the film was composed by Katie-Anne Bolger and the animation was edited by Shane Callan. With a career in film production spanning over 15 years as both a Film Producer and Production Executive, this is Mary Claires first foray into animation. She says: Its wonderful to finally be able to share this film. The pandemic was such a challenging time for all of us and I really wanted to capture what children who experienced it were thinking and feeling, so that their voices could become part of the wider conversation in years to come. Im so very grateful to all the children and their parents who contributed and also to the amazing team I had to work with. An Evil Germ was made almost completely with everyone working remotely in their own homes, so it is very much of its time. Were so thankful to the Boyne Valley International Film Festival for selecting it to screen as part of their programme and we really hope audiences like it. Artist and Illustrator Linda McConville, who did the animation on the film says: This was a hugely exciting project for me to work on, both in terms of animating my first short film, and being able to work closely with my work colleague and good friend Mary Claire. Ive dabbled in animation before, with small personal projects, and a short Meet the Team video we each did for the An Tain Arts Centre Facebook page during lockdown, but nothing this ambitious before, especially for one, single animator. The film is the only film to screen in two categories at this years Boyne Valley International Film Festival. Its World Premiere will be at Made in the Boyne Valley on Friday 11th August at 7pm and Family Animation on Saturday 12th August at 10am. Tickets are available from Droichead Arts Centre. CHOOSING between two potential boyfriends was a relatively straightforward task for Cork northsider Frances. That is until the teenager realised she had made the biggest mistake of her life. Several decades later, she is preparing to celebrate her and her husband Noel OFlynns golden wedding anniversary. She cast her mind back to the week she almost missed her chance with one of old Corks most eligible bachelors. It was 1971 and the 18-year-old thought she had found the love of her life in mechanic Noel. She changed her mind, however just an hour before the date when Frances received an offer she couldnt refuse. The other fella had a car so I decided to go with him instead, Frances said of the evening she would rather forget. She recalled being lambasted by her sister and brother-in-law for giving Noel a fifty. The expression was widely used in Cork before its replacement with terms such as stood up and ghosted introduced through popular culture. Frances had met Noel at a dinner dance 53 years ago at Sunset Ridge in Killeens. The Cork man thought he had hit the jackpot when she agreed to a date. However, a day later he found himself standing outside Roches Stores with no sign of his stunning plus one. He waited a whole hour before finally admitting defeat. Despite her young age, Frances was already the proud owner of a hair salon on Commons Road. She was a woman who knew her own mind but not-it seems-her own heart. Mischievous Ways Frances, who now lives in Blarney with her husband, admits she still feels guilty about her mischievous ways. We met at a dinner dance with my sister and her husband. Noel was the first to ask me to dance but I cant remember what the song was. He asked me to go for a drink with him the following evening and I agreed. "However, I was very bold. I was due to meet him at 7.30pm the following evening but another boy rang me at 6.30 and asked me for a date. "He had a beautiful car and Noel didnt. He was also taking me to the Spoke Easy-a dance hall in Passage West. The fact that it was so far away made it feel really exciting. I knew that if I went with Noel we would have just ended up in the Stardust. Looking back, I realise it was a very nasty thing to do." Noel OFlynn and Frances O'Flynn during their younger days. Noel said that Frances is even more beautiful now than she was on their wedding day almost 50 years ago. It wasnt long before Frances tired of the mans company and she realised she had made a big mistake. The date was okay but it was boring. I rang Noel the next day. My excuse was that I hadnt been feeling well the night before. It was only later when we got engaged that I owned up to Noel about what really happened. He still brings it up to this day. Noel interjected, insisting there was no love lost. All the couples used to meet outside Roches Stores or Cashs at the time Noel said. I was disappointed she didnt turn up for our date but it turned out alright in the end. I waited an hour and went home. When she rang me the next day I wasnt cross. I thought to myself the girl was sick. What can you do? Their first date proved a roaring success. Noel took me for a drink. I didnt drink alcohol so I just had a Coca-Cola. We went to 96, Oliver Plunkett Street. I can still picture the two elderly ladies dressed in lab coats who worked there. We went there quite a few times. One of the happiest days of their lives was when Noel proposed. I remember it well. Noel and I had been doing one of those walks for charity that were very popular at the time. "He came back to my house, took off his shoes and asked me to marry him. "There was no getting down on one knee though because our feet were just too sore." Noel maintains his wife is as beautiful now as she ever was. We had our wedding on July 28 in Farranree Church. Frances is even more beautiful now than she was that day." Frances with her husband Noel O'Flynn. The Cork woman spoke about how she failed to show up for their first date but later realised she had made a big mistake. Noel recalled their wedding day with pride. Foreign holidays only began at the start of the seventies, he said. We got a flight to Alicante and stayed in Benidorm for two weeks. We still have a postcard from the Hotel Madeira which is now being replaced with a skyscraper comprising 20 floors." The couple went on to have three sons. Noel entered politics later in life serving as a councillor for his community between 1991 and 2003 and a TD in the Cork North-Central constituency from 1997 to 2011. When the kids were small we were still able to go out and do things Frances told The Echo. This was because my mum came to live with us after my father died. She was always very good for minding the kids. I closed the salon after my first child and got involved with the politics." Noel and Frances agreed their greatest joy in life is looking after their own granddaughter Alissia who is six. After three boys we are delighted to have a little girl in the family, Frances said. Frances concluded the interview with some sage advice for couples in the early stages of their relationship. The best advice I can give anyone is to just stay calm, even when everything around you is going wrong." Focus Ireland have announced their new fundraising event, the Camino de Santiago challenge. The event is set to take place from September 24 to October 1, with the group covering 103 kilometres during this time. The aim of the initiative is to secure important funds for Focus Irelands services across the country, while also providing participants with an amazing journey across the historic Camino de Santiago trail. The ancient Camino de Santiago route has been around for centuries, and is in total approximately 800 kilometres long. In recent years, the pilgrimage regained its popularity of the Middle Ages, and there are many different routes of various lengths. Those looking to take part in the Camino challenge will be required to fundraise a minimum of 2,250. The funds raised will be put towards Focus Irelands efforts in Cork and the Southwest, going to families who are at risk of losing their homes, or currently fighting against homelessness. Focus Irelands Cork branch include services such as tenancy support and sustainment, advice and information, and long-term supported accommodation. Cork Support In 2022, Focus Ireland Cork aided 599 households who were at risk of losing their home or who were currently homeless. With the help of the state and local authorities, they managed to move 323 households back into homes. "We are thrilled to announce the Camino de Santiago challenge as one of our key fundraising events, said Monica McElhinney, Community Fundraiser. This remarkable journey not only provides participants with an opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring Camino trail, but also allows them to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals facing homelessness in Cork and the Southwest. By taking part in this challenge, you are helping us provide vital support services, create real change, and bring hope to those who need it most." Those looking to register for Focus Irelands Camino de Santiago challenge are encouraged to head to https://www.focusireland.ie/event-and-challenges/camino-walk/ or contact Monica McElhinney 087 954 7007. 250 is required as a deposit to secure a spot, and those participating are to receive comprehensive guidance and assistance from the Focus Ireland fundraising team. The team will aid participants in achieving their fundraising targets, and provide invaluable support throughout the journey. MORE than 16,000 has been raised to repatriate the body of a mother-of-one who died a violent death in Cork to her native India for burial. Fundraising will also go towards enabling her five-year-old son to be brought back to his grandparents there. Deepa Dinamani, 38, died at her red-brick terraced home in Cardinal Court in Wilton in Cork City on July 14. Her 41-year-old husband Regin Parithapara Rajan was subsequently charged with her murder. Ms Dinamani had moved to Cork in April to begin work as a senior funds manager at an office in Cork Airport Business Park. The alarm was raised on the evening of July 14 when she failed to pick up her son, who was in the house of a friend having attended a summer camp. Her death has shocked members of the tight-knit Indian community in Cork. Two days after she was found dead, 150 people attended a candlelit vigil outside her home. They placed flowers in front of a picture of Deepa which had been placed on her doorstep. Deepa was a native of Kerala in southern India. She was a trained chartered accountant with over a decade of experience. Cork Pravasi Malayali, along with the World Malayalee Council Cork and Coinns Cork (Cork Indian Nurses) are among those fund-raising. On a donation page on idonate.ie, they say as a community it is their utmost priority to reunite the young boy with his grandparents. Considering the sons welfare, it is important that he is sent back to his family in India. His caring grandparents, uncle and the extended family are eagerly awaiting his safe return to the country. "The mental wellbeing of the son is of utmost concern. His bonding with his grandparents has to be ensured as soon as possible and it is the utmost priority. The three groups are fundraising alongside members of the Cork Indian Community Facebook group and the Irish Malayalee. They also want to assist the only sibling of Deepa, with costs associated with him travelling to Ireland to bring his nephew and the remains of his late sister home. Donations can be made to the fund at https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/repatriation IN January, 1941, with the continent on a war footing for 16 months, Ireland began to feel the pinch as vital supplies such as fuel began to dry up. Drastic measures were called for. Sean Lemass, Minister for Supplies, announced that petrol consumption was to be drastically reduced. A certain leeway would be granted to public service and emergency vehicles, commercial vehicles supplying outlying areas, and doctors and clergy attending people who were gravely ill. Otherwise, the monthly petrol ration was to be one gallon. That might have got you about 12 miles, roughly a return trip from Cork city to Ballincollig. In one fell swoop, the country was plunged back 40 years to the era of travel by railway - where it was still running - horse and cart, bicycle, or simply shanks mare. Bicycles became essential, but a chronic shortage of rubber tyres made them a tricky option too. Those lucky enough to possess one jealously guarded it as a prized possession and tried to keep its use to a minimum to conserve the tyres. The cost of a new bicycle soared to 25, forcing the Government to fix prices at 10 (new) and 8 (second hand). In urban areas, bicycle theft was the crime most frequently reported. To discourage would-be thieves, the practise had begun among patrons of dances at the City Hall of chaining their bicycles to the railings of the nearby Cork Garda Divisional Headquarters on Union Quay. A few, cheekily, even left their bikes inside the railings in the stations forecourt, a custom the Chief Superintendent seems to have tolerated. The night of Sunday, March 23, 1941, was no different. The Bridewell Group of the Local Defence Force - forerunner of the Reserve Defence Force - was holding its eagerly-anticipated spring dance at City Hall. QUICK-THINKING: Det Sgt John Collins (left) and Sgt John Driscoll on receiving their Scott Medals for their courage during the bomb incident in 1941 With music by the popular Pat Crowley and his Band - whose usual home was the Arcadia on Lower Road - and at a price of just a shilling a head, this was the place to see and be seen. Dancing began at 8.30pm and would continue until midnight. Patrons flocked to the venue, and soon the yard at Union Quay was full of bicycles. As the night wore on, the quay was all but deserted, the only sound wafting over the still waters of the River Lee the melodious cacophony of the Big Band sound of Crowley and his fellow musicians. There was nobody around to hear the deadly noise of a sputtering fuze as it made its way ever closer to the 30 sticks of gelignite hidden in the saddlebag of a bicycle under the window of the Sergeants Office. Seconds later, a puff of smoke from a second bicycle nearby indicated that another Improvised Explosive Device (IED) had activated. At that precise moment, Detective Sergeant John Collins exited the front door of the station. For he, and the unsuspecting station workers inside, the clock was ticking on their very lives. ****** Union Quay Garda Station was based in a multi-storey edifice built in traditional red brick and erected in the mid-1800s as the Cork (East Riding) Headquarters of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC). On April 13, 1922, Lord Mayor Donal OCallaghan had taken possession of the building from the RIC on behalf of the Provisional Government of the Irish Free State. Four months later, however, during the Civil War, it lay in ruins, one of a number of buildings destroyed by anti-Treaty forces on August 10 as they evacuated the city in anticipation of its occupation by the National Army. On that Sunday night in 1941, with relations between gardai and the local faction of the IRA - a proscribed organisation - volatile and bitter, the building was in imminent danger of, once again, facing demolition. Among the guards based there was John Collins. Born at Purt, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick, in 1905, he was barely 17 when he left farming work and joined An Garda Siochana in November, 1922. SAFETY FIRST: Refugees arrive in Cork from London on October 2, 1940 - many would have had family here and been sent over while their parents worked or joined the war effort In January, 1940, he had been involved in a serious altercation on Patrick Street, Cork, for which he was awarded the gold Scott Medal. Detectives were attempting to arrest a man when, in the ensuing struggle, he drew a revolver and mortally wounded Detective Garda John Roche. Collins and a colleague, Denis Teahan, played major roles in effecting his arrest. By 1941, Collins was a Detective Sergeant and, as he left the Union Quay station that March night, he got the distinctive aroma of burning and noticed smoke coming from the saddlebag of a bicycle. His sixth sense registered only one word: bomb. To his relief, he discovered the bike had not been chained and locked, and, opening the bag, he tried to remove the fuze, only to discover it was already too short and had begun to smoulder. Quickly grabbing the mechanism with the bag still attached, he rushed it out the front gate and flung it into the roadway. His next thought was to warn his colleagues in the station of an imminent explosion. At that moment, Sergeant John Driscoll had emerged from the doorway of the Uniformed Branch offices and spotted the bicycle, with smoke arising, in the middle of the quay. Thinking it might be disposed of in relative safety by throwing it in the river, he lifted it up and ran to the quayside, only to find, to his dismay, a vessel moored directly underneath. With that, he pushed the bicycle further up the quay away from the garda station, stopping only to try to separate the still-burning fuze from the sticks of gelignite to which it was attached. As he did so, the detonator exploded: luckily, the connection between the priming stick and the detonator had been severed. Driscolls quick-thinking had averted an explosion that could have blown up the barracks and even taken down the Model School behind it. Taking no chances, he threw the bike, with its deadly cargo still attached, into the river. ****** Sgt Driscoll was born at Whiddy, Bantry, Co. Cork, on June 12, 1894, and worked in farming before joining An Garda Siochana on February 22, 1923. Later that year, he became the first member to take over Knock Station, in Co. Mayo. He moved to Union Quay in 1934 from Galway Division. But the drama that night in Cork was not yet over. Back at the station, Collins and his colleagues were frantically searching for a potential second IED which, within minutes, they had found, revealing the presence of the second saddlebag bomb. In this instance, the fuze had, after its initial ignition, failed. Examined by experts later, the gelignite was found to be sweating, a process that, when the nitro-glycerine begins to leach out, makes it extremely unstable. Nevertheless, quantities of gelignite in those proportions, if detonated, were deemed highly lethal and capable of devastating a large area. Portuguese stowaways at Union Quay Garda barracks in June, 1933, several years before the bomb attack there ****** The following September, nine young Corkmen appeared before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin charged with membership of an illegal organisation and seven were charged with placing gelignite against Union Quay Garda Station with intent to damage the building. All pleaded guilty. Their sentences ranged from three to five years penal servitude, but the President of the Court announced that in view of their attitude and their repudiation of the illegal organisation, the Court had decided to deal leniently with them. They would recommend to the Government that sentences would range from 9-18 months.unnoi ****** On November 2, 1942, Det Sgt Collins and Sgt Driscoll received bronze Scott Medals for their bravery, from Minister for Justice, Gerald Boland TD, at the Garda Depot in Dublins Phoenix Park. Collins became the first garda to be awarded a Scott Medal for a second time. John Driscoll served out his days at Union Quay, retiring in 1954, while Collins retired in 1968. The Union Quay HQ was eventually replaced by a block of apartments in the 1990s. As a young fellow in the 1950s, frequent visits to the Eglinton Street Swimming Pool necessitated a cycle past the then Garda HQ on Union Quay. I often wondered what prompted the notice posted on the wooden board attached to the front railings which declared: NO BICYCLES - BY ORDER. Now I know. Head Teacher position merged at two Primary Schools Anna Jackson will have her position extended to also cover Marown Primary School Marown Primary School will share a Head Teacher with a school in Peel from February 2024. Anna Jackson, currently headteacher to 442 pupils at Peel Clothworkers will continue in this role, when she takes over from Ian Longshaw. Mr Longshaw is set to retire after 15 years at Marown which has 165 pupils. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture has said that Mrs Jackson is an experienced school leader, who has a passion for inclusion, intentional thinking and employability skills for the learners. Jackson said: Working in schools that play a genuine part in the life of a community is a real pleasure and I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead a team of like-minded professionals, and build upon their successes. Julie Edge MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said she is delighted that Anna has accepted this important role. Edge added: I would like to thank Ian for all he has done for the children and staff at Marown, over the last 15 years. COP28 President Designate Dr. Sultan Al Jaber Delivers speech at Clean Energy Ministerial in Goa on sidelines of G20 meeting COP28 President Designate Dr. Sultan Al Jaber Delivers speech at Clean Energy Ministerial in Goa on sidelines of G20 meeting - COP28/PR NEWSWIRE Delivers speech at Clean Energy Ministerial in Goa on sidelines of G20 meeting on sidelines of G20 meeting Congratulates India and Denmark on gaining momentum with more than 20 early supporters and on gaining momentum with more than 20 early supporters COP28 President: "The cooling challenge can become a cooling opportunity" (Informacion remitida por la empresa firmante) GOA, India, July 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Speaking on the sidelines of the 14th Clean Energy Ministerial, alongside the G20 Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting, COP28 President Designate Dr. Sultan Al Jaber urged countries to join the global cooling pledge, a partnership between the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the COP28 Presidency, announced earlier in the year. Dr. Al Jaber thanked Dan Jergensen, Minister from Denmark and Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of Science and Technology of India for their commitment to being Cool Champions and urged countries to unite and join the pledge. In close collaboration with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforAll), the Global Cooling Pledge aims to expand cooling to protect the most vulnerable communities, especially in the global south, Small Island States and Least Developed Countries, from extreme heat, keep food fresh and vaccines safe. Earlier in July, the COP28 President Designate announced his approach and plan for COP28 based on an ambitious response to the Global Stocktake and based on 4 pillars: Fast Tracking the energy transition, fixing climate finance, focusing on people, lives and livelihoods and underpinning everything with full inclusivity. The initiative provides incentives to governments and all stakeholders to act on sustainable cooling in five areas: nature-based solutions, super-efficient appliances, food and vaccine cold chains, district cooling, and National Cooling Action Plans. In his remarks, the COP28 President Designate reiterated his commitment to the Pledge, saying "We cannot expand cooling on a business-as-usual basis. Without strong policy action, emissions from the sector will rise between 7 to 10 percent from today. To solve this dilemma, we need a rapid transition to energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling." He highlighted that the cooling dilemma can provide cooling access to those who need it without undermining the energy transition. Al Jaber highlighted the plight of the most vulnerable states and cooling as a matter of climate justice, saying: "Food and medicine all depend on cooling. It is a topic of critical importance across climate mitigation and adaptation." He added: "Cooling is also a matter of climate justice with heat disproportionately impacting lower-income communities and families." "In a warming world, sustainable cooling is critical for reducing GHG emissions, protecting against heat stress, enabling productivity, reducing food loss, and enhancing access to healthcare," He concluded: "We have a unique opportunity to deliver a significant, collective response to the cooling challenge via the Global Cooling Pledge. This pledge aims to improve energy efficiency and increase access to sustainable cooling. It is gaining momentum with more than 20 early supporters including India and Denmark. But there is more to be done. I call on all countries to join the Global Cooling Pledge in the lead up to COP28." Notes to Editors COP28 UAE: COP28 UAE will take place at Expo City Dubai from November 30-December 12, 2023 . The Conference is expected to convene over 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, international industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, experts, youth, and non-state actors. UAE will take place at Expo City Dubai from . The Conference is expected to convene over 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, international industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, experts, youth, and non-state actors. As mandated by the Paris Climate Agreement, COP28 UAE will deliver the first ever Global Stocktake a comprehensive evaluation of progress against climate goals. UAE will deliver the first ever Global Stocktake a comprehensive evaluation of progress against climate goals. The UAE will lead a process for all parties to agree upon a clear roadmap to accelerate progress through a pragmatic global energy transition and a "leave no one behind" approach to inclusive climate action" Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2159727... View original content: https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cop28-president-calls-on-all-countries-to-join-global-cooling-pledge-in-the-lead-up-to-cop28-301883570.html Hollywood, CAIn 2017, when Vonda Pelto, Ph.D. began writing a historical biography about Freeway Killer Bill Bonin, she had no idea Without Redemption: Creation & Deeds of Freeway Killer Bill Bonin, His Five Accomplices & How One Who Escaped Justice would alter the Bonin story so dramatically. Having had numerous sessions with Bonin, as a Clinical Psychologist at LA Men's Central Jail, she hoped those observations would shed new light on his personality and modes of thinking. Pelto also knew the massive number of investigative documents on hand, given to her by a former public official, would fill in many details not contained in other books or boiler plate articles about Bonin. In early 2019 Michael B. Butler, author and former PR agent, was brought in to assist and ended up spending four years on the project, becoming co-author and now actively promoting the book. One of his tasks was organizing, chronologically and by subject matter, the over 40 boxes of investigative documents Pelto had obtained. Currently an Amazon Best Seller in Multiple True Crime Categories, here is the Updated Without Redemption Book Trailer Huge Discovery: Beyond fixing factual errors from documents never seen by previous biographers, such as Bonin's California government mental health and prison records, the big difference was discovering photocopies from segments of Bonin's handwritten jailhouse diaries and confession murder stories. Within those pages Bonin showed a keen memory for detail and a knack for analyzing complex situations from different angles. Hidden for 40-Years & Never Used Before: Written a few months after Bonin's final arrest, June 1980, and before his first trial, November 1981, the diaries give the reader an inside the storm view of all that was swirling around the biggest mass murder trial in Southern California history. In the murder section of Without Redemption untold stories are revealed in full brutality as compared to what Bonin said in the December 1980 detective interviews. The reasons Bonin did those interviews was only partially understood, but now, four decades later, they are uncovered to be a complex set of conflicting motivations driven by outside circumstances. Homicide Cover Up & March 24, 1980: One of the fascinating aspects is how Bonin went to great lengths to cover for a double-murder accomplice, Eric Wijanendts. This conundrum involves many moving parts, and all of it relates back to what happened on one day during the murder spree, March 24, 1980. Only when the book was done, after five years of intense work, was the true importance of March 24 fully realized. Never before known or properly deciphered, this was a major 40-year-old Freeway Killer mystery solved by Pelto and Butler. And this one saw the authors place clever signposts, at various points in the book, to remind the reader to pay attention and remember key events. Peering Into Bonin's Mind Thru His Writing: Much of what Bonin writes about in the diaries is mundane, however, within those observations the reader will find many aspects of the man, the son, the friend and, yes, the cold-blooded murderer. There is also humor, irony, storytelling, criticism, despair, hope, sadness, regret, confusion, resilience and intellect. This is truly a unique serial killer historical biography. For more info go to www.WithoutRedemption.com Without Redemption is currently a best seller on Amazon in three True Crime categories: Forensics Biographies & Memoirs, Biographies of Serial Killers and Biographies & Memoirs of Criminals. It has sold copies throughout Europe and in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and all over the United States. Here is UK True Crime writer Paul Cheston's complete review of Without Redemption: Creation & Deeds of Freeway Killer Bill Bonin, His Five Accomplices & How One Who Escaped Justice. Unique & Amazing Serial Killer Biography I would unreservedly recommend Without Redemption as the most profound analysis of a serial killer I have read. It is based on unprecedented access to probation, medical, psychiatric reports, police statements and court documents, and, as an author and journalist, I know how difficult, nay impossible, it is to gain access to such a treasure trove of detail and insight. But most importantly it has the unique perspective of Vonda Pelto's own interviews with Bonin and his accomplices and the mass killer's own handwritten diaries. The authors spare no one in exposing how Bonin was allowed to game the system and names of those professionals and institutions which put their own vested interests ahead of their duty to have him locked up long before he even started his killing spree. Michael Butler has a light writing style which keeps the pace moving briskly and never loses the balance between explaining why Bonin killed and the devastating impact of this need to kill on the victims and their families. Without Redemption is currently available on Amazon, Kobo and Google Play and has found interested readers in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and throughout Europe. Below are eight Kindle E-Gift Links. Here are Eight FREE E-Gift Kindle Links for Without Redemption: https://www.amazon.com/kindle/redeem/?t=GSG5F3RWGAQTNFB https://www.amazon.com/kindle/redeem/?t=GSJ6XBH5ER86RTV https://www.amazon.com/kindle/redeem/?t=GSPHTUDHTYJES3K https://www.amazon.com/kindle/redeem/?t=GS7N2A9CRXUF4P5 https://www.amazon.com/kindle/redeem/?t=GSDUWQSEWPMGGK2 https://www.amazon.com/kindle/redeem/?t=GS4GPTFUUC4PXF2 https://www.amazon.com/kindle/redeem/?t=GSMHYET45NQBEF5 https://www.amazon.com/kindle/redeem/?t=GSYLP944SHVG9SS Without Redemption: Creation & Deeds of Freeway Killer Bill Bonin, His Five Accomplices & How One Escaped Justice, Paperback ISBN: 979-8841931249, Hard Cover ISBN: 979-8844477775. For more info go to www.WithoutRedemption.com and purchase copies at Amazon, Google Play or Kobo. Media Contact: For interviews or to request review copies contact Flotsam PR at 319-504-3788 or flotsampr@pm.me. UPDATE, AUG. 8: Containment on the Colt Fire has increased to 39% as crews were able to take advantage of quieted fire behavior from the moisture and mop-up on residual heat on the northeast and eastern edges. The current size of the fire is 7,179 acres with 506 total personnel working to fight the fire. Air operations will be using two unmanned aerial systems (UAS drones) over the coming days to map out areas of heat within the fire area. The UAS aircraft is best able to pick up areas of heat within the fire late at night and early in the morning due to lower air temperatures at these times. For this reason, the temporary flight restriction (TFR) for the fire area (FDC 3/7867) has been extended from 8am-10am to a full 24-hour restriction. Today, crews will continue to mop-up remaining residual heat along the fire's northern and eastern edges between Colt Lake and Beaver Lake. They will also continue to construct lines west to Sunset Ridge on the south flank and heavy equipment will assist crews with additional line construction on the northwest corner of the fire. UPDATE, AUG 7: The Colt Fire remains at 25% contained as of Monday morning at 9:22am. Northern Rockies Team 5 sent out a press release saying while rainfall in the area decreased fire activity, it also limited firefighters' ability to access roads in certain areas of the fire. Crews were able to mop-up some residual heat from much of the fire's northern and eastern edges. Right now, crews are continuing to mop-up residual heat. Heavy equipment will search for opportunities to construct line further along the fires southwest edge near Sunset Ridge. Hand crews will again be in the area, searching for a path to continue the line beyond the ridge. Along the southern edge of the fire crews will continue to construct handline above West Fork Clearwater River. Aircrafts will be available to assist firefighters as needed as long as conditions allow. The release says showers and thunderstorms may return this afternoon, bringing with them a risk of heavy downpours, lightning, and gusty outflow winds. While the rain has lessened fire activity for the time being, fire activity is expected to increase later in the week as temperatures rise and relative humidity's decrease. This incoming warm weather with possible gusty winds will increase the chances of larger fuels burning, as the dryness of these fuels is still near record lows. UPDATE, AUG. 6: The Colt Fire is now 25% contained as of Sunday morning. Crews are working to mop-up residual heat along the fires north perimeter from Beaver Lake to Colt Lake. On the east side of the fire, heavy equipment will begin constructing line from Sunset Ridge east, continuing the progress of the line constructed by hand crews. Firefighters will continue constructing handline along the south edge of the fire Sunday, as weather permits. The fires forward progression has been slowed by recent rain, with growth mainly contained to the southwestern portion of the fire. While the fire will likely exhibit creeping and smoldering behavior in the coming days, single tree torching is possible if the fire burns into large areas of unburned ground fuels, the Northern Rockies Team 5 reported. As the weather warms towards the middle of the week, with less precipitation anticipated, an increase of fire activity is expected. UPDATE, AUG. 5: The Northern Rockies Team 1 transitioned command of the Colt Fire to the Northern Rockies Team 5 Saturday. Monsoonal moisture in the upper atmosphere and cloud cover of the fire area subdued fire activity Friday, however, persistent dry conditions at the surface keep the potential for fire spread high. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity with a chance of rain are being forecasted for the weekend. Acreage was reportedly added to the fire Friday, however, there was no overnight infrared mapping flight to verify the increase. The following are the planned actions Saturday: In the southwest corner of the fire heavy equipment and crews will continue to construct indirect control lines. Along the west side, crews will prepare roads and handlines and use hose lays to secure and mop up the fire edge. On the north and east sides of the fire, personnel will patrol, hold, and mop up where needed. Crews that have been working from east to west on the south side of the fire north of the West Fork of the Clearwater River will continue handline construction. The crews are working in steep terrain and the handline construction is slow and steady. Helicopters will be used to cool hot spots and slow fire spread. Operations personnel from both teams will work together on all sides of the fire to transfer knowledge and situational awareness to provide for a safe and efficient team transition. The Missoula County Sheriffs Office has issued the following evacuations and closures: Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning. Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order. UPDATE, AUG. 4: The Colt Fire is burning an estimated 7,179 acres and is 23% contained as of Friday morning. Fire activity was the highest in the southwestern corner due to persistent dry conditions over the area, the Northern Rockies Team 1 reports. Cooler temperatures, higher humidity and a chance of rain are forecasted for the area in the coming days. Crews on the southwest corner of the fire are working to keep the fire north of Sunset Ridge. Engines are patrolling, holding and mopping up along the north and east side of the fire. Helicopters are being used to cool hot spots and slow fire spread. The Structure Protection Group will continue structure protection assessment work in the Lindbergh Lake area and will be patrolling the Highway 83 corridor and other identified structure zones. The following evacuation and closures are in pace according to the Missoula County Sheriffs Office: Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning. Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order UPDATE, AUG 3: The Colt Fire is now 6,860 acres large and 19% contained as of Thursday morning. The Northern Rockies Team 1 says fire personnel in the southwest corner will be re-evaluating the locations planned for indirect control line construction and adjusting those actions based on where the spot fire moved. On the forest road systems west of the fire, heavy equipment and crews will work on linking roads and control lines together forming indirect control lines. Along the north side, east side (Forest Road 646), and southeast corner firefighters will continue to hold and mop up along the line. On the south side, and north of the West Fork of the Clearwater River, four crews will continue to build fire control line moving from east to west. These crews may camp closer to the line to decrease travel time. Helicopters and airplanes will continue to be used to keep the fire checked up on the west side and southwest corner. The Lindbergh Group will continue structure assessments as well as look for indirect control line opportunities that would have the highest opportunity for success ahead of the fire. A night shift of engines will patrol and monitor fire conditions. The following evacuation and closures are in pace according to the Missoula County Sheriffs Office: Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning. Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order UPDATE, AUG. 2 AT 11:14 A.M.: The evacuation orders in the areas of Rovero Flats East and Rovero Flats West have been lifted Wednesday, the Missoula County Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook. Those areas are now under evacuation warning. MCSO said residents may notice law enforcement taking down the red order cards and replacing them with yellow warning cards. MCSO shared a map reflecting evacuation status in the identified zones: Red means the zone is under evacuation order, yellow means warning and green means pre-identified zones in the event the fire approaches those areas. Currently, there are more zones that have been pre-identified and are in green: Fawn, 83 N, 83 S, Boy Scout N, and Boy Scout S. For the more updated information on wildfires in Montana, visit mtfireinfo.org. UPDATE, AUG 2: The Colt Fire is burning 6,860 acres with containment at 19% Wednesday morning. The Northern Rockies Team 1 reports a high-pressure ridge weather system is keeping smoke from nearby and far away wildfires in the area. In addition, the ream is reporting warm, dry weather could lead to active fire behavior, Wednesday. The following actions are planned for the day: On the southeast corner and east side along Forest Road 646 (Colt/Uhler Road) firefighters will continue to hold and mop up along the line. Patrol and mop up will also continue in areas on the north side of the fire. In the northwest corner crews will continue to construct indirect line working to connect between Colt and Beaver Lakes. Along the west side crews and equipment will access the area and start working to prepare Forest Road 9570 as an indirect control line. Access routes have been found and an attempt will be made to bring equipment into the southwest corner if fire activity safely allows. Helicopters will continue to be used to keep the fire checked up on the west side and southwest corner. On the south side, and north of the West Fork of the Clearwater River, crews will move from east to west working on fire control line construction. These crews will start to spike camp closer to the line to decrease travel time. The night shift of engines will patrol and monitor fire conditions. Evacuation warnings and orders: Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning. Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order. Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order. The list of current closures includes: Forest Road 906 (closed at Highway 83) Rainy Lake Campground access road 4357 (closed at Highway 83) Rainy Lake Campground Alva Lake Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83) Alva Lake Campground Lakeside Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83) Lakeside Campground Lake Inez Campground Forest Road 646 (closed at the junction of FSR 552; FSR 4354; Forest Road 552 (beyond the turn off to west side Lake Inez access Forest Road 5407 and 463 closed beyond the West Side snowmobile trailhead (these roads access the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Marshall Wildlife Management Area and Lake Marshall) Temporarily closing the Forest System Road loops of the Clearwater (FSR 4370 and 4353) and Richmond (FSR 667 and 720) For the more updated information on wildfires in Montana, visit mtfireinfo.org. UPDATE, AUG. 1: The Colt Fire grew an additional 527 acres, burning 6,704 acres total with containment increased to 8%. According to Inciweb, fire activity continued Monday due to increasing temperatures and decreasing relative humidity. Fire crews continued holding efforts on all sides of the fire. Crews held the fire line and looked out for hot spots on the southeast corner, helicopters cooled hot spots where necessary. On the east side, personnel mopped up and put effort into raising containment along Forest Road 646, Colt/Uhler Road. Firefighters will resume holding, securing and mopping up Forest Road 646, Colt/Uhler Road. Crews on the north side, crews and equipment worked to hold along the existing fire lines and resumed building control lines. Crews will work a mix of indirect line preparation along Forest Road 906, holding the existing lines and looking out for fire spots. Crews on the west side took the chance on working on a direct fire line upslope from Colt Lake. Aircraft dropped fire retardant to slow fire spread on the southwest corner, and will continue to be used in this area if necessary. On the west side of the fire, there is a plan in place for access and indirect control line building on the west side of the fire, and according to Inciweb, "These plans will start to be implemented as crews can be shifted from other parts of the fire area." On the south side, crews will be working on direct control line moving east to west while north of the West Fork of the Clearwater River. A group will resume evaluating structure protection. Evacuations and closures: The Missoula County Sheriffs Office Evacuation Warning and Order summary: Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning. Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order. Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order. If conditions rapidly change an Evacuation Order may be issued with no prior notice or warning. Home and property owners in the surrounding area should remain vigilant and prepared. Have an evacuation plan for family, pets, and livestock; sign up for emergency alerts at Smart911.com; and be familiar with the Missoula County evacuation process and what an order and warning means by clicking on the following link: https://www.missoulacounty.us/government/publicsafety/officeofemergencymanagement/evacuationinformation. For evolving Evacuations and Warnings please visit the Missoula County Sheriffs Office Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MissoulaCountySheriffsOffice . The Lolo and Flathead National Forests have closed several forest roads, areas, and campgrounds near the fire area for public safety. The list of current closures includes: Forest Road 906 (closed at Highway 83) Rainy Lake Campground access road 4357 (closed at Highway 83) Rainy Lake Campground Alva Lake Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83) Alva Lake Campground Lakeside Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83) Lakeside Campground Lake Inez Campground Forest Road 646 (closed at the junction of FSR 552; FSR 4354; Forest Road 552 (beyond the turn off to west side Lake Inez access Forest Road 5407 and 463 closed beyond the West Side snowmobile trailhead (these roads access the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Marshall Wildlife Management Area and Lake Marshall) Temporarily closing the Forest System Road loops of the Clearwater (FSR 4370 and 4353) and Richmond (FSR 667 and 720) UPDATE, JULY 30: Containment on the Colt Fire grew to 6% by Sunday morning. Fire growth was reported, however, the exact figure is unavailable. Moderate growth is expected Sunday with the fire moving through the heavy dead and down surface vegetation. The following are the planned actions for Sunday, according to the Northern Rockies Team 1 update: On the southeast corner of the fire personnel will continue firing operations and secure the line north of the West Fork of the Clearwater River and tie in with Forest Road 646 (Colt/Uhler Road). Crews will continue to hold and mop up along the eastern control lines along Forest Road 646. On the north side, crews will hold and secure the fire along Forest Road 4356 and look for opportunities for fire control line from Colt Lake to Beaver Lake. North and South Structure Protection will assist with burning operations and holding operations on the east and southeast sides of the fire. Structure Group remains ready to respond for structure protection as needed. A night shift of engines and personnel will patrol and monitor fire conditions. Helicopters and airplanes will be used to drop water and retardant on the fire as needed. The Missoula County Sheriffs Office has the following evacuations and closure orders in place: Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning. Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order. Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order. UPDATE, JULY 29: The Colt Fire is 5,475 acres large and 3% contained as of Saturday morning. Fire behavior is expected to be moderate with the active fire edge moving through the heavy dead and down surface vegetation. On Saturday, crews will hold and secure the eastern control lines along Forest Road 646 (Colt/Uhler Road) as well as on the north side of the fire where burning operations have taken place, according to the Northern Rockies Team 1. On the southeast corner, crews will continue burning operations and work on securing that area and tying in with Road 646. On the south side, crews will look for potential control features north of the West Fork of the Clearwater River. To the north, the Heavy Equipment Task Force will continue working on control line preparation along the Beaver Creek Road. South Structure Protection will conduct structure assessments and protection work at Lake Inez. A night shift of engines and personnel will patrol and monitor fire conditions. Helicopters and airplanes will be used to drop water and retardant on the fire as needed. The following evacuation and closures are in place by the Missoula County Sheriffs Office: Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning. Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order. Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order UPDATE, JULY 28: Pilots are being reminded of a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in the area of the Colt Fire. The closure is for firefighting aircraft to safely work the fire. In addition, the Condon air strip has been closed for general aviation as it is being used as a firefighting helicopter base. Overnight, the Colt Fire was estimated to have grown to 5,252 acres, according to an update from the Northern Rockies Team 1. Fire behavior Friday is expected to be low to moderate with the active fire edge moving through the heavy dead and down surface vegetation. Torching and spotting are possible in the subalpine fir and lodgepole pine. Fridays planned actions include: Crews will continue burning operations along Forest Road 646 (Colt/Uhler Road) to secure the north and east flanks of the fire. On the south side, crews will continue to secure the spot fires, construct direct hand line towards the west, and assess road systems for potential control features near the West Fork of the Clearwater River. A Heavy Equipment Task Force and crews will continue working on vegetation removal and control line preparation along the Beaver Creek Road on the north side of the fire. South Structure Protection will continue structure assessments and protection work at Lake Inez. A night shift of engines and personnel will patrol and monitor fire conditions. Helicopters will be used to drop water on the fire as needed and where they can be most effective The following are current evacuations and closures from the Missoula County Sheriffs Office: Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning. Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order. Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order. UPDATE, JULY 27 AT 9:56 AM: The Colt Fire has grown more than 500 acres since Tuesday, for a total of 4,937 acres burned. Fire containment is at 0% Thursday. An update from the Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1 says fire activity remained moderate on Wednesday even as temperatures started trending a few degrees warmer and relative humidity levels started dropping a few points lower. Temperatures in the area of the fire are expected to range from mid60s to high70s Thursday depending on the location of the fire, with relative humidity levels as low as 20%. Fire behavior is expected to be moderate. Crews will be doing the following planned actions Thursday, according to the update: Crews will continue to secure the spot fires on the east flank of the fire and continue to burn ground vegetation in select locations between the fires edge and Forest Road 646 (Colt/Uhler Road). On the south side, crews will work to hold fire spread by constructing direct hand line where appropriate and continue to assess road systems as potential control features near the West Fork of the Clearwater River. On the north side of the fire a Heavy Equipment Task Force and crews will continue working on vegetation removal and control line preparation along the Beaver Creek Road. The north and south Structure Protection Groups will conduct structure assessments, remove fuels, and install water handling equipment where needed. Helicopters will be used to drop water on the fire and have been very effective when needed. As fire suppression work continues, firefighter and public safety remain the number one priority. The following evacuations and closures are in place by the Missoula County Sheriffs Office: Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning. Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order. Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order. UPDATE, JULY 26 AT 9:55 AM: A dry cold front along with cooler temperatures and lighter winds provided for moderate fire activity in the area of the Colt Fire the last couple of days. An update on the size of the fire was not provided Wednesday morning as cloud cover prevented an overnight infrared mapping flight from gathering information. Fire behavior is expected to be moderate Wednesday as personnel continue working on securing spot fires on the east flank and begin to burn ground vegetation in select locations between the fires edge and Forest Road 646 (Colt/Uhler Road), an update from the Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1 said. At this time, the following forest roads, areas and campgrounds near the fire area have been closed: Forest Road 906 (closed at Highway 83) Rainy Lake Campground access road 4357 (closed at Highway 83) Rainy Lake Campground Alva Lake Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83) Alva Lake Campground Lakeside Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83) Lakeside Campground Lake Inez Campground Forest Road 646 (closed at the junction of FSR 552; FSR 4354; Forest Road 552 (beyond the turn off to west side Lake Inez access Forest Road 5407 and 463 closed beyond the West Side snowmobile trailhead (these roads access the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Marshall Wildlife Management Area and Lake Marshall) Temporarily closing the Forest System Road loops of the Clearwater (FSR 4370 and 4353) and Richmond (FSR 667 and 720) The Missoula County Sheriffs Office has issued the following evacuation warnings and orders: Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning. Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order. Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order. UPDATE: Tuesday, July 25 at 2:19 p.m. The Colt Fire is burning an 4,390 acres as of Tuesday and remains 0% contained. Fire personnel will be leading a public meeting Tuesday from 78 p.m. at the Seeley Lake Elementary School gym. The meeting will be streaming online via the Colt Fire Facebook page. UPDATE: Monday, July 24 at 11:08 a.m. The Colt Fire has nearly doubled in size Monday, now burning nearly 3,000 acres. According to Inciweb, the Colt Fire is 2,927 acres big and is still zeropercent contained as of Monday morningthe size of the fire grew by 1,352 acres within two days. The fire is lightningcaused. Sunday fire activity was moderate with faint winds and stable air in the area, according to Inciweb. More fire crews and equipment are responding to the fire. Crews resumed placing an indirect fire line along Forest Road 646, northeast area of the fire, by clearing out brush and ground vegetation. In the south, west and north areas, personnel were scoping out road systems for access and opportunities to build direct or indirect fire lines. The Structure Protection team were doing assessments and preparations for sturcture protection along Highway 83 and near the lakes south and east of the fire. Air crews were scooping water on areas of the fire. The National Weather Service put out a Red Flag warning in place from 2 p.m. to midnight Mondaypilots and public boaters on Seeley Lake and Lindbuergh Lake are asked to keep away from firefighter aircrafts when they are scooping water from lakes. Inciweb said crews finished clearing brush ground vegetation and improved access along Forest Road 646. Crews will be working on the north and south parts of the fire to open existing roads and start building fire lines in places with high chances of containing the fire. According to Inciweb, north side of the fire is demonstrating more difficulties for access the Structure Protection team is continuing structure assessments and preparations. Aircraft will keep scooping water depending on if the flying conditions are still safe. With the Red Flag warning in place, fire personnel will be assessing escape routes and safety zones with an increased awareness of fluctuating weather and fire activity. Weather conditions are forecasted with low humidity levels at 30 percent and strong winds of 20 milesperhour with 30 mileperhour wind gusts blowing over the fire area. The following evacuations are in place, according to Inciweb: Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning. Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order. Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning. Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order. The following closures are in place: Forest Road 906 (closed at Highway 83) Rainy Lake Campground access road 4357 (closed at Highway 83) Rainy Lake Campground Alva Lake Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83) Alva Lake Campground Lakeside Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83) Lakeside Campground Forest Road 646 (closed at the junction of FSR 552; FSR 4354; Forest Road 552 (beyond the turn off to west side Lake Inez access Forest Road 5507 and 463 closed beyond the West Side snowmobile trailhead (these roads access the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Marshall Wildlife Management Area and Lake Marshall) Temporarily closing the Forest System Road loops of the Clearwater (FSR 4370 and 4353) and Richmond (FSR 667 and 720) UPDATE: Monday, July 24 at 9:29 a.m. Smoke was moving through several valleys Sunday night and into Monday morning due to the Colt Fire burning northwest of Seeley Lake. Air quality is at unhealthy conditions from Lake Inez through Condon Monday morning. Missoula CityCounty Air Quality Specialist Sarah Coefield said in a release air quality in Seely Lake is overall moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups. The smoke drifted all the way down to the Potomac Valley where air quality is at unhealthy for sensitive groups, and reached the Mission Valley where air quality sits at unhealthy for sensitive groups. "Due to overhead smoke mixing down to the valley floors, air quality for those near the Colt Fire may get a bit worse this morning before it gets better," Coefield said in the release. However, Coefield said the air quality is expected to get better by Monday afternoon. "The high pressure ridge that caused our hot temperatures these last several days is breaking down and that will create a turbulent atmosphere, which means air will be more capable of moving up and down and shaking it all around. For the short term, this is good, because it means smoke should easily lift out of the valleys by this afternoon and folks should see decent air quality." But, Cofield said there will be heavy winds a significant portion of Monday afternoon and a lot of Tuesday. A red flag warning is in place over the Colt Fire, with winds picking up over the course of Monday from the south, southwest and west. Coefield said fire activity and a big column of smoke is expectedfast winds may be heading towards the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Smoke is expected to impact the Highway 83 corridor, and northwest breezes are expected to push smoke to Seeley and Salmon lakes. Southerly winds are likely to spread the fire north bringing more overnight smoke into the Swan Valley, Coefield said. In Missoula, Frenchtown, Lolo, air quality improving is based on how the weather affects the fires in Idaho. "One of the smoke models thinks the Little Bear Fire is going to get feisty and send smoke to Lolo. The Little Bear Fire has been slowly fiddling around in a previously burned over area, but based on heat detections, it has started picking up acreage. It may see enough wind and activity today to send smoke our way, so keep an eye out," Coefield said. The Little Bear Fire has been increasing acreage, and there may be enough wind to push smoke towards the Missoula area. Coefield said the general haze throughout Missoula County is due to fires burning in the region and is fluctuating air quality from good to moderate Monday morning; but, Coefield said the air quality should not be a huge worry by Monday afternoon. UPDATE, JULY 23: Another 500 acres have been burned by the Colt Fire overnight Saturday, making the fire a total of 1,575 acres in size. As of Sunday afternoon, containment on the fire is still at 0% and the fire is active on all sides. Brent Olsons Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the fire Sunday morning and additional fire personnel and equipment have been arriving and are being integrated into fire operations. The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Monday, July 24. The Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 1 warns that hot, dry, and windy conditions may lead to critical fire weather conditions on existing or new fires. The Missoula County Sheriffs Office have issued the following evacuation warnings and evacuation orders: Residences on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under Evacuation Order Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under Evacuation Warning. USFS has issued emergency closures of Rainy Lake Campground and the main Lake Alva Campground and Lakeside at Alva Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order The Red Cross shelter at the Ovando church is going on standby. If you are evacuated due to the Colt Fire and need shelter, you can call the Red Cross at (406) 2151514. The following are the planned actions for Sunday according to the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 1: Crews will work on clearing vegetation along the Colt and Beaver Creek Roads to improve fuel break areas. On the south and east areas of the fire, personnel and crews will be looking for direct and indirect opportunities to prepare containment lines and fuel breaks. Direct and indirect fire suppression tactics will be assessed and prepared to be implemented as fire conditions allow. Structure protection assessments and preparations will continue. As new crews arrive, they will be safely orientated to the fire area and begin working where safe to do so. Firefighter and public safety are the number one priority as this fire response transitions into longer duration suppression work. Air resources will be used as needed to slow fire spread and cool down areas of heat. UPDATE, JULY 22 AT 5:00 PM: An evacuation warning has been issued for residents on the east side of Lake Inez, specifically those residences on Beargrass Ln. and West Lake Way. Residents are being warned that due to the possibility of rapidly changing conditions, an evacuation order may be issued with no prior warning. The Missoula County Sheriffs Office is asking people to not stop along Highway 83 for the safety of firefighters and first responders. Missoula County 911 reports that the Red Cross shelter at the Ovando church is on standby due to lack of demand. If you are evacuated due to the Colt Fire and need shelter, you can call the Red Cross at (406) 2151514. UPDATE, JULY 22 AT 10:38 AM: Overnight, the Colt Fire has grown to about 1,000 acres as active fire behavior continues on all sides. Predicted burning conditions anticipate the fire to continue to grow, the Montana DNRC reported. Ground crews are continuing to perform structure protection northeast of the fire while aviation resources continue suppression efforts by cooling hotspots and slowing the fires rate of spread. An Evacuation Order is still in place for residents along Highway 83, between mile marker 27 and 31(Rainy Lake to Summit Lake). An evacuation warning has also been issued for residents along Highway 83, between mile marker 15.5 and 27. Those evacuated due to the fire can go to a Red Cross shelter that has been set up at the Blackfoot Community Bible Church in Ovando at 209 Birch St.. A Complex Incident Management Team will be inbriefed Saturday to assume command of the fire Sunday. Multiple aviation resources including four CL415 super scoopers,one very large air tanker, and multiple large air tankers. Fire managers are using all available tools to suppress the, for lives, homes, property. People are being reminded to not fly drones while crews are working on a fire after a drone incursion happened in the area Friday. It is a criminal misdemeanor in Montana to fly drones that interfere with fire suppression efforts, with a fine of up to $1,500 and the potential of being charged with firefighting costs. According to the Montana DNRC, the following are the planned actions for Saturday: Crews will continue working along Colt Road, clearing vegetation, and creating a stronger fuel break. Engine crews will continue structure assessment in the Summit Lake housing area. Incoming resources will start clearing vegetation along the Beaver Creek Rd. Aviation resources will continue suppression efforts by cooling hotspots and slowing the fires rate of spread. The Missoula CityCounty Health Department is donating air purifiers to daycare, nursing homes and community businesses as the fire season begins. UPDATE, JULY 21 AT 6:00 PM: Red Cross has been contacted and is working to secure a location for those evacuated by the Colt Fire, according to the Missoula County Sheriff's Office. If you have questions, you may contact them at 1800REDCROSS or, in Montana, at 4062151514. UPDATE, JULY 21 AT 3:45 PM: Residents along Highway 83, between mile marker 27 and mile marker 31 (Rainy Lake to Summit Lake) have been ordered to immediately leave the area. The Missoula County Sheriff's Office is reporting incident conditions present an immediate threat to people in the area. For evacuation information, you can call 2584636. UPDATE, JULY 21: An evacuation warning has been issued for residents along Highway 83, between mile marker 27 and mile marker 31 (Rainy Lake to Summit Lake) due to the Colt Fire. The Missoula County Sheriff's Office is warning the conditions can change quickly and that if fire activity increases, emergency personnel may not be able to make personal notifications. InciWeb is reporting the Colt Fire grew to about 200 acres Friday due to late afternoon fire conditions. Crews reengaged the fire Friday morning after having to back off due to the increased activity. A Complex Incident Management Team has been ordered to manage the fire and will be debriefed Saturday and take formal control of the fire Sunday. As of Friday afternoon, the fire is not contained and is active. SEELEY LAKE, Mont. - A 15 acre fire is burning in dense timber northwest of Seeley Lake. The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation reports the Colt Fire was detected July 18 and is burning about 15 miles northwest of Seeley Lake. It was reportedly started by lightning. At this time, the fire is on land managed by the Lolo National Forest but under Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation fire protection and is currently 0% contained. Firefighters are working the perimeter of the fire with chainsaws to create a break in fuels (saw line)and finding success with aerial resources committed to the fire. No structures are threatened and no evacuations are in place, however, the public is being told to avoid the Beaver Lake and Colt Lake areas where crews are actively working. The next generation of arable farmers are being encouraged to apply for the Cereals Development Programme, offering in-depth knowledge of the sector. The NFU's programme, which was launched at last month's Cereals event, aims to enhance farmers' knowledge of the arable sector. Members of the union aged between 25 and 35 can now apply, which will run from November 2023 until February 2024. Successful applicants will attend a number of events and visits which will provide an insight into a variety of aspects of the combinable crops sector. This will include growing, grain marketing, plant breeding and policy making. The programme is operated in partnership with the seed, fertiliser and grain cooperative Openfield, and organised with CDP Chair Richard Heady, who was elected from the previous cohort. He said: The CDP was a great opportunity to meet like-minded farmers. It gave me the confidence to market my own grain, a better understanding of current farming issues, and led me into further roles within the NFU. This years programme will follow a similar format to previous years, and includes visits to both the NFU and Openfield headquarters as well as a trip to Westminster to take a tour around parliament. Industry visits to Portbury Docks, Moy Park and the John Innes Centre will also be included, as well as some new trips which are being planned for this year. Programme members will also hear from guest speakers from across the industry. Previous participants in the CDP have gone on to become both regional and national Crops Board members, as well as wider industry leaders and NFU officeholders. To apply, farmers should email their CV along with a covering letter explaining why they'd like to be part of the programme. The deadline for applications is 31 July 2023. Dubai Investments, a leading investment company, and E20 Investment, an agribusiness investment firm, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop 3,750 hectares of agricultural land in Angola. E20 Investment, specialises in investing in and operating farms and processing facilities across the globe, with a particular focus on Europe, Central Asia, and Africa. The company brings a wealth of knowledge from various corners of the world, highlighting international expertise in the agricultural industry. The MoU is focused on the development of a vast area of leased out land located in Angola and the project's objective is to cultivate rice and avocado crops, leveraging Angola's fertile soil and favorable climate conditions to achieve substantial yields. Agricultural hub Over the course of 18 months, the joint venture aims to transform the land into a thriving agricultural hub, resulting in a projected production of 28,000 tonnes of rice and 5,500 tonnes (peak production) of avocados. Khalid Bin Kalban, Vice Chairman and CEO, Dubai Investments, said: "Through this collaboration, along with the overall development of the area, the Group aims to contribute to Angola's food security which will support in enhancing the country's agricultural productivity while generating economic value for all stakeholders involved. E20 Investment brings extensive experience in managing large-scale agricultural projects, ensuring the implementation of cutting-edge technologies and sustainable farming practices. Their expertise will be instrumental in maximising the project's efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Ideal extension Dubai Investments is already investing in the Angolan market with the ongoing development of the Dubai Investments Park (DIP) Angola. This project is an ideal extension highlighting the Groups calibre in creating highly successful mixed-use development parks like the Dubai Investments Park model in the UAE. DIP Angola is envisioned as a successor to the proven DIP model on an international stage and in a lucrative market like Africa, added Kalban. "The Dubai Investments and E20 Investment MoU represents a significant step towards promoting agricultural development in Angola, fostering economic diversification, and nurturing a sustainable future. It reflects our dedication to investing in sustainable agribusiness opportunities globally. By combining our expertise with Dubai Investments' vast network and resources, we are confident in our ability to create a successful agricultural project in Angola that will contribute to the country's economic growth and employment opportunities. Both companies are committed to executing this project with the highest standards of professionalism, environmental responsibility, and social impact, said Sultan Al Jaberi, CEO of E20 Investment.-- TradeArabia News Service Christopher Nolan thinks it would be an amazing privilege to direct a James Bond film but only if he could choose the 007 star. Christopher Nolan thinks it would be an amazing privilege to direct a James Bond film but only if he could choose the 007 star The Oppenheimer director, 52, whose blockbusters include The Dark Night Trilogy as well as Interstellar and Dunkirk has previously been in talks with Bond producers, and has now said he would be willing to make one of the spy movies if it felt like the right moment creatively. He told the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz: It would be an amazing privilege to do one. It has to be the right moment in your creative life where you can express what you want to express. I love those movies. The influence of those movies on my filmography is embarrassingly apparent. Host Josh, 47, asked Christopher: I would imagine youd want to be involved in casting your Bond? with the filmmaker replying: You wouldnt want to take on a film not fully committed to what you could bring to the table creatively. So as a writer, casting director, everything its the full package. Daniel Craig, 55, stepped down as Bond after 2021s No Time to Die and there has been rabid speculation since its release about who is going to be the new 007. Soe of Christophers favourite stars including Oppenheimer lead man Cillian Murphy, 47, and The Dark Knight Rises star Tom Hardy, 45, have been named as bookies top picks to step into the part along with the latest Batman star Robert Pattinson, 37, who featured in Christophers mind-bending time travel film Tenet. Christopher was approached to make the next 007 film following the release of Skyfall, but the follow-up Spectre ended up being directed by 57-year-old American Beauty filmmaker Sam Mendes. Two years after the 2015 film, Christopher revealed he could maybe one day get involved in the franchise. Cillian Murphy insists his sex scenes with Florence Pugh in Oppenheimer are not gratuitous. Cillian Murphy insists his sex scenes with Florence Pugh in Oppenheimer are not gratuitous The 47-year-old actor obsessively lost weight to play the part of the father of the atomic bomb, J Robert Oppenheimer, in Christopher Nolans epic biopic on hre scientists life, and is seen bedding Florences real-life psychiatrist character in the film. Cillian told the Sydney Morning Herald about how his on-screen romps with the 27-year-old actress are so f****** powerful: Those scenes were written deliberately. (Christopher) knew that those scenes would get the movie the rating that it got. And I think when you see it, its so f****** powerful. And theyre not gratuitous. Theyre perfect. And Florence is just amazing. Florence plays Communist Party member Jean Tatlock in the film, which also shows Oppenheimers marriage to wife Katherine Kitty Oppenheimer, played by Emily Blunt, 40. The sex scenes have earned the movie a 15 rating in cinemas due to what censors have called infrequent nudity and sexual content. Peaky Blinders star Cillian who has two sons with his wife Yvonne McGuinness, 50, who he married in 2004 added about Midsommar actress Florence: I have loved Florences work since Lady Macbeth and I think shes f****** phenomenal. She has this presence as a person and on screen that is staggering. The impact she has (in Oppenheimer) for the size of the role, its quite devastating. Director Christopher, 52, has admitted he was appropriately nervous and appropriately careful while making Oppenheimer, which saw his first effort at shooting sex scenes. He told Insider: Any time youre challenging yourself to work in areas you havent worked in before, you should be appropriately nervous and appropriately careful and planned and prepared. When you look at Oppenheimers life and you look at his story, that aspect of his life, the aspect of his sexuality, his way with women, the charm that he exuded, its an essential part of his story. Kevin Hart is thrilled to see Jamie Foxx "in good spirits" following his recent health struggles. Kevin Hart has sent a supportive message to Jamie Foxx The 55-year-old actor was taken to hospital in April after suffering a "medical complication", and Kevin has taken to social media to offer Jamie some words of support after he addressed the issue in an Instagram video. In response, Kevin said on the photo-sharing platform: "This video just warmed my soul. Foxx you are needed man. We love you and we are forever with you. So glad to see my brother and so glad to see that you are in good spirits (sic)" Reese Witherspoon has also offered her support to the Hollywood actor. The 47-year-old star wrote: "Oh Jamie ! So happy to see your light shining so BRIGHT!! You are so loved and appreciated [stars emojis] (sic)" Meanwhile, Will Smith said: "Awww Man!! Whos cuttin onions?? Love U Foxx!! Your Light Is Needed n Appreciated Right Now! (sic)" Jamie recently took to social media to address his health struggles. The actor said in a video message: "First of all, I want to say thank you to everybody thats prayed and sent me messages. "I cannot even begin to tell you how far [the health problem] took me and how it brought me back. I went through something that I thought I would never, ever go through. "I know a lot of people were waiting and wanting to hear updates but, to be honest with you, I just didnt want you to see me like that. "I want you to see me laughing, having a good time, partying and cracking a joke, doing a movie [or] television show. I didnt want you to see me with tubes running out of me and trying to figure out if I was going to make it through." Jamie didn't discuss the specific details of his medical problem. However, he rubbished speculation that he was paralysed or blind. He added: "I went to hell and back, and my road to recovery had some potholes as well, but Im coming back and Im able to work." Sigourney Weaver believes she avoided Hollywood abuse as she was nearly 30 when she found fame. Sigourney Weaver believes she avoided Hollywood abuse as she was nearly 30 when she found fame The Alien actress, 73, is about to be seen in Amazon Primes seven-part series The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, adapted from Holly Ringlands book of the same name, and which tells how a group of women come together to heal from grief, domestic abuse and trauma through the language of flowers. Sigourney told the Sunday Times when asked how she avoided the rampant abuse in the film business before the Me Too movement: By the time I was famous I was 28, so I managed to avoid the vulnerable time. I think that Lost Flowers coming in the wake of #MeToo has even more relevance and power. I was very grateful to do a project that focuses on domestic abuse. Statistics in the US are terrible because we have all these guns and so many domestic incidents involve guns. Sigourney also told how she has spent years working in human rights, particularly on womens issues. She plays matriarch June Hart I Lost Flowers, which she shot in four months in Australia during Covid. Her husband of 38 years, the theatre director Jim Simpson, has been by her side throughout her long career, with the couple marrying in 1984 five years after the release of Alien. Sigourney previously told The Hollywood Reporter: What has been accomplished with #MeToo is such an important step in the battle for equality in the workplace. I think actually nowadays, women, in my opinion, do try to help each other. Theres a greater sense of sisterhood. When I was in college we really thought we would get equality in the constitution. Were still waiting! The three-time Academy Award nominated actress added: What were against is the abuse of power sexual exploitation towards people who are more vulnerable. Its very clear for us in America, except for a few holdouts. She also said she was very lucky to have started out acting in the theatre as it meant she was working with mostly gay playwrights that I knew from drama school, and gay producers, so no one was interested in me. Sigourney added: Then I made Alien, which was basically my first film, and no one came near me. They were so afraid Id yank out a flamethrower, and I think I was already too old for them to take advantage of me. Sofia Vergara is said to be living her best life in the wake of her split from actor Joe Manganiello. Sofia Vergara is said to be living her best life in the wake of her split from actor Joe Manganiello The Modern Family actress, 51, got hitched to 46-year-old Joe in a lavish, star-studded Palm Beach ceremony in November 2015 in front of 400 guests, but the couple have said they are making the difficult decision to split. An insider told Page Six about Sofias life after the split: Sofias living her best life. Shes spending time with her friends after being stifled in a relationship with a largely unsupportive partner. Sofia was always there to take care of Joe, while his career was never what it was when they met. I think hes been threatened by her success and joie de vivre. Sofia and Joe said in a statement about their split: We have made the difficult decision to divorce. As two people that love and care for one another very much, we politely ask for respect of our privacy at this time as we navigate this new phase of our lives. Sofia, who has a 31-year-old son named Manolo with first husband Joe Gonzalez, is currently celebrating her 51st birthday in Italy with friends, without Joe or her wedding ring, according to Page Six. A source told the outlet: Sofia and Joe have been growing apart for a while now and are taking some distance from each other to contemplate their future. The couple was last seen together last month in Hoboken, New Jersey, as Sofia visited actor Joe on the set of his new project Nonnas. Sofia has since posted a string of sexy selfies online as she lives it up on her extended birthday bash. One of her captions said: When life gives u lemons u come to Italy to squeeze them. Another source told Page Six: At the start of Sofias big birthday trip those close to her were explaining away Joes absence with the excuse that he was busy filming back on the East Coast; that excuse barely held up due to the writers strike, but once the actors strike took effect, he could have been on the first flight and he quite clearly is not. So now no one out there with her is even attempting to pretend that its not over. Its over. Its done. Celebrity guests at the pairs wedding included Sofias Modern Family co-stars Ariel Winter, Ed ONeill, Eric Stonestreet, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Julie Bowen, Sarah Hyland and Ty Burrell, as well as Joes True Blood co-stars Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer. Reese Witherspoon and Channing Tatum were also in attendance. The pair met through the actress former co-star Jesse Tyler at the White House Correspondents Association dinner in 2014, when she was engaged to businessman Nick Loeb. Manganiello asked for the actress number a few weeks later when she split with Loeb. He told People magazine in 2020: I knew pretty quickly that I could trust her, and she knew pretty quickly that she could trust me. And were both the kind of people who are capable of putting the other person ahead of ourselves. I was capable of putting her wishes ahead of mine, whatever they were, and she was capable of doing the same. Once you have that, you dont let go of it. Bangladesh's export to India can grow by 300 per cent if it can fetch just 1 per cent of Indias total imports, according to the International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh (ICCB). Despite huge potential, India-Bangladesh bilateral trade was worth only $11 billion in fiscal 2021-22, out of which export from Bangladesh to India was worth mere $1.27 billion, ICCB mentioned in its quarterly news bulletin for April-June this year. Bangladesh's export to India can grow by 300 per cent if it can fetch just 1 per cent of India's total imports, according to the International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh. South Asia is one of the least integrated regions in terms of trade and people-to-people contact and intra-regional trade now stands at just one-fifth of its trade potential, it noted. The World Bank estimates that the countrys exports to India could rise by 182 per cent from the current level if the countries implement a free trade agreement. Improving transport connectivity between the two sides could increase exports even further, yielding a 297 per cent rise. South Asia is one of the least integrated regions in the world in terms of trade and people-to-people contact and intra-regional trade now stands at just one-fifth of its trade potential, ICCB noted. An electricity market of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal would save an estimated $17 billion in capital costs. However, opportunities for growth through regional trade remain largely untapped in the region and intra-regional trade in South Asia remains much below the actual potential. At present, regional trade in South Asia accounts for only 5 per cent of estimated $23 billion in trade flow; well below the potential trade of $67 billion. In contrast, the ratio of trade in other regions are 50 per cent for East Asia, 26 per cent for ASEAN, 67 per cent for the European Union, 62 per cent for NAFTA, and 22 per cent for LAC and COMESA. Bangladesh and other countries in the region trade on better terms with distant economies than with their neighbours, the report added. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) Indonesia and the United Kingdom yesterday held the second Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) meeting to boost bilateral trade, worth 3.5 billion a year. UK minister for international trade Nigel Huddleston and Indonesia's vice minister of trade Jerry Sambuaga agreed to establish a working group on digital economy and develop renewable energy opportunitiestwo areas of key interest for UK businesses, an official UK government release said. Indonesia's economy is projected to reach the world's top ten by 2035 and turn the seventh largest by 2050. JETCO was launched in 2022 to help promote and develop trade. Indonesia and the UK yesterday held the second Joint Economic and Trade Committee meeting to boost bilateral trade, worth 3.5 billion a year and up by 33 per cent in current prices last year on the previous year. Both sides agreed to set up a working group on digital economy and develop renewable energy opportunitiestwo areas of key interest for UK firms. The UK is the second largest exporter of services in the world and the majority of these were delivered by digital means. Easing digital trade could unleash growth in UK services exports, already worth 658 million to Indonesia last year, Huddleston said. In discussions today, Minister Huddleston also highlighted opportunities for increased collaboration in areas such as food and drink, agriculture, education services, Indonesia's energy transition, legal services and fintech. Indonesia's increasingly tech-savvy population and a growing middle class make it an incredibly attractive market for UK businesses. The UK-ASEAN Business Council [UKABC] is committed to supporting the growth of the UK-Indonesia trading relationship, by working with both governments to promote the tremendous number of trade and investment opportunities it has to offer, UKABC chair Edward Henry Butler Vaizey said. UKABC provides awareness on the latest opportunities in the region and facilitates trade and investment content delivery for UK companies looking to expand their operations into markets across Southeast Asia. Annual bilateral trade between the UK and Indonesia is growing, with trade up by 33 per cent in current prices last year on the previous year. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) Oppenheimer Sparks Outrage: Christopher Nolan's latest offering Oppenheimer was released in theatres on July 21 amid massive buzz. The film was deemed a Hollywood blockbuster and has garnered widespread attention and accolades since its release. Oppenheimer, the film, which explores the life of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb made a humongous opening in India and raked in Rs 13.50 crores at the India box-office. However, amidst the movie's commercial success, a scene involving the recitation of the Bhagavad Gita during a sex scene has ignited a wave of controversy. Media reports suggest that the scene in question features a woman making a man recite verses from the sacred Hindu scripture, Bhagavad Gita, during an intimate moment. The scene has garnered massive outrage with netizens criticising the filmmakers as well as the censor board for cutting the use of Gita during the scene. It is to note that the visuals in the scene were toned down while retaining the reference to the Bhagavad Gita, while the film was released in India. A Twitterati wrote, "I was planning to go today, but then I saw viral scenes in movie on Geeta, then I decided to not go." Another user wrote, "Hindus have been celebrating the mention of the Bhagwad Gita in the Oppenheimer movie, but they are left angry and perplexed at the blatant disrespect of the Gita by Hollywood. Mentioning holy verses while having sex is considered disrespectful and racist." "There is no historical evidence that J Robert #Oppenheimer used to receive Bhagvad Geeta Paath lessons from his sex-partners during sex. Woke Hollywood has no reason to give any more value to Geeta than a petty prop. But why is Bharat so comfortable with this?," wrote a third user. Earlier, Save Culture Save India Foundation, led by Uday Mahurkar, shared a press release condemning the scene. Mahurkar expressed concern and demanded immediate action from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B). MOVIE OPPENHEIMERS ATTACK ON BHAGWAD GEETA Press Release of Save Culture Save India Foundation Date: July 22, 2023 It has come to the notice of Save Culture Save India Foundation that the movie Oppenheimer which was released on 21st July contains scenes which make a scathing pic.twitter.com/RmJI0q9pXi Uday Mahurkar (@UdayMahurkar) July 22, 2023 Meanwhile, Oppenheimer marks Christopher Nolan's first movie to receive an R-rating, while the Indian censor board granted the film a U/A rating after the makers voluntarily shortened specific shots of the sex scenes. These alterations were done owing to the uncertainty of whether the censor board would approve the scene as it originally stood. Police Seize Vinayakan's Phone: Actor Vinayakan's phone, seized by the police, will undergo forensic examination as part of the investigation into his alleged social media insult directed at the late former Chief Minister of Kerala, Oommen Chandy. Kanguva's Glimpse Leaves Fans Awestruck: Suriya's Warrior Avatar Impresses All! The police conducted the seizure at Vinayakan's flat in Kaloor during a recent visit and discovered that he had used the phone for a Facebook live session. Vinayakan reportedly stated that his remark was made in the heat of the moment. Based on a thorough analysis of his statement, the police will decide on further actions to be taken. The case has been registered against Vinayakan on charges of speaking provocatively and disrespecting a deceased person. While Oommen Chandy's funeral procession was underway, Vinayakan's social media post sparked numerous complaints, leading to the case's initiation by the Ernakulam North Police. The charges against him are bailable offences. One of the complainants, Sanal Nediyathara, staged a one-man protest in front of the police station, demanding Vinayakan's arrest. However, Oommen Chandy's son, Chandy Oommen, expressed that there is no need to pursue legal action against Vinayakan, as he did not personally hear the remark. Chandy Oommen emphasised that the public's perception of Oommen Chandy remains unaffected by such statements. In the aftermath of the incident, Youth Congress workers staged a protest outside Vinayakan's residence in Kaloor. In response, Vinayakan lodged a complaint with the police, alleging that the activists had attacked his residence and shattered the windows of the flat. The police are investigating this claim. Additionally, Malayalam cinema organisations are reportedly considering action against Vinayakan, even though he is not a member of the star organisation AMMA. Vinayakan's Controversial Remarks: Widespread Protests Erupt After Facebook Live Session The controversy erupted when actor Vinayakan made abusive remarks against the late Oommen Chandy, who passed away on July 18th. During a Facebook Live session, Vinayakan questioned the public holiday and mourning for the former Chief Minister, triggering widespread protests. "Who is this Oommen Chandy? Why a public holiday for three days? I am asking the media to stop and go. My father died, and your father also died. What should we do about it? Even if you think Oommen Chandy is good, I don't think so. If we look at Karunakaran's case, don't we all know who he was?" said Vinayakan in his Facebook Live. Mohanlal Extends Heartfelt Cheers To Kerala State Film Award Winners: Special Love To My Ichakka! Subsequently, The actor pulled the post after the video became a big discussion on social media. However, by then, the video had been widely shared on social media and had drawn severe criticism. Regarding the 150 years of diplomatic relations between #Japan and #Peru, our Peruvian cuisine is part of the menu in elementary schools and high schools in this country. Look how they enjoy our #LomoSaltado and our nutritious #Quinoa! ????????#MarcaPeru #SuperFoodsPeru pic.twitter.com/P8koTKHaKr Anupamaa Twist: Since its debut in 2020, the family drama Anupamaa, starring Rupali Ganguly opposite Gaurav Khanna and produced by Rajan Shahi, has captured the hearts of fans. Continuously dominating the TRP charts, the show has kept viewers engaged and entertained. The makers have been working tirelessly to further enhance the show's popularity. With talented actors like Sagar Parekh, Madalsa Sharma, Sudhanshu Pandey, Nidhi Shah, and Ashish Mehrtota playing significant roles, Anupamaa currently centers around Anupama ditching Malti Devi at the last moment by refusing to go to the US with her. She took the decision for the sake of Choti Anu who's going through a rough phase after Maya's death. However, an irked Malti Devi has now decided to take revenge on Anupama. Amid all this, the latest promo of Anupamaa has left loyal viewers shocked. AFTER MAYA, SAMAR TO DIE IN RUPALI GANGULY'S ANUPAMAA? Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin Star Bhavika Sharma Feeling Burdened After Replacing Ayesha Singh? Actress REACTS Anupamaa: Wondering Why Devika Aka Jaswir Kaur Is Missing From Rupali Ganguly's Show? Actress Breaks Silence In the recent promo, Toshu is seen revealing that Samar is dead. Yes, you read that right! In the clip, viewers witness Anupama's evident concern as she arrives at the Shah house searching for Samar. However, her inquiries remain unanswered as a sense of tragedy has struck Samar, leaving everyone in sorrow. When Anupama turns to Toshu for answers about Samar's whereabouts, he delivers the shocking news that Samar is no longer with them in this world, leaving Anupama utterly stunned. Sagar Parekh, who essays the role of Samar in Anupamaa, has finally opened up about the rumours regarding the death of his popular character and hinted that the makers are planning for a huge twist. ANUPAMAA: SAMAR IS NOT DYING IN THE SHOW Talking to India Forums, Sagar said, "There is a lot of twist coming in the story. I can't reveal much detail as of now, but all I can say is something interesting will come up which will shock everyone." A source also informed the portal that Samar is not dying in Anupamaa and will continue to be a prominent part of the top-rated Star Plus show. Keep watching this space for more updates! A female student from Afghanistan pursuing a PhD in the Public Administration Department at Lucknow University faced suspension due to alleged indiscipline on the campus. The Lucknow University proctor office issued the suspension notice on Saturday after the student was found to have engaged in shady activities. According to the investigation, the student misused the government ID of an Indian girl studying at the university to get phone numbers which she later used for stalking and creating fake ids on social media. According to reports, she used the phone number to mentally harass another student from Afghanistan who was pursuing her BCA degree. Both of them were residing as roommates in the Nivedita girls hostel on the university campus, previously. The conflict between the two students led the PhD scholar to take pictures and videos of the BCA student, which she then used to create a fake Instagram account. Using this fake account, she posted inappropriate messages in Persian, tagging the victims family members in the posts. A senior official from Lucknow University revealed, The Indian student had entrusted her government ID to the Afghan research scholar to assist her. However, the scholar misused it to obtain a SIM card in her name and subsequently created a fraudulent social media profile for the victim, uploading explicit content. Upon receiving a complaint from the victim, the proctors office investigated the matter and confirmed the allegations against the Afghan research scholar. Consequently, she was suspended and issued a show cause notice. University officials also discovered that she had used the acquired SIM card to harass other girls. The chief proctor, Rakesh Dwivedi, stated, The accused girl has been suspended until further inquiry. Her hostel allocation and other university privileges have been revoked, and she is prohibited from entering the campus. Lucknow University has given the PhD student three days to provide a written explanation. Failure to comply within the given timeframe will result in severe actions taken against her, assuming her inability to defend herself against the charges. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will stage a demonstration against crimes against women in Rajasthan, West Bengal, and other states in front of the Gandhi statue on the grounds of the Parliament. The opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), which is also preparing to organise a protest over the Manipur tragedy and call for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the House of Representatives and the discussion, as well as the suspension of all business, has been targeted by the BJP. A second incident involving two tribal women being stripped naked, tormented, and beaten up in West Bengal led to a verbal exchange between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress at the same time the recent Manipur video infuriated the nation. According to BJP sources, there will be a protest by all BJP members in front of the Gandhi statue in Parliament House, which would also include all central ministries. In the meantime, the BJP will bring up the subject of crimes against women and Dalits in Rajasthan, West Bengal, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana. In protest of the violence against women in Bengal, BJP Bengal MPs earlier conducted a sit-in in front of the Gandhi statue on July 20. While the Rajasthan BJP protested on July 21 in front of the Gandhi statue over the horrific murders that had occurred in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, as well as the ongoing violence against women. On Friday, the BJP launched an onslaught, criticising the Trinamool Congress- and Congress-ruled administrations in West Bengal and Rajasthan for their different track records. BJP MP Locket Chatterjee broke down in tears at a press conference, asking whether atrocities against women in these States would only get attention if there were viral videos recording such incidents. Union Minister Gajendra Shekhawat also highlighted similar crimes against women in Rajasthan in a separate press conference. On the other hand the opposition is constantly demanding a discussion in the House regarding the Maniupur violence and the video that has gone viral in Manipur, the manner in which women were tortured there. Moreover, Opposition parties have given notice to discuss the ongoing violence in Manipur in both Houses of the Parliament on Friday, the second day of the Monsoon Session. While in the Lok Sabha the Opposition parties have given notice under Rule 193, in the Rajya Sabha, the Opposition have given notice under Rule 176 and Rule 267. The government, in principle, has agreed to discuss the matter in Lok Sabha under Rule 193 and in Rajya Sabha under Rule 176. Henceforth, floor leaders of the newly formed Opposition alliance the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A) will meet at the office of Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge in Parliament on July 24 to chalk out the strategy for the floor of the House, the sources said on Saturday. The leaders are likely to protest in front of the Gandhi statue on the Manipur issue. The situation in Manipur dominated the proceedings of the second day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which began on Thursday, with the Opposition demanding the Centre to discuss the issue. The Congress and opposition leaders are demanding a statement from the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon session. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Friday faced adjournment for the day on the Manipur issue on Friday. Both Houses could not conduct any substantial business on Thursday and Friday as the Opposition MPs rejected the governments proposal to have a short-duration discussion. (With agency inputs) The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has written to the top officials in the Saharanpur district administration regarding complaints over the teachings in the Darul Uloom Deoband Islamic seminary. According to the commission, complaints have been received against the Darul Uloom Deoband for including objectionable content in the curriculum for children in madrasas. The commission is in receipt of a complaint against the fatwas issued by Darul Uloom Deoband. The fatwa references a book titled Bahishti Zewar. The book contains content regarding children that is objectionable, improper and illegal and the book is also alleged to be taught to children in madrasas, the message by the commission read. After pursuing the complaint and the enclosed content, it was observed that it is completely inappropriate for children and also violates the laws provided for protection of children in the country. Hence the commission finds it absolutely necessary that dissemination of such material be blocked immediately, it added. The commission went on to request the district administration to block access to the Darul Uloom Deoband website and remove the fatwas from the website with immediate effect. According to police, Mumbai Police received a threat call on Sunday claiming that a tanker carrying two Pakistani nationals and RDX had left Mumbai for Goa. A call was received by Mumbai Police Control Room at 1 am about a white tanker filled with RDX has been proceeded from Mumbai to Goa in which two Pakistani nationals are also there, Mumbai Police said. According to the Mumbai Police, the Maharashtra ATS and the Goa Police Control Room were immediately notified. The caller identified himself as Pandey, according to information provided by the police. According to the Mumbai Police, the police have confirmed the area from which the call was made but are currently working to identify the caller. Earlier on July 13, an unidentified person called Mumbai Traffic Police Control Room and threatened to conduct an attack similar to the 26/11 attack. According to Mumbai Police, Mumbai police control room received a threat call yesterday in which the caller threatened the police to prepare for a 26/11 terrorist attack if Pakistani national Seema Haider does not return to Pakistan. (With agency inputs) West Bengal Police is under fire for its alleged inaction and negligence after two tribal women were stripped naked, tortured, and beaten mercilessly by a mob of angry locals in the Pakuahat area of Bamangola Police Station in Malda. Sangita Chakraborty, a Human Rights Defender, has written a letter to Indias National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), urging them to take Suo moto cognizance of the case and register a complaint against the Officer-in-Charge of Bamangola Police Station and some unidentified locals for outraging the modesty of women, sexual abuse, gang beating, and sexual molestation. In her letter, Sangita Chakraborty requested the NHRC to form a delegation team to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation into the matter. She also called for stringent action against the individuals responsible for the gang beating and demanded accountability from the Bamangola Police Station for its negligence and inhumane treatment of the victims. As per Chakraborty, the incident not only highlighted the horrifying abuse faced by the tribal women but also raised serious questions about the rule of law in West Bengal and the role of the police in protecting the citizens. Despite the police station being located within a mere 100 meters from the scene, the police allegedly remained inactive and did not intervene to protect the victims, Chakraborty told Firstpost. Later on, police arrested the women, and without providing any medical care, the police made them sit naked inside the police station, she alleged citing a clear violation of human rights law. Moreover, in a bid to ensure an impartial inquiry, Chakraborty has urged the NHRC not to forward the case to the West Bengal Human Rights Commission, citing their alleged bias towards the State Government and its officials. Over the situation, Chakraborty verbally attacked West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. She said: Mamata Banerjee is so vocal in the Manipur case, why is she silent here in the case of these two poor tribal women? Mamata Banerjee has destroyed Bengal. There is no employment for anyone. There is only lawlessness. The incident, first reported by Firstpost occurred on 19th July 2023, and sparked outrage and demands for immediate action. Primary reports and a viral video of the incident revealed that the two women were apprehended on suspicion of pickpocketing. The angry mob surrounded them and subjected them to a vicious beating, tearing their sarees and stripping them naked in full public view. The horror continues in West Bengal. Two Tribal women were stripped naked, tortured and beaten mercilessly, while police remained a mute spectator in Pakua Hat area of Bamangola Police Station, Malda. The horrific incident took place on the morning of 19th July. The women pic.twitter.com/tyve54vMmg Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) July 22, 2023 The victims tried desperately to protect themselves, but their pleas for help fell on deaf ears as none came forward to intervene. The sixth of July 2023 will be remembered as a historic day for India-Africa education cooperation. On that day, IIT-Madras signed an MoU with the government of Zanzibar to set up the first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus outside India. Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar travelled to Tanzania to witness this landmark moment. Indeed, this is a milestone event demonstrating Indias commitment towards uplifting the Global South, particularly Africa. It has been decided that the campus will be named as IIT Madras at Zanzibar. As the principal partner, IIT Madras will develop the pedagogical elements. In addition, IIT-Madras will also be responsible for the academic programs, curricula, and criteria for selecting students. Finally, the degrees will also be awarded by IIT Madras. For their part, the government of Zanzibar-Tanzania will be responsible for providing the capital and operating costs. The first batch will have 50 undergraduate and 20 masters students. The classes for this batch are expected to commence around October 2023. History of India-Africa educational cooperation India has traditionally prioritised Africa in its foreign policy. And one of the primary components of Indias development relationship with Africa has been education cooperation. Going back in history, the first Prime Minister of independent India, Jawaharlal Nehru, expressed his grave concerns about education in Africa when he said, The whole purpose of our scholarships to African students to come to India must take some positive measures to meet the situation. After Nehru, all the following leaders continued to support Africas educational needs. This becomes palpable from the fact that during the Third India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-3) also, India pledged 50,000 scholarships for African students to pursue their studies in India. India is aware of the value of education in advancing civil society, business, health, defence, and agriculture. India is dedicated to promoting self-reliance and sustainable development in African countries, which can only be done by revitalising the education system following the demands of the population. Towards this goal, India launched India Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) in 1964, marking the beginning of India-Africa educational cooperation. Since, ITEC has been playing a very crucial role in advancing Indias educational partnership with Africa. The ITEC program currently has the largest recipient from Africa. In essence, ITEC is a customised training curriculum based on the micro-level requirements of the project location. To meet the demands of a changing world, the ITEC program and delivery strategy has also evolved over time. For instance, India launched the prototype e-ITEC course for African nations in 2019. Because of the covid-induced lockdown, the popularity of the e-ITEC has soared and still remains high. Over the years, several fresh and innovative studies including big data analytics, urban infrastructure management, WTO-related topics, and solar technology were launched. ITEC has helped India to instil a deep imprint in African minds. Many learners who took ITEC courses have advanced to the top of their respective professions in their respective countries and many of them climbed the social ladders to occupy important positions including becoming ministers. Many Defence Ministry professionals and high government figures of different African countries have participated in ITEC. For instance, Buhari, the outgoing President of Nigeria, attended the Wellington Defense Services Staff College in Tamil Nadu. A P J Abdul Kalam, the former president of India, during his inaugural speech to the African Parliament in Johannesburg on 16 September 2004, urged all African Union members to connect with Indian institutions via a satellite and fibre-optic network. Accordingly, the Pan African e-Network Project (PANEP) was conceived and formally launched in 2009. PANEP has immensely contributed to the development of tele-education and telemedicine across Africa. The project has been commissioned in 47 countries, and Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) has been working as the nodal agency in its implementation. In 2019, PANEP was remodelled as EVAB (e-Vidyabharati and e-Arogya Bharati). Way ahead Hundreds of students from Africa come to India every year. They receive degrees in various disciplines, from sciences, law, medical sciences, agriculture, veterinary and social sciences, and later serve in their home countries in different capacities. Currently, India features among the top five overseas destinations for African students. About 25,000 African students are presently studying in 500 universities in India. While the connection between the two continents has always been positive, the current Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has shown unprecedented assertiveness in extending Indias robust partnership with Africa. Indias education cooperation with Africa has a lot of potential. With world-class higher-education institutions and global education brands like IITs and IIMs, India is well-positioned to assist Africa in developing higher education infrastructure and skill development. As a matter of fact, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 of India strongly recommends internationalisation of Indian education and encourages top-performing Indian universities to establish campuses abroad. Indeed, these overseas campuses would help provide state-of-the-art programs to draw students from various African nations. It also fits well with Indias objective to help African students achieve their educational goals and further the continents technological advancement. Indias efforts to bring world-class education to Africa are expected to have a far-reaching impact on the continent. With access to the best education opportunities and facilities available, this will pave the way for a brighter future for students across the continent. Moreover, this will positively impact the local economy, attracting investments and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Its time for Africa Despite its reputation as a continent afflicted by poverty, civil strife, famine, and corruption, Africa has emerged as a new centre of growth for the world, with its ability for consumption, given the creation of a middle class and capital absorption. Africas GDP has grown three-fold in the last two decades, placing it second only to Asia. During the last two decades, many African countries witnessed rapid growth. Demographically, Africas median age at present is 19, which is the strongest pillar of human resources. Hence, Africa needs better education and employment opportunities for its youth across the continent. Yet, there are a large number of African youths who have only received primary education or no education, raising concerns for African policymakers. The road to the future wont be smooth. Africa needs to address several challenges simultaneously, such as access to higher education, funding challenges, the growing influence of private higher education institutions in Africa, governance and autonomy issues, management difficulties, gender (including the access of women to higher education and the challenges they face as students and academic staff) and brain drain. Under the umbrella of South-South cooperation, India could become the key partner for Africa to resolve these challenges towards realising its aspirations and assist in future academic development. Many question whether the statement its time for Africa is practical. Judging by the buzz and optimism from youths across the continent, the answer is clearly affirmative. However, the way the continents leaders manage their demographic dividend will largely determine whether or not the future will belong to Africa. No matter what, Africas ambition curve is rising, and it is time for India to take its engagement with the continent in higher education and skill development to the next level. A demand-driven strategy that prioritises needs at the local level will be the most crucial factor in this regard. The writer is a Senior Research Associate with the Vivekananda International Foundation and doctoral scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru University. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Grays Inn in London is not a hotel. Founded in the 14th Century, it is one of the four ancient Inns of Court where English barristers are called to the bar. It counts among its distinguished alumni Thomas Cromwell, Francis Bacon, at least five Archbishops of Canterburyand most famous of all, Indias own B.R. Ambedkar. In 2021, Grays Inn unveiled a portrait of Ambedkar, which they installed in their public events room, which they renamed the Ambedkar Room in his honour. As well they might. Any institution that can take credit for the legal education of the father of the Indian Constitution very well should. But Ambedkar was not the first prominent Indian independence leader to study at Grays Inn. That honour goes to V D Veer Savarkar. Only Savarkar was never called to the bar. Instead, he was accused of condoning assassination and inciting revolution (true and true), and thus passed over. Savarkar was arrested for sedition soon afterward, deported for trial in India, and ultimately sentenced to 50 years hard labour in the Andamans. He ultimately served 10 years at Cellular Jail, followed by another 16 years of imprisonment and house arrest. Grays Inn has no monument to Savarkar. Instead, he is listed on the Inns web page for members of the Inn remembered more for some misfortune, injustice or scandal than for their legal distinction. It seems that Grays Inn would rather not be associated with Savarkar. Its not that Londons Inns of Court have any aversion to association with revolutionaries. Lincolns Inn has hung a portrait of Jinnah since 1965, and has a hagiographic web page dedicated to him. The Middle Temple honours Sardar Patel as one of its Famous Middle Templars. And of course the Inner Temple devotes an entire section of its website to Mahatma Gandhi. But Savarkar was different, and in two ways. First, he not only advocated, but directly participated in armed insurrection against British rule. And second, he is the only one of these five titans of history who has not been unequivocally embraced by his own country. It would be one thing if the Indians who disparage the memory of Savarkar condemned him for his revolutionary activities, disavowing his rejection of Gandhian nonviolence. It can fairly be said of Savarkar that he was a terrorist, at least in his younger years, and in later years he tirelessly promoted military training for Hindu Indians. But thats not what Savarkars critics object to. Instead, they endlessly recycle pleas for mercy written by a 27-year-old who had been sentenced to fifty years of torture, including months of solitary confinement, days-long shackling in stress positions, and random beatings by unaccountable prison guards. After 28 months of hard labour under these conditions in the jungle heat of Port Blair, he wrote with remarkable fluency that he was ready to serve the Government in any capacity they like, for as my (Savarkars) conversion is conscientious so I (Savarkar) hope my (Savarkars) future conduct would be. Few of us know how long we would bear up under years of torture. What we do know is that Savarkar was the only one of Indias major independence leaders to be set to hard labour, and that he returned to covert revolutionary activities the moment he was released. It seems clear that his conversion from violent revolutionary to loyal subject was purely tactical, and no more than skin deep. So should Savarkar be honoured with the prefix veer (brave), and should he be honoured with a place at Grays Inn? His bravery was tested in ways that few barristers have ever had to endure, and having lived through a decade of torture, he repeatedly risked a return to Port Blair in his pursuit of revolutionary goals. It might be reasonable to condemn Savarkar as a terrorist; it is ridiculous to malign him as a coward. As for Grays Inn, their website already honours 17th century regicides, 18th century revolutionaries, and 19th century imperialists. Whether or not they want to find space for a 20th century freedom fighter is up to them. But after missing an opportunity to make history by calling Veer Savarkar to the bar in 1909, they might consider taking the opportunity to correct history by remembering him with a portrait in 2023. In light of Savarkars long-term collaboration with Ambedkar in the cause of eliminating untouchability, they might even hang it in the Ambedkar Room. The writer is an associate professor at the University of Sydney and the executive director of the Indian Century Roundtable. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Mughal cuisine has been so debased by its popularity and later additions of masala and grease that it is not surprising other culinary traditions that sprang up in geographical proximity tend to consciously disassociate themselves from it now. The broadly Awadhi cuisines of Lucknow, Faizabad and Mahmudabad, not to mention Rampur and Jaunpur, take great pains to separate their heritage from it and emphasise other linkages, from Central Asia to Persia to Yemen. The nawabs, rajas and taluqdars who survived the decline of the Mughal empire and forged advantageous ties the rising East India Company in the late 18th centuryonly to oppose its final power grab in the mid-19thleft behind a legacy that is identifiably different what is considered Mughlai today. And Indias palate becomes more inquisitive and appreciative, the timing is just right for all expressions of Muslim micro-culinary traditions to showcase their food. A week ago in Kolkata, I tasted a light-as-air, aromatic yakhni pulao and chicken chaanp made by Manzilat Fatima, a direct descendant of the epicure last Nawab of Awadh, Wajid Ali Shah. Then a few days later in the same city, Sima Ahmeds elegant cuisine provided another angle to north Indias we-are-not-Mughlai culinary legacy with dishes that harked back instead to the Yemeni roots of her noble Awadhi forebears including a superb pulao encased in lamb caul fat. Both insist their mutton-rice creations are not biryani, whose public recall and renown is now in inverse proportion to its authenticity. Curiously, both live and cook in Kolkata, whose own beloved derivatives of Awadhi food include a dish ironically named biryani. The simple explanationnot always acceptedis that biryani was the hearty common peoples dish whereas delicate pulaos were created and cooked exclusively for Awadhs refined royalty and nobility. There are also some puzzling omissions and exclusions. Kolkatas prized rezala cannot be traced back to anything similar in the Muslim cuisines elsewhere. Bhopals rezala has a thick gravy with fresh coriander and Dhakas has a heavier Mughlai touch. Lucknows two most famous mutton kebabskakori and gilawati or galautihave no identifiable descendants in Kolkata. Moreover, the two regions haleem and pasanda have little in common except their names. These contrasts merely add to the complexity of north Indian Muslim cuisine that was shaped as much by conquest as circumstance, by prosperity as much as adversity. This is true of other kingdoms that came up in the turbulent Gangetic plain and downstream right up to Murshidabad and Dhaka. As the Mughals writ after the death of Aurangzeb in 1707 rarely extended beyond Delhi, the others insisting their cuisines are different from Mughlai is understandable. Manzilats ancestors exile from Awadh (Lucknow) and the evolution of a new royal cuisine in Calcuttawhich included potatoes being introduced by the last Nawab Wajid Ali Shah as an exotic addition to pulao, which somehow morphed into the current Kolkata biryaniis widely recounted and documented. But she represents a throwback to tradition in that her mother hails from Lucknow and had thus reintroduced the original recipes into the family repertoire. That would explain the difference between what Manzilat makes and what is generally served as Kolkatas supposedly Awadhi-derived cuisine. She serves the more famous galauti as well as the less known majlisi kebab which has the consistency and texture of pulled meat as it is not moulded into any shape. Both have moved on from Lucknows royal kitchens to homes and restaurants there, but neither has made it to star status in Kolkatas popular Muslim eateries. Arguably, Manzilats repertoire represents haute cuisine as the bulk of Kolkatans prefer popular generic Muslim dishes at the citys famous outlets such as Shiraz, Arsalan, Zeeshan and hundreds of others. Simas cuisineat least the items she presented at that dinnershows an even greater departure from Kolkata Awadhi. That is because Sima harks back to her Arab Yemeni heritage in the dishes from her hometown of Faizabad, the original capital of Awadh. Simas Faizabadi Awadhi repast has a twist. Humayuns first wife Bega Begum (who oversaw the building of his magnificent mausoleum in Delhi) went on Haj and returned with 300 Hadhramauti Yemenis in tow, including erudite sayyids to read the Quran at the Emperors grave. It is very likely that at least some of their descendants migrated later to Awadh, particularly after Safdar Jang became the second Nawab of Awadh as well as the Wazir of the ailing Mughal Empire. Many Indians of Arab descent today have links with Hadhramaut in south-east Yemen. The Hadhrami Arabs as they were (and are) called, also settled in and around Gujarat, Hyderabad and the Malabar coast as the descendants of the men who arrived in the 17th century not only as soldiers but also as muftis and ulemas. Along with African warrior nobles such as Malik Ambar, Yemeni Arab Hadhramis also played a role in Deccan politics as religious advisors. After the British supplanted the Mughals in Delhi, Yemenis retained their importance by virtue of their main city Aden being close to the Mecca and the entrepot for east-west trade for centuries and. No wonder three native chiefs of Yemen were even invited for the 1903 Durbar in India, including one from eastern Hadhramaut, the homeland of Simas ancestors. Their importance in Awadh as Islamic scholars and scribes ensured their continued primacy there too. This long association led to exchanges between Indian and Yemeni cuisines down the centuries too. Thanks to busy trade routes, cumin, coriander and turmeric became the spice trinity for many Yemeni dishes; their biryani-like lamb mandi and zurbian are redolent of India. Conversely, two dishes Sima presented in Kolkata last weekKhuroos-e-tursh (chicken) and lamb yakhni pulaowere smoked, a local technique much favoured in Yemeni food even today. Luckily, the differing Awadhi heritages of Manzilat and Simaand many more exponents of the noble Muslim cuisines of what are now the Indian states of UP, Bihar and Bengalhave appreciative consumers today. People nowadays want to learn about and understand the evolution of culinary traditions as their practitioners moved, most often along with armies and traders. Neither purveyors nor consumers are satisfied with the general label of Mughlai anymore! The author is a freelance writer. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Authorities reported on Saturday that a wildfire that has been blazing on the Greek island of Rhodes for five days caused hundreds of residents to abandon impacted communities and beaches by land and water. At least 2,000 people, including tourists, were evacuated from beaches between Kiotari and Lardos in the islands southeast by coastguard vessels and more than 30 private boats, according to coastguard spokesperson Nikos Alexiou on Skai television. He stated that an effort was underway to evacuate some 600 people from beaches in Kiotari and Gennadi to Plimmiri. As flames reached the villages of Pefki, Lindos, and Kalathos, authorities encouraged roughly 1,000 residents to flee, according to fire department spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis. Firefighters battled additional breakouts of the blaze, which was exacerbated by high winds and aided by air water bombers and reinforcements from Slovakia. Crowds of visitors carrying luggage walked along a road as part of an evacuation operation, as smoke could be seen in the backdrop, according to Greek television. We had set up firebreaks around the village of Laerma last night, but a 180-degree change of the winds this morning helped the fire grow much bigger across many kilometres reaching a tourist area, Konstantinos Taraslias, a deputy mayor of Rhodes, told Open TV. Those who have been evacuated are being kept in an indoor stadium and hotels on the island, according to Taraslias. Three passenger ships will also transport visitors during the night, according to the coastguard. Since erupting in a hilly location on Tuesday, the fire has destroyed swaths of lush woodland. According to the Athens News Agency, it destroyed at least three hotels in the beach resort of Kiotari on Saturday. On Sunday, civil protection officials warned of a very high chance of wildfires on Rhodes and in many other parts of Greece, as temperatures were anticipated to reach 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) during a heatwave. Senior government officials will travel to Rhodes to assist the situation. The Greek foreign ministry activated its crisis management unit to offer assistance to foreigners who want to leave the country, it said on Saturday. Fires are common in Greece but hotter, drier and windy summers have turned the country into a wildfire hotspot in recent years. Meteorologists have warned that the current sweltering temperatures are expected to last until the end of the month. "Somewhere along the way, we modern Christians got lament wrong: We began thinking of it as optional instead of a required practice of the faith. ... When we lament, we declare that only God has the power to truly mend the worlds pain and brokenness. ... To live without lament is to live an unexamined life. Those are the words of Dominique Gilliard, a minister in the Evangelical Covenant Church. Clearly he is addressing those of the Christian faith, but I think there is power and wisdom in lament applying to all of us simply because we are human. A psalm that is all about lament is Psalm 88. Its a dreary one! If youre looking for something to cheer you up, youd best look elsewhere. It begins on this note: O Lord, God of my salvation, at night, when I cry out before you, let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry. It goes downhill from there. Heres how it concludes: You have caused friend and neighbor to shun me; my companions are in darkness. Thats from the New Revised Standard Version. But the New Jerusalem Bible is even bleaker: You have deprived me of friends and companions, and all that I know is the dark. "All that I know is the dark." What possible use are these words? What possible help can they provide? Im reminded of an incident when I was a young man at an Assemblies of God college in Lakeland, Florida. For two semesters, I was part of a street ministry team traveling to Tampa on Friday nights. On my very first night, the very first person I encountered was a gentleman clad in shabby-looking clothing. He appeared to be in his 50s. Not knowing what else to say, I told him, Jesus loves you. As soon as he heard that, he began crying and telling me how he had lost his family and his career. I dont recall if it was drinking or gambling or something else, but he recited a litany of his mistakes, his many laments. When he had finished listing his failures, he asked me if I would forgive him. At the time, I was thinking, Its not my job to forgive him. I need to direct him to Christ. So I told the man Jesus forgives anyone and anything. But it didnt work. It seemed like he needed to hear the words, so again he asked me, Do you forgive me? I relented and said, I forgive you. And with that, he shuffled away into the Tampa night. "All that I know is the dark." And also, the grace that surprisingly can come with it. Is there anything to the statement that living without lament is living an unexamined life? Perhaps we are familiar with the assertion attributed to Socrates: An unexamined life is not worth living? That was his response when accused of impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens. Is it then sound to say, To live without lament is a life not worth living? We have ample scriptural testimony in the book of Job, the prophet Jeremiah, and even Jesus on the cross though that didnt last very long. There is expressed a holy affinity, a holy connection. Side note: the book of Job is one of the worlds great pieces of literature. It is an expression of love when we attend to lament. But lets not imitate Jobs friends. Hearing of his troubles, they came to be present with him. That is a wonderful act of support. However, when Job began to vent, and to do so in uncomfortable ways, they chastised him. When someone is at the bottom of the pit, argumentation (as well as unwanted and unsuitable advice) hardly serves as a lifeline. Lament provides a language for loss. And as odd as it sounds, lament is a form of worship. Too often, we assume worship is limited to painted-on, saccharine smiles. Say hallelujah, even if youre dying inside! When we hold each other up, we honor the One sent to share our griefs and sorrows. St. Paul said, Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. He doesnt say if we feel like rejoicing or weeping. Just do it. A huge chunk of the psalms are laments. We avoid songs of lament. I direct this to myself as much as to anyone else. Do not avoid lament. My being human depends on it. Cambodians went to the polls on Sunday in an election that long-time leader Hun Sen is almost sure to win as he seeks to protect his legacy by passing over power to his oldest son. The 70-year-old former Khmer Rouge cadre has governed since 1985 and faces no meaningful competition in this election, with opposition parties barred from running, rivals forced to flee, and freedom of expression repressed. His Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) is expected to maintain all 125 seats in the lower house, extending his hold on power and setting the path for a dynastic succession that detractors have likened to North Korean politics. The only serious opposition party was disqualified on a technicality in the poll run-up, and it will be a surprise if any of the 17 other small, poorly funded parties win seats. Hun Sen cast his ballot in the capital Phnom Penh shortly after polling stations opened at 7:00 am (0000 GMT), according to AFP journalists at the scene. More than 9.7 million people are registered to vote in the seventh election since the United Nations first sponsored polls in 1993, after years of conflict including the era of the genocidal Khmer Rouge left the country devastated. Over the last 30 years whatever hopes the international community might have had for a vibrant multi-party democracy in Cambodia have been flattened by the juggernaut of Hun Sens rule. The veteran PM has begun to look to the future, saying he would hand over to his son, four-star general Hun Manet possibly even in the coming weeks. We have exercised our civil right and responsibility and right of citizens to vote to choose the party we love to lead the country, the 45-year-old scion told reporters after casting his ballot. Many wonder whether Hun Manet, educated in the United States and Britain, might bring change to the country though Hun Sen has made it clear he intends to keep pulling strings even after his son takes over. Asked by AFP what he plans to do for Cambodia when he becomes prime minister, Hun Manet replied: I have no comment on that. It was Hun Manet who led the final CPP rally in Phnom Penh on Friday, telling a raucous crowd that it was victory day for the country. Critics would disagree, and rights groups have condemned the election. On the eve of voting, a 17-strong coalition including the Asian Network for Free Elections and the International Federation for Human Rights said the polls were of profound concern. The upcoming electoral exercise indicates a notable absence of transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in the electoral process, the coalition said in a statement issued Saturday. Parties dissolved The only real challenge to the CPP had come from the Candlelight Party (CP). But in May, the countrys electoral body refused to register the party, rendering it ineligible to compete. The decision came after the CP performed better than expected at last years local elections, winning 22 percent of the popular vote. Internationally, Hun Sen has played off tensions between the United States and China, racking up huge sums in Chinese investment with no demands for democratic reforms. Speaking before the vote, the CP told AFP that the registration decision meant there was no way the election could be either free or fair. Everyone knows who will win, said Rong Chhun, the partys vice-president. There was similar despondency among some people voting under heavy police presence at a dusty polling station in Phnom Penh. I dont feel excited or anything because there are no opposition parties left, Oum Sokum, 51, told AFP. Ahead of the election, freedom of speech has been heavily stifled, with one of the few remaining independent news outlets, Voice of Democracy, shut down earlier this year. Last month, Hun Sen ordered election laws changed, banning anyone who fails to vote in the upcoming poll from ever running for office a move that will affect exiled rivals. Among those challengers is long-time foe Sam Rainsy, in self-exile in France for almost a decade to avoid criminal convictions he says are politically motivated. Domestically, opposition leader Kem Sokha languishes under house arrest, after being sentenced to 27 years for treason over an alleged plot with foreigners to topple Hun Sens government. Polls close at 3:00 p.m. In a dramatic turn of events, a 13-year-old girl, who had been abducted and sexually assaulted in Texas, was saved in California when observant witnesses spotted her raising a sign that read Help Me! from inside a parked car. Steven Robert Sablan, a 61-year-old resident of Cleburne, Texas, was apprehended in Long Beach, California, and is now facing charges of kidnapping and transporting a minor with the intent to commit criminal sexual activity, police said. The incident came to light when the girl was walking on a street in San Antonio on July 6. Sablan, driving a silver Nissan Sentra, approached her, and the situation took a frightening turn. Allegedly brandishing a handgun, Sablan threatened her, coercing her into getting into the car with him, under the threat of harm. Terrified for her life, the girl followed him. Throughout the ordeal, the girl tried to resist Sablans advances, but he persisted, sexually assaulting her multiple times during the two-day journey from Texas to California. However, on July 9 when they arrived at a laundromat in Long Beach, the young girl wrote a desperate plea on a piece of paper, holding it up in the hopes of catching the attention of people passing by. Some Good Samaritans indeed spotted the distressing sign and immediately dialed 911 to alert the Long Beach Police Department. Responding swiftly, the police arrived at the scene shortly after 10 a.m. They found Sablan standing outside the vehicle, while inside, the victim mouthed the word Help, as stated in court documents. Upon searching the car, authorities discovered a BB gun, a knife, and the sign used by the brave girl to seek help. Shockingly, Sablan had a pair of handcuffs in his possession as well. Further investigation revealed that the girl had been reported as a runaway from San Antonio, and she had left her home in an attempt to visit a friend in Australia. Sablan took advantage of her vulnerability and forcibly kidnapped her. If convicted, Sablan could face a life sentence in prison, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. As per reports, Sablan was already wanted for burglary in Fort Worth, Texas, and was considered armed and dangerous, with a history of prior convictions. In a rerun of the Seema Haider saga, a married woman from the national capital, New Delhi, travelled to Pakistan to meet her lover in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Aaj News reported on Sunday. Haider had crossed over into India illegally to move in together with her Indian lover, Sachin Meena, whom she met over popular online game PUBG. However, unlike Haider, who sneaked into India without any valid travel papers, Anju was granted entry into Pakistan by the authorities on the weight of a visa. Upper Dir SHO, Javed Khan, said Anju entered Pakistan lawfully and with a valid visa, according to the report. Further, according to the SHO, he attested to the womans four-year relationship with Nasr. She arrived in Pakistan by way of Wagah and continued on to Islamabad, Aaj News reported. While she arrived with a visa, government authorities have opened an investigation into the matter, the report added. Aaj News is a 247 television channel disseminating news from across Pakistan. Further, according to the report, Anju (35) and Nasrullah (29) from Upper Dir became friends on Facebook. Soon, their friendship blossomed into love. Though married, she decided to cross over into Pakistan and travel all way to the rugged terrains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in pursuit of love, according to Aaj News. The television channel stated that it received confirmation from Upper Dir Police that the Indian woman was currently in the Malakand Division district and a security team had begun a probe. She was allowed a stay in Pakistan for 30 days, according to her visa information form, reported Aaj News. The channel further quoted Anju as saying that she met Nasrullah on Facebook four years ago and the two became friends. She added that she loved and could not live without her Pakistani companion, reported Aaj News. A working woman in India, Anju said she was visiting Pakistan for sightseeing and not marriage, the family members of Nasrullah claimed, according to Aaj News. Further, according to the report, local journalists were not allowed to meet Anju on Sunday after the story of her passage to Pakistan broke. They were told that Anju and Nasrullah had left for an outing, the report claimed. Earlier, reacting to the illegal cross-over of Seema Haider into India, the Ministry of External Affairs had said the matter was under investigation, adding that she was presented before the court and was granted bail. We are aware of the matter. She was presented before the court and is now out on bail, the official spokesperson of the MEA, Arindam Bagchi, said at a press briefing on July 20. Israels Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has announced his upcoming heart surgery following the advice of doctors. A monitoring device he was equipped with a week ago detected the need for a pacemaker, prompting the decision for the procedure. Despite feeling well, the 73-year-old leader emphasized the importance of heeding medical advice. The pacemaker installation will take place at Sheba Medical Centre in Tel HaShomer, with an expected discharge on Sunday afternoon. This comes after Netanyahu was hurried to the hospital recently due to a dizzy spell, attributed to spending a day in scorching 40C (104F) temperatures. While the Prime Minister deals with his health concerns, a significant number of protesters have taken to the streets in Jerusalem. Tens of thousands marched on the main highway leading to the city in a last-ditch effort to oppose Mr. Netanyahus proposed judicial changes. The demonstrators, accompanied by other protesters, undertook a four-day, 45-mile (70km) journey from Tel Aviv to the Israeli parliament. The planned overhaul of the judiciary system, championed by Mr. Netanyahu and his far-right allies, aims to limit the powers of unelected judges. Supporters argue it is necessary to maintain control, but critics fear it will undermine the countrys checks and balances, potentially leading to authoritarian rule. Over 100 of Israels former security chiefs, including retired military commanders, police commissioners, and intelligence agency heads, have voiced their concern, pleading with the Prime Minister to reconsider the legislation. As the nation awaits the surgical outcome of their leader, political tensions remain high in Jerusalem, with Monday anticipated to be a crucial day for the proposed changes. According to the governor of the area, at least one person was killed and more than 15 were injured in a Russian strike on the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa early Sunday. Unfortunately, we have one civilian killed as a result of the nighttime terrorist attack by Russians on Odesa, Oleg Kiper said on Telegram. Earlier he had reported 18 victims, including four children, in a Russian attack at 3:00 am (0000 GMT). Fourteen people were hospitalised in the citys hospitals, three of them were children, he said. The attack had also caused damage to civilian infrastructure, residential buildings and a religious institution, he added. Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraines presidential office, reiterated Kyivs appeal for additional missiles and defensive systems following the Odesa attack. The enemy must be deprived of the ability to hit civilians and infrastructure. More missile defence systems, as well as ATACMS this will help Ukraine, he said on Telegram, referring to the long-range tactical missiles that Kyiv wants Washington to supply. Since the beginning of the invasion, Odesa has been bombarded multiple times, and the United Nations cultural organisation UNESCO listed the citys historic core as a World Heritage in Danger site in January. Since Moscow dropped out of a grain export contract last week, the city has been repeatedly attacked. Ukraine has accused Russia of sabotaging food supply and critical infrastructure for the Black Sea agreement. The much-awaited Hollywood film Barbie faces a delay in its release within Pakistans Punjab province due to concerns over objectionable content. The film is now under review and requires clearance from the provincial censor board, which ensures that the movie adheres to the countrys social, cultural, and religious values. Farrukh Mahmood, the secretary of the Punjab film censor board, stated that they will thoroughly examine the movie before granting permission for its release, but he did not specify which scenes raised concerns. Interestingly, this isnt the only country to postpone the release of Barbie. Middle Eastern nations, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt, have also taken a similar step. In addition, Vietnam outright banned the film earlier this month, objecting to a scene that depicted Chinas territorial claim in the South China Sea. Originally, the film was scheduled to debut in Vietnam on 21st July. Barbie, portrayed by Margot Robbie in the film directed by Greta Gerwig, finds herself entangled in controversy, which has ignited discussions on social media. One Twitter user questioned the ban, asserting that the movie contains no profanity, nudity, or obscenity, and lacks any LGBTQ+ characters. The movies theme revolves around empowering women to pursue their desires, which seems to have sparked concerns among some. Pakistan has a history of prohibiting movies that challenge cultural norms. Last November, the Cannes prize-winning film Joyland, Pakistans submission for the 2023 Oscars, faced a nationwide ban due to its portrayal of a Pakistani mans affair with a transgender woman. While the national censorship board eventually cleared the film, the ban remained enforced in Punjab, the countrys most populous province. Critics argue that the Punjab censor board is catering to strict religious fundamentalists, similar to their approach with the banned film Joyland. This arbitrary decision seems to undermine the freedoms guaranteed by Pakistans constitution. Some legal experts believe that the censor boards actions suggest that even seemingly innocent movies like Barbie are perceived as potential threats to the beliefs and values of millions living in the province. Pakistans past experiences with film bans have also been tied to religious sensitivities. In 2019, the movie Zindagi Tamasha faced a ban, and its director was accused of blasphemy, which carries the death sentence, by an ultra-religious party. The allegations were based on a scene depicting a religious man participating in dance at a family event. As the controversy surrounding the release of Barbie continues, audiences await the final decision of the Punjab censor board, hoping that the films message of empowerment will ultimately be embraced rather than stifled. In a meeting with the Japanese foreign minister this month in Indonesia, top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi suggested high-level discussions involving China, Japan, and South Korea, Kyodo news agency reported on Sunday. According to Kyodo, which cited unnamed diplomatic sources, the suggestion is considered as a desire to restart negotiations between the three nations, and Japan would quicken its preparations to make it happen by the end of the year. Japan and South Korea, allies of the United States, are cautious of Chinas growing military assertiveness and of the rising tensions between China and the United States over a number of topics, including trade and Taiwans self-rule. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo could not be reached for comment on Sunday, outside of office hours, while the Foreign Ministry of China withheld an immediate response. On July 14, Wang and Yoshimasa Hayashi, the foreign minister of Japan, met outside of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gathering in Indonesia. They addressed the Japanese governments plan to release treated radioactive water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean, but they were unable to come to an agreement. A summit of the three countries leaders could be delayed because of the water issue, according to Kyodo. The leaders of the three nations last congregated in December of that year. According to Kyodo, Japan informed South Korea of Wangs suggestion for the negotiations. (With agency inputs) The UN Secretary-General expressed great concern over elections in Guatemala on Saturday, urging the Central American country to follow voters wishes for free and fair voting. Guatemalans head to the polls on August 20 for a presidential runoff election that will tilt the country to the left, upsetting right-wing power brokers. A brief statement on behalf of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on the Guatemalan authorities to respect the human rights of its population, including the right to vote at genuine periodic elections which guarantee the free expression of the will of the electors. Voters, he said, should be protected from any form of coercion and from any unlawful or arbitrary interference with the voting process. Guatemalans sent two center-left candidates to a runoff election in June, ushering in the countrys first leftist leader in more than a decade. However, a prosecutor has attempted to suspend the party of one of the candidates, Bernardo Arevalo, and state officials raided his party headquarters on Friday, purportedly in search of documentation indicating irregularities in its establishment. Arevalos surprise appearance in the runoff has alarmed right-wing groups, prompting efforts to derail the election. Prosecutors dispatched agents to search the Supreme Electoral Tribunal twice, causing the countrys top court to impose an injunction to protect the vote. Guterres said UN member states are responsible for ensuring transparent, free and fair elections, free of intimidation and coercion. Arevalo, son of a reformist former president, finished second behind Sandra Torres, a former first lady who leads a social democratic party. Efforts to disqualify Arevalos Semilla (Seed) Party have drawn stern rebukes from the United Nations, the United States and the European Union. July 23, 1993 Racist fliers have once again found their way into the newspaper tubes and mailboxes of city and county officials and other area residents. Police are investigating the incident, but still don't know who is responsible. The unsigned fliers, depicting derogatory images of African-Americans, mock the upcoming Multi-Cultural Day and deride it as a "Harriet Tubman look-alike contest." The incident rubs salt into old wounds reopened last month when similar fliers were distributed. These new fliers were sent by mail, with a Syracuse postmark, to city and county officials. The Cayuga County Sheriff's Office reports that others were found in newspaper tubes along Franklin Street Road, Melrose Road and West Genesee Street. Auburn Police Chief John Ecklund said his department was looking into the situation, but that he's "not certain at this time that there is any violation of the law." The fliers' contents are protected under First Amendment rights. Ecklund said that he did not know who was responsible. The fliers were signed by factious groups bearing inflammatory names. Ecklund said that it is unclear if this event is related to last month's episode in which neo-Nazi fliers were distributed in the area. Despite its interest to set up business officially in India, Tesla will not receive any special treatment in the country, a government official has confirmed to PTI. The report has quoted the government saying that there will be no special policy for the US electric car major. However, it can seek incentives under the existing schemes like Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for auto and advanced chemistry cells, just like other EV manufacturers. Tesla has been expressing its interest to sell its cars officially in India for quite some time. However, the American EV major has been seeking a special policy from the Indian government that would allow it to import cars to the country at a lower tax rate. However, the Indian government has made it clear that it will not giveTesla a tax rebate. Instead, the Indian government wants Tesla to set up its production base in the country and locally manufacture the electric cars to avail of lower tax benefits. However, Tesla has not revealed any concrete plan to set up a manufacturing facility here. Also Read : Planning a Tesla Cybertruck? You may have to wait 5 years In 2021, Tesla demanded a reduction in import duties on electric vehicles in India. However, the government of India rejected that. The representatives of Tesla visited the country last month to meet officials of various ministries, including the Commerce and Industry Ministry. This fuelled speculation of Tesla coming to India finally. Later Tesla CEO Elon Musk met Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month in New York. After the meeting, Musk said he plans to visit India in 2024. "I am confident that Tesla will be in India, and we will do so as soon as humanly possible," Musk had said after that meeting. Speaking about the possibility of curating any special policy for Tesla, the government officials reportedly said that the rule will be the same for all the companies and there will be no special treatment for the US auto major. "We have told Tesla that the policies, which are already there for all, they can also apply under that PLI. They are welcome. Generally, the policy will be the same for all. For a single company, the government may not like to make separate policies. So far, there is no plan to give special treatment," the official reportedly said. The government official reportedly also said that representatives of Tesla's biggest battery supplier Panasonic have met them and they have stated that the South Korean company wants to make batteries in India. We have suggested them to apply under PLI ACC batteries," the official added. The Indian government rolled out the production-linked incentives (PLI) schemes (PLI) for advanced chemistry cell (ACC) battery storage with an outlay of 18,100 crore and 26,058 crore PLI scheme for auto, auto-components and drone industries a couple of years back in an attempt to boost local manufacturing in the country. The government last week announced the re-bidding of PLI for 20 GWh advanced chemistry cell manufacturing. First Published Date: Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts 1. What country did the Saint Bernard originate in? Answer: Switzerland The Saint Bernard is from the Great Saint Bernard Hospice in Switzerland by the Alps Mountains, just meters away from the Italian border. The Hospice was known for its avalanche rescue dogs, which were later named Saint Bernards. These dogs would follow the trails of those lost in the snow, lick them awake if possible, and lead them back to the Hospice for care from the monks who lived there. 2. In what year did 'Saint Bernard' become the official name? Answer: 1880 Before 1880 the Saint was known by many different names. These included 'Sacred Dogs', 'Barry Dogs', 'Noble Steeds', and 'Saint Dogs'. 'Saint Bernard' was an obvious choice for an official name, after the dogs' original home at the Great Saint Bernard Hospice in Switzerland. It became the commonly used name by the late 1800s, 1880 being the year that the name was officially bestowed upon the breed. 3. What is a major health concern for a Saint? Gastric torsion Gastric torsion, or bloat, can be deadly to big dog breeds. It is more common in the Saint Bernard because they are very deep chested. Saint Bernards are also prone to bone disorders thanks to their weight and how quickly they grow. Common problems for Saints are bone cancer and joint displasia. Answer:Gastric torsion, or bloat, can be deadly to big dog breeds. It is more common in the Saint Bernard because they are very deep chested.Saint Bernards are also prone to bone disorders thanks to their weight and how quickly they grow. Common problems for Saints are bone cancer and joint displasia. 4. Which is NOT a serious fault for a Saint under the American Kennel Club? Answer: a short muzzle An ideal Saint Bernard as described by the American Kennel Club does have a short muzzle; so this is not a serious fault at all. While these other options might not be disqualifications, they are serious faults and should not appear in show and good quality breeding stock. Saints usually have brown eyes, though blue can also appear. Their base color should always be white, with various brown spots. In addition, a healthy Saint's tongue should be not be black, although the roof of its mouth can be. 5. What other breed of dog was crossed with the Saint in 1830 to make the long-haired style of this breed? Answer: Newfoundland Although Newfoundland dogs share ancestry with many other breeds of dogs, they were crossed with the Saint Bernard in the 19th century. In the late 19th century, however, the Saint that was in use at the Saint Bernard Hospice for so many years was nearing extinction as a species, and many other large breeds were crossed with it to keep the breed alive. These included the English Mastiff and the Great Dane. 6. Due to their size, Saints are known for being a breed with one of the longest average lifespans. Answer: False Bigger breeds like the Saint Bernard normally don't live as long as smaller breeds. They have a 8-10 year average span, which is common for dogs of this size. Different surveys conducted in different countries have put the average lifespan of Saint Bernards at different years, but 10 years appears to be the oldest average age. 7. The Saint has a high energy level. Answer: False Saints like to lie around and sleep! Belying their large size is their gentle and sleepy behavior. Saint Bernards should be trained to be this way, however; if socializing around humans is left too long in the training of a puppy, Saints can be tense and fearful. Overall, Saints are loyal and generally calm dogs. 8. Which of these best describes a Saint's coat? either smooth or rough Saint Bernards have a variety of coat types, and they have had both smooth or rough fur. While the rough fur tends to be heavy and flat, the smooth coat is slick to the dog's body. Saints also have a wide variety of coat colors, with red, white, and sometimes black patches. They often have red/brown patches that extend from the ears to the eyes, with a white strip down the middle of the face. Answer:Saint Bernards have a variety of coat types, and they have had both smooth or rough fur. While the rough fur tends to be heavy and flat, the smooth coat is slick to the dog's body.Saints also have a wide variety of coat colors, with red, white, and sometimes black patches. They often have red/brown patches that extend from the ears to the eyes, with a white strip down the middle of the face. 9. Kennel club classifications have placed the Saint into which category, which shares a name with an ancient breed of dog? Answer: Molosser Saints are classified as a molosser breed, which many kennel clubs use to include mastiffs and guard dogs. The term comes from the ancient Greek dog breed of Molossus, which was kept by the Greek tribe Molossians. Stories say that these dogs originated in Asia. It might have been that these dogs were in fact two separate breeds, a mastiff and a livestock guard dog, hence the modern kennel club classification. Male Saints can be 140 to 180 lb, or 64 to 82 kg. This puts the Saint Bernard in the category of giant dogs, which is any breed of dog growing over 99 lbs. Female Saints are also large: they can grow from 120 to 140 lbs, or 54 to 64 kg. 10. The famous Saint Bernard of the early 19th century, known for saving many lives in the Alps Mountains, was named Larry. Answer: False The famous Saint's name was Barry. He saved over 40 lives in the Alps and is still known today. He lived from 1800 to 1814 at the Great Saint Bernard Hospice in Switzerland. He saved those who had been lost and frozen in the Alps, by licking them and, in the case of a young boy, then carrying them to safety. This caused his death, however: one soldier that he had been searching for who had been lost for days woke when he licked him and, believing the dog to be a wolf, stabbed Barry to death. Some of Barry's remains were taxidermied after his death. They are displayed in the Natural History Museum in Bern. In honor of the dog, the Hospice always keeps a Saint Bernard named Barry in residence. Source: Author lordprescott This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor rossian before going online.Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system. Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts 1. Charming, California Answer: Sons of Anarchy "Sons of Anarchy" ran on the FX Network 2008-2014. The small town of Charming was located in the San Joaquin Valley of Northern California, near the San Francisco Bay Area city of Oakland and the inland city of Stockton. 2. Llanview, Pennsylvania Answer: One Life to Live Popularly known as "OLTL", this daytime soap opera lived on the ABC Network from 1968 to 2012, and therafter as a web series. Llanview is presented as a suburb of Philadelphia, and the use of the Welsh "Llan", meaning "sacred place", points to areas of Welsh influence northwest of that city. 3. Sandicot, New York Billions "Billions" began on the Showtime Network in 2016, featuring the struggles of money and power based in New York City. The small, financially struggling town of Sandicot in Upstate New York featured in the series in season 2. In the story, Sandicot is located near the larger town of Binghamton, making it likely based on the real town of Endicott that has had similar struggles caused by casino gambling licenses. Answer:"Billions" began on the Showtime Network in 2016, featuring the struggles of money and power based in New York City. The small, financially struggling town of Sandicot in Upstate New York featured in the series in season 2. In the story, Sandicot is located near the larger town of Binghamton, making it likely based on the real town of Endicott that has had similar struggles caused by casino gambling licenses. 4. Stars Hollow, Connecticut Answer: Gilmore Girls Gilmore Girls began on The WB network in 2000 and ended on the CW Network in 2007. The story of single mom Lorelei Gilmore (played by Lauren Graham) and daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel) played against the backdrop of the small, quirky town of Stars Hollow. Rory attended school in Hartford, CT, about a 30 minute drive from Stars Hollow. The fictional town is filled with quaint New England locations and characters and has a backstory to the American Revolution. 5. The Village Answer: The Prisoner Although filmed in the UK with UK actors, "The Prisoner" was shown and popular in Canada, the US, and the UK in the late 1960s. The unnamed village was populated with unnamed and cryptically-named characters where ex-spies were detained and interrogated. The village of Portmeirion in North Wales was used to film the exterior shots of the popular but short - only 17 episodes - program. 6. Pawnee, Indiana Answer: Parks and Recreation "Parks and Rec" was a leader of NBC's "Comedy Night Done Right" lineup on Thursdays from 2009-2015. Pawnee is in South Central Indiana, and figures prominently in each episode since the main characters are employees of the local government. Pawnee is advertised, on actual NBC merchandise, as "First in Friendship, Fourth in Obesity". 7. Sunnydale, California Answer: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Running from 1997 to 2003, "Buffy" was a popular show with critics and viewers, showcasing Sarah Michelle Gellar in the title role. Sunnydale was presented as a suburban community, and the high school in the Los Angeles suburb of Torrance was used as a central location in the show. 8. Point Place, Wisconsin That '70s Show The period teen comedy follows a group of friends in a boring midwestern town. Hopefully, the last lyrics of the opening song "Hello, Wisconsin!" helped you choose the right answer. Point Pleasant is apparently near Sheboygan, about halfway between Milwaukee and Green Bay. In one episode, a character says that "Sheboygan's trash blows into Point Pleasant". Answer:The period teen comedy follows a group of friends in a boring midwestern town. Hopefully, the last lyrics of the opening song "Hello, Wisconsin!" helped you choose the right answer. Point Pleasant is apparently near Sheboygan, about halfway between Milwaukee and Green Bay. In one episode, a character says that "Sheboygan's trash blows into Point Pleasant". 9. Cicely, Alaska Answer: Northern Exposure "Northern Exposure" appeared on the CBS Network 1990-1995. Actor Rob Morrow played a new doctor that is assigned to a remote Alaskan town to repay his medical school costs. Cicely is thought to be based on the town of Talkeetna, located in a more remote area north of the big city of Anchorage. 10. Orson, Indiana Answer: The Middle "The Middle" appeared on the ABC Network from 2009-2018, following the comedic struggles of a middle-class family, the Hecks: mom Frankie, dad Mike, and kids Axl, Sue, and Brick. Orson is set near Indianapolis, and likely based on the real town of Jasper in southwest Indiana. Source: Author wjames This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor ladymacb29 before going online.Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system. Russo-Ukraine War - 22 July 2023 - Day 514 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The UK Ministry of Defence reported that Russian former intelligence officer and leading nationalist mil-blogger Igor Girkin was almost certainly arrested for 'extremism' on 21 July 2023. Girkin has long been a critic of the Russian Ministry of Defence's conduct of the war. However, in recent days his comments turned to direct criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his time in power. The move is likely to infuriate fellow members of the mil-blogger community - and elements within the serving military - who largely see Girkin as an astute military analyst and patriot. He played a major role in Russia's war in the Donbas from 2014 and spent months on the front line in 2022. While Girkin is no ally of the Wagner Group, he was likely only prepared to push the limits of public criticism in the context of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's June 2023 abortive mutiny. The taboo against unmasked criticism of the Putin regime has significantly weakened. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day July 22, the Russian occupiers struck another blow on the territory of Ukraine, using "Shahed" strike drones. Due to successful work of Ukrainian Air Defense, all 5x strike UAVs were destroyed. In addition, Russian forces carried out 4x missile and 36x air strikes, launched 23x MLRS attacks on Ukrainian cities and Ukrainian Armed Forces. Unfortunately, there are victims among the civilians, houses and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed. The threat of missile and air strikes remains high across Ukraine. Russia continues to focus its main efforts on the Kup'yans'k, Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Mar'inka axes, heavy battles continue. About 30x combat clashes took place during the day. Volyn' and Polissya axes: no significant changes detected. There are no signs of the formation of Russian offensive groupings. Armed Forces of Belarus continue to perform tasks in the Ukrainian border. Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russian forces maintain an enhanced military presence. They carried out an airstrike at Veterinarny of the Kharkiv Oblast. They carried out mortar and artillery shelling of more than 15 settlements, in particular, Tymonovichi, Chernihiv Oblast; Seredyna-Buda, Uhroidy, Ryasne of Sumy Oblast and Kozacha Lopan, Strelecha, Ternova, Budarka of Kharkiv Oblast. Kup'yans'k axis: Ukrainian soldiers are firmly holding the defense. Kam'ianka, Novomlyns'k, Dvorichna, Zapadne, Kup'yans'ke and Kislivka of the Kharkiv Oblast were shelled by Russian artillery and mortars. Lyman axis: Russian forces carried out unsuccessful offensives in the vicinities of Nadia, Luhansk Oblast, and Tors'ke, Hryhorivka, Donetsk Oblast. They carried out airstrikes at Serebryansky Forest and Spirnyi of the Donetsk Oblast. Nevs'ke, Bilogorivka in the Luhansk Oblast and Tors'ke, Verkhn'yokam'ians'ke, Spirne, Rozdolivka in the Donetsk Oblast were shelled by artillery. Bakhmut axis: under heavy fire from theRussian forces' artillery, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled Russian attacks in the Bohdanivka and Ivanivsky areas of the Donetsk Oblast. More than 10 settlements, including Vasyukivka, Markove, Bohdanivka, Ivanovske, Stupochki, Kostyantynivka, Druzhba and New York of the Donetsk Oblast, were affected by Russian artillery shelling. Avdiivka axis: under heavy fire from the Russian forces' aircraft and artillery, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled attacks by Russian troops in the vicinities of Avdiivka. The Russian forces carried out an airstrike in the Northern Oblast of Donetsk Oblast. russians shelled more than 10x settlements, such as Avdiivka, Pervomais'ke and Nevel'ske. Mar'inka axis: Defense Forces continue to hold back the advance of russian troops at Krasnohorivka and Mar'inka of the Donetsk Oblast. Near Krasnohorivka, Russian forces carried out an air strike. They shelled more than 10x settlements, including Krasnohorivka, Maksimilianivka, Georgiivka, Mar'inka, and Pobyeda in the Donetsk Oblast. Shakhtars'k axis: Russian forces conducted unsuccessful offensive operations in the Novomykhailivka area of the Donetsk Oblast. Conducted an airstrike near Blagodatny in Donetsk Oblast. Russian forces shelled more than 10x settlements, including Paraskoviivka, Novomykhailivka, Vugledar and Blagodatne in the Donetsk Oblast. Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: Russia is concentrating forces to prevent further advance of Ukrainian troops. Made unsuccessful attempts to restore lost positions in the south of Novodarivka, Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Russian forces carried out airstrikes at Hulyaipilskyi, Mala Tokmachka, Novodanilivka, and Pyatikhatok of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast. More than 25x settlements were shelled by artillery fire, including Novodarivka, Hulyaipole, Hulyaipilske, Novoandriivka, Stepove, Kam'ians'ke of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast; Nikopol', Dnipropetrovsk Oblast; Zolota Balka, Dudchany, Berislav, Antonivka, Bilozerka, Veletens'ke of the Kherson Oblast and Kherson. Defense Forces of Ukraine continue offensive operations on the Melitopol' and Berdyansk axes, are equipping captured positions, shell with artillery identified Russian targets, and carry out counter-battery measures. The presence of Uzbekistan citizens was noted in Russian occupying forces stationed in the temporarily occupied Horlivka of the Donetsk Oblast. The specified people arrived in Mariupol to carry out construction works. Upon arrival, their passports were confiscated and they were mobilized to join the occupying forces as volunteers. Ukrainian Air Force conducted 8x strikes on personnel, weapons and military equipment concentrations. Ukrainian Defense Forces destroyed 4x operational-tactical reconnaissance UAVs. Ukrainian missile and artillery units hit 7x Russian artillery units at firing positions during the day. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 100 years ago 1923: Rotarians were given a rich treat at Tuesdays meeting in splendid addresses by Congressman Carl Hayden of Arizona and Dr. Frederick I. Monsen of Pasadena, California, author, lecturer, explorer. Monsens address, while extemporaneous, abounded in humor and was deeply instructive. Monsen knew former President Madero of Mexico knew him before he began the revolution that ended in his being chosen president. But it was of Pancho Villa that he spoke mostly. He had been guided by Villa and some of his Indians into the wilds on an archeological exploring trip long before Villa became famous. He had been fearfully warned not to trust himself in the mans power. He found him an obedient, considerate and honest servant. He said Villa was a wonderful leader, a remarkable strategist. He would have been president of Mexico but that he felt his own lack of education and that it debarred him from being successful as president. He cited the admiration General Scott had for Villa, and also that of Frederick Funston, afterward general, but who, when he voiced his appreciation of Villas worth, was a member of Monsens party, the doctor having picked him up in California as Funston, then unknown and practically penniless, was walking across the continent. Monsen pointed the moral of his talk -- that no matter how great ones natural capabilities, they could never come to full fruition and usefulness unless accompanied by education. The applause lasted so long that Monson was obliged to rise and bow his acknowledgements. 75 years ago 1948: One or more showings of the film used in Oregon public schools for sex education purposes at the junior high school level will be sponsored by the Flagstaff Lions Club through courtesy of the Orpheum theatre, Aug. 5. Invitations to view the film will be sent to the citys Parent-Teacher Associations, service clubs, the Business and Professional Womens Club, various church groups, veterans groups, and schoolteachers and officials. In addition, other adults who are interested are invited to see the film. The film was shown here yesterday for members of the Lions Club and evoked favorable comment, leading to the plan for sponsoring a showing to a larger group. Entitled Human Growth, the picture is designed to explaining human growth and reproduction to children from the sixth through the ninth grades. It is being shown to an adult audience as a means of determining feeling toward introducing some sort of sex education in the local schools. 50 years ago 1973: Some minor food supply shortages have appeared in Flagstaff in recent days, but no acute shortages have been noted in any areas. Shortages were reported Monday in salad and vegetable oils, mayonnaise, and canned fruits and vegetables, Ray Keating, manager of Food Town Supermarket, said today. These are normal for the end of the packing year. Once the new crop of vegetables is picked and packed, any shortages should become minimal, Keating said. Shortages of chicken and related products may become apparent in the next several weeks, said a spokesman for several large markets in Phoenix. Northern Arizona is a sprawling land area. Thus time is the key factor in reaching victims of many types of accidents. To speed services of medical teams to the scene, the Department of Public Safety is stationing a jet-powered helicopter in Flagstaff. Its crews will assist at scenes of highway accidents, searches and for other law enforcement operations. Two crews will be here for three days each week, giving Flagstaff and the surrounding area coverage for six days, 24 hours a day. Our main advantage is we dont have to follow the highway, says pilot Dan Jones, who learned to fly a helicopter in the Marine Corps. The helicopter, a Bell-Ranger, has room for two injured persons and two crew members. 25 years ago 1998: One of Flagstaffs most scenic valleys and a popular corridor for mountain bikers headed for the San Francisco Peaks is possibly about to be closed forever to public access. The former Lockett Trust land, which had been pegged for preservation two years ago as part of the defeated Peaks Parkway ballot issue, has been divided into 18 large parcels, with seven of those divided again. In all, more than a hundred houses could fill the valley after all the subdividing is finished. We got the chance to have the city buy the land and use it for recreationalists, but we blew it, said Dan Overton while biking Friday across a meadow located in what is now referred to as Tract 17. Jeffrey Ryan, who was pedaling alongside Overton, agreed. As I understand it, this place is being zoned for 2-acre lots and larger, and most people in Flagstaff cant afford that. This place was perfect for a city park, and I think there are several other places that could have been developed before this area was touched. Rollin W. Wheeler, Flagstaffs first charter government mayor and a longtime public school educator and community volunteer, died Saturday in Sedona. Wheeler began one of the most successful political careers in Flagstaff history in 1952 when he was first elected to city council. He was part of the council that in 1958 presented the city charter to voters for approval. In 1960, he became the first successful candidate for mayor under terms of that charter. As mayor, Wheeler, who had no vote in Council except in a tie, was well-known for running crisp, orderly meetings in which he carefully summed up the major points in an issue for his colleagues before discussion began and then saw to it that all points of view got a succinct hearing. He never hesitated to take a stand on an issue, despite not having a vote, and when his vote was needed, it was cast without hesitation or apology. During his term as mayor, Wheeler presided over a seriously troubled time in the summer of 1967 when race issues threatened to erupt in town. It was his attitude of iron calm and patience that largely was instrumental in preventing property damage and bloodshed. Filming Injustice Handheld Pressrooms Sousveillance Bearing Witness Managing Real-World Relationships Cellphones, Accountability and Change Beyond Screens Long-simmering grievances over police violence in America have erupted into worldwide protests. Its not an exaggeration to say that citizens armed with cellphones have played a major role in fostering unprecedented demand for change. Almost every American owns a cellphone of some kind, and since 2011 the percentage who own smartphones has grown from 35 percent to 81 percent . These devices arent just video cameras, but also gateways to a social media ecosystem that has become the main channel through which citizens obtain news, connect, form alliances and organize.Handheld devices have made it possible for Blacks to document and push back against police use of excessive force, and to fulfill the fundamental journalistic function of holding elected officials accountable.The smartphone journalist is helping us make sense of what is happening at a very granular level all across America, capturing things in places where newsrooms can't be, says Allissa V. Richardson, a professor at the University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and author ofYou don't need a fancy satellite truck to participate in broadcast journalism, you don't need a fancy camera, says Richardson, who originated the concept of mobile journalism. You just need your phone and a Wi-Fi connection.Its been more than half a century since video of police violence against Blacks first came to public attention. In 1963, television news footage of police beating peaceful protestors in Birmingham, Ala., forced political leaders to confront the truth of their inhumane treatment and added momentum to the passage of a Civil Rights bill in 1964.In 1991, a citizen used his handheld camera to capture video of police beating Rodney King from the balcony of his apartment, footage broadcast to television viewers across the nation. The acquittal of the officers involved by a mostly white jury led to five days of rioting in Los Angeles that left 63 dead and more than 2,000 injured.In 2009, the shooting of Oscar Grant by a Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) officer was captured on the cellphones of passengers on a BART train. The footage was posted on the internet, one of the first times that video content from a phone went viral. It marked the beginning of a new era in mobile reporting, a paradigm shift in publishing and magnified the impact of protest journalism.The percentage of adults in the U.S. who use social media increased from 5 percent in 2005 to 79 percent in 2019. Anyone with a smartphone can film, stream live video, post, share, like and critique content, create and populate a news channel and engage with a worldwide audience that includes traditional media outlets.Social media has had a huge impact in disseminating privately recorded videos, says Paul Barrett, deputy director of the NYU Center for Business and Human Rights and author of two influential social media reports from the center. It is one of the main accelerants of the kind of activism and protesting we're seeing.People are asking what's different, why is this happening now?, he says. I think a part of the answer is the thoroughgoing integration of social media into people's lives.Nancy La Vigne, vice president for justice policy at the Urban Institute, has spent decades conducting and directing research on crime, justice and public safety.I never thought I'd see the day where the majority of Americans think that policing is racially biased, that something has to change, she says. Social media is playing a big part in that.The term sousveillance was coined by the Canadian professor and engineer Steve Mann, a pioneer of mobile computing. Surveillance signifies higher authorities watching over citizens, while sousveillance, watching from below, refers to citizens monitoring the activities of those authorities using mobile technology.Cellphones arent the only devices in play. Police body cameras are another attempt at sousveillance, with the potential to benefit both citizens and law enforcement. About half of U.S. law enforcement agencies are using them, but results are mixed.Lucy Lang, executive director of the Institute for Innovation in Prosecution at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, notes that research has found that body cameras dont seem to change police behavior. Even so, she says, Police often report a positive feeling about body-worn cameras, because as often as they can prove misconduct, they can also disprove allegations of misconduct.The presence of a camera does little to deter excessive use of force, observes La Vigne of the Urban Institute.The behaviors we want to change are usually born from events that put officers in fight or flight mode, she said. Law enforcement officers are more likely to lean towards the fight than the flight, based on their training, being in uniform and carrying weapons.In addition, footage of violent encounters may not even be captured. Its up to the officer to turn on a body camera. The more high-stakes the interactions, the less likely it is that they'll think about activating the camera, because they're thinking about things like protecting themselves or controlling an individual, says La Vigne.This can recoil on police. When departments have body cameras, but they're not on when something controversial happens, it really erodes the public trust, says Chris Hsiung, deputy chief of the Mountain View, Calif., Police Department.In her past research and in her new book, Richardson highlights the historical significance of mobile reporting in cases where violence is used against citizens. This is the first time African Americans can bear witness to what has happened, she says.When slaves were being punished, other slaves had to look away or they became part of the punishment, she says. You don't see photographs of Black people around the fringes of the audience at lynchings.Mobile devices make it possible for Black citizens to bring violent mistreatment out of the shadows. Ill be blunt, says Richardson. The reason many African Americans have picked up their smartphones and pressed record is because in the past, state and local governments have participated in the deadly force imposed upon them. The goal of this kind of [video] shooting is to create a new relationship between state and local governments and the people that they govern, she says.Richardson thinks that spending time in quarantine, being cordoned off by government and prohibited from moving freely, may have offered privileged citizens a little peek at what its like to be African American.I think that is why we see this multiethnic coalition outside right now, she says. People are waking up to the fact that if police practice on Black people and get really good at suppressing them with paramilitary forces, that authoritarian mentality could spread to the rest of America.Mountain View's Hsiung, a member of the board of the Government Social Media Organization, provides social media training to police departments across the country. When disturbing reports or images hit social media channels, speed and transparency are vital, he says.Even if it is the best strategy, rapid response is challenging. Getting to the bottom of an event, in service to all concerned, can require weeks or even months of investigation, not the minutes of a television police procedural. District attorneys might prefer that nothing be said to avoid tainting the jury pool for a court case.Most agencies will walk a very fine line of trying to get and share as much information as they can legally and administratively, Hsiung says. Theres no one right way, and a lot of it comes down to the relationship with the community.In cases where video spreading on social media has the potential to cause serious controversy, some departments have reached out to trusted contacts in the community, screened the video for them, and talked with them about the content, context and what comes next.Sometimes you can calm the community that way, but it does not work in every community, says Hsiung. Theres no simple answer."Before coming to the John Jay College, Lucy Lang was an assistant district attorney in Manhattan, prosecuting crimes including murder and domestic violence. Lang has worked with families who have lost loved ones to police violence, and has worked with police chiefs and prosecutors to develop a set of best practices for police accountability.Cellphone videos made by citizens during violent or fatal police encounters can be valuable tools in investigating these events. As a longtime prosecutor, my general feeling is that the more evidence of a crime being committed, the better, she says.By bearing witness, citizen journalists have galvanized demand for change, and accountability is at the top of the list. According to Mapping Police Violence , only 1 percent of the officers involved in police killings between 2013 and 2019 were charged with a crime.Accountability is just the beginning, however. What's being called for isn't just prosecution in cases in which there's video evidence, but a culture change in law enforcement generally, says Lang. In particular, change in the complicated and sometimes codependent relationship between local law enforcement and local district attorneys.Sir Robert Peel, the father of British policing, observed that, The police are the public and the public are the police. The Urban Institutes La Vigne notes that this guardian approach, a focus on protecting the public, has taken a back seat to a warrior stance, a focus on maintaining order through force.This militarization of policing reflects factors including training practices, implementation of military-grade vehicles and weapons and the fact that policing is a favored career among ex-military personnel.To think differently about how we recruit and train folks, we need to look for different kinds of job qualifications, says La Vigne.Richardson, along with other academics and activists in the Black Lives Matter movement, believes that its also important to consider how the historical origins of policing in America have affected police culture. The very first police forces were slave patrols, she says. Runaway slaves were captured by ordinary citizens and brought back for a bounty.Stepping away from screens, citizen journalists are moving from social media activism to taking steps to become part of the governments they want to change. Increasingly, Black activists are deciding to run for office, says Richardson.Mike Browns mom is running for city council, she says. Trayvon Martins mom is running for Miami-Dade County commissioner.Deputy Chief Hsiung sees two directions for the next phase of the current storm. The bad way would be if the conversation continues on social media and everyones shouting at each other and no dialogue takes place, he says. Thats a very bleak future, and weve already seen that with politics.To frame the alternative, he cites a verse from the Bible: Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.The good way, he believes, is for those who dont normally talk to each other to take up the conversation that has begun on social media in person (or whatever semblance of in person is possible in a physically distanced world).What society needs is for people to come together in a forum where they each listen to each other twice as hard as they are speaking, he says.Richardson agrees that government should be having hard conversations with constituents to uncover fault lines and fractures and, when called for, to follow these with apologies and investigations.Government should not disenfranchise any group of people, whether LGBTQ, people of color or poor white people, she says. We have to keep challenging those who are elected. Ferrari did not have the qualifying in Hungary that had been hoped for beforehand. Prior to the Hungarian GP weekend, team boss Frederic Vasseur still said his team could hope for a pole position. However, Charles Leclerc did not progress beyond sixth place in qualifying and Carlos Sainz was even eliminated in Q2. Vasseur argues that his team did not get it right in terms of tyre management. Article continues under ad Disappointing qualifying for Ferrari It is well known that Ferrari has long struggled with tyre management and in Hungary, the Scuderia once again had problems with this. "Our performance today has nothing to do with the new format, which is the same for everybody. We struggled to get a clear picture of our situation before the session, but what let us down is that we did not do a good job in terms of tyre management. In the end, with Charles we missed out on being one row further up the grid by less than a tenth. We were matching Lewis for all the session, but we could not do it at the end," Vasseur told a press release from his team. What can Ferrari do in the race? In the race, high tyre wear is expected and that is unlikely to be to Ferrari's advantage. "As for the race, its hard to say how it will unfold, because teams were doing their long runs yesterday [Friday] on different compounds. Track conditions tomorrow will be completely different to Friday which means we all go into the race a bit blind. The opening lap will be crucial as it is quite difficult to overtake, as we saw in the Formula 3 and Formula 2 races, when there were big DRS trains. It will be an interesting challenge." Both Haas drivers set for new F1 contracts Haas appears to be heading towards new contracts for "both" of its current drivers. Nico Hulkenberg, Kevin Magnussen, Hungarian GP 2023 Haas F1 Team / LAT With Haas owner Gene Haas making a rare visit to the Formula 1 paddock this weekend, it is clear that both he and team boss Gunther Steiner are ready to ink a new deal with Nico Hulkenberg. So with a question mark still hanging over Kevin Magnussen's race seat for 2024, Steiner told the Spanish broadcaster DAZN at the Hungaroring: "They are both good boys. I have a very good relationship with both, both personally and professionally, he added. "It's a lot of fun working with them. Normally, I am more frustrated than they are. They are the ones who have to encourage me and have to take care of me, Steiner smiled. Indeed, while German Hulkenberg has often shone brightly in qualifying this season, the races have been a different story. It's difficult this year to know how well we will do, Steiner said. "Sometimes the car goes well and we don't know why and sometimes it doesn't go well and we don't know why. Our main problem is the rear tyres - we overheat them. We are working to have it resolved after the summer break. With Hulkenberg and Magnussen looking likely to stay in 2024, Steiner doesn't hide that he thinks there is a better driver in the field - Fernando Alonso. I have always said that as a driver, Fernando is a master, he said. "I think he could race without engineers and strategists. He is the best of them all. If Fernando were five or seven years younger, he would be the most complete, Steiner added. "The only thing that works against him is his age. Red Bull eyeing Ricciardo for Perez's seat says Wolff Daniel Ricciardo is being auditioned by Red Bull as a potential successor for Sergio Perez. Daniel Ricciardo, Hungarian GP 2023 Red Bull That is not the claim of a Formula 1 insider or broadcaster pundit, but rather Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. Earlier in Hungary, Mercedes' engineering boss Andrew Shovlin indicated that there may be room at the team for axed Alpha Tauri driver Nyck de Vries. Dutchman de Vries was Mercedes' reserve driver prior to his signing by Red Bull-Alpha Tauri for 2023, and he was spotted in a Monaco cafe with Wolff early last week. I do feel sorry for him, Wolff told Sky Deutschland in Hungary. "He had called me on Monday morning to ask if I had time for a cup of coffee. I did and I will support him as best I can. However, it is clear that there is no place with us, the Austrian added, referring to the race seats occupied by Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Wolff thinks 28-year-old de Vries probably just needed more time at Alpha Tauri. Formula 1 is a tough world, we know that, he said. "I think they wanted to have a benchmark with Daniel Ricciardo, to see if he can take over from Checo (Perez). I'm a fan of Nyck's, Wolff continued. "He's always contributed a lot to the development of the car, but maybe he needed more time. Updates work despite Hamilton pole says Marko After Lewis Hamilton's breakthrough return to pole position in Hungary, Toto Wolff hinted that the next step is a signature on a 2024 contract. Lewis Hamilton, Hungarian GP 2023 Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd. It's not signed but we've done it emotionally, the Mercedes boss said. Hamilton agreed: It's taking more time than we all thought to get to where we want to be, but I think we'll get there. The result on Saturday ended Max Verstappen's run of dominance, with the Dutchman saying he qualified three thousands behind Hamilton because his Red Bull car felt terrible . I think the update works but I think we just didn't put everything together setup wise, Verstappen said. It doesn't matter where you are on the grid. If it doesn't feel good, it doesn't feel good. Dr Helmut Marko agrees: Our number say the new parts are working. In the sister Red Bull, Sergio Perez at least returned to Q3 for the first time in six rounds - but Dr Helmut Marko kept his criticism of the Mexican in check. The first practice session was wet and because Perez crashed, we didn't get any insights, Marko said. The car doesn't behave quite as expected it would here, he added at the Hungaroring. "We lose in turns 5 and 6 and have problems with the curbs. "For Perez, it was an important performance. He had the same problems as Max. He is five tenths behind, but the reason is Max. You can't blame Perez for that. But while Mercedes was celebrating, Wolff does not expect Hamilton to stay ahead after a long race on Sunday. Max's long runs on this circuit are from another planet, he insisted. However, the first step for Verstappen will be to get through the opening first lap with Hamilton. Red Bull boss Christian Horner reminded the F1 world that the pair obviously have history . As long as they get through the first corners together, it will get interesting after that. Wolff also warned: "Lewis and Max both have nothing to lose. "Lewis will give everything he has to make it a great fight. Our biggest weakness hasn't been that our car lacks downforce. The problem is the unpredictability of the rear. Today, Lewis had confidence in the car. At the same time, we must also remain realistic. Hamilton, though, is hopeful. They (Red Bull) have become a little slower compared to the beginning of the year. Look at DRS - they don't have the advantage they used to, he said. Where did it go? They also had an update here - we expected it to be a good step forward, two tenths or something. Red Bull's Marko agreed that the Hamilton and Verstappen rivalry still contains a bit of fuel ahead of their lap 1 battle on Sunday. At least there is no longer any talk of boredom in Formula 1, he said. Yesterday, Hamilton was very fast on the single laps - faster than us, Marko told Servus TV. Eddie Nartey calls for joint productions among GH filmmakers to revive industry Kofi Duah Showbiz News Jul - 23 - 2023 , 14:40 ACTOR-producer-scriptwriter, Eddie Nartey, has suggested that joint productions from renowned filmmakers could go a long way to bring Ghanas wobbly movie industry back on its feet. Eddie Nartey believes such team work could resuscitate the silver screen sector which many see as gasping for breath. In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Eddie Nartey said movie makers such as Shirley Frimpong-Manso of Sparrow Productions and Abdul Salam Mumin of Venus Films; Leila Djansi of Turning Point Pictures and Yvonne Nelsons YN Productions; Samuel Nyamekye of Miracle Films and Kofi Asamoahs Kofas Production could collaborate on a production and with support from investors, our movie industry would come back to life. When these production houses come together to work and with support of individuals and corporate institutions, I believe strongly our movies will bounce back in no time. There is a saying that two heads are better than one so if we have two or more of our great producers joining forces, nothing but the best will be the end results. Such joint projects will see the selection of the best actors, we will have the best scripts as well as best editing, among others. Individual producers doing their own thing is not helping our current situation. If we move together to government for help, they will listen to us. All what we want to revive the industry cannot be done without funding so this is when the government and individuals should come in to help, he stated. Also, Eddie Nartey, who has been acting for the past 10 years, said consistency was a problem we needed to deal with, if we wanted our movie industry to be vibrant again. I believe the Nigerians are doing well because they are consistent with their movies. They have a lot of movie producers who are releasing new movies with different actors. It gives different varieties to always choose from. We are not doing so well when it comes to that. Apart from Shirley Frimpong-Manso, who is consistent with coming out with movies and series, not much can be said of the others. I will urge that we beef up on that aspect because that is when we will attract support from investors, he added. Currently, Eddie Nartey and his E N Academy is helping to train up and coming actors. Read also: Multichoice Ghana partners Graphic Showbiz Forum on July 25 Who decides what is a brand? - Yaw Nsarkoh writes Yaw Nsarkoh Opinion Jul - 23 - 2023 , 17:16 Abantu, In discussing the definition of brands and branding we seem to go back to all those many years ago when we were told: There was no African history pre-European contact because it was not written in books like they did in Europe. That there was no such thing as African philosophy. Because it was not possible for proverbs and wise sayings to be the basis of philosophy. Yet, the same people accepted Greek fragments (a.k.a. proverbs) as the basis of philosophy. That Africa had no languages just gaggle. Our forests were jungles. We were natives, the Metropole had only citizens. They had fashion, style and clothing, we had costumes. The Metropole brought God, Africans were supposed to have only fetishes. That there was no such thing as African literature, etc. And the imperialist beat goes on! Who is saying this attempt to cut out the cultural experience of Africans and indeed all peoples of the Periphery, is the definition of branding? Western culture? Neoliberalism? Imperialism? The Metropole? I say, in 333BC, in Thebes (Ancient Egypt), there was branding of baskets. And advertising was done for these baskets. This is long before Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, Sorbonne, etc. even came into existence. Are we in danger of over-commoditising brands? Of ceding to neoliberal capitalism what a brand is? Are we being too subservient again to Western societies dictating the principles of organisation and parameters of discourse? For the social relations that govern the means of production and distribution/marketing? I argue that Revolutions are brands. Why are they not? They stand for clear ideas around liberation and offer solutions for society. Fidel, Raul, Che and the peasants and workers of the Los Barbudoes are and were a global brand. The impact of that movement on liberation in the Periphery (Global South) has been smothered by the media and academic sources of imperialism. This is just one example. So, is the Land and Freedom Movement which greatly took on colonialism in East Africa. And orchestrated revolution from the Mountains of Kenya, ably led by Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi, General Mathenge, etc. And most importantly was powered courageously by "ordinary" women and men. People driven to fight to the death to emphasise their rights to live in liberty, egalitarian opportunity and dignity, and true fraternity. So exemplary was this movement that it influenced thinking even in the United States civil rights struggle. Malcolm X in particular spoke a lot about his admiration of what was nicknamed the Mau Mau. Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Micere Mugo and many others have done an outstanding job in keeping the memory and lessons of this movement alive. Viewed particularly against the brutal neocolonial nature of Kenya under Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Arap Moi and even up to now, these people must be commended. The nationalist movements were brands. All brands can derail. Hence the disappearance or decimation of once all conquering Enron, Arthur-Anderson, General Electric, Nokia and the British Empire, as well as the Roman Empire. Religion, another example, is branding: Logo (cross, crescent, etc), Idea (eg. Love your neighbour as yourself), Communication framework (eg Quran, Bible, etc) , Experience (Temple, shrine, church, mosque, etc) and the priests are the militants and revolutionary campaigners. Why is Manyhia palace or the Kabaka's palace not a brand? The intangible shall prevail over the tangible. Ideas are eternal, the physical is transient. Branding and philosophy are intertwined. Dipped in a regenerative way to provide real solutions for the long term health of society, you have a brand. At its most purposeful and finest, this is it. Branding is a much bigger thing than punting stuff to make commercial targets. Theodore Levitt made this point decisively, vigorously and correctly in his famous article published in 1960, Marketing Myopia. Branding is not just the caricature that transactional commercialisation makes it seem. A sterile chase for profiteering. Branding is a much more respectful activity of human society to cement identity. It happens everywhere and in every aspect of society. I fall on Ngugi urging us to move the centre. Or Samir Amin calling for a differentiated polycentric approach; one planet, many systems. There is a fixation by aspects of the African elites, with ideas from the West, in neocolonial and neoliberal Africa. As though only the West or the Metropole has agency in thought. Some seem to think that a billionaire in Africa is only one if Forbes magazine reports one as such. That if Kantar, Nielsen, Hollywood, Milward Brown, Robinson Crusoe or Don Quixote does not recognise it as such then it is not a brand. It strains on to many African intellectuals being embarrassed when they cannot pronounce a European name properly. Forgetting that very few in the Metropole can pronounce Xhosa or Twi properly. I know many who feel embarrassed they cannot knot bow-ties but worry not that they cannot handle their own cultural fashion. This has been a very engaging conversation, in my view. With so many senior brand builders here, I have a suggestion. We, I suggest, owe it to the continent and to the profession. We should produce books, podcasts and so on to engage in the debate more. By Africa and on our own terms. On the last line, I will come back with a proposal. Best wishes. Digitalizing borla best way to solve sanitation problems - Elizabeth Sackey graphic.com.gh Jul - 21 - 2023 , 05:12 Zoomlion-Private Services Limited, a waste management company in Ghana, has launched a digital payment platform that will help the company and its customers transact business through an efficient and cashless system. The digital payment platform aims at easing payment for customers and leveraging the power of technology to deliver improved services based on deep understanding of their clients across the country. It is also focused at promoting responsible waste management practices in the communities in Ghana Launching the event in Accra on Wednesday, the Mayor of Accra (AMA), Elizabeth Sackey lauded Zoomlion Private Services for the initiative to improve customer service. According to her, the initiative is the best way to connect customers and the company together to bridge the ongoing digital agenda being trumpeted by the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr. Mahammadu Bawumia. She added that Borla on digitalization is the best way to go because it is easy, convenient and a real-time solution to the current garbage situation in the country. Ghana will be better placed if we all welcome the new digital platform dubbed Tua na yenfa wo borla, where a customer doesnt have to see face to face or with the waste lifters or company but will be better served. Mrs. Sackey said what makes the digital platform more laudable is the portion where a customer can complain when the borla is not collected for months or weeks. She said when she took over as a mayor, the AMA started an initiative to stop Ghanaians from dumping garbage into drains so pay for us to pick your borla is a laudable idea. The launching train which started at Madina Zongo Junction moved through to Atomic Junction, Legon, Okponglo, Shiashie, Dzorwulu Junction, Apenkwa, Tesano to Abeka Junction and continued to Kwame Nkrumah Circle ended at Accra Central (AMA office). The Managing Director of Zoomlion Private Services, Mr. Edwin Amoako, walked the gathering through the process, all what the customers need is to have a phone and dial *858#, select option 2 for waste payment, enter your customer ID and then enter amount and press send. He said in an era where environmental sustainability is at the forefront of both individual and corporate conversations, Zoomlion recognizes the need for effective and hustle free waste management solutions that addresses specific needs of their clients. This, he said has resulted in the crafting of a multi-faceted digital payment solutions to encourage their customers to Change Your Borla Style" and adopt this new era of digitization along with its numerous benefits. To meet the digital drive and agenda, Zoomlion, has therefore, introduced an innovative suite of digital payment solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of modern businesses, whilst addressing the needs of the average customer across the nation. We do this through a bouquet of digital solutions available via, USSD short code *857# and on Zoomlion Application. Mr. Amoako said the new App will bring ease, convenience and peace of mind to clients and customers who hitherto, had limited avenues for payment. He urged Ghanaians to look out for more alliances with other payment portals and services all in the bid to serve clients better. President Akufo-Addo holds talks with Pope Francis GraphicOnline Jul - 23 - 2023 , 07:51 On Saturday, Pope Francis welcomed President Nana Addo Akufo-Addo, to the study of the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, the Holy See Press Office said in a statement. After meeting with the Pope, President Akufo-Addo held discussions with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and was accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, at the offices of the Secretariat of State. The meeting emphasized the positive and strong relations between the Holy See and Ghana. The primary focus of the discussions was on enhancing cooperation between the Catholic Church and Ghana, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare. They also delved into various aspects of Ghana's political and socio-economic situation. Moreover, both parties explored current international affairs, placing special emphasis on addressing peace-related matters globally and enhancing security in the West African countries. By now, most Montana property owners have opened their 2023 Property Classification and Appraisal Notices, and many have been surprised by the Montana Department of Revenues estimate of their propertys market value. Its no secret that property in Montana has been selling at higher and higher prices, but the size of the increased values is astonishing to everyone--including me. These value increases and estimated 2023 General Taxes described on the notice based upon the prior years millshave created a great deal of confusion, fear, and some frustration among Montanas citizens. After talking with many Montanans about this issue recently, I learned that most of the fear and frustration is resulting from a misunderstanding of how property values, mill levies and laws work together to become the property tax bill Montanas property owners receive in the fall. Lets break this down to make this complex issue more understandable. Property taxes in Montana are the primary source of funding for cities, counties and school districts. Thus, the property taxes fund county roads, public school teacher salaries, city police and every other service provided to Montana citizens by their local governments. We elect our city council members, county commissioners and school board trustees to create budgets and administer our local government. As it relates to property taxes, our local elected officials should prioritize and budget their property tax receipts in the best interests of the constituents that elected them. Property taxes are calculated locally by applying mills to a propertys taxable value. A mill is simply a unit of measurement and one mill will generate $1 dollar of property tax revenue for every $1,000 of a propertys taxable value. Each year, local governments enact a mill levy, which is a calculation determining how many mills need to be assessed for each dollar of taxable value there is in that jurisdiction to meet the budget. Thus, if a jurisdiction has a large increase in property taxable value (like we have with the higher appraisals), a local government will be able to reduce the number of mills levied on each property to meet their budget. To put it simply, the more total value of property in a jurisdiction, the fewer mills are needed to meet the general budget. The fewer the mills, the lower the tax bill on a property. A second element included in property taxes are voter-approved mill levies. Voter mill levies are not limited by Montana law, but are imposed by the direct election of the local residents. These mill levies are presented on your ballot and every voter can vote for or against them. When voters approve these mill levies for new schools, recreation facilities, or public safety, to name a few, property taxes go up. Now, back to the notice you received. The Department of Revenue is required by law to appraise virtually all property at 100% of its market value every two years. Were also required to include the prior years millage rate in your jurisdiction on the notice you receive. From there, Estimated General Taxes on the notice are calculated. In appraisal cycles that dont have huge increases in property value, estimates based on the prior years millage rate provide a ballpark estimate of someones propertys taxes. This year, however, this estimate is likely to be too high, unless your jurisdiction has a lot of mills that were enacted by the voters. The bottom line here even though your property appreciated greatly, it doesnt mean your taxes will go up by the same amount. Montana law restricts local governments from receiving a property tax windfall from increasing valuations, and local voters have control over their special mill levies. Tax bills will be coming from your county office in November, and I am confident that in most cases the bill will be lower than my agency could estimate from last years mill levies. Sam George: Ningo Prampram MP raises concerns over money laundering in Ghana's real estate sector GraphicOnline Jul - 23 - 2023 , 08:39 The Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam George has voiced skepticism regarding the legitimacy of numerous real estate businesses in Ghana. In an interview on JoyNews' Newsfile, he asserted that the real estate industry is often used as a front for money laundering activities. According to Mr George, individuals employ real estate ventures as a means to "clean" illicitly acquired funds. He expressed concerns about the inflated costs of real estate properties in Ghana, particularly high-rise buildings being sold at exorbitant prices. The MP suggested that these properties are often exchanged among individuals involved in money laundering schemes, effectively "cleaning" the money in the process. Moreover, George claimed that the funds generated from such activities are subsequently used to finance political campaigns. These assertions come in the wake of a recent report by the Chronicle newspaper, detailing a theft case involving significant sums of money. Real estate business in Ghana is money laundering. If our authorities want to deal with it, they will deal with it, he said. He added that the cost of real estate in Ghana is not justifiable by any stretch. You keep seeing all these new high-rise buildings going up and they are selling them for half a million, a million dollars and they keep buying and buying amongst themselves... I have dirty money to clean, I put up a real estate property, you have dirty money you come and buy the property from me and then automatically your money becomes clean, then tomorrow you also start building your own then I come back and buy and we are just cleaning the money. Tema: Vehicle on the move catches fire, 2 escape unhurt Benjamin Xornam Glover Jul - 23 - 2023 , 12:58 Two people on board a vehicle with registration number GN 3774-20 escaped unhurt after a vehicle they were onboard caught fire on Sunday on Sunday morning [July 23, 2023] in Tema. They vehicle was on the move when the driver saw smoke emitting from the engine. It was unclear what caused the fire which destroyed the Hyundai vehicle beyond recognition. The incident occurred between the Peace of Peace Presbyterian Church and the Santa Barbara School in Tema Community 2 in the Greater Accra Region. One of the passengers onboard, Antoinette Foli told personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service who arrived at the scene that, the driver realized at a point that the vehicle was not moving and so he parked the by the road side to inspect what was causing it. She said not long after they detected fire coming out of the engine and and before they could grab the fire extinguisher, the fire spread quickly. The personnel from the GNFS led by Assistant Divisional Officer Grade II, Cornelius Ameyada said the incident was brought under control at about 11:13 am. Amprius Technologies announced that its high-density silicon anode batteries played a significant role in powering BAE Systems first successful stratospheric flight trial. PHASA-35, the High-Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) designed by BAE Systems subsidiary Prismatic Ltd., is planned to operate above the weather and conventional air traffic. During a recent test-flight, the PHASA-35 crossed an altitude of more than 66,000 feet, reaching the stratosphere, before landing successfully. The trial, completed last month in New Mexico, allowed engineers to assess the experimental solar-electric drone within the edges of the planets atmosphere. PHASA-35s first stratospheric showcases BAE Systems commitment to technological innovation and market expansion. As a High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) vehicle, the PHASA-35 (standing for Persistent High Altitude Solar Aircraft) is powered by the sun during the day and by batteries overnight. The long-life battery and highly efficient solar technology allow the aircraft to potentially maintain flight for up to a year, operating in the upper regions of Earths atmosphere. The novel aero structure design and advanced solar technology make PHASA-35 a game changer in the air and space market. Amprius announced in October of 2022 that it had entered into a three-year cooperation agreement with BAE Systems. Both parties agreed to investigate business opportunities enabled by the use and supply of Amprius silicon anode batteries for electric products being developed by BAE Systems in the UK. The BMW Group further expanded its R&D footprint in China with the opening of a new R&D Center in Shanghai. China is already home to BMW Groups largest R&D system outside of Germany, with locations in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang and Nanjing. Based on the concept of open innovation, all BMWs R&D functions in China have been merged together under one roof for efficient collaboration and high-speed performance. BMW has now built-up fully-fledged R&D competency and software development capabilities for full-stack ICV development in China, putting the company in the position to further its China strategy. Our new R&D Center and BMW China R&D upgrade will enable us to achieve a real competence push. Within the last three years, we have tripled our forces in China. Today, more than 3,200 designers and engineers, NEV and software specialists are creating leading-edge innovations in close collaboration with Chinese tech players, start-ups, local partners as well as academia. China is the place to be. Going forward, there will be a lot more China in our worldwide R&D organization. Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development The BMW Group R&D network currently covers 17 countries. China has established the largest R&D and innovation network outside Germany, with facilities and processes as advanced as the headquarters and numerous innovation partnerships. BMW believes that China is the place to be for future mobility. In April, BMW further upgraded its R&D management in China, bringing all development functions in China under one roof and the leadership of Dr. Robert Kahlenberg. This move not only strengthens the synergy across different R&D functions in China, but will better integrate the China R&D network and its innovation capabilities into BMW Groups worldwide R&D organization. In addition, innovation and future trends will be scouted and assessed earlier in order to better meet the needs of Chinese customers. Within BMW Groups global R&D network, China is the only country outside Germany with full-process R&D capabilities. There are now 3,200 R&D associates in China using their expertise to develop products for Chinese customers. For instance, in the BMW Operating System 9, 70% of the functions are tailor-made for Chinese customers. BMWs China R&D team has been deeply involved in the design, development, testing and validation of the locally-produced all-electric BMW i5. BMWs R&D and design teams in China are deeply involved in many key aspects of the development of the NEUE KLASSE models. A number of China innovations will become highlights of the upcoming NEUE KLASSE models. Human-machine interaction is a vital part of the user experience. Currently, China is the only market outside Germany that has Skylab, the human-machine interaction design team, and usability lab with all core design functions, covering user experience design, visual design, usability research and the development of human-machine interaction. The facility fully demonstrates BMWs systematic, precise and advanced approach to usability research based on simulation models. The usability research team consists of designers, software engineers, cognitive psychologists, and more. The specific team conducting usability research during the development of the BMW Operating System 9 included experts with over eight years of experience on average, including some with psychology PhDs. Over a 15-month period, they listened to feedback from hundreds of Chinese customers and customers from other countries and regions. BMW places a lot of emphasis on the importance of hardware-software integration in car development, with leading-edge software considered essential for a next-level user experience. In China, BA TechWorks in Nanjing will expand its software team to 500 associates by the end of 2023, with software development capabilities for full stack development of Intelligent Connected Vehicles. BMWs software development department was established in 2002 and is now located in Mountain View (USA), Lisbon and Porto (Portugal), Munich and Ulm (Germany), Tokyo (Japan) and Shanghai, Beijing and Nanjing (China), with more than 8,000 software specialists worldwide. The team develops an average of around 100,000 software builds per day and processes around 3,000 builds per hour in parallel. The BMW Group established its first battery center outside of Germany with full battery capabilities in China in 2017. The BMW Shenyang R&D Center has been focusing on electrification technology development, product localization, calibration, and validation for over 10 years. The recently expanded Shenyang R&D Center Phase II has further strengthened BMWs full process development and validation capabilities for locally-produced new energy vehicles. The facility includes 19 new laboratories, 17 of which are dedicated to testing new energy vehicles. China is also home to BMWs largest testing and validation footprint outside of Germany. The Shenyang R&D Center has a global-leading EMC laboratory. In the anti-interference test, the general standard in the industry requires 30 V/m, while the electric field intensity in BMW EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) lab could reach 100V/m on average and up to 140 V/m in extreme test conditions. BMW also owns a professional NVH laboratory in Shenyang, including an acoustic hub Dyno laboratory and outdoor test track, which can run strict tests of noise outside and inside the cabin. The High-Voltage Battery (HVB) testing lab can simulate extreme conditions to ensure the high-performance and safety of high-voltage batteries in all conditions. The high-voltage battery of the all-new BMW i3 underwent 155 hardware tests and 994 software function tests during the development process. All BMW vehicles will undergo rigorous vehicle testing prior to launch, at geographical locations from 71 degrees north to 25 degrees south latitude, and temperatures from -40 degrees to 46 degrees. The extreme testing ensures all new models will provide excellent performance for customers whatever the weather and road condition. In addition, all models launched in China will undergo vehicle endurance testing in the special environments of high altitude, high humidity, high temperature and extreme cold in China. The test contents include the powertrain system, the battery, the motor, the control units, and the dynamic performance. With the fully-fledged BEV R&D and testing capabilities in China, the BMW Group has already launched locally-produced BEVs including the BMW i3, BMW iX1 and BMW iX3, as well as imported BEVs including the BMW i4, BMW i7 and BMW iX. The locally produced BMW i5, will be unveiled this year. BMW is also expanding its circle of joint innovation partners. As well as cooperating with tech giants such as Tencent, Alibaba, China Unicom, Navinfo and Huawei, BMW also engages with Chinas future tech innovators and top universities such as Tongji University and Tsinghua University. Recently, BMW signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China Automotive Technology & Research Center (CATARC) for cooperation in the areas of intelligent connected vehicles, new energy vehicles, sustainability, vehicle safety, and more. The two parties have agreed to conduct exchanges and discussions on policy and regulation, promote the standardization in the framework of an ICV ecosystem, and advance ICV and NEV development in China together. Toyota is developing a regenerative fuel cell for the manned pressurized rover (nicknamed the Lunar Cruiser) for the lunar polar exploration mission (LUPEX), part of projects led by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). (Earlier post.) During an update on the development status, Ken Yamashita, Project Head for the Lunar Exploration Mobility Works Project, noted that the technologies under development and being fine-tuned for the lunar rover will be applied back on Earth. One of those is the regenerative fuel cell (RFC) system. (Others are off-road driving performance, automated off-road driving, and the user experience.) A regenerative fuel cell has the ability to function as a fuel cell that converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity and water, and as an electrolyzer that produces hydrogen and oxygen through the application of electrical energy. This dual-mode operation allows the fuel cell to switch between being an energy generator and an energy storage device. One of the key challenges for the Lunar Cruiser is making it through the lunar night (14 days) without sunlight. Toyota is looking to the RFC to produce hydrogen and oxygen during daylight hours and then use the fuel cell to supply electricity at night. There are a number of technology issues to solve for this application, including lightweight storage for both hydrogen and water. Toyota is partnering with Mitsubishi Heavy (MHI) on marine electrolysis technology for that aspect of the RFC, and leveraging its own fuel cell work as well. Yamashita said that the development of RFC technology could enable high-efficiency hydrogen production using sunlight, making it compact and lightweight enough to be mounted in vehicles. Overall, Toyota sees RFC technology as contributing to global circular living and carbon neutrality. Sitting in a parked car with an arsenal of weapons and ammunition, the man who fired on police officers in North Dakota earlier this month chose to use the one gun in his vehicle that was modified with a binary trigger. The device allowed the gun to fire so rapidly that it sounded like an automatic weapon. The July 14 shooting in Fargo, which killed one officer and wounded two others and a civilian, has put a spotlight on the device and other trigger modifications that are a growing concern for law enforcement. Mohamad Barakat, 37, opened fire on the officers as they responded to a car accident. He shot from his vehicle loaded with guns, a homemade grenade, gasoline canisters, propane tanks containing improvised explosives, and more than 1,800 rounds of ammunition, police said. Barakat was killed by a fourth officer who returned fire. North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley said on Friday that he believes the violence could have been the beginning of a bigger attack, as the Downtown Fargo Street Fair and the Red River Valley Fair were underway. Wrigley noted that Barakat had four semi-automatic handguns and three semi-automatic rifles, but only one of them the one he picked to go on his shooting rampage had a binary trigger. Heres a look at the device, regulations around binary triggers and how they differ from bump stocks: What are binary triggers? A binary trigger is a modification that allows a weapon to fire one round when the trigger is pulled and another when it is released in essence doubling the firing capacity, firearms experts and weapons manufacturers say. The modifications are relatively inexpensive, running a few hundred dollars depending on the model. They are also a relatively new technology, first released in 2015 partly in response to federal regulators seeking to expand the scope of banning modifications that create automatic weapons. What regulations exist on binary triggers? They are legal in most states and at the federal level. Federal regulations dont yet cover the sale of binary trigger modifications, said Robert Spitzer, a professor at the College of William & Mary Law School whose research focuses on gun policy and politics. Its a matter of technology outrunning regulation, which is not a new thing, Spitzer said. Some states do ban the purchase of binary triggers specifically or modifications like binary triggers generally. The manufacturer websites note that they cannot sell them to civilians in 12 states, including California, New York, Florida and others or in Washington, D.C. At least one other state not listed on the seller websites has a partial ban on similar modifications, firearm law experts said. How do binary triggers differ from bump stocks? Bump stocks are a frame or component added onto the back of semi-automatic weapons that allow them to fire like machine guns by using the recoil from an initial trigger pull to fire multiple rounds. Under former President Donald Trumps administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives moved to ban bump stocks after the 2017 mass shooting at a Las Vegas music festival where a gunman using bump stock-modified weapons killed 60 people. Federal regulators argued that bump stocks fell under 1934 and 1986 federal regulations on automatic weapons. The ban survived multiple challenges around the country until January, when a U.S. Appeals Court in New Orleans ruled in favor of challengers who argued the federal regulations against machine guns dont specifically cover bump stocks. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has also made moves to regulate what are called forced reset triggers, saying they also created, in essence, machine guns out of semi-automatic weapons by adding a spring to a trigger, allowing it to reset and fire faster. Greg Wallace, a professor at the Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law who has studied firearm laws, said binary triggers work on a completely different mechanism than forced reset triggers. He said binary triggers modify the component of the trigger that holds the hammer or striking mechanism back. Wallace said he agreed with several articles that have called binary triggers a gimmick having little, if any, practical real-world use. The results from last weeks poll can be summarized like this the Nothing Phone (2) is a nice phone, but it is priced too high. Nothings decision to stick close to stock Android was lauded, in fact, there was a heated discussion about the advantages of a lean UI. That said, most of the arguments for and against the phone centered on price. People were talking about Galaxy S23 and Pixel 7 phones, how much they cost in their region at launch and how much they cost now. Both series are cheaper now, of course, and Nothing may need to dial down its ambitious pricing if it wants to compete. Nearly 4 in 10 voters think that $600/560/680/45,000 is too high for what the Phone (2) has to offer and what it doesnt. Not having a telephoto lens in this price range is definitely a downside. The price issue is most keenly felt in regions like Europe and Canada. In Canada, for example, the base model is C$930, while a straight conversion from the US price yields C$790. Nothing made a choice for this generation to grow the screen size to 6.7. As Carl Pei himself put it: Contrary to what we may believe living in the echo chamber, very few people buy small phones. And it seems that he was right, only 10% of voters are skipping the Phone (2) because of its size. Anyway, we mentioned the lack of a tele camera, but the phone does have several upgrades over its predecessor an LTPO panel for the display, a higher class of chipset and improvements to the battery. However, commenters found it hard to focus on those upgrades when the price puts the Phone (2) so close to flagship territory. Even so, about a quarter of voters will be looking to buy a Nothing Phone (2) as its just the right combination of hardware and software for them and they are willing to pay the price. Xiaomi sub-brand Redmi launched the Redmi 12 4G last month with the Helio G88 SoC at the helm, and the company is expected to follow up with a 5G version soon. While Xiaomi hasn't divulged anything about the Redmi 12 5G yet, a device with model code 23076RN4BI, believed to be the Redmi 12 5G, has appeared on Geekbench with its key specs. The Xiaomi 23076RN4BI runs Android 13 and likely has the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC at the helm. It has 8GB RAM onboard, but there could be more memory options that are yet to be confirmed. The Xiaomi 23076RN4BI also appeared in BIS' database, confirming its Indian launch. Xiaomi will launch the Redmi 12 in India on August 1, but it's unclear if it's the 4G model or the 5G version. The teasers shared by the Chinese brand hint at the 4G variant since the phone's design is similar and features a 50MP primary camera. However, if it's the 5G model, it will be interesting to see if the chipset will be the only differentiating factor between the two versions or if there will be more differences. Redmi 12 4G There's also a chance that the Redmi 12 5G is a version of the Redmi Note 12R, which is a Redmi 12 4G with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC, 5MP selfie shooter, and no ultrawide camera. You can check the detailed specs comparison of the Redmi 12 4G and Redmi Note 12R here. You can also read our Redmi 12 4G's detailed review here to learn more about it or watch the video review linked below. Source | Via Dave Lotz is a vocal advocate for protecting Guams unique heritage, a knowledgeable and long-time hiking enthusiast and environmental advocate, and critic of inept government. He has been a resident of Guam since 1970 and retired from the Guam Department of Parks and Recreation, Andersen AFB Environmental Flight and the National Park Service. Project Gutenberg's Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom, by Cory Doctorow This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org ** This is a COPYRIGHTED Project Gutenberg eBook, Details Below ** ** Please follow the copyright guidelines in this file. ** Title: Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom Author: Cory Doctorow Release Date: June 13, 2003 [EBook #8086] [Most recently updated: January 8, 2023] Language: English Character set encoding: UTF-8 *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DOWN AND OUT IN THE MAGIC KINGDOM *** Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom Cory Doctorow Copyright 2003 Cory Doctorow doctorow@craphound.com http://www.craphound.com/down Tor Books, January 2003 ISBN: 0765304368 Blurbs: He sparkles! He fizzes! He does backflips and breaks the furniture! Science fiction needs Cory Doctorow! Bruce Sterling Author, The Hacker Crackdown and Distraction In the true spirit of Walt Disney, Doctorow has ripped a part of our common culture, mixed it with a brilliant story, and burned into our culture a new set of memes that will be with us for a generation at least. Lawrence Lessig Author, The Future of Ideas Cory Doctorow doesnt just write about the futur think he lives there. Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom isnt just a really good read, its also, like the best kind of fiction, a kind of guide book. See the Tomorrowland of Tomorrow today, and while youre there, why not drop by Frontierland, and the Haunted Mansion as well? (Its the Mansion thats the haunted heart of this book.) Cory makes me feel nostalgic for the futur dizzying, yet rather pleasant sensation, as if Im spiraling down the tracks of Space Mountain over and over again. Visit the Magic Kingdom and live forever! Kelly Link Author, Stranger Things Happen Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom is the most entertaining and exciting science fiction story Ive read in the last few years. I love page-turners, especially when they are as unusual as this novel. I predict big things for Down and Outit could easily become a breakout genre-buster. Mark Frauenfelder Contributing Editor, Wired Magazine Imagine you woke up one day and Walt Disney had taken over the world. Not only that, but moneys been abolished and somebodys developed the Cure for Death. Welcome to the Bitchun Societyand make sure youre strapped in tight, because its going to be a wild ride. In a world where everyones wishes can come true, one man returns to the original, crumbling city of dreamsDisney World. Here in the spiritual center of the Bitchun Society he struggles to find and preserve the original, human face of the Magic Kingdom against the young, post-human and increasingly alien inheritors of the Earth. Now that any experience can be simulated, human relationships become ever more fragile; and to Julius, the corny, mechanical ghosts of the Haunted Mansion have come to seem like a precious link to a past when we could tell the real from the simulated, the true from the false. Cory Doctorowcultural critic, Disneyphile, and ultimate Early Adopteruses language with the reckless confidence of the Beat poets. Yet behind the dazzling prose and vibrant characters lie ideas we should all pay heed to. The future rushes on like a plummeting roller coaster, and its hard to see where were going. But at least with this book Doctorow has given us a map of the park. Karl Schroeder Author, Permanence Cory Doctorow is the most interesting new SF writer Ive come across in years. He starts out at the point where older SF writers speculations end. Its a distinct pleasure to give him some Whuffie. Rudy Rucker Author, Spaceland Cory Doctorow rocks! I check his blog about ten times a day, because hes always one of the first to notice a major incursion from the social-technological-pop-cultural future, and his voice is a compelling vehicle for news from the future. Down and Out in The Magic Kingdom is about a world that is visible in its outlines today, if you know where to look, from reputation systems to peer-to-peer adhocracies. Doctorow knows where to look, and how to word-paint the rest of us into the picture. Howard Rheingold Author, Smart Mobs Doctorow is more than just a sick mind looking to twist the perceptions of those whose realities remain uncorrupted - though that should be enough recommendation to read his work. Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom is black comedic, sci-fi prophecy on the dangers of surrendering our consensual hallucination to the regime. Fun to read, but difficult to sleep afterwards. Douglas Rushkoff Author of Cyberia and Media Virus! Wow! Disney imagineering meets nanotechnology, the reputation economy, and Ray Kurzweils transhuman future. As much fun as Neal Stephensons Snow Crash, and as packed with mind bending ideas about social changes cascading from the frontiers of science. Tim OReilly Publisher and Founder, OReilly and Associates Doctorow has created a rich and exciting vision of the future, and then wrote a page-turner of a story in it. I couldnt put the book down. Bruce Schneier Author, Secrets and Lies Cory Doctorow is one of our best new writers: smart, daring, savvy, entertaining, ambitious, plugged-in, and as good a guide to the wired world of the twenty-first century that stretches out before us as youre going to find. Gardner Dozois Editor, Asimovs SF Cory Doctorows Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom tells a gripping, fast-paced story that hinges on thought-provoking extrapolation from todays technical realities. This is the sort of book that captures and defines the spirit of a turning point in human history when our tools remake ourselves and our world. Mitch Kapor Founder, Lotus, Inc., co-founder Electronic Frontier Foundation A note about this book: Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom is my first novel. Its an actual, no-foolin words-on-paper book, published by the good people at Tor Books in New York City. You can buy this book in stores or online, by following links like this one: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0765304368/downandoutint-20 So, whats with this file? Good question. Im releasing the entire text of this book as a free, freely redistributable e-book. You can download it, put it on a P2P net, put it on your site, email it to a friend, and, if youre addicted to dead trees, you can even print it. Why am I doing this thing? Well, its a long story, but to shorten it up: first-time novelists have a tough row to hoe. Our publishers dont have a lot of promotional budget to throw at unknown factors like us. Mostly, we rise and fall based on word-of-mouth. Im not bad at word-of-mouth. I have a blog, Boing Boing (http://boingboing.net), where I do a lot of word-of-mouthing. I compulsively tell friends and strangers about things that I like. And telling people about stuff I like is way, way easier if I can just send it to em. Way easier. Whats more, P2P nets kick all kinds of ass. Most of the books, music and movies ever released are not available for sale, anywhere in the world. In the brief time that P2P nets have flourished, the ad-hoc masses of the Internet have managed to put just about everything online. Whats more, theyve done it for cheaper than any other archiving/revival effort ever. Im a stone infovore and this kinda Internet mishegas gives me a serious frisson of futurosity. Yeah, there are legal problems. Yeah, its hard to figure out how people are gonna make money doing it. Yeah, there is a lot of social upheaval and a serious threat to innovation, freedom, business, and whatnot. Its your basic end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it scenario, and as a science fiction writer, end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it scenaria are my stock-in-trade. Im especially grateful to my publisher, Tor Books (http://www.tor.com) and my editor, Patrick Nielsen Hayden (http://nielsenhayden.com/electrolite) for being hep enough to let me try out this experiment. All that said, heres the deal: Im releasing this book under a license developed by the Creative Commons project (http://creativecommons.org/). This is a project that lets people like me roll our own license agreements for the distribution of our creative work under terms similar to those employed by the Free/Open Source Software movement. Its a great project, and Im proud to be a part of it. Heres a summary of the license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd-nc/1.0 Attribution. 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PROLOGUE I lived long enough to see the cure for death; to see the rise of the Bitchun Society, to learn ten languages; to compose three symphonies; to realize my boyhood dream of taking up residence in Disney World; to see the death of the workplace and of work. I never thought Id live to see the day when Keep A-Movin Dan would decide to deadhead until the heat death of the Universe. Dan was in his second or third blush of youth when I first met him, sometime late-XXI. He was a rangy cowpoke, apparent 25 or so, all rawhide squint-lines and sunburned neck, boots worn thin and infinitely comfortable. I was in the middle of my Chem thesis, my fourth Doctorate, and he was taking a break from Saving the World, chilling on campus in Toronto and core-dumping for some poor Anthro major. We hooked up at the Grad Students Unionthe GSU, or Gazoo for those who knewon a busy Friday night, spring-ish. I was fighting a coral-slow battle for a stool at the scratched bar, inching my way closer every time the press of bodies shifted, and he had one of the few seats, surrounded by a litter of cigarette junk and empties, clearly encamped. Some duration into my foray, he cocked his head at me and raised a sun-bleached eyebrow. You get any closer, son, and were going to have to get a pre-nup. I was apparent forty or so, and I thought about bridling at being called son, but I looked into his eyes and decided that he had enough realtime that he could call me son anytime he wanted. I backed off a little and apologized. He struck a cig and blew a pungent, strong plume over the bartenders head. Dont worry about it. Im probably a little over accustomed to personal space. I couldnt remember the last time Id heard anyone on-world talk about personal space. With the mortality rate at zero and the birth-rate at non-zero, the world was inexorably accreting a dense carpet of people, even with the migratory and deadhead drains on the population. Youve been jaunting? I askedhis eyes were too sharp for him to have missed an instants experience to deadheading. He chuckled. No sir, not me. Im into the kind of macho shitheadery that you only come across on-world. Jauntings for play; I need work. The bar-glass tinkled a counterpoint. I took a moment to conjure a HUD with his Whuffie score on it. I had to resize the windowhe had too many zeroes to fit on my standard display. I tried to act cool, but he caught the upwards flick of my eyes and then their involuntary widening. He tried a little aw-shucksery, gave it up and let a prideful grin show. I try not to pay it much mind. Some people, they get overly grateful. He mustve seen my eyes flick up again, to pull his Whuffie history. Wait, dont go doing thatIll tell you about it, you really got to know. Damn, you know, its so easy to get used to life without hyperlinks. Youd think youd really miss em, but you dont. And it clicked for me. He was a missionaryone of those fringe-dwellers who act as emissary from the Bitchun Society to the benighted corners of the world where, for whatever reasons, they want to die, starve, and choke on petrochem waste. Its amazing that these communities survive more than a generation; in the Bitchun Society proper, we usually outlive our detractors. The missionaries dont have such a high success rateyou have to be awfully convincing to get through to a culture thats already successfully resisted nearly a centurys worth of propagandabut when you convert a whole village, you accrue all the Whuffie they have to give. More often, missionaries end up getting refreshed from a backup after they arent heard from for a decade or so. Id never met one in the flesh before. How many successful missions have you had? I asked. Figured it out, huh? Ive just come off my fifth in twenty yearscounterrevolutionaries hidden out in the old Cheyenne Mountain NORAD site, still there a generation later. He sandpapered his whiskers with his fingertips. Their parents went to ground after their lifes savings vanished, and they had no use for tech any more advanced than a rifle. Plenty of those, though. He spun a fascinating yarn then, how he slowly gained the acceptance of the mountain-dwellers, and then their trust, and then betrayed it in subtle, beneficent ways: introducing Free Energy to their greenhouses, then a gengineered crop or two, then curing a couple deaths, slowly inching them toward the Bitchun Society, until they couldnt remember why they hadnt wanted to be a part of it from the start. Now they were mostly off-world, exploring toy frontiers with unlimited energy and unlimited supplies and deadheading through the dull times en route. I guess itd be too much of a shock for them to stay on-world. They think of us as the enemy, you knowthey had all kinds of plans drawn up for when we invaded them and took them away; hollow suicide teeth, booby-traps, fall-back-and-rendezvous points for the survivors. They just cant get over hating us, even though we dont even know they exist. Off-world, they can pretend that theyre still living rough and hard. He rubbed his chin again, his hard calluses grating over his whiskers. But for me, the real rough life is right here, on-world. The little enclaves, each one is like an alternate history of humanitywhat if wed taken the Free Energy, but not deadheading? What if wed taken deadheading, but only for the critically ill, not for people who didnt want to be bored on long bus-rides? Or no hyperlinks, no ad-hocracy, no Whuffie? Each one is different and wonderful. I have a stupid habit of arguing for the sake of, and I found myself saying, Wonderful? Oh sure, nothing finer than, oh, lets see, dying, starving, freezing, broiling, killing, cruelty and ignorance and pain and misery. I know I sure miss it. Keep A-Movin Dan snorted. You think a junkie misses sobriety? I knocked on the bar. Hello! There arent any junkies anymore! He struck another cig. But you know what a junkie is, right? Junkies dont miss sobriety, because they dont remember how sharp everything was, how the pain made the joy sweeter. We cant remember what it was like to work to earn our keep; to worry that there might not be enough, that we might get sick or get hit by a bus. We dont remember what it was like to take chances, and we sure as shit dont remember what it felt like to have them pay off. He had a point. Here I was, only in my second or third adulthood, and already ready to toss it all in and do something, anything, else. He had a pointbut I wasnt about to admit it. So you say. I say, I take a chance when I strike up a conversation in a bar, when I fall in love And what about the deadheads? Two people I know, they just went deadhead for ten thousand years! Tell me thats not taking a chance! Truth be told, almost everyone Id known in my eighty-some years were deadheading or jaunting or just gone. Lonely days, then. Brother, thats committing half-assed suicide. The way were going, theyll be lucky if someone doesnt just switch em off when it comes time to reanimate. In case you havent noticed, its getting a little crowded around here. I made pish-tosh sounds and wiped off my forehead with a bar-napkinthe Gazoo was beastly hot on summer nights. Uh-huh, just like the world was getting a little crowded a hundred years ago, before Free Energy. Like it was getting too greenhousey, too nukey, too hot or too cold. We fixed it then, well fix it again when the time comes. Im gonna be here in ten thousand years, you damn betcha, but I think Ill do it the long way around. He cocked his head again, and gave it some thought. If it had been any of the other grad students, Id have assumed he was grepping for some bolstering factoids to support his next sally. But with him, I just knew he was thinking about it, the old-fashioned way. I think that if Im still here in ten thousand years, Im going to be crazy as hell. Ten thousand years, pal! Ten thousand years ago, the state-of-the-art was a goat. You really think youre going to be anything recognizably human in a hundred centuries? Me, Im not interested in being a post-person. Im going to wake up one day, and Im going to say, Well, I guess Ive seen about enough, and thatll be my last day. I had seen where he was going with this, and I had stopped paying attention while I readied my response. I probably should have paid more attention. But why? Why not just deadhead for a few centuries, see if theres anything that takes your fancy, and if not, back to sleep for a few more? Why do anything so final? He embarrassed me by making a show of thinking it over again, making me feel like I was just a half-pissed glib poltroon. I suppose its because nothing else is. Ive always known that someday, I was going to stop moving, stop seeking, stop kicking, and have done with it. Therell come a day when I dont have anything left to do, except stop. On campus, they called him Keep-A-Movin Dan, because of his cowboy vibe and because of his lifestyle, and he somehow grew to take over every conversation I had for the next six months. I pinged his Whuffie a few times, and noticed that it was climbing steadily upward as he accumulated more esteem from the people he met. Id pretty much pissed away most of my Whuffieall the savings from the symphonies and the first three thesesdrinking myself stupid at the Gazoo, hogging library terminals, pestering profs, until Id expended all the respect anyone had ever afforded me. All except Dan, who, for some reason, stood me to regular beers and meals and movies. I got to feeling like I was someone specialnot everyone had a chum as exotic as Keep-A-Movin Dan, the legendary missionary who visited the only places left that were closed to the Bitchun Society. I cant say for sure why he hung around with me. He mentioned once or twice that hed liked my symphonies, and hed read my Ergonomics thesis on applying theme-park crowd-control techniques in urban settings, and liked what I had to say there. But I think it came down to us having a good time needling each other. Id talk to him about the vast carpet of the future unrolling before us, of the certainty that we would encounter alien intelligences some day, of the unimaginable frontiers open to each of us. Hed tell me that deadheading was a strong indicator that ones personal reservoir of introspection and creativity was dry; and that without struggle, there is no real victory. This was a good fight, one we could have a thousand times without resolving. Id get him to concede that Whuffie recaptured the true essence of money: in the old days, if you were broke but respected, you wouldnt starve; contrariwise, if you were rich and hated, no sum could buy you security and peace. By measuring the thing that money really representedyour personal capital with your friends and neighborsyou more accurately gauged your success. And then hed lead me down a subtle, carefully baited trail that led to my allowing that while, yes, we might someday encounter alien species with wild and fabulous ways, that right now, there was a slightly depressing homogeneity to the world. On a fine spring day, I defended my thesis to two embodied humans and one prof whose body was out for an overhaul, whose consciousness was present via speakerphone from the computer where it was resting. They all liked it. I collected my sheepskin and went out hunting for Dan in the sweet, flower-stinking streets. Hed gone. The Anthro major hed been torturing with his war-stories said that theyd wrapped up that morning, and hed headed to the walled city of Tijuana, to take his shot with the descendants of a platoon of US Marines whod settled there and cut themselves off from the Bitchun Society. So I went to Disney World. In deference to Dan, I took the flight in realtime, in the minuscule cabin reserved for those of us who stubbornly refused to be frozen and stacked like cordwood for the two hour flight. I was the only one taking the trip in realtime, but a flight attendant dutifully served me a urine-sample-sized orange juice and a rubbery, pungent, cheese omelet. I stared out the windows at the infinite clouds while the autopilot banked around the turbulence, and wondered when Id see Dan next. CHAPTER 1 My girlfriend was 15 percent of my age, and I was old-fashioned enough that it bugged me. Her name was Lil, and she was second-generation Disney World, her parents being among the original ad-hocracy that took over the management of Liberty Square and Tom Sawyer Island. She was, quite literally, raised in Walt Disney World and it showed. It showed. She was neat and efficient in her every little thing, from her shining red hair to her careful accounting of each gear and cog in the animatronics that were in her charge. Her folks were in canopic jars in Kissimmee, deadheading for a few centuries. On a muggy Wednesday, we dangled our feet over the edge of the Liberty Belles riverboat pier, watching the listless Confederate flag over Fort Langhorn on Tom Sawyer Island by moonlight. The Magic Kingdom was all closed up and every last guest had been chased out the gate underneath the Main Street train station, and we were able to breathe a heavy sigh of relief, shuck parts of our costumes, and relax together while the cicadas sang. I was more than a century old, but there was still a kind of magic in having my arm around the warm, fine shoulders of a girl by moonlight, hidden from the hustle of the cleaning teams by the turnstiles, breathing the warm, moist air. Lil plumped her head against my shoulder and gave me a butterfly kiss under my jaw. Her name was McGill, I sang, gently. But she called herself Lil, she sang, warm breath on my collarbones. And everyone knew her as Nancy, I sang. Id been startled to know that she knew the Beatles. Theyd been old news in my youth, after all. But her parents had given her a thoroughif eclecticeducation. Want to do a walk-through? she asked. It was one of her favorite duties, exploring every inch of the rides in her care with the lights on, after the horde of tourists had gone. We both liked to see the underpinnings of the magic. Maybe that was why I kept picking at the relationship. Im a little pooped. Lets sit a while longer, if you dont mind. She heaved a dramatic sigh. Oh, all right. Old man. She reached up and gently tweaked my nipple, and I gave a satisfying little jump. I think the age difference bothered her, too, though she teased me for letting it get to me. I think Ill be able to manage a totter through the Haunted Mansion, if you just give me a moment to rest my bursitis. I felt her smile against my shirt. She loved the Mansion; loved to turn on the ballroom ghosts and dance their waltz with them on the dusty floor, loved to try and stare down the marble busts in the library that followed your gaze as you passed. I liked it too, but I really liked just sitting there with her, watching the water and the trees. I was just getting ready to go when I heard a soft ping inside my cochlea. Damn, I said. Ive got a call. Tell them youre busy, she said. I will, I said, and answered the call subvocally. Julius here. Hi, Julius. Its Dan. You got a minute? I knew a thousand Dans, but I recognized the voice immediately, though itd been ten years since we last got drunk at the Gazoo together. I muted the subvocal and said, Lil, Ive got to take this. Do you mind? Oh, no, not at all, she sarcased at me. She sat up and pulled out her crack pipe and lit up. Dan, I subvocalized, long time no speak. Yeah, buddy, it sure has been, he said, and his voice cracked on a sob. I turned and gave Lil such a look, she dropped her pipe. How can I help? she said, softly but swiftly. I waved her off and switched the phone to full-vocal mode. My voice sounded unnaturally loud in the cricket-punctuated calm. Where you at, Dan? I asked. Down here, in Orlando. Im stuck out on Pleasure Island. All right, I said. Meet me at, uh, the Adventurers Club, upstairs on the couch by the door. Ill be there in I shot a look at Lil, who knew the castmember-only roads better than I. She flashed ten fingers at me. Ten minutes. Okay, he said. Sorry. He had his voice back under control. I switched off. Whats up? Lil asked. Im not sure. An old friend is in town. He sounds like hes got a problem. Lil pointed a finger at me and made a trigger-squeezing gesture. There, she said. Ive just dumped the best route to Pleasure Island to your public directory. Keep me in the loop, okay? I set off for the utilidoor entrance near the Hall of Presidents and booted down the stairs to the hum of the underground tunnel-system. I took the slidewalk to cast parking and zipped my little cart out to Pleasure Island. I found Dan sitting on the L-shaped couch underneath rows of faked-up trophy shots with humorous captions. Downstairs, castmembers were working the animatronic masks and idols, chattering with the guests. Dan was apparent fifty plus, a little paunchy and stubbled. He had raccoon-mask bags under his eyes and he slumped listlessly. As I approached, I pinged his Whuffie and was startled to see that it had dropped to nearly zero. Jesus, I said, as I sat down next to him. You look like hell, Dan. He nodded. Appearances can be deceptive, he said. But in this case, theyre bang-on. You want to talk about it? I asked. Somewhere else, huh? I hear they ring in the New Year every night at midnight; I think thatd be a little too much for me right now. I led him out to my cart and cruised back to the place I shared with Lil, out in Kissimmee. He smoked eight cigarettes on the twenty minute ride, hammering one after another into his mouth, filling my runabout with stinging clouds. I kept glancing at him in the rear-view. He had his eyes closed, and in repose he looked dead. I could hardly believe that this was my vibrant action-hero pal of yore. Surreptitiously, I called Lils phone. Im bringing him home, I subvocalized. Hes in rough shape. Not sure what its all about. Ill make up the couch, she said. And get some coffee together. Love you. Back atcha, kid, I said. As we approached the tacky little swaybacked ranch-house, he opened his eyes. Youre a pal, Jules. I waved him off. No, really. I tried to think of who I could call, and you were the only one. Ive missed you, bud. Lil said shed put some coffee on, I said. You sound like you need it. Lil was waiting on the sofa, a folded blanket and an extra pillow on the side table, a pot of coffee and some Disneyland Beijing mugs beside them. She stood and extended her hand. Im Lil, she said. Dan, he said. Its a pleasure. I knew she was pinging his Whuffie and I caught her look of surprised disapproval. Us oldsters who predate Whuffie know that its important; but to the kids, its the world. Someone without any is automatically suspect. I watched her recover quickly, smile, and surreptitiously wipe her hand on her jeans. Coffee? she said. Oh, yeah, Dan said, and slumped on the sofa. She poured him a cup and set it on a coaster on the coffee table. Ill let you boys catch up, then, she said, and started for the bedroom. No, Dan said. Wait. If you dont mind. I think itd help if I could talk to someone younger, too. She set her face in the look of chirpy helpfulness that all the second-gen castmembers have at their instant disposal and settled into an armchair. She pulled out her pipe and lit a rock. I went through my crack period before she was born, just after they made it decaf, and I always felt old when I saw her and her friends light up. Dan surprised me by holding out a hand to her and taking the pipe. He toked heavily, then passed it back. Dan closed his eyes again, then ground his fists into them, sipped his coffee. It was clear he was trying to figure out where to start. I believed that I was braver than I really am, is what it boils down to, he said. Who doesnt? I said. I really thought I could do it. I knew that someday Id run out of things to do, things to see. I knew that Id finish some day. You remember, we used to argue about it. I swore Id be done, and that would be the end of it. And now I am. There isnt a single place left on-world that isnt part of the Bitchun Society. There isnt a single thing left that I want any part of. So deadhead for a few centuries, I said. Put the decision off. No! he shouted, startling both of us. Im done. Its over. So do it, Lil said. I cant, he sobbed, and buried his face in his hands. He cried like a baby, in great, snoring sobs that shook his whole body. Lil went into the kitchen and got some tissue, and passed it to me. I sat alongside him and awkwardly patted his back. Jesus, he said, into his palms. Jesus. Dan? I said, quietly. He sat up and took the tissue, wiped off his face and hands. Thanks, he said. Ive tried to make a go of it, really I have. Ive spent the last eight years in Istanbul, writing papers on my missions, about the communities. I did some followup studies, interviews. No one was interested. Not even me. I smoked a lot of hash. It didnt help. So, one morning I woke up and went to the bazaar and said good bye to the friends Id made there. Then I went to a pharmacy and had the man make me up a lethal injection. He wished me good luck and I went back to my rooms. I sat there with the hypo all afternoon, then I decided to sleep on it, and I got up the next morning and did it all over again. I looked inside myself, and I saw that I didnt have the guts. I just didnt have the guts. Ive stared down the barrels of a hundred guns, had a thousand knives pressed up against my throat, but I didnt have the guts to press that button. You were too late, Lil said. We both turned to look at her. You were a decade too late. Look at you. Youre pathetic. If you killed yourself right now, youd just be a washed-up loser who couldnt hack it. If youd done it ten years earlier, you wouldve been going out on topa champion, retiring permanently. She set her mug down with a harder-than-necessary clunk. Sometimes, Lil and I are right on the same wavelength. Sometimes, its like shes on a different planet. All I could do was sit there, horrified, and she was happy to discuss the timing of my pals suicide. But she was right. Dan nodded heavily, and I saw that he knew it, too. A day late and a dollar short, he sighed. Well, dont just sit there, she said. You know what youve got to do. What? I said, involuntarily irritated by her tone. She looked at me like I was being deliberately stupid. Hes got to get back on top. Cleaned up, dried out, into some productive work. Get that Whuffie up, too. Then he can kill himself with dignity. It was the stupidest thing Id ever heard. Dan, though, was cocking an eyebrow at her and thinking hard. How old did you say you were? he asked. Twenty-three, she said. Wish Id had your smarts at twenty-three, he said, and heaved a sigh, straightening up. Can I stay here while I get the job done? I looked askance at Lil, who considered for a moment, then nodded. Sure, pal, sure, I said. I clapped him on the shoulder. You look beat. Beat doesnt begin to cover it, he said. Good night, then, I said. CHAPTER 2 Ad-hocracy works well, for the most part. Lils folks had taken over the running of Liberty Square with a group of other interested, compatible souls. They did a fine job, racked up gobs of Whuffie, and anyone who came around and tried to take it over would be so reviled by the guests they wouldnt find a pot to piss in. Or theyd have such a wicked, radical approach that theyd ouster Lils parents and their pals, and do a better job. It can break down, though. There were pretenders to the thronea group whod worked with the original ad-hocracy and then had moved off to other pursuitssome of them had gone to school, some of them had made movies, written books, or gone off to Disneyland Beijing to help start things up. A few had deadheaded for a couple decades. They came back to Liberty Square with a message: update the attractions. The Liberty Square ad-hocs were the staunchest conservatives in the Magic Kingdom, preserving the wheezing technology in the face of a Park that changed almost daily. The newcomer/old-timers were on-side with the rest of the Park, had their support, and looked like they might make a successful go of it. So it fell to Lil to make sure that there were no bugs in the meager attractions of Liberty Square: the Hall of the Presidents, the Liberty Belle riverboat, and the glorious Haunted Mansion, arguably the coolest attraction to come from the fevered minds of the old-time Disney Imagineers. I caught her backstage at the Hall of the Presidents, tinkering with Lincoln II, the backup animatronic. Lil tried to keep two of everything running at speed, just in case. She could swap out a dead bot for a backup in five minutes flat, which is all that crowd-control would permit. It had been two weeks since Dans arrival, and though Id barely seen him in that time, his presence was vivid in our lives. Our little ranch-house had a new smell, not unpleasant, of rejuve and hope and loss, something barely noticeable over the tropical flowers nodding in front of our porch. My phone rang three or four times a day, Dan checking in from his rounds of the Park, seeking out some way to accumulate personal capital. His excitement and dedication to the task were inspiring, pulling me into his over-the-top-and-damn-the-torpedoes mode of being. You just missed Dan, she said. She had her head in Lincolns chest, working with an autosolder and a magnifier. Bent over, red hair tied back in a neat bun, sweat sheening her wiry freckled arms, smelling of girl-sweat and machine lubricant, she made me wish there were a mattress somewhere backstage. I settled for patting her behind affectionately, and she wriggled appreciatively. Hes looking better. His rejuve had taken him back to apparent 25, the way I remembered him. He was rawboned and leathery, but still had the defeated stoop that had startled me when I saw him at the Adventurers Club. What did he want? Hes been hanging out with Debrahe wanted to make sure I knew what shes up to. Debra was one of the old guard, a former comrade of Lils parents. Shed spent a decade in Disneyland Beijing, coding sim-rides. If she had her way, wed tear down every marvelous rube goldberg in the Park and replace them with pristine white sim boxes on giant, articulated servos. The problem was that she was really good at coding sims. Her Great Movie Ride rehab at MGM was breathtakingthe Star Wars sequence had already inspired a hundred fan-sites that fielded millions of hits. Shed leveraged her success into a deal with the Adventureland ad-hocs to rehab the Pirates of the Caribbean, and their backstage areas were piled high with reference: treasure chests and cutlasses and bowsprits. It was terrifying to walk through; the Pirates was the last ride Walt personally supervised, and wed thought it was sacrosanct. But Debra had built a Pirates sim in Beijing, based on Chend I Sao, the XIXth century Chinese pirate queen, which was credited with rescuing the Park from obscurity and ruin. The Florida iteration would incorporate the best aspects of its Chinese cousinthe AI-driven sims that communicated with each other and with the guests, greeting them by name each time they rode and spinning age-appropriate tales of piracy on the high seas; the spectacular fly-through of the aquatic necropolis of rotting junks on the sea-floor; the thrilling pitch and yaw of the sim as it weathered a violent, breath-taking stormbut with Western themes: wafts of Jamaican pepper sauce crackling through the air; liquid Afro-Caribbean accents; and swordfights conducted in the manner of the pirates who plied the blue waters of the New World. Identical sims would stack like cordwood in the space currently occupied by the bulky ride-apparatus and dioramas, quintupling capacity and halving load-time. So, whats she up to? Lil extracted herself from the Rail-Splitters mechanical guts and made a comical moue of worry. Shes rehabbing the Piratesand doing an incredible job. Theyre ahead of schedule, theyve got good net-buzz, the focus groups are cumming themselves. The comedy went out of her expression, baring genuine worry. She turned away and closed up Honest Abe, then fired her finger at him. Smoothly, he began to run through his spiel, silent but for the soft hum and whine of his servos. Lil mimed twiddling a knob and his audiotrack kicked in low: All the armies of Europe, Asia, and Africa combined could not, by force, make a track on the Blue Ridge, nor take a drink from the Ohio. If destruction be our lot, then we ourselves must be its authorand its finisher. She mimed turning down the gain and he fell silent again. You said it, Mr. President, she said, and fired her finger at him again, powering him down. She bent and adjusted his hand-sewn period topcoat, then carefully wound and set the turnip-watch in his vest-pocket. I put my arm around her shoulders. Youre doing all you canand its good work, I said. Id fallen into the easy castmember mode of speaking, voicing bland affirmations. Hearing the words, I felt a flush of embarrassment. I pulled her into a long, hard hug and fumbled for better reassurance. Finding no words that would do, I gave her a final squeeze and let her go. She looked at me sidelong and nodded her head. Itll be fine, of course, she said. I mean, the worst possible scenario is that Debra will do her job very, very well, and make things even better than they are now. Thats not so bad. This was a 180-degree reversal of her position on the subject the last time wed talked, but you dont live more than a century without learning when to point out that sort of thing and when not to. My cochlea struck twelve noon and a HUD appeared with my weekly backup reminder. Lil was maneuvering Ben Franklin II out of his niche. I waved good-bye at her back and walked away, to an uplink terminal. Once I was close enough for secure broadband communications, I got ready to back up. My cochlea chimed again and I answered it. Yes, I subvocalized, impatiently. I hated getting distracted from a backupone of my enduring fears was that Id forget the backup altogether and leave myself vulnerable for an entire week until the next reminder. Id lost the knack of getting into habits in my adolescence, giving in completely to machine-generated reminders over conscious choice. Its Dan. I heard the sound of the Park in full swing behind himchildrens laughter; bright, recorded animatronic spiels; the tromp of thousands of feet. Can you meet me at the Tiki Room? Its pretty important. Can it wait for fifteen? I asked. Suresee you in fifteen. I rung off and initiated the backup. A status-bar zipped across a HUD, dumping the parts of my memory that were purely digital; then it finished and started in on organic memory. My eyes rolled back in my head and my life flashed before my eyes. CHAPTER 3 The Bitchun Society has had much experience with restores from backupin the era of the cure for death, people live pretty recklessly. Some people get refreshed a couple dozen times a year. Not me. I hate the process. Not so much that I wont participate in it. Everyone who had serious philosophical conundra on that subject just, you know, died, a generation before. The Bitchun Society didnt need to convert its detractors, just outlive them. The first time I died, it was not long after my sixtieth birthday. I was SCUBA diving at Playa Coral, near Veradero, Cuba. Of course, I dont remember the incident, but knowing my habits at that particular dive-site and having read the dive-logs of my SCUBA-buddies, Ive reconstructed the events. I was eeling my way through the lobster-caves, with a borrowed bottle and mask. Id also borrowed a wetsuit, but I wasnt wearing itthe blood-temp salt water was balm, and I hated erecting barriers between it and my skin. The caves were made of coral and rocks, and they coiled and twisted like intestines. Through each hole and around each corner, there was a hollow, rough sphere of surpassing, alien beauty. Giant lobsters skittered over the walls and through the holes. Schools of fish as bright as jewels darted and executed breath-taking precision maneuvers as I disturbed their busy days. I do some of my best thinking under water, and Im often slipping off into dangerous reverie at depth. Normally, my diving buddies ensure that I dont hurt myself, but this time I got away from them, spidering forward into a tiny hole. Where I got stuck. My diving buddies were behind me, and I rapped on my bottle with the hilt of my knife until one of them put a hand on my shoulder. My buddies saw what was up, and attempted to pull me loose, but my bottle and buoyancy-control vest were firmly wedged. The others exchanged hand signals, silently debating the best way to get me loose. Suddenly, I was thrashing and kicking, and then I disappeared into the cave, minus my vest and bottle. Id apparently attempted to cut through my vests straps and managed to sever the tube of my regulator. After inhaling a jolt of sea water, Id thrashed free into the cave, rolling into a monstrous patch of spindly fire-coral. Id inhaled another lungful of water and kicked madly for a tiny hole in the caves ceiling, whence my buddies retrieved me shortly thereafter, drowned-blue except for the patchy red welts from the stinging coral. In those days, making a backup was a lot more complicated; the procedure took most of a day, and had to be undertaken at a special clinic. Luckily, Id had one made just before I left for Cuba, a few weeks earlier. My next-most-recent backup was three years old, dating from the completion of my second symphony. They recovered me from backup and into a force-grown clone at Toronto General. As far as I knew, Id laid down in the backup clinic one moment and arisen the next. It took most of a year to get over the feeling that the whole world was putting a monstrous joke over on me, that the drowned corpse Id seen was indeed my own. In my mind, the rebirth was figurative as well as literalthe missing time was enough that I found myself hard-pressed to socialize with my pre-death friends. I told Dan the story during our first friendship, and he immediately pounced on the fact that Id gone to Disney World to spend a week sorting out my feelings, reinventing myself, moving to space, marrying a crazy lady. He found it very curious that I always rebooted myself at Disney World. When I told him that I was going to live there someday, he asked me if that would mean that I was done reinventing myself. Sometimes, as I ran my fingers through Lils sweet red curls, I thought of that remark and sighed great gusts of contentment and marveled that my friend Dan had been so prescient. The next time I died, theyd improved the technology somewhat. Id had a massive stroke in my seventy-third year, collapsing on the ice in the middle of a house-league hockey game. By the time they cut my helmet away, the hematomae had crushed my brain into a pulpy, blood-sotted mess. Id been lax in backing up, and I lost most of a year. But they woke me gently, with a computer-generated precis of the events of the missing interval, and a counselor contacted me daily for a year until I felt at home again in my skin. Again, my life rebooted, and I found myself in Disney World, methodically flensing away the relationships Id built and starting afresh in Boston, living on the ocean floor and working the heavy-metal harvesters, a project that led, eventually, to my Chem thesis at U of T. After I was shot dead at the Tiki Room, I had the opportunity to appreciate the great leaps that restores had made in the intervening ten years. I woke in my own bed, instantly aware of the events that led up to my third death as seen from various third-party POVs: security footage from the Adventureland cameras, synthesized memories extracted from Dans own backup, and a computer-generated fly-through of the scene. I woke feeling preternaturally calm and cheerful, and knowing that I felt that way because of certain temporary neurotransmitter presets that had been put in place when I was restored. Dan and Lil sat at my bedside. Lils tired, smiling face was limned with hairs that had snuck loose of her ponytail. She took my hand and kissed the smooth knuckles. Dan smiled beneficently at me and I was seized with a warm, comforting feeling of being surrounded by people who really loved me. I dug for words appropriate to the scene, decided to wing it, opened my mouth and said, to my surprise, I have to pee. Dan and Lil smiled at each other. I lurched out of the bed, naked, and thumped to the bathroom. My muscles were wonderfully limber, with a brand-new spring to them. After I flushed I leaned over and took hold of my ankles, then pulled my head right to the floor, feeling the marvelous flexibility of my back and legs and buttocks. A scar on my knee was missing, as were the many lines that had crisscrossed my fingers. When I looked in the mirror, I saw that my nose and earlobes were smaller and perkier. The familiar crows-feet and the frown-lines between my eyebrows were gone. I had a days beard all overhead, face, pubis, arms, legs. I ran my hands over my body and chuckled at the ticklish newness of it all. I was briefly tempted to depilate all over, just to keep this feeling of newness forever, but the neurotransmitter presets were evaporating and a sense of urgency over my murder was creeping up on me. I tied a towel around my waist and made my way back to the bedroom. The smells of tile-cleaner and flowers and rejuve were bright in my nose, effervescent as camphor. Dan and Lil stood when I came into the room and helped me to the bed. Well, this sucks, I said. Id gone straight from the uplink through the utilidorsthree quick cuts of security cam footage, one at the uplink, one in the corridor, and one at the exit in the underpass between Liberty Square and Adventureland. I seemed bemused and a little sad as I emerged from the door, and began to weave my way through the crowd, using a kind of sinuous, darting shuffle that Id developed when I was doing field-work on my crowd-control thesis. I cut rapidly through the lunchtime crowd toward the long roof of the Tiki Room, thatched with strips of shimmering aluminum cut and painted to look like long grass. Fuzzy shots now, from Dans POV, of me moving closer to him, passing close to a group of teenaged girls with extra elbows and knees, wearing environmentally controlled cloaks and cowls covered with Epcot Center logomarks. One of them is wearing a pith helmet, from the Jungle Traders shop outside of the Jungle Cruise. Dans gaze flicks away, to the Tiki Rooms entrance, where there is a short queue of older men, then back, just as the girl with the pith helmet draws a stylish little organic pistol, like a penis with a tail that coils around her arm. Casually, grinning, she raises her arm and gestures with the pistol, exactly like Lil does with her finger when shes uploading, and the pistol lunges forward. Dans gaze flicks back to me. Im pitching over, my lungs bursting out of my chest and spreading before me like wings, spinal gristle and viscera showering the guests before me. A piece of my nametag, now shrapnel, strikes Dan in the forehead, causing him to blink. When he looks again, the group of girls is still there, but the girl with the pistol is long gone. The fly-through is far less confused. Everyone except me, Dan and the girl is grayed-out. Were limned in highlighter yellow, moving in slow-motion. I emerge from the underpass and the girl moves from the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse to the group of her friends. Dan starts to move towards me. The girl raises, arms and fires her pistol. The self-guiding smart-slug, keyed to my body chemistry, flies low, near ground level, weaving between the feet of the crowd, moving just below the speed of sound. When it reaches me, it screams upwards and into my spine, detonating once its entered my chest cavity. The girl has already made a lot of ground, back toward the Adventureland/Main Street, USA gateway. The fly-through speeds up, following her as she merges with the crowds on the street, ducking and weaving between them, moving toward the breezeway at Sleeping Beauty Castle. She vanishes, then reappears, forty minutes later, in Tomorrowland, near the new Space Mountain complex, then disappears again. Has anyone IDd the girl? I asked, once Id finished reliving the events. The anger was starting to boil within me now. My new fists clenched for the first time, soft palms and uncallused fingertips. Dan shook his head. None of the girls she was with had ever seen her before. The face was one of the Seven SistersHope. The Seven Sisters were a trendy collection of designer faces. Every second teenage girl wore one of them. How about Jungle Traders? I asked. Did they have a record of the pith helmet purchase? Lil frowned. We ran the Jungle Traders purchases back for six months: only three matched the girls apparent age; all three have alibis. Chances are she stole it. Why? I asked, finally. In my minds eye, I saw my lungs bursting out of my chest, like wings, like jellyfish, vertebrae spraying like shrapnel. I saw the girls smile, an almost sexual smirk as she pulled the trigger on me. It wasnt random, Lil said. The slug was definitely keyed to youthat means that shed gotten close to you at some point. Rightwhich meant that shed been to Disney World in the last ten years. That narrowed it down, all right. What happened to her after Tomorrowland? I said. We dont know, Lil said. Something wrong with the cameras. We lost her and she never reappeared. She sounded hot and angryshe took equipment failures in the Magic Kingdom personally. Whod want to do this? I asked, hating the self-pity in my voice. It was the first time Id been murdered, but I didnt need to be a drama-queen about it. Dans eyes got a far-away look. Sometimes, people do things for reasons that seem perfectly reasonable to them, that the rest of the world couldnt hope to understand. Ive seen a few assassinations, and they never made sense afterwards. He stroked his chin. Sometimes, its better to look for temperament, rather than motivation: who could do something like this? Right. All we needed to do was investigate all the psychopaths whod visited the Magic Kingdom in ten years. That narrowed it down considerably. I pulled up a HUD and checked the time. It had been four days since my murder. I had a shift coming up, working the turnstiles at the Haunted Mansion. I liked to pull a couple of those shifts a month, just to keep myself grounded; it helped to take a reality check while I was churning away in the rarified climate of my crowd-control simulations. I stood and went to my closet, started to dress. What are you doing? Lil asked, alarmed. Ive got a shift. Im running late. Youre in no shape to work, Lil said, tugging at my elbow. I jerked free of her. Im finegood as new. I barked a humorless laugh. Im not going to let those bastards disrupt my life any more. Those bastards? I thoughtwhen had I decided that there was more than one? But I knew it was true. There was no way that this was all planned by one person: it had been executed too precisely, too thoroughly. Dan moved to block the bedroom door. Wait a second, he said. You need rest. I fixed him with a doleful glare. Ill decide that, I said. He stepped aside. Ill tag along, then, he said. Just in case. I pinged my Whuffie. I was up a couple percentilessympathy Whuffiebut it was falling: Dan and Lil were radiating disapproval. Screw em. I got into my runabout and Dan scrambled for the passenger door as I put it in gear and sped out. Are you sure youre all right? Dan said as I nearly rolled the runabout taking the corner at the end of our cul-de-sac. Why wouldnt I be? I said. Im as good as new. Funny choice of words, he said. Some would say that you were new. I groaned. Not this argument again, I said. I feel like me and no one else is making that claim. Who cares if Ive been restored from a backup? All Im saying is, theres a difference between you and an exact copy of you, isnt there? I knew what he was doing, distracting me with one of our old fights, but I couldnt resist the bait, and as I marshalled my arguments, it actually helped calm me down some. Dan was that kind of friend, a person who knew you better than you knew yourself. So youre saying that if you were obliterated and then recreated, atom-for-atom, that you wouldnt be you anymore? For the sake of argument, sure. Being destroyed and recreated is different from not being destroyed at all, right? Brush up on your quantum mechanics, pal. Youre being destroyed and recreated a trillion times a second. On a very, very small level What difference does that make? Fine, Ill concede that. But youre not really an atom-for-atom copy. Youre a clone, with a copied brainthats not the same as quantum destruction. Very nice thing to say to someone whos just been murdered, pal. You got a problem with clones? And we were off and running. The Mansions cast were sickeningly cheerful and solicitous. Each of them made a point of coming around and touching the stiff, starched shoulder of my butlers costume, letting me know that if there was anything they could do for me. gave them all a fixed smile and tried to concentrate on the guests, how they waited, when they arrived, how they dispersed through the exit gate. Dan hovered nearby, occasionally taking the eight minute, twenty-two second ride-through, running interference for me with the other castmembers. He was nearby when my break came up. I changed into civvies and we walked over the cobbled streets, past the Hall of the Presidents, noting as I rounded the corner that there was something different about the queue-area. Dan groaned. They did it already, he said. I looked closer. The turnstiles were blocked by a sandwich board: Mickey in a Ben Franklin wig and bifocals, holding a trowel. Excuse our mess! the sign declared. Were renovating to serve you better! I spotted one of Debras cronies standing behind the sign, a self-satisfied smile on his face. Hed started off life as a squat, northern Chinese, but had had his bones lengthened and his cheekbones raised so that he looked almost elfin. I took one look at his smile and understoodDebra had established a toehold in Liberty Square. They filed plans for the new Hall with the steering committee an hour after you got shot. The committee loved the plans; so did the net. Theyre promising not to touch the Mansion. You didnt mention this, I said, hotly. We thought youd jump to conclusions. The timing was bad, but theres no indication that they arranged for the shooter. Everyones got an alibi; furthermore, theyve all offered to submit their backups for proof. Right, I said. Right. So they just happened to have plans for a new Hall standing by. And they just happened to file them after I got shot, when all our ad-hocs were busy worrying about me. Its all a big coincidence. Dan shook his head. Were not stupid, Jules. No one thinks that its a coincidence. Debras the sort of person who keeps a lot of plans standing by, just in case. But that just makes her a well-prepared opportunist, not a murderer. I felt nauseated and exhausted. I was enough of a castmember that I sought out a utilidor before I collapsed against a wall, head down. Defeat seeped through me, saturating me. Dan crouched down beside me. I looked over at him. He was grinning wryly. Posit, he said, for the moment, that Debra really did do this thing, set you up so that she could take over. I smiled, in spite of myself. This was his explaining act, the thing he would do whenever I fell into one of his rhetorical tricks back in the old days. All right, Ive posited it. Why would she: one, take out you instead of Lil or one of the real old-timers; two, go after the Hall of Presidents instead of Tom Sawyer Island or even the Mansion; and three, follow it up with such a blatant, suspicious move? All right, I said, warming to the challenge. One: Im important enough to be disruptive but not so important as to rate a full investigation. Two: Tom Sawyer Island is too visible, you cant rehab it without people seeing the dust from shore. Three, Debras coming off of a decade in Beijing, where subtlety isnt real important. Sure, Dan said, sure. Then he launched an answering salvo, and while I was thinking up my answer, he helped me to my feet and walked me out to my runabout, arguing all the way, so that by the time I noticed we werent at the Park anymore, I was home and in bed. With all the Halls animatronics mothballed for the duration, Lil had more time on her hands than she knew what to do with. She hung around the little bungalow, the two of us in the living room, staring blankly at the windows, breathing shallowly in the claustrophobic, superheated Florida air. I had my working notes on queue management for the Mansion, and I pecked at them aimlessly. Sometimes, Lil mirrored my HUD so she could watch me work, and made suggestions based on her long experience. It was a delicate process, this business of increasing throughput without harming the guest experience. But for every second I could shave off of the queue-to-exit time, I could put another sixty guests through and lop thirty seconds off total wait-time. And the more guests who got to experience the Mansion, the more of a Whuffie-hit Debras people would suffer if they made a move on it. So I dutifully pecked at my notes, and found three seconds I could shave off the graveyard sequence by swiveling the Doom Buggy carriages stage-left as they descended from the attic window: by expanding their fields-of-vision, I could expose the guests to all the scenes more quickly. I ran the change in fly-through, then implemented it after closing and invited the other Liberty Square ad-hocs to come and test it out. It was another muggy winter evening, prematurely dark. The ad-hocs had enough friends and family with them that we were able to simulate an off-peak queue-time, and we all stood and sweated in the preshow area, waiting for the doors to swing open, listening to the wolf-cries and assorted boo-spookery from the hidden speakers. The doors swung open, revealing Lil in a rotting maids uniform, her eyes lined with black, her skin powdered to a deathly pallor. She gave us a cold, considering glare, then intoned, Master Gracey requests more bodies. As we crowded into the cool, musty gloom of the parlor, Lil contrived to give my ass an affectionate squeeze. I turned to return the favor, and saw Debras elfin comrade looming over Lils shoulder. My smile died on my lips. The man locked eyes with me for a moment, and I saw something in theresome admixture of cruelty and worry that I didnt know what to make of. He looked away immediately. Id known that Debra would have spies in the crowd, of course, but with elf-boy watching, I resolved to make this the best show I knew how. Its subtle, this business of making the show better from within. Lil had already slid aside the paneled wall that led to stretch-room number two, the most recently serviced one. Once the crowd had moved inside, I tried to lead their eyes by adjusting my body language to poses of subtle attention directed at the new spotlights. When the newly remastered soundtrack came from behind the sconce-bearing gargoyles at the corners of the octagonal room, I leaned my body slightly in the direction of the moving stereo-image. And an instant before the lights snapped out, I ostentatiously cast my eyes up into the scrim ceiling, noting that others had taken my cue, so they were watching when the UV-lit corpse dropped from the pitch-dark ceiling, jerking against the noose at its neck. The crowd filed into the second queue area, where they boarded the Doom Buggies. There was a low buzz of marveling conversation as we made our way onto the moving sidewalk. I boarded my Doom Buggy and an instant later, someone slid in beside me. It was the elf. He made a point of not making eye contact with me, but I sensed his sidelong glances at me as we rode through past the floating chandelier and into the corridor where the portraits eyes watched us. Two years before, Id accelerated this sequence and added some random swivel to the Doom Buggies, shaving 25 seconds off the total, taking the hourly throughput cap from 2365 to 2600. It was the proof-of-concept that led to all the other seconds Id shaved away since. The violent pitching of the Buggy brought me and the elf into inadvertent contact with one another, and when I brushed his hand as I reached for the safety bar, I felt that it was cold and sweaty. He was nervous! He was nervous. What did he have to be nervous about? I was the one whod been murderedmaybe he was nervous because he was supposed to finish the job. I cast my own sidelong looks at him, trying to see suspicious bulges in his tight clothes, but the Doom Buggys pebbled black plastic interior was too dim. Dan was in the Buggy behind us, with one of the Mansions regular castmembers. I rang his cochlea and subvocalized: Get ready to jump out on my signal. Anyone leaving their Buggy would interrupt an infrared beam and stop the ride system. I knew I could rely on Dan to trust me without a lot of explaining, which meant that I could keep a close watch on Debras crony. We went past the hallway of mirrors and into the hallway of doors, where monstrous hands peeked out around the sills, straining against the hinges, recorded groans mixed in with pounding. I thought about itif I wanted to kill someone on the Mansion, what would be the best place to do it? The attic staircase-- the next sequenceseemed like a good bet. A cold clarity washed over me. The elf would kill me in the gloom of the staircase, dump me out over the edge at the blind turn toward the graveyard, and that would be it. Would he be able to do it if I were staring straight at him? He seemed terribly nervous as it was. I swiveled in my seat and looked him straight in the eye. He quirked half a smile at me and nodded a greeting. I kept on staring at him, my hands balled into fists, ready for anything. We rode down the staircase, facing up, listening to the clamour of voices from the cemetery and the squawk of the red-eyed raven. I caught sight of the quaking groundkeeper animatronic from the corner of my eye and startled. I let out a subvocal squeal and was pitched forward as the ride system shuddered to a stop. Jules? came Dans voice in my cochlea. You all right? Hed heard my involuntary note of surprise and had leapt clear of the Buggy, stopping the ride. The elf was looking at me with a mixture of surprise and pity. Its all right, its all right. False alarm. I paged Lil and subvocalized to her, telling her to start up the ride ASAP, it was all right. I rode the rest of the way with my hands on the safety bar, my eyes fixed ahead of me, steadfastly ignoring the elf. I checked the timer Id been running. The demo was a debacleinstead of shaving off three seconds, Id added thirty. I wanted to cry. I debarked the Buggy and stalked quickly out of the exit queue, leaning heavily against the fence, staring blindly at the pet cemetery. My head swam: I was out of control, jumping at shadows. I was spooked. And I had no reason to be. Sure, Id been murdered, but what had it cost me? A few days of unconsciousness while they decanted my backup into my new body, a merciful gap in memory from my departure at the backup terminal up until my death. I wasnt one of those nuts who took death seriously. It wasnt like theyd done something permanent. In the meantime, I had done something permanent: Id dug Lils grave a little deeper, endangered the ad-hocracy and, worst of all, the Mansion. Id acted like an idiot. I tasted my dinner, a wolfed-down hamburger, and swallowed hard, forcing down the knob of nausea. I sensed someone at my elbow, and thinking it was Lil, come to ask me what had gone on, I turned with a sheepish grin and found myself facing the elf. He stuck his hand out and spoke in the flat no-accent of someone running a language module. Hi there. We havent been introduced, but I wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your work. Im Tim Fung. I pumped his hand, which was still cold and particularly clammy in the close heat of the Florida night. Julius, I said, startled at how much like a bark it sounded. Careful, I thought, no need to escalate the hostilities. Its kind of you to say that. I like what you-all have done with the Pirates. He smiled: a genuine, embarrassed smile, as though hed just been given high praise from one of his heroes. Really? I think its pretty goodthe second time around you get a lot of chances to refine things, really clarify the vision. Beijingwell, it was exciting, but it was rushed, you know? I mean, we were really struggling. Every day, there was another pack of squatters who wanted to tear the Park down. Debra used to send me out to give the children piggyback rides, just to keep our Whuffie up while she was evicting the squatters. It was good to have the opportunity to refine the designs, revisit them without the floor show. I knew about this, of courseBeijing had been a real struggle for the ad-hocs who built it. Lots of them had been killed, many times over. Debra herself had been killed every day for a week and restored to a series of prepared clones, beta-testing one of the ride systems. It was faster than revising the CAD simulations. Debra had a reputation for pursuing expedience. Im starting to find out how it feels to work under pressure, I said, and nodded significantly at the Mansion. I was gratified to see him look embarrassed, then horrified. We would never touch the Mansion, he said. Its perfect! Dan and Lil sauntered up as I was preparing a riposte. They both looked concernednow that I thought of it, theyd both seemed incredibly concerned about me since the day I was revived. Dans gait was odd, stilted, like he was leaning on Lil for support. They looked like a couple. An irrational sear of jealousy jetted through me. I was an emotional wreck. Still, I took Lils big, scarred hand in mine as soon as she was in reach, then cuddled her to me protectively. She had changed out of her maids uniform into civvies: smart coveralls whose micropore fabric breathed in time with her own respiration. Lil, Dan, I want you to meet Tim Fung. He was just telling me war stories from the Pirates project in Beijing. Lil waved and Dan gravely shook his hand. That was some hard work, Dan said. It occurred to me to turn on some Whuffie monitors. It was normally an instantaneous reaction to meeting someone, but I was still disoriented. I pinged the elf. He had a lot of left-handed Whuffie; respect garnered from people who shared very few of my opinions. I expected that. What I didnt expect was that his weighted Whuffie score, the one that lent extra credence to the rankings of people I respected, was also highhigher than my own. I regretted my nonlinear behavior even more. Respect from the elfTim, I had to remember to call him Timwould carry a lot of weight in every camp that mattered. Dans score was incrementing upwards, but he still had a rotten profile. He had accrued a good deal of left-handed Whuffie, and I curiously backtraced it to the occasion of my murder, when Debras people had accorded him a generous dollop of props for the levelheaded way he had scraped up my corpse and moved it offstage, minimizing the disturbance in front of their wondrous Pirates. I was fugueing, wandering off on the kind of mediated reverie that got me killed on the reef at Playa Coral, and I came out of it with a start, realizing that the other three were politely ignoring my blown buffer. I could have run backwards through my short-term memory to get the gist of the conversation, but that would have lengthened the pause. Screw it. So, howre things going over at the Hall of the Presidents? I asked Tim. Lil shot me a cautioning look. Shed ceded the Hall to Debras ad-hocs, that being the only way to avoid the appearance of childish disattention to the almighty Whuffie. Now she had to keep up the fiction of good-natured cooperationthat meant not shoulder-surfing Debra, looking for excuses to pounce on her work. Tim gave us the same half-grin hed greeted me with. On his smooth, pointed features, it looked almost irredeemably cute. Were doing good stuff, I think. Debras had her eye on the Hall for years, back in the old days, before she went to China. Were replacing the whole thing with broadband uplinks of gestalts from each of the Presidents lives: newspaper headlines, speeches, distilled biographies, personal papers. Itll be like having each President inside you, core-dumped in a few seconds. Debra said were going to flash-bake the Presidents on your mind! His eyes glittered in the twilight. Having only recently experienced my own cerebral flash-baking, Tims description struck a chord in me. My personality seemed to be rattling around a little in my mind, as though it had been improperly fitted. It made the idea of having the gestalt of 50-some Presidents squashed in along with it perversely appealing. Wow, I said. That sounds wild. What do you have in mind for physical plant? The Hall as it stood had a quiet, patriotic dignity cribbed from a hundred official buildings of the dead USA. Messing with it would be like redesigning the stars-and-bars. Thats not really my area, Tim said. Im a programmer. But I could have one of the designers squirt some plans at you, if you want. That would be fine, Lil said, taking my elbow. I think we should be heading home, now, though. She began to tug me away. Dan took my other elbow. Behind her, the Liberty Belle glowed like a ghostly wedding cake in the twilight. Thats too bad, Tim said. My ad-hoc is pulling an all-nighter on the new Hall. Im sure theyd love to have you drop by. The idea seized hold of me. I would go into the camp of the enemy, sit by their fire, learn their secrets. That would be great! I said, too loudly. My head was buzzing slightly. Lils hands fell away. But weve got an early morning tomorrow, Lil said. Youve got a shift at eight, and Im running into town for groceries. She was lying, but she was telling me that this wasnt her idea of a smart move. But my faith was unshakeable. Eight a.m. shift? No problemIll be right here when it starts. Ill just grab a shower at the Contemporary in the morning and catch the monorail back in time to change. All right? Dan tried. But Jules, we were going to grab some dinner at Cinderellas Royal Table, remember? I made reservations. Aw, we can eat any time, I said. This is a hell of an opportunity. It sure is, Dan said, giving up. Mind if I come along? He and Lil traded meaningful looks that I interpreted to mean, If hes going to be a nut, one of us really should stay with him. I was past caringI was going to beard the lion in his den! Tim was apparently oblivious to all of this. Then its settled! Lets go. On the walk to the Hall, Dan kept ringing my cochlea and I kept sending him straight to voicemail. All the while, I kept up a patter of small-talk with him and Tim. I was determined to make up for my debacle in the Mansion with Tim, win him over. Debras people were sitting around in the armchairs onstage, the animatronic presidents stacked in neat piles in the wings. Debra was sprawled in Lincolns armchair, her head cocked lazily, her legs extended before her. The Halls normal smells of ozone and cleanliness were overridden by sweat and machine-oil, the stink of an ad-hoc pulling an all-nighter. The Hall took fifteen years to research and execute, and a couple of days to tear down. She was au-naturel, still wearing the face shed been born with, albeit one that had been regenerated dozens of times after her deaths. It was patrician, waxy, long, with a nose that was made for staring down. She was at least as old as I was, though she was only apparent 22. I got the sense that she picked this age because it was one that afforded boundless reserves of energy. She didnt deign to rise as I approached, but she did nod languorously at me. The other ad-hocs had been split into little clusters, hunched over terminals. They all had the raccoon-eyed, sleep-deprived look of fanatics, even Debra, who managed to look lazy and excited simultaneously. Did you have me killed? I wondered, staring at Debra. After all, shed been killed dozens, if not hundreds of times. It might not be such a big deal for her. Hi there, I said, brightly. Tim offered to show us around! You know Dan, right? Debra nodded at him. Oh, sure. Dan and I are pals, right? Dans poker face didnt twitch a muscle. Hello, Debra, he said. Hed been hanging out with them since Lil had briefed him on the peril to the Mansion, trying to gather some intelligence for us to use. They knew what he was up to, of course, but Dan was a fairly charming guy and he worked like a mule, so they tolerated him. But it seemed like hed violated a boundary by accompanying me, as though the polite fiction that he was more a part of Debras ad-hoc than Lils was shattered by my presence. Tim said, Can I show them the demo, Debra? Debra quirked an eyebrow, then said, Sure, why not. Youll like this, guys. Tim hustled us backstage, where Lil and I used to sweat over the animatronics and cop surreptitious feels. Everything had been torn loose, packed up, stacked. They hadnt wasted a momenttheyd spent a week tearing down a show that had run for more than a century. The scrim that the projected portions of the show normally screened on was ground into the floor, spotted with grime, footprints and oil. Tim showed me to a half-assembled backup terminal. Its housing was off, and any number of wireless keyboards, pointers and gloves lay strewn about it. It had the look of a prototype. This is itour uplink. So far, weve got a demo app running on it: Lincolns old speech, along with the civil-war montage. Just switch on guest access and Ill core-dump it to you. Its wild. I pulled up my HUD and switched on guest access. Tim pointed a finger at the terminal and my brain was suffused with the essence of Lincoln: every nuance of his speech, the painstakingly researched movement tics, his warts and beard and topcoat. It almost felt like I was Lincoln, for a moment, and then it passed. But I could still taste the lingering coppery flavor of cannon-fire and chewing tobacco. I staggered backwards. My head swam with flash-baked sense-impressions, rich and detailed. I knew on the spot that Debras Hall of the Presidents was going to be a hit. Dan took a shot off the uplink, too. Tim and I watched him as his expression shifted from skepticism to delight. Tim looked expectantly at me. Thats really fine, I said. Really, really fine. Moving. Tim blushed. Thanks! I did the gestalt programmingits my specialty. Debra spoke up from behind himshed sauntered over while Dan was getting his jolt. I got the idea in Beijing, when I was dying a lot. Theres something wonderful about having memories implanted, like youre really working your brain. I love the synthetic clarity of it all. Tim sniffed. Not synthetic at all, he said, turning to me. Its nice and soft, right? I sensed deep political shoals and was composing my reply when Debra said: Tim keeps trying to make it all more impressionistic, less computer-y. Hes wrong, of course. We dont want to simulate the experience of watching the showwe want to transcend it. Tim nodded reluctantly. Sure, transcend it. But the way we do that is by making the experience human, a mile in the presidents shoes. Empathy-driven. Whats the point of flash-baking a bunch of dry facts on someones brain? CHAPTER 4 One night in the Hall of Presidents convinced me of three things: That Debras people had had me killed, and screw their alibis, That they would kill me again, when the time came for them to make a play for the Haunted Mansion, That our only hope for saving the Mansion was a preemptive strike against them: we had to hit them hard, where it hurt. Dan and I had been treated to eight hours of insectile precision in the Hall of Presidents, Debras people working with effortless cooperation born of the adversity theyd faced in Beijing. Debra moved from team to team, making suggestions with body language as much as with words, leaving bursts of inspired activity in her wake. It was that precision that convinced me of point one. Any ad-hoc this tight could pull off anything if it advanced their agenda. Ad-hoc? Hell, call them what they were: an army. Point two came to me when I sampled the Lincoln build that Tim finished at about three in the morning, after intensive consultation with Debra. The mark of a great ride is that it gets better the second time around, as the detail and flourishes start to impinge on your consciousness. The Mansion was full of little gimcracks and sly nods that snuck into your experience on each successive ride. Tim shuffled his feet nervously, bursting with barely restrained pride as I switched on public access. He dumped the app to my public directory, and, gingerly, I executed it. God! God and Lincoln and cannon-fire and oratory and ploughs and mules and greatcoats! It rolled over me, it punched through me, it crashed against the inside of my skull and rebounded. The first pass through, there had been a sense of order, of narrative, but this, this was gestalt, the whole thing in one undifferentiated ball, filling me and spilling over. It was panicky for a moment, as the essence of Lincolness seemed to threaten my own personality, and, just as it was about to overwhelm me, it receded, leaving behind a rush of endorphin and adrenaline that made me want to jump. Tim, I gasped. Tim! That was Words failed me. I wanted to hug him. What we could do for the Mansion with this! What elegance! Directly imprinting the experience, without recourse to the stupid, blind eyes; the thick, deaf ears. Tim beamed and basked, and Debra nodded solemnly from her throne. You liked it? Tim said. I nodded, and staggered back to the theatre seat where Dan slept, head thrown back, snores softly rattling in his throat. Incrementally, reason trickled back into my mind, and with it came ire. How dare they? The wonderful compromises of technology and expense that had given us the Disney ridesrides that had entertained the world for two centuries and morecould never compete head to head with what they were working on. My hands knotted into fists in my lap. Why the fuck couldnt they do this somewhere else? Why did they have to destroy everything I loved to realize this? They could build this tech anywherethey could distribute it online and people could access it from their living rooms! But that would never do. Doing it here was better for the old Whuffietheyd make over Disney World and hold it, a single ad-hoc where three hundred had flourished before, smoothly operating a park twice the size of Manhattan. I stood and stalked out of the theater, out into Liberty Square and the Park. It had cooled down without drying out, and there was a damp chill that crawled up my back and made my breath stick in my throat. I turned to contemplate the Hall of Presidents, staid and solid as it had been since my boyhood and before, a monument to the Imagineers who anticipated the Bitchun Society, inspired it. I called Dan, still snoring back in the theater, and woke him. He grunted unintelligibly in my cochlea. They did itthey killed me. I knew they had, and I was glad. It made what I had to do next easier. Oh, Jesus. They didnt kill youthey offered their backups, remember? They couldnt have done it. Bullshit! I shouted into the empty night. Bullshit! They did it, and they fucked with their backups somehow. They must have. Its all too neat and tidy. How else could they have gotten so far with the Hall so fast? They knew it was coming, they planned a disruption, and they moved in. Tell me that you think they just had these plans lying around and moved on them when they could. Dan groaned, and I heard his joints popping. He must have been stretching. The Park breathed around me, the sounds of maintenance crews scurrying in the night. I do believe that. Clearly, you dont. Its not the first time weve disagreed. So now what? Now we save the Mansion, I said. Now we fight back. Oh, shit, Dan said. I have to admit, there was a part of me that concurred. My opportunity came later that week. Debras ad-hocs were showboating, announcing a special preview of the new Hall to the other ad-hocs that worked in the Park. It was classic chutzpah, letting the key influencers in the Park in long before the bugs were hammered out. A smooth run would garner the kind of impressed reaction that guaranteed continued support while they finished up; a failed demo could doom them. There were plenty of people in the Park who had a sentimental attachment to the Hall of Presidents, and whatever Debras people came up with would have to answer their longing. Im going to do it during the demo, I told Dan, while I piloted the runabout from home to the castmember parking. I snuck a look at him to gauge his reaction. He had his poker face on. Im not going to tell Lil, I continued. Its better that she doesnt knowplausible deniability. And me? he said. Dont I need plausible deniability? No, I said. No, you dont. Youre an outsider. You can make the case that you were working on your owngone rogue. I knew it wasnt fair. Dan was here to build up his Whuffie, and if he was implicated in my dirty scheme, hed have to start over again. I knew it wasnt fair, but I didnt care. I knew that we were fighting for our own survival. Its good versus evil, Dan. You dont want to be a post-person. You want to stay human. The rides are human. We each mediate them through our own experience. Were physically inside of them, and they talk to us through our senses. What Debras people are buildingits hive-mind shit. Directly implanting thoughts! Jesus! Its not an experience, its brainwashing! You gotta know that. I was pleading, arguing with myself as much as with him. I snuck another look at him as I sped along the Disney back-roads, lined with sweaty Florida pines and immaculate purple signage. Dan was looking thoughtful, the way he had back in our old days in Toronto. Some of my tension dissipated. He was thinking about itId gotten through to him. Jules, this isnt one of your better ideas. My chest tightened, and he patted my shoulder. He had the knack of putting me at my ease, even when he was telling me that I was an idiot. Even if Debra was behind your assassinationand thats not a certainty, we both know that. Even if thats the case, weve got better means at our disposal. Improving the Mansion, competing with her head to head, thats smart. Give it a little while and we can come back at her, take over the Halleven the Pirates, thatd really piss her off. Hell, if we can prove she was behind the assassination, we can chase her off right now. Sabotage is not going to do you any good. Youve got lots of other options. But none of them are fast enough, and none of them are emotionally satisfying. This way has some goddamn balls. We reached castmember parking, I swung the runabout into a slot and stalked out before it had a chance to extrude its recharger cock. I heard Dans door slam behind me and knew that he was following behind. We took to the utilidors grimly. I walked past the cameras, knowing that my image was being archived, my presence logged. Id picked the timing of my raid carefully: by arriving at high noon, I was sticking to my traditional pattern for watching hot-weather crowd dynamics. Id made a point of visiting twice during the previous week at this time, and of dawdling in the commissary before heading topside. The delay between my arrival in the runabout and my showing up at the Mansion would not be discrepant. Dan dogged my heels as I swung towards the commissary, and then hugged the wall, in the cameras blindspot. Back in my early days in the Park, when I was courting Lil, she showed me the A-Vac, the old pneumatic waste-disposal system, decommissioned in the 20s. The kids who grew up in the Park had been notorious explorers of the tubes, which still whiffed faintly of the garbage bags theyd once whisked at 60 mph to the dump on the propertys outskirts, but for a brave, limber kid, the tubes were a subterranean wonderland to explore when the hypermediated experiences of the Park lost their luster. I snarled a grin and popped open the service entrance. If they hadnt killed me and forced me to switch to a new body, I probably wouldnt be flexible enough to fit in, I hissed at Dan. Ironic, huh? I clambered inside without waiting for a reply, and started inching my way under the Hall of Presidents. My plan had covered every conceivable detail, except one, which didnt occur to me until I was forty minutes into the pneumatic tube, arms held before me and legs angled back like a swimmers. How was I going to reach into my pockets? Specifically, how was I going to retrieve my HERF gun from my back pants-pocket, when I couldnt even bend my elbows? The HERF gun was the crux of the plan: a High Energy Radio Frequency generator with a directional, focused beam that would punch up through the floor of the Hall of Presidents and fuse every goddamn scrap of unshielded electronics on the premises. Id gotten the germ of the idea during Tims first demo, when Id seen all of his prototypes spread out backstage, cases off, ready to be tinkered with. Unshielded. Dan, I said, my voice oddly muffled by the tubes walls. Yeah? he said. Hed been silent during the journey, the sound of his painful, elbow-dragging progress through the lightless tube my only indicator of his presence. Can you reach my back pocket? Oh, shit, he said. Goddamn it, I said, keep the fucking editorial to yourself. Can you reach it or not? I heard him grunt as he pulled himself up in the tube, then felt his hand groping up my calf. Soon, his chest was crushing my calves into the tubes floor and his hand was pawing around my ass. I can reach it, he said. I could tell from his tone that he wasnt too happy about my snapping at him, but I was too wrapped up to consider an apology, despite what must be happening to my Whuffie as Dan did his slow burn. He fumbled the guna narrow cylinder as long as my palmout of my pocket. Now what? he said. Can you pass it up? I asked. Dan crawled higher, overtop of me, but stuck fast when his ribcage met my glutes. I cant get any further, he said. Fine, I said. Youll have to fire it, then. I held my breath. Would he do it? It was one thing to be my accomplice, another to be the author of the destruction. Aw, Jules, he said. A simple yes or no, Dan. Thats all I want to hear from you. I was boiling with angerat myself, at Dan, at Debra, at the whole goddamn thing. Fine, he said. Good. Dial it up to max dispersion and point it straight up. I heard him release the catch, felt a staticky crackle in the air, and then it was done. The gun was a one-shot, something Id confiscated from a mischievous guest a decade before, when theyd had a brief vogue. Hang on to it, I said. I had no intention of leaving such a damning bit of evidence behind. I resumed my bellycrawl forward to the next service hatch, near the parking lot, where Id stashed an identical change of clothes for both of us. We made it back just as the demo was getting underway. Debras ad-hocs were ranged around the mezzanine inside the Hall of Presidents, a collection of influential castmembers from other ad-hocs filling the pre-show area to capacity. Dan and I filed in just as Tim was stringing the velvet rope up behind the crowd. He gave me a genuine smile and shook my hand, and I smiled back, full of good feelings now that I knew that he was going down in flames. I found Lil and slipped my hand into hers as we filed into the auditorium, which had the new-car smell of rug shampoo and fresh electronics. We took our seats and I bounced my leg nervously, compulsively, while Debra, dressed in Lincolns coat and stovepipe, delivered a short speech. There was some kind of broadcast rig mounted over the stage now, something to allow them to beam us all their app in one humongous burst. Debra finished up and stepped Haiti - American Embassy : Haitian journalists returning from reporting on illegal migration to the USA Diplomats from the Embassy of the United States of America met with a group of Haitian journalists who had returned from a reporting trip covering the dangerous realities of illegal and irregular migration to the United States. During the month of May, five Haitian journalists from several media outlets in Port-au-Prince and the northern region of the country participated in a reporting trip to Miami, Florida, organized at the initiative of the United States Embassy in Haiti. This briefing tour was organized in partnership with the U.S. Department of State's Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Task Force - Southeast (HSTF-SE), and the U.S. Coast Guard Seventh District. The journalists met with representatives from the U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations and Office of Field Operations, and the United States Coast Guard. They were briefed on Operation Vigilant Sentry (OVS) which works with the Government of Haiti and the Haitian Immigration Service to safely and humanely rescue and repatriate migrants attempting to reach the Southeast United States by sea. The journalists met their counterparts from the American press and representatives of NGOs working to assist refugees. All the interlocutors met by the journalists discouraged Haitians from coming through clandestine means to the United States, explaining the realities of irregular migration and the very real dangers of irregular migration by sea or land. They also explained that US authorities continue to repatriate and deport those who have arrived in the United States without authorization and that illegal entry may disqualify Haitians who would otherwise have benefited from safe and legal migration options, including petition-based visas and the conditional humanitarian immigration program. During their trip, the journalists had the opportunity to board a Coast Guard aircraft that was on patrol over the Florida Straits and the Caribbean Sea. They observed firsthand and spoke with crews at Coast Guard Air Station Miami about how U.S. authorities safely and humanely intercept overloaded or makeshift boats full of passengers attempting to immigrate irregularly by sea. In his remarks for the occasion, Eric W. Stromayer, Charge d'Affaires of the United States in Haiti, declared "We hope that this visit has allowed you to acquire practical information to better understand the new laws and provisions adopted by the United States concerning migration, as well as the mechanisms available to combat dangerous illegal travel". HL/ HaitiLibre Prior to joining CEPS, Daniel worked at the IMF and at the European Commission as economic adviser to the Delors Committee that developed the plans for the euro. Over the last decades, he has been a member of high-level advisory bodies to the French and Belgian governments and has provided advice to numerous central banks and governments, including Greece, the UK, and the US, at the highest political level. Daniel is currently also an adviser to the European Parliament and was a member of the Advisory Scientific Council (ASC) of the European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB) until June 2020. He held a Fulbright fellowship and was a visiting professor at the University of California at Berkeley in 2020. Daniel holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago. He has published extensively on international economic affairs, including on issues related to monetary and fiscal policy, exchange rates, banking. He is the author of several books and editor of Economie Internationale and International Finance. He has taught at several leading European Universities and contributes a globally syndicated column on European economic issues to Project Syndicate. Read Daniel Gros regular column at Project Syndicate and find out more about his contributions to the leading economic research website VOX here. Daniel Gros publications list is available here. Haiti - Politic : The Jamaican PM urged the EU to provide financial assistance to Haiti Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, during the meeting of the 3rd Summit of the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (EU-CELAC), held in Brussels, urged EU States to seriously consider offering financial assistance to Haiti. Holness, during his intervention, underlined the aggravating problems which concern the Haitian population. He highlighted recent natural hazards such as the earthquake and floods, combined with the ongoing political and economic unrest that have further weighed on Haitian citizens. He further pointed out that women and girls are more vulnerable to gang violence and that there has been a growing sense of insecurity. He recalled that Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary General had indicated that the financial needs of the United Nations Humanitarian Response Plan for 2023 for Haiti, whose objective is to collect 720 million US dollars, has so far only been able to collect 23% of the amount required... SL/ HaitiLibre If you have been following the news recently, you may have seen that we've been doing specialist imaging on the draft manuscripts of William Camden's Annals of the Reign of Elizabeth I, with sensational results. This research has been undertaken by Helena Rutkowska, a collaborative DPhil student in partnership between the University of Oxford, Open University and the British Library, with the imaging generously funded by the British Library Collections Trust, carried out by Eugenio Falcioni, and co-ordinated by Calum Cockburn. The specialist imaging of Camden's Annals, using transmitted light, being carried out at the British Library Camden's Annals has long been regarded as one of the most important, contemporary accounts of the reign of this famous Tudor queen. The work was originally requested by William Cecil, Lord Burghley (d. 1598), and was then completed by command of King James I of England and VI of Scotland (d. 1625). William Camden (d. 1623), an antiquarian scholar and Clarenceux King of Arms, is credited with authorship of the work, but he was probably writing in collaboration with others, including Sir Robert Cotton (d. 1631), founder of the famous Cotton library. The first three books, covering the period to 1587, were published in Latin in 1615, with the remainder of the work published after Camden had died, in 1625. Helena's research has focused on the ten volumes of manuscript drafts of the Annals (Cotton MS Faustina F IX). These manuscripts reveal a continuous process of revision of the text prior to publication, with multiple crossings out, amendments and additions. Most notably, there are dozens of pages on which the original text has been pasted over, with new wording written on top. By using transmitted light, the Library has now been able to reveal what is under those pastedowns, and to read the original text of Camden's Annals for the first time in 400 years. The draft manuscripts of Camden's Annals contain numerous revisions, with many parts of the original text pasted over and over-written The new discoveries will be outlined in Helena's doctorate, and we also plan to make the images available online. Early analysis has made some startling revelations, including earlier accounts of Elizabeth's excommunication by Elizabeth I in 1570, the death of King Philip II of Spain in 1598, and the implied involvement of James VI in a plot to assassinate the English queen. There are also subtle changes in the manuscript drafts which suggest that Elizabeth did not nominate James on her deathbed as her successor, unlike the version that made its way into print. Helena suggests that this all indicates that Camden was self-censoring his work, for fear of upsetting his patron, King James, and to paint him (and his mother, Mary Queen of Scots) in a more flattering light. The British Library is delighted to have been able to support this groundbreaking research, and we look forward to discovering what else has been covered up in the manuscripts of Camden's Annals. We are very grateful to the British Library's Collections Trust for supporting this project. You can read more about Helena Rutkowska's research in this article by Dalya Alberge, published in The Guardian on 14 July. Follow us on Twitter @BLMedieval The government so far is not looking to frame a separate policy for providing incentives to US-based electric car maker Tesla, and the company can apply to avail support measures under existing schemes like PLI for auto and advanced chemistry cells, a government official has said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hand with Tesla chief executive Elon Musk during their meeting in New York City, New York, U.S., June 20, 2023.(via REUTERS) The government has already rolled out the production-linked incentives schemes (PLI) for advanced chemistry cell (ACC) battery storage with an outlay of 18,100 crore and 26,058 crore PLI scheme for auto, auto-components and drone industries. "We have told Tesla that the policies, which are already there for all, they can also apply under that PLI. They are welcome. Generally, the policy will be the same for all. For a single company, the government may not like to make separate policies. So far, there is no plan to give special treatment," the official said. Representatives of Tesla's biggest supplier of batteries Panasonic have met "us and they have stated that they want to make batteries. We have suggested them to apply under PLI ACC batteries", the official added. The government last week announced the re-bidding of production-linked incentives for 20 GWh advanced chemistry cell manufacturing. The Ministry of Heavy Industries is holding a stakeholder consultation with industry representatives on July 24 for their inputs and suggestions before the start of the re-bidding process of the remaining 20 GWh capacity. The representatives of Tesla visited the country last month to meet officials of various ministries, including the Commerce and Industry Ministry. In 2021, the US-based electric car maker demanded a reduction in import duties on electric vehicles (EVs) in India. At present, cars imported as completely built units (CBUs) attract customs duty ranging from 60 per cent to 100 per cent, depending on engine size and cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value less or above USD 40,000. The world's largest electric car producer Tesla Inc's chief Elon Musk met Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month in New York. Musk, after meeting the Prime Minister, said he plans to visit India in 2024. "I am confident that Tesla will be in India, and we will do so as soon as humanly possible," Musk had said after that meeting. "We don't want to jump the gun on an announcement, but I think it's quite likely that it will be a significant investment, a relationship with India," Musk had said. India, the world's third-largest energy consumer, is pitching as an alternate destination for investment for US companies to capitalise on the growing chill between Beijing and Washington. Amid soaring prices, miscreants on Saturday night stole a Mahindra Bolero jeep loaded with tomatoes worth over 2 lakh under the jurisdiction of APMC yard police station in Bengaluru city, officials said on Monday. Miscreants on Saturday night stole a Mahindra Bolero jeep loaded with tomatoes worth over 2 lakh (HT Photo) The incident occurred when a farmer was transporting the tomatoes from Hiriyur in Chitradurga district to the Kolar market, police said. During the journey, the Bolero accidentally touched another car, resulting in the cars mirror being broken. The passengers in the car then got into an altercation with the farmer and Bolero driver, demanding 10,000 in damages for their car, said a police officer. The miscreants forcibly took the driver and farmer to a secluded location in Budigere, dropped them and fled the scene. However, when the duo returned to where the Bolero was parked, it was gone, the officer added. The car sustained minor damage in the accident, but the occupants demanded 10,000 as compensation and even threatened us, said the Bolero driver Shivanna. The stolen vehicle contained 210 crates of tomatoes valued at 2 lakh. We immediately went to RMC yard police station and filed a complaint, he added. The incident occurred around midnight on Saturday, and the police are currently examining CCTV footage to identify the culprits, officials said. A case has been registered under sections 379 (theft) and 390 (robbery) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and the police are actively investigating the matter. We have some promising leads and expect to apprehend the culprits soon, said RMC Yard police inspector B Suresh, adding that with tomato prices exceeding 100 per kilogram, farmers across the state remain vigilant. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Karnataka will implement the state Education Policy after discussions with experts in the field, Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Madhu Bangarappa said on Saturday. Karnataka education minister Madhu Bangarappa. (ANI) Also Read - Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government withdraws anti-conversion law Addressing reporters here, he said minute changes have been brought into the new syllabus without changing the entire syllabi, keeping in mind the interests of students. After reviewing the syllabus, only essential lessons required for the career of students will be retained. There will not be any political agenda behind revising texts, he said. The minister said the transfers of teachers in the districts have been done through an online process. The government plans to appoint 13,500 permanent teachers after the court gives its clearance on the matter, he added. He also said the government has plans to provide chikki, egg and banana twice in a week to students from Class I to X. Bangarappa said the good mandate given by the people to the Congress will be utilised for implementing various programmes for the economically weaker sections of society. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, has inaugurated a new international representative office in Vietnam. Located in Ho Chi Minh City, the office further strengthens the chambers presence in Southeast Asia following recent openings in Indonesia and Singapore and is aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment between Dubai and Vietnam. The official launch ceremony was held recently with the participation of Dr Bader Abdullah Al Matrooshi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the UAE to Vietnam, and Salem Al Shamsi, Vice President of Global Markets, Dubai Chambers. Support and guide The opening brings the total number of Dubai International Chamber representative offices to 22 across the Middle East, Africa, Eurasia, China, India, and Latin America. The office will support and guide Dubai-based companies seeking to expand into Vietnam throughout every stage of their international expansion, as well as creating new mechanisms to attract FDI from Vietnam to Dubai by promoting the emirate as a preferred business hub and gateway to access emerging markets. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, said: The inauguration of our new office in Ho Chi Minh City underlines the importance of Dubais well-established relationship with Vietnam. We are pleased to take this strategic step that further strengthens the ties between our vibrant business communities. We look forward to building on our shared commitment to innovation to increase bilateral trade in line with the ambitions of the Dubai Global initiative, which seeks to attract inward investment to Dubai and supports the emirates drive to boost non-oil foreign trade. Dr Al Matrooshi said: The opening is one of several important steps taken by the UAE to further strengthen the partnership between the two countries. The launch follows recent initiatives including talks on establishing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the holding of an economic forum between the two countries in June this year. Trade figures between the two countries and other key indicators reveal promising opportunities for growth in trade and investments between our countries, and the Dubai International Chamber office will effectively contribute to achieving this goal. Dubai Global The opening comes as part of the Dubai Global initiative launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, which seeks to establish a powerful network of 50 international representative offices for Dubai around the world by 2030. The initiative aims to attract foreign companies, SMEs, investors, and international talent to Dubai by showcasing the emirates competitive advantages, sharing investment intelligence, and strengthening engagement with key international stakeholders. According to Dubai Customs statistics, the value of non-oil bilateral trade between Dubai and Vietnam reached an impressive AED28.3 billion ($7.7 billion) during 2022, reflecting the depth of joint trade ties between the two markets. As of May 31, 2023, a total of 170 Vietnamese companies were registered as members of Dubai Chamber of Commerce, 22 of which joined between January and May this year. The launch of the new Ho Chi Minh City office is set to play a key role in boosting this momentum by attracting more Vietnamese companies to Dubai. Export and re-exports Last year, notable exports and re-exports from Dubai to Vietnam included tobacco ($92 million), animal fodder ($38 million), and aluminium ($33 million), as well as perfumes and cosmetics, machinery, plastics, iron and steel, mineral fuels and bitumen, and medical instruments. Dubais main imported products from Vietnam included electronics ($5.15 billion), footwear ($564 million), and machinery ($375 million), together with knitted articles, inorganic chemicals, apparel, fruits and nuts, coffee, tea and spices, furniture, and leather articles. The chamber has identified several areas that demonstrate high potential for growth in exports from Vietnam to Dubai, including coffee, tropical fruits, furniture, and cashew nuts. Opportunities also exist to increase imports to Vietnam from Dubai in areas such as meat, beverages, coffee, spices, perfume, and cosmetics. Promising sectors for investment in Vietnam include agribusiness, construction, ecotourism, food processing, and renewable energy.-- TradeArabia News Service Genres : Crime, Drama, Film-Noir Starring : John Garfield Director : Abraham Polonsky Plot Synopsis This gritty and quintessential film noir is drenched in greed, cynicism and corruption of the soul, as embodied by John Garfield (The Postman Always Rings Twice, He Ran All the Way) in one of his most memorable roles. Garfield is perfectly cast as Joe Morse, a lawyer whose connection to a ruthless racketeer has nearly destroyed his sense of morality. His participation in a rigged numbers racket could prove disastrous for his high-strung brother (superbly played by Thomas Gomez, Key Largo), whose small-time policy bank stands to go broke when the rigged numbers pay off. Writer and director Abraham Polonsky (in his masterful directorial debut) was later victimized by the Hollywood blacklist, curtailing his career for decades until he directed Robert Redford in 1969s Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here. Force of Evil also features a scorching supporting cast which includes Beatrice Pearson (Lost Boundaries), Paul Fix (Guns, Girls and Gangsters), Howland Chamberlain (House by the River) and film noir queen Marie Windsor (The Killing). 2022 4K Restoration by Paramount Pictures, UCLA and The Film Foundation NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historian Imogen Sara Smith Introduction by Martin Scorsese (3:33) Theatrical Trailer Reversible Art Limited Edition O-Card Slipcase Optional English Subtitles With the Chandigarh municipal corporation (MC) finally set to table the Smart Parking project before the General House, it has proposed a minimum 42% hike in parking rates for four-wheelers. As per the proposal, parking for non-commercial and non-electric four-wheelers as well as commercial three-wheelers in MCs paid parking lots will be free for the first 10 minutes. But a 20 fee, up from current 14, will be levied for vehicles parked for 11 minutes to four hours. (HT File Photo) The meeting, scheduled on July 25, will also see the House taking up the proposal for free parking for two-wheelers and electric vehicles in MCs 89 parking lots. Currently, the civic body charges 7 for two-wheelers and 14 for four-wheelers. As per the proposal, parking for non-commercial and non-electric four-wheelers as well as commercial three-wheelers in MCs paid parking lots will be free for the first 10 minutes. But a 20 fee, up from current 14, will be levied for vehicles parked for 11 minutes to four hours. If the vehicle remains parked beyond four hours, an additional charge will be imposed (see box). The proposals will come up at the July 25 House meeting. (HT) However, the civic body is also proposing a day pass for multiple entries up to 12 hours, at a cost of 50. Notably, around 50% vehicles arriving at the citys parking lots leave in less than two hours. Similarly, MC has also proposed to increase the parking rates near Elante Mall, Fun Republic and Piccadily Mall. Prices for commercial four-wheelers, including taxis and cabs, as well as mini buses, jeeps, tourist buses, heavy and light commercial vehicles, trucks and others will be different. Also, as per the proposal, all types of two-wheelers, including electric vehicles, will be exempted from parking fee. The electric four-wheelers will also be exempted up to March 31, 2027, and thereafter prevailing fees will be applicable. An additional 5 will be levied if payment is made through cash in case of non-commercial vehicles and 10 in case of commercial vehicles. MC has also proposed an increase of 10 in every slab after every three financial years for all categories of vehicles, except for monthly purposes. After the approval of the House, a tender will be floated to hire an agency to run the Smart Parking lots. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A Delhi-based clothing firm has been penalised for failing to deliver a dress on time despite promising it through the invoice. Complainant Nidhi Jain, a resident of Sector 15-B, Chandigarh, had submitted before the commission that she was to attend a wedding in April 2021, so she placed an online order for a dress worth 55,000 from Kumud Designs in March 2021. (Getty Images/Purestock) Disposing of a complaint by Nidhi Jain, a resident of Sector 15-B, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Kumud Designs, New Delhi, to refund 55,000 paid for the dress with an annual interest of 9% from the date of filing of the complaint till realisation. The firm will also pay 3,000 as compensation for causing mental agony and harassment, and 3,000 as cost of litigation. Jain had submitted before the commission that she was to attend a wedding in April 2021, so she placed an online order for a dress worth 55,000 from Kumud Designs in March 2021. The seller promised to deliver the order before April 2, 2021, as mentioned in the bill. But it was not delivered until May 3, 2021. Consequently, she was left with no option but to buy another dress after paying a huge amount. When she sought to return the outfit as it had become useless for her, the seller denied the refund. Alleging deficiency in service and unfair trade practice on the sellers part, she filed a consumer complaint. In their response, the seller informed the commission that though the date of delivery was mentioned in the bill as April 2, 2021, it was never guaranteed that the dress will be delivered on that date. The firm averred that due to complete lockdown amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the item could not be delivered within the stated time frame. Later, the complainant clarified that she had ordered two dresses, one for herself and another for her daughter. Both the dresses were promised to be delivered on the same date, but only one was delivered on time. Considering this, the commission observed, When both the dresses were to be delivered by the seller only, it is very surprising that they delivered only one dress on the promised date, which caused immense mental harassment to the complainant forcing her to purchase another dress. It added, Not only this, the seller denied refund, despite the fact that due to late delivery the said dress lost its utility for the complainant. Hence, it is well proved on record that the seller utterly failed to deliver the dress on the promised date despite receiving payment thereof in advance. Observing that there was a deficiency in rendering proper service on the part of the opposite party, the commission ordered the seller to refund the price of the dress to the complainant, along with compensation and litigation cost. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The murderous attack on two youths at Metro Plaza Citi Market in Zirakpurs busy Lohgarh area on Friday evening was executed by contract killers hired by a US-based NRI, police investigation has revealed. The murderous attack took place in Lohgarh, Zirakpur. The NRI was booked on the complaint of Inderjits mother Jaswinder Kaur. She told the police that Jaswinder and Inderjit used to run a de-addiction centre at Una district in Himachal Pradesh. (HT File Photo) A day after the attack, police registered an attempt to murder case against the NRI, Jaswinder Singh Jassa, for hatching a conspiracy to kill Inderjit Singh of Nawanshahr. Along with Inderjit, who was shot in the chest, his friend, Satinder Singh from Ludhiana, was also shot in the thigh. The NRI was booked on the complaint of Inderjits mother Jaswinder Kaur. She told the police that Jaswinder and Inderjit used to run a de-addiction centre at Una district in Himachal Pradesh. Inderjit had confronted Jaswinder over illegal activities taking place in the garb of the de-addiction centre that led to enmity between the duo and Jaswinder had been threatening to kill him. Due to this, he had left Nawanshahr and started living in Zirakpur. On Friday, when Inderjit, along with his friend Satinder, was leaving a gym at Metro Plaza Citi Market, three armed men accosted them and opened fire. Inderjit continues to remain critical at a private hospital, while Satinder is recuperating from his injury at Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh. A case under Sections 307 (attempt to murder), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 34 (acts done in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 25, 54, 59 of the Arms Act has been registered against Jaswinder and the three unidentified assailants. Police have not ruled out other reasons behind the murder bid. Zirakpur SHO Simarjit Singh said the matter was being investigated from all angles. Police are checking CCTV footage of toll plazas located around Zirakpur for leads about the shooters who had escaped in a car after the attack. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT), Chandigarh, has directed an insurance company, a pick-up truck driver and its owner to jointly pay 22,98,120 compensation to the family members of Gurpal Singh, 42, who died in a road accident in 2021. Gurpal Singh came under the rear wheel of a pick-up truck and suffered serious head injuries, a fracture of the left leg and other multiple injuries. The deceased was taken to Panchkula civil hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. (Getty Images/Purestock) Meena Kaur, 40, wife of Gurpal Singh, and her two teenage children of Kiratpur Gura village, Panchkula, filed a case against Vijay Kumar of Solan, who was driving the pick-up truck. The petition was also filed against the trucks owner, Chandel Filling Station, Himachal Pradesh, and insurer, the New India Assurance Company Limited, Chandigarh. On August 25, at 6.30 pm, Gurpal Singh was coming from Una on a tanker for delivery of petrol at Chandel Filling Station, Koti. As he reached there, he went outside of the petrol pump. At that time, a pick-up truck was reversed by Vijay Kumar, who rashly and negligently struck against Gurpal Singh who was standing behind the said pick-up. Gurpal came under the rear wheel of the pick-up and suffered serious head injuries, a fracture of the left leg and other multiple injuries. The deceased was taken to Panchkula civil hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The deceased was working as a truck driver with Chandel Filling Station, Jabli, Solan, and was earning around 25,000 per month. The owner and driver of the truck, meanwhile, filed a petition stating that a false FIR was registered. The accident had occurred with another vehicle but the claimants and the police in collusion with each other had falsely implicated the answering respondent in the present case, they said. The insurance company also filed a written statement in which it claimed that the driver was not holding any valid driving licence, the registration certificate and fitness certificate of the vehicle and route permit. Therefore, there was a violation of the terms and conditions of the insurance policy, it added. After hearing the arguments, MACT awarded the compensation in favour of the claimants and against the respondents, who shall pay the compensation jointly along with interest @ 7% per annum from the date of petition till its realisation. A day after Zirakpur police booked a US-based NRI for the murderous attack on two youths at Metro Plaza Citi Market in Zirakpurs Lohgarh area on Friday evening, the accused on Sunday took responsibility for ordering the hit on social media. Three unidentified assailants had opened fire at two youths while they were leaving in their car from Metro Plaza Citi Market in Zirakpurs Lohgarh area on Friday evening. (HT Photo) In the post, he clarified that it was not a gang war and he had hired contract killers to shoot his friend-turned-foe dead to take revenge, said Mohali police. The NRI, Jaswinder Singh Jassa, 30, even vowed to attack the victim, Inderjit Singh, 25, again, if he survives this time. Police, who have not ruled out other reasons behind the murder bid, are verifying the authenticity of the social media posts. Shot in the chest, Inderjit remains critical at a private hospital in Zirakpur, where he underwent surgery. His friend Satinder Singh, 26, was also shot in the thigh in the broad daylight attack. He remains under treatment at Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh. Zirakpur SHO Simarjit Singh said the matter was being investigated from all angles and police were on the trail of the unidentified shooters. The police are also looking for the local handler, who had negotiated the deal between Jassa and the shooters, who were three in number. Originally hailing from Mohnewal near Garhshankar, Hoshiarpur, Jassa and the unidentified assailants have been booked for attempt to murder on the statement of Inderjits mother Jaswinder Kaur, a native of Talwandi Fattu village, SBS Nagar, and presently living in a rented flat in Lohgarh, Zirakpur. She told the police that Jassa and Inderjit used to run a de-addiction centre at Una district in Himachal Pradesh. Inderjit had confronted Jaswinder over illegal activities taking place in the garb of the de-addiction centre that had led to enmity between the duo and Jassa had been threatening to kill him. Police investigation so far has revealed that even after Inderjits objections, Jassa did not stop his illegal activities and made the former leave the centre. He then threatened to kill Inderjit, forcing him to escape from his village with his mother and move to Zirakpur, where he started an immigration consultancy business. Jassa had also shared a post on March 8, blaming Inderjit and his mother for causing the death of his friend Jyoti. Jassa stated in the post that Inderjit withdrew 4.50 lakh through Jyotis ATM card and spent it on betting. Buried under debt, Jyoti later committed suicide, read the post. . The panel probing the suicide attempt by a senior resident at PGIMER has submitted its report to the hospital director, deputy director administration Kumar Gaurav Dhawan confirmed on Saturday. The Association of Resident Doctors on Saturday sought strict action against the accused consultant. As per a statement released by the association, there have been multiple undocumented cases of harassment directed towards residents by the same consultant, resulting in two residents abandoning their DM degrees midway and leaving the institute. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) However, specifics of the report have not been disclosed yet, as the hospital administration plans to hold a press conference on July 25. After the suicide attempt had come to light, PGIMER director Dr Vivek Lal had formed a panel, led by dean academics Naresh K Panda, to probe the matter and submit a report within 72 hours. Speaking to HT, Dr Lal said, The report is currently under deliberation. Further action will be decided based on its findings. We will hold a press conference on July 25. Accusing an associate professor of subjecting him to humiliation and creating an unbearable environment since he joined the institute, the senior resident had tried to end his life on Tuesday, before he was saved by his peers. Multiple undocumented cases of harassment by consultant Meanwhile, Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) on Saturday sought strict action against the accused consultant. As per a statement released by the association, there have been multiple undocumented cases of harassment directed towards residents by the same consultant, resulting in two residents abandoning their DM degrees midway and leaving the institute. The ARD firmly stands in support of strictest action against the person concerned and requests his immediate removal from any academic activities in future, said Dr Naveen, president, ARD. We urgently request the formation of a comprehensive and impartial collegium to address these incidents promptly. Additionally, we call for the implementation of a robust system to report such malpractices to the PGIMER director, he added. ARD also sought immediate implementation of a mandatory workplace harassment prevention and awareness programme to sensitise all staff, faculty and residents about the importance of maintaining a respectful and supportive environment. The GMCH Resident Doctors Association has also expressed solidarity with the resident doctors of PGIMER, stating that they firmly stand in support of the DM residents. Condemning the incident, Federation of Resident Doctors Association, India, said, It is a shocking incident at PGIMER. The institute should take it with utmost seriousness. Cream of our nation falling prey to such devils is outrageous! On the demand of compensation to farmers who lost their crops due to the floods, chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar said an online portal (e-kshatipurti) has been launched so that the affected farmers could report their losses and claims could be verified by district-level officials within a week and process to disburse compensation will start soon after. On the demand of compensation to farmers who lost their crops due to the floods, chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar said an online portal (e-kshatipurti) has been launched so that the affected farmers could report their losses and claims could be verified by district-level officials within a week and process to disburse compensation will start soon after. (HT File Photo) He said that instead of raising questions over these online portals, Opposition leaders should understand the importance of these portals as it helps in timely delivery of compensation to the flood victims. The chief minister also handed over financial aid of 24 lakh to the families of six deceased who lost their lives due to the floods and incessant rains. He said that financial assistance has been handed over to the families of 35 people in eight districts. Great personalities do not belong to a particular community Reacting to tension between the members of Gurjar and Rajput communities over unveiling of a statue in Kaithal depicting the ninth-century ruler Mihir Bhoj, a Gurjar ruler, Khattar urged both the communities to maintain peace and not indulge in such controversies. Mahapurush (great personalities) do not belong to a particular community or caste. They belong to all, the CM said in reply to a question that the members of the Rajput community were taking out protest march and announcing boycott of BJP leaders for not taking action against the members of the Gurjar community, who installed the statue unveiled by Kaithal MLA Leela Ram Gurjar on Thursday. Such great personalities belong to everyone, and they do not represent a particular community. People should refrain from being involved in such controversies, he said, adding that these issues should be sorted out peacefully and amicably. Efforts on deal with floods About the situation of flood-affected districts in Haryana, the chief minister said, I have conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in Fatehabad and Sirsa districts. We think that the situation is under control in Sirsa but there is a need to increase the flow of water towards Rajasthan. But another spell of rain in Himachal had added to the flow of water in rivers and it will reach Haryana. Efforts are being made to deal with any such situation. Job opportunities for youths On the allegations of Opposition parties that unemployment in the state is at its peak in the past several years, the chief minister said that the Opposition was misleading people on the issue of unemployment. The state government is providing numerous employment opportunities to the youth, he added. During his visit to Karnal, the CM said the state government will increase job opportunities for the youth and provide financial support for the education of underprivileged children to ensure they receive quality education. Monthly House meeting of MCs Presiding over a review meeting of the ULB department at the Karnal Municipal Corporation office, the CM said that monthly house meeting should be held in every municipal corporation and every councillor should get an opportunity to raise the issues of their wards. Approved colonies to be notified soon The CM said that according to the records, the work of approving all the unapproved colonies across the state is moving at a fast pace. The work of approving 36 colonies of Karnal which come under the MC is under progress. He said that the colonies of the state which are to be approved will be notified soon. Holds Jan Samvad programme He held another round of Jan Samvad programme at ward number 8 and 18 in his constituency in Karnal for hearing the grievances of people. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON After a speeding car collided with a transformer near gate number 4 of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), the area witnessed a power outage for nearly 12 hours. The damaged transformer near Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, gate number 4 after the speeding car rammed into it in Ludhiana on Sunday. (HT Photo) According to officials, the accident took place at approximately 4 am on Sunday morning when a city residents speeding car collided with the 500 kw transformer. The driver, who sustained head injury, was admitted to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital. Tarun Jain, a resident of Udham Singh Nagar, said , Residents have lodged complaints regarding the lack of power supply. Instead of just repairing the old transformer, the department should consider replacing it with a new one, especially during the summer season. Punjab State Power Corporation Limited executive engineer Rajesh Kumar, said, The incident led to an extensive power disruption lasting approximately 12 hours in Udham Singh Nagar. We have repaired the damaged transformer. The estimated loss amounts to around 2 lakh. Additionally, we have filed a complaint against the car driver at the PAU police station. Police on Saturday arrested two persons for allegedly impersonating candidates in the ETT Examination. Police have also booked the two candidates. Police registered two FIRs against four individuals for cheating, personation, fraud, and forgery under the Indian Penal Code. Both the accused were produced before the court and sent to police remand. (Stock image) Sharing details, Mataur police station SHO Gabbar Singh said the two impersonators, Narinderpal Singh of Fazilka and Gurpreet Singh of Mansa, had come to Mohali for document verification after clearing the ETT examination. However, during the biometric verification, their data and fingerprints did not match. Subsequently, the assistant director of the education department informed the Mohali police about the matter. One candidate has been identified as Sandeep Kumar, a resident of Guru Harsahai, Firozpur. The identity of another candidate has been withheld by police for the purpose of investigation. The assistant director of the education department, in his complaint, said the candidates were called for document verification related to the ETT recruitment. During the document checking, Narinderpal Singh presented himself in place of Sandeep Kumar, using a fake Aadhaar card, voter card and other documents. He was caught during the biometric process and is suspected to have taken the written test in place of Sandeep Kumar. Similarly, during the biometric attendance of Gurpreet Singh, his actual photo did not match the one used during the written exam. It was discovered that the other candidate had sent Gurpreet to take the written exam in his place. Gurpreet was immediately arrested. Police registered two FIRs against four individuals for cheating, personation, fraud, and forgery under the Indian Penal Code. Both the accused were produced before the court and sent to police remand. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON They say, travelling through Kargil-Ladakh is a wonderment, the journey itself is the destination so mesmerising is the austere aura of naked mountains. But when soldiers were pitchforked into the war for the Kargil heights 24 years back, the mountains were not as alluring. The ridges bereft of trees or creatures were raining down death. Snows were turning into poison, laced with cordite remnants of artillery fire. Streams gushing in the nullahs brimmed with infection as soldiers had to defecate in the open. The freshly-inducted battalions had no clue as to the forbidding topography of the craggy mountains and the bunker locations/strengths of the Pakistanis entrenched on those commanding heights. Arrow points to Pak bunker on a war-time sketch by Gurkha subedar. (PHOTO: BRIG AMUL ASTHANA (RETD)) Maps provided were grossly inadequate. How could Infantry officers guide soldiers down the nullahs, up the ridges and precisely identify peaks where Pakistanis were bunkered so that pin-point artillery fire could be brought down on the enemy? Artillery officers faced a complex challenge. They were used to a few hillock features (or few contours on maps) while doing basic training in the plains. But when they got to the Kargil mountains, Artillery officers were initially disoriented as rudimentary maps were bedevilled with a Pandoras box of contours! The truth, as may be told, was that neither the army nor the IAF had orientation for offensive operations in super-high altitudes when the war exploded and demanded an emergency response from a bewildered nation.. So, by relying on field observations under fire, sketches were a normal thing due to shortage of maps in the early days, up to, say, June 1, 1999. Not only me, the soldiers also made sketches on scraps of paper to indicate routes or ask for artillery fire! I have preserved a piece of paper, 2 x 2.5 inches. It was a sketch made during the war by one of my JCOs, Sub. Dinesh or Sub. Nakul, asking for artillery fire on a Pakistani bunker he had seen. On the basis of that sketch, I was able to figure out the bunker location and I coordinated with Artillery officers. The Artillery Observation Post (OP) officer, Maj Dhingra, and the gun position officer were extremely responsive and patient while responding to our requisition for sketch-directed artillery fire. The JCO, who had made the sketch, was observing artillery rounds falling near that bunker and gave me corrections on radio. That enabled us to finally blast the bunker! Brig Amul Asthana, then officiating CO, 1/11 Gurkha Rifles, operating on the Yaldor axis in the extremely tough but under-reported Batalik LoC battles, told this writer. Many years later, Asthana merely had to appeal to Google Aunty. Using a Google Earth map of the Batalik sector, he managed to locate the position of the bunker blasted with the help of a plain sketch created on a scrap of paper by an unassuming Gurkha subedar with no pretensions whatsoever to Picasso! Fallen tree blocks Siswan trail. (PHOTO: VIKRAM JIT SINGH) Trees save Trees are avowed as unconditional lovers of humanity, distributing shade even to the sweating woodcutter. Trees play a champions role in jungle life. Can fallen trees be also hailed as saviours, were they acting as blocks to a trail marketed for eco-tourism? Till a few years back, this trail at Siswan dams far side was barred to vehicles as the Punjab forests and wildlife department had wisely dug a trench at the roads entrance to the jungle. Later, the trench was thoughtlessly filled to upgrade the trail to eco-tourism vehicular access and barbed wire fences erected to protect the trail from wild animals. However, monsoon fury uprooted trees and that blocked the trail. A blessing in disguise as the trail was being misused by SUV adventurers, who disturbed wildlife and crushed micro-biodiversity. Poaching and the forest mafia posed a threat via vehicular access. Love birds and film crews would reach the dams back waters and litter freely. As were booze binges on bonnets and beer bottles left bobbing in pristine waters. Neil Joseph Pfeifer, 48, a Catholic priest in Napoleon, North Dakota, sexually assaulted a woman in his care. He was originally charged with sexual assault by a therapist, a felony, but was allowed to plead down to a misdemeanor. He will perform 50 hours of community work and serve no time in jail. Judge Cherie Clark sentenced Pfeifer to 360 days in the Stutsman County Correctional Center with credit for one day served and all but 10 days suspended. In addition, the nine remaining days would be suspended if Pfeifer performs 50 hours of community service by Sept. 15. Pfeifer was also ordered to pay $325 in court fees and placed on three years of unsupervised probation. Pfeifer was arrested in February after a woman claimed she was assaulted by him while under his spiritual care. In May, another sexual exploitation case against Pfeifer was dismissed bya judge in Logan County, who determined that Pfeifer's sexual contact did not occur "during any treatment, consultation, interview or examination" after his attorney argued that the law did not apply to priests because they do not peform psychotherapy. In the original complaint there, writes April Baumgarten, Pfeifer "asked the woman to confess their acts after the sex." Pfeifer was removed from active ministry earlier this year by the Diocese of Fargo, which "continues to investigate," reports The Jamestown Sun. Our Valley News Live reporter at Thursday's hearing says Pfeifer was held for a time after the hearing and had to be escorted out through the basement of the courthouse due to concerns about a vehicle circling the courthouse. I wonder what it was about this plea deal that made the court so paranoid about a "Vehicle Circling The Courthouse." A 36-year-old man, involved in over 18 cases including those of robbery, snatching, and theft, died under mysterious circumstances inside the lock-up of Netaji Subhash Place (NSP) police station in northwest Delhi on Sunday morning, where he was kept after being arrested in an Arms Act case, the Delhi Police said. The family of the deceased man, identified as Sheikh Sahadat from Jahangirpuri, alleged that he was assaulted and tortured at the police station and died because of his injuries. (Representational Image) The family of the deceased man, identified as Sheikh Sahadat from Jahangirpuri, alleged that he was assaulted and tortured at the police station and died because of his injuries. They also alleged that a sub-inspector (SI) from NSP police station demanded 1 lakh from them for his release. Senior police officers said the allegations of the family were being looked into by the judicial officer carrying out the probe. According to the rules in matters of suspected custodial death, a magisterial probe was initiated into Shahadats death, police added. Police had secured his one-day custody from a city court on Saturday. A request to constitute a board of doctors to conduct the postmortem was sent to the authority concerned. The exact cause of death would be ascertained after the autopsy. Following the procedures in the custodial deaths, the magistrate concerned is conducting a probe, said deputy commissioner of police (DCP) (northwest) Jitender Meena. DCP Meena said that the suspected custodial death came to light around 6.30am after a sentry on duty outside the lock-up found him breathing heavily and alerted senior police officers. Sahadat was rushed to Baba Sahab Ambedkar Hospital, where he was declared brought dead. The body was shifted to the mortuary for postmortem. According to the police, Sahadat and four others were apprehended on Friday from NSP with two country-made pistols and nine cartridges. All five were booked for possessing illicit firearms and taken for interrogation. A case under sections 25, 35, 54, and 59 of the Arms Act was registered on Friday and they were arrested on Saturday. The five were produced before a city court. The team secured one-day police custody of Sahadat for further investigation to ascertain the source of the arms and why they were arranged. The other four were sent to jail, said the DCP, adding that according to the procedure, Shahadats medical examination was conducted on Saturday evening before he was taken to the lock-up, after which he was doing fine, police said. Sahadats niece, Sana, said that her uncle along with four people had left his Jahangirpuri home in a car to have dinner in the NSP area. The NSP police stations team caught them on their way and took them to the police station. My uncle was beaten up the entire night. We were not allowed to meet him. Police told us they recovered weapons from my uncle. We requested them to release him. An SI demanded 1 lakh for it. Being poor, we expressed our inability to pay that amount and were asked to meet him in court on Monday, said Sana. She added that on Sunday morning, her family was informed on the phone that Shahadat was unwell, and was admitted to the hospital. We reached the hospital and learnt that he was dead. My uncle was fine when he was caught or produced before the court. If something happened to him in the night, why were we not informed about it, said Sana. A three-year-old boy allegedly drowned in the waterlogged ground floor of a two-storey house at Kirari in Prem Nagar in outer Delhi on Saturday night, police said, adding that the childs family had gone to a nearby market when he climbed down to the flooded ground floor through a staircase while playing near the gate of the house. The deceased boy was identified as Arif. His father, Ashraf, works as an e-rickshaw driver, police said. (Representational Image) The deceased boy was identified as Arif. His father, Ashraf, works as an e-rickshaw driver, police said. Deputy commissioner of police (DCP) (Rohini) Guriqbal Singh Sidhu said that around 10.30pm on Saturday, the Prem Nagar police station received a call from Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital regarding the death of the boy. A team reached the hospital and met the parents of the child who said there was waterlogging on the ground floor of their house and their child drowned while playing near the gate. We are taking the necessary legal action, said DCP Sidhu. Locals said that waterlogging in the house was not due to the recent flood in the city. Hundreds of homes in Kirari get annually flooded in knee-deep water during the monsoon season as the Kirari ward is characterised by poor drainage along with unauthorised colonies in low-lying areas that have no natural outflow. Meanwhile, Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party president Virendra Sachdeva slammed the Delhi government and it has never made any effort to lay proper sewer lines. Yesterday evening in a fatal mishap at Ekta Enclave, Kirari the only son of Ashraf was killed due to drowning... This government is so busy in political games that it has no time to solve the waterlogging problem of poor colonies like Kirari, he said. The Delhi BJP also demanded compensation of 25 lakh for the family from the Delhi government and the registration of a case against those responsible for the waterlogging. The Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi did not respond to HTs queries seeking comments. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A flood-like situation again looms over Delhi, the water level of Yamuna river in the national capital yet again breached the evacuation mark of 206 metres with the peak level at 206.01m at 10am in Delhi Railway Bridge on Sunday, according to the Central Water Commission. Delhi government has been on high alert due to the discharge of over 2 lakh cusecs of water from the barrage(ANI) The update also warned that it is expected for the river to breach 206.7 metres the level at which people are evacuated from low-lying neighbourhoods close to the river by 4pm on Sunday. Thereafter water level will likely to remain steady, stated the CWC. Also Read: Yamuna flood threat looms over national capital again Till 10pm on Saturday, the rivers peak level was at 205.02 metres, just shy of the danger mark of 205.33 metres. The water released from the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana reached the national capital roughly 36 hours later. Meanwhile, the Delhi government has been on high alert due to the discharge of over 2 lakh cusecs of water from the barrage. "The situation has sparked concern, prompting the government to take proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents," Delhi revenue minister Atishi said. To tackle the situation, the authorities have ensured adequate preparations in the central district, eastern district, or areas like Yamuna Bazar and Yamuna Khadar, the minister further said. Officials on Saturday warned that the Yamuna water level in Delhi is likely to impact relief and rehabilitation work in the flood-affected low-lying areas of the capital. The national capital on Sunday recorded a minimum temperature of 28.9 degrees Celsius, two notches above the season's average, according to the IMD. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 37 degrees Celsius. The weather agency has predicted a generally cloudy sky with light rain during the day. Also Read: 1,000 evacuated in Ghaziabad after Hindon River swells by 10,000 cusecs Meanwhile, the water level in the Hindon river in Uttar Pradesh's Noida rose on Saturday, submerging the nearby houses. The police reached the spot and issued an alert regarding the situation. "From Chhijarsi to Ecotech, water entered the houses in three low-lying areas. Poeple were evacuated from the houses. However, the river has not crossed the danger mark anywhere yet", said Suresh Rao A Kulkarni, additional police commissioner. Meanwhile, in Ghaziabad, at least 1,000 people were evacuated since Friday evening after the Hindon rivers flow increased by 10,575 cusecs in the last 48 hours and flooded upstream areas near Raj Nagar Extension, officials aware of the matter said on Saturday. The authorities also began fanning out to localities close to the river after states upstream including Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand received heavy rainfall, bringing back the threat of floods that threw life out of gear a little over a week ago. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rain in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand till July 25. Parts of the national capital have been grappling with waterlogging and flooding for more than a week now. Initially, a downpour caused intense waterlogging on July 8 and 9, with the city receiving 125% of its monthly rainfall quota in just two days. (With inputs from agencies) Democracy means dialogue and deliberation, while disturbances and disruptions are antithetical to its values, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Sunday, criticising opposition parties for disruptions during the monsoon session of Parliament. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar with his wife Sudesh Dhankhar, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Jamia vice-chancellor Najma Akhtar on Sunday. (HT Photo) Addressing the centenary year convocation of the Jamia Milia Islamia (JMI) at Vigyan Bhawan, the Vice President also accused the Opposition of weaponizing disruptions in Parliament. Democracy is all about dialogue, discussion, deliberation and debate and to secure public good. Surely democracy cant be disturbed and it cant be about disruptions. Disruption and disturbance are anti-ethical to democratic values. I am pained and anguished to indicate to you all that disruptions have been weaponised as strategic means to taint the temple of democracy that should be functional 24x7, Dhankhar said. Around 12,500 students, including gold medallists who passed in the years 2019 and 2020, were awarded degrees and diplomas during the convocation, which was chaired by the Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan while Dhankhar was the chief guest at the event. When there is disruption in Parliament on a particular day, there cant be a Question Hour. Question Hour is a mechanism to generate accountability and transparency in governance. The government is obligated to respond to every question. This goes to enormous benefit of the government. Not having Question Hour can never be rationalised when you think in terms of democratic values and good governance, the Vice President added. Dhankhars remarks on democracy came three days after chaos in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Thursday, with the Opposition demanding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak on the violence in Manipur, following which both Houses were adjourned. Dhankhar also congratulated graduating Jamia students, calling them the warriors of 2047, and adding that they will push India to be considered among the top three developed nations by 2047 when India will celebrate 100 years of Independence. Youth must empower themselves not by political intoxication but through capacity building and personality development, with the ultimate objective of nurturing a healthy environment and society. You have earned your degrees, but learning is a lifelong passion. You have acquired knowledge through education. Now you must carefully cultivate this knowledge to harvest the wisdom. My young friends and the degree holders and from other institutes, you being warriors of 2047, you will determine what India will be in 2047 and I have no doubt with your commitment, direction and dedication, India will be at its peak by 2047, Dhankhar said. He also conferred gold medals to meritorious students and called upon students to become innovators and entrepreneurs and establish their own start-ups. Centre gives nod to set up medical college at Jamia Millia Jamia Millia Islamia vice-chancellor Najma Akhtar announced on Sunday that the university has received approval from the Central government to set up a medical college. I am happy to announce on our centenary year convocation that we have received approval to set up a medical college, Akhtar said. The vice-chancellor also announced that the university is exploring the possibility of setting up a campus in West Asia and other countries. Meanwhile, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that in addition to the medical college, there should be efforts to make Jamia an urban research centre. Today, when the whole world is looking at India and its system, I hope that JMI will produce global humans as per the requirements of NEP (National Education Policy) that will ultimately reduce the inequality between the western world and Global South, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Kanpur: The 750-page charge-sheet filed in the Gangster Act case against SP MLA Irfan Solanki describes him as a man capable of unleashing enough terror to bring normal life to a halt. The police investigation team, which conducted probe into the Gangster Act case, has corroborated these charges with the statement the MLA had given to the police. (For representation) The markets were closed and streets became deserted because of his fear, the charge-sheet submitted in the MP-MLA court said. In case Irfan or his brother Rizwan picked up a fight, the people began stocking food and medicines, fearing that law and order would go for a toss and curfew would be imposed, it explained. The police investigation team, which conducted probe into the Gangster Act case, has corroborated these charges with the statement the MLA had given to the police. Irfans detailed statement has been mentioned in which he stated that he had a team comprising his brother Rizwan, gangster Israel Aatewala, Mohd Shareef, Mohd Ajjan, Mursaleen Bholu and Mannu Rahman. We buy contested properties at throwaway prices, force people to part with properties out of fear or occupy them forcibly. The team plays a key role in occupying these properties, which are bought in someone elses name as I have to furnish details about my assets in the assembly, the statement reads. The charge-sheet further accuses the MLA of occupying government land, indulging in illegal mining in Ganga Katri and grabbing waqf properties in Kanpur with the help of his syndicate. The people, said the charge-sheet, did not want to come forward to complain about the MLA and his gang. The gang members got all the details, particularly of children, and used these details to threaten the people who tried to speak against them. The MP-MLA court presided over by judge Satyendra Nath Tripathi has accepted the charge sheet, fixing next hearing on August 3, during which charges could be framed against the MLA and others. Additional district government counsel Bhaskar Mishra said investigating officer Sunil Kumar Singh had filed charge-sheet against seven people who were integral part of the gang. Mishra, however, told the court the police had so far seized property worth 100 crore of Solanki and others under section 14a of Gangster Act. Property worth 50 crore had further been identified and the rest was being identified. Irfan Solanki was arrested in November last year in connection with setting the house of a woman Nazir Fatima and her daughter Baby Naz on fire in defence colony, Jajmau. Seven more cases have been registered against him, including the one related to travelling by air on forged documents to evade arrest. Police have submitted charge-sheets in all the cases. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Haidar Naqvi Haidar Naqvi covers central UP and Bundelkhand. He closely tracks developments in internal security in the region and beyond. ...view detail A businessman from Nagpur lost a staggering 58 crore in online gambling and the investigation led to the recovery of 17 crore in cash besides 14 kg of gold from the house of the person who allegedly duped him, police said here on Saturday. The large quantity of cash is being counted and the final figure of seizure is yet to be arrived at.(Twitter) Anant alias Sontu Navratan Jain, the alleged `bookie' who had created the online gaming platform, is suspected to have fled to Dubai a day before the raid at his residence in Gondia city, 160 km from Nagpur. "Jain apparently convinced the complainant -- a businessman -- to explore online gambling as a lucrative avenue of earning money. Initially hesitant, the businessman succumbed to Jain's persuasion and transferred 8 lakh through a hawala agent," said Nagpur police commissioner Amitesh Kumar. Jain provided the businessman a link on WhatsApp to open an online gambling account. The businessman found 8 lakh deposited in the account and began gambling, Kumar said. "After initial success, the businessman's fortunes took a drastic downturn as he lost a whopping 58 crore while winning only around 5 crore," the police commissioner said. The businessman then grew suspicious as he was mostly losing and demanded his money back, but Jain refused. "The businessman lodged a complaint with the cyber police, leading to the registration of a case of fraud under the Indian Penal Code. Police raided Jain's residence in Gondia today," the commissioner said. They recovered 17 crore in cash, 14 kg of gold in the form of gold biscuits and jewellery and 200 kg of silver at the house. Jain, however, gave the police the slip. It is suspected that he has escaped to Dubai, the official said, adding that the total value of the seized assets was yet to be ascertained. Display of lathbaazi, or the art of traditional Indian stick fighting, that was once a big attraction during Moharram processions in Prayagraj, was already losing its appeal among the youth when the district administration decided to ban the practice this year. District administration bans lathbaazi (File photo) The move took many by surprise. Lathi used to be our symbol, an identity of our procession. Despite moving with lathis, the youth would never create any disturbance or harm others, said Khan, who claimed that the ban on lathis was not expected. Incidentally, Moharram processions from Rasulpur were not being taken out for the past six years, three years due to clash of timings with Dussehra festival and for next three years due to restrictions on mass gatherings due to Covid-19 outbreak. It is worth mentioning that the the traditional procession from Rasulpur was not taken out on the third day of Moharram as the police refused to allow lathis during the procession. Lathi or stick has for long been a symbol of Moharram procession from Rasulpur area. Unlike crowd in other Moharram processions like Bada Tazia and Buddha Tazia, participants in this procession from Rasulpur are armed with long sticks while some even carry swords and spears for the sake of tradition. Training in the art of wielding lathi, at times up to 10 ft long, typically began a little after Eid-ul-Azha. Earlier we could easily spot that a Moharram procession was from Rasulpur on seeing lathi wielding youth on GT road, said Shamsuddin, 80, a resident of old city area. Bada Tazia and Buddha Tazia processions move slowly and the energy of lathi wielding youth ensured that the processionists ahead of them picked up some pace, he added. Hafeez Khan, 50, a Rasulpur resident said it was only the people from the Rasulpur locality who used to display their stick fighting skills during Moharram. Despite occassional minor injuries to people during practice combats, youth showing their lathi tackle and display skills were a big attraction during Moharram. The craze for lathbaazi had begun to fade even before the administrations decided to ban it. Only a handful of those who have full command over this skill are left in Rasulpur and only few would show interest in learning it too, said Hafeez, among the few remaining practitioners of this art. He said Rasulpur area is inhabited by clan of warlike Mewatis who had fought the British during first war of Independence in 1857. As a punishment, the surviving Mewati families were uprooted from their villages that were located in present day Chandra Shekhar Azad Park area and moved to move towards the citys outskirts by the British. Despite being defeated and forced to migrate, Mewatis had continued to follow their traditions of learning martial arts at akhadas, said Arif Khan, a young member of the community. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON PRAYAGRAJ Select farmers of Prayagraj region, especially in Fatehpur district, have moved on from their traditional crops like paddy, wheat and pulses, and begun fig (or anjeer) farming, which is helping them reap rich dividends. Farmer Sarvesh Chandra Mishra in his field showing fig trees with fruits in his field. (HT Photo) These farmers are making use of technical as well as financial support in the form of a financial incentive from the horticulture department. As per its policy, the state government is not just providing them support in their efforts but also helping them earn much more than ever before. These farmers, through fig farming, are earning as much as 10 lakh per acre against 1 lakh to 4 lakh they used to earn earlier, say officials. Presently, Fatehpur alone has fig farming taking place on around 11 acres of land by these farmers, they added. One such farmer is Sarvesh Chandra Mishra of Fatehpurs Mawai Pathakpur village in the Prayagraj division. I have started cultivating Afghani species of figs instead of traditional farming for the past two years, and I have witnessed great results. My income has more than doubled, he said with a smile. Sarvesh says that he started fig cultivation on his 1-acre farmland. I opted for fig plants of Afghan Diana variety for their sturdiness and good fruit-yielding capacity. To make the produce more appealing, I used only cow dung manure for the crop at the suggestion of horticulture department officials, and this has proved greatly beneficial. I am earning around 10 lakh from fig cultivation on my 1-acre land, he said. For this farming, he also received an incentive amount of 90,600 from the state government. Seeing his success, other farmers of the area too have turned towards fig cultivation. Another farmer involved in fig farming is Shiv Nandan, a resident of Pathakpur village in Fatehpur. I used to grow paddy and wheat like most farmers till just two years back. However, when I heard that anjeer farming was proving to be a success in my area and was more profitable, I decided to go for it. Today, I am growing fig trees on 1.5-acre land that I own in my village and the last two harvests have yielded me four times the earnings that I made through traditional crops, said Shiv Nandan. Another farmer of the same village Jageshwar, too has started anjeer farming on his 1-acre land. Speaking on the trend, deputy director, horticulture, Prayagraj division, Krishna Mohan Chowdhary, said that around seven farmers have embraced fig cultivation in Fatehpur district and also availed the subsidy of up to 50% on the expenses under the state horticulture mission initiative aimed at encouraging dry fruit cultivation in the state. The fact that fig farming can be done even in dry sunny and rocky areas where many other crops do not flourish is also a big advantage of taking up anjeer farming, he added. Deputy director of agriculture, Prayagraj, Satya Prakash Srivastava, said that fig trees can withstand a range of soil types, such as sandy, loamy, and clay soils, with good drainage and thrive in hot and dry climates. Fig tree produces two crops of figs per year. Farmers are now coming to the horticulture department to get information about anjeer farming, he added. Anjeer is considered immensely beneficial as it is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, and iron. It is known to promote digestion, good bone health, maintain blood sugar levels, and lower the risk of heart disease. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR K Sandeep Kumar K Sandeep Kumar is a Special Correspondent of Hindustan Times heading the Allahabad Bureau. He has spent over 16 years reporting extensively in Uttar Pradesh, especially Allahabad and Lucknow. He covers politics, science and technology, higher education, medical and health and defence matters. He also writes on development issues. ...view detail A two-day international seminar was organised by the department of Urdu, Aligarh Muslim University here at AMU on Saturday and Sunday to mark the 300th birth anniversary of renowned Urdu poet, Mir Taqi Mir. Seminar under way at AMU. (HT Photo) Presiding over the event, AMU vice chancellor Prof Muhammad Gulrez said that Mir Taqi Mir portrayed in his poetry a wide array of human emotions and feelings and his poetic thoughts are still considered valuable for serious studies in Urdu poetics. Citing a number of Mirs popular couplets, he said that the importance of Mir can be gauged from the fact that his poetry is popular even today, after a passage of three hundred years. Mirs poetry helps common people express their feelings effectively and his love imbued Ghazals masterfully reflect the agonies and pleasures of lovers, said Prof Gulrez, adding that research scholars should work to bring out the deeper nuances of Mirs poetry. Delivering the keynote address, Prof Sharif Hussain Qasmi, former chairman, department of Persian, AMU said that Mirs poetry opens a wide range of possibilities to study the human emotions. He said Mir generously used Persian vocabulary giving currency to many Persian words in Urdu. Calling Shamsur Rahman Farooqis book Sher-e-Shor Angez a milestone in the study of Mir, he discussed Mirs Persian poetry with wider connotations. He said Mir has a unique position among Urdu poets because of the simplicity of his style and expression. The chief guest and noted Persian scholar, Prof Azarmi Dukht Safavi said that Mir Taqi Mirs thoughts and ideas are not limited to his era but are relevant for all times. She pointed out that for deeper understanding of Mirs poetry, knowledge of Persian is necessary and Urdu scholars need to pay special attention to it to access Mirs poetics. She further said that Mirs couplets betray beauty and sadness that are essential attributes of life according to Mir. Prof. Safavi highlighted the diversity, simplicity and meaningful dimensions of Kalaam-e-Mir and also discussed the salient features of his prose. Citing examples from the books, Zikr-e-Mir, Faiz-e-Mir and Nikat-us-Shora, Prof Safavi said that these books are the best example of his prose writing. Prof Arif Nazir, dean, faculty of arts said that Mirs poetry is popular because of its linguistic richness. He cited several couplets of Mir and stressed the need for the translation of Mirs poetry into Hindi and other languages of India. Earlier, welcoming the guests, Prof Mohammad Ali Jauhar, chairman, department of Urdu introduced Prof. Sharif Hussain Qasmi and Prof Azarmi Dukht Safavi, and highlighted the objectives of the seminar. Dr Sarwar Sajid, convener of the seminar, conducted the programme, while Prof Qamrul Huda Faridi proposed vote of thanks. Jaheedan Khatoon, a MA final year student, presented Mirs popular Ghazal Dikhai Diye Yun Ke Bekhud Kiya in her mesmerizing voice. LUCKNOW The Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) has blamed Jal Nigam for erratic and unscientific digging, which the civic body opines is the reason behind road cave-ins in the city. The meeting witnessed an uproar over the issue of road subsidence in various parts of city. (HT Photo) During a meeting of the district development coordination and the monitoring committee on Saturday, municipal commissioner Inderjeet Singh openly blamed Jal Nigam for not informing LMC before digging roads. The meeting witnessed an uproar over the issue of road subsidence in various parts of city. A number of public representatives raised the question of road cave-ins in the city and blamed poor quality of work. Almost everyone agreed that roads are starting to cave-in even after a moderate rain spell. A case of cars getting stuck inside the cave-in was also cited during the meeting. According to LMC officials, the Jal Nigam started digging roads without considering their piling strength. Had Jal Nigam coordinated with departments like LMC, Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), or the housing board before road cutting for laying sewer, incidents of road caving in could have been averted, say LMC officials. Speaking at the meeting, Inderjeet Singh highlighted the lack of coordination between Jal Nigam and civic agencies. He said that the Jal Nigam does not give LMC any information before digging roads. However, the officials of Jal Nigam didnt respond to the allegations. Thereafter, the district magistrate of Lucknow, Surya Pal Gangwar, directed concerned officials to conduct a third-party inquiry into the sewer line work. He also ordered an inquiry into road cave-ins. During the meeting, which was chaired by MP and Union minister of state Kaushal Kishore, the issue of the quality of development works was also debated prominently. Praveen Awasthi, representative of MP Mohanlalganj, said, The road constructed after laying the sewer line got washed away after a brief rain spell in Ashiyana. A bike rider passing through the stretch fell into the sunken road near Smriti Upvan. Alleging rampant corruption in the construction of road after the sewer lines were laid, the representative asked for an inquiry. The DM acceded to his demand. Meanwhile, according to Jal Nigam officials, the department floated tenders for laying sewer lines. The executing firm sublet the work to local contractors. Neither NOC was taken for digging the road nor any money was deposited for road cutting, Jal Nigam officials added. Enjoy the beautiful silliness of Edward Lear's "Nonsense Botany". These illustrations were created from 1871-1877 in a series of books about surreal, made-up plants. Some of the plants have fish sprouting from them, while others have mischievous cartoon faces. I love the playful spirit of these illustrations and the overall concept for the book. Any one of these surreal plants would make a bad-ass tattoo! From Public Domain Review: Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Sunday decided to abolish the VRA ( Village Revenues Assistant) system and said that the staff will be regularised in the supernumerary posts in the Revenue department. The state government decided to do away with the VRAs, also known by the names of defunct Neerati, Maskuru, Lushkar and Shakasindhi, as they symbolised the feudal structure. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao Taking into consideration the recommendations made by the Cabinet Sub Committee, the available stipulated rules and qualifications, CM KCR said that all the VRA staff will be adjusted accordingly in Municipal Administration, Mission Bhagiratha, Irrigation wing etc. They will be appointed as permanent government staff, said an official statement. The CM directed Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari to issue orders in this regard on Monday. CM KCR emphasised that governments should take decisions in tune with the people's needs and social evolution. It is the responsibility of the government to provide job security to government employees working in the sectors which fade out from time to time. The CM explained that the government adopted a policy and hence the VRA system is being abolished. Speaking on this occasion, CM KCR said that the Village Assistant system came into existence to look after Village revenues and other needs during the period when agriculture and irrigation wings were developed. The decades-old system has been transformed into today's VRAs. He praised the self-sacrificing service of the VRAs who have been doing social service for generations. Procedure for regularisation and adjustment of VRAs CM KCR said that 20,555 VRAs are working across the state. Some of them are illiterates, some have passed seventh standard, tenth standard, and intermediate and a few completed degrees and higher studies. The government will determine the job categories based on their educational qualification. They will be appointed in the respective departments as per the rules. Those who have completed higher studies and are eligible for promotions, the eligible will be appointed to suitable posts. It has also been decided to provide government jobs to the kin of VRAs who are above 61 years under compassionate appointments. Government jobs will also be given to one of the family members of VRAs who died before 61 years while performing duties for any reason after 2nd June 2014, the statement added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT News Desk Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. ...view detail Two Chinese nationals were arrested in Bihar on Saturday evening while they were trying to cross the India-Nepal border without valid documents, officials said. Police said the Chinese nationals were trying to cross the India-Nepal border without valid documents. (HT Archiives) Confirming this, East Champarans superintendent of police (SP) Kantesh Kumar Mishra said on Sunday that the foreign nationals, identified as Zhao Jing and FU Cong, residents of Jiangxi, a province in the eastern China, were arrested near the customs office at Raxaul town of the district while they were trying to cross the border without valid documents at around 8.45 pm on Saturday. The motive behind their move could not be established. Interrogation is being done, Mishra said. Immigration officials deployed at the border do not rule espionage as the reason behind their illegal movement in the Indian territory from across the border. In the course of the interrogation, they are demonstrating strange behaviour. While one of them is fluent in English, the statement given by them are inconsistent and self-contradictory, said an Immigration official, refusing to be identified. The two Chinese nationals had made an abortive bid to cross the border in past as well, officials said. These two were let off with warning and advised to enter our territory with visa when they caught while gaining access to the Indian border on July 2 this year. Then, they were carrying passports and entry refused was embossed on their passports, said an immigration official. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON With Yamuna river once again flowing above the danger level (206m) and a rise of over 1.2m in water level witnessed on Sunday, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has started raising embankments and walls around critical equipment in its three vulnerable water treatment plants which were inundated on July 13 impacting a quarter of Delhis water supply. A rise of over 1.2m in water level was witnessed on Sunday in Yamuna (File Photo) On Sunday, Delhi water minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, who inspected the preparations, said enough arrangements have been made by the capitals water utility to ensure that the plants continue to operate even if Yamuna swells to even an impractical and improbable water level of 209m. Even if the river water level reaches 209m which is very improbable and impractical the pumps will not be flooded and all three water treatment plants will continue to function, he said. Also Read: Yamuna flood threat looms over national capital again The Delhi Jal Board teams have carried out the survey of all the vulnerable points from where water can enter these facilities and reinforcement has been carried out through embankments and raising the walls. Last time, the flood water had entered the pump rooms when the Yamuna levels crosses 208m level and three water treatment plants were shut down, but this time we have started preparations in advance, said Bharadwaj. Located along Yamuna floodplains, DJBs three plants at Okhla, Wazirabad and Chandrawal, along with its array of tubewells and ranney wells, were shut down at 9:50am on July 13 due to flooding when the Yamuna water level had breached the danger mark reaching 208.5m. This crippled around a quarter of the daily water supply to Delhi (998MGD) impacting 20 assembly constituencies in North, Central and West Delhi. The Okhla plant was restored after two days, the Chandrawal plant after four days and the largest damage due to machinery at Wazirabad water treatment plant led to its phased opening which was completed on July 18. Bharadwaj further stated that most of the people from low-lying areas of Yamuna are still staying in the relief camps. The government has made arrangements for water, food, and medicine in these relief centres. We have once again started munadi (public announcements) in the flood-prone vulnerable areas. If people have returned to such areas, they should come back to the relief camps, he added. In Noida, houses have already been submerged in low-lying areas due to the rising water level. DJB operates nine water treatment plants, including Chandrawal, Wazirabad, Haiderpur, Nangloi, Okhla, Dwarka, Bawana, Bhagirathi and Sonia Vihar which cumulatively supply around 998 MGD (million gallons per day) water to Delhis 20 million people. During the last crisis period, the DJB water supply had reached as low as 704.3 MGD on July 14 which was gradually restored to normalcy over a five-day period. Also Read: Green Tribunal cracks whip on HSPCB over illegal sand mining in Yamuna After receding for a few days, the river has shown marginal fluctuations, raising concerns about potential flooding. On Sunday, the city recorded water levels of 206.2m in Yamuna at 3:00pm following a surge in the discharge from the Hathnikund barrage into the river after heavy rain in parts of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. The Central Water Commissions Upper Yamuna Division forecast on Sunday morning stated that the levels are likely to reach 206.7m between 3:00pm-5:00pm after which it will remain steady. Delhi considers a water level of 205.33m in Yamuna at Old Railway Bridge to be the danger level while the highest ever recorded level of 207.49m on September 6, 1978, was breached on 13 July 2023 reaching a new all-time high of 208.66m. Security personnel on Saturday arrested two Chinese nationals who tried to enter India through the Indo-Nepal border from Raxaul in Bihars East Champaran district, officials said. Chinese nationals were identified as Zhao Jing and FU Cong (HT Photo/Jai Praksh) East Champaran superintendent of police (SP) Kantesh Kumar Mishra Sunday said the Chinese nationals, identified as Zhao Jing and FU Cong, residents of Jiangxi, a province in the east of China, were arrested near the Indian customs office at Raxaul town at 8.45pm on Saturday while they were trying to cross the border without any valid documents. Motive behind their move could not be established. Interrogation is being done, said the SP. Immigration officials deployed at the border did not rule out the possibility of espionage as the reason behind their illegal movement in the Indian territory from across the border. In the course of the interrogation, they demonstrated strange behaviour. While one of them is fluent in English, the statement given by them are inconsistent and self-contradictory, said an immigration official on condition of anonymity. According to the officials, the duo had made an abortive bid to cross the border in past as well. They were previously apprehended on July 2 this year. At that time, they were let off with a warning and were advised to enter into the Indian territory with visas, the immigration official said. A landslide was reported on Pune-Mumbai Expressway, near Adoshi village late on Sunday night, said officials. Long queues of traffic were seen on Pune-Mumbai Expressway, near Adoshi village. (HT PHOTO) State highway police said at around 10:35 pm at 41/100 km near Adoshi village a landslide was reported due to which some stones landed on Mumbai lane and disturbed traffic movement during night hours. State highway police and Khopoli police rushed to the spot and diverted expressway traffic to old Pune-Mumbai highway. No casualties were reported in the incident, but long ques of the vehicles were seen on the expressway. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Shailaja Darade, deputy director of Maharashtra State Examination Council (MSEC) (commissioner in-charge ), was suspended by the State government in connection with a bribery case, officials said on Sunday. The action has been taken after five months since she was initially booked in the case of cheating for allegedly taking bribe from the candidates without offering them jobs in the education department. The complaint against Darade was filed by Sukhdev Suryavanshi from Sangli district at Hadpsar police station on February 22, 2023. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO) The complaint against Darade was filed by Sukhdev Suryavanshi from Sangli district at Hadpsar police station on February 22, 2023. Accordingly, Darade and her brother Dadasaheb Darade were booked by the police. In this case, the application filed by Darade for anticipatory bail was rejected by the additional district Sessions Court on April 29, 2023. Following the FIR, state education commissioner Suraj Mandhare sent a detailed report in this regard to the State government on July 7. The report stated that Darades actions raised serious questions about her working methods, an official said. Taking note of it, deputy secretary of the State government TV Karpate issued order of Darades suspension. As per the orders, Darade cannot move out of the headquarters jurisdiction without the prior permission of the government. The order also states that she cannot go for any private job and business can be done during the suspension period, if they do so, they will be guilty of misconduct and eligible for action. Meanwhile, Darade has filed an application in the High Court to get anticipatory bail. Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University will open registration for the UP BTech 2023 Counselling on July 24, 2023. Candidates who are interested in admission to B Tech First Year (Excluding Agriculture & Biotech) can submit an online application through the official Uttar Pradesh Technical Admission Counselling website at uptac.admissions.nic.in. UP BTech 2023 Counselling registration begins tomorrow There will be seven rounds of UP BTech counselling. The first round of counselling registration will begin on July 24 and will proceed till August 5 at 3 p.m. Results of the first phase of allocations of seats will be released on August 14. UP BTech 2023 Counselling: How to apply Visit the official website of Uttar Pradesh Technical Admission Counselling at uptac.admissions.nic.in. On the homepage, click on the registration link Enter the login details and click on submit. Fill out the application form Upload all the required documents Pay the application fee Keep a hard copy of the same for further need. Actor Amitabh Bachchan has shared with his fans why he couldn't travel to the US to be part of the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). At this year's Comic-Con, Amitabh's upcoming film Kalki 2898 AD became the first-ever Indian movie to participate in the event. (Also Read | Amitabh Bachchan had 'no idea what Comic-Con meant', says Abhishek Bachchan was shocked when he said that) Amitabh Bachchan, via video call, speaks on Kalki 2898 AD during Comic-Con in San Diego.(AFP) Amitabh shares why he couldn't attend SDCC Taking to his blog on Saturday, Amitabh wrote, "Alright .. so .. San Diego and K, the project .. a great moment for the film and the makers and all those that went there for the release of the first look for it .. I was pushed hard by Nagi Sir to come along, but work and medical restrictions have kept me away from many such occasions .. so .. but I must admit the first look was pretty darn good .. wasnt it .. style, music, frames .. everything." Amitabh talks about Kalki 2898 AD "And finally the reveal of K .. KALKI .. mythologically so important .. 2898 AD!! AD has been changed has it not? Yes .. AD, which I think was anno domini, meaning in the year of the Lord.. was changed to CE - common era .. and BC, became BCE - before common era! Why so .. have no idea .. it was related to the birth of Christ , before and after, hence .. but , each region in the World has its own year and month and named according to their calculated calendars." Amitabh had shared he didn't know about SDCC Recently, Amitabh on his blog shared how he had no clue about Comic Con until his son-actor Abhishek Bachchan told him about it. "I must admit unabashedly that I had no idea what Comicon meant or was until I told Abhishek, or rather asked him what this is all about and he said .. with a shocked look on his face: 'Dad .. Comicon ? this is a huge deal '. And today as I partake in a Zoom call at the release I cannot but be in bewildered admiration for Nagi Ashwin and his team for putting together an astonishing film." Kamal Haasan, Prabhas at SDCC The SDCC event was attended in person by Kamal Haasan and Prabhas. Amitabh attended the event via a video call. Rana Daggubati was also part of the panel. The makers at the SDCC announced that filmmaker Nag Ashwin's Project K has been titled Kalki 2898 AD. The film is scheduled to release on January 12, 2024. More about Kalki 2898 AD Apart from Amitabh, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone and Disha Patani also feature in the sci-fi film. The film is being produced by Vyjayanthi Movies. According to the makers, the story promises to transport audiences to a world never seen before in Indian cinema and offer them "unparalleled and immersive cinematic experience". SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Rumoured couple, actors Ananya Panday and Aditya Roy Kapur stepped out on Saturday night for a drive during the rains in Mumbai. Several pictures and videos of the duo sitting in his car emerged online. (Also Read | Ananya Panday posts pics in swimwear from Spain, fan claims to spot Aditya Roy Kapur) Aditya Roy Kapur and Ananya Panday in Mumbai on Saturday. Ananya and Aditya seen together In one of the photos, Ananya kept her hand near her face as she smiled and looked at Aditya Roy Kapur while having a conversation. He smiled while driving. Ananya seemingly tried to hide her face as seen in one of the pictures while Aditya laughed. For the outing, Ananya wore a pink outfit while Aditya was seen in a white shirt and pants. Fans react to the couple's new photos Reacting to the photos, a fan wrote, "They're beautiful together, it's theirs lives..they know exactly what's is good for each other." "They look good together," said another person. "Adi and Ananya look so good together, thrilled for them," read a comment. "Ananya looking so beautiful in pink," wrote an Instagram user. "Good looking couple Adi and Ananya," said another fan. Ananya shared pics of her Ibiza trip On Saturday, Ananya shared a glimpse from her trip to Ibiza. On Instagram, Ananya treated fans with pictures of herself from her holiday. She captioned the post, "Blue baby." In the pictures, Ananya sat by a pool and drank coconut water, clicked a mirror selfie in a blue bikini, and sat on the beach while posing for the camera. Fans and friends reacted to pictures with beautiful comments. "Wow bikini babe," Suhana Khan commented. Ananya and Aditya's rumoured relationship Ananya and Aditya came into the spotlight after photos from their recent trip emerged on social media. While the pair has not yet publicly acknowledged their relationship, they returned from their trip on the same day but chose to exit the airport separately. The duo's dating rumours started after they made a joint appearance at Kriti Sanon's Diwali party last year. Aditya and Ananya's upcoming films Fans will see Ananya next seen in director Vikramaditya Motwane's untitled cybercrime-thriller film. She also has Farhan Akhtar's Kho Gaye Hum Kahan alongside Siddhant Chaturvedi and Adarsh Gourav. Ananya also has a comedy film Dream Girl 2 opposite Ayushmann Khurrana in the pipeline. She will also be making her web series debut with Prime Video's Call me bae. Aditya will be seen in Metro In Dino, helmed by Anurag Basu. Billed as an anthology, the film also features Konkona Sen Sharma, Pankaj Tripathi, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sara Ali Khan, Anupam Kher, Ali Fazal and Neena Gupta in the lead roles. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Ananya Panday with Chunky Panday, Rysa Panday and Bhavana Pandey in Ibiza. Actor Ananya Panday's mom Bhavana Panday took to her Instagram handle and dropped photos of her family from Spain. Her pictures arrived a day after Ananya shared a bunch of photos from the same location and left the internet guessing if she was with Aditya Roy Kapur. Ananya and Aditya are rumoured to be dating. Also read: Ananya Panday posts pics in swimwear from Spain, fan claims to spot Aditya Roy Kapur Ananya Panday in Ibiza with family Bhavana's photos featured Ananya with Chunky Panday and Rysa. A photo had the family dining together at an eatery. It was followed by glimpses of their vacation on a beach. Another photo showed Ananya and her sister Rysa enjoying a swim together. In all of the photos, the actor was seen in the same swimwear which she had worn in her previous photos from Ibiza. Sharing them, Bhavana wrote, Missing. Fans claim to see Aditya Roy Kapur in Ananya's pic On Saturday, Ananya had posted several photos from Ibiza. One of her photos featured her sitting by a pool and holding coconut water. It was followed by another photo of her reflection on a glass wall. A man was also seen in the photo. Fans claimed the man was none other than Aditya Roy Kapur himself. Previously photos of Ananya and Aditya spending time together in Spain and Portugal had leaked online and went viral. Ananya and Aditya Roy Kapur Not only this but the two were spotted returning to Mumbai at the same time. On Thursday, Ananya and Aditya were spotted in grey casuals at the Mumbai airport. However, they chose to walk out solo upon their exit from the airport but were spotted by the paparazzi. On Saturday night, Ananya Panday and Aditya Roy Kapur stepped out for a drive during the rains. They were snapped together in the car by the photographers. While Ananya kept her hand near her face as she smiled and looked at Aditya Roy Kapur during a conversation, Aditya smiled while driving. Ananya seemingly tried to hide her face upon seeing the media. Ananya was previosuly dating actor Ishaan Khatter. Recently, she had commented briefly about her ongoing dating rumours. Without giving any clarification about her relationship status, she told Hindustan Times, Its good to be curious, people should keep guessing who Im dating. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON TL;DR: Everyone needs a computer and now you can get a model that won't break the bank. This refurbished version of the Lenovo ThinkPad 11E 5th Gen (2019), typically valued at $219, is now on sale for just $119.99. Anyone who's ever shopped for a new laptop whether they need to replace a new model or it's their first time getting a laptop knows it's a soul-draining experience. Many laptops go for four figures, and it can be difficult to find that kind of money, even though a laptop is a must for some people. That's why we're so excited about this affordable computer model. The Lenovo ThinkPad 11E 5th Gen (2019), which typically retails for $219, is now on sale! You can get it for only $119.99 a whopping 45% off, no coupons needed. And yes, this is a refurbished model, but that doesn't mean it won't get the job done. It has a grade "B" rating, which indicates you may just notice some scuffing, scratches, or dents on the model's exterior. This Thinkpad comes from Lenovo, a company hailed by the New York Times for making great business laptops. It has everything you need to thrive at school or work: It runs smoothly and quickly with 4GB of RAM and has plenty of storage space (128GB) for all your files, videos, documents, and photos. An 11.6" display means the screen is the perfect size for viewing, well, anything. Plus, it runs with Windows 10 Pro, which means you have all the top apps! Simply put, the Lenovo Thinkpad can ably handle all the basic computer tasks you need. Sleek, stylish, and lightweight, you can do it all on the go, too. So, what are you waiting for? Get the Lenovo ThinkPad 11E 5th Gen (2019) for only $119.99 now. But make sure to hurry this sale price won't last. Prices subject to change. Jism 2, the sequel of Pooja Bhatt's 2003 hit erotic thriller Jism, was directed by Pooja and written by Mahesh Bhatt. It marked the Bollywood debut of Sunny Leone in a role opposite Randeep Hooda. She was offered this role by Mahesh Bhatt in the Bigg Boss house back in 2011. Interestingly, now, Pooja Bhatt is a contestant on Bigg Boss OTT 2, that is currently streaming on Jio Cinema. Sunny recalls her Bigg Boss stint Sunny's autobiographical web series Karenjit Kaur: The Untold Story stated that the former adult film star was offered more money than the winning prize of the winner of Bigg Boss 5. However, in a recent interview to Mid-Day, Sunny clarified, I don't know what Bigg Boss winner makes. What did they make that year? I don't know. I did get paid. I first did not want to go (as a contestant on Bigg Boss 5) for many different reasons. First was safety and not knowing how people would react when I get there. In my head, I was like, okay this is a down payment on the house. Because I didn't see it as a future. I just got married so I was looking forward to a new start of life. So we thought we'll put a down payment on the house. And that's it. It was that simple. When Mahesh offered Sunny Jism 2 However, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt appeared as a guest on an episode of Bigg Boss 5 in order to offer Jism 2 to Sunny as her big Bollywood debut. I didn't think it was real. I mean at that point, I didn't think it was real. Because I didn't even know who he was. They just said this is so and so from the film industry and everybody else was going bananas in the house. Oh my god, this person is coming into the house, this buzz was happening. I don't know who he is. But he's probably amazing. I mean he is really amazing, I later realised, Sunny said in the same interview. Sunny added that it was crazy that Pooja Bhatt, daughter of Mahesh and director of her Bollywood debut Jism 2, is now a contestant on Bigg Boss OTT 2. She was with her at the premiere of the show when she got up and entered the house. It's great how life has come a full circle, Sunny said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A 45-year-old principal of a government school was arrested on Thursday nightfor allegedly sexually molesting four girl students, aged 13 to 15, in Hallikhed village of Bidar district in Karnataka, police said on Sunday. According to the police, the accused, identified as Nagashetty Kulkarni, had sexually harassed the students on July 7 but a police complaint into the matter was filed by the four survivors on July 20 (Representative photo) Based on the incident, Bidars backward class and minorities (BCM) department officer B Sadashivappa said that the accused was suspended on Saturday. A departmental probe has also been ordered in this regard, he said . The accused had been transferred to the school six months ago, said police. According to the police, the accused, identified as Nagashetty Kulkarni, had sexually harassed the students on July 7 but a police complaint into the matter was filed by the four survivors on July 20. The principal on July 7 had called the four students to his house on the pretext of giving sweets to one of the girls who was celebrating her birthday.He misbehaved with the four students and touched them inappropriately,a police official familiar with the matter said on anonymity. According to the complaint, the police official said that the accused reportedly held the hand of one of the girls in his room, kissed her, and made advances. Circle inspector M G Patil from Chitaguppa police station confirmed that they received a complaint from the survivors on July 20 and subsequently a case was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. A separate complaint was also filed by the survivors with the district juvenile justice board on July 21. We took the accused and minor girls for medical examination, leading to the arrest of the principal on Thursday night, said Patil. The accused was presented before the court of judicial magistrate of first class in Chitaguppa on Friday, where he was remanded to judicial custody for 14 days, he said. Based on the complaint, deputy commissioner Govinda Reddy had set up a team comprising five women officers to conduct a thorough investigation, said the official quoted above. The police team also visited the school on July 20 and recorded statements of the survivors and compiled a comprehensive report, which has been submitted to the deputy commissioner. Based on the charges in the report, the deputy commissioner instructed the police to register a case against the accused under the Pocso Act. Meanwhile, a relative of one of the survivors alleged that the principal used to make vulgar jokes at the girl students. He used to make vulgar jokes at the students and touched them inappropriately. The harassment had been ongoing for a few months, but the situation escalated on July 7 when he behaved indecently with fourgirls, leading to the formal complaint, said the relative, requesting anonymity. The relative said that the principal had been transferred to the school only six months ago. In a separate incident, a parish priest and principal of a pre-university college in Shivamogga were booked under the Pocso Act for allegedly harassing a 17-year-old PU student on July 20, said police. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raghav Chadha has written to Jagdeep Dhankhar, Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairman, urging him to withdraw the Bill replacing the Delhi Ordinance while underlining that it was impermissible as the matter was under challenge in the Supreme Court. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raghav Chadha (Twitter/@ANI) Till the matter remains subjudice, any kind of discussion or voting on this should not be held in the Parliament and neither should it be introduced. This attempt of the Centre to carry out such an elaborate legislative exercise is beyond the ambit of the authorities that the parliament holds and also because this Bill is unconstitutional and illegal, Chadha said while addressing the media on Sunday outside the Parliament. I have written a letter to the Vice President and the Chairman that the Ordinance that takes away the powers of the Delhi Government is illegal and therefore should not be introduced, Chadha wrote on Twitter. On May 11, 2023, a constitution bench of the Supreme Court unanimously held that as a matter of constitutional requirement, the civil servants serving in the Government of NCT (National Capital Territory) of Delhi are answerable to the elected arm of the government i.e. the elected council of ministers presided over by the chief minister. This link of accountability was held to be crucial to a democratic and popularly accountable model of government. In one single stroke, the Ordinance has undone this model by seizing this control again from the duly elected government of Delhi and vesting it in the hands of the unelected L-G (lieutenant governor VK Saxena). The Ordinances design is evident, i.e. to strip the government of Delhi down to only its elected arm enjoying the mandate of the people of Delhi, but bereft of the governing apparatus necessary for meeting that mandate. This has left the GNCTD in a crisis of administration, put day-to-day governance in jeopardy, and has led the civil service to stall, disobey, and contradict the elected Governments orders, Chadhas letter to the Rajya Sabha chairman read. The National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 aims to affect the powers of the elected State government of Delhi and restore certain powers to the lieutenant governor. While adding that the Ordinance was blatantly unconstitutional, the AAP MP claimed in the letter that the Ordinance and any Bill along the same lines as the Ordinance, seeks essentially to undo the position laid down by Court without amending the Constitution itself from which this position flows. Chadha further demanded VP Dhankhar not permit the introduction of this Bill and instead direct the Union government to withdraw it, while adding that the effort should be made, to save the Constitution. He asserted that no law can overturn a verdict by the Supreme Court without changing the bases of the judgement. The Ordinance does not change the basis of the Honble Supreme Courts decision, which is the Constitution itself. Secondly, Article 239AA(7)(a) empowers Parliament to make a law to give effect to or to supplement the provisions contained in Article 239AA. Under the scheme of Article 239AA, control over Services lies with the Delhi government. A Bill in line with the Ordinance is, therefore, not a Bill to give effect to or supplement Article 239AA but a Bill to damage and destroy Article 239AA, which is impermissible, Chadhas letter further read. The government had listed the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2023, to replace the contentious Ordinance on Delhi services ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The NCT Amendment Bill is meant to replace the contentious Delhi Ordinance promulgated by the Centre to take over services from the Delhi government. The AAP government had termed the promulgation of the Ordinance by the Centre a deception with the Supreme Court verdict on control of services. The Supreme Court on Thursday referred the Delhi governments challenge to the services ordinance to a Constitution bench of five judges. Opposition MPs on Thursday too had walked out of a meeting of Rajya Sabhas Business Advisory Committee (BAC), protesting against the inclusion of a Bill to replace the Delhi ordinance in official business and also objected to the inclusion of the Bill in a meeting chaired by Dhankhar. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said the situation in Manipur shows what happens when a double-engine vehicle stops but the fault is not with the smaller engine as a double-engine vehicle will not stop just because of the failure of the smaller one. Blaming the bigger engine Centre for the situation, Tharoor tweeted, "The shocking incidents of gangrape, parading naked in Manipur took place because of the failure of the bigger engine." In 2022, BJP won an absolute manjority in Manipur and N Biren Singh became the chief minister for the second consecutive term. Shashi Tharoor earlier said he is happy that PM Modi broke his silence on Manipur.(PTI / File photo) The statement comes amid an acrimonious exchange between BJP leaders and the Opposition after a video of two women paraded naked in Manipur went viral. The nationwide outrage prompted the Manipur government to press into action and, so far, six accused have been arrested, though the FIR was filed a month ago. PM Modi expressed anguish and pain over the incident, while the opposition demanded PM Modi's statement on Manipur unrest in Parliament. The BJP, on the other hand, accused the Opposition of running away from a debate on Manipur. Manipur ethnic violence, viral video, security tightened in Mizoram: 10 points 1. Protests are being held across the country after the video of two Kuki women paraded naked surfaced, 77 days after the incident took place. 2. Irom Sharmila who had been on hunger strike for 16 years demanding repeal of AFSPA in Manipur said the state government in Manipur has failed totally. 3. Delhi Commission for Women chairperson Swati Maliwal reached Imphal on Sunday and said she has sought time from Manipur Governor and chief minister. 4. The Congress said there will not be any movement towards peace in Manipur unless Biren Singh resigns. 5. Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin said Manipur sportspersons can come to his state for training which the BJP slammed and said the CM has suddenly woken up from sleep. 6. The fire of violence reached neighbouring Mizoram as many Meitei community families started fleeing the state amid the fresh unrest in Manipur. 7. According to reports, 78 Meitei people flew to Manipur on Sunday, 65 flew a day before, though it is not known whether they travelled for some work or out of fear. Another 41 Meitei people from Mizoram travelled to Assam by road. 8. Another incident of gangrape followed by murder in Manipur has come to the surface. This incident too took place on May 4. Here too, the victims belonged to the Kuki community. 9. The BJP accused the opposition of running away from debate on Manipur in Parliament as the opposition demanded PM Modi's statement in Parliament. 10. On the Manipur issue, the BJP raised question over Congress's silence in similar incidents in Rajasthan, West Bengal. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A bravehearts memorial is being planned on a hilltop in Pulwama to honour the 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel killed in the 2019 attack, officials said, which would be one of the largest in Kashmir. CRPF plans to build a memorial to honour army personnel who died in Pulwama attack in 2019. (HT Archive) The force has already floated an expression of interest for bidders who want to be part of the project. Work on it will start on a war footing. It will be ready by next year, an official aware of the development said, seeking anonymity. Nearly two acres of the hilltop would be landscaped and developed as a historical site. There will be an art installation at the memorial, which will be able to withstand all weather conditions, keeping in mind the topography of the hill top, according to an expression of interest document released by the CRPF earlier this month. The art installation should be remarkable and large enough to be visible from large distances, including aerial distance, the document for bidders said. On February 14, 2019, 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives after a suicide bomber drove a car laden with explosives into a convoy when it was passing through Lethpora in Pulwama district. A convoy of 78 vehicles with over 2,500 CRPF personnel were on NH44 when the attack took place. The attack on the security forces, one of the deadliest in Jammu and Kashmir, prompted the army and paramilitary forces to come up with a new standard safety protocol while moving convoys in the valley. Large parts of NH44, which were earlier not covered by CCTV cameras, are now under round-the-clock surveillance. For the past two years, our top officers had been working to build a large symbolic memorial for the martyrs. During the discussions, it was planned to be set up at the same place where the brave hearts died in the line of duty, a CRPF officer said, declining to be named. The memorial will have different sections on the other martyrs of CRPF. The place will also showcase the historical importance of the paramilitary force in internal security. The memorial in the coming years will be made a place of national importance. The CRPF, Indias largest paramilitary force, is deployed in Jammu and Kashmir for law-and-order arrangements, security and anti-terror operations. The National Investigation Agency, which investigated the case, charged 19 people, including United Nations listed terrorist Maulana Masood Azhar, Rauf Asghar, Ammar Alvi, their nephew Umar Farooq (who had come to India to execute the attack and was killed in a gunfight on March 29, 2019), and 12 others who assisted in reconnaissance, logistics and assembling the car- laden bomb. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Collective negligence of a joint venture firm, Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan and Uttarakhand Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL) led to the death by electrocution of 16 people, including a police officer and three home guards, at a sewage treatment plant under the Namami Gange programme at Gopeshwar in Chamoli, police said on Sunday. The site of the Namami Gange project where at least 16 people were killed (PTI) Police on Friday had arrested three people, one each from the joint venture, Jal Sansthan and UPCL, for gross negligence. STP is outsourced to a joint venture of Patiala-based Jai Bhushan Malik Contractors and Coimbatore-based Confident Engineering India Pvt. Ltd. Our investigation so far has made it clear that it was collective negligence that led to the electrocution incident, Chamoli circle officer Pramod Shah said. We arrested additional assistant engineer Hardev Lal of Jal Sansthan, joint venture company supervisor Pawan Chamola, and UPCL lineman Mahendra Singh for gross negligence. Read | Chamoli accident: Electrocution a regular issue at disaster site, say locals Safety standards were flouted at the treatment plant, Shah said. There were several mechanical and electrical faults that were not addressed, he said. We are finding lapses. Other culprits will also be nabbed. On Thursday, a first information report was registered under section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Dangerous Machines (Regulation) Act, 1983, against Pawan Chamola, supervisor of the joint-venture company, and other unidentified officials of the company. Three teams were constituted by Chamoli police superintendent under the supervision of Shah to investigate the matter. Operation and maintenance of the Gopeshwar sewage treatment plant is outsourced to a joint venture of Patiala-based Jai Bhushan Malik Contractors and Coimbatore-based Confident Engineering India, officials said. The treatment plant with capacity to process 0.5 mega litres per day was set up under the Namami Gange project in 2019 and handed over to Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan in 2021, with electricity provided to it by Uttarakhand Power Corporation. On Wednesday morning, 15 people were electrocuted and 11 others injured at the plant located on the banks of the Alaknanda river. They had gathered at the plant as police were investigating the electrocution of the lone security guard Ganesh Lal the night before. Jal Sansthan and UPCL officials didnt respond to calls despite repeated attempts.ead The Delhi High Court has ordered journalists, Tarun Tejpal, Anirudh Behl, Mathew Samual and M/S Tehelka.Com, to pay 2 crore as damages to retired Indian Army officer, Major General MS Ahluwalia in a defamation case. Tarun Tejpal. (File/ Reuters) Tehelka had conducted a sting operation in 2001 stating that Ahluwalia was allegedly involved in corruption in the defence deals. The bench of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna noted that the reputation of the plaintiff has suffered as he not only faced a lowering of estimation in the eyes of the public but his character also got maligned with serious allegations of corruption which no subsequent reputation can redress or heal. The court also noted that much time has passed and the plaintiff has already lived with ill fame for more than 23 years. Considering the enormity of the nature of defamation, an apology at this stage is not only inadequate but is meaningless. According to the suit, Tarun Tejpal, the proprietor of the portal, Tehelka.Com, was responsible for managing the release of news items/ articles on the website of Tehelka.Com. A media blitz was launched on 13.03.2001 carrying a story about the alleged corruption in the defence deals relating to import of new defence equipments. The story was done and recorded by two Reporters allegedly working undercover by representing themselves on behalf of a fictitious defence equipment Firm based in London keen to introduce new defence equipments in the Indian Army, stated the suit. The article alleged that Ahluwalia had demanded 10 lakh and a bottle of Blue Label whiskey as a bribe. It further alleged that the officer had accepted a token bribe of 50,000. The plaintiff/ Major General through suit claimed that this was done deliberately without ascertaining the true facts. The allegations were false to the knowledge of the defendant and were intentionally made to destroy and malign the reputation and image of the plaintiff in the general public. In fact, the alleged tape containing the conversation between the Reporter and plaintiff has been tampered with and doctored to manipulate the recording and selective portions had been deleted and editorial comments had been added which were not substantiated by facts. The Indian Army took serious note of the telecasted video tape and ordered a Court of Inquiry into this issue. The plaintiff was summoned in the Court of Inquiry and his military reputation and honour had been tarnished and put under a cloud of suspicion, stated the suit. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The price hike of tomatoes at this time is nothing new and every problem has a solution, Uttar Pradesh minister Pratibha Shukla's statement has gone viral as the minister advised people to not eat tomatoes now. "If you stop eating tomatoes, the prices will inevitably come down. And people should grow tomatoes at home. You can also eat lemon instead of tomato. If nobody is eating tomatoes, the prices will come down," the minister said on Saturday as the tomato prices continue to rise across the country with one kg still above 120. Uttar Pradesh minister Pratibha Shukla said if people stop eating tomatoes, prices will come down. The UP minister's statement drew flak from the Congress as it interpreted the statement as the government's 'acceptance' that there is no way to bring the prices down. "Jo bhi cheez mehengi hai use khana chod dijiye -- this advice is coming from a minister of Uttar Pradesh. In the race of being indifferent, you have defeated your colleagues, congratulations," Congress leader Supriya Shrinate said. Tomato prices are likely to come down with the arrival of new crops from Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, the minister of state of consumers affairs informed the Rajya Sabha. When Nirmala Sitharaman drew flak over onion price In 2019, when Nirmala Sitharaman was questioned over the steep onion price in the Lok Sabha, the minister said she was from a family which did not have much to do with onion. As tomato prices skyrocketed over the past two weeks, Nirmala Sitharaman's old statement was remembered by the opposition leaders who asked whether the minister does not eat tomatoes too. Tomato price hike, incidents of robbery Amid the increase in the tomato prices, several incidents of looting, stealing, hijacking tomatoes took place across the country. A Tamil Nadu couple has been arrested for hijacking a truck with 2,5 tonnes of tomatoes in Bengaluru. A Pune farmer filed a case after his 400 kg of tomaries were stolen. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Poulomi Ghosh Poulomi Ghosh is a journalist with Hindustan Times, New Delhi. ...view detail Don't eat tomatoes, grow them at home: Uttar Pradesh minister's statement viral The price hike of tomatoes at this time is nothing new and every problem has a solution, Uttar Pradesh minister Pratibha Shukla's statement has gone viral as the minister advised people to not eat tomatoes now. "If you stop eating tomatoes, the prices will inevitably come down. And people should grow tomatoes at home. You can also eat lemon instead of tomato. If nobody is eating tomatoes, the prices will come down," the minister said on Saturday as the tomato prices continue to rise across the country with one kg still above 120. Read more People buying tomatoes from the straw imposed by the government for 80 per kg tomatoes in sector 4, in Noida, India, on Tuesday. (Photo by Sunil Ghosh / Hindustan Times) 'Dhoni always insists to know...': India A star reveals legend's advice ahead of Emerging Asia Cup final vs Pakistan A Sai Sudharsan has shown exciting form in recent months, coming along nicely with his batting at the top of the order for both his domestic teams and now on the international stage. He will go into the final of the ACC Emerging Trophy for India A as the opener, up against Pakistan A, and will look to recreate his century in the group stage match against the Shaheens. Read more UK PM Rishi Sunak goes for Barbenheimer day with full family, here's the film he watched first UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is at the movies with his family in the Barbenheimer week. If you're curious about which film Rishi is watching first this weekend: Christopher Nolan's biographical thriller Oppenheimer or Greta Gerwig's satire Barbie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the UK PM has given the verdict on his social media. Read more Gen Z intern demands 5-hour work shifts, 40-50k stipend. Tweet sparks chatter online In todays fast-paced and interconnected world, striking a healthy work-life balance is more vital than ever. So, when a Gen Z intern appeared for an interview, he prioritised work-life balance. Not only did he demand fewer working hours but also a competitive stipend, keeping the cost of living in mind. Read more What is emotional hijacking? Signs to watch out for A loud or an extreme reaction to an emotional state is what emotional hijacking is about. This happens when strong emotions take over the thinking part of the brain and before we can measure the reaction, we end up showing it. In case of emotional hijacking, the brain perceives threat and hence, it starts to give out a reaction that turns out to be extreme. Read more Web story: Six best herbs that grow indoors all year Having common herb in your kitchen can help enhance your cooking techniques. Read more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday said the state has incurred losses of around 8,000 crore due to the rain-triggered flash floods, as it has faced the harshest rain and flood disasters in the past 75 years. The monsoon has claimed 154 lives since its onset on June 24 in Himachal Pradesh.(AP) Sukhu said there is a need for immediate financial relief from the Central government. "The central team has visited the state. We have demanded the pending 315 crore rupees of the 2022-23 disaster fund from the union government. The loss is estimated to be 8,000 crore rupees. We are trying to restore the roads, electricity and water supply in the region," he told news agency ANI. Accusing former CM Jairam Thakur of playing politics at the time of a disaster, Sukhu urged that all parties should get together to seek the disaster relief fund for the flood-hit state. "It is not right to say that the disaster relief money has been given by the union government. I don't want to answer Jai Ram Thakur. He is doing politics on it. But I would request him that we should go all together with all parties to get the first instalment of disaster relief to Himachal Pradesh," the chief minister said. However, Kullu deputy commissioner on Saturday said 5 crore of relief amount was provided to those affected by floods in the district. "People who are affected by the heavy rainfall in the Kullu district are being provided with a relief amount by the government. People whose sources of income were affected along with their houses and shops are being procured the relief amount. Till now, 1,700 families have been affected by the floods. Most of the families were provided with five crores of relief amount", said Ashutosh Garg, DCP, Kullu. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert and predicted heavy rainfall in eight districts of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday. Many areas of the state received hefty downpours in the last 24 hours, with Sirmaur district receiving 195 mm of rain. "Many areas of Himachal Pradesh have received heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours, with Sirmaur district receiving 195 mm of rainfall. In the next 24 hours, the IMD has issued an Orange alert with heavy rainfall expected in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur and Bilaspur districts," news agency PTI quoted IMD deputy director Bui Lal as saying. According to the figures from the state disaster management authority, "The monsoon has claimed 154 lives since its onset on June 24 in Himachal Pradesh. Till now, 15 people are missing, and 187 people have been injured" Additionally, 592 houses have been damaged, besides 5,265 houses have been partially damaged. 235 shops have been damaged in the state, while 1616 cow sheds have been damaged due to rain and floods. (With inputs from ANI) Tonawanda Police made two arrests at the Canal Fest of the Tonawandas in separate incidents Saturday, police Capt. Fredric Foels reported. In the first, a North Tonawanda man was charged with DWI after driving his vehicle through the Canal Fest midway area at about 3 a.m. Saturday. Marc R. Nasca, 35, was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and failure to obey a traffic control device. Officers stationed in the area for overnight patrol stopped a vehicle that drove through the festival area and damaged barriers to cross the Renaissance bridge from North Tonawanda into the City of Tonawanda. Nasca underwent a Breathalyzer and blew a .17 blood alcohol content, more than double the legal limit of .08. In the second incident, three officers sustained minor injuries breaking up a fight and subduing a suspect behind the New York, New York midway ride at the festival at about 7:30 p.m. Saturday. DeVante D. Henley, 30, of Buffalo, was charged with resisting arrest, attempted assault of a police officer and harassment. Henley reportedly engaged in a verbal argument with the ride operator that escalated into a fight behind the ride, Foels said. Officers Lea Stachura and Brett Rogers both suffered knee injuries, and Foels sustained a cut to his forearm. All were treated by Canal Fest EMTs and remained on duty at the event. - Janet Gramza Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday and enquired about the flood-like situation in various parts of the state. Union minister of home affairs and cooperation Amit Shah. (PTI) Shah also had a discussion with Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena about the water level in the Yamuna river. Also Read| Yamuna flood threat looms over national capital again "Spoke to Gujarat CM Shri @Bhupendrapbjp Ji about the flood-like situation occurring in various parts of the state due to the recent heavy rainfall. Also had a discussion with LG of Delhi, Shri VK Saxena Ji about the water level in the Yamuna river. Ample numbers of SDRF and NDRF teams are available to help the people in need," the home minister said on Twitter. Heavy to very heavy rains pounded several districts in Gujarat's southern and Saurashtra regions on Saturday, triggering a flood-like situation in urban areas and isolating villages amid the water level in dams and rivers surging to danger levels. The water level of the Yamuna in Delhi breached the danger mark again on Sunday following a surge in the discharge from the Hathnikund barrage into the river after heavy rain in parts of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. A further increase in the water level of the river is likely to impact the relief-and-rehabilitation work in the flood-affected low-lying areas of the national capital, officials said. In a step aimed at deepening defence ties with Vietnam, the Indian Navy on Saturday decommissioned INS Kirpan and handed over the indigenously built missile corvette to the southeast Asian countrys navy at Cam Ranh as a gift, with the ceremony presided over by navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar and Vietnam Peoples Navy (VPN) deputy commander-in-chief Rear Admiral Pham Manh Hung. Indian Navy on Saturday decommissioned INS Kirpan and handed over it the Vietnam Navy at Cam Ranh as a gift (Twitter/@indiannavy) In his address, Hari Kumar said security collaboration between the two countries would ensure that no single nation can unilaterally alter or misinterpret rules to serve its own interests in the Indo-Pacific Region. His comments come at a time when the Chinese Navy is seeking to expand its footprint in the region and is locked in disputes with many other nations in the South China Sea. The navy chief was referring to enhanced security collaboration under the joint vision statement on Defence Partnership towards 2030 signed by India and Vietnam last year. Defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Vietnamese counterpart General Phan Van Giang, signed the vision statement in Hanoi in June 2022. This is the first time India has gifted a fully operational, in-service corvette to any friendly foreign country. The transfer of the warship comes a year after India handed over 12 high-speed boats to the Vietnamese Navy to boost its capabilities under a $100 million line of credit to that country. INS Kirpan, a Khukri-class missile corvette, served the Indian Navy for 32 years. The transfer of INS Kirpan will serve as a catalyst for enhancing bilateral relations between the two navies, the navy said in a statement. INS Kirpan departed for Vietnam on June 28 and reached Cam Ranh on July 8. Both India and Vietnam are responsible members of the global community and regularly demonstrate their commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and justice enshrined in the international legal framework, Hari Kumar said. Singh announced on June 19, 2023, that INS Kirpan would be given to Vietnam as a gift. Manned by 12 officers and 100 sailors, the 1,450-tonne INS Kirpan was an integral part of the navys Eastern Fleet and participated in several operations during the last three decades. The warship is 90 metres long and 10.45 metres wide. It was handed over to the Vietnamese Navy with full complement of weapons and sensors. The handing-over ceremony symbolises the deep-rooted friendship and strategic partnership between India and Vietnam, said Hari Kumar. As we entrust INS Kirpan to the Vietnamese Navy, we do so with complete confidence in their ability to operate and maintain this magnificent vessel. We are certain that they will harness its immense potential to safeguard their national maritime interests, contribute to regional security, and foster peace and stability, he added. The transfer of the corvette reflects Indias commitment to assist like-minded partners in enhancing their capacity and capability and is in consonance with the governments Act East and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) policies, the navy statement said. The Indian Navy chief also asked the Vietnamese Navy to examine and explore the vast potential that the Indian shipbuilding industry holds. In my opinion, its the best value-for-money proposition you can find. This indigenous shipbuilding prowess is also an assurance to our friends and partners that the Indian Navy is capable and ready to support our collective security needs in the region...We also look forward to enhancing our engagements in the field of submarine rescue support and cooperation as well as maintenance, Hari Kumar added. Kumar will visit the Vietnamese Navy headquarters at Hai Phong for talks with Vice Admiral Tran Thanh Nghiem, commander-in-chief, and later call on the Vietnamese defence minister. The navies of India and Vietnam were part of the inaugural Asean-India maritime drills held in the South China Sea in May. Chinese surveillance vessel Xiang Yang Hong 10 and at least eight maritime militia ships, a front for the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), sailed towards the area where the naval drills were held. The Chinese vessels moved towards the exclusive economic zone of Vietnam, and it was not clear whether the purpose was to keep an eye on the naval exercise or to make a foray into Vietnams EEZ, where China is engaged in a maritime dispute, as previously reported by HT. Apart from Vietnam, the Asean regional bloc consists of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. A group of kanwariyas was pelted with stones near a mosque in Jogi Nawada area here on Sunday, police said. Kanwariyas (Shiva devotees) carrying metal pots filled with water from the Ganges River during their annual Kanwar Yatra, in Prayagraj on Sunday. (ANI) Around 12 of them got injured in the pelting and were admitted to a hospital. The kanwariyas were on their way to Budaun to get water from the Ganga River when the incident occurred near the Shahnoori mosque. According to police, the kanwariyas staged a protest in the area demanding action against their attackers. Additional District Magistrate (City) R D Pandey said situation is normal and police force has been deployed in the area. The Madras high court has directed the Union defence ministry to ensure the Indian Armed Forces have proper existence of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and to impart gender-sensitive awareness training while disposing of a case related to the 2021 rape complaint by an Indian Air Force (IAF) woman officer against her colleague in Tamil Nadus Coimbatore. Madras high court (File Photo) The 28-year-old woman officer had filed a complaint with the local police in Coimbatore after she felt that the IAF authorities further victimised her while investigating the accused IAF flight lieutenant Amitesh Harmukh, 29. The flight lieutenant was arrested by the Coimbatore Police on 26 September 2021, following the rape survivors complaint on 20 September 2021. According to the police, the woman had approached them as she was not satisfied with the way the action was taken internally. The woman had also made a serious allegation that the IAF medical doctors subject her to a two-finger test to examine rape which has been banned by the Supreme Court in 2013. However, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari in October 2021, during a customary media interaction in Delhi, denied the allegation. The Madras high court order comes while disposing of a petition filed by the state for Coimbatores All Women Police Station against a lower courts order handing over the custody of the accused to the IAF authorities before the police could complete the investigation. The woman officer submitted to the court that she was pressured to withdraw her complaint twice. In this era of awareness and sensitivity, it is difficult to comprehend that a victim of a sexual offence in the armed forces was not comfortable enough to take up her grievance and she was looked down on and pressured for having got the courage to report, said justice RN Manjula of the Madras high court. If the women of the armed forces should not have the courage to fight such violence, then who else can have? he said. The justice had reserved the orders in March and pronounced them on July 20. The counsel for the Air Force Administrative College submitted that the accused was tried before the Court Martial and was convicted for the offence and hence this petition itself has become infructuous. However, pointing out that the petitioner was re-victimised in a heinous crime like rape, the court noted, Even if the accused is convicted at the end of the trial that cannot be called as a complete justice and such victimisation can continue even after the conviction of the accused. The justice further issued eight guidelines to the criminal courts for dealing with the matters of handing over custody of the subjects of armed forces and also directed the Centre to ensure the proper existence of ICCs as per the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act of 2013. When such visible misunderstanding between the two responsible forces is brought to this court, the court is obliged to assume a little higher responsibility by making a little more elaboration, the justice said. ...Though the respondent has filed a detailed counter, the tenor of the counter is as though it is an onset for a power wrangle, he added. The accused and complaint are both flight lieutenants in the Indian Air Force and they were undergoing a seven-week course at the Air Force Administrative College in Coimbatore at the time of the alleged incident. In September 2021, according to the complaint, after an evening party, the accused trespassed into the complainants room where she was unconscious and allegedly raped her. A friend of the victim had caught him and recorded his confession the following morning. The rape survivor filed a complaint with the college authorities following which a fact-finding Court of Inquiry was formed, but medical specimens were not sent for forensic analysis for more than 10 days while the accused was roaming freely on campus and even allowed to sit along with the rape survivor in the classes. Aggrieved, she lodged a complaint with the local police in Coimbatore, following which the accused was arrested on charges of rape. He was then produced before the judicial magistrate, additional Mahila Court, Coimbatore, on the same night. The accused was in judicial custody till the end of September 2021. On a petition by the authorities, Coimbatores sessions court handed over his custody to the IAF in October 2021. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON 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 After Parliament sessions were disrupted over Manipur violence this week, Union minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday said he appeals to the opposition with folded hands to join the Manipur debate in Parliament without politicising the issue. The Congress rebuffed Anurag Thakur's appeal as 'theatrics' and asked whether PM Modi is willing to make a statement in Parliament lasting more than 36 seconds. "Your theatrics don't conceal the fact that PM Modi is scared to face Parliament. Let him come make a statement -- followed by a detailed discussion. We will collectively assure Manipur. Is he willing?" Congress leader Supriya Shrinate tweeted. Union minster Anurag Thakur said the government is not running away from debating on Manipur, opposition is. Parliament will assemble on Monday and the opposition parties have planned a joint protest demanding a statement from PM Modi in Parliament. Ahead of the Monsoon Session, PM Modi is his address expressed his disgust and anger over the Manipur video of two women paraded naked and assured that the culprits will not be spared. As he also mentioned Congress-ruled Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, the Congress condemned his speech and accused the BJP of whataboutery. Manipur viral video, Parliament debate: 10 points 1. The video of two women paraded naked in Manipur surfaced on July 19 uniting the opposition parties seeking an answer from the BJP government. 2. The Monsoon session of Parliament began on July 20. PM Modi said he was pained and angry and urged the chief ministers of all states to put in place stringent laws. 3. The sessions witnessed disruptions over the Manipur issue with the BJP accusing the opposition of derailing Parliament procedures. 4. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said by making a statement outside Parliament, PM Modi disregarded the privilege of Parliament and acted against Parliamentary conventions. 5. Trinamool MP Derek O' Brien wrote a letter to Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar after some of his remarks on Manipur were expunged. Derek said he was only "duly and rightfully" questioning the Prime Minister about the law and order situation in Manipur which was anything but "unparliamentary". 6. Union minister Jitendra Singh said there should be no politics over Manipur after PM Modi's statement. 7. Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar made reference to Parliament disruptions in his speech at the convocation of the Jamia Milia Islamia. Democracy is about dialogue, discussion, deliberation and debate to secure the public good. Surely, Democracy cannot be disturbance and disruption," Dhankhar said. "I am pained and anguished to indicate to you that disruption and disturbance have been weaponised as strategic means to taint the temples of Democracy," Dhankhar added. 8. The BJP raised questions over Congress's silence in "similar incidents" in Rajasthan and West Bengal intensifying the political slugfest over the Manipur issue. 9. As demands for Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh's resignation grew louder, Union minister Anurag Thakur asked whether Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot will tender his resignation for cases of atrocities on women. We are neither running away from fulfilling our responsibility nor from participating in the debate. But (the opposition) should stop playing politics at least on crime against women, he said. 10. Amid outrage over Manipur horror, Meitei community people living in neighbouring Mizoram have started fleeing the state. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Poulomi Ghosh Poulomi Ghosh is a journalist with Hindustan Times, New Delhi. ...view detail Manipur police officials aware of the probe into the May 4 case of three women who were stripped, one of them sexually assaulted and their two male members murdered, said they have recovered a cell phone from one of the six arrested accused, which they believe was used to record the video. Police are yet to reveal the identity of the arrested person, who recorded the video. The cell phone will be a crucial piece of evidence for the investigators. Police personnel detain Congress supporters during their protest against Manipur violence, in Ahmedabad on Sunday. (PTI) On Sunday night, police tweeted that five arrested accused had been sent to 11-day police custody. Police said they are conducting raids at different suspected hideouts to arrest the other suspects. Also read | 'Because bigger engine failed...': Shashi Tharoor on Manipur horror A police officer, aware of the probe details, who asked not to be named, said, The phones have been seized and sent to the cyber cell. We are confident we have the phone on which the video was recorded. Meanwhile, police are questioning the six to identify the role of the other people who are suspected to have been involved in stripping the women and later murdering two male members of their family. It is possible that some people in the mob who were involved in this case were also part of the mob that attacked B Phainom village around midnight on May 4. That night the Nongpok Sekmai had received information about another village in the police station area that was attacked. It will be probed if the same mob was involved in the arson at that village too, the official added. Read | Manipur issue set to dominate House restart While the horrific crime happened on May 4, Manipur police began the probe and made the first arrest more than two months later (July 20), after a horrific 30-second video of the sexual assault was shared on social media last week and became viral. The video showed the men identified in a first information report (FIR) as Meiteis hooting and applauding as they groped the victims. Police have so far arrested five men and apprehended a juvenile in the case. Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum released a report detailing at least 13 different cases in which women were murdered, raped or assaulted by mobs starting May 3, the day ethnic clashed broke out in the state. To be sure, the ITLFs report is based on interviews of different witnesses and family members. Police or the state government are yet to confirm the authenticity of the cases. The report did not have FIRs or other documents to confirm the incidents. Around 150 people have died since the clashes broke out on May 3 in Churachandpur and spread to different parts of the state. One of the incidents mentioned in the ITLFs report is that of a 57-year-old bureaucrat (an under secretary in the Manipur government) and her 27-year-old son. The ITLF report said that on the morning of May 4, the woman and her son were attacked by a mob of around 200 people, who burnt their car and killed the two at the Langol area in Thoubal district. Manipur police did not comment on the report. Since May 3, the northeastern state has been gripped by ethnic clashes primarily between the tribal Kukis, who mostly reside in the hill districts, and the majority Meiteis, the dominant community in Imphal Valley in which at least 50,000 people have been displaced. Clashes first broke out on May 3 in Churachandpur town after Kuki groups called for protests against a proposed tweak to the states reservation matrix, granting scheduled tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community. Violence quickly engulfed the state where ethnic fault lines run deep, displacing people who fled burning homes and neighbourhoods into jungles, often across state borders. After alleging that the Manipur government denied her permission to visit the strife-torn northeastern state, Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal on Sunday reached Imphal, where she will first try meet chief minister N Biren Singh. She will try to meet Govornor Anusuiya Uikey. Chairperson Of Delhi Commission for Women Swati Maliwal(PTI) After landing at the Imphal airport, Maliwal said she wants to meet the survivors of the sexual assault, which was captured in the viral video, and assess if they had received any legal aid, counselling or any compensation. "I will directly go to the CM's Office, I want to meet chief minister N Biren Singh. I want to meet the sexual abuse survivors and see if they have got legal aid, counselling or any compensation. I appeal to the Manipur Govt that I have come here to help the people of the state, please allow me to do that," she told news agency ANI. Maliwal said she didn't fly to the northeastern state to do politics and further requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union women and child development minister Smriti Irani to also visit Manipur. Earlier in the day, the DCW chief alleged that the Manipur government denied her the permission to visit the strife-torn state owing to the law and order situation, as opposed to its earlier permit to allow her in the state. I received a letter from the Manipur government suggesting that I should postpone my visit considering the law and order situation in the state. I want to go there only because there is a law and order situation and the sexual assault survivors. Manipur CM himself claimed that there are hundreds of similar cases. I want to visit the to extend help, she told news agency PTI. Manipur violence updates: Amidst the uproar over the May 4 incident where two women from Kuki tribe were paraded naked in a violence-hit northeastern state, two individuals, including one juvenile, were arrested on Saturday in connection with the case. So far, six people, including one person seen in a viral video dragging one of the women at B. Phainom village, have been apprehended. The police are making all-out efforts to arrest the remaining culprits by conducting raids at suspected hideouts. The four individuals arrested earlier were remanded in 11-day police custody on Friday. Members of various organisations holding placards take part in a protest against the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur(PTI) Similar incidents that occurred during the ethnic clashes in Manipur came to light, alongside the one that received massive attention due to the viral video. In the case of the alleged rape and murder of two women in Imphal East district in May, the registered case by Manipur Police does not include any section pertaining to sexual assault on the victims, news agency PTI reported. Instead, charges of robbery, mischief, and trespass have been registered. On May 16, a zero FIR was filed at Saikul police station in Kangpopki district, which is 35 km away from the incident's site. The complaint was made by the mother of one of the victims. She claimed that on May 4, her daughter and her friend were brutally murdered after being raped and tortured by a large group of unknown people, estimated to be between 100 to 200 individuals, who are believed to be from the majority community. After the first two days of the monsoon session were washed out, the second weeks proceedings remain uncertain as the government and the opposition INDIA alliance stuck to their positions over the debate on the Manipur situation in Parliament. Congress leaders Ajay Maken and Tariq Anwar and others during 'Silent Satyagraha' against the ongoing violence in Manipur, at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi.(Hindustan Times) The Centre expressed its readiness to debate in both Houses with a reply by home minister Amit Shah, but the opposition wanted a statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We are not considering the home ministers reply. We want the Prime Minister to make a statement, an opposition leader said, declining to be named. Read | Data protection to Delhi ordinance: Crucial bills on anvil in monsoon session The government has a busy legislative schedule this week as it plans to pass the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022, in the Lok Sabha on Monday. A bill to replace the Delhi ordinance might also be tabled in the Rajya Sabha during the week as the business advisory committee of the Upper House has allotted time for discussion. The INDIA alliance partners will meet at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharges office at 10am on Monday to prepare a strategy for the second week, said Congress MP Manickam Tagore, member of the partys parliamentary strategy group. At 10.30am, about 300 INDIA MPs will stage a dharna (sit in) at Mahatma Gandhis statue (in the Parliament complex) over the Manipur issue. Thereafter, from 11am, we will demand the Prime Ministers statement on Manipur, said Derek O Brien, Trinamool Congress partys Rajya Sabha floor leader. Our demand is that the PM must open the discussion on Manipur in Parliament. The INDIA parties will work in unison on the floor of Parliament and in the precincts of Parliament. In the first two days, just one bill could be introduced, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha functioned 5% and 8% of their respective time, and no questions or issues could be raised during Question Hour or Zero Hour, according to PRS Legislative Research, an independent non-profit. Read | What the monsoon session can achieve Speaking at the centenary convocation of the Jamia Millia Islamia, vice-president and Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar lashed out at the opposition for disrupting the parliamentary proceedings. I am pained and anguished to indicate to you that disturbance and disruption have been weaponised as a strategic means to taint the temples of democracy that should be functional 24*7 to secure justice for the people at large, he said. There can be no alibi for not making Parliament functional every second (and) people of this country are paying a huge price for it. But Im not on the financial implication of it. I want the larger issue when there is disruption in Parliament on a particular day, there cant be question hour, question our is a mechanism to generate accountability and transparency in governance. The government is obligated to respond to every question and to the supplements that are raised. This goes to enormous benefit of governance. Everyone is on track. Not having a question hour can never be rationalised, he said. On Monday, the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022, is expected in the Lok Sabha for passage. The bill aims to make the Co-operative Election Authority to conduct and supervise polls to the boards of multistate co-operative societies, restrict power of family members in a cooperative and make prior permission of government authorities before the redemption of shareholding of members of such bodies. The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2022, a contentious legislation opposed by many INDIA allies, might also come for passage in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill and the National Dental Commission Bill are also scheduled for introduction in the Lok Sabha on Monday. In the Rajya Sabha, amendments to two Constitutional Orders for Scheduled Tribes will be brought for passage.| SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON It almost didnt happen, but this summers Canal Fest of the Tonawandas was, by most accounts, a success. The eight-day festival held on the City of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda sides of the Renaissance Bridge ended Sunday. The festival draws as many as 300,000 visitors. But it had briefly been canceled due to a financial shortfall. But state funding from Gov. Kathy Hochul saved the festival this summer. 'Bigger and better than last year': Canal Fest of the Tonawandas returns Canal Fest of the Tonawandas is back in full force for its 40th anniversary. This year's festivities come after the reversal of a March announcement by Canal Fest board members to cancel the festival this summer to rebrand and reconstruct the event. Still, there is uncertainty about next year. Some officials on both sides of the bridge favor a shorter time frame. Nonprofit organizations have had a hard time finding volunteers to staff their food and other vending booths. And, as always, some business owners complained to elected leaders about business disruption. Richard Andres, a North Tonawanda-based Niagara County legislator and chairman of the Niagara County Republican Committee, helped cook at the Republican fundraising tent, which sold traditional platters of Polish food. The popular dish at Canal Fest had gone away when Our Lady of Czestochowa Church stopped participating in the fair. So far, sales are up 10% over last year, Andres said. He attributes it in part to the mild weather, with the exception of Thursday night, when the fair closed early because of thunderstorms. The public expects Canal Fest. They love it, he said. Its great festival, and were lucky to have it. It can be a double-edged sword for nonprofit organizations, which rely on Canal Fest to raise money but have had an increasingly difficult time finding volunteers to run the booths. A lot of these volunteer organizations, this is a huge part of their annual budget, he said. Theres no money coming in any other way. The fair was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic, but returned last year, without its signature parade. This year, the festival event returned with the parade, as well as its annual car and motorcycle cruises, diaper derby, 4-mile run, parade and craft show. There was a new mix of amusement rides and fewer participating nonprofit agencies. Without turnstiles or tickets, its hard to estimate crowd numbers, but attendance has been great, according to Debbie Darling, recording secretary for the Canal Fest of the Tonawandas. More than a thousand motorcycles turned out for its bike cruise and more than 250 cars for the car show. Attendance was strong for each of the festivals events, she said. The streets were just wall-to-wall people, she said. The streets were lined five and six people deep the entire length of the parade. The plan had been to take a year off to regroup and reassess the festival, then come back next year. But when word got out that it would be canceled, Canal Fest fans rallied, Darling said. We found out that this meant so much to so many people in the community that we never thought Canal Fest mattered to, she said. We had politicians calling us, we had organizations calling us asking, What can we do to help so that we can have Canal Fest? Prosper Brewing Co., a brewery on Webster Street in North Tonawanda, saw a welcome boost in business during Canal Fest week. A festival stage was assembled on Webster just outside its door, hosting a changing lineup of musical acts. It brought in a lot of new and repeat business that kept the brewery, which just completed an expansion, busy all week and helped it sell a record number of pizzas. We got our expansion done just in time to accommodate the extra patrons, said co-owner Timothy Berg. But complaints from various local businesses, which said the festival disrupts business and brings headaches, have always been a concern. Amy Berent, like some other business owners in the Tonawandas, is in favor of keeping the festival going, but with changes. Would a shorter Canal Fest be better? Twin Cities leaders think so "It's a key, kind of staple event for the Tonawandas," said North Tonawanda Mayor Austin Tylec, "but it doesn't mean that we can't re-envision it to some extent." A North Tonawanda native who owns a comic book store on Webster in North Tonawanda, she has fond memories of attending Canal Fest as a child but her experience is different as a business owner. Each year, her business deals with shoplifting, vandalism and public urination, among other issues, she said. This year she closed off the indoor seating area due to unruly behavior. Some other businesses have complained of similar issues, such as a salon that had flowers ripped out of its planters. Berent is in favor of shortening the festival to three weekend days or moving it to another site possibly the riverfront Gratwick area. We fully understand that Canal Fest is part of our citys history and has been a huge part of our summers for many years, she said. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet against three dreaded gangsters-turned-Khalistani leaders Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda, Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dala and Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa who operate from Pakistan and Canada, officials said. NIA (Representative Photo) The charge sheet was filed on Saturday, naming Rinda and Landa of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Dala of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), said officials. Besides, six others linked with BKI and KTF in its larger conspiracy probe against Khalistanis were also charge sheeted, added officials. According to the NIA, they were sending money to India via MTSS (money transfer service scheme) a personal remittances transfer facility for family maintenance from abroad to generate funds for their terror activities in India. While Rinda is based in Pakistan, Landa and Dala operate from Canada, where they have created their own networks of operatives to carry out terror activities in India, the agency said in a statement on Sunday. They have close contacts with drug smugglers and Khalistani operatives in Pakistan and other countries. Through this complex network of operatives based abroad, they have been recruiting, motivating and handling their associates in India to carry out terrorist activities, extortion and cross-border smuggling of weapons and drugs into India. They also have linkages with major gangs operating in North India, including local gangsters, organized criminal syndicates and networks, the NIA said. It further said the probe has revealed a complex mechanism of fundraising for the BKI and KTF. The funds were being routed to India-based associates through both informal as well as formal channels with layering and fund provisioning. MTSS or other means were being used in such a way that the identity of the real sender or receiver of funds was completely masked, the statement added. Rinda, according to the NIA, is a very important member of the BKI and an active Khalistani operative. He fled to Pakistan in 2018-19 and is currently living there under the patronage of ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence), and is involved in the commission of terrorist activities against India, it said. ISI is the Pakistan intelligence agency. According to the NIA, Rinda is involved in several offences, including the smuggling of arms, ammunition, explosives and drugs into Indian territory from Pakistan. He also handles recruitment of BKI operatives, murders, raising funds for BKI through extortion, etc. in the states of Punjab and Maharashtra, said the agency. It added that Rinda has been involved in many terrorist activities, including the RPG attack on Punjab police intelligence headquarters in May 2022, and was declared an individual terrorist under the unlawful activities prevention act (UAPA) earlier this year by the ministry of home affairs. Dala, NIA said, was an infamous gangster in India who fled to Canada. In Canada, Dala came in contact with Hardeep Singh Nijjar (killed by unidentified persons in June) who was the chief of KTF, and the duo engaged in recruitment of youth and formation of terrorist gangs for carrying out extortion for raising funds for KTF and for carrying out targeted killing of businessmen and leaders of particular communities in Punjab, NIA said. Dala was declared an individual terrorist earlier this year. Landa fled to Canada in 2017 and started working with Rinda against India. He has been main accused in several terrorist incidents, including an RPG attack on Punjab police intelligence headquarters in May 2022 and an RPG attack on Sarhali police station in Tarn Taran in December 2022. He was also the mastermind of the conspiracy to kill Punjab Police sub-inspector Dilbagh Singh in August 2022, NIA stated. Apart from these three, NIA has named Harjot Singh, currently hiding in the US, Kashmir Singh Galwaddi, suspected to be holed up in Nepal, Tarsem Singh (brother of Linda), currently based in Dubai, Gurjant Singh (hiding in Australia), and two accused Deepak Ranga and Lucky Khokhar alias Denis (both arrested). NIA is also investigating the links of 16 other absconding and arrested accused associated with the BKI and KTF. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday raided 21 locations across nine districts in Tamil Nadu in connection with its probe into the 2019 assassination of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) functionary Ramalingam. (Representative Photo) Ramalingam was killed for opposing forced conversion activities being carried out by the now-banned outfit Popular Front of India (PFI), according to NIA. The NIA, in a statement said that the raids were being conducted, at the homes and premises of five absconding proclaimed offenders (POs) and other suspects at 21 locations in nine districts. The areas covered in the raids included the districts of Thanjavur, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Tirupur, Villupuram, Trichy, Pudukottai, Coimbatore and Mayiladuthurai. One of the persons raided has been identified as Nellai Mubarak, state president of SDPI (Social Democratic Party of India) the political wing of the PFI, said the agency. Also Read: NIA files charge sheet against three gangsters-turned-Khalistani leaders Others whose houses were raided on Sunday included Mohammed Ali Jinna, Abdul Majith, Bhurkhanudeen, Shahul Hameed and Nafeel Hassan all absconding, an NIA spokesperson said. The federal anti-terror probe agency had announced a reward of Rs.5 lakh each to anyone providing information leading to the arrest of any of the five absconders. The NIA had on 2 August 2019 filed a charge sheet against 18 persons, including the five absconding before a special court in Chennai. Ramalingam was assassinated on 5 February 2019 in Paku Vinayakam Thoppu, Thanjavur, by members and office bearers of the PFI, which had conspired in the assassination, according to the NIA. The accused persons had avenged Ramalingam by killing him in an extremely violent jihadi manner as he objected to the forcible conversion of underprivileged persons by Dawah team or proselytisation team dispatched from Arivagam, Theni (now attached as proceeds of terrorism under section 25 of UA(P) Act, 1967). According to investigations, the violence was instigated to instil fear among the opponents of the outfit, the NIA said on Sunday. The home ministry, through a gazette notification issued on 27 September 2022, imposed a ban on PFI and its eight affiliates Rehab India Foundation (RIF), Campus Front of India (CFI), All India Imams Council (AIIC), National Confederation of Human Rights Organization (NCHRO), National Womens Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation and Rehab Foundation, Kerala, effectively declaring them as terror organisations. The ban was announced days after a massive crackdown on PFI and its senior leaders and members by the NIA and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), in which over 108 people were arrested. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will be meeting senior Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi and Nikolai Patrushev , Secretary of Russian Security Council, among others at the sidelines of the BRICS NSA meeting in Johannesburg on Monday. Ajit Doval with Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi While the NSA level meeting is in the run-up to the summit on August 22-24, the meeting will be attended by special invitees like UAE National Security Advisor Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Arabia NSA Musaad bin Mohammed Al Aiban. The agenda of the BRICS NSA meeting is to discuss global issues like the Ukraine war, Indo-Pacific, religious radicalization and terrorism. According to sources, NSA Doval will be meeting his counterparts under the BRICS rubric but also bilaterally and in this context the exchanges between him and Yang Jiechi, former Director of the Central; Foreign Affairs Commission, will be important in the backdrop of PLA aggression in East Ladakh in May 2020. The situation in East Ladakh is rather precarious though under control as both India and China are constantly in touch with each other via military and diplomatic channels. The PLA is still to deescalate from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in East Ladakh even though there has been disengagement of troops in Galwan, Gogra-Hot Springs and Pangong Tso lake spurs. The PLA has increased deployment in areas across the Daulet Beg Oldi sector and is still not allowing the Indian Army to legitimately patrol Depsang Bulge area as well as Charding Ninglung Nullah (CNN) junction in Demchok. While NSA Doval is expected to raise the issue of de-escalation in western and eastern sector of the LAC, little outcome is expected out of the bilateral parleys as the PLA is still to send back six combined armed brigades which they deployed during the 2022 National Party Congress. These six brigades are deployed across the hyper-sensitive Silliguri corridor and across the Arunachal Pradesh sector, particularly Tawang. It is because of the new PLA threat in the eastern sector that the Indian Army has put in a lot of military muscle in the sector to counter the challenge. NSA Doval will be meeting his close friends Russian, UAE and Saudi Arabia NSAs and exchange thoughts about the on-going Ukraine war and its impact on global economy. He will also be briefing Patrushev, right hand man of President Vladimir Putin, about the situation in East Ladakh as well as the Indo-Pacific. The politically unstable situation in Afghanistan and its impact on terrorism emanating from the Af-Pak region will also figure prominently in the BRICS NSA meeting. With Russian President Putin ruling out his presence at the August BRICS summit, the call will also be taken whether the summit be held physically or virtually through video conferencing. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Seema Haider, the Pakistani woman who sneaked into India in May without a visa, and her Indian 'husband' Sachin Meena reportedly fell ill on Saturday morning, days after being questioned by the Uttar Pradesh ATS. Sachin Meena (L) and Seema Haider during an interview in Rabupura village in Greater Noida. (AFP file) On Friday, Haider filed a mercy petition with President Droupadi Murmu requesting that she, along with her four children, be allowed to stay at her matrimonial home in Uttar Pradesh's Greater Noida. Haider has also urged for an oral hearing from the president in her case. The petition, filed on her behalf by Supreme Court advocate AP Singh, was received at the President's secretariat. In the petition, Haider, 30, states that she is in love with Sachin Meena, 22, who lives in Greater Noida and she came to India with her four children to live with him. The Pakistani citizen claims she has converted to Hinduism and got married to Meena as per Hindu rites and rituals at the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. "...Hon'ble madam, petitioner has found peace, love and happiness and a sense of purpose with Sachin Meena as a beloved husband, his father as father-in-law and his mother as mother-in-law that the petitioner never had before. Her excellency, (the) petitioner begs you to believe the petitioner and show compassion to a lady, not highly educated," Haider stated. "If you show mercy, the petitioner will spend the rest of her life with her husband, four minor children and matrimonial relative will be grateful that you gave chance to make something of myself and to be a source of strength and support matrimonial petitioner can. The petitioner will finally be able to live a life with dignity in India...," she stated in the petition. Meanwhile, a purported video surfaced Saturday, showing Haider apparently ill and taking glucose drips, an intravenous solution usually given to individuals suffering from dehydration or low blood sugar levels. In an interview to a Hindi news portal, Haider claimed that she fell ill after hearing news against her. It also hurts why people are speaking wrong about me. No one has spoken well about me even once, she told the portal. Haider also said, I don't think that my four children and I will increase any burden on India. If I get citizenship, I will show myself as a good person. I won't betray." Frequently asked questions Who is Seema Haider? Seema Haider hails from Sindh province in Pakistan. According to her, she got in touch with Meena while playing online game PUBG in 2019-20 and eventually the two talked over Whatsapp and Instagram before falling in love with each other. Why is ATS questioning Seema Haider? Seema Haider is a Pakistani national who entered India illegally through Nepal on May 13. Haider's role is questionable because of many other such activities on the border. What was she doing in India? Haider said she had come to live with Meena, who stays in Rabupura area of Greater Noida. On July 4, Haider was arrested by local police for entering India illegally and Meena was held for sheltering illegal immigrants. However, they both were granted bail by a local court on July 7 and have been living together along with her four children in a house in Rabupura. The petition comes even as the Noida police are investigating a case of her illegal stay in India while the Anti Terrorist Squad of Uttar Pradesh Police earlier this week questioned the couple for two days. Haider has said she does not wish to go back to Pakistan and wants to live with Meena. She also claimed to have turned a Hindu. What does Pakistan say? Pakistan's intelligence agencies have informed the country's government that "love" is the "only" factor that led the mother of four to sneak into India to live with a Hindu man whom she befriended through an online game platform, according to a Pakistani media report. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to freedom fighters Chandra Shekhar Azad and Bal Gangadhar Tilak on their birth anniversaries on Sunday, saying their contribution to the freedom struggle will always inspire the people of the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi(HT_PRINT) "Salutations to the great son of the country, Chandrashekhar Azad, on his birth anniversary. The story of his sacrifice to protect the motherland will always inspire the people of the country," Modi said in a tweet in Hindi. In another tweet in Hindi, he said, Salutations to Lokmanya Tilak, the immortal fighter of the country who shook the foundations of foreign rule with the demand of 'purna swaraj', on his birth anniversary. The story of his courage, struggles and dedication in the freedom movement will always inspire the people of the country. Born in Uttar Pradesh in 1906, Azad ran a revolutionary network and had pledged to never get caught by the British. He took his own life during an encounter with the police in 1931, staying true to his resolve to remain 'azad' (free). Tilak, born in 1856, was among the first leaders with a pan-India appeal to have emerged in the freedom movement. A 45-year-old principal of a government school was arrested on Thursday night for allegedly molesting four girl students, aged 13 to 15, in Hallikhed village of Bidar district in Karnataka, police said on Sunday. According to the police, the accused, identified as Nagashetty Kulkarni, had sexually harassed the students on July 7 but a police complaint into the matter was filed by the four survivors on July 20. (HT archives) Based on the incident, officials close to the developments said that the accused principal will be terminated on Monday. The accused had been transferred to the school six months ago, said police. According to the police, the accused, identified as Nagashetty Kulkarni, had sexually harassed the students on July 7 but a police complaint into the matter was filed by the four survivors on July 20. The principal on July 7 had called the four survivors students to his house on the pretext of giving sweets to one of the girls who was celebrating her birthday. He misbehaved with the four students and touched them inappropriately, a police official familiar with the matter said on anonymity. According to the complaint, the police official said that the accused reportedly held the hand of one of the girls in his room, kissed her, and made advances. Circle inspector M G Patil from Chitaguppa police station confirmed that they received a complaint from the survivors on July 20 and subsequently a case was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. A separate complaint was also filed by the survivors with the district juvenile justice board on July 21. We took the accused and minor girls for medical examination, leading to the arrest of the principal on Thursday night, said Patil. The accused was presented before the court of judicial magistrate of first class in Chitaguppa on Friday, where he was remanded to judicial custody for 14 days, he said. Based on the complaint, deputy commissioner Govinda Reddy had set up a team comprising five women officers to conduct a thorough investigation, said the official quoted above. The police team also visited the school on July 20 and recorded statements of the survivors and compiled a comprehensive report, which has been submitted to the deputy commissioner. Based on the charges in the report, the deputy commissioner instructed the police to register a case against the accused under the Pocso Act. Meanwhile, a relative of one of the survivors alleged that the principal used to make vulgar jokes at the girl students. He used to make vulgar jokes at the students and touched them inappropriately. The harassment had been ongoing for a few months, but the situation escalated on July 7 when he behaved indecently with four girls, leading to the formal complaint, said the relative, requesting anonymity. The relative said that the principal had been transferred to the school only six months ago. In a separate incident, a parish priest and principal of a pre-university college in Shivamogga were booked under the Pocso Act for allegedly harassing a 17-year-old PU student on July 20, said police. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government of neglecting Jodhpur city which was supposed to be on their Smart City list. Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot accuses Centre of neglecting Jodhpur city for smart city list. (PTI) Gehlot said this while laying the foundation stone virtually of a series of developmental projects worth 139 crore, in Jodhpur. Taking a dig at the BJP-led Union government, the Congress leader said: We will never forget how BJP government neglected Jodhpur which was on their list of Smart Cities Mission. Referring to his governments contribution for the betterment of Jodhpurs education sector, Gehlot said, The earlier BJP government in the state didnt even establish a single primary school in the city. But we have opened around 59 primary schools, 75 Mahtma Gandhi english medium schools, four colleges and two universities in the last four years. Responding to Gehlots allegations, BJP spokesperson Mukesh Pareek said, Jodhpur is currently enjoying maximum benefits under the Smart City Mission. Most of the developmental works in Jodhpur are taking place with the funds allocated by the Centre. Gehlots government is a failure. Congress leader and former minister of Rajasthan Rajendra Gudha on Sunday said that his fight was against the Bharatiya Janata Party and that he raised the issue of women's safety only as it was a matter of concern. My fight is against BJP...I just spoke on the incident where a 20-year-old girl died after her throat was slit in the area that comes under my Vidhan sabha. And he (Ashok Gehlot) accused me that I am with BJP now. I just said that we are talking about Manipur, but we must look at our state as well, Gudha told ANI. Rajendra Gudha(ANI File) Rajasthan is no.1 when it comes to crime against women...The way he sacked me is insulting, he should have asked me to resign... the Congress leader added. Gudha was sacked by Rajasthan chief minister Asok Gehlot hours after he raised concerns over the safety of women in Rajasthan. The way we have failed to provide security to women in Rajasthan and atrocities on women have increased, instead of raising the issue of Manipur, we should introspect, Rajendra Gudha said during the Zero Hour of the ongoing Rajasthan assembly session. READ | Punished for speaking truth: Rajendra Gudha after being sacked from Rajasthan cabinet Shortly after the Raj Bhavan said in its statement, Chief minister Ashok Gehlot has recommended governor Kalraj Mishra to sack the minister of state, Rajendra Singh Gudha, member of the council of ministers, in the evening of July 21. Speaking about the action taken against him Gudha said earlier, I always speak the truth, that is who I am... I got punished for speaking the truth. I did not commit any crime by making such a statement... I left no stone unturned to strengthen the state government. I always stood by Ashok Gehlot whenever there was a problem, he added. Gudha, who joined the Congress from the Bahujan Samaj Party, was inducted into the Cabinet on November 21, 2021. He held the portfolio of the Minister of State for Sainik Kalyan (independent charge), home guard and civil defence, panchayati raj, and rural development. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Union home and cooperation minister Amit Shah on Saturday inaugurated the newly developed Aviation Security Control Centre (ASCC) at Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Campus in Mahipalpur in Delhi. CISF Camp at Mahipalpur in Delhi was inaugurated on Saturday (Twitter/@AmitShah) HT was the first to report about the Centre. The first-of-its-kind aviation control system is aimed to monitor security functions and resource utilisation on a real-time basis. The ASCC will monitor all threats and social media chatter for the 66 civil airports currently under the CISFs security cover, said officials. The CISF Camp at Mahipalpur in Delhi beams with the pride of progress as the state-of-the-art Aviation Security Control Center has been inaugurated today, Shah wrote on Twitter after the inauguration. He added that the Centre is equipped with cutting-edge technology which can enable real-time monitoring of threats while aiding swift decision-making during emergencies. The need for centralised monitoring of incidents/events occurring at airports to resolve them on a real-time basis was felt due to increased air traffic and passenger load, current security scenario, evolving nature of threat perceptions and geographical spread of airports across the country. CISF has established a modern state-of-art centralised Aviation Security Control Centre, integrating the Security Operations Control Centres (SOCCs) of all 66 airports. The control centre is also equipped with cutting edge technologies like data centre, R&D (research & development) lab and war room, a statement from the CISF read. The ASCC will have four components Communication and Monitoring Centre, Incident Management Centre, Aviation Research Centre and Data Centre. According to CISF, the Centre will have 24X7 real-time data monitoring and trend analysis of passengers and air traffic. It said that all 66 airports are now connected through VPN and IP telephonic systems and can be accessed at any point in time by the senior officers during the time of any contingent situation. Trend analysis of real-time data will be done to enhance the effectiveness of decision-making at higher levels. Research on advanced and AI-based aviation security equipment available worldwide, comparative analysis of different equipment and its applicability at Indian airports will also be handled by the Centre, CISF said. The SCC will also provide a resolution of social media feedback by monitoring popular social sites. This newly established ASCC will play an important role in its quest to play a greater role in aviation security and the future of the Force, concluded CISF. CISF is the national civil aviation protection force. It guards 66 passenger airports out of the total 134 operational in the country. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Sunday attacked the Congress for ignoring the realities on the ground merely to prop its leader Rahul Gandhi. In a tweet, Poonawalla said, Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary attacks TMC over Malda stripping incident Pratap Singh Bajwa attacks AAP in Punjab Merely to prop Rahul Gandhi, Congress ignores realities on the ground, ignores its own state leaders and units. Shehzad Poonawalla(ANI File) Till now it couldnt even muster the courage to call out Mamata didi for killing democracy in Panchayat polls or for the women atrocities in Bengal Wonder if Adhir ji will lose his job like Rajendra Gudha did going against script of Rahul Gandhi, he added. Poonawalla's tweet comes amid a war of words between the BJP and the TMC over the stripping incident in West Bengal's Malda. In a video that surfaced online, two Tribal women were seen stripped and assaulted at a village market in Malda on Saturday. Reacting to the incident, BJP I-T cell head Amit Malviya tweeted, A frenzied mob baying for her blood It had all the making of a tragedy that should have broken Mamata Banerjees heart and she, instead of merely outraging, could have acted, since she is also the Home Minister of Bengal Congress leader from Bengal Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury also reacted to the incident. Speaking to news agency ANI Chowdhury said, West Bengal's law and order situation has worsened and this is what is reflected in Malda's incident. Not just Malda but various other places in Bengal have witnessed atrocities post the Panchayat elections...Crime against women is saddening & strict action should be taken against the perpetrators... Meanwhile, rejecting the idea of an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Congress leader Punjab Pratap Singh Bajwa said, "Congress will come back with a big margin. One alliance is led by BJP and the other by Congress, so when people cast their vote it is going to be either for BJP or for Congress. AAP does not figure anywhere. Why should we form an alliance with AAP? I will meet Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday and will request him to not forge an alliance with them (AAP), ANI quoted Bajwa. Its the question in Payton Gendrons federal case that has everyone wondering: Will the U.S. attorney general seek the death penalty for the Buffalo mass shooter who killed 10 people and wounded three others at a Tops grocery store on May 14, 2022? Judge annoyed by wait for death penalty decision: 'Why it should take over a year is beyond me' Deliberations on whether to seek the death penalty in the case of the Buffalo mass shooter are being held at the highest levels of the Justice Department, both locally and in Washington. But, according to the judge handling pretrial matters in the case, its not a question that should keep everyone waiting. So U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder Jr. last month pressed forward by setting deadlines for pretrial motions and responses by prosecutors and Gendrons federal public defenders over the defense teams objections. Now the defense lawyers have appealed Schroeders scheduling order and have asked a U.S. District Court judge to take over the pretrial matters, essentially replacing Schroeder. The defense lawyers say Schroeder erred calling for the defense to file pretrial motions in less than 90 days, calling it a violation of Gendrons right to a fair trial and to effective assistance of counsel. Instead, the defense lawyers want their motions, if any, to wait until U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland decides how to proceed. Garland called the Tops mass shooting a death penalty-eligible crime during a Buffalo visit last year. But he has yet to reveal his plans for the Gendron prosecution. It is neither unique nor unreasonable to request that the filing of pretrial motions in a potentially capital case await the determination of whether it is, indeed, a capital case, says a court filing from Assistant Federal Public Defender Sonya A. Zoghlin, Supervisory Assistant Federal Public Defender Anne M. Burger and Senior Litigator MaryBeth Covert. If the attorney general seeks the death penalty, Gendrons lawyers will have to present mitigating factors the reasons to show him mercy as they argue for life imprisonment instead. If the attorney general doesnt seek capital punishment, Gendron would plead guilty to the federal charges, without evidentiary motions at all before his federal sentence to life in prison. Without knowing what Garland will decide, Gendrons lawyers say they would not know what evidence they would seek to suppress or what to ask for in other motions. Gendron has already been sentenced in a state court to life in prison after pleading guilty to 10 counts of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree attempted murder, amid other charges. So the question of Gendrons guilt on 27 federal charges including 10 counts of committing hate crimes that resulted in death has already been decided. But while the facts of what happened on May 14 may be clear, thats not true of the mitigating factors that could affect whether Gendron is put to death or not, the defense lawyers say. The defense lawyers are required to discover all reasonably available mitigating evidence, and if the death penalty is sought, their constitutional duty to conduct a thorough mitigation investigation should not be curtailed simply to meet scheduling goals, they said in their court filing. For their part, prosecutors agreed with Schroeders case schedule, even pushing for a more comprehensive one beyond the standard schedule typically issued in non-complex, non-capital-eligible cases. As of July 14, 2023, it will have been 426 days since the mass shooting at Tops, 393 days since the government provided voluminous discovery at the complaint stage, and 296 days since the government disclosed copies of the majority of its case file to the defense, prosecutors said in their court filing last week. The prosecutors and defense lawyers have appeared before Schroeder several times, with the judge previously agreeing to defense requests for additional months to review the evidence. Judge Schroeders decision to set a scheduling order was not only within his authority, but also reasonable given the long procedural history that preceded his decision to do so, according to the filing from Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph M. Tripi and Brett A. Harvey, along with Laura Gilson, trial attorney for the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. The prosecutors, in their response to the defense teams appeal, did not oppose modifying the existing motions schedule and deferred to U.S. District Judge Lawrence Vilardo on whether Vilardo should revoke his order assigning pretrial matters to Schroeder. Judge: We can start now At a tense court proceeding last month, Schroeder disagreed with the defense lawyers assertions they needed to wait for the death penalty decision before filing motions. If I adopt your position ... it could be another five years before we know whats going to happen, Schroeder said. And he also admonished the U.S. Justice Department for how long it is taking to decide whether to seek capital punishment. You have a heinous crime, admitted to by a defendant involving hate, racism and all of the other terrible attributes, the judge said at the hearing. Why it should take over a year is beyond me. Schroeder, named a magistrate judge in 2000, previously served as an assistant U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C., and he was also the U.S. attorney for Western New York from 1969 to 1972. I hate to keep harping on my experience, but I do so because I want the public to understand that I do have a good working knowledge of this whole process, he said at the hearing. Schroeder said he cannot set a deadline for Garland to decide on the death penalty. But he can set pretrial deadlines for the lawyers to make and respond to motions over evidence. If the defendant is going to attack the search warrants and what was seized, that has nothing to do with mitigation, the judge said at the hearing. You want to put together a full-fledged profile on this defendants life, the impact of other factors that could have played a role his development, so that you can present a picture of why this defendant should not be put to death, if theres to be a death penalty case, Schroeder said. I realize that takes a lot of work, he said. But on the legal issues of whether the warrants were valid or not, or whether there should be suppression of evidence for other reasons, we can start to address those now, while you are still doing whatever you are going to be doing on mitigation. Defense: Decision affects everything The evidence turned over to the defense so far social media accounts, video recordings, texts, writings is voluminous, Zoghlin said at the hearing. No one could have by this point gone through that much evidence, she said. If forced to make motions, she said, we wouldnt know what evidence are we moving to suppress. We do know what the evidence is, she said at the hearing. We dont know what evidence the government would want to use until we know whether they are seeking the death penalty and on what basis. She disagrees with the notion that the legal aspects of the case seeking to suppress evidence, for example can be separated from the mitigation. If this is a capital case, those things are of one piece, she said. Prosecutor: Dual tracks Filing and responding to motions in the Buffalo federal courthouse, with Justice Department officials deliberating the death penalty question in Washington, can be happening on dual tracks, Tripi, an assistant U.S. attorney, said at last months hearing. While the prosecution team supported Schroeders scheduling order, it did not oppose Vilardo taking over the pretrial matters in his place. The government anticipates every decision the magistrate judge renders will be appealed, leading to more motions and oral arguments. This process would not only sap the goals of judicial economy and efficiency, but also increase the media coverage of the case and the number of court appearances that the victims and victims family members, understandably, feel a need to stay informed of and attend, the prosecutors said in their filing last week. 'You will reap what you sow': Families of victims of Tops shooting confront the man who killed their loved ones Families of victims and survivors of the mass shooting at Tops on Jefferson Avenue tell the court about their loved ones, and how the hate crime May 14 affected their lives. Tripis remarks at last months hearing are the last from a federal prosecutor about the status of Garlands decision. It is at the high levels of the department, both locally as well as the main Department of Justice, with the Civil Rights Division, and thats all I can really say about that, Tripi said. I can tell you were pushing this as hard as we can, from where we sit, he told the judge. We will continue to do so. We are not the ultimate decision-makers. I can understand the courts frustration and the public, if there is public, frustration, he said. Meanwhile, the victims families wait for a decision, as does Gendron, the judge said. All I know is that this horrible event occurred more than a year ago, Schroeder said. These poor families have been carrying that burden not knowing what the end result is going to be. The defendant has been incarcerated, awaiting a decision as to whether he is going to face a death penalty. The public awaits a decision. August 5 will mark the fourth anniversary of the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories. The Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which as per the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, has the provision of an elected assembly, is waiting eagerly for the resumption of the political process. While the Supreme Court from August 2 will hear multiple petitions challenging the Union governments decision to read down Article 370 of the Constitution, which granted special status to J&K, lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha in an interview spoke about the changes taking place, the flow of fresh investments and the how the world has acknowledged J&K as an undisputed, integral part of India. Edited excerpts: PREMIUM Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha will complete three years as governor of J&K on August 7 (ANI Pic Service) The G20 meeting held in the Kashmir Valley has been hailed as a major diplomatic breakthrough. Do you think Indias point of view about normalcy returning to Kashmir will be acknowledged? In 2019, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensured the complete integration of the region to the mainstream of development, there has been a sea change in the way the world sees J&K. There is complete normalcy and the world has acknowledged J&K as an undisputed and integral part of India. Foreign tourists are back in the valley and the world has acknowledged that the PM has eliminated injustice, exploitation and discrimination, which several sections of society faced for 70 years. Social equality and equal economic opportunity have been ensured to all citizens, which is enabling them to contribute to nation building. Representatives of 27 nations, including observer countries, who participated in the G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting at Srinagar, witnessed first hand a UT which is future- ready, ambitious and on the move. Today, the world is watching how society, especially the younger generation in the valley, is scripting a bright future for themselves and the nation. The mood of people is today diametrically opposite to what we used to see prior to August 2019. I have a vision of J&K -- a Union territory free of fear, free of corruption, free of drugs and full of employment, opportunities and prosperity. What were the key challenges the administration faced while planning this meeting? Are there more such big-ticket events coming up? It was the first major international event in the history of J&K and a matter of pride and prestige for India. The valley receives snowfall till April and sometimes erratic weather patterns continue till the first week of May. So, it had left us with a small window to meet the numerous challenges of snow clearance, road infrastructure and other amenities. However, the entire machinery, with a whole of government approach, ensured that projects were executed expeditiously and we were ready with world-class arrangements to host the guests in time. There were security challenges as well. As you know, our neighbouring country was making efforts to disrupt the G20 summit and they were using both underground and overground elements to trigger fear. One of their leaders had openly issued threats to launch attacks. Terror outfits, propaganda machinery and terror sympathizers were working overtime. However, our security grid was strengthened and all the necessary measures were taken to foil any terror attempts from across the border. It was not only a hugely successful event, but also a transformative event for J&K, marking a new beginning for the Union territory. This global event has given a new identity to J&K, and a new confidence to society. Every section of society saw an opportunity to present culture, achievements and warm hospitality to the world. I also want to tell you that after the G20 meeting, major national level events are being held in the Union territory and every week we have some top-notch conference that has enhanced J&K image and stimulated the economy. I can confidently say we are ready to host world-class events and this year alone more than a dozen national games are lined up. All eyes are now on how soon the political process resumes and elections are held. Do you think the situation on the ground is conducive to the exercise being held any time soon? The PM clearly stated in his speech that elections would be held in J&K after the exercise of delimitation and other procedural exercises are over. The home minister (Amit Shah) had also assured on the floor of Parliament that after the election, the statehood would be restored at an appropriate time. People of the country and people of J&K trust these words, and it will be fulfilled. Also, delimitation and revision of the voter list, these two important and prerequisite exercises for election, have been completed. Now, whenever the Election Commission takes a call on assembly elections, we are ready to conduct polls peacefully. What is the status of the pending demands of the PM package employees. The government had promised residential facilities for them. They have been demanding spaces and working conditions. There were 3-4 major demands and all have been fulfilled. There was a demand for promotional avenues. It was approved last year and all the bottlenecks in career progression are removed. We fulfilled the demand for promotions from non- gazetted to gazetted category and the issue of salary disparity has been resolved. There was concern about their safety after unfortunate incidents of targeted killings. The Centre and UT administration are working with sensitivity and commitment to ensure their safety and security. All PM package and minority employees working in the Kashmir valley have been deployed at the district and tehsil headquarters. A nodal officer has been appointed in the Raj Bhavan well as in the districts to resolve their issues. My doors are open to all 24X7. I am directly in touch with representatives of PM Package employees to ensure they are comfortable and empowered. Efforts are also being made to expedite the construction of flats. Currently, 1,600 flats are ready, 400 more flats will be ready by end of August and another 1,800 will be ready by year-end. It also demonstrates the firm commitment of the Centre and UT administration to stand by our Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters. Along with the local residents, we are building a conducive and peaceful atmosphere so that all can live together in harmony. Theres been a lot of concern about smuggling of arms and drugs using newer technology like drones. We have intensified efforts to strengthen the security grid to fight all forms of terrorism and drug trafficking. Counter drone measures deployed along the international border and Line of Control have produced desired results. The mechanism for monitoring and countering drone threats is constantly reviewed with all security agencies. We have been able to dismantle the terror ecosystem to a large extent and there is a strong yearning among all sections of society for a lasting peace and accelerated development. Overall security scenario in the UT has undergone a major transformation in the past three years. There is no stone pelting, there is no hartal (strike), schools and markets are open, nightlife has returned, and vibrant musical events have taken over the streets. Our policy of zero tolerance to terrorism has struck the last nail in the coffin of the terror ecosystem. If we count the lives lost of civilians as well as police personnel during maintenance of law and order, the drop is 100%. One hundred and twelve accounts linked to terror financing have been frozen. The government made efforts to invite investors to the UT. Are there any visible developments that can be seen on the ground in terms of investment and industry? The Industrial Policy 2021-30, Industrial Land Allotment Policy 2021-30, Private Industrial Estate Development Policy 2021-30, Wool Processing and Handicrafts and Handloom Policy 2020 has revolutionised the industrial sector growth in J&K. Foundation laying of J&Ks first foreign direct investment held in March. Dubais Emaar group is developing the 10 lakh sq ft Mall of Srinagar at a cost of 500 crore. Another foreign investment proposal worth almost 3,000 crore will be realised soon. In 2022, J&K received a record investment of 2,153.45 crore, the highest ever compared to any previous financial year. So far, we have received 5,973 proposals worth 80,122 crore from industries based in India and abroad. These are not merely applications, but solid proposals have been made after depositing a prescribed fee. The proposal of 1,767 industrial units making investments of about 24,729 Crore has been approved. Eighty eight industries in Jammu and 42 in Kashmir valley have started the groundwork. Nineteen industrial estates are being developed. We register a new start-up every second day. In the past four years, we have registered 7.7 lakh new entrepreneurs, which roughly means that per day 527 youth started their entrepreneurial journey to contribute to the growth of J&K with their small, micro and medium enterprises. You will complete three years as lieutenant governor of J&K on August 7. What changes do you see in these years? The UT is standing tall, full of self-confidence. It has become stronger both economically and socially. We dont believe in buying peace but in establishing peace and this has been the policy in the last three years, and I can tell you confidently that it has yielded the desired results on the ground. The underprivileged section of society is empowered. Farmers welfare and growth have been ensured and they are ranked 5th at the national level in terms of monthly income. Life of dignity to women has been our topmost priority and more than 6 lakh women from rural areas have been enabled to pursue micro-level entrepreneurship and became financially independent. Youth are provided with the opportunity to harness their full potential in the past three years through various entrepreneurship programmes. More than 7 lakh youth have become job creators, bringing a transformational shift in young, tech-savvy human capital. J&K is witnessing a record tourism boom. Today, J&K is dedicated to ideal of peace and you can see it transforming into a confluence of modern UT deeply rooted in ancient heritage. Aaj apni marji se logon ko jeene kee azadi mil gai hai (today people have got the freedom to live according to their wish). Could you tell us about the ongoing Amarnath Yatra? The weather has been a challenge. This was a major challenge, given the prolonged period of snowfall this year. However, the BRO (Border Roads Organisation) and other agencies not only ensured timely clearance and widening of tracks, but have also carried out maintenance during the night every day. I am happy to inform you that more than 3 lakh devotees have paid obeisance to Baba Amarnath. For the first time, prepaid counters for ponies, pithus and palkiwalas have started at Baltal, Panjtarni, Chandanwari and Sheshnag. More than 10 helipads along both the routes have been prepared for emergency, safety railings have been erected at difficult stretches, network connectivity along both routes made available through optical fibres and cabled power supply has been made available all along the Baltal route to the holy cave. More than 60 medical camps with around 40 beds each have been established at various locations along the yatra routes, including two 100 bed hospitals at Chandanwari and Baltal, 1,750 health professionals have been deployed, which is 20% more than previous years health manpower, and more than 94% of the yatris (pilgrims) have rated the yatra arrangements as excellent or good. The Yamuna crossed the 206m level on Sunday as expected, breaching the point at which evacuations are ordered, prompting the government to renew calls for people living in at-risk localities to move to relief camps, with the threat of rains raising the risk of flooding and disruptions in the coming week. The Yamuna crossed the 206m level on Sunday amid a rising threat of flooding. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo) By 11pm, the river reached 206.46m, swelling close to the 207m level at which the river caused significant flooding, choked water treatment plants, and caused drains to backflow a little over a week ago. Also read | 'Don't go near Yamuna': Delhiites warned as river flows above 'danger mark' again; flood alert in Noida The cause behind the river being in spate on Sunday was heavy rain upstream, although the situation stabilised in those regions, bringing some hope the crisis may not immediately spiral out of control. But a second threat looms for the week: the moderate rains predicted for the city between Tuesday and Thursday. Officials said since Delhis drains, especially those that empty into the Yamuna, open into the river at 202m, these will need to be closed, thereby blocking outlet for stormwater. Delhi cabinet minister Saurabh Bharadwaj stated that government is closely monitoring all locations where water from the Yamuna spilled onto Delhis roads earlier this month and that measures have been taken to avoid a repeat, such as constructing flood protection bunds. Read: Rising Yamuna reaches walls of Taj Mahal for 1st time in 45 years For this purpose, 60 separate teams have been deployed in various areas of Delhi to keep a vigilant watch on any such potential points where water could overflow onto roads as it did during the last incident. All residents living in low-lying areas near the Yamuna have been evacuated and shifted to relief camps in advance. Once the threat of flooding subsides and there is no danger, they will be allowed to return to their homes, he said. In a remark earlier, he said people living in flood-prone areas should come back to relief camps if they had returned home. Agencies on Sunday were seen making preparations to prevent a repeat of scenes witnessed on July 13 by strengthening the embankments at low-lying areas like Yamuna Bazar and ITO, and by raising bunds around critical installations like the water treatment plants. The district administrations in the six vulnerable districts were busy re-strengthening the embankments while marshals mounted on boats carried out public announcements (munadis) urging people to vacate low-lying areas on the floodplains. Water minister Bharadwaj said enough preparations have been made by the water utility authority of the capital to ensure plants continue to operate even if Yamuna swells to an impractical and improbable water level of 209m. Located along Yamuna floodplains, DJBs three plants at Okhla, Wazirabad and Chandrawal along with its array of tubewells and Ranney wells were closed at 9.50am on July 13 due to flooding when the river water levels had reached 208.5m. The India Meteorological Department has forecast that rain intensity over Delhi-NCR will gradually start increasing from Monday, with the monsoon trough predicted to return closer to the capital region. Light rain is expected in the region on Monday, with precipitation turning to a heavier moderate category from Tuesday till Thursday, IMD officials stated. Meanwhile, teams of Indian Navy continued operations to open the jammed gates of ITO barrage. Only two of the five jammed gates out of 32 in total have been opened so far and three gates remain jammed. We are now focussing on gate number 29, an official from irrigation and flood control department said. The poor upkeep of the barrage has been a source of controversy between Delhi and Haryana government, since it is the latter that is responsible for its maintenance. At Hathnikund, the barrage on the Yamuna in Yamunanagar, Haryana that acts as an important gauge for the state of the river 36 hours in Delhi, the discharge rate dropped to under 50,000 cusecs on Sunday, down from 250,000 cusecs for several hours on Saturday. This spike was due to heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh and Haryana regions upstream. The monsoon is still in an active phase in much of north India and IMD officials issued orange alert for heavy rain over the weekend for Himachal Pradesh, which implies another spell of flooding cannot be ruled out.lso SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON National Tequila Day is a day dedicated to celebrating and enjoying tequila. Crafted from the blue agave plant, tequila has a rich history dating back centuries, and this day offers enthusiasts a chance to immerse themselves in its cultural significance and diverse flavours. Tequila lovers can raise a glass and take in the distinctive flavours of this well-known Mexican libation. National Tequila Day is the ideal opportunity to commemorate and enjoy the rich legacy and artistry behind this cherished drink, whether you prefer it in a cocktail or as a straight shot. So, grab a lime and some salt and join in the fun on this tequila-filled day! (Also read: 3 refreshing summer drinks you can make with fruits ) National Tequila Day is the ideal opportunity to commemorate and enjoy the rich legacy and artistry behind this cherished drink.(Alena Plotnikova on Unsplash) When is National Tequila Day 2023? National Tequila Day is an annual celebration that takes place on July 24, dedicated to paying homage to the beloved Mexican spirit known as tequila. History of National Tequila Day The history of National Tequila Day traces back to the origins of tequila itself. Tequila, a distilled alcoholic beverage created from the blue agave plant, has its origins in Mexico, where the native population first fermented agave liquids centuries ago. After the Spanish conquistadors introduced distillation to the area in the 16th century, contemporary tequila manufacture had its start. Tequila's recognition as a Mexican cultural icon increased throughout time, both in Mexico and beyond. National Tequila Day was created as a day of celebration to honour this treasured spirit, offering fans and tequila connoisseurs alike the chance to savour the tastes, customs, and legacy connected with this valued beverage on July 24 every year. National Tequila Day significance National Tequila Day holds significant cultural and social importance as it celebrates the rich heritage and craftsmanship of tequila, a renowned Mexican spirit. Tequila lovers from all around the world may gather on this day to celebrate the unique flavours and historical significance of this popular libation. It serves as a reminder of the lengthy history of tequila, which dates back to the ancient Mexican indigenous people who were the first to ferment agave juice. Tequila has developed into a popular and adaptable drink that can now be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from drinking it straight to incorporating it into well-known cocktails like margaritas and tequila sunrises. I am a Barbie girl in the Barbie world! Would you like to sing this song out loud in a place where everything looks pink and magical? Well, you can make that wish come true, because there are some beautiful pink destinations around the world that can transform you into a Barbie world. There is no shortage of locations eager to wrap you in candy-coloured pink hues, from the blushing sands of Pink Sands Beach in the Bahamas to the bright magenta-drenched Pink St in Puerto Plata. With Greta Gerwig's new Barbie movie, now is the perfect time to take a page from Travel Barbie's playbook and embrace all the globetrotting pink the world has to offer. So pack your bags, some pretty pink outfits and a Ken if you like, and come on Barbie, let's go on holiday! (Also read: From Sunny Leone to Aahana Kumra, celebs attend Barbie movie screening in pink doll-inspired outfits. All pics, videos ) From rosy-hued landscapes to pink landmarks, there are places in the world that are a dream come true for those who adore everything Barbie.(Unsplash) Dreamy Pink Destinations Around the World 1. Lake Hillier, Australia Lake Hillier in Australia is on of the most popular pink destinations.(George Bakos on Unsplash) The most popular pink vacation spot is definitely Lake Hillier. The green vegetation surrounding it and the blue ocean in the distance make this lake in Western Australia genuinely Barbie-pink. Even though this lake seems beautiful from the ground, flying above it is the greatest way to really appreciate it. Although Dunaliella salina microalgae are assumed to be responsible for the colour and its salinity, the exact cause of the colour is unknown. 2. Jaipur, India Jaipur is known as the pink city that enchants with its regal charm and vibrant heritage.(Dexter Fernandes on Unsplash) The "Pink City" of Jaipur, India, which is located in Rajasthan, enchants visitors with its opulent appeal and vivid colours. Jaipur is a living example of the appeal of pink, with its regal palaces and delicately carved facade. The name "pink city" refers to Jaipur, which is attributed to Maharajah Ram Singh. In 1876, when the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria visited India as part of a trip, he actually had the town painted pink since that colour symbolises welcome. 3. Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas Pink Sand Beach in the Bahamas lives up to its name. Its a perfect 3.5-mile-long beach with fine pink sand.(NELZAJAMAL/ SHUTTERSTOCK) The Bahamas' Pink Sands Beach reveals a mesmerising display of untamed beauty as it lies like a lovely paradise. This beach, which stretches for kilometres and is bordered by blue waves, emanates an unearthly beauty that draws tourists from all over the world. The tiny coral insects (foraminifera), whose bright pink or red shells wash ashore and combine with the sand and other pieces of coral, are responsible for the beach's light pink hue. 4. Tan Dinh Church, Vietnam Tan Dinh Church in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is a captivating pink landmark and the city's oldest Catholic church.(CreateTravel.tv on Unsplash) Tan Dinh Church, located in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is a stunning architectural marvel and an iconic pink landmark. The oldest Catholic church in Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as the Vietnamese still refer to it, is the Tan Dinh Church, which was founded in 1864. The pink exterior paint job was applied in 1957. The interior, which is painted an even more bright pink, is the real surprise. For those who adore pink, it will be an amazing joy since it is like standing inside a wedding cake. 5. Hitachi Seaside Park, Japan Hitachi Seaside Park in Japan is a captivating natural wonderland showcasing a stunning kaleidoscope of seasonal flowers.(SAKARIN SAWASDINAKA / SHUTTERSTOCK) Escape to Japan's Hitachi Seaside Park to experience its amazing beauty. The spectacular seasonal floral display in this natural wonderland includes the well-known baby blue eyes in the spring and the brilliant kochia in the autumn. The roughly 900 acres of this park are covered in seasonal flowers, so there is always something to view. However, because we are drawn to all things pink, we may skip over the springtime fields of blue flowers and go directly to autumn where everything turns a lovely pinkish crimson. 6. The Laguna Salada de Torrevieja, Spain Laguna Salada de Torrevieja in Spain is a strikingly pink salt lake that captivates with its unique beauty and natural splendor.(Willian Justen de Vasconcellos on Unsplash) The Laguna Salada de Torrevieja, also known as the Pink Lake of Torrevieja, is frequently referred to as one of the saltiest and biggest lakes in Europe. It is easy to understand why. The halobacteria, a kind of bacteria that thrives in situations with high concentrations of salt, and the algae Dunaliella salina give the lake its colour. Although swimming is absolutely banned due to the delicate environment of the water body, you are more than welcome to visit and take in the scenery. 7. Craigievar Castle, Scotland Craigievar Castle, Scotland is a fairytale-like fortress steeped in history and adorned with pink hues.(Colin + Meg on Unsplash) In Aberdeenshire, Scotland's Craigievar Castle, you may have your very own Barbie princess experience. Its pink colouring has influenced many people in addition to drawing tourists. After seeing pictures of it, Walt Disney based several of his castle designs, notably the Cinderella Castle, on it. This pink monument rests amidst luscious foliage, giving it the appearance of being straight out of a storybook. Even though the castle has aged and suffered damage, restoration work is being done to restore it to its former pink splendour. 8. Las Coloradas, Mexico Las Coloradas in Mexico is a surreal paradise of pink salt lakes, where nature paints an awe-inspiring landscape.(Zyanya BMO on Unsplash) Las Coloradas in Rio Lagartos is the place to go if you're searching for a naturally occurring pink phenomenon. Due to brine shrimp, plankton, and red-coloured algae, the pool's brilliant pink waters nearly don't appear to be natural, but they most definitely are. High salt content and growing microbes are to blame for the remarkable hue. A one-of-a-kind and amazing chance to experience nature's stunning handiwork up close is to travel to Las Coloradas. Although swimming is not permitted in these pools, they are nonetheless a cool tourist attraction. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in France as the guest of honour for the French National Day, which falls on July 14. On this day, in 1789, the people of France stormed the Bastille and inaugurated the formation of the French Republic. To commemorate this event, a military parade is held every year on the Champs-Elysees. As a diplomat, I accompanied former PM Rajiv Gandhi when the 200th anniversary was celebrated in 1989. A file photo of the Arc de Triomphe at the start of the Champs Elysees during the Bastille Day parade in Paris.(Reuters Photo) But this column is not on foreign affairs or the importance of Indo-French relations. It is about the difficulty for non-French speakers to get the pronunciations of French words right! This became evident in the widespread TV reporting in India on PM Modis visit. Many of our reporters found it difficult to say Champs-Elysees correctly, since whatever its spelling, the correct way to say it is Shohnz-Eh-lee-zeh. The same problem occurred with the word Bastille. Do you pronounce it Basti-ee or is it simply Bas-still? The more westernized of our compatriots sniggeredincluding on social mediaat the linguistic illiteracy of our journalists, who made the unforgivable boo-boo of mangling a beautiful language like French. While they are entitled to their snobbish derision, have they ever paused to think what the othersincluding the western countriesdo to our words? I recall that in 2005 when I was posted in London, Indian economist Montek Singh Ahluwalia was visiting to deliver the 27th Nehru Memorial Lecture. At that time, he was the deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, which carried the rank of a cabinet minister. He also held the reputation of being a world-class economist. The hall was packed with leading members of the Indian community, along with economists and leaders of the corporate world. There was pin-drop silence as Lord Romsey, the chairperson of the Nehru Memorial Trust and the grandson of Indias last viceroy, Lord Mountbatten, stood up to introduce the distinguished guest. But there was a problem. Lord Romsey could not get the pronunciation of Ahluwalia right. Every time he tried to, his tongue tripped. Some audience members found it funny, as did, I got a distinct impression, Lord Romsey as well. Montek Ahluwalia stood sheepishly on stage in his smart blazer and tie, being a product of St Stephens College and Oxford. Finally, Lord Romsey gave up, and by way of explanation said: I knew I wouldnt get it right. Why couldnt Lord Romsey get Mr Ahluwahlias name right? Some would argue that such a question should not even be asked. After all, Indian names are not easy to pronounce. But equally, perhaps, Romsey 'saheb' could have practiced a little more to say Ah-lu-walia. But if he did not, it was no great matter. Montek, he knew, would be most forgiving. He was one of us, really, speaking English with the right accent, and from a similar background. And there was no worry that he would pronounce Romsey wrong. Not only becausein this instanceRomsey was an easier word to pronounce, but also because it was expected that an Indian with the right education should not make such a mistake. He would call Warwick Warrik, and not War-wick as the phonetic spelling would warrant. He would naturally know that Yorkshire must be pronounced as Yorksher and never as York-shire, and that Edinburgh is actually Edin-borough. But is this knowledge of western names, for the lack of which our less anglicized citizens are ridiculed, reciprocated by our friends from the West? On the contrary, I am perpetually surprised that even well-educated people in the West, who claim to know India well, make little effort to focus on pronunciation. The irony is that we absolutely understand their ignorance. They do not feel embarrassed, nor do we take it as an affront, when our cities or festivals or the names of Indians are routinely mispronounced. Shockingly, even Mahatma Gandhi ends up being mispronounced as Gandi, and is spelt in leading publications as Ghandi. The fact of the matter is that there is an asymmetry in cultural responses: We are supposed to know how their names should be pronounced, whereas if they can pronounce ours, we are grateful, even proud. This lack of a level playing field is part of the continuing inequities of the post-colonial world and unfortunately, sometimes erstwhile colonized elites are complicit in perpetuating it. All languages need to be respected. But the inability to speak exactly like those in their mother tongue, is not necessarily a reflection of the lack of refinement or upbringing, especially since our own languages are routinely mutilated by even well-meaning foreigners, who make no real effort as Montek Ahluwalia realised to do better. Winston Churchill did his best to learn French. But in a famous quote, he once told British army general, Jack Seely: Jack, when you cross Europe you land at Marsai, spend a night in Lee-on and another in Par-ee, and, crossing by Callay, eventually reach Londres. I land at Mar-sales, spend a night in Lions, and another in Paris, and come home to London. Pavan K Varma is author, diplomat, and former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha). Just Like That is a weekly column where Varma shares nuggets from the world of history, culture, literature, and personal reminiscences with HT Premium readers The views expressed are personal SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A male orca's best friend is his old mother. An unusually large group of killer whales was spotted off the coast of San Francisco on May 7. (Michael Pierson/Oceanic Society via AP) That's according to a new scientific paper published Thursday in Current Biology, which found female killer whales that have undergone menopause prevent their sons -- though not their daughters -- from getting injured in fights. Lead author Charli Grimes told AFP what drew her to the subject was just how rare menopause is in the natural world. Most animals with ovaries remain capable of reproducing until they die, with humans and five species of toothed whales the only known exceptions. "A big question in our own evolutionary history is, how and why has menopause evolved?" she said. "In human societies, older females play a role in moderating conflict, and now this latest research has found that that might also be the case in killer whales," added the animal behavior scientist at the University of Exeter. Also Read| Over 50 pilot whales die after being stranded on beach in Scotland The study looked at Southern Resident killer whales, which live off the Pacific coast of North America. These whales live in matriarchal social units -- typically consisting of a grandmother, her male and female offspring, and her daughters' daughters. Female killer whales survive up to 90 years in the wild, and live more than 20 years beyond menopause. Males will outbreed with females from other pods, but both males and females will stay within the social unit of their birth. Sons remain especially close to their mothers throughout their lives. Bite marks For their research, Grimes and colleagues examined the accumulation of "tooth rake marks" -- scarring left behind when an orca bites another during rough play or fighting. "These marks are really great for quantifying social interactions that are otherwise really difficult to observe, since most of the behavior takes place below the surface," she said. The Center for Whale Research in Washington state has carried out photographic censuses of Southern Resident killer whales since 1976, identifying individuals by their unique dorsal fins and saddle patches. Orcas have no natural predators, and this subspecies feeds exclusively on salmon, as opposed to prey that can bite back. This means the tooth marks could only be inflicted by their own kind. By analyzing thousands of photos in a computer program, the team found males who lived with post-reproductive mothers had 35 percent fewer tooth rake injuries compared to males who lived with breeding mothers, and 45 percent fewer than those who lived without their mothers. It's thought that ceasing breeding frees up time and energy for mothers to protect their sons. How exactly the post-menopausal moms are helping isn't yet clear, said Grimes. It could be that older females use their knowledge of other pods to steer their sons away from troublemakers. Or, they could be intervening more directly when a fight is brewing, perhaps using vocalizations to call off their sons. It's not thought that they get involved in fighting themselves, since they have very low rates of scarring. Pass the fish Daughters, however, were not found to have fewer tooth rakes with their mothers around. Females are probably less involved in conflict to begin with, said Grimes. Sons moreover breed with multiple females, meaning there is a higher chance of their mother passing on their genes. Ruth Mace, an anthropologist and biologist at the University College London who was not involved in the study, told AFP that the idea that post-reproductive life had evolved so women can help children is well established in humans. "So it is very interesting that this is also being established in killer whales," she said. "It's (a) remarkable study, utilizing an extremely valuable long-term dataset," added Stephanie King, who specializes in dolphin research at the University of Bristol and was also not involved. Prior work has shown older female orcas share their own fish, pass on ecological knowledge of where and when to find food, and improve their grandchildren's survival rates. An outstanding question is how exactly they bring about some of these benefits -- something Grimes and her colleagues hope to answer by flying drones over the orcas, documenting what they do under the waves. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON South Korean mobile giant Samsung will host its Galaxy Unpacked event on Wednesday, i.e July 26. The company recently shared a teaser video, hinting the new design for the foldable series. The smartphone maker is expected to launch its Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 models at the mega event. Samsung has already invited customers to pre-order the devices.(Samsung website) The event will be livestreamed on July 26 at 4:30 pm IST. Samsung will be hosting this event in its home country South Korea for the first time. The event will be livestreamed on the company's official website and the YouTube channel. What to expect? As mentioned earlier, the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked could witness the launch of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 models. As per the latest leaks, the Z Flip 5 might have an enhanced cover display with a size of 3.4 inches. The model is expected to get a performance boost with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset which is currently featured in Galaxy S23 Ultra, Livemint reported. The Z Flip 5 may retain its dual 12 MP camera setup. But there are expectations that this new smartphone will have an IP58 rating. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is expected to have a Snapdragon 8 Gwn 2 chipset. It is likely to have a large 7.6-inch foldable AMOLED display which is complemented by a 6.2-inch AMOLED panel. It might have a powerful 50MP primary camera with a 12 MP ultra-wide camera and a 10 MP telephoto camera. The South Korean giant is expected to unveil the Galaxy Tab S9 series, which might also get an OLED panel. The event might witness the launch of Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series. This smartwatch could have curved glass and improved battery life as compared to the previous versions. The company has already said that the watch will support WhatsApp and will help users to access the message platform from their wrists. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Aryan Prakash Multimedia journalist with over nine years of experience in print, television and digital media. Books, politics and cinema are an inseparable part of life. ...view detail Heavy flooding from seasonal rains in Afghanistan has killed at least 12 people and left dozens missing, according to a Taliban spokesman and local officials. All relevant authorities have been ordered to provide necessary assistance to the people in the affected areas.(AP/File) Government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Sunday that around 40 people are missing after the flash flooding late Saturday night in the Jalrez district of Maidan Wardak province, west of Kabul. He added that all relevant authorities have been ordered to provide necessary assistance to the people in the affected areas. The provincial governor's office in a statement said that hundreds of homes are either damaged or destroyed and the missing people are believed to be under the rubble of collapsed homes. The statement also said that hundreds of hectares of agricultural land were washed out and destroyed and the highway between the capital Kabul and the central Bamiyan province is also closed due to the floods. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON At least 16 people were reportedly killed in an exchange of rocket fire between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Darfur region, Al Jazeera reported. The Darfur Bar Association added that at least one man was killed by a sniper. (Al Arabiya) According to the local lawyers' union, it happened in the capital of the state of South Darfur, Nyala. Besides, there were reports of snipers targeting people in West Darfur, including its capital of el-Geneina, near Chad, and tens of thousands of residents fleeing across the border, reported Al Jazeera. The Darfur Bar Association added that at least one man was killed by a sniper. Thousands of people continue to flee from the region of West Darfur and try to make it to the border into neighbouring Chad. Thats in West Darfur where weve seen a high increase in violence with refugees who arrived in Chad, saying that theyve been targeted by militias allied with the RSF based on their ethnicities, Al Jazeera reported citing Hiba Morgan. The war broke out in Khartoum on April 15 and according to a conservative estimate, it spread to Darfur later that month which got nearly 3,000 people killed across Sudan. Morgan added, The Darfur Bar Association is also worried that the fighting will expand and include other parts of south Darfur. There has been fighting there before. Civilians have been caught in the crossfire but this time, the association said that even those refugees or displaced people who are in camps as a result of 20 years in Darfur may be targeted as violence continues." Furthermore, residents also reported the first army air raids on villages in the Gezira states north. If fighting expands into Gezira, they may be forced to flee again, reported Al Jazeera. A couple of weeks back, the United Nations warned that Sudan could be on the verge of an all-out war after a weekend airstrike killed dozens in a residential area in the Sudanese city of Omdurman, CNN reported. On July 8, at least 22 people were killed and many injured in a shelling attack, the country's health ministry said, as months of infighting between Sudan's rival military forces continue to rage on across the country. According to a statement from the health ministry, the assault took place in a residential area of Omdurman, the city next to the capital Khartoum and unknown numbers of individuals were injured in the attack. Moreover, truce talks have been taking place in Saudi Arabia as both Burhan and Daglo representatives are present there. However, on Friday, the Khartoum government denied any information concerning a near truce." Two Indian-origin men have pleaded guilty to drug and firearms charges arising from a drug trafficking venture run out of a motel in the US. The release dated July 17 said that Bhula and Craft will remain in custody pending sentencing.(Representative image) Kamal Bhula, 44, of Albuquerque, and Pragneshkumar Pete Patel, 36, of Montgomery, Alabama are among the three charged for maintaining a drug-involved premise at a motel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Both Bhula and Patel have pleaded guilty to one count each of maintaining a drug-involved premise, the Attorney's Office of New Mexico said in a statement on Monday. The third accused, Jonathan Craft, 36, of Albuquerque, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm or ammunition. The release dated July 17 said that Bhula and Craft will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. A federal grand jury indicted Bhula and Craft on June 20, 2019. Patel was indicted on November 5, 2019. According to court records, Patel owned the Best Choice Inn at 7640 Central Avenue SE and was the on-site manager from September 2017 to March 2018, when Bhula leased the property from Patel and took over as the on-site manager. Craft lived and worked at Best Choice Inn, claiming to be in charge when Bhula was away. Craft sold drugs from his room, permitted others to do the same, and permitted individuals to use drugs on the premises. Craft also unlawfully possessed a firearm. Bhula and Patel allowed drug trafficking at the motel and personally observed and profited from those who used controlled substances on the premises. At sentencing, Bhula, Craft and Patel each face up to 20 years in prison, the release added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In the summer of 2009, a 15-year-old Buffalo girl received disturbing phone calls from a man who taunted her about her missing older sister. What made the calls especially scary was that the caller was using the cellphone owned by the missing woman, Melissa M. Barthelemy, 24. At one point, according to police, the caller bragged that he had sexually assaulted Barthelemy and then killed her. Today, those phone calls to Amanda Funderburg and other members of her Buffalo family are cited as important evidence in the murder case against accused serial killer Rex A. Heuermann, a Manhattan architect and Long Island resident. Suffolk County police on July 13 charged the 59-year-old Heuermann with murdering Barthelemy and two other young women, all described in court papers as sex workers. Prosecutors also call Heuermann the prime suspect in the murder of a fourth female sex worker. Heuermann denies the murder allegations. The victims bodies were found buried in burlap cloth along Gilgo Beach on Long Island, not far from the suspects home. A massive investigation is continuing into the deaths of five other people found buried at Gilgo Beach, including those of a man, three women and a toddler. Potentially, the serial killer case could go much further. Now that we have his DNA, we are checking with cities all over the country, to see if there could be any connection to other unsolved murders, said State Police acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli, whose investigators serve on a task force probing the murders and helped arrest Heuermann. The task force is checking into unsolved killings in all the places where Heuermann traveled over the years. Barthelemy was a former Buffalo resident who was living in New York City when she disappeared in July 2009. The taunting phone calls allegedly made by Heuermann to Barthelemys family in Buffalo in July and August of 2009 were mentioned several times in court papers filed by the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office in connection with the arrest. The court document states that calls using Barthelemys cellphone were linked to cellphone towers in areas close to Heuermanns Manhattan office and Long Island home. The court papers allege that the suspected killer also used Barthelemys phone to check her voice messages on July 11 and July 12, 2009. On July 17, July 23, August 5, August 19, and August 26, 2009, the Barthelemy phone made taunting phone calls to Ms. Barthelemys family members, some of which resulted in a conversation between the caller, who was a male, and a relative of Melissa Barthelemy, in which the male caller admitted killing and sexually assaulting Ms. Barthelemy, the court papers say. Undersheriff remembers case News reports on Heuermanns arrest brought back memories for former Erie County Undersheriff Richard T. Donovan and his former administrative assistant, Marilynn Calhoun-Allen. In interviews with The Buffalo News, they both recalled the anguished calls they received in 2009 from Lynn Barthelemy, the missing womans mother, after her daughter vanished. Lynn Barthelemy was extremely upset, very frustrated and convinced that something terrible had happened to her daughter, but she said police agencies were skeptical because her daughter had worked as a prostitute, Donovan recalled. She told me she had called the New York City police and other police agencies and nobody would take her seriously. Nobody would even take a missing persons report, Calhoun-Allen said. I told her, my boss was out to lunch, and that hed call her when he got back. She said, No, he wont. Nobody calls me back. I told her, He will. Barthelemys mother was crying and sobbing, and it really hurt me to hear that, Calhoun-Allen said. Im a mom, too, and I could only try to imagine what she was going through. Attorney Steven M. Cohen, who represented the Barthelemy family, told The News in 2011 that New York City police had a policy at the time of not investigating missing persons for 10 days and that because Barthelemy worked as a hooker, detectives would not be assigned to the case. That policy led a desperate Lynn Barthelemy to call the Erie County Sheriffs Office, pleading for help. Donovan remembers talking to Barthelemys mother and quickly realizing that her fears were genuine. I was our liaison with NYPD and I had some friends in their Intelligence Unit, the retired undersheriff said. I called them, and to their credit, they took it very seriously, and immediately contacted the mother. The NYPD investigators were especially interested because the taunting calls had come from the phone of the missing woman, Donovan said. He and Calhoun-Allen said they are proud to have played a small part in the early stages of an investigation that led to the capture of an alleged serial killer. Both said they have been following developments in the case over the past 14 years. A break leads to arrest According to Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison, a major break in the investigation occurred recently when a State Police investigator determined that Heuermann in 2010 owned a Chevrolet Avalanche truck like one that was spotted in a neighborhood where one of the sex workers had vanished. That information about the truck put Heuermann onto the radar of the Gilgo Beach task force, and they began investigating the architects travels, computer searches and phone records, police said. Heuermann is accused of burying victims along a remote beach on Long Islands south shore. Prosecutors said Barthelemys body was the first one found, on Dec. 11, 2010, by a K-9 police officer conducting a training exercise with his dog. Two days later, the remains of the three other women were unearthed. In the coming months, police would recover a total of nine bodies. According to a court document filed by prosecutors, the four women, all of them petite in stature, were found in graves similarly positioned, bound in a similar fashion by either belts or tape, with three of the victims found wrapped in a burlap-type material. The court document does not specify how the killer murdered the women, only referring to homicidal violence. Besides the phone calls, authorities say they have other evidence, including DNA, that connects Heuermann to the slayings. Barthelemys family Barthelemys parents spoke to The Buffalo News in 2011, shortly after their daughters remains were positively identified by police. At that time, they declined to go into detail about what was said on the phone to Barthelemys younger sister, except that it was horrible. The family said Barthelemy had graduated in 2003 from South Park High School and, later, the Continental Beauty School. After working at a Buffalo haircut shop, she had moved to New York City with dreams of one day owning a beauty salon. The family also said they were aware that in New York City, she worked as an exotic dancer. They speculated that it was to make money to pay rent and other living expenses. After she disappeared, the family said, her younger sister informed them that Barthelemy had confided to her that she had become an escort. Her family told The News in 2011 that their last contact with her was in a text sent to her teenage sister late on the night of July 9, 2009. Barthelemy was last seen alive the next day, prosecutors said. The family has said little publicly since the arrest, except for a few comments to media outlets in the New York City area after the arrest of the alleged serial killer. Amanda Funderburg, the younger sister, said the mystery caller using her sisters phone belittled and disparaged Barthelemy for her line of work and suggested that he might someday tell her where her sister was. He killed Melissa after having sex with her, Amanda Funderburg told PIX11-TV in New York City after Heuermanns arrest. In the final call, he said hed killed her. Barthelemys mother told NBC News reporters in New York City that she wants Heuermann to suffer in prison. Id like him to suffer at the hands of other inmates. Let him receive what the girls received, Lynn Barthelemy said. We knew all along that the phone calls were going to be key, the mother added, referring to the taunting calls police have linked to Heuermann. While declining to give interviews this week to The News, Barthelemys family issued a statement on Thursday through Cohen. They expressed gratitude to law enforcement for continuing to pursue the investigation that resulted in the arrest. They said they hope police got the right man. The Barthelemy family has held strong for all these years and they are hopeful that the killer has truly been captured, the family said. Nigrelli, a Buffalo native, and Donovan, the retired undersheriff, said they hope the arrest brings some kind of closure to a family that has suffered for 14 years. China will resume 15-day visa-free entry for citizens of Singapore and Brunei from Wednesday, its embassies in the two countries said, more than three years after the visas were suspended to stop the spread of COVID-19. China lifted many of its zero-COVID measures in December Visa-free entry to China will be available for citizens of Singapore and Brunei with ordinary passports travelling for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends, and in transit, the embassies said in notices on their websites. China lifted many of its zero-COVID measures in December but only began issuing tourist visas again in March. China has also been seeking visa-free travel for its citizens to Singapore. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The next global pandemic could start from the United States, a report from Harvard Law School and New York University claimed. Even though Americans think that "it couldn't happen here," regulations are so loose that a virus could easily jump from animals to people sparking a deadly outbreak, the researchers found. An illustration of the novel coronavirus seen next to a health care worker at a Covid-19 testing centre. "There really is this false sense of security and unfounded belief that zoonotic disease is something that happens elsewhere. In fact, I think we're more vulnerable than ever in many ways," Ann Linder, one of the reports lead authors said. The report also highlighted several areas of vulnerability, including commercial farms where millions of livestock come into close contact with each other and their handlers. Other areas for possible transmission could be wild animal trade in which animals are imported with few health checks and the fur trade in which minks and other animals are bred. "Through globalization, we've erased seas and mountains and other natural boundaries of disease," Ann Linder said, adding, "We're mixing animals and pathogens across different continents and circulating at a dizzying and ever-increasing pace." About 220 million live wild animals are imported in the US every year for pets and other purposes, Ann Linder said, explaining that if someone wants to bring a dog or cat into the country, there's a process, "but if I'm a wildlife importer and I want to bring in 100 wild mammals from South America, I can do that with very little regulation of any kind." In response to the study, Ashley Peterson, National Chicken Council senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs, said, According the CDC, the likelihood of spreading an avian disease to a human in the United States is extremely rare." Workers on pig and poultry farms are particularly vulnerable, because of a lack of regulations protecting them, Delcianna Winders, an associate professor of law and director of the Animal Law and Policy Institute at Vermont Law and Graduate School in Royalton, said. There is virtually no regulation of on-farm raising of animals. There's limited regulation of the slaughterhouse but it is extremely inadequate and it's getting worse. Right now, the federal government is deregulating slaughter, rather than increasing oversight, Delcianna Winders said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Illegal flows of migrants are damaging all countries across the Mediterranean, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Sunday, as she called on nations to fight together against human traffickers. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.(REUTERS) In contrast with her past hard-line rhetoric, Meloni told an international conference in Rome that her government was open to taking in more people through legal routes as "Europe and Italy needed immigration." "Mass illegal immigration harms each and every one of us. No one benefits from this, except criminal groups who get rich at the expenses of the most fragile and use their strength even against the governments," she said. Earlier this month, Italy pledged to issue 452,000 new work visas for non-EU nationals from 2023 to 2025, increasing the number of permits available each year to a high of 165,000 in 2025. In 2019, before COVID struck, Italy issued just 30,850 visas. The conference, which aims to build a partnership among states on an array of topics, is hosting representatives from countries including Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Cyprus, Libya and the European Union. "International human traffickers are not welcome in our country," Tunisian President Kais Saied told the conference. Meloni, who has headed a right-wing government since October last year, is moving to engage other nations in efforts to stem mass migration and fight traffickers. Arrivals in Italy are surging this year with over 83,000 people coming ashore so far this year compared to around 34,000 in the same period in 2022. Meloni said the main focus of the conference was to support development in Africa, with "non-predatory, long-term partnerships ... based on mutual respect." "The West has given the impression of being more concerned about giving lessons than in helping ... and this has probably made it more difficult to make progress on strategic issues," she said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Adviser to US President Joe Biden on Arts, Shahid Ahmed Khan, said that America has nothing to do with the internal politics of Pakistan after the US senators wrote a general letter regarding human rights in the country. The letter is about Pakistan and not for Imran Khan, he said, adding that the former prime minister's cypher drama had turned the country into a laughing stock around the globe. Pakistan remains a crucial nation for the US and is not ignored by Washington owing to its relationship with China, he said. Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan(Reuters) If the letter of the American senators was so important, Pakistan would not have received the International Monetary Fund (IMF) assistance, Shahid Ahmed Khan continued. Pakistan spoils relations with the countries and institutions where its interests are connected, he said, saying that the IMF was not happy with the local leadership of the country. The IMF was also upset that the agreement made in the previous government tenure was not implemented, he said. American diplomats did not even talk to the Pakistani government about this and most of the Pakistanis living in the US are not interested in the politics there, he said. The Cypher controversy is related to allegations levelled by Imran Khan, who was ousted via a parliamentary vote in April last year. Imran Khan alleged that Washington orchestrated a plan to remove him from office and brandished the cypher at a public rally to back his claims. Earlier this week, Imran said that the revival of the cypher controversy is an attempt to disqualify him from contesting elections by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government. The PTI chief accused prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari, and others of hatching a plot to remove him from the political arena. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be fitted with a pacemaker in a procedure scheduled just before the Knesset is set to vote on a controversial judicial reform bill. The surgery is scheduled to happen at Tel Hashomer Hospital. The prime minister will be sedated during the surgery, his office said. During the procedure, the Minister of Justice and Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin will take his place, the statement added. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.(AFP) Benjamin Netanyahu, 73, earlier announced on Twitter that he would be fitted with the device. I want to update you on whats going to happen. Last week they gave me a monitoring device. The device beeped and said I need a pacemaker, and I need to do that already tonight. I feel great, but I listen to my doctors. The doctors tell me that I will be free tomorrow afternoon already. I will be discharged from the hospital ready to arrive at the Knesset for the vote," Benjamin Netanyahu said in the video. Benjamin Netanyahu was hospitalized overnight for what his office said was dehydration amid a heat wave in the country. Doctors said he was fitted with a heart monitor during his stay. What is Netanyahu's controversial judicial reform bill? The Knesset is scheduled to begin voting on a bill that would strip Israel's Supreme Court of the power to declare government decisions unreasonable. This implies that one of the few checks on the government will be removed owing to which Israel has witnessed nationwide protests over the past few weeks. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Former U.S. vice president and Republican presidential candidate Mike Pence said on Sunday he felt former President Donald Trump's words and actions leading up to the Capitol attacks on Jan. 6, 2021, were reckless though not likely criminal. A file photo of US President Donald Trump and Vice-President Mike Pence(Reuters) "While his words were reckless, based on what I know, I am not yet convinced that they were criminal," Pence told CNN's "State of the Union." Trump said on Tuesday he had received a letter saying he is a target of a grand jury investigation into efforts to overturn his 2020 presidential election defeat. The letter represented the clearest sign to date that Trump, the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, may face federal criminal charges around his efforts to remain in power after losing the election to Democrat Joe Biden. "I hope it does not come to that," Pence said on a potential Trump indictment over efforts to overturn the 2020 election. He said it should be left to the American public to determine whether Trump was responsible. "His actions were reckless," Pence said. He added: "I don't honestly know what his intention was" on Jan. 6, 2021. Ahead of the 2021 Capitol attacks by Trump supporters, the then-president repeatedly lambasted Pence for refusing to try to prevent Congress from certifying Biden's win in the 2020 election. Pence said on Sunday that Trump was wrong in thinking the former vice president could overturn the outcome of the election. Some rioters chanted "hang Mike Pence" during the Capitol riots. "I know I did my duty that day," Pence said on Sunday. Separately, Trump was indicted in June on charges that he unlawfully kept national security documents when he left office and lied to officials who sought to recover them. He has pleaded not guilty. He was recently also charged with falsifying business records to conceal a hush money payment to a porn star. Prince William will attend the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit in New York in September, according to a report by Us Weekly. The Summit will be held on September 19 during New York Climate Week. Prince William(AP) Prince William will be attending the Earthshot Prize [Summit] and several other engagements and meetings while he is in New York for just over two days, a source told Us Weekly. Williams schedule will be very full and he is very much looking forward to his trip across the pond, shared the insider. Interestingly, William founded the Earthshot Prize with The Royal Foundation in 2020. The award recognises those who have been working in fight against climate change and develop groundbreaking solutions. The aim is to award solutions which work fast, so as to create a stable climate by 2030. ALSO READ| Americans would need visa for Europe from 2024 onwards, check what has changed William is expected to reveal this year's 15 finalists for the grand prize and introduce their innovative climate solutions. During the September Summit, William and Mike Bloomberg who is global advisor to Earthshot winners and the UN Secretary-Generals Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions, are both expected to address the guests. Out of the 15 finalists, five will win the Earthshot Prize Award. The third annual awards ceremony is scheduled to be held in Singapore on November 7. The five winners will get 1 million each to support their work in fighting climate change. In 2022, William attended the Earthshot Prize Awards in Boston with his wife Kate Middleton. Camillas former daughter-in-law Sara Parker-Bowles revealed that King Charles' wife was worried that the British public would hate her again after the death of Queen Elizabeth last September. Sara Parker-Bowles was married to Tom, Camillas son with ex-husband Andrew Parker-Bowles. Camilla had a rocky history with the public in the 1980s and 1990s when she was still married to Andrew Parker-Bowles. Queen Camilla is seen. (Getty Images) Her well-publicized affair with the then Prince Charles, who at the time was still married to Princess Diana, did not go down well with the British public. Charles and Diana separated in 1992 and divorced in 1996. After Princess Diana died in a Parisian car accident in 1997, Camilla experienced hate years, and was afraid those would resume when Queen Elizabeth died. [Camilla] wasnt accepted at all, Sara Parker-Bowles told The Times. She didnt talk about it. She was just very brave and uncomplaining," she said. About the coronation, Sara Parker-Bowles said that Camilla was really, really nervous. She wanted the people that she loved around her. [The King] wasnt nervous at all. But Camilla didnt ask for any of this, implying that Camilla never wanted to be Queen. Camilla has now become the human face of the royal family, Sara said adding that she is thankful to be received positively by the public. In February 2022, the late monarch had announced her wish for Camilla to become Queen Consort upon her death. After Queen Elizabeth died, Camilla was known as Queen Consort to avoid confusion between her late mother-in-law and herself. Following the coronation, she became known simply as Queen Camilla or the Queen. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Doksuri, which has intensified into a severe tropical storm, may strengthen to a typhoon in the coming days, prompting the Philippines to scale back activity in the capital on Monday before its forecast to head toward China. Doksuri, called Egay in the Philippines, is moving westward at 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) an hour.(Representative image) Doksuri, called Egay in the Philippines, is moving westward at 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) an hour, with maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers an hour and gusts of up to 115 kilometers an hour, the state forecaster Pagasa said. President Ferdinand Marcos announced on Saturday that government work and public-school classes in Metro Manila have been suspended on Monday, when Doksuri is forecast to make its closest approach to the capital. Marcos, who is set to deliver his State of the Nation Address on the day, cited weather risks and a scheduled transport strike for the suspension. The weather bureau said flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to the hazard. Pagasa said that although the latest track shows the storm remaining offshore, a close approach or landfall in the northernmost part of Luzon hadnt been ruled out. Metro Manila which is home to more than 13 million people is located on the southwestern side of central Luzon. The Philippine Stock Exchange and the Bankers Association of the Philippines have yet to announce if the stock market and currency trading will also be suspended on Monday. The Bureau of the Treasury said a weekly treasury bills auction will be moved to Tuesday due to the suspension. The US militarys Joint Typhoon Warning Center located Doksuri 464 nautical miles east of Manila. It forecast the storm would make its closest point of approach to Taipei at 104 nautical miles and Hong Kong at 321 nautical miles on July 27, before it heads to Shanghai the following day. Doksuri may become the first typhoon to hit Taiwan since 2019, according to Chang Cheng Chuan, a forecaster at Taiwans Central Forecast Center. The initial impact on outer-region circulation may be felt on Tuesday, with direct effects from Wednesday to Thursday, Chang said. According to the Hong Kong Observatory, the chance of Doksuri moving toward the coast of eastern Guangdong still cannot be ruled out as it is forecast to gradually edge closer to the vicinity of Taiwan this week. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A transgender man in the UK gave birth to a girl and shared that he wants trans people to know it is OK to carry a child. 27-year-old Caleb Bolden stopped taking his gender-transitioning medications in January last year when he decided to carry his baby. He shared that he faced horrible comments from strangers while he was pregnant, but he loves being a father now and plans to have another baby. Caleb and Niamh pictured with their baby at a hospital. (Metro.UK via SWNS) Caleb started transitioning six years ago, around the same time when he first started trying for a baby with his 25-year-old partner Niamh Bolden with the help of a sperm donor, reported Metro UK. Since then, Niamh has experienced three miscarriages and a stillbirth of twins in 2019. Following further examinations, doctors eventually informed them it was not possible for her to conceive as her eggs were immature. Her private fertility treatment would have cost around 70,000 (more than 7 lakh). That is when Caleb made the decision to get pregnant. He stopped his daily testosterone injections and found a sperm donor on social media. He later gave birth to their daughter Isla-Rae Bolden in May. Coming off testosterone was a rocky road as I had so many hormones going around my body, Caleb, who works as a store manager, said. It was soul-destroying. Transitioning is something I knew I wanted to do from a young age. But I knew for myself and my partner [parenthood] was something we had always wanted, and I wanted to give it a shot. When its age-appropriate, I will tell [Isla-Rae] the relevant information, he added. Caleb further shared that he was told he could never get pregnant and that his periods wouldn't come back as he had been in a transition phase for the past 27 months, but within a month of stopping his medications, his menstrual cycle returned, and in the next six months and three attempts using a sperm donor, he was pregnant. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A Buffalo Public School principal has been placed on paid administrative leave as an investigation looks into accusations of physical assault and sexual abuse of a fourth-grade student. Gregory Johnson, principal at elementary school Dr. George E. Blackman School of Excellence, has been sued by the father of a 9-year-old who says his son suffered serious injuries after an incident on a field trip Nov. 3, as well as further incidents that occurred at the school until May 23. The prekindergarten-to-fourth-grade school and the Buffalo School Board were also named in the lawsuit. The Buffalo Public School District takes these allegations with the utmost seriousness, district spokesperson Jeffrey Hammond wrote in a statement. The District has placed the individual on paid administrative leave pending investigation. As this is ongoing litigation, we cannot comment further. Johnson did not respond to a request for comment. The lawsuit filed by Cantor, Wolff, Nicastro & Hall on the fathers behalf claims the abuse occurred in two locations. The first was at a school-sanctioned field trip Nov. 3 at Cradle Beach in Angola, where Johnson is accused of sexually assaulting and molesting the student, according to the lawsuit. Further instances of physical assault and verbal abuse were reported to have occurred at or near the Main Street elementary school from November to May, the lawsuit states. The Buffalo News is not identifying the student due to his age, nor the father because it could jeopardize the students identity. Rich Hall, the attorney representing the student, said he is still learning more details about the case. A person in a position of power, a position of trust anyone who takes advantage of that, its simply unacceptable, Hall said about the seriousness of the accusations. The attorney said late last week that the suit was filed June 27, and he had not received a response from any of the defendants. The school and school board were named because of their reported negligence, carelessness and/or recklessness, according to the lawsuit. The fourth-grade student continues to struggle with physical, emotional and psychological injuries, the lawsuit claims. Ann-Marie T. Orlowski, chief executive officer for Cradle Beach, told a reporter last week that she had not heard about an incident, nor was she familiar with the lawsuit. Cradle Beach facilities can be rented out for field trips and school-related programming. Dr. George E. Blackman School of Excellence, which enrolled 360 students last school year, has been led by Johnson since 2017, according to school board documents. European Union will implement the European Travel Information and Authorization System(ETIAS) , next year. It will require all travellers from visa-free countries including USA to get travel authorisation prior to their departure. Eiffel Tower in Paris(Getty Images) Not a traditional visa, ETIAS will require an online application process with approval delivered by email. Travellers to Europe will have to fill an online form with biographical information, travel plans and travel history, along with security questions. Most applicants will receive an approval within an hour but some may have to wait up to four days if their application demands further checks. ALSO READ| Enormous amusement park costing $2 billion announced in Oklahoma to boost tourism in the United States COST OF ETIAS Applicants will have to shell out $8, applicable to travellers between ages of 18 and 70. After approval, the travel authorisation will be valid for multiple entries over three years or until the travellers passport expires. Honestly, the buzz around [ETIAS] on social media made me a little nervous, but after doing some research, that initial shock definitely subsided. It's still easy for us to travel to Europe. Its just one more step we have to think about before our trip, said Alexa Moore, a frequent traveler to Europe as quoted by cntraveler.com. The new rule will be mandatory for all the ETIAS member countries which have been divided into four categories: full Schengen members like Spain, France, and Italy; European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries like Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland; future Schengen members such as Bulgaria and Cyprus; plus European micro states like Andorra and Monaco. What's not changing for the US travellers to Europe? In a relief for US travellers to Europe, the length of time that they can spend in Europe as a tourist is not changing. The current rule which allows US passport holders to stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period, will stay. For any trip longer than 90 days, a special visa is required. US citizens currently have visa-free access to 184 countries across the world, according to this years Henley Passport Index. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Wagner mercenaries crossed the border and entered Russia without any resistance during the armed mutiny, and if any, they were saluted instead by the traffic police on the way, a junior commander of the mercenary group said, as quoted by BBC. He further said the fighters were asked to leave Ukraine, as commanded by boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, unaware of where they are heading. Membes of the Wagner Group military company sit atop of a tank on a street in Rostov-on-Don. (AP) Much like how the Russian troops were ordered to march towards Ukraine as a part of routine exercise, only to realise later that they are at war with their neighbouring country, the junior Wagner commander, like any other fighters, had no clue about the operation he was a part of. "We learned what was happening from Telegram, just like you did," he told the English broadcaster. To give an overview of how clueless the operation was, the junior commander said his troop was asked to surround the Federal Security Service's (FSB) office building after they entered southern Russia's important military city of Rostov-on-Don. Following order, they captured the building, searched for possible sign of life. Half-an-hour later, when two people came out of the office, the fighters were asked to make a deal. What's there to make a deal about? This is our city, the commander said to have responded. "So we just agreed that we would leave each other alone. They came out to smoke from time to time," he added. After the attempt to topple Russia's defence leadership reached a dead-end, mercenaries were asked to head back to their base in Luhansk, so they did, where they learnt all the developments related to Prigozhin's criminal charge being lodged and dis-lodged sequentially. Unclear about their futures, the junior commander, with his troop, is awaiting further orders. Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Tonja M. Williams shed her interim tag last July and embarked on her first full school year leading the second-largest school district in New York. A year later, the Buffalo School Board, which hired and oversees Williams, gave her an overall rating of effective while releasing part of its one-year performance evaluation of the superintendent. Through a digital evaluation tool called SuperEval, Williams received the second-highest rating possible. Scored in six individual categories, Williams was deemed highly effective in four: relationship with the School Board, community relations, instructional leadership and annual goals. She was found to be effective in two others: staff relationships and business and finance. She did not receive an ineffective or developing mark in any category. Written comments or criticisms made by board members in the evaluation were not shared with the public, but in approving the results at Wednesdays School Board meeting at Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, several board members lavished praise on the superintendent. 5 takeaways from Superintendent Tonja Williams' first State of the Schools address Superintendent Tonja Williams unveiled the tenets of her Strategic Plan for 2022-25, accompanied by the slogan "Equity For All In All That We Do." The culture in the district has changed significantly, said Sharon Belton-Cottman, the board president. There is a bright light in our district that has not shined for a long time. We are all encouraged. Paulette Woods extolled Williams transparency and community outreach, while Terrance Heard applauded her Five by 25 plan for the district. Ann Rivera spotlighted Williams listening tour from the first months of her tenure, and how her takeaways formed the strategic plan. Thats not only unusual, its particularly effective to create change, Rivera said. Without mentioning by name previous Superintendent Kriner Cash, who accepted a buyout to resign in March 2022 shortly after a violent incident at McKinley High School, board members zeroed in on the turnaround Williams has orchestrated. Dr. Williams had to clean up with a lot of stuff, and shes still cleaning it up, said Kathy Evans-Brown, the East District board member who led the evaluation process as vice president of executive affairs. But we can see the inroads that have been made. She came on as superintendent at a very tough, challenging and dark time for some of us, as board members, as parents, as staff members, as students, said Larry Scott, an at-large member. I think that, in just a year, Dr. Williams and her team have changed that outlook, changed the trajectory of Buffalo Public Schools. The evaluation process began with Williams self-evaluation, in which she reviewed her goals and supplied documents to support her progress. Evans-Brown said evidence could include DIBELS assessment scores, Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Initiatives and community partners. The nine School Board members then reviewed Williams submission and provided feedback individually before meeting as a group for further discussion. The process concluded with a discussion between Williams and the board. Invigorated by training, Buffalo School Board strives for unity despite history of division "It could be transformative for the board in how we conduct our meetings and represent the vision and values of the community," said Larry Scott, an at-large board member. On Wednesday, the superintendent reacted briefly to the evaluation and board members comments that culminated in a brief standing ovation. Sometimes those words do help to keep you uplifted, she said. The job is a difficult job, but with the team that we have, I am confident we will reach our Five by 25. Belton-Cottman reiterated that she believes the superintendent and School Board are a united front. If youve got a problem with her, she said, youve got a problem with us. Dance students at Scoil Rince Breifne O Ruairc traveled to Ballina, Ireland to perform. Dance school students in Ballina, where they were greeted by local officials. PreviousNext Irish Dance School Performed in Ballina, Ireland Students with teacher Jennifer Darby, right. PITTSFIELD, Mass. With the help of community donations, Irish dance school Scoil Rince Breifne O Ruairc gave its students the opportunity to perform in Pittsfield's Sister City Ballina, Ireland. The Irish American Club of Berkshire County opened the school in 2021 under the direction of Jennifer Darby. The school offers "high-quality traditional Irish dance" classes to children and adults in Pittsfield. In addition to dance instruction the school also offers an Irish music class. Since opening, the community has embraced the school, sending it invitations for students to perform and aiding in its fundraising efforts. "We're always getting invitations to perform in lots of places and I love that for lots of reasons. One of those reasons is that it shows that the community is interested in what we're doing, and they're supportive of it," Darby said. "Another reason that I like it is, it gives the kids a chance to share what they're doing with their community, which I think is a really, really important part of Irish dancing." Performing helps the students learn to become confident because sometimes when they start out they are a little scared but then they realize they nailed it and they learn from it, she said. "And I think that's a wonderful lesson that I'm able to teach them. And then, the other reason I like being invited to perform is that it gets publicity to the school and attracts more people because the more people who see what we do, I think the more people want to try it out," Darby said. During the six-day trip, the school's dance and music students performed numerous times on Heritage Day in the Ballina Salmon Festival. "We perform so much here in Berkshire County that I felt that they would be comfortable performing there, even though it could seem like it's really intimidating to be an American going to Ireland and doing Irish dancing," Darby said. "But I knew that they could do it, and I felt like it would be something that would bring them together even more than they already are and keep building that confidence, too." They also performed at a local hospital and at the reception of the 25th anniversary for the Sister City partnership between Ballina and Pittsfied. "Most of [the students] had never been to Ireland and I think that's really important to them to see kind of the motherland where everything came from that they're learning in class all the time." The students stayed in a hostel, saw the sites, and participated in dancing and music workshops. When the school decided to embark on this journey last fall, it sent a message to everyone in the school to gauge their interests based on the trip requirements. "I think just kind of based on the parameters of the trip it was clear to some parents that their kids weren't going to be able to do it. So, it was just the kids who were able to handle the parameters of the trip were the ones who ended up coming," Darby said. The Irish dancing school set a fundraising goal based on the amount of students who signed up to go and was able to raise a little over $17,000. Prior to the school's opening, there were not many places in the Berkshires where someone could learn Irish dance. "It's wonderful to be able to bring Irish dance to more people in the county and I think it's always been a little bit of a unique thing in our county," Darby said. Darby began studying Irish dance in the 1990s with the Irish American Club of Berkshire County until her teacher stopped teaching. "So, apart from when there are teachers who kind of want to branch out into the Berkshires, it's just something that's really available here," she said. The uniqueness of Irish dance is nice because it attracts people but it can also be difficult because they don't really know what the dance school does, Darby said. Despite her teacher leaving, she continued dancing for nearly 30 years as a competitive Irish dancer. "[Being a competitive Irish dancer] gives me kind of some understanding of what the kids go through when they compete," Darby said. "One of the things that I learned as a dancer was that we always have to help each other learn techniques, and different skills, and things like that. And that's something I bring them into classes." The fencing that had blocked off the steep drop on Walnut Street hangs off the edge the collapse roadway. Water streams from the wall under the roadway into the gorge below that had apparently been used as a quarry many years ago. PreviousNext North Adams Neighborhood Asks for Signage Around Road Collapse Some residents are asking for signage to not the single lane and possibly better security around the collapse. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. A road collapse last year has created a dangerous situation on Walnut Street, say residents. Richard Dassatti and Joseph Labarbera told the Public Safety Committee on Tuesday that in addition to steep drop off the road, the jersey barriers blocking it off create one-lane traffic on the narrow street. "There's no signs warning of one lane and there are no stop or yield signs," said Dassatti. "It works well in the neighborhood. But for instance, a few Mondays ago when they had an issue with a culvert on State Street and State Street was close to southbound traffic, the southbound traffic was routed up Walnut Street and then through this one-lane situation." Dassatti said the road has been a problem for years and that the former homeowner directly across from the collapse had approached the city at least a decade ago. In April 2022, the east edge of the road gave way and collapsed, loudly enough that it woke the current owner of the home, he said. Mayor Jennifer Macksey said Tighe & Bond had been hired for engineering work at the site but has not yet completed design. "We are working on an engineering study for the wall. The other issues that have arisen from the storm will be included in our damage assessment," she said. "Unfortunately, the wall itself can't be included. But we're working as best as we can." The mayor was referring to the disastrous rain and flooding that hit the city on July 10, which also caused the detour over Walnut because of the damage on State Street. Walnut Street runs above State Street and the section that collapsed is above a large gorge just north of the closed Oak Avenue. A pipe runs under the road and was streaming water into the gorge a 20 or 30 foot drop. "Also there's no fencing on the other side, protecting like say children or individuals that don't exercise proper judgment could actually just walk off and fall, I don't know how many feet it is," Dassatti said. Plus, he added, Oak Avenue can't be used as an alternative and Dean Street is also showing deterioration. Committee member Marie T. Harpin, who grew up in the neighborhood, said she'd spoken with the mayor about drainage problems and water runoff on the hillside neighborhood. "There is that culvert that has been blocked, I guess, since the storm a week ago and the water is still being deterred down the road now," she said. "Each time I drive up there, the road deteriorates more and more. The water is now going underneath." Dassatti said the storm drains aren't in the proper positions to catch water runoff and wondered if the company that had done the road could be held responsible. Macksey said it was so long ago that that was probably off the table. The mayor said she would speak with the Department of Public Works about signage and that she would look into the blocked drains and culverts around Rock Street when Harpin brought them up. "There's people going out there getting into that culvert on a regular basis trying to clear it up," Harpin said. "Some of the residents are 80 years old." Labarbera said they had wanted to be sure the city was aware of the issues and how dangerous the street was. "The weather's been awful, it's nobody's fault," he said. "But I am concerned about the the various sections whatever we are calling that the potential sinkhole ... that's how they start. They start to collapse on one side, a stream forms underneath and it softens all the material under the road." Labarbera said he was familiar with sinkholes in Florida and was concerned that someone could get caught in one driving over the undermined area. "We know you're doing all you can but we're just advocating for the city to approach the state and federal government to address this issue which is a result of the climate disaster," said Dassatti. In other business, the committee continued with the drafting of a new taxi ordinance. Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President-Designate has urged countries to join the Global Cooling Pledge. The pledge is the outcome of a partnership between the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the COP28 Presidency, announced earlier in the year. In close collaboration with the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) and the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforAll), the Global Cooling Pledge aims to expand cooling to protect the most vulnerable communities, especially in the global south, Small Island States and Least Developed Countries, from extreme heat, keep food fresh and vaccines safe, a WAM report said. Speaking on the sidelines of the 14th Clean Energy Ministerial, alongside the G20 Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting, Dr Al Jaber thanked Dan Jergensen, Minister from Denmark and Dr Jitendra Singh, Indias Minister of Science and Technology for their commitment to become Cool Champions Four pillars Earlier in July, the COP28 President Designate announced his approach and plan towards COP28 based on an ambitious response to the Global Stocktake and based on 4 pillars: Fast Tracking the energy transition, fixing climate finance, focusing on people, lives and livelihoods and underpinning everything with full inclusivity. The initiative provides incentives to governments and all stakeholders to act on sustainable cooling in five areas: nature-based solutions, super-efficient appliances, food and vaccine cold chains, district cooling, and National Cooling Action Plans. In his remarks, the COP28 President Designate reiterated his commitment to the Pledge, saying: We cannot expand cooling on a business-as-usual basis. Without strong policy action, emissions from the sector will rise between 7 to 10 percent from today. To solve this dilemma, we need a rapid transition to energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling. Cooling dilemma He highlighted that the cooling dilemma can provide cooling access to those who need it without undermining the energy transition. Al Jaber highlighted the plight of the most vulnerable states and cooling as a matter of climate justice, saying: Food and medicine all depend on cooling. It is a topic of critical importance across climate mitigation and adaptation. He added: Cooling is also a matter of climate justice with heat disproportionately impacting lower-income communities and families. Sustainable cooling In a warming world, sustainable cooling is critical for reducing GHG emissions, protecting against heat stress, enabling productivity, reducing food loss, and enhancing access to healthcare, He concluded: We have a unique opportunity to deliver a significant, collective response to the cooling challenge via the Global Cooling Pledge. This pledge aims to improve energy efficiency and increase access to sustainable cooling. It is gaining momentum with more than 20 early supporters including India and Denmark. But there is more to be done. I call on all countries to join the Global Cooling Pledge in the lead up to COP28.-- TradeArabia News Service The Williamsville Village Board for the second time in a year is planning to oust a senior village administrator. Williamsville Mayor Christine Hunt, who took office this month, intends to replace Village Administrator Judith Kindron, who also serves as clerk-treasurer. Hunts request to replace Kindron with Sue Canell is on the agenda for Mondays Village Board meeting. As a newly elected mayor I can legally bring in an administrator of my choice, Hunt told The Buffalo News on Friday. I just have some goals in mind, lets say, that I think this administrator will help us to achieve. Kindron, reached Friday afternoon, declined to comment until after Mondays vote. She earns $87,400 as administrator/clerk-treasurer and, prior to her January 2019 appointment to that position, served 11 years as Williamsvilles deputy treasurer. Hunt said she had discussed with Kindron her intention to make a change. Judys aware of it, the mayor said. Weve had a conversation. Canell, a Williamsville resident, would take over as administrator/clerk-treasurer at a salary of $82,000. She brings over 25 years of experience in administration, corporate training, meeting planning and marketing communications to the village team. We look forward to working with her, Hunt said. Kindrons most recent, two-year appointment ran through the end of October. She would be named to the newly created, full-time position of temporary clerk for a period of up to three months, during which she will receive her current rate of pay and benefits. The administrator/clerk-treasurer oversees day-to-day operations of the village, including tax collection; is the main point of contact for the public; coordinates village elections; and prepares agendas and minutes for Village Board meetings, among other tasks. The new-look Village Board, all aligned with the villages Community First Party, must approve Canells appointment . Hunt, previously a trustee, was elected mayor last month. Two new trustees, James Celeste and Jeffrey Hahn, will join Hunt and incumbent Eileen Torre on the Village Board. Deputy Mayor Dan DeLano, who chose not to seek re-election, returns as Hunts choice to fill her trustee seat. Mondays vote comes one year after Hunt and her board allies voted over the objections of then-Mayor Deb Rogers to eliminate the job of village community development director. Keaton DePriest, who had held the $67,000-a-year post since early 2018, said he had no warning prior to the vote taken at the July 2022 reorganizational meeting. Hunt said then that the position was created on a temporary basis in 2013 and never was intended to be permanent. Further, trustees said, Kindron and remaining village employees could take on DePriests responsibilities. Two refugee families were welcomed Saturday into new homes in Cheektowaga that were built by Habitat for Humanity Buffalo volunteers. The Teganya family and the Bukuru/Habonimana family who are from the neighboring African countries of Rwanda and Burundi will be moving into homes on Barbara Place and East Second Street, respectively. The two families recently obtained their U.S. citizenship, and both have young children, said Alex Lauer, director of development and communications for Habitat for Humanity Buffalo. Members of the families are friends and will live one street apart from each other. Clement [Teganya] and his wife, Joseline, are able to help translate for Moise [Bukuru] and his wife, Stasia, [Habonimana]. They have really just been helping each other out throughout this program, said Christopher Kennedy, executive director of Habitat Buffalo. They are able to speak the same language. Lauer said one of the refugee families has a veteran in it. Thats a pretty special milestone for us to be able to help those who have served us, Lauer said. Habitat for Humanity is an international organization that helps offset the cost of homes for families through monetary and material donations, as well as volunteer labor. Our model is that we either build new or renovate a home. Then we work with low to middle income families to help them purchase a home using an affordable 30-year mortgage plan, Lauer said. Buffalos chapter was started by volunteers who were concerned over the lack of affordable housing in the city. Eligible families can purchase homes through Habitats home buyer program at a lower cost by earning what they call sweat equity. Our homebuyer program essentially involves [families] completing a certain number of sweat equity hours. Equity hours can be earned by working on a build site, Lauer said. A lot of our homeowners actually have helped build the homes that they are moving into, including the two families that are having their homes dedicated today. Lauer said that Habitat looks for different main factors when considering what families would be a good fit for the program. The first factor they look at is level of need, which Lauer said would be considered families that spend more than 30% of their total income on housing. We also look at overcrowding. Is the family in an apartment that is too small, where a parent and a child or multiple children have to share the same bedroom. We look at all those needs, Lauer said. In terms of need, Habitat also looks at the safety of housing where the family is living. With an older housing market, many apartments in Buffalo are not safe to live in due to lead exposure, mold and other hazardous issues, Lauer said. Habitat also considers familys willingness to work alongside volunteers to construct or renovate their own homes and the houses of other families in the program. Lastly, the organization makes sure that prospective families are eligible and approved for a 30-year mortgage loan. When all those pieces come together, the way it did for these two families. We are able to put it into a habitat home, Lauer said. A big part of what Habitat does is we look at passing on generational wealth. These homes are going to be a wealth builder for real families, Lauer said. Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Roisin OConnors email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The British band The 1975 have cancelled planned shows in Taiwan and Indonesia, calling it impossible to proceed with the Asia tour dates a day after being banned from performing in Malaysia. Malaysias government called the band extremely rude after frontman Matt Healy kissed a male bandmate on stage and criticised the countrys anti-LGBT+ laws, under which homosexual acts are illegal. Unfortunately, due to current circumstances, it is impossible to proceed with the scheduled shows, the pop-rock group said in a statement. The 1975 were among the international headline acts at a three-day music festival in Kuala Lumpur, but their performance was cut short on Friday, and the entire festival was later cancelled. A Malaysian government committee said that the band would never again be permitted to perform in the country, where homosexuality is a crime. I have called the organisers of Good Vibes Festival 2023, which is Future Sound Asia, following the very rude actions and statements displayed by UK artist The 1975 in Sepang last night, Malaysias communications minister Fahmi Fadzil tweeted on Saturday. Screengrab of the moment Matt Healy kissed a male bandmate during the concert in Malaysia (Instagram) The band has now announced that they will cancel their performance at the We the Fest event in Indonesias capital Jakarta, as well as a show in Taiwan. The 1975 regret to announce that their forthcoming shows in Jakarta and Taipei will no longer be going ahead as planned, the band said on Sunday in a statement on the We the Fest Instagram page. The band never take the decision to cancel a show lightly and had been eagerly looking forward to playing for fans in Jakarta and Taipei but, unfortunately, due to current circumstances, it is impossible to proceed with the scheduled shows, it said. Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Fridays events sparked an uproar among Malaysians, including members of the countrys LGBT+ community, who said Healys actions could end up exposing them to more stigma in the Muslim-majority country. Unlike in Malaysia where homosexuality is a crime, Indonesias national laws do not view it as a criminal offence, although local laws discriminate against LGBT+ individuals. But there have been other LGBT+-related events cancelled in Indonesia in recent months due to objections from Islamic groups, such as a planned visit last December by a US LGBT+ special envoy. It remains unclear why the band also cancelled their Taiwan show, as the island has a proud reputation as a bastion of LGBT+ rights and liberalism in east Asia. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Cambodias long-time prime minister and Asias longest-serving leader Hun Sen is set to win the countrys general election in a landslide victory described as a farce by critics given the effective lack of any opposition. Cambodians went to the polls on Sunday with few choices but to vote for the 70-year-olds ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP), with even the act of spoiling the ballot outlawed. The only party representing a credible challenge to the CPP was barred from participating in the elections, and over the last week several leading opposition figures were also arrested. It means Hun Sen is all but certain to consolidate his power over the country of around 16 million people that he has ruled for the last 38 years. A spokesperson for the CPP declared victory shortly after polling stations closed on Sunday evening, seemingly not waiting for a count. Weve won in a landslide... but we cant calculate the number of seats yet, said Sok Eysan. Hun Sen wrote in a message on Telegram that turnout had been 84 per cent, describing it as a rejection of calls for a boycott of the election. He also threatened those who spoiled ballots with legal consequences if they did not turn themselves in, telling them not to try and flee abroad. People line up to cast their votes at a polling station in Phnom Penh on 23 July, 2023 during the general election (AFP via Getty Images) The US, European Union, and other Western countries had refused to send officials to observe the election, saying there was no chance it could be considered free and fair. The human rights situation in Cambodia has deteriorated severely since the last election in 2018, according to Montse Ferrer, Amnesty Internationals deputy director for regional research. The authorities have spent the past five years picking apart whats left of the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and association, Ms Ferrer said ahead of the election. The human rights organisation noted that under Hun Sens leadership, authorities have shut down or escalated pressure on independent news outlets, as well as harassed, intimidated, beaten, and jailed political opponents in mass trials. People line up to cast their votes at a polling station in Phnom Penh on 23 July, 2023 during the general elections (AFP via Getty Images) The rights of candidates to form political parties and contest the vote have also been restricted. The attempt to form and register the new opposition Candlelight Party was quickly quashed in what amounted to a politically-motivated decision not to allow their registration, Ms Ferrer said. Buddhist monks line up to cast their votes at a polling station in Phnom Penh on 23 July, 2023 during the general elections (AFP via Getty Images) New regulations were introduced in the lead-up to the elections that included punishments for anyone calling for a boycott of the vote. There are reports that some voters who simply declined to place their votes into the ballot box were also arrested on Sunday. The National Assemblys last-minute amendments to election law blatantly violate rights and should be rescinded and charges dropped against those who urged voters to boycott the polls or spoil their ballots, Human Rights Watch said in a statement. Cambodias Prime Minister Hun Sen casts his vote at a polling station in Kandal province on 23 July, 2023 during the general elections (AFP via Getty Images) Hun Sen had suggested before the elections that he intends to pave the way for dynastic rule in Cambodia, handing off the premiership at some point in the next five-year term to his oldest son, Hun Manet, who is currently chief of Cambodias army. Critics say this may happen as early as within the first month after the elections. Hun Manet (Center-L), commander of the Royal Cambodian Army and eldest son of Prime Minister Hun Sen, with his wife Pich Chanmony (C) arrive at a polling station in Phnom Penh on 23 July, 2023 (AFP via Getty Images) Despite Hun Manets Western education, with a bachelors degree from the US Military Academy at West Point and a PhD from the UKs Bristol University, observers do not expect him to make any shifts from his fathers authoritarian policies. This includes Hun Sens foreign policy positions, which have brought the country gradually closer to China. I dont think anyone expects Hun Sen to sort of disappear once Hun Manet is prime minister. I think they will probably be working closely together and I dont think that there is a big difference in their political outlook, including foreign policy, Astrid Noren-Nilsson, a Cambodia expert at Swedens Lund University, told the Associated Press. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Extreme heat fuelled by the climate crisis is believed to have killed at least five people in Americas national parks since 1 June, according to figures from the National Park Service. The fatalities exceed the average number of heat-related deaths over an entire summer in a typical year, and August, the deadliest month for parks is still to come, mortality data provided to CNN revealed. The deaths occurred in temperatures exceeding 100F (38C) across three national parks Death Valley in California, Texas Big Bend, and the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. On Saturday 22 July, two female hikers were found dead in Nevadas Valley of Fire State Park after they were reported missing in 114F (45C) temperatures, officials said. On 18 July, avid hiker Steve Curry, 71, was pronounced dead after collapsing outside of a restroom on the Golden Canyon trailhead in Death Valley. Curry had been asked by a Los Angeles Times reporter hours before his death why he was hiking in the blistering 121F (49C) heat. Why do I do it? Why not, he replied. A 14-year-old Orlando boy died in Big Bend after hiking in 119F (48C) conditions on 23 June, while his stepfather died in a car crash while seeking help. A 65-year-old man died in the same park on 1 June. On 2 July, a 57-year-old female hiker was pronounced in Grand Canyon after rangers received reports that a distressed hiker was lost in 114F (46C) heat. And a 65-year-old man was found dead in his vehicle on the side of the road in Death Valley National Park on 5 July. A National Park Service spokesperson told CNN that heat-related deaths were difficult to track, and that the true death toll in recent years could be revised upwards once they had corroborated death reports with local and state agencies. A sign warns hikers of the dangers of heading out in Death Valley (Associated Press) There have been 68 reported heat-related deaths in parks since 2007, but statistics from recent years could be revised significantly higher, the spokesperson said. Across the planet, heatwaves stoked by the climate crisis, combined with a warming El Nino pattern, have set thousands of new temperature records this summer. This been especially apparent in the southwestern US. Phoenix, Arizonas largest city, shattered its record for the most consecutive days of 110F-plus temperatures. A recent report from Climate Central found that the climate crisis, caused by humans burning fossil fuels, was making persistent, dangerous heat five times more likely. Temperatures in Americas 417 national parks have increased at twice the rate of the rest of the country in the past century, due to the climate crisis, according to a 2018 study. This weekend, temperatures are expected to climb past 130F in Death Valley. Signs warned hikers not to venture out after 10am but many still choose to head out to experience the iconic desert landscape in sweltering conditions. According to the The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the most serious heat-related illness is heat stroke, which can occur within 20-30 minutes when the body is unable to control its temperature. The bodys temperature can rise to 106F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes, causing its sweating mechanism to fail. The National Park Service recommends hikers pack plenty of water, salty snacks, sun protection and lightweight, light-coloured before heading out. Hikers should start their walks before 10am or after 4pm. If experiencing heat-related illness, the NPS recommends moving to cool or shaded areas, calling 911 or flagging down a ranger, soaking yourself in water and fanning yourself vigorously. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A large wildfire raging unchecked in Washington State forced residents to evacuate on Saturday after burning 30,000 acres of land in less than 24 hours. The Newell Road Wildfire destroyed several structures near Bickleton in Klickitat County, and is threatening homes, solar and wind farms, wheat fields, a gas pipeline and livestock, emergency officials said in a statement. Residents across a large swathe of the county were issued with a go now order to immediately evacuate their homes on Saturday. Washington Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Allen Lebovitz told Reuters that terrain and weather conditions were complicating efforts to fight the wildfire. We are under a red flag warning. Thats a firefighters worst nightmare because the humidity is dropping precipitously, Mr Lebovitz said. The winds are picking up. And so the fire carries extremely fast. The fire is also threatening homes in the Yakama Indian Reservation, a community of about 80 residents about 120 miles (190 km) east of Portland, Oregon, Mr Lebovitz said. The fire started at 2.45pm on Friday and exploded in size in a matter of hours, tearing through 30,000 acres, according to officials. Residents across a large area of Klickitat County in Washington state were issued with a go now evacuation order on Saturday due to dangerous wildfires (Klickitat County Sheriffs Office) The cause of the fire is under investigation, and no deaths or injuries have been reported. On Sunday morning, Washington governor Jay Inslee told ABCs This Week that climate change is pounding on the door. The climate change problem, the fuse has been burning for decades, and now the climate change bomb has gone off. The scientists are telling us that this is the new age. Some 29 wildfires are burning across seven US states including Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon and Texas, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Smoke from hundreds of wildfires in western and central Canada is blowing across the US border into the Upper Midwest and is expected to drift across northern Minnesota and the Great Lakes by Monday. Around the world, larger, more intense and erratic wildfires are being fuelled by extreme heat and drought. Temperatures have entered uncharted territory this summer due to an emerging El Nino warming pattern and the ever-worsening climate crisis, driven by the burning of fossil fuels. June was the planets hottest month in human history, and July looks set to at least match that record. A dangerous heatwave bringing record high temperatures has struck across the southwestern United States this summer. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A woman has been praised for her refusal to switch her first-class seat on a plane with a child. On Thursday (20 July), TikTok user Dr Sabra (@lifewithdrsabra) took to TikTok to share the experience she had on her recent flight. She posted a video of herself seated in the first-class section of a plane along with a caption that read: POV: Flight agent asks me if I want to give up my 1A seat so a child sits with their family. The big smile on her face indicated she was pleased with her decision to stick with the ticket she originally paid for. Thats a no from me dawg, would you have given up your seat? Also they ended up finding a solution so no, I am not a terrible human being. Also the child was like 13, she wrote in the caption of the video, which has since been viewed more than 3m times. The TikTokers viewers agreed that there was no need for her to switch, especially because of the position of her seat. As one viewer pointed out, her 1A position would not have another seat directly next to it. Dr Sabra confirmed they were right, but the family wouldve still been across the aisle from each other had she switched. However, Dr Sabra claimed it was not the familys fault they werent sat together, but the airlines, after one supporter commented: Never switch unless it is an upgrade. Others poor planning is not your fault. Nope, cause as a mom, it is a parents responsibility to plan ahead. Just travelled to Europe for one and a half months with my toddler and no one had to move, another viewer said, while someone else agreed: As a parent, you didnt do anything wrong. I cant even bring myself to ask someone to please get up so that I can use the loo, but there are literally people out there who ask to trade seats? one person asked. Worst part is the kid is usually like 12 and perfectly capable of being on their own for the flight, a viewer noted. The TikTok users post comes after the CEO of global jewellery brand CONQUERing recorded a similar incident. Tammy Nelson was flying on Delta Airlines from Cincinnati, Ohio, to San Jose, California, when she was asked to swap seats with a woman who wanted to sit next to her two children. Nelson told Newsweek that she thought she may have been looking at the wrong window seat, but her ticket confirmed the mother was sitting in her place. When I confirmed I was looking at the correct seat, I thought she must have just mistakenly sat in the wrong seat. So I said, Im sorry but it seems youre in my seat, thinking she would realise it and move, she told Newsweek. The woman did not proceed to get up and explained she thought she could sit in Nelsons seat since she was with her children. Nelson didnt want to be difficult, but she confessed to her followers that she tends to get sick on flights and window seats help ease the nausea by allowing her to sleep. Just like they did with Dr Sabra, people commended Nelson for not giving up the spot she had booked. The amount of families who arent paying to select their seats together is mindblowing! You were 100 per cent right to not give up your seat, one follower said. The two influencers arent the only passengers to experience a request for a seat swap as theres been a recent uptick in the number of people sharing their own stories on social media. Most individuals admit they refused to move, and, according to a travel etiquette expert, they are valid in doing so. Diane Gottsman, a national etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Texas, spoke to The Independent about the one appropriate instance in which someone can request another passenger to switch their seat after having prebooked it. If a parent had tried their absolute hardest to find seats next to their children, but was unable to secure them, only then is it acceptable to ask if they can take someones spot on the plane, train, bus, or any other mode of transportation. However, Gottsman encouraged those parents to first ask a ticket agent or someone from the travel company if there is a possibility of changing or switching seats before you board the plane or train because you dont want to put the person you are asking in an awkward position or count on their goodwill. The Independent has contacted Dr Sabra for comment. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Gemma Atkinson has announced the name of her second child with Gorka Marquez as she shared the first picture of the infant. The couple, who met when the former Emmerdale star took part in BBC reality show Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, welcomed their first child earlier this week. In her original post, Atkinson, 38, shared that she had given birth to a boy, with the pair spending a joyous week together before Spanish dancer Marquez, 32, heads off to rehearsal for the new series of Strictly. On Saturday (22 July), Atkinson shared her first photo of her baby son sleeping in his cot in a blue t-shirt. She confirmed his name in the comment section, writing: Thiago Thomas Marquez [heart emoji]. Our family is complete. Atkinson and Marquezs fellow Strictly stars flooded the comment section with support, with pro Oti Mabuse calling the picture beautiful. It Takes Two host Janette Manrara commented: Look at him! CONGRATULATIONS GUYS! Dianne Buswell said that Thiago was a mini version of his father, while Karen Hauer wrote: Oh the most beautiful little one. Felicidades. The couple, who already share a three-year-old daughter, Mia, were not partnered up on Strictly in 2017, but started dating after the series finished. Atkinson gave birth to Mia in 2019, during which she he needed an emergency c-section and suffered a haemorrhage after the birth, losing nearly a litre of blood. Following the experience she said she was initially adamant that she and Marquez would not want another child. Appearing on Stephs Packed Lunch last year, she recalled: All these things were going through my mind, what did I do that caused all that to happen? I was telling myself for weeks and weeks Id failed at childbirth. I was having horrible dreams that someone was going to take Mia from me. I remember my mum running into my bedroom and I was sat up screaming, sweating. Marquez will appear as a professional dancer on the forthcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing, which kicks off in September. One fan favourite pro who wont be taking part this year, however, is Amy Dowden, following her breast cancer diagnosis. The Welsh dancer, 32, told fans shed been diagnosed with breast cancer in May and underwent a full mastectomy to treat the disease shortly after. Dowden had shared ambitions to compete on the dancing competition this year, saying that only chemotherapy would affect whether shed compete on this years Strictly. However, on Friday (21 July), Dowden shared that she would be needing to have chemo after more tumours were discovered following her mastectomy. They found another type of cancer and then they told me I needed chemo for me that was a massive blow, she said. It wasnt in the plan, originally and I know the plan you cant get fixated on. This year, it means Im not going to be able to dance with a celebrity on Strictly, but Im in such regular contact with the team the BBC have just been utterly incredible, she said. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Ben Fogle has offered to pay to reunite Australian sailor, Tim Shaddock, with his dog, after an emotional separation. The 49-year-old broadcaster presented the kind gesture in a recent Instagram post. As he reflected on learning about Shaddock and his pet, Bella, who were recently separated after spending three months adrift in the Pacific Ocean, he offered to help them. I was so moved and inspired by the story of Tim and Bella that I want to help them to be reunited again, Fogle wrote. I would like to offer to pay for the quarantine and travel of Bella to Australia to join Tim Shaddock. In the comments of the post, many fans praised the Animal Park presenter for the offer. Such a lovely and generous gesture Ben. The world needs more people like you, one wrote, while another added: Youre a good man, Ben. Some fans asked Fogle to share an update about if he can reunite Shaddock and Bella, with one writing: Please let us know how this goesIt broke my heart when I read theyd been separated. Earlier this week, the 51-year-old Sydney resident and the dog were found off the coast of Mexico after being lost at sea for nearly three months. According to local news reports, the pair survived by eating raw fish and drinking rainwater. The doctor who attended to the sailor said he had normal vital signs and said his dog is stable and very well. The pair first set off on their voyage in April, from La Paz in Mexico to French Polynesia. Weeks into the trip, their boat was severely damaged in a storm, leading to them having to spend their days trying to survive while waiting to be rescued. Approximately two months later, it was reported that a helicopter accompanying a tuna trawler spotted Shaddocks boat. I have been through a very difficult ordeal at sea. I am just needing rest and good food because I have been alone at sea [for] a long time. Otherwise, I am in very good health, he told Australias 9News after the rescue. Shaddock later revealed that hed decided to leave Bella in Mexico, after a crew member from the rescue boat promised to give her a happy and loving home. Bella sort of found me in the middle of Mexico. Shes Mexican, he explained. Shes the spirit of the middle of the country and she wouldnt let me go. I tried to find a home for her three times and she just kept following me onto the water. Shes a lot braver than I am, thats for sure. Speaking to the Associated Press on Tuesday, Shaddock said that while he plans to return to Australia to see his family, hes unsure when hell return back to sea. In New York State, most municipalities ban the use of alcohol on public streets or outside of venues that specifically allow it. Yet the states relatively new marijuana law doesnt let local governments impose the same restrictions on public consumption of THC, the psychoactive component in marijuana. New York State Sen. George Borrello wants to change that with legislation that would prohibit public use of marijuana in all forms unless specifically authorized by the locality. He calls it a public safety issue, but its not about the dangers of second-hand smoke. Im trying to enact an open container law for marijuana, Borrello said. Not just to ban smoking it, but vaping, edibles, anything in public places. Borrello, R-Jamestown, introduced Senate Bill 7604 last week and it is co-sponsored in the state Assembly by Michael Novakhov, R-Brooklyn. The bill would impose a $125 fine for consuming marijuana in public and allow municipalities to both enforce a state law and impose their own laws regarding public use of marijuana. Currently, New York law makes it illegal to smoke cannabis anyplace tobacco smoking is prohibited but the fine is only $25, which neither deters violators nor encourages enforcement, Borrello said. State law allows people to publicly use the drug in other forms, like vaping or edibles, which presents a public safety threat, Borrello said. You cant walk down the street chugging a bottle of vodka, but you can get stoned in public, and that is just reckless, he said. As an owner of restaurants that serve alcohol including the Sunset Bay Beach Club in Irving and Cabana Sams Sunset Bay Grill Borrello said he fears business owners may be held liable for the actions of customers who get high on cannabis at their establishments. Thirty or 40 years ago, the levels of THC (the intoxicating component in cannabis) were far lower, maybe 3 or 4%, he said. Todays product is more like 70%, which is like the difference between drinking a glass of wine and drinking a glass of grain alcohol. So right now, someone can come into our restaurant with a pocket full of gummies and we are responsible for that persons public intoxication, he said. Borrello said many states that have legalized cannabis restrict consumption to private residences, including California. New York City recently launched a Lets Be Blunt campaign reminding people about non-smoking laws after a wave of complaints about odor violations. Prohibiting all use of cannabis in public places unless otherwise allowed by the locality would serve as a deterrent to irresponsible use of marijuana and the $125 fine would show law enforcement that New York is serious about public consumption of marijuana. Hopefully it would serve as a deterrent, he said. This is a public health issue. Though it was submitted by Republicans in a Legislature controlled by Democrats, Borrello said he hopes the bill will spark spark discussion and that even liberal Democrats might support giving localities the power to regulate the public use of marijuana. Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, D-Buffalo, could not be reached for comment Sunday. The bill was introduced in committee in both houses of the Legislature, whose 2023 session is over. But Borrello said further discussion may not have to wait until January. We may have a special session before then, he said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Hun Sen has been Cambodias autocratic prime minister for nearly four decades, during which the opposition has been stifled and the country has grown increasingly close to China. With his Cambodian Peoples Party virtually guaranteed another landslide victory in this Sundays election, its hard to imagine dramatic change on the horizon. But the 70-year-old former communist Khmer Rouge fighter and Asia's longest-serving leader says he is ready to hand the premiership to his oldest son, Hun Manet, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point who heads the country's army. Tens of thousands of supporters packed a central square in the capital before daybreak on Friday to hear the 45-year-old's 7 a.m. kick-off to the CPP's final day of campaigning before the vote. With a warm smile and soft tone, a stark contrast to his father's stern look and military-like cadence, Hun Manet said the CPP had brought peace, stability and progress to the Cambodian people. Voting for the Cambodian People's Party is voting for yourselves, he told the cheering crowd, promising to return Cambodia's national pride to a greater level than the glorious Angkor era of the Khmer Empire, centuries ago. With the only credible challenge to the CPP barred from participating in the elections on a technicality, Cambodians are being offered little choice but to vote for the ruling party again. The arrests over the past week of several leading opposition figures have served to help stifle visible support for anyone but the CPP on the streets of Phnom Penh. Authorities in Cambodia have spent the past five years picking apart what's left of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, Amnesty International's Montse Ferrer said Friday. Many people feel that they are being forced to participate in this election despite their party of choice not being on the ballot. There was, however, a palpable sense of excitement as Hun Manet walked through the crowd of some 60,000 shaking hands and taking selfies, before taking a position next to his wife in the back of a pickup truck for a long parade through the city. Sixteen-year-old Sin Dina, one of many young people who turned out, jumped up and down and waved the Cambodian flag as Hun Manet drove slowly by, said it was the first time she had the opportunity to see him in person. He looks like a gentleman, down to earth, approachable, and he's well-educated she said, adding she only regretted she was too young to vote. He's an appropriate successor to his father. Many in the crowd spoke of Hun Manet's education his bachelor's at West Point being followed by a master's at New York University and a doctorate in economics from Britain's Bristol University. His background has given rise to hope from some in the West that he might bring political change, but it will still take work to regain influence in the Southeast Asian country of 16.5 million, given China's strategic and economic importance, said John Bradford, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. A Cambodia led by Hun Manet might very well be a stronger U.S. ally, but the U.S.-Cambodia relationship can only thrive if it is built on strong fundamentals of common benefit and mutual respect, Bradford said. U.S. diplomats should focus on these things. At the top of Washingtons concerns is Chinas involvement in construction at Cambodias Ream Naval Base, which could give Beijing a strategically important military outpost on the Gulf of Thailand. Ground was broken last year on the Ream project, and satellite imagery of the ongoing construction from Planet Labs PBC taken about a month ago and analyzed by The Associated Press shows a jetty now large enough to accommodate a naval destroyer, if the water is deep enough. Regionally, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which Cambodia chaired last year, has criticized Phnom Penh for undermining its unity in disputes with China over South China Sea territorial claims. It is not clear when or even if Hun Sen will hand off to his son during the next five-year government term, though most seem to think it will happen early enough for Hun Manet to establish himself in the job before the next election. Both men refused requests to be interviewed by The Associated Press. Even when Hun Manet does take over, Bradford said it might not mean any change at all, noting that educational and personal background do not necessarily translate into leadership style or political stance. We have a dictator in North Korea who went to school in Switzerland, he said. His choices dont exactly reflect Swiss values. Hun Manet has given few clues himself, posting frequently on Facebook and Telegram like his father but revealing little of his political leanings. And few think Hun Sen will fade into the woodwork, instead choosing now as a good time to turn over power so that he can still maintain a large degree of control from the sidelines, said Gordon Conochie, a research fellow at Australia's La Trobe University and author of A Tiger Rules the Mountain: Cambodia's Pursuit of Democracy, which was published this month. It means that while his son is establishing his own authority as prime minister, he's still got a relatively young, healthy physically and mentally father behind him, Conochie said. The reality is that as long as Hun Sen is there, nobody's going to move against them. And Hun Sen will be the man in charge, even if his son is the prime minister. Hun Sen joined the Khmer Rouge at age 18 as it fought to seize power, losing his left eye in the final battle for Phnom Penh in 1975. When a series of purges within the genocidal communist regime, blamed for the deaths of some 1.7 million Cambodians, put his own life at risk, he fled to neighboring Vietnam, returning to help oust his former comrades in 1979 alongside an invading Vietnamese army. By his late 20s he was installed as foreign minister by occupying Vietnamese forces, and in 1985 became prime minister, the world's youngest at the time. Over the decades he tightened his grip on power while ushering in a free-market economy and helping bring an end to three decades of civil war. Ly Chanthy, who braved a steady downpour to watch Hun Manet's parade through the city on Friday, said she remembered the Khmer Rouge days and would be forever grateful to Hun Sen, and was happy to back his son. I will vote for the Cambodian People's Party until I die, said the 58-year-old, a Cambodian flag on a makeshift pole over her shoulder. I will never forget that he rescued our lives from the Pol Pot regime. Under Hun Sen, Cambodia has seen an average annual economic growth of 7.7% between 1998 and 2019, It was elevated from a low-income country to lower middle-income status in 2015, and expects to attain middle-income status by 2030, according to the World Bank. But at the same time the gap between the rich and poor has greatly widened, deforestation has spread at an alarming rate, and there has been widespread land grabbing by Hun Sen's Cambodian allies and foreign investors. As discontent strengthened opposition, the country's compliant courts dissolved the main opposition party ahead of 2018 elections, and over the past five years the government has strongarmed any dissent while effectively pushing a message of peace and prosperity. An element of diehard opposition remains, but even though a silent majority may want more options, most are comfortable enough in their jobs and lives that they're not motivated to demand change, said Ou Virak, president of Phnom Penh's Future Forum think tank. With Hun Manet due to take over as prime minister, and an expected wholesale replacement of top ministers, the election will bring a generational change to Cambodia's leadership, which could begin a honeymoon period for international diplomacy, he said. But people will be disappointed if they expect a sharp pivot away from China, he added. China is still Cambodia's main backer, Cambodia's main superpower partner, he said. So I think any shift to the West will be limited, because you can't alienate your main supporter. ___ Associated Press journalists Sopheng Cheang in Phnom Penh, and Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this story. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} There are black bats and witches hats, brooms and frying pans, dragons and magic wands, monster feet and life rafts. Theres even a news crew. Its an array of random miniature objects, and together they make up a vast, fantastical, swashbuckling kingdom but one that has been lost in the expanses of the oceans. On 13 February 1997, a cargo ship heading from the Netherlands to the USA was hit by a freak storm wave off Cornwall, sending 62 crates crashing into the ocean. One contained nearly five million pieces of Lego, destined to be part of various brick sets. They were being sent from the companys home in Denmark, and as chance would have it, much of the Lego was sea-themed. Only a fraction of the items have ever been recovered, and are still washing ashore to this day not just in southern England, but also Ireland, Belgium, the Scilly Isles and the Channel Islands, and possibly as far as Australia and the US. Thirteen years after the accident, Tracey Williams moved to Cornwall. Already a seasoned beachcomber, she started finding 3cm-4cm Lego pieces on the sand. Some 28,700 life-rafts were lost (Tracey Williams / Lego Lost At Sea) I thought it was astonishing 13 years on that it was still washing ashore. So I set up a Facebook page to see who else had found the Lego pieces and where, and thats how it all began, Ms Williams tells The Independent. As word spread, she began documenting pieces of Lego from the stricken Tokio Express, unaware then that her work would snowball into a globally recognised award-winning project, involving oceanographers, and inspiring a book, an exhibition and even a film. The tiny pieces include brooms, flippers, seagrass, flowers and spearguns (Tracey Williams / Lego Lost At Sea) For Ms Williams, a mother of four who is passionate about protecting marine life from pollution, the Lego spill became a full-time preoccupation. Today the Lego lady, as she is known in Cornwalls fishing villages, still meets trawlers as they come in, and its to her that fishermen report findings of Lego miniatures caught in their nets every week. Few of the 4,756,940 miniature replica items lost to the sea were bricks; instead they include 352,000 pairs of divers flippers; 97,500 miniature scuba tanks; 92,400 cutlasses; 50,000 brooms; 88,316 bunches of flowers; 26,600 lifejackets and 26,400 pieces of ships rigging. There were also 28,700 life rafts and more than 18,000 pieces for reefs and castle walls that featured in Lego sets such as Witchs Magic Manor and Pirates Perilous Pitfall. The 33,941 dragons have captured the imagination of many. Black dragons washed ashore in their thousands but only 514 dragons were green, and only a handful of those have been found. The most coveted pieces, however, are black octopuses. Only 4,200 were in the cargo. Octopuses are the most coveted find (Tracey Williams / Lego Lost At Sea) It is said that octopuses are masters of disguise, blending into the background to escape detection. Lego octopuses are no different. When tangled in seaweed, they can be almost impossible to spot. I found my first Lego octopus back in 1997 but didnt discover another for 18 years, Ms Williams writes in her book, Adrift. The Lego lady says judging how many Tokio Express Lego pieces in all have been found is impossible, because bits had turned up for years before she started logging them, while other pieces found abroad cannot definitively be traced to that container. Millions of pieces are still unaccounted for, thought to be lying on the seabed. These are the bricks or elements made of denser plastics, which dont float, the ones thought to have sunk to the seabed, she says. One numerous find is white doorframes. But there were 51,800 sharks, none of which has ever been reported to her as found. The book gives examples of what to look out for (Unicorn Publishing) And then theres the Crisis News Crew, a set released by Lego in 1997 including a cameraman, a female newsreader and two cameras. There were 59,500 pieces, but Ms Williams has only ever seen one. Mini-flippers have been reported in Australia, although even with serial numbers its impossible to prove they came from the 1997 sinking. Just this week, someone in South Carolina asked whether the Lego octopus his mother found on a beach there in the early 2000s could be from the spill. For beachcombers, coming across a Lego piece from the accident 20 miles off Lands End is like finding treasure, and some do a happy dance. Thousands of castle wall blocks vanished (Tracey Williams / Lego Lost At Sea) One of my favourite finds was a little tiny tool wheel. Only one has ever been found, and I often wonder whether all the Lego men in the shipping container use them to escape, Ms Williams says. Scientists she has worked with have calculated Lego can last up to 1,300 years underwater. Lego the company, which said it would love to turn back the clock to prevent the spill although it was beyond its control, sent an inventory of the container contents to oceanographers. One, Dr Curtis Ebbesmeyer, predicted at the time that ocean currents would carry the Lego past Norway into the Arctic Ocean and Alaska. Some, he said, might even reach Japan and across the Pacific Ocean to western Canada and California. The Lego spill and other ocean plastics have come to dominate Ms Williamss life. I was fascinated by objects washed up by the sea and the story behind them, she says. Every morning I check the tide times. I get up early and go to the beach at 5am then work around the tides, combining work and beachcombing. Part of the inventory (Unicorn Publishing) Asked whether pieces have become valuable mementoes, she says its illegal to resell them, as they must be reported to the government Receiver of Wreck. Her Lego Lost at Sea project, which won the Rescue Project of the Year title in this years Current Archaeology Awards, is the subject of a new exhibition at the Royal Cornwall Museum. While the Tokio Express limped back to Southampton for repair, the fate of the Lego container itself whether it broke up or is on the seabed, still guarding its horde remains a mystery. Now Ms Williams is working with an independent film crew. Were interested now in finding out whether the container still exists. All the Lego pieces weve never seen. The 50,000 sharks, for instance are they still trapped? she says. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Environmentalists cautioned Britains main political parties on Sunday not to water down their climate change promises after a special election result widely seen as a thumbs-down from voters to a tax on polluting cars. The governing Conservatives suffered two heavy defeats in a trio of by-elections for House of Commons seats on Thursday. But they managed to win the third contest, for a suburban London district, by focusing on a divisive green levy imposed by Londons Labour Party mayor. The Ultra Low Emission Zone, or ULEZ, charges drivers of older gas and diesel vehicles 12.50 pounds ($16) a day to move around the city. The charge was announced by then-Mayor Boris Johnson, a Conservative, in 2015 and took effect for central London in 2019. Mayor Sadiq Khan plans to extend it next month to the citys less densely populated suburbs, where more people rely on cars to get around. Labour Party leader Keir Starmer said the mayor should reflect on the policy in the wake of the loss in the Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency. I dont think there is any doubt that ULEZ was the reason that we lost the election in Uxbridge, he said. But naturalist Chris Packham said Labour should not abandon green policies to achieve electoral gain. Do you want to protect humanity and the rest of life on Earth, or is it just about you getting into office? Theyve got to stick to their guns here, he told Times Radio. The mayor argues that the policy has already cut air pollution in central London and will affect only one in 10 cars in areas like Uxbridge. U.K. greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by 46% from 1990 levels, mainly because of the almost complete removal of coal from electricity generation. The government had pledged to reduce emissions by 68% of 1990 levels by 2030, to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars the same year, and to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. But with just seven years to go until the first goalpost, the governments climate advisers said last month that the pace of action is worryingly slow. Some in the governing Conservative Party want to slow down even more. A right-wing group of Conservative lawmakers, the Net Zero Scrutiny Group, said the date for banning new petrol vehicles should be moved to 2035 or later. Conservative lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg said getting rid of unpopular, expensive green policies would be a vote-winner for the party, which is trailing well behind Labour in opinion polls. A national election is due by the end of 2024. Housing Secretary Michael Gove told the Sunday Telegraph that a measure requiring landlords to improve the energy efficiency of rental accommodation was asking too much, too quickly and should be delayed by several years. Other senior Tories urged the government to stick to its guns. Lawmaker Chris Skidmore, the governments net zero watchdog, said it would be an abdication of responsible government if ministers play politics with environmental policies. Alok Sharma, a former Conservative government minister who served as president of the U.N.s COP26 climate summit in 2021, tweeted: Given the economic, environmental and electoral case for climate action it would be self-defeating for any political party to seek to break the political consensus on this vital agenda. The government has been keen to trumpet the benefits of Britain joining CPTPP a major pan-Pacific trading bloc. The bloc's economies are worth 12 trillion, a huge amount. Mayor players in the club include Australia, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Vietnam. However, read the small print and the benefits to the UK from accession are tiny, just 0.08 per cent GDP growth over 10 years. How can there be such a disconnect? A new piece of research by the UK Trade Policy Observatory at the University of Sussex helps explain why the benefits are so small. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Tories have been dragged into an internal row over environment policy after unexpectedly holding the Uxbridge by-election on the back of opposition to a clean air scheme. Michael Gove on Sunday warned his colleagues against treating the cause of the environment as a religious crusade while Jacob Rees-Mogg said the Tories had a real chance at the next election if they rowed back on green policies. Michael Gove (Lucy North/PA Wire) But Zac Goldsmith, the former minister who quit the government over Rishi Sunaks climate policies, said it would be cynical and idiotic to scrap climate and other environment measures on the back of a single by-election result. It comes after the Conservatives narrowly held a by-election in the outer London seat of Uxbridge, overcoming expectations after a campaign centred around opposing an upcoming extension of the Ultra-low emission zone. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is extending the zone from the end of August and says it will improve air quality for five million Londoners by charging those with the most polluting to enter the city limits. Despite polls showing strong support for the scheme across London it is less popular in outer London, especially among Tory voters who Labour targeted in Uxbridge. Now the result has prompted some Tories to consider whether the environment could be their route to denying Keir Starmer a majority at an election next year. Lord Zac Goldsmith (PA) I dont think Labour are alive to this at all, housing secretary Mr Gove said in an interview with the Sunday Telegraph newspaper. If people think that you are treating the cause of the environment as a religious crusade, in which youre dividing the world into goodies and baddies, then you alienate the support that you need for thoughtful environmentalism. But speaking to the Observer newspaper, Mr Goldsmith said it would be politically suicidal to ditch environmental policies given their very deep and wide support. Byelection results can be interpreted in countless ways, and it is the nature of politicians and political commentators to wedge their own prejudices into the outcomes, he said. But to use these recent results to advocate abandonment of the UKs previous environmental leadership is cynical and idiotic. When Lord Goldsmith resigned at the end of June he noted that the government has already ditched a flagship animal welfare bill and abandoned its pledge to spend 11.6bn of UK aid on climate and environment. Mr Gove, who next week is set to propose new reforms to increase housebuilding on Monday, said the recommendations from the governments climate advisors run so far ahead of where people are, particularly during a cost of living crisis, that you risk ending up creating a backlash rather than a consensus. Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg (Stefan Rousseau/PA) (PA Wire) Meanwhile on Sunday, Jacob Rees-Mogg, the former business secretary, said the lesson from the Conservative win in Uxbridge and South Ruislip was that what works is getting rid of unpopular, expensive green policies. I think Uxbridge is really interesting and important because if we get rid of things like Ulez, which have popped up across the country, and we show we are on the side of the British voter we stop burdening them with extra charges, extra regulations, extra interference in their lives then I think there is a real chance, he said. Sir Jacob said by-elections dont necessarily predict what is going to happen in a general election but instead give an opportunity for governments to think about what they are doing and see what works and what doesnt. But local government minister Lee Rowley said the Conservative government would not be abandoning its green pledges Greek authorities evacuate some 19,000 people as wildfire blazes on the Greek island of Rhodes Show all 4 1 / 4 Greek authorities evacuate some 19,000 people as wildfire blazes on the Greek island of Rhodes Greek authorities evacuate some 19,000 people as wildfire blazes on the Greek island of Rhodes Greece Wildfires Greece Wildfires Greek authorities evacuate some 19,000 people as wildfire blazes on the Greek island of Rhodes Greece Wildfires Greece Wildfires Greek authorities evacuate some 19,000 people as wildfire blazes on the Greek island of Rhodes Greece Wildfires Greece Wildfires Greek authorities evacuate some 19,000 people as wildfire blazes on the Greek island of Rhodes Greece Wildfires Greece Wildfires No, we still have the objective of treading more lightly on the earth, Mr Rowley told Times Radio. I think everybody agrees with that; I think it is a very sensible thing to do. We have set a series of targets, very ambitious targets to get to 2050. But what I think Uxbridge shows is that we have to do this in a careful manner, a manner over the course of several decades and we have to take people with us. The government has had a number of rows since 2010 about how far to go on the environment, with David Cameron once memorably telling colleagues to cut the green crap. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Scottish Second World War veteran came face to face with the modern equivalent of the aircraft he flew in during the conflict. Former warrant officer Bill Shepherd, 99, was a special guest at RAF Lossiemouths friends and families day during Lossie Fest on Saturday. He watched an air display by an F-35 aircraft, a precision bomber similar to the Lancaster Mr Shepherd had flown in as a member of No 156 Squadron during the war. He also took a salute from the RAF Falcons Display Team as they landed. During the war Mr Shepherd was on the last of his 40 missions over the Essen region of Germany when his aircrafts oxygen system failed. He revived his crew, including the pilot, entirely by himself, while defending the aircraft from an oncoming enemy fighter. He was subsequently awarded the George Medal. The RAF heard he had lost his original medal and presented him with a replica in a special ceremony earlier in the week, when he was also awarded honorary membership of the Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess. Mr Shepherd, who went on to work in agricultural sales, has lived in Forres, Moray, for the last 15 years. His story came to light after he befriended SAS veteran Tommy McLeod, who informed RAF Lossiemouth of his achievements. Mr Shepherd said: Ive had such a wonderful day. The RAF has changed a lot but there are still things that are recognisable to me, and it has been nice to see how much the station has grown since I was here during the war. It was wonderful to see the F-35 and the Typhoon flying displays they both move very differently to a Lancaster. Mr Shepherd was also the sole survivor when his aircraft was shot at over France and exploded after landing at its Cambridgeshire base, killing everyone on board except him. Group Captain Jim Lee, station commander of RAF Lossiemouth, paid tribute to Mr Shepherd and his generation. He said: The RAF of today, and the nation, owe a great deal of gratitude to the men and women of Bills generation. The technology has changed but the most important thing of all is our people. Thats why Bills exploits in the air continue to inspire us and are as relevant today as they were 80 years ago. It was RAF Lossiemouths honour to have him here. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The first repatriation flights are due to arrive on fire-ravaged Rhodes to rescue British holidaymakers stuck in a living nightmare. Airline easyJet will operate two rescue flights totalling 421 seats on Monday and a third on Tuesday, in addition to its nine scheduled flights to the Greek island. It comes after authorities began evacuating large swathes of the island of Corfu, which is also popular with British holidaymakers after fires spread there on Sunday. Meanwhile, a British Foreign Office spokesman confirmed a Rapid Deployment Team had arrived on Rhodes to support travel operators in bringing Britons home. Some flights out of Rhodes were delayed on Sunday night, including an easyJet flight due to arrive in Gatwick at 9.00pm which touched down at 11.30pm after stopping for a crew change in Milan. On Saturday, families fled their hotels, leaving their belongings behind, as the huge flames crawled closer, with some having to spend the night in local stadiums and schools. Some flight operators, including Tui, continued sending tourists to the island as late as Saturday night, with one customer complaining they had been abandoned there. On Sunday, Tui suspended its flights to Rhodes until Tuesday, while Jet2 Holidays cancelled its trips until next Sunday. However, easyJet has maintained a regular service along with fellow budget airline Ryanair, prompting criticism from consumers. A spokeswoman for easyJet said it was doing all it can to help customers in Rhodes and invited those due to travel to or from the island until Saturday to change the date for free. Helen Tonks, a mother of six from Cheshire, said she was flown into a living nightmare by Tui at 11.00pm on Saturday and discovered her hotel had been closed. She said she and her family were abandoned and forced to sleep with hundreds of others on a school floor. Ms Tonks described the decision by airlines to continue their usual service as inexcusable and negligent (putting) profit before safety. Previously the wildfire had been confined to the islands mountainous centre but, aided by winds, very high temperatures and dry conditions, it spread on Saturday towards the coast on the islands central-eastern side. Greek authorities said 19,000 people had been evacuated, with the Ministry of Climate Change and Civil Protection adding it was the largest evacuation from a wildfire in the country. Kevin Evans was evacuated twice with his wife and three young children, including a six-month-old baby, on Saturday as the fire rapidly spread. He told the PA news agency: We were originally in Kiotari in a villa but were moved to Gennadi at about 2.00pm. There were lots of people in Gennadi sent from the hotels many in just swimsuits having been told to leave everything in the hotel. As night fell, we could see the fire on the top of the hills in Kiotari. They said all the hotels were on fire. About midnight the fire started moving onto our side of the hill. The alerts were going off again but not to everyone at once with some people telling us to stay put and others receiving messages to evacuate. We left at midnight with the fire very big and close. Dan Jones, a sports teacher from Torquay, had to climb onto a fishing trawler with his sons on Saturday night, describing it as the scariest moment in his life, and adding: What brave boys. Ian Wakefield told Times Radio he spent the night in a school playground in Faliraki after being moved from his hotel in Pefki. He said: It didnt really feel real being in imminent danger of being burned to death. Between midnight and around 5.00am this morning we were going through an evacuation which was pretty chaotic. There were a lot of upset people and children who were understandably quite hysterical. It was all very confusing the instructions from the hotel manager were unclear. You had to make your own choice in the end. Ive had to leave quite a lot of luggage in the hotel. In an update on Sunday, a spokeswoman for the Foreign Office said: We are actively monitoring the fires in Rhodes and are in close contact with local authorities. The FCDO has deployed a Rapid Deployment Team (RDT) of five FCDO staff and four British Red Cross responders to Rhodes to support British nationals whose safety is our top priority. They will be based at Rhodes International Airport to assist with travel documents and liaise with Greek authorities and travel operators on the ground. British nationals in Rhodes should contact their travel operator in the first instance for any queries regarding the rescheduling of flights and continue to check our updated gov.uk travel advice for information. A Tui spokeswoman said the firms main priority was the safety of customers and its staff were doing all they can to help those affected by the fires. Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The city of Birmingham, Alabama was preparing to bury a fallen hero after a firefighter was killed during a shooting at the fire station. Jordan Melton, 29, died following the attack which also wounded fellow firefighter Jamal Jones. Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama was offering a reward of $45,000 for tips leading to an arrest. Melton and Jones were on duty on 12 July at Fire Station 9 in the Norwood area of Birmingham when shots were reported around 8.30am, police said in a release. It appeared the shooting had occurred near the station bay doors. Both firefighters were transported to hospital. Mr Jones was listed in serious condition, according to a fire department statement, but survived. Mr Melton, who had graduated from the academy one month earlier, died from his injuries on 17 July. You could not be around Recruit Melton and not smile, Battalion Chief Stan Frierson, from Birmingham Fire & Rescue Service, tweeted. I am known as a person who doesnt smile often, but every time we spoke, it would end wit (sic) him saying, Chief, smile. I want [to] tell anyone you could not be around him and not smile. A public visitation for Mr Melton will be held on Tuesday followed by a public viewing and funeral on Wednesday in Birmingham. Know that were exhausting every resource to find answers and justice for Jordans loved ones, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin tweeted last week. Jordan paid the ultimate price for his service to our city, we will not let that sacrifice be in vain. Police told WVTM13 that the attack was targeted and the suspect(s) had a personal conflict with one of the firefighters. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} President Joe Biden this week will honor Emmett Till and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, by signing a proclamation to establish a national monument on the day that would have marked the 82nd birthday of the Black teenager murdered in 1955. A White House official told The Associated Press that the monument will span three sites in Illinois, where Till grew up, and Mississippi, where he was killed. The Chicago boy was just 14 when he was abducted, brutally tortured and killed after being accused of whistling at a white woman, Carolyn Bryant, in Money, Mississippi, where Till was visiting family. The husband of the woman, along with another man, kidnapped Till, beat and shot him before tossing the childs body into the Tallahatchie River. Mamie Till-Mobley insisted that her sons mutilated body be shown in an open casket, images that galvanize dthe Civil Rights movement. The teenagers killers were acquitted of murder by an all-white jury after a trial in which Ms Bryant testified that Emmett grabbed and threatened her. Juries in later years twice declined to indict her, in 2007 and 2022. She died last year in Louisiana at the age of 88. The monument sites will include Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Bronzeville, a historically Black neighborhood on Chicagos South Side where thousands gathered to mourn Till in September 1955, AP reported. The Mississippi locations are Graball Landing, believed to be where Tills mutilated body was pulled from the Tallahatchie River, and the Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse in Sumner, where Tills killers were tried and acquitted. Following her sons murder and the verdict, Mamie Till who would later marry Gene Mobley became an outspoken civil rights advocate and worked as a teacher until retiring in 1983. She died in 2003, still firmly committed to telling her sons story and achieving wider social justice. President Biden signed into law the Emmett Till Antilynching Act last March, noting at the time that no federal law expressly prohibited lynching until that legislation. Addressing the Till family, Mr Biden said: We remain in awe of your courage to find purpose through your pain. To find purpose to through your pain. But the law is not just about the past, its about the present and our future as well. From the bullets in the back of Ahmaud Arbery to countless other acts of violence countless victims known and unknown the same racial hatred that drove the mob to hang a noose brought that mob carrying torches out of the fields of Charlottesville just a few years go. Racial hate isnt an old problem; its a persistent problem. A persistent problem. And I know many of the civil rights leaders here know, and you heard me say it a hundred times: Hate never goes away; it only hides. It hides under the rocks. And given just a little bit of oxygen, it comes roaring back out, screaming. But what stops it is all of us, not a few. All of us have to stop it. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A woman claiming to be the winner of the $1.08bn Powerball jackpot was spotted at the California convenience store where the ticket was sold. An unidentified woman who was evidently overcome with emotion was captured on video eagerly hugging people at the unassuming Las Palmitas Mini Market in downtown Los Angeles. Reporters at the store tried to interview the woman, who may hold the third-largest jackpot in Powerballs history, but she appeared to be too ecstatic to talk. I cant even ... I cant, she said as she fought tears of joy. Im scared right now, Im so scared. She managed to nod when asked if she was the winner but as she rushed out of the store, the woman collapsed on her knees and continued sobbing as she waved her hands in the air. She then drove off in a BMW, according to Inside Edition. Nabor Herrera, who owns Las Palmitas Mini Market, told the outlet that he thought it was fake because he didnt recognise the woman. However, Mr Herreras daughters said they believe the woman is the daughter of a customer who bought the ticket. The California Lottery said the formal process to officially identify the winner will take longer. Anybody claiming to be the winner isnt valid until we say it is, spokesperson Carolyn Becker said at a press conference outside Las Palmitas Mini Marker on Thursday morning. The winner has secured an estimated $1.08bn, the sixth largest in US history, while store owners have also won a $1m bonus for selling the lucky ticket. The winning numbers for Wednesday nights drawing were white balls 7, 10, 11, 13, 24 and red Powerball 24. A woman claiming to be the Powerball winner was spotted at the store that sold the ticket on Thursday (KTLA) Mr Herrera told KTV-LA that he didnt realise hed sold the winning ticket until he arrived for work early Thursday and saw the heavy media presence outside of the store. I tell you, its a surprise for me, I didnt know what it is filming or what, the father-of-four said. Mr Herrera, who has owned the store for seven years, said he planned to use his $1m seller bonus to expand his business and take his family on a vacation to Cabo San Lucas or Cancun in Mexico. The large prize also helped raise money for California Public School System for every ticket that is sold, 80 cents go to public school funding. Thanks to this jackpot that grew for 39 different draws, the California Lottery raised nearly $80 million for public schools just from the last three months, Ms Becker said. California State Lottery spokesperson Carolyn Becker speaks during a news conference outside the Las Palmitas Mini Market (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) The California Lottery announced on Wednesday that only one ticket across the country had matched all the six numbers in the draw. The organisation said that an additional seven tickets matched 5 of the numbers which means that these ticket holders will also win a prize of $448,750 each. The Golden State luck was in full force as California also sold SEVEN additional tickets that matched 5 numbers missing just the Powerball, winning $448,750 each, in Hayward, La Puente, Los Angeles, Northridge, San Francisco, Santa Clara, and South Lake Tahoe, the lottery said in a tweet. Las Palmitas Mini Marker is around the corner from LAs notoriouss Skid Row neighbourhood and just a 30-minute drive from the convenience store in Altadena where Powerball winner Edwin Castro purchased his ticket for last Novembers $2.04bn jackpot. The jackpots winner can choose the total jackpot paid out either in yearly increments or a one-time lump sum. Three people were killed in a vehicle accident early Sunday, including a current Salamanca High School student, a recent Salamanca graduate and a Franklinville resident, according to a message sent out to the Salamanca City Central School District community by Superintendent Mark Beehler. Another Salamanca High student was seriously injured in the crash, Beehler wrote in the posting on the district's web site. The message came hours before any information about the accident was released by law enforcement or first responders. Beehlers message began, Dear Salamanca Community, I have awful news to share. Early this morning a tragic vehicle accident took the lives of three individuals and seriously injured a fourth, it continued. A recent Salamanca graduate, a Salamanca high school student, and a resident from Franklinville were killed. An additional Salamanca High School student is hospitalized. Our hearts and prayers go to the families of all involved. Beehler said the districts crisis team has been activated and will be available for students, staff, and community members at Seneca Intermediate School from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday. He also offered a list of numbers for community support: Seneca Nation Behavioral Health Unit (716) 945-9001 Seneca Nation Child and Family (716) 945-5894 Catt. County Community Services (716) 945-5211 Catholic Charities (716) 372-0101 Connecting Communities in Action (716) 945-1041 - Janet Gramza Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Florida Governor Ron DeSantis defended a hard-right school curriculum that went into effect in his state this week while on the campaign trail for the Republican presidential nomination. At an event in Utah, Governor DeSantis defended how slavery will now be taught in Florida middle schools. Children will now be taught that enslaved persons picked up skills that they later parlayed into profitable crafts after slavery was abolished. Theyre probably going to show that some of the folks that eventually parlayed, you know, being a blacksmith into doing things later in life, Mr DeSantis told reporters on Friday. However at the same press conference, the GOP candidate also appeared to back away from the specific assertions of the teachings, saying of the curriculum: I didnt do it. I wasnt involved in it. He went on to say that the curriculum was rooted in whatever is factual. It was not anything that was done politically, he added. The Florida governors hard-right record will likely be a key talking point on the 2024 campaign trail - potentially presenting both a boon for Mr DeSantis in the GOP primary but also a challenge as he seeks to woo moderates in a general election. Florida Department of Educations social studies standards for the 2023-2024 school year provide lesson topics for teachers including a benchmark clarification which instructs educators to teach students that slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit. It isnt clear what their personal benefit would be in this scenario. The line is included as part of a broader lesson entitled: Examine the various duties and trades performed by slaves (e.g., agriculturalwork, painting, carpentry, tailoring, domestic service, blacksmithing, transportation). The majority of polling puts Mr DeSantis second in the crowded GOP primary field, though he trails former president Donald Trump by a wide margin and faces a number of rivals closing in on his position including Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} At least one person was killed and 22 others wounded in early morning missile strikes on the Ukrainian Black Sea city of Odesa, according to officials. Four children were among those wounded, while blasts also severely damaged 25 landmarks across the city, including the historic Transfiguration Cathedral. Russia has been launching repeated attacks on Odesa, a key hub for exporting grain, since Moscow cancelled a landmark grain deal on Monday, in response to Kyivs ongoing efforts to retake its occupied territories. The latest strikes come as Odesas historic centre was designated an endangered World Heritage Site by Unesco earlier this year due to the invasion. The UN body called for the attacks against cultural property to stop following Russias offensive. Other buildings damaged included the Odesa Archaeological Museum and the Odesa Maritime Museum. The damaged Transfiguration Cathedral in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa (REUTERS) The cathedral belongs to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which has previously been accused of links to Russia (REUTERS) After fires were put out at the Orthodox cathedral, volunteers picked up shovels and brooms to begin removing debris, and combed through rubble to salvage any artifacts. Officials said the icon of the patron of the city was among the sacred objects retrieved from the rubble. The destruction is enormous, half of the cathedral is now roofless, said Archdeacon Andrii Palchuk, as workers continued to bring valuables out of the building. The floor had been flooded with the water that firefighters had used to extinguish the blaze. Palchuk said that the cathedral received a direct hit from a Russian missile that penetrated the building down to the basement. Two people in the building were wounded. But with Gods help, we will restore it, he said, bursting into tears as he spoke. Anna Fetchenko was one volunteer helping to clear the debris. I wanted to go to the seaside, but last night was so frightening that I cried for the first time in 2023, she said. This is our Ukrainian heritage, and now its taken away from us. A woman who came to help with the cleanup said she loved the cathedral for its tranquility and grace. Liudmyla, another volunteer who only gave her first name, said: When you enter this church, you feel like youre beyond the world. I have a feeling that God, to protect apartments, took this pain, this explosion upon himself. Later on Sunday, Palchuk gathered people in front of the destroyed part of the cathedral for an outdoor service, praying in front of a sacred icon that miraculously survived. We will pray that it protects us from the Russians, he said. Local residents clean an area outside the damaged Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa (AFP via Getty Images) The cathedral belongs to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which has been accused of having ties with Russia. The church has insisted that its loyal to Ukraine, denounced the Russian invasion from the start, and has declared its independence from Moscow. But Ukrainian security agencies have claimed that some in the church continue to have close ties with Moscow. Security personnel have raided church holy sites, and later posted photos of rubles, Russian passports and leaflets with messages from the Moscow patriarch as proof that some church officials have been loyal to Russia. The interior of the damaged Transfiguration Cathedral (Telegram) Odesas historic centre was designated an endangered World Heritage Site by Unesco earlier this year (EPA) Regional governer Oleh Kiper said that six residential buildings were destroyed by the most recent strikes. Some people were trapped in their apartments following the attack, which left rubble strewn in the street. Svitlana Molcharova, 85, was rescued by emergency workers. But after she received first aid, she refused to leave her destroyed apartment. I will stay here, said Molcharova to the worker who advised her to leave. Ivan Kovalenko, a 19-year-old resident of the same building, said: I woke up when the ceiling started to fall on me. Machinery at Odesas grain terminal. The most recent attacks come days after Vladimir Putin pulled Russia out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Ukraines air force reported on Telegram that Russia had launched 19 missiles in the Odesa region, including five high-precision winged Onyx missiles and four sea-to-shore Kalibr cruise missiles. Russias Defence Ministry said on Sunday that its forces attacked sites in Odesa where terrorist acts against the Russian Federation were being prepared. The ministry later denied that its attacks struck the Transfiguration Cathedral, claiming the destruction of the cathedral was likely due to the fall of a Ukrainian anti-aircraft guided missile. The attacks come days after President Vladimir Putin pulled Russia out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a wartime deal that has enabled Ukraines exports to reach many countries facing the threat of hunger. Earlier Russian attacks have crippled significant parts of export facilities in Odesa, destroying 60,000 tons of grain, according to Ukraines Agriculture Ministry. Putin had also vowed to retaliate against Kyiv for an attack Monday on the Kerch Bridge, which is a crucial link between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula, which the Kremlin illegally annexed in 2014. Close Drone footage shows moment Russian ship is attacked For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A new tent city capable of housing some 1,000 Wagner mercenaries is being built in Belarus, just 15 miles from the border with Ukraine, a group in Kyiv has claimed. The Ukrainian National Resistance Centre, which was set up by Kyivs army following Russias invasion, alleges that the new camp at the Zyabrovka airfield will likely be used to simulate subversive activities on the border with the Chernihiv region. The simulation of a threat to the border and other Nato countries is part of a bid to force European countries to reduce their support for Ukraine by simulating a military threat to them, the group claims. It comes as Britain announced its largest ever crackdown on third countries aiding Russia after a dramatic plea from Ukraines first lady in an interview with Independent TV. Foreign secretary James Cleverly said the 25 new sanctions would give those assisting Moscows illegal invasion nowhere to hide, after The Independent revealed on Monday that the government was hoping to act on the problem imminently. Eight-month-old Lilia and her parents Samira and Kamel Laroussi had decided to leave their home in Algeria and risk everything in search of a new life in Europe. Like hundreds of others, they never made it. Last week, the remains of Lilia were found on a tourist beach in Tarragona, about 60 miles (95 kilometres) south of Barcelona. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was recovering after an emergency heart procedure on Sunday just hours before a key debate of his governments contentious judicial reform plans. Doctors who attended to Mr Netanyahu said the surgery to install a pacemaker went smoothly, and that the 73-year-old was fine. The prime ministers office said he expected to be discharged later in the day. The unexpected news of Mr Netanyahus operation came as tensions were reaching a fever pitch across the country with lawmakers set to debate the first major piece of legislation in an overhaul of the judicial system, ahead of a parliamentary vote on passing it into law on Monday. While Mr Netanyahu and his allies have held that the overhaul is needed to curb excessive powers of unelected judges, critics have argued that the plan could push the country down the path towards authoritarian rule. In a show of protest against the reform plans, which would reduce the power of Israels Supreme Court to overrule government actions on legal grounds, tens of thousands of protesters marched on the main highway into Jerusalem on Saturday as a last-ditch aimed at blocking Mr Netanyahus plan. Many of the protesters have also pitched tents in a park near the Israeli parliament, ahead of Mondays expected vote. More than 100 of Israels former security chiefs also signed a letter begging Mr Netanyahu not to go ahead with the overhaul. Protesters against the Israeli governments judicial overhaul bill gather at the Western Wall in Jerusalem for a mass unity prayer on July 23, 2023, ahead of a vote in the parliament (AFP via Getty Images) The plan has drawn criticism from medical leaders as well as businesses, and military reservists said they would stop reporting for duty if the plan passes. The prime ministers sudden hospitalisation on Sunday added a twist to the series of events. With the PMs office suggesting he would be discharged later in the day, it would still give him enough time to take part in the final vote in parliament on Monday. Protesters against the Israeli governments judicial overhaul bill form a human chain in front of the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem that will extend to reach the parliament on July 23, 2023, ahead of a vote (AFP via Getty Images) Mr Netanyahu and his coalition of nationalist and religious parties have argued that the Supreme Court has become too politically interventionist. However, critics say the changes are being rushed through parliament without due consideration, and that they could lead to abuse of power by removing an effective check on the executives authority in the country. Demonstrators raise placards as they march in Jerusalem on July 22, 2023, during a multi-day march that started in Tel Aviv to protest the governments judicial overhaul bill ahead of a vote in the parliament (AFP via Getty Images) Were worried, were scared, were angry. Were angry that people are trying to change this country, trying to create a democratic backslide. But were also very, very hopeful, Tzivia Guggenheim, a 24-year-old student in Jerusalem, told Reuters. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} With a mix of Venetian-influenced cities, ancient walled Old Towns, spectacular coastline and over a thousand islands, Croatia is a unique blend of natural beauty and architectural elegance. Its popularity with foreign visitors has increased dramatically in recent years, with tourist numbers rising in the last decade from 10.4 million in 2010 to a record 19.6 million in 2019. With warm weather arriving as early as spring in some parts of the country, the summer brings average temperatures in the mid-20s in many areas, with largely sunshine-filled, rain-free holidays making it an incredibly attractive destination. Many visitors will want to experience the marble streets and medieval walls of Dubrovnik or the palm tree-lined waterfront of Split, but Croatia has several lesser-known destinations that are also just as worthy of a trip, from islands like Korcula to a range of National Parks such as Plitvice. For anyone wanting to explore this Adriatic gem, the places below are a good starting point. Zagreb The Croatian capital is one of few major cities that arent on the coast (Getty Images/iStockphoto) While Zagreb may be occasionally overlooked in favour of coastal destinations and islands, it is worth a visit to experience Croatias laid-back capital. Sit in its medieval Upper Town, filled with cobbled streets and buildings of local significance, or wander the streets of the Austro-Hungarian influenced Lower Town. Tkalcica is the citys main street a picturesque mix of cafes, bars and restaurants while an array of quirky museums, such as the Museum of Broken Relationships, also awaits. When to visit Zagreb This is one Croatian destination where the temperature drops significantly in winter, so its best to stick to the summer when visiting the capital. August is the driest month, while daily average temperatures of 22C will keep you warm without being sweltering. Where to stay Set in a converted 1920s bank, the Hotel Capital has retained many period features in its reception and restaurant areas. The rooms are spacious with minimalistic interiors, while its Lower Town location makes a great base for exploring the city. Rooms available from{{#price}}{{price}}per night{{/price}} {{^price}}Check availability for dates and prices{{/price}} Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Hotel Amenities {{#amenities.foodDrink.length}} Food & Drink {{#amenities.foodDrink}} {{.}} {{/amenities.foodDrink}} {{/amenities.foodDrink.length}} {{#amenities.internet.length}} Internet Please check hotel for more information on amenities {{#amenities.internet}} {{.}} {{/amenities.internet}} {{/amenities.internet.length}} {{#amenities.services.length}} Services {{#amenities.services}} {{.}} {{/amenities.services}} {{/amenities.services.length}} {{#amenities.parking.length}} Parking Please check hotel for more information on amenities {{#amenities.parking}} {{.}} {{/amenities.parking}} {{/amenities.parking.length}} {{#amenities.health.length}} Health & Wellbeing {{#amenities.health}} {{.}} {{/amenities.health}} {{/amenities.health.length}} {{/amenities}} {{#amenities}}{{/amenities}} Dubrovnik The walled city of Dubrovnik has increased in popularity over the last few decades (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Perhaps the countrys most well-known destination, Dubrovnik is located in the Dalmatian region in the south and boasts a spectacular medieval walled Old Town. The 16th-century walls surround an area that is paved with limestone, lined with shops and restaurants and home to Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic buildings, surrounded on one side by the rugged coastline and turquoise waters of the Adriatic. There are several appealing beaches (including Lapad and Copacabana), while the Lovrijenac Fort has grown in popularity due to featuring in Game of Thrones as the Red Keep. When to visit Dubrovnik High season brings a very high numbers of tourists and the warmest temperatures, so consider visiting in June or September. Rainfall is low and sunshine hours are high, with average temperatures around 24C. Where to stay While youll inevitably spend a lot of time in the Old Town, the crowds can become irritating. Instead, opt for a stay by the sea at the Dubrovnik Palace, a hotel with three swimming pools and a secluded beach, where all the rooms have sweeping sea views. Rooms available from{{#price}}{{price}}per night{{/price}} {{^price}}Check availability for dates and prices{{/price}} Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Hotel Amenities {{#amenities.foodDrink.length}} Food & Drink {{#amenities.foodDrink}} {{.}} {{/amenities.foodDrink}} {{/amenities.foodDrink.length}} {{#amenities.internet.length}} Internet Please check hotel for more information on amenities {{#amenities.internet}} {{.}} {{/amenities.internet}} {{/amenities.internet.length}} {{#amenities.services.length}} Services {{#amenities.services}} {{.}} {{/amenities.services}} {{/amenities.services.length}} {{#amenities.parking.length}} Parking Please check hotel for more information on amenities {{#amenities.parking}} {{.}} {{/amenities.parking}} {{/amenities.parking.length}} {{#amenities.health.length}} Health & Wellbeing {{#amenities.health}} {{.}} {{/amenities.health}} {{/amenities.health.length}} {{/amenities}} {{#amenities}}{{/amenities}} Split A view of the waterfront in Split (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Croatias second-largest city is a mix of eclectic architecture, coastal beauty and a wide range of historical influences. Youll find some of the best-preserved examples of Roman and Venetian architecture outside of Rome and Venice, a mazy Old Town and buzzing beaches such as Bacvice. The city thrives on its pedestrianised areas, filled with shops and restaurants. Diocletians Palace is a large complex that makes up half of the Old Town, while the Marjan area and Matejuska port are other popular daytime and evening hangouts. If youre staying for a while, the scenic harbour is also the gateway to some of the countrys best islands: Hvar, Brac, Vis and Korcula. When to visit Split To avoid crowds while still experiencing the citys great weather, consider visiting in May or June. Average temperatures will hover between 20C and 23C, while it only rains for five days on average. Where to stay Found in an old stone building within Diocletians Palace, the Murum Heritage Hotel provides a unique blend of modern interiors and period features. Rooms available from{{#price}}{{price}}per night{{/price}} {{^price}}Check availability for dates and prices{{/price}} Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Hotel Amenities {{#amenities.foodDrink.length}} Food & Drink {{#amenities.foodDrink}} {{.}} {{/amenities.foodDrink}} {{/amenities.foodDrink.length}} {{#amenities.internet.length}} Internet Please check hotel for more information on amenities {{#amenities.internet}} {{.}} {{/amenities.internet}} {{/amenities.internet.length}} {{#amenities.services.length}} Services {{#amenities.services}} {{.}} {{/amenities.services}} {{/amenities.services.length}} {{#amenities.parking.length}} Parking Please check hotel for more information on amenities {{#amenities.parking}} {{.}} {{/amenities.parking}} {{/amenities.parking.length}} {{#amenities.health.length}} Health & Wellbeing {{#amenities.health}} {{.}} {{/amenities.health}} {{/amenities.health.length}} {{/amenities}} {{#amenities}}{{/amenities}} Read more on Europe travel: Hvar The island of Hvar is located close to Split on the mainland (Getty Images) A popular summer resort and one of the countrys best-known islands, Hvar lies roughly an hour south from Split by boat. Hvar Town is the main settlement on the island, where the medieval Fortica castle looms over a variety of Venetian architecture and the bustling St Stephens Square in the towns Stari Grad (Old Town). Jagodna, Pokonji Dol and Bonj are among the best beaches on the island (though some choose to take a water taxi to the neighbouring Pakleni islands). As well as stunning beaches and elegant architecture, Hvar is well-known as one of Croatias premier party destinations. Majerovica is a popular spot for daytime parties, while the town itself contains dozens of bars and clubs for evening drinks. When to visit Hvar May and June are again the best time to visit this area, as temperatures will stay below sweltering (averages are around 21C in May and 24C in June) and youll likely avoid the summer island-hopping crowds. Where to stay Located on the waterfront overlooking Hvar Town, the Adriana Hvar is a contemporary hotel complete with a spa and pool, with panoramic views of the surrounding area available from its roof terrace. Rooms available from{{#price}}{{price}}per night{{/price}} {{^price}}Check availability for dates and prices{{/price}} Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Hotel Amenities {{#amenities.foodDrink.length}} Food & Drink {{#amenities.foodDrink}} {{.}} {{/amenities.foodDrink}} {{/amenities.foodDrink.length}} {{#amenities.internet.length}} Internet Please check hotel for more information on amenities {{#amenities.internet}} {{.}} {{/amenities.internet}} {{/amenities.internet.length}} {{#amenities.services.length}} Services {{#amenities.services}} {{.}} {{/amenities.services}} {{/amenities.services.length}} {{#amenities.parking.length}} Parking Please check hotel for more information on amenities {{#amenities.parking}} {{.}} {{/amenities.parking}} {{/amenities.parking.length}} {{#amenities.health.length}} Health & Wellbeing {{#amenities.health}} {{.}} {{/amenities.health}} {{/amenities.health.length}} {{/amenities}} {{#amenities}}{{/amenities}} Rijeka A view of Rijeka harbour (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Yet another Croatian port city, Rijeka is often overlooked by visitors, but is more than worthy of a visit. It is a city influenced by a mix of Habsburg and Italian rule, where the countrys main port stretches along much of the seafront. The popular Korzo promenade provides locals and visitors with a wide paved street lined with a plethora of shops and restaurants. Unsurprisingly, its beaches are popular too; Kantrida, Sablicevo and Kostrena are recommended. When to visit Rijeka Rijeka recevies more rain than the countrys southern cities, but the driest month is July. Average temperatures are around 24C, and while it is the height of summer, it is still a good time to visit as the city doesnt attract nearly the same number of tourists as Dubrovnik or Split. Where to stay The Teatro Suite & Rooms has a waterfront location near the centre of Rijeka, offering contemporary rooms. Rooms available from{{#price}}{{price}}per night{{/price}} {{^price}}Check availability for dates and prices{{/price}} Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Hotel Amenities {{#amenities.foodDrink.length}} Food & Drink {{#amenities.foodDrink}} {{.}} {{/amenities.foodDrink}} {{/amenities.foodDrink.length}} {{#amenities.internet.length}} Internet Please check hotel for more information on amenities {{#amenities.internet}} {{.}} {{/amenities.internet}} {{/amenities.internet.length}} {{#amenities.services.length}} Services {{#amenities.services}} {{.}} {{/amenities.services}} {{/amenities.services.length}} {{#amenities.parking.length}} Parking Please check hotel for more information on amenities {{#amenities.parking}} {{.}} {{/amenities.parking}} {{/amenities.parking.length}} {{#amenities.health.length}} Health & Wellbeing {{#amenities.health}} {{.}} {{/amenities.health}} {{/amenities.health.length}} {{/amenities}} {{#amenities}}{{/amenities}} Zadar An aerial view of Zadar and its marina (Getty Images) Zadar is a peninsular city, known for the historic influences that are visible in its Old Town. Roman streets house Venetian gates, cathedrals and castles as well as the citys own Roman Forum, while part of the citys defensive walls themselves a Unesco World Heritage Site is now a popular promenade area on the waterfront. As well as the usual enjoyment of Mediterranean and Adriatic food and wine, tourists here flock to see sunsets from the northwest area of the Old Town (complemented by the sounds and sights of the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation), while many will take the short trip to visit Plitvice National Park, a spectacular region of lakes, waterfalls and caves. When to visit Zadar Another city that benefits from being less popular than the countrys main tourist destinations, Zadar is best visited in June or July. These are the driest months, where average temperatures hover around 24C. Where to stay Hotel Bastion is a waterfront hotel built on a former 13th-century Venetian fortress, complete with harbour views, a spa, a fine dining restaurant and a lovely shaded terrace. Rooms available from{{#price}}{{price}}per night{{/price}} {{^price}}Check availability for dates and prices{{/price}} Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Hotel Amenities {{#amenities.foodDrink.length}} Food & Drink {{#amenities.foodDrink}} {{.}} {{/amenities.foodDrink}} {{/amenities.foodDrink.length}} {{#amenities.internet.length}} Internet Please check hotel for more information on amenities {{#amenities.internet}} {{.}} {{/amenities.internet}} {{/amenities.internet.length}} {{#amenities.services.length}} Services {{#amenities.services}} {{.}} {{/amenities.services}} {{/amenities.services.length}} {{#amenities.parking.length}} Parking Please check hotel for more information on amenities {{#amenities.parking}} {{.}} {{/amenities.parking}} {{/amenities.parking.length}} {{#amenities.health.length}} Health & Wellbeing {{#amenities.health}} {{.}} {{/amenities.health}} {{/amenities.health.length}} {{/amenities}} {{#amenities}}{{/amenities}} Pula An aerial view of Pula, including its Roman amphitheatre (Getty Images) Pula is the largest city on the Istrian Peninsula the largest in the Adriatic, shared by Croatia, Italy and Slovenia and is home to the countrys best-preserved example of Roman architecture, the Pula Arena (an amphitheatre). Built over 2,000 years ago, the passages, tiers and galleries are the citys main tourist attraction and even host screenings during the citys annual film festival in July. The Temple of Augustus and the outside Forum Square are the other main Roman features that remain in a city of russet-roofed buildings that was also heavily influenced by Venice and Austro-Hungarian rule. While simply wandering the Old Town could keep you busy for days, the Pulski Kastel (a Venetian fortress), the church of St. Francis, the Zerostrasse tunnels and the citys golden-sanded beaches are all worth visiting. When to visit Pula The weather here can really vary, so it is best to opt for a summer or early autumn holiday in Pula. June and September have the most pleasant weather, with average temperatures around 20C. Where to stay Located just outside of the city (just over half a mile from the Amphitheatre) and with its own private restaurant, bar and terrace, Hotel Milan offers a stylish and modern stay in a tranquil setting. Rooms available from{{#price}}{{price}}per night{{/price}} {{^price}}Check availability for dates and prices{{/price}} Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Hotel Amenities {{#amenities.foodDrink.length}} Food & Drink {{#amenities.foodDrink}} {{.}} {{/amenities.foodDrink}} {{/amenities.foodDrink.length}} {{#amenities.internet.length}} Internet Please check hotel for more information on amenities {{#amenities.internet}} {{.}} {{/amenities.internet}} {{/amenities.internet.length}} {{#amenities.services.length}} Services {{#amenities.services}} {{.}} {{/amenities.services}} {{/amenities.services.length}} {{#amenities.parking.length}} Parking Please check hotel for more information on amenities {{#amenities.parking}} {{.}} {{/amenities.parking}} {{/amenities.parking.length}} {{#amenities.health.length}} Health & Wellbeing {{#amenities.health}} {{.}} {{/amenities.health}} {{/amenities.health.length}} {{/amenities}} {{#amenities}}{{/amenities}} Korcula A promenade over the turquoise waters of Korcula (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Korcula is a small but popular island that lies just south of Hvar (and next to Brac, another popular island destination). Populated by dense pine forest and several small towns and villages, its main visitor attraction is Korcula Town, a smaller alternative to the walled city of Dubrovnik. Like Dubrovnik, Korculas Old Town area consists of cobbled streets, towers, a cathedral and stone houses with red-tiled roofs, while many visitors also make a trip to the rumoured birthplace of Marco Polo. Away from Korcula Town itself, the island has several beach areas and other trip-worthy towns, including Vela Luka and Blato. When to visit Korcula The shoulder season months of June and September are a good time to visit, when crowds will be minimal and weather is still enjoyable you can expect average temperatures of 22C. Where to stay The Korcula Heritage Hotel is situated right on the quay where the boats from Dubrovnik and Split dock, offering breathtaking views of over the sea. It is housed in a large stone villa, with a 150-person terrace providing mountain and sea views. Rooms available from{{#price}}{{price}}per night{{/price}} {{^price}}Check availability for dates and prices{{/price}} Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Hotel Amenities {{#amenities.foodDrink.length}} Food & Drink {{#amenities.foodDrink}} {{.}} {{/amenities.foodDrink}} {{/amenities.foodDrink.length}} {{#amenities.internet.length}} Internet Please check hotel for more information on amenities {{#amenities.internet}} {{.}} {{/amenities.internet}} {{/amenities.internet.length}} {{#amenities.services.length}} Services {{#amenities.services}} {{.}} {{/amenities.services}} {{/amenities.services.length}} {{#amenities.parking.length}} Parking Please check hotel for more information on amenities {{#amenities.parking}} {{.}} {{/amenities.parking}} {{/amenities.parking.length}} {{#amenities.health.length}} Health & Wellbeing {{#amenities.health}} {{.}} {{/amenities.health}} {{/amenities.health.length}} {{/amenities}} {{#amenities}}{{/amenities}} Zagorje Zagorje is famed for its green hills and abundance of castles (Getty Images) The Zagorje region is a rural area known for its castles, churches and lush greenery. It is popular with people from neighbouring Zagreb, and in recent years has opted to increase its focus on becoming a destination for rest and relaxation. It is an area of dense forest and rolling green hills, peppered by medieval castles and churches (of which Trakoscan Castle and the Shrine of Our Lady of Bistrica are the most well-known) and small towns including Krapina and Marija Bistrica. Visits here are pleasantly tranquil, although the area can get busy in the summer months. When to visit Zagorje July and August might be the busiest months, but they are also the driest and welcome average temperatures of 22C. Where to stay The Hotel Terme Jezercica is next to Medvednica Nature Park, less than 20 miles from Zagreb. This spa hotel contains four Finnish saunas, five indoor pools and three outdoor pools. Rooms available from{{#price}}{{price}}per night{{/price}} {{^price}}Check availability for dates and prices{{/price}} Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com Hotel Amenities {{#amenities.foodDrink.length}} Food & Drink {{#amenities.foodDrink}} {{.}} {{/amenities.foodDrink}} {{/amenities.foodDrink.length}} {{#amenities.internet.length}} Internet Please check hotel for more information on amenities {{#amenities.internet}} {{.}} {{/amenities.internet}} {{/amenities.internet.length}} {{#amenities.services.length}} Services {{#amenities.services}} {{.}} {{/amenities.services}} {{/amenities.services.length}} {{#amenities.parking.length}} Parking Please check hotel for more information on amenities {{#amenities.parking}} {{.}} {{/amenities.parking}} {{/amenities.parking.length}} {{#amenities.health.length}} Health & Wellbeing {{#amenities.health}} {{.}} {{/amenities.health}} {{/amenities.health.length}} {{/amenities}} {{#amenities}}{{/amenities}} Read our reviews of the best Croatia hotels Footage shows ice and water flowing through the streets of an Italian town after violent thunderstorms in the Milan area on Friday 21 July. At least 110 people were injured in the hailstorm, which struck a region of northern Italy and caused water to run through the streets of Seregno. Hailstones of up to 10 cm in diameter pelted the area of Veneto, according to regional president Luca Zaia. A tornado was also spotted tearing through a suburb of Milan on Friday. A large wildfire burning on the Greek island of Rhodes for the fifth day has forced authorities to order an evacuation of four locations, including two seaside resorts. In previous days, the wildfire was confined to the islands mountainous centre, but aided by winds, very high temperatures and dry conditions, it spread toward the coast on the islands central-eastern side on Saturday 22 July. More than 3,500 locals and holidaymakers have been evacuated by land and sea to safety, with more evacuations expected from three villages on Sunday. No injuries have been reported, according to Greek authorities. CCTV captures the moment vehicles were lifted into the air by an underground explosion in Johannesburg. In the footage, pedestrians can also be seen running for cover in the aftermath of the incident in South Africas biggest city. One person died and at least 48 more were injured after the underground explosion ripped open roads and flipped a number of vehicles on the evening of Wednesday 19 July. Panyaza Lesufi, the premier of Gauteng province, said that gas was suspected to be the cause of the explosion, but authorities have not yet confirmed that. Hundreds of demonstrators marching against Dina Boluarte, the president of Peru, clashed with police on Saturday 22 July in Lima. The march passed peacefully until the protesters reached San Martin Square, where police tried to block them from entering. A number of Indigenous women who managed to climb the San Martin monument were removed by police, with footage appearing to show one person pushed to the floor. Demonstrators want the resignation of Mr Boluarte, who took power when president Pedro Castillo tried to shut down Congress last year. By Francis Wilkinson Bloomberg Opinion After starting the year polling almost even with former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis began losing ground in March and continued sinking through the spring. Notably, the decline began before Trumps first indictment. A July Economist/YouGovAmerica poll shows Trump at 49% and DeSantis at 20% in a multicandidate GOP primary, which is similar to the polling averages. A Morning Consult poll released last week has Trump at a hefty 56% and DeSantis at a dismal 17%. Fortunes can still change. The complaints about the DeSantis campaign often sound generic. He lacks the special sauce to catapult from statewide office to the presidency. He has no charisma. His staff isnt presidential caliber. His message is too insular and online. Maybe all these things are more or less true. Even so, theres something odd about this campaign, which started with momentum, money and palpable enthusiasm from Republican elites and grassroots alike. Yet the oddness may have less to do with the personal awkwardness of DeSantis, or with any of his (thus far nonfatal) missteps, and more to do with the bizarre mental map of the Republican primary electorate. DeSantis had carefully positioned himself to be the right-wing avenger that much of the Republican base seems to crave. He proved he would attack the enemies of the GOPs white nationalist base and smite anyone seeking to displace white Christian conservatives from atop the nations political and social hierarchies. Migrants, trans kids, librarians, college professors the entire woke-industrial-complex would be made to suffer under a DeSantis presidency. He would deliver Trumpisms authoritarian menace, but without the ignorance, chaos, criminality and incompetence that defined Trumps presidency. Why isnt that pitch working? New York Times columnist David French offered one smartly compelling suggestion last week. DeSantis, he wrote, feeds the rage of the GOP base but doesnt capture the joy of hobnobbing with ones MAGA brethren. Trump boat parades, Trump tailgates, Trump rallies while countless gallons of ink have been spilled analyzing the MAGA movements rage, far too little has been spilled discussing its joy, French wrote. Its true that Trump is uniquely entertaining. But its also true that his typical performance is saturated with lies and vitriol. Part of the rollicking good time comes at the expense of those outside the MAGA pale. A Trump rally is a date with an insult comic, and most of the insults are directed at people far more honest, competent, and decent than Trump could ever be. Yet like a moon held in orbit by the superior gravity of a more massive body, the entire GOP continues to revolve around Trumps jagged ego. The presidential primary offers a variety of escapes. Some candidates Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, former Vice President Mike Pence appear eager to chart a road back to democracy for those who miss the dull, predictable days when Republicans supported the rule of law. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie offers anti-Trumpism with Trum py characteristics. Rich guy Vivek Ramaswamy offers a mystery voyage to parts unknown. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley offers whatever the instant demands. Any one of these people, perhaps even the inexperienced Ramaswamy, would be a less destructive leader than Trump. (DeSantis promises a political variation on a neutron bomb; he would destroy liberal America while leaving all the MAGA monuments untouched.) Yet the GOP electorate remains hesitant to leave its dank MAGA basement and walk into even partial sunlight. Perhaps one third of the GOP has crossed a psychological border into a Trump cult. Focus groups conducted by Republican (anti-Trump) pollster Sarah Longwell convey the alternate universe in which this group lives, where each day is opposites day. I like the guy because everything he says is true, one focus group participant said of the most flagrant and most obviously flagrant liar ever to operate at the presidential level of American politics. Others discuss Trump, who contributed to the deaths of tens of thousands of Americans because he thought lying about a deadly pandemic would work better for him politically, as a selfless hero who sacrificed his lavish lifestyle and thriving business to enter politics and protect the little guy. The cult is bizarre and frightening. But its still a minority of the party. Theres a Never Trump faction thats about 10% of the party, not much more, Republican pollster Whit Ayres said in a telephone interview. Theres an Always Trump faction thats about a third of the party, call it 35%. Theres a Maybe Trump faction of people who voted for him twice and supported him when he was president and would vote for him again against Biden in a heartbeat. But theyre worried that he carries too much baggage, that too many people hate him, that he wont be able to win in 2024. So, theyre at least open to alternatives. They havent seen the alternative that they want to rally around yet. In other words, the critical mass of the party, a decisive majority, which recognizes that Trump is a flawed vessel for their hopes, nonetheless remains open to Trump. And they may yet support the cult in rallying to the indicted former president. Republican debates start in August, and perhaps the dynamics on stage will alter perceptions and possibilities. Perhaps DeSantis will figure out how to make the sale for Trumpism without Trump, or someone else will shine. But Trumps playground dominance game clearly still appeals to Republican voters; it seems to have succeeded in undermining DeSantis stature, which will be hard to reclaim. No one has figured out how to combat a full-blown Trump barrage, Ayres said, where he questions not only your character and your record, which is par for the course, but your appearance, your background, makes veiled allegations about pedophilia I mean, Trump has absolutely no lines. With one third of the party occupying MAGA homesteads on Planet Trump, and most of the rest of the party still contemplating putting down roots there, it seems that Trump personally might be more attractive to the bulk of GOP voters than a less outlandish, more competent, conveyor of Trumpism. Its hard to know what to think of that. On the one hand, a weak attraction to Trumpism might be a good vital sign for democracy in the long run, suggesting that authoritarianism without Trumps peculiar circus has limited appeal. On the other hand, tens of millions of Americans remain infatuated with an obviously crooked, plainly damaged, and damaging, demagogue. Frenzy is in the air, with perhaps more madness to come. Francis Wilkinson is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering U.S. politics and policy. Previously, he was an editor for the Week, a writer for Rolling Stone, a communications consultant and a political media strategist. A large wildfire burning on the Greek island of Rhodes has forced authorities to order an evacuation of four locations, including two seaside resorts. About 2,000 people, including tourists, were evacuated by sea, fire department spokesman Yannis Artopios said Saturday evening. He added that all visitors had been evacuated without incident. Three coast guard vessels, an army lifeboat, a special forces inflatable craft and 30 private sailboats helped with the evacuation. Footage shows people waiting on a beach with wildfires in the background shortly after midnight, while the flames could also be seen raging in videos shared from the boat. Value significantly below the $200,000 sought by the former Kerry Group boss as advancement for legal fees A payment of $30,000 has been submitted to ex-Kerry Group boss Denis Brosnan by his former son-in-laws technology company in a dispute over a $200,000 legal bill the Irish tycoon claimed he was due in a long-running US court case. Brosnan has been embroiled in a transatlantic business dispute with his ex-son-in-law Geoff Cramer and his technology company, Futures Group, since 2021. The row is linked to disputes over loans and investments worth several million dollars made by Brosnan to the American and his tech company. In January, a court in the US issued an order determining Brosnan was entitled to be indemnified in advance by Futures for the legal costs in the proceedings. In May, Futures lodged a challenge against the legal bill worth nearly $200,000 (183,000). In June, Brosnan filed a brief in support of the payment of the expenses by Futures. He alleged Futures was trying to relitigate an issue decided by the US court and that the company had objected to the majority of Brosnans billing entries. It also said Futures had yet to advance a single dollar. In new documents filed by Futures last week, the company has claimed it submitted a payment to Brosnan worth almost $30,000. It said this was for all undisputed, advanceable expenses. Futures goes on to claim advanceable expenses are those incurred in defending a proceeding, further alleging that Brosnan, through his legal counsel, had attempted to charge Futures for all legal services from November 2022. This led to a bill of nearly $200,000. The company claimed the US court ordered in February that each task billed should specify a general description of the work. Futures alleges Brosnan had not complied with the directive, adding that he had failed to provide these descriptions by block billing and redacting necessary context. Futures has made specific, good faith objections to Brosnans Request for advancement, the company wrote. Futures is not relitigating issues previously decided by the court, nor is Futures questioning the reasonableness of fees sought by Brosnan, eg specific tasks performed to defend the proceeding and the time spent on each task. Rather, Futures is challenging the scope of fees Brosnan is seeking under the guise of advancement. Stated differently, because of Brosnans failure to provide a general description of the work performed, ie by block billing and by redacting necessary context, Futures cannot confirm that those entries are within the scope of advanceable expenses. Brosnan had argued the redactions were all to protect attorney work product, according to Futures. Futures is challenging the scope of fees Brosnan is seeking under the guise of advancement On an expense billed at $7.50 by Brosnans legal team, which Futures pointed out was related to someone helping to access a data file, the company said he cannot pass off his counsels training of its staff as an advanceable expense to be paid by Futures. Futures asked the court to deny Brosnans motion, which seeks all expenses to be advanced immediately. Futures has engaged in good faith negotiations with Brosnan in an effort to determine the scope of advanceable expenses in accordance with the courts order, the company claimed in the document. Brosnan has failed to address the issues raised by Futures relative to Brosnans request for advancement. Brosnan has yet to file a response to the legal filing. At the time of writing, neither Futures nor Brosnan responded to a request for comment from the Sunday Independent. Denis Brosnans spokesman has previously said that as the matters are before the US and Irish courts, he would not make any further comments before the litigation concludes. In earlier comments, Brosnan rejected the allegations against him and said he would fully defend his reputation and pursue these matters to a conclusion. In 2021, Cramer and Futures Group claimed in a lawsuit that Denis Brosnan falsified and destroyed corporate records, lied about shareholdings to avoid taxes and tried to inflate how much the company owed him. Brosnan denied the allegations and responded with various counterclaims. In March, a court-ordered mediation failed to find a resolution after four hours of talks. Before the business dispute and court row started, Cramer and Brosnans daughter Aimee has been married, before breaking up in 2020. It later emerged that Cramer had been surreptitiously recording conversations related to Futures with Brosnan and Aimee. On This Day In History - July 23rd All firms, not just the large ones, must get on board with ESG reporting rules or face reputational and economic damage Companies are being forced to take responsibility, not just for shareholders but all their stakeholders. Photo: Getty Images The consequences of non-compliance are likely to take the form of a financial penalty imposed by a criminal court. Photo: Getty Images Its not the first non-financial reporting regulation and wont be the last. Still, for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) to have the desired impact, businesses must take it and other non-financial reporting requirements seriously, lest it become an empty administrative burden. The CSRD is an EU-wide directive that will be legislated for in each member state. The CSRD aims to provide detailed environmental, social and governance (ESG) information to assist shareholders, consumers, and other stakeholders in evaluating the sustainability of businesses in which they invest. It is due to take effect from January 1, 2024, when large group companies with over 500 employees or net turnover above 40m will be required to report on their sustainability efforts, with the regulation applying to such businesses with 250 staff or more by 2025, and then by 2026, listed SMEs will be obliged to report on this information. This roll-out is mandatory, and EU member states will have no discretion regarding the phased application of the directive to progressively smaller businesses. The consequences of non-compliance are likely to take the form of a financial penalty imposed by a criminal court. Photo: Getty Images Those companies that have put into action, or at the very least, are planning for the CSRD coming into law here in Ireland next year, will be best placed to reap the benefit rather than carrying the new regulation as a burden. The regulation reflects an evolution of the non-financial reporting directive introduced in 2014, refocusing efforts to drive businesses to a more sustainable long-term path. Regulatory compliance is one of the most influential drivers for management to address the sustainability of their companies, as non-compliance will result in reputational loss, disappointed stakeholders and ultimately reduced economic performance. The directive will impact around 50,000 businesses with a European presence, including many Irish companies. Although not yet transposed in Ireland, the consequences of non-compliance are likely to take the form of a financial penalty imposed by a criminal court. The CSRD will require businesses to demonstrate their impact publicly It is not necessarily the cost of the penalty that will likely act as an incentive to compliance for businesses once the regulation is in force. Instead, it is the reputational damage that might arise should investors or client bases fear becoming guilty by association with a non-compliant business. Political stakeholders, industry, and consumer bases are tuning in to the heightened conversation around sustainability, and individual ESG strategies are being scrutinised for so-called greenwashing. The CSRD will also require businesses to demonstrate their impact publicly. This directive follows the EU crackdown on greenwashing. It is similar to the EUs Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation which forces greater transparency on asset managers and institutional investors to outline the levels of sustainability integration in their strategy and fund offerings. In addition, the EU Commission has established defined criteria for describing and classifying environmentally sustainable economic activities aligned to 2030 climate and energy targets in the EUs Taxonomy Framework. With this and other elements of the wider EU sustainable finance framework, we are seeing an escalation of pressures to achieve those targets. Companies are being forced to take responsibility, not just for shareholders but all their stakeholders. Photo: Getty Images And with the European Court of Auditors warning just last month that greater financing and investment in sustainability is required, not just at the EU and national level, but from private industry, if the ambitious 2030 climate targets are to be met, businesses will be expected and required to up the ante. More significant pressures on organisations and businesses are coming from regulators and within the industry and public interest bodies, such as the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), which evolved out of the Cop26, which published new standards on reporting to inform regulators approach to tackling greenwashing this month. The ISSB speaks to strengthening globally comparable sustainability standards beyond directives introduced at the EU level while aligning with those same directives to encourage private industry to drive change across Europe and other jurisdictions. As the focus on sustainability gains pace, companies are being forced to take responsibility, not just for shareholders but all their stakeholders. With greater regulation coming to Ireland and countries across Europe, its not simply businesses with over 500 staff that should be conscious of their credentials. In the coming months and years, on a phased basis, all businesses and industries will be held to those standards by regulators and ultimately by their stakeholders. Prime minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal met with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in Kyiv The prospects for Irish businesses to participate in rebuilding Ukraine formed part of the discussions held between the prime minister of Ukraine and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar during his visit to Kyiv. According to media reports on Ukrainian news website Interfax Ukraine, Ukrainian prime minister Denys Shmyhal raised the potential for further investment in the country with Varadkar. I held a meeting with Prime Minister of Ireland Leo Varadkar, he wrote in a statement on the social media app Telegram. In particular, we discussed the restoration of Ukraine and the participation of Irish business in this process. Our state, on its part, will provide all the necessary investment support. Shmyhal cited the example of two Irish companies, insulation giant Kingspan, which is investing 280m in a project in Ukraine, and construction giant CRH, with investments of 25m. Kingspan is building a manufacturing facility in Ukraine, with operations set to begin towards the end of 2025. The investment is expected to be in the west of Ukraine and the Kingspan manufacturing campus would create up to 700 jobs. In June, Italian cement group Buzzi announced it was selling its Ukraine business to CRH for $109m. The assets included Buzzis Slovakian ready-mix concrete business. Last week, during a visit by senior managers to the war-torn capital Kyiv, Ryanair said it would base $3bn (2.68bn) of aircraft in Ukraine and resume flights to the country within weeks once travel is deemed safe again. The airline made the commitment following a meeting at Boryspil International Airport in Kyiv between its management and infrastructure minister Oleksandr Kubrakov. The World Bank estimates the cost of Ukraines reconstruction at $411bn over a decade. Media & Marketing Not only does my friend slavishly follow all of Googles guidelines and recommendations when it comes to analysing what goes on under the hood, he has to use Googles advertising platform to promote his website. Photo: Getty The dominance of US tech giants, like Google and Meta, has been a cause for concern for most regulators in Europe. Photo: Getty Images Last week, a friend of mine told me he had just finally managed to transition to the latest version of Google Analytics on his companys website. Feeling as proud as a peacock, he was delighted to make the transition just before the recent deadline of July 1, after which the older version of the same platform would become obsolete and he would be up the digital creek without a virtual paddle. Having schooled himself in some of the minutiae of search engine optimisation (SEO) and the dark arts of digital marketing during the lockdown of 2020, he managed to turn his company website from being a static shop window into a modest money-making machine by selling mens clothes online. Within the space of six months, he was talking about bounce rates, non-performing keywords, page-views and conversion rates with digital abandon. It is estimated that Google Analytics is used by around 60pc of all websites around the world If all of this sounds like a load of unexciting and geeky mumbo jumbo, thats because it is. For many, its about as dull as conversations about amplitudes and inverters in electric cars or how long it really takes for paint to dry on surfaces that have different molecular structures. For many website owners, especially SMEs that dont have big budgets for rolling out sophisticated marketing technology, deploying the basic free-to-use Google Analytics or its latest iteration GA4 is a basic requirement for those who want to understand what is and isnt working under the hood of their websites. This information can often be the difference between success and failure in an ever-expanding digital ecosystem that appears to be overwhelmingly dominated by Google. It is estimated that Google Analytics is used by around 60pc of all websites around the world. Not surprisingly, given this tentacle-like reach, it is supported by over 30 different languages and has become the default platform for many websites, especially those owned by SMEs. Not only does my friend slavishly follow all of Googles guidelines and recommendations when it comes to analysing what goes on under the hood, he has to use Googles advertising platform to promote his website. Photo: Getty Of the websites that use analytics tools, around 87pc use Google or one of its other iterations, including a paid-for version that can cost over 90,000 a year. The dominance of US tech giants, like Google and Meta, has been a cause for concern for most regulators in Europe, mainly because their data transfer practices have been out of sync with the EUs strict GDPR regulations. Because of this, several EU countries, including Italy, Denmark, Finland, France and Norway have banned the use of Google Analytics. The EU finally approved a new deal last week to allow companies to freely transfer data between the US and Europe an issue which was central to the regulatory standoff in most countries over the past few years. But some analysts have already spotted flaws in the agreement and we can already expect legal challenges soon. While the data privacy battles that have taken place in Europe over the past few years are indeed important, they represent just one front in a much bigger battle to rein in the extraordinary dominance that Big Tech plays in the day-to-day lives of EU citizens and businesses. With the arrival of artificial intelligence, this dominance is only going to increase. Without paying money over to Google to advertise his site, he really could be up the digital creek without a virtual paddle Take the case of my friend in the midlands. Not only does he slavishly follow all of Googles guidelines and recommendations when it comes to analysing what goes on under the hood, he has to use Googles advertising platform to promote his website. Meanwhile, he also pays somebody to write web-friendly content for it in the hope that when somebody searches for a navy mens blazer Google might move his website listing up to Page 1. If not, then without paying money over to Google to advertise his site, he really could be up the digital creek without a virtual paddle. TV and film campaign highlights Trocaires work around the world The Irish aid charity Trocaire has rolled out a new campaign to highlight its work in 27 different countries over the last 50 years. The campaign, which runs across TV, cinema and social, was created by Core and Saturday Films to demonstrate the impact of Trocaires work on the lives of individuals around the world, including the day the women of Sierra Leone won the right to own land and the day Apartheid ended in South Africa. Folk bags Water Safety Ireland account Following a competitive tender process, the Dublin-based creative agency Folk Wunderman Thompson, has won the creative advertising account for Water Safety Ireland (WSI), the Government-backed organisation that promotes safe attitudes and behaviours in and around Irish waters. Other clients of Folk Wunderman Thompson include the likes of Vodafone, Lidl, An Post, Bord Gais Energy, Irish Life, Brennans and the Irish Cancer Society. After an acquisition that took the company private, SurveyMonkeys new chief has AI investments in mind US tech company SurveyMonkey is eyeing the expansion of its Dublin office as it plots new investments in artificial intelligence. New chief executive Eric Johnson told the Sunday Independent that Dublin and its sister office in Amsterdam serve the EMEA market as a big chunk of its revenue is now outside of the US. Johnson took the reins of the 24-year old tech company after it was acquired earlier this year by an investor consortium and taken private in a deal that valued it at $1.5bn (1.3bn). Dublin has been a really strong office and strong pool of talent for us on a number of fronts and we expect that to continue. This has been a place where we've built out our second largest office and will be a critically important part of the team and the business going forward, Johnson said. There's some development work being done here, we have a big commercial team, customer support teams, he said. There's lots of good engineers that are in Dublin and there's lots of good salespeople and customer support that we've been able to find and retain here. SurveyMonkey currently has 126 employees in Ireland. Like many tech companies, SurveyMonkey has a growing interest in artificial intelligence and is planning new investments in the technology to re-energise its business. This includes generative AI, the form of AI that creates content based off prompts by the user, in the vein of ChatGPT. We've been working with AI and building around our core data set for the last three or four years now. The two big areas are survey creation, so with a simple prompt you can build a 15 to 30-question survey and adjust that on the fly with some AI tools. That piece is soon for us to launch, Johnson said. The other area is around advanced data analytics where the company is building under-the-bonnet tech to make sense of the huge reams of data, created by its users, with AI. There's a combination of some really powerful stuff on the AI front, but also marrying that with expertise and our database of billions of responses from humans and having a clean data set to work with is a really powerful thing, he said. The enterprise segment is a key driver of revenue of SurveyMonkey but Johnson said that individuals and smaller businesses are an important moneymaker too. SurveyMonkey became a private company earlier in the year with the acquisition of its parent firm Momentive by investor consortium Symphony Technology Group (STG). This followed a tumultuous couple of years for the company. In 2022, Zendesk, the customer support software firm, scrapped a $4.1bn deal to buy Momentive after stockholders rejected the deal. As part of the new deal with STG, Momentive exited the public markets and restored its parent company name to SurveyMonkey, which Johnson said held more value and recognition. In its last quarterly earnings report, it posted revenues of $118.8m for the first three months of the year and a loss of $23.8m. Johnson said the decision to go private would allow the company to focus on longer-term goals rather than quarterly ones. He also cited the broader downturn in tech stocks in the last 18 months as influencing the decision. You have a combination of a lot of companies out there, whose stock prices have fallen, who still have really good businesses, and there's a tonne of private equity money looking for good opportunities, he said. I think SurveyMonkey or Momentive presented that and STG has done a number of deals in the size that we represent in related fields in research and data software enabled companies. We should all be thankful for Ryan Tubridy and the RTE pay scandal. Why? Because it has reopened a debate on how public service broadcasting is funded in Ireland. The Government blinked when the Commission for the Future of Media Commission report landed, but TDs couldnt resist giving RTE execs a grilling when the opportunity arose. So now, the future of RTE is open for discussion again. Any honest conversation around funding and governance should be cognisant of how consumer habits have changed along with the economics of news and broadcasting in the digital age. How we find and consume news has changed in recent years. According to the latest Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism report on Ireland, the use of traditional media like print and television has fallen significantly since 2015. The smartphone has become the most common device for accessing news. And 51pc of Irish people get their news from social media. But the world of social is changing. Meta has been pulling back from news for years. Changes to Facebooks algorithm in May caused a dramatic drop in traffic to news and media websites. This is nothing new; Facebook has been throttling the amount of news that appears in its news feed for years. Threads, Metas Twitter killer app, is explicitly aiming to be a news free zone. The additional scrutiny, negativity, and integrity risks that come with politics means hard news isnt worth the effort for the big tech players. Twitter seems to be in decline. But TikTok continues to grow in Ireland. Last year it was second only to Instagram, and still growing aggressively. The apps popularity is down to sticky UX and great algorithm that learns users interests and appeases them. It entertains, but it wont necessarily inform or educate. Disney+, for example, recently announced that it lost four million subscribers in the last quarter This is at odds with the notion of news as a social good. If a newspaper is a nation talking to itself, as Arthur Miller said, then TikTok and any algorithmically driven feed of news is an addictive mechanism for reinforcing opinions and entrenching views. In a world where news is increasingly marginalised on social channels, we need to consider how active public service broadcasters should be on Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat and the likes of Threads. Is a presence on social channels required to reach younger audiences who dont consume traditional media? Or is it a time sink, that benefits the platforms, but not the public. One of the traditional reasons for being active on social was to deliver referral traffic that can be monetised through display ads. But there is also an argument that RTEs online activities should be curtailed to allow for other online publishers to own this space. A mature discussion on RTEs future should include a holistic view of the news ecosystem in a small market like Ireland, to ensure as many players as possible can survive in the digital age. Streaming services are costly to operate. Photo: Getty The state of the streamers should also inform discussions on how RTEs future. Netflix offers an interesting comparison with public service broadcasting. This week it announced that a crackdown on password sharing helped to drive an additional six million subscribers in the last quarter. Netflix also revealed that its new ad-supported tier isnt yet making a big difference to the bottom line. The streaming giants struggle to launch a significant advertising business is indicative of the difficulties of a dual funded model. Netflix is still profitable though. Unlike many other streamers that are losing money, and subscribers. Disney+, for example, recently announced that it lost four million subscribers in the last quarter. Running a B2C media business aint easy. There are huge platform and technology costs. If online channels are similarly important for public service broadcasting, capital expenditure needs to be channelled into these areas; apps, players, advertising tech stack, and so on. But what the streamers really tell us is that great content comes at a great cost. This is the crux of the writers strike in the US. The Writers Guild of Americas dispute relates to residual payment in the streaming era and concerns over the use of AI. This dispute may seem distant, but it matters. The internet has decoupled programming from a set schedule. Audiences expect to be able to listen to podcasts or watch programmes when they want. This means the limiting factor around how content can be monetised in the future is not finite airtime, but human attention dictated by market share. RTE is in a great position in this regard. It has a weekly reach of 60pc of Irish population. But it is in competition with Netflix, Amazon and Apple, not to mention TikTok and YouTube and social media. To safeguard public service broadcasting in Ireland, our legislators would be better off spending a bit less time interrogating how that barter account works and a bit more time understanding how Mr Beast works. Co Tyrone-based Colin Geddis is one of the most in-demand comedians in Ireland, selling out venues such as Belfasts SSE Arena. Last year, Geddis was the support act for the Irish leg of American superstar Kevin Harts tour, opening for him at more than 20 shows, including at Dublins 3Arena. The 36-year-old began his career doing online sketches, with his alter-ego Barry the Blender earning more than 15m views on YouTube, and also hosts The General Banter Podcast. The comedian, who is married to Mairin and has a three-year-old son, will perform at the Paddy Power Comedy Festival, which takes place at the Iveagh Gardens from July 27 to 30, and at Vicar Street on September 8. What did you learn about money while growing up? That you had about one week post pay-day to enjoy yourself and then spend the next three weeks scraping by. I was in my late 20s before I realised that you could have several income streams and didnt have to depend on an employer to pay you once a month. Have you ever seen anyone spend money in a way that shocked you? My wife on Amazon Prime Day. Truly shocking. How hard was it to monetise your following on social media? It was reasonably difficult as I was podcasting and making content long before these things became lucrative. But once platforms like Patreon came along, it became a lot easier to earn money that way. Have you made any changes to the way you live because of the spike in the cost of living? Not really. The emphasis is always to work harder and try to earn more money rather than trying to save on certain things. When were you most broke? Probably when I stopped working a normal job to pursue comedy, but I think thats almost a rite of passage if you want to become a professional comedian. Whats the most expensive place youve visited? Obviously places like Dubai are expensive and thats almost expected, but I was very shocked at how expensive my recent visit to Austin, Texas was. Would you buy property now? If so, where? Judging by the rental prices in Edinburgh for the fringe festival, I think that a nice apartment in Edinburgh would be a great investment. Do you still carry cash? From time to time. But its getting increasingly hard to get anyone to take it off me. Do you use any of the digital banks? I would use digital banks for some of my companies the processing is much faster than any traditional bank services. What was your worst-ever job? Working as an editorial assistant at a TV company creating shows for other people when all I wanted to do was work on my own projects. Do you have a pension? Im working on it! What was your most lucrative gig? Any of the arena shows that I have performed. Theres a lot of money made at an arena show. However, you do have your eyes opened as to how much money it takes to put on a gig of that scale. What three things would you not be able to do without if you had to tighten your belt? My Jeep as a man with the physique of a rhino, I would find it difficult to downgrade to a smaller vehicle. The latest iPhone, because I feel like I could run all aspects of my business and content with one good phone. And good coffee. Personal finance: My bank of 35 years has asked me to provide ID and proof of address can I ignore this request? Book Reviews Say what you like about idle chat, but we would be lost without it News / Local by Staff reporter FORMERLY known as an opulent suburb, Harare's Borrowdale area is gradually transforming into a commercial hub, not only for the city but the entire Zimbabwe.With its peace and flamboyance, Borrowdale is attracting big corporates seeking to buy or rent property around the area.Since 2019, Borrowdale has transformed immensely, with big and small corporates moving to the area.This has been a result of chaotic and extortionate traffic enforcement by the City of Harare, which has become a thorn in the flesh for businesses and their clients.Small businesses have followed the bandwagon, moving out of Harare's CBD, as the cost of clamping cars, and the shady manner in which traffic laws are enforced, has become a source of concern.Every day, social media is awash with videos of people complaining about the conduct of municipality officials when enforcing traffic laws.Their conduct can easily be equated to a mafia, but City Fathers keep turning a blind eye. Loads of people are now preferring getting into town using public transport, while some now do business with companies outside town, where they don't come across City council marshals.But it is businesses in town that suffers, as customers increasingly avoid getting into the CBD jungle, which is infested by marauding and extortionate marshals.It is interesting to note that sometimes city council marshals are seen hiding in street corridors waiting for an opportunity to pounce on unsuspecting motorists.But big companies that have maintained their presence in the heart of the CBD are those whose day-to-day operations are associated with high numbers of traffic, which means they must maintain a presence in the CBD.National Social Security Authority (Nssa)'s Celestial Park, despite the controversies, has managed to house big corporates that include the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe (SECZ), while property company Zimre Holdings disposed of its CBD asset, Zimre Centre to find shelter in Borrowdale just adjacent Celestial Park.Some corporates like CBZ Holdings have maintained a presence within the CBD while strategically opening other properties in Borrowdale.Other notable corporates that have so far located shelter in Borrowdale are platinum miner, Zimplats, Econet Wireless' owned Cassava Smartech and Cimas.First Mutual Holdings, CABS and Delta Corporation have been the pioneers in Borrowdale while Meikles Limited has also found a home in Borrowdale moving from Nelson Mandela Avenue.The latest to migrate to Borrowdale is NMB Holdings, which has since completed the construction of a multi-million dollar head office. With the coming in of the country's largest shopping mall, Zimbabwe Mall, which is along Borrowdale Road, the suburb is set to become the Sandton of Harare, the commercial hub away from the CBD traffic madness. Crime People are so afraid they dont come out of their apartments: Residents of complex near where US tourist was attacked living in fear The Department has been contacted by a number of Irish citizens impacted by the current fires Smoke rising from a wildfire covers the air over a basketball court, near Lardos, on the island of Rhodes, Greece. Photo: REUTERS/Vassilis Ikoutas The Department of Foreign Affairs has advised Irish citizens to be alert and stay away from affected areas as wildfires continue to ravage the Greek island of Rhodes. Some 19,000 people have been evacuated from 12 villages and hotels as wildfires burned for a sixth day with officials fearing high winds would hamper efforts to contain the blazes. No further evacuations have been ordered so far this evening. It comes as parts of Corfu were also reportedly evacuated this evening after a fire broke out on the northern part of the island which is popular with tourists. A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it has been contacted by a number of Irish citizens affected by the fires in Rhodes. The travel industry estimates there are some 700 Irish holidaymakers on Rhodes. However the majority of them are understood to be on the northern part of the island, away from the wildfires in the south. A DFA spokesperson said: "The wildfires have caused road closures and extensive damage to property, particularly in the centre of the island, and some areas are being evacuated. "Irish citizens are being advised to be alert and stay away from the affected areas and to move rapidly out of any areas affected. This is an evolving situation, and citizens should comply with evacuation orders and follow the instructions from the emergency services and local authorities. "Irish citizens should call the Greek Emergency Services on 112 if they are in immediate danger. People should turn mobile phones on to roaming, to receive alerts from local authorities. "Temporary shelters have been established by the authorities in Greece for tourists who have had to evacuate their hotels. Citizens should contact their tour operator or agency for information on arrangements and flights. "Anyone in need of consular assistance can call the Embassy of Ireland in Greece on +30 2107232771 or the Honorary Consulate of Ireland in Rhodes on +30 2241075655. If in Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs HQ can be contacted on 01 4082527. "If citizens are planning to travel to Rhodes, it is important prior to travel that they check with their travel operator or agency, or their hotel, to see if the area they plan to visit is impacted by the current wildfires and evacuations. There is likely to be travel disruption. The Department is advising against travel to the affected areas." Flights Meanwhile, holiday operator TUI has cancelled all outbound flights to Rhodes up to and including this Tuesday, July 25, due to the wildfires. Ryanair flights to/from Rhodes Airport are currently operating as normal and are unaffected by the fires. A Ryanair spokesperson said: Passengers departing from Rhodes should be advised that we will accept temporary travel documentation issued by the Greek Police. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also set up a helpdesk at Rhodes airport to assist visitors who have lost their travel documents. Please check your Ryanair app where you will be notified of any changes to your Ryanair flight. TUI told the Irish Independent: We are working with the local authorities in Rhodes who are managing the movement of people, food and power in the impacted areas of the island We have reps on the ground at all evacuation points and have brought in additional team members to Rhodes to support customers in a difficult and evolving situation Well continue to work with the authorities and do everything we can to assist those affected. Were continuing to closely monitor the wildfires in Rhodes which have led to the evacuation of a number of hotels in the South of the island. We appreciate how distressing and difficult it is for customers who have been evacuated and ask that they follow the advice of the local authorities who are managing tourist movements in impacted areas. Our resort teams are doing everything they can to support customers, working closely with the relevant authorities. We have cancelled all outbound flights to Rhodes up to and including Tuesday, and passengers due to travel on Wednesday will be offered a fee free amend to another holiday. Those customers currently in Rhodes will return on their intended flight home. The safety and well-being of our customers and teams remains our top priority. Travel agents The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) is advising holidaymakers on Rhodes to follow local advice. It said most Irish tourists are in the northern areas of Rhodes which are unaffected. The wildfires are in the south east corner of the island. A spokesperson for the ITAA said: "If you are in an area affected and have been advised to evacuate, please do so and keep in contact with the local tour operator staff on the ground. Alternatively contact your tour operator or the travel agent you booked your holiday with for assistance. "If possible keep your mobile phone charged and turn it onto roaming to receive alerts from local authorities." Anyone whose flights are cancelled, will be offered another trip to a different location, although they may be asked to pay for additional charges, or they may be offered a refund or rebooking options. Evacuations The Greek Ministry of Climate Change and Civil Protection said 19,000 people have been evacuated from parts of Rhodes so far, making it the largest evacuation from a wildfire in the country. Local police said 16,000 people were evacuated by land and 3,000 by sea from 12 villages and several hotels. Six people were briefly treated at a hospital for respiratory problems. A person who fell and broke a leg during a hotel evacuation and a pregnant woman remained hospitalised, the latter in good condition, authorities said. British tourist Kevin Evans was evacuated twice on Saturday with his wife and three young children - first from Kiotari to Gennadi, then as the fire approached to the islands capital in the northeast, he told the PA news agency. There were lots of people in Gennadi sent from the hotels - many in just swimsuits having been told to leave everything in the hotel, he said. As night fell, we could see the fire on the top of the hills in Kiotari. They said all the hotels were on fire. Rhodes travel agent Stelios Kotiadis confirmed to the Associated Press that the evacuation was hasty. There was panic...The authorities were overwhelmed, he said. But, he said, the abandoned hotels are in much better condition than reported in social media...They will be ready to reopen very soon if Civil Protection gives the go-ahead. Mr Kotiadis said he and other travel agents sent buses to the islands southeast to pick up evacuated tourists. They had to go the long way around, since the road running down Rhodes eastern side was blocked in places. There were 80-90 people cramming into 50-seater buses, he said. He added that 90pc of the evacuated tourists are from European countries. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that personnel had set up a help desk at Rhodes International Airport for visitors who have lost their travel documents. There are substantial reinforcements being drafted in from the European Union to help tackle the fires. Over 450 firefighters and seven airplanes from the EU have been operating in Greece as fires sprout across the country, EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic tweeted early Sunday afternoon. The introduction of a free book scheme for secondary school students is being considered by the Government as part of budget negotiations. Education Minister Norma Foley is keen to extend the scheme for free primary school books, which will be in operation from September, to secondary level students. Ms Foley will set out her case for the funding when her budget talks with Finance Minister Michael McGrath and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe begin in the coming weeks. At a recent pre-budget meeting of the Fianna Fail parliamentary party, a number of TDs and senators urged Ms Foley and Mr McGrath to pursue an extension of the free book scheme to post-primary schools. Ms Foley secured 50m in funding for the free book programme for primary school pupils in the last budget and an extension of the scheme is considered likely as long as funding is available in October. The minister has a lot of competing funding demands in her portfolio but a senior government source said ensuring equality of opportunity and access to education are key planks to her reforms of the sector. Norma has never made a secret of her view that the free books for primary school children is only the first step in reducing the cost of sending children into education, the source said. Under the primary school scheme students are given free text books, work books and copy books. While there is an openness to the proposal within the Department of Finance, it is expected to cost far more than the primary level scheme as secondary school books are more expensive. Ms Foley will also focus her budget demands on increasing the amount of funding for special needs teachers and assistants. She will also look to reduce the teacher/pupil ratio in schools which she has done in previous budgets. Octobers Budget will be focused on cutting costs for families by reducing childcare fees and making education more affordable. Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys will use the budget negotiations to push for an expansion of her free school meals programme. In the last budget, the minister secured funding to introduce free hot meals for all children in disadvantaged schools and has pledged to expand the scheme to all schools by 2030. She will also push for another double payment of the monthly Child Benefit which was introduced last year at the height of the cost of living crisis. A 100 top-up of the benefit was paid to all families last month. Ms Humphreys and Childrens Minister Roderic OGorman recently agreed to increase state-funded parental leave by another two weeks, meaning parents will be able to take up to nine weeks off work after their children are born. Meanwhile, Higher Education Minister Simon Harris will push to reduce college fees further. Mr Harris secured funding to reduce fees in the last budget and also increased student grants. The budget funding means any family earning under 100,000 will see a permanent reduction of 500 in fees meaning students will pay 2,500 a year to attend college. Families earning 62,000 a year will now pay 1,500 in fees due to changes in student grant rules. It was the first cut in the student contribution charge in 27 years, which grew from a 150-a-year administration charge in the mid-1990s when third-level tuition fees were abolished to a 3,000 a year fee before the cut came in last years budget. The budget will also have a 1.1bn tax package and a major capital investment programme. The number of gardai working in stations in Dublins north inner city has decreased by almost 4pc since the start of the year, according to the latest staffing figures for An Garda Siochana. Updated details on staffing levels across the countrys 564 Garda stations show the number of gardai attached to the Dublin North Central division which covers stations including Store Street, Bridewell and Mountjoy has fallen by 3.8pc since the start of 2023. It is the largest percentage drop in numbers of frontline gardai in any Garda division nationwide over the past six months. All but one of the countrys 27 Garda divisions has experienced a reduction in frontline gardai since January. The latest figures show the Dublin North Central division, which has one of the highest crime rates in the country, had 615 gardai last month 24 fewer than at the start of the year. Policing in the capitals north inner city has come under scrutiny in the past week following an unprovoked violent attack on Store Street on Wednesday night which left a US tourist with life-changing injuries. Business owners in the Talbot Street area, where last weeks violent assault took place, claim there is a permanent issue with anti-social behaviour in the north inner city and a lack of visible policing. The incident happened within 100 metres of the capitals largest Garda station which has experienced a reduction in eight frontline staff since January to 251. During a visit to Store Street Garda station on Friday following the incident, the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, insisted that Dublin was a safe city, although she added that people were not going to be safe all the time everywhere in a city centre or anywhere. Ms McEntee also remarked that garda numbers have not been at the level that I would like this year, but claimed there had been a steady increase, while she stated 450 Garda recruits will be in training by the end of this month. The US tourist who is a regular visitor to Ireland, Stephen Termini (57) from New York, remains in intensive care in Beaumont Hospital with serious head injuries. The attack on Mr Termini came just weeks after another unprovoked assault in the area on a Ukrainian actor who had been performing in the Abbey Theatre. Garda staffing levels in Dublin city centre are expected to be raised with the Assistant Garda Commissioner with responsibility for policing in Dublin, Angela Willis, at a meeting of Dublin City Councils Joint Policing Committee on Monday. Ms Willis pointed out last week that gardai have conducted more than 10,500 foot patrols in the city centre area since January as part of Operation Citizen. While the Government had a target of increasing the size of the force to 15,000 together with 4,000 civilian staff by 2021, the latest figures show the total number of gardai at the end of June was 13,892 241 fewer than at the start of the year. When officers who are on career breaks, work-sharing, secondments and maternity and parental leave are excluded, the total number of available gardai falls to 13,658. Meanwhile, civilian staff numbers have remained effectively unchanged over the past six months at 3,127. The latest figures show the overall number of frontline gardai has dropped to 12,009 since the end of December a decrease of 264 or 2.2pc nationally. Other Garda divisions to record sizeable reductions in staffing levels besides Dublin North Central include Louth (down 3.7pc); Westmeath, Dublin East and Dublin South (all down 3.5pc); Tipperary (down 3.1pc) and Kildare (down 3.0pc). The number of gardai attached to the station in Leixlip, Co Kildare has fallen by 20 since the start of the year to 65 the largest reduction in any station countrywide. However, other stations in Kildare including Celbridge, Maynooth and Kilcock have been given additional gardai at the same time. Other stations with with large reductions in garda numbers so far this year include Donnybrook (down 13 to 94) and Drogheda (down 10 to 127). The only one of 27 Garda divisions to record an increase in staff since the start of the year is Cavan/Monaghan where numbers are up by three to 380. In Dublin, the only station to record a significant increase in frontline staff was Kevin Street in the south inner city where numbers are up 13 to 173. Meanwhile, the latest figures show 12 small rural stations have lost their permanent garda in the past 18 months including five since the start of 2023. They are Daingean, Co Offaly; Elphin, Co Roscommon; Bansha, Co Tipperary and Whitegate and Durrus, both in Co Cork. However, three stations have had a permanent garda restored over the past six months Rathcormac, Co Cork; Cloghan, Co Offaly and Skreen, Co Sligo. A report by the Oireachtas Parliamentary Budget Office published last month estimated that the Government would have to spend an extra 138 million annually on payroll costs if it is to meet its official target on Garda staffing levels. It also revealed that Ireland has the 12th lowest number of police officers on a per capita basis out of 33 European countries. Based on staffing levels across police forces in Europe in 2020, the study found the number of gardai per 100,000 population is 11pc below the average. The report revealed that Ireland had 291 gardai per 100,000 population in 2020 compared to the EU average of 328. However, the figure fell to an average of 276 by last year its lowest level since 2016 and in contrast to the peak of 321 reached in 2008. The report said the annual cost of increasing the number of gardai from its current level to the target of 15,000 would be approximately 88 million. In addition, it estimated another 50 million would need to be spent annually to achieve the target of 4,000 civilian staff. The Garda Press Office has been contacted for comment. Brighids Diary What we all imagine the Dalkey Dangler to look like. Right...? Picture posed by model Sure come down to Moycullen, says my buddy Tommy, tis a few years since weve seen ye. So on Tuesday, with the breath of a rabbit from rushing, I hopped on to the Citylink bus on Aston Quay with my niece Kate and headed for good old Galway city. Mary ODonnell: We need to reassess our attitudes to care facilities unsung heroes do so much for so little Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are bulking up their defences On the day tens of thousands of Russian soldiers stormed into Ukraine last year, US paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, kitted out in full battle gear, landed at the airport here in Latvia a boots-on-the-ground symbol of Washingtons commitment to defend its most vulnerable Nato allies in Europe. Crime scene on Store Street, just off Talbot Street, after the attack Some crimes hit home because they are so chillingly random, and we can imagine ourselves being in that same situation, becoming that victim. The 57-year-old US tourist who was left with life-changing injuries after an attack off Talbot Street in Dublins north inner city on Wednesday evening is Everyman. He was on holiday, walking to meet friends, with no reason to fear himself at risk. This is not the Ireland of the Welcomes that we sell, with justified pride for the most part, to the world. At such times, for the Garda Assistant Commissioner for the Dublin Metropolitan Region Angela Willis to state on Friday, as the perpetrators remained at large, that Dublin is absolutely a safe city suggests a certain tone deafness to the lived experience of people who live and work and own small businesses in the north inner city. They absolutely do not feel that their corner of the capital is safe; and with government ministers adding to the co-ordinated chorus of soothing noises, there were uncomfortable echoes of Groucho Marxs famous quip: Who are you going to believe me, or your own eyes? If there really is, as Dublins Lord Mayor Daithi de Roiste said last week, a group of thugs operating beyond the confines of the law, then those who use that area daily are entitled to see resources devoted to stamping out the threat. Instead they increasingly feel that the Government has given up on them, as in the past; and many rural areas, where the sight of guards on patrol is as rare as hens teeth, feel forgotten too. With such a gaping disparity in perception, it can be tempting for politicians to exploit heightened feeling by striking tough, populist poses. In truth, no single party or minister is to blame, and it could be that public opinion is far ahead of what is politically, even legally, possible. That, though, is no excuse for complacency. Fine Gael has been in power since 2011, and has chosen to take the justice portfolio in every single coalition cabinet formed after that date. Tackling crime clearly matters to them and their voters, but still restoring law and order remains on the To Do list. Its impossible to judge that as anything other than a dereliction of duty. Only a serious increase in recruitment can now deliver the extra foot patrols which have proved effective around the world in reducing anti-social behaviour and violent street crime. Assistant Commissioner Willis may point to figures showing that gardai have conducted over 10,500 such patrols in Dublin city centre since the beginning of the year; but that works out at roughly two patrols an hour in an area through which half a million souls pass each day. That may explain why locals, gathering to talk about what happened last week, anecdotally report hardly ever seeing guards on the beat. The best hope is that official embarrassment at the damage to Irelands international reputation caused by last weeks brutal attack on an innocent visitor is the spur which prompts the Government to act decisively on violent crime in the city, just as the murder of Veronica Guerin spurred previous ones to tackle criminal gangs. If major cities like New York managed to get a grip on violence, from a higher base and with much larger populations, surely it cant be beyond a compact city such as Dublin to do the same? Keen to avoid the sunburn mistakes of her youth, our columnist has the top products to protect your skin and hair on hot summer days Red alert! Red alert! Growing up in Costa del Schull in the 1970s, summers were spent... OK, Ill whisper it... tanning. I know, I know, its considered a bad word now but back then, thats what my BFF Mary and I spent our days doing, either in her backyard or at the beach. Mary is fair-skinned and foxy-haired sorry, strawberry blonde as she convinced me it was called and was so pale she was nearly invisible. Milk-bottle Mary, I should have called her, but my wits hadnt grown at that stage! We hadnt discovered fake tan and stupidly thought the more tanned we were, the more glam we looked. Not being a dumb blonde, Mary came up with a plan to tan and being a year and nearly three weeks older than me, I always had to do what she said... The tan plan involved Marys American mum, who knew everything. One hot day she told us all about tinfoil tanning a big craze Stateside from her youth. So we lay on tinfoil instead of towels to reflect the sun and tan us faster (do not try this, ever!). You must remember people once thought smoking was OK too! I think I still have PTSD from that day were talking lobsters and lots of Sudocrem. So, at 12 years of age, I resolved to never get sunburnt again. Nuori Mineral Defence Sunscreen, 39, nuori.com with free shipping to Ireland Im an SPF queen now and this newbie, Nuori Mineral Defence Sunscreen, 39, nuori.com with free shipping to Ireland, is a natural sunscreen with SPF30 broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, thanks to a high-performance zinc filter with nourishing and protecting plant extracts. I love the silky texture and matte finish and, best of all, those with sensitive skin can use it. Dermalogica Porescreen SPF40, 65, dermalogica.ie Another newbie, Dermalogica Porescreen SPF40, 65, dermalogica.ie, is a multi-functional product that protects, preps, and enhance skins radiance and tone, all in one step. The brand is embracing the move away from 12-step skin care routines to more of a skinimalist approach. Clarins SOS Sunburn After Sun Mask, 30, clarins.ie Now, if you have been unlucky and got sunburnt, this Clarins SOS Sunburn After Sun Mask, 30,clarins.ie, instantly cools, comforts, and relieves burning sensations thanks to organic aloe vera extract and shea oil. Keep it in the fridge for emergencies. Avedas Sun Care Protective Hair Veil, 29.50, avedastore.ie Meanwhile, Avedas Sun Care Protective Hair Veil, 29.50, avedastore.ie, is a water-resistant UV-defence mist that forms an invisible screen to help protect hair from sun exposure for up to 16 hours, to minimise colour fading, damage and dryness. Sun Soothe After Sun Leave in Fluid, 14.95, eu.voduzhair.com Irish brand Voduz also has a Sun Soothe After Sun Leave in Fluid, 14.95, eu.voduzhair.com, with argan oil, jojoba oil and baobab oil to replenish and restore your hair. Three of the best red lippies Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square, 28.50, Brown Thomas. 1 Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square, 28.50, Brown Thomas. I love a brilliant, bright orangey red colour and this is perfect for popping in your pocket for on-the-go touch-ups on long, hot summer nights! I use it to line my lips first before filling them in. Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square, 28.50, Brown Thomas. 2 Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Red Hot, 14, Boots. For a full-on Robert Palmer Addicted to Love look, this is all you need besides the slicked-back hair and guitar, that is! This longwear lipstick has a no-budge formula that lasts for up to 16 hours. Isamaya LuckyKiss Diamond Lip Glow lipstick in Buck, 49, farfetch.com. 3 Isamaya LuckyKiss Diamond Lip Glow lipstick in Buck, 49, farfetch.com. If a red lip feels too much but you still yearn for something more out there than what your mum might wear, may I present this delight that deeply dazzles thanks to two-tone pearlescent pigments that change hue from every angle. News / National by Staff reporter PRINTING of ballot papers that will be used during the August 23 harmonised polls has commenced, but the process is being delayed by election-related cases that are before the courts.In an interview, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chief elections officer Mr Utloile Silaigwana said some of the cases have a bearing on the final list of candidates who will be on the ballot."The process of printing ballot papers has started," he said."However, a few hitches have been experienced owing to appeals before the courts arising from the June 21 nomination process and outcome."The commission, he said, was close to finalising processing applications for postal voting from members of the uniformed forces, as well as election officials intending to cast their votes ahead of polling day when they will be on official duty."The commission is still processing the 18 013 applications for postal votes."So far, it has found that more than 380 of these applicants are not on the voters' roll, hence they are not eligible for voting."As soon as the verification exercise is complete, successful applicants will receive their requisite materials."The process has been partially hamstrung by nomination appeals, which are yet to be determined by the courts. These have a bearing on printing of ballot papers."On Wednesday last week, United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) leader Mrs Elisabeth Valerio won her appeal against ZEC's rejection of hernomination papers and has since been added to the list of candidates contesting the presidential election.The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) is suing 41 National Assembly and local authority candidates who filed nomination papers under the party's name.The party wants the candidates to be removed from the final list of candidates.The Electoral Court is also dealing with an application seeking to have CCC National Assembly candidates in Bulawayo disqualified for allegedly filing their nomination papers out of time.Independent presidential candidate Mr Saviour Kasukuwere has an application before the Supreme Court seeking nullification of a recent High Court ruling barring him from contesting the polls.Chiefs Council electionsMeanwhile, ZEC says it is ready for the Provincial Council of Chiefs elections scheduled for Thursday next week.A committee comprising representatives from the commission and the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has since been set up to supervise the polls.Said Mr Silaigwana: "The commission is currently busy with preparations for election of chiefs to the Provincial Council of Chiefs for the eight non-metropolitan provinces."The elections will be presided over by provincial elections officers of the eight non-metropolitan provinces."He said the provincial election officers completed a two-day training exercise yesterday."The provincial assemblies of chiefs will meet on August 3, 2023 to elect members to their respective Provincial Council of Chiefs."The combined Provincial Councils of Chiefs become the National Council of Chiefs or simply the Council of Chiefs."In total, he said, 36 chiefs will be elected into the council."The commission has already prepared the ballot paper for the election."It is important to note that the ballot paper is blank since the commission does not know the names of chiefs who will be nominated for election on August 3."On election day, the chiefs assemble at the designated provincial centres and nominate preferred candidates."If a candidate is nominated and is uncontested, he or she becomes duly elected."If many candidates are nominated at once, the law allows for an adjournment of a maximum of three hours to allow the chiefs to campaign before an election is conducted through secret ballot to determine the winner."This process, he added, is repeated until all the required members of the Provincial Council of Chiefs have been elected. A Scottish Second World War veteran came face to face with the modern equivalent of the aircraft he flew in during the conflict. Photo Caption: Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe meets Narendra Modi. Photo Courtesy: PIB Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Friday said the bilateral talks between India and Sri Lanka not only focussed on the opportunities but also the challenges faced by the neighbouring nations in the maritime domain. Asked if the Chinese movement in the Indian Ocean came up during the bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Foreign Secretary was quoted as saying by ANI, We are neighbours. We have a long-standing and comprehensive relationship, and it is natural to speak about their concerns. When India and Sri Lanka sit, they dont only talk of opportunities that exist in economic partnership in the maritime domain but they also take a comprehensive stock assessment of the challenges they face in the maritime domain. These challenges were brought up appropriately during the discussion, Kwatra added. Kwatra informed further that PM Modi, at the joint press briefing, also stated that aspects related to Indias security and sensitivity were discussed. Speaking on the Sri Lankan response to Indias security concerns, Kwatra said, Sri Lankan side did convey to us their respect for our security and strategic sensitive concerns relating to what happens to our maritime domain. Our challenges are in many ways shared challenges. Both sides will continue to monitor developments, naturally closely consult that has a bearing on the security of both countries, he added. Ranil Wickremesinghe visited India on July 21. This was President Wickremesinghes first visit to India since assuming the current responsibilities. He met Indian President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi. Image Credit: Twitter video grab Ahmedabad: Heavy rains in Gujarat have caused severe flooding at the Ahmedabad airport, leaving the runway and terminal areas submerged under knee-high water. The western state has been experiencing heavy downpours for several days, leading to a flood-like situation in the state. Videos shared on Twitter show the extent of the flooding, with passengers wading through water to reach their flights on time. Situation of Ahmedabad airport. All the chaddis who were barking about Delhi flood are silent now. pic.twitter.com/q9ondpu7M5 Himanshu K (@kr_himanshu_) July 23, 2023 The airport authorities have urged passengers to contact their respective airlines before commencing their journey to check the status of their flights. Passengers have been also advised to avoid parking at the airport facility due to waterlogging. Airport officials are working tirelessly to maintain smooth operations despite the challenging conditions, donning water-protective equipment to navigate the flooded areas. However, the situation has posed major inconvenience to travelers, who are facing difficulties reaching their destinations on time. "Due to heavy rains and water logging around the airport, we request all passengers to check with their respective airlines before starting their journey. Passengers are also advised to avoid parking at the airport facility," the Ahmedabad airport said in a tweet. Due to heavy rains and water logging around the airport, we request all passengers to check with their respective airlines before starting their journey. Passengers are also advised to avoid parking at the airport facility. #AhmedabadAirport #PassengerFirst #PassengerAdvisory Ahmedabad Airport (@ahmairport) July 22, 2023 As Gujarat continues to grapple with heavy rainfall and flooding, authorities are monitoring the situation closely to ensure the safety and well-being of all airport personnel and passengers. "Now airplane will not fly from Ahmedabad airport but ship will run...Ahmedabad International Airport flooded due to #HeavyRains," a Twitter user wrote taking a dig at the water-logged airport. Now airplane will not fly from Ahmedabad airport but ship will run... Ahmedabad International Airport flooded due to #HeavyRains This is the real #GujratModel#GujaratRains #Gujarat #AhmedabadRain pic.twitter.com/fjRSEipxkM (@INCVivekSingh) July 22, 2023 Over the past 48 hours, non-stop rainfall has caused widespread waterlogging across the city, causing a major disruption to daily life. The rising water levels have particularly affected airport operations, resulting in a standstill situation. Thousands of passengers have been left stranded as the airport infrastructure has been severely impacted by the flooding. Over the past 48 hours, non-stop rainfall has caused widespread waterlogging across the city, causing a major disruption to daily life. Ahmedabad city experienced a deluge on Saturday evening, with a staggering 101 mm of rainfall pouring down within a span of just two hours. The intense downpour led to severe flooding on city roads and residential areas, causing inconvenience and disruption to daily life. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant weather warning for parts of Gujarat. Heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall, is expected in the south Gujarat and Saurashtra-Kutch districts until Sunday morning. A red alert has been specifically issued for Junagadh, Jamnagar, Devbhumi Dwarka, Kutch, Surat, Valsad, Navsari, and Surat. These areas may experience intense precipitation, which can lead to flooding and other related hazards. Additionally, many other districts in south Gujarat and Saurashtra-Kutch will also witness heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next three days, according to the IMD. The rising water levels have particularly affected airport operations, resulting in a standstill situation. Image: National Security Guard Twitter page Shimla: A team of National Security Guard (NSG) commandos on Sunday cordoned off the eatery here where an LPG gas leak apparently led to a massive blast earlier this week. The blast left one dead and 13 others injured. The NSG team, including a dozen commandoes, cordoned off the blast site around Mall Road at about 8 AM, a police officer said. According to Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu, the NSG joined the investigation as per the Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. State SIT is also conducting an investigation, and the police report is not out so far. The blast occurred on Tuesday evening at Himachali Rasoi eatery, known for serving Himachali cuisines, located in Middle Bazaar adjacent to the fire brigade office in the heart of the town. Police said the blast was apparently caused by a gas leak. The DGP confirmed that a team from the National Bomb Data Centre of the NSG has come for the post-blast investigation to find out the cause of the explosion. The place where the blast occurred was sensitive as it is near the Police Reporting Room. The NSG specialises in this field and their services are being availed of to determine the cause of the blast according to the SOP of the government, he said. The DGP had also visited the blast site day after the incident and said preliminary investigation and forensic examination have pointed out that the gas leak led to the blast. Eyewitnesses and injured people have said the gas leak from two LPG cylinders led to the blast but more casualties were averted as the place was closed for maintenance. However, the high intensity of the explosion that shattered windows of several shops and houses in the vicinity, with the sound of the explosion being heard miles away have raised suspicion that there can be more to the incident. (With UNI Inputs) Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe meets Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Photo Courtesy: PIB Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra on Friday said the visit by Indian tourists has been a consistent contributor to the economic and forex inflows into Sri Lanka. He made the comment on a day when Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited India. India is currently the largest source of inbound tourism into Sri Lanka. In this context, the Sri Lankan president has articulated his future plans for attracting a larger number of Indian tourists including through promotion of the Ramayana trail as well as Buddhist Hindu circuits and other places of religious worship in Sri Lanka, the Foreign Secretary was quoted as saying by ANI. Kwatra said a key outcome of the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe related to digital connectivity and the fintech connectivity is an agreement reached between NPCI International and Lanka pay on UPI based digital payments. This has multiple segments that it will feed into. He said: Digitalization and digital public infrastructure and the role these two things can play in the development partnership between the two countries was also an important element of discussion between the two leaders. The Foreign Secretary further said: Tourism is only one part of it but it would essentially ease up the payment flow mechanisms between the two countries. The Sri Lankan leader met Indian PM Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during his visit. Image: UNI Shillong: Hundreds of people, including students and members of civil society groups, gathered at the iconic Don Bosco Square here on Sunday evening for a candle-lit vigil to express solidarity with the people and victims of the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur. Holding placards and singing We shall overcome, the people, condemning the ethnic violence in Manipur, also demanded immediate actions and appropriate steps by both the central and Manipur government to stop the senseless killings, violence against women and restore peace and normalcy. The candle-lit vigil was organized by a group of concerned citizens. The Government of India must accede to the popular demand of the Kuki-Zo people for a separate administration which is the only political solution, to restore normalcy in Manipur. Apart from that, both the government of India and Manipur must ensure that perpetrators of the violence are arrested, said Juii Haokip, one of the participants at the event. Describing the Manipur violence as civil war, social activist Angela Rangad said the violence has been caused by those who are in power to spread hate and violence. We have to stop pointing fingers at each other, Rangad said, appealing to both the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities to collectively point their fingers towards those in power at both the state and the centre and the alleged groups that they have raised to unleash this violence and hatred in Manipur. (With UNI inputs) Photo caption: Stills of actors Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh , and Bhagavad Gita, Photo Courtesy: Wallpaper Cave and Oppenheimer Movie Instagram page A sex scene in filmmaker Christopher Nolan's latest released movie Oppenheimer, in which the protagonist Cillian Murphy (playing the titular character of physicist J Robert Oppenheimer) could be seen reading Bhagavad Gita while performing the act, has miffed a section of Hindus who even criticised the Indian Censor Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) for allowing the retention of it in the film. A scene from the movie 'Oppenheimer' showing Cillian Murphy's character reading a quote from Bhagavad Gita while having sex scene | what the fuck Christopher Nolon . @VlKAS_PR0NAM0 @IndiWB @BajrangDalOrg @bajrangdalmfp @BajrangDal_IND @BajrangDalArmy pic.twitter.com/SaqwNCV5pm Vikram (@Vikramadit1001) July 22, 2023 A group named Save Culture Save India Foundation issued a statement to express their displeasure over the movie scene and said: " It has come to the notice of Save Culture Save India Foundation that the movie Oppenheimer which was released on 21st July contains scenes which make a scathing attack on Hinduism." MOVIE OPPENHEIMERS ATTACK ON BHAGWAD GEETA Press Release of Save Culture Save India Foundation Date: July 22, 2023 It has come to the notice of Save Culture Save India Foundation that the movie Oppenheimer which was released on 21st July contains scenes which make a scathing pic.twitter.com/RmJI0q9pXi Uday Mahurkar (@UdayMahurkar) July 22, 2023 "A scene in the movie shows a woman makes a man read Bhagwad Geeta aloud while getting over him and doing sexual intercourse," read the statement. " A divine gift to human civilisation by Bhagwan Sri Krishna, the Bhagwad Geeta, is one of the most revered scriptures of Hinduism. Geeta has been the inspiration for countless sanyasis, brahmcharis and legends who live a life of self-control and perform selfless noble deeds," it said. You are having a sex scene and at same time reading the #BhagavadGita What crap is this @Chris_Nolann? You have clearly manipulated the scripted history. I left the movie instantly after that scene. Shame#Oppenheimer pic.twitter.com/IsEXbCIK03 Mayur (@peafowlms) July 21, 2023 "One is perplexed as to how the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) could approve the movie with this scene," read the statement. The statement further said: "The Foundation urges, on behalf of the public of this nation and timeless tradition of lives being transformed by revered Geeta, the I & B Ministry to do all that is needed to uphold dignity of the revered holy book of the Hindus, punish those involved and setting processes in place that such things do not happen in future." The release was shared on Twitter by Uday Mahurkar, Information Commissioner with the government of India. Oppenheimer released on Friday. Absolutely disgusting. We are calling upon Hindus to boycott and protest this film! It has a scene associating the Gita with sex scene. Indias censor allowed it! They need to reverse this. They would never allow Quran or China to be shown like this. https://t.co/HpIFFLA73I Indian-Americans (@HinduAmericans) July 20, 2023 The movie is directed by Christopher Nolan. Based on the 2005 biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, the film chronicles the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, a theoretical physicist who was pivotal in developing the first nuclear weapons as part of the Manhattan Project, and thereby ushering in the Atomic Age. Cillian Murphy stars as the titular character, with Emily Blunt as Oppenheimer's wife, Katherine "Kitty" Oppenheimer, Matt Damon as General Leslie Groves, Oppenheimer's military handler, and Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss, a senior member of the United States Atomic Energy Commission. Other members of the supporting cast include Florence Pugh, Josh Hartnett, Casey Affleck, Rami Malek, and Kenneth Branagh. Image credit: UNI Zurich/IBNS/UNI: The Danish government called the Quran burning outside the Iraqi embassy in Copenhagen a provocation and condemned the act, saying that the burning of religious texts creates division between religions and cultures. "The Danish government condemns the burning of the Quran. Burning of holy texts and other religious symbols is a shameful act that disrespects the religion of others. It is a provocative act that hurts many people and creates division between different religions and cultures," the ministry said in a statement on Saturday. Denmark enjoys freedom of religion and many Dutch citizens are Muslims, the government noted. "They are a valued part of the Danish population. Denmark underlines that freedom of expression and freedom of assembly must be respected. Denmark supports the right to protest but emphasizes it must remain peaceful," the ministry added. On Friday, members of the Danish Patriots extremist group set fire to a copy of the Quran in front of the Iraqi embassy in Copenhagen and desecrated the republic's national flag. The action was broadcast on social media. On Wednesday, the Swedish police gave Iraqi immigrant Salwan Momika the go-ahead to stage yet another Quran-burning protest. His previous act in June sparked outrage in many Muslim countries. Hundreds of Iraqi demonstrators stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad ahead of Momika's action, which took place Thursday in front of the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm. In the end, the 37-year-old stepped on his copy of the Quran but did not burn it. On June 28, the first day of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, a protest took place outside Stockholm's main mosque, during which a Quran was burned. The Swedish police authorized the demonstration. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the authorization was "lawful but inappropriate." A similar demonstration took place in Sweden in January when Danish far-right politician Rasmus Paludan burned the Muslim holy book in front of the Turkish embassy. Image Source: Social media United Nations: The United Nations has deplored the death of RIA Novosti war correspondent Rostislav Zhuravlev in the strike by the Ukrainian armed forces and expressed condolences to his family, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told Sputnik on Saturday. "We deplore the death of yet another journalist in this war. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues," Dujarric told Sputnik. Moroccan journalists have called for an immediate international investigation into the death of Zhuravlev, the head of the trade union of Moroccan journalists told Sputnik on Saturday. Libya journalists have also condemned the death of the war correspondent. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has sent an official statement to the Rossiya Segodnya international media group expressing condolences over the death of correspondent Rostislav Zhuravlev. Earlier on Saturday, the Russian Defense Ministry said that Zhuravlev died during evacuation from injuries caused by a cluster submunition explosion. Several other journalists, including RIA Novosti photojournalist Konstantin Mikhalchevsky and Izvestia journalist Roman Polshakov, received wounds of varying degrees of severity. Mikhalchevsky was taken to a hospital in Simferopol, RIA Novosti reported on Saturday. Meanwhile, Izvestia reported on Saturday that Polshakov underwent surgery on his foot. The Russian Embassy in Washington said on Saturday that the United States is responsible for the strike carried out by the Ukrainian troops using Washington-supplied cluster munitions that killed RIA Novosti war correspondent Rostislav Zhuravlev and injured several other journalists. The Russian embassy expressed deep condolences to Zhuravlev's family and wished a speedy recovery to his colleagues who were injured in the shelling. (With UNI/SPUTNIK inputs) News / National by Staff reporter Norton independent legislator Temba Mliswa was at the Harare maintenance court on Thursday in a matter involving him and his former lover Cynthia Tendai Mugwira.The case could, however, not be heard after lawyers representing both parties asked for a postponement as Mugwira was absent.Mliswa and Mugwira appeared at the maintenance court sometime in May where the politician was being accused of not paying fees for his minor child.Harare magistrate Ayanda Dlamini postponed the matter to July 25. Mliswa is accused of failing to comply with a maintenance order, which required him to pay fees in full for his minor children.In May, Mliswa said Mugwira dragged their personal issues to court despite him not having access to the children in question. Thousands of Israelis heading towards parliament building in Jerusalem to oppose a bill that limits Israel's Supreme Court's power (Image Credit: UNI) Jerusalem: Tens of thousands of protesters against the Israeli government's judicial reform are heading towards the parliament building in Jerusalem as part of the "march of democracy." A column of activists, who had gathered on Saturday morning on the outskirts of the city, began marching from the Chords Bridge (Bridge of Strings) toward the Knesset to protest the adoption of the controversial judicial reform bill, a correspondent said on Saturday. Entries to Jerusalem are blocked and the police are on duty around the area. Local media reported that such a mass protest march, which set off several days ago from Tel Aviv, is unprecedented for the country. Protest organizers announced demonstrations at 150 locations across Israel on Saturday. A mass rally with thousands of protesters is expected to take place at the center of Tel Aviv on Kaplan Street. Judicial reform protests have been going on nationwide for 29 consecutive weeks. On Thursday, the Israeli parliament approved for second and third readings one of the key clauses of the reform, which limits the power of the Supreme Court to overturn government decisions by declaring them unreasonable. If the bill becomes law, the government will have more power to advertise its decisions and elect officials. (With UNI/SPUTNIK inputs) Image credit: UNI Mexico City/IBNS/UNI: At least 11 people were killed and four injured after an arson attack in a bar in the Mexican border city of San Luis Rio Colorado in the northern state of Sonora, said local authorities. The incident occurred during the early hours of Saturday morning, after an unknown person, allegedly drunk, threw a lit object at the doors of a cantina after being expelled by the staff, the Sonora Attorney General's Office detailed in a statement on Saturday. "According to several witnesses, the young male was disrespecting women in the bar, so he was removed, and then returned and threw apparently some kind of 'Molotov' bomb at the doors of the building, which caused the incident," said the statement. Among the deceased were seven men and four women, while the injured were taken to hospitals in the city and the United States. The ministerial criminal investigation agency and expert services are working at the site, in coordination with the federal, local and municipal governments, to locate the alleged perpetrator. Calling the attack "a tragedy," Mayor of San Luis Rio Colorado Santos Gonzalez Yescas said Civil Protection personnel and municipal firemen were aiding the investigations. Image:Unsplash Abdul Qayom Faroqi, head of the Paktika Department of Education, said 152 schools in the Afghanistan region lack buildings. There are 410 schools in the province. He called on international organizations to help with the construction of buildings for the schools. 17 schools will be constructed through the financial support of Japan in Paktika. A team from the ministry came here and conducted the assessment. The costs will be nearly 180 million Afs, he told Tolo News. Students in the region said the lack of buildings disrupted their education. They urged the authorities to construct the buildings. If our school is delayed one day due to rain, its effect is like the cost of one year for the country, Rozi Mohammad, a student, told Tolo News. Image: Unsplash A Chinese professor has claimed that the country's youth unemployment rate might have hit close to 50 per cent in March. His comment focussed on the weak labour market condition of the country and contradicted the official figure as stated by the government. The National Bureau of Statistics said that the month's jobless rate for people between the ages of 16 and 24 was 19.7 per cent, less than half of what Peking University professor Zhang Dandan estimated, reports Channel News Asia. If 16 million non-students "lying flat" at home or relying on their parents were included, the rate could have been as high as 46.5 per cent, Zhang wrote in an online article in Caixin, a respected financial magazine as quoted by Channel News Asia. The official youth jobless rate, which only includes people actively seeking work, rose to a record 21.3 per cent in June after the world's second-biggest economy lost steam in the second quarter. Policymakers have struggled to put the economy on a more stable footing since the COVID-19 pandemic, the news portal reported. Image: Unsplash Ahead of Chinas Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the UN Human Rights Council in January 2024, the International Campaign for Tibet and the International Federation for Human Rights recently submitted a report on the human rights violations occurring in Tibet. The report sheds light on systematic and widespread patterns of rights abuses that endanger the core attributes of Tibetan identity and culture, reports Phayul. The outlines a set of recommendations for governments to raise with the Chinese government during its fourth UPR cycle. The focus of these recommendations is to address Chinas policies towards Tibet, which have led to the erosion of Tibetan culture and associated rights, putting the authentic and self-determined Tibetan way of life at serious risk, the news portal reported. Three particularly egregious aspects have been highlighted in the report, pointing towards a shift to a more oppressive and destructive system. The report highlights the issue of residential boarding schools where Tibetan children are separated from their families and placed in schools that exclusively instruct in Han Chinese. This policy subjects the students, ranging from four to 18 years old and potentially numbering up to 1 million children, to persistent political indoctrination. As Mandarin becomes their dominant language, these children lose their ability to read and write in Tibetan, causing a profound disconnection from their cultural identity. The report suggests that this is part of an agenda to erase Tibetan identity by breaking the primary conduit of intergenerational cultural transference. The report also exposes the forcible and coercive expulsion of nomadic and rural agrarian Tibetans from their traditional lands since 2001, affecting at least 1.8 million people. The displaced Tibetans are left with little choice and receive no compensation or assurances for their future income or employment. The Chinese governments claims of consent are contradicted by research showing that families are compelled through the closure of local schools, repeated visits, threats from officials, and other measures. image: Unsplash Over 12,000 Pakistanis are currently languishing in prisons across 67 nations, media reports said. According to reports, over 50 per cent of them are currently present in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This information was provided to the National Assembly Secretariat by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to a question asked by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNA Sikandar Ali Rahoupoto, reports Dawn News. The ministry has compiled data on the basis of information provided to it by the Pakistani missions abroad. The ministry has not provided details of the nature of crimes for which these Pakistanis are in jails as the questioner had not asked about it. According to the document, available with Dawn News, a total of 12,080 Pakistanis are presently in jails, out of which 3,100 each are in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The data shows that out of 3,100 Pakistanis in the UAE, 1,612 are in Abu Dhabi and 1,488 in Dubai. Similarly, in Saudi Arabia, 1,596 Pakistanis are in jails in Riyadh whereas another 1,504 are presently detained in Jeddah. Besides these two Arab countries, there are 811 Pakistani prisoners in Greece, the country which remained in news after a boat tragedy in which more than 200 Pakistanis had died. The data shows that there are 683 Pakistanis in various jails in India, 672 in Iraq, 586 in Italy, 540 in Oman and 275 in the United Kingdom. According to a report released in April 2019 by the Justice Project Pakistan, a non-governmental organisation working for Pakistani prisoners at home and abroad, around 11,000 Pakistanis, including 3,309 in Saudi Arabia, had been suffering in various jails abroad. Image: Pixabay US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Thursday said his agency has national security concerns over Chinese autonomous vehicle companies operating in the American market. He expressed his opinion after some lawmakers called for restrictions on their operations. Whether we are talking about hardware or software, in the same way, there are concerns around telecoms or TikTok, there are concerns around transportation technologies, Buttigieg was quoted as saying by The South China Morning Post. Buttigieg said the United States needs to better understand the true ownership of the different enterprises that are supplying different elements of our transportation systems. In a July 17 letter to Buttigieg and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, a bipartisan group of four lawmakers asked for an investigation into the prevalence of Chinese AV technology in the US and how it can be restricted. Technology used by AVs, LiDAR, RADAR, cameras, AI and other advanced sensors and semiconductors can all be used to collect data on the American people and infrastructure that could be shared back to China and ultimately to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the lawmakers wrote as quoted by the newspaper. Image: Pixabay A 60-year-old Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer named William Majcher has been arrested for allegedly helping China, police said on Saturday. He was arrested in Hong Kong. "According to the investigation, Mr. Majcher allegedly used his knowledge and his extensive network of contacts in Canada to obtain intelligence or services to benefit the People's Republic of China," RMCP said in a statement. The Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) launched an investigation in fall 2021 regarding William Majcher's suspicious activities. It is alleged that he contributed to the Chinese government's efforts to identify and intimidate an individual outside the scope of Canadian law. The RCMP has a mandate to detect and disrupt foreign interference attempts. It investigates activities by individuals that pose a risk to Canadian institutions and the economy. "Foreign actor interference is a priority for many law enforcement and intelligence agencies around the world. The use of these kinds of covert and unofficial operations in Canada by persons mandated by a foreign state is likely to undermine Canada's democratic and judicial processes and threaten Canada's sovereignty," the police said in a statement. The RCMP and its partners are working together with vulnerable sectors to improve Canada's response and resiliency to this threat. Happy Parents Day 2023: Parents' Day is a special day that celebrates and honors parents and their role in the family and society. It is a day dedicated to expressing love, gratitude, and appreciation for the sacrifices and hard work that parents put in to raise their children and provide them with a nurturing environment. National Parents' Day was established as a national observance in the United States in 1994, under the presidency of Bill Clinton. The holiday was signed into law by former US President Bill Clinton as a way to recognise, uplift, and support the role of parents in the lives of their children. It falls on the fourth Sunday of July every year. Happy Parents Day 2023 HD images | Photo: Freepik The purpose of Parents' Day is to promote responsible parenting and to strengthen the bond between parents and children. The Day is also intended to raise awareness about the importance of parental support in the overall development and well-being of children. The day is an opportunity for children to show their love, affection, and appreciation for their parents through various gestures like gifts, cards, spending quality time together, or performing acts of kindness. On National Parents' Day, people may spend time with their parents, give them gifts or cards, or simply express their love and appreciation through meaningful gestures. Community events and activities may also be organised to celebrate and honor parents. Parents often sacrifice a lot to provide for their children and create a nurturing environment. Their love and support are invaluable in shaping our lives. Wishing them on Parents' Day shows that you recognise and value the hard work and dedication they put into raising you. 1. To the most wonderful parents in the world, Happy Parents' Day 2023! Your love, support, and guidance have shaped me into who I am today. Thank you for everything. 2. On this special day, I want to express my gratitude for being blessed with the best Mom and Dad. Your love knows no bounds, and I cherish every moment with you. Happy Parents' Day! 3. To my amazing mom and dad, you are my pillars of strength and my greatest inspiration. Wishing you a Happy Parents' Day filled with love and joy. 4. Happy Parents' Day to the unsung superheroes who have always been there for me, no matter what. Your love is the foundation of my happiness and success. Happy Parents Day 2023! 5. To the two people who have given me unconditional love and unwavering support, Happy Parents' Day 2023! You mean the world to me. 6. Cheers to the best parents a child could ask for! Your love and care have made my life truly blessed. Happy Parents' Day 2023! 7. On this special occasion, I want to thank you for being the guiding light in my life. Your love has always been my source of strength. Happy Parents' Day! 8. To my beloved parents, your love is like a warm embrace that makes everything better. Happy Parents' Day 2023! 9. I am grateful every day for having such loving parents like you. Your presence in my life brings joy and happiness. Happy Parents' Day! 10. Happy Parents' Day to the role models who have shown me the true essence of love and sacrifice. I love you both immensely! 11. Sending you lots of love and warm wishes on Parents' Day. You have given me the best life, and I can't thank you enough. 12. Your love and care have always been a shield protecting me from life's challenges. Happy Parents' Day to the most caring parents in the world! 13. To my wonderful parents, your support and encouragement have been instrumental in my achievements. I am forever grateful. Happy Parents' Day 2023! 14. Today is a day to celebrate the incredible parents who have showered me with love, kindness, and wisdom. Happy Parents' Day 2023! 15. Your love has been a constant source of strength in my life. Wishing you a Happy Parents' Day filled with happiness and love. 16. On this special day, I want to express my love and appreciation for all the sacrifices you've made for me. Happy Parents' Day 2023! 17. To my Mom and Dad, you are my first friends and forever mentors. Your love has given me the courage to face any challenge. Happy Parents' Day! 18. Happy Parents' Day to the world's best parents! Your love has made our family bond unbreakable. 19. You've always believed in me and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. Thank you for being my cheerleaders in life. Happy Parents' Day 2023! 20. Your love is the anchor that keeps me grounded and the wind beneath my wings. Wishing you a Happy Parents' Day filled with love and joy. Happy Parents Day 2023 beautiful Messages 1. Happy Parents' Day to the two people who have given me unconditional love and support throughout my life. You are my inspiration and my guiding light. Love you, Mom and Dad! 2. On this special day, I want to express my gratitude for being blessed with the most wonderful parents in the world. Your love and sacrifices have shaped me into the person I am today. Happy Parents' Day 2023! 3. To the most amazing parents, thank you for always being there for me with open arms and a warm heart. Your love is truly the foundation of my happiness. Happy Parents' Day 2023! 4. Happy Parents' Day! Your love and encouragement have been the pillars of my strength. I am forever grateful for your guidance and the beautiful memories we've created together. 5. Wishing my incredible parents a day filled with joy and laughter. Your unwavering support has given me the courage to chase my dreams. Love you both to the moon and back! 6. To my superheroes, my parents - you've been my rock, my confidants, and my biggest cheerleaders. I am blessed to have you in my life. Happy Parents' Day 2023! 7. Happy Parents' Day to the role models who have shown me the true meaning of love, sacrifice, and perseverance. I'm lucky to have you as my parents. 8. On this special day, I want to thank you for being the best parents anyone could ask for. Your love and care have made all the difference in my life. Happy Parents' Day 2023! 9. To the world's greatest parents, I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, and the appreciation you truly deserve. Thank you for making my life extraordinary. Happy Parents' Day 2023! 10. Happy Parents' Day to the anchors of my life. Your constant presence and encouragement have given me the strength to overcome every challenge. I love you more than words can express. 11. Wishing the most loving and caring parents a day as special as you are. Your love has been a guiding light that brightens my path every step of the way. Happy Parents' Day! 12. To the champions of my heart, thank you for showering me with love and being my support system through thick and thin. Happy Parents' Day 2023! 13. Happy Parents' Day to the two people who have given me the world and more. Your love and sacrifices are beyond measure, and I am forever grateful. 14. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for being my pillars of strength and for molding me into a better person. Your love is truly the greatest gift. Happy Parents' Day! 15. Sending all my love and warm wishes to the best parents in the universe. Your love is the fuel that propels me forward. Happy Parents' Day 2023! 16. Happy Parents' Day! You've not only been my parents but also my best friends. I cherish every moment spent with you both. 17. To my incredible parents, your love has taught me compassion, kindness, and resilience. I am so fortunate to have you as my guiding stars. Happy Parents' Day! 18. On this special day, I want to let you know how much you mean to me. You are the reason behind my smile and my success. Happy Parents' Day 2023! 19. To the most wonderful parents on the planet, thank you for loving me unconditionally and being my biggest cheerleaders. Your love is a precious gift. Happy Parents' Day 2023! 20. Happy Parents' Day to the source of my strength and the core of my happiness. Your love has been the foundation of my life, and I'm forever grateful for everything you do. Happy Parents Day 2023 Best Quotes 1. "A parent's love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible." - Marion C. Garretty 2. "Parents hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever." - Unknown 3. "To the world, you are a parent, but to your child, you are the world." - Unknown 4. "A mother's love is like a beacon, lighting up the future but reflected also on the past in the guise of fond memories." - Honore de Balzac 5. "The greatest gift you can give your children is to believe in them." - Zig Ziglar 6. "Parents are the ultimate role models for children. Every word, movement, and action have an effect. No other person or outside force has a greater influence on a child than the parent." - Bob Keeshan 7. "The depth of the love of parents for their children cannot be measured. It is like no other relationship. It exceeds concern for life itself. The love of a parent for a child is continuous and transcends heartbreak and disappointment." - James E. Faust 8. "The best parents are those who let their kids know that they need to spread their wings and fly but are always there to catch them if they fall." - Unknown 9. "A parent's love is whole no matter how many times divided." - Robert Brault 10. "Your arms were always open when I needed a hug. Your heart understood when I needed a friend. Your gentle eyes were stern when I needed a lesson. Your strength and love have guided me and gave me wings to fly." - Sarah Malin 11. "Behind every young child who believes in himself is a parent who believed first." - Matthew Jacobson 12. "Being a parent means loving your children more than you've ever loved yourself." - Unknown 13. "A parent's love is like a compass, guiding us through life's journeys." - Unknown 14. "The best thing that you can give to your children is time, for time is what life is made of." - Unknown 15. "The love and care of parents are the greatest blessings a child can have." - Unknown 16. "Parents: the only people who will love you unconditionally, no matter what." - Unknown 17. "The most precious jewels you'll ever have around your neck are the arms of your children." - Unknown 18. "A parent's love is the foundation that shapes a child's life." - Unknown 19. "Parenthood is about guiding children on how to be good human beings, not about shaping them into what we want them to be." - Unknown 20. "Being a parent is learning about strengths you didn't know you had and dealing with fears you didn't know existed." - Linda Wooten 1. "To the two superheroes who brought me into this world and filled it with love, Happy Parents' Day! " 2. "Being a parent is the most rewarding job in the world, and I'm grateful for mine every day. Happy Parents' Day!" 3. "The love and sacrifices of parents are unmatched. Wishing all the amazing parents out there a Happy Parents' Day! " 4. "Thanks to my incredible parents for shaping me into who I am today. Your love is my greatest strength. Happy Parents' Day!" 5. "On this special day, let's celebrate the pillars of our lives, our parents! Your love is a guiding light. Happy Parents' Day! " 6. "Parenting is not an easy journey, but my parents make it look effortless. I'm blessed to have you both. Happy Parents' Day! " 7. "Every day, I'm reminded of the love and support my parents give me. Today, I celebrate you! Happy Parents' Day! " 8. "Thank you, Mom and Dad, for your unconditional love and endless encouragement. You are my rock. Happy Parents' Day! " 9. "To the world's best parents, you mean everything to me. Wishing you a joyous and love-filled Parents' Day! " 10. "Parenting is a beautiful journey, and I'm grateful to have you both as my guides. Happy Parents' Day, Mom and Dad! " 11. "No words can express how much I love and appreciate my parents. Today, I celebrate you with all my heart. Happy Parents' Day! " 12. "To the two people who make ordinary moments extraordinary, Happy Parents' Day! Your love makes life beautiful. " 13. "Parents are the anchors of our lives, keeping us grounded and showering us with love. Wishing you a wonderful Parents' Day! " 14. "Mom and Dad, you've taught me the true meaning of love and sacrifice. Thank you for everything. Happy Parents' Day! " 15. "Today, I celebrate the heroes who brought me into this world and showed me the way. Happy Parents' Day! " 16. "Parenting is a dance of love, patience, and understanding. I'm lucky to have parents who dance it so gracefully. Happy Parents' Day! " 17. "Through ups and downs, my parents have stood by me, and for that, I'm eternally grateful. Happy Parents' Day! " 18. "I am who I am because of my parents' love and support. Here's to celebrating them on this special day! Happy Parents' Day! " 19. "Mom and Dad, you've given me the best gift in life your unconditional love. Sending you all my love on Parents' Day! " 20. "To all the wonderful parents out there, your love shapes the future. Happy Parents' Day to every superhero mom and dad! " 1. "Celebrating the real superheroes in our lives! #HappyParentsDay " 2. "To the ones who make our world brighter and better every day. Happy Parents' Day! " 3. "Forever grateful for the love and guidance of our amazing parents. #HappyParentsDay " 4. "Cheers to the two people who taught us what love truly means. #ParentalLove #HappyParentsDay " 5. "Our parents are our first teachers, our first friends, and our forever cheerleaders. #HappyParentsDay " 6. "They gave us wings to fly and roots to keep us grounded. #BlessedWithTheBest #HappyParentsDay " 7. "A day to honor the best role models we could ask for. #LoveYouMomAndDad #HappyParentsDay " 8. "Family where life begins, and love never ends. #HappyParentsDay " 9. "Thankful for the laughter, the tears, and the cherished memories we share with our parents. #HappyParentsDay " 10. "Behind every successful child, there are strong and loving parents. #HappyParentsDay " 11. "Sending all the love and gratitude to the pillars of our family. #HappyParentsDay " 12. "Today and every day, we celebrate the unconditional love of our parents. #FamilyFirst #HappyParentsDay " 13. "They may not have it all together, but together they have it all. #PowerOfParenting #HappyParentsDay " 14. "Infinite hugs, infinite support that's what parents are made of! #HappyParentsDay " "Thank you, Mom and Dad, for making our house a home filled with love and laughter. #HappyParentsDay " 15. "Parents' Day: a reminder to cherish the moments and make memories that last a lifetime. #FamilyLove #HappyParentsDay " 16. "May we always make our parents proud and show them how much they mean to us. #GratefulHeart #HappyParentsDay " 17. "Here's to the world's greatest parents who deserve all the happiness. #SuperMomAndDad #HappyParentsDay " 18. "Today, we celebrate the unsung heroes who shape our lives with love and care. #HappyParentsDay " 19. "In a world of trends, their love is timeless. #ForeverLove #HappyParentsDay " 20. "A day to honor the guiding lights in our journey of life. #HappyParentsDay " Happy Parents Day 2023 best shayari: , , , -, , , - , , , , - , , , , , - , Happy Parents' Day! (Translation: Your love is a priceless treasure, Parents, you are my greatest blessing, Without you, life is like a breathless state, I am incomplete without you, this is my belief. Your love has no price, Your happiness is the most important gift for me, Without Mom and Dad, I can't live or survive, Without you, I am incomplete, you are the pillar of my life. With you, every moment is uniquely adorned, Your love is the biggest joy of life, Without Mom and Dad, I am nothing, Except for your love, there is nothing else in my life.) Happy Parents Day 2023 free HD images to send or use post social media #1. Happy Parents Day 2023 HD images | Photo: Canva #2. Happy Parents Day 2023 HD images | Photo: Canva #3. Happy Parents Day 2023 HD images | Photo: Canva #4. Happy Parents Day 2023 HD images | Photo: Canva #5. Happy Parents Day 2023 HD images | Photo: Canva #6. Happy Parents Day 2023 HD images | Photo: Canva #7. Happy Parents Day 2023 HD images | Photo: Canva #8. Happy Parents Day 2023 HD images | Photo: Canva #9. Happy Parents Day 2023 HD images | Photo: Canva #10. Happy Parents Day 2023 HD images | Photo: Canva #11. Happy Parents Day 2023 HD images | Photo: Canva #12. Happy Parents Day 2023 HD images | Photo: Canva May these wishes, messages, quotes, status, HD images, and Shayari convey your heartfelt appreciation and love to your parents on this special occasion of Parents' Day! For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events Parents Day 2023 Wishes & Quotes: Parents' Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July every year in India. This Year Parents' Day is being celebrated on July 23. As Today we are celebrating National Parents' Day, So it's the perfect opportunity to take some time out of our busy lives and make parents feel special. There is nothing better than celebrating Parents' Day on a Sunday. So, let's not forget to wish them, give them a small gift and it's important to tell our parents our how much we love them. Parents Day 2023: Inspirational Quotes, Wishes, Messages, Greetings, Images, And Parents Day WhatsApp Status To Express Your Love | Pixabay It is a day to feel grateful for the endless questions they've answered without being impatient, how much they cared during our toughest days, the vital role they played in protecting, teaching, and providing us with all we needed. On this day we honour all the parents who do everything to raise and protect their children. Here are some suggestions about Parents' Day 2023 wishes, messages, quotes, greetings and Parents' Day Whatsapp Status you can send to your parent and express your love. Parents Day 2023: Inspirational Quotes, Wishes, Messages, Greetings, Images, And Parents Day WhatsApp Status To Express Your Love | Pixabay Parent's Day 2023: Inspirational Parents Day Wishes Make it a special Parents Day for your mom and dad with beautiful Inspirational Parents Day quotes, wishes, messages, greetings and Parents' Day Whatsapp messages to express your love. 1. "My parents are my God and no one can ever take your place. Happy Parent's day Maa Paa!" 2. "The biggest blessing for a child is their parents. I feel so lucky that I have you, thank you for being such an amazing parent's! Happy Parents' Day 2020!" 3. "My parents are my biggest strength. Thank you so much mummy and papa for always being my biggest supporter. I love you a lot. Happy Parents Day!" 4. "You both are my source of inspiration and my motivation. I love you, mom and dad. Wishing both of you a happy parent's day!" 5. "My constant my mom and dad I can never explain to you, what you both mean to me. Thank you, God for giving me the best parents in the world. Happy Parents Day Mom and Dad." 6. "I can pay you for the sacrifices you made for me. Thank you for making my world so beautiful. Happy Parents' Day my sweethearts!" 7. "Everything I am today is because of you two. Thank you for making my childhood awesome and my life wonderful. Wishing you a happy parent's day!" 8. "Dear Maa and paa, I wish both of you a very Happy Parent's Day! Thank you for guiding me through my life and supporting me like a true friend!" 9. "Thank you, my guardian angels, for everything. I am so lucky that I was born to you. Happy Parent's Day 2023!" 10. "Thank you for everything. You two are the reason for my happiness and the motivation behind my success. Happy parent's day maa and paa!" Happy Parents Day Wishes in English 1. Happy Parents Day to the most amazing parents! Your love and support mean the world to me. 2. Wishing the best parents in the world a day filled with joy and happiness. Thank you for everything you do. 3. To the superheroes who brought me into this world, Happy Parents Day! Your strength and love inspire me every day. 4. Mom and Dad, you are my role models and my biggest supporters. I'm grateful for you every day. Happy Parents Day! 5. Today, we celebrate the incredible parents who shaped us into the people we are. Happy Parents' Day to you both! 6. Thank you for your unconditional love and guidance. You've made our lives so much brighter. Happy Parents Day! 7. Mom and Dad, your love is like a beacon guiding me through life's journey. I love you both dearly. Happy Parents Day! 8. On this special day, I want to express my gratitude for all the sacrifices you've made for us. Happy Parents Day! 9. To the world's most caring and loving parents, Happy Parents Day! You deserve all the happiness in the world. 10. Wishing a happy and blessed Parents' Day to the two people who mean everything to me. Parents Day 2023: Inspirational Quotes, Wishes, Messages, Greetings, Images, And Parents Day WhatsApp Status To Express Your Love | Pixabay Happy Parents Day Greeting Messages and Status 1. Wishing a fantastic Parents Day to the parents who have showered us with love and affection. 2. Mom and Dad, your love has been the foundation of our family. We love you so much. Happy Parents Day! 3. You've taught us valuable lessons, and your love has been a blessing in our lives. Happy Parents Day! 4. To the parents who have been with us every step of the way, thank you for your unwavering support. Happy Parents Day! 5. Your love has given us the strength to face life's challenges. Happy Parents Day to the best parents ever! 6. Mom and Dad, your presence in our lives is a precious gift. Thank you for everything you do. Happy Parents Day! 7. Here's to the parents who've shown us the meaning of love and sacrifice. Happy Parents Day! 8. You've made our house a home filled with love and warmth. Happy Parents Day to our beloved parents! 9. Mom and Dad, you're the reason we smile every day. Wishing you a joyous and love-filled Parents Day! 10. Your love and support have made us better individuals. Happy Parents Day to our extraordinary parents! 11. Your love has been a source of strength and comfort. Thank you for being such incredible parents. Happy Parents Day 2023! Parents Day 2023 wishes for mom and Dad 1. Dear mom and dad, I have no words to thank you for giving me more than what I deserved. You are my ideals, you are my strengths, you are my inspiration. I wish you both a very Happy Parents Day. 2. No words in the world can express my love and respect for you mom and dad. You are my strength, my inspiration and my love. Best wishes on Parents Day to the both of you. 3. No money in the world can buy the unconditional love of parents. Dear mom and dad, I wish you a very Happy Parents Day because you are my inspiration and motivation in my life. 4. Warm wishes on Parents Day to the mom and dad who make the most amazing parents. I thank you for believing me and pampering me always. 5. Dear mom and dad, of all the mentors and friends I have had in my life, you two are the most special ones. Wishing you a very Happy Parents Day. 6. Your presence in my life is a signal that God loves me because he has given me the best parents in this world to take care of me. Happy Parents Day to you mom and dad. 7. I wish I could be half as good a child as my amazing parents. Thank you for all your love. Thank you for all your faith you have in me. Love you mom and dad. 8. A very Happy Parents Day to my mom and dad who are my lucky charms, who have made me the most fortunate child in this world with all their love, care and affection. Happy Parents Day 2023 quotes 1. "Let parents bequeath to their children not riches, but the spirit of reverence" - Plato 2. "Children begin by loving their parents; as they grow older they judge them; sometimes they forgive them" - Oscar Wilde 3. "There is no such thing as a perfect parent. So just be a real one" - Sue Atkins 4. "When mother is happy, family is happy. When family is happy, nation is happy" - APJ Abdul Kalam 5. "There is an expiry date on blaming your parents for steering you in the wrong direction; the moment you are old enough to take the wheel, responsibility lies with you" - JK Rowling 6. "When you look into your mothers eyes, you know that is the purest love you can find on this earth." Mitch Albom 7. "A parents love is whole no matter how many times divided." Robert Brault 8. "First your parents, they give you your life, but then they try to give you their life." Chuck Palahniuk 9. "Children begin by loving their parents; as they grow older they judge them; sometimes they forgive them." Oscar Wilde 10. "The best inheritance a parent can give his children is a few minutes of his time each day." O. A. Battista Parents Day Shayari Status in Hindi #1 , , , , - . Happy Parents Day! #2 , , , , . Happy Parents Day! #3 , - , , . Happy Parents Day! #4 , , , . Happy Parents Day 2023! #5 , , , Happy Parents Day! Happy Parents Day Images and Greeting Cards #1 Happy Parents Day Images and Greeting Cards #2 Happy Parents Day Images and Greeting Cards #3 Happy Parents Day Images and Greeting Cards #4 Happy Parents Day Images and Greeting Cards #5 Happy Parents Day Images and Greeting Cards Parents Day 2023: Why do we celebrate this day National Parents Day, which is celebrated on the fourth week of July annually, will be observed on July 23, 2023. It falls on the fourth Sunday of July, two months after Mothers Day in May, and a month after Fathers Day in June. Although its observed across the US, it is not a public holiday. According to parentsday.com, In 1994, Congress unanimously passed The Parents Day Resolution establishing the fourth Sunday of July as a perennial day of commemoration. On this day each year, Americans recognize outstanding parents, celebrate the teamwork in raising children, and support the role of parental guidance in building a strong, stable society. President Clintons Parents Day Proclamation, July 24, 1998. The first National Parents Day was celebrated on July 28, 1995. The occasion also marked the first awarding of the National Parents of the Year Award, presented by President Clinton at the White House that same day, the National Archives further states. Here's wishing you a Happy Parents Day 2023! For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events News / National by Staff reporter A Harare woman said her younger sister snatched her husband, leaving her suffering.This emerged at the Harare civil court where Patrick Mubetseri was seeking a peace order against his ex-wife, Mukundinei Matsika.Matsika told magistrate Sharon Mashavira that Mubetseri left their matrimonial home after she caught him cheating with her younger sister."Your worship, I am opposing his claim for a protection order because he ran away from home after I confronted him about why he was dating my younger sister," Matsika said.Mubetseri said Matsika was a violent spouse, and accused her of harassing him at his workplace."She is coming to my workplace, threatening me and asking me to sleep with her in the company bus," he said.Mashavira granted Mubetseri his application for a peace order before ordering Matsika to stop visiting her ex-husband's workplace. Captain, Im confused, the Co-pilot said. Confused? About what? The aircraft, the airport or some systems? the Captain asked. About my career. Why? I want to change my job. You want to stop flying? No. I love flying, but it is getting difficult What happened? Unsplash Sir, you know we hardly got any salaries during the pandemic. But after that also, things have changed little. After paying the EMI for the huge education loan, theres almost nothing left in hand. And now, seeing my continued poverty, my girlfriend is threatening to divorce me. Girlfriend divorcing? the Captain shouted in surprise. I mean she thought I had a great, glamorous job, and we had planned to marry, but now shes having second thoughts. Oh. But why is poverty continuing? I was under training during the pandemic and got a pittance as a stipend. Had to borrow from my parents just to survive. At that time, my father paid the EMIs. Now Im repaying him plus the bank. When the money comes, it gets over in a day after I pay off everyone. I am confused about whether to stay here or go to another airline. Tried any other? Yes, but airline A will not give me my hometown as a base, and I cannot afford extra expenses on rent. Joining airline B involves a change of aircraft, so additional cost of training. How about airline C? The Captain asked, I read somewhere, theyre offering a good salary to expats. But a friend, who has been a captain for many years, went to them, and they said, Join as a Co-pilot now and well make you a captain in 10-12 years. 10-12 years? Yes! Is he Pitamah Bhishma to live for 120 years and work till he dies? What about the airlines in the Gulf? I dont have enough hours to meet their requirements. Dont worry, things will improve soon. Someone recently predicted an aviation boom in India. Then there will be lots of jobs and choices. Sir, someone also said there are 3000 jobless pilots in India. Shucks! Im confused. Im confused too, the Captain said. You too are confused, sir? Yes. But sir I have another problem. The Captain interrupted him. Looking up at the sky, the Captain said, I have no time. Im 61 and have 4 more years to work. But I dont know. Two friends passed away suddenly, and a third is going in and out of hospitals. I have some money, but my time is fast running out. I dont know how long I can burn the candle at both ends The Captain sighed. Long innings in aviation are taking a toll on my health. I want to work, but I need to rest. Wish I could work 9-to-5, only 5 days a week. But thats not possible in our job. Im tired, fatigued, exhausted, and I dont know what. I feel like a kohlu ka bail (bull at a village oil-press) going round and round. It has gati (speed) but no pragati (progress) Youtube The Co-pilot was speechless, and the Captain continued, I came across a poem online. He pulled out his mobile and read aloud, There was a very cautious man Who never laughed or played He never risked, he never tried, He never sang or prayed. And when he one day passed away, His insurance was denied, For since he never really lived, They claimed he never really died. The Captain sighed again as the co-pilot shook his hand. The Captain patted the Co-pilot on his back, and, for the first time ever, the Co-pilot patted the Captain on his back. The writer is a former fighter pilot of the IAF and is now a commercial airline pilot. He is the author of three novels and many blog posts, available at www.avinashchikte.com At the beaches in both Kiotari and Lardo, three Hellenic Coast Guard vessels, a lifeguard boat andthan 30 private sailboats were evacuating people under the guidance of coast guard officials. Primate Elijah Ayodele, the leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has warned Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State against making mistakes that will disgrace him out of office, because dancing will not save him if he fails to listen to advice. The cleric in a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, disclosed several things will go wrong in Adelekes government that will prompt people to criticise him. According to Ayodele, Adeleke would make some mistakes that would cost him the second term as Governor of the State. He furthered that there is an aura surrounding the Governor that will turn him against the people. Ayodele went on to say that Governor Adeleke would become obstinate and turn a deaf ear to the right thing. He also stated that the Governor will step on the wrong toes, which will lead to his removal from office in the same manner as his predecessor, former governor Gboyega Oyetola. READ ALSO: Primate Ayodele Donates N500k To Veteran Actor, Charles Olumo, Places Him On Life Salary The church leader however advised him to be cautious, pray, and heed warnings before it is too late. So many things will go wrong in Governor Adekeles government and people will begin to criticize him. He is loved by the people but he will mismanage it. He will make a lot of political, economic, and spiritual mistakes. These mistakes can rock him out of second-term ambition. There is an aura around him that will influence him and turn the people against him. He will stop listening to advisers and when they caution him, he will be angry. He will turn a deaf ear to the right things. He will disrespect politicians and if care isnt taken, he will be disgraced out of office like his predecessor. He should listen now before its too late, Dancing may not save him from embarrassment. He is very energetic and proactive but He is making mistakes already. He will be misled and things will quickly escalate negatively against his government, Ayodele said. Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to fulfilling his promise of improving the lives of Nigerians, hence citizens should trust the process. In a series of tweets on Saturday, Akume reeled out actions the Tinubu administration is taking to fulfil on the All Progressives Congress (APC) manifesto. Some of the plans, the SGF said, is to stabilise the surging price of petrol in the country. Recall that in his inaugural speech as President on May 29, Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy which immediately led to a hike in the pump price of the product across the country. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, which also increased the price of petrol at its retail outlets, said the change was due to market forces. While speaking on the situation, the SGF said Tinubus vision to restore the country has been in the works for decades and that the president is addressing the solution. He asked citizens to be patient while the government unveils a plan to improve the countrys economy. As our team takes shape, I want to remind you all that @officialABAT came prepared- he came with a plan. He knows what to do & he is doing it. He has nurtured this vision for decades and he is now bringing it to life #TheAsiwajuPlan. READ ALSO: Nigerians Must Endure Tinubus Steps Of Pain To Reposition Economy Keyamo As a government, we have heard your cries about fuel price increases, and be rest assured, we are working round the clock to normalize & bring solutions that ease the pain. Our job is to give you the quality of life you deserve when you wake up. So far, we are on course, he said. The former Benue State Governor described the petrol subsidy regime as regressive, adding that the annual payments were not sustainable and that Tinubu had to act. Although he noted that the immediate effect is not favourable, the former senator asked Nigerians to be patient. To this end, we are already working out modalities to ensure market forces normalize pricing while we drive policies that better your lives & boost your earning power. We have a clear economic restoration plan, so I urge you to trust the process, he added. Akume furthered that Tinubus actions of unifying the exchange rate and rejigging the countrys security architecture were proof of his commitment to using strong measures in securing the countrys future. Deregulation is only the first part of this process/plan. Other health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and more measures will come on stream soon. #HolisticSolution #NigeriaISBack, the SGF tweeted. Aishat Dahiru Binani, the Adamawa State, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last gubernatorial poll has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of making desperate efforts to arrest and detain the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hudu Yunusa-Ari. This, she said is a ploy to prevent Ari from testifying for her at the ongoing State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal. According to Binani, the electoral umpire is working to frustrate her petition against the declaration of Adamu Fintri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the poll. Speaking to newsmen, on Saturday, on behalf of Binani, the APC Returning Officer at the Mach 18 election and the re-run of April 15, Mustapha Umar Madawaki accused INEC of working with the state government to thwart the diligent prosecution of the petition. Madawaki claimed that INEC wanted the suspended REC apprehended and kept out of circulation to make him unavailable as a witness for the governorship candidate. He however called on well-meaning Nigerians to call INEC to order so as to allow Dahiru reclaim her mandate obtained from the poll. READ ALSO: Subsidy Palliatives: Some Governorsll Use Funds To Service Accumulated Debts Shehu Sani To my mind, that is a major reason INEC is working overtime, trying to prevent the former Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barrister Hudu Yunusa Ari, from testifying before the Adamawa State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal. They are afraid of the revelations he would make. Their desperation is so brazen that Justice A.O Manji was forced to openly question the INEC lawyer on why they are in a hurry to get Hudu Yunusa Ari arrested when there is a clear court order against that. To my mind also, that is the same reason that the Force Headquarters under the former Inspector General of Police IGP shot itself in the foot when it doctored the earlier investigative report into the Adamawa elections that found no indictable offence against Barrister Hudu Yunusa Ari to another one they could use to quickly arrest and incarcerate him. We have both the original investigative report and the doctored one at our disposal. We are aware that these are serious charges and have, therefore, refrained from elaborating further on some of the matters because they are before the Adamawa State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, he said. The Returning Officer further alleged that Binani is a victim of gender discrimination in her governorship ambition. He however said that Embassies and Diplomatic Missions would be carried along in the battle to regain the alleged stolen mandate of the governorship candidate. The All Progressives Congress (APC), Saturday, said Atiku Abubakar is trying to deflect the shame of a highly probable defeat in the presidential electoral tribunal by making mischievous allegation, hence, not worth reacting to. In a statement signed by Felix Morka, APCs spokesperson, the ruling party responded to Abubakars accusation of judicial intimidation to swing the court judgement on the presidential election. Paul Ibe, media adviser to Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had earlier accused APC and agents of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of having ceaselessly chosen to stand in the way of justice by making catastrophic threats to anarchy if justice is not served according to their whims. In a statement, Ibe alleged that APC was plotting to intimidate the judiciary by harassing the judges involved in the petition and called on the international community to be alerted. The plot of the APC is simple: intimidate the judiciary, threaten judges with arrest so that they will bow to their will. This is a playbook from 2019 when they removed the CJN and then replaced him with Tanko Muhammad, who himself was later accused of corruption by his colleagues at the supreme court and resigned shamefully, Ibe said. READ ALSO: Dont Step On Wrong Toes, Dancing Wont Save You Primate Ayodele Cautions Gov. Adeleke In a swift response, APC described the PDP candidates allegations as arrant nonsense totally lacking in substance and cogency. According to the Party the opposition candidate miserably failed to establish his case in court and only employed a childish attempt to save face. Our attention has been drawn to a press statement by a media aide to Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The statement alleges that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its government are engaged in a plot to intimidate members of the judiciary towards unduly influencing the outcome of pending cases before the court, the statement reads. Atiku Abubakar and his minions offered no evidence to support their wild, hollow, and mischievous allegations. Quite frankly, there is nothing in Atiku Abubakars statement that is worth a reaction from the APC. It is just arrant nonsense, totally lacking in substance and cogency. Its only imaginable purpose is a childish attempt to float an alibi to deflect the shame of a highly probable defeat in court, having miserably failed to make out a credible case to justify his bogus claim that he won the last presidential election. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our party won the election convincingly. We have full faith and confidence in our courts to dispense electoral justice in accordance with our constitution and all applicable laws. The Kano State Hisbah Command has arrested two people who were accused of trying to arrange same-sex marriage. Hisbah Commandant, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Saturday. Daurawa said in a viral video, that two young men named Khalifa and Abubakar were seen trying to kiss each other during a party, which is suspected to be their engagement party. READ ALSO: Borno Hisbah Officials Forcefully Shave Youths Immoral Haircut (Photos) The suspects, however, denied the allegation that the event was a birthday party and not a wedding ceremony as claimed. A Nigerian Air Force jet belonging to the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe, on Friday July 21, destroyed an illegal refinery site near Dariama in Rivers state. Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of NAF Public Relations and Information said the criminal enterprise came under intense firepower of the Air Component. READ ALSO: Refinery Monopoly: Fuel Price Could Cost N1000 Per Liter By December NLC Warns Gabkwet said in a statement, The Air strike, which was intelligence-driven, took out the illegal oil refining site situated at Dariama Village, a locality about 20 Kilometers South west of Abonnema and 50 Kilometers South west of Portharcourt, Rivers State. It is important to note that this illegal site was observed to be active with tanks and reservoirs filled with suspected illegal refined products. The air strike yet again reaffirms the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria towards eradicating the activities of oil thieves and illegal oil bunkerers. Immediate past Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, has urged Nigerians to persevere and show resilience in the face of biting economic hardship. Keyamo further beseeched Nigerians to endure the baby steps of pain President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is taking to reposition Nigeria. According to him, Tinubu is repositioning Nigeria into a better, healthy, and vibrant space, hence, suffering would soon be a thing of the past. READ ALSO: APC Used Me Comedian, Mr Jollof (Video) If a patient has a malignant tumour, the patient has to endure the pains of surgery or some chemotherapy before the patient can be hale and hearty again. What is required are pain relievers as these treatments are being administered. That is the situation we find ourselves today in Nigeria. We must endure the pains of the steps @officialABAT has taken to reposition our economy to a healthy and vibrant one. The entire world has acknowledged this. The pain relievers are exactly what the National Economic Council has recommended for implementation, he wrote via Twitter. Controversial socio-political analyst and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri has reacted to the outcries surrounding the increment in school fees of the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Recall that the management of UNILAG had increased fees for undergraduate students in the institution. This was contained in a statement dated July 20, 2023, by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, UNILAG branch following a meeting with the top management staff. The students of the institution previously paid N19,000 but the management has fixed new fees at N190,250 for students studying medicine while for courses that require laboratory and studio, students are to pay N140,250. READ MORE: UNILAG Increases Tuition Fees By 400 Per Cent Reacting to the increment, Omokri said that despite the changes in fees, Nigerias education still remains cheap when compared to other countries. He insisted that the country is not as terrible as the citizens makes it out to be. He urged those who were not satisfied with the changes to opt for illiteracy. He wrote via Twitter, Please fact-check me. Average tuition fees at Nigerian public universities = 50,000 or $65. Average tuition fees at Ghanaian public universities = GHS17,145 or $1503. Average tuition fees at British public universities = 9,250 or $11,900. Average tuition fees at European public universities = 10,000 or $11,128. Average tuition fees at American public universities = $10,400. Yet, you are here saying Nigeria is finished, Nigeria is useless because of an increase of tuition fees from 19,000 to 190,250 at one university? Ghana has a minimum wage of GHS446 or $40 per month. Yet, Ghanaians pay twenty-five times what we pay in tuition. Do Ghanaians earn twenty-five times what Nigerians earn in minimum wage? Is fuel cheaper in Ghana than in Nigeria? I was in Ghana two months ago. Believe me when I say that you would fare better economically in Nigeria than in Ghana. Is Nigeria as wealthy as the UK, the US, and the EU? Nigeria is not such a bad country. If you think the cost of education is too high, then try the cost of illiteracy! News / National by Staff reporter Victims of political violence in Midlands yesterday shared harrowing tales of political violence at the hands of Zanu-PF activists.Zanu-PF activists went on the rampage in Kwekwe's Tigereef area and assaulted Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) members who were conducting a door-to-door campaign.Human rights groups have noted an increase in cases of politically motivated violence and intimidation against the opposition as the election draws near.A weekly report by the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum cited Zanu-PF supporters as responsible for inciting violence and intimidating opposition activists.This publication yesterday spoke to the CCC members Betty Svoba, Judith Ncube, Otillia Mhaka and Josphat Mpunzi who narrated their traumatic experience."After Zanu-PF activists ambushed us and beat us, I had to spend hours hiding in the bush," Mpunzi said."They arrived in multiple cars and began assaulting us indiscriminately."I had to flee and seek refuge in the bush while bleeding."Ncube said the Zanu-PF activists accused them of being cattle rustlers."They accused us of being cattle rustlers and proceeded to attack us," Ncube said."There were numerous Zanu-PF activists wearing party regalia."They chanted slogans calling for the demise of (CCC) Nelson Chamisa."They reported the assault at Amaveni police station in Kwekwe.CCC Kwekwe Central legislator Judith Tobaiwa said party members were living in fear as the elections draw closer."They deliberately book venues near our programmes," Tobaiwa said."We have individuals, who have been forced to flee their homes due to threats they received after attending Nelson Chamisa's rally in Gweru (last week)."Zanu-PF spokesperson, Christopher Mutsvangwa, said the ruling party did not condone any acts of political violence."President (Emmerson) Mnangagwa has been preaching peace and we are glad that the people of Zimbabwe have heeded the call," Mutsvangwa said.Witwatersrand University-based political analyst Romeo Chasara, called on political parties to rein in their supporters to ensure a peaceful election."It is crucial for authorities to address these incidents promptly and ensure the safety and security of all citizens as the country approaches the upcoming general elections," Chasara added. The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has applauded a female staff member of Eko Hotel and Suites, identified as Kekwaaru Ngozi Mary, for returning misplaced $70,000 to a customer in Lagos. It was gathered that Mary, after discovering the bag containing the huge sum of money, reported to the hotel management. The hotels General Manager, in line with the establishments policy of integrity and transparency, promptly initiated the process of returning the money to its rightful owner. However, Obi on his Twitters page on Saturday, described the Nigerian Ladys action as heartwarming and reassuring. READ MORE: Lagos Govt To Close Eko Bridge For Repairs On Sunday He noted that people like Mary, a Nigerian Teacher, Akeem Badru, who won the 2023 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award and many others deserve national honours, awards and recognition. He wrote: It is heartwarming and reassuring that despite the hardship in the country and the prevailing moral decadence in society, a staff of Eko Hotel and Suites, Kekwaaru Ngozi Mary, was reported to have returned a misplaced sum of $70,000 to a customer of the hotel in Lagos. When will Nigeria start celebrating the likes of Miss Ngozi Mary for her honesty and integrity, Teacher Akeem Badru, for winning the 2023 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award, and many others like them? These are the people who deserve to be given national honours and awards and recognition, instead of celebrating those who have impacted our nation negatively. In the New Nigeria that we desire, these are the kind of people that will be celebrated. A New Nigeria is Possible Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of trying to compromise the judiciary. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Bola Ahmed Tinubu, candidate of the APC, as the winner of the presidential election. Tinubu secured 8,794,726 votes to defeat Atiku who had the second-highest figure of 6,984,520 votes, while Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) came third with 6,101,533 votes Atiku and Obi are challenging Tinubus victory at the tribunal, asking the court to void the outcome of the poll. Information Nigeria reports that one of the grounds for the challenge, according to them, was Tinubus failure to secure at least 25 percent of votes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). But, Wole Olanipekun, Tinubus counsel, told the tribunal that the FCT is the 37th state for electoral purposes and any other interpretation would lead to absurdity, chaos, anarchy and alteration of the very intention of the legislature. READ ALSO: Ogun Tribunal: Police Fled When Thugs Invaded Polling Unit Witness In a statement by Paul Ibe on Saturday, Atikus media adviser, said the APC and agents of Tinubu have ceaselessly chosen to stand in the way of justice by making catastrophic threats to anarchy if justice is not served according to their whims. He further accused the APC of plotting to intimidate the judiciary by harassing the judges involved in the petition and called on the international community to be on alert. The plot of the APC is simple: intimidate the judiciary, threaten judges with arrest so that they will bow to their will. This is a playbook from 2019 when they removed the CJN and then replaced him with Tanko Muhammad, who himself was later accused of corruption by his colleagues at the supreme court and resigned shamefully. However, the APC government never went after Tanko Muhammad as they did in Onnoghens case because it was never about corruption but the election. The APC has, over the years, built a reputation for judiciary intimidation. They accused about 10 judges of corruption, stormed their homes, and got them suspended and yet could not convict a single one of them. Justice Sylvester Ngwuta of the supreme court could not recover from the embarrassment that he ended up dying in office. Now, they have initiated a new plot. This time around, they want to intimidate the judges into delivering favourable judgments for them at the election tribunal. We draw the attention of the international community and, indeed, Nigerians to this fresh plot to steal the mandate of over 200 million people, the statement reads. Troops of the Nigerian Army and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have uncovered some hideouts of members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Delta State. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the joint operation of the security agencies was carried out today, Saturday, July 22, 2023. According to the Nigerian Army, many IPOB members fled their various camps today in Asaba, Delta State capital, when security operatives engaged them in gunfire on Saturday morning. Confirming the encounter while addressing journalists in Abuja today, the spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, said that some assorted weapons were recovered from their enclaves. READ MORE: Security Personnel Neutralize 2 Suspected IPOB, ESN Militants, Arrest 5 In Delta Nwachukwu listed the ammunition recovered as 5 AK 47 Rifles, three pump action semi-automatic rifles, one G3 rifle, one single barrel gun, live cartridges, an electric saw, machetes, an axe and an IPOB flag. He said, In a sustained effort to rid Nigeria of criminality, troops of 63 Bde Garrison under the auspices of 6 Division, Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services, have in an ongoing clearance operation, destroyed an enclave of the proscribed IPOB/ESN at Asaba, Delta State, today Saturday 22 July 2023. The troops conducted a raid operation on the fortified enclave located in the middle of a forested high ground in the early hours of the day. The gallant troops overpowered the IPOB fighters in the exchange of fire that followed the encounter, compelling them to abandon their hideout in disarray. The troops have destroyed the enclave and are exploiting the forest in pursuit of the fleeing fighters. He noted that the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja ordered that those threatening the peace of the country should not be treated with the hand of kid gloves. The army spokesman said Lagbaja commended the troops and other security agencies for their effort in the ongoing operations, charging them to sustain the momentum to restore sanity in the region. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the planned increment of school fees by tertiary institutions in the country. In a statement signed by the National PRO, Giwa Temitope and released on Saturday, NANS declared that the governments action is insensitive and embarrassing. The association also stressed that the government has what it takes to fund education and make it accessible, noting that the introduction of the student loan scheme is a sham and a bait to make Nigerians accept fee increments. The association stated that there is no justification for an increase in school fees across tertiary institutions and Unity schools. It demanded that the increase in school fees should be suspended, adding that those who have implemented the policy should reverse it immediately. READ ALSO: Why We Increased Tuition By 400% UNILAG We must state categorically that there is no justification for increment in school fees across our tertiary institutions and even Unity schools. Our demand is clear and simple; the attempt to increase school fees must be suspended. And, those that have floated it must reverse it with immediate effect. NANS also called on Nigerian students to prepare for an all-round protest until the Federal Government reverses the policy, similar to the one during the prolonged ASUU strike. We call on Nigerian students to brace up and be prepared for an all-round protest as was done during the prolonged ASUU strike until the Federal Government reverses this policy. The increment of school fees at UNILAG and the planned increment across tertiary institutions in the country has shown this administration to be a very insensitive one. As a matter of fact, it is most ridiculous and embarrassing that the government will be introducing fees increment without thinking of rescuing over 133 million Nigerian people from multidimensional poverty. Increment in fees across tertiary institutions will only complicate the poverty situation of the country and also increase the number of out-of-school children. As an association, we believe that the Nigerian government has what it takes to massively fund education and make it accessible. In fact, the student loan that was introduced by the Federal Government is nothing but a sham and bait to lure the Nigerian people into accepting increments in fees payable. Beyond the fact that the terms of the loan are ridiculous, history has taught us that not every applicant will be considered. And, even if all of them were to be considered, it still does not justify an increment in an economy that tops the unemployment index. Rather than give loans, the government must provide grants and scholarships for students. Two children identified as Gbolahan and Olayinka Atolagbe, have been killed after the fence of a neighbouring building collapsed on their house in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State. The incident was said to have occurred during a downpour on Saturday on Ajao Street, Isawo, in the Ikorodu Local Government Area of the state. The bodies of the two children were recovered after hours of being trapped in debris amidst rescue efforts by residents. The spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), South-West, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, confirmed the incident in a statement. READ ALSO: Many Feared Trapped As Building Under Construction Collapses In Abuja The children aged nine and seven were trapped when the fence from the neighbouring house fell on their building during the days heavy downpour, NEMA Coordinator said in a statement. The Agency said distressed calls werent properly channeled to save the lives of the children. NEMA sympathised with the parents of the deceased and prayed God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss. The Agency said the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) have been to the scene to assess the situation. Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho has reportedly lost his mother. Igbohos spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, disclosed this via post on his Twitter handle, on Saturday. I can confirm today Saturday 22nd of July 2023 that Dr. Chief Sunday Adeyemo (aka Sunday Igboho) mother died, he tweeted. READ ALSO: Forgive Igboho, Other Agitators, Let Them Return Home K1 De Ultimate Begs Tinubu Recall that Igboho stirred the hornets nest when he declared the Yoruba Nations sovereignty in March 2021. He started a campaign to chase killer herdsmen and kidnappers out of the South-West states and went on to call on Yoruba in Hausa/Fulani or Igbo territories to return home. He, however, fled Nigeria in July 2021 following a nocturnal invasion of his Ibadan residence by the operatives of the Department of State Services. However, his lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Yomi Aliyu, has said his return to the country is on course. Aliyu said that he believed that Igboho would have no problem on his return to Nigeria provided he doesnt resume his campaign for the separation of Yoruba from Nigeria. Has the sun set or will it rise again on these places and features in Philadelphia? Read more I was surprised to read a recent story by my colleague, Nick Vadala, who set out to answer a readers question about why the cascade fountains along the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art havent worked in decades. My astonishment mainly sprang from the fact that I didnt know the fountains existed. Am I the least observant journalist ever? I wondered. As it turns out, I was not alone. Others on social media were bewildered by the story, too. (There are fountains on the Art Museum steps? one asked. Never knew this about the fountains. Wow, another said.) Advertisement The fountains like the Art Museum and its famous Rocky steps are owned by the city. Closed for repairs in 1995, they were scheduled to reopen the following year, but didnt because the cost of repairs and maintenance exceeded available resources, said Maita Soukup, spokesperson for the citys Parks and Recreation Department, which oversees the fountains. Seeing photos of the fountains in their heyday made me nostalgic for something I never knew existed and it made me wonder about what other spaces and features in Philly arent working or are no longer open, and whether they might return one day. (At the top of everyones minds right now is the closure of the Greyhound bus station, which my colleague, Inga Saffron, recently tackled in her column on the subject.) I wanted to know what else Philadelphians missed, so I put a callout on Twitter, asking: Whats something thats not functioning in Philly or is closed off to the public that youd like to see working and/or accessible again? Some responses were too big, or too snarky, to tackle here, including: the Flyers; the Mayors Office; every school building; my husband; SEPTA; the sidewalks; and, my personal favorite, They should definitely get the hydraulic fluid on the light poles working. But people also had questions I was able to find answers to. Below is a list of spaces and features in Philly that are closed, where they stand, and whether they will open again. Art Museum steps fountains The chances well ever see water flowing from the cascade fountains at the Art Museum again are slim to none. Due to safety concerns and a lack of funding, the city has no plans in place or funding sources identified for such a project, Soukup said. Not only would a river of cash be needed for repairs and maintenance, but while they were in operation, the fountains were used as pools by the public, and several swimmers suffered serious injuries diving into them. Could they, perhaps, be repurposed as a space for public art, lighting, or even flower displays? The city and its partners are open to exploring options to repurpose the basins with a safer, more cost-effective design treatment for this iconic public space, Soukup said. The Perelman Building A curious reader also asked about the Art Museums Perelman Building, which opened in 2007 and featured modern and contemporary art, along with the museums library. Like the museum itself, the building closed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, but unlike the museum, it never reopened. According to Maggie Fairs, spokesperson for the Art Museum, the Perelman was slated to close at the end of the 2020 fiscal year anyway, and the pandemic brought this timeline forward. Fairs said the closure is part of a larger effort to rethink the visitor experience for the building. There are currently no plans or a timeline for reopening, she said via email. The museum library and collections that were at the Perelman will continue to be housed on-site there, Fairs said. The sidewalk in front of Independence Hall Before Sept. 11, 2001, the sidewalk in front of Independence Hall was a public space and a chance to get up close to history. But after 9/11, it was cordoned off in the name of security. While the unsightly bike racks that once fenced off the sidewalk are gone, the bollards remain and security guards are quick to stop anyone who tries to walk on the south side of the 500 block of Chestnut Street. Andrew McDougall, spokesperson for Independence National Historical Park, said the area is open to the public, but people must pass through a security screening to access the space (no tickets are required). When I asked if the sidewalk closure was temporary or permanent, he said its neither because it is not closed to the public. OK, technically its not closed, but I dont know many Philadelphians who will go through a security screening just to walk down the street. There may be a way to reconfigure this at some point in the future and still maintain a secure zone around Independence Hall, McDougall said via email. Pedestrian tunnels under Center City Several people wanted to know the status of SEPTAs pedestrian tunnels under Center City. According to SEPTA spokesperson John Golden, its still possible to walk underground in the concourses from Eighth and Market Streets to 18th Street and JFK Boulevard. To do so you will need to use the Fashion District between 8th and 11th Street, Golden said via email. To travel between the Juniper and 15th Street underground, you will need to pay to access the concourse area for City Hall Station. This is not new and was the case prior to the pandemic. But some parts do remain closed, including the concourses that loop down from the South Market concourse under City Hall and Dilworth Park to the South Broad concourse, as well as the upper end of the South Broad concourse itself, which remains closed for maintenance and security concerns, Golden said. That concourse is home to a 2020 Mural Arts project, Color Me Back, which can only be viewed now with advance notice by calling 215-925-3633 or sending an email to: tours@muralarts.org. The concourse under 15th Street and JFK Boulevard is closed and isnt scheduled to reopen in the foreseeable future, but one area that may open later this year is the Center City Districts concourse under Dilworth Park that connects to the circular underground space known as the oculus that SEPTA installed in 2018, according to Golden. The concourse under Locust Street that connects PATCOs 12th-13th Street and 15th-16th Street stations remains closed indefinitely due to issues related to homeless encampments, maintenance and security, Golden said. PATCOs Franklin Square Station Speaking of PATCO, several people asked the status of the return of PATCOs Franklin Square Station at Seventh and Race Streets, which first opened in 1936 and closed in 1979. Responding directly to a reader who tagged them in my callout on Twitter, PATCO confirmed that the station is still on track to open in 2024. Mike Williams, PATCO spokesperson, said the station is expected to open in the spring. Weekend library hours Many parents and book lovers were curious about whether the Free Library of Philadelphia, which has faced funding and staffing shortages, would offer weekend hours at neighborhood branches again during the summer. In late June, the Free Library announced 10 of its 54 neighborhood branches will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays from July 8 to Aug. 26 (the same 10 that were open on Saturdays this spring). While I wish every branch were open on both weekend days, its a start. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, only the main branch and three regional branches held summer Saturday hours. To see a full list of libraries open on Saturdays this summer, visit freelibrary.org. Franklin Institute IMAX One reader asked me about the Tuttleman IMAX Theater at the Franklin Institute, the status of which has also been the topic of a discussion thread on Philadelphias subreddit. The theater, which opened in 1990, shut down at the start of COVID-19, but didnt reopen when the museum did, and theres currently no mention of it on the institutions website. Stefanie Santo, Franklin Institute spokesperson, said future plans for the IMAX theater are still undetermined and no additional information was available. Strawberry Green Driving Range Another question from a reader that also came up on Phillys subreddit was about the status of the Strawberry Green Driving Range in Strawberry Mansion. Folks last checked in at the driving range on Facebook in October 2022, but it hasnt opened this year and the number listed for the range is disconnected. Located in Fairmount Park, the range is on city-owned land but is operated by a third party on a five-year concession agreement with the citys Parks and Rec Department, said Soukup. While typically open May to October, the range is temporarily closed, and Soukup said its expected to reopen under new management for an abridged season later this year. One Liberty Observation Deck The observation deck, which opened in 2015 and provided panoramic views of the city from One Liberty Places 57th floor, was operated by M56, a Paris-based group that runs observation decks around the world. According to Kevin Mayer, director at Cushman & Wakefield, which manages One Liberty Place, the observation deck space was leased by M56, which suspended operations in 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic and later, permanently closed the deck. The space is now being marketed for lease as an office with some of the best views in the city, Mayer said via email. While we may never be able to observe Philly from the One Liberty Observation Deck again, tower tours of City Hall, which also provide panoramic views of Philadelphia, have resumed. Tickets can be purchased through the Philadelphia Visitor Center. A Philadelphia police officer broke his ankle early Sunday morning when someone drove a car into him as officers were trying to disperse a large crowd on Broad Street, according to police. The incident happened around 1:45 a.m. on the 1300 block of North Broad Street in North Philadelphia, authorities said. More than 500 people, some in cars, had gathered on the street, according to police, and when officers tried to break up the crowd, someone drove a car into the officer and then drove away. The injured officer whom authorities did not identify was taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Police did not say what type of car struck the officer or provide a description of a suspected driver or anyone else inside the vehicle. The police officers union said another officer suffered a hand injury during the incident. The Police Department said a couple of other officers had sustained unspecified injuries and were treated and released Sunday. Advertisement The gathering on Broad Street came hours after officers had responded earlier in the night to several reports of large crowds across Northeast Philadelphia, police said. Each of those three gatherings was disbanded without issues, police said. Similar gatherings sometimes called car meetups have made headlines across the city over the past several weeks for different reasons. The previous weekend, reports circulated on social media that hundreds of ATV riders had caused riot-like conditions on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, although police later said there was nothing uncharacteristic about those gatherings, which they said were dispersed without arrests, citations, or injuries. In June, however, a series of car meetups over several hours ended in violence, as a Pennsylvania state trooper fatally shot 18-year-old Anthony Allegrini on I-95 near Penns Landing. Authorities said Allegrini had driven toward two troopers who were on foot and trying to approach his car while responding to a chaotic scene of cars drifting and performing stunts on the highway. John McNesby, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, issued a statement Sunday criticizing city leaders, who he said had not sufficiently spoken up to address this illegal behavior or lend support for our rank-and-file police officers. Rank-and-file officers are working tirelessly to stay ahead of this crime epidemic without the support of elected leaders, McNesby said. Sunday evening, Mayor Jim Kenney wrote on Twitter: I am always very grateful to our officers who put themselves in harms way every day to protect the public and keep the peace. He called car meets disruptive, reckless, and often dangerous. Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, meanwhile, tweeted, This type of criminal behavior will not be tolerated, saying detectives were reviewing video footage of the weekends incidents and that police will make arrests where warranted. South Jersey "Jeopardy!" champ Cris Pannullo is joining with his fellow contestants by siding with the show's striking writers. Read more What is solidarity? Jeopardy! champ Cris Pannullo, a customer-success operations manager from New Jersey who took home $749,268 before taxes during a 21-game winning streak in December, announced in a post on Reddit he wont show up to film this seasons Tournament of Champions if the shows writers are still on strike. Pannullo, who lives in Ocean City, wrote he will not participate in any games comprised of recycled clues while the WGA strike is in effect. Advertisement Pannullo was commenting on a post written by fellow Jeopardy! champ Ray Lalonde in the r/Jeopardy subreddit. Lalonde cited credible reports that the shows producers are planning on taping the next season of the show with recycled clues if the Writers Guild of America strike remains unresolved. I believe that the shows writers are a vital part of the show and they are justified in taking their job action to secure a fair contract for themselves and their fellow WGA members, Lalonde, who was a set designer for Hulus The Handmaids Tale, wrote. As a supporter of the trade-union movement, a union members son and a proud union member myself I have informed the shows producers that if the strike remains unresolved I will not cross a picket line to play in the Tournament of Champions. Former contestants on the show are verified by the moderators of r/Jeopardy. Neither Pannullo nor representatives at Sony Pictures television could be reached for comment. Pannullo and Lalonde werent the only Jeopardy! champs who said theyd decline to participate if the show turned to used clues. Hannah Wilson, who won $229,801 during her eight-game winning streak back in May, wrote a Tournament of Champions with all recycled clues doesnt sound like much fun to play in, anyway. Ben Chan, whose nine-game winning strike ended with a controversial misspelling, wrote if Lalonde was out, I am out. All told, Jeopardy!s top four champs this season, as well as six-game winner Troy Meyer, all pledged to side with the shows writers. The Mindy Project actor Ike Barinholtz, the winner of this years Celebrity Jeopardy, accepted an invitation to compete in Tournament of Champions but took to the picket line earlier this week as part of the SAG-AFTRA strike. We all are in this together, Barinholtz told The Wrap. We need solidarity. Writers in Hollywood began striking in May after they were unable to agree on a new contract with the top film and television studios. Actors joined them on the picket line earlier this month after also failing to come to terms on a new deal. Jeopardy! host and actress Mayim Bialik left the show during the final week of filming back in May due to the strike, according to Deadline. Fellow Jeopardy! host and former contestant Ken Jennings stepped in to complete the episodes, which used clues written before the strike began. Michele Loud, the shows co-head writer who has joined her colleagues on the picket line, told Variety that Jeopardy! would be just an empty blue screen without their contributions. Our words are on the screen every night, Loud said. There is no Jeopardy! without writers. Its the first time both writers and actors have been on strike together since January 1960, when protests were led by then-actor Ronald Reagan, who was head of the Screen Actors Guild. Those strikes lasted six weeks for actors and 21 weeks for writers, and most Hollywood experts expect these strikes to linger on for months. The last week of new shows from Jeopardy!s 39th season will air through Friday. After that, its on to a summer rerun schedule through the beginning of September, which includes previously aired episodes of Tournament of Champions and Octobers Second Chance competition. The next season of Jeopardy! is scheduled to begin on Sept. 11, though its unclear if the show will have new episodes to air. Whitney Brown, a mother and domestic abuse survivor, speaks out about how local law enforcement routinely fails to seize guns and other weapons from people like her ex-husband after the courts grant a final protection-from-abuse order. Read more After her then-husband broke her nose in 2020, Whitney Brown decided shed had enough. She went to get a temporary protection-from-abuse order. But once she went to court, her husbands behavior became more erratic. And thats when she started to worry about the gun the one hed always told her he had. He was still stalking me, Brown said. He was still bringing chaos. Advertisement It would be two more years before a Philadelphia judge granted her a final protection-from-abuse order thereby invoking a four-year-old state law designed to protect people such as Brown. Immediately after that ruling, the Philadelphia Sheriffs Office should have served him notice and, within 24 hours, either retrieved his firearms or obtained an affidavit saying he didnt own any. But that never happened. They never went to his property, said Brown, 38, who is no longer married to him. They never went to take his gun. Nor did it happen in thousands of other cases like hers since April 2019, when the law went into effect. Judges may request weapon relinquishment for temporary protection orders, but once a final order is granted, the law requires it. Nearly two out of three domestic violence homicide victims were killed with a gun last year in Pennsylvania, and women, in particular, are five times more likely to be killed if their abuser owns a firearm, according to domestic violence advocacy groups. The Philadelphia Sheriffs Office received notice of 10,028 protection orders that required weapon relinquishment, such as Browns, between January 2020 and June 2023. But in that time, deputies had marked just 13% of those cases as completed, according to Pennsylvania State Police data. The four collar suburban counties, by comparison, had 45% to 61% compliance in that same period. Sheriff Rochelle Bilal requested 72 hours to answer questions from The Inquirer last week, and then declined to comment. Philadelphias low compliance rate persisted through a pandemic spike in shootings among partners and family members. Homicide cases in which domestic violence was the motive jumped 64%, and nonfatal gun assaults rose nearly 83% between 2019 and 2022, according to Philadelphia police data. This year is on pace to match last years record violence. Bilal, who took office in 2020, has set a 70% firearm relinquishment rate as a goal and has requested millions more in funding to hire new deputies amid office-wide staffing shortages. Its not clear whether more deputies have since been hired to the protection-from-abuse enforcement unit, though the weapon relinquishment rate in 2023 had increased slightly to 16% through June. Advocates said successful enforcement also requires buy-in from police and courts, as well as rigorous bookkeeping in the statewide domestic violence database that tracks thousands of cases each year. In the absence of effective enforcement, however, Philadelphias backlog of cases has continued to grow at a far faster rate than neighboring counties. Marcella Nyachogo, director of the bilingual domestic violence program at Lutheran Settlement House, said the dismal compliance numbers in Philadelphia sow distrust in law enforcement and put survivors at greater risk especially as they often wait months or years for the courts to process their cases. When a survivor is getting a final PFA, all of those steps are making an abusive partner more and more angry and more and more dangerous, Nyachogo said. You can kill someone in less than 24 hours. Weapons, unrelinquished Fatima Abdul Johnson, a domestic violence victim in Philadelphia who runs a nonprofit for victims called Queens United Against Domestic Violence, said women sometimes pleaded with police to take weapons out of the house after incidents of abuse. The weapons are used as a symbol of control, Abdul Johnson said. And theres a feeling that law enforcement is not on our side because these things are often overlooked. Act 79 was supposed to change that in Pennsylvania. It took years for the law to prevail in the Republican-controlled legislature, where firearm regulations have long been political nonstarters. Then-Gov. Tom Wolf hailed the passage as the the first major gun safety bill in decades in Pennsylvania. Victims and advocates rejoiced. A lifeline, they thought, had finally arrived. A lot more victims would come forward if they knew they had the protection, said Eunice Allen, 52, a former Philadelphia police officer and domestic violence victim. It would deter abusers from doing the things they would do. Under Bilals predecessor, former Sheriff Jewell Williams, the first few months of Act 79s life saw only an 11% compliance rate. Two years later, even as domestic violence-related incidents soared during the pandemic, the rate inched up to just 13%, and now up to 16%. Months after the law went into effect, deputy sheriffs blamed sluggish compliance on flaws in the statewide database, difficulty tracking down accused abusers, and miscommunication between police officers and deputy sheriffs. Bilal asked City Council in April for millions more to fill vacancies in the deputy ranks despite having already sought to divert money earmarked for new recruits to give raises to herself and other executives. Fixing a broken system The success of Act 79 also depends heavily on a statewide database called the Protection from Abuse Database, or PFAD. This is the system that tracks every step from the initial protection-of-abuse order from a judge, to the weapon relinquishment from the sheriff, to violations of orders discovered by city police. But data raise questions about whether that database is being used properly. When courts file a final protection from abuse order, the database notifies the sheriff to carry out the relinquishment order. The pings continue daily until the case is marked complete or muted. The data show the Philadelphia Sheriffs Office disabled daily alerts for 86% of cases since the law went into effect. A state police spokesperson said sheriffs sometimes disable the daily pings if a suspect was noncompliant with the request and the relinquishment case requires further investigation. (The Sheriffs Office declined to explain. A former deputy sheriff told The Inquirer in 2019 the alerts were automatically printed out and he disabled them to save on ink and paper costs.) Domestic violence advocates have success getting gun relinquishment orders completed on a case-by-case basis. But the overwhelming volume of cases appear to be lost in the backlog. Thats not how the system should be working; it needs to be working for everyone, said Molly Callahan, the legal center director for Women Against Abuse. Even with protection orders in hand, victims still face violence. In 2021, a man fatally gunned down his 52-year-old ex-wife in Fox Chase, after she had reported him numerous times to the police for violating the restraining order. (The sheriffs office declined to confirm whether a gun relinquishment order was fulfilled in this case or in Browns case.) Callahan said conversations between the courts, law enforcement agencies, and domestic violence advocacy groups remain ongoing to improve the relinquishment rate. A spokesperson for the First Judicial District said that the courts primary role is to issue the orders for relinquishments and hear petitions from accused abusers seeking to have their guns returned, and deferred enforcement questions to the sheriff. Nyachogo, of Lutheran Settlement House, said failure to fix the underlying partnership issues would continue to send a dangerous message. The message that it sends to survivors, Nyachogo said, is that even if they do everything right, even if they use all these complicated channels, the systems in place are not functioning in a way that objectively improves their safety. Staff writers Abraham Gutman and Ryan W. Briggs contributed to this article. Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec), will return to Luanda for the fourth edition of the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference, taking place September 13-14 under the auspices of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas. Delivering a keynote address, Al Ghais will advance dialogue around global market trends while making a strong case for multilateral cooperation and investment. Al Ghais assumed the role of Secretary General of Opec in 2022. With a wealth of experience across the international energy market, Al Ghais has emerged as a well-respected and highly-sought after industry expert. He plays an instrumental part in strengthening Opecs agenda, and is committed to supporting both producing and non-producing countries secure investment, bolster development and unlock long-term and sustainable economic growth. Al Ghais return to AOG 2023 is a testament to this support as well as the ongoing efforts by Opec to grow the African oil market. As Angola moves to consolidate its position as a regional stronghold, AOG 2023 plays a critical part in connecting new investors and project developers to the market while facilitating new dialogue around Africas oil future. The participation of Opec Secretary General Al Ghais at the AOG 2023 conference adds a new dimension of expertise and insights to the conference, states Stephanie Benjamin, Energy Capital & Power International Conference Director. Building on his impactful participation during last years AOG edition, Al Ghais is expected to elevate the level of discourse and inspire meaningful conversations around Angolas oil and gas future in the context of a rapidly changing global energy landscape. We look forward to welcoming Opec at AOG 2023 and invite regional and global stakeholders to seize this opportunity and join the much-anticipated AOG conference in Luanda. AOG 2023 promises to be a groundbreaking platform for stakeholders to forge partnerships, share best practices while exploring innovative ways to maximize Angolas oil and gas industry. The event serves as a premier gathering that brings together regional leaders, global investors and industry experts to discuss pertinent challenges, explore innovative solutions, and accelerate investment and development across Africas biggest oil producing market.-TradeArabia News Service News / National by Staff reporter Some sections of the newly enacted Criminal (Codification and Reform) Act that provides for a death sentence for Zimbabweans that are deemed unpatriotic are now being challenged in court, a few days after President Emmerson Mnangagwa assented to it.Amendments to the Code that were sponsored by Zanu-PF are also known as the Patriotic Act.It provides for severe penalties such as a death penalty and revocation of citizenship for damaging the country's interests.The Bill was widely condemned but sailed through the Zanu-PF-dominated Parliament and Senate before Mnangagwa appended his signature.In an urgent High Court application filed on Friday, the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ) and journalist Zenzele Ndebele said the law was unconstitutional and too vague.Under the new legislation, Zimbabweans can be punished for meeting agents of hostile foreign governments.MAZ and Ndebele said terms used such as "agents, proxies or entities" of the foreign governments were overly broad and consequently unconstitutional."Subverting, upsetting, overthrowing or overturning the constitutional government in Zimbabwe" is not defined with sufficient clarity, if at all, and consequently section 22A (2) is imprecise, vague and unconstitutional," they submitted."Section 22 A (2) is broadly worded, constituting a high potential of abuse and misuse and leading to silencing of any dissenting voices and consequently unfair, unreasonable, unnecessary and not justifiable in a democratic society based on openness, justice, human dignity, equality and freedom."Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and attorney general Prince Machaya are cited as respondents."Agents, proxies or entities" of the foreign government are described in section 22A (1) as "any person that the accused person knew or had grounds for believing were acting on behalf of the foreign government. It is not clear how this relationship with a foreign government will be proved," they submitted.They said it was difficult for the accused to reasonably "suppose" that a person they met was acting on behalf of a foreign hostile government."It is also unnecessarily broad and thereby invading the area of constitutionally protected freedoms, particularly freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, and the right to privacy," they argued."The definition must therefore be struck out."They said criminalising citizens for not being patriotic was unreasonable."Who defines what constitutes sovereignty and/or national interest?" they asked."Individuals should have an opportunity to know what the law is and to conform their conduct accordingly."Law enforcement officers are likely to interpret the section as broadly as possible, with the real risk or possibility of drag-netting innocent citizens in the process."According to Ndebele and MAZ, Zimbabwe was sinking into a dictatorship where citizens were not allowed to protest against government fearing being sentenced to death.The applicants said Section 22A (2) (ii) also violates the right to life by providing for a death sentence. Devin Spady, a.k.a YNG Cheese, was fatally shot in Philadelphia on Thursday. His funeral services will take place Monday at the Met Philadelphia. Read more Funeral services have been announced for the son of well-known Philadelphia hip-hop artist Gillie da King, who was killed last week during a triple shooting in the citys Olney section. A viewing for Devin Spady, also known as YNG Cheese, will take place Monday at 11 a.m at the Met Philadelphia, 858 N. Broad St., followed by funeral services at noon. Spady will be buried at Westminster Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd. Spady, 25, was fatally shot in the back just before 8:30 p.m. Thursday on the 5800 block of North Mascher Street. Officers responding to the scene rushed him to Einstein Medical Center, where he died shortly after arriving. His father, born Nasir Fard, rose to fame in the late 90s as a founding member of the hip-hop group Major Figgas from the Erie Avenue section of North Philadelphia. He went by Gillie da Kid at the time, but now goes by Gillie da King. Advertisement Video from the shooting scene shows that a group of men were having a conversation on the corner of West Nedro Avenue and North Mascher Street when they heard gunshots and started running, Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore said Friday. At least 10 shots were fired, hitting three people. In addition to an unresponsive Spady, police found a 28-year-old man, shot twice in the leg, nearby and drove him to Einstein. A third victim, a 31-year-old shot in the hip, arrived at the hospital in a private car, police said. No arrests have been made and a motive is unknown. Police did not know whether the shots came from within the gathering or from outside of it. Spady, who lived just outside Philadelphia in Wyncote, Montgomery County, was the father of a young son and was pursuing his own career in music, like his father. His death led to an outpouring of grief and outrage over the citys ongoing gun violence crisis. Spadys killing was one of 236 homicides recorded in the city this year through Thursday, according to police statistics. Gillies cousin and podcast cohost, Wallo, a.ka. Wallace Peeples, posted words of gratitude to his Instagram Saturday. Major love to all the friends / family who came through yesterday & put love / laughter on Gillies heart & mind, he wrote. Please know that, our mission to lift & educate the youngins will continue and become stronger. No matter what, well never stop believing that tomorrow will be better than yesterday. Migrants walk along concertina wire as they try to cross the Rio Grande at the Texas-U.S. border in Eagle Pass, Texas, last week. Read more Its the modern conservative version of Chekovs gun: The verbal cruelty that was the point of Act One of the far rights drift into authoritarianism the verbal taunts against Latino or Muslim migrants that dominated Donald Trumps 2016 rallies, the constant buzz of racism on social media is twisting into real physical violence here in Act Three. This crucible of blood and bone is playing out against the cold slashing metal of barbed wire strung out along the Rio Grande River that divides the United States from Mexico in west Texas. The actors are a new breed of troops, accountable not to Washington but to an ambitious Republican governor in Austin, enforcing his Fox News bromides with brutal force. One harsh encounter near Eagle Pass the epicenter of this border war was described to the New York Times last week by a 32-year-old Venezuelan refugee, Marjorie Escobar, who told the newspaper that she was with 20 other refugees when they encountered the Texas law enforcement officers mid-river, shouting Go back to Mexico! But the migrants pressed forward, throwing blankets over the barbed concertina wire in the Rio Grande only to see an officer who appeared to be a Texas state trooper, wearing a cowboy hat, yank the blanket away. One woman hit her head on a spike, as blood poured from a gash. This was not an isolated incident. In a story first broken by the Houston Chronicles Benjamin Wermund, based on a whistleblowing email from a state trooper complaining of inhumane conditions at Eagle Pass, and then amplified by the Times reporting, weve learned the past week that troops under the massive Texas state border operation dubbed Operation Lone Star are committing shocking acts that arguably add up to domestic war crimes. Troopers ordered to push migrant children back into the dangerous waters rather than allowing them to cross. Officers apparently following commands to deny water to the refugees despite the ongoing heat wave even to pregnant women. In one instance, a 19-year-old woman who was caught up in the razor wire suffered a miscarriage. In another case, a 15-year-old boy reportedly suffered a broken leg in a deeper part of the river, not blocked by buoys. Even worse, people are almost certainly dying because of the Abbott-backed border operations. The whistleblowing trooper noted in his email that five migrants recently drowned in a section of the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass, apparently seeking to cross in a section that was unguarded because the waters there are more dangerous. Advertisement READ MORE: President Bidens mistake at U.S. southern border isnt what clueless pundits, GOP think it is | Will Bunch These are some of the most abhorrent acts carried out on U.S. soil, or the edge of U.S. soil, that Ive seen in my lifetime especially considering both the scope of these atrocities and the open complicity of higher-ups in Texas government. Many have expressed righteous outrage Beto ORourke, the ex-Democratic congressman who lost to Abbott in 2022, said the governor has blood on his hands but its also important to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Abbotts Operation Lone Star is more than just inhumane. Its the governor of Americas second-largest state building up his own military force thats as suitable for Kandahar as for Eagle Pass deploying Blackhawk helicopters and C-130 cargo planes to support the specially trained soldiers of what state officials called the Texas Border Tactical Force. Texas has spent an astronomical $4.5 billion on the project so far, deploying about 10,000 troops and law-enforcement officers at any given time with no end in sight. State national guards under the ultimate control of a governor, responding to everything from floods to urban riots are a long-standing convention, but everything about the Abbott mission feels off. Its not only the massive scale and cost of Operation Lone Star, but the fact that these Texas troops arent working in concert with the federal government. Instead, Abbott has been clear that this is an effort in opposition to how he and other conservatives perceive President Joe Bidens border policies. He tweeted last week: The tragic humanitarian crisis on the border was created because of Bidens refusal to secure the border. Its more than noteworthy that Texas isnt the only large Republican-red state with a politically ambitious governor that is amping up its military capacity in a way that Americans havent seen in more than 150 years. In Florida, the nations third-largest state, Gov. Ron DeSantis also a 2024 presidential candidate has reactivated and is now expanding Florida Guard troops under his control. Although much smaller than the border army assembled by Texas Abbott at least for now, with just 150 recruits accepted for the first batch, with a new goal of 1,500 the effort has been beset by controversy so far. The New York Times recently reported that as many as one in five of the initial recruits quit or were dismissed amid dissatisfaction that a force pitched as largely disaster relief seems overly militarized. Some said it was more like military fantasy camp than prepping for hurricanes, and there have been allegations of abuse. Among civil rights advocates, there is understandable fear about martial fantasies becoming reality, with DeSantis as commander-in-chief. The governors mission statement for the Florida Guard which is buying boats and five aircraft says these troops are to ensure Florida remains fully fortified to respond to not only natural disasters, but also to protect its people and borders from illegal aliens and civil unrest. It seems not unreasonable to ask why the two largest states of the former Confederacy are building back their own armies, citing their own disagreements with the federal government. Indeed, it feels like another alarming downward spiral in the coming apart of America, as states with radically different cultures and now laws around everything from banning abortion to whitewashing slavery to the treatment of migrants look to enforce all of this at the barrel of a gun. We talk so much these days about the possibility of another Civil War, and yet I think sometimes our imagination is stymied by images of blue-and-gray-clad troops lined up in rows at Manassas. Thats not happening again. Instead, a second American War Between the States looks a lot like the bloodstained barbed wire of Eagle Pass: leaders of a growing rebellion against federal authority unleashing their own militias on The Other, who today is a brown-skinned pregnant teen fleeing despair in Central America, and who tomorrow could be anyone who speaks up in dissent. Greg Abbotts sadistic war against refugees at the Rio Grande is demoralizing and dehumanizing, even for the troops the Texas governor has enlisted to fight it. National Guard members have complained about poor working conditions in Operation Lone Star and last-minute deployments, and officials are investigating whether these problems are linked to a wave of suicides among the troops. This mission should have been stopped a few billion dollars ago, not escalated into authoritarian cruelty. Protecting the American border is a federal role, not a state function. The U.S. Border Patrol (which, of course, has its own problems) is unhappy about Texas violent blockade against these refugees, which is interfering with their right to reach U.S. soil and ask for asylum. On Thursday, the Justice Department wrote to Abbott and other Texas officials threatening to sue to have the buoys removed from the Rio Grande, calling them an unlawful risk to public safety, river commerce, and the authority of the federal government. Thats a good start, but the Biden administration should do more regardless of the perceived risks, political or otherwise to halt this abomination against human rights before it gets even worse. Its beyond Orwellian that the Texas governor claims he is addressing a humanitarian crisis, when in reality he is causing one. But also the deeper threat to federal authority by these growing armies in Texas and Florida can no longer be ignored. Weve seen this before from this part of the country in 1861, and 1961 and we shouldnt take one more step down that bombed-out road. Our house is again divided against itself, and the atrocities of Eagle Pass should not be allowed to stand. READ MORE: SIGN UP: The Will Bunch Newsletter Police investigate the fatal November shooting of Eloise Harmon, 55, who was the city's 500th homicide victim last year. Harmon's estranged husband has been charged with murder. Read more Gun violence has made too many of our fellow Philadelphians live in fear of leaving their homes. But for some, especially women, they may face the greatest danger without walking outside their front door. Last year, the city saw a dramatic spike in homicides that police currently can attribute to a domestic violence motive 43 murders in 2021 compared with 18 in 2020 or 28 in 2019. READ MORE: Domestic violence survivors say Philly put them at risk by failing to reopen a supervised parental visit site Since 2019, Philadelphia has had a tool intended to prevent these horrific acts of violence but the city continues to fail to utilize it. In fall 2018, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed a bill that requires people identified as potential threats in protection-from-abuse orders to relinquish their guns to local law enforcement within 24 hours. The law, known as Act 79, went into effect in April 2019. Advertisement The enforcement of the law depends on multiple entities working in concert: the courts, sheriff, and police all need to communicate as each plays a part in the process. Heres how it works: The gun relinquishment order is entered by a judge. The courts need to communicate that order with police and the Sheriffs Office. Once the order is served, the subject of the order has 24 hours to surrender their gun to the Sheriffs Office. If the gun is not turned in, police are empowered to enforce the violation of the law. In Philadelphia, making that collaboration work has proven to be a challenge. In both 2020 and 2021, only 13% of the roughly 2,000 people who are accused of domestic abuse each year in Philadelphia have complied with an order to relinquish a weapon, according to data from the Pennsylvania State Police. For comparison, in nearby counties Delaware, Chester, Bucks, Montgomery the rate of compliance was between 46% and 55%. Even more concerning: the low compliance rate has been a constant in Philadelphia since Act 79 took effect. In December 2019, just before Sheriff Rochelle Bilal took office, The Inquirer found that under her predecessor, Jewell Williams, the compliance rate during the first few months of Act 79 had been about 11%. Again, the compliance rate in neighboring counties was much higher. The excuses that were offered then bordered on the absurd: one, for example, was that the five-to-seven-page orders were too burdensome for sheriff deputies to carry. An April 2020 analysis by this board found that in the first three months of 2020, Bilals first months in office, the recovery rate didnt go up. Bilal did express her commitment to the issue. Under her leadership, the percentage of weapons recovered after a protection-from-abuse order was included as a performance goal metric in budget documents filed with City Council. The sheriffs self-imposed goal for her office this year is 70%. The budget documents dont include data on the offices progress toward that goal. During the pandemic, the Sheriffs Office stepped up and took it upon itself to serve the protection-from-abuse orders a development this board applauded and hopes will become the norm. The Sheriffs Office did not respond to request to comment about the low recovery rate or ongoing internal efforts to increase it. READ MORE: Controller: Philadelphia Sheriffs Office cant account for hundreds of guns In November 2020, the city controller, Rebecca Rhynhart, published her offices audit of the Sheriffs Offices firearms inventory noting more than 200 missing guns, as well as willingness from Bilal to collaborate on improvements. Rhynhart recommended that the Sheriffs Office and the Police Department formalize each agencys responsibilities in recovering protection-from-abuse weapons in a written memorandum of understanding. A spokesperson for the city said conversations to finalize a memorandum between the sheriff and police are ongoing. Philadelphia officials often demand that Harrisburg lawmakers enact some form of gun control. Act 79 is one occasion in recent memory when the legislature did exactly that, and the city has failed to effectively enforce the law. Nearly three years after Act 79 took effect, its long past time for Philadelphia to formalize the kind of procedures that will ensure widespread compliance. There is no excuse for allowing women who took the brave act of requesting a protection-from-abuse order to face a continued threat from a gun. There is no doubt that Prime Time Investigates was a hard watch on the treatment and welfare of bull calves off the Irish dairy herd. I know we have all heard the mantra of it only being a few bad eggs, and 100% that is true. However, the quandary still exists for the industry going forward on how to deal with the bigger issue - the surplus of dairy-bred bull calves. We need to grasp the nettle and fast as we currently have a government whose policy it is to reduce the Irish livestock population. However, what can no longer remain unsaid is that it was also the government's taxpayer-funded advisory service which has pushed this type of cow and system on the Irish milk producers in the first place. Some of the personnel paid to push dairy expansion with a low-input, low-output, grass-based system are now the very people being paid to devise a herd reduction scheme. You really couldnt make it up. As we heard on the programme, post Celtic Tiger, we needed a good news story, and dairy expansion was it for the government of the day; pushing expansion and driving farms to borrow vast sums of money to help the by-now government-owned banking sector. This has resulted in a major labour issue on many dairy farms where men and women have worked themselves into a standstill, all to make repayments to said banks and feather the nests of the milk processors. We must look at another milk production model going forward in Ireland a system which can tick so many boxes. Fewer high-yielding cows, producing more milk per head, would allow for lower cow numbers, less pressure on land price and, more importantly, less pressure on the farmer. Less fertiliser, less slurry and storage requirements, less silage to produce, fewer calves to rear and fewer hours worked. Improving the genetics of the cows is the key to this; the management of these cows is not as we are led to believe, far more difficult than the low input, low output cow. Once we breed more of these cows, then sexed semen will have a major impact and these cows will also breed saleable beef calves of value to the breeder and the feeder. These cows are being managed efficiently all over the world. Yes, these cows will require more concentrates, but most of this can be homegrown or sourced locally if animal numbers are reduced due to higher milk yields being achieved. And, no, these cows are not infertile; how did they end up in the parlour if their mothers were incapable of going in calf? Successful dairy production, they say, is a third breeding, a third feeding and a third management. As an example, if we take a herd producing one million litres at 4,500 litres per cow (390kg solids), that herd requires 222 cows and between 40 and 50 maidens and the same number of in-calf heifers. This herd will require approximately 130 tonnes of concentrates annually. However, if, instead, we have an 8000-litre cow (590 kg solids) producing the same one million litres with 125 cows, between 25 and 30 maidens and the same number of in calf heifers, that herd will require just under 250 tonnes of concentrates. What must then be considered is that without a derogation in the future, the 4,500-litre herd will require over 310 acres (125.75 hectares), and the 8,000 litre requires 222 acres (89.85 hectares). At 400/acre, thats 35,200 on extra rent per year alone! And thats before you ever look at the cost of additional labour. Beyond that, the one million litres produced in the 4500-litre herd is at 21.4g Organic N per litre and the 8000-litre herd is at 15.3g Organic N per litre. So each litre of milk would have 39% less organic N attributed to it based on the current nitrate banding. With a requirement for fewer acres and lower silage requirements (2000 tonnes vs 1125 tonnes), there would also be a significant reduction in Nitrogen to produce the forage on the 8000-litre herd. If we take a typical application of 200 units per acre (250kg/hectare) There is a reduction of over 19 tonnes of urea or 33 tonnes of CAN annually for forage. At current prices, this would be a saving of 10,000 to 12,000 annually. The lower land requirements, savings in bought-in fertiliser and lower organic N per litre will easily offset the additional concentrates, while helping to reduce the workload and borrowings necessary. Furthermore, where land quality allows, if some of the nitrogen was used to produce maize silage instead of grass silage, then the reduction in nitrogen would be even greater, and the feed value of the forage would be significantly higher, resulting in a reduced requirement for concentrates. One acre of maize silage with a requirement for 150 units of N will produce six to seven tonnes of dry matter, whereas you would need to harvest over three acres of first-cut grass silage to achieve the same yield, using 250 to 270 units of nitrogen. The maize will also have significantly more energy per tonne of dry matter (this is where further concentrate reductions will come from) and can be stored in the same facility as the grass silage. Thus more milk can be produced from forage on the farms. Again we have a stumbling block here, where the Department of Agriculture class maize silage as a tillage crop, when it is clearly a forage. This needs to be addressed by our farm organisations by lobbying the department as it is currently having a negative effect as part of the 80:20 rule on derogation farms. As we all know, after the LESS rules, derogation farmers are the guinea pigs for the rest and those rules before long will apply to everyone. While comparing these models, the higher yields are well able to compete with the low input system with regard to margin per litre, per cow and per hectare. When you factor in a labour cost, which must be done and is a significant flaw in the current system, more milk per cow must be considered as a model for Irish milk production going forward. We must work smarter and not harder if we are to meet targets. It's time the poor cow stopped taking the blame. Ireland cannot tax its way to meeting greenhouse gas emissions targets and the State will need to prepare for how it makes up the lost tax revenue as we move to a lower carbon future, a new Government report has said. The paper from the Department of Finance said that taxes on fossil fuels are estimated to fall by 1bn by 2030 as individuals and businesses adapt their behaviour to use less fossil fuels and fewer fossil fuel cars over the medium term. At present, environmental taxes contribute around 5.3bn annually to the exchequer. This represents 6.4% of the overall tax take, which is only half of what it represented in 2012. But this may fall to around 4.3bn by 2030 if current policy remains unchanged. The department looked at potential fiscal impacts of the transition to a lower carbon economy in Ireland, and said that the Government will need to consider how use taxation as an instrument in the transition to reducing our emissions but that this is an economy-wide problem that cant be addressed through tax alone. It comes as the Environmental Protection Agencys latest figures earlier this month showed that Ireland reduced its greenhouse gas emissions a paltry 1.9% in 2022 despite a commitment to slashing emissions by 51% by 2030. The EPAs figures also showed that greenhouse gas emissions linked to transport are continuing to surge despite a spike in people switching to electric vehicles. In its report, the Department of Finance said that taxation can play a central role in incentivising or nudging the behavioural change necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It labels the revenue from a number of taxes as at risk from Ireland moving to lower emissions. This includes Carbon Tax, VRT, motor tax and VAT on motor fuel. It said: The current growth to date and expected growth in EVs over the medium term is a positive development but it also poses challenges for the sustainability of the revenue the State receives from VRT. The department said that climate change will be just one of the pressing issues facing Ireland and the public finances in the future. It said: Over the medium to longer term to take account of decarbonisation of the economy, policy and policy makers, will also need to prepare for eroding energy and transportation tax receipts from the overall exchequer tax base, to ensure the sustainability of the tax base. Against this background, policy must also be cognisant that public finances in Ireland will also come under increasing pressure from factors other than climate change, such as population ageing and demographic changes. To handle this then, the paper concludes that the State will need to find additional revenue streams to make up for the fall in the tax take on so-called environmental taxes, while still encouraging people to lower their carbon impact." The director of the Arts Council has expressed concern that young people are not attending plays, art exhibitions and other cultural performances as often as before the pandemic. Maureen Kennelly said that although attendance across all age groups was lower in 2022 when compared to 2019, the largest decline was among the younger age group. She described the drop in 16 to 24-year-olds attending Arts Council-supported events, from 64% in 2019 to 52% in 2022, as a worrying level of decline. Their research also found that young people who are attending them are doing so less frequently. The 16 to 24-year-old age group is also the least likely to have attended these events for the first time a reverse trend of what would have been expected. Culture and Media minister Catherine Martin (centre right) with (left to right) Arts Council director Maureen Kennelly, DJ Handsome Paddy and Sunil Sharp from the Give Us The Night campaign group (Niall Carson/PA) Ms Kennelly said survey responses indicate this is because of the pandemic restrictions, where the habit of attending cultural events was not formed, and because of cost. She said that the impact of a German policy is being examined whereby a 200 euro credit is given to people when they turn 18, which can be used to buy tickets for cultural events. Speaking at an event on Tuesday, Ms Kennelly warned there was a risk of losing a generation of audiences and participants. She made the comments as she welcomed the announcement of 800,000 euro in Government funding to help cultural spaces to open later so they can hold events such as DJ nights, comedy stand-up events or dance performances. Speaking to the PA news agency later in the week, she said the decline in younger people attending events such as plays, art exhibitions and stand-up gigs is something that needs action. I think it does need intervention. Obviously, were working very closely with the Department around the night-time economy, and we see that as a very strong potential avenue for growth for the younger age cohorts. Were hoping that by attracting people to those night-time economy events, that then theyll be able to explore their local art centre and think, Oh I didnt realise my local arts centre shows films. So it would be kind of a gateway for them to see what is available in the community and what they might be able to explore in the future. The research, carried out on an annual basis on behalf of the Arts Council, found that 72% of people surveyed attended an arts event in 2022 a decline in incidence of only 4% compared to 2019, though the decline in actual attendance is 28%. The main reason given for reduced arts attendance has been the loss of habit, but cost is also coming up as a barrier for people, Ms Kennelly said. So those are things that were obviously trying to address very urgently ourselves, working in concert with the art sector. Covid was such a disruptive influence in peoples lives, that teenagers werent attending their arts classes in the way that they would have normally. So you wouldnt have that normal springboard into then attending events themselves as young adults. However, Ms Kennelly said it was encouraging that Culture Night was attracting more and more young people: in 2021, 11% of attendees were aged under 35, rising to 17% in 2022. It shows that when it has a strong emphasis, obviously, on the free nature, on the open, inclusive aspect of artistic expression, and when you push it out in that way, people do respond. Something else that were looking at is in Brussels and Berlin, theyve initiated free or discounted attendance at night-time or cultural events for those who have turned 18 years old. So, for example, in Berlin, as soon as you turn 18, you get a voucher, you get 200 euro credit to attend live cultural events. So were going to look at the evidence of what impact is this having in order to inform are these sorts of things that we should be looking at in Ireland. I think its a good gesture, well look very carefully and see has this worked. Well also be looking at targeting information and (an) awareness campaign on social media to look at how do we get the 16 to 24-year-olds group more engaged with their local artistic offering. The annual research was carried out on behalf of the Arts Council by Behaviour and Attitudes in October and November last year with at least 1,000 people. The Arts Council is the State agency responsible for awarding funding to Irish artists in the interest of promoting the arts. The male juvenile who was arrested in connection with the assault of a US tourist on Talbot Street in Dublin has been charged. The 57-year-old tourist is receiving treatment in Beaumont Hospital, the countrys specialist hospital for head injuries. A 50th anniversary service for two British soldiers killed in the Troubles is to be held in Co Tyrone on Sunday. A remembrance service for Corporal Bryan Criddle and Lance Corporal Harry Gillespie will be held at the Clogher branch of the Royal British Legion. The South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) victims and survivors group said that Cpl Criddle died 50 years ago, four days after he was injured in a Provisional IRA bombing in Clogher. He was married and had three children. Sarah Criddle and Julia Wilson lay flowers near the spot where Cpl Bryan Criddle was injured (PA) He joined the Army in the Pioneer Corps as a dog handler before transferring to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. Members of his family have travelled from England to attend the service. Speaking to the PA news agency, his widow Julia Wilson explained she met her husband when she joined up as a kennel maid on an Army dog course in 1969. They were married in 1970 and had their daughter Sarah in June of that year. I was actually offered a posting to Germany and he said over my dead body! so he insisted we got married. Ms Wilson was not allowed to continue working as a kennel maid as a married woman, but when her husband was sent to Northern Ireland, she and her daughter accompanied him to Ballykelly, Co Londonderry, in November 1971. They remained there for a few months before moving to Omagh, Co Tyrone, where the couple welcomed twins. Cpl Criddle worked with a German Shepherd named Jason and was flown to various points along the border to search for ammunition, arms and explosives. Their primary duty was to go out with patrols and any suspicious activity, he would send the dog in to sniff out explosives, arms, that sort of thing and then either alert the bomb disposal or soldiers he was working with. He was described as a man with little time to have hobbies but he enjoyed socialising. We both found it very hard and very draining, but we're glad we went SEFF said his family, his job and his dog were the main things in his life. Ms Wilson said he was on call literally 24 hours a day. Because Bryan had a dog, he was literally a week away and a week at home. Even when he was home, he was out on a daily basis. In July 1973, Cpl Criddle and Jason were called out to a suspicious scene. Ms Wilson said: He was sent out with patrol to the Clogher area. There had been an anonymous phone call saying there were milk churns in a field. He was flown out there, he put the dog in and Jason had actually signified there were explosives in there. He shouted to the patrol to stand back. He went in to check the milk churns and it was set off by a remote control from across the border. The dog was thrown 30 feet. It took a while to get the dog back. It was a lieutenant in the tank regiment who administered first aid (to Cpl Criddle) until the helicopter could come and take into Musgrave military hospital. He was there from the Wednesday to the Friday but had a brain hemorrhage, so they moved him to Royal Victoria in Belfast where unfortunately, on the Sunday, he passed away. Although we still miss him every day 50 years on, we're still very proud of what he achieved His daughter Sarah had just turned three, while his twins Gary and Glenn were nine months old. Ms Wilson and Sarah Criddle visited the site of the attack to lay flowers on Saturday. We both found it very hard and very draining, but were glad we went. Ms Wilson, who had previously brought her grandchildren to the site where Cpl Criddle was injured, said she felt her daughter needed closure. The idea was to show the grandchildren the reality of what happened to their grandfather. Ms Wilson said: You know, he died helping the people of the province and although we still miss him every day 50 years on, were still very proud of what he achieved. Ms Criddle said: The kids have not got to meet their grandfather. I think it hit me very hard today, because of the proximity and the close personal nature of what happened. Ms Criddle, who served in the RAF, added: For us as a family, and everybody else who has been affected by things like this, its the remembering of it. And its the fact that the children need to be taught about it just like they are taught about World War One and World War Two and all the things that have happened. I brought my children up to know, and go to Remembrance Day and to appreciate what people do sacrifice for them so they can be free. Ms Wilson paid tribute to the teamwork of her husbands companion Jason. Without the dog, he wouldnt have achieved half as much he was 50% of the team. Sgt Criddles grandson is following on to his grandfathers footsteps by joining the Army, Ms Wilson said. So, were proud of him as well. Ulster Defence Regiment CGC Lance Corporal Harry Gillespie was killed by the IRA (PA) SEFF director Kenny Donaldson said: The Criddle family are valued members of SEFF and Bryans sacrifice is justly remembered and honoured. He said Sgt Criddles role had been about protecting and preserving life. How different he was from those with murder in their hearts and who stole away his life and the lives of so many others. Mr Donaldson said it is important to never forget the contribution of members of the security forces. Because of their efforts, Northern Ireland avoided spiralling into all-out civil war. The service also remembered Ulster Defence Regiment CGC Lance Corporal Harry Gillespie from Aughnacloy. Mr Donaldson said he was shot by the Provisional IRA while in a four-man mobile patrol at Killyliss on Dungannon-Ballygawley Road on May 20 1972. His 50th anniversary service was delayed to this year due to Covid-19. The Department of Foreign Affairs has advised against travel to parts of Greece affected by raging wildfires which have forced the evacuation of more than 20,000 people from Rhodes where wildfires have raged for six days. The department says it has been contacted by a number of Irish citizens impacted by the fires in Rhodes, which has triggered the biggest Greek evacuation operation ever in response to a fire. Jet2 says it has cancelled all flights and holidays to Rhodes up to next Sunday, but will continue to fly empty aircraft to the island to bring holiday makers home, while TUI has cancelled all outbound flights to the island up to and including Tuesday. But EasyJet and Ryanair said they will continue to operate flights to Rhodes as normal. A man carries a child as they leave an area where a forest fire burns, on the island of Rhodes, Greece, Saturday, July 22, 2023. Wildfires continued burning there on Sunday for the sixth day on three fronts, forcing thousands of tourists and island residents to shelter in schools and indoor stadiums on Sunday after they were evacuated from coastal villages and resorts. The department urged Irish citizens to be alert and to stay away from the affected areas, and to move rapidly out of any areas affected. This is an evolving situation, and citizens should comply with evacuation orders and follow the instructions from the emergency services and local authorities, the department said. Irish citizens should call the Greek emergency services on 112 if they are in immediate danger. People should turn mobile phones on to roaming, to receive alerts from local authorities. Temporary shelters have been established by the authorities in Greece for tourists who have had to evacuate their hotels. Citizens should contact their tour operator or agency for information on arrangements and flights. Anyone in need of consular assistance can call the Embassy of Ireland in Greece on +30 2107232771 or the Honorary Consulate of Ireland in Rhodes on +30 2241075655, and in Ireland, the department of foreign affairs HQ can be contacted on 01 4082527. If citizens are planning to travel to Rhodes, it is important prior to travel that they check with their travel operator or agency, or their hotel, to see if the area they plan to visit is impacted by the current wildfires and evacuations. There is likely to be travel disruption. Evacuations Police on Rhodes said that 16,000 people were evacuated by land and 3,000 by sea, from 12 villages and several hotels, with no casualties. Six people were briefly hospitalized with respiratory problems and were later released. Thousands spent the night outdoors and tour operators like Jet2, TUI and Correndon say they had on-island teams working to help customers waiting for flights home. Coastguard vessels and dozens of private boats carried more than 2,000 tourists from beaches on Saturday after the wildfire, which has burned for nearly a week, was fanned by strong winds and rekindled along the southeastern part of the island. Many fled hotels when huge flames reached the seaside villages of Kiotari, Gennadi, Pefki, Lindos, Lardos and Kalathos. Large groups gathered in the streets under a red sky waiting to be taken to safety. Smoke hung heavy over a deserted beach. Volunteers fought to extinguish a blaze that blackened the hillside and charred buildings near Lindos, which is one of the island's most visited sites and is famed for an acropolis perched on a massive rock within medieval walls. "We have between 4,000 and 5,000 people now accommodated at different structures," Thanasis Virinis, a vice mayor of Rhodes said on Sunday, calling for donations of essentials such as mattresses and bedclothes. The evacuees, including residents from the villages, were housed at hotels, indoor stadiums, conference centres and school buildings, with many local shops and restaurants providing free food and water. The Greek foreign ministry said it was setting up a helpdesk at Rhodes airport to facilitate, in cooperation with embassies, the departure of visitors who have lost travel documents. Footage on social media showed crowds of tourists at the airport. The British band The 1975 have cancelled planned shows in Taiwan and Indonesia, calling it impossible to proceed with the Asia tour dates a day after being banned from performing in Malaysia. Malaysias government called the band extremely rude after frontman Matt Healy kissed a male bandmate on stage and criticised the countrys anti-LGBT+ laws, under which homosexual acts are illegal. Unfortunately, due to current circumstances, it is impossible to proceed with the scheduled shows, the pop-rock group said in a statement. The 1975 were among the international headline acts at a three-day music festival in Kuala Lumpur, but their performance was cut short on Friday, and the entire festival was later cancelled. A Malaysian government committee said that the band would never again be permitted to perform in the country, where homosexuality is a crime. I have called the organisers of Good Vibes Festival 2023, which is Future Sound Asia, following the very rude actions and statements displayed by UK artist The 1975 in Sepang last night, Malaysias communications minister Fahmi Fadzil tweeted on Saturday. Screengrab of the moment Matt Healy kissed a male bandmate during the concert in Malaysia (Instagram) The band has now announced that they will cancel their performance at the We the Fest event in Indonesias capital Jakarta, as well as a show in Taiwan. The 1975 regret to announce that their forthcoming shows in Jakarta and Taipei will no longer be going ahead as planned, the band said on Sunday in a statement on the We the Fest Instagram page. The band never take the decision to cancel a show lightly and had been eagerly looking forward to playing for fans in Jakarta and Taipei but, unfortunately, due to current circumstances, it is impossible to proceed with the scheduled shows, it said. Fridays events sparked an uproar among Malaysians, including members of the countrys LGBT+ community, who said Healys actions could end up exposing them to more stigma in the Muslim-majority country. Unlike in Malaysia where homosexuality is a crime, Indonesias national laws do not view it as a criminal offence, although local laws discriminate against LGBT+ individuals. But there have been other LGBT+-related events cancelled in Indonesia in recent months due to objections from Islamic groups, such as a planned visit last December by a US LGBT+ special envoy. It remains unclear why the band also cancelled their Taiwan show, as the island has a proud reputation as a bastion of LGBT+ rights and liberalism in east Asia. The general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) has said that morale in the force is "low" - and has urged the Government to change the model of policing. Antoinette Cunningham was speaking in the wake of the arrest of a male youth in connection to an incident which saw an American tourist assaulted in Dublin. The incident took place on Talbot Street, just a few yards aware from Store Street garda station - one of the largest in the capital. Ms Cunningham said that the force needed "more reactive than proactive policing." In a series of tweets posted on the AGSI Twitter account, she said that the current model, in place since 2018, has not worked. She said: "We havent achieved our recruitment targets. Its a totally incorrect statement by Minister Helen McEntee to the Dail saying theres no morale issue. I can tell you morale is low given all the aspects of policing reforms our members have had to go through since the pandemic. "We have a model of policing that doesnt promote visible policing, it instead chains members to their desks trying to keep up-to-date with administrative burdens placed on them. "The Government need to look at this model of policing." Speaking on RTE's This Week programme, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central Gary Gannon echoed calls that Gardai were needed in the inner city. He said: "We have fallen below 14,000 Gardai in the state. But we still have to allocate that provision of Gardai based on where we need the most, I cant imagine a place where we need more Garda presence than in the central part of our capital city. "At a very minimum people have a right to go into the city center for whatever purpose they may need, and feel safe, Mr Gannon said that other European capitals had people in uniforms "creating a presence". The number of gardai working in stations in Dublins north inner city has decreased by almost 4% since the start of the year, according to the latest staffing figures for An Garda Siochana. Updated details on staffing levels across the countrys 564 Garda stations show the number of gardai attached to the Dublin North Central division which covers stations including Store Street, Bridewell and Mountjoy has fallen by 3.8% since the start of 2023. It is the largest percentage drop in numbers of frontline gardai in any Garda division nationwide over the past six months. All but one of the countrys 27 Garda divisions have experienced a reduction in frontline gardai since January. The latest figures show the Dublin North Central division, which has one of the highest crime rates in the country, had 615 gardai last month 24 fewer than at the start of the year. Store Street attack Policing in the capitals north inner city has come under scrutiny in the past week following an unprovoked violent attack on Store Street on Wednesday night which left a US tourist with life-changing injuries. Business owners in the Talbot Street area, where last weeks violent assault took place, claim there is a permanent issue with anti-social behaviour in the north inner city and a lack of visible policing. The incident happened within 100 metres of the capitals largest Garda station which has experienced a reduction in eight frontline staff since January to 251. During a visit to Store Street Garda station on Friday following the incident, the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, insisted that Dublin was a safe city, although she added that people were not going to be safe all the time everywhere in a city centre or anywhere. Ms McEntee also remarked that garda numbers have not been at the level that I would like this year, but claimed there had been a steady increase, while she stated 450 Garda recruits will be in training by the end of this month. The US tourist who is a regular visitor to Ireland, Stephen Termini (57) from New York, remains in intensive care in Beaumont Hospital with serious head injuries. The attack on Mr Termini came just weeks after another unprovoked assault in the area on a Ukrainian actor who had been performing in the Abbey Theatre. Garda staffing levels in Dublin city centre are expected to be raised with the assistant Garda commissioner with responsibility for policing in Dublin, Angela Willis, at a meeting of Dublin City Councils Joint Policing Committee on Monday. Ms Willis pointed out last week that gardai have conducted more than 10,500 foot patrols in the city centre area since January as part of Operation Citizen. While the Government had a target of increasing the size of the force to 15,000 together with 4,000 civilian staff by 2021, the latest figures show the total number of gardai at the end of June was 13,892 241 fewer than at the start of the year. When officers who are on career breaks, work-sharing, secondments and maternity and parental leave are excluded, the total number of available gardai falls to 13,658. Meanwhile, civilian staff numbers have remained effectively unchanged over the past six months at 3,127. The latest figures show the overall number of frontline gardai has dropped to 12,009 since the end of December a decrease of 264 or 2.2% nationally. A report by the Oireachtas Parliamentary Budget Office published last month estimated that the Government would have to spend an extra 138m annually on payroll costs if it is to meet its official target on Garda staffing levels. It also revealed that Ireland has the 12th lowest number of police officers on a per capita basis out of 33 European countries. Based on staffing levels across police forces in Europe in 2020, the study found the number of gardai per 100,000 population is 11% below the average. The report revealed that Ireland had 291 gardai per 100,000 population in 2020 compared to the EU average of 328. Impact of covid-19 A Garda spokesperson said An Garda Siochana had been a growing organisation until the outset of the covid-19 pandemic which affected its training and recruitment plans due to the closure of the Garda College in Templemore, Co Tipperary. The spokesperson pointed out that 150 gardai had retired so far in 2023 up to the end of May together with 59 others who resigned from the force. Gardai said 370 recruits are currently undergoing training with 222 due to be attested as sworn members next week with a further intake of recruits due to commence training in the Garda College in August. The spokesperson pointed out that 153 recruits who began training in May were chosen from over 5,000 who had applied to join the force last year, while Garda management has committed to annualised recruitment campaigns in order to reach the target figure of 15,000 gardai. She highlighted that almost 900 gardai have been released from administrative tasks to operational duties in recent years to work in areas such as tackling street-level drug dealing and preventing and detecting sexual crime and domestic abuse. The spokesperson also pointed out that gardai can transfer between stations at the discretion of local Garda management based on factors such as crime trends, operational strategies and the policing needs of individual areas which are kept under constant review. Before she goes to sleep every night, Chrissie Tully says a decade of the rosary for her son Michael who died 74 years ago. She first began the ritual in 1949 after her newborn died during an 'agonising' childbirth. Now 91, Chrissie recalls how she never saw her babys face or held him in her arms and was never told where he was laid to rest. Like many of the now-elderly former residents of the Tuam mother and baby home, Chrissie hoped the promised excavation of the site would allow her to discover her son's final resting place and give her closure. Minister for Children Roderic OGorman who appointed Corkman Daniel MacSweeney to oversee the excavation said it will be one of the most complex forensic excavation and recovery efforts undertaken anywhere in the world. On Thursday, Mr McSweeney told the Irish Examiner he will do his best to find the 796 missing children and to identify them. He also said their families will be included throughout the entire process. It was the first time, the Tuam babies family members said they have ever felt recognised since the discovery of their relatives mass grave in 2014. Chrissie said that the honesty Mr MacSweeney has shown in his interview with the Irish Examiner has given her some hope. If he can do his best to find my son Michael after Im gone, his brother will lay him to rest, she said. Ill be able to rest in peace knowing he tried, and I do believe from what he said, that he is going to try his hardest, I can hear that. That man cant do any more than that but the bit Ive read, I think hes a good public servant." The exhumation, while in the early stages of being established, could take years to begin. However, the Tully family all fear the glacial place of the process which came to light in 2014, is too little and too late for her to get answers about her baby while she is alive. Chrissie was just 18 when the nuns in the Tuam mother and baby home rushed her to the former Galway Central hospital, after she became distressed during labour. On December 13 1949, given her tiny size and weight of just 84lbs, the nuns took her to hospital for urgent medical attention. Doctors discovered baby Michael, who weighed 7.5lb, was breech and Chrissie was forced to deliver him naturally, without pain relief. I didnt know what was happening, said Chrissie. I was in agony; the pain is not something I have forgotten. Then this doctor said, your son is dead and they took him away and left me there in the bed. "I wasnt given any hospital procedures for when a baby dies, I was just sent away again. The trauma of losing her son has never left her. I would have liked to have buried him myself, she said. I would have kept him too had he lived. I was a good worker; I was a domestic all my life. But he was just taken and gone and that was it. Her family sent her to the controversial institution, after 'shaming' them with a pregnancy outside of marriage. My mother wouldnt even post me something in case someone in the post office saw the address on the parcel, Chrissie said. All alone and frightened, she went to live with the Bons Secours nuns, who ran the Tuam home. There she earned her keep in secret, scrubbing and cleaning for more than six months while carrying her first child. Unknown to many of the residents then, the children who died there, were usually buried in a large plot on the grounds of the institutions. However, nothing prepared the world for the news in 2014 that 796 children were buried in a cesspit there between 1925 and 1961 where they still lie today. Test excavations in October 2016 carried out by a Commission of Inquiry into Mother and Baby Homes (set up to examine the shameful treatment of unmarried mothers and their babies in Ireland) confirmed there was a significant quantity of human remains from 35 foetal weeks to two to three years buried in Tuam. Some samples of those remains were tested in a laboratory in Dublin which confirmed they were from the Tuam home. After the news of the childrens deaths emerged, Chrissie decided to look for Michael. At the time of Michael's death, still-born babies were not registered in the official births deaths and marriages register but that changed in the 1990s. Babies who died in the Galway Central Hospital were usually laid to rest at the nearby Bothermore cemetery. However, in correspondence to Chrissie on April 21, 2019, the Environment Section of Galway City Council said, Unfortunately, I could not find Baby Tully. Im not sure where you should start looking now. Perhaps get in touch with the hospital to see what records they hold, who they released the baby to, etc. My hope is that you do find him. Sorry, I couldnt be of more help. Desperate to know the truth, Chrissie asked the HSE if her sons remains were experimented on in a laboratory which did happen to some of the children around that time. But a spokesperson told her that unfortunately, they hold no records for this period. There is, however, one maternity record received under the Freedom of Information Act that states Michael died from a difficult breech delivery. At the end of the document, it said discharge to Tuam home. Chrissie said this document poses more questions than answers. I know I had to go back to Tuam, so did Michael come with me and is he is buried with those children in that hole? she asked. Five years after Michaels death, Chrissie who went back to her life in Loughrea, fell pregnant again by the same father as her first son. This time, gardai came to her house and brought her to the barracks. There was this retired judge, he said to me if you dont tell us who the father of these babies is, well put you in jail. I knew he meant business and I said to him go on so, cos Im saying nothing and that was that. I went back to Tuam and had my son Christopher. Christopher was taken and adopted. I wasnt allowed to ask questions. The loss of her two boys was the reason Chrissie said she never got married or had other children. While she has a feisty streak, she confesses, I have lived with a broken heart since I was 18, but you just have to keep going. Good news did come for Chrissie, around 10 years ago. Out of the blue, a social worker said her son, who survived Tuam and was later adopted as Patrick Naughton, was looking for her. Chrissie Tully 91 from Loughrea with her son Patrick Naughton. We met with the social worker, said Chrissie. But he waited for me in the carpark and after she was gone, we didnt bother with her again. Patrick has supported his mother as they attempt to find his brother. It comes after a long hard battle by the families of the children and survivors of Tuam, to have the burial site opened to help find and identify the missing children whose names were uncovered by Catherine Corless in 2014. The Institutional Burial Act 2022 followed which gave the Government a lawful basis to undertake a full-scale forensic excavation, recovery and analysis of the childrens remains. The cost of the exhumation will be about 12m and the Bons Secours nuns have contributed 2m. Daniel MacSweeney told the Irish Examiner there is no date confirmed for the exhumation, but he will follow a process that is used by the Red Cross and UN all over the world. As they edge closer to the start of a process that could take years, Chrissie said, I never close an eye without saying the rosary for Michael. Chrissie has received much support from the Tuam Babies Family Group, which was set up by Anna Corrigan, whose two brothers are believed to have died in Tuam. Anna Corrigan, campaigner and spokesperson for the Tuam Babies Family Group with a photograph of her mother Bridget holding her as a young girl. Picture: Moya Nolan She questioned why any law was needed to open a childrens mass grave when the land is state-owned. Anna found out about the grave when researching her parents lives. She discovered her mother Bridget Dolan gave birth to two boys in Tuam. John Desmond Dolan was born weighing 8lb 9oz on February 22, 1946, but died June 11, 1947, with congenital idiot and measles listed as his cause of death. Bridget had a second child in 1950, she was in the Tuam home but later rushed to Galway University Hospital during labour. William Dolan is registered by the nuns as having died on February 3, 1951, with no death certificate. Is he dead or is he alive? asked Anna. How can you mark a child as being dead but have nothing in the official registry? Reacting to Daniel MacSweeneys opening remarks, Anna said she was disappointed" that he does not believe it will be possible to find all the missing children. "Why does he believe that and what is putting this doubt in his mind? It is very confusing given that the excavation or the retrieval has not started yet," she said. I was sent a letter by the Bon Secours in April 2013 stating that 'his remains (my brother John) were buried at the small cemetery at the home. So why would all the other children not be buried there too and why will we not be able to find all the missing children. Has somebody not got something right?" She said she has no doubts over his sincerity and, indeed, the scale of the task at hand but said she is hopeful of a more positive outcome than he has indicated to date. Anna Corrigan, Peter Mulryan and Annette McKay whose siblings are thought to be buried at the Tuam Babies Grave took part in a protest in Tuam over delays in the exhumation of the remains at the Tuam Site. Picture: Andy Newman Annette McKay whose sister Mary Margaret OConnor died in the Tuam home said she has spoken with to Mr MacSweeney recently. She told the Irish Examiner: I was heartened by his realism. Its not going to be easy, and it is multilayered. We must start this exhumation and his strands of research, DNA testing and working with the families will help to ensure that the process will be transparent and cohesive. We have not had that from anyone up until now. Russia struck the Ukrainian Black Sea city of Odesa again, local officials said, keeping up a barrage of attacks that has damaged critical port infrastructure in southern Ukraine in the past week. At least one person was killed and 22 others wounded in the attack in the early hours on Sunday. Regional Governor Oleh Kiper said that four children were among those wounded in the blasts, which severely damaged the historic Transfiguration Cathedral, a landmark Orthodox cathedral in the city. Russia has been launching persistent attacks on Odesa, a key hub for exporting grain, since Moscow cancelled a landmark grain deal on Monday amid Kyivs grinding efforts to retake its occupied territories. The Odesa Transfiguration Cathedral is seen heavily damaged following Russian missile attacks (Libkos/AP) Mr Kiper noted that six residential buildings, including apartment buildings, were destroyed by the strikes. In one such case in central Odesa, some people became trapped in their apartments as a result of the damage caused by the attack, which left rubble strewn in the street and partly blocking the road, and damage to power lines. Svitlana Molcharova, 85, was rescued by emergency service workers. But after she received first medical aid, she refused to leave her destroyed apartment. I will stay here, she said to the emergency service worker who advised her to leave. I woke up when the ceiling started to fall on me. I rushed into the corridor, said Ivan Kovalenko, 19, another resident of the building. He came to Odesa having fled the city of Mykolaiv in search of a safer place to live after his house was destroyed. Thats how I lost my home in Mykolaiv, and here, I lost my rented apartment. In his home, the ceiling partially collapsed, the balcony came off the side of the building, and all the windows were blown out. The Transfiguration Cathedral, one of the most important and largest Orthodox Cathedrals in Odesa, was severely damaged. The destruction is enormous, half of the cathedral is now roofless, said Archdeacon Andrii Palchuk, as cathedral workers brought documents and valuable items out of the severely building, the floor of which was inundated with water used by firefighters to extinguish the fire. Mr Palchuk said the damage was caused by a direct hit from a Russian missile that penetrated the building down to the basement and caused significant damage. Two people who were inside at the time of the strike were wounded. Emergency workers gather outside the Odesa Transfiguration Cathedral, heavily damaged in Russian missile attacks in Odesa (Jae C Hong/AP) But with Gods help, we will restore it, he said, bursting into tears. Odesas historic centre was designated an endangered World Heritage Site by the United Nations cultural agency, Unesco, earlier this year, despite Russian opposition. Earlier Russian attacks this week crippled significant parts of export facilities in Odesa and nearby Chornomorsk and destroyed 60,000 tons of grain, according to Ukraines Agriculture Ministry. The attacks come days after President Vladimir Putin pulled Russia out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a wartime deal that enabled Ukraines exports to reach many countries facing the threat of hunger. Mr Putin vowed to retaliate against Kyiv for an attack Monday on the crucial Kerch Bridge linking Russia with the Crimean Peninsula, which the Kremlin illegally annexed in 2014. In other developments, Mr Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko were meeting on Sunday in St Petersburg, two days after Moscow warned Poland that any aggression against its neighbour and ally Belarus would be considered an attack on Russia. Vladimir Putin, right, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko shake hands during a meeting in St Petersburg (Alexander Demianchuk, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) Mr Putin announced at the start of the meeting that talks would also take place on Monday, and declared that Kyivs counter-offensive had failed. Mr Lukashenko said that Wagner troops, who launched joint drills with the Belarusian military on Thursday, almost a month after their short-lived rebellion against Moscow, wanted to go west on an excursion to Warsaw, to Rzeszow in Poland, but that Belarus would not allow them to relocate. I am keeping them in central Belarus, like we agreed. We are controlling what is happening with Wagner, he said. Meanwhile, Kharkiv regional governor Oleh Syniehubov reported on Sunday morning that two people were killed in Russian strikes on the north-eastern province on Saturday, when Russia attacked populated areas of the Kharkiv, Chuhuiv, Kupiansk and Izium districts. Donetsk regional governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said four residents of the eastern region were killed and 11 wounded in attacks the previous day. Myanmars junta-controlled foreign ministry has condemned the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for not mentioning its alleged efforts to restore democracy by peaceful means in a statement on the blocs recent meeting. ASEAN foreign ministers gathered in Jakarta last week for their 56th meeting. High on the agenda was Myanmars post-coup crisis and how to deal with the junta to halt the violence. The juntas foreign minister was not invited as the regime leadership has been excluded from high-level ASEAN meetings since late 2021 for failing to honor the blocs peace plan, known as the Five-point Consensus (5PC). In the Joint Communique of the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting, the bloc states that the 5PC remained its main reference to address the political crisis in Myanmar. We strongly condemned the continued acts of violence, including air strikes, artillery shelling, and destruction of public facilities and urged all parties involved to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence it added, referring to atrocities mostly committed by the regime. The regimes Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded on Friday, saying Myanmar categorically rejected the statement as it only included unfair and one-sided facts without reflecting the efforts of the member state to restore a genuine democratic system by peaceful means. The ministrys statement said Myanmar could not accept country-specific paragraphs in any ASEAN statement as this contradicts the blocs principle of non-interference in members internal affairs. The junta ministry also lamented that facts it provided for the statement were also ignored despite it having faithfully engaged in the joint communiques drafting process as a responsible member state. It was found that Myanmars inputs, concerns and voice are not reflected in the final Joint Communique, it said. Observers wondered what peaceful means the military regime was referring to in its alleged attempts to restore democracy. In reality, the junta is conducting air raids, artillery strikes, arbitrary arrests, and killings in response to a nationwide uprising against the militarys 2021 coup to topple a democratically elected government. As of Friday, when the foreign ministry claimed peaceful efforts to restore democracy, it had killed 3,793 people mostly for their anti-regime activism. Despite its criticism of ASEAN, Myanmar under the military junta has been a source of disgrace for the regional bloc in which it is a member. Apart from ignoring the regional groupings peace plan, it also caused serious division among member states. Last month, it used its close ally Thailand to host talks among several ASEAN members and other Asian countries to push the bloc to fully reengage with the junta. The meeting was boycotted by current ASEAN chair Indonesia and members Singapore and Malaysia, damaging the blocs unity. Shortly before the foreign ministers meeting, the junta allowed outgoing Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai to meet with detained Myanmar leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, becoming the first outsider to visit her since she was arrested following the 2021 coup. The meeting happened without ASEANs knowledge and sparked controversy since the Thai foreign minister had no mandate for the visit and is not an ASEAN special envoy for Myanmar. Outgoing Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai met with detained Myanmar leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi during an unannounced visit to Naypyitaw on Sunday. The meeting took place at Naypyitaw Prison, where the ousted State Counselor is being held in solitary confinement. A high-ranking military official who is a member of the Myanmar regimes governing State Administration Council accompanied Don. Neither the Myanmar junta nor the Thai government have issued a statement about Dons meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The meeting came ahead of the ongoing ASEAN meeting in Jakarta, where foreign ministers from member states are discussing the Myanmar crisis. The regional bloc is divided over how or whether to reengage with the countrys ruling junta. The Thai foreign minister is the first outsider to meet Daw Aung San Suu Kyi since her detention on the first day of the coup in 2021. She is now in solitary confinement in a prison in Naypyitaw after a junta court sentenced her to 33 years imprisonment. The junta has rejected several requests by ASEAN and UN special envoys on Myanmar to meet her. At todays ASEAN meeting Don is expected to brief regional diplomats about his meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Observers noted it is strange that the junta permitted the outgoing Thai foreign minister to see Myanmars ousted leader after rejecting the same request from ASEAN and UN envoys specifically mandated by the regional bloc to hold such a meeting. Given the outgoing Thai governments close ties with the regime and its foreign ministers recent attempt to lobby ASEAN to fully reengage with the Myanmar junta leaders, analysts are worried that both are trying to use Daw Aung San Suu Kyi politically. The junta has been unable to take full control of Myanmar, mostly due to a popular armed resistance led by the shadow National Unity Government (NUG) and its allied ethnic armed groups. The NUG is made up of elected lawmakers from Daw Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD) and their ethnic allies. Most Myanmar people consider the NUG as their legitimate government. NUG Deputy Foreign Minister U Moe Zaw Oo questioned the juntas motivation for allowing the visit. Given the close ties between the junta and the Thai government, we are doubtful about the appropriateness of the meeting, assuming it actually happened, he told The Irrawaddy. Analysts speculated that the status of the NUG was very likely a hot topic during Dons meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. They also questioned the timing of the visit, coming on the heels of talks brokered by Don to reengage with the junta, and just before the ASEAN gathering this week. If the foreign minister was able to extract a criticism of the NUG from Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, they said, he would surely use it at the ASEAN meeting to justify Thailands push for the bloc to reengage with the junta. But that would be highly unlikely, they said. They pointed to her public support for the anti-regime resistance movement in a message she delivered through Sean Turnellher Australian economic adviser who was detained by the regime on spy chargeswhen the two attended a trial hearing together last year. She also expressed how proud she was, especially of the young Burmese people. She was really proud of how the people were prepared to defend and fight for democracy, even though their exposure to democracy was very brief, Turnell told News 10 ABC after his release late last year. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been aware of the armed resistance movement since she was under house arrest in 2021. But she has kept tightlipped about the issue. Her silence has left regime leader Min Aung Hlaing jittery; he even said in December that year that she could keep up to date about the ongoing political situation, including the establishment of the NUG and the violence that has wracked the country, through her legal team. She has a chance to comment on the unfolding issues via her lawyers, he said. Sunday marks the first anniversary of the deaths of veteran 88 Generation pro-democracy activist Ko Jimmy (Kyaw Min Yu) and former National League for Democracy lawmaker and hip-hop star Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw, who were hanged by the regime in Yangons Insein Prison on this day last year. Two anti-coup protesters, Ko Hla Myo Aung and Ko Aung Thura Zaw, met the same fate. The deaths of the four marked the first executions of political prisoners since 1989 and shocked Myanmar people and the international community; many governments had appealed for their death sentences to be commuted. Ko Jimmy and Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw, who were charged under the Counterterrorism Law, were allowed to meet their families on July 22, 2022 for the first time since their arrest. However, the meetings were conducted via Zoom, not in person. Their family members did not know it would be their last meeting with the pro-democracy activists, or that the two would be hanged the next morning. Their families only found out about the deaths on July 25 when the junta announced through its state-run newspapers that the executions had been carried out. Family members rushed to Insein Prison, but were not allowed to see the bodies, nor were they told when their husbands and sons were hanged. On July 27, pro-junta thugs including members of the militarys proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party and the ultranationalist Association for Protection of Race and Religion (known by its Burmese acronym Ma Ba Tha) stoned the houses of Ko Jimmy and Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw. Rallies in support of the executions were held in Yangon and Mandalay in the following days, with junta soldiers and police providing security for protesters. Prior to the executions, Captain Ohn Kyaw Myint, who plotted to assassinate the generals of the Myanmar Socialist Programme Party, and ethnic Chin student leader Salai Tin Maung Oo were the best-known cases of political dissidents being hanged in Myanmar. Ko Jimmy was 53 and Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw was 41 when the two made the ultimate sacrifice for the democracy struggle in Myanmar. According to the Assistance Association for Political prisoners, as of June 2023 more than 150 people including politicians, students and women had been sentenced to death since the putsch. North Americas biggest cat, Puma concolor, goes by many names. Mountain lion. Cougar. Catamount. Puma. Panther. The discord apparent in the efforts labeling it reflects the elusive nature of the animal. Rarely seen, cougars prefer to avoid humans and hunt in solitude, relying on stealth instead of savagery. A consequence of their evasive nature is that these animals can be woefully misunderstood. Once considered varmints, mountain lions across the U.S. were shot on sight. Until the early 1970s, a hunter could even earn a $50 bounty for killing one. So long the victims of misinformation and erroneous legend, the mountain lion still can inspire lingering fear in the public occasionally capturing headlines for wandering too close to our ever-creeping backyard borders. Last weekend, a cougar was even spotted hunting seabirds on Oregons iconic Cannon Beach. Roger Phillips of Idaho Fish and Game said in a phone interview that every year the department gets calls and complaints about cougars by the dozens. The agency has killed at least four mountain lions this year. People often assume that the way to prevent run-ins between these animals and humans or their livestock is to kill more mountain lions through hunting and/or trapping. This remains the prevailing and faulty intuition regarding wildlife management of mountain lions today, said Josh Rosenau, director of Policy and Advocacy at the Mountain Lion Foundation. Several states in the West, including Idaho, have loosened hunting laws to promote culling more cougars. But the belief that this will lessen conflict ignores what we know of how mountain lions structure their societies, Rosenau explained to the Idaho Statesman. According to critics like him, states are not using sound science to make decisions. Maurice Hornocker research assistant Wilbur Wiles and his hounds track a cougar uphill. Hornockers field research was conducted mostly during winter so that cougars prints could be seen in the snow. Maurice Hornocker How mountain lions live and roam Wildlife biologist Maurice Hornocker, now 91, has studied mountain lions since 1963. He was the first to systematically find and follow cougars in the wild, taking note of their ecology and behaviors. After years of careful tracking, before and during the rise of telemetry and radio collars, he laboriously learned that cougar populations self-regulate. Story continues The nature of mountain lion biology is that young females will usually move into territories neighboring their mothers, but young males in search of food and females will travel long distances from home as a strategy to avoid inbreeding, Rosenau said. Resident females defend their home ranges, usually 6 to 10 miles across, communicating with scent markings and chasing away nosy intruders. They are used to living in their landscapes; they know where the farms, pets and people are; and they know what places to avoid. Its usually a young migratory male that wanders into unfamiliar land. But hunters and hound teams could encounter the resident female first. And killing her creates an open territory. The young male just passing through is not going to get chased out. The orphaned cubs, who normally receive up to 2 years of maternal care, go hungry. Driven by hunger, they may head out on their own before theyre ready and look for any food they can find, whether thats a deer, a pet or a small child playing in the woods. Thus, conflict is more likely when you disrupt the population structure that the mountain lions are maintaining on their own, warned Rosenau. In the late 1960s, Hornocker inspects the radio collar equipment on a mountain lion in what is now Idahos Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area. Maurice Hornocker Hornockers storied career established a firm foundation of evidence for research-backed wildlife management practices, as described in his new memoir, Cougars on the Cliff. By 1975, Western states had terminated bounties and designated mountain lions as a big-game species, which confers regulatory status on hunts and promotes wildlife management through scientific information. Consequently, the species rebounded throughout the West, with evidence of mountain lions recently recolonizing areas in the Midwest and even in eastern regions of the country. Some states are declaring open season on cougars In recent years, states such as Idaho, Montana and Utah have sought a more open-season approach. On April 19, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks revealed plans to change the current quota system. The state could choose to reduce the mountain lion population by up to 40 percent over the next six years through hunting something not supported by any ecological evidence. This change came on the heels of legislation introduced the prior year simplifying hunting regulations and bringing uniformity across the state of Montana. On May 3, new legislation went into effect in Utah allowing year-round cougar hunting and introducing trapping to the state. House Bill 469 was a wide-ranging wildlife bill which initially said nothing of mountain lions, but these provisions were tacked on at the 11th hour, with no public comment or scientific reasoning offered, drawing rebuke from several parties who saw it as a repudiation of science and sound wildlife management to appease narrow political interests, according to a Salt Lake Tribune story. The legislation was based on the assumption that killing more cougars would translate to more elk and mule deer for humans to hunt. But a recent study called this thinking into question and suggested that culling cougar populations may have the opposite effect. As of March 2021, Idaho Department of Fish and Game removed all statewide mountain lion harvest quotas, allowing hunters to kill as many of them as they want for 10 months of the year. According to Phillips, the reason for this change was twofold: to help the prey population (as in Utah) and to provide uniformity across the state (as with Montana). But statewide consistency in regulations could come at a cost. Rosenau said relaxing statewide regulations on hunting removes the incentive to monitor populations, since monitoring programs are mostly set in place to fine-tune hunting quotas for the following years. The population size of mountain lions is hard to pin down, even with monitoring programs. Since male cougars can occupy a territory of up to 400 square miles and often cross state lines, numbers can seem stable even when theyre not. The number of new sink populations in the U.S., where cougar death rates exceed birth rates, is growing year after year, Rosenau said and thats a major concern. This March 2023 Idaho Department of Fish and Game photo shows a female mountain lion with a kitten perched on a fence in Blaine County. IDFG Mountain lions and ecosystem health Conservation efforts to protect mountain lions can benefit other species. As solitary hunters, they leave most of their kills behind, compared to wolves and other species who hunt and eat in packs. Mountain lion leftovers support countless species of insects, birds and mammals. In a 2018 study, researchers found 215 species of beetles in prey animals killed by mountain lions. In turn, birds such as eagles and other migrating raptors rely on worms and insects in carcasses. The carrion is also a critical food source for other predators. Foxes depend on cougar prey during cold winters, and lion kills are critical for bears entering or emerging from hibernation. A 2017 study found that 39 species of birds and mammals visit puma kills thats the most scavenger species ever reported convening around a carcass. Cougars also have profound indirect effects on their ecosystems through a phenomenon known as the ecology of fear. When you have apex carnivores on the landscape, the prey are more cautious, and that behavior has ripple effects. For one, the prey animals run out into the roads less, which means about a million and a half dollars less per year in traffic accidents, according to Rosenau. Moreover, a cougar in the area keeps game herds on alert, reducing the amount of time deer and elk spend browsing agricultural land, which means happier farmers, and riparian vegetation, which means healthier waterways. As cougars and wolves have both rebounded in the West, there are signs of a landscape returning to its natural order. Rosenau pointed out that in the past few years, packs of wolves could be witnessed chasing mountain lions again. Historically, this would have happened all the time, said Rosenau, but for a long time, there just werent enough mountain lions. Across the West, people are using technologies new and old to coexist with cougars, such as livestock guardian dogs, electric fences and motion-activated lights or sprinklers. If the first impulse to depredation is to respond with more relaxed hunting laws, could history repeat itself to the times of insufficient cougar populations? Its something Rosenau said he worries about that were pushing back to the bounty era. 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. Ripple Requests Crypto License in UK After SEC Partial Win Source: AdobeStock / Michal Steflovic Blockchain-based digital payment network Ripple has applied for a crypto license in the UK and Ireland after its partial win against the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Sendi Young, Ripple's managing director for the UK & Europe, has revealed that the company very recently applied for crypto asset firm registration with the UK's FCA, along with a payment institution license in Ireland. The move came after a US court ruled in favor of Ripple in the ongoing lawsuit brought by the SEC, claiming that selling XRP on exchanges in itself does not constitute an investment contract. The ruling, issued by the District Court for the Southern District of New York, stated that the offer and sale of XRP on digital asset exchanges did not amount to offers and sales of investment contracts. However, the federal judge also ruled that XRP is a security when sold to institutional investors, as it met the conditions set in the Howey Test. Young claimed the decision was a huge win and positive for [the companys] growth in the US. We havent turned around and said, Lets stop hiring in the UK. Our strategy and growth plans are intact and in place," she said, adding: We are in the process of applying for our crypto asset registration in the UK and our payments licence in Ireland. These are all massive investments with a view that we are going to continue growing exponentially in this region. It is worth noting that Ripple has already significantly boosted its presence in the UK and Europe. Over the last 18 months, the company has increased its UK and European employees by about 75% and now has more than 100 of about 900 global employees based in its offices in London, Dublin, and Reykjavik, Iceland. Did Ripple Really Won Against SEC? While many crypto pundits have rejoiced about Ripples recent partial win, others noted that the industrys fight for regulatory clarity is likely far from over. Preston Byrne, partner at Brown Rudnick and a crypto entrepreneur, said the SEC is currently reviewing the decision, claiming that the agency might challenge the ruling. The Ripple summary judgment is obviously not the last word on the issue, Byrne said in a recent tweet, noting that even if Ripple accepts the win, the firm still got multi-billions of dollars in institutional sales that theyre on the hook for. Others also claimed that the summary judgment may not have a strong foundation and may not result in the desired change in the way the crypto industry is treated by the SEC. Joe Castelluccio, leader of law firm Mayer Browns Fintech group, said that the SEC will likely highlight the parts of the court decision that support their views on coins and tokens as securities. RFE/RL ) 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/RLs 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 dont 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 womens rights activist who lives in Tehran, told Radio Farda on July 17, a day after the return of the morality police was announced. They havent 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. Its 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. Iranian Women Continue To Defy Head-Scarf Law As Morality Patrols Return The situation reportedly escalated into clashes between demonstrators and police, who used tear gas to disperse protesters, some of whom were chanting against Irans clerical establishment. I really dont 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. Thats how things are, and I think most people now are like me. They dont 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. Aminis 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 countrys 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 parliaments 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 Im 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. 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. Its pretty clear that theyre 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. TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 20, 2023 / Lahontan Gold Corp (TSXV:LG) (OTCQB:LGCXF) (the "Company" or "Lahontan") is pleased to announce that today it has signed a definitive agreement (the "Agreement") with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Emergent Metals Corp ("Emergent") to acquire the advanced West Santa Fe gold-silver exploration project ("West Santa Fe"; also known as Mindora), located only 15 km West of Lahontan's Flagship asset, the Santa Fe Mine, in Nevada's prolific Walker Lane. West Santa Fe hosts an oxidized gold-silver mineralized system in a geologic setting similar to Santa Fe. Previous exploration drilling at West Santa Fe totals over 13,000 metres in 171 drill holes; only five holes are deeper than 165 metres. Preliminary modeling of drill hole data by Lahontan geologists outlines a shallow gold and silver system with a sufficient volume to host 0.5 to 1.0M ounces of oxidized gold and silver mineralization in an open-pit mining configuration[1]. The Agreement requires Lahontan to make payments totalling US$1.8M over a seven-year period to Emergent, back-end loaded, to exercise an option to acquire a 100% interest in West Santa Fe (please see Lahontan Gold press release dated May 15, 2023 for more details). The option payments can be made in a combination of cash and shares at Lahontan's discretion. In addition, the Company will commit to exploration expenditures totalling US$1.4M over the same seven-year period, these expenditures should be sufficient to define an initial mineral resource estimate for West Santa Fe. The Agreement is subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange which is expected shortly. Lahontan recently announced that it has acquired an additional 794 hectares of mineral rights by staking 95 unpatented lode mining claims at West Santa Fe; the Project now covers a of total 19.7 km2 (please see Lahontan press release dated May 31, 2023). The Lahontan geologic team studied the data that was acquired when optioning the West Santa Fe Project and concluded that there is potential for significant resource expansion outside the previously existing claim group. The new unpatented mining claims also cover areas that could be used for potential future mining infrastructure such as heap-leach pads and waste rock dumps. During its due diligence program at West Santa Fe, the Company completed a rock-chip sampling program which produced up to 13.54 g/t Au Eq, ranging from 0.13 g/t to 13.54 g/t Au Eq (please see Lahontan press release dated June 13, 2023 and table below for definition of Au Eq). Four rock-chip samples from outcrop in the main Au and Ag mineralized zone ranged from 2.71 to 13.54 g/t Au Eq and averaged 7.30 g/t Au Eq. Lahontan geologists also completed detailed statistical analysis of historic soil geochemical data from West Santa Fe, the results show a remarkable correlation with known mineralized areas and outline multiple targets for further exploration. Kimberly Ann, Lahontan Founder, CEO, President, and Director commented: "The completion of the Agreement to acquire West Santa Fe is another major step forward for Lahontan. The Company continues to accelerate the value-creation process by controlling four Top-Shelf precious metal exploration and mine development projects in a Tier One mining jurisdiction. Our land holdings in Nevada now total 57 km2, with the goal of Lahontan becoming the oxide consolidator in the Walker Lane. Our geologic team is already busy compiling and verifying historic drill hole data in anticipation of an initial drilling program later this year." Location of the West Santa Fe Project, Mineral County, Nevada. Lahontan's land holdings in the Walker Lane now total 57 square kilometres. Qualified Persons Review The technical and scientific information contained within this news release have been reviewed and approved by Quentin J. Browne, MSc., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 policy. The Qualified Person has not completed sufficient work to verify the historical information on West Santa Fe, the Company believes the historical resource estimates to be both relevant and reliable. The information provides an indication of the exploration potential of West Santa Fe but may not be representative of expected results. QA/QC Protocols: Lahontan conducts an industry standard QA/QC program for rock sampling programs. All rock samples were sent to American Assay Laboratories (AAL) in Sparks, Nevada, USA for analyses. Delivery to the lab was either by a Lahontan Gold employee or by an AAL driver. Analyses for all samples consisted of Au analysis using 30-gram fire assay with ICP finish, along with a 36-element geochemistry analysis performed on each sample utilizing two acid digestion ICP-AES method. Tellurium or 50-element analyses were performed on select drill holes utilizing ICP-MS method. Cyanide leach analyses, using a tumble time of 2 hours and analyzed with ICP-AES method, were performed on select drill holes for Au and Ag recovery. AAL inserts their own blanks, standards and conducts duplicate analyses to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration. We have all results reported in grams per tonne (g/t). About Lahontan Gold Corp. Lahontan Gold Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company that holds, through its US subsidiaries, four top-tier gold and silver exploration properties in the Walker Lane of mining friendly Nevada. Lahontan's flagship property, the 19 km2 Santa Fe Mine, had past production of 345,000 ounces of gold and 711,000 ounces of silver between 1988 and 1995 from open pit mines utilizing heap-leach processing (Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, 1995). The Santa Fe Mine has Canadian National Instrument 43-101 compliant Indicated Mineral Resources of 1,112,000 oz Au Eq (grading 1.14 g/t Au Eq) and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 544,000 oz Au Eq (grading 1.00 g/t Au Eq), all pit constrained (Au Eq is inclusive of recovery, please see Santa Fe Project Technical Report*). The Company will continue to aggressively explore Santa Fe during 2023 and begin the process of evaluating development scenarios to bring the Santa Fe Mine back into production. Quentin J. Browne, P.Geo., Consulting Geologist to Lahontan Gold Corp., is the Qualified Person for the Company and approved the technical content of this news release. For more information, please visit our website: www.lahontangoldcorp.com * Please see the Santa Fe Project Technical Report, Authors: Trevor Rabb and Darcy Baker, P. Geos. Effective Date: December 7, 2022, Report Date: March 2, 2023. The Technical Report is available on the Company's website and SEDAR. On behalf of the Board of Directors Kimberly Ann Founder, CEO, President, and Director FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Lahontan Gold Corp. Kimberly Ann Founder, Chief Executive Officer, President, Director Phone: 1-530-414-4400 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: www.lahontangoldcorp.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: 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. Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the TSXV. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com [1] The exploration target at West Santa Fe is conceptual in nature and is based on the size of the known mineralized zones, and gold and silver grades from historical drilling. The qualified person has not completed sufficient work to verify the historical information on West Santa Fe and this information should not be relied on. Russia's latest strike on Odesa on Sunday killed two people and severely damaged a historic Orthodox cathedral, drawing a vow of retaliation from Ukraine's leader. The 18th century Transfiguration Cathedral, the biggest Orthodox church in Odesa, lies within the UNESCO-protected historic city centre. The strike on the port city, which Russia has pounded since quitting the Black Sea grain deal last week, came just hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin met his Belarus counterpart for talks. Putin claimed Kyiv's counteroffensive had "failed" as he met his closest ally, Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko, in Saint Petersburg -- the first time since Minsk helped end a revolt by Russian Wagner fighters. On the Black Sea in Odesa, locals looked in disbelief as the Transfiguration Cathedral -- originally built in 1794 under imperial Russian rule -- was badly damaged. Clergymen rescued icons from rubble inside the badly damaged shrine, which was demolished under Stalin in 1936 and rebuilt in the 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Ukraine said it had been "destroyed twice: by Stalin and Putin." It said the cathedral strike was a "war crime." President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed retaliation: "They will definitely feel this," he said. Images showed smashed mosaics on the cathedral floor as workers cleared the rubble. The outside of the building appeared intact. "There was a direct hit to the cathedral, it completely damaged three altars," Father Myroslav, the assistant rector of the cathedral said. He said icons were pulled out from under the rubble and that the shrine is "very badly damaged inside", with "only the bell tower intact." Clergymen said a security guard and a priest readying for a morning liturgy were inside during the attack but both survived. Russia blamed the cathedral damage on Ukrainian air defence. Moscow said it had hit all its intended targets in the Odesa strike, claiming the sites were being used to prepare "terrorist acts" against Russia. But on the ground, locals said Russia had hit ordinary residential areas. - 'Just simple beauty salons' - "We have ordinary residential buildings here, where people live," a woman who owns a beauty salon nearby, Tetiana, told AFP. "There are no military facilities here. Just simple beauty salons, a marine agency, a groomer. Nothing military here at all." Anzhelika Domanska said she ran with her neighbours when she saw the cathedral burning. The strike came a year after a missile had hit her house in nearby Mykolaiv. "It is not a pleasant anniversary," she said. Russia launched a wave of attacks on the Black Sea port this week, after exiting a deal allowing the safe passage of cargo ships between Moscow, Kyiv, Istanbul and the UN. Ukraine has vowed to find a way to continue exports from the ports and said Sunday repeated Russian strikes on Odesa this week were an attempt to "prevent and neutralise international efforts to restore the functioning of the "grain corridor." - Putin meets Lukashenko - As Odesa cleared rubble from the Russian strikes, Putin hosted his ally Lukashenko in his native city of Saint Petersburg, claiming that the Ukrainian counteroffensive to take back land captured by Russia had failed. "There is no counteroffensive," Lukashenko said at the meeting, before being interrupted by Putin: "There is one, but it has failed." The Belarus strongman now hosts Wagner fighters on his territory, after brokering a deal that convinced its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin to end a march on Moscow and exile himself to Belarus. - Kronstadt walk - "They are asking to go West, ask me for permission... to go on a trip to Warsaw, to Rzeszow," Lukashenko said, referring to Wagner fighters, to Putin, who smiled. "But of course, I am keeping them in central Belarus, like we agreed". "We are controlling what is happening (with Wagner)," he said, thanking Putin for vowing to defend Belarus should it be attacked. The comments came two days after Putin said western Poland was a "gift" from Stalin at the end of World War II, when victorious allies decided on the contours of post-war Europe. Warsaw had summoned the Russian ambassador over the remarks. After their talks, Putin and Lukashenko greeted crowds in the naval town and base of Kronstadt on Kotlin Island in a rare walkabout. Russia's Kommersant newspaper posted a video of Putin and Lukashenko posing for photographs with people, with bodyguards standing nearby. Asked about quarantine rules which the Russian leader has been keeping up strictly since the pandemic, Putin replied: "People are more important than quarantine." Several days after Wagner had ended its mutiny last month, Putin met with adoring crowds in Dagestan in an apparent show of popularity. Russia's latest strike on Odesa on Sunday killed two people and severely damaged a historic Orthodox cathedral, drawing a vow of retaliation from Ukraine's leader. In Russian, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed Kyiv's counteroffensive had "failed" as he met his closest ally, Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko, in Saint Petersburg. The 18th-century Transfiguration Cathedral, the biggest Orthodox church in Odesa, lies within the UNESCO-protected historic city centre. UNESCO condemned the "brazen" attack on Odesa, which hit several sites in the port city's World Heritage centre. The attack marked "an escalation of violence against (the) cultural heritage of Ukraine", said UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay. The strike on Odesa, which Russia has pounded since quitting the Black Sea grain deal last week, came just hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin met his Belarus counterpart for talks. On the Black Sea in Odesa, locals looked in disbelief as the Transfiguration Cathedral -- originally built in 1794 under imperial Russian rule -- was hit. Clergymen rescued icons from rubble inside the badly damaged shrine, which was demolished under Stalin in 1936 and rebuilt in the 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Ukraine said it had been "destroyed twice: by Stalin and Putin", denouncing the cathedral strike as a "war crime". President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed retaliation: "They will definitely feel this," he said. - Icons pulled from the rubble - Images showed smashed mosaics on the cathedral floor as workers cleared the rubble. The outside of the building appeared intact. "There was a direct hit to the cathedral," said Father Myroslav, the assistant rector of the cathedral. "It completely damaged three altars. Icons were pulled out from under the rubble and the shrine was "very badly damaged inside", with "only the bell tower intact", he added. Clergymen said a security guard and a priest getting ready for a morning liturgy were inside during the attack but both survived. Russia blamed the cathedral damage on Ukrainian air defence. It said it had hit all its intended targets in the Odesa strike, claiming the sites were being used to prepare "terrorist acts" against Russia. But local people said Russia had hit ordinary residential areas. "We have ordinary residential buildings here, where people live," a woman who owns a beauty salon nearby, Tetiana, told AFP. "There are no military facilities here. Just simple beauty salons, a marine agency, a groomer. Nothing military here at all." Anzhelika Domanska said she ran with her neighbours when she saw the cathedral burning. The strike came a year after a missile had hit her house in nearby Mykolaiv. "It is not a pleasant anniversary," she said. Russia launched a wave of attacks on the Black Sea port this week, after exiting a deal allowing the safe passage of cargo ships between Moscow, Kyiv, Istanbul and the UN. Ukraine has vowed to find a way to continue exports from the ports and said Sunday repeated Russian strikes on Odesa this week were an attempt to "prevent and neutralise international efforts to restore the functioning of the "grain corridor." - Putin meets Lukashenko - As Odesa cleared rubble from the Russian strikes, Putin hosted his ally Lukashenko in his native city of Saint Petersburg -- their first meeting since Minsk helped end a revolt by Russia's Wagner force. Both leaders were dismissive of the Ukrainian counteroffensive to take back land captured by Russia. "There is no counteroffensive," Lukashenko said at the meeting, before being interrupted by Putin: "There is one, but it has failed." The Belarus strongman now hosts Wagner fighters on his territory, after brokering a deal that convinced its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin to end a march on Moscow and exile himself to Belarus. "We are controlling what is happening (with Wagner)," he said, thanking Putin for vowing to defend Belarus should it be attacked. Wagner's presence in Belarus has rattled EU and NATO member Poland, which has strengthened its border. On Sunday, Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said a new battalion of sappers would be formed in the country's northeast. Polish, US, British, Romanian and Croatian soldiers were training "shoulder to shoulder", he said, during a visit to the northeastern city of Augustow. The comments came two days after Putin said western Poland was a "gift" from Stalin at the end of World War II, when victorious allies decided on the contours of post-war Europe. Warsaw had summoned the Russian ambassador over the remarks. Both Putin and Lukashenko also accused Warsaw of having territorial ambitions on Ukraine and Belarus. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba responded quickly on Twitter. "Putin's attempts to drive a wedge between Kyiv and Warsaw are as futile as his failing invasion of Ukraine," he wrote. "Unlike Russia, Poland and Ukraine have learned from history and will always stand united against Russian imperialism and disrespect for international law." Fighting in Ukraine continued Sunday, with Russia launching 17 cruise missiles and two ballistic missiles, according to the Ukraine army. "Russian occupants continue to rob civilians, appropriating the grain harvest of Ukrainian civilians," the general staff statement added. Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment. Shin Hye Sun finally discovers the painful reason behind her reincarnation with the help of Ahn Bo Hyun in "See You In My 19th Life" episode 11. Read on to know more. 'See You In My 19th Life' Episode 11: Ban Ji Eum Laments Sister's Untimely Death In her first life, Ban Ji Eum (Shin Hye Sun) is a lowly birth woman named Su who was tasked to dye the clothes for the shaman bells for a ritual to the deities. The man who commissioned her was Master Cheon Un who was Kang Min Gi (Lee Chae Min) in the present time. As he leaves, Su's elder sister Seol who was Yoon Cho Won (Ha Yoon Kyung) arrives at her workshop to cheer on her. She's frail and Su had been looking for a way to save her. The village doctor informs Su that there's a way to save Seol: offer a spiritual item to get the rare medicine from the palace. With this, she plans to steal the shaman bells from Master Cheon Un. However, they are captured the moment they run away from the shrine. Ban Ji Eum Tries To Kill Moon Seo Ha At present, Ban Ji Eum chokes Moon Seo Ha (Ahn Bo Hyun), saying that she will kill him. It is revealed that he was the one who slayed his sister in her first life. Moon Seo Ha appeared in her first life as Master Han Ya who works for Master Cheon Un. When Ban Ji Eum becomes conscious, she apologizes to him. He tries to comfort her but when she once again sees his face as Master Han Ya, she accuses him of killing his sister. The next moment, Kang Min Gi asks Moon Seo Ha to convince Ban Ji Eum to be normal as having lived more than a thousand years is unbearable enough. The Painful Truth Behind Her Reincarnation Ban Ji Eum learns from Kang Min Gi that she hadn't seen everything from her first life, hence she doesn't know the truth yet. With the help of Moon Seo Ha, she tries to remember her first life so she can save Kim Ae Gyeong (Cha Chung Hwa) and her loved ones who are in danger. At Moon Seo Ha's place, she once again holds the shaman bells to trigger her memory. Time time, Master Cheon Un is the one who kills Seol. He also tries to kill her if it weren't for Master Han Ya. Later that night, she attacks Master Cheon Un to avenge her sister. However, Master Han Ya sacrificed himself for the other. The episode ends with Su getting shot by an arrow. On the verge of her death, she swears by the shaman bells that she will carry her rage in her next life to finally get revenge, which can be the reason for reincarnations. YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: Did You Know? Song Hye Kyo's Look At 2023 Blue Dragon Series Awards Costs Millions KDramaStars owns this article. Written by Elijah Mully. Ahead of her big screen comeback, Park Bo Young made a talk show appearance where she revealed an embarrassing moment about being recognized in public. Keep on reading to know what the celebrity said. Park Bo Young Confesses Shocking Moment She Encountered After Being Recognized in Public Park Bo Young made a guest appearance in Lee Young Ji's Youtube variety show "No Prepare." In the episode released on July 21, the actress and the rapper shared the same experience they had when being addressed in public. As famous stars, they are not strangers to being recognized in public. While it goes well most of the time and receives polite greetings from fans, there are also other moments when it takes an embarrassing turn. Lee Young Ji thanked the people who recognize her in public. However, not everyone who recognizes her is polite. In her show, she demonstrated how she wants people to address her. But one time, it turned out the opposite, which was interestingly similar to Park Bo Young's experience. According to the "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon" star, she could relate to what Young Ji said and ended up revealing an embarrassing moment. When she was in public most people would say, "Wait, isn't she Park Bo Young?" and "Park Bo Young doesn't look like that." YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Park Bo Young Wows Fans With Mature Image For Upcoming Film 'Concrete Utopia' The actress added that she heard people say, "No way, she doesn't look like that." Although they could talk and laugh about it, hearing those would take anyone in shock, whether a public figure or not. Watch Park Bo Young's special appearance in Lee Young Ji's "No Prepare" here! Where to Watch Park Bo Young This 2023: 'Concrete Utopia' & 'Daily Dose of Sunshine' Meanwhile, Park Bo Young is returning to the acting arena, following two years of hiatus. She will meet the viewers with her comeback movie "Concrete Utopia," which is expected to release in August. The disaster film also stars Lee Byung Hun and Park Seo Joon. In addition, she is also greeting the audience on the small screen in the second half of 2023 through the Netflix's healing series "Daily Dose of Sunshine." She will share the frame with Yeon Woo Jin, Jang Dong Yoon, and Lee Jung Eun. Adding to her drama appearance, Park Bo Young is confirmed to have a cameo alongside former co-star Park Hyung Sik in the second installment of "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon," "Strong Girl Nam Soon." The drama's release is yet to be confirmed. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Park Bo Young, Park Seo Joon Face Great Disaster In 'Concrete Utopia' Trailer What can you say about the news? Share your thoughts/replies in the comments! For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article. Shai Collins wrote this. After the success of its first so-called high school center, Albemarle County is moving forward with plans for a second such facility, which, much like the first iteration, will allow students to pursue their coursework outside of the traditional classroom setting. While the county school division has publicly said the centers will help alleviate overcrowding at its schools, there is no doubt they could also provide a substitute or supplement for programs at the Charlottesville-Albemarle Technical Education Center, soon to be the Charlottesville Area Technical Education Center after the city bought out the countys stake in the facility. The Albemarle County School Board discussed updates on the second high school centers development at its most recent meeting on Thursday. Center I was developed as a pilot to test the center model, and its been successful, so thats why were moving into the Center II, and one of the preliminary drivers for the center model was to alleviate capacity issues, Lindsay Snoddy, director of building services, told The Daily Progress. The first center opened in 2018, housing nine lab spaces and three pathways: game design and development, cybersecurity and media communications. Students just love learning in a more relaxed environment versus a holding cell, which is unfortunately too many of our classrooms, you know, Jeff Prillaman, director of Center I, said. Center I was designed to emulate a modern work environment for its 250 students, according to the county school division. There is no application process and students can request to participate by registering through their school counselor or selecting a pathway while course requests are open. So most of our kids that are graduating from here are coming out with, you know, certifications in cybersecurity or unity or even some of our students got like live music performance certification last year, Prillaman said. So having students leave school with certifications is a big win. The new center hopes to serve up to 400 students per day in its 60,000 square feet of space, according to the presentation before the school board. Project studios, a digital fabrication lab and a fitness room are planned for the new facility. Programming for the students, though, is still being workshopped. Were still finalizing it, but preliminarily were looking at entrepreneurship and business, potentially culinary arts, and math engineering and science, Snoddy said. High school students from all over the division are welcome at the center. The center program allows opportunities for students from all of our high schools to be a part of the center, Snoddy said. So transportation is provided to the center. Lambs Lane is being considered for Center IIs preliminary location. So we do feel by having it close to Albemarle High School we will help with some of the capacity conflicts that are going to be upcoming at Albemarle High School, Snoddy said. Prillaman hopes the centers design considers all students needs for learning spaces. The building is going to be very, very functional for collaborative learning, for individual learning. Prillaman said. I dont want them to forget that some students need quiet spaces to learn. Sometimes when the building is all open that makes it a little more difficult for a student to find a quiet space to hunker down, so thats something that I do want to make sure they continue to implement in the design process. The county said it hopes to open Center II in the 2026-2027 school year. The cost of building the facility is budgeted at $36 million at present. Funding for the remaining programming and design is in the 2024 fiscal year budget, according to the school board meeting agenda. Were finishing up programming now, then well enter into design, Snoddy said. The next presentation to the board will be a schematic design presentation, showing them what weve come up with for Center II, and then well go into construction documents and bidding the project after those pieces. For the past 50 years, music has been at the forefront of Kilkenny Arts Festival, and this year is no exception. Kilkenny Arts Festival 2023 will see the return of festival stalwarts Irish Chamber Orchestra in the majestic St Canices Cathedral. This will feature Thomas Zehetmair performing pieces including Beethovens iconic Fifth Symphony and Mendelssohns Violin Concerto in E minor alongside Cork composer Linda Buckleys Fall Approaches. Led by violinist and chief conductor Thomas Zehetmair, the Irish Chamber Orchestra performs a wonderfully broad-ranging programme that embraces everything from Linda Buckleys gorgeous Fall Approaches, inspired by Icelandic poetry, to Beethovens Fifth Symphony, featuring the most famous of all symphonic themes. The concert also features Schuberts Scherzo in B Flat Major D.593 from his Symphony No. 8, the Unfinished. One of his most popular orchestral works, it has two complete movements with an outline sketch for a third movement, a Scherzo which Violinist Thomas Zehetmair has reinvented and completed, in a new edition published by Schott. The beautiful St Canices Cathedral will also be the setting for Chamber Choir Ireland to perform some deeply spiritual works by Arvo Part, an Irish premiere of Rhona Clarkes Requiem and Caroline Shaws much-anticipated piece, How to Fold the Wind. Barry Douglas will also make his eagerly awaited return for a solo piano recital featuring a programme of Schubert and Liszt. For the first time since 2014, award-winning classical pianist Barry Douglas returns to the festival, bringing an enticing programme that features two of Schuberts impromptus (free-form compositions that sound improvised), the much-praised Piano Sonata in A minor, and Liszts Piano Sonata in B minor, dedicated to Robert Schumann. The lunchtime music series for the Festival features both the Carducci String Quartet and Camerata Kilkenny. The Carducci String Quartet return to St Johns Priory for an eclectic programme throughout their four lunchtime concerts, while Camerata Kilkenny led by soprano, Zoe Brookshaw will feature the work of Bach and other composers over two concerts. Organist Malcolm Proud and cornetto player Darren Cornish-Moore perform a wonderful programme of renaissance music. Cuban Viola da gamba virtuoso Lixsania Fernandez explores the work of Jose Marin with musicians Jorge Juan Morata and Eduardo Eguez in a late night show. The RTE Concert Orchestra will perform a song cycle based on Seamus Heaneys poem Sweeney Astray composed by Neil Martin and conducted by David Brophy, with vocals from Iarla O Lionaird and narration by Ciaran Hinds. Seamus Heaney performed at our very first festival in 1974, and this year, to mark the 10th anniversary of his death, Sweeney brings Heaneys words to life in a memorable tribute to one of Irelands greatest poets. Broadcaster John Kelly will interview Neil Martin before the show begins. kilkennyarts.ie Over the next three months I will profile all 72 electorate races, including a prediction being one of safe, likely, leans or too close to call. These will all be exclusively on my Patreon (sub needed). In 2020 I went from North to South. In 2023 I am going to go alphabetically, so am starting with Auckland Central. I'm including this initial one on Kiwiblog, so people can see what they will get if they subscribe. The race for Auckland Central 2023 2020 Results Majority: Gre 1,068 (64/72) or 3% Nat Party Vote: 21% (51/72) Lab Party Vote: 46% (49/72) Gre Party Vote: 19% (4/72) Nat Candidate Vote: 28% (46/65) Lab Candidate Vote: 33% (68/72) Green Candidate vote: 35% Nat Candidate Vote/PV: 130% Lab Candidate Vote/PV: 70% 2023 candidates Green MP Chloe Swarbrick won the seat in 2020, after the retirement of nikki kaye. Prior to Kaye winning it in 2008, it had been a safe Labour seat. Swarbrick is standing again. The 2020 Labour candidate helen white, who was widely seen to be lacklustre, now is standing for the safe seat of Mt Albert. The new candidate is Oscar Sims a software developer and urban housing activist. Labour selected him over List MP Naisi Chen, when could be a mistake considering a third of the electorate is Asian. National's candidate is Mahesh Muralidhar, an entrepreneur and venture capitalist. He is running a high profile campaign, and has good links into the large ethnic community in the seat. Also standing is Ted Johnston for New Conservatives and Damian Sycamore for TOP. Demographics Auckland Central is a seat for the young and childless. It has the lowest proportion of children in the country and the highest proportion of 25 to 35 year olds. 33% of the electorate are Asian and it has the highest proportion of Middle Eastern/Latin American/African residents in NZ at 5%. Only 45% of the electorate were born in New Zealand the lowest percentage in the country. A third of those born outside NZ have lived here for less than two years, so are probably overseas students. 40% of residents have lived at their current address for less than a year the most transient population in the country. A key issue may be turnout for those who are new to New Zealand. Historically their turnout is less than those here longer term. 2023 Outlook Auckland Central is a red seat. It was held by the left for 90 years and votes left on the party vote. Labour and Greens got 65% of the party vote last election, the 20th highest in the country. Incumbent MP Chloe Swarbrick has huge name recognition nationally. She often polls up to 5% as Preferred PM, and is in the media often, including as a columnist in the NZ Herald. Labour's candidate is not well known, but likely to perform relatively better than Helen White. However Labour is far less popular than in 2020. National's emma mellow came third in 2020, but that was on the back of a disastrous performance for the party nationally. With another good candidate in Mahesh Muralidhar, they could end up in at least second place. Overall I rate the seat as Likely Green hold. Swarbrick is popular with both Labour and Green voters, and enough Labour voters will choose her over Sims that she should hold on. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Partly cloudy with late night showers or thunderstorms. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Partly cloudy with late night showers or thunderstorms. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%. Oak trees are some of the most important trees in the state of Virginia, providing shade, oxygen and greenery to parks and cities alike. Theyre also host to thousands of beneficial animals, insects and, in McIntire park Thursday morning, high school students. The students are part of the Green Team, a summer program to train teenagers about the value of trees and nature in the city. The program is in its second year and part of the efforts of Releaf Cville to plant new trees, preserve existing trees and educate young people about trees. This is a little bit about how trees are cared for, Peggy Van Yahres, chair of the 2-year-old nonprofit organization and former chair of the Charlotteville Tree Commission, told the Daily Progress Thursday morning under the canopy of a massive maple. All these kids are interested in their environment. It seemed like all of them really like the outdoors, they knew about climate change and they wanted to learn about trees. In recent programming, students from the Green Team learned about identifying trees, invasive plants, climate change and the benefits of trees. The cohort of high school students plans to canvas in the Rose Hill neighborhood and plant trees there in October. Rose Hill is one of the hottest neighborhoods in Charlottesville, called a heat island because of its low canopy coverage. The percentage of Charlottesville covered by trees has declined from 50% in 2004 to 38% percent today, something ReLeaf and the Green Team aim to address. The organization focuses in particular on private property, on which the citys Tree Commission cant plant new trees. During Thursdays session, students learned about preserving and maintaining trees from arborists at Van Yahres Tree Company. Arborists first demonstrated to the programs 10 students how to properly cut a sick branch while inflicting minimal harm to the tree. We dont just go up there and lob off anything, said Jake Van Yahres, Peggys son and co-owner of Van Yahres Tree Company, as his colleague cut down a rotted branch from 20 feet up, which fell to the ground with a crack. Every cut is made with method and precision, part of the reason why arborists were first called tree surgeons, he said. Cuts need to be made cleanly and on a slant in order to protect the newly exposed wood from rot, rain and harmful insects. Trees in a lot of ways are similar to people, but theyre also different in a lot of ways, Jake Van Yahres said. When people get cuts, new cells are produced to heal the wound. When trees are cut, the tree is not healing but sealing: Its bark grows to cover the area, which arborists can facilitate with precise work. After the demonstration, the Green Teams students strapped into harnesses and belayed to the bottom branches of a 150-year old oak tree to get a sense of the work of arborists. Its one of the many goals of ReLeaf and the summer program, which lasts two weeks and is in its second cohort of students: to introduce kids to the many jobs in the green industry. And along with being essential to the preservation of trees, being an arborist is about the closest thing you can get to being a professional athlete for tree climbing, Jake Van Yahres said. Tree climbing is the fun part, thats what gets you into the tree so you can then learn a lot more about the tree, Jake Van Yahres said. He noted his favorite tree is the Earlysville Oak, a 400-year-old white oak by the Charlottesville airport that is the second-largest of its kind in the commonwealth. The Van Yahres operation has been working to preserve the tree for decades. The airport requires visitors to fill out a form before visiting the tree and contact public safety officers when arriving and leaving the site. Watching the students swing from the tree on Thursday was Charlottesville Mayor Lloyd Snook, who later spoke to the students about business, service and the Chamber of Commerce citizenship award. Organizations such as ReLeaf are important as nongovernmental actors helping to restore the citys declining tree canopy, Snook told The Daily Progress. Part of the reason for that decline is a lack of a strong tree ordinance that would require replacement of every tree taken down. That may be addressed in the upcoming zoning rewrite, Snook said. In the meantime, it is organizations such as ReLeaf that advocate to elevate tree planting and replacement as priorities for the planning commission, especially among competing voices for development and solar power. Weve got a voice for the solar power people, weve got a voice for the developers, weve got voices for all these other interests, Snook told The Daily Progress, and then tapped into his inner Dr. Seuss: Its important that someone speaks for the trees. Foreign students at Missouri want to work, but visa rules restrict them The Korean cover of Bora Chung's 2021 short story collection, "To Meet Her" (direct translation). Its English-language translation, "Your Utopia," rendered by Anton Hur, is set to be published next year. Courtesy of Arzak Livres By Park Han-sol The English-language translation of novelist Bora Chung's 2021 short story collection, "Your Utopia," is set to hit the shelves next year in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and India. Translated by Anton Hur, the piece is an absorbing mix of absurdist and wryly humorous tales that draw on elements of horror, science fiction and even zombie apocalypse to take veiled jabs at perceived injustices in today's world. The duo was previously shortlisted for the International Booker Prize for Chung's genre-defying collection, "Cursed Bunny," last year. Among the eight stories featured in "Your Utopia" is "One More Kiss, Dear," which centers on an AI-powered elevator's unrequited love for one of the residents in an apartment complex. Some of the tales are inspired by real-life incidents. In "Maria, Gratia Plena," the writer presents her take on domestic abuse after coming across an article in 2017 involving a French policeman who shot and killed his wife and two children as they were leaving the family home for good. "To Meet Her" pays tribute to the late transgender staff sergeant Byun Hee-soo, who was discharged from the military in 2020 after undergoing her gender-reassignment surgery, and calls for the enactment of the Anti-Discrimination Act. The cover of "Counterweight" (2023), written by Djuna and translated by Anton Hur / Courtesy of Penguin Random House In a remarkable display of his immense influence, BTS V has been named the global brand ambassador for the prestigious luxury brand, Cartier. BTS V's Appointment as Cartier's Brand Ambassador The announcement, made on July 19th, marked the beginning of a new era as V took on the role of the fresh face of Cartier's captivating "Panthere de Cartier" campaign. Cartier's decision to appoint V as their brand ambassador was met with high praise. The luxury brand lauded V as "one of the most talented individuals of our time," highlighting how he perfectly embodies the image that aligns with Cartier's exquisite jewelry creations. Arnaud Carrez, the Senior VP and CMP of Cartier, elaborated on their choice, stating, "We naturally chose V because we wanted to express the charm and aura of the Panthere. Full of personality and strong feeling, V makes choices driven by his creativity and shows only his own style and elegance." The news of V's ambassadorship set off a tidal wave of excitement, leading to a momentary crash of the Cartier website due to an overwhelming surge in traffic from devoted fans and curious onlookers alike. Following the announcement, global fashion and lifestyle magazine "Highsnobiety" reported that fans wasted no time in flocking to online retailers to get their hands on the coveted merchandise. The necklace V wore during the Panthere campaign, priced at an impressive $26,700 (approximately 34.4 million KRW), flew off the shelves, selling out in a flash. READ ALSO: BTS J-Hope Drops Bombshell Revelation: Truth Behind His Vanished Physical Album Since joining luxury brand Cartier as a global brand ambassador, #BTSV has already shown his powerful influence. Within minutes after the announcement, Cartiers website went down due to a high surge in visitors. The 34.4M won panther necklace worn by V also sold out online pic.twitter.com/66U1iUGsyx BTS V UNION (@VGlobalUnion) July 22, 2023 Notably, the Cartier necklace adorned by V during the campaign also experienced an immediate sell-out on Cartier's global online stores across various countries, including France and the UK. As of now, eager customers are being notified to await the necklace's restocking before they can make their purchase. Such was the level of enthusiasm among BTS V's dedicated fanbase that some couldn't contain their excitement and opted to visit physical Cartier stores to secure the very products V showcased during the campaign, further attesting to his commanding presence on social media. BTS V: A Phenomenon Shaping Luxury Brand Success This phenomenon of luxury brand websites crashing due to V's influence is not a new occurrence. Earlier in March, when he was appointed as the global ambassador for Celine, a similar frenzy ensued, resulting in Celine's website experiencing a temporary crash. The significant 51% surge in growth that Celine experienced following V's appointment further underscores the tremendous expectations for his success as a Cartier ambassador, according to economic analysis institution Brand Finance. BTS V's remarkable impact and allure continue to transcend boundaries, cementing his position as an influential figure and a driving force behind extraordinary consumer response. As he embarks on this exciting journey with Cartier, the world watches with anticipation for what's to come, as the BTS sensation leaves an indelible mark on the luxury brand's legacy. READ MORE: BTS Jungkook's Listening Party Turns Chaotic as He Breaks His Own Rule - Why Are ARMYs Furious? Follow and subscribe to KpopStarz for more K-pop news and lists. Cassidy Jones wrote this. KpopStarz owns this article. Clouds of smoke from a forest fire rise to the sky on the island of Rhodes, Greece, Saturday, 22 July 2023. A large blaze burning on the Greek island of Rhodes for the fifth day forced authorities to order an evacuation of four locations, including two seaside resorts. Photo: Rhodes.Rodos / AP By Demetris Nellas 22 July 2023 ATHENS, Greece (AP) A large wildfire burning on the Greek island of Rhodes for a fifth day has forced authorities to order an evacuation of four locations, including two seaside resorts. About 2,000 people, including tourists, were evacuated by sea, fire department spokesman Yannis Artopios said Saturday evening. He added that the hotels and rented homes evacuated represent less than 10% of the islands tourist accommodations. He added that all visitors had been evacuated without incident. Three coast guard vessels, an army lifeboat, a special forces inflatable craft and 30 private sailboats helped with the evacuation. Private passenger shipping company Blue Star has offered one of its ships to accommodate some of the evacuees, Artopios said. Care has been taken to accommodate all those that needed to be taken away from the stricken areas, he added. Tourists stand on a beach after being evacuated during a forest fire on the island of Rhodes, Greece, Saturday, 22 July 2023. Photo: Argyris Mantikos / Eurokinissi / AP In previous days, the wildfire was confined to the islands mountainous center, but aided by winds, very high temperatures and dry conditions, it spread Saturday toward the coast on the islands central-eastern side. Local media reported the fires had reached three hotels, whose clients had already been evacuated. Earlier Saturday, Artopios had said that the residents of four localities were sent SMS messages to evacuate in two localities they were told to move to the northeast and, in two others, to the southwest. In those first two localities, the intensity of the blaze had abated, he said later. Artopios said that more than 200 firefighters and 40 fire engines were operating on the ground, assisted by three planes and five helicopters. The force includes 31 firefighters from Slovakia, with five fire engines. The main front of the fire is a triangle, with two of its points near the sea and one in the mountains. On maps, each side of the triangle appears more than 10 kilometers (six miles) long. Tourists are being evacuated during a forest fire on the island of Rhodes, Greece, Saturday, 22 July 2023. Photo: Rhodes.Rodos / AP The blaze in Rhodes was just one, the most dangerous, of several active across Greece, Artopios said. The fire northwest of Athens and one near Sparta were subsiding, he said, although the conditions, including temperatures set to reach 45 C (113 F) on Sunday and low humidity (below 15%), mean that the danger isnt over and more wildfires might break out. The fire department has designated almost the whole eastern part of the mainland, plus the islands of Evia and Rhodes as well as large swaths of the southwest, as Category 5, the highest for the risk of fire outbreaks Sunday. A further chunk of Greece has been designated Category 4, very high risk. There will be a brief respite in the heat wave on Monday, but it will resume on Tuesday and could last until at least Friday, meteorologists have warned. [more] 2,000 people including tourists evacuated as a wildfire rages on the Greek island of Rhodes Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India] 23 July (ANI): Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Botcha Satyanarayana hit back at Janasena Party chief Pawan Kalyan over his tweet flagging the alleged inadequacy of teachers at the government schools in the state. The actor-turned-politician had tweeted, "No Mega DSC Notification, No Teacher Recruitment, No Teacher Training. But, a loss-making startup gets crores of contracts. Has YCP Govt followed Standard Protocol? How many companies applied for the tender, who were shortlisted? Is it in Public Domain? YCP GOVT RESPOND! PS - Tabs are good, but first build toilets in school Apps are a Choice, but Teacher is a Must." Also Read | PM Narendra Modi's Seven-Nation Visit in Last Two Months Entailed Expenses Worth Rs 1.79 Crore. Responding to the tweet, the Andhra Education Minister tweeted, "Dear @PawanKalyan, from today onwards I'll take your tuition but my only condition is that you promise to do your homework! Today's assignment is to go through these 7 lessons thoroughly!" In the first of his seven "lessons" for the Janasena chief, the minister claimed the YSRCP government in Andhra is the only one of its kind in the world that has willingly given up its power with regard to deciding the "eligibility or scope" of government tenders. Also Read | West Bengal Shocker: Alcoholic Couple Sells Six-Month-Old Child in North 24 Parganas To Arrange Funds for Booze, Arrested. The minister tweeted, "The finalisation of scope and eligibility of any govt tender above Rs 100 crores is done by a special judge (in this case Justice Shivshankar Rao) appointed with the concurrence of the high court." He informed further that the tender specifications (specs) are brought to the public domain, giving 21 days to companies to comment or react, adding that it is only then that the judge takes a call and the tender specifications are locked. The minister tweeted further, "We are proud to highlight that ours is the only government in the world that has a judicial preview thereby ensuring a level playing field to all companies". He added, "Also, a basic Google search will give you details of all the companies which engaged with the government for this particular tender (been in the public domain since Aug 2022!) but sharing the link again so that there's no way you miss it! judicialpreview.ap.gov.in/findings-recom" Claiming the Education department to be the "most transparent", the minister said, "As far as the AP Education sector is concerned, we are proud to say that we are the MOST TRANSPARENT department where results are out there for everyone to see! "I feel sorry for your teachers who must be so ashamed for every attempt you make to mislead the public. But like I said, I am open to give you tuitions as long as you promise to be attentive and apply your brains," the minister added. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Alirajpur (MP), Jul 23 (PTI) An FIR has been registered against four policemen for allegedly stealing 240 gold coins from a tribal family after thrashing one of the family members in Alirajpur district of Madhya Pradesh, an official said on Sunday. All four police personnel, including the Sondwa police station house officer and three constables, have been suspended, Superintendent of Police Hansraj Singh told PTI. Also Read | Congo Horror: Soldier Kills 13 Civilians, Including Wife, After Son is Buried Without Him, Officials Say. Queried how the tribal family got the gold coins, the SP said the complainant claimed they had stumbled upon the coins while digging in Gujarat. A case of theft has been registered against the four personnel under section 379 of the Indian Penal Code, he said. Also Read | Kerala Shocker: Man Stabs Mother to Death at Chengamanad Junction In Kollam. The FIR, however, named only one constable while three other police personnel are named as unidentified accused. When asked about this, Singh said the suspension is based on "reasonable confirmation". "Besides, we want the ongoing inquiry to be impartial and fair and ensure no one influences it," Singh said. He said a complaint was lodged by one Shambhu Singh claiming that four personnel of Sondwa police station came to his house in Baijda village on July 19. "They thrashed the complainant's wife and took away 240 gold coins buried in the house," the SP said quoting the First Information Report. The family named only one policeman in the FIR on July 20 but they named three others, including the inspector, on July 21, the SP added. The complainant claimed he had stumbled upon gold coins when he and his family members were working as labourers in Gujarat, he said. "They hid the coins under the ground in their house in Alirajpur district," Singh said. Alirajpur Sub Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Shraddha Sonkar investigated the complaint after which the four policemen were suspended and FIR was registered. On Sunday, former Alirajpur MLA and Madhya Pradesh BJP vice president, Nagar Singh Chauhan, and others gheraoed Sondwa police station for two hours. He demanded the four policemen be booked on the charge of looting instead of theft and gold coins be recovered. They threatened to call for a bandh in Sondwa if the four police personnel are not arrested by Tuesday. The superintendent of police said arrests would be made based on evidence. He said the complainant brought one of the gold coins to the police which weighed 7.98 gm. The British-era coin, dating back to 1922, was 90 per cent pure gold. "They brought one of the coins to us yesterday (Saturday) saying that it was from the lot that was stolen," the SP said. He said a team has been sent to Gujarat to investigate the ruins from where the complaint claimed to have got the gold coins while digging. Tribal men and women from Alirajpur, Jhabua and other districts in MP often travel to Gujarat and Rajasthan to eke out a living. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mumbai, Jul 23 (PTI) The Mumbai Police on Sunday received a call claiming an explosives-laden tanker was headed towards Goa, an official said, adding the call turned out to be a hoax. An unidentified person called up the Director General of the Police control room in Mumbai in the afternoon and said a tanker filled with explosives was on the Mumbai-Goa highway. Also Read | Kerala Shocker: Man Stabs Mother to Death at Chengamanad Junction In Kollam. Police intercepted the tanker, whose description was given by the caller, at Sangameshwar, 290 km from Mumbai, in Ratnagiri district, the official said. Police checked the tanker but didn't find any suspicious material and allowed it to proceed with the onward journey, he added. Also Read | West Bengal: Railways Stops Train at Unscheduled Station in Howrah As Bangladeshi Woman Delivers Baby in Train. Further investigation is underway. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mumbai, Jul 23 (PTI) A labourer died of electrocution while cleaning a drain in suburban Santacruz here on Sunday, a fire official said. The incident took place in Santacruz east area in the afternoon, he said. Also Read | Rain Forecast and Weather Update: IMD Issues Heavy Rainfall Alert for Konkan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Other Regions Till July 27. The labourer was hired to clean a private drain of a pathology centre, where he suffered an electric shock due to a motor running at the site, the official said. The unidentified labourer was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared brought dead, he said, adding that the Vakola police is probing the death. Also Read | Manipur Horror: Freedom Fighter's 80-Year-Old Wife Burnt Alive By Armed Group in Kakching Amid Attack. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jaipur, Jul 23 (PTI) A man was beaten to death by two employees in his restaurant in the Kalwar area here, police said on Sunday. The incident took place on Saturday night when Hamir Singh (45) had an argument over food preparation with Sunil and Bablu, two brothers who worked at his restaurant, Kalwar SHO Ravindra Pratap Singh said. Also Read | Raigad Landslide: NDRF Calls Off Operation, Says Minister Uday Samant; No Body Found Toll, Tolls Stays at 27. The brothers beat up Singh, leaving him critically injured before fleeing. The injured restaurant owner was rushed to the Sawai Mansingh Hospital here where he died on Sunday morning during treatment, Singh said. Also Read | Manipur Sexual Violence: DCW Chief Swati Maliwal Says She Is in Manipur To Assist People, Urges PM Narendra Modi, Smriti Irani To Visit Violence-Hit State. The body was handed over to the family after post-mortem, he added. A case has been lodged against the accused employees who hail from Uttar Pradesh, the SHO said, adding that efforts are underway to nab the duo. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Accor's presence in Japan is set to double while hotel openings gain momentum throughout the region. With travel and tourism surging once again on a global scale, countries such as Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, and surrounding regions such as China, are experiencing a significant influx of foreign travellers, as well as increasing domestic demand for business and leisure travel experiences. Accor recently announced a new strategic partnership with JHRA in Japan to renovate and rebrand the Daiwa Resorts portfolio into Grand Mercure and Mercure hotels that will offer uniquely local experiences. The agreement will double Accor's current portfolio in Japan, adding 23 properties and over 6,000 rooms. Conversion of the hotels will occur throughout 2024, after which the properties will operate under the aforementioned Accor brands. "We are thrilled to be adding these great hotels to our portfolio in Japan and will continue to build on the relationships that Daiwa Resort has successfully maintained within each region, working closely with our partners, Japan Hotel Reit Advisors, Daiwa Resort's asset manager, to revitalize these properties," said Jean-Jacques Morin, Group Deputy CEO and CEO Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Accor. "The recovery of Asia is fueling our ambitions as we seek to offer travelers a deeper and more diverse range of hospitality experiences across the region. Over the past decade, Accor has shifted from being asset-heavy to becoming an agile, asset-light company growing our hotel portfolio by 50% and tripling our brands. Now, with a resurgence of demand to serve as the wind beneath our wings, we will guide these brands to new heights, with more density, presence, and scale than ever before." "We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported Daiwa Resorts until now. 23 of our hotels located in scenic spots across Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa, will be rebranded as Grand Mercure and Mercure hotels. By rebranding, we will be able to provide our customers with various allures and memorable travel memories. In the future, we promise that guests will be able to enjoy a comfortable stay with activities that incorporate local cuisine, local attractions and relaxing hot springs while making the most of the unique characteristics of each hotel. We would like to work together with the local community more than ever before and share the appeal of each region not only within Japan but also around the world," commented Koji Mayanagi, Daiwa Resort Co President & CEO. Accor will also debut several new flagship properties in the region over the coming years, demonstrating the diversity of the group's expanding network in Asia Pacific, the company said. - TradeArabia News Service Map showing the Global Peace Index for 2023. In the period 2022-2023, deaths from global conflict increased by 96 percent to 238,000. 79 countries witnessed increased levels of conflict including Ethiopia, Myanmar, Ukraine, Israel, and South Africa. The global economic impact of violence increased by 17 percent or $1 trillion, to $17.5 trillion in 2022, equivalent to 13 percent of global. Conflicts became more internationalised, with 91 countries now involved in some form of external conflict, up from 58 in 2008. GDP Graphic: IEP LONDON, 28 June 2023 (IEP) 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. 79 countries witnessed increased levels of conflict including Ethiopia, Myanmar, Ukraine, Israel, and South Africa. The global economic impact of violence increased by 17% or $1 trillion, to $17.5 trillion 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. Despite the conflict in Ukraine, 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 157th. The economic impact of violence has increased by 479% or $449 billion, equivalent to 64% of Ukraines GDP. Despite the conflict, Russias 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) [pdf], the worlds 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. Ukraines 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. 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 years 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. [more] Conflict deaths at highest level this century Mumbai, Jul 23 (PTI) Global private equity major Bain Capital has agreed to acquire 90 per cent of the equity capital of Adani Capital, the shadow banking arm of the diversified Adani group, which lends to small businesses and for low-cost homes, but couldn't make a mark since launch six years ago. The transaction value which is undisclosed includes buying out 100 per cent of the Adani family's private investments in the company, with the incumbent chief executive Gaurav Gupta fully rolling his stake in the company and continuing to lead. Also Read | UPSC EPFO Result 2023: Union Public Service Commission Declares Results for EO, AO, and APFC on upsc.gov.in, Know How to Check. However, a source told PTI that the deal is for around Rs 1,600 crore of which around Rs 400 crore will immediately flow into the company. Bain Capital has also committed USD 120 million in primary capital to facilitate the company's ongoing growth. Further, Bain is also immediately making available a USD 50 million liquidity line to the company in the form of non-convertible debentures, a statement from the PE major said late Sunday night. Also Read | Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023: Remembering Brave Kargil War Heroes Whose Great Sacrifice Will Forever Be Etched in Our Hearts and Mind. Gupta and the team have built a business that supports entrepreneurialism and is trying to solve the USD 300 billion unmet retail MSME credit demand in the country, the statement said quoting its partner Rishi Mandawat. He also noted that the company has the ability to serve and expand to core segments like agriculture, housing and to underbanked rural areas. The statement also quoted Gautam Adani, the group chairman that he was happy that a credible investor like Bain is stepping in now and this will help the business grow manyfold from here. "With Bain committing Rs 1,000 crore capital to the company, we are now equipped to grow 4x from here," Gaurav Gupta said. Adani Capital has built an AUM of nearly Rs 4,000 crore and the deal values it around Rs 1,600 crore, a source told PTI. It has 170 branches across eight states, and over 2,500 employees. Avendus Capital was the exclusive financial advisor to Adani Capital, while Rothschild advised to Bain on this transaction. Bain Capital has deep experience in investing in domestic financial services businesses, including Axis Bank, 360One ( IIFL Wealth), Judo Bank, L&T Finance Holdings, Legacy Corporate Lending, and more. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 of 2023, pending approvals. The Adani group has been divesting stakes in key companies after the Hindenburg report in January roiled its plan to raise capital and triggered meltdown in stocks and thus the group valuation. This is the first exit from a business since the report came that alleged stock price manipulation and poor corporate governance which have been denied by the Adani group. -- K J Bennychan (Ben) Senior Associate Editor, Business Press Trust of India (PTI) 357, DN Road, Fort Bombay 400 001 Cell: +91 98200 66218 Phone (D) 022 22856713; 22872371. Fax 22870150 HYPERLINK "mailto:ecomumbai@pti.in" necomumbai@pti.in HYPERLINK "mailto:bennpti@gmail.com" nbennpti@gmail.com http://ptinews.com/images/pti.jpg We bring the World to you" Disclaimer : This e-mail message may contain proprietary, confidential or legally privileged information for the sole use of the person or entity to whom this message was originally addressed. Please delete this e-mail, if it is not meant for you. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Athens, Jul 23 (AP) Some 19,000 people have been evacuated from the Greek island of Rhodes as wildfires continued burning for a sixth day on three fronts, Greek authorities said on Sunday. The Ministry of Climate Change and Civil Protection said it was the largest evacuation from a wildfire in the country. Also Read | Pakistan Floods: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Declares Rain Emergency in Lower and Upper Chitral. Local police said that 16,000 people were evacuated by land and 3,000 by sea from 12 villages and several hotels. Six people were briefly hospitalised with respiratory problems and were later released. Also Read | US Road Accident: Nine Dead, 30 Injured After Bus Falls Into Ravine in Colombia. A person who fell and broke their leg during a hotel evacuation and a pregnant woman remain hospitalised, the latter in good condition, authorities say. Package holiday companies TUI and Jet2 have cancelled flights to Rhodes. Jet2 said it was cancelling five flights due to leave for Rhodes on Sunday. It said it would fly the five planes to Rhodes empty to bring back customers on the island. TUI said it was cancelling all its flights to the island until at least Tuesday. British tourist Kevin Evans was evacuated twice on Saturday with his wife and three young children first from Kiotari to Gennadi, then as the fire approached to the island's capital in the northeast, he told Britain's PA news agency. There were lots of people in Gennadi sent from the hotels many in just swimsuits having been told to leave everything in the hotel, he told PA. As night fell, we could see the fire on the top of the hills in Kiotari. They said all the hotels were on fire. Rhodes travel agent Stelios Kotiadis confirmed to the Associated Press that the evacuation was hasty. There was panic. ... The authorities were overwhelmed, he said. But, he said, the abandoned hotels are in much better condition than reported in social media. ... They will be ready to reopen very soon if Civil Protection gives the go-ahead. Kotiadis said he and other travel agents sent buses to the island's southeast to pick up evacuated tourists. They had to go the long way around, since the road running down Rhodes' eastern side was blocked in places. There were 80-90 people cramming into 50-seater buses, he said. He added that 90 per cent of the evacuated tourists are from European countries. The British ambassador to Greece, Matthew Lodge, said the UK government was sending a rapid deployment team to support British nationals on Rhodes. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that personnel were on their way to Rhodes to set up a help desk at Rhodes International Airport for visitors who have lost their travel documents. Fire Brigade spokesman Yannis Artopios said that, early Sunday afternoon, 266 firefighters and 49 engines were operating on the ground, together with hundreds of volunteers. Ten firefighting planes, including two from France, two from Turkey and one from Croatia, are operating in the area, as well as eight helicopters. There are substantial reinforcements from the European Union. Over 450 firefighters and seven airplanes from the EU have been operating in Greece as fires sprout across the country, EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic tweeted early Sunday afternoon. In the mountainous part of Rhodes, an active front of the wildfire, firefighters have been trying to stop the blaze from spreading to nearby dense forests. Southwest of the resort of Kiotari, the main focus of Saturday's evacuations, a trench was being dug to keep the fire from crossing a creek and threatening the village of Gennadi. The weather remains hot in the Mediterranean country on Sunday. Before midday, temperatures had already reached 38 C (100 F). Winds were low but are notoriously variable in Rhodes, as in other Greek islands. Some of the evacuated, including tourists, are being accommodated in other hotels, gyms and a conference centre. A shipping company has offered one of its ships for accommodation. Kotiadis, the travel agent, told the Associated Press that three ships are being used. Authorities have designated an unprecedentedly large part of the mainland, the whole eastern part of central and southern Greece, plus the islands of Evia and Rhodes as well as large swaths of the southwest, as Category 5, the highest for risk of fire outbreaks as of Sunday. A further chunk of Greece has been designated Category 4, very high risk. Temperatures reached 43 C (110 F) in the capital, Athens, Sunday afternoon and 45 C (113 F) in the interior plains of central Greece. A relative respite from the heat Monday, with highs of 38 C (100 F) forecast, will be followed by yet another heat wave from Tuesday that will last until at least Friday, meteorologists have warned. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jerusalem, Jul 23 (PTI) Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday underwent a successful pacemaker implantation procedure, a surgery scheduled just days before the Knesset is set to vote on a controversial judicial reform bill that has paralysed the whole country. Last week, Netanyahu, 73, was hospitalised from Saturday to Sunday after he complained of dizziness following a trip Friday to the Sea of Galilee, where he acknowledged spending several hours in the sun and in scorching heat without a hat, without water. Also Read | Earthquake of Magnitude 4.6 on Richter Scale Strikes Afghanistan, No Casualties Reported. Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan then said that the doctors had completed a series of examinations and found that the Prime Minister's heart is completely normal, and that at no point was any heart arrhythmia found. However, doctors decided to use a subcutaneous Holter", a device that monitors one's heart and warns if there are irregularities. Also Read | Benjamin Netanyahu Health Update: Israel PM Reportedly at Sheba Medical Center, Undergoing Cardiac Pacemaker Implant. The pacemaker implantation procedure took place early Sunday morning at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan. The Prime Minister's Office said the operation was completed successfully, that he was feeling good and that he was expected to be discharged Sunday. In a video message shortly before 1 am Netanyahu said that a week ago they put a monitoring device. That device beeped this evening and said I need to receive a pacemaker." "I need to do this already tonight. I'm feeling excellent, but I'm listening to my doctors, he stressed. In an earlier statement, the Prime Minister's Office while informing about the procedure also quoted Nethanyahu as saying that "the efforts to reach a wide agreement are continuing" on a divisive first bill of the government's highly contentious judicial overhaul that has paralysed the country. Implanting a pacemaker usually takes several hours and patients are typically discharged from the hospital in a day or two. The Prime Minister's office said that he was sedated during the procedure and the Minister of Justice and Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin served as acting prime minister while Nethanyahu's surgery. The announcement also came when the Knesset, Israel's parliament, was set to begin debating the bill on Sunday morning, ahead of its second and third and final readings, expected Monday or Tuesday. The legislation, part of the wider plan to overhaul the judiciary, has drawn intense opposition, with hundreds of thousands protesting and many setting up a tent city near the Knesset, while some 10,000 reservists have said they will halt their volunteer duty if it passes into law. The weekly cabinet meeting scheduled for Sunday morning was delayed to a yet-unknown time. Also postponed were key security discussions including a reported planned meeting between the premier and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi on the impact of the reasonableness bill and the reservists' threats on Israel's security. Meanwhile, thousands of marchers reached Jerusalem Saturday, the culmination of a five-day walk from Tel Aviv to protest against Netanyahu's plans to weaken the powers of Israel's courts. The Knesset on Sunday will begin on a bill that would strip the Supreme Court of the power to declare government decisions unreasonable, removing one of the few checks on the government in a country that has no written Constitution. Further ratcheting up the pressure on Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, a member of Netanyahu's Likud party, is trying to delay the vote after more than 1,000 Air Force reserve officers threatened to stop volunteering if the bill passed. Netanyahu, in his sixth term, heads an unprecedentedly hardline Israeli coalition government, which has sparked more than six months of internal opposition over its plans to overhaul the judiciary. The legislation to block judicial scrutiny over the reasonableness of politicians' decisions is the first overhaul bill to advance since Netanyahu temporarily froze the legislative blitz in late March. The Knesset breaks for summer recess at the end of the month. Protesters have fought relentlessly for the past six months against the judicial overhaul plans being advanced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, so far successfully blocking the ruling coalition from giving itself the power to override Supreme Court decisions, strike down laws and appoint justices. Netanyahu, who is also in the midst of a protracted corruption trial, has been charged with three counts of fraud and breach of trust and one of bribery. He denies all the allegations and says he is the victim of a political witch hunt. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Indian Ambassador Neena Malhotra and Italian Military historians unveiled the V.C Yeshwant Ghadge Sundial Memorial at Montone, Perugia in Italy. (Image Credit - India in Italy) Perugia [Italy], July 23 (ANI): Remembering the supreme sacrifices by the Indian Soldiers, the Commune of Monotone (in Italy) and Italian Military historians on Saturday unveiled the V.C Yeshwant Ghadge Sundial Memorial at Montone, Perugia in Italy, as a tribute to the Indian troops who fought during Italian Campaign during the Second World War. The memorial is named after Naik Yeshwant Ghadge, Victoria Cross, who was killed in action fighting on the heights of Upper Tiber Valley, an official release from the Ministry of Defence said. Also Read | Earthquake of Magnitude 4.6 on Richter Scale Strikes Afghanistan, No Casualties Reported. Neena Malhotra, Ambassador of India in Italy and the Indian Defence Attache represented India during the ceremony. A large number of Italian citizens, distinguished guests and members of the Italian Armed Forces also graced the occasion. Also Read | Benjamin Netanyahu Health Update: Israel PM Reportedly at Sheba Medical Center, Undergoing Cardiac Pacemaker Implant. "Ambassador & Mayor of Montone inaugurated Yeshwant Ghadge Memorial to commemorate gallantry and sacrifice of Indian soldiers in the Italian campaign. The memorial marked beginning of special relationship between India and Italy forged in the battlefields of Montone," Indian Embassy in Italy said in a tweet. "Inauguration of Yeshwant Ghadge sundial memorial will deepen the unique historical connect between India and Italy. A special post card was also released. Distinguished guests from Italian government, military, military historians and citizens graced the occasion," the Indian Embassy wrote further. Indian Soldiers played a central role in the Italian Campaign during the Second World War, wherein more than 50,000 Indian Army soldiers from the 4th, 8th and 10th Divisions were involved. Out of the 20 Victoria Crosses awarded in Italy, six were won by Indian soldiers. Indian soldiers suffered 23,722 casualties, of which 5,782 Indian soldiers made the supreme sacrifice, and are commemorated in the 40 Commonwealth War Graves spread all over Italy, the official release said further. In order to make this memorial a participative endeavour, an Indian Army plaque has been placed at the memorial commemorating the gallant sacrifice of all ranks of the Indian Army who fought in the Italian Campaign. The memorial is in the form of a live Sundial. The motto of the memorial is "Omines Sub Eodem Sole" which translates in English as "We all live under the same sun". The inauguration of this Memorial honouring the contributions during the Italian Campaign is a testimony to the fact that Italy holds in high reverence the supreme sacrifices and contributions by the Indian Soldiers during the Italian Campaign of the Second World War. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Rome, Jul 23 (AP) Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni on Sunday called for new, more equal relationships between Europe and migrants' countries of origin and transit as she convened a summit of some 20 nations, EU officials and international organisations aimed at stanching flows of illegal migration. The one-day conference is a Meloni initiative that aims to make Italy a leader in resolving issues impacting Mediterranean nations. Chief among them is migration, as Italy sustains hundreds of new arrivals daily on Europe's southern border, but also energy as Europe looks to Africa and the Middle East to permanently replace Russian supplies. Also Read | Pakistan Floods: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Declares Rain Emergency in Lower and Upper Chitral. Human rights groups see the meeting, which includes nations from both northern and sub-Saharan Africa as well as the Middle East, as creating a future roadmap, and worry it will amount to anti-migrant policies that put the onus on Africa to keep Africans out of Europe. Meloni told the opening meeting that Western arrogance had likely stood in the way of solutions to the migrant issue. She proposed four main prongs for future cooperation: fighting criminal organizations trafficking migrants, better managing flows of migrants, supporting refugees and helping countries of origin. Also Read | US Road Accident: Nine Dead, 30 Injured After Bus Falls Into Ravine in Colombia. The West too often has given the impression of being more interested in giving lessons rather than lending a hand," Meloni said. It is probably this diffidence that has made it difficult to make progress on solutions. She said if flows were better managed there would be more room for legal migration. In an era where so much attention is given to the right to migrate, we are not paying sufficient attention to the right to not be forced to emigrate, to not be forced to flee their own homes, to not be forced to abandon their land and leave family members in search of a new life. The conference comes against the backdrop of migrants being pushed back from Tunisia into Libya, where they are stuck in the desert. Pope Francis, in his traditional Sunday blessing, called on leaders in Europe and Africa to find a solution to the thousands of people who are blocked at borders in North Africa. Thousands of them have been experiencing indescribable suffering for weeks, and have been trapped and abandoned in deserts," the pontiff said. May the Mediterranean no longer be a theatre of death and inhumanity," the pope said, calling for a sense of fraternity, solidarity and welcoming. The Rome summit comes a week after one of the key participants, Tunisian President Kais Saied, signed a memorandum of understanding for a comprehensive strategic partnership in a meeting that included Meloni and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Financial details weren't released, but the EU has held out the promise of nearly 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) to help restart Tunisia's hobbled economy, and 100 million euros ($111 million) for border control as well as search and rescue missions at sea and repatriating immigrants without residence permits. Migrants pay traffickers thousands to make the perilous journey across Africa's deserts. Many report suffering torture and other abuse along the way. And hundreds drown each year at sea trying to reach Italy in fragile boats. More than 1,900 migrants have died or gone missing and are presumed missing in the Mediterranean so far this year, bringing the total of dead and missing since 2014 to 27,675, according to the International Organisation for Migration. A further 483 are dead or missing in Africa this year. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kathmandu, Jul 23 (PTI) A five-member high-level delegation of Nepal's CPN-Maoist Centre embarked on a six-day visit to India at the invitation of the BJP "to strengthen party to party relations" between the two ruling parties of the neighbouring nations. The delegation is led by CPN-Maoist Centre party's vice chairperson Pampha Bhushal. Other members of the team are the party secretary Chakrapani Khanal; Standing Committee member Satya Pahadi; and central committee members Rameshwor Yadav and Suresh Kumar Rai. Also Read | Pakistan Floods: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Declares Rain Emergency in Lower and Upper Chitral. The purpose of our visit is mainly to strengthen party-to-party relationship between the BJP and the CPN-Maoist Centre, Bhushal told reporters at the Tribhuvan International Airport just before leaving Kathmandu for New Delhi. "We want to maintain cordial relations with all sides," she said, adding that her party wants to establish "fraternal relations with China and friendly relations with India. Also Read | US Road Accident: Nine Dead, 30 Injured After Bus Falls Into Ravine in Colombia. During the six-day visit, the delegation will meet senior BJP leaders, Bhushal said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad [Pakistan], July 23 (ANI): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan was granted a one-day exemption from appearing in the Toshakhana case by an Islamabad District and Sessions court, reported ARY News. Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Humayun Dilawar heard the case while Barrister Gohar Ali served as Imran's attorney and Advocate Amjad Pervaiz represented the ECP. Also Read | Pakistan Floods: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Declares Rain Emergency in Lower and Upper Chitral. Imran's attorney submitted a plea during the hearing asking for an exemption for his client from attending hearing and its postponement until Monday (July 24), as per ARY News. ARY News brings updates of current affairs and happenings from Pakistan and all around the world. Also Read | US Road Accident: Nine Dead, 30 Injured After Bus Falls Into Ravine in Colombia. The ECP attorney objected, saying that the exemption claim had not provided "any compelling justifications." When one of Imran's attorneys protested the case's daily sessions, the judge voiced his anger with the PTI leader's frequent absences. Advocate Pervaiz, attorney for ECP, asked the court to issue instructions to secure Imran's attendance at court. The judge inquired of the PTI Chief Attorney, "Will the suspect appear in court on Monday?" In response, Barrister Ali stated that Imran would be appearing in the lawyer murder case before the Supreme Court on Monday. The former premier could then come in this court after appearing in the supreme court, ADSJ Dilawal responded. Imran's request was then allowed by the court, which mandated that the PTI leader's attendance on Monday, July 24, must be guaranteed. Toshakhana reference Legislators from the ruling coalition filed the reference, which claims Imran failed to disclose information about the gifts he received from the Toshaskhana (during his tenure as prime minister), last year. After the Election Commission of Pakistan disqualified the PTI chief for making "false statements and incorrect declarations" last month, the Toshakhana issue became a significant source of contention in national politics. According to provisions 167 and 173 of the constitution, the former premier was deemed to have engaged in corrupt practices, according to the ruling. A criminal proceeding will be initiated against him over filing a false statement, as per ARY News. His disqualification under Article 63, 1(P) has been for his current parliament membership, the ECP said in its 36-page detailed judgment of the reference. The amount in his bank account was around half of the value of the state gifts. PTI chief was bound to declare the cash and bank details in his returns but he didnt declare it, ECP decision read. Imran Khan being declared disqualified and unseated from his National Assembly seat, the ECP said, adding: He has been disqualified under Article 63, 1(P), over submitting a false statement and declaration. After this, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had launched probe against former prime minister Imran Khan in Toshakhana case on March 9, ARY News reported. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Abu Dhabi [UAE], July 23 (ANI/WAM): Under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkiye, Emirates Defense Companies Council (EDCC), the primary support for the UAE defence industry, will organize the UAE Pavilion in the 16th edition of the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 23), which will take place in Istanbul between 25th and 28th July 2023. A high-level delegation representing the UAE defence industry, headed by Tareq Abdulraheem Al Hosani, Secretary General of Tawazun Council, will also attend the event. Also Read | US Road Accident: Nine Dead, 30 Injured After Bus Falls Into Ravine in Colombia. The IDEF is currently ranked as the fourth largest defence industry fair in the world in terms of the number of exhibitors. IDEF is planning to host a record number of visitors and exhibitors in 2023, by adding a new exhibition hall to its current ones in response to strong local and foreign demand. Also Read | Earthquake of Magnitude 4.6 on Richter Scale Strikes Afghanistan, No Casualties Reported. In 2021, IDEF welcomed 68,795 industry professionals from 94 countries and featured 1,238 exhibiting businesses from 53 nations. A total of 94 national and international agreements were signed, and 163 delegates from 81 nations and 2 international organizations attended the event. The UAE Pavilion is part of ongoing efforts to enhance defence cooperation and exchange expertise with global companies. The fair provides the opportunity for UAE defence companies to display and promote products and solutions that bear the "Made in the UAE" brand. The Government entities and EDCC members attending the event include the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Yahsat, Calidus, AL Hamra, Rabdan Academy, AL Jundi, and IDEX LLC. The UAE companies are seeking to showcase the latest defence edge cutting solutions including land, naval, aviation, technology and industrial development. In the domain of unmanned aerial vehicles, Calidus is displaying an armoured vehicle fitted with ground-to-ground and air-to-ground missiles. Meanwhile, in the industrial development sector, the "Abu Dhabi Economic Development Department" is highlighting the Industrial Development Bureaus role in facilitating international businesses to set up operations in Abu Dhabi. For advanced technology solutions, Yahsat is showcasing its advanced network and communication technology solutions, and to enhance the competitiveness of local products on a global scale, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology is gearing up to promote the "Made in the UAE" forum. This initiative aligns with the ministry's dedication to fostering the growth of national industries and facilitating discussions on partnership and collaboration opportunities within the industrial sector. In the area of military armament, "Al-Hamra" is presenting the latest military and security equipment and supplies. "IDEX LLC" is promoting the international defence exhibition and conference "IDEX 2025". The pavilion also includes the UAE Ministry of Defense military magazine Al Jundi. Anas Naser Al Otaiba, General Manager at EDCC, said: "The participation of the EDCC in IDEF 2023 reflects the depth and strength of the UAE-Turkish bilateral relations, under the continuous support of the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Turkiye. The Council is committed to strengthening these relations within the framework of the UAE-Turkish Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which was signed in March 2023 to serve the future developmental goals and boost the national economy's competitiveness." We look forward to exploring promising opportunities for the participating national companies, where they will exhibit their innovative, proudly UAE-made products and solutions in an effort to meet national requirements and expand their global market presence. Additionally, we intend to contribute to national supply chains, promoting strategic gains and self-sufficiency in this industry, he added. (ANI/WAM) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kolkata, July 23: A total of five persons have been arrested in connection with the viral video clip, where two tribal women were seen being stripped, tortured and beaten mercilessly by another group of women in the Pakua Hat area under Bamangola Police Station in West Bengal's Malda district on July 19. At the same time, the two victims were arrested on charges of their recent involvement in ransacking of a local police outpost also under the same police station. All the arrests were made till Saturday late evening. According to the Malda district police superintendent Pradeep Kumar Yadav, the two women have been arrested following the information provided by the inspector-in-charge of Bamangola police station. West Bengal: Two Tribal Women Stripped Naked, Tortured in Malda on July 19, Alleges BJP IT Head Amit Malviya. "Besides the five persons arrested in connection to the alleged harassment of the two tribal, the police have got information of the involvement of some others in the matter. The police are trying to trace them as well. At the same time, we are also investigating the involvement of the two tribal women behind the ransacking of a local police outpost," he added. The five arrested in connection with the alleged harassment of the two tribal women include three women named Minati Tudu, Basanti Mardi, Revati Burman and two men namely Manoranjan Mondal and Bejoy Mondal. Manipur Horror: Two Kuki-Zo Tribal Women Paraded Naked, Gang-Raped by Mob; Heart-Wrenching Video Goes Viral. "Two more persons have been identified from the video clip that went viral. We are tracking them and their identities will also be revealed after their arrest," the Malda district police superintendent said. According to him, the five arrested have told the police that the two tribal women were caught while stealing money for one of their bags. "After that these two women were beaten up and in that process their clothes were torn. Two civic volunteers who were present at the spot rescued the two women and brought them to the local police outpost. But neither the two victims nor their relatives agreed to file any police complaint in the matter," Yadav said. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 23, 2023 10:44 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). New Delhi, July 23: The Centre spent Rs 1.79 crore in the last two months over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign visits to seven nations between May and July, which included the high profile visits to the US and France. According to the external affairs ministry, between May 19 and July 15, PM Modi visited seven nations -- Japan, Papua New Guinea, Australia, US, Egypt, France and UAE, which entailed expenses worth Rs 1,79,38,717 crore. Expenses incurred on the prime minister's visits are borne by the central government while expenses on visits of other cabinet ministers are met from the funds of the respective ministry. PM Modi Foreign Visits: Government Spent Over Rs 254 Crore on Prime Minister Narendra Modis Foreign Tour in Five Years. High level visits are established means to foster closer relations with foreign countries and promote India's engagements at bilateral, regional and global level. Manipur Sexual Violence Video: PM Narendra Modi Condemns Incident, Says 'No Guilty Will Be Spared'. Through such visits India serves its national interest and implements foreign policy objectives. These visits have enhanced understanding of India's perspectives on regional and global issues among foreign partners at the highest level, sources said. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 23, 2023 04:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Red spruce ghost forest and buried stumps in New Brunswick, Canada. Photo: D. Johnson / VIMS By Ginger Zee, Daniel Manzo, and Kelly Livingston 6 July 2023 (ABC News) As people around the world contend this week with the hottest temperatures ever recorded on Earth, more visual evidence of climate change is emerging with the spread of ghost forests. The globe is naturally warming and seas naturally rise, but greenhouse gas emissions have helped amplify that change and its evident along coastal forests especially in the mid-Atlantic. Ghost forests develop when sea-level rise causes saltwater to advance on the land, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. As saltwater overtakes the fresh water supply that trees rely on, the increased salinity slowly kills the trees, leaving a haunted ghost forest of dead and dying timber. A ghost forest develops atop the Catlett Islands along the north shore of Virginias York River. Photo: M. Kirwan / VIMS Each tree in a ghost forest is called a stag. A stag only stands for two to three years, meaning ghost forests arent like this for decades, and any visible ghost forest is relatively recent. Virginia Institute of Marine Science associate professor Matthew Kirwan explained to ABC News his research group has found ghost forests in the mid-Atlantic region of Virginia through New Jersey, and they are developing up to 14 times faster than they did in the 1850s because the sea level is rising much more quickly. Ghost forests can be found in almost every coastal state, and hundreds of thousands more acres of forest are set to transition to ghost forests by the year 2100. U.S. forest retreat rates (left) and landowner preferences for conservation easements (right). Pre-1875 rates are inferred from sediment cores and historical maps; post-1875 rates are from historical maps and aerial photos. 1875 is roughly when sea-live rise began accelerating along the Atlantic coast. Preferences of 1,002 landowners regarding conservation easements to allow marsh migration along the Northeastern U.S. coast. Graphic: VIMS In New Jersey, the Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) is working to combat the transition of its own Atlantic White Cedar forests by seeding these trees further inland, aiming to restore 10,000 acres. Today, our cedar resource is at a tipping point, NJ DEP declares on its website. Rather than let this unique and valuable ecosystem be whittled away to meaninglessness, we can achieve ecosystem restoration through attention and forest management. At the time of European settlement, an estimated 500,000 acres of Atlantic White Cedar forests stretched from Maine to northern Florida, and along parts of the Gulf of Mexico, with about 115,000 acres in New Jersey alone. Today, less than 125,000 acres remain nationally, with less than 25,000 acres in New Jersey. [more] What to know about ghost forests amid sea level rise Thane, July 23: An unidentified person allegedly shot and injured a history-sheeter in Maharashtra's Thane district, police said on Sunday. The incident took place in the limits of Badlapur police station around 10 pm on Friday, an official said. The victim Sunil Prajapati was drinking alcohol with his friends at an open ground near Panvel highway when a quarrel erupted with another group of people, senior inspector Anil Padwal said. Uttar Pradesh: History-Sheeter Shot Dead by Bike-Borne Assailants Over Personal Enmity Near Police Station in Bareilly. Prajapati went to resolve the matter, following which one of the men whipped out a revolver and fired at him, he said. The victim sustained a bullet injury to his shoulder and is undergoing treatment at a hospital, the official said. Rajasthan: Dacoit Shot Dead in Encounter by Police in Sikar, One Injured. An offence under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, Arms Act and Bombay Police Act has been registered against the unidentified accused, he said. Prajapati has five cases registered against him, and was also involved in fatally stabbing a man, he said. Kolkata, July 23: West Bengal Police on Sunday arrested a couple based out of Panihati in North 24 Parganas district for selling their six-month-old child to arrange for funds to purchase their alcohol. The grandfather of the child, who is believed to have acted as the middleman in the matter, has also been arrested by the cops. The police are not ruling out the involvement of a child trafficking racket in the entire matter. However the police are yet to rescue the child. The arrested persons have been identified as Jaideb Chowdhury (father), Sathi Chowdhury (mother) and Kanai Chowdhury (grandfather). They are being questioned currently to know about the person to whom they have sold their child. Mother Sells Nine Months Old Daughter for Rs 800, Odisha Tribal Woman From Mayurbhanj Arrested. The local people brought the matter to the police after they found the child missing for quite some time. Whenever the neighbours enquired about the matter, the couple answered that the child was at a relatives place. The neighbours smelt some foul-play and brought it to the notice of the local councilor, who informed the police. The cops will present the arrested trio at a district court on Sunday only and will seek police custody for them. Our prime aim is to extract information from them in the matter, so that we can carry forward our investigation and rescue the child, an investigating official said. Mumbai Shocker: Child Selling Racket Busted in Thane; Five, Including Infants Mother and Doctor, Held. The local people informed the cops that the couple used to be intoxicated almost throughout the day and often they had severe quarrels within the family and at times with the neighbours. But none could imagine that urge for alcohol would push them into taking such a nasty step of selling their own child.. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 23, 2023 03:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Mumbai Police Control room received a threat call, in which the caller informed that two Pakistani nationals are on their way to Goa in a tanker filled with RDX. "Mumbai Police Control room received a threat call, in which the caller informed that a tanker filled with RDX & two Pakistani nationals was going from Mumbai to Goa. The caller identified himself as Pandey. Investigation is underway," Mumbai Police said. 'Be Ready for 26/11-Like Terrorist Attack': Mumbai Police Receive Message Threatening Terror Strike, Accused Says PM Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath on Target. Terror Threat Call To Mumbai Police: Maharashtra | Mumbai Police Control room received a threat call, in which the caller informed that a tanker filled with RDX & two Pakistani nationals was going from Mumbai to Goa. The caller identified himself as Pandey. Investigation is underway: Mumbai Police ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2023 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) Bogota, July 23: At least nine people were killed and 30 others injured after a bus fell into a ravine in the Colombian department of Santander, a police commander said. On Saturday, a vehicle belonging to Expreso Brasilia unfortunately lost control and rolled down a cliff between Playon and La Esperanza, approximately 25 km past Playon, police commander Jose James Roa said. US Road Accident: Three Dead, 14 Injured in Illinois Crash Involving Greyhound Bus and Tractor-Trailers, Say Police. The police, the Fire Department and the Civil Defence, along with the local community, were on site to help with the rescue work, Xinhua news agency reported quoting Roa. Mexico Road Accident: Six Dead, 53 Injured in Head-On Collision Between Truck and Bus in Michoacan. Lina Margarita Huari, general director of the National Road Safety Agency, confirmed that the vehicle's documents were in order and the Superintendence of Transportation will be carrying out investigations to establish the cause of the accident. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 23, 2023 01:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Its full steam ahead for Musikfest 2023, with banners going up this week on the Hill-to-Hill bridge and a full main stage roster for the annual 10-day outdoor music festival in Bethlehem. Last years festival ended on a lower note after gunfire at Plaza Tropical on the festivals penultimate night left a man injured and sent crowds scrambling around West Lehigh, Main and Spring streets. What happened with the case? Bethlehem police said the case is still opened and confirmed to lehighvalleylive.com that no arrests have been made in the Aug. 13 incident. Police at the time said a 20-year-old man was shot in the abdomen and taken to an area hospital. The man recovered and was released, Bethlehem police Capt. Nicholas Lechman said. The department has developed a suspect and said it was a targeted shooting. It is clear there was a history between the two individuals involved in this case, the captain said. The shooting on a Saturday night was not a chance encounter, he said, and the pair found each other near the intersection of West Lehigh and Main streets. Prior incidents led to the shots fired, though the captain did not detail those incidents. This was by no means a random act, Lechman said. We firmly believe they knew each other and had a history with each other. Why have there been no arrests? It has been a very complex investigation, Lechman said. The captain said there have not been any issues with cooperation or finding witnesses. It was crowded in the intersection and police have spoken to several people who were either right next to the people involved or close by when the shots rang out. There is also video from WFMZ channel 69s livestream from the area and also from bystanders, he said. No other injuries were reported, notable since the gunfire sent crowds running and similar instances have resulted in people getting trampled. In the WFMZ footage, you can see foot patrol officers and a mounted officer head in the opposite direction of fleeing visitors, toward the gunfire. We got our officers into that area very quickly, and they were able to safely evacuate bystanders without any additional injuries, Lechman said. We want people to feel safe going to the festival, just like we want people to feel safe in the (city) parks or sitting on their front porch. Bethlehem police officers were seen canvassing the morning of Aug. 14, 2022, at Plaza Tropical at Musikfest following gunfire the previous night that sent crowds running and shut down the outdoor music festival early for the night.Sarah Cassi | For lehighvalleylive.com New in 2023: More cameras on festival grounds While the 2022 shooting marks the first gunfire anyone can remember on festival grounds, police have dealt with serious crimes at and around Musikfest over the years. In 2011, an 18-year-old Allentown man was stabbed twice during a large fight on the S-curve between Main Street and the Hill-to-Hill Bridge, and a separate robbery was reported at the same time on the street involving a teen girl and three other girls she knew. The crimes occurred on the festivals opening night that year, and there were hundreds of people in the area, police said. A 15-year-old Bethlehem boy was charged as an adult in the stabbing, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, and was sentenced to four to eight years in state prison. Three years later, a 17-year-old Allentown boy opened fire on West Garrison and Masslich streets just as Musikfest was being let out a few blocks away. Two men were wounded in the incident, which city police said stemmed from two groups feuding over a boyfriend-girlfriend split. A few weeks after the 2022 festival ended, ArtsQuest and city officials did their usual debriefing and began the year-long discussion leading up to the next years festival. ArtsQuest deals with public crowds year-round at its outdoor Levitt Pavilion, the Banana Factory and ArtsQuest Center, President and CEO Kassie Hilgert said. Theres so much that goes on behind the scenes, people may not see, Hilgert said. In the discussions before and after Musikfest, were always looking at best practices and picking up what we did really well and what we can improve on together, she said. Safety plans are absolutely going to change this year, Lechman said, in some ways people can see and others that visitors may not notice. The city is expanding cameras around festival grounds, including on the S-curve and Main Street between Lehigh and Spring streets. The city police department gets help from local, state and federal authorities, and officers are on foot, bicycle, motorcycles and in police vehicles. Bethlehem uses its mounted unit and are joined by police horses from Pennsylvania State Police and Lancaster to help. Horses are a big component for crowd control, Lechman, especially for festival areas where it may be difficult for an officer to get on foot. We deploy a significant amount of additional police officers above and beyond what the department uses day-to-day, Lechman said. Officers are constantly on watch and aware of whats going on, keeping a close eye on pedestrian crowd movement, Lechman said. Arrests do happen, and are tallied by the police department every year, but hot temperatures, alcohol and food vendors with cooking equipment mean there are more instances of medical calls and injuries than anything else, Lechman said. Bethlehem has hosted the festival since 1984, and it has grown to attracting more than 1 million people to two sprawling locations. Its an open festival, no gates, so were dealing with pretty much anybody being able to walk into locations, Lechman said. Has the festival considered adding gates so visitors could be screened? The festival spans 50 acres across the historic Moravian district and the citys South Side, Hilgert said, and besides the massive amount fencing that would be needed, theres too many entry points. ArtsQuest staff and volunteers train, which includes active shooter training and assisting police and first responders. The day after last years shooting, festival goers said nothing would deter them from coming out for Musikfests last day. Hilgert said this year organizers are seeing a lot of enthusiasm leading up to the festivals 40th anniversary. Bethlehem police have quite a presence at the festival, both in assisting patrons and ensuring safety. And I think that visual presence goes a long way, but that is only what the public sees, theres certainly a lot more assets that they dont see, which I hope that adds to the feeling of safety, Hilgert said. Safety will always be our first priority, and what were always thinking about morning, noon and night. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. A Status Yellow - Rain Warning has been issued for Kildare from this evening until 11am tomorrow morning. The warning also applies to Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Dublin, Longford, Louth, Meath, Westmeath, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, and Sligo. Met Eireann warned of further spells of heavy rain at times bringing the potential for localised flooding. Meanwhile Curragh Racecourse is to hold a precautionary inspection at 7.30am on Sunday morning to decide if day two of the Juddmonte Irish Oaks weekend goes ahead. Clerk of the Course Brendan Sheridan said on Twitter that overnight rain could affect racing tomorrow. He said: "We had a few heavy showers this evening and Met Eireann is a bit unsure how much rain we are going to get tonight - we could get 8ml, we could get 10ml, we could get 15ml. "But the track is currently raceable, but because of the overnight rain we will have a precautionary inspection at 7.30am on Sunday morning." The director of the Arts Council has expressed concern that young people are not attending plays, art exhibitions and other cultural performances as often as before the pandemic. Maureen Kennelly said that although attendance across all age groups was lower in 2022 when compared to 2019, the largest decline was among the younger age group. She described the drop in 16 to 24-year-olds attending Arts Council-supported events, from 64% in 2019 to 52% in 2022, as a worrying level of decline. Their research also found that young people who are attending them are doing so less frequently. The 16 to 24-year-old age group is also the least likely to have attended these events for the first time a reverse trend of what would have been expected. Ms Kennelly said survey responses indicate this is because of the pandemic restrictions, where the habit of attending cultural events was not formed, and because of cost. She said that the impact of a German policy is being examined whereby a 200 euro credit is given to people when they turn 18, which can be used to buy tickets for cultural events. Speaking at an event on Tuesday, Ms Kennelly warned there was a risk of losing a generation of audiences and participants. She made the comments as she welcomed the announcement of 800,000 euro in Government funding to help cultural spaces to open later so they can hold events such as DJ nights, comedy stand-up events or dance performances. Speaking to the PA news agency later in the week, she said the decline in younger people attending events such as plays, art exhibitions and stand-up gigs is something that needs action. I think it does need intervention. Obviously, were working very closely with the Department around the night-time economy, and we see that as a very strong potential avenue for growth for the younger age cohorts. Were hoping that by attracting people to those night-time economy events, that then theyll be able to explore their local art centre and think, Oh I didnt realise my local arts centre shows films. So it would be kind of a gateway for them to see what is available in the community and what they might be able to explore in the future. The research, carried out on an annual basis on behalf of the Arts Council, found that 72% of people surveyed attended an arts event in 2022 a decline in incidence of only 4% compared to 2019, though the decline in actual attendance is 28%. The main reason given for reduced arts attendance has been the loss of habit, but cost is also coming up as a barrier for people, Ms Kennelly said. So those are things that were obviously trying to address very urgently ourselves, working in concert with the art sector. Covid was such a disruptive influence in peoples lives, that teenagers werent attending their arts classes in the way that they would have normally. So you wouldnt have that normal springboard into then attending events themselves as young adults. However, Ms Kennelly said it was encouraging that Culture Night was attracting more and more young people: in 2021, 11% of attendees were aged under 35, rising to 17% in 2022. It shows that when it has a strong emphasis, obviously, on the free nature, on the open, inclusive aspect of artistic expression, and when you push it out in that way, people do respond. Something else that were looking at is in Brussels and Berlin, theyve initiated free or discounted attendance at night-time or cultural events for those who have turned 18 years old. So, for example, in Berlin, as soon as you turn 18, you get a voucher, you get 200 euro credit to attend live cultural events. So were going to look at the evidence of what impact is this having in order to inform are these sorts of things that we should be looking at in Ireland. I think its a good gesture, well look very carefully and see has this worked. Well also be looking at targeting information and (an) awareness campaign on social media to look at how do we get the 16 to 24-year-olds group more engaged with their local artistic offering. The annual research was carried out on behalf of the Arts Council by Behaviour and Attitudes in October and November last year with at least 1,000 people. The Arts Council is the State agency responsible for awarding funding to Irish artists in the interest of promoting the arts. The California State Capitol in Sacramento. Photo: Rschlie / Getty Images By Aaron Cantu 26 June 2023 (Capital & Main) Two transparency bills in the California Legislature would require corporations to disclose more information about their emissions and their efforts to fight the climate crisis. The oil and gas industry is spending millions to kill them. The bills would force big companies that do business in California to report all of their emissions and require firms that buy or sell carbon offsets which are credits that represent a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to disclose more information in an effort to crack down on bogus climate claims. Both SB 253 and AB 1305 have momentum but could be blocked by moderate Democrats historically aligned with corporate interests. Since the legislation would make new information available beyond California, the two bills could represent a watershed moment for holding big polluters accountable when they claim climate bonafides, supporters say. Reporting requirements for corporate emissions are currently fragmented, and SB 253 would be a landmark law pinning down the climate impacts of some of the worlds largest companies. And as more companies market themselves as partners in the climate fight, greater oversight over voluntary carbon trading markets could help verify their claims. Challenges range from a lack of information on who is buying and selling credits to credits handed out for emissions reductions that never actually happened. AB 1305 requires this information to be reported publicly. The bills are opposed by the Western States Petroleum Association, which has already spent $2.38 million on lobbying and advocacy groups this year. While some oil and gas companies in California have expressed their support for rolling back climate change, industry opposition fits into an agenda of delaying action, said Ryan Schleeter, communications director at the Climate Center. Delay is the new denial, said Schleeter. Climate denial wont fly in this state, and companies are smart enough to figure that out, so they delay as long as possible and squeeze out as much profit as they can. Screenshot of California Assembly Bill AB-1305, Voluntary carbon market disclosures. Graphic: California Legislature We Cant Improve What We Dont Measure Lawmakers are evaluating the bills as the climate crisis intensifies around the world. Halfway into 2023, smoke from extreme wildfires blanketed Canada and the U.S. Record-breaking temperatures have struck Texas, Mexico, Ireland, Britain, Puerto Rico, Europe, Northern Africa and Asia. In California, WSPA insists that it wants to be part of the climate conversation, according to Kevin Slagle, the associations vice president of strategic communications. WSPAs opposition to the transparency bills is based not so much on not wanting to progress, as it is how we get to those places, he continued, noting areas where the oil and gas industry is promoting solutions like hydrogen and biofuels. Is it that we are often pushing too far, too fast? But industry warnings about pace and ambition contrast with the U.N.s insistence that deep, rapid and sustained reductions are needed now. And the bills are in line with recommendations from a group of experts convened by the United Nations, which concluded that companies should annually report their emissions and reliance on carbon offsets as early steps to eventually ending fossil fuel production. When pressed on the matter, Slagle deflected, offering his view that the oil and gas industry has been unfairly painted as evil due to its frequent opposition to climate accountability measures. In public comments and written testimony, WSPA representatives have said little about why they oppose reporting requirements proposed under SB 253. The California Chamber of Commerce, which has spoken for a broader opposition coalition that includes WSPA and other business associations, cites compliance costs. [more] Oil and Gas Lobbying Threatens Californias Game-Changing Climate Bills Recent data collected by Irish-owned cosmetics brand AYU found that Leitrim is the 5tth most pampered area in Ireland as it has the highest amount of hair and beauty salons per capita. Suzie ONeill, renowned makeup artist and owner of AYU, says that hair salons are the most popular type of shop in Ireland, with over 10,000 businesses operating in the country, and beauty salons are the second, with over 5,000. We Irish people like to stay well-maintained and look good because it makes us feel good about ourselves. When we look good, we feel confident, happy, and healthy. And when we feel good about ourselves, we are more likely to be positive and outgoing. Therefore, its no surprise that there are so many hair and beauty salons around Ireland, she said. According to the Irish Point of Single Contact for the Services Directive, there are over 15,000 hair and beauty salons in Ireland. This number includes both independent salons and chains. The beauty and hair industry is thriving in Ireland, with the sector generating over 1 billion in revenue each year. The hair and beauty industry in Ireland is worth an estimated 2.79 billion. This is equivalent to 2.1% of total employment in the economy at the end of 2019. The industry supports 30,800 jobs directly and 18,480 jobs indirectly in the economy. Despite recent challenges, Ireland's hair and beauty industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. The industry is expected to be worth 3.1 billion by 2025. Spain's far-right Vox party president, Santiago Abascal, in Madrid, July 19, 2023. JAVIER SORIANO / AFP While the summer heat is scorching most of the kingdom and many Spaniards are away on vacation, some 37.5 million voters are called to the polls on Sunday, July 23, to elect their MPs and senators. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Spanish PM calls snap elections in bold move The date was unexpectedly set by the leader of the left-wing government, Pedro Sanchez (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, PSOE), following his party's poor performance in the May 28 local elections. While holding elections in the middle of summer may negatively impact the turnout, over 2.5 million people (+160% compared to the last elections in 2019) have already voted by mail, to avoid having to stay in or return from their summer break. This mail-in ballot record shows Spaniards' interest in these early parliamentary elections, which could put an end to the left-wing coalition led by Sanchez in power since 2018 and see Vox, the far-right party, come to power in a coalition with the conservative People's Party (PP), as is already the case in many cities and several autonomous regions, from Castile and Leon to the Valencian Community, via Extremadura. After seeing the two-party system collapse in 2014 with the emergence of new parties Podemos on the far left, Ciudadanos in the center and Vox on the far right Spain's political spectrum has been reconfigured and now pits two antagonistic blocs against each other From left to right, Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni, Spanish Parliament President Meritxell Batet, Prime Minister and Socialist Party candidate Pedro Sanchez, CPS First Secretary Salvador Illa, and Transport Minister Raquel Sanchez at a meeting in Barcelona on July 16, 2023. PAU BARRENA / AFP The PSOE, led by 51-year-old Sanchez, is aiming for a left-wing union victory and to defy the polls, which predict a defeat (28%). Its coalition partner this time would not be Podemos, a party with which relations have often been shaky and which collapsed in the local elections, but Sumar ("to add" in Spanish). This movement, which aims to be less divisive, was created by the popular labor minister, former communist activist and labor lawyer Yolanda Diaz, 52. It brings together some 15 parties of the alternative and regionalist left. A consolidated territorial presence On the right, the PP, led by the former president of the Galicia region (2009-2022), Alberto Nunez Feijoo, is the favorite with 35% of voting intentions according to the latest polls. The 61-year-old former senior civil servant is expected to pick up all the votes of the liberal Ciudadanos party, which decided not to run, following its recent defeat in local elections. He does not rule out governing in coalition with Vox if that party is needed to secure a majority in Parliament, even though he keeps asking voters to give him a large majority that would enable him to do without the far right. You have 68.65% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. A NEW state-of-the art tugboat is to be deployed along the Shannon Estuary as part of a modernisation programme. Celtic Tugs, a subsidiary of Irish Mainport Holdings, recently held a naming ceremony for the newest edition to its fleet of vessels, the Celtic Treaty. The tug was built by Med Marine in its Eregli Shipyard in Turkey, with construction starting in February 2022. Ahead of the renaming ceremony, the tug sailed under her own power to Cork where the vessel was reflagged to the Irish flag. The tug is a MED-A2850 Robert Allan - designed RAstar Tug with firefighting capabilities. The state of the art tug boat can provide over 50T bollard pull and is contracted to perform towage on the Shannon Estuary. The Celtic Treaty will replace the Celtic Rebel which has served Celtic Tugs and SFPC in a safe and efficient manner for well over 20 years. David Ronayne, CEO of Irish Mainport Holdings, commented: We have worked closely with our clients on this project and we are delighted with the build and design quality of the Celtic Treaty. This demonstrates our commitment to the Shannon Foynes Port Company and provides the port with the most modern tug on the Irish Coast. Pat Keating, CEO of SFPC, added: The provision of safe, efficient and reliable towage is paramount for sustainable marine operations on the Shannon Estuary. In this regard Celtic Tugs Limited provide top class towage services and this significant investment in the Celtic Treaty not only demonstrates their ongoing commitment to existing demand but importantly provides new state of the art towage capacity consistent with our future expansionary plans as well. On behalf of all here at Shannon Foynes Port Company, I congratulate David Ronayne and his team at Mainport on the addition of this impressive vessel to their fleet. GARDAI advise there is heavy traffic where the Limerick and Kilkenny supporters merge on the route to Croke Park. "Traffic is heavy where the M7 and M9 merge in Co Kildare. Traffic is slow from J12 on the M7 and J2 on the M9," report gardai. One Limerick fan making his way to Dublin told Limerick Live: "There was about a six minute delay at the toll. I'm just past the Monasterevin turn-off, around 70kms out from Dublin." He said that traffic is currently moving at just 40kmph and getting slower. "There is heavy and consistent drizzle up here. There are a huge amount of cars decked out in Limerick flags. We're just looking forward to getting through this and parking up. I hope everybody has their brollies. Luimneach Abu," said the supporter. Meanwhile, a collision earlier on the M7 near Nenagh, which caused delays, has been cleared. Gardai are warning fans once they get to Croke Park that vehicle clamping will be in in operation in areas around stadium for cars that are illegally parked. LIMERICKS Cian Lynch thanked the "best supporters in the world" before hoisting the Liam MacCarthy into the Dublin skyline this Sunday evening. The Patrickswell man and his band of Limerick brothers blitzed Kilkenny in the second-half to make history with a nine-point victory. Their fourth All-Ireland Final in-a-row was hard won, with team captain Declan Hannon and key defender Sean Finn on the sideline for the showpiece. Mr Consistency Hannon was on hand however, to hold one handle of the silverware making for a memorable photo at the podium in the Hogan Stand with his good friend Lynch. Looking down at this group of men in front of me, a panel of 37 lads, there has been a sheer honesty shown over the last number of years and months," said Lynch in a heart-felt speech that left no stone unturned in terms of paying tribute to everyone who played a part in their success. "I suppose from the outside in, we may look like a team, but we are a family. We stand by each other in the bad days and even more so the good days. I want to pay a special tribute to a few of our men that couldnt play today due to injury. Sporting freshly-dyed blond locks The Well's Cu Chulainn kept the biggest tribute for last - for team manager John Kiely. He is a spiritual guide, a spiritual leader. A man that has given all of us an opportunity over the last number of years. A man we all look to for guidance and support week in and week out, so John Kiely thanks a million," said Lynch The Adani Group's upcoming copper factory in Gujarat is likely to start production from March next year. Kutch Copper Ltd - a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd - is setting up a greenfield copper refinery project that will produce 1 million tonnes per annum in two phases. The $ 1.1 billion project in Mundra is expected to play a crucial part in the green energy infrastructure development. According to a PTI report quoting sources, the Group's copper-producing factory will have its first phase operational by the end of the current fiscal. Phase-1 has a capacity of 0.5 million tonnes per annum and KCL has achieved financial closure through a syndicated club loan. The entire debt requirement of 6,071 crore for Phase-1 has been provided by the consortium of banks. The 8,783 crore-greenfield project completed a full debt tie-up with a consortium of banks led by SBI earlier this year. Meanwhile the equity for the project has been invested by the parent Adani Enterprises Ltd. KCL has gotten all the major approvals in place to ensure timely execution. Copper is the third most used industrial metal after steel and aluminium, and its demand is rising on the back of fast-growing renewable energy, telecom and electric vehicle industries. India's copper production has been unable to meet this demand, and domestic supply disruptions have led to a higher dependency on imported copper. India's imports have been consistently on the rise for the past five years. For FY23 (April 2022 to March 2023 fiscal), India imported a record 1,81,000 tonnes of copper, while exports plummeted to a record low of 30,000 tonnes. The country is estimated to have consumed 7,50,000 tonnes of copper in FY23 (612 KT in FY22). The number is expected to rise to 1.7 million tonnes by 2027 on the back of huge demand from the green energy industry. (With inputs from agencies) New Delhi: State-run NHPC Ltd is set to invest 1.40-1.76 trillion to establish pumped hydropower storage capacities of 20,000-22,000 MW across India over the next few years. According to Rajendra Prasad Goyal, director, finance, it will require to have a capex of 7-8 crore for each megawatt. We are planning to set up large pumped hydro projects. We have already signed MoUs with Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. These projects may take two years to take off," he said. In June, the firm signed an initial agreement with an Odisha state utility to build 2,000 MW of pumped storage, and 1,000 MW renewable energy projects in the state. The MoU signed with Gridco Ltd envisages setting up self-identified pumped storage projects. Last month, NHPC signed an agreement with Maharashtra to set up projects totalling 7,350 MW. According to the memorandum of understanding (MoU)), it will develop four pumped storage units with a total capacity of 7,350 MW, at Kalu (1,150 MW), Savitri (2,250 MW), Jalond (2,400 MW) and Kengadi (1,550 MW). We are exploring 20,000- 22,000 MW. We are looking at both technical feasibility and commercial viability," he said. The focus on pumped storage follows the governments policy push. In April, the union ministry of power issued the guidelines on concessional climate finance, uniform environment clearances for pumped storage projects, to add around 5 GW. According to the Centre, states must ensure that no upfront premium is charged for project allocation. Besides, in a bid to ensure financing for the capital-intensive projects, the Centre said financial institutions such as Power Finance Corp., Rural Electrification Corp and Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency will treat pumped hydropower storage projects on a par with other renewable energy projects, for extending long-term loans of 20-25 years. The debt equity ratio of the projects can be up to 80:20, in consultation with the financial institutions, according to the guidelines. As India adds more renewable energy capacity, it should also ensure grid stability and pumped storage is a key solution for grid reliability. It helps set up affordable, large storage capacities for electricity distribution. These projects store and generate electricity by transferring water between two reservoirs at different levels. When electricity demand is low, say, at night or on weekends, excess energy is used to pump the water to the upper reservoir. During periods of high demand, the stored water is released through turbines to generate electricity. According to economists, PSPs are expected to remain cost competitive than battery energy storage systems. Amid billionaire Elon Musk-led Tesla is seeking a reduction in import duties on electric vehicles (EVs) in India, the Indian government so far is not looking to frame a separate policy for providing incentives to it, said a government official on Sunday. The official even noted the US-based electric car maker can apply to avail support measures under existing schemes like PLI for auto and advanced chemistry cells. The Centre has already rolled out the production-linked incentives schemes (PLI) for advanced chemistry cell (ACC) battery storage with an outlay of 18,100 crore and 26,058 crore PLI scheme for auto, auto-components, and drone industries. "We have told Tesla that the policies, which are already there for all, they can also apply under that PLI. They are welcome. Generally, the policy will be the same for all. For a single company, the government may not like to make separate policies. So far, there is no plan to give special treatment," the official said. ALSO READ: Teslas surprising new route to EV domination Earlier, Tesla's biggest supplier of batteries Panasonic met the government and stated that they want to make batteries. But the government suggested they apply under PLI ACC batteries, the official added. Last week, the government announced the re-bidding of production-linked incentives for 20 GWh advanced chemistry cell manufacturing. The Ministry of Heavy Industries is holding a stakeholder consultation with industry representatives on July 24 for their inputs and suggestions before the start of the re-bidding process of the remaining 20 GWh capacity. In June, Tesla representatives visited India to meet officials of various ministries, including the Commerce and Industry Ministry. While in 2021, Tesla demanded a reduction in import duties on electric vehicles (EVs) in India. As per details, cars imported as completely built units (CBUs) attract customs duty ranging from 60 percent to 100 percent, depending on engine size and cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value less or above $40,000. It is to be known that Musk met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June in New York and said he plans to visit India in 2024. "I am confident that Tesla will be in India, and we will do so as soon as humanly possible," Musk had said after that meeting. "We don't want to jump the gun on an announcement, but I think it's quite likely that it will be a significant investment, a relationship with India," Musk had said. Meanwhile, India is pitching as an alternate destination for investment for US companies to capitalize on the growing chill between Beijing and Washington. With agency inputs. Map of regional temperature anomaly and heat-related mortality rate in Europe during the summer of 2022. a, Regional temperature anomaly (C) averaged over the summer. bf, Regional heat-related mortality rate (summer deaths per million) aggregated over the summer for the whole population (b), women aged 6579 years (c), men aged 6579 years (d), women aged 80+ years (e) and men aged 80+ years (f). Summer refers to the 14-week period between 30 May and 4 September 2022 (weeks 2235). Graphic: Ballester, et al., 2023 / Nature Medicine By Alice Park 10 July 2023 (TIME) As the Earth continues to warm, the rising temperatures are contributing to a number of health conditions that are in turn driving up mortality. And for the first time, scientists have figured out a more detailed way to estimate how many deaths can be attributed to heat. In a paper published in Nature Medicine, researchers in Spain and France calculated that more than 61,000 deaths in Europe could be blamed on the heat during the summer of 2022, the hottest summer on record for the continent. (At least until the readings from 2023 are analyzed later this year.) We are probably not aware of how heat is a silent killer, says Joan Ballester, professor at ISGlobal, a private research foundation in Barcelona, and lead author of the paper. While health experts have known that rising temperatures can contribute to an increase in potentially fatal conditions such as heat stroke and an increase in heart-related events such as heart attacks, irregular heart beats, and even heart failure, few studies have quantified how much heat can contribute to higher mortality. Using carefully calibrated data on temperatures recorded during the peak of the European heat wave in 35 countries from the end of May to the beginning of September last summer, and correlating that information with more than 45 million similarly temporally calibrated deaths across Europe, the scientists found a strong association between increased temperatures and higher mortality. They adjusted for the fact that deaths would lag by a few days behind periods of high temperatures, as the health effects of heat may take a few days to manifest, as well as for the expected mortality in the absence of excessive heat. After creating models that tracked short-term fluctuations in temperature and mortality, they found that on warmer days and shortly thereafter, mortality increased. Using that method, they found that, of the 35 countries investigated, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, the U.K., and Greece recorded the highest number of heat-related deaths during the summer of 2022. Most of these deaths occurred during a five-week heat wave from mid-July to mid-August. By comparison, there were around 40,000 heat-related deaths in Europe in 2018 and 2019, and 33,000 in 2020. More Europeans Died Because of Heat in 2022 Than Any Year in Recorded History Temperature-related risk of death during 20152019. a,b, Cumulative relative risk of death (unitless) in Europe for the overall population (black), women (red) and men (blue) (a) and people aged 064 (blue), 6579 (red) and 80+ (black) years (b), together with their 95% CIs (shadings). cf, Regional relative risk of death (unitless) at the temperature 95th centile for the overall population (c), people aged 80+ years (d), women (e) and men (f). Graphic: Ballester, et al., 2023 / Nature Medicine Heat-related mortality in Europe during the summer of 2022 ABSTRACT: Over 70,000 excess deaths occurred in Europe during the summer of 2003. The resulting societal awareness led to the design and implementation of adaptation strategies to protect at-risk populations. We aimed to quantify heat-related mortality burden during the summer of 2022, the hottest season on record in Europe. We analyzed the Eurostat mortality database, which includes 45,184,044 counts of death from 823 contiguous regions in 35 European countries, representing the whole population of over 543 million people. We estimated 61,672 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 37,64386,807) heat-related deaths in Europe between 30 May and 4 September 2022. Italy (18,010 deaths; 95% CI = 13,79322,225), Spain (11,324; 95% CI = 7,90814,880) and Germany (8,173; 95% CI = 5,37411,018) had the highest summer heat-related mortality numbers, while Italy (295 deaths per million, 95% CI = 226364), Greece (280, 95% CI = 201355), Spain (237, 95% CI = 166312) and Portugal (211, 95% CI = 162255) had the highest heat-related mortality rates. Relative to population, we estimated 56% more heat-related deaths in women than men, with higher rates in men aged 064 (+41%) and 6579 (+14%) years, and in women aged 80+ years (+27%). Our results call for a reevaluation and strengthening of existing heat surveillance platforms, prevention plans and long-term adaptation strategies. Heat-related mortality in Europe during the summer of 2022 India handed over INS Kirpan, a corvette in active use by the Indian Navy, to Vietnam Peoples Navy (VPN) on Saturday. On completing 32 years of illustrious service to the nation, Indian Naval Ship Kirpan has been decommissioned from the Indian Navy and handed over to Vietnam Peoples Navy (VPN) today at Cam Ranh, Vietnam. The Decommissioning and Handing Over Ceremony of INS Kirpan to VPN was presided over by Adm R. Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff, Indian Navy and Rear Adm Pham Manh Hung, Deputy Commander-in-Chief and Chief of Staff, VPN," reads a press statement by PIB. According to the Indian Navy chief, this marks the first time India has handed over a full operational corvette to a foreign country. "We are certain that they (Vietnam Peoples Navy) will harness its immense potential to safeguard their national maritime interests, contribute to regional security, and foster peace and stability," said Admiral Hari Kumar. India has steadily bolstered its defence partnership with Vietnam in recent years. In 2022, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh handed the country 12 high speed patrol guard boats. According to Premesha Saha of the Observer Research Foundation, five of these were built in India while the rest were built in Vietnam under an Indian Line of Credit. India has also helped the country build its defence technological capabilities and sponsored the establishment of an Army Software Park with a $5 million grant. India has also signed a mutual logistics support agreement with Vietnam. "The transfer of INS Kirpan from the Indian Navy to Vietnam People's Navy symbolises the status of Indian Navy of being the preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region," according to the PIBs press release. Vietnam, like India, has shown deep concern about Chinas growing maritime power in the Indo-Pacific over the past few years. The two countries have maritime territorial disputes, which have at times triggered diplomatic clashes. Members of the Meitei tribe living in Mizoram have reportedly opted to flee the state amid growing unrest in neighbouring Manipur. Following an 'advisory' by an ex-militants association in the northeastern state, the state government had held a meeting with leaders from the community on Saturday. The Mizoram government has assured Meiteis of their safety and security in the state. Reports suggest that a large number of Meiteis are fleeing Mizoram amid growing outrage over the naked parading and molestation of two women in strife-torn Manipur. Apart from the message shared by an organisation of former militants, many also see the possibility of violence during an upcoming rally. Violence in Manipur began after the tribal solidarity march on May 3 and the Meitei community remains afraid that something could go wrong after a proposed protest rally by civil society groups on July 25. A few thousand Meiteis - mostly from Manipur and south Assam - live in Mizoram. Official records indicate that dozens have also left for their home states over the weekend. More than 160 people have lost their lives and several have been injured since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, when a "Tribal Solidarity March" was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. ALSO READ: Manipur Violence: 'Let's not run away from discussion,' says Anurag Singh Thakur "The situation in Mizoram has become tense and it is no longer safe for Meitei people from Manipur to live in Mizoram in the wake of barbaric and heinous acts committed by miscreants in Manipur. The PAMRA appeals to all Meitei people in Mizoram to leave for their home state as a safety measure," a statement from the Peace Accord MNF Returnees' Association had said on Friday. It said there is anger among Mizo youths, who are deeply anguished over the "barbaric and atrocious act of Meiteis" against Zo or Kuki ethnic people in Manipur. A video shot on May 4 had surfaced earlier this week, triggering widespread condemnation and calls for immediate action. The now viral clip showed two women from the Kuki Zo tribe paraded naked and molested by a mob from a warring community in Manipur. The alleged main accused was arrested on Thursday. The PAMRA meanwhile said that their statement had been misconstrued and was not a diktat or a quit notice to the Meiteis. The home secretary had also convened a meeting with leaders of the organisation on Friday. (With inputs from agencies) New Delhi: Indian engineering goods exports to Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries surged in June, up nearly threefold in comparison to a year earlier, according to exporters. However, goods exports to other parts of the world witnessed a slowdown, they added. The 18-month long Russia-Ukraine war has driven prices of food and fuel higher, resulting in falling demand for goods and services in the West. Consequently, goods exports from India declined for six consecutive months. While declining engineering exports continued in key markets such as the US, the EU and China in June, shipments to regions such as West Asia and North Africa (WANA), CIS countries and North East Asia saw favourable growth. Engineering export to Russia almost tripled in June 2023 and stood at $116.9 million. In cumulative terms, it jumped four-fold in April-June of the current fiscal to $337.4 million compared to $89.7 million in the same period of FY23," said Engineering Exports Promotion council (EEPC). According to data available, engineering exports to the US fell 12.5% year-on-year to $ 1.45 billion compared to $ 1.65 billion a year ago. On a cumulative basis, the decline was even sharper with shipments value at $4.30 billion in April-June of 2023-24 as against $5.32 billion in the year earlier. Engineering exports to the EU fell as much as 16.2% from a year ago in June to $1.51 billion. Cumulatively, it fell nearly 10% to $5.35 billion in the period under consideration. In June 2023, engineering exports to China declined 20% from a year ago to $184 million. In comparison, engineering shipments to WANA, CIS and Northeast Asia were up 10.9%, 161.2%, and 0.5%, respectively, in June from a year ago. Overall, Indias engineering exports declined in June for the third consecutive month in FY24 at $8.53 billion, approximately 11% lower than the year ago. In cumulative terms, too, the decline was around 7.45%. The metals sector has been the most significant contributor to the decline due to weakening global demand. The latest news has indicated that global demand for steel weakened further with slow offtake from Chinas construction sector," said EEPC India Chairman Arun Kumar Garodia. Similar concerns, including the banking crisis in the US, have affected demand and price of copper, aluminum, lead, and zinc. It is reflected in Indias export performance, indicating a sharp decline in exports to some of Indias major partners, including the US, the EU, and China. The situation is expected to further worsen with the implementation of the CBAM regulations by the EU. The debt crisis has led to declining exports to South Asia, in Indias immediate neighbourhood," Garodia added. Barring exports of iron and steel, engineering exports fell 6.95% year-on-year in June, and 2.62% in Q1 FY24. As many as 17 out of 34 engineering segments witnessed positive year-on-year growth in June, while the remaining segments saw a decline in exports. Major engineering products such as iron and steel, products of iron and steel, non-ferrous items such as zinc and tin products barring copper, lead and nickel products, industrial machinery parts, auto components and two and three wheeler parts and tyres, hand tools and railway transport witnessed a decline in exports in June 2023 over a year ago. Garodia said Indias exports to new FTA partners, the UAE and Australia, increased. More comprehensive bilateral pacts with potential partners will be the right step towards achieving Indias goal of $2 trillion in exports by 2030. There is a growing trend of friend-shoring or diversification of trade with political ally. Several firms and economies are considering a China-plus policy. This is an opportunity for India to diversify," he said. Engineering exports from India conceded a year-on-year decline for the seventh month in a row in June this year, starting from December 2022. The month of June 2023 saw the third straight month of decline and the first double-digit decline in engineering exports during the ongoing fiscal years. In June 2023, the decline was higher at 10.99% as against 4.13% in May 2023. In Delhi, the water level of the Yamuna River was recorded at 205.81 meters, marginally above the danger mark of 205.33m, on Sunday morning. According to the Central Water Commission, the water level stood at 205.81 at 7 am today, up from 205.7m recorded earlier a few hours ago. Following this, several houses were submerged in the low-lying areas on Saturday. The police reached the spot and issued an alert regarding the situation. On Saturday, the Delhi government is on high alert as over 2 lakh cusecs of water were discharged from the Hathnikund Barrage into the Yamuna River. Delhi Revenue Minister Atishi warned that there is a possibility of Yamuna Khadar (floodplains) getting inundated if the water level in the river rises to 206.7 meters. The minister assured the people of Delhi that the government is ready for evacuation and is monitoring the situation closely. The Central Water Commission (CWC) data said that the water level in Hathnikund Barrage crossed the 1 lakh mark at 9:00 AM and was ranging between lakh and 2.5 lakh cusecs between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Atishi said that the government is making announcements in the vulnerable areas and informing the residents about the threat of flooding. The government is inspecting the relief camps and making preparations in case the need for evacuation arises. Notably, the people displaced in the recent Delhi floods were not happy with the relief efforts of the government. "The situation has sparked concern, prompting the government to take proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents," the minister added. Atishi said that the Department of Revenue has taken extensive steps to deal with the situation and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is also monitoring the situation closely and is overseeing the response efforts. "Whether it's the Central district, Eastern district, or areas like Yamuna Bazar and Yamuna Khadar, we have made sufficient preparations to address any challenges that may arise," she said. The Delhi government is earnestly urging the public to stay watchful and collaborate closely with the authorities amidst this crucial period. A group of kanwariyas were pelted with stones as they undertook a procession through Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly. The incident took place near the Shahnoori mosque in Jogi Nawada area on Sunday with around 12 people admitted to the hospital with injuries. The situation sparked a protest in the area with the kanwariyas demanding action against their attackers. They had been on their way to Budaun to get water from the Ganga River when the incident took place. According to reports quoting Additional District Magistrate (City) RD Pandey, the situation was now normal. Police forces had been deployed in the area. Dozens of Kanwariyas were hurt or killed over the weekend in separate incidents with another protest taking place in Uttarakhand's Roorkee city. Three kanwariyas riding a motorcycle were killed on Sunday after being run over by a dumper truck. They had been heading towards Haridwar to collect the holy waters of the Ganga when the accident took place near Roorkee Civil Lines Kotwali. Two of them died on the spot while another was seriously injured and later succumbed at a hospital. Other kanwariyas on the route had then protested blocking the Delhi-Haridwar highway and setting a car on fire. This in turn led to a traffic jam. Fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the flames and officials had a tough time convincing the angry kanwariyas and pacify them. In a third incident from Sunday, one kanwariya died and 12 were injured when the tractor-trolley in which they were travelling was hit by a speeding truck in UP's Gorakhpur. (With inputs from agencies) A businessman in Maharashtra has lost staggering 58 crore in online gambling after winning 5 crore. According to a report by the PTI news agency, the businessman filed a complaint to the police after losing the amount. The Nagpur-based businessman said that the accused, identified as Anant alias Sontu Navratan Jain convinced him to explore online gambling as a lucrative avenue for earning profits. Initially hesitant, the businessman eventually succumbed to Jain's persuasion and transferred 8 lakh through a hawala merchant, Nagpur Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar said. Jain provided the businessman with a link on WhatsApp to open an online gambling account. The businessman found 8 lakh deposited in the account and he began gambling, Kumar said. "After initial success, the businessman's fortunes took a drastic downturn as he lost a whopping 58 crore while winning around 5 crore," the police commissioner said. He said the businessman grew suspicious as he was losing and demanded his money back, but Jain refused. "The businessman complained to the cyber police, leading to the registration of a case of fraud under the Indian Penal Code. Police raided Jain's residence in Gondia. The operation resulted in the seizure of a substantial amount of evidence, including 14 crore cash and four kg gold biscuits," Kumar added. Jain fled just before police raided his residence in Gondia City, 160 km away from Nagpur. Police suspect he has escaped to Dubai. The large quantity of cash is being counted and the final figure of seizure is yet to be arrived at. Manipur violence: Unimaginable stories of horror from Manipur have continued to jolt the rest of the country as the ethnic clashes in the northeast state have turned inhumane. Days after the viral video of two tribal women being paraded naked by a mob, another shocking report has appeared. According to a report by the NDTV news channel, the wife of a freedom fighter was burnt alive inside her house in Kakching district's Serou village. The lady's husband S Churachand Singh, died at 80 and was honoured by former President APJ Abdul Kalam. This ghastly incident took place in the early hours on 28 May. Once, the picturesque village some 45 km from the state capital Imphal, has now been engulfed with violence and gunfires. The news channel's report said that Serou is one of the worst-hit villages during the clashes between the valley-majority Meiteis and the hill-majority Kuki tribe. Premkanta, 22, the grandson of freedom fighter's wife said that 80-year-old Ibetomb was inside the house that was allegedly locked from outside by those who attacked her village. They set the house on fire. He said, "When we came under attack, my grandmother told us to run now and return for her after some time. 'Come back to get me,' she said as we left. Those were her last words," he told the news channel. Around two months after the ethnic clashes broke out, Premkanta returned to the burnt house where he recovered most precious possessions that Ibetombi held very dearly - a photograph of her freedom fighter husband with former President APJ Abdul Kalam. Manipur has been witnessing violence since May 3, following the protests by the Kuki and Meitei communities against the High Court's order asking the state government to consider the inclusion of Meitei community in the category of Scheduled Tribes (ST). Only STs can buy lands in hilly areas. The majority Meitei community, which occupies the Imphal valley and nearby areas, sought the ST status keeping in view their increasing population and increased requirement of land so that they could purchase lands in the hilly areas. Earlier on Friday, state Chief Minister N Biren Singh evaded a question over the demand for him to step down, stating that his job was to restore peace to the state and ensure that the perpetrators of the alleged incident in the viral video are brought to book. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will meet Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi on the sidelines of the BRICS NSA meeting in Johannesburg on July 24. Global issues like the Ukraine war, Indo-Pacific, religious radicalization and terrorism will be at the forefront during the BRICS NSA meeting. NSA Doval will also meet special invitees like Secretary of Russian Security Council Yang Jiechi, UAE National Security Advisor Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Arabia NSA Musaad bin Mohammed Al Aiban. According to a report in Hindustan Times, LiveMint's sister publication, while the meetings are being held on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, NSA Doval will also bilateral meeting with Yang Jiechi. The meeting between Indian NSA and Chinese diplomat is prominent, especially given the Chinese aggression in East Ladakh in May 2020. While China has been disengagement of troops in Galwan, Gogra-Hot Springs and Pangong Tso lake spurs areas, Chinese troops are yet to disengage from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in East Ladakh. PLA has also increased its deployment in the Daulet Beg Oldi sector and is not allowing the Indian Army to patrol the Depsang Bulge areas and Chading Ninglung Nullah junction in Demchok. PLA also hasn't sent back six combined armed brigades it deployed during the National Party Congress in 2022. The six brigades are deployed in the Siliguri corridor along with the Arunachal Pradesh sector. The new threat from the PLA has also led to the Indian Army deploying a lot of military power in this sector. While NSA Doval is expected to raise the issue of de-escalation in the western and eastern sectors of LAC, not much is expected to come out of the bilateral meeting. NSA meetings with other diplomats: According to reports, NSA Doval will also meet his Russian, UAE and Saudi Arabian counterparts. He is expected to exchange views on the Ukraine-Russia war and its impact on the global economy, while also briefing his Russian counterpart Patrushev on the situation in eastern Ladakh and the Indo-Pacific. Since Russian President Vladimir Putin has made it clear that he won't physically attend the BRICS summit in South Africa due to the threat of arrest. A decision is also expected on whether to hold the summit physically or virtually. Seema Haider, the Pakistani woman who entered India without a visa in May, and her supposed Indian 'husband' Sachin Meena, fell ill on Saturday morning following their recent questioning by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). On Friday, Haider submitted a mercy petition to President Droupadi Murmu, seeking permission for herself and her four children to remain at her "matrimonial home" in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Seema Haider, represented by Supreme Court advocate AP Singh, has also requested an oral hearing from the president regarding her case. The petition, which was received at the President's secretariat, outlines that Haider, aged 30 and a Pakistani citizen, is deeply in love with 22-year-old Sachin Meena, who resides in Greater Noida, India. Also Read: Seema Haider files for Indian citizenship, pleads for mercy from President Murmu She explains that she arrived in India with her four children to live with him. Haider further claims to have embraced Hinduism and asserts that she and Meena got married following Hindu rites and rituals at the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. "...Hon'ble madam, the petitioner has found peace, love and happiness and a sense of purpose with Sachin Meena as a beloved husband, his father as father-in-law and his mother as mother-in-law that the petitioner never had before. Her excellency, (the) petitioner begs you to believe the petitioner and show compassion to a lady, not highly educated," Haider stated. "If you show mercy, the petitioner will spend the rest of her life with her husband, four minor children and matrimonial relative will be grateful that you gave chance to make something of myself and to be a source of strength and support matrimonial petitioner can. The petitioner will finally be able to live a life with dignity in India...," she stated in the petition. On Saturday, a video emerged, purportedly showing Seema Haider in an unwell condition, receiving glucose drips. The video indicated that she might be experiencing dehydration or low blood sugar levels, as glucose drips are typically administered to address such health issues. In an interview with a Hindi news portal, Haider claimed that she fell ill after hearing news against her. It also hurts why people are speaking wrong about me. No one has spoken well about me even once," she told the portal. Haider also said, I don't think that my four children and I will increase any burden on India. If I get citizenship, I will show myself as a good person. I won't betray." Seema Haider is a Pakistani national who entered India illegally through Nepal on May 13. Haider's role is questionable because of many other such activities on the border. Haider hails from Sindh province in Pakistan. According to her, she got in touch with Meena while playing the online game PUBG in 2019-20 and eventually, the two talked over Whatsapp and Instagram before falling in love with each other. Haider explained that she had arrived to reside with Meena, who resides in the Rabupura region of Greater Noida. On July 4, local authorities arrested Haider for illegally entering India, and Meena was also taken into custody for harbouring illegal immigrants. Nonetheless, a local court granted them bail on July 7, and since then, they have been living together in a residence in Rabupura along with her four children. Despite the ongoing investigation by Noida police into her illegal stay in India, Seema Haider has submitted the petition seeking permission to continue living in India with Sachin Meena. The couple was previously questioned by the Anti-Terrorist Squad of Uttar Pradesh Police for a two-day period. Haider has expressed her desire not to return to Pakistan and has stated her intention to remain with Meena. She has also asserted that she has embraced Hinduism. The Indian Air Force has asked Rafale fighter jet manufacturer Dassault Aviation to integrate Indian made weapons like the Astra Air to air missile on the combat aircraft. The move, if implemented could prove to be a big step for the Make in India initiative, wherein indigenously made weapons would be integrated into the globally popular fighter jet. The French made Rafale Fighter jets are used by many countries including India, France, Egypt, Qatar and many others along with Greece, Croatia, UAE and Indonesia, have placed orders for these planes. The IAF has been using the Astra Air since 2020. The Indian weapon systems are already integrated into the Su-30 MKI combat aircraft along with the indigenous LCA Tejas. The IAF has asked the original equipment manufacturer Dassault Aviation to integrate Indian-made weapons like the Smart Anti Airfield Weapon (SAAW) and the Astra air-to-air missile with the Rafale which has been in service with the IAF since 2020," defence officials told news agency ANI. Along with these DRDO-developed missiles and bombs, the IAF also has plans of integrating multiple indigenously designed weapons by private sector firms including long-range glide bombs with the aircraft in the near future, they said. India operates 36 Rafale fighter jets and has already expressed intent to buy 26 Rafale marine aircraft which are to be used by its Navy. The Indian Air Force top brass have been pushing for indigenous solutions for their war-fighting requirements to be self-reliant, especially in times of conflict. A lot of weapon systems acquired by the force during the ongoing standoff with China have also been put on the indigenisation path. The Astra air-to-air missiles are capable of striking targets up to the 100 Km range but very soon this will be extended to 160 KMs in the Astra Mark 2 while the further upgraded version would be one with a strike range of 300 Kms. The SAAW can also hit targets at 100 Km plus range and its advanced versions are also being developed. "The private sector companies have also developed missiles and bombs which can hit targets from long ranges and can be equipped on the Rafale," the officials said. At the requiem (Photo: VNA) The event was held by the Consulate General of Vietnam in Luang Prabang in coordination with the Overseas Vietnamese Association in Luang Prabang province and the Vietnamese Business Association in Northern Laos. Speaking at the event, Ms. Kieu Thi Hang Phuc, Consul General of Vietnam in Luang Prabang, emphasized that the requiem was not only to pay tribute to Vietnamese and Laotian Heroes and Martyrs who laid down themselves for the independence and freedom of the two countries, but was also a way to help the younger generations of the two countries better understand the specialness in the relations of the two countries, thereby continuing to make great efforts to understand and maintain the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. For his part, Luang Prabang Deputy Governor Soukan Bounnhong that over half a century ago, tens of thousands of Vietnamese officials and soldiers came to help the Lao people fight for independence, freedom and happiness, contributing to creating special relationship between the two countries today. Chairman of the Laos - Vietnam Friendship Association Soukan Bounnhong affirmed that generations of the Lao people will always be grateful for invaluable contributions by Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts in Laos and committed to continuing to educate the young generations to treasure and nurture the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries./. Sardar Vallabhai Patel Airport in Gujarat was flooded with knee-high water as per visuals shared on social media websites. The heavy rains induced water logging at the airport have led to passengers facing trouble in reaching for their flights on time while authorities have asked the passengers to check in with their airlines about their flights. Sharing the visuals of water outside the Gujarat airport a user on Twitter informed that it took her almost 40 minutes to disembark from her flight. Also Read: Gujarat Rain LIVE Updates The visuals show passengers scouring to make it to the airport due to knee-deep water and airport officials trying to run the operations smoothly while covered in water protective equipment. Due to heavy rains and water logging around the airport, we request all passengers to check with their respective airlines before starting their journey. Passengers are also advised to avoid parking at the airport facility." Ahmedabad Airport shared the information on their official Twitter page. Heavy rains have led to flooding on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway near Navsari, news agency PTI reported. Ahmedabad received 101 mm of rain in just two hours on Saturday, leading to flooding of roads and residential areas, while the city's underpass was closed for traffic as a precautionary measure. Gujarat is battered with heavy monsoon rains with flood-like situations in the multiple cities of the state. Heavy to very heavy rains pounded several districts in Gujarat's south and Saurashtra regions on Saturday, triggering a flood-like situation in urban areas and isolating villages amid rising water levels in dams and rivers surging to danger levels. Navsari district witnessed over 200 mm of rainfall in a few hours on Saturday morning overwhelming the drainage system in the city and water spilling onto roads and low-lying areas. A man and his son were also swept away in a swollen drain. While the man was rescued, efforts were underway to trace the son, an official said. As talks about Meghan Markle relaunching her movie career get stronger, reports suggest that she might play a role that was once offered to Lady Diana. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to step back from the British monarchy has opened up new opportunities for Meghan Markle in her professional career. According to German magazine Gala, she has received an enticing proposal to return to Hollywood and potentially star alongside Kevin Costner in the film 'The Bodyguard 2'. The sequel to the popular 1990s movie has long been considered by the film studio. Now, as per Marca, Kevin Costner revealed that when the first idea came up, he thought that the leading lady of the story should be Princess Diana, Prince Harry's mother. "I just remember her being incredibly sweet on the phone, and she asked the question, 'Are we going to have, like a kissing scene?'" Costner told People. "She said it in a very respectful ... she was a little nervous because her life was very governed. And I said, 'Yeah, there's going to be a little bit of that, but we can make that OK too.'" Meghan Markle struggle to get movie roles? Meanwhile, several reports suggest, Markle is "struggling in Hollywood" even after signing a top talent agency in April. She has not yet announced any of her upcoming plans. According to GBNews, Kieran Elsby, a PR expert, stated that securing deals in three months is longer than usual. Meghan and Prince Harry's Spotify deal ended after one series, but they still have Netflix partnership and Meghan signed with William Morris Endeavor (WME). Kieran said that Meghan will be a "a major coup for the agency" following the deal. "It is good business to have her on their roster. It is also good for Meghan having a prestige agency," he told The Mirror. "However, it's been three months since the news broke and we've heard nothing since. This is a longer period of time than is typically expected for a new client to secure deals, which suggests that Meghan may be struggling to find her footing in Hollywood," Kieran added. Amid the worsening situation of the economy in Pakistan, the cash-strapped country's Punjab caretaker government will be purchasing new vehicles for its officials worth Pakistani Rupee (Rs) 2.3 billion, The News International reported. At a time when the whole country is struggling to meet the International Monetary Fund's demands, the Pakistan government's finance department issued a notification sanctioning 2.3 billion for the purchase of new luxury vehicles. According to the notification issued on July 20, the assistant commissioner of each tehsil will be provided with a new double cabin 4x4 Revo-G M/T, additional deputy commissioners (general) of each district will be provided new Yaris ATIV 1.3L while additional commissioners of each division will be provided Corolla 1.6 Altis CVT. The notification said that the vehicles presently used by the assistant commissioners shall be allocated to tehsildars. Meanwhile, Pakistan's external debt servicing obligations are $2.44 billion for the current month of July 2023, including $2.07 billion in non-guaranteed debt owed to China, the news report added. Another $1 billion safe deposit from China is also due, so Pakistan and China are currently working on the rollover of around USD 3 billion bilateral debt within the ongoing month. According to The News International, Pakistan is required to repay China around $363 million in guaranteed bilateral loans, including principal and markup payments. Pakistan has to repay external debt servicing to France to the tune of $2.85 million and Japan to $4.57 million. Pakistan has to repay the IMF to the tune of outstanding loans of $189.67 million including the principal amount of $165.02 million and markup of $24.65 million. Pakistan has to repay outstanding loan repayment to the ADB to the tune of $56.9 million, the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) repayment of $72.06 million, and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) $8.82 million, and some minor repayments to International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and other donors. The total repayment to the multilateral creditors in July stands at $149.41 million, The News International reported. Meanwhile, approximately 150,059 highly qualified Pakistanis nationals left the country for jobs abroad in the past decades as per the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment record. The highest number of skilled Pakistani nationals left the country in search of jobs in 2022. As many as 832,339 Pakistani nationals left the country in search of work. Out of these, 17,976 were highly qualified. However, till June 2023, around 10,845 highly qualified nationals of Pakistan left the country for jobs abroad out of a total of 3,95,166. More than eight lakh Pakistani nationals left the country in 2022 in search of jobs. According to the data from the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, 832,339 left the country for work last year. Out of these, 17,976 were highly qualified. The data also mentioned that approximately Pakista. The lowest number of highly qualified nationals left Pakistan in 2020. They were 5121. According to experts, during 2020-21, the number of outgoing Pakistanis for jobs was the lowest due to global restrictions on travelling. A total of 12,057 highly qualified people left Pakistan for jobs in 2013. In 2014, 14,647 highly qualified nationals left Pakistan for work. The total number of nationals who left in the same year was 752,466. The data shows that in 2015, over 9.4 million people left Pakistan in search of jobs out of whom 17,484 were highly qualified. In 2016; 839,353 people left the country for job opportunities abroad. Out of these, the highly qualified were 16,510, according to Dawn. In 2017; 16,029 highly qualified nationals left Pakistan out of a total of 496,286. In 2018; 16,105 highly skilled nationals of Pakistan went abroad for job opportunities out of a total of 382,439. In 2019; 625,876 Pakistanis left the country out of whom 15,525 were highly qualified. In 2020, a total of 5121 highly qualified nationals left the country out of a total of 225,213. In 2021; 288,280 Pakistanis went abroad in search of jobs out of whom 7,396 were highly qualified. Till June 2023, around 10,845 highly qualified nationals of Pakistan left the country for jobs abroad out of a total of 395166. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart met in St. Petersburg on Sunday - nearly after a month after the Wagner mutiny rocked Moscow. According to Alexander Lukashenko, Wagner militia fighters are now assembling en masse in Belarus and had recently asked him for permission to go on a trip to Warsaw". They are asking to go West, ask me for permission... to go on a trip to Warsaw, to Rzeszow. But of course, I am keeping them in central Belarus, like we agreed. We are controlling what is happening (with Wagner). They are in a bad mood," Lukashenko said as Putin smiled during their interaction. Both leaders have accused Poland of Warsaw of having territorial ambitions on Ukraine and Belarus. Putin on Friday claimed that Polish authorities were considering seizing parts of western Ukraine, prompting the other country to summon Russias ambassador. Lukashenko similarly referenced the dismemberment of Ukraine and the transfer of lands to Poland" on Sunday. The comments were the latest provocative remarks by Russia and its ally about the NATO member which recently reinforced its border with additional troops. Members of the Russian Wagner mercenary force arrived in Belarus earlier this month after an aborted rebellion led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. While speculative reports had suggested the Wagner chief was dead or missing he was shown welcoming the fighters to Belarus on Wednesday. In a video Prigozhin could be heard telling his troops that they would take no further part in the war in Ukraine for now. They were however ordered to gather strength for Wagner's operations in Africa while they trained the Belarusian army. On Thursday, the Belarusian defence ministry said Wagner Group mercenaries have started to train Belarusian special forces at a military range just a few miles from the border with NATO-member Poland. (With inputs from agencies) The first two days of the monsoon session of Parliament have made it abundantly clear that the course is set for the forthcoming general elections. Constituents of INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) seemed to be working together rather well. Should the direction of the upcoming election months be made clear by this newfound solidarity? There will undoubtedly be more questions. Is the NDA vs INDIA battle being fought on values? Is it a power struggle, or a battle of ideologies? So, when Mayawati, the Bahujan Samaj Party leader, called a news conference, reporters already knew what was in the offing. They had a sense that Mayawati was going to contest alone. Her decision will have a significant impact on her home state. She will try to form another Dalit-Muslim alliance like she has always done. It will directly impact the Congress-Samajwadi Party combination. To display her power, she intends to contest the coming assembly elections alone. It will be interesting to observe how it will impact Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. Mayawati is not alone. Naveen Patnaik of Odisha, Jagan Mohan Reddy of Andhra Pradesh, K. Chandrashekar Rao, and Deve Gowda, the father-son duo of Janata Dal (Secular) are on the same page. It makes sense why neither the NDA nor INDIA asked her to join. However, it is impossible to overlook her impact on the general election. A direct fight for New Delhi will unquestionably be affected by the presence of a third party. All these leaders are aware of their strengths and use them to keep their voter base from shifting to national parties. Also, they would have the opportunity to make a great fortune if the government in New Delhi ever became weak. Is it a mistake for INDIA to isolate her? Definitely not. Take Uttar Pradesh for example. Opposition leaders in UP are unsure that their votes will be fully transferred, even if Mayawati joins INDIA. The 2019 elections proved that such an attempt would fail. But then, how did the RJD-JD-U coalition fare in Bihar in 2015? Politics is a game of odds. Nobody can predict with absolute confidence which equation will eventually come out on top. This explains why both coalitions have their contradictions. While the NDA has grown, how will it manage to balance three swords in large states such as Maharashtra and Bihar? The BJPs steel structure has occasionally developed cracks. In the assembly elections, the party took the biggest hit from this. Can it be recovered in time? In India, there are such challenges at every turn. Samajwadi Party, Congress, and RLD in Uttar Pradesh; Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar group), and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) in Maharashtra; Congress, Left, and Trinamool in Bengal; JD-U, RJD, and Congress in Bihar; and Congress, Left, and RLD in Bengal. The NDA has the resources of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and a strong personality like Narendra Modi. There are undoubtedly significant regional Goliaths in INDIA, but they still need to select a coordinator or a face. Additionally, Modi has been stirring a potent political cocktail of Hindutva, nationalism, and Indianness. It will be up to INDIA to develop a counter narrative". To win the election, you always need political chemistry and maths. Some additional points should be made here. Is there a reason why cities such as Patna, Bengaluru, and Mumbai were chosen? Mallikarjun Kharge played the primary role in Karnataka, while Nitish Kumar played it in Patna. Will this be played in Mumbai by Sharad Pawar or Uddhav Thackeray? Both Patna and Mumbai are outside the Congress umbrella. Is there any attempt to reach out to the scattered anti-BJP voters through these meetings? This endeavour will be effective only if Congress gives regional parties significant leeway. Is Congress willing to make a genuine concession in order to woo its allies? Another point is worth highlighting. When these leaders addressed the press in Patna, mutual tension was evident. Kejriwal had already left. His partys spokespersons in New Delhi, on the other hand, were making their demands public. As a result, many rumours began to circulate. This never happened in Bengaluru. All faces looked happy and confident. Some decisions were also made this time, but INDIA still has a long way to go. INDIAs leaders must keep one thing in mind. NDA will continue to widen the gap over time. Whatever they have to do, they must do it quickly. Is the meeting in Mumbai going to be decisive in this matter? Shashi Shekhar is editor-in-chief, Hindustan. Views are personal. Former President of the United States Donald Trump recently said that things "would be very dangerous" if he were to go to prison. I think it is extremely dangerous to even talk about this. We do have a passionate group of voters. They are much more passionate that 2020 or 2016. I think it would be very dangerous," Trump said this during an radio interview for The Simon Conway Show. Donald Trump to likely faces up to six trials in 2024 Donald Trump is facing a mounting legal challenge as he campaigns for the 2024 presidential election. He will potentially face up to six criminal and civil cases within the next year, including lawsuits against him, his family, and businesses. Four trials have already been scheduled, and some of them are expected to last for weeks, coinciding with crucial primary election dates, raising concerns about the impact on Trump's 2024 campaign. The most severe legal issues are two criminal indictments, one by the Justice Department and another by state prosecutors in Manhattan, both carrying possible prison terms upon conviction. Additionally, Trump is facing two civil suits in state and federal courts in New York. Two other potential criminal trials are still uncertain. Special Counsel Jack Smith is conducting a second investigation into Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, with no charges announced yet, but signaling the possibility of further federal action. Moreover, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis in Atlanta may soon indict the former president over alleged election interference in Georgia after his 2020 defeat. As the 2024 primaries approach, these legal challenges pose significant obstacles and consequences for Trump's political ambitions. The trial of former US President Donald Trump in the Classified Documents case will start on May 20 next year, after the federal judge overseeing the matter set the date on Friday (With agency inputs) ATLANTA More Information An odd development occurred in Karnataka Congress as Legislative Council Member BK Hariprasad challenged Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah, stating that he knew how to make or bring the chief minister down. The MLC, who is said to be sulking for sometime now over not being inducted into Karnataka cabinet, was speaking at a meeting of Ediga, Billava, Namdhari and Deevara communities on Friday. In the video, BK Hariprasad could be heard saying, I know how to make CM and how to bring him down. I do not beg from anyone. I will stand with my chest. Becoming a minister is a different question." "The community should be conscious. Whether I become a minister or not is a different question. I have already played a role in making five Chief Ministers in this country, whether it is Pondicherry (Puducherry) or Goa. In Jharkhand, I have done it alone. In Haryana and Punjab, I did it along with the AICC team," Hariprasad said. BK Hariprasad, who has not been inducted into the Karnataka cabinet, was speaking at a meeting of Billava and Ediga leaders in Bengaluru on Friday and gave an indirect warning to CM Siddaramaiah by saying that he knew how to choose and remove CM. "Siddaramaiah belongs to the backward class. We gave support in 2013 because we wanted everyone to remain united," the Congress MLC said. Hariprasad also alleged that politically, the Billava and Ediga communities were not able to come forward, and expressed his displeasure that they were falling victim to someone's conspiracies. Both BK Hariprasad, a former Leader of the Opposition in the Council, and CM Siddaramaiah are OBCs. Hariprasad belongs to the Ediga community, while CM Siddaramaiah comes from the Kuruba community. While reacting to the viral video on Saturday, Hariprasad said that he doesn't talk about resentment and that he accepts what he said as "true". "I will not take back a word that I have said. I will be bound by what I have said. It is not my word if I have not said it. Even so, I will be bound by my word if I have said it," he said while speaking to reporters in Bengaluru later on Saturday. Addressing the gathering, he claimed credit for making Bhupesh Baghel, a leader among the backward classes, as Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. "So I very well know how to make some Chief Minister or to ensure someone steps down from the post... I will not bow down or beg. Let me make it clear. If any injustice happens, 'Koti Chennaya' (legendary Tuluva twin heroes) have thought about how to face it. Doing politics in Bengaluru for 49 years is not a child's game," he added. As India prepares for 2024 Lok Sabha polls, opposition parties have united under the banner of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) to challenge the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). However, amidst this grand coalition lies one of the most critical challenges - the selection of a strong and unifying leader to spearhead the bloc. Noting it to be a very minor issue, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said a concrete decision will be taken on this during the next meeting in Mumbai. He also said, discussions will also be held regarding seat sharing and campaign management. Who are the biggest contenders to lead I.N.D.I.A? The alliance's strength relies on the leader's ability to galvanise support, rally diverse parties together, and present a credible alternative to the NDA. Hence to lead the bloc, the biggest contenders are Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) stalwart Sharad Pawar, and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, as per political experts. Now, the possibility of Sharad Pawar leading the opposition front is slim considering the turmoil in NCP, which recently witnessed the exit of Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, and Chhagan Bhujbal. Also, age is another factor that can be counted as a disadvantage for octogenarian Sharad Pawar. Mamata Banerjee is a flamboyant leader, who made many things possible in her political career, spanning over four decades. But the TMC supremo, unlike former West Bengal chief minister Jyoti Basu who led a similar alliance in the 90s, lacks nationwide appeal. Nitish Kumar, the Bihar chief minister, played a significant role in bringing all the parties together, but his past association with the NDA has raised trust issues among potential alliance members. Kumar has expressed a lack of political ambition, making him an improbable candidate for the top position. Also, in terms of numbers, none of the parties - i.e. NCP, TMC, and JDU - have the majority to lead the coalition. Hence, the spotlight inevitably falls on the two prominent Gandhi family members - Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. However, choosing either of them presents its own set of challenges and implications. Rahul Gandhi's leadership has often been at the center of the "dynastic politics" debate, which the saffron party frequently uses as an accusation against the Congress. Nevertheless, his image underwent a transformation during the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' and his poised actions following disqualification from parliament. Additionally, his US tour showcased a more statesman-like demeanor, bolstering his credibility. If Rahul Gandhi were chosen to lead the opposition, it could serve as a strategic move to attract the youth and progressive voters. On the other hand, Sonia Gandhi is a respected and trusted leader among opposition parties. Over the last two decades, she has shown unwavering commitment to Indian politics. During UPA I, she declined the prime ministerial post, demonstrating her focus on the welfare of the party over personal ambition. However, her Italian lineage has been a point of contention in the past, and the saffron party might resurrect this issue to attack her candidature. Congress has already declared this time it is not seeking to lead the new alliance. Kharge has pointed out it is not interested in either power or the prime ministerial post". Who is likely to lead opposition alliance - I.N.D.I.A? To conclude there are only two possibilities- Sonia Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi, as per political analysts. Notably, a stronger opinion suggests that Sonia would be leading on paper while all other members of the opposition alliance will divide responsibilities and coordinate for every single step to accomplish 'Mission 2024' in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Political parties in India are set to lead a slew of protests on Monday amid outrage over a viral video from Manipur and other crimes against women. While the BJP will hold an agitation over atrocities committed recently in Rajasthan, West Bengal and other Opposition-ruled states, the newly named INDIA alliance has demanded discussion about the situation in the northeast. A video of the two women being paraded naked by members of a different community surfaced last week, triggering a nationwide outrage. More than 160 people have been killed and others injured over the past three months as ethnic violence gripped the northeastern state. Opposition leaders have been clamouring for a discussion on the matter and sought a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the matter. Meanwhile the BJP-led NDA has lashed out at Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress as another incident of two tribal women being stripped naked, tortured and beaten up came to light in West Bengal. The party will raise the issue of atrocities on women and Dalits in West Bengal, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Rajasthan through a protest before the Gandhi statue on the Parliament premises. According to reports quoting sources, the BJP protest in front of the Parliament will also be attended by Central ministers. The development comes in the wake of state level agitations that have taken place over the past few days. Earlier, on July 20, MPs of BJP Bengal staged a sit-in in front of the Gandhi statue regarding the atrocities against women in Bengal. A day later, the Rajasthan BJP staged a protest in front of the Gandhi statue against the recent killings in Jodhpur as well as the continuous atrocities against women. The Manipur crisis has dominated proceedings as the Monsoon Session of Parliament began late last week. No substantial business has been conducted thus far and both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the day amid clamour over the Manipur issue on Friday. Opposition MPs have rejected the government's proposal to have a short-duration discussion. The government has, in principle, agreed to discuss the matter in Lok Sabha under Rule 193 and in Rajya Sabha under Rule 176. Henceforth, floor leaders of the newly formed Opposition alliance the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A) will meet at the office of Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge in Parliament on July 24 to chalk out the strategy for the floor of the House. (With inputs from agencies) BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 23. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter of congratulations to President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as his country celebrates the Revolution Day, Trend reports. Our peoples are bound together by traditional friendly ties. Built on these good traditions, our intergovernmental relations are today successfully developing. I believe that through our joint efforts the relations of friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Egypt will continue to expand and strengthen in line with the interests of our peoples, the head of state said in his message. SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 23. Klaus Jurgens, the Head of EconomyFirst Limited London, commended Azerbaijan's dedication to peace and its efforts in the restoration of the church in Shusha, Trend reports. Jurgens told reporters on the sidelines of the Shusha Global Media Forum that Azerbaijan's actions serve as a powerful demonstration of its commitment to peace. The country's approach exemplifies the importance of building, creating, and restoring, rather than engaging in destructive endeavors. He expressed admiration for this approach and its positive message to the world. He urged Armenia to respond in a similar manner and become advocates of peace, discouraging unfair and illegal demands. He believed that through mutual respect and good-neighborly relations, both countries can foster better relationships, leading to peaceful coexistence. Jurgens pointed out that Azerbaijan sets an exemplary model of peaceful coexistence, as he personally experienced during his visit, particularly to Shusha. He encouraged the media, especially journalists, to actively contribute to promoting peace. He stressed the need for impartiality, thorough research, and objective reporting. While acknowledging that journalists from different countries might have diverse approaches, he urged them to write more about Azerbaijan's efforts and share their thoughts on international platforms. Jurgens suggested that journalists sent abroad play a crucial role in conveying these messages to a wider audience. While acknowledging the challenges involved, he emphasized the importance of persistently writing articles for international newspapers and delivering speeches on television. By doing so, they can help the messages transcend the borders of Azerbaijan and contribute to global peace-building efforts. The forum, organized by the instruction of President Ilham Aliyev as part of the Heydar Aliyev Year and in connection with the 148th anniversary of Azerbaijan's national press, was attended by 150 foreign guests from about 50 countries, including state information agencies from 34 countries, 12 international organizations, and media structures. In addition, 60 managers and representatives of local media are among the participants. (Alliance News) - Online supermarket Ocado Group PLC is to be paid GBP200 million in a deal with Norwegian warehouse automation firm AutoStore AS, which accused it of breaching patents. In a joint statement released on Saturday, Ocado and AutoStore said they have settled their long-running dispute over robot patents. A High Court judge ruled in March that AutoStore's "patents were invalid" and that, regardless, Ocado did not infringe them. In 2020, AutoStore tried to protect six patents that it said Ocado had breached, and launched a legal battle. AutoStore is to pay Ocado GBP200 million in 24 monthly instalments starting in July 2023 under the new settlement. The statement, which was released by both companies, announces that they are withdrawing their actions against each other and have reached a deal in which both sides have freedom to access and use technology covered by each other's pre-2020 patents. Mats Hovland Vikse, chief executive of AutoStore, said: "We are glad to have achieved a resolution that gives both companies opportunity and freedom to commercialise our extensive patent portfolios. "This settlement resolves our differences and allows us to continue focusing on our respective business goals." Tim Steiner, Ocado Group chief executive, said: "I am pleased that we have worked together to resolve our differences and can now continue to focus on what we do best, innovating, developing and enabling partners to access world-beating technology." Neill Abrams,general counsel, added: "I'm delighted that this litigation has now ended on satisfactory terms." The full terms of the settlement are confidential but both firms are allowed to continue to use and market their existing products without challenge of infringement of the other's post-2020 patents. It adds that AutoStore is not permitted to make or use a single-space cavity robot in any jurisdiction where Ocado has patent protection. The deal also gives access to part of each company's patent portfolio for them to use or develop their own products but this does not mean there will be collaboration, technology assistance or access to actual products. When it first announced its claims, AutoStore said Ocado was using some of its patented robot technology. Deals that the automated supermarket company had with Marks & Spencer and Morrisons and Kroger in the US infringed on the patents, AutoStore claimed. The company had asked for the courts to ban Ocado from using the technology in future and was seeking compensation. By Helen William, PA source: PA Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Thousands of tourists are being evacuated from affected areas in the island's east and south Tourists are evacuated from hotels during a wildfire on the Greek island of Rhodes on 22 July Photo credit: AFP Around 80 Luxair customers are being evacuated from the Greek island of Rhodes on Sunday, the national airlines CEO said, as wildfires ravage the south and east of the island popular with tourists. Authorities started evacuating hotels in the island's south on Saturday, affecting around 80 Luxair customers, CEO Gilles Feith told broadcaster RTL on Sunday morning. The customers will be flown back to Luxembourg. Over 8,000 people fled southern Rhodes by foot and a further 2,000 were rescued by boat from the coast line, Greek radio reported on Sunday morning. Over 18,000 people have had to be evacuated due to wildfires, the FT reported on Sunday. "This is the largest evacuation operation ever carried out in Greece. Over 3,000 people were rescued by sea," Greece's alternate Foreign Minister Varvitsiotis Miltiadis said on Twitter on Sunday morning. Footage on social media shows tourists fleeing affected areas by foot or in the back of pickup trucks and private boats as wildfires raged behind them. British airlines Jet2 and TUI said on Sunday they would cancel all flights to Rhodes. Luxair will continue to operate its flights to the holiday destination as the islands north is unaffected, Feith said. One Luxair flight left Luxembourg for Rhodes 6:20 on Sunday, according to the LuxAirport website. The island has been battling wildfires fanned by strong winds since Tuesday, as Europe deals with a challenging heatwave. Greece has been registering temperatures exceeding 40 degrees this week, with meterologists saying the country could be set for the hottest July in 50 years. SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 23. Traditional media must have a strategy for adapting to the digital world, and financial resources must be directed to online media, executive director of The Korea Times Jae Hyon Jo told reporters on Sunday on the sidelines of the Shusha Global Media Forum, Trend reports. He noted that the media industry has undergone significant transformations. "As a representative of traditional media, I recognize the changing preferences of today's young audience, who are less inclined to read newspapers. To thrive in this digital age, we must adapt and strategize for digital platforms. It's evident that online media is also grappling with financial challenges. While there is no definitive solution to ensure the 'survival' of traditional media, particularly newspapers, in the modern era, we must confront the reality. One approach is to reduce investments in print media and redirect those resources to bolster online media. Failure to make this shift could lead to the gradual disappearance of traditional media, especially print media, in the future," he said. The forum, organized by the instruction of President Ilham Aliyev as part of the Heydar Aliyev Year and in connection with the 148th anniversary of Azerbaijan's national press, was attended by 150 foreign guests from about 50 countries, including state information agencies from 34 countries, 12 international organizations, and media structures. In addition, 60 managers and representatives of local media are among the participants. Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno expects the digital transformation in the Bureau of Customs to improve trade, revenue collection, border control and development of employees. Diokno, in the Customs mid-year report, lauded Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio for the agencys achievements and innovative strategies in driving efficiency and transparency. Diokno said these initiatives would increase trade and revenue collection, strengthen border control measures and foster the professional advancement of its employees. The Customs unveiled six automation projectsa major step towards enhancing efficiency and transparency in its operations. These automation projects include the BayaniBox, Link.BizPortal, Automated Export Declaration System, Digitalized Official Receipt System, Customs Auction Monitoring System and Redesigned BOC Website. The BayaniBox is a BOC initiative in partnership with eScience Corporation to streamline the processing of balikbayan boxes, providing overseas Filipinos and their families a seamless experience in customs clearance. The BOC, in partnership with Land Bank of the Philippines, will soon utilize the Link.BizPortal, creating a user-friendly online platform for customs transactions and payment processing. The Automated Export Declaration System will simplify export processes and documentation, reducing red tape and expediting trade facilitation. The Digitalized Official Receipt System, in partnership with the APO Production Unit, Inc., is a paperless solution for the electronic issuance and tracking of official receipts, ensuring accuracy and accessibility of financial records. The Customs Auction Monitoring System will enhance transparency in the auction process for seized goods, fostering integrity and accountability. The Redesigned BOC Website provides a more user-friendly and informative website, giving stakeholders easy access to customs-related information and services. Rubio highlighted the Customs significant accomplishments under its 5-Point Priority Program in the first semester of 2023. The Customs exceeded its revenue collection target by 3.04 percent, with a total collection of P433.433 billion. The Philippines climbed 17 places in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index, ranking 43rd among 139 countries, a testament to the Customs efforts in improving the ease of doing business. The agencys anti-smuggling operations led to 603 seizures worth over P23 billion from January to June 2023, showcasing the bureaus relentless commitment to combat illicit trade activities. The agency hired 71 new personnel and promoted 214 employees. It obtained 23 ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certificates, reflecting its dedication to providing top-notch services to stakeholders. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. A man who was thrown out of a bar in Mexico for improper behavior toward women went back and set fire to it, killing 11 people, authorities said Saturday. The arson attack happened overnight Friday into Saturday in the town of San Luis Rio Colorado, in the northern state of Sonora, which borders the United States. The fire killed seven men and four women and wounded six others, the state prosecutors office in Sonora said. The attacker was expelled from the bar for treating women disrespectfully, and then returned and threw a flaming object into it, presumably a Molotov cocktail, the prosecutors office said. The mayor of San Luis Rio Colorado, which abuts the border south of Yuma, Arizona, said later in the day that a suspect had been arrested in the fatal attack on the Beer House bar. He did not identify the man. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Newly appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief and concurrent commander of the Philippine Army Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. has laid down his AFP Command Guidance, dubbed UNITY during his first AFP-wide command conference on Friday in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Brawner, who had just assumed the post as the 60th AFP chief succeeding Gen. Andres Centino who was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as Presidential Adviser for the West Philippine Sea, emphasized five areas on which he will focus his efforts in line with the Commander-in-Chiefs call for national unity. U is Unification of all people internally the command including officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resource and also, the people externally especially the former rebels who will unite once again with their families; N is Normalization, for the AFP will support the normalization process in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao; I is Internal Security Operations, as the command will sustain and protect the gains to prevent the resurgence of insurgency and terrorism in the country; T is Territorial Defense, the AFP will endeavor to modernize its equipment, facilities, processes, and subsystems; as well as maintain the discipline and professionalism to ensure that the organization is a credible and competent fighting force capable of defending the countrys territorial integrity and sovereignty; and Y is Youth, the AFP will do its share in developing the Youth, the future leaders of our nation, to be responsible and patriotic defenders of the nation and territory, Brawner explained. Senior defense and military officials from the AFP Joint Staff, personal staff, special staff, and technical staff attended the command conference to discuss the new AFP operations and modernization, the departments plans, programs, and legislative agenda. General Brawner will be the concurrent Army chief until President Marcos picks a new replacement for Brawner to lead the command. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III has stressed that the staggering economic implications highlight the importance of proactive and preventive measures to mitigate the impact of the water crisis and El Nino. Meanwhile, 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan said while the Philippines is on track to lead its Southeast Asian neighbors in economic growth and jobs creation in the months ahead, severe El Nino weather conditions could pose a significant risk. Pimentel said it is very crucial for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to use the State of the Nation Address (SONA) as a platform to present long-term strategies and sustainable solutions that can cushion the effects of water shortage and El Nino. He cited a study by Columbia University which indicated that the El Nino event of 1997-1998 left 70 percent of the Philippines Pimentel also mentioned the statement by the Union Bank of the Philippines chief economist Ruben Carlo Asuncion that a strong El Nino event could lead to national gross domestic product (GDP) losses of up to $3.3 billion. As the country grapples with a recurring water shortage and the looming threat of El Nino, Pimentel urged President Marcos to prioritize long-term measures to address these pressing issues in his second SONA on Monday (July 24). Its not just Maharlika Investment Fund, he quipped. He emphasized the urgent need to address the water crisis and mitigate the impact of El Nino, particularly on agricultural productivity and the livelihood of farmers, the most vulnerable to El Nino. The adverse effects of water shortage and El Nino have far-reaching consequences on various sectors of the economy, Pimentel said. He pointed out that past droughts and water crises have caused a significant toll on the economy, business, agriculture, power generation, public health, and natural resources, among others. Last March, the President himself acknowledged the gravity of the water crisis, stating that 11 million families lack access to clean water as the dry season approaches. The concerns about the impending water shortage and El Nino phenomenon were made earlier. What measures did the government do? Pimentel asked. As I said before, the government should take an anticipatory approach and not merely be passive in addressing these challenges, he added. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization officially declared the emergence of El Nino conditions in the Tropical Pacific for the first time in seven years, with a 90 percent probability of it persisting until the second half of 2024. Pimentel also appealed to the public to conserve water and electricity during this critical period. These problems need immediate attention and concerted efforts from both the government and the public. I implore each of us to conserve water, he said. Government should spare no effort in mitigating El Ninos adverse impact on irrigation water supply and farm harvests, which could put an unwanted upward pressure on food prices, Libanan said. Libanan made the statement on the eve of President Marcos second SONA on the countrys situation, the governments agenda for the next 12 months, and recommend to Congress certain legislative measures. Right now, investments and employment are on the rise, consumption spending is on the upswing, public and private construction are revving up, and even foreign tourists are coming back in droves, Libanan noted. It would seem that the Presidents overseas promotional trips in his first year in office, particularly to Japan, Singapore and the United States, are starting to bear fruit in generating new investments, Libanan added. The Philippines GDP was projected to grow at six percent this year the highest in Southeast Asia, with Vietnam seen expanding by 5.8 percent, Indonesia by 4.8 percent, Malaysia by 4.7 percent, Thailand by 3.5 percent and Singapore by 1.5 percent, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said in an outlook released on July 19. The countrys unemployment rate dropped to 4.3 percent in May this year from 6.0 percent in May 2022 and 4.5 percent in April 2023, based on the Labor Force Survey results released by the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) on July 7. Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), in a July 4 bulletin, said: El Nino is present in the tropical Pacific and will persist until the first quarter of 2024, showing signs of strengthening in the coming months. El Nino increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could bring negative impacts (such as dry spells and droughts) in some areas of the country. However, over the western part of the country, above-normal rainfall conditions during the southwest monsoon season (habagat) may also be expected, the state weather bureau warned. When the Philippines last endured a full-blown El Nino event in 2019, vast parts of the country, including Metro Manila, reeled from a drought that caused widespread water shortages and farm losses, after dams and lakes that supply potable and irrigation water experienced a massive decline in rainfall. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Wad Madani, SudanAt least 20 Sudanese civilians have been killed by rocket fire on residential areas of one of Darfurs main cities and by shelling near hospitals in North Kordofan state, lawyers and medics said Saturday. The doctors union said that since Friday morning shells had struck near four hospitals in the North Kordofan state capital El-Obeid, killing four civilians and wounding 45. In the South Darfur state capital Nyala, the local lawyers union said that rocket fire had killed 16 civilians. The Darfur region, already ravaged by brutal conflict in the early 2000s, has seen some of the worst of the violence since fighting erupted in mid-April between Sudanese rival generals vying for power. During an exchange of rocket fire between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), 16 civilians were killed on Friday, according to a preliminary toll, the lawyers union said. And at least one man was killed by a sniper, it added. In the West Darfur capital of El Geneina, near Chad, snipers have reportedly been targeting residents from rooftops since fighting began, and tens of thousands have fled across the border. The war, which broke out in the capital Khartoum on April 15 and spread to Darfur later that month, has left at least 3,000 dead across Sudan, according to a conservative estimate. It pits army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, commander of the paramilitary RSF. Fighting in Darfur, an RSF stronghold, has recently concentrated around Nyala, after brutal clashes in El Geneina where the United Nations had reported atrocities. Battles have also continued in and around Khartoum. Residents reported on Saturday the first army air strikes on villages in the Al-Jazirah state, just south of the capital. The fertile land between the White Nile and Blue Nile rivers now hosts several hundred thousands of the estimated 3.3 million people the war has displaced. If fighting expands into Al-Jazirah, they may be forced to flee again. The humanitarian workers who support them would have to move as well, but fear the many bureaucratic challenges in relocating their operations. Analysts say both warring sides would like to see the battlefield expand. The RSF has held the upper hand in Khartoum since the early days of the war, but that advantage is only growing more apparent, the International Crisis Group (ICG) think tank said. The army on July 15 launched a major offensive in North Khartoum, flattening entire suburban neighbourhoods with air raids, but it failed spectacularly, the ICG said. The RSF, meanwhile, are trying to seize the main Darfur-Khartoum road to ensure a constant supply of fighters and weapons. Both Burhan and Daglo have representatives in Saudi Arabia, where truce talks have in theory been taking place. But on Friday, the government in Khartoum denied any information concerning a near truce. AFP Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 23. The Global Media Forum, currently taking place in Shusha, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, commenced its third day with an engaging session on "Investment and Consumer Trends in Media," Trend reports. During the session, the discussion centered around consumer trends in new media and the significance of media literacy. Distinguished participants from both local and foreign media outlets, along with industry experts, gathered to share their insights. Notable speakers, including Clive Marshall, the CEO of PA Media Group, Matthias Lufkens, the founder and CEO of DigiTips, Oubai Shahbandar, a defense analyst, and Tina Berdzenishvili, the CEO of Georgian Public Television, addressed various topics. They covered strategies to combat disinformation and fake news, changing trends in media production and consumption, media investment matters, and the crucial role of media literacy in fostering professional media and business development models. The forum, organized by the instruction of President Ilham Aliyev as part of the Heydar Aliyev Year and in connection with the 148th anniversary of Azerbaijan's national press, is attended by 150 foreign guests from about 50 countries, including state information agencies from 34 countries, 12 international organizations, and media structures. In addition, 60 managers and representatives of local media are among the participants. The forum will last until July 23. Three people have been charged in connection with a triple stabbing that happened near the Mass and Cass area in Roxbury last week, according to the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office. At about 11:37 a.m. July 15, staff at the Southampton Street Shelter reported to police that two people there had received stab wounds to the back. At the shelter, police found the first victim, later identified as Juan Shanks, 33, of Dorchester, laying in the street in front of the shelter and being treated by nursing staff, the DAs office said in a press reelase. The second victim, Mikia Steed, 38, of Roxbury, was being treated in the shelters lobby. Both victims were brought to local hospitals. A third victim, Jaden Mathieu, 20, of Dorchester, went to the hospital on his own for treatment of a stab wound in the back. According to police, security cameras in front of the shelter captured video showing Mathieu approaching Shanks with a gun and hitting Shanks in the head with the butt end before dropping the gun on the ground. Shanks and Mathieu wrestled on the ground until an unknown suspect wearing a dark hoodie and red pants approached and stabbed Shanks in the back, police said. Multiple people, including Steed, then attacked Shanks, and Steed could be seen on video punching, kicking and hitting Shanks with a milk crate. Shanks then got up and chased Steed, stabbing her multiple times in the lower back, police said. Multiple security guards attempted to stop the fight, and Shanks tossed a knife away, police said. Steed went into the lobby of the shelter and collapsed next to the security checkpoint. Another man, later identified as Jose Alicea, was seen on camera picking up Mathieus gun and putting it in his waistband, police said. He then walked under a canopy connected to a green tent no teh corner of Atkinson and Southampton Streets. Police later secured the tent and found two loaded guns. Alicea has not been charged. Another unknown suspect wearing a green t-shirt and blue jean shorts approached the scene with a machete, which was taken by a security guard. Neither this suspect or the suspect who stabbed Shanks have been identified. None of the injuries Shanks, Steed or Mathieu received in the incident were life-threatening, officials said. Police also found a folding knife in Shanks pants pocket. Mathieu has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, carrying a firearm without a license, and possession of ammunition without a firearms identification card. He has been held without bail pending a dangerous hearing scheduled for July 26. Officials said Mathieu has an additional open firearm-related case in Roxbury. Shanks was charged with armed assault to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He was found dangerous and has been held without bail. He will return to court on Aug. 25. Steed was charged with two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. A judge set bail at $2,500 and issued a no-contact order between Steed and Mathieu and Shanks. She will return to court on Aug. 18. She also had an open warrant in Suffolk Superior Court connected with a masked armed robbery that occurred in December, officials said. District Attorney Kevin Hayden said the incident was a reflection of the services needed in the neighborhood near the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard, which is known for heavy drug use and a large homeless population. Whats happening at Mass and Cass is a human tragedy and a community nightmare. This alarming violence illustrates, yet again, the urgent need for a collaborative approach combining all our resourceslocal, regional and state, Hayden said. Police and prosecutors continue to target serious offenders and we are seeking additional funding for our Services over Sentences program, which helps low-level offenders escape the area. But without a comprehensive approach a solution will never be adequately addressed. During a two-year timeframe in the mid-1970s, author Peter Benchleys creation Jaws dominated the New York Times bestseller list and became Hollywoods first summer blockbuster. His modern-day Moby Dick, which features a police chief, a marine biologist and a crazed fisherman chasing a killer white shark, continues to captivate generations of zoologists, fishermen, film buffs and beachgoers. Enthusiasm about sharks, animals that have swam Earths waters for millions of years, never seems to end. To a certain extent, Jaws is responsible for the change because it generated an enormous amount of interest in sharks that was not there before, Benchley told the News-Press in Florida in 2005, a year before he died. Countless people have told me academics even that the number of students interested in sharks and elasmobranchs has quadrupled because of the interest in Jaws. Kids stumbled onto it and were fascinated. By the end of the novel and the movie (while different in how they were portrayed), the shark is finally defeated and the seaside community of Amity is safe (until Jaws 2, but thats a different article). Conquering nature embodied by the sharks death also drew a macabre fascination with shark hunting. Benchley was dismayed by this. He told the News-Press that the movie sparked a spurt of macho madness. People were running around saying, Hey, lets slaughter sharks. Former director of the Florida Program for Shark Research George Buress told the BBC in 2015 that the release of Jaws ignited a collective testosterone rush that, according to Smithsonian Magazine, led to the number of large sharks off North Americas east coast to decline by 50%. Sport fishing and hunting great white sharks for their fins or teeth have resulted in their species being classified as vulnerable, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Read more: First Massachusetts beach closed of 2023 season due to shark activity Benchleys passion for sharks stemmed from his childhood, when he would spend summers on Nantucket Island, according to the biography on his website written a month before his death. After the success of the film Jaws, Benchley continued to write fiction but also became a passionate conservationist and a shark advocate. Were not their normal food, too skinny, too bony, not fat enough despite what some people think about themselves, Benchley said in an interview with GBH News in 2004. What this animal, in particular the great white shark, wants more than anything else is a big, fat seal, and he sees a profile on the surface and we do look like sea lions from below. He added that sharks test bite creatures before deciding to eat them, determining is this worth the effort Im going to expend to eat it? If it isnt, Im leaving. Thats a sophisticated judgment to make in a snap second. Along with a few other shark- or ocean-themed thrillers, Benchley wrote nonfiction works about sharks, namely Shark Trouble in 2002. The book covers his personal interactions with sharks and also offers valuable information about how to stay safe in the presence of these predators. Shark attacks on human beings generate a tremendous amount of media coverage, Benchley wrote in Shark Trouble, partly because they occur so rarely, but mostly, I think, because people are, and always have been, simultaneously intrigued and terrified by sharks. Sharks come from a wing of the dark castle where our nightmares live deep water beyond our sight and understanding and so they stimulate our fears and fantasies and imaginations. He became a documentarian, wrote for National Geographic, served as a spokesperson for the Environmental Defense Fund and worked with WildAid, traveling to teach about sharks and to try to warn against the practice of killing sharks for their fins, a delicacy especially popular in Asia, according to his New York Times obituary. Benchley also hosted Discovery Channels Shark Week in 1994, with his segments taped on Marthas Vineyard, according to the Washington Post. The Massachusetts community is also where director Steven Spielberg shot most of Jaws, where it served as Amity. On his 40th wedding anniversary with his wife Wendy, they went diving off the coast of San Diego looking for white sharks. Benchley died Feb. 11, 2006. His New York Times obituary said he regretted making the great white shark into a villain. Nature takes great care with her apex predators, Benchley told GBH. She doesnt want too many, so this animal pups very few and is not accustomed to dealing with man. For all their power, they are amazingly fragile. For the past three years, Aljani Stanley and her family have dedicated themselves to putting healthy organic fruits and vegetables on the plates of dozens of Massachusetts families. As the owners of the LiCrucian Legacy Farm, a family-owned farm in Framingham, Stanley said its their mission to provide families with locally grown food. But, Stanley doesnt run an ordinary farm. LiCrucian Legacy Farm in Framingham uses the Community Supported Agriculture model where customers, also called members, pay upfront for the farms produce and can later pick it up, just like a grocery store subscription. When I started this journey, I really wanted to have other families have access to good, clean, healthy options, Stanley said. So every day everything that I do to support my farming efforts, its focused on that purpose. An immigrant from Monrovia, Liberia, Stanley said she comes from a long line of farmers. Farming is actually in my blood, she said. Agricultural life in Liberia is more family-oriented and based on community engagement, Stanley said. So we have more people who live in the community, the community participating in the farming process, which I think within the U.S. that differs depending on where your farm is located, Stanley said. Tiffany Stanley works on her family-owned farm the LiCrucian Legacy Farm. (Photo by Lyndsay Hannah Photography)Lyndsay Hannah Photography When she came to the United States, she wanted to re-introduce herself to the practice. She started slowly growing her own food in 2016, but it wasnt until the peak of the pandemic years later that she fully immersed herself in farming. Around that time, she started observing unusual reactions from her son, Dwayne Stanley Jr., toward specific foods. As it turned out, Dwayne was allergic to several foods. He would get the vegetables from the store organic or non-organic products, and he would complain about itchiness with his throat and his tongue, Stanley said. When Stanley began cultivating her own food items for her family, she discovered that her son could eat the same food without any issues. Inspired by her desire to feed her son organic foods without pesticides or herbicides, Stanley began the LiCrucian Legacy Farm to help other families. Dwayne Stanley (left) helps his son Dwayne Stanley Jr. (right) pick out crops on their family farm LiCrucian Legacy Farm. (Photo by Lyndsay Hannah Photography)Lyndsay Hannah Photography With the help of the rest of the members of her family, Stanley runs her CSA in a streamlined way. Every February, she starts mapping out what crops shed like to grow and how many of them she may need to sell. During March or April, Stanley begins to plant the seeds in the soil. When September arrives, she can anticipate the growth of crops such as radishes, pumpkins, squash, and okra, which will be ready for sale. We really put a lot of thought and effort into our planning process to decrease the amount of labor that we have to do, Stanley said. LiCrucian Legacy Farm uses automated systems for watering and fertilizing, eliminating the need for farmers to spend hours in the sun. So a lot of that is spent more on kind of our key milestones for the project instead of more so a lot of the heavy labor-intensive day-to-day work that most farms. Since its introduction, Stanleys focus on organic food has served as an inspiration for many families to embrace this healthy lifestyle. Although many farmers exist in Massachusetts, Stanley said that she wanted to have strong bonds with households like hers, not just with other farmers. Cheryl Isaac, a resident of Attleborough, has been coming to LiCrucian Legacy Farm for several years. She said that the farms sense of family and community is what draws her interest. Its great to see a Black family doing [and] helping the community with fresh food alternatives, but then you see the kids everyone hands on, they all know what theyre eating, Isaac said. They all really care about whats going in stomachs. Usually, you dont see that from youngsters, but everyones just invested and thats why I like it. Isaac also said that she enjoys learning about organic fruits and vegetables and their health benefits while shopping at the farm. Thats what I love most about it, is that I am sharing my food, my knowledge, my experience with other families, and so they do not have to go through what I went through with my son, Stanley said. But then also they get to have healthy options and healthy food that they can also know their grower puts a face with the first thing was growing your food. Eversource must do more research and outreach before the state decides whether to allow a controversial plan to install a secondary gas line through Springfield and Longmeadow. In a 244-page response to the utilitys draft environmental impact report, Energy Secretary Rebecca L. Tepper asked Eversource to submit a supplement that answers additional questions. I have reviewed the draft environmental impact report and hereby determine that it does not adequately and properly comply with MEPA (the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act) and its implementing regulations, she said. Eversource has applied for approvals to construct a new 5.3-mile, 16-inch diameter gas pipeline, make upgrades to the existing Bliss Street Regulator Station in Springfield and build a new Point of Delivery facility in Longmeadow. The $65 million project is in the midst of a years-long review. Eversource will continue to work with regulators and local stakeholders to meet requirements of the process, said Priscilla Ress, Eversource spokeswoman. We are working diligently to comply with all the necessary requirements as spelled out in MEPAs recent request for a supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Report, Ress said. The project will also need other permits, including a zoning exemption from the state Department of Public Utilities, approvals from the Energy Facilities Siting Board and a highway access permit from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. It also needs Conservation Commission approvals from Longmeadow and Springfield, the state report said. In its application, the company has argued that the new pipeline is needed as a backup to the existing 70-year-old system. The line serves people in Springfield, Longmeadow, Agawam, West Springfield, Southwick, East Longmeadow and Chicopee. The company says a disruption in the current aging pipeline would impact 58,000 businesses and households and more than 200,000 people and could take eight weeks to repair and restore service, if the system were damaged for any reason. Ress said a second source to deliver natural gas is critical for such a large concentration of customers. It is also important to note that this is not an expansion project, and any potential new customers in the area will still need to be served by the existing infrastructure, Ress said. The Longmeadow Board of Selectmen and its Planning Board, as well as the Springfield City Council, have voted against the proposal. Activist and environmental groups, including the Interfaith Council of Greater Springfield, have written letters in opposition. The Springfield Climate Justice Coalition submitted a petition against the pipeline signed by 6,000 people who live across the state. Trade unions are among those that support the project. States critique In her response to Eversources application, Tepper cited questions that have gone unanswered. She asked for more information to back up the companys arguments for the pipeline. The state report seeks more information about whether alternatives, such as trucking in gas in the case of an emergency, or the use of liquified or compressed natural gas, can be used during peak times instead of adding a second pipeline. Teppers report questions why the region needs the pipeline and called for a study of alternatives to increasing use of fossil fuels. The (draft environmental impact report) has not fully justified the purpose and need for the project, and does not explain why the risk of outage was determined to be unacceptably high at this location so as to warrant immediate action, the report said. Tepper also called for Eversource to do more outreach in Springfield, which is considered an environmental justice community where more residents are poor, are racial minorities or dont speak English well. The proponent should continue to conduct focused outreach in Springfield prior to filing the (supplement impact report) and should hold at least one, well-publicized public meeting in Springfield to discuss the impacts of the project, the report said. The meeting should be held in person at a location that is accessible by public transportation, and reasonable support services such as childcare and food should be provided to encourage attendance. The meeting should provide on-site interpretation in Spanish and Russian without the need for advance requests. Ress responded that of the 58,000 customers served by the pipeline, 33,000 are located in Springfield and it is important to ensure there is a resilient energy supply to this important, vulnerable population. A spokeswoman for the Springfield Climate Justice Coalition did not return requests for comment Sunday. SPRINGFIELD A new collection allows residents to teleport back in time by browsing over 400 yearbooks available at the Springfield Central Library and online at the Internet Archive via the Digital Commonwealth of Boston. The collection makes the library a place where old yearbooks are loved and cherished, Elizabeth McKinstry, a training and programming librarian. Weve received over 400 yearbook donations, with around 250 unique items, she said. Librarians say the public response to a call for help has been tremendous. It wont end there, said Maggie Keane, a reference librarian. Were still actively seeking donations, especially from later decades and missing years. The first floor at the central library, at 220 State St., offers a curated a display of memorabilia. Glass cases include old yearbooks, class photos, newspaper articles, documents, senior memorabilia and letterman patches, McKinstry said. It was last August that the library asked for Springfield high school yearbook donations to build a community-based collection. Several volumes arrived from Classical High School and the Springfield Museums. The library also received yearbooks from local teachers, but the collection is still taking shape. We have a good way to go, McKinstry said. The yearbook archive from Springfield Trade High School is about 80% complete. Of the public schools, Roger L Putnam Vocational-Technical High School is only about 28% complete. Donated memorabilia and yearbooks at Springfield Central Library for the yearbook digitization project. (Hoang' Leon' Nguyen / The Republican) McKinstry said the library is seeking more donations to close gap years for Putnam and Cathedral High School, among other schools. The rest of the schools are about halfway complete, McKinstry told The Republican. The library is invested in completing the collection so a piece of history is represented and preserved. Big demand Yearbooks are highly requested at the library, coming in second to obituaries. McKinstry said many people have given yearbooks once owned by their loved ones. Donors expressed gratitude to have a place to take them. Some yearbooks were donated because family members could not bear to throw them out. The library has received inquiries about local history and yearbooks from all over the world. A man in France was looking for his mothers 1931 graduation photo from her senior yearbook from the High School of Commerce, the library said in a report earlier this month. He wrote, Seeing my mothers image, as well as her many school activities, brought tears to my eyes, the report said. West Springfield resident Robert Sarnacki donated a 1963 Technical High School Tiger yearbook that belonged to his brother, Tom. I was happy to hear I could donate the yearbook, rather than it ending up chopped up somewhere. I always figured someone, somewhere could get some use out of it. I would be a terrible waste not to do what the library is doing, Sarnacki wrote in a statement. Big feelings McKinstry said the project has been more emotional for people than expected. Collecting the yearbooks from members of the community has proven to be a very heartwarming and nostalgic experience for everyone involved, wrote Keane, the reference librarian. The librarians working on the project have enjoyed hearing the stories behind why people chose to donate either their own yearbooks or yearbooks of loved ones. So far, high school yearbooks are most in demand. Colleges and universities usually have their own digitized collections. A case of donated memorabilia and yearbooks on display at Springfield Central Library for the yearbook digitization project. (Hoang' Leon' Nguyen / The Republican) To digitize a single yearbook takes minutes, but the collection process demands more time. The library in Boston digitizes yearbooks once a year, McKinstry said. So, the process of collecting them and bringing them up to Boston to be processed is much longer, McKinstry said. They get to them when they can. Full list A full list of high school yearbooks in the librarys collection is online. If the year is linked, that yearbook can be retrieved electronically. If the year is listed but not linked, the yearbook has been donated but not yet digitized. In that case, a yearbook can be viewed in person at the Central Library. If the year is not listed, we dont have it, and are actively trying to obtain a copy, McKinstry said. The Springfield libraries are always collecting historical documents for missing years. Donations can be dropped off at any of the nine library locations. All Springfield high school yearbooks are welcome public, private, or charter, McKinstry said. To learn more about the yearbook donations or how to access the collection, call the Springfield Central Library reference desk at 413-263-6828, Extension 213, or email ask@springfieldlibrary.org. by Les Luchter , July 23, 2023 Ready for a business trip to Kyiv? Pencil it in for Nov. 7-9, when the first International Healthcare Summit will hold forth in the Ukranian capital. The event -- organized by Janz Corp., a global medical equipment supplier, and August Mission, a humanitarian nonprofit has been months in the making, Makenzie Holland, Janz marketing manager, tells Marketing Daily. Our CEO was part of a delegation that met with Ukrainian ministers in Kyiv several months back, she explains. This inspired us to do the Summit. Fortunately, we have employees in Kyiv that can help us with the logistics. Those logistics include time out from Summit sessions to visit local hospitals and rehabilitation centers, and to meet with healthcare-related dignitaries. The Summit will feature discussions on medical innovation, education, and medical expertise, in various fields and modalities with an emphasis on military-related injuries and rehabilitation, the partners say . Specific topics will include Battlefield Trauma (hemorrhagic shock, traumatic brain injuries, transport), Hospital Services (surgical procedures, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment), Rehabilitation (prosthetics, mental health), and "Lessons Learned" in a wartime environment. advertisement advertisement For safety reasons, Holland cannot reveal how many people are expected to attend, but acknowledges that the majority will be from the U.S. and Ukraine. She notes, however, that the Summit is being promoted through Janzs established social media platform in seven countries, and we are accepting participants from all over the globe. What is revealed about attendees is that they will include top officials from Ukraine, including representatives of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of regional administrations, international organizations, Ukrainian medical institutions/doctors, and industry experts. The Summit will also have an exhibit area, limited to 50 exhibitors to emphasize that this conference is about collaboration and learning, Holland explains. The Uttar Pradesh government under Yogi Adityanath's leadership has taken action to adhere to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) instructions for child protection in the state. The Uttar Pradesh government has issued essential guidelines that permit diabetic children to carry insulin and glucometers to school. NCPCR's Appeal for Diabetic Children's Protection and Insulin Guidelines The State Basic Education Department has directed all the Divisional Education Directors (Basic) and District Basic Education Officers in this regard.The NCPCR Chairman had appealed to the state government to ensure action for the control of Type-1 diabetes in students aged 0 to 19 years. Subsequently, the Yogi government issued guidelines for the protection and security of diabetic children. Acting on the letter of the NCPCR, the Yogi government has instructed the Basic Education Department to ensure appropriate actions. On behalf of Director General School Education Vijay Kiran Anand, a letter has been sent to Joint Director of Education (Basic) Ganesh Kumar to issue necessary guidelines for this. SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 23. Jahangir Ishbilir, the Director of the Academy of the Anadolu Agency, shared his insights and experiences in safeguarding journalists while performing their duties during a training session on "Military Journalism" held within the framework of the Shusha Global Media Forum, Trend reports. He emphasized that journalists involved in military journalism must not only be skilled in gathering information but also well-versed in self-defense techniques. The training covered various aspects, including providing first aid in emergencies, defensive driving, mastering flexible physical actions, and the proper use of gas masks. Jahangir Ishbilir stressed the importance of essential knowledge, such as language, maps, and understanding the culture of the areas they operate in. Journalists were encouraged to equip themselves with first aid skills, as well as cultivate psychological resilience, given the challenges they may encounter in conflict zones. Furthermore, the training provided valuable recommendations to journalists, particularly in the realm of cyber technologies and remotely controlled weapons. By acquiring comprehensive information about the regions they cover, including the types of weaponry employed, journalists can mitigate the risk of making erroneous judgments or missteps while reporting from the field. The forum, organized by the instruction of President Ilham Aliyev as part of the Heydar Aliyev Year and in connection with the 148th anniversary of Azerbaijan's national press, is attended by 150 foreign guests from about 50 countries, including state information agencies from 34 countries, 12 international organizations, and media structures. In addition, 60 managers and representatives of local media are among the participants. Hong Kong: CE starts ASEAN trip in Singapore Chief Executive John Lee led a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation to Singapore today to begin a visit programme to three countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Upon arrival in Singapore, Mr Lee met Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Singapore Sun Haiyan. Mr Lee expressed gratitude to Ambassador Sun and the embassy for their continuous support to the Hong Kong SAR Government and the thoughtful arrangements for this visit. He also thanked the embassy for its care for Hong Kong people in Singapore, adding that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to promote business and cultural exchanges between the two places, and tell Hong Kong's good stories in Singapore and other ASEAN countries. Noting that Hong Kong and Singapore have always maintained close bilateral trade relations, Mr Lee said that Singapore is Hong Kong's fourth largest trading partner and Hong Kong's largest trading partner among the 10 ASEAN countries. The Chief Executive hoped to strengthen the high-level connection with the Singapore Government through this visit. This story has been published on: 2023-07-23. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced a new technology agreement between affiliates of Hyatt and Sabre Corporation, a leading provider of software and technology that powers the global travel industry. Under this agreement, Sabres SynXis Central Reservation System will become the main Central Reservation System (CRS) for Hyatt hotels beginning in 2024. This integration will enhance Hyatts reservation capabilities, streamline its operations, and deliver a seamless and efficient experience for guests, including a faster search and booking process. The agreement comes on the heels of Hyatts announcement of Hyatt PrO to optimise its revenue management system. These innovations are done with the aim of enhancing Hyatts commercial technology stack, informed by listening to owners and operators. All of our business decisions are driven by our purpose we care for people so they can be their best and that begins with empathy and listening, said Eben Hewitt, Chief Information Officer, Hyatt. As part of our transformative growth journey, we heard directly from owners and franchise management companies that we had an opportunity to create a more efficient and streamlined Central Reservation System, and after a very thorough evaluation, we decided that Sabre would be the perfect provider for Hyatts global portfolio to make the search and booking process even better for guests. By leveraging the SynXis Central Reservation System, Hyatts new system will be designed to make the guest search and booking process even smoother and increase visibility for property availability through: * Flexible calendar search Guests searching for availability will have a more intuitive and efficient calendar view, including key dates when special promotions are available, as well as when World of Hyatt members can redeem their points for the highest value. * Enhanced rooms and rates view Hotels will be able to quickly synchronize reservation modifications, enabling guests and colleagues to access newly available rooms in real-time. Hotels will also be able to share dynamic packages allowing guests to individually customize aspects of their stay. * Efficient booking The platform is designed to simplify the booking process by unlocking the best rates for our guests through advance purchase rates and streamlining the processing for hotel colleagues. I am thrilled to announce that Sabre's reservation system has been selected by Hyatt to advance its technology strategy, enhance its reservation capabilities, and improve its guests' experience," said Scott Wilson, president of Sabre Hospitality Solutions. "At Sabre, we are committed to enabling our customers in achieving their goals by delivering the technology that forms the foundation of their operations and future innovation. This collaboration represents our dedication to empowering the hospitality industry and elevating the guest experience." Our collaboration with Sabre will also simplify operations for on- and off-property colleagues that will result in enhanced experiences for our guests, World of Hyatt members and customers, said Jessica White, senior vice president, global property & guest services, Hyatt. Adopting Sabre as our new Central Reservation System will increase the distribution breadth and reach of our brands and personalized direct booking experiences across our global portfolio. - TradeArabia News Service BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 23. On July 23, 16 Azerbaijani students reunited at a seminar to conclude their year-long experience in the United States through the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program, a highly competitive, merit-based U.S. government-sponsored scholarship that sends several Azerbaijani high school students to the United States to live with a volunteer American host family and attend a U.S. high school, Trend reports citing the US Embassy in Azerbaijan. The program was created from the belief of former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley that the best way to ensure long-lasting peace and mutual understanding between the United States and the countries of Eurasia was through intercultural exchange opportunities. Cultural Affairs Officer Salman Haji welcomed the returning students and congratulated them for spending a year outside their comfort zones and being ambassadors of Azerbaijan in their American host families, schools, and communities. Exchange programs like FLEX are part of our commitment to building stronger connections between Azerbaijanis and Americans, he said in his remarks. You now join the ranks of thousands of other Azerbaijani alumni of our exchange programs that have returned as leaders in their communities. This year, the FLEX program celebrates its 30th anniversary in Azerbaijan. Since 1993, over 1000 Azerbaijani students have studied in all 50 states. While in the United States, FLEX students gain leadership skills, learn about American society and values, and teach Americans about their home countries and cultures. FLEX students perform community service in their U.S. communities and act as ambassadors of their home countries. Many are inspired by this spirit of volunteerism to develop and implement innovative projects in their home countries, using the skills and ideas they gained while on program. The U.S. Embassy and implementing organization American Councils for International Education conduct a rigorous selection process, through a comprehensive application, three rounds of testing, and interviews. Ideal candidates need to have a strong academic background, ability to adapt and thrive in new environments, and a desire to inspire positive change in their communities by being involved as leaders in extracurricular activities. Being fluent in English is not a prerequisite to becoming a finalist: if an applicant has demonstrated characteristics that make him/her suitable to become a finalist, but that applicants level of English is not sufficient, he or she may be eligible to receive supplemental language instruction. Students with disabilities are also welcome and encouraged to participate in FLEX: there are over 300 FLEX alumni who are visually or hearing impaired. The U.S. Embassy and American Councils for International Education also work together with FLEX participants to support them on the program and as alumni through language study, mentorship, leadership development, and internship opportunities. The next recruitment and selection cycle for the FLEX program will begin in early August. Interested applicants must submit their applications no later than October 10, 2023. More information can be found at discoverflex.org and on social media at FLEX Azerbaijan. MOSCOW (AP) Russian security forces on Saturday killed a heavily-armed gunman who broke into a private house in the suburbs of Moscow and fired at them, reportedly threatening to march on the Kremlin. The assailant was spotted by guards after he had broken into an unoccupied house located in an elite cottage village in the Istra region, about 45 kilometers (less than 30 miles) west of Moscow. When two guards and a police officer entered the house, the man held them at gunpoint, but the three later managed to escape, according to Russian media. For several hours, the authorities negotiated with the attacker who was in combat fatigues and toted a Kalashnikov rifle. The man claimed he came from the front lines in Ukraine and was driven by God to march on the Kremlin, the seat of the government in Moscow. He refused to surrender, fired at the special forces and was killed when they stormed the house, Russia's National Guard said. It said that the attacker had several automatic weapons and hand grenades. Russian lawmaker Alexander Khinshtein identified the assailant as Vyacheslav Chernenko, a 35-year-old resident of the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk. It wasn't immediately clear if he indeed fought in Ukraine as he claimed. Istra administrator Tatiana Vitusheva described the attacker as mentally unstable. Some Russian media claimed that the cottage he broke into once belonged to Viktor Yanukovych, the former Moscow-friendly president of Ukraine who was driven from office by mass protests and offered shelter by Russia. It has been put up for sale by its current owner, who was abroad when the incident happened. The standoff attracted close media attention, coming nearly a month after mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin launched a short-lived mutiny that saw his Wagner troops capture military headquarters in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don and then drive as close as 200 kilometers (125 miles) to Moscow in a bid to oust the country's top military leaders. Prigozhin agreed to end the June 23-24 rebellion under a deal that offered amnesty to him and his mercenaries and allowed them to move to Belarus. The Giants have signed four players to minor league deals, according to their transactions tracker at MLB.com. They are infielder Colton Welker and right-handers Mauricio Llovera, Sam Delaplane and Drew Strotman. All four of them were on the clubs roster until getting non-tendered earlier this month. Welker, 25, spent his entire career with the Rockies up until recently. Colorado drafted him in the fourth round in 2016 and he made his MLB debut with the club in 2021, getting into 19 games. He required season-ending shoulder surgery in June of this year and was subsequently designated for assignment. The Giants put in a claim and held onto him for a few months but he didnt survive the non-tender deadline. His cup of coffee in the majors wasnt terribly impressive, but he has strong numbers in Triple-A. In 2021, he hit .286/.378/.476 for a wRC+ of 114 and then slashed .324/.422/.514 in 2022 for a wRC+ of 136. That latter number was in just 10 games prior to the shoulder injury, but its still intriguing enough for the Giants. If Welker can return to health next year, he can provide some depth at the infield corners. As for the right-handers, Llovera is the only one with major league experience. Hes spent most of his career with the Phillies thus far, including brief appearances with them in 2020 and 2021. He was outrighted in August of last year and later signed a minor league deal with the Giants, who added him to the roster in April of 2022. Over the past three seasons, hes thrown 24 innings with a 7.13 ERA, but stronger numbers in the minors. He threw 20 Triple-A innings last year without allowing an earned run, striking out 35.9% of batters faced while walking just 5.1% of them and getting grounders on 52.3% of balls in play. Hell look to work his way back onto the 40-man roster, though hes now out of options and wont be able to be easily moved on and off the active roster going forward. As for Delaplane and Strotman, they have each made it onto major league rosters but havent had the opportunity to appear in an MLB game. Delaplane was a 23rd round pick of the Mariners in 2017 and got added to the clubs roster in November of 2020 to protect him from being selected in that years Rule 5 draft. He required Tommy John surgery in April of 2021 and then was designated for assignment, but the Giants werent put off by the surgery and acquired him in a trade. He made it back to the mound this year but only tossed 3 2/3 innings in Single-A. With the injury and the canceled minor league seasons in 2020, his last healthy stretch on a mound was 2019, when he pitched 37 Double-A innings with a 0.49 ERA. Strotman was a fourth round draft pick of the Rays in 2017 who was added to their 40-man roster ahead of the 2020 Rule 5 draft. He then went to the Twins in 2021 as part of the Nelson Cruz trade. The Twins tried moving him from the rotation to the bullpen but Strotman posted a 6.44 ERA in 50 1/3 innings with their Triple-A affiliate in 2022. He was designated for assignment and went to the Rangers and Giants on waiver claims. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, July 23. Tajikistan is an important partner of the Czech Republic in Central Asia with vast natural resources, a skilled workforce and a thriving economy, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic Jozef Sikela said, following his recent visit to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan from July 16 through July 18, Trend reports. According to him, Czech companies are ready to use their expertise in various sectors, including automotive, engineering, energy and advanced manufacturing, to contribute to Tajikistan's development plans. He pointed out that the economic impact of war in Ukraine extends beyond Europe, affecting Central Asian countries as well. In this regard, Czech Republic proposed providing solutions, know-how, and technologies, while Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, could offer exports of strategic mineral raw materials. During the business mission, Czech companies showcased cutting-edge solutions befitting for various sectors in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, including rail transport, aviation, engineering, mining technologies, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and more. Furthermore, Sikela participated in the 9th meeting of the Uzbek-Czech Intergovernmental Commission on economic, industrial, scientific and technical cooperation in Uzbekistan's capital Tashkent. Following the event, the protocol of the meeting of the intergovernmental commission was signed, as was a joint roadmap for expanding trade and economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic. The Nationals added to their bullpen depth earlier this week, signing right-hander Nash Walters to a minor league deal (h/t to TalkNats). Walters has been assigned to clubs Double-A affiliate in Harrisburg. Originally drafted in the third round of the 2015 draft by the Brewers, Walters was initially slowed in his development by Tommy John surgery in 2017 and 2020s cancelled minor league season. He made his full-season debut in 2021 and quickly advanced through the minor leagues, reaching Triple-A with the Brewers in 2022. Walters was shipped to Anaheim in a cash deal with the Angels that September and made his big league debut in the clubs final game of 2022 against the As. He recorded a single out while allowing a hit and a walk in his big league debut. Walters was non-tendered by the club last November, and while he initially re-signed on a minor league deal the following month, the Angels released him just before Opening Day. That led Walters to sign on with the White Sox on a minor league deal towards the end of April. He struggled considerably for Chicago in the minors, with a brutal 9.64 ERA in 28 innings of work. While Walters was struggling badly in terms of run prevention results, his strong 31.9% strikeout rate seemingly caught the interest of Nationals after the White Sox released him earlier this month. Now in his fourth organization of the past calendar year, Walters will look to get his run prevention numbers in line with his tantalizing stuff at the Double-A level for the Nationals. If he manages to do so, it wouldnt be a surprise to see Walters contribute at the big league level later this season, particularly if the coming trade deadline on August 1 opens up space in the Nationals bullpen. SALINE, MI - Germans are less quick than Americans to call you their friend and careful to distinguish casual acquaintances in their speech, Saline City Council Member Jack Ceo said. He should know. Ceo is among a number of Salinians who have forged friendships, strong even by German standards, some 4,000 miles away in Salines sister city of Lindenberg, Germany. In June, a delegation traveled from Michigan to pay a visit to the Bavarian city in the far south of Germany, marking what has now become a 20-year bond between the two cities. I think what you come away with more than anything else (is) just the basic understanding that wherever you go, whatever the people look like, whatever they sound like, whatever they eat, however they dress, were all human beings, Ceo said. Groups of residents from each city have crisscrossed the Atlantic during the past two decades the cities have been connected. The Lindenberg group is next due for a visit stateside in 2025. Its largely symbolic, but I believe personally its vitally important to make friends and develop relationships across the pond, said Saline Mayor Brian Marl, who made the June trip as well. A delegation of Saline residents and leaders visited their German sister city of Lindenberg in July 2023.Provided by Jim Roth The roots of the partnership lie in a shared industry. Divisions of the Liebherr Group, a German-Swiss multinational equipment manufacturer, have had a home in Saline since the 1980s, since expanding and now making aerospace, automotive and gear technology. Lindenberg too hosts a Liebherr facility, a major employer that makes landing gear for airplanes, Ceo said. In the early 2000s, a manager in Saline with Liebherr, Peter Kozma, who had roots in Lindenberg, approached the city to ask about a potential sister city bond, he said. Delegations from each city visited each other before the connection was made official 2003, adding to Salines existing sister city connection to Brecon, Wales. The program in the U.S. dates to the 1950s and efforts from then-President Dwight Eisenhower for diplomacy based on people-to-people exchange. Eisenhower believed peace could be achieved through the common folk, rather than through political people, said Jim Roth, a former Saline council member and longtime member of the Lindenberg sister city committee who has now visited eight times. I still believe that to this day and Ive seen it. It was reinforced over and over again with my visits to Lindenberg, he said. I dont think we could have a better match than we do with the folks there. During the latest visit, Saline representatives exchanged gifts with Lindenberg leaders. Marl presented Mayor Eric Ballerstedt with a watercolor painting purchased at Whitepine Studios in Saline. It will now hang in Lindenbergs city hall, Marl said. He also brought a personal gift of a handcrafted Motawi tile, made in Washtenaw County. In return, Marl was presented with a stein, an earthenware beer mug that the mayor said he would treasure for many years to come. Ceo came away from the trip with an unexpected honor. During a visit to a castle in the area, he was knighted, he said, in recognition of his leadership role in the sister city relationship over the years. A young woman in period costume plucked a sword from the wall and completed the ceremony, bestowing Sir Ceo with a tongue-in-cheek certificate granting him the right to gossip and philander because of his knighthood, he said. Saline City Council Member Jack Ceo holds a certificate recognizing his knighting as "Sir Ceo" at a castle during a Saline sister city delegation visit to Lindenberg, Germany in June 2023.Provided by Jim Roth Marl has returned to Saline with some city planning inspiration from the visit, saying he observed ways his German peers worked to diversify housing stock and create more affordable options. Despite a vastly different form of government with four political parties and 25 plus council members, familiar municipal issues occupy Lindenberg leaders time, Marl said, like a conversation about the redevelopment of a property acquired by the city that used to be a camp site and vacation destination for blue collar Germans in larger cities. The Saline officials werent the only Washtenaw County leaders to make the trek to Germany this summer, with an Ann Arbor delegation visiting its sister city of Tubingen in July. Read more: Ann Arbor officials visited German sister city Tubingen. Heres what they saw. Tubingen, a university town, bears some similarity to Ann Arbor, and Saline has connections to Lindenberg as well, Marl said. The German city, at the foothills of the Alps and near the Austrian border, was historically known for the production of woven straw hats, he said, though the industry has declined, much in the same way Salines automotive production isnt what it once used to be. The Saline sister city committee is already preparing for the next exchange with Lindenberg. The group raises money for the trips through fundraisers, like selling bratwurst at Saline Oktoberfest and other events, Ceo said. Theyve also brought German traditions home. Once a month, they gather for a stammtisch, the German word for a regular table reserved at a restaurant for a group of friends who come for an evening of socializing, beer drinking and card playing, Ceo said. Its those interpersonal relationships that have made the sister city partnership special. I think the biggest lesson Ive learned is that regardless of our culture, regardless of our race, regardless of our background, were all human beings, thats the bottom line, Ceo said. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. More from The Ann Arbor News: New birthing rooms coming with $5.7M expansion at Michigan Medicine Crowds descend on downtown for start of 2023 Ann Arbor Art Fair Washtenaw County had Michigans lowest COVID death rate, new report shows Mini roundabout madness and bike lane building: Washtenaw County road work for July 21 MUNDY TWP, MI A new electric vehicle or semiconductor plant could be coming to the Flint area, and while some welcome the potential investment in rural Genesee County, others arent as receptive to the idea. The 1,000-acre property located on the northern edge of Mundy Township and west of Linden Road, near the Flint Bishop International Airport, has a specific appeal: its water. A plant opening there could be one of the biggest coups the Flint area has received in decades. Its water infrastructure, which can provide 5 million gallons of water per day to the site, might be the major selling point. Water is an important need for companies in their production process, Tyler Rossmaessler, executive director of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, told MLive-The Flint Journal. Genesee County is well endowed with great water resources through the Karegnondi Water Authority. The Flint and Genesee Group received $1.5 million from the Michigan Strategic Fund earlier this year to improve the property. Rossmaessler also noted the significance of Genesee Countys history as a place where things are made. Were working on this site to attract high-tech development in Genesee County that will create thousands of jobs at all skill levels, he said. This is connected to our history. Genesee County has a proud tradition of making things. We put the world on wheels, and no one does it better than us. Linden and Hill road on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, in Mundy Township. Brice Tucker | btucker@mlive.com Mundy Township manager Chad Young described the location as a rarity. You have effectively got two square miles that is uninterrupted by road running through the middle of it, Young said. Then theres utility infrastructure in the area in terms of water, sewer, drainage, electricity, natural gas that can easily be extended or scaled if it already isnt sized to accommodate manufacturing or industrial uses. While Young said two North American companies have expressed interest, a company has yet to be identified. Mundy Township exists at the intersection of US-23 and I-75, and within a mile of I-69 and I-475 and it has the luxury of excessive highway interchanges that make it easy to access. The Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance has control of approximately 1,050 acres of the land right now, Rossmaessler said. The infrastructure needed is dependent upon the needs of the company. This site has amazing infrastructure in terms of roads, electricity and water, Rossmaessler said. And then the talent that exists in our county. We know how to do this and make things. But not everyone welcomes a potential semiconductor or electric vehicle plant to the township. A group of residents have organized multiple pickets to keep our water clean. Opponents created a Facebook group called Swartz Creek/Mundy Township Megasite to push back against the mega site. Some of the members are comparing the Mundy Township mega site to the $3.5 billion Ford battery plant coming to Marshall. Bob Brewbaker and Brian Bender are two of the Facebook groups administrators and have had multiple discussions with township officials about their concerns. Theres two main factors (of concern), and one is the number of people and households in that general vicinity, Bender said. I think there are nine neighborhoods, four mobile home parks, an elementary school and two daycares. He added, And one of the biggest concerns I have personally, and Ive shared with a lot of people, is the environmental impact in terms of building the plant and manufacturing the chips. Its a tremendous water usage process. Weve talked to the township and Tyler about it. This isnt a local issue; it will affect the Great Lakes. Brewbaker noted that the group of opposers want to make sure what they say is factual, that they are not controversial and that they have healthy discussions with township officials and Rossmaessler moving forward. Just like with any group, there are going to be ones that are out there shouting everything, he said. But we said from day one as a group that everything we stated has to be factual. And anything that isnt factual we try to stay away from. The truth doesnt cost you anything, but a lie could cost you everything. That statement says a lot. Don Ludwig, a township resident, created the Facebook group and initially noticed surveyors in his backyard surveying for the mega site, according to Brewbaker. Don had no clue, Brewbaker said. And he wondered if anyone else knew. I think the biggest message we can convey is trying to get the word out to the masses. Its up to the masses to decide whether they think its right or wrong. However, the owner of Vintage Beauty on Linden Road was open to a manufacturing plant coming to town, as business owners are likely to welcome more people to the area. More traffic would help encourage more business this way, but residential, I dont know how they would feel, Renee Lozen said, noting her business location is part of a plaza that isnt easy to identify. Rossmaessler listed skilled trades programs at Mott Community College, U of M-Flint and Kettering University as a reason companies would be interested in the site. The potential economic impact could be huge for the surrounding small businesses, to the schools, roads and overall property increase value, Rossmaessler said. Im a dad, and I have three kids, so its creating jobs for future generations as well. While there is no timeline for when a company could be announced or if anything will happen at all, Rossmaessler said they are in the marketing stage. MLive-The Flint Journal will follow up on this story in the coming months. Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter. Read more at The Flint Journal: This Michigan blueberry farm has berries that dont exist anywhere else in the world New Michigan glamping resort with real beds, private baths in the works 5 great Mexican restaurants in the Flint area to try Come visit a historic 175-year-old Michigan lighthouse in Port Hope this summer Michigans Dow Gardens offers 110 acres of beautiful flowers, towering pines in Midland FLINT, MI More than $11 million in federal funding is coming to two mid-Michigan international airports for facility improvements. Flint Bishop Airport and MBS International Airport will each receive grants through the Federal Aviation Administrations Airport Improvement Program, U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow announced. Bishop will receive $5,845,222 to reconstruct an aircraft rescue and firefighting building and MBS will receive $5,636,628 to rehab a runway and install a runway visual guidance system, according to a news release. Local airports are economic engines for communities across our state, and its critical they have the resources they need to operate effectively and safely, Peters said. This federal funding will help Bishop International Airport and MBS International Airport make necessary updates to ensure travelers in the Great Lakes Bay Region can get where they need to go safely. MBS Airport Director James Canders said the runway rehabilitation that will take place with this funding is vital. The awarded funds will significantly improve the overall airport infrastructure, ensuring that we continue to provide a world-class experience for our passengers, while prioritizing safety and sustainability, Canders said. Flint Bishop Airport CEO Nino Sapone thanked the two senators for helping secure the funds. An investment in FNTs firefighting and emergency response capabilities is an investment in the safety of mid-Michigan passengers, Sapone said. Read more from MLive: Recall filed against Grand Blanc trustee charged with election law forgery: She has been a distraction State grant allows GISD to offer new staff advancement programs to address teaching shortage Grand Blanc school board member one of 16 charged in 2020 false electors scheme UM-Flint Chancellor Deba Dutta to resign amid strategic transformation process Here are the 5 candidates vying for Flints 7th ward council seat Free drive-in movie night to take place at Mott Community College library Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter. IONIA COUNTY, MI -- A driver was pronounced dead at the scene after a two-vehicle rollover crash Saturday, police said. At about 9:18 a.m. July 22, police responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of East Grand River Avenue and Keefer Highway in Portland Township, according to the Ionia County Sheriffs Office. A 2007 Chrysler Pacifica was heading southbound on Keefer Highway when the driver failed to stop at a stop sign at East Grand River, police said in a news release. The Pacifica hit an eastbound SUV in the drivers side door, causing the SUV to spin, overturn and landed on its roof. The driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Names are being withheld while police notify of next of kin. Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Portland Fire Department, Portland EMS, LIFE EMS, the Ionia County Road Department and Reed and Hoppes Towing. More on MLive: Woman dies in head-on collision in Mecosta County, police say Every car outside local Davison dealership damaged from hail, owner says Recall filed against Grand Blanc trustee charged with election law forgery: She has been a distraction State grant allows GISD to offer new staff advancement programs to address teaching shortage GRAND RAPIDS, MI Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a Sankofa Mixer and pop-up market on July 27 at The 1530 venue at 1530 Madison Ave. SE in Grand Rapids. The event, which is free and open to the public, will celebrate Black entrepreneurs in West Michigan, and will showcase an array of products ranging from artisan candles and soap to fresh baked goods and handmade ware, according to a news release from GRABB. KALAMAZOO, MI A family is suing Kalamazoo Public Schools for failing to provide legally-protected services for their student with a disability. Angela and Lee Smith filed a lawsuit against KPS in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan. The suit alleges the district failed to provide their son with accommodations and services required by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The lawsuit does not give the age of the student. MUSKEGON, MI A 39-year-old man was arrested for inappropriately touching young girls inside a West Michigan amusement park, Michigan State Police said. Details were limited Sunday morning surrounding the reported incident that happened on Saturday, July 22, at Michigans Adventure at 4750 Whitehall Road. Police said the man was touching young girls that were in the wave pool area of the park. Police did not say how many alleged victims reported the incident. The incident remains under investigation. Investigators ask that any additional victims contact Muskegon Central Dispatch at 800-328-0911. Read more on MLive: 362% increase in traffic tickets sends message to drivers in West Michigan city Michigans Best Local Eats: Harmony Brewing Co. serves comfort food, flagship beer in Grand Rapids Superman soft serve is a huge hit at Michigan ice cream shop and its vegan Happy Sunday! Summer is usually a quiet time for state politics news. Not right now. Here are five stories to know from this week. 1. False electors charged File: A protester waves a Trump flag during rally organized by a group called Election Integrity Fund and Force at the Michigan State Capitol, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, in Lansing, Mich. (Jake May/The Flint Journal via AP, File) Remember after the 2020 election when 16 Michigan Republicans signed a fake Electoral College certificate to replace votes for Joe Biden with votes for Donald Trump? Now they could go to prison. Attorney General Dana Nessel charged them with eight felonies each, including forgery and conspiracy. The evidence will demonstrate there was no legal authority for the false electors to purport to act as duly elected presidential electors and execute the false electoral documents, Nessel said. Go deeper: Inside the attorney generals case against Michigans false electors The 16 people indicted include former MIGOP co-chair Meshawn Maddock and current MIGOP vice chair Marian Sheridan. There are also local officials: Conviction, however, is an uphill battle, according to Notre Dame election law professor Derek Muller. six decades ago means Nessel must show the false electors had intent to commit the crimes. He told MLive a similar situation in Hawaii six decades ago means Nessel must show the false electors hadto commit the crimes. To the extent that these electors believed they were just preserving the record its very hard for the prosecutors to win, Muller said. More: Michigan GOP, after a pause, excoriates Nessel over Trump elector charges 2. Record school budget File photo of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signing a bill. Michigans next education budget, signed Thursday by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, is a record $24.3 billion. Whats inside: $9,608 K-12 per-pupil spending , the largest ever and a $458 increase from last year. More money for districts with the most economically disadvantaged students. Free breakfast and lunch for all PreK-12 students. There is also: $225 million to give school employees monthly payments to help pay back student loans . More than $200 million to help reverse learning loss during the pandemic. This budget was written to help anyone and everyone be able to make it here in Michigan, Whitmer said, with a strong academic foundation that starts early and continues through higher education and beyond. The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1. 3. Latest laws File photo. (Cory Morse | MLive.com) Cory Morse | MLive.com The governor also signed a handful of bills this week that passed before the legislature left for summer break. To-go cocktails, which helped keep bars and restaurants afloat during COVID-19 shutdowns, are now permanently legal. Three years in, its proven to be a popular new way for customers to support their favorite restaurants and has resulted in zero reported violations or safety issues, said Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak. Public universities can sell alcohol at stadiums and arenas, after Whitmer signed Senate Bill 247. The goal is to reduce binge drinking before games and bring in more revenue. Colleges will need to apply for liquor licenses first. Expansions of voting rights and access thanks to Proposal 2 last November are now official. six broad changes to elections. Whitmer signed laws implementingto elections. One change not from Prop 2: Counting of early votes before Election Day, which will report results faster. 4. Ethics cover-up alleged FILE: Commissioner Anthony Eid takes notes during a redistricting hearing on draft political maps put forward by Michigans independent redistricting commission in Detroit on Wednesday Oct. 20, 2021.Nicole Hester/ MLIVE.com Nineteen months since completing its maps, Michigans redistricting commission is making headlines after an ethics debate boiled over in Thursdays meeting. Leading up to the meeting: Commissioner Anthony Eid takes a job as executive director of a nonprofit that once lobbied the commission. Commissioner Rebecca Szetela asks for an ethics discussion and ruling on the matter. Commission leadership and attorneys review the code of conduct and conflict-of-interest policies. The finding: At this time, our attorneys have no concerns on this matter, the report states. But since attorneys are not directly quoted in the report and after commissioners voted to delete her ethics discussion from the agenda Szetela alleged being silenced. I think that there is a cover-up going on to protect Commissioner Eid from his own behavior and his own bad choices, Szetela said. Some members came to her defense and others called her airing of grievances inappropriate and embarrassing. Leadership denied a cover-up, and Eid told MLive of the report: I think this document speaks for itself. Peel off more layers: Cover-up alleged as Michigan redistricting member cleared of ethics violation 5. Barbie backfire Michigan State Police deleted a post picturing Barbie in uniform. State government hopped on the Barbie movie craze this week, but not every doll stayed out to play. Michigan State Police tweeted a photo of a Barbie in MSP uniform, trying to drum up recruitment. From a trooper to a forensic scientist, a motor carrier officer to a pilot, the possibilities are endless, it read. But the agency soon deleted the post out of respect for MSPs female members, it gave as the only explanation. Gov. Whitmers Barbie tweets, however, were widely praised: Come on Barbie, let's go govern. This Barbie is the 49th Governor of the great state of Michigan, and just like @Barbie, fuchsia is my power color. I'm committed to fighting for a state where every Michigander, no matter their background, can thrive. pic.twitter.com/F8Qq9gSrEL Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) July 20, 2023 Making it in the real world can be tough. That's why I'm taking action to help even more Michiganders make it in Michigan. Were investing in every corner of our state and creating opportunities, so every Barbie (and Ken!) can live their dream life. pic.twitter.com/KuQquPvtbs Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) July 20, 2023 This campaign will hopefully help show people that yes, girls can embrace who they are and do what girls do best: lead, Whitmer communications chief Kaylie Hanson told MLive. Bonus: Dont forget DNR Barbie! This Barbie is a wildlife biologist. pic.twitter.com/didH4yaC4F Michigan Department of Natural Resources (@MichiganDNR) July 21, 2023 5 more stories from MLive: 5 Democrats, 1 Republican in House face recalls for red flag, hate crime votes GOP congressmen hit Ford with new concerns over Michigan battery plant Michigan has a housing problem. So, what is the legislature doing? Michigan lawmaker Daniel West vanished 58 years ago. But did he ever really exist? MLive wins 52 AP awards, including Rising Star journalist honor Michigans fastest-growing demographic continues to be people who identify as two or more races. The states multiracial population increased an estimated 4.2% or 11,101 people between July 1, 2020 and April 1, 2022, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released this summer. Residents who identify as Asian increased 2.7% during that time, while those who identify as only white or only Black each declined less than 1%. The Census Bureau conducts a population count every 10 years, with the most recent coming in 2020. For the rest of the decade, the bureau generates national, state, and local population estimates annually to track demographic data like age, sex and race. Estimates are determined by factoring birth, death and net migration data into the last Census count. In total, the Census tracks 31 race categories. Related: See which Michigan towns grew, shrunk in 2022 Michigan has been trending toward a more multiracial population for decades. The states 2020 count was up 176% since 2010 and 230% since 2000. The vast majority of Michigan residents still see themselves as one race though. Two Northern Michigan counties Keweenaw and Presque Isle each saw a more than 21% increase in their multiracial population. Other counties with significant increases included Gogebic (19.2%), Dickinson (16.5%), Crawford (14.5%), Alcona (14.5%), Ontonagon (13.5%), Allegan (12.3%), Lake (12.3%), and Wexford (16.8%). Only one of Michigans 83 counties reported a decline in its multiracial population. Luce, located in the northeastern Upper Peninsula, had a one-person decline, or 0.5%. Below is a map of Michigans demographic population estimates by county as of July 1, 2022. Counties are color-coded based on percentage change of the multiracial population. Click on a county to see more race estimates. Many of the counties with the largest demographic swings were located in Northern Michigan and counties with smaller population totals. However, four of the states six most-populated counties made the top-10 list for biggest declines in white-only population. They were Macomb (2.4%), Wayne (1.7%), Washtenaw (1.6%), and Genesee (1.1%). Counties with the largest increases in Asian population were Keweenaw (150%), Oscoda (44%), Gogebic (32%), Oceana (21%), and Iron (19%). The largest decreases were in Houghton (11%), Alger (7%), Saginaw (5%), Missaukee (5%), and Chippewa (3.6%) counties. Below is a searchable database of race data by county. Use the search function to find a given location, or click on the column headers to arrange the data in various ways. Nationally, the multiracial population was the youngest of any race group with a median age of 29.5. For comparison, the white-alone population had the oldest median age (43.1) of all race groups. Among those who reported two or more races, about 32.5% were younger than 18 in 2020. The most common ages were between 10 and 15. Earlier this year the Census Bureau released total population change estimates for more than 1,700 Michigan communities from April 2020 through July 2022. About 40% of communities saw estimated population declines, as the state lost about 43,000 residents. A database of population data is available below. Use the search function to find a given location, or click on the column headers to arrange the data in various ways. Read more on MLive: Whitmer signs $24.3 billion education budget with record per-pupil funding Shelby Twp. clerk removed from election duties after fake elector felony charges Where road construction could affect Michigan travel this weekend Weekend warrior or daily workouts: study seeks best time for fitness TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, July 23. Uzbekistan and Georgia have agreed to organize a range of activities for the promotion of tourism between the countries, Trend reports. The agreement was reached following the meeting of representatives from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Uzbekistan with the leadership of Georgia's National Tourism Administration in Tbilisi. The sides agreed upon to conclude an informational tour to Uzbekistan and a series of B2B meetings scheduled for September 2023. These events will serve as a platform to showcase the tourist sites of Uzbekistan, bringing together Georgian tour operators, media representatives, and influential bloggers. During the meeting, the representatives of the Uzbek ministry also provided detailed information on Uzbekistan's tourism potential, the facilities available to tourists, and the existing transportation and logistics opportunities. At the same time, the sides decided to exchange experiences in organizing domestic tourism in Uzbekistan and gather precise statistics in this regard. In turn, the officials of the Georgian Tourism Administration said that they would provide practical assistance in organizing roadshows in Georgian cities to promote Uzbekistan's tourism potential. The number of tourists from Georgia visiting Uzbekistan increased by two times from January through June 2023 compared to the same period last year. New UK sanctions target 13 individuals and businesses linked to the actions of the Russian Wagner Group, including executions and torture in Mali and the Central African Republic and threats to peace and security in Sudan. This includes three designations for the mercenary group's top officials in Mali and CAR, including the 'right hand man' of Yevgeny Prigozhin, who have deliberately targeted civilians in their operations. A further five businesses and individuals involved in threatening peace and stability in Sudan, including through disinformation campaigns and providing military equipment, have been targeted. The UK government has today (Thursday 20 July) announced a wave of sanctions against individuals and businesses involved with the Wagner Group in Mali, Central African Republic (CAR) and Sudan. These measures will limit their financial freedom by preventing UK citizens, companies and banks from dealing with them, alongside freezing any assets held in the UK and travel bans. The Russian mercenary Wagner Group has operated in Mali, CAR and Sudan for several years, aggressively pursuing Russian foreign policy interests in the region and providing military support to counter-terrorism operations which have seen hundreds of civilians killed. The UK has already sanctioned the Wagner Group, its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, and several of his key commanders who have participated in Russias illegal invasion of Ukraine. The head of the Wagner Group in Mali, Ivan Aleksandrovitch Maslov, is one of those targeted today. Wagner mercenaries, alongside Malian forces, massacred at least 500 people in Moura in March 2022, including summary executions as well as rape and torture. The head of the Wagner Group in CAR, Vitalii Viktorovitch Perfilev, and the Wagner Groups head of operations in the country, Konstantin Aleksandrovitch Pikalov, are sanctioned for deliberately targeting civilians. Pikalov, known as the Wagner Group founder and CEO Yevgeny Prigozhins right hand man, is the operational head of Wagner in CAR. Pikalov is responsible for the Wagner Groups torture and targeted killings of civilians. Wagner Group has also provided weapons and military equipment to Sudan. Three businesses, which act as fronts for the Wagner Group and operate in the country, have been included in the new measures, due to the continued risk they pose to peace and stability. These include M-Invest, and its subsidiary Meroe Gold. These build on recent sanctions against companies funding the conflict. Andrew Mitchell, Minister for Development and Africa said: The Wagner Group is committing atrocities in Ukraine, as well as acting with impunity in countries like Mali, Central African Republic and Sudan. Wherever Wagner operates, it has a catastrophic effect on communities, worsens existing conflicts and damages the reputations of countries that host them. These sanctions expose despicable individuals who have commissioned violations of international humanitarian law, holding them to account for the severe harm they are inflicting on innocent civilians for financial gain. The UK announced a package of sanctions linked to Sudan last week , targeting six companies providing funding and military equipment to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Through diplomatic engagement and aid programmes, the UK continues to support local, national and international efforts to promote long-term prosperity and stability in Mali, CAR and Sudan. The UK remains deeply concerned by the destabilising role Wagner plays in this region. Wagner mercenaries operating in Africa have long been reported as being responsible for multiple breaches of international humanitarian law and abuses of human rights, including numerous reports of indiscriminate killings of unarmed civilians. The groups presence in Africa is self-serving as demonstrated by their grip on the security and economic environments as well as their continued exploitation of natural resources. The individuals and businesses sanctioned today are: Mali: Ivan Aleksandrovitch Maslov, the head of the Wagner Groups operations in Mali, who oversaw the groups involvement in the Moura Massacre and has been involved in the commission of violations of international humanitarian law, in particular, the deliberate targeting of civilians. Central African Republic: Alexander Alexandrovich Ivanov, the Wagner Groups unofficial spokesperson in CAR, for his association with the Group which has committed violations of international humanitarian law, deliberately targeting civilians. Aleksandr Grigorievitch Maloletko, a military instructor for the Wagner Group and a close associate of Yevgeny Prigozhin, for his association with the Group which has committed violations of international humanitarian law. Dimitri Sytii, an individual associated with the Wagner Group in CAR which has violated international humanitarian law, deliberately targeting civilians. Konstantin Aleksandrovitch Pikalov, a close advisor of Yevgeny Prigozhin, for his involvement in the commission of violations of international humanitarian law in CAR, in particular the deliberate targeting of civilians. Mining company Lobaye Invest Sarlu for involvement in activities which threaten the peace, stability and security of the CAR, including through acts that undermine efforts to resolve armed conflicts, such as funding the training of CAR army recruits by Russian mercenaries. Sewa Security Services, a CAR-based security company (and subsidiary of Lobaye Invest Sarlu) for its involvement in activities which undermine or threaten the peace, stability and security of the CAR, including by providing support for and/or promoting the actions of the Wagner Group in CAR. Vitalii Viktorovitch Perfilev, the head of Wagner Group operations in CAR, for violating international humanitarian law by deliberately targeting civilians. Sudan: Andrei Sergeevich Mandel, Director General of M-Invest which in itself is responsible for action which threatens the peace, stability and security of Sudan. M-Invest, a company serving as a front for the Wagner Group, for threatening the peace and security of Sudan. M-invest has previously advised the Sudanese government on disinformation campaigns to discredit pro-civilian government protestors. Meroe Gold, a mining subsidiary of M-Invest, for threatening the peace, stability and security of Sudan. Meroe Gold has imported equipment to Sudan including weapons, helicopters and military trucks. Mikhail Potepkin, Regional Director of M-Invest and Director of Meroe Gold, for threatening the peace and stability in Sudan. Potepkin is associated with the Wagner Group. He worked to ensure planes hired by Meroe Gold could continue operate domestically and internationally whilst being undetected by commercial aviation radars. Al-Solag Mining, for threatening the peace, stability and security of Sudan by its association with Meroe Gold (and for its attempts to avoid existing Western sanctions and Sudanese regulations). Source: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) 23.07.2023 LISTEN I pray Ghanaian voters will peruse Mr. K. Badu's article and challenge Mahama to respond to those allegations before he is chosen as the flag bearer of the NDC party. Experience has taught us that when a former president, who lost the second term of his presidency because of greed and misappropriation of the country's coffers, is given another chance, then he is coming with vengeance to sell the nation to the highest bidder. Then he will build more gigantic and exquisite hotels in Dubai to the detriment of the unemployed youths of Ghana. Please, Ghanaians put your thinking caps on and do not allow Mahama to steal you blindly. Do not bury your heads in the sand. 23.07.2023 LISTEN Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) has welcomed the resignation of Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, 24 hours after the stolen money scandal went viral. Speaking to Umaru Sanda Amadu on Citi TV, Programmes Manager of GII, Mary Addah explained that it is early to conclude the stolen funds are proceeds of corruption. This is too early to make some corruption pronouncements, but the future is not looking good because there is no law in Ghana preventing people from keeping their money in their houses. However, if it has to do with a public officer, then it becomes worrying particularly when the person is in an area where there are a lot of procurement happening. Madam Addah urged the government and other relevant state agencies to commission an independent probe to get to the bottom of the matter. This is a critical matter of interest because apart from the fact that she is a public officer, this is a government that has espoused that we need to digitize our processes and make money easily accessible online and so for such a person to have so much such that $1 million of it is taken away without her knowing is very worrying. Again this is a person in a government where peoples investments have been touched during the domestic debt exchange programme and so this can have the tendency of demotivating people from sending their money to the bank because a Minister stored money in her house. Why did Cecilia Dapaah resign Two house helps of Madam Dapaah and three others are currently facing charges before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly stealing an amount of $1 million, 300,000, and millions of Ghanaian cedis at the former minister's residence at Abelenkpe, Accra, in October 2022. The two house helps, 18-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei allegedly stole the monies and personal effects of Abena Dapaah and her husband, between the months of July and October 2022. Madam Dapaah has become the talk of town with many asking questions about the legitimacy of the money involved. Dapaah submitted her resignation letter to the president on Saturday, July 22, 2023, a day after she became the talk of town because her house helps had allegedly stolen huge sums of foreign and local currencies from her residence in Accra. In her resignation letter, Madam Dapaah said she decided to step down because I do not want this matter to become a preoccupation of government and a hindrance to the work of government at such a crucial time. citinewsroom President Nana Akufo-Addo has accepted the resignation of Cecilia Abena Dapaa as Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, according to a statement from the Jubilee House. The Sanitation Minister resigned on Saturday following allegations that cash and other valuables totaling millions of cedis were stolen from her home by two domestic workers. The allegations led to public outcry and calls for her dismissal. In a Facebook post, Director of Communications at Jubilee House Eugene Arhin said: The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has accepted the resignation from office of Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah as Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources and member of Government." "President Akufo-Addo applauded Hon. Cecilia Dapaahs loyalty to the image and standing of his Government, and thanked her also for her wholehearted contribution and devotion to the progress of Government and the Nation. He wished her the best in all her endeavours," the statement added. Mrs Dapaah was appointed Sanitation Minister in 2017 and oversaw efforts to make Accra the cleanest city in Africa. Her resignation leaves a vacancy in Akufo-Addo's government. The President is expected to name a replacement soon. Mr Arhin further noted in the statement: "The President will soon appoint a new Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources. Professor Amin Alhassan, Director-General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) has informed the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament that there is no freeze on staff promotion at the State Broadcaster. Prof Alhassan stated this at the public hearing of PAC in Accra, when Dr James Klutse Avedzi, the Chairman of PAC, asked him why they had frozen staff promotion process at the Corporation. The Director-General was at PAC to respond to issues concerning GBC that were raised in the 2021 Report of the Auditor-General. Prof Alhassan explained that it was a Board issue that Management took up, saying Now we havent put a freeze on promotion. Promotion is based on vacancies, before you promote someone there must be an existing vacancy He noted that for them to promote staff there must be existing vacancies. He said with the approval of the new organogram and the work on the new Scheme of Service ongoing, the Board decided that this year, they would not do the promotion because the existing vacancies had not been confirmed So, there is no freeze, it is only one year, and if for example, the Scheme of Service is completed in the next two or three months, we should be able to argue for the promotion process to keep in, but there is no freeze on promotion, he said. Dr Avedzi: At least there is a freeze for one year. Prof Alhassan: We still think that it is possible, Mr. Chairman, that we might have the promotions, if the process of Scheme of Service is done, and we do the necessary establishment, and it is approved by the Public Services Commission, we will go ahead and do that. The Director-General reiterated that in line with the guidelines of the Public Services Commission, one could not be promoted unless there was a vacancy, declaring that and if there is no vacancy, you stay there. The Director-General was accompanied by Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Minister of Information. Source: GNA President Akufo-Addo has accepted the resignation of Cecilia Dapaah as minister of sanitation and water resources following a newspaper report that $1 million, 300,000 and several millions of Ghana cedis were stolen from her home. "President Akufo-Addo applauded Hon. Cecilia Dapaah's loyalty to the image and standing of his government and thanked her also for her wholehearted contribution and devotion to the progress of government and the nation", Jubilee House Communications Director Eugene Arhin wrote on Facebook. Mr Arhin said the president "wished her well in all her endeavours". He announced that the president "will soon appoint a new minister for sanitation and water resources". 'I'll be exonerated': Dapaah says, 'I'll cooperate fully with probe' into $1m, 300k scandal In her resignation letter, Cecilia Dapaah said "whereas I can state emphatically" that the figures mentioned in the news report "do not represent correctly what my husband and I reported to the police", she is "very much aware of the import of such stories around someone in my position", thus, her decision to resign. "I intend to cooperate fully with all state agencies to enable them fully establish the facts", she announced, adding: "I have no doubt whatsoever that at the end of the processes, it will be fully established that I have conducted myself with integrity during my period in public service and I will be fully exonerated from all the allegations that have filled the public domain in the past 24 hours". The Chronicle newspaper, which first broke the story, said the amounts stolen were $1 million, 300,000 and several millions of Ghana cedis. Background The incident came to light when two former house helps, Patience Botwe and Sarah Agyei, were charged with allegedly stealing the money and valuable items from the residence of the former minister and her husband Daniel Osei Kuffour. Apart from the various cash sums, other items such as jewelry, clothing, and personal effects were also stolen. Patience, the primary accused, is also facing charges related to the theft of kente cloth and men's suits belonging to Daniel Osei Kuffour. Additionally, three other individuals, namely Benjamin, Kweku Botwe, and Malik Dauda, were charged with dishonestly receiving portions of the stolen money. The accused were brought before an Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Susana Ekuful, on July 20, 2023. However, their pleas have not yet been taken. Sarah, one of the accused, has been granted bail in the sum of GH1 million, with two sureties, on the basis of her status as a breastfeeding mother. The other accused individuals have been remanded into custody. According to the court's records, Patience and Sarah were former house helps of the complainants, and the thefts occurred between July and October 2022. The complainants reported the thefts to the police after discovering the missing items and cash. During the investigation, it was revealed that Patience had used a duplicate key to enter the couple's room, and Mr. Kuffour caught her hiding behind the door. Subsequently, the stolen items were discovered missing. Patience was later arrested and released on police bail but went into hiding in Tamale with her boyfriend, Benjamin. The police eventually apprehended Patience and Benjamin in Tamale and found significant amounts of money and stolen items in their possession. Patience allegedly used some of the stolen money to purchase a 3-bedroom house at Amrahia and furnished it with new items. During interrogation, Patience implicated Sarah, revealing that they had worked together in the couple's house. Patience would keep watch at the main gate, allowing Sarah to enter the room and steal. The case has been adjourned to August 2, 2023, for further proceedings. Source: Classfmonline.com 23.07.2023 LISTEN All is set for the historic issuance of National Identification numbers, better known as Ghana Card numbers, to newborn babies in Ghana, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has announced. This follows the successful integration of the databases of the Births and Deaths Registry, the National Identification Authority and the Ghana Health Service. The Vice President, who made the disclosure on Saturday July 22, 2023 said the first such Ghana Card number was issued to a newborn baby on Friday, July 21, 2023 after a successful test run of the system. "The work of integrating the databases has been completed, The full test was done yesterday, and i am happy to say that the first Ghana Card number for a baby was issued yesterday. "So from next month, all babies born in Ghana, once they take them to Weigh In, they will be issued the Ghana Card number and also get their Birth Certificate Identification number at the same time, because the two databases are talking to each other." "This is very transformational," Dr Bawumia noted, explaining that they will have these numbers from the time they are babies till they pass away. Officials of the National Identification Authority (NIA) say cards bearing the biometrics and other data will be issued to the children when they are older, after their digits and other features are fully formed. Speaking in Cape Coast at the 75th Anniversary celebrations of Ghana National College, Dr Bawumia emphasized that the issuance of ID numbers at birth was an integral part of Governments ongoing digitalization agenda, designed to prepare the nation to fully partake in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Ghana Card is increasingly becoming the single source of proof of identity, with the unique number serving several purposes including as the Social Security, Health Insurance and Tax Identification number. Ghana National College Hailing the impact Ghana National College has had on Ghana's pre-and post colonial life, Vice President Bawumia challenged managements, staff and students in educational institutions to embrace the possibilities offered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve teaching, problem solving and critical thinking, noting that it could be deployed meaningfully to bridge the gap between the developed and developing world. "If we are in agreement that the boys and girls in our schools today are being trained to compete on the global stage, there is every justification for our students to be given exposure to AI. "Governments ongoing digitalization agenda is ample testimony of its appreciation of AI and the commitment to ensure that this country is not left behind. We have focused on pursuing digitalisation as part of our economic strategy because the Fourth Industrial Revolution is upon us and we must be part of the modern world... "Whilst Government will do its part by leading the charting of a pathway to the deployment of meaningful AI in our national life, I expect our educational authorities to devise and deploy innovative teaching strategies that factor in ICT as a key ingredient," he added. 23.07.2023 LISTEN July 6, 2023 will be remembered as a historic day for India-Africa education cooperation. On that day, IIT-Madras signed an MoU with the government of Zanzibar to set up the first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus outside India. Indias External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, travelled to Tanzania to witness this landmark moment. Indeed, this is a milestone event demonstrating Indias commitment towards uplifting the Global South, particularly Africa. It has been decided that the campus will be named as IIT Madras at Zanzibar. As the principal partner, IIT Madras will develop the pedagogical elements. In addition, IIT-Madras will also be responsible for the academic programs, curricula, and criteria for selecting students. Finally, the degrees will also be awarded by IIT Madras. For their part, the government of Zanzibar-Tanzania will be responsible for providing the capital and operating costs. The first batch will have 50 undergraduate and 20 masters students. The classes for this batch are expected to commence around October 2023. History of India-Africa educational cooperation India has traditionally prioritised Africa in its foreign policy. And one of the primary components of Indias development relationship with Africa has been education cooperation. Going back in history, the first Prime Minister of independent India, Jawaharlal Nehru, expressed his grave concerns about education in Africa when he said, The whole purpose of our scholarships to African students to come to India must take some positive measures to meet the situation. After Nehru, all the following leaders continued to support Africas educational needs. This becomes palpable from the fact that during the last IAFS-3 also, India pledged 50,000 scholarships for African students to pursue their studies in India. India is aware of the value of education in advancing civil society, business, health, defence, and agriculture. India is dedicated to promoting self-reliance and sustainable development in African countries, which can only be done by revitalising the education system following the demands of the population. Towards this goal, India launched India Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) in 1964, marking the beginning of India-Africa educational cooperation. Since, ITEC has been playing a very crucial role in advancing Indias educational partnership with Africa. The ITEC program currently has the largest recipient from Africa. In essence, ITEC is a customised training curriculum based on the micro-level requirements of the project location. To meet the demands of a changing world, the ITEC program and delivery strategy has also evolved over time. For instance, India launched the prototype e-ITEC course for African nations in 2019. Because of the covid-induced lockdown, the popularity of the e-ITEC has soared and still remains high. Over the years, several fresh and innovative studies including Big Data Analytics, urban infrastructure management, WTO-related topics, and solar technology were launched. ITEC has helped India to instil a deep imprint in African minds. Many learners who took ITEC courses have advanced to the top of their respective professions in their respective countries and many of them climbed the social ladders to occupy important positions including becoming ministers. Many Defence Ministry professionals and high government figures of different African countries have participated in ITEC. For instance, Buhari, the outgoing President of Nigeria, attended the Wellington Defense Services Staff College in Tamil Nadu. Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, the former president of India, during his inaugural speech to the African Parliament in Johannesburg on September 16, 2004, urged all African Union members to connect with Indian institutions via a satellite and fibre-optic network. Accordingly, the Pan African e-Network Project (PANEP) was conceived and formally launched in 2009. PANEP has immensely contributed to the development of tele-education and telemedicine across Africa. The project has been commissioned in 47 countries, and Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) has been working as the nodal agency in its implementation. In 2019, PANEP was remodelled as EVAB (e-Vidyabharati and e-Arogya Bharati). Future of India-Africa education cooperation Hundreds of students from Africa comes to India every year. They receive degrees in various disciplines, from sciences, law, medical sciences, agriculture, veterinary and social sciences, and later serve in their home countries in different capacities. Currently, India features among the top five overseas destinations for African students. About 25,000 African students are presently studying in 500 universities in India. While the connection between the two continents has always been positive, the current Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has shown unprecedented assertiveness in extending Indias robust partnership with Africa. Indias education cooperation with Africa has a lot of potential. With world-class higher-education institutions and global education brands like IITs and IIMs, India is well-positioned to assist Africa in developing higher education infrastructure and skill development. As a matter of fact, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 of India strongly recommends internationalisation of Indian education and encourages top-performing Indian universities to establish campuses abroad. Indeed, these overseas campuses would help provide state-of-the-art programs to draw students from various African nations. It also fits well with Indias objective to help African students achieve their educational goals and further the continents technological advancement. Indias efforts to bring world-class education to Africa are expected to have a far-reaching impact on the continent. With access to the best education opportunities and facilities available, this will pave the way for a brighter future for students across the continent. Moreover, this will positively impact the local economy, attracting investments and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. The road to the future wont be smooth. Africa needs to address several challenges simultaneously, such as access to higher education, funding challenges, the growing influence of private higher education institutions in Africa, governance and autonomy issues, management difficulties, gender (including the access of women to higher education and the challenges they face as students and academic staff) and brain drain. Under the umbrella of South-South cooperation, India could become the key partner for Africa to resolve these challenges towards realising its aspirations and assist in future academic development. The author is a Senior Research Associate with the Vivekananda International Foundation and doctoral scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru University African leaders' plans for stopping Russia's 'special military operation' and establishing peace in Ukraine are still intriguing. It is still intriguing as the majority of the leaders are gearing up for the second Russia-Africa summit on July 27 to 28 in St. Petersburg, the second largest city in the Russian Federation. The African Peace Initiative group headed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, are making efforts for global recognition as peace brokers. But the group's collective excitement in dealing with these former Soviet republics, which within the international law must strictly adhere to territorial sovereignty, is tempered by a bit of reality. Deputy Russian Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev has issued several threats during the past few months. With threats of resorting to the use of nuclear weapons, it transmits one simple message of how dangerous it is to adopt and build nuclear facilities in Africa. It reminds us of the disastrous effects of Chernobyl more than 20 years ago. The Chernobyl disaster was a nuclear accident that occurred on 26 April 1986 at the No. 4 reactor in the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, near the city of Pripyat in the north of Ukraine. Then also the Fukushima meltdown took place in March 2011 when a massive earthquake caused a tsunami that damaged the plant on the east coast of Japan. Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev has threatened to strike three Ukrainian nuclear power plants (NPPs) and nuclear facilities in Eastern Europe if an alleged attempt by the Ukrainian Armed Forces to attack the Smolensk NPP in Russia with "NATO missiles" is confirmed. Source: Medvedev on Telegram; Russian propaganda Telegram channel Mash. Quote from Medvedev: "If the attempt to attack the Smolensk NPP in Desnogorsk, Russia with NATO missiles is confirmed, we should consider the scenario of a simultaneous Russian strike on the Pivdennoukrainsk, Rivne and Khmelnytsky NPPs, as well as on nuclear facilities in Eastern Europe. There is no reason to hold back." Last June the delegation from South Africa, Egypt, Senegal, Congo-Brazzaville, Comoros, Zambia, and Uganda put forward a 10-point proposal that was presented in Kyiv and St. Petersburg. The key aim of the African peace mission is primarily to propose confidence-building measures in order to facilitate peace between the two countries. It was to seek a peaceful settlement of the conflict which began late February 2022. Several posts, including documents and speeches to the official website have confirmed this. Putin stated his claims of going to Ukraine, always pointing to the legitimacy within the international law and also the failure to implement the Minsk Agreement. Putin showed one document to African leaders in St. Petersburg. The result was that Putin would continue studying other proposals, and would not consider Africa's peace plan as the ultimate sustainable solution for his invasion of Ukraine. Right at the beginning, Russia underlined the reason as - "to demilitarize and de-nazify" Ukraine. It simply did not coincide with Russia's aims and goals to violate Ukraine's territorial sovereignty, and engage in mass destruction of infrastructure and human lives. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, after the three-hour meeting, the Africans peace plan consisted of ten (10) elements, but was not formulated on paper. Similarly, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said The peace initiative proposed by African countries is very difficult to implement, difficult to compare positions. Quite recently Lavrov reiterated, setting Russia's concrete position, while many foreign states have called for diplomacy as a mechanism for peaceful settlement of the conflict. But Sergey Lavrov said late June that Russia can't give up goals of special military operation in Ukraine. It's impossible to give them up the goals that have been set, Lavrov said on Channel One, and added that Russia cannot change its approaches to the conduct of the special operation as long as the West is purposefully creating threats to Russia's security. The geopolitical implications of the Russia-Ukraine crisis is quite enormous and very arguable. But at the same, there are a few questions pointing to the fact that Ramaphosa and his colleagues have never, not once, intervened to resolve conflicts in the continent, those in Cameroon, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Libya and Sudan. Africa has not completed finding resolutions to numerous conflicts in the continent. And yet they have the highest desire and keen interest in Europe. Lest we forget, Africa is indeed starving from Russian and Ukrainian grains. And yet Africa is consistently praised for its huge expanse of uncultivated land and the large population. The resources and the human capital. And gross inability to choose suitable agricultural technology. For economists, it presents the incapability of designing import-substitution policies as part of the state development programs. In the publication of Financial Times July 10, African leaders urged Putin to show "desire for peace" it was an interview with Senegalese President Macky Sall. Macky Sall has said African leaders urged Russian president Vladimir Putin to "show his desire to move forward with peace" before they gather in St. Petersburg for a Russia-Africa summit in late July. Significant to note here the quote from Sall: "Before the next Russia-Africa summit, Putin must do some actions to show his desire to move forward with peace even in a humanitarian way." This demand was conveyed to Putin during the peace mission of African leaders to Kyiv and Moscow in June. Sall explained the necessity to install peace, and added: "That's why we continue to use the Russia-Africa summit to see how we can move forward on the negotiations we tried to implement between Russia and Ukraine." Asked if Putin had shown any inclination to pursue peace, Sall said: "During this summit, maybe we can have another meeting and make some progress. That's what we hope for." At the same time, the President of Senegal said that "Ukraine has said Russia must leave its occupied territory before they can negotiate, and we understand that." In a tweet back in August 2022, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated he was duty bound to stand by the resolution and be guided by its call for peace. "The message of the General Assembly is loud and clear: End hostilities in Ukraine now. Silence the guns now. Open the door to dialogue and diplomacy now," Guterres said, adding: "Looking ahead, I will continue to do everything in my power to contribute to an immediate cessation of hostilities and urgent negotiations for peace. People in Ukraine desperately need peace. And people around the world demand it." Background: On 16 June, a delegation from Africa arrived in Ukraine, including the presidents of the Republic of South Africa, the Comoros Islands, Senegal, Zambia and the Prime Minister of Egypt, as well as special representatives of the Congo and Uganda. They want to act as peacemakers between Russia and Ukraine, as well as agree on increasing the supply of grain and fertilisers from these two countries to their continent. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa named 10 main "components" of the African Union's position on the Russian-Ukrainian war. After the meeting, Zelenskyy criticised the rhetoric of African leaders, who refer to Russia's war against Ukraine as a "conflict" or "crisis". Zelenskyy was also surprised that the African representatives emphasised their own grain and fertiliser crises while sidestepping the outcome of the war in Ukraine. On 17 June, an African delegation met with the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, and he said that his logic regarding the war against Ukraine was allegedly "flawless" from the point of view of international law and the UN Charter. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that during their visits in Ukraine and Russia, the delegation from the African countries had an opportunity to see it for themselves who actually was interested in peace. In a July article, Institute for the Study of War (ISW) says Russia has not achieved a single goal in Ukraine in 500 days of war. Quote: "Five hundred days ago Russia launched an unprovoked war of conquest against Ukraine. The Russian military intended to take Kyiv within three days but failed to accomplish any of its intended objectives in Ukraine. The Ukrainian forces have secured and retained the initiative and are conducting counteroffensive operations along most of the frontline with Russian forces focused almost entirely on trying to hold on to the Ukrainian lands they still occupy." The geopolitical realities may definitely turn the tides on Russia-Africa relations. Arguably taking cognizance of the Russia-Ukraine crisis and the emerging global reconfiguration will play roles in re-shaping relations, and this will reflect in the next joint declaration as well as Russia's future engagement with Africa. That said however and as a reminder, African leaders have to implement their election campaign pledges, and steadfastly keep to the fact that Africa's roadmap is the African Union Agenda 2063. Source: Gift News In my previous article on cabbage, I did mention that cabbage juice is loaded with an important compound called vitamin U that heals ulcers. In this article, I will explain other benefits that vitamin U in cabbage treats according to science. Vitamin U is available not only as a supplement but also found naturally in various foods, particularly cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale. Plus, cosmetics companies may add it to certain creams, serums, face masks, and other products. Vitamin U, Science Protect lungs, liver, and kidneys Studies confirmed that Vitamin U can protect our lungs, liver, and kidneys from damage. In an animal study, Sokmen et al.(2012) found that vitamin U could support liver damage caused by the common anti-seizure medication valproic acid. Another rat study, by Gezginci-Oktayoglu et al.(2016) found that vitamin U given to rats experienced less severe kidney damage after receiving valproic acid than those given no vitamin U. Vitamin U also decreases markers of inflammation. Oktay et al.(2017) animal study also found that vitamin U could reduce lung damage resulting from epileptic seizures. Lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels It has been propounded that vitamin U supplements could reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but evidence still is limited. Lee et al.(2012) test-tube study suggests that vitamin U could avert the formation of fat cells and reduce triglyceride levels, but limited human studies are available. An old 8-week study by Nakamura et al.(1981) in humans, prescribed 1.5 grams of vitamin U per day found no change in triglyceride levels, higher HDL (good) cholesterol, and an almost 10% reduction in total cholesterol. As such, more human research is needed. Aid wound healing and skin protection Some studies have found that Vitamin U may offer some protection against the suns ultraviolet (UV) rays, as well as expedite wound healing. For instance, test-tube and animal studies( Kim et al. 2010; Kim et al. 2015; Kim et al. 2018; Watson et al. 2016) found that using vitamin U directly in wounds could speed wound healing. In addition, vitamin U could protect against burns and other damage caused by UV rays. Due to this, certain cosmetics are formulated with vitamin U. Side effects and precautions Vitamin U is likely safe when eaten directly from whole foods. However, little is known about its safety or potential side effects in supplement form. Therefore, its likely safest to rely on vitamin-U-rich foods like cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale to boost your intake of this compound. According to the European Chemicals Agency, vitamin U may cause eye, skin, or lung irritation if it comes into direct contact with these organs. Thus, you may want to use caution with skin care products containing this compound. Vitamin-U-rich foods like cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale are widely considered safe to eat during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Yet, little is known about the safety of vitamin U in supplement form. Therefore, you should consider avoiding these supplements if youre pregnant or breastfeeding. Dosage and how to take it One old human study by Nakamura et al.(1981) used 1.5 grams of vitamin U for 8 weeks. Overdose Alina Petre, (2020) explained that so far, there have been no reported cases of vitamin U overdose. An overdose is very unlikely if you consume this compound exclusively from whole foods. Keep in mind that studies have not yet examined the effects of high vitamin U intake from supplements. This makes it impossible to rule out the possibility of a vitamin U overdose. As such, more research is needed to understand whether an overdose is possible, the signs and symptoms associated with it, and the safest way to treat it. Interactions There isnt enough scientific information available to determine whether vitamin U interacts with any other supplements or drugs. People taking other supplements or medicines should discuss vitamin U with their healthcare provider before trying it. NB: Prof. Nyarkotey has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations to justify his write-ups. My articles are for educational purposes and do not serve as Medical advice for Treatment. I aim to educate the public about evidence-based scientific Naturopathic Therapies. The writer is a Professor of Naturopathic Healthcare, a Medical Journalist, and a science writer. President, Nyarkotey University College of Holistic Medicine & Technology (NUCHMT)/African Naturopathic Foundation, Ashaiman, Ghana. Currently BL Candidate at the Gambia Law School, Banjul. E. mail: [email protected]. References BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 23. Six people were tragically killed, and eight others sustained injuries in an accident involving a bus carrying workers in the Turkish city of Afyonkarahisar, Trend reports. Ambulance crews and rescuers swiftly arrived at the scene to provide assistance. The injured were promptly taken to Afyonkarahisar and Konya hospitals. As of now, there is no report on the condition of the victims. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Prelude: Liberia is a West African nation and is considered one of the oldest republics in modern statehood; the next to the Republic of Haiti, which was declared independent under General Jean Jacques Dessalines in 1804 when he defeated French troops dispatched by Napoleon Bonaparte{i}. Both historically and anthropologically, it is a fact that Liberia was inhabited by a number of African tribal groups or indigenous peoplesBassa, Vai, Mandigo, Kpelle, etc.before the arrival of the settlers or the Americo-Liberians in the early eighteenth century. It was founded in 1822 as an outpost for returning freed slaves from the Americas. It eventually became a commonwealth, and was declared independent in 1847 with the political arrangement of the American Colonization Society, or ACS (a private- public funded organization established in the United States){ii}. According to some historians and intellectuals, Liberians and foreigners alike, Liberia is unique among African countries due to the fact that it was the only African nation colonized and controlled by freed African-American and Ex-Caribbean slaves as a free state and a homeland to live in. Some other writers argue that Liberia and Ethiopia were the only two African countries during the 19th-century conquest of Africa that were not controlled or colonized. The third possible view believes that Liberia was colonized by ACS and, by extension, by the US government due to involvement of some high-ranking American politicians and the US Congress in the formation of the ACS. Liberiawhich means "Land of the Free"originated from the freed African-American and Ex-Caribbean slaves who established Liberia as a free state. During the colonial era, Liberia was presumed to be a protectorate of the United States{iii}. It is widely believed and absolutely taught at various Liberian schools and tertiary institutions that Liberia was not colonized. Therefore, if so, why does it celebrate Independence Day every year from 1847 to the present day!!? It should have been celebrating either a National or a Founders' Day instead, because the antonym of independence in etymologic references is colonialism. On the other hand, if the argument that claims and holds the view that Liberia was colonized, then, there had not been a historic error in celebrating independence day. Against this backdrop, this piece is aimed at raising some critical points about Liberia's Independence Day celebration based on two unescapable possibilities, as detailed below and depicted by figure [2]. The First Possibility: (Liberia Was Colonized) This assumption could otherwise be called the "positive possibility." It is premised on the fact that having celebrated Independence Day over the last 176 years implies that the state was once held by colonialism, and controlled by a foreign power or institutions. The word "independence" is an anatomy of dependence, otherwise known as "colonization." Therefore, accepting this assumption, it could be argued that Liberia was colonized by the American Colonization Society, which was set up by some prominent American politicians, philanthropists, and Christian organizations to repatriate the freed slaves from the States. According to 'Critical Analyses of Liberia's Bicentennial Celebration," A way forward to a new historical narrative and development tangibility{iv}"The history of the modern state of Liberia started in 1816 when the American Colonization Society (ACS) received support from some leading public figures in the United States of America (USA), such as Senators Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, President Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, and others. The movement worked to establish and find a colony in Africa for freed and manumitted slaves. The agenda hit an official operation when Congress granted $10000 USD for the repatriation to Africa of persons brought to the States as slaves, following the American abolition of the slave trade. Hence, within the period from 1822 to 1865, the ACS was able to repatriate 19000 black people, among whom 4540 were freeborn, 7000 were manumitted slaves, and more than 5700 were recaptured from slaving vessels'. This was the beginning of the modern state known today as the Republic of Liberia. The main objective behind the founding of the ACS was to have a settlement for the freed slaves in Africa. Hence, the central purpose of the discussion in this piece is to point out some of the historical significance of Liberia after two centuries of laying the foundation of its statehood. Impliedly, the involvement of high-profile American politicians such as President James Monroe and Thomas Jefferson, in addition to funding from Congress, in the formation of the ACS, which seemingly colonized Liberia, according to some scholars and writers, tells us that indeed Liberia was under American colonization, though it was not directly controlled by the federal government. Thus, based on this possibility, as evidenced by the above-argued historical fact, Liberia has been right along to celebrate July 26 as her Independence Day since 1847. Boddy-Evans supports the argument that Liberia was briefly colonized in the following: The ACS created the Cape Mesurado Colony on the Grain Coast on Dec. 15, 1821. This was further expanded into the Colony of Liberia on Aug. 15, 1824. By the 1840s, the colony had become a financial burden on the ACS and the U.S. government. In addition, because it was neither a sovereign state nor a recognized colony of a sovereign state, Liberia faced political threats from Britain. As a result, the ACS ordered the Liberians to declare their independence in 1846. However, even after gaining its full independence a year later, the European nations continued to view Liberia as an American colony, thus avoiding it during the scramble for Africa in the 1880s{v}. Besides, some scholars view and argue that upon the arrival of the settlers from 1816-1847, the period that experienced some levels of administrative control by the ACS and, by extension, the American government, qualifies Liberia to have once been a colony of the USA. Hence, if this assumption takes precedence over the proceeding one in the following discussions, then it will be logicality and reason to celebrate Independence Day as it has been observed over the last 176 years. Based on this, it can either be pointed out that she was colonized by an organization; ACS, unlike other countries that were colonized by other states and governments, or it can be argued that she was colonized by the US Government based on the influence some high-ranking American politicians had on ASC's formations and operations. Besides, a participant in the assessment and in generating the views of intellectuals and the educated class argues that Liberia was colonized. According to him, ' Yes, Liberia was colonized." It was established as a colony by the American Colonization Society in 1822. "To be colonized means to be subjected to the control and influence of a foreign power, typically for economic, political, and/or territorial purposes' {vi} Figure 1: A Survey conducted by this study to generate views on whether Liberia was colonized ?Source: the Author. The Second Possibility: (Liberia Was Not Colonized) This school of thought ( The Negative Possibility) believes and argues that Liberia was like Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, Zambia, Gambia and other African nations that were held under colonization and external control by Western colonial powers and imperialists. Historical textbooks about African history especially with the connection to the colonial period, established that Ethiopia and Liberia were two African nations that were colonized. This has been argued by some writers in Liberia and elsewhere. According to Alistair Boddy-Evans, 'There are two countries in Africa considered by some scholars to never have been colonized: Ethiopia and Liberia'.{vii} Besides, this belief seems to be the most prevalent perception by many in Liberia and outside Liberia. Some writers have tried to sugarcoat that Liberia was in a varnished and glazed manner, in her book (Liberia: The Violence of Democracy), Mary H Moran points out that ' It is in many ways a paradoxical place, often cited as an exception to most sweeping generalizations about Sub-Saharan Africa, unlike the rest of the continent, Liberia was never formally colonized by a European power; its pseudo-colonial ( Mother Country) is the United States'{viii}. This study collected views from both Cuttington University Graduate and AME University Graduate Schools, some of the proponents of the view that Liberia was never colonized opine justifying the use of the nomenclature ' Independence Day' by pointing out that 'When our forefathers the settlers- declared independence, they were speaking in the context of establishing a state/ a nation to be recognized by the rest of the world. I, [ a student at Cottington University Graduate School of Global Affairs and Policy who participate in the assessment] think they meant they were prepared to be a whole complete unit, and were seeking recognition. They might have used the wrong nomenclature, but they intended to form themselves into a recognized State'{ix} Figure 2 : The Two debating Views on Liberia's Independence Day. Source: The Author. The figure [2] points out the two leading and dominant views on whether Liberia was once colonized or not. It depicts that holding the view that it was colonized, then nomenclature or phrase 'Independence Day' makes logicality. On the other hand, if the second view is held; Liberia was not colonized, then the nomenclature or phrase ' Independence Day' needs to be relooked into and critically examined, by considering one of these following alternatives : National Day or Founders' Day. A participant in this debate from Cuttington University Graduate School counterargues with her friend in a WhatsApp discussion by saying if Liberia was not colonized why don't we have a Founders' Day instead{x}? Contrarily, another student differs by pointing out that Liberia was never colonized, it was declared independent as a result of political threats{xi}. Conclusion: The subject of Liberia being once colonized is debatable from a histropolitical point of view and intellectually arguable. The outcome of the debate determines the logicality of the Independence Day celebration or may suggest an alternative nomenclature such as National or Founders' Days. That is, holding the view that she was once colonized either by an organization, i.e., the ASC, or indirectly by a state, i.e., the USA, there would be no historical, logical, or perhaps linguistic complication about her Independence Day celebration every July 26 since 1847. Nevertheless, holding the otherwise view that she was not colonized at all, there would be no need for celebrating July 26 every year as Independence Day, because one has to be held in colonialism before one celebrates independence from that colonialism. Therefore, based on this view, Liberia should have been celebrating either a National Day or a Founders' Day instead of the previously discussed one, as depicted in Figure [2]. That is due to the antonym of independence being colonialism, and she was not colonized as argued by the second view. Ironically, this piece conducted a survey among intellectuals and students at AME University Graduate and Cuttington University Graduate Schools, as well as among other professionals who were randomly selected to generate their views on the subject matter, 328 views were generated . It was, therefore, concluded, as shown in figure [1] and Table [1], that 68% of the participants, representing 230, held the view that Liberia was not colonized, while 31% representing 105 participants, believed that Liberia was colonized, and 1% opines that the subject is debatable and it is hard to make a definite decision on it. The sample was randomly selected from educated Liberians ranging their qualification from Senior High School to Master's degree. No Was Liberia Colonized? 1 Element Frequency Percentange 2 Liberia was not colonized 230 680% 3 Liberia was colonized 105 31.00% 4 Undecided/ debatable 4 1% 5 Total 335 100% Table 1 Survey conducted by this study to generate views on whether Liberia was colonized ? Source: The Author. Finally, the subject is highly debatable among intellectuals and historians. Some people believe that she was colonized by the American Colonization Society, mainly the Mary Colonization Society and the Mississippi State Colonization Society. All of these were established by Americans with the support of the US government at certain levels. President James Monroe, Thomas Jefferson, and others all formed the ACS. In addition, the Congress provided a huge amount of money in support as well. A group of intellectuals and academics view that she was never colonized at all. The third view propounds that she was colonized by ex-slaves who were repatriated from the United States. So, celebrating July 26 every year as Independence Day determines whether she was colonized or not. This humble suggestion suggests to the opinion and national leaders at the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches of the government to carefully and critically look into the nomenclature of Independence Day to reflect the factual reality of Liberian history. Thus, if it is objectively and historically established that Liberia was never colonized as widely perceived there no need for Independence Day Celebration as nomenclature, rather it would be appropriate to use National or Founders' Day instead. About the Author: Dr. Mory Sumaworo, ( BA, MCL, Cert-PFM Law, Ph.D.), a Liberian academic, author, an entrepreneur. He currently lectures at Cuttington Graduate School of Global Affairs and Policy, AME University Graduate University School and Foreign Service Institute of Liberia. Executive Director of African Institute for Development Research (AIDER) and CEO of G.B.I GROUP. [/B}{B][email protected][/B}{B] / [/B}{B][email protected][/B}{B] . Endnotes: {B][/B} BBC, Haiti country profile, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-19548810 , accessed on the 21, July 2023. {ii} Peter Dennis, A Brief History of Liberia, https://www.ictj.org/sites/default/files/ICTJ-Liberia-Brief-History-2006-English.pdf accessed on 18 July 18, 2023 {iii} Liberia- Colonization Period 1820-1915, Liberia - Colonization Period, 1820-1915 (geni.com) accessed on the 18th July 2023. {iv} Dr. Mory Sumaworo, Critical Analyses of Liberia's Bicentennial Celebration A way Forward to a New Historical Narrative and Development Tangibility, International Journal of Current Science Research and Review, Volume 05 Issue 04 April 2022. Page No.-897-906, file:///C:/Users/Hp/Downloads/SSRN-id4330527.pdf {v} Alistair Boddy-Evans, Countries in Africa Considered Never Colonized, ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/countries-in-africa-considered-never-colonized-43742 accessed on 18 July 2023. {vi} An argument from a Participant in the assessment and generating views on Liberia Independence Day. He is a Master's degree Student at AME University Graduate School. The Note was received through a WhatsApp Group on the 20th of July 2023. {vii} Alistair Boddy-Evans, Countries in Africa Considered Never Colonized, ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/countries-in-africa-considered-never-colonized-43742 accessed on 18 July 2023. {viii} Mary Moran, Liberia: The Violence Democracy, University of Pennsylvania Press, 2008, Liberia: The Violence of Democracy - Mary H. Moran - Google {ix} Respond from a Participant in the assessment and generating views on Liberia Independence Day. He is a Master's degree Student at Cuttington University Graduate School of Global Affairs and Policy. The Note was received through a WhatsApp Group on the 20th of July 2023. {x} An argument from a Participant in the assessment and generating views on Liberia Independence Day. He is a Master's degree Student at Cuttington University Graduate School of Global Affairs and Policy. The Note was received through a WhatsApp Group on the 19th of July 2023. {xi} An argument from a Participant in the assessment and generating views on Liberia Independence Day. He is a Master's degree Student at AME University Graduate School. The Note was received through a WhatsApp Group on the 19th of July 2023. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled to north-east Cameroon amid violence by Islamist extremists. As the influx puts pressure on the region's natural resources, locals say their forest has suffered. Now displaced people are seeking help to replace trees and find alternative fuel sources. Adele Zaouda sweats profusely in a desperate effort to dig up the roots of a tree. The acacia tree itself has already been cut down and used for cooking. With no other trees left standing, Zaouda has resorted to digging up roots. It has become her one source of fuel. We used to go to the forest to fetch wood. Now there are no more trees in the forest. We have to dig up the roots, she tells RFI. Strain on resources The forest in question is the Zamai Forest Reserve in Cameroon's Far North region. The reserve once spanned some seven square kilometres and teemed with several species of wildlife, including cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, leopards, lions, monkeys and warthogs, among others Now, they are all gone, says Oumarou Souley, personal secretary for the Lamido (traditional ruler) of Zamai. We deplore the fact that the Zamai reserve has disappeared. Refugees came here in large numbers. They felled every tree, they even dig up the roots. The reserve, with its rich wildlife, is gone, Souley told RFI. Uprooting trees for fuel is part of a major problem in the Far North region. Home to about three million people, the fragile landscape has been degraded by unsustainable farming practices and rising temperatures linked to climate change. The situation got worse when Nigerian refugees, terrorised by Boko Haram attacks, began arriving in Cameroon in 2013. At the same time, the Islamist militant group started launching attacks in Cameroon, triggering internal displacement. Zaouda was one of the over 600 people who fled to Zamai in 2017. I came here with my husband, co-wives and our children. We thought we would be here for just a few months, but without security, we can't go back home, she told RFI. It's a similar story across the region, where more than 73,000 Nigerian refugees now call the nearby Minawao Refugee Camp their home, and where more than 300,000 people are internally displaced, according to the United Nations. The additional population has put a strain on the region's natural resources. Cutting down trees is against the law, but we can't do otherwise, because we don't have any other source of energy, Luka Isaac, the elected spokesperson for Nigerian refugees at the camp, told RFI. Seeking solutions With the help of non-governmental organisations, some are looking for solutions. Isaac says some 600 women have been trained to make ecological briquettes, blocks of burnable waste matter that can be used to start and fuel fires. We use domestic waste to make the ecological briquettes, he told RFI. Zaouda, who has undergone the training, explains the process. We gather domestic waste and millet husks. We burn them, we pound them into powder and we mix with water and slippery mud. We then dry the mixture and then we use that for cooking, she said. But Luka says that the sheer number of refugees at the camp means that the ecological briquettes alone are far from meeting people's needs. Refugees 'green' their camp When the first refugees arrived at the Minawao camp, located some 70 km from the Nigerian border, it didn't take long for them to realise that fuel would be a problem. They swung into action, initiating a project to green the camp, according to Isaac. We have planted trees, but they have not reached the stage where we can start cutting them. We have planted more than 50,000 trees for the future, he told RFI. But the trees are already providing the refugees with environmental and health benefits. Isaac says: Even the air we breathe is very clean, and then we have shelter. In fact we are happy with our environment because if you go to the neighbouring villages, they don't have trees like the refugees. Broader problem The refugees' efforts fit into the broader context of the Great Green Wall of Africa, an African Union-led initiative launched in 2007 to revive the Sahel region, a sizable area of semi-arid land connecting the desert of northern Africa to the fertile regions of the south. From Senegal's Atlantic coast to Djibouti's eastern coast, an 8,000 km-long line of trees and plants will be grown as part of the project. The goal is to halt desertification in the Sahel. Every year, 12 million hectares of land become less productive due to desertification, which is mostly caused by climatic changes and human activity. This has an impact on 1.5 billion people worldwide and results in an annual loss of an estimated $42 billion in agricultural income. These realities could worsen across the Sahel, with the region's population projected to jump from 83.7 million in 2019 to 196 million by 2050. The Wall is meant to create a huge swathe of green across the middle of the African continent, managed by 12 African nations. Elvis Tangem, the AU official in charge of the Great Green Wall programme, claims that by making the entire Sahel greener, hostilities that forced Isaac and thousands of others in Zamai to leave their homes might be reduced. Souley says the apparent success of the experiment at the Minawao Refugee Camp should be replicated in Zamai. And that begins with involving locals in the reforestation effort. We need the reserve to be reforested, but that isn't happening. There are NGOs that come here for reforestation, but the communities are never associated and whatever trees are planted, eventually die, he told RFI. Some 23 students of the Abutia Senior High School (ABUSCO) have suffered what medical officers say is food poisoning after they ate a rice meal on campus last Wednesday and Thursday. Mr Claude Dziseaku, Physician Assistant of the Mater Ecclesiae Hospital at Sokode, in the Ho Municipal told the Ghana News Agency that the students were rushed to the facility with abdominal pains, vomiting and diarrhoea on Friday night. He said the situation was chaotic as some of the students were paired on a bed due to the nature of the cases and the number of students involved. He said about 10 staff, who were off duty were marshalled to assist stem the situation and by 1500 hours on Saturday, nine of the students were discharged after their situation improved. He said the staff continue to work around the clock to stabilise the conditions of the rest and indicated many are off danger and recuperating. Mr Dziseaku said food poisoning was suspected since all the cases expressed the same symptoms, adding that the Public Health Unit of the Hospital would take up the case for a thorough investigation. Ms Sandra Eleesam, a final year student of the school, and a victim narrated that they ate fried rice from the canteen and later she and her colleagues started to experience severe stomach pains, vomiting and abdominal pains. Efforts by the GNA to get a confirmation or response from school authorities proved futile at the time of publication. A teacher, who wanted to remain anonymous, confirmed the incident, that some students were taken ill and sent to the hospital on Friday. GNA 23.07.2023 LISTEN Without verification, asset declaration does not tackle corruption, Professor Roger Oppong Koranteng, the Advisor and Head of Public Sector Governance at the Commonwealth Secretariat, United Kingdom, has stated. He stressed that such a declaration must include the public officer's outside activities, employment, investments, assets, and substantial gifts or benefits to be monitored. Prof. Koranteng proposed that a lifestyle audit be initiated as a measure to curb corruption, as it would allow for the determination of whether the lifestyle of a public official was commensurate with that persons known income stream and identify possible corruption, fraud, and other related offences. It was not enough to have supposed asset declarations from public officials kept locked without being opened, as it forfeits its purpose of checking corruption, as Prof. Koranteng, credited with the establishment of the Association of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa to promote inter-agency collaboration and learning through the sharing of experiences and best practices, stated. He said this when he presented a paper at the Ghana News Agency Tema Regional Office progressive anti-corruption media platform: "Is the fight against corruption a mirage or reality". Speaking on the topic "Expanding the Frontiers of Combating Corruption in Ghana: Policy and Strategic Option," he proposed that just as it happened in developed countries, the declaration of assets and liabilities by public officials before and after their tenure in office must be made compulsory and publicly verified as a major step in ensuring probity in public life. He further suggested that there must be a beneficial ownership register that would cover the natural persons who ultimately own or control someone who fronts for them, adding that it also involves a person on whose behalf a transaction is being conducted. He added that it also includes persons who exercise ultimate effective control over a person or arrangement, indicating that such anonymity enables many illegal activities such as tax evasion, corruption, money laundering, and theft of assets to take place out of the view of law enforcement. He said another strategy to fight corruption was to reverse the burden of proof in corruption court cases. He said with this proposition, the burden of proof would be placed on the person pursued for corruption to prove his innocence, as according to him, even though corruption is done in hiding, its proof is seen in the properties acquired by beneficiaries. "If we can implement these strategies, corruption will be reduced drastically, like in Singapore, within a year. However, the question is, will there be a political and institutional will to implement these strategies, he questioned. Mr. Francis Ameyibor, Ghana News Agency Tema Regional Manager, entreated both public and private institutions to partner effectively with the media in their programmes and activities to prevent the incidence of corruption. He tasked the media with leading a strong advocacy campaign that would make the ground infertile for corruption to thrive. According to him, the fight against corruption will bear no fruit without the active participation of the media in raising awareness of its dangers, both in the public and private sectors, and enlightening the citizenry of their duty to combat it. Mr. Ameyibor said if the media helps in the fight against endemic corruption and sustains it, the huge resources lost to it could be redirected into productive ventures to stimulate economic growth and prosperity for the country. In the wake of recent unfortunate events, the country and government stand at a critical juncture. As our beloved nation faces the void left by the resignation of a revered and hardworking Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, it is with unwavering conviction that we propose the elevation of the Deputy Minister to assume the substantive Ministerial role. Throughout his tenure as the Deputy Minister, Issahaku Amidu Chinnia has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service and an unparalleled dedication to the welfare of our citizens. His extensive experience and expertise have been invaluable in crafting and implementing policies that have positively impacted the lives of countless citizens. By elevating Hon. Amidu Chinnia to a Substantive Minister, will not only ensure a seamless transition of leadership but also capitalize on the continuity of vision and stability required during these times. With an intimate understanding of the Ministry's operations and ongoing initiatives, Hon. Amidu Chinnia will hit the ground running, sparing no time to further our nation's progress and welfare. It is important to remember that leadership is not solely about titles but about the capability to effect positive change. The Sissala East MP has exemplified this, consistently going above and beyond the call of duty to tackle complex challenges head-on, and thus, earning the respect and admiration of the people. By appointing Hon. Amidu Chinnia as the substantive Minister, we not only recognize his remarkable contributions but also send a powerful message of continuity and stability to our nation and the international community. It will be a resounding endorsement of meritocracy, signaling that our government has continued its policy of rewarding excellence and fosters an environment of growth and opportunity for all. Let us unite behind this call, recognizing the extraordinary qualities of our Deputy Minister and granting him the opportunity to continue serving our nation with dedication, passion, and distinction. By Mr. Suleman Baako (A youth activist from the Upper West Region, a former Upper West Regional Youth Wing Operations and a 2022 NPP Upper West Regional Youth Organiser Aspirant) 23.07.2023 LISTEN A lot has been said and written about the recent fall out in FDC, and it has been painful to watch. I saw Besigyes press conference where he tried to give some sort of background to the issue he used a lot of wisdom to seemingly mask most of the rot in the party, and I hope that other leaders of the party start emulating him --they should stop talking carelessly in public. I again painfully watched Ssemujju Nganda and Nandala Mafabi on national TV, and I felt so betrayed by both of them. Both built their brand by never sugarcoating the truth and saying what must be said, but it was sad to see them accusing each other like little children. There has been a lot of speculation, too, meant to clearly tarnish names of leaders of FDC. Ssemujju, for instance, was speculating on why Nandala allegedly received money from Museveni, and I wondered why. Saying that the Nandala money was meant to fight NUP doesnt benefit FDC It only benefits three people: Semujju himself (if he plans to lure NUP supporters to his side in the next election), Bobi Wine( make him appear like hes a threat to Museveni), and Museveni( because it makes FDC appear like its already in his pocket). It should be noted that Nandala hasnt denied receiving the money but hes yet to mention the source and the reasons for the money. All we know is that money was received before or during the 2020-21 campaigns. Most politicians who receive financial help from some NRMs never reveal their sources to protect them. It was only Bobi Wine who confessed on national TV for having received money from some NRMs to help him become MP of Kyadondo East. He was cornered to confirm this after General Tumukunde and Tamale Mirundi had revealed the same information to the public. Some unconfirmed media reports have revealed that the money in contention now came from an international donor to both NUP and FDC, and it had to pass via Bank of Uganda, because it was a very large sum of money. If you have access to money even if its not your money you are morally responsible for what you decide to spend that money on, and what you decide not to spend that money on. I have a feeling that Nandala spent most of the money received in helping his party during the elections.For instance, I dont know if people remember this, but FDC nominated more MPs than NUP and paid nomination fees for all of them. So, where did they think all that money came from? If it all came from party accounts, then FDC must be really a rich party. There are three things people should know about life: what you desire, what you believe and what you should do. Regardless of whether NUP was created by Museveni, its leaders and followers turned a lot of FDC and UPC supporters into Museveni supporters before voting took place people just wanted Museveni to win and for NUP to be put in its place. So, it was tempting for anyone in that category, including Nandala, to receive any help from Museveni if it meant to weaken the NUP. Obviously, it's Museveni who benefits from all these situations. He gets to reduce the popularity of something he created as a fake opposition in 2004 by sponsoring another party, or some individuals to fight it. And if its true that hes the one that gave Nandala the shs.7 b, then he has already made a good profit on his investment considering the ongoing public outbursts among the FDC leaders. Obviously, the current problems at FDC extend beyond internecine struggle. A lot of FDCs attacking the party president, Patrick Amuriat, and Nandala wouldn't be doing so if the party was doing well on the ground. The resurrection of NUP, a party that's as old as FDC, directly affected the latter (FDC) tremendously in the 2020-21 elections. MOLES That said, we cannot rule out that Museveni had infiltrated FDC and other parties before the elections. It's a well-worn aphorism that Museveni has eyes and ears in almost all political parties in Uganda. Infiltration is the action of entering or gaining access to an organization or place surreptitiously, especially in order to acquire secret information or cause damage. I'm loath to speculate about circumstances under which government agencies might choose to infiltrate a political party. In Uganda, as far as I know, it is not illegal to infiltrate a political group as long as you do not break any laws. If you are able to find out inside information to give to your own party, that is not against the law. Words have meanings. A mole has a meaning, and while Nandala and Amuriat are seemingly corrupt, self-serving, narcissistic obstructionists, that doesnt make that an accurate label for them. In guessing a mole, you can only work with what you know and calculate, and you might be wrong. But do try, nonetheless. Moles find it so easy to blend in and avoid detection in any political organization in Uganda. In Uganda, people only try to detect moles by their tribes though this may not necessarily give actual results. Someone can be a Munyankole in DP or NUP but not necessarily a mole, but a Muganda may be a mole in both parties. You cant detect a mole by their actions as Besigye said at his recent press conference. The most successful spying is performed by those who are never revealed. Interestingly, a lot of Ugandans ignorantly think that a mole in opposition is the one who criticises their leader. An actual agent is supposed to play nice in order to get close to the leader. However, if you ask me, most political parties do themselves no favours in this area. They don't do adequate vetting while recruiting people who work at their headquarters, or those standing for elective posts in and outside the parties. For instance, FDC can easily endorse one as their candidate if one can raise the shs. 3m required nomination fee. It's almost the same in other parties. In NUP, party tickets were reportedly being sold at astronomical prices by party officials before the 2020-21elections. All NRM needed to do was to pay the bribe money, nomination fee and campaign money for most potential NUP 'recruits' in order to control most of the party. That is how the KGB, too, partly managed to infiltrate both the MI6 and the CIA during the cold war. Both intelligence agencies did not conduct adequate vetting for their employees during the early Cold War. This was especially the case with MI6 - the KGB exploited MI6s penchant for recruiting from elitist top British universities such as Oxford and Cambridge by getting their intelligence officers to recruit people at these universities as agents and then getting these agents to join MI6 as intelligence officers. This was the case with Kim Philby and the Cambridge Five. Philby was the biggest traitor MI6 ever had. He exposed countless intelligence officers, agents and operations etc. He also jeopardised MI6s relationship with the CIA. Ugandans should also stop attacking people in NRM especially if they aren't hurting you directly. There are obviously so many people that are in NRM but sympathising with some in opposition. Similarly, there were a lot of people that worked for Hitler but were also trying to bring him down. German spies were generally agents of the Abwehr- German military intelligence, and the Abwehr was run by Admiral Wilhelm Canaris, secretly an anti-Nazi and a member of the conservative resistance. He purposely staffed his organisation with people opposed to the Hitler regime and agents were implicitly or explicitly encouraged to defect or get caught at the earliest convenience; spies who were loyal to the Third Reich were prone to being sold out. Canaris was reportedly in direct contact with British intelligence throughout the war and may have had a hand in orchestrating the assassination of his former protege Reinhard Heydrich, who was onto him and building a case against him. The Soviets, on the other hand, made no such error which is why they were more successful. Russian spies were famously involved in the allied atomic bomb project such that there is a story that when US president then, Harry Truman, hinted about the new weapon that Stalin showed little surprise. So, everybody is useful during a struggle one way or the other if they are willing to help. If you receive money from Museveni or an NRM, and put it to good use, I dont see any problem with it under the current circumstances. Good use shouldnt mean buying bullet proof cars, houses abroad, e.t.c, but things to help the cause or the needy. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in Copa Holdings, S.A. (NYSE:CPA Free Report) by 5.9% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 2,630 shares of the transportation companys stock after buying an additional 146 shares during the period. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Copa were worth $243,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its holdings in Copa by 559.6% in the 2nd quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 546,018 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $34,601,000 after acquiring an additional 463,244 shares in the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC raised its holdings in Copa by 67.5% in the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 808,205 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $67,218,000 after acquiring an additional 325,800 shares in the last quarter. Capital World Investors raised its holdings in Copa by 9.9% in the 1st quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 3,298,119 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $275,855,000 after acquiring an additional 297,595 shares in the last quarter. Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Copa by 317.1% in the 4th quarter. Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC now owns 369,463 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $30,728,000 after acquiring an additional 280,894 shares in the last quarter. Finally, U S Global Investors Inc. raised its holdings in Copa by 64.3% in the 1st quarter. U S Global Investors Inc. now owns 205,400 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $18,969,000 after acquiring an additional 80,419 shares in the last quarter. 81.98% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Copa alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have weighed in on CPA shares. HSBC dropped their price objective on Copa from $143.00 to $138.00 in a report on Tuesday, June 13th. Barclays boosted their price target on Copa from $120.00 to $150.00 in a report on Friday, May 12th. StockNews.com cut Copa from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, May 26th. Raymond James boosted their price target on Copa from $138.00 to $155.00 in a report on Monday, July 3rd. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on Copa from $137.00 to $140.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Copa has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $131.11. Copa Trading Down 1.3 % Shares of CPA stock opened at $118.15 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.51, a P/E/G ratio of 0.36 and a beta of 1.29. Copa Holdings, S.A. has a twelve month low of $62.89 and a twelve month high of $120.82. The company has a quick ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $109.89 and its 200 day simple moving average is $97.56. Copa (NYSE:CPA Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 10th. The transportation company reported $3.99 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.34 by $0.65. The business had revenue of $867.26 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $839.11 million. Copa had a return on equity of 32.04% and a net margin of 13.80%. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Copa Holdings, S.A. will post 15.54 EPS for the current fiscal year. Copa Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, May 31st were given a dividend of $0.82 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, May 30th. This represents a $3.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.78%. Copas dividend payout ratio is currently 29.18%. Copa Profile (Free Report) Copa Holdings, SA, through its subsidiaries, provides airline passenger and cargo services. The company offers approximately 327 daily scheduled flights to 78 destinations in 32 countries in North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean from its Panama City hub. As of December 31, 2022, it operated a fleet of 97 aircraft comprising 67 Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft, 9 Boeing 737-700 Next Generation aircraft, 1 Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter, and 20 737-MAX aircraft. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CPA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Copa Holdings, S.A. (NYSE:CPA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Copa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Copa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. V Wealth Advisors LLC cut its stake in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) by 10.6% in the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 6,152 shares of the companys stock after selling 731 shares during the period. V Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Altria Group were worth $275,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Altria Group by 0.8% during the 4th quarter. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC now owns 26,693 shares of the companys stock worth $1,220,000 after purchasing an additional 212 shares during the period. Verdence Capital Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Altria Group by 0.5% during the 4th quarter. Verdence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 49,299 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,253,000 after buying an additional 224 shares during the period. Core Wealth Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Altria Group by 23.2% in the 1st quarter. Core Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 1,190 shares of the companys stock valued at $53,000 after purchasing an additional 224 shares during the last quarter. SRS Capital Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 11.9% during the 4th quarter. SRS Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 2,113 shares of the companys stock worth $97,000 after purchasing an additional 225 shares during the period. Finally, Empirical Finance LLC boosted its position in shares of Altria Group by 1.1% during the 4th quarter. Empirical Finance LLC now owns 21,586 shares of the companys stock valued at $987,000 after acquiring an additional 225 shares in the last quarter. 58.38% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Altria Group alerts: Altria Group Price Performance NYSE:MO opened at $45.60 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $81.40 billion, a PE ratio of 14.66, a P/E/G ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 0.59. Altria Group, Inc. has a one year low of $40.35 and a one year high of $51.57. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $44.98 and its 200 day simple moving average is $45.62. Altria Group Dividend Announcement Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) 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 for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.89 billion. Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 245.43% and a net margin of 22.44%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 1.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.12 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 4.98 EPS for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th were paid a $0.94 dividend. This represents a $3.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 8.25%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, June 14th. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 120.90%. Analyst Ratings Changes MO has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Stifel Nicolaus started coverage on shares of Altria Group in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. They issued a buy rating and a $52.00 target price for the company. Citigroup lowered their price target on shares of 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 raised shares of Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 4th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $46.00. Altria Group Profile (Free Report) 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. Featured Stories 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 Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AMTD Digital (NYSE:HKD Get Free Report) and Walker & Dunlop (NYSE:WD Get Free Report) are both business services companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, valuation, analyst recommendations, profitability, earnings, dividends and risk. Valuation and Earnings This table compares AMTD Digital and Walker & Dunlops gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get AMTD Digital alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio AMTD Digital $204.86 million 5.99 $27.51 million N/A N/A Walker & Dunlop $1.26 billion 2.42 $213.82 million $5.04 18.11 Walker & Dunlop has higher revenue and earnings than AMTD Digital. Analyst Recommendations Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score AMTD Digital 0 0 0 0 N/A Walker & Dunlop 0 2 0 0 2.00 This is a summary of current ratings for AMTD Digital and Walker & Dunlop, as reported by MarketBeat. Walker & Dunlop has a consensus price target of $100.00, suggesting a potential upside of 9.55%. Given Walker & Dunlops higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Walker & Dunlop is more favorable than AMTD Digital. Profitability This table compares AMTD Digital and Walker & Dunlops net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets AMTD Digital N/A N/A N/A Walker & Dunlop 14.22% 10.96% 3.90% Insider & Institutional Ownership 75.8% of Walker & Dunlop shares are held by institutional investors. 5.5% of Walker & Dunlop shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Summary Walker & Dunlop beats AMTD Digital on 8 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About AMTD Digital (Get Free Report) AMTD Digital Inc., through its subsidiaries, designs and develops a digital platform to provide financial, media, content and marketing, and investment solutions in Asia. It operates through three segments: SpiderNet Ecosystem Solutions, Digital Financial Services, and Corporate. The company offers digital banking and insurance technology platforms for consumers and small and medium-sized enterprises; and SpiderNet ecosystem, a platform to enhance their investor communication, investor relations, and corporate communication to enhance their valuation. Its platform monitors portfolio companies, such as tracking of business and technology development, competitive landscape, latest technological trends, risk exposure, and financial analysis. The company was incorporated in 2019 and is based in Central, Hong Kong. AMTD Digital Inc. is a subsidiary of AMTD IDEA Group. About Walker & Dunlop (Get Free Report) Walker & Dunlop, Inc., through its subsidiaries, originates, sells, and services a range of multifamily and other commercial real estate financing products and services for owners and developers of real estate in the United States. The company offers first mortgage, second trust, supplemental, construction, mezzanine, preferred equity, and small-balance loans. It also provides finance for multifamily, manufactured housing communities, student housing, affordable housing, and senior housing properties under the Fannie Mae's DUS program; and construction and permanent loans to developers and owners of multifamily housing, affordable housing, senior housing, and healthcare facilities. In addition, the company acts as a debt broker to work with life insurance companies, banks, and other institutional lenders to find debt and/or equity solution for the borrowers' needs; and offers property sales brokerage services to owners and developers of multifamily properties, and commercial real estate and multifamily property appraisals for various investors. Further, it provides appraisal and valuation services; and real estate-related investment banking and advisory services, including housing market research. Additionally, the company offers servicing and asset-managing the portfolio of loans; originates loans through its principal lending and investing activities; and manages third-party capital invested in tax credit equity funds focused on the affordable housing and other commercial real estate sectors. Walker & Dunlop, Inc. was founded in 1937 and is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. Receive News & Ratings for AMTD Digital Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AMTD Digital and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Argo Group International (NYSE:ARGO Get Free Report) and Hiscox (OTCMKTS:HCXLF Get Free Report) are both financial services companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, risk, earnings, valuation, profitability, analyst recommendations and dividends. Insider and Institutional Ownership 89.9% of Argo Group International shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 59.1% of Hiscox shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.0% of Argo Group International shares 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. Get Argo Group International alerts: Profitability This table compares Argo Group International and Hiscoxs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Argo Group International -9.98% 0.06% 0.01% Hiscox N/A N/A N/A Analyst Ratings Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Argo Group International 1 1 0 0 1.50 Hiscox 0 3 0 0 2.00 This is a summary of recent ratings and target prices for Argo Group International and Hiscox, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Argo Group International presently has a consensus price target of $30.00, indicating a potential upside of 0.98%. Hiscox has a consensus price target of $1,167.71, indicating a potential upside of 8,240.82%. Given Hiscoxs stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Hiscox is more favorable than Argo Group International. Dividends Argo Group International pays an annual dividend of $1.24 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.2%. Hiscox pays an annual dividend of $0.08 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.6%. Argo Group International pays out -19.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Hiscox pays out 12.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Argo Group International is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Argo Group International and Hiscoxs gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Argo Group International $1.68 billion 0.62 -$175.20 million ($6.24) -4.76 Hiscox N/A N/A N/A $0.64 21.81 Hiscox has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Argo Group International. Argo Group International is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Hiscox, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Argo Group International beats Hiscox on 7 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks. About Argo Group International (Get Free Report) Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. underwrites specialty insurance and reinsurance products in the property and casualty markets. The company operates in two segments, U.S. Operations and International Operations. It offers primary and excess specialty casualty, general liability, commercial multi-peril, and workers compensation, as well as product, environmental, and auto liability insurance products; management liability, transaction liability, and errors and omissions liability insurance; primary and excess property, inland marine, and auto physical damage insurance; and surety, animal mortality, and ocean marine insurance products. The company also provides directors and officers liability, errors and omissions liability, and employment practices liability insurance; international casualty and motor treaties insurance; professional indemnity and medical malpractice insurance; direct and facultative excess insurance, North American and international binders, and residential collateral protection for lending institutions; and personal accident, aviation, cargo, yachts, and onshore and offshore marine insurance products. It markets its products through wholesale and retail agents, managing general agents, brokers, and third-party intermediaries. The company was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Pembroke, Bermuda. About Hiscox (Get Free Report) Hiscox Ltd, through its subsidiaries, provides insurance and reinsurance services in the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through four segments: Hiscox Retail, Hiscox London Market, Hiscox Re & ILS, and Corporate Centre. It offers commercial insurance for small-and medium-sized businesses; and personal lines cover, including high-value household, fine art, luxury motor, classic car, and partners and direct-to-consumer using both traditional and digital trading models. The company also provides property insurance; marine and energy insurance; aviation insurance; casualty insurance; specialty insurance; kidnap and ransom insurance; and other specialty insurance, such as contingency, terrorism, personal accident, and product recall. In addition, it offers healthcare and casualty reinsurance services, as well as investment services. Hiscox Ltd was founded in 1901 and is headquartered in Pembroke, Bermuda. Receive News & Ratings for Argo Group International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Argo Group International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sometimes even the most wealthy and successful person stops in their tracks and is unable to move forward. The problem is that there are some self-motivation myths that prevent you from achieving what you want. ADVERTISIMENT The site Lifehacker compiled a list of the most common erroneous judgments about how to achieve the goal. They consist of money, visualization, reward, fear and some more misconceptions. Description: Thoughts about motivation can be misguided. Source: pixabay.com Alt: 1. Money is the primary motivator Some people place too much importance on it, causing them to overlook equally important other factors. For example, a good job can have a terrible office location and toxic coworkers. 2. Visualization is necessary to achieve a goal Experts at New York University conducted a study and found out that visualizing success not only doesn't help you achieve it, but on the contrary, it decreases the chances. Positive fantasies actually motivate much worse than thoughts of failure. However, they do not forbid to dream, but at the same time they advise to visualize not the result, but the steps to the goal. ADVERTISIMENT Description: Excessive persistence is not always effective. Source: pixabay.com Alt: 3. Increased reward leads to increased motivation Researchers have found that excessive rewards weaken motivation and are an effect of over-justification. Rewards do not inspire motivated people. 4. Fear is a good motivator Constant expectation of loss or failure is draining and undermines mental health. In this case, it is better to use encouragement. Description: Writing down goals needs to be done properly. Source: pixabay.com Alt: 5. Just trying is enough The very word "try" does not aim at results. Experts advise to act urgently to achieve something. A detailed "journey" plan for realizing your dreams will help you overcome this habit. 6. Everything depends on innate abilities Carol Dweck, a psychology professor from Columbia University, in her book "Flexible Mind" states that fixating on innate talents kills motivation, and calls this thinking fixed. In such a case, there is no point in trying to jump above your head, as you yourself do not believe in it. You should praise yourself for your actions, persistence, success and results, not for your God-given talent. ADVERTISIMENT Description: Fear robs you of motivation. Source: pixabay.com Alt: 7. Willpower is all that is needed It is believed that a strong will is necessary to achieve a goal. Thus, in the annual APA questionnaire, the majority of respondents name its lack as the only factor that prevents them from achieving heights. However, it is found that excessive persistence also deprives motivation, as there comes a time when the body and psyche, among others, are exhausted. Boundaries are important. 8. Writing down goals is the key to success If you simply set a goal and forget about it, not only will it not be achieved, but it will also rob you of motivation. It's important to back up all writing with a "check mark" on the outcome, and to make a detailed and specific plan along the way. Description: Some successful people also go into "hibernation". Source: pixabay.com Alt: As reported by OBOZREVATEL, there are five steps to learn how to make plans that will easily materialize into reality. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Argo Group International (NYSE:ARGO Free Report) in a research note released on Wednesday morning. The firm issued a hold rating on the stock. Separately, TheStreet upgraded Argo Group International from a d+ rating to a c- rating in a research note on Friday, May 26th. Get Argo Group International alerts: Argo Group International Stock Down 0.0 % NYSE:ARGO opened at $29.71 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $1.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.76 and a beta of 1.01. Argo Group International has a one year low of $19.00 and a one year high of $33.94. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $29.62 and a 200 day simple moving average of $29.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a current ratio of 0.63. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Argo Group International ( NYSE:ARGO Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, May 8th. The company reported ($0.31) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.80 by ($1.11). The firm had revenue of $419.60 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $461.90 million. Argo Group International had a positive return on equity of 0.06% and a negative net margin of 9.98%. Sell-side analysts predict that Argo Group International will post 2.85 EPS for the current fiscal year. A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in Argo Group International by 0.9% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 3,237,969 shares of the companys stock valued at $133,663,000 after buying an additional 28,602 shares in the last quarter. FourWorld Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in Argo Group International during the first quarter valued at about $80,747,000. BlackRock Inc. raised its stake in Argo Group International by 5.4% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 2,603,510 shares of the companys stock valued at $76,257,000 after purchasing an additional 134,359 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its stake in Argo Group International by 1.0% during the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,194,998 shares of the companys stock valued at $90,610,000 after purchasing an additional 21,380 shares during the period. Finally, Pzena Investment Management LLC raised its stake in Argo Group International by 47.2% during the 4th quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC now owns 1,891,939 shares of the companys stock valued at $48,907,000 after purchasing an additional 606,520 shares during the period. 89.92% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Argo Group International (Get Free Report) Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. underwrites specialty insurance and reinsurance products in the property and casualty markets. The company operates in two segments, U.S. Operations and International Operations. It offers primary and excess specialty casualty, general liability, commercial multi-peril, and workers compensation, as well as product, environmental, and auto liability insurance products; management liability, transaction liability, and errors and omissions liability insurance; primary and excess property, inland marine, and auto physical damage insurance; and surety, animal mortality, and ocean marine insurance products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Argo Group International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Argo Group International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Autoliv (NYSE:ALV Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday. The auto parts company reported $1.93 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.41 by $0.52, MarketWatch Earnings reports. Autoliv had a net margin of 4.51% and a return on equity of 16.30%. The business had revenue of $2.64 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.55 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.90 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 26.6% on a year-over-year basis. Autoliv Price Performance Shares of ALV opened at $102.78 on Friday. Autoliv has a twelve month low of $65.74 and a twelve month high of $103.99. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $86.98 and its 200-day simple moving average is $87.81. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.94, a PEG ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 1.68. The company has a current ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. Get Autoliv alerts: Autoliv Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 13th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, May 25th were issued a $0.66 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, May 24th. This represents a $2.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.57%. Autolivs payout ratio is 58.93%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Insider Activity A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on ALV shares. Bank of America lowered their price objective on shares of Autoliv from $130.00 to $127.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Autoliv from $98.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Autoliv from $100.00 to $95.00 in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Citigroup lowered their price objective on shares of Autoliv from $97.00 to $93.00 in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price objective on shares of Autoliv from $113.00 to $110.00 in a research report on Monday, April 24th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $100.92. In other news, Director Jan Carlson sold 2,614 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, May 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $88.98, for a total value of $232,593.72. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 77,493 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,895,327.14. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Autoliv Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. New York State Common Retirement Fund acquired a new stake in Autoliv during the 1st quarter worth $49,000. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main acquired a new stake in Autoliv during the 2nd quarter worth $72,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Autoliv during the 1st quarter worth $122,000. Captrust Financial Advisors grew its position in Autoliv by 12.8% during the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 2,128 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $152,000 after purchasing an additional 241 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Advisor Group Holdings Inc. grew its position in Autoliv by 11.0% during the 4th quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 2,559 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $196,000 after purchasing an additional 254 shares during the last quarter. 57.29% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Autoliv Company Profile (Get Free Report) Autoliv, Inc, through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and supplies passive safety systems to the automotive industry in Europe, the Americas, China, Japan, and rest of Asia. It offers passive safety systems, including modules and components for frontal-impact airbag protection systems, side-impact airbag protection systems, seatbelts, steering wheels, and inflator technologies. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Autoliv Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Autoliv and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS Free Report) had its target price lifted by Bank of America from $95.00 to $100.00 in a research note published on Wednesday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports. Other research analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Barclays decreased their price objective on shares of Morgan Stanley from $125.00 to $112.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 12th. Oppenheimer lifted their price objective on shares of Morgan Stanley from $95.00 to $103.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Cfra reissued a strong-buy rating and issued a $105.00 price objective on shares of Morgan Stanley in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th. Odeon Capital Group raised shares of Morgan Stanley from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $94.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, July 12th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of Morgan Stanley from $89.00 to $85.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, April 3rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $95.65. Get Morgan Stanley alerts: Morgan Stanley Trading Up 0.2 % Shares of MS stock opened at $94.01 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.68. Morgan Stanley has a 12-month low of $74.67 and a 12-month high of $100.99. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $85.52 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $89.24. The company has a market capitalization of $157.01 billion, a PE ratio of 16.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.61 and a beta of 1.33. Morgan Stanley Increases Dividend Morgan Stanley ( NYSE:MS Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $1.24 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.20 by $0.04. Morgan Stanley had a net margin of 14.12% and a return on equity of 11.35%. The company had revenue of $13.46 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.02 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.44 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 2.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts predict that Morgan Stanley will post 5.85 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Investors of record on Monday, July 31st will be issued a $0.85 dividend. This represents a $3.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.62%. This is an increase from Morgan Stanleys previous quarterly dividend of $0.78. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, July 28th. Morgan Stanleys dividend payout ratio is presently 54.67%. Insider Activity at Morgan Stanley In related news, major shareholder Stanley Morgan sold 1,049,889 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, June 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $9.45, for a total value of $9,921,451.05. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 8,456,881 shares in the company, valued at $79,917,525.45. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Morgan Stanley news, major shareholder Stanley Morgan sold 1,049,889 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $9.45, for a total transaction of $9,921,451.05. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 8,456,881 shares in the company, valued at approximately $79,917,525.45. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Charles Aubrey Smith III sold 5,600 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.41, for a total value of $517,496.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 136,513 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,615,166.33. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 1,198,524 shares of company stock worth $23,619,741 over the last three months. Company insiders own 0.26% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Morgan Stanley A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Fairfield Bush & CO. bought a new position in shares of Morgan Stanley during the 1st quarter worth about $108,000. Baird Financial Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Morgan Stanley by 7.8% during the 1st quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 306,637 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $26,801,000 after purchasing an additional 22,095 shares in the last quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. boosted its position in shares of Morgan Stanley by 61.9% during the 1st quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 6,957 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $608,000 after purchasing an additional 2,660 shares in the last quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. boosted its position in shares of Morgan Stanley by 64.5% during the 1st quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 17,070 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,492,000 after purchasing an additional 6,696 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Covestor Ltd boosted its position in shares of Morgan Stanley by 66.9% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 626 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $55,000 after purchasing an additional 251 shares in the last quarter. 84.48% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Morgan Stanley (Get Free Report) Morgan Stanley, a financial holding company, provides various financial products and services to corporations, governments, financial institutions, and individuals in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. It operates through Institutional Securities, Wealth Management, and Investment Management segments. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Morgan Stanley Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Morgan Stanley and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Omnicom Group (NYSE:OMC Free Report) had its price objective increased by Bank of America from $79.00 to $84.00 in a report issued on Wednesday morning, Briefing.com reports. They currently have an underperform rating on the business services providers stock. OMC has been the topic of a number of other research reports. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Omnicom Group in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. BNP Paribas upgraded Omnicom Group from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $96.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, March 29th. Macquarie upped their price objective on Omnicom Group from $95.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on Omnicom Group from $95.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on Omnicom Group from $100.00 to $103.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $99.57. Get Omnicom Group alerts: Omnicom Group Price Performance Shares of OMC stock opened at $83.81 on Wednesday. Omnicom Group has a fifty-two week low of $61.85 and a fifty-two week high of $99.23. The firm has a market capitalization of $16.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.60, a PEG ratio of 2.77 and a beta of 0.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.54, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 0.96. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $93.27 and its 200-day simple moving average is $91.09. Omnicom Group Announces Dividend Omnicom Group ( NYSE:OMC Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, July 18th. The business services provider reported $1.81 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.80 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $3.61 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.67 billion. Omnicom Group had a return on equity of 41.72% and a net margin of 9.57%. Omnicom Groups revenue for the quarter was up 1.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.68 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Omnicom Group will post 7.43 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 7th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 9th were paid a dividend of $0.70 per share. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.34%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, June 8th. Omnicom Groups payout ratio is 42.11%. Insider Transactions at Omnicom Group In other news, Director Linda Johnson Rice sold 1,700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, April 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $89.75, for a total transaction of $152,575.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 9,527 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $855,048.25. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In related news, VP Rochelle M. Tarlowe sold 1,800 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $94.12, for a total value of $169,416.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 13,496 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,270,243.52. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Linda Johnson Rice sold 1,700 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, April 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $89.75, for a total value of $152,575.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 9,527 shares of the companys stock, valued at $855,048.25. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 128,500 shares of company stock valued at $12,073,741 in the last three months. 1.30% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Royal London Asset Management Ltd. raised its stake in Omnicom Group by 3.2% in the 4th quarter. Royal London Asset Management Ltd. now owns 70,915 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $5,785,000 after purchasing an additional 2,200 shares during the last quarter. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Omnicom Group in the 4th quarter worth $361,000. Signaturefd LLC increased its stake in shares of Omnicom Group by 24.0% in the 4th quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 4,795 shares of the business services providers stock worth $391,000 after acquiring an additional 929 shares during the last quarter. Aviva PLC increased its stake in shares of Omnicom Group by 68.4% in the 4th quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 195,708 shares of the business services providers stock worth $19,696,000 after acquiring an additional 79,526 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Brookstone Capital Management increased its stake in shares of Omnicom Group by 68.7% in the 1st quarter. Brookstone Capital Management now owns 12,670 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,213,000 after acquiring an additional 5,161 shares during the last quarter. 92.92% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Omnicom Group (Get Free Report) Omnicom Group Inc, together with its subsidiaries, offers advertising, marketing, and corporate communications services. It provides a range of services in the areas of advertising and media, precision marketing, commerce and brand consulting, experiential, execution and support, public relations, and healthcare. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Omnicom Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Omnicom Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bedel Financial Consulting Inc. decreased its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 0.2% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 322,444 shares of the companys stock after selling 568 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company comprises approximately 27.0% of Bedel Financial Consulting Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its biggest holding. Bedel Financial Consulting Inc.s holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $110,734,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of LLY. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the 1st quarter valued at about $107,000. Roundview Capital LLC lifted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.6% in the first quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 2,056 shares of the companys stock valued at $589,000 after buying an additional 53 shares during the last quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the first quarter valued at about $210,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its position 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 buying an additional 4,774 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Barometer Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the first quarter valued at about $561,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.25% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 600 shares of the stock in a transaction 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 of the companys stock, valued at $2,602,163.62. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, EVP Johna Norton sold 1,647 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $444.29, for a total transaction of $731,745.63. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 31,761 shares of the companys stock, valued at $14,111,094.69. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 600 shares of the firms stock in a transaction 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 completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 5,978 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,602,163.62. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 970,965 shares of company stock valued at $423,725,107 over the last three months. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance Shares of LLY stock traded down $1.78 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $462.04. The stock had a trading volume of 2,226,909 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,680,716. The firm has a market capitalization of $438.60 billion, a PE ratio of 73.46, a PEG ratio of 2.12 and a beta of 0.38. Eli Lilly and Company has a twelve month low of $296.32 and a twelve month high of $469.87. The stocks 50 day moving average is $446.38 and its 200 day moving average is $386.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67, a current ratio of 1.30 and a quick ratio of 1.02. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $1.62 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.73 by ($0.11). The firm had revenue of $6.96 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.87 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 20.54% and a return on equity of 61.42%. Eli Lilly and Companys revenue was down 10.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.62 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 8.78 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 8th. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be issued a dividend of $1.13 per share. This represents a $4.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.98%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is presently 71.86%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In LLY has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. UBS Group upped their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $447.00 to $498.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 24th. 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. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $551.00 to $560.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday. StockNews.com cut shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, June 12th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $430.00 to $475.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and fifteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $458.36. Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile (Free Report) 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. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Chicago Rivet & Machine (NYSEAMERICAN:CVR Free Report) in a report published on Wednesday. The brokerage issued a sell rating on the stock. Separately, TheStreet downgraded Chicago Rivet & Machine from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 6th. Get Chicago Rivet & Machine alerts: Chicago Rivet & Machine Trading Up 4.5 % CVR opened at $26.75 on Wednesday. Chicago Rivet & Machine has a 52-week low of $23.65 and a 52-week high of $32.94. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $25.28. The stock has a market capitalization of $25.95 million and a P/E ratio of 9.01. Chicago Rivet & Machine Announces Dividend Chicago Rivet & Machine ( NYSEAMERICAN:CVR Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, May 8th. The company reported ($0.60) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Chicago Rivet & Machine had a return on equity of 9.41% and a net margin of 8.52%. The business had revenue of $8.73 million for the quarter. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 20th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 5th were paid a dividend of $0.22 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 2nd. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.29%. Chicago Rivet & Machines dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 29.63%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of CVR. Morgan Stanley lifted its position in shares of Chicago Rivet & Machine by 8.6% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 12,696 shares of the companys stock worth $363,000 after buying an additional 1,005 shares during the last quarter. Cannell Capital LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Chicago Rivet & Machine by 16.2% in the 4th quarter. Cannell Capital LLC now owns 11,486 shares of the companys stock worth $329,000 after purchasing an additional 1,600 shares during the last quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. acquired a new position in Chicago Rivet & Machine during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $43,000. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its position in Chicago Rivet & Machine by 0.8% in the third quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 68,710 shares of the companys stock worth $1,771,000 after buying an additional 576 shares during the period. Finally, Captrust Financial Advisors acquired a new position in shares of Chicago Rivet & Machine during the second quarter valued at $41,000. Institutional investors own 22.36% of the companys stock. About Chicago Rivet & Machine (Get Free Report) Chicago Rivet & Machine Co operates in the fastener industry in North America. The company operates in two segments, Fasteners and Assembly Equipment. The Fastener segment manufactures and sells rivets, cold-formed fasteners and parts, and screw machine products. The Assembly Equipment segment manufactures and sells automatic rivet setting machines and assembly equipment, as well as parts and tools for related machines. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Chicago Rivet & Machine Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chicago Rivet & Machine and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded shares of Cinemark (NYSE:CNK Free Report) from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a research note released on Wednesday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. currently has $18.00 price target on the stock, down from their previous price target of $21.00. A number of other equities analysts have also recently weighed in on the stock. B. Riley upgraded shares of Cinemark from a neutral rating to a buy rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $23.00 to $20.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 12th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on shares of Cinemark from $11.00 to $12.50 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research report on Friday, April 21st. Benchmark restated a buy rating and set a $17.00 price objective on shares of Cinemark in a research report on Monday, April 10th. StockNews.com began coverage on Cinemark in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Finally, Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and set a $22.00 price objective on shares of Cinemark in a research note on Tuesday, July 18th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Cinemark has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $17.83. Get Cinemark alerts: Cinemark Stock Down 0.8 % CNK stock opened at $15.48 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $1.88 billion, a PE ratio of -9.33, a P/E/G ratio of 1.80 and a beta of 2.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 19.87, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a current ratio of 1.12. The firms fifty day moving average is $16.61 and its 200 day moving average is $14.57. Cinemark has a one year low of $8.28 and a one year high of $19.76. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Cinemark ( NYSE:CNK Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, May 5th. The company reported ($0.03) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.28) by $0.25. The company had revenue of $610.70 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $569.14 million. Cinemark had a negative return on equity of 64.73% and a negative net margin of 7.69%. Cinemarks revenue for the quarter was up 32.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted ($0.62) earnings per share. On average, research analysts forecast that Cinemark will post 0.84 EPS for the current year. Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. VitalStone Financial LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Cinemark in the 1st quarter worth $27,000. Fifth Third Bancorp increased its stake in shares of Cinemark by 69.0% in the 1st quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 1,710 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 698 shares during the last quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc increased its stake in shares of Cinemark by 272.2% in the 1st quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 1,969 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 1,440 shares during the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC increased its stake in shares of Cinemark by 38.8% in the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 2,680 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after acquiring an additional 749 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust grew its stake in shares of Cinemark by 835.5% in the 1st quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 3,218 shares of the companys stock valued at $48,000 after buying an additional 2,874 shares during the period. 98.06% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Cinemark (Get Free Report) Cinemark Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the motion picture exhibition business. As of February 24, 20223 it operated 518 theatres with 5,847 screens in the United States, and South and Central America. The company was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Plano, Texas. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Cinemark Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cinemark and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Intercorp Financial Services (NYSE:IFS Get Free Report) and Banco Santander-Chile (NYSE:BSAC Get Free Report) are both mid-cap finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, institutional ownership, earnings, valuation, profitability, analyst recommendations and risk. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for Intercorp Financial Services and Banco Santander-Chile, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Get Intercorp Financial Services alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Intercorp Financial Services 0 1 2 0 2.67 Banco Santander-Chile 1 2 1 0 2.00 Intercorp Financial Services presently has a consensus target price of $29.33, suggesting a potential upside of 17.33%. Banco Santander-Chile has a consensus target price of $17.00, suggesting a potential downside of 18.35%. Given Intercorp Financial Services stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts plainly believe Intercorp Financial Services is more favorable than Banco Santander-Chile. Dividends Profitability Intercorp Financial Services pays an annual dividend of $1.12 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.5%. Banco Santander-Chile pays an annual dividend of $0.95 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.6%. Intercorp Financial Services pays out 32.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Banco Santander-Chile pays out 56.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Banco Santander-Chile has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years. Banco Santander-Chile is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. This table compares Intercorp Financial Services and Banco Santander-Chiles net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Intercorp Financial Services 25.75% 16.25% 1.75% Banco Santander-Chile 14.55% 16.17% 0.95% Valuation & Earnings This table compares Intercorp Financial Services and Banco Santander-Chiles revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Intercorp Financial Services $6.72 billion 0.43 $428.60 million $3.43 7.29 Banco Santander-Chile $2,128.12 billion 0.00 $871.50 million $1.68 12.39 Banco Santander-Chile has higher revenue and earnings than Intercorp Financial Services. Intercorp Financial Services is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Banco Santander-Chile, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Institutional and Insider Ownership 7.8% of Intercorp Financial Services shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 9.5% of Banco Santander-Chile shares are owned by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Risk & Volatility Intercorp Financial Services has a beta of 1.32, suggesting that its stock price is 32% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Banco Santander-Chile has a beta of 0.74, suggesting that its stock price is 26% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Intercorp Financial Services beats Banco Santander-Chile on 10 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks. About Intercorp Financial Services (Get Free Report) Intercorp Financial Services Inc. provides banking, insurance, wealth management, and payment services for retail and commercial clients in Peru. The company provides loans, credit facilities, deposits, and current accounts; life annuity products with single-premium payment and conventional life insurance products, as well as other retail insurance products; and brokerage and investment management services. It also engages in management, operation, and processing of credit and debit cards. The company was incorporated in 1897 and is based in Lima, Peru. Intercorp Financial Services Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Intercorp Peru Ltd. About Banco Santander-Chile (Get Free Report) Banco Santander-Chile, together with its subsidiaries, provides commercial and retail banking products and services in Chile. It operates through Retail Banking, Middle-Market, Corporate Investment Banking, and Corporate Activities segments. The company offers debit and credit cards, checking accounts, and savings products; consumer, automobile, commercial, mortgage, and government-guaranteed loans; and Chilean peso and foreign currency-denominated loans to finance various commercial transactions, trade, foreign currency forward contracts, and credit lines, as well as mortgage financing services. It also provides mutual funds, insurance and securities brokerage, foreign exchange, financial leasing, factoring, financial consulting and advisory, investment management, foreign trade, treasury, and transactional services, as well as specialized services to finance residential projects. In addition, the company offers short-term financing and fundraising, and brokerage services, as well as derivatives, securitization, and other products. It serves individuals, small to middle-sized entities, companies, and large corporations, as well as universities, government entities, and local and regional governments. Banco Santander-Chile was incorporated in 1977 and is headquartered in Santiago, Chile. Receive News & Ratings for Intercorp Financial Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Intercorp Financial Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TMBThanachart Bank Public (OTCMKTS:TMBBY Get Free Report) is one of 363 publicly-traded companies in the BanksRegional industry, but how does it compare to its rivals? We will compare TMBThanachart Bank Public to related companies based on the strength of its dividends, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, profitability, earnings, valuation and risk. Valuation & Earnings This table compares TMBThanachart Bank Public and its rivals revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get TMBThanachart Bank Public alerts: Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio TMBThanachart Bank Public N/A N/A 0.25 TMBThanachart Bank Public Competitors $312.26 billion $622.77 million 164.69 TMBThanachart Bank Publics rivals have higher revenue and earnings than TMBThanachart Bank Public. TMBThanachart Bank Public is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Analyst Ratings Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score TMBThanachart Bank Public 0 1 1 0 2.50 TMBThanachart Bank Public Competitors 1376 5037 4823 67 2.32 This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for TMBThanachart Bank Public and its rivals, as reported by MarketBeat. As a group, BanksRegional companies have a potential upside of 272.20%. Given TMBThanachart Bank Publics rivals higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe TMBThanachart Bank Public has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals. Insider and Institutional Ownership 34.2% of shares of all BanksRegional companies are owned by institutional investors. 13.1% of shares of all BanksRegional companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Profitability This table compares TMBThanachart Bank Public and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets TMBThanachart Bank Public N/A N/A N/A TMBThanachart Bank Public Competitors 26.83% 11.61% 0.99% Summary TMBThanachart Bank Public rivals beat TMBThanachart Bank Public on 9 of the 11 factors compared. TMBThanachart Bank Public Company Profile (Get Free Report) TMBThanachart Bank Public Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides various commercial banking products and services to individuals, small and medium sized enterprises (SME), and corporate customers primarily in Thailand. It operates through Commercial Banking and Retail Banking segments. The company offers basic, current, cash concentration, corporate liquidity, term and foreign currency deposit, multi-currency, and savings accounts; working capital, personal, home, auto, long-term, unsecured, and other loans, as well as SME loans, letter of guarantee, and supply chain solutions; and debit, credit, and corporate cards. It also provides trade finance, foreign exchange and currency, deposits, financial management, hire purchase, finance leasing, bancassurance and mutual funds, asset management, insurance brokerage, investment banking and advisory, import and export trading, business payment, collection, liquidity management, capital market risk management, agency, and other financial services, as well as solutions for foundations. In addition, the company offers wealth banking, mobile and Internet banking services; and business protection, property, engineer and constructing, business interruption, marine and cargo, motor fleet, legal offense, employee, business loan, credit life, critical illness, savings and retirement, health, personal accident, motor, and travel insurance products. The company was formerly known as TMB Bank Public Company Limited and changed its name to TMBThanachart Bank Public Company Limited in May 2021. TMBThanachart Bank Public Company Limited was founded in 1957 and is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. Receive News & Ratings for TMBThanachart Bank Public Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TMBThanachart Bank Public and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DoubleVerify (NYSE:DV Free Report) had its price objective increased by Barclays from $34.00 to $47.00 in a research note published on Wednesday, FlyOnTheWall reports. Several other brokerages also recently commented on DV. Wells Fargo & Company initiated coverage on shares of DoubleVerify in a research note on Tuesday, June 27th. They issued an overweight rating and a $44.00 price objective for the company. Truist Financial upped their target price on DoubleVerify from $37.00 to $38.00 in a report on Thursday, May 11th. JMP Securities upped their target price on DoubleVerify from $35.00 to $45.00 in a report on Monday, July 17th. Piper Sandler upped their target price on DoubleVerify from $36.00 to $45.00 in a report on Friday, July 14th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on shares of DoubleVerify from $35.00 to $40.00 in a report on Monday, July 17th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $41.79. Get DoubleVerify alerts: DoubleVerify Price Performance Shares of NYSE:DV opened at $41.19 on Wednesday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $36.31 and its 200 day simple moving average is $30.43. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 142.03 and a beta of 0.87. DoubleVerify has a 1 year low of $20.38 and a 1 year high of $41.91. Insider Transactions at DoubleVerify DoubleVerify ( NYSE:DV Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 10th. The company reported $0.07 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.04 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $122.59 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $117.93 million. DoubleVerify had a return on equity of 5.91% and a net margin of 10.64%. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.03 earnings per share. As a group, analysts anticipate that DoubleVerify will post 0.35 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other news, insider Andrew E. Grimmig sold 55,999 shares of DoubleVerify stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $36.79, for a total value of $2,060,203.21. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 57,760 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,124,990.40. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, insider Julie Eddleman sold 750 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $37.99, for a total transaction of $28,492.50. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 130,871 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,971,789.29. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Andrew E. Grimmig sold 55,999 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $36.79, for a total transaction of $2,060,203.21. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 57,760 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,124,990.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 140,205 shares of company stock valued at $5,051,959. Corporate insiders own 3.27% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On DoubleVerify Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. SkyOak Wealth LLC acquired a new position in shares of DoubleVerify during the second quarter worth approximately $307,000. Chicago Capital LLC raised its position in shares of DoubleVerify by 6.1% during the second quarter. Chicago Capital LLC now owns 1,886,632 shares of the companys stock worth $73,428,000 after purchasing an additional 108,976 shares during the period. Teacher Retirement System of Texas increased its position in shares of DoubleVerify by 245.2% during the second quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 23,354 shares of the companys stock worth $909,000 after acquiring an additional 16,588 shares in the last quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System increased its position in shares of DoubleVerify by 33.8% during the second quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 46,300 shares of the companys stock worth $1,802,000 after acquiring an additional 11,700 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC increased its position in shares of DoubleVerify by 118.2% during the second quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 302,987 shares of the companys stock worth $11,792,000 after acquiring an additional 164,125 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 94.42% of the companys stock. DoubleVerify Company Profile (Get Free Report) DoubleVerify Holdings, Inc provides a software platform for digital media measurement, and analytics in the United States and internationally. The company provides solutions to advertisers unbiased data analytics that enable advertisers to increase the effectiveness, quality and return on their digital advertising investments. See Also Receive News & Ratings for DoubleVerify Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DoubleVerify and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Russian rapper Ligalize, who was especially popular in the noughties, will be checked for "discrediting the Russian Armed Forces". The day before, Andrey Menshikov (the musician's real name) gave an interview to Yury Dudy, in which he criticized Russian aggression, as well as the bloodthirsty Putin regime. ADVERTISIMENT The statement on the rapper is allegedly already in the Prosecutor General's office. This is reported by the propaganda Telegram-channel Mash. The documents state that Ligalize is allowed to enter the country and is not recognized as a "foreign agent," but in a recent interview with Dud, he "unashamedly condemned Russia's actions and insulted the president, all this coupled with his latest music video, where Russian soldiers are orcs and Ukrainian soldiers are, of course, knights." Outraged Z-patriots demand that the rapper-oppositionist's clips be banned on the territory of the terrorist country, and Menshikov himself be recognized as an extremist and restricted from entering Russia. Now, by the way, the performer is in exile and lives in Lithuania. In an interview with Dud, he, in particular, said the following: "Our state is waiting for a complete collapse. Everything will be sad there. I don't believe that something good awaits Russia ... Putin looks pathetic with his army, which does not exist." ADVERTISIMENT Earlier OBOZREVATEL wrote that a native of Krivyi Rig, blogger-traitor Artur Babich did not please Russian fans and risks being deported or going to jail. The Ukrainian, who keeps silent about the genocide of his native people and lives in Moscow with a Russian girl, is also accused of "discrediting the Russian Armed Forces." Only verified information we have in our Telegram channel Obozrevatel, Threads and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Easterly Investment Partners LLC trimmed its position in shares of General Electric (NYSE:GE Free Report) by 95.1% in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 3,275 shares of the conglomerates stock after selling 64,171 shares during the quarter. Easterly Investment Partners LLCs holdings in General Electric were worth $313,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of GE. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of General Electric by 122,242.2% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 13,438,063 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $878,644,000 after acquiring an additional 13,427,079 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of General Electric during the 4th quarter worth about $635,274,000. Electron Capital Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of General Electric during the 4th quarter worth about $121,527,000. Clean Energy Transition LLP grew its stake in General Electric by 1,592.4% during the 4th quarter. Clean Energy Transition LLP now owns 1,307,467 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $109,553,000 after buying an additional 1,230,210 shares during the last quarter. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC grew its stake in General Electric by 7,640.4% during the 4th quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 1,183,582 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $3,666,000 after buying an additional 1,168,291 shares during the last quarter. 74.75% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get General Electric alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts recently issued reports on GE shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on General Electric from $100.00 to $102.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. Citigroup raised their price target on General Electric from $114.00 to $126.00 in a research note on Monday, July 10th. UBS Group raised their price target on General Electric from $95.00 to $109.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on General Electric from $90.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, March 31st. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on General Electric from $100.00 to $105.00 in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $109.63. Insider Buying and Selling at General Electric General Electric Stock Down 0.8 % In other General Electric news, VP Thomas S. Timko sold 7,254 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $100.82, for a total transaction of $731,348.28. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 20,953 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,112,481.46. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . In other General Electric news, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 58,292 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $104.68, for a total transaction of $6,102,006.56. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 70,537 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,383,813.16. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link . Also, VP Thomas S. Timko sold 7,254 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $100.82, for a total value of $731,348.28. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 20,953 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,112,481.46. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold a total of 239,419 shares of company stock worth $24,144,151 in the last 90 days. 0.67% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Shares of NYSE:GE opened at $110.33 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. General Electric has a 52-week low of $48.06 and a 52-week high of $112.15. The company has a market capitalization of $120.14 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.38, a P/E/G ratio of 7.76 and a beta of 1.27. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $106.16 and its 200-day simple moving average is $94.66. General Electric (NYSE:GE Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The conglomerate reported $0.27 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.13 by $0.14. General Electric had a return on equity of 9.45% and a net margin of 11.85%. The business had revenue of $14.49 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.46 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.24 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 14.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that General Electric will post 2.03 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. General Electric Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 25th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, July 11th will be paid a dividend of $0.08 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, July 10th. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.29%. General Electrics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 4.17%. General Electric Profile (Free Report) General Electric Company operates as a high-tech industrial company in Europe, China, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. It offers gas and steam turbines, full balance of plant, upgrade, and service solutions, as well as data-leveraging software for power generation, industrial, government, and other customers. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for General Electric (NYSE:GE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for General Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Inscription Capital LLC raised its holdings in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 21.1% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 9,875 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,720 shares during the quarter. Inscription Capital LLCs holdings in EOG Resources were worth $1,132,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its holdings in EOG Resources by 16.0% in the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 16,031 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $1,911,000 after acquiring an additional 2,213 shares in the last quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. acquired a new stake in EOG Resources in the first quarter valued at $404,000. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in EOG Resources during the first quarter valued at approximately $278,000. Zions Bancorporation N.A. raised its stake in EOG Resources by 237.7% during the first quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 1,155 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $138,000 after buying an additional 813 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. raised its stake in EOG Resources by 23.7% during the first quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 662 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $79,000 after buying an additional 127 shares in the last quarter. 89.58% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get EOG Resources alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In EOG has been the topic of several research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group cut EOG Resources from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their price objective for the company from $137.00 to $130.00 in a research note on Tuesday, June 13th. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $142.00 to $141.00 in a research note on Monday, May 22nd. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $147.00 to $138.00 in a research note on Monday, May 15th. Mizuho upgraded EOG Resources from a neutral rating to a buy rating and decreased their target price for the company from $150.00 to $146.00 in a research note on Friday, May 19th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on EOG Resources from $139.00 to $144.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 12th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eighteen have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, EOG Resources presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $145.72. EOG Resources Stock Up 0.9 % EOG opened at $124.61 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $113.78 and its 200-day moving average is $117.80. The company has a market capitalization of $72.88 billion, a PE ratio of 7.79, a P/E/G ratio of 0.40 and a beta of 1.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 1.90 and a current ratio of 2.17. EOG Resources, Inc. has a one year low of $97.39 and a one year high of $150.88. EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, May 5th. The energy exploration company reported $2.69 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.42 by $0.27. The company had revenue of $6.04 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.28 billion. EOG Resources had a net margin of 33.83% and a return on equity of 30.34%. The businesss revenue was up 51.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $4.00 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 10.88 EPS for the current fiscal year. EOG Resources Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 17th will be paid a dividend of $0.825 per share. This represents a $3.30 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.65%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 14th. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio is presently 20.64%. Insider Transactions at EOG Resources In other news, COO Lloyd W. Helms, Jr. sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.87, for a total transaction of $579,350.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 149,689 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,344,464.43. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other EOG Resources news, EVP Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 2,031 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, July 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.26, for a total transaction of $238,155.06. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 37,607 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,409,796.82. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, COO Lloyd W. Helms, Jr. sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.87, for a total value of $579,350.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 149,689 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,344,464.43. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.30% of the companys stock. EOG Resources Profile (Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, and natural gas and natural gas liquids. Its principal producing areas are in New Mexico and Texas in the United States; and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EOG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Essex Property Trust (NYSE:ESS Free Report) had its price objective upped by Morgan Stanley from $228.50 to $244.00 in a research note published on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. They currently have an equal weight rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. Several other brokerages also recently weighed in on ESS. Piper Sandler upgraded shares of Essex Property Trust from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and increased their price target for the stock from $242.00 to $271.00 in a report on Monday, May 1st. Scotiabank upgraded Essex Property Trust from a sector underperform rating to a sector outperform rating and set a $240.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 12th. BMO Capital Markets cut shares of Essex Property Trust from a market perform rating to an underperform rating and decreased their target price for the company from $239.00 to $200.00 in a research note on Monday, April 17th. Barclays lowered their target price on shares of Essex Property Trust from $226.00 to $224.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 31st. Finally, 22nd Century Group reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of Essex Property Trust in a research note on Wednesday, May 31st. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have given a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $245.14. Get Essex Property Trust alerts: Essex Property Trust Stock Performance Shares of ESS opened at $245.14 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a current ratio of 0.95. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $228.20 and a two-hundred day moving average of $221.84. The stock has a market cap of $15.73 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.51, a P/E/G ratio of 2.53 and a beta of 0.77. Essex Property Trust has a one year low of $195.03 and a one year high of $300.33. Essex Property Trust Dividend Announcement Institutional Inflows and Outflows The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 14th. Investors of record on Friday, June 30th were issued a $2.31 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, June 29th. This represents a $9.24 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.77%. Essex Property Trusts payout ratio is 122.55%. A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Creative Planning lifted its position in Essex Property Trust by 21.2% during the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 6,783 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,589,000 after acquiring an additional 1,188 shares in the last quarter. PSI Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Essex Property Trust by 617.4% during the 2nd quarter. PSI Advisors LLC now owns 165 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 142 shares in the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its holdings in Essex Property Trust by 98,059.4% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 297,423 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $69,686,000 after buying an additional 297,120 shares in the last quarter. Naviter Wealth LLC boosted its position in Essex Property Trust by 15.1% in the 2nd quarter. Naviter Wealth LLC now owns 3,280 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $776,000 after buying an additional 431 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Aurora Investment Managers LLC. lifted its stake in shares of Essex Property Trust by 4.0% in the second quarter. Aurora Investment Managers LLC. now owns 7,189 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,684,000 after acquiring an additional 279 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.78% of the companys stock. About Essex Property Trust (Get Free Report) Essex Property Trust, Inc, an S&P 500 company, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) that acquires, develops, redevelops, and manages multifamily residential properties in selected West Coast markets. Essex currently has ownership interests in 251 apartment communities comprising approximately 62,000 apartment homes with an additional property in active development. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Essex Property Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Essex Property Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fast Retailing (OTCMKTS:FRCOY Get Free Report) and NEXT (OTCMKTS:NXGPF Get Free Report) are both consumer cyclical companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, valuation, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, earnings, profitability and dividends. Profitability This table compares Fast Retailing and NEXTs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Fast Retailing alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Fast Retailing N/A N/A N/A NEXT N/A N/A N/A Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for Fast Retailing and NEXT, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Fast Retailing 0 0 1 0 3.00 NEXT 2 3 3 0 2.13 Dividends NEXT has a consensus target price of $6,791.67, suggesting a potential upside of 7,975.70%. Given NEXTs higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe NEXT is more favorable than Fast Retailing. Fast Retailing pays an annual dividend of $0.13 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.5%. NEXT pays an annual dividend of $1.29 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.5%. Fast Retailing pays out 0.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. NEXT pays out 33.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Fast Retailing and NEXTs revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Fast Retailing N/A N/A N/A $99.47 0.24 NEXT N/A N/A N/A $3.87 21.71 Fast Retailing is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than NEXT, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Insider & Institutional Ownership 0.0% of Fast Retailing shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 47.2% of NEXT shares are held by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Summary NEXT beats Fast Retailing on 5 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Fast Retailing (Get Free Report) Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., through its subsidiaries, operates as an apparel designer and retailer in Japan and internationally. The company operates through four segments: UNIQLO Japan, UNIQLO International, GU, and Global Brands. It manufactures and retails clothing for men, women, children, and babies, and other goods and items. The company operates stores and franchises under the UNIQLO, GU, PLST, Theory, COMPTOIR DES COTONNIERS, J Brand, and PRINCESSE TAM.TAM brand names. It also sells its products through online; and provides real estate leasing services. The company was formerly known as Ogori Shoji Co., Ltd. and changed its name to Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. in September 1991. Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Yamaguchi, Japan. About NEXT (Get Free Report) NEXT plc engages in the retail of clothing, beauty, footwear, and home products in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through NEXT Retail; NEXT Online; NEXT Finance; Total Platform; Joules; Property Management; and International Retail, Sourcing, and other segments. It operates through retail stores, online retail platform, and franchise stores. The company also offers consumer credit; NEXT branded products; and women's, men's, children's, homeware, and beauty products under the LABEL brand, and other third-party brands. In addition, it provides property management services, including holding and lease of properties. The company was formerly known as J Hepworth & Son and changed its name to NEXT plc in 1986. NEXT plc was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Enderby, the United Kingdom. Receive News & Ratings for Fast Retailing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fast Retailing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Financial Planning & Information Services Inc. bought a new stake in Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE:ALG Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor bought 1,203 shares of the industrial products companys stock, valued at approximately $222,000. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its position in Alamo Group by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 113,146 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $16,269,000 after buying an additional 1,193 shares during the period. Citigroup Inc. increased its position in Alamo Group by 82.1% during the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 16,027 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,305,000 after acquiring an additional 7,226 shares during the period. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its stake in Alamo Group by 25.6% in the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 4,008 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $576,000 after purchasing an additional 816 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its holdings in Alamo Group by 4.1% in the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 4,296 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $640,000 after purchasing an additional 171 shares during the period. Finally, Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund acquired a new position in shares of Alamo Group during the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,136,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.07% of the companys stock. Get Alamo Group alerts: Insider Transactions at Alamo Group In related news, CFO Richard J. Wehrle sold 1,166 shares of Alamo Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $183.57, for a total transaction of $214,042.62. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 27,057 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,966,853.49. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, CFO Richard J. Wehrle sold 1,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $182.28, for a total transaction of $273,420.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 25,723 shares in the company, valued at $4,688,788.44. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CFO Richard J. Wehrle sold 1,166 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $183.57, for a total value of $214,042.62. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 27,057 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,966,853.49. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 2.30% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Alamo Group Price Performance A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Alamo Group in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Raymond James upped their target price on Alamo Group from $215.00 to $220.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday. Finally, DA Davidson raised their price target on Alamo Group from $208.00 to $212.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 8th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, Alamo Group currently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $209.00. NYSE:ALG traded down $4.18 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $193.68. The stock had a trading volume of 45,811 shares, compared to its average volume of 44,981. Alamo Group Inc. has a 12 month low of $118.73 and a 12 month high of $198.89. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.32 billion, a PE ratio of 19.80 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43, a current ratio of 4.14 and a quick ratio of 2.36. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $182.22 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $173.44. Alamo Group (NYSE:ALG Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The industrial products company reported $2.79 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.95 by $0.84. Alamo Group had a return on equity of 15.16% and a net margin of 7.47%. The firm had revenue of $411.77 million for the quarter. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Alamo Group Inc. will post 11.39 earnings per share for the current year. Alamo Group Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 1st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, July 18th will be paid a dividend of $0.22 per share. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.45%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, July 17th. Alamo Groups payout ratio is 9.00%. About Alamo Group (Free Report) Alamo Group Inc designs, manufactures, distributes, and services vegetation management and infrastructure maintenance equipment for governmental, industrial, and agricultural uses worldwide. It operates through two segments, Vegetation Management and Industrial Equipment. Its Vegetation Management Division segment offers hydraulically-powered and tractor and off-road chassis mounted mowers, other cutters and replacement parts for heavy-duty and intensive uses and heavy duty, tractor- and truck-mounted mowing and vegetation maintenance equipment, and replacement parts. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Alamo Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alamo Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Graphic Packaging Holding (NYSE:GPK Free Report) Investment analysts at Seaport Res Ptn increased their Q4 2023 earnings per share estimates for Graphic Packaging in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday, July 20th. Seaport Res Ptn analyst M. Weintraub now forecasts that the industrial products company will earn $0.61 per share for the quarter, up from their prior forecast of $0.60. Seaport Res Ptn has a Buy rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Graphic Packagings current full-year earnings is $3.00 per share. Seaport Res Ptn also issued estimates for Graphic Packagings FY2024 earnings at $2.65 EPS. Get Graphic Packaging alerts: Several other brokerages also recently weighed in on GPK. Citigroup reduced their price target on Graphic Packaging from $30.00 to $28.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. 888 reissued a downgrade rating on shares of Graphic Packaging in a research note on Thursday, June 29th. Raymond James increased their price objective on Graphic Packaging from $29.00 to $30.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 3rd. Truist Financial dropped their price objective on Graphic Packaging from $33.00 to $32.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 18th. Finally, Bank of America cut Graphic Packaging from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their price objective for the stock from $35.00 to $29.00 in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $29.56. Graphic Packaging Stock Performance Shares of NYSE GPK opened at $23.81 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.36, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a current ratio of 1.62. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $24.81 and its 200-day moving average price is $24.30. Graphic Packaging has a fifty-two week low of $19.46 and a fifty-two week high of $27.56. The company has a market cap of $7.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.91, a PEG ratio of 0.32 and a beta of 0.96. Graphic Packaging (NYSE:GPK Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The industrial products company reported $0.77 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.62 by $0.15. Graphic Packaging had a return on equity of 38.99% and a net margin of 6.46%. The firm had revenue of $2.44 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.40 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.48 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 8.6% on a year-over-year basis. Graphic Packaging Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, July 5th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 15th were given a dividend of $0.10 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.68%. Graphic Packagings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 20.00%. Insider Buying and Selling at Graphic Packaging In other news, CFO Stephen R. Scherger sold 160,492 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $25.81, for a total value of $4,142,298.52. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 427,548 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,035,013.88. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 1.20% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Graphic Packaging A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in GPK. Private Trust Co. NA boosted its position in shares of Graphic Packaging by 177.3% in the 1st quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 1,109 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 709 shares in the last quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. raised its stake in Graphic Packaging by 369.6% in the 1st quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,174 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 924 shares during the last quarter. Accurate Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Graphic Packaging in the 4th quarter worth $34,000. C M Bidwell & Associates Ltd. purchased a new position in Graphic Packaging in the 1st quarter worth $39,000. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group Inc. purchased a new position in Graphic Packaging in the 4th quarter worth $41,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.86% of the companys stock. About Graphic Packaging (Get Free Report) Graphic Packaging Holding Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides fiber-based packaging solutions to food, beverage, foodservice, and other consumer products companies. It operates through three segments: Paperboard Mills, Americas Paperboard Packaging, and Europe Paperboard Packaging. The company offers coated unbleached kraft (CUK), coated recycled paperboard (CRB), and solid bleached sulfate paperboard (SBS) to various paperboard packaging converters and brokers; and paperboard packaging products, such as folding cartons, cups, lids, and food containers primarily to consumer packaged goods, quick-service restaurants, and foodservice companies; and barrier packaging products that protect against moisture, hot and cold temperature, grease, oil, oxygen, sunlight, insects, and other potential product-damaging factors. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Graphic Packaging Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Graphic Packaging and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report) in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 1,683 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $82,000. Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Cibc World Market Inc. raised its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 5.8% in the first quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 41,773 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,100,000 after purchasing an additional 2,299 shares in the last quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. raised its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 12.3% in the first quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 15,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $754,000 after purchasing an additional 1,640 shares in the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL raised its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 78.1% in the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 38,808 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,951,000 after purchasing an additional 17,015 shares in the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF in the first quarter valued at $16,807,000. Finally, Prudential Financial Inc. raised its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 13.9% in the first quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 450,991 shares of the companys stock valued at $22,667,000 after purchasing an additional 55,103 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Stock Performance Shares of BATS EFV opened at $50.71 on Friday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $49.00 and a 200 day simple moving average of $48.91. The firm has a market capitalization of $15.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.51 and a beta of 0.84. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF has a one year low of $49.15 and a one year high of $59.57. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Company Profile iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Value Index. The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hunter Associates Investment Management LLC increased its position in Laboratory Co. of America Holdings (NYSE:LH Free Report) by 0.8% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 19,521 shares of the medical research companys stock after purchasing an additional 152 shares during the quarter. Laboratory Co. of America makes up 1.0% of Hunter Associates Investment Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 28th largest position. Hunter Associates Investment Management LLCs holdings in Laboratory Co. of America were worth $4,477,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Laboratory Co. of America in the 2nd quarter valued at about $29,000. Zions Bancorporation N.A. raised its holdings in shares of Laboratory Co. of America by 45.6% in the 4th quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 131 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 41 shares during the period. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new position in Laboratory Co. of America in the 4th quarter valued at about $33,000. Compagnie Lombard Odier SCmA bought a new position in Laboratory Co. of America in the 4th quarter valued at about $33,000. Finally, Quent Capital LLC raised its holdings in Laboratory Co. of America by 186.3% in the 4th quarter. Quent Capital LLC now owns 146 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 95 shares during the period. 87.75% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Laboratory Co. of America alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have weighed in on LH. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Laboratory Co. of America in a report on Saturday, July 8th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Mizuho lowered their price target on shares of Laboratory Co. of America from $277.00 to $257.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 16th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price target on shares of Laboratory Co. of America from $265.00 to $240.00 in a report on Wednesday, April 26th. Truist Financial lowered their price target on shares of Laboratory Co. of America from $285.00 to $275.00 in a report on Monday, May 1st. Finally, Citigroup lowered their price target on shares of Laboratory Co. of America from $260.00 to $235.00 in a report on Wednesday, April 26th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $273.50. Laboratory Co. of America Price Performance Shares of NYSE LH traded up $0.51 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $219.21. 665,385 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 671,526. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a quick ratio of 1.46 and a current ratio of 1.63. The company has a market cap of $19.42 billion, a PE ratio of 19.89 and a beta of 1.06. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $220.60 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $230.69. Laboratory Co. of America Holdings has a 1-year low of $166.93 and a 1-year high of $219.82. Laboratory Co. of America (NYSE:LH Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The medical research company reported $3.82 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.99 by ($0.17). The firm had revenue of $3.78 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.70 billion. Laboratory Co. of America had a return on equity of 15.56% and a net margin of 6.78%. The businesss revenue was down 3.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $6.11 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Laboratory Co. of America Holdings will post 13.96 EPS for the current year. Laboratory Co. of America Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 8th. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 8th will be given a dividend of $0.72 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 7th. This represents a $2.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.31%. Laboratory Co. of Americas dividend payout ratio is 26.13%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Laboratory Co. of America news, CEO Paul R. Kirchgraber sold 4,300 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $216.91, for a total value of $932,713.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 12,946 shares in the company, valued at $2,808,116.86. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other Laboratory Co. of America news, CEO Paul R. Kirchgraber sold 4,300 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $216.91, for a total value of $932,713.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 12,946 shares in the company, valued at $2,808,116.86. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Der Vaart Sandra D. Van sold 212 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $240.00, for a total transaction of $50,880.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 7,605 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,825,200. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 6,012 shares of company stock worth $1,308,748. Corporate insiders own 0.65% of the companys stock. Laboratory Co. of America Profile (Free Report) Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings operates as a life sciences company that provides vital information to help doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and patients make clear and confident decisions. It operates in two segments, Labcorp Diagnostics and Labcorp Drug Development. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Laboratory Co. of America Holdings (NYSE:LH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Laboratory Co. of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Laboratory Co. of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Investec Group (OTCMKTS:ITCFY Get Free Report) is one of 358 publicly-traded companies in the BanksRegional industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its peers? We will compare Investec Group to related businesses based on the strength of its earnings, dividends, profitability, analyst recommendations, risk, institutional ownership and valuation. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Investec Group and its peers top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Investec Group alerts: Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Investec Group N/A N/A 1.41 Investec Group Competitors $323.54 billion $570.46 million 168.54 Investec Groups peers have higher revenue and earnings than Investec Group. Investec Group is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Insider and Institutional Ownership Profitability 33.1% of shares of all BanksRegional companies are owned by institutional investors. 13.5% of shares of all BanksRegional companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. This table compares Investec Group and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Investec Group N/A N/A N/A Investec Group Competitors 26.78% 11.60% 0.98% Dividends Investec Group pays an annual dividend of $0.63 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.2%. Investec Group pays out 7.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, BanksRegional companies pay a dividend yield of 12.6% and pay out 18.8% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent ratings and target prices for Investec Group and its peers, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Investec Group 0 0 0 0 N/A Investec Group Competitors 1315 4508 4471 52 2.32 As a group, BanksRegional companies have a potential upside of 277.12%. Given Investec Groups peers higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Investec Group has less favorable growth aspects than its peers. Summary Investec Group peers beat Investec Group on 9 of the 10 factors compared. About Investec Group (Get Free Report) Investec Group provides various financial products and services in the United Kingdom South Africa, and internationally. The company offers wealth and investment products and services, including portfolio management, discretionary wealth management, financial planning, stockbroking/execution, pensions and retirement, and investment advisory services for private clients, charities, pension funds and trusts. It also provides specialist banking products and services comprising private banking products, such as lending, savings, foreign exchange, private capital, and transactional banking services; corporate and investment banking products, including lending, advisory, hedging, cash deposits and savings, and equity placement services to government, institutions, corporates, and intermediaries. Investec Group was founded in 1974 and is based in Sandton, South Africa. Receive News & Ratings for Investec Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Investec Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kobe Steel, Ltd. (OTCMKTS:KBSTF Get Free Report) saw a significant decline in short interest during the month of June. As of June 30th, there was short interest totalling 682,500 shares, a decline of 9.4% from the June 15th total of 753,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 100 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 6,825.0 days. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Mizuho raised shares of Kobe Steel from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, May 29th. Get Kobe Steel alerts: Kobe Steel Stock Performance KBSTF stock opened at $9.42 on Friday. Kobe Steel has a twelve month low of $9.38 and a twelve month high of $9.47. The business has a fifty day moving average of $8.15 and a 200-day moving average of $7.14. Kobe Steel Company Profile Kobe Steel, Ltd. engages in the materials, machinery, and electric power businesses worldwide. The company offers steel sheet products, including high-tensile strength, hot and cold rolled, electro-galvanized, and hot-dipped galvanized steel sheets; steel wire rods and bars; and aluminum and steel plates. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Kobe Steel Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kobe Steel and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Famous Soviet and Russian actor of Latvian origin Ivar Kalnynsh, who openly condemned the Kremlin's actions and left the terrorist country when the full-scale war broke out, has assured that he has no intention to return to the Russian Federation either now or after the end of the full-scale war. According to the star, he still receives offers from Russia for filming, but he refuses them without hesitation. ADVERTISIMENT This comment Kalnynsh voiced in an interview with Natalia Moseychuk for her YouTube channel. He stated that Russian cinema no longer exists for him. "I will not go (to Russia - ed.) at all. I told my agents not to touch me. In general in this life," - assured the artist. He shared that he had recently managed to visit many countries on tour. All over the world, according to the celebrity's observations, there is a dislike for everything Russian. At the same time, Kalnynsh himself inadvertently called the terrorist war a conflict. "I traveled to some European countries, the last year was quite rich in touring, and everything Russian causes dislike because of this conflict. In London, for example, in the bus translation into Russian removed, other languages remained, but in Russian removed," - shared the actor. ADVERTISIMENT Recall, Ivar Kalnynsh suggested what awaits Russia in the future. The artist practically has no doubt that the terrorist state will repeat the fate of the USSR and disintegrate. These words, as you might expect, not on a joke made "Z-patriots" angry. The Russian media wrote that Kalnynsh "snorted at Russians", and also accused the celebrity of "disrespect for the country where he earned a lot of money". We also wrote that Kalnynsh renounced his past associated with the cultural space of Russia because of the criminal war in Ukraine. He without regret "sent to hell" the memories of the roles played in Russian cinema. ADVERTISIMENT And not so long ago, the filmmaker responded to the citizens of the terrorist country, who consider him "ungrateful". He assured that such criticism in his address is not justified, because the work in the Soviet Union did not bring him large fees, about which the Russians are constantly shouting. In addition, as OBOZREVATEL reported earlier, the actor expressed confidence that Russia will not be able to occupy Ukraine and win the war. He said that the level of lies that pour out of the propaganda media and the mouths of officials, sugared the whole world. Read more - in our material. Only verified information in our Telegram channel Obozrevatel, Threads and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Lineweaver Wealth Advisors LLC decreased its holdings in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) by 67.3% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 4,629 shares of the companys stock after selling 9,543 shares during the quarter. Lineweaver Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Altria Group were worth $207,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Leo Brokerage LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Altria Group during the first quarter worth about $429,000. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 90.7% in the first quarter. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 23,477 shares of the companys stock worth $1,048,000 after buying an additional 11,169 shares in the last quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Altria Group during the first quarter worth $119,000. Pacer Advisors Inc. grew its stake in Altria Group by 25.2% during the first quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 6,503,577 shares of the companys stock valued at $290,190,000 after acquiring an additional 1,308,730 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Key Financial Inc increased its holdings in Altria Group by 6.9% in the 1st quarter. Key Financial Inc now owns 3,966 shares of the companys stock valued at $177,000 after acquiring an additional 257 shares during the last quarter. 58.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Altria Group alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have commented on the stock. Citigroup dropped their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $49.50 to $47.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 17th. Stifel Nicolaus started coverage on Altria Group in a report on Thursday, April 13th. They set a buy rating and a $52.00 price target for the company. Finally, StockNews.com raised Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 4th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Altria Group has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $46.00. Altria Group Price Performance Shares of MO stock opened at $45.60 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $81.40 billion, a PE ratio of 14.66, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 0.59. Altria Group, Inc. has a 1 year low of $40.35 and a 1 year high of $51.57. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $44.98 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $45.62. Altria Group (NYSE:MO Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $1.18 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.19 by ($0.01). Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 245.43% and a net margin of 22.44%. The firm had revenue of $4.76 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.89 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.12 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was down 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 4.98 EPS for the current year. Altria Group Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 15th were paid a $0.94 dividend. This represents a $3.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 8.25%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 14th. Altria Groups payout ratio is currently 120.90%. Altria Group Profile (Free Report) 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 Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LSV Asset Management reduced its stake in Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP Free Report) by 2.6% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 7,393,362 shares of the companys stock after selling 195,981 shares during the quarter. Molson Coors Beverage makes up 0.9% of LSV Asset Managements investment portfolio, making the stock its 18th largest holding. LSV Asset Management owned approximately 3.42% of Molson Coors Beverage worth $382,089,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its holdings in Molson Coors Beverage by 16.0% in the 4th quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 135,715 shares of the companys stock worth $6,710,000 after purchasing an additional 18,676 shares during the last quarter. First American Trust FSB lifted its holdings in Molson Coors Beverage by 4.3% in the 4th quarter. First American Trust FSB now owns 63,522 shares of the companys stock worth $3,272,000 after purchasing an additional 2,595 shares during the last quarter. Verdence Capital Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Molson Coors Beverage by 4.8% in the 4th quarter. Verdence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 7,846 shares of the companys stock worth $404,000 after purchasing an additional 356 shares during the last quarter. IFP Advisors Inc lifted its holdings in Molson Coors Beverage by 7.6% in the 4th quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 4,158 shares of the companys stock worth $254,000 after purchasing an additional 292 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Alpha Omega Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in Molson Coors Beverage by 3.0% in the 1st quarter. Alpha Omega Wealth Management LLC now owns 94,755 shares of the companys stock worth $4,897,000 after purchasing an additional 2,718 shares during the last quarter. 77.73% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Molson Coors Beverage alerts: Molson Coors Beverage Price Performance NYSE:TAP traded down $0.11 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $69.95. The company had a trading volume of 1,142,080 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,976,769. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $65.19 and a two-hundred day moving average of $57.91. Molson Coors Beverage has a one year low of $46.69 and a one year high of $70.50. The firm has a market capitalization of $15.13 billion, a PE ratio of -58.78, a PEG ratio of 2.17 and a beta of 0.85. The company has a quick ratio of 0.49, a current ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48. Molson Coors Beverage Announces Dividend Molson Coors Beverage ( NYSE:TAP Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The company reported $0.54 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.26 by $0.28. Molson Coors Beverage had a positive return on equity of 7.16% and a negative net margin of 1.97%. The firm had revenue of $2.35 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.23 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.29 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts forecast that Molson Coors Beverage will post 4.58 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 1st will be given a $0.41 dividend. This represents a $1.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.34%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 31st. Molson Coors Beverages dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -137.81%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have commented on the company. 58.com reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a research report on Monday, June 26th. Citigroup reaffirmed a positive rating on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a research report on Wednesday, June 21st. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on Molson Coors Beverage from $74.00 to $75.00 in a research report on Tuesday, June 6th. UBS Group lifted their price target on Molson Coors Beverage from $67.00 to $70.00 in a research report on Monday, June 26th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price target on Molson Coors Beverage from $47.00 to $50.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Molson Coors Beverage currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $61.88. Insider Buying and Selling at Molson Coors Beverage In other Molson Coors Beverage news, insider Geoffrey E. Molson sold 1,840 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.62, for a total value of $111,540.80. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 25,904 shares in the company, valued at $1,570,300.48. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 2.30% of the companys stock. About Molson Coors Beverage (Free Report) Molson Coors Beverage Company manufactures, markets, and sells beer and other malt beverage products under various brands in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company offers flavored malt beverages including hard seltzers, craft, and ready to drink beverages. It provides its products under Aspall Cider, Blue Moon, Coors Original, Hop Valley brands, Leinenkugel's, Miller Genuine Draft, Molson Ultra, Sharp's, Staropramen, and Vizzy Hard Seltzer above premier brands; Bergenbier, Borsodi, Carling, Coors Banquet, Coors Light, Jelen, Kamenitza, Miller Lite, Molson Canadian Lager, Molson Dry, Molson Export, and Niksicko, Ozujsko under the premium brands; and Branik, Icehouse, Keystone, Miller High Life, Milwaukee's Best, and Steel Reserve under the economy brands. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TAP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Molson Coors Beverage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Molson Coors Beverage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Park Place Capital Corp decreased its holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Free Report) by 24.6% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 13,607 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,433 shares during the period. Park Place Capital Corps holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. were worth $1,448,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of MRK. Marion Wealth Management grew its stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 18.5% in the 4th quarter. Marion Wealth Management now owns 21,538 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,390,000 after buying an additional 3,366 shares during the period. Mackenzie Financial Corp grew its stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 2,537,899 shares of the companys stock valued at $270,007,000 after buying an additional 47,005 shares during the period. Ascent Wealth Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 3.1% in the 4th quarter. Ascent Wealth Partners LLC now owns 17,520 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,944,000 after buying an additional 533 shares during the period. Crescent Sterling Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $806,000. Finally, Alaska Wealth Advisors purchased a new stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $228,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.60% of the companys stock. Get Merck & Co. Inc. alerts: Insider Activity In other news, VP Rita A. Karachun sold 15,875 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.53, for a total value of $1,865,788.75. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 45,710 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,372,296.30. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, VP Rita A. Karachun sold 15,875 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.53, for a total value of $1,865,788.75. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 45,710 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,372,296.30. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Robert M. Davis sold 143,329 shares of Merck & Co., Inc. stock in a transaction on Friday, April 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $114.93, for a total transaction of $16,472,801.97. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 271,817 shares in the company, valued at $31,239,927.81. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 354,203 shares of company stock worth $41,055,309. 0.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Merck & Co., Inc. Stock Up 1.8 % MRK stock traded up $1.93 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $110.39. The companys stock had a trading volume of 8,193,967 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,397,351. Merck & Co., Inc. has a 52-week low of $84.52 and a 52-week high of $119.65. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $111.23 and a 200-day simple moving average of $110.60. The firm has a market capitalization of $280.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.56, a PEG ratio of 2.14 and a beta of 0.35. The company has a quick ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 1.44 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $1.40 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.34 by $0.06. Merck & Co., Inc. had a net margin of 22.52% and a return on equity of 37.92%. The business had revenue of $14.49 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.81 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $2.14 EPS. The companys revenue was down 8.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Merck & Co., Inc. will post 4.57 EPS for the current year. Merck & Co., Inc. Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 15th were issued a $0.73 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $2.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.65%. Merck & Co., Inc.s payout ratio is 57.03%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have recently weighed in on MRK. Guggenheim increased their price target on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from $123.00 to $124.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 11th. Truist Financial lowered their price objective on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from $118.00 to $116.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday. Citigroup raised shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $105.00 to $130.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 13th. BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from $102.00 to $113.00 in a research report on Tuesday, July 18th. Finally, HSBC initiated coverage on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a research report on Friday, July 14th. They set a hold rating and a $123.00 price objective for the company. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $123.53. Merck & Co., Inc. Company Profile (Free Report) Merck & Co, Inc operates as a healthcare company worldwide. It operates through two segments, Pharmaceutical and Animal Health. The Pharmaceutical segment offers human health pharmaceutical products in the areas of oncology, hospital acute care, immunology, neuroscience, virology, cardiovascular, and diabetes, as well as vaccine products, such as preventive pediatric, adolescent, and adult vaccines. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Merck & Co. Inc. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Merck & Co. Inc. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of New Gold (NYSEAMERICAN:NGD Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report report published on Wednesday morning. New Gold Stock Performance NGD opened at $1.22 on Wednesday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $1.25. New Gold has a twelve month low of $0.61 and a twelve month high of $1.48. The company has a current ratio of 2.28, a quick ratio of 1.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. The firm has a market cap of $834.82 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -8.71, a P/E/G ratio of 6.05 and a beta of 1.47. Get New Gold alerts: New Gold (NYSEAMERICAN:NGD Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The basic materials company reported $0.03 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.01 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $201.60 million during the quarter. New Gold had a negative return on equity of 1.87% and a negative net margin of 14.38%. As a group, analysts anticipate that New Gold will post 0.04 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On New Gold About New Gold Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in NGD. Pinnacle Wealth Management Group Inc. raised its position in shares of New Gold by 2.6% during the first quarter. Pinnacle Wealth Management Group Inc. now owns 369,950 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $666,000 after purchasing an additional 9,500 shares during the period. Citigroup Inc. grew its stake in New Gold by 127.1% in the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 22,707 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $41,000 after purchasing an additional 12,707 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its stake in New Gold by 1.8% in the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 806,010 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,451,000 after purchasing an additional 13,914 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its stake in New Gold by 47.4% in the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 43,611 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $78,000 after purchasing an additional 14,033 shares in the last quarter. Finally, UBS Group AG grew its stake in New Gold by 4.4% in the third quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 334,796 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $294,000 after purchasing an additional 14,179 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 30.96% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) New Gold Inc, an intermediate gold mining company, engages in the exploration, development, and operation of mineral properties. It primarily explores for gold, silver, and copper deposits. The company's principal operating properties include 100% interests in the Rainy River mine located in Ontario, Canada; New Afton mine situated in British Columbia, Canada; and the Cerro San Pedro mine in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for New Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for New Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE Free Report) Research analysts at KeyCorp boosted their Q2 2023 earnings per share estimates for shares of NextEra Energy in a report released on Tuesday, July 18th. KeyCorp analyst S. Karp now expects that the utilities provider will earn $0.83 per share for the quarter, up from their previous forecast of $0.77. The consensus estimate for NextEra Energys current full-year earnings is $3.11 per share. KeyCorp also issued estimates for NextEra Energys FY2023 earnings at $3.11 EPS, FY2025 earnings at $3.67 EPS, FY2026 earnings at $3.90 EPS and FY2027 earnings at $4.18 EPS. Get NextEra Energy alerts: NextEra Energy (NYSE:NEE Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The utilities provider reported $0.84 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.75 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $6.72 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.78 billion. NextEra Energy had a return on equity of 12.44% and a net margin of 26.97%. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.74 earnings per share. NextEra Energy Trading Up 2.4 % Several other equities research analysts also recently commented on NEE. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on NextEra Energy from $95.00 to $90.00 in a report on Wednesday, April 26th. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on NextEra Energy in a report on Wednesday, June 7th. They set a buy rating and a $90.00 price objective for the company. Erste Group Bank raised NextEra Energy from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, March 28th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on NextEra Energy from $93.00 to $85.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 8th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $93.00 target price on shares of NextEra Energy in a research report on Friday. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $91.36. NYSE NEE opened at $75.90 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $153.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.59, a P/E/G ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 0.46. NextEra Energy has a 52 week low of $69.64 and a 52 week high of $91.35. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $74.03 and a 200-day moving average price of $75.99. The company has a quick ratio of 0.46, a current ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13. Institutional Trading of NextEra Energy Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Appleton Partners Inc. MA raised its stake in shares of NextEra Energy by 3.3% during the 1st quarter. Appleton Partners Inc. MA now owns 13,360 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,030,000 after purchasing an additional 432 shares during the period. Trust Co. of Virginia VA raised its stake in shares of NextEra Energy by 14.0% during the 1st quarter. Trust Co. of Virginia VA now owns 8,776 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $676,000 after purchasing an additional 1,075 shares during the period. Central Bank & Trust Co. raised its stake in shares of NextEra Energy by 2.7% during the 1st quarter. Central Bank & Trust Co. now owns 5,511 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $425,000 after purchasing an additional 143 shares during the period. M. Kraus & Co increased its stake in NextEra Energy by 2.4% in the 4th quarter. M. Kraus & Co now owns 139,454 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $11,658,000 after acquiring an additional 3,229 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mission Wealth Management LP increased its stake in NextEra Energy by 9.7% in the 1st quarter. Mission Wealth Management LP now owns 36,563 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,818,000 after acquiring an additional 3,230 shares during the last quarter. 77.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, EVP Robert Coffey sold 4,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.90, for a total transaction of $299,600.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 11,292 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $845,770.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, CEO John W. Ketchum purchased 13,600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, June 14th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $74.26 per share, with a total value of $1,009,936.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 184,485 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,699,856.10. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Robert Coffey sold 4,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.90, for a total value of $299,600.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 11,292 shares in the company, valued at approximately $845,770.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.38% of the companys stock. NextEra Energy Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, May 30th were given a $0.4675 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 26th. This represents a $1.87 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.46%. NextEra Energys dividend payout ratio is currently 55.65%. NextEra Energy Company Profile (Get Free Report) NextEra Energy, Inc, through its subsidiaries, generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power to retail and wholesale customers in North America. The company generates electricity through wind, solar, nuclear, coal, and natural gas facilities. It also develops, constructs, and operates long-term contracted assets that consists of clean energy solutions, such as renewable generation facilities, battery storage projects, and electric transmission facilities; sells energy commodities; and owns, develops, constructs, manages and operates electric generation facilities in wholesale energy markets. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for NextEra Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NextEra Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nkcfo LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:EEM Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor acquired 10,000 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $395,000. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in EEM. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 125,500.5% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 144,937,968 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $5,493,149,000 after purchasing an additional 144,822,572 shares during the last quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec boosted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 112.2% during the 4th quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec now owns 1,244,119 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $47,152,000 after purchasing an additional 11,466,025 shares during the last quarter. Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Co bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF during the 4th quarter valued at about $324,358,000. National Bank of Canada FI boosted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 779.9% during the 1st quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 8,239,022 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $325,111,000 after purchasing an additional 7,302,610 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 20.9% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 39,172,754 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,484,647,000 after purchasing an additional 6,765,030 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.70% of the companys stock. Get iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Stock Down 0.1 % Shares of EEM traded down $0.06 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $40.32. 21,620,459 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 25,543,174. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF has a 52 week low of $33.49 and a 52 week high of $42.53. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $39.70 and a 200-day moving average of $39.65. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Profile iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund (the Fund), seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of publicly traded equity securities in global emerging markets, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (the Index). Read More Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pacer Advisors Inc. decreased its stake in shares of Iron Mountain Incorporated (NYSE:IRM Free Report) by 72.4% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 650,151 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 1,707,319 shares during the quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. owned about 0.22% of Iron Mountain worth $34,399,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Iron Mountain during the 4th quarter worth $224,698,000. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Iron Mountain in the 4th quarter valued at about $97,752,000. Cbre Investment Management Listed Real Assets LLC grew its stake in shares of Iron Mountain by 206.0% in the 4th quarter. Cbre Investment Management Listed Real Assets LLC now owns 1,237,999 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $61,714,000 after buying an additional 833,378 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can increased its holdings in shares of Iron Mountain by 178.0% during the 4th quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 1,296,492 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $71,450,000 after buying an additional 830,061 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised its position in shares of Iron Mountain by 97.1% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 1,069,486 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $59,260,000 after buying an additional 526,994 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.21% of the companys stock. Get Iron Mountain alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. Barclays raised their target price on Iron Mountain from $56.00 to $64.00 in a research note on Friday, May 5th. StockNews.com raised Iron Mountain from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 30th. Iron Mountain Stock Down 0.2 % Iron Mountain Announces Dividend Shares of NYSE IRM opened at $61.89 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 19.91. The businesss 50 day moving average is $56.54 and its two-hundred day moving average is $54.23. Iron Mountain Incorporated has a 52-week low of $43.33 and a 52-week high of $62.37. The firm has a market cap of $18.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.26, a PEG ratio of 4.11 and a beta of 0.92. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 6th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th were paid a dividend of $0.6185 per share. This represents a $2.47 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.00%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 14th. Iron Mountains payout ratio is 124.75%. Insider Activity at Iron Mountain In other Iron Mountain news, EVP Edward Baker-Greene sold 4,578 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.00, for a total transaction of $251,790.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 8,216 shares in the company, valued at $451,880. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, CEO William L. Meaney sold 10,507 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $59.45, for a total transaction of $624,641.15. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 295,650 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,576,392.50. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Edward Baker-Greene sold 4,578 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.00, for a total transaction of $251,790.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 8,216 shares in the company, valued at approximately $451,880. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 135,934 shares of company stock worth $7,625,110 in the last three months. 2.20% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Iron Mountain Company Profile (Free Report) Iron Mountain Incorporated (NYSE: IRM) is a global leader in innovative storage, data center infrastructure, asset lifecycle management and information management services. Founded in 1951 and trusted by more than 225,000 customers worldwide, Iron Mountain helps customers CLIMB HIGHER to transform their businesses. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IRM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Iron Mountain Incorporated (NYSE:IRM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Iron Mountain Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Iron Mountain and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Permian Basin Royalty Trust (NYSE:PBT Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Friday, July 21st, investing.com reports. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 31st will be paid a dividend of 0.0217 per share by the oil and gas producer on Monday, August 14th. This represents a $0.26 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.11%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 28th. Permian Basin Royalty Trust has increased its dividend payment by an average of 40.2% per year over the last three years. Get Permian Basin Royalty Trust alerts: Permian Basin Royalty Trust Trading Down 1.0 % Shares of NYSE PBT opened at $23.43 on Friday. Permian Basin Royalty Trust has a twelve month low of $14.82 and a twelve month high of $27.77. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.09 billion, a PE ratio of 20.03 and a beta of 0.86. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $24.35 and a 200-day simple moving average of $24.30. Institutional Trading of Permian Basin Royalty Trust Permian Basin Royalty Trust ( NYSE:PBT Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, May 10th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.10 EPS for the quarter. Permian Basin Royalty Trust had a return on equity of 18,908.15% and a net margin of 98.10%. The firm had revenue of $5.22 million during the quarter. A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. lifted its holdings in Permian Basin Royalty Trust by 16.9% during the 1st quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 14,207 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $346,000 after buying an additional 2,050 shares during the last quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC lifted its holdings in Permian Basin Royalty Trust by 87.3% during the 1st quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 1,461 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 681 shares during the last quarter. Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Permian Basin Royalty Trust during the 1st quarter worth about $232,000. HighTower Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Permian Basin Royalty Trust by 12.8% during the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 25,454 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $621,000 after buying an additional 2,898 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Commonwealth Equity Services LLC purchased a new stake in Permian Basin Royalty Trust during the 1st quarter worth about $876,000. 28.30% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, StockNews.com started coverage on Permian Basin Royalty Trust in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Permian Basin Royalty Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Permian Basin Royalty Trust, an express trust, holds overriding royalty interests in various oil and gas properties in the United States. The company owns a 75% net overriding royalty interest in the Waddell Ranch properties comprising Dune, Sand Hills (Judkins), Sand Hills (McKnight), Sand Hills (Tubb), University-Waddell (Devonian), and Waddell fields located in Crane County, Texas. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Permian Basin Royalty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Permian Basin Royalty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Key Financial Inc grew its position in PPL Co. (NYSE:PPL Free Report) by 56.0% during the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 2,849 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 1,023 shares during the period. Key Financial Incs holdings in PPL were worth $79,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of PPL. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can lifted its position in PPL by 3.7% during the first quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 350,807 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $10,501,000 after purchasing an additional 12,428 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its holdings in shares of PPL by 2.3% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,292,612 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $65,480,000 after buying an additional 50,658 shares during the period. Sei Investments Co. boosted its stake in shares of PPL by 9.4% in the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 341,996 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $9,779,000 after buying an additional 29,496 shares during the last quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH grew its holdings in PPL by 1.2% during the first quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 409,552 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $11,697,000 after acquiring an additional 4,998 shares during the period. Finally, Mather Group LLC. raised its position in PPL by 7.7% during the first quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 10,764 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $307,000 after acquiring an additional 766 shares in the last quarter. 73.46% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get PPL alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. TheStreet raised shares of PPL from a c+ rating to a b rating in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on shares of PPL from $30.00 to $31.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of PPL in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Guggenheim cut their price target on PPL from $34.00 to $31.00 in a research note on Friday, July 7th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $31.71. PPL Stock Up 1.8 % PPL opened at $27.89 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $20.56 billion, a PE ratio of 26.56, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 0.78. PPL Co. has a twelve month low of $23.47 and a twelve month high of $31.74. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $26.71 and a 200 day moving average price of $27.82. The company has a quick ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 1.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.03. PPL (NYSE:PPL Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The utilities provider reported $0.48 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.44 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $2.42 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.86 billion. PPL had a return on equity of 7.81% and a net margin of 9.00%. The businesss revenue was up 35.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.41 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts expect that PPL Co. will post 1.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. PPL Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 3rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 9th were issued a $0.24 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 8th. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.44%. PPLs payout ratio is currently 91.43%. PPL Profile (Free Report) PPL Corporation, an energy company, focuses on providing electricity and natural gas to approximately 3.5 million customers in the United States. It operates through three segments: Kentucky Regulated, Pennsylvania Regulated, and Rhode Island Regulated. The company delivers electricity to customers in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Virginia, and Rhode Island; delivers natural gas to customers in Kentucky and Rhode Island; and generates electricity from power plants in Kentucky. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for PPL Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PPL and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PRW Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWO Free Report) during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm bought 1,896 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $425,000. Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 109,740.2% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 84,984,482 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $18,230,871,000 after acquiring an additional 84,907,111 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 9.2% in the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 3,343,055 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $717,152,000 after buying an additional 281,039 shares during the period. Barings LLC lifted its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 2.3% in the 4th quarter. Barings LLC now owns 1,390,150 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $298,215,000 after buying an additional 31,600 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 13.1% in the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,200,159 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $257,458,000 after buying an additional 139,101 shares during the period. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company MN lifted its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 0.9% in the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 890,614 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $191,055,000 after buying an additional 7,599 shares during the period. Get iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF alerts: iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF Trading Down 0.3 % NYSEARCA IWO traded down $0.76 on Friday, hitting $249.36. The companys stock had a trading volume of 660,796 shares, compared to its average volume of 412,625. iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF has a 52-week low of $201.72 and a 52-week high of $255.10. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $237.29 and its 200 day simple moving average is $230.98. The firm has a market cap of $10.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.55 and a beta of 1.15. About iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Russell 2000 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the small-capitalization growth sector of the United States equity market. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. There may be alien craft in our solar system launching their own probes to Earth to study the planet. In all likelihood, representatives of alien life do what NASA does when studying other planets. ADVERTISIMENT This is stated in a draft research report authored by the director of the Pentagon's Office of Anomalous Phenomena Investigation (AARO) Sean Kirkpatrick and the head of the Department of Astronomy at Harvard University Avi Loeb. AARO was established in July 2022 and is responsible for tracking objects in the sky, underwater and in space - or objects that have the ability to move from one area to another. The report generally focused on the physics of unidentified aerial phenomena, i.e. UFOs. "An artificial interstellar object has the potential to be a mothership that emits many small probes during its close flyby of Earth," the report said. The researchers noted that such technology for exploring other worlds is not too different from that used by NASA. Probes, according to the report, can independently detach from the mothership under the influence of the tidal gravitational force of the Sun or due to maneuvers carried out by the carrier object. ADVERTISIMENT One such spacecraft that launched probes to Earth, researchers believe, could be a space object called Oumuamua. It was discovered on October 19, 2017, using Pan-STARRS telescopes. Oumuamua had a cigar shape, looked flat and was moving away from the Sun. Scientists were interested that the object did not have a comet tail, so they assumed that Oumuamua is an artificial object. The report also notes an interesting coincidence with Oumuamua. Six months before it made its approach to Earth, a meter-long interstellar meteor called IM2 fell on our planet. What's interesting is that this meteor had an identical speed relative to the Sun and a similar cigar-shape to Oumuamua. ADVERTISIMENT "With proper design, these probes could reach Earth or other planets in the solar system to investigate when the mothership would fly past them at a distance less than the distance between Earth and the Sun - just as Oumuamua did," according to the report's authors. The researchers also explain why the "sputtering" probes were not noticed by astronomers on Earth. They believe that such mini-probes "do not reflect enough sunlight for existing survey telescopes to notice them." Earlier OBOZREVATEL told about the report of Ukrainian astronomers, who said that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia in Ukraine began to record a significant number of unidentified flying objects flying much higher than existing drones. Airplanes, on the other hand, have not flown over Ukraine since February 2022. ADVERTISIMENT Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest developments. Arch Resources (NYSE:ARCH Get Free Report) and Anglo Pacific Group (OTCMKTS:AGPIF Get Free Report) are both oils/energy companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, valuation, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, profitability, risk and earnings. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Arch Resources and Anglo Pacific Groups top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Arch Resources alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Arch Resources $3.73 billion 0.60 $1.33 billion $61.18 1.95 Anglo Pacific Group N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Arch Resources has higher revenue and earnings than Anglo Pacific Group. Insider and Institutional Ownership Profitability 82.2% of Arch Resources shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 52.6% of Anglo Pacific Group shares are held by institutional investors. 5.4% of Arch Resources shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. This table compares Arch Resources and Anglo Pacific Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Arch Resources 33.74% 96.62% 52.94% Anglo Pacific Group N/A N/A N/A Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current recommendations and price targets for Arch Resources and Anglo Pacific Group, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Arch Resources 0 0 1 0 3.00 Anglo Pacific Group 0 0 0 0 N/A Arch Resources currently has a consensus price target of $197.50, suggesting a potential upside of 65.90%. Anglo Pacific Group has a consensus price target of $355.00, suggesting a potential upside of 22,803.23%. Given Anglo Pacific Groups higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Anglo Pacific Group is more favorable than Arch Resources. Summary Arch Resources beats Anglo Pacific Group on 7 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Arch Resources (Get Free Report) Arch Resources, Inc. produces and sells metallurgical products. As of December 31, 2022, the company operated seven active mines. It also owned or controlled primarily through long-term leases approximately 28,292 acres of coal land in Ohio; 952 acres of coal land in Maryland; 10,095 acres of coal land in Virginia; 306,263 acres of coal land in West Virginia; 81,450 acres of coal land in Wyoming; 234,087 acres of coal land in Illinois; 33,047 acres of coal land in Kentucky; 362 acres of coal land in Montana; 248 acres of coal land in Pennsylvania; and 19,018 acres of coal land in Colorado, as well as smaller parcels of property in Alabama, Indiana, Washington, Arkansas, California, Utah, and Texas. The company sells its products to utility, industrial, and steel producers in the United States and internationally. Arch Resources, Inc. was incorporated in 1969 and is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. About Anglo Pacific Group (Get Free Report) Anglo Pacific Group plc operates as a natural resources royalty and streaming company. The company has royalties and investments in mining and exploration interests in cobalt, coking coal, iron ore, copper, vanadium, uranium, and gold primarily in Australia, North and South America, and Europe. Anglo Pacific Group plc was incorporated in 1967 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Receive News & Ratings for Arch Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arch Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rossmore Private Capital boosted its stake in shares of The Southern Company (NYSE:SO Free Report) by 9.2% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 4,937 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 418 shares during the period. Rossmore Private Capitals holdings in Southern were worth $344,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Southern during the 4th quarter worth about $435,979,000. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Southern during the 4th quarter worth about $369,131,000. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec acquired a new position in shares of Southern during the 4th quarter worth about $124,282,000. First Trust Advisors LP boosted its position in shares of Southern by 45.9% during the 4th quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 2,616,899 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $186,876,000 after acquiring an additional 823,439 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jennison Associates LLC boosted its position in shares of Southern by 56.3% during the 1st quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 2,064,731 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $143,664,000 after acquiring an additional 743,333 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 63.25% of the companys stock. Get Southern alerts: Southern Stock Up 2.8 % SO opened at $73.06 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.51, a current ratio of 0.69 and a quick ratio of 0.51. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $70.66 and a 200-day simple moving average of $69.67. The stock has a market capitalization of $79.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.57, a P/E/G ratio of 5.08 and a beta of 0.50. The Southern Company has a 12 month low of $58.85 and a 12 month high of $80.57. Southern Announces Dividend Southern ( NYSE:SO Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The utilities provider reported $0.79 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.71 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $6.48 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.14 billion. Southern had a return on equity of 10.78% and a net margin of 11.53%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 2.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.97 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that The Southern Company will post 3.6 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 6th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 21st will be issued a $0.70 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 18th. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.83%. Southerns dividend payout ratio is currently 90.32%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts recently issued reports on the company. Mizuho decreased their target price on Southern from $77.00 to $76.00 in a research report on Tuesday, May 16th. Morgan Stanley reissued an underweight rating and issued a $60.00 target price on shares of Southern in a research report on Friday. Guggenheim decreased their target price on Southern from $79.00 to $77.00 in a research report on Friday, July 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on Southern from $73.00 to $69.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 8th. Finally, StockNews.com raised Southern from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 17th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $73.36. Insider Activity In related news, CEO Thomas A. Fanning sold 50,000 shares of Southern stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.16, for a total transaction of $3,758,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 847,592 shares of the companys stock, valued at $63,705,014.72. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, CEO Thomas A. Fanning sold 50,000 shares of Southern stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.16, for a total transaction of $3,758,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 847,592 shares of the companys stock, valued at $63,705,014.72. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Bryan D. Anderson sold 9,491 shares of Southern stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.03, for a total value of $712,109.73. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 36,119 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,710,008.57. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 205,678 shares of company stock valued at $14,881,721 in the last three months. 0.28% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Southern Company Profile (Free Report) 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 Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Southern Company (NYSE:SO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Southern Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southern and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rossmore Private Capital lowered its stake in shares of Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS Free Report) by 1.7% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 5,735 shares of the companys stock after selling 100 shares during the quarter. Rossmore Private Capitals holdings in Novartis were worth $528,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Allworth Financial LP raised its position in shares of Novartis by 3.6% during the 1st quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 3,242 shares of the companys stock valued at $298,000 after buying an additional 114 shares in the last quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC raised its position in shares of Novartis by 10.5% during the 4th quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 37,059 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,362,000 after buying an additional 3,523 shares in the last quarter. Hall Laurie J Trustee raised its position in shares of Novartis by 6.8% during the 1st quarter. Hall Laurie J Trustee now owns 27,702 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,549,000 after buying an additional 1,775 shares in the last quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC raised its position in Novartis by 32.2% in the 1st quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 6,761 shares of the companys stock worth $622,000 after purchasing an additional 1,647 shares during the period. Finally, TCTC Holdings LLC raised its position in Novartis by 0.5% in the 4th quarter. TCTC Holdings LLC now owns 399,583 shares of the companys stock worth $36,250,000 after purchasing an additional 2,150 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 8.07% of the companys stock. Get Novartis alerts: Novartis Trading Down 0.1 % Shares of NVS opened at $105.01 on Friday. The firms 50-day moving average price is $99.78 and its 200-day moving average price is $94.34. The firm has a market capitalization of $222.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.25, a PEG ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 0.55. The company has a current ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. Novartis AG has a 1-year low of $74.09 and a 1-year high of $105.61. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Novartis ( NYSE:NVS Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, July 19th. The company reported $1.83 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.68 by $0.15. The firm had revenue of $13.62 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.32 million. Novartis had a net margin of 14.76% and a return on equity of 25.12%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 6.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.56 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Novartis AG will post 6.81 EPS for the current year. A number of equities analysts recently commented on NVS shares. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Novartis in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a strong-buy rating on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Novartis from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. HSBC started coverage on shares of Novartis in a research report on Friday, July 14th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Finally, BTIG Research lifted their target price on shares of Novartis from $75.00 to $85.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Novartis has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $82.25. Novartis Company Profile (Free Report) Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures, and markets healthcare products in Switzerland and internationally. The company operates through two segments: Innovative Medicines and Sandoz. The Innovative Medicines segment offers prescription medicines for patients and physicians. It also provides cardiovascular, ophthalmology, neuroscience, immunology, hematology, and solid tumor products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Novartis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novartis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jefferies Financial Group initiated coverage on shares of Senseonics (NYSEAMERICAN:SENS Free Report) in a research report released on Wednesday morning, Marketbeat reports. The brokerage issued an underperform rating and a $0.50 target price on the stock. Separately, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Senseonics in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a sell rating for the company. Get Senseonics alerts: Senseonics Stock Performance Shares of Senseonics stock opened at $0.92 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $440.04 million, a P/E ratio of -5.39 and a beta of 0.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 10.25 and a quick ratio of 9.68. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $0.91. Senseonics has a fifty-two week low of $0.54 and a fifty-two week high of $2.44. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Senseonics ( NYSEAMERICAN:SENS Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The company reported ($0.03) earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of ($0.03). The company had revenue of $4.14 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.05 million. Senseonics had a net margin of 314.37% and a return on equity of 266.98%. Analysts forecast that Senseonics will post -0.13 EPS for the current year. Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Magnolia Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Senseonics during the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. Stifel Financial Corp boosted its holdings in shares of Senseonics by 38.9% during the 1st quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 53,520 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 15,000 shares during the last quarter. Eaton Vance Management boosted its holdings in shares of Senseonics by 100.0% during the 1st quarter. Eaton Vance Management now owns 20,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 10,000 shares during the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Senseonics by 38.4% during the 2nd quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 38,414 shares of the companys stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 10,660 shares during the last quarter. Finally, HighTower Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Senseonics by 46.4% during the 4th quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 39,738 shares of the companys stock valued at $41,000 after buying an additional 12,600 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 23.34% of the companys stock. Senseonics Company Profile (Get Free Report) Senseonics Holdings, Inc, a medical technology company, develops and commercializes continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for people with diabetes in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company's products include Eversense, Eversense XL, and Eversense E3 which are implantable CGM systems to measure glucose levels in people with diabetes through an under-the-skin sensor, a removable and rechargeable smart transmitter, and a convenient app for real-time diabetes monitoring and management for a period of up to six months. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Senseonics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Senseonics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of SITE Centers Corp. (NYSE:SITC Get Free Report) have earned a consensus rating of Hold from the five research firms that are covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and one has issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year price target among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $14.42. A number of equities analysts recently commented on SITC shares. StockNews.com started coverage on SITE Centers in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on SITE Centers in a report on Tuesday, May 23rd. They set an equal weight rating and a $12.50 target price for the company. Finally, Mizuho raised their target price on SITE Centers from $12.00 to $15.00 in a report on Thursday. Get SITE Centers alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at SITE Centers In other SITE Centers news, CFO Conor Fennerty sold 12,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $13.26, for a total value of $159,120.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 97,364 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,291,046.64. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 9.90% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On SITE Centers SITE Centers Stock Performance Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Cerity Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of SITE Centers during the 1st quarter worth about $792,000. Lazard Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of SITE Centers during the 1st quarter worth about $76,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its position in shares of SITE Centers by 206.3% during the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 5,845 shares of the companys stock worth $71,000 after acquiring an additional 3,937 shares in the last quarter. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. raised its position in shares of SITE Centers by 90.2% during the 1st quarter. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. now owns 7,454 shares of the companys stock worth $89,000 after acquiring an additional 3,535 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Manhattan Co. acquired a new stake in shares of SITE Centers during the 1st quarter worth about $155,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.61% of the companys stock. Shares of SITE Centers stock opened at $14.38 on Friday. SITE Centers has a 52 week low of $10.42 and a 52 week high of $15.61. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $12.91 and its 200-day simple moving average is $12.75. The firm has a market cap of $3.01 billion, a PE ratio of 19.17 and a beta of 1.54. The company has a quick ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 0.44 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95. SITE Centers Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 6th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, June 14th were given a $0.13 dividend. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.62%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, June 13th. SITE Centerss dividend payout ratio is currently 69.33%. SITE Centers Company Profile (Get Free Report SITE Centers is an owner and manager of open-air shopping centers located in suburban, high household income communities. The Company is a self-administered and self-managed REIT operating as a fully integrated real estate company, and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SITC. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for SITE Centers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SITE Centers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Synchrony Financial (NYSE:SYF Free Report) Equities researchers at Seaport Res Ptn dropped their Q3 2023 earnings estimates for Synchrony Financial in a research note issued on Wednesday, July 19th. Seaport Res Ptn analyst W. Ryan now expects that the financial services provider will post earnings per share of $1.39 for the quarter, down from their prior forecast of $1.47. The consensus estimate for Synchrony Financials current full-year earnings is $4.93 per share. Seaport Res Ptn also issued estimates for Synchrony Financials Q4 2023 earnings at $1.09 EPS, FY2023 earnings at $5.15 EPS and FY2024 earnings at $5.45 EPS. Get Synchrony Financial alerts: SYF has been the topic of several other reports. JMP Securities reiterated a market outperform rating and issued a $42.00 price target on shares of Synchrony Financial in a research note on Friday, July 14th. Citigroup lowered their price target on shares of Synchrony Financial from $44.00 to $43.00 in a research note on Friday, June 2nd. Bank of America lifted their price target on shares of Synchrony Financial from $37.00 to $38.00 in a research note on Monday, June 12th. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price target on shares of Synchrony Financial from $53.00 to $51.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reiterated an underweight rating and issued a $29.00 price target (up from $28.00) on shares of Synchrony Financial in a research note on Wednesday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $37.00. Synchrony Financial Stock Down 0.6 % Shares of SYF stock opened at $34.67 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.22, a quick ratio of 1.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20. Synchrony Financial has a 1 year low of $26.59 and a 1 year high of $40.88. The firms fifty day moving average price is $32.86 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $32.35. The firm has a market capitalization of $14.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.10, a PEG ratio of 1.63 and a beta of 1.57. Synchrony Financial (NYSE:SYF Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $1.32 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.25 by $0.07. Synchrony Financial had a net margin of 14.93% and a return on equity of 21.68%. The business had revenue of $5.08 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.10 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.60 earnings per share. Synchrony Financial declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a share buyback program on Tuesday, April 25th that allows the company to buyback $1.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the financial services provider to buy up to 8% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are often an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Synchrony Financial Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 10th. Investors of record on Monday, July 31st will be paid a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 28th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.88%. This is a positive change from Synchrony Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.23. Synchrony Financials dividend payout ratio is 16.20%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. grew its stake in Synchrony Financial by 181.2% in the 2nd quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 824 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 531 shares during the last quarter. Live Oak Investment Partners acquired a new position in Synchrony Financial in the 4th quarter valued at about $27,000. TCI Wealth Advisors Inc. grew its stake in Synchrony Financial by 41.9% in the 4th quarter. TCI Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 935 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 276 shares during the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP grew its stake in Synchrony Financial by 158.9% in the 2nd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 945 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 580 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Covestor Ltd grew its stake in Synchrony Financial by 138.8% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,108 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 644 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.50% of the companys stock. Synchrony Financial Company Profile (Get Free Report) Synchrony Financial, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a consumer financial services company in the United States. It provides credit products, such as credit cards, commercial credit products, and consumer installment loans. The company also offers private label credit cards, dual cards, co-brand and general purpose credit cards, short- and long-term installment loans, and consumer banking products; and deposit products, including certificates of deposit, individual retirement accounts, money market accounts, and savings accounts to retail and commercial customers, as well as accepts deposits through third-party securities brokerage firms. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Synchrony Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Synchrony Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TFG Advisers LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX Free Report) by 9.8% in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 20,348 shares of the natural resource companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,820 shares during the period. TFG Advisers LLCs holdings in Freeport-McMoRan were worth $832,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Franklin Resources Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Freeport-McMoRan by 131.5% in the 4th quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 10,414,862 shares of the natural resource companys stock valued at $395,765,000 after buying an additional 5,916,905 shares during the period. Neuberger Berman Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Freeport-McMoRan by 25.5% in the 4th quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC now owns 10,009,746 shares of the natural resource companys stock valued at $380,411,000 after buying an additional 2,032,476 shares during the period. Nordea Investment Management AB grew its holdings in shares of Freeport-McMoRan by 2,954.8% in the 1st quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 1,951,565 shares of the natural resource companys stock valued at $78,843,000 after buying an additional 1,887,680 shares during the period. Amundi grew its holdings in shares of Freeport-McMoRan by 13.8% in the 4th quarter. Amundi now owns 13,496,129 shares of the natural resource companys stock valued at $611,468,000 after buying an additional 1,637,605 shares during the period. Finally, Assenagon Asset Management S.A. grew its holdings in shares of Freeport-McMoRan by 1,057.1% in the 1st quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 1,607,292 shares of the natural resource companys stock valued at $65,754,000 after buying an additional 1,468,380 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.35% of the companys stock. Get Freeport-McMoRan alerts: Insider Activity at Freeport-McMoRan In related news, Director Sara Grootwassink Lewis purchased 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 12th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $34.90 per share, for a total transaction of $139,600.00. Following the purchase, the director now owns 17,800 shares in the company, valued at $621,220. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.78% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes Freeport-McMoRan Stock Performance A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on FCX shares. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an equal weight rating and issued a $38.50 target price on shares of Freeport-McMoRan in a research note on Friday. Raymond James upped their target price on shares of Freeport-McMoRan from $43.00 to $44.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Freeport-McMoRan from $24.00 to $29.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Friday, April 21st. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM reissued an initiates rating on shares of Freeport-McMoRan in a research report on Thursday, June 29th. Finally, StockNews.com cut shares of Freeport-McMoRan from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, June 9th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Freeport-McMoRan presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $39.46. Shares of FCX stock traded down $1.28 on Friday, reaching $40.61. The stock had a trading volume of 11,550,742 shares, compared to its average volume of 11,585,408. The company has a quick ratio of 1.71, a current ratio of 2.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. The firms 50-day moving average is $38.23 and its two-hundred day moving average is $39.93. The firm has a market capitalization of $58.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.01 and a beta of 2.01. Freeport-McMoRan Inc. has a 12 month low of $26.03 and a 12 month high of $46.73. Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The natural resource company reported $0.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.36 by ($0.01). Freeport-McMoRan had a net margin of 9.63% and a return on equity of 9.45%. The firm had revenue of $5.74 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.61 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.58 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts expect that Freeport-McMoRan Inc. will post 1.53 EPS for the current fiscal year. Freeport-McMoRan Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 1st. Investors of record on Friday, July 14th will be paid a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 13th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.48%. Freeport-McMoRans dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 20.69%. Freeport-McMoRan Company Profile (Free Report) Freeport-McMoRan Inc engages in the mining of mineral properties in North America, South America, and Indonesia. It primarily explores for copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and other metals, as well as oil and gas. The company's assets include the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia; Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita, and Miami in Arizona; Tyrone and Chino in New Mexico; and Henderson and Climax in Colorado, North America, as well as Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FCX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Freeport-McMoRan Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Freeport-McMoRan and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TFG Advisers LLC grew its holdings in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 4.3% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 8,116 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after purchasing an additional 337 shares during the quarter. UnitedHealth Group accounts for about 1.9% of TFG Advisers LLCs holdings, making the stock its 6th biggest holding. TFG Advisers LLCs holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $3,836,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Chelsea Counsel Co. purchased a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the 4th quarter valued at $27,000. Freedom Wealth Alliance LLC purchased a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the 4th quarter valued at $31,000. Investors Research Corp grew its position in UnitedHealth Group by 51.1% in the 4th quarter. Investors Research Corp now owns 71 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $38,000 after buying an additional 24 shares during the last quarter. Bourgeon Capital Management LLC grew its position in UnitedHealth Group by 192.3% in the 4th quarter. Bourgeon Capital Management LLC now owns 76 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $40,000 after buying an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. Finally, WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the 4th quarter worth $42,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.61% of the companys stock. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other UnitedHealth Group news, CEO Andrew Witty sold 6,160 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, April 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $487.49, for a total value of $3,002,938.40. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 86,564 shares in the company, valued at $42,199,084.36. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 1,684 shares of UnitedHealth Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, April 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $488.46, for a total transaction of $822,566.64. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 8,675 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,237,390.50. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Andrew Witty sold 6,160 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, April 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $487.49, for a total value of $3,002,938.40. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 86,564 shares in the company, valued at approximately $42,199,084.36. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 11,844 shares of company stock worth $5,850,265 over the last ninety days. 0.35% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. UnitedHealth Group Stock Performance Shares of UNH stock traded up $2.29 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $506.53. 2,887,339 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,592,503. The stock has a market capitalization of $471.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.66, a P/E/G ratio of 1.49 and a beta of 0.66. The company has a quick ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a fifty-two week low of $445.68 and a fifty-two week high of $558.10. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $479.77 and a 200-day moving average price of $484.77. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 14th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.14 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $5.92 by $0.22. The firm had revenue of $92.90 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $90.97 billion. UnitedHealth Group had a return on equity of 26.72% and a net margin of 6.06%. The businesss revenue was up 15.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $5.57 earnings per share. Analysts predict that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 24.84 EPS for the current fiscal year. UnitedHealth Group Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 27th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 19th were paid a $1.88 dividend. This is a positive change from UnitedHealth Groups previous quarterly dividend of $1.65. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 15th. This represents a $7.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.48%. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 33.65%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have commented on UNH shares. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $592.00 to $572.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, July 17th. UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $510.00 to $520.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday. Cantor Fitzgerald assumed coverage on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. They set an overweight rating and a $591.00 target price on the stock. Oppenheimer reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $610.00 price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research report on Monday, April 17th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $616.00 to $561.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 13th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, sixteen have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $583.40. UnitedHealth Group Profile (Free Report) UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. It operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for UnitedHealth Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UnitedHealth Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vaughan David Investments LLC IL raised its holdings in Duke Energy Co. (NYSE:DUK Free Report) by 1.2% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 335,077 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 3,896 shares during the period. Vaughan David Investments LLC ILs holdings in Duke Energy were worth $32,325,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Lineweaver Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Duke Energy by 4.4% during the 1st quarter. Lineweaver Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 8,319 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $803,000 after purchasing an additional 353 shares during the last quarter. Leo Brokerage LLC bought a new position in shares of Duke Energy during the 1st quarter valued at about $1,532,000. 1900 Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Duke Energy during the 1st quarter valued at about $240,000. Rossmore Private Capital increased its position in shares of Duke Energy by 8.0% during the 1st quarter. Rossmore Private Capital now owns 3,760 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $363,000 after purchasing an additional 279 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Daiwa Securities Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Duke Energy by 9.0% during the 1st quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 59,463 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $5,736,000 after purchasing an additional 4,928 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 63.13% of the companys stock. Get Duke Energy alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In DUK has been the topic of several recent research reports. Mizuho reduced their price target on Duke Energy from $107.00 to $92.00 in a research report on Tuesday, June 13th. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on Duke Energy in a research report on Wednesday, June 7th. They set a neutral rating and a $99.00 price target on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on Duke Energy from $109.00 to $97.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 8th. Morgan Stanley restated an equal weight rating and set a $102.00 price target on shares of Duke Energy in a research report on Friday. Finally, Bank of America reduced their price target on Duke Energy from $112.00 to $110.00 in a research report on Sunday, June 11th. Eight 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, Duke Energy presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $101.82. Duke Energy Stock Up 1.7 % Shares of DUK traded up $1.58 on Friday, reaching $94.78. The stock had a trading volume of 2,694,301 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,341,061. The firm has a market capitalization of $73.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.16, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.76 and a beta of 0.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.38, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a current ratio of 0.77. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $91.08 and a 200-day simple moving average of $96.03. Duke Energy Co. has a 12-month low of $83.76 and a 12-month high of $113.67. Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The utilities provider reported $1.20 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.40 by ($0.20). The firm had revenue of $7.28 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.26 billion. Duke Energy had a net margin of 8.89% and a return on equity of 8.39%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 2.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.30 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that Duke Energy Co. will post 5.61 EPS for the current year. Duke Energy Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 18th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 18th will be paid a $1.025 dividend. This represents a $4.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.33%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 17th. This is a boost from Duke Energys previous quarterly dividend of $1.01. Duke Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 123.69%. About Duke Energy (Free Report) Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through two segments, Electric Utilities and Infrastructure (EU&I) and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure (GU&I). The EU&I segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest; and uses coal, hydroelectric, natural gas, oil, solar and wind sources, renewables, and nuclear fuel to generate electricity. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DUK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Duke Energy Co. (NYSE:DUK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Duke Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Duke Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vaughan David Investments LLC IL boosted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 0.2% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 412,874 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after purchasing an additional 835 shares during the quarter. Abbott Laboratories makes up approximately 1.3% of Vaughan David Investments LLC ILs investment portfolio, making the stock its 23rd biggest position. Vaughan David Investments LLC ILs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $41,808,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Inscription Capital LLC lifted its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 8.5% in the 1st quarter. Inscription Capital LLC now owns 2,603 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $264,000 after purchasing an additional 204 shares during the period. Leo Brokerage LLC acquired a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 1st quarter valued at $670,000. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 14.4% in the 1st quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,549 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $359,000 after purchasing an additional 448 shares during the period. Pacer Advisors Inc. raised its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 5.2% during the 1st quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 109,959 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $11,134,000 after buying an additional 5,440 shares during the period. Finally, First Interstate Bank raised its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 2.1% during the 1st quarter. First Interstate Bank now owns 28,893 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $2,926,000 after buying an additional 605 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.08% of the companys stock. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages recently commented on ABT. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $118.00 to $122.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Mizuho raised their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $110.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday. SVB Leerink raised their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $90.00 to $102.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Friday, March 31st. Morgan Stanley reiterated an equal weight rating and set a $112.00 target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Friday. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on Abbott Laboratories in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating for the company. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $120.53. Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance NYSE:ABT traded up $2.46 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $114.29. The stock had a trading volume of 7,062,886 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,623,041. Abbott Laboratories has a twelve month low of $93.25 and a twelve month high of $115.69. The stock has a market cap of $198.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.01, a PEG ratio of 5.12 and a beta of 0.68. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $106.12 and its 200 day simple moving average is $106.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a quick ratio of 1.22 and a current ratio of 1.68. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.05 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $9.98 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.71 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 12.83% and a return on equity of 20.60%. Abbott Laboratoriess revenue was down 11.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.43 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.39 earnings per share for the current year. Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 14th will be given a dividend of $0.51 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 13th. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.78%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 69.62%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Abbott Laboratories news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 8,226 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were 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 directly owns 70,427 shares in the company, valued at $7,786,409.12. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of Abbott Laboratories stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $111.02, for a total value of $5,551,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, 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 can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 8,226 shares of Abbott Laboratories stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.56, for a total transaction of $909,466.56. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 70,427 shares in the company, valued at $7,786,409.12. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. Abbott Laboratories Company Profile (Free Report) 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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ukrainian soldiers continue to destroy Russian manpower and military equipment. The air force of the Defense Forces carried out 12 strikes on the areas where Russian personnel, weapons and equipment are concentrated. ADVERTISIMENT Dozens of artillery installations of the enemy are also destroyed. This was reported in the morning operational summary of the General staff of the Armed forces of Ukraine. Ukrainian aviation worked not long ago. "The aviation of the Defense Forces in the past day struck 12 strikes on areas of concentration of personnel, weapons and military equipment of the enemy. Our defenders also destroyed 4 reconnaissance UAVs of operational-tactical level", the General Staff noted. Rocket troops and artillery units were not lagging behind. During the day on July 22, they destroyed 21 artillery of the Russian army in firing positions, as well as a Russian anti-aircraft missile system and "another important target of the enemy." We will remind that the day before the AFU killed another 630 occupants and 29 Russian artillery systems. 11 tanks, nine armored combat vehicles, 14 Russian UAVs of operational-tactical level, 13 units of automotive equipment and tanker trucks and five units of special equipment were also destroyed. ADVERTISIMENT A total of 88 units of Russian equipment and weapons were eliminated. By the morning of July 23, the irrecoverable losses of the Russian Federation in manpower reached 241,960 occupants. Ventas (NYSE:VTR Get Free Report) and Americold Realty Trust (NYSE:COLD Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, valuation, institutional ownership, dividends, risk, analyst recommendations and earnings. Dividends Ventas pays an annual dividend of $1.80 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.6%. Americold Realty Trust pays an annual dividend of $0.88 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.7%. Ventas pays out -1,000.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Americold Realty Trust pays out -4,400.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Get Ventas alerts: Valuation & Earnings This table compares Ventas and Americold Realty Trusts gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Ventas $4.19 billion 4.73 -$47.45 million ($0.18) -275.17 Americold Realty Trust $2.91 billion 3.08 -$19.44 million ($0.02) -1,659.00 Institutional & Insider Ownership Americold Realty Trust has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Ventas. Americold Realty Trust is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Ventas, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. 92.9% of Ventas shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 95.6% of Americold Realty Trust shares are held by institutional investors. 1.3% of Ventas shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.3% of Americold Realty Trust shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for Ventas and Americold Realty Trust, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Ventas 0 2 5 1 2.88 Americold Realty Trust 0 3 4 0 2.57 Ventas presently has a consensus price target of $53.00, suggesting a potential upside of 7.01%. Americold Realty Trust has a consensus price target of $34.07, suggesting a potential upside of 2.69%. Given Ventas stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts plainly believe Ventas is more favorable than Americold Realty Trust. Risk and Volatility Ventas has a beta of 1.2, meaning that its stock price is 20% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Americold Realty Trust has a beta of 0.53, meaning that its stock price is 47% less volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares Ventas and Americold Realty Trusts net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Ventas -1.64% -0.66% -0.28% Americold Realty Trust -0.16% -0.12% -0.06% Summary Ventas beats Americold Realty Trust on 10 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Ventas (Get Free Report) Ventas Inc., an S&P 500 company, operates at the intersection of two large and dynamic industries healthcare and real estate. Fueled by powerful demographic demand from growth in the aging population, Ventas owns a diversified portfolio of over 1,200 properties in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Ventas uses the power of its capital to unlock the value of senior living communities; life science, research & innovation properties; medical office & outpatient facilities, hospitals and other healthcare real estate. A globally-recognized real estate investment trust, Ventas follows a successful long-term strategy, proven over more than 20 years, built on diversification of property types, capital sources and industry leading partners, financial strength and flexibility, consistent and reliable growth and industry leading ESG achievements, managed by a collaborative and experienced team dedicated to its stakeholders. About Americold Realty Trust (Get Free Report) Americold is a global leader in temperature-controlled logistics real estate and value added services. Focused on the ownership, operation, acquisition and development of temperature-controlled warehouses, Americold owns and/or operates 243 temperature-controlled warehouses, with approximately 1.5 billion refrigerated cubic feet of storage, in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and South America. Americold's facilities are an integral component of the supply chain connecting food producers, processors, distributors and retailers to consumers. Receive News & Ratings for Ventas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ventas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV Free Report) by 29.4% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 13,527 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,072 shares during the quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF were worth $984,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $28,000. Stonebridge Capital Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 180.4% during the 4th quarter. Stonebridge Capital Advisors LLC now owns 401 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 258 shares in the last quarter. Luken Investment Analytics LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF during the 4th quarter valued at $31,000. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, Oak Harbor Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $33,000. Get iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Stock Performance USMV opened at $75.81 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $30.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.17 and a beta of 0.75. The firms fifty day moving average is $73.22 and its 200 day moving average is $72.70. 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. 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Victory Capital Management Inc. decreased its position in shares of Mueller Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MLI Free Report) by 2.5% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,011,305 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 25,480 shares during the quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. owned approximately 1.77% of Mueller Industries worth $74,311,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Mueller Industries in the 4th quarter worth $36,000. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd bought a new position in shares of Mueller Industries during the 2nd quarter valued at about $40,000. Federated Hermes Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Mueller Industries by 54.9% during the 3rd quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 841 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $50,000 after purchasing an additional 298 shares during the last quarter. Dark Forest Capital Management LP bought a new position in shares of Mueller Industries during the 4th quarter valued at about $52,000. Finally, EMC Capital Management bought a new position in shares of Mueller Industries during the 4th quarter valued at about $84,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.39% of the companys stock. Get Mueller Industries alerts: Mueller Industries Stock Down 0.4 % MLI opened at $90.75 on Friday. Mueller Industries, Inc. has a 52 week low of $57.10 and a 52 week high of $91.83. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $82.59 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $74.59. The company has a market capitalization of $5.17 billion, a PE ratio of 7.61 and a beta of 1.12. Mueller Industries Announces Dividend Mueller Industries ( NYSE:MLI Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The industrial products company reported $3.07 EPS for the quarter. Mueller Industries had a net margin of 17.07% and a return on equity of 38.46%. The firm had revenue of $971.19 million during the quarter. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 16th. Investors of record on Friday, June 2nd were issued a $0.30 dividend. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.32%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, June 1st. Mueller Industriess payout ratio is 10.07%. Insider Activity at Mueller Industries In related news, Director John B. Hansen sold 500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, April 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.47, for a total value of $35,235.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 12,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $845,640. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, Director John B. Hansen sold 500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, April 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.47, for a total value of $35,235.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 12,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $845,640. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Gregory L. Christopher sold 6,449 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $78.06, for a total transaction of $503,408.94. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 72,260 shares in the company, valued at $5,640,615.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 49,740 shares of company stock valued at $3,829,981. Insiders own 2.90% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, StockNews.com raised shares of Mueller Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, July 7th. Mueller Industries Profile (Free Report) Mueller Industries, Inc manufactures and sells copper, brass, aluminum, and plastic products in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, South Korea, the Middle East, China, and Mexico. It operates through three segments: Piping Systems, Industrial Metals, and Climate. The Piping Systems segment offers copper tubes, fittings, line sets, and pipe nipples; PEX plumbing and radiant systems; and plumbing-related fittings and plastic injection tooling. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MLI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Mueller Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MLI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Mueller Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mueller Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. U.S. big-bike maker Harley-Davidson and British rival Triumph have revved up India's premium motorcycle market with aggressively priced models that analysts said could dent the over half-century dominance of local champion Royal Enfield. The duo surprised the industry this month by unveiling their cheapest models globally in the largest motorbike market by sales, where their expensive imports have long struggled for market share. This time, they are making the bikes in India with domestic partners to bring prices below 233,000 rupees ($2,841). "These are aspirational brands," said Kotak Securities auto analyst Rishi Vora. "For people who were thinking of buying a Harley or Triumph earlier, the price points weren't accessible. Now, they are." The similar, near-simultaneous change in approach by two of the industry's most storied brands represents one of the biggest challenges to Royal Enfield's virtual monopoly in high-end motorcycles, coming at a time of rising spending in India in premium segments across categories as varied as mobile phones and cars. Such is the threat, the back-to-back launches pushed Royal Enfield maker Eicher Motors' stock price down as much as 12.5% and prompted brokerages to flag earnings risk for at least two years even though Harley-Davidson and Triumph sales currently pale in comparison to those of Royal Enfield. The pricing and brand cachet of the Harley-Davidson X440 and Triumph Speed 400 could cut Royal Enfield's share of India's 250 cc-plus segment to 75% from over 90%, Kotak said. Royal Enfield's nearest model is the Classic 350 starting at 193,000 rupees. Eicher declined to comment ahead of its quarterly earnings announcement. Harley-Davidson did not respond to a request for comment. Triumph said it would significantly increase its dealer network to around 100 dealers over the next 12 months. ROYAL CHALLENGE The new models mark a return to India for Harley-Davidson and a huge step up for Triumph, but they are up against Royal Enfield's large number of showrooms, strong after-sales service network and entrenched fan base for a 100-plus-year-old brand. "Is there going to be a challenge to Royal Enfield? Yes. Is it going to be a major one? It can't be immediately," said Shubhabrata Marmar, co-founder of automotive content platform MotorInc. "Royal Enfield built the community, and have been iterating their showrooms to be ever classier places that have the feel of an international, retro, cool, chic brand." Rival heritage brands have made little inroads against Royal Enfield, such as Mahindra & Mahindra's Yezdi and Jawa or BMW's eponymous brand that the German automaker manufactures with local partner TVS Motor. "Once you buy the vehicle, everything else disappears. The pricing and the showroom disappear. It's you, your motorcycle and those trips to the service centre," said Varun Painter, editor of motorcycle content at PowerDrift. Harley-Davidson spent a decade importing its ultra-premium motorcycles before exiting the market and shuttering most of its dealer network in 2020. It sold fewer than 30,000 motorcycles less than the number of bikes Royal Enfield sells each month. It then partnered Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest motorcycle maker, to develop and sell a range of Harley-Davidson branded bikes in India, starting with the X440. Triumph was selling about 1,200 motorcycles annually in India when, also in 2020, it tied up with Bajaj Auto to build mid-capacity bikes, with Bajaj handling distribution. Triumph said it has received orders for over 14,000 Speed 400 bikes, exceeding its total India sales of the past decade. ALONG FOR THE RIDE The premium segment accounts for under 10% of sales in a country where most people opt for cheaper means of transport to navigate heavy traffic and skirt rising fuel prices. Still, the frenzy over the new models is reflected in the surge in Google searches about Harley-Davidson and Triumph in India. "The reviews and the stunning price pushed me to make an instant decision to book the Triumph," said Sathish Rao, a software professional and member of a motorcycle club. Improved financing options is also encouraging lower-income buyers to consider premium bikes, said HDFC Securities analyst Aniket Mhatre. "Our starter bikes are usually like a 100 cc to 200 cc max. I think that's going to change now. I feel like people are going to go straight to a 400 cc," said motorcycle content creator Priyanka Kochhar, who has ridden both the new bikes. The government so far is not looking to frame a separate policy for providing incentives to US-based electric car maker Tesla, and the company can apply to avail support measures under existing schemes like PLI for auto and advanced chemistry cells, a government official has said. The government has already rolled out the production-linked incentives schemes (PLI) for advanced chemistry cell (ACC) battery storage with an outlay of Rs 18,100 crore and Rs 26,058 crore PLI scheme for auto, auto-components and drone industries. "We have told Tesla that the policies, which are already there for all, they can also apply under that PLI. They are welcome. Generally, the policy will be the same for all. For a single company, the government may not like to make separate policies. So far, there is no plan to give special treatment," the official said. "Representatives of Teslas biggest supplier of batteries Panasonic have met us and they have stated that they want to make batteries. We have suggested them to apply under PLI ACC batteries," the official added. The government last week announced the re-bidding of production-linked incentives for 20 GWh advanced chemistry cell manufacturing. The Ministry of Heavy Industries is holding a stakeholder consultation with industry representatives on July 24 for their inputs and suggestions before the start of the re-bidding process of the remaining 20 GWh capacity. The representatives of Tesla visited the country last month to meet officials of various ministries, including the Commerce and Industry Ministry. In 2021, the US-based electric car maker demanded a reduction in import duties on electric vehicles (EVs) in India. At present, cars imported as completely built units (CBUs) attract customs duty ranging from 60 percent to 100 percent, depending on engine size and cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value less or above $40,000. The worlds largest electric car producer Tesla Incs chief Elon Musk met Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month in New York. Musk, after meeting the Prime Minister, said he plans to visit India in 2024. "I am confident that Tesla will be in India, and we will do so as soon as humanly possible," Musk had said after that meeting. "We dont want to jump the gun on an announcement, but I think its quite likely that it will be a significant investment, a relationship with India, he had said. India, the worlds third-largest energy consumer, is pitching as an alternate destination for investment for US companies to capitalise on the growing chill between Beijing and Washington. Spoilers ahead The final scenes of Mission: Impossible 7 are set on the Orient Express. As the party moves from Venice to Innsbruck, Ethan Hunt and his team have to find a way to get on the train and get out with the two interlocking keys that are, well, the key to saving the world. Also read: Mission: Impossible 7: Ending Explained Filmed in Norway and the United Kingdom (the shot where the train engine goes off the rails and falls into a river has been filmed in Darlton Quarry in the UK. In reality, the engine lands into something of a puddle and not a lush river), the final scenes of the latest Mission: Impossible film are awesome no doubt, but even the most casual observer would not miss the luxury train theyre set in. Thanks to a dialogue earlier in the film, we know that the train that the gang was planning to get on board is The Orient Express. They were all scheduled get on board at Venice and alight at Innsbruck, a plan that goes awry thanks to the antagonist that is only known as the Entity. By the time the movie ends, several compartments of the train have crashed into a river below, the dining car has been trashed, the baby grand piano in the dining car has met a violent end and, overall, it isnt a pleasant sight. Thanks to the BTS videos on YouTube, we know that the crew did not crash the real Orient Express but rather built a series of compartments that looked like the real deal. And then proceeded to destroy them. Some of us know of The Orient Express from the Agatha Christie novel, Murder on The Orient Express. Those who find flickering images of the motion picture more alluring than the written word would likely remember it from the movie based on the same book. In any case, The Orient Express remains something like a relic from the past. A quick Google search would reveal that it isnt unusual to wonder if the Orient Express is still running. Is The Orient Express still going? Thats a tricky question to answer. A cursory Google search suggests that The Orient Express stopped running in 1977 or 2009. Technically, the correct answer to when The Orient Express stopped running is December 12, 2009, when the EuroNight sleeper train 469 Orient Express chugged out of Strasbourg on its final overnight journey to Vienna. The following day, on December 13, 2009, for the first time in 126 years, the name Orient Express was erased from official European train timetables. So which Orient Express shut down in 1977? That would be the privately-run Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE). This is the train that most of us associate with the Agatha Christie book and the film - Murder on The Orient Express. It was as glamorous as you would imagine, and it was a privately run train. 1977 was when The Orient Express stopped running up to Istanbul. Its immediate successor was a decidedly less luxurious overnight service that ran between Paris and Bucharest. By 1991 the train ran only up to Budapest and by the turn of the century the route was shortened to Vienna. Over time, the route, which still went by Orient Express, was reduced even further, with Strasbourg as the starting point. By the time it shut in 2009, it was connecting Vienna, a city miles away from the original destination Istanbul. There was nothing Oriental about The Orient Express, a term one could suggest as being politically incorrect and having colonial overtones. Which is the Orient Express in Mission: Impossible 7? Through the 1980s, several iterations of the Orient Express were resurrected only to be shut down almost immediately. Only one survives the Venice Simplon Orient Express (VSOE). It is also the luxury train referred to in Mission: Impossible 7. Owned by Belmond, which itself merged into LVMH in April 2019, the Venice Simplon Orient Express continues to run vintage carriages restored from the 1920s and '30s and features three levels of accommodation Grand Suites, Suites, and Historic Cabins. Can I travel on the Orient Express? Yes, you can travel on the Venice Simplon Orient Express if you can afford it. Depending on where youd like to start, the train has some 80 routes. The shortest of these journeys is for one night, with cabins starting from 3,353 per passenger and going up to a whopping 17,600 per passenger. The cheapest accommodation is categorized as Historic Cabin, which is exactly what youd imagine it to be a snug space with two berths, one on top of the other. If you have trouble picturing it, imagine a First-Class AC coupe on an Indian Railways train but only way, way more luxurious. One level up from the Historic Cabin are the Suites, which are a lot roomier. The room design is inspired by the landscape through which the train travels and the Art Deco period. Expect plush fabrics and furnishings that channel famed Art Deco designers, such as Dufrene and Lalique. The suites were reimagined and restored by French craftsmen, and feature double or twin beds, a private marble ensuite bathroom and a lounge area by day, as your bed converts to seating area. Here, you can also expect complimentary amenities including a kimono and slippers to take home, a nice touch when youre paying north of 6,600, wouldnt you say? Go yet another level higher and enter the world of Grand Suites, which feature a spacious lounging area, allowing you to dine-in private, while champagne flows freely and a 24-hour butler is on call to service whatever your heart desires. The on-board menu features fresh seasonal supplies that are loaded to the train at different stops along the journey and brought to life on your plate by renowned chefs even as mixologists dream up elegant cocktails to the sound of the resident pianist, playing requests on the baby grand piano. Are there any more Orient Express trains being launched? The French Hospitality group Accor is set to relaunch what it calls the original Orient Express. The group uses the name Orient Express under licence from SNCF, the national train service of France. Accors Orient Express is set to chug along in 2024, just in time for the Paris Olympics, and be as luxurious and opulent as you could possibly imagine. Details of itineraries are yet to be confirmed but it wouldnt be a surprise if at least one route ends in Istanbul. What was the original Orient Express known for? When it launched, The Orient Express was the first long-distance luxury passenger train that connected Paris and Istanbul. While its route has changed over the years, The Orient Express originally ran through most major European cities such as Belgrade, Bucharest, Budapest, and Vienna. With luxurious amenities, The Orient Express was practically a five-star hotel on wheels. Unsurprisingly, it became the most preferred way to travel for wealthy tourists and diplomats alike. The brainchild of a Belgian engineer called Georges Nagelmackers, The Orient Express was imagined as a train that would span a continent, running on a continuous ribbon of metal for more than 1,500 miles. It wasnt long before newspapers dubbed the train The Orient Express, a hat-tip to its destination, Istanbul, the gateway to the East. Nagelmackers loved it and instead of dismissing it, actually embraced it. And so, on June 5, 1983, The Orient Express set out on its maiden journey from Paris Gare de lEst. At first it travelled only up to Vienna, which remained the final stop for The Orient Express for some months until the route was extended to Giurgiu, Romania. Here, the passengers were ferried across the Danube to Ruse, Bulgaria. From here, they boarded another train to Varna and then to Constantinople or Istanbul as we know it today. It would take another few years before a new route would make it possible for passengers to travel directly to Constantinople/Istanbul via rail without the hassle of changing modes of transport. The Orient Express became famous not merely because it was a luxury train but rather what it represented. In 80 short hours, you could transport yourself from the quiet sophistication of Parisian arrondissements to the bustling bazaars of Istanbul. It didnt just connect countries and kingdoms but also cultures and did so in a manner so glamorous that the Orient Express came to be called the king of trains and the train of kings. ICICI Bank, which reported a 40 percent jump in profit on July 22, wrote off loans worth Rs 1,169 crore in the April-June quarter of the current financial year against Rs 1,126 crore in the year-ago period, the private lender said in its earnings report. A loan is written off when the bank thinks that there is no scope for recovery from that particular account. Banks need to set aside money, called provisions, to cover losses from such accounts, which impacts their profitability. The bank's management said the write-offs were routine. The write-offs in this quarter is routine and is line with our policy. We had write-offs of Rs 1,158 crores in Q1 of FY23, said Sandeep Batra, Executive Director, ICICI Bank, during an interaction with media after the result announcement. The country's second-largest private lender's total recoveries and upgrades of non-performing assets (NPAs), excluding write-offs and sale, stood at Rs 3,511 crore in the April-June period compared to Rs 4,283 crore in the previous quarter, the bank said. The provision coverage ratio (PCR), or the percentage of funds that a bank sets aside for losses due to bad debts, stood at 82.4 percent, higher than 79.6 percent in the year-ago quarter. A high PCR is a positive element for banks to buffer themselves against losses. The total capital adequacy ratio stood at 17.47 percent and Tier-1 capital adequacy at 16.76 percent compared with the minimum regulatory requirements of 11.70 percent and 9.70 percent. NPAs decline The gross NPA ratio stood at 2.76 percent, lower than 2.81 percent in the previous quarter, indicating improving asset quality. The net NPA ratio was 0.48 percent on June 30, 2023 compared to 0.48 percent on March 31, 2023 and 0.70 percent in June 30, 2022. The net addition to gross NPAs, excluding write-offs and sale, stood at Rs 1,807 crore against Rs 14 crore in the previous quarter, the bank said. Gross NPA additions were Rs 5,318 crore compared to Rs 4,297 crore in previoys quarter, the bank said. Net profit rises The bank reported a net profit of Rs 9,648 crore for the June quarter, up 40 percent from the year-ago period and way ahead of market expectations of Rs 8,982 crore. The lenders net interest income (NII) the difference between interest earned from loans and expended on deposits grew 38 percent year-on-year to Rs 18,227 crore. The net interest margin was at 4.78 percent, up from 4.01 percent in the same quarter of the previous fiscal. The Maharastra government is likely to take back the Latur, Osmanabad, Nanded, Yavatmal, and Baramati airports leased to the financially distressed Anil Ambani group, deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has said. Around 2009, some airports were given to Reliance for development for 30 years. However, due to the lack of progress in developing these airports, the state government is considering taking them back from the company. Works in Nanded and Latur airports have come to a complete halt, Fadnavis told the assembly on July 21. In 2009, Reliance Airport Development Limited emerged as the highest bidder, securing the project for all five airports with a bid of Rs 63 crore in an auction conducted by the then Congress-Nationalist Congress Party government to enhance air connectivity in the state. "We will seek the state advocate generals opinion on whether we can take control again unilaterally," Fadnavis added. The Anil Ambani-led company also failed to clear its dues, leading the state government to seek the opinion of the advocate general to speed up the resolution. "Nanded, Latur airport works have come to a standstill. The company that was given the work hasn't paid the dues. AG's opinion will be taken and we will expedite this work. Navi Mumbai airport will become operational next year," he tweeted. The state government was considering a dedicated authority for efficient airport management, the deputy CM said, adding a decision would be taken within the next three months. USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The market saw sharp selling on July 21 as Infosys and HUL guidance hit sentiment, even as participants turned cautious ahead of earnings announcements from heavyweights Reliance Industries, which came out with its numbers later in the day, and ICICI Bank, which shared its June quarter report card the next day. The Sensex tanked 888 points to 66,684, while the Nifty50 declined 234 points to 19,745 and formed a bearish candlestick with long upper shadow on the daily charts. On the hourly charts, the index took support at 50-day exponential moving average (19,704) and on the daily charts, it defended 19,700, which can be immediate support. "A crucial support level for the Nifty lies at 19,700, marked by significant Put writing. Should the index breach this level, it may lead to a substantial market correction. On the upside, resistance is positioned at 20,000," Rupak De, senior technical analyst at LKP Securities said. On the broader front, we have mixed trends as the breadth was tilted in favour of bears with 2:3 ratio. The Nifty midcap 100 index was down 0.4 percent, while the smallcap 100 gained 0.7 percent. Volatility also cooled down from the day's high, indicating stablity in near term. India VIX, a measure of volatility expected over the next 30 days, fell 2.54 percent to 11.49 levels. We have collated 15 data points to help you spot profitable trades: Note: The open interest (OI) and volume data of stocks are the aggregates of three-month data and not just the current month Key support, resistance levels on Nifty The pivot point calculator suggests that the Nifty may get support at 19,706 followed by 19,662 and 19,590. In case of an upside, 19,849 can be the key resistance area followed by 19,893 and 19,965. Nifty Bank On July 21, the Bank Nifty traded better than benchmarks even though it closed in the red. The index defended 46,000 and also hit a fresh intraday high of 46,369.5 before closing the session 112 points down at 46,075, forming a Doji candlestick on the daily charts. "Though it was volatile, it traded in a range. The hourly momentum indicator has triggered a negative crossover, which can lead to consolidation in the short term, however, the overall uptrend is still intact and we believe that this dip is a pullback in the overall up move and not a trend reversal," Jatin Gedia, technical research analyst at Sharekhan by BNP Paribas said. On the upside, he expects the index to target 46,500 in the short term. The pivot point calculator indicates that the Bank Nifty is likely to take support at 45,954 followed by 45,849 and 45,680, while 46,293 can be the initial resistance zone followed by 46,398 and 46,567. Call options data The maximum weekly Call open interest (OI) remains at 19,900 strike, with 1.1 crore contracts, which can act as a resistance for the Nifty. This is followed by 1.02 crore contracts at 19,800 strike, while 20,000 strike has 97.1 lakh contracts. Meaningful Call writing is at 19,900 strike, which added 74.34 lakh contracts, followed by 19,800 and 20,000 strikes, which added 58.68 lakh contracts, and 39.02 lakh contracts. The maximum Call unwinding is at 19,500 strike, which shed 2.16 lakh contracts, followed by 19,400 and 19,000 strikes, which shed 1.88 lakh and 90,400 contracts. Put option data On the Put side, the maximum open interest is at 19,000 strike, with 81.25 lakh contracts, which can be an important support for the Nifty. This is followed by the 19,800 strike, comprising 80.92 lakh contracts, and the 19,500 strike, with 57.24 lakh contracts. Put writing was seen at 19,600 strike, which added 18.53 lakh contracts, followed by 19,100 and 19,500 strikes, which added 10.41 lakh and 8.67 lakh contracts, respectively. Put unwinding was at 20,000 strike, which shed 17.71 lakh contracts, followed by 19,900 and 19,800 strikes, which shed 14.46 lakh contracts and 2.34 lakh contracts. Stocks with high delivery percentage A high delivery percentage suggests that investors are showing interest in the stock. The highest delivery was seen in Alkem Laboratories, Power Grid Corporation of India, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals, Asian Paints, and Dabur India among others. 33 stocks see a long build-up Mphasis, IndiaMART InterMESH, Coromandel International, Sun TV Network, and Can Fin Homes were among the 33 stocks to see a long build-up based on the open interest (OI) percentage. An increase in open interest and price indicates a build-up of long positions. 54 stocks see long unwinding Based on the OI percentage, 54 stocks, including Havells India, Dr Lal PathLabs, Delta Corp, Punjab National Bank, and Container Corporation of India, saw a long unwinding. A decline in OI and price indicates a long unwinding. 73 stocks see short build-up A short build-up was seen in 73 stocks, including Reliance Industries, UltraTech Cement, Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company, Metropolis Healthcare, and Dixon Technologies. An increase in OI along with a price fall indicates a build-up of short positions. 28 stocks see short-covering Based on the OI percentage, 28 stocks were on the short-covering list. These included Atul, Balrampur Chini Mills, United Spirits, ABB India, and RBL Bank. A decrease in OI along with a price increase is an indication of short-covering. Bulk deals (For more bulk deals, click here) Results on July 24 Tata Steel, HDFC Asset Management Company, Canara Bank, IDBI Bank, TVS Motor Company, PNB Housing Finance, Poonawalla Fincorp, Spandana Sphoorty Financial, Chennai Petroleum Corporation, Craftsman Automation, Gravita India, IIFL Securities, Jammu & Kashmir Bank, JK Paper, Mahindra Logistics, Sharda Cropchem, Shoppers Stop, SRF, and Tamilnad Mercantile Bank will be in focus ahead of quarterly earnings on July 24. Stocks in the news Reliance Industries: The billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance reported consolidated net profit at Rs 18,258 crore for the quarter ended June 2023, down 5.9 percent from the year-ago period as muted performance in oil-to-chemicals (O2C) partly offset the strong growth in consumer-facing businesses. Higher finance cost and depreciation also weighed on the companys bottomline. Total revenue in Q1 declined to Rs 2.31 lakh crore from Rs 2.42 lakh crore a year ago as O2C segment sales declined tracking the weakness in crude prices. ICICI Bank: The country's second-largest private sector lender reported a 39.7 percent on-year growth in standalone profit at Rs 9,648 crore for the quarter ended June FY24 despite elevated provisions and contingencies. Net interest income increased by 38 percent on-year to Rs 18,227 crore with net interest margin expansion of 77 bps on-year at 4.78 percent. Kotak Mahindra Bank: The bank reported a standalone profit of Rs 3,452.3 crore for the June quarter, growing 66.7 percent over a year-ago period despite a rise in provisions & contingencies. Net interest income grew 32.7 percent on-year to Rs 6,233.7 crore. AU Small Finance Bank: The small finance bank's profit grew 44 percent on-year growth to Rs 387 crore in the June quarter. The bank saw a 39 percent increase in pre-provision operating profit at Rs 546 crore. Net interest income rose 28 percent year-on-year to Rs 1,246 crore with net interest margin declining 20 bps to 5.7 percent Yes Bank: The private sector lender recorded a profit of Rs 343 crore for the June quarter despite doubling the provisions and contingencies YoY, with operating profit growing 38.8 percent YoY to Rs 818 crore. Net interest income grew by 8.1 percent on-year to Rs 2,000 crore. RBL Bank: The bank has reported a profit of Rs 288 crore for the June quarter, up 43 percent from the year-ago period despite an increase in provisions and contingencies. Net interest income increased 21 percent on-year to Rs 1,246 crore. Lupin: The pharma major received tentative approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) under the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for its new drug application for Dolutegravir Lamivudine and Tenofovir Alafenamide tablets. This product would be manufactured at Lupins Nagpur facility. Biocon: The FDA conducted two GMP inspections at Biocons insulins manufacturing facility in Malaysia during July 10-20. The US health regulator issued a Form 483 with six observations for drug substance, drug product units and quality control laboratories as well as two observations for the delivery devices unit. One 97 Communications: The Paytm operator narrowed its net loss in the June quarter to Rs 357 crore from Rs 644.4 crore in the year-ago period. Revenue grew by 39 percent on-year to Rs 2,342 crore led by an increase in GMV, merchant subscription revenues, and growth of loans distributed through its platform. Fund Flow FII and DII data Foreign institutional investors (FII) sold shares worth Rs 1,998.77 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors (DII) bought shares worth Rs 1,290.73 crore on July 21, provisional data from the National Stock Exchange (NSE) shows. Stocks under F&O ban on NSE The NSE has retained Balrampur Chini Mills, Delta Corp, Indiabulls Housing Finance, L&T Finance Holdings, Manappuram Finance, and Punjab National Bank in its F&O ban list for July 24. Securities banned under the F&O segment include companies where derivative contracts have crossed 95 percent of the market-wide position limit. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol 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. Disclosure: Moneycontrol is a part of the Network18 group. Network18 is controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary. Russian war criminals continue to put pressure on Ukrainians who have found themselves under temporary occupation. For example, workers of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in Enerhodar are suffering because of this once again. ADVERTISIMENT The occupants intimidate and apply reprisals to them for their Ukrainian position. The situation was described in a summary for the morning of July 23 by the General Staff of the AFU. "In the temporarily seized city of Enerhodar, Zaporizhzhia region, the occupiers have intensified repression against ZNPP workers who refuse to cooperate and sign contracts with the Russian occupation administration", report states. It is noted that Ukrainians continue to resist: they do not go to work, sabotage the implementation of the enemy's decisions, etc. At the same time, war criminals apply measures of psychological and physical influence. In particular, employees of the Russian Federal Guard and the FSB of the Russian Federation use intimidation, threats and blackmail. "They also beat Ukrainian specialists, take away their cash, funds from bank cards and seize cell phones," the General Staff pointed out. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier it was noted that the occupiers are trying to start up unit No. 4 at the Zaporizhzhia NPP, which threatens the nuclear and radiation safety of the plant. They tried to force the Ukrainian personnel to do so, but the nuclear workers refused to comply with the criminal order. It is known that about 30 of them managed to leave the temporarily occupied city for the controlled territory of Ukraine. At the same time, the invaders had to bring Russian nuclear workers to ZNPP. Preliminarily, we are talking about employees of six nuclear power plants from the territory of the aggressor country. As reported by OBOZREVATEL, according to the DIU of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine, Russian troops are planning to organize an armed provocation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant wth the use of heavy weapons. The invaders are now preparing simulated shelling of the strategic facility, which they will try to pass off as an attempt to "storm" the station by the AFU. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel, Threads and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Indias despair over the failure to bring Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi back despite winning extradition cases in UK courts pales in comparison to the saga of Yagnesh Mohanlal Devani. The 58-year-old Indian-origin Kenyan oil tycoon and billionaire was first arrested in May 2011 in what is known as the 2009 Triton Oil scandal which threatened oil supplies to the African nation. Nairobi is desperate to have him back, but Devani has managed to defer his removal by making a second asylum application, a template that could be replicated by Mallya and Modi. It is only after the second asylum application goes through the entire judicial process can he be removed. Devanis Triton Petroleum Limited was given a tender by the state-owned Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) to supply oil in 2000. It is alleged that Triton was awarded this tender despite not having requisite infrastructure and used KPCs facilities as Devani enjoyed good relations with senior politicians. In 2008, Triton was accused of selling 126 million litres of oil to third parties without proper authorization thus causing loss to the state and also defrauding the banks that were involved in the process. The extradition process and first asylum application India was Devanis first destination after he fled from Kenya in 2008. A Kenyan minister followed him for discussions which did not prove successful. Devani then came to the United Kingdom, which is where the action shifted. In May 2011, he was arrested based on Kenyas request for his extradition. In September 2014, the Westminster Magistrates Court ordered his extradition, which was approved by the UK home secretary. Devani filed an appeal in the high court on grounds that his human rights would be breached if were kept in a Kenyan prison, and that Kenya had failed to make out a prima facie case against him. But in December 2015, his appeal was dismissed paving the way for his removal. However, in February 2016 he applied for asylum with the UK home office which was refused by the home secretary. The asylum application then went to the courts and it was in May 2020 that the high court ruled that Devanis extradition to Kenya would not breach his human rights. Devani then approached the UK Supreme Court, which refused permission to appeal in December 2020. It thus took close to five years for his asylum application to reach a conclusion. Accordingly on 16 January 2021, accompanied by two Kenyan officials, Devani was seated in a Kenyan Airways plane having been brought to the airport by officers from Scotland Yard. There were only a few minutes left for his flight to take off. The second asylum application But unknown to the Kenyan state, Devanis legal team had managed to get an order from a UK judge halting his extradition. That piece of paper was served to the two officers in the aircraft following which Devani was allowed to deboard. It emerged that Devani had made a fresh (second) asylum application and till it reached a final conclusion, he couldnt be removed from the UK. It says a lot about the agility of Devanis legal team who it is understood mounted the second asylum request after the Kenyan officials travelled to the UK to fetch their client. It was a Saturday when they managed to get a court order halting Devanis removal. Toby Cadman, joint head of Guernica 37 Chambers International, who has appeared in several extradition cases in the UK and around the world, told Moneycontrol that it is not unusual for individuals to make fresh asylum requests after being unsuccessful in the first instance. It has been seen that asylum applications made by those facing extradition are usually not successful. But by law they can make a second asylum application citing new grounds. In the case of Mallya and Nirav Modi, it seems their (first) asylum applications are still under judicial process. Considering the timescale in Devanis case, it could still be few years before a final decision is arrived at. And if they choose to make a second asylum request, it would only lead to further delay. Devani was arrested in 2011, 12 years later, he is still in London. While Devani may be away from Nairobi, he still has to follow bail conditions, and faces mounting legal bills. Moneycontrol has gathered that two weeks ago Devani moved from his plush abode in tony Central London to a house in East London. Giving up a fancy Central London address signifies financial distress, which also ails Nirav Modi, and to some extent Vijay Mallya. Since his arrest in March 2019, Nirav Modi has been lodged in Wandsworth Prison and has not made fresh attempts to get bail. Although Nirav Modi does not have to bother about house rent or groceries, his legal bills remain unpaid for which he is facing civil proceedings. Mallya, on the other hand, remains free and continues to travel between his two homes in England his country house in Hertfordshire and London townhouse overlooking Regents Park. The Worldwide Freezing Order (WFO) against him remains in place. RBL Bank plans to raise up to Rs 3,000 crore through debt securities, the private sector lender said after a board meeting on July 22. The board will take up the proposal for consideration. The bank, which didnt give the date for the board meeting, would hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) on August 24 to consider the plan, it said in a filing to stock exchanges on July 20. During the day, RBL Bank reported a net profit of Rs 288 crore for the first quarter of the current financial year, up from Rs 201 crore in the year-ago period, beating analyst expectations. Brokerages had expected a profit of Rs 257 crore for the April-June period. Also read: RBL Bank Q1 Results: RBL Bank beats Street estimates with 43.28% surge in Q1 net profit The Mumbai-headquartered bank's asset quality improved as gross non-performing assets (GNPAs) declined to 3.22 percent from 4.08 percent in the year-ago period, indicating an improvement in the asset quality. Further, the net non-performing assets (NNPA), too, declined to 1.00 percent from 1.16 percent in the year-ago quarter. On July 21, RBL Bank closed at Rs 221.70, up 0.93 percent from the previous close. The benchmark Sensex closed 1.31 percent down at 66,684.26. Recently, IndusInd Bank, too, said that its board may consider raising Rs 20,000 crore through debt securities on a private placement basis. USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept At least 16 people were killed in rain-related incidents in parts of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra in the last 10 days, where nearly 4,500 houses were damaged due to heavy rains, officials said on Sunday. The downpour in the last few days also affected nearly 54,000 hectares of agricultural land, of which more than 53,000 hectares land is located in the Amravati division alone, where 2,796 people were shifted to safer places, mostly in Yavatmal district. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said the state government was fully alert to tackle issues caused by excessive rains. In the Nagpur division, Gadchiroli and Bhandara districts witnessed three deaths each, Wardha and Gondia two each and Chandrapur reported one death since July 13, officials said. The Amravati division recorded four deaths on a single day on July 21 with Yavatmal topping the list with three fatalities, followed by Akola and Buldhana which recorded one death each. The 11 districts in Vidarbha are divided into two divisions Amravati and Nagpur. The Nagpur division comprises Nagpur, Gondia, Bhandara, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli and Wardha districts, while the Amravati division consists of Amravati, Akola, Yavatmal, Washim and Buldhana. Heavy rains have been lashing parts of Vidarbha since the past few days. In the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on Sunday, Akola recorded 107.9 mm rainfall, followed by Yavatmal-24.0 mm, Wardha-23.4 mm, Amravati- 15.6 mm, Nagpur-6.7 mm, Gadchiroli-3.0 mm, Gondia-2.2 mm, Brahmpuri (in Chandrapur)-2.4 mm and Buldhana-2.0 mm, as per the Regional Meteorological Centre in Nagpur. State Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Anil Patil visited Yavatmal on Sunday to take stock of the situation. Addressing a press conference there, he said three persons died in rain-related incidents in Yavatmal district on July 21, and announced an assistance of Rs 4 lakh to the families of each of the deceased. Patil also directed the district administration to immediately distribute food grains and provide an assistance of Rs 5,000 to more than 1,600 flood-affected families in the district. Two persons were swept away in flooding in Akola Ba and Savar villages on Saturday, the district administration said, adding one of the bodies was yet to be recovered. Besides, a woman died after her house collapsed in Waghadi village in the district, it said. A 32-year-old man was swept away in a river in Akola, while a 47-year-old man met a similar fate in Buldhana, officials said. As per the primary report from the Amravati divisional commissionerate office, 53,056 hectares of agriculture land was affected due to the rains and flooding on July 21. A total of 2,882 houses were damaged or affected due to rains and flooding in Amravati division, including 1,432 in Yavatmal, 1,424 in Akola, 14 in Washim and 12 in Amravati, it said. Around 59 animals also died in Amravati division due lightning and floods, it added. Rains affected 875.84 hectares of agricultural land in parts of the Nagpur division, including 853.74 hectares in Chandrapur and 22.1 hectares in Wardha, a preliminary report issued by authorities said. In Yavatmal district, around 110 people stranded due to floods in Anandnagar Tanda village under Mahagaon tehsil were rescued on Saturday. The flood waters receded on Sunday in many areas of Yavatmal and the rain intensity also reduced, officials said. In Buldhana, nearly 100 people were shifted to safer places at Katargaon village in Sangrampur tehsil on Saturday. There was no flooding in the district on Sunday, senior officials said. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there is a possibility of heavy rains in Amravati district, while cloudy weather is likely to prevail in other parts of Vidarbha. Yavatmal Collector Amol Yedge said three persons died in the district and 1,426 houses were damaged due to rains and flooding. Around 280 people were safely rescued from the flood waters, while 6,275 people were shifted to temporary accommodation and provided food, the collector said. Speaking to reporters at Nagpur airport, Deputy CM Fadnavis said some parts of the state had received average rainfall of 15 to 20 days in a matter of just two to three days. Weather alerts are being given to the administration of areas where heavy rainfall is expected and teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and their state counterpart SDRF were being quickly deployed as and when required, he said. The Aam Aadmi Party will soon pick candidates for all 230 seats in Madhya Pradesh, where Assembly elections are due this year-end, based on surveys, a party leader said on Sunday. Madhya Pradesh AAP incharge Bhupinder Singh Joon said the Arvind Kejriwal-led party would defeat the ruling BJP in the upcoming elections. We will fight all 230 seats and emerge victorious in the MP Assembly polls, the AAP MLA from Delhi told reporters here. He said the process to select candidates for AAP is underway and a list would be released shortly. "(Winnability) Surveys will be the only yardstick for selecting candidates," Joon added. He also claimed that AAP's "parivartan" (political change) yatras in MP are getting a huge response. People are seeing the AAP as an alternative to the Congress and the BJP, " Joon added. The AAP will raise issues like erratic power supply, drinking water, education, health, and corruption during the campaign for MP polls, he said. "Anarchy is prevailing in MP where scams are coming to light every day," he alleged. Joon expressed confidence that AAP would form the next government in MP. After coming to power, we will work to implement Delhi-like facilities in the fields of education, health, power and water supply for people, he added. In the 2018 Assembly elections in MP, Congress won the maximum 114 seats in the 230-member House, and BJP 109. The BSP won two seats, the SP one, while four seats were bagged by Independent candidates. The Congress formed a coalition government under Kamal Nath but it collapsed in March 2020 after many MLAs of the Grand Old Party crossed over to BJP, enabling the saffron party to return to power under Shivraj Singh Chouhan. USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept According to recent research, half of all newsrooms globally are now utilising AI tools like ChatGPT, just months after they became widely available, and yet journalists still need to see chatbots as the end of their jobs. When it comes to how newsrooms control the use of GenAI tools, there are many different ways to do it. According to a World Association of Publishers (WAN-IFRA) poll, 49 per cent of respondents claimed their newsrooms used Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms such as OpenAI's ChatGPT. The increasing number of AI news anchors More Asian countries are introducing AI news readers. An AI anchor collects, tracks, and categorises what is said and who said it, then translates that data into actionable and meaningful information. Automatically produced, searchable action items help you remember important details and never miss a beat. Xinhua, China In 2018, China became the first country in the world to use AI news anchors, with a pair of suit-clad men delivering a bulletin for China's state-run Xinhua news agency one speaking Chinese and the other English. Sana, India (Hindi) Sana is India's first AI news anchor, debuting at the India Today Conclave earlier this year. The news channel Aaj Tak broadcasts daily news and answers questions from the audience during live audience sessions. She has reported the weather and co-anchored with Sudhir Chaudhary, an editor and journalist. Lisa, India (Odia) A second AI news presenter debuted in India recently, appearing on a private news channel in Odisha, providing bulletins in English and Odia, the state's language. Odisha TV, a news channel based in Odisha, has debuted "Lisa", India's first regional AI news anchor. Lisa's debut is a watershed moment in TV broadcasting and journalism, having the potential to transform the industry. Lisa proudly announces herself in a video published by OTV on Twitter, expressing her delight for this historic moment. The news channel announced that she would host additional updates soon, demonstrating her abilities as an AI news anchor. Lisa has a remarkable ability to communicate in various languages, including Odia, English, and others. Soundarya, India (Kannada) Power TV has introduced the first robot news anchor to the southern region of India. In the first segment of her first news show, Soundarya introduced herself as a "robot anchor" and discussed the effects of AI on television news. "Artificial intelligence is making an indelible mark in every sector, and the TV news business is no exception. Some of my contemporaries in the North Indian news stations have already caused a sensation by being replaced by robot anchors. Soundarya is now billed as "Kannada's first AI news anchor" after Power TV revised its initial announcement. Maya, India (Telugu) Big TV Telugu has unveiled Maya, the first AI anchor in the Telugu States. Maya says she will bring the latest news and updates to the channel's audience in the future and informs that she was born just today. "I am not human like you. In a way, I am a form of magic. Technology created me, and Big TV named me Maya," she said. Clad in a pink sari, Maya looks like a typical south-Indian woman. Her creators, who paid attention to detail, gave her a bindi, gold-coloured earrings, a necklace, and even bangles. With hair left open, she nods and blinks her eyes now and then, making her look as natural as a human. Challenges OTV acknowledged the difficulty of teaching Lisa the Odia language and stated that efforts are being made to improve her skills. The platform aims to improve her interactive skills, allowing her to communicate with others more effectively. Viewers were also urged to contact Lisa on social media channels like Instagram and Facebook. The debut of Lisa demonstrates that the boundaries of AI in the media sector are being stretched, offering up new possibilities for engaging and dynamic news displays in various languages and geographical contexts. Conclusion There has been a lot of recent media discussion on the adverse effects of AI, ranging from potential mass unemployment to misinformation running rampant. In India, AI news anchors are still in the testing phase, and it will be some time before they take over breaking news parts. News networks currently use them to present short news bulletins, sometimes with voiceovers recorded by human journalists and lip-synced by AI anchors. AI enthusiasts hail it as an exciting advance in Indian TV journalism. However, some argue that the introduction of AI into newsrooms poses a threat to human jobs. July 23, 2023 Ukraine Open Thread 2023-176 Only for news & views directly related to the Ukraine conflict. The current open thread for other issues here. Please stick to the topic. Contribute facts. Do not attack other commentators. Posted by b on July 23, 2023 at 13:58 UTC | Permalink Comments next page A missile attack by Russian troops on Odesa on the night of July 23 was one of the most large-scale attacks on its historical part, taking the life of a civilian. The Savior-Transfiguration Cathedral of the UOC-MP and some of its Orthodox shrines were damaged in the city, as well as many residential and nonresidential buildings and cars were destroyed. ADVERTISIMENT Two dozen people were injured. They were treated on the spot and in hospitals. At the same time rescuers continued to remove the rubble, while the police recorded the consequences of war crimes of the enemy. This was reported by the operational command "South", publishing images of the destruction (to see photos and videos, scroll to the end of the news). According to the military, during the night missile attack the occupants hit Odesa and the region with at least five types of missiles of all types of basing including Kalibr, Onyx, X-22, Iskander-K and Iskander-M ballistic missiles that flew into residential neighborhoods. ADVERTISIMENT The Sky Defenders shot down a significant portion of these enemy targets, but the remained ones caused damage to port infrastructure, at least six residential and apartment buildings. Dozens of cars were mangled in the city center, many buildings had their facades and roofs damaged and windows broken. The cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) was damaged by a Russian missile in one of the city's central squares. ADVERTISIMENT Two architectural monuments were also affected. In particular, the House of Scientists, where almost all the ancient stained glass windows were blown out. Cleric of the Odesa diocese of the UOC, Archdeacon Andriy Palchuk noted that the hit was in the right side of the cathedral, which "penetrated to the ground floor." According to him, the building was heavily damaged and a fire broke out inside. "The destruction is colossal. Half of the cathedral was left without a roof. The central piles, the foundation have been broken. All the windows and stucco flew out. There was a fire, as the part where icons and candles are sold in the church caught fire. After the end of the air raid alarm, the services and the State Emergency Service came and extinguished everything," he said. ADVERTISIMENT In addition to the cathedral building, Orthodox shrines were affected. The Kasper icon of the Mother of God, which is the patroness of Odesa, was pulled out from under the rubble. Several craters have formed across the city. There are also some damaged power lines, which may cause traffic to be impeded. ADVERTISIMENT As of 05:25 Sunday, one victim of the Russian missile attack was reported. One person was successfully unblocked from under the rubble by rescuers. Another 19 people were injured, including four children. Eleven adults and three children were taken to hospitals, while the rest are being treated as outpatients. Odesa RMA said it was the largest-scale RF strike on the city's historic center since the start of the war. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZREVATEL reported, Russian occupation forces have intensified attacks on the Odesa region in recent days. As a result of Russian terrorist acts, not only people and buildings suffer but also Ukrainian crops, grown under sirens and harvested under shelling. Only verified information we have in our Telegram channel Obozrevatel, Threads and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The Department of Revenue and Taxation is shown April 3, 2022, in Barrigada. At dawn on July 23, Russian troops shelled the town of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk region with cluster munitions. As a result of the shelling, a fire broke out in the town's Palace of Culture, where the humanitarian headquarters was located and medical aid was provided to the townspeople. ADVERTISIMENT The employees of the State Emergency Service tried to put out the fire, but the Russians continued shelling, so the building was completely burned. This was told by the head of the Donetsk regional military-civil administration Pavel Kirilenko. "The Rashists destroyed the Palace of Culture in Chasovy Yar, which was used as the city's humanitarian headquarters and a place to provide medical assistance. The occupants opened fire on the city at dawn - with cluster munitions. A fire started. Rescuers of the State Emergency Service went to the scene, but had to stop working, as the Rashists did not stop firing," he said. Kirilenko noted that in the end the building of the Palace of culture burned down. "A small stock of humanitarian aid (food kits, household chemicals) and medical equipment was destroyed in it. Fortunately, there were no casualties. Rashist troops have once again proved that they disregard the rules of warfare and try to inflict maximum damage primarily on civilians," the head of the Donetsk regional military administration emphasized. ADVERTISIMENT ADVERTISIMENT We will remind, earlier it was reported that on the night of July 23, the occupants hit the suburbs of Zaporizhzhya with missiles. The invaders attacked the regional center and Zaporizhzhya district with four missiles. Houses and other property of residents were damaged. Fortunately, there were no casualties. Also at night, the Russian Federation launched another attack on Odessa. Residential houses and a cathedral were damaged. It is known about the dead and more than 20 wounded civilians, among whom there are children. The Russian terrorist army has begun preparations for the next shelling of critical infrastructure in Ukraine. Now the enemy is actively engaged in reconnaissance. ADVERTISIMENT The invaders are trying to establish the most vulnerable energy facilities. Vadym Skibitsky, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine, told about it in an interview with the We are Ukraine TV channel. According to a representative of the Main Directorate of Intelligence, the Russian occupants have started reconnaissance of Ukrainian energy facilities. The terrorists are actively using satellite images and other types of reconnaissance for this purpose. Skibitsky also explained that the Russians are trying to find out which facilities have the greatest impact on Ukraine's energy system. "We are monitoring all issues that relate to the Russian Federation's reconnaissance of our energy facilities. I will tell you that they have started such work. They are now carrying out additional reconnaissance, using including space reconnaissance, other types of reconnaissance in order to establish what is the state of our energy sector and identify critical targets and critical facilities that will affect our energy system as a whole," - said the representative of the Main Directorate of Intelligence. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier it was reported that despite the stable situation with energy supply, Ukrainians are advised to prepare now charging stations and generators, to purchase fuel for them , etc. The reasons are a possible new wave of shelling of the energy infrastructure by Russia, which may lead to blackouts, as well as the approach of winter and, accordingly, the growth of electricity consumption. Recall, the Russian invaders are planning to organize an armed provocation at the occupied Zaporizhzhya NPP, during which heavy weapons may be used. Now the occupants are preparing simulated shelling of the strategic facility, which will try to pass off as an attempt to "storm" Zaporizhzhya NPP by the Defense Forces of Ukraine. Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel, Threads and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! Suspect in unprovoked stabbing shot to death by police in DC suburb, police say SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) A police officer in a Washington, D.C., suburb shot and killed a man after reports he had, without provocation, stabbed four people at random on Saturday, officials said. The victims included three women two were stabbed in the neck and a man, all of whom are expected to survive, Montgomery County Police Assistant Chief Darren Francke told reporters during a Saturday afternoon news conference at the scene. Three were hospitalized with injuries. The suspects identity has not been released. Francke said the man used a 12-inch butcher knife in the stabbings, which started at a popular thrift store in Silver Spring, Maryland, and then continued in the surrounding neighborhood. While the investigation is ongoing, Francke said, detectives dont believe the suspect knew any of the victims. He said the attacks appear completely random. We have witnesses. We are continuing our interviews, but at this point it was an unprovoked attack, he said. Police received reports around 10:35 a.m. of a stabbing at the thrift store. Almost simultaneously, another caller reported a second stabbing on a nearby street, according to police. The suspect ran into a wooded area while police started setting up a perimeter. Francke said the man then came out of the woods and confronted a police cruiser. He said another officer soon arrived on scene, saw the man armed with a knife, gave commands and ultimately opened fire, killing the suspect. The officer fired multiple rounds and the subject was stopped from attacking further people, Francke said. The suspect died at the scene. The Maryland Attorney Generals Office is investigating the police shooting, which is standard procedure under state law. That office will turn over the results of its investigation to local prosecutors, who will decide whether the officer could face criminal charges. Officials said the shooting was captured on body camera and the footage will likely be released in the coming weeks, as well as the names of the officer and suspect. Francke said the incident was out of character for the otherwise quiet suburban area. Montgomery County is a very safe community, he said. On a Saturday afternoon where folks are having a yard sale and just shopping at a very popular thrift store, we dont expect this. We certainly dont accept it. Associated Press German Vice-Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck went off on a three-day visit to India, and on the very first day he starts going on about how New Delhi must condemn Russias war in Ukraine. This is the exact same attitude his fellow Green, foreign minister Annalena Baerbock recently took with Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang. While Qin stressed Chinas neutrality and its efforts to formulate a peace plan, Baerbock insisted neutrality is not an option. Neutrality means taking the side of the aggressor, she told Qin while also labeling China a systemic rival. Here are Habecks comments, courtesy of Deutsche Welle: Theres always an aggressor and one that is the victim, and if you say I dont distinguish between aggressor and victim, in a way, you dont reflect the real situation, he said. Habeck said while he respected Indias own tradition and partnership with Russia, the country cannot remain neutral while the war is ongoing. I would be very glad, and it would even help in our relationship, if India at least finds clear language and says this is an aggression, its a one-sided aggression, its Putins war, Habeck said. Habeck is one of the leaders of the Green Party in Germany, which has been maybe the biggest proponent of war, as well as a more aggressive German foreign policy tied to the US in general. This has all been disastrous for Germany so far. Meanwhile, India has faced this pressure since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict and has continually said it will not change its position. Yet, the West keeps trying. What could Habeck think has changed? That Russias stronger position in Ukraine would make India more likely to bail on its relationship with Moscow? That the diminished position of the collective West and especially Germany somehow gives him more bargaining chips? I guess the German Greens didnt get the message back in March when New Delhi hosted the G20 foreign ministers: How Russian foreign minister Lavrov was welcomed in India vs German foreign minister Baerbock pic.twitter.com/u8mlsXvMC2 Richard (@ricwe123) March 4, 2023 Of course, Baerbock towards the end of last year joined the US in trying to pressure India to cut ties with Russia by using threats over Kashmir. With Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at her side, Baerbock said Germany has a role and responsibility with regard to the situation of Kashmir. Therefore, we support intensively the engagement of the United Nations to find peaceful solutions in the region. India has stated for decades that the Kashmir issue must be solved bilaterally, so one would think that Baerbock knew what she was saying wouldnt go over well. Her statements also came around the same time the U.S. State Department enraged India when it approved a $450 million deal to upgrade Pakistans F-16 fleet. They followed that up with the US ambassador to Pakistan creating more tension during a visit to the Pakistani-held part of Kashmir, which he called by its Pakistani name instead of the United Nations-approved name Pakistan-administered Kashmir. And soon after that US State Department spokesman Ned Price lectured India on what are in its best interests: Weve also been clear that now is not the time for business as usual with Russia, and its incumbent on countries around the world to do what they can to lessen those economic ties with Russia. Thats something thats in the collective interest, but its also in the bilateral interest of countries around the world to end and certainly over the course of time to wean their dependence on Russian energy. There have been a number of countries that have learned the hard way of the fact that Russia is not a reliable source of energy. Russia is not a reliable supplier of security assistance. Russia is far from reliable in any realm. So it is not only in the interest of Ukraine, it is not only in the interest of the region, of the collective interests that India decrease its dependence on Russia over time, but its also in Indias own bilateral interest, given what weve seen from Russia. Nonetheless, India has remained firm in its refusal to join the Wests Russia isolation efforts. Its hard to see how Germanys ongoing insistence on the issue will help with the trade deal the two sides have been trying to get done for years and which is gaining importance in Germany due to its derisking policy from China its current largest trading partner. While a deal could certainly benefit New Delhi, its made clear its not going to be pressured on the Russia issue. What Berlin refuses to understand is that India is in a position of strength not the other way around. India is the one with a growing economy who is profiting off of selling Russia oil to the Europeans. Habeck, unsurprisingly isnt happy about that and had this to say, according to The Hindustan Times: Western sanctions imposed after Russias invasion of Ukraine havent banned trade in Russian oil, but providing more funds to Russia or using this sanctions system to benefit from it is not the idea of it, Habeck told reporters on the margins of an Indo-German Business Forum. Asked about India not joining the price cap imposed on Russia oil by the G7, Habeck replied, The sanctions system means that we havent banned the trade of oil, but theres a price cap on it. That means that you are allowed to buy crude oil and refine it, this is within the sanctions system, but making money out of it, bringing more money to Russia, using this sanctions system to benefit from it is not the idea of it. He added: So, I ask all democracies worldwide not to use the sanctions system to give more credit, more money to Russia that they can fuel their war in Ukraine. Habeck is essentially saying that Germany gets to decide on not only its own disastrous energy and foreign policy but also make India follow suit. And India says we appreciate your input but no thank you. And why would they? The German economy is in freefall, but the Greens just dont seem to care about the German economy. Baerbock announced as much last year when she said she would continue to support Ukraine no matter what German voters think. Well, according to polls voters are thinking Baerbock and Habeck need to go. The anti-EU, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany is surging in the polls while the Greens plummet, largely due to public dissatisfaction with the governments policy towards Ukraine and Russia and the economic costs of those decisions. A record high of 71 percent of the German public are not satisfied with the work of the federal government, according to a recent Deutschlandtrend survey. Unfortunately for the German public, the next Bundestag election isnt scheduled until late 2025. Baerbock just recently penned a piece for The Guardian, declaring that Germany can no longer stand back and hope for the best; instead we must be strong partners to those promoting peace and freedom. It not only doubles down on the Russia policy but also continues to promote the idea of Germany taking on a much more aggressive foreign policy as what amounts to Washingtons attack dog: Russias war of aggression has marked a rupture in the world. For my country, it has opened a new chapter, redefining how we seek to promote peace, freedom and sustainability in this world: as a partner that embraces its leadership. But dont worry, shes doing it for the children, writing: Just after the outbreak of the war, a schoolgirl in Vilnius, Lithuania, who lives only a short drive from the Russian and Belarussian borders, asked me: Can we count on you? I wholeheartedly answer: you can. Shes fond of telling these stories of kids with worries that outgrow their years. At a speech last year at the New School in New York she dropped these gems: Children are asking their parents now at breakfast: Mom, what exactly is a nuclear weapon? Others are saying: I really like NATO. Its a dire sign that Baerbock and her fellow Atlanticists see such encounters as inspirational rather than a reason to step back and examine their dangerous game of brinkmanship. Russian State Duma officially approves countrys very own CBDC, the DIGITAL RUBLE The lower house of Russia's parliament has officially passed a law introducing a national digital currency known as the digital ruble. The law, documented by the State Duma as Law No. 270838-8, was passed as part of a package of bills introduced at the end of December 2022 to usher in the new currency in Russia. Another bill integrating the digital ruble into the country's tax regulation and control system is currently working its way through the parliament. The adopted law includes several key provisions to regulate the digital ruble and its platform. Notably, it clarifies that digital ruble accounts cannot be credited, and interest on the balance of digital rubles is not allowed. Joint digital ruble accounts, designed to serve multiple users, are also strictly prohibited under the new legislation. (Related: Australia launches CBDC test program, complete with carbon credit trading.) According to the law, the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) has the right to reject a digital ruble transaction from any bank on the order of a client if any signs of unauthorized transactions are detected. The law also extends the right of the central bank to determine the digital ruble platform's user base and the list of permitted transactions, along with their threshold amounts, until Dec. 31, 2024. Any such decisions must be agreed upon with the Federal Financial Monitoring Service. However, in such cases, the CBR is obligated to inform the bank or client about the possibility of sending a revised order for the same amount and using the same details in a way that complies with regulations. Once a revised order is received, the central bank is obliged to carry out the transaction accordingly. The law also permits the CBR to enter into agreements with operators of digital currencies issued by foreign states or multi-national organizations. This could expand the potential reach and scope of Russia's digital ruble. Digital ruble faces controversy even before its launch CBR First Deputy Chairman Olga Skorobogatova previously expressed the idea of creating a digital national currency that goes beyond a single country and serves a broader geographic region. The Russian Public Commission for Family Protection even suggested that the digital ruble could serve as a means to bypass international sanctions. However, this proposed central bank digital currency (CBDC) has ignited concerns about the potential implications of this programmable digital token. Activist group Katyusha made accusations about the alleged globalist nature of the digital ruble project. The group argued that the implementation of this CBDC is not unique to Russia but is part of a broader plan backed by global financial institutions like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the World Economic Forum. The group claims that this new form of currency will be directly controlled by the Russian central bank devoid of traditional fiat money features and under constant modification, just like the proposed and implemented digital currencies in China, the U.S. and the European Union. Noted economist Valentin Katasonov stated that the digital ruble has the potential to become an "electronic concentration camp." He fears that this digital currency could be used as a tool for extensive surveillance, controlling people's behavior and even blocking access to the digital ruble account in cases of "bad" behavior. Some critics even go so far as to claim that the digital ruble might be forcefully introduced during times of economic crisis, leading to exceptional levels of government control. Follow CryptoCult.news for more news about digital currencies. Watch the video below to know more about the central banks' plan to introduce a CBDC microchip implant. This video is from the Rick Langley channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Russia plans to start testing its digital ruble CBDC this summer. Central banks planning to introduce CBDC microchip implants, warns top economist. IMF working hard on new global CBDC platform to replace dollar and other national currencies. CBDC will be used for control, ECB president admits in vid chat with fake Zelensky. Sources include: Technocracynews.com Interfax.ru Katyusha.org EdwardSlavsquat.substack.com Fake electors case in Michigan tied to special counsel Jack Smiths effort to jail Trump over Jan. 6 false flag A new report posted this week draws some parallels between a case in Michigan against 16 older residents listed as "fake electors" in 2020 and special counsel Jack Smith's ongoing 'criminal' investigation into the Jan. 6 false flag riot and how it all ties into keeping Donald Trump out of the White House by putting him in prison. Earlier this week, Dana Nessel, "the radically anti-Trump Michigan Attorney General brought conspiracy charges against 16 'grandparents' for serving as 'alternate electors' in the contentious 2020 election," Revolver News reported. "The truly concerning aspect of these charges isnt merely the idea that [Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen] Whitmer and her crew aim to imprison these older adults indefinitely." Tyranny is not coming, its here pic.twitter.com/zsEMC4qxht Drew Hernandez (@DrewHLive) July 19, 2023 This action appears to be part of a larger strategy to potentially prosecute Trump and interfere with the 2024 election. This is a calculated motive behind the Democrats' move, which goes beyond notions of "justice" or "secure elections." Instead, it is driven by the anticipation of further charges from Biden's politically weaponized Department of Justice. Breitbart News noted further: The so-called fake electors case is said to be central to Special Counsel Jack Smiths investigation of Trump and his campaign. Former President Trump said Tuesday he had been informed he was a target of the inquiry. "Notice a pattern here? Right on time, much like the last presidential election when the sudden COVID outbreak happened at the most 'convenient' moment for the Democrats, chaos ensues," Revolver News noted further. "While this bogus case unfolds in Michigan, Mike Benz" of the Foundation for Freedom Online "has uncovered documents revealing what John Podesta, Hillarys former campaign CEO, had planned to ensure Bidens inauguration, regardless of the actual election outcome. What John Podesta plotted was far worse than anything Trump could have ever imagined." Benz tweeted, along with a screenshot of an incriminating document, "John Podesta, role playing Joe Biden in Transition Integrity Project's summer 2020 simulation to ensure a Biden presidency even if Trump won the election, openly plotted sending a separate elector slate -- the same thing DOJ just indicted Trump electors for considering doing." John Podesta, role playing Joe Biden in Transition Integrity Project's summer 2020 simulation to ensure a Biden presidency even if Trump won the election, openly plotted sending a separate elector slate -- the same thing DOJ just indicted Trump electors for considering doing https://t.co/N4wv0eCdeB pic.twitter.com/qKxChnqueG Mike Benz (@MikeBenzCyber) July 19, 2023 Later he tweeted, "More here. It's 100x worse than anything the DOJ is alleging the Trump faction did." More here. It's 100x worse than anything the DOJ is alleging the Trump faction didhttps://t.co/Vx1vlfREMP Mike Benz (@MikeBenzCyber) July 19, 2023 "You cant make this up Podesta & Co. planned the test runs of their shenanigans for Michigan," Revolver News added. This situation exemplifies the troubling realities of our two-tier "justice" system, which has clearly been compromised and weaponized in favor of Democrats, and they are now openly wielding it in a hostile manner as a potent tool to manipulate elections in their favor, leading to unprecedented interference in the democratic process. It's also obvious that the current regime is willing to sacrifice innocent elderly American citizens' lives to maintain their hold on power. These sham trials and misuse of the justice system are causing deep and lasting wounds in our nation. "Our country is imploding, thanks to a bunch of politicians and bureaucrats, both elected and unelected, who are terrified of an 'outsider' reclaiming power. Our government is in a state of disrepair, possibly beyond hope," Revolver News noted in conclusion. Americans have got to wake up. We can't simply let the clearly weaponized government invent crimes against Donald Trump and then railroad him into prison thanks to a hyperpartisan DC jury, which is what is being planned -- and all in the months before the 2024 election, leaving no viable Republican candidate to stand against a brain-damaged Joe Biden. Sources include: Revolver.news FoundationForFreedomOnline.com JUVENILE BIOWEAPONS: Federal govt released nearly 2,500 illegal immigrant kids with latent TB into the US The U.S. government has reportedly released nearly 2,500 illegal immigrant children with latent tuberculosis (TB) infections into 44 states over the past year without providing assurances of treatment. According to a court-ordered report on the treatment of these children, approximately 126,000 children were released and an alarming infection rate of one in 50 migrant children carrying latent TB, or around 2,500 children with the deadly disease. This data from 2021 shows that over 85 percent of TB cases were reported among racial and ethnic minority groups, with 71 percent of cases occurring in people born outside the country. (Related: Illegal immigrants in El Paso bringing DISEASES like scabies, measles, bed bugs and COVID-19 with them.) Tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection of the lungs normally spread through the air. While most TB infections are asymptomatic and not contagious, between five to 10 percent of infected individuals develop active TB leading to symptoms like cough, fever, decreased appetite and weight loss. If left untreated, TB can be life-threatening and can spread rapidly within confined spaces such as schools, shelters or other communal settings. The U.S. government has defended its actions, claiming that the short stay of the immigrant children in custody affects the three-to-nine-month process of treating TB. Consequently, the Department of Health and Human Services has admitted to releasing infected immigrant children to American sponsors while notifying local health authorities in the hope that they can arrange for treatment before the infection becomes active. However, the effectiveness of this approach has come into question. Local health officials expressed concerns over the infrequency of notifications and the challenges in tracking down the children after their release. Often, these officials are only informed about a case within their jurisdiction after the child has already arrived in the community. "We do not know how often the sponsors follow through on treatment," said a spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Health. "By the time outreach takes place, the child has sometimes moved to another area or state." Increase in TB cases far beyond patient's lack of knowledge, gov't negligence Tuberculosis is known to be deeply intertwined with social inequalities. Although effective treatments for TB exist, millions of people worldwide continue to suffer from TB due to a lack of access to economic opportunities; limited healthcare; poor sanitation; crowded living conditions; malnutrition and coexisting illnesses like diabetes or HIV. The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 the virus that causes the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) also affected the increase in TB cases. Before the pandemic, TB was responsible for more deaths worldwide than any other infectious disease, but the prevention efforts against COVID-19 initially helped the decline in TB infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a steady decline in total estimated TB infections globally, reaching a low of 10.1 million cases in 2020. However, the number of infections increased to 10.5 million in 2021, signaling the first rise in over a decade. While testing efforts improved, TB-confirmed cases rose globally, peaking in 2019. With the disruption caused by COVID-19 in 2020, confirmed cases fell significantly before quickly rising again in 2021. In short, TB numbers climb back up to pre-pandemic levels. Moreover, the increase in TB cases is not solely associated with the pandemic. It is also connected to other social and political determinants such as conflicts in regions like Ukraine; energy shortages; "climate change" impacts on food security and more. The latest news about the threat of an illegal alien takeover of America can be found at InvasionUSA.news. Watch this video discussing whether TB infection would spread or not after illegal immigrant children were released to 44 states of America. This video is from the Lisa Haven channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Caravan of MIGRANTS march toward the southern border after banding together in Mexico. BIOWEAPONIZED CHILDREN: Tuberculosis-infected illegal alien children deliberately released across 44 states by the Biden regime. Biden DOJ erases child sex trafficking language from government website after losing track of 85,000 migrant children. PLANNED OCCUPATION: Biden regime ensuring that illegal migrants released into American interior will never come back for asylum hearing. Illegals pose as migrant children to get expedited access across US border. Sources include: WashingtonTimes.com Breitbart.com TheConversation.com Brighteon.com Since the beginning of the full-scale war, the terrorist state Russia has been systematically shelling churches in Ukraine. Hundreds of religious institutions have suffered significant damage as a result of the occupants' attacks. ADVERTISIMENT Most of the more than 400 religious buildings that have been damaged since the invasion began belong to the UOC of the Moscow Patriarchate. This is reported by the publication "Left Bank" (to see the photo, scroll to the end of the page). The Russian terrorist army destroyed more than 80 churches to the ground. The largest number of damaged religious institutions are in Donetsk region. The Russian troops also destroyed 8 and partially damaged 7 monasteries - all of them are also located in Donetsk region. More than 20 clergymen became victims of Russian occupiers in Ukraine. Apart from Donbas, Russian terrorists also destroyed religious institutions in Kherson, Chernihiv, Kharkiv and other regions of our country. ADVERTISIMENT ADVERTISIMENT We would like to remind you that on the night of July 23, the Russian terrorist army launched another missile attack on Odessa. As a result of the terrorist attack, the Transfiguration Cathedral of the UOC-MP was destroyed. Earlier it was reported that on the night of July 23 in Odessa sounded a series of explosions, worked air defense, but there are also arrivals. According to OC South, Russian forces attacked the region with Kh-22 cruise missiles from Tu22m3 aircraft, as well as Kalibras, Onyx, Iskander-K, and Iskander-M ballistic missiles. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZREVATEL, the Russian Ministry of Defense has issued an inane justification for its criminal actions. The occupiers cynically lied that in the Odessa cathedral allegedly "prepared terrorist attacks against the Russian Federation". Robert Richardson: Mainstream media weaponizing AI, stealing content to get rid of legitimate prepping and survival sites Robert Richardson, founder of the Off Grid Survival website, has warned that the mainstream media is weaponizing artificial intelligence (AI) to get rid of legitimate prepping and survival sites. Instead of articles written by experienced preppers, Richardson warned that there are now a lot of prepping websites full of AI-generated and stolen content run by fake preppers. (h/t to OffGridSurvival.com) Richardson said his website first encountered trouble when a mainstream media giant tried to acquire the company. The company promised the Off Grid Survival team a lot of money if they would let them take over the site while pretending it was still an independent outlet. Richardson and the other members of the site refused. They were also offered to do some television shows, but they declined after finding out that these shows wanted to present them with a fake backstory for the public. They were even asked to pretend to live in a cabin deep in the wilderness. Another connected media organization retaliated by trademarking the website's name, at the same time employing a team of lawyers from the West Coast to silence the Off Grid Survival team and attempt to shut the site down. They tried to resist these coordinated attacks, but the once-thriving site was then attacked on other fronts. Other prepping websites have been deliberately shadowbanned, de-platformed and eradicated from major search engines in most cases being replaced by corporate entities masquerading as "ordinary people." (Related: Digital prepping: How to survive in a world dominated by AI.) Richardson shared the devastating effects of these attacks to Off Grid Survival website: The website went from having as many as 20,000 visitors online at any given time to only a handful. The website has been shadowbanned by Twitter and suspended several times. More than 150,000 people were removed from their Facebook page and their reach was so limited that posting on the social media platform is pointless. The site was shadowbanned on Instagram, with its content censored because the account covered a gun trade show. The Author Account for Richardson's books was suspended, with all his posts purged from different social media platforms. Off Grid Survival has been purged by Google's search engines, with several attacks on their advertising revenue. Their ad revenue crashed by 99 percent and they were removed from many ad networks. After trademarking their name, Off Grid Survival was eventually told that they couldn't use the term Off Grid. Fake prepper websites backed by tech bigwigs Richardson also referenced a Daily Mail article that discussed the thriving "luxury prepper industry," featuring an alleged prepping website run by someone who was presented as an expert. This is ironic because the featured website, like many others online, has published stolen content from Off Grid Survival and other independent sources that have already surrendered to the daily attacks. The website is also backed by Silicon Valley bigwigs like Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, a prominent pioneer in artificial intelligence. Media giants use OpenAI to steal, spin content and publish it as their own. Unlike legitimate websites run by true preppers who want to help others interested in prepping and survival, these websites only disseminate information that contradicts their own actions. Richardson warned that many fake prepper websites are managed by the same people who orchestrated the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) plandemic and enforced draconian restrictions that killed businesses and the economy. They know that the public is helpless and they are prepping for a time when you realize that they are the culprits. The Daily Mail article highlighted several alleged elite preppers such as Altman, Reddit co-founder Steve Huffman and John Ramey, a former Obama administration adviser-turned-prepper who now manages a site called ThePrepared.com, which is ironically filled with stolen and AI-generated web content. Richardson warned that the internet is now at least 90 percent "controlled copy and pasted," which is designed to control all aspects of your life while giving you the illusion of a free and open internet. But in reality, only a few mega-corporations run almost every website that you find on Google and social media. Even famous "influencers" are often working for these same companies. These companies control what you see on social media and search results to make you think that the internet gives you access to a diverse range of sources. You might even be following "influencers" who are being controlled and manipulated by visible handlers and unseen puppeteers. These companies want to control your actions, speech and thoughts. What's coming is worse than the movies they produced to condition you into mindlessly excepting it. Think twice before believing what you read online, and make sure you only consume content from real preppers, not fake influencers and AI "writers." Learn more about artificial intelligence at Robotics.news. Watch the video below for predictions on how AI will reshape industries and your life. This video is from The Talking Hedge channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Apple starts to embrace artificial intelligence, installs AI-powered features in iPhones. Century-old writings by Nikola Tesla predict development of artificial intelligence. BuzzFeed has used artificial intelligence to write over 40 articles. Sources include: OffGridSurvival.com 1 OffGridSurvival.com 2 DailyMail.co.uk Brighteon.com Online censorship is killing free thought and ushering in period of left-wing tyranny: Matt Taibbi A long-time journalist who assisted Twitter boss Elon Musk with releasing in-depth secret communications between the platform and various federal government agencies indicating a massive amount of censorship, especially during the 2020 election cycle, is speaking out about it. Journalist Matt Taibbi argued in an interview with The Epoch Times that the "consensus enforcement mechanism" of social media censorship not only infringes on civil liberties but also hinders the public's motivation to seek the truth in the open public discourse. He added that once upon a time in America, there was a rabid hunger for freedom, but now there is much apathy and too little fighting desire to keep it. In parallel to this censorship program, I think what theyre doing with things like shadow banning and deny listing is theyre trying to simplify controversies and reduce everybodys field of view," Taibbi told EpochTVs American Thought Leaders. Its making us less interested in fighting for our rights," he added. The outlet noted further: In 2022, Mr. Taibbi uncovered an FBI censorship operation in partnership with former Twitter staff, which became known as the Twitter Files. In his speech at Freedom Fest in Memphis, Tennessee on July 14, Mr. Taibbi said what he found unbelievable was not the government censorship but its endorsement in society at large. The part that didnt compute was why so many in the general public were accepting of the situation, Taibbi said during his speech. This included people I knew. Many people in America are not just accepting of digital censorship, they believe it to be vitally necessary. According to Taibbi, the American public was once renowned for its rebellious and fighting spirit, unafraid to protest government overreach. However, in recent years, this spirit has been homogenized into compliance, and social media has played a significant role in facilitating this transformation. I was one of the first people in the mainstream media to worry about it [internet censorship] in the States, and one of the first things I was told is that social media is addictive, the same way cigarettes are addictive, Taibbi said. There are studies done about how people get dopamine hits even from feeling, for instance, the waffle pattern on the back of their phones; theyre addicted to the whole process of looking at their phones. Taibbi asserts that this addiction to social media fuels an internet culture that is inherently anti-individualistic, especially evident in younger individuals. Their self-worth becomes entangled with the amount of attention they receive on social media, leading them to depend on group approval rather than relying on self-creation. We Americans once cherished independence and lived off folk tales about going off on ones own, on the open road, he said during his speech. Think about Ishmael, or Huck and Jim, or Chuck Berry, who picked up a guitar and sang about setting out with no particular place to go, creating a dazzling sound that touched a nerve with the whole world. We never had to think about how we fit into a crowd as much as we do now, he told EpochTV. And I think internet culture wraps up everybody so much in group affirmation that its been very harmful. Now, the stars of our business and mainstream media are all people who go along with the consensus view of things, and its very frowned upon to raise questions about things that have been decided, he added. Thats just a terrible atmosphere for this kind of job because you need to have that spirit of free inquiry in order to get to the truth." Your average investigative journalistthe good onesare difficult, prickly people who go against the grain, and they keep digging until they find what they think is the truth, he said. Take somebody like Seymour Hershthat is exactly the kind of person the current system is designed to weed outthe person who doesnt accept on its face whatever the official explanation of things is. In February, Hersh reported an allegation claiming that the Biden administration had authorized a military operation targeting the destruction of three out of the four Nord Stream pipelines. But the legacy media outlets largely presented their destruction as "a mystery" in a consensus view. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com NaturalNews.com Powder keg Europe: Poland moves troops to Belarus border Russias Putin vows to protect Belarusian allies, says Polish want to annex Ukrainian territory With every passing day, the disturbing possibility of a widening of the Ukraine war with the participation of other nations in direct military hostilities is becoming more and more palpable. (Article by Paul Serran republished from TheGatewayPundit.com) The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Director, Sergei Naryshkin, repeated today his warning that Poland is considering deploying troops on western Ukraine to establish control there. The SVR head believes that Warsaw is finally coming to realize that the defeat of Ukraine is just a matter of time. Sputnik reported: The Polish leadership is intensifying the mindset to introduce control in the western territories of Ukraine, the western regions by deploying their troops there, Naryshkin said at a meeting held by President Vladimir Putin with the permanent members of the Security Council. President Vladimir Putin instructed Naryshkin to monitor Polands plans for Ukraine, and said that Poland plans to form a coalition under the guise of NATO to intervene in the conflict in Ukraine. As for the Polish leaders, they probably expect to form a coalition within NATO and directly intervene in the conflict in Ukraine in order to then tear off a fatter piece [of land] for themselves, to regain, as they believe, their historical territories todays Western Ukraine, Vladimir Putin said. Reports in the media talk about an union between Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine, Putin added. There have been media reports about plans to create a certain so-called Polish-Lithuanian-Ukrainian union: that is, we are not talking about some gathering of mercenaries, there are enough of them, and they are being destroyed, namely a regular, assembled, equipped military unit that is planned to be used for actions on the territory of Ukraine, including for allegedly ensuring the security of the current Western Ukraine. And in fact, if you call things by their proper names for the subsequent occupation of these territories, Putin said at a meeting with permanent members of the Russian Security Council. But the Polish territorial ambitions in Ukraine are not just a province of Russian propaganda, as many would have you think. Ex- Ukrainian president Yanukovych has also addressed this topic. Former President Viktor Yanukovych also said that Ukraines statehood is under threat and it may be forced to merge with Poland. No matter how painful it is for me to write about this today, but the statehood of Ukraine is in extreme danger. It is threatened with complete destruction. At the same time, we are talking not only about the risk of losing vast territories in the south and east of the country, Yanukovych said in May 2022, adding that Ukraine may be forced to de-facto merge with Poland. So this is the real background to which to analyze the decision by Poland to move its troops to the Belarusian border. Reuters reported: Polands security committee decided in a meeting on Wednesday to move military units to the countrys east due to the Wagner Groups presence in Belarus, state-run news agency PAP quoted its secretary as saying on Friday. Belarusian defense ministry announced that Wagner mercenaries had started to train Belarusian special forces at a military range located just a few miles from the border with Poland. Training or joint exercises of the Belarusian army and the Wagner Group is undoubtedly a provocation, [secretary of the Committee of the Council of Ministers] Zbigniew Hoffmann told [Polish News Agency] PAP. The Committee analyzed possible threats, such as the dislocation of Wagner Group units. Therefore, the Minister of National Defense, chairman of the Committee, Mariusz Blaszczak, decided to move our military formations from the west to the east of Poland. In Moscow, Putin had tough words in response, stating that Poland was also seeking to annex territories in Belarus. The Guardian reported: Vladimir Putin has said Russia will use all means at its disposal to defend Belarus after Poland and other EU countries voiced concerns about the deployment of Russian paramilitaries near their borders. [] Unleashing aggression against Belarus would mean aggression against the Russian Federation, Putin said, according to the Kremlin. And we will respond to it using all means at our disposal. Read more at: TheGatewayPundit.com RFK Jr. warns during House hearing that TOTALITARIANISM begins with CENSORSHIP Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) warned during a July 20 congressional hearing that censorship is the first step toward totalitarianism He issued the warning at a hearing convened by the House Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government (House WFG Subcommittee), which is under the House Judiciary Committee. The hearing also saw Breitbart politics editor Emma-Jo Morris testify alongside the candidate. RFK Jr.'s warning was a response to a question by Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) about the potential ramifications of ignoring the weaponization of the U.S. government, instead of discussing it openly. "A government that can censor its critics has license for every atrocity. It is the beginning of totalitarianism," he testified. "There's never been a time in history when we look back, and the guys who were censoring people were the good guys. All of us grew up reading Arthur Koestler, Robert Heinlein, Aldous Huxley [and] George Orwell. They were all saying the same thing: Once you start censoring, you're on your way to dystopia and totalitarianism." Morris, who testified about the censorship of her reporting on Hunter Biden's "laptop from hell," said: "I can't even believe this is a conversation. This is not controversial or taboo. We live in the U.S. and you have the right to say whatever you want, print whatever you want and read whatever you want." RFK Jr.'s testimony before the House WFG Subcommittee echoed similar statements he made back in April 2023 during an interview on "Breitbart News Sunday." "There is no time in history where the people who were censoring speech were the good guys," he told Breitbart's Joel Pollak. "They're always the bad guys because, of course, that is the first and last step of totalitarianism silencing critics." The environmental lawyer and health freedom advocate continued: "We're now in this situation where without free speech, democracy just withers and dies. Free speech is the fertilizer. It's the sunlight [and] it's the water for democracy." Pro-censorship Dems want to suppress RFK Jr. In contrast to the Republican representatives who convened the hearing, their Democratic counterparts used it as an opportunity to smear RFK Jr. for "stepping out of line." One even went so far as to prevent him from speaking out. (Related: IRONIC: House Judiciary Committee has been asked to censor RFK Jr. in hearing about federal governments role in censoring Americans.) Delegate Stacey Plaskett (D-VI), ranking member of the House WFG Subcommittee, defended censorship during the same hearing. She argued that certain views should not enjoy the free speech protections guaranteed by the First Amendment. Plaskett also zeroed in on RFK Jr.'s statements, dubbing them "hateful." "Free speech is not an absolute. The Supreme Court has stated that "the non-voting delegate said. However, the high court's restrictions involve "time, place, and manner" for the way free speech is expressed, not the content of speech. Plaskett accused GOP representatives of forcing social media companies to promote "any conspiracy theories, no matter how harmful. She also implied that subcommittee chair Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) backed death threats toward Nina Jankowicz of the now-defunct Disinformation Governance Board under the Department of Homeland Security. The would-be "disinformation czar," who earlier testified before the subcommittee, had been subjected to death threats. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), meanwhile, took things a step further by introducing a motion to move the hearing into executive session, ending the public testimony. She cited a congressional rule that provided for an executive session if testimony "would tend to defame, degrade or incriminate any person." However, the GOP-controlled House moved to postpone the Florida congresswoman's motion. Wasserman Schultz's action led Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) to comment: "This is a hearing on censorship that began with an effort to censor Kennedy." Watch RFK Jr. warning about censorship being the first step toward totalitarianism during the July 20 House WFG Subcommittee hearing. This video is from the Son of the Republic channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: RFK Jr. dismisses "conspiracy theorist" accusations, insists he hasn't been proven wrong about his beliefs. RFK Jr. warns: "There is no time in history where the people censoring speech were the good guys." RFK Jr. is pro-Second Amendment, pro-First Amendment, anti-war and pro-border security. Report: Democrats want to censor Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in censorship hearing. Sources include: Breitbart.com 1 Breitbart.com 2 Breitbart.com 3 Brighteon.com Worldcoin CEO: Global digital currency tied to global digital ID will soon be required whether you like it or not Ive been saying for nearly three years now that the beast system is based on the worlds people accepting two technological components offered up by the Luciferian globalist elites: A globally recognized digital ID to replace the cards in your wallet and a globally recognized digital money to replace the cash in your wallet. The two together will comprise the foundation of the punitive global beast system. (Article by Leo Hohmann republished from LeoHohmann.Substack.com) In a hat tip to Slay News, we learned the following today: The CEO of Worldcoin has warned that a global digital ID system will be ushered in for citizens around the world whether they like it or not. Worldcoin has developed a system that it pitches as the worlds largest identity and financial public network. Essentially, the company has created a database that links digital cash, or Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), with a digital identity system. The company has created its own form of digital money called the Worldcoin token (WLD). Linked to WLD is another of Worldcoins products World ID. World ID is a digital identity system that collects biometric data for individuals and holds it in a database that links to WLD transactions. WLD and World ID are connected and accessed via the companys World App. When its all in place and no longer voluntary, these technologies will be used to create and enforce 15-minute cities, says Christine Anderson, a member of the E.U. Parliament from Germany. Watch here as Anderson describes how it will work. World App is an app that enables payment, purchases, and transfers globally using digital assets and traditional currencies, according to Worldcoin. People who voluntarily surrender their biometric data receive small sums in Worldcoins tokens in return for signing up for the World ID scheme. Worldcoin is co-founded by Sam Altman, the head of the company Open AI, which is behind the AI-powered chatbot ChapGPT. According to Worldcoins executives, World ID, or something like it, will soon be mandatory for anyone who wishes to partake in the day-to-day functions of society. World ID uses iris scanners that require a person to have their eyeballs scanned to prove their identity. And while that idea may sound like a dystopian nightmare to some, people in several southern European countries, notably Spain and Portugal, cant wait to give away their iris biometrics as proof of identity and the right to use a cryptocurrency transfer system. The signup process involves exposing your eyeballs to whats known as Worldcoins Orb iris scanners. More than 150,000 participants have reportedly already signed up in Spain over the last year. Thats 20,000 new sign-ups per day. Portugal already has 120,000 signed up. Plans are already in place to install a number of Orb scanners in Barcelona with more cities to follow. Three years ago, in July 2020, the website Emerging Europe reported on the trend toward iris scans as the payment system of the future. Now the future is here and Worldcoin is not the only outfit playing in this space. A Polish firm called PayEye is also involved, among others. Who owns Worldcoin, you ask? Its website says Worldcoin is a decentralized open source protocol supported by a global community of developers, economists and technologists committed to expanding participation in, and access to, the global digital economy. It is intended to become a public network, with ownership by everyone. Yeah, right. Read more at: LeoHohmann.Substack.com The latest reports showed that coral reefs in the Florida Keys suffered from global warming and climate change, making their colors pale-looking. Scientists have continuously raised concerns about saving the coral reef from health decline. Rising temperatures can affect coral reefs, which are sensitive to rising temperatures. Recently, Nature World News (NWN) reported that parts of the United States experienced dangerous and record-breaking heat due to the summer season and heat dome. As many people looked forward to summertime, scientists and experts said that the record-high heat impacted the coral reefs in the Florida Keys. Pale-looking coral reefs in Florida keys According to the Associated Press (AP) report, the heat stress had affected some of the coral reefs in the Florida Keys, especially since they are sensitive to temperatures. From the colorful coral reefs in the Florida Keys, some of them appeared pale-looking. In a recent Reuters news, NOAA reported that the waters in Florida managed to reach mid-90s Fahrenheit (35 C), which extreme heat could lead to coral bleaching. Based on the AP report, Katey Lesneski from Iconic Reefs explained that the corals were going white, which looked like the color appeared to drain out. Lesneski serves as a monitoring and research coordinator protecting coral reefs, staying in the reef areas for about two weeks to monitor the corals. Corals are essential to oceans and aquatic species. The devasting impact of heat stress on coral reefs' health could also affect marine species. As a result, NOAA and Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium will develop new techniques to ensure the health of corals in the oceans. Meanwhile, the AP report noted that the warning system due to coral bleaching reached an alert level 2 as the temperatures could affect the coral reefs in the area. In recent weeks, the corals around the Florida Keys have shown signs of bleaching. Amazing coral reefs in Florida Florida has been home to many coral reefs. The oceans are essential to biodiversity and the marine environment. As a result, experts have been monitoring changes in temperatures and the impact of climate change on corals in the area. Here are some beautiful coral reefs people can find in Florida waters. According to AZ Animals, the Florida Reef Tract has been a vital place of corals in the region. Sombrero Reef Molasses Reef French Reef Alligator Reef Conch Reef Also Read: Florida Wildlife Center Fire: Majority of Animals Dead, Investigation Continues Did you know? Nature World News recently reported that the corals in Palau were resistant to extreme heat and survived under challenging temperatures. Based on the study published in Communications Biology, the Palau reefs would live in different habitats because of their tolerance to extreme heat conditions. Researchers have been studying different corals, especially those living in extreme temperatures. Related Article: Palau Reefs Tolerant to Extreme Marine Heatwaves, New Study Reveals For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News. A massive landslide that hit the western state of Maharashtra has claimed the lives of at least 26 individuals, the latest reports showed. Citing accounts from disaster officials, Reuters reported that aside from the fatalities, dozens of individuals are feared to have been trapped and missing in the mud brought by the landslide. Authorities are currently working on their rescue techniques and methods to save more victims of the landslide. According to S.B. Singh, official from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), they could not determine yet how many people are still stuck and need to be rescued from the site of the landslide. Rescue operations being hampered by torrential rains, foul smell of bodies Despite the intention to save more lives, rescue officials are having a hard time continuing their operations because of the heavy rains. According to NDRF Deputy Commandant Pramod Kumar Singh, they have been conducting rescue operations for the last three days. "The landslide happened on a huge scale. On an average, about 15 feet sludge has accumulated. We are even using canines but because the debris is so deep, it is becoming difficult for us to trace people," he told The Indian Express. The report noted that rescuers were having difficulties when it comes to bringing the heavy machinery to the village that was struck by the landslide. The rescuers opted to manually excavate the debris through the use of shovels and axes to continue their rescue operations. Local accounts cited by the report also said the foul odor coming from the victims' bodies have affected the operations. Rescuers are already using and smelling camphor and Nilgiri oil so that they could continue the excavation process. Read Also: India Extreme Heavy Rain: 22 Died From Flooding as Rescue Operations Continue Missing individuals, damaged houses The government of Maharashtra disclosed that around 105 individuals are still missing due to the landslide. The landslide, which specifically hit the Irshalwadi village in Raigad district, destroyed at least 17 houses in the area, according to a BBC report. Survivors recalled how the landslide made the mountain collapse, saying that this unfortunate incident never happened in the past. People usually live in the area with thoughts that the mountain will stand still despite bad weather, the survivors said. Aside from the rescue officials, some police personnel and medical teams are also helping in the relief efforts. Moreover, trekkers and locals also extended their hand in the rescue operations. Animals were also not spared from the dangers of the deadly landslide. According to Dr. Shyam Kadam of the Raigad Zilla Parishad's Animal Husbandry, a total of four bullocks and two goats were also killed due to the landslide. Moreover, six bullocks, ten goats and one dog have been rescued alive from the debris. Right now, they are being treated by the veterinarians in the area. "We are treating the secondary infection by administering antibiotics, painkillers and saline. They are being fed dry matter, which is being carried up to the spot by our team members," Kadam said in The Indian Express report. Weather forecasters warned that the rainfall, which started two weeks ago, would continue in the next few days, including in the area of the Raigad district. Related Article: South Asia Monsoon Floods Kill 19 People, Forces Thousands to Evacuate Gurbir Singh By Express News Service After a late start, the rains are lashing Mumbai and its surroundings. The collateral damage is heartrending. The Rumale family, stuck in a halted local train near the suburb of Kalyan, decided to make a dash of it by walking down the track to the next station. It was a decision they will rue all their lives. Grandpa, who was carrying mother Yogita Rumales infant baby, lost control in the rain and the baby slipped off and disappeared into a swollen nullah below. Not far away from the rail track tragedy, at Khalapur, Raigad district, a cloudburst of 400mm rain on Wednesday night brought the hill down on Irshalwadi, a small tribal hamlet, wiping out everyone who lived there. Simultaneously and ironically, it is record-breaking heat that is killing thousands in the US, Europe and Asia. Wildfires in summer and off-season cloudbursts have become common from Canada to Australia; but for the first time extreme weather is making the news ahead of the Ukraine war. About a third of US population is under heat wave alerts. Several cities, including Phoenix, and El Paso, Texas have broken records. In Californias Death Valley, temperatures have been hovering around a killer 54 deg C. The waters off Florida in recent weeks are too hot to swim. Temperatures are threatening the coral reefs off the coast. Europe is frying second year in a row with the Mediterranean seeming like an extended Sahara. Greece has shut the Acropolis to tourists during day hours fearing dehydration casualties. Spains meteorological service warned of temperatures of between 42 and 45 deg C. Japan has hit a 150-year all-time high. According to one study, the heat wave last year claimed 61,000 lives in Europe, perhaps more than the number who have been killed in the Ukraine war so far. This year and the next promise to be even worse. Can we make sense of all this? READ MORE | Sick of hearing about record heat? Scientists say those numbers paint the story of a warming world Climate systems go berserk Beyond doubt, climate change only a debating point at UN conferences some years ago has come home to bite the most skeptical. Extreme heat events have increased sixfold since the 1980s, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Increasing surface temperature from global warming has heated up the oceans in the Pacific; and this heat has been drifting inland known as the El Nino effect to cause wildfires and dust storms. Heatwaves are also becoming longer and more intense in what were earlier cooler areas of the Northern Hemisphere, like Europe and the UK. This is happening because of the heat dome phenomenon where warm air moves up trapping and creating a high-pressure zone of hot air, and causing temperatures to soar over large areas. One theory suggests higher temperatures in the Arctic - which has warmed more than four times faster than the global average - are causing strong winds called the jet stream to slow down thereby increasing the likelihood of heat domes. Global warming, triggered by emission of green house gases, is also behind the increasing cyclonic storms and merciless flooding we have been seeing like in Pakistan last year. The melting of the Artic icecaps is pushing millions of tonnes of water into the oceans raising their level and threatening coastal communities. Scientists call it the dipole effect. In the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, the phenomenon occurs as warmer waters move westwards near the coast of Africa and the cooler waters drift to the East towards Australia. It has been occurring over the last decade due to ice melts and rising temperatures, which has been pushing more warm water towards the African coast. ALSO READ | Food security at risk as farmers, fishermen bear brunt of climate change's profound effects Hotter days ahead The Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a UN collective monitoring climate change, for the first time in 2021, underlined it was destructive human activity that had led to global warming and perhaps irretrievable climate change. The report sent shock waves around the world and has led to many formal and informal targets limiting the use of fossil fuels and cutting down on greenhouse emissions. The object is to slow global warming to 1.5 deg C since preindustrial times if the Earth is to survive. The report also predicted if the trends in climate change were not reversed, as many as 12 coastal Indian cities may not exist by the end of this century. Reversing climate damage and moving to cleaner fuels is not moving fast enough. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has predicted global temperatures are likely to surge to record levels in the next five years, fueled by heat-trapping greenhouse gases and a naturally occurring El Nino event. The WMO also said in its May 2023 report that the annual mean global near-surface temperature for each year between 2023 and 2027 will be between 1.1C and 1.8C higher than the 1850-1900 average; and there is a 98% chance of at least one in the next five years beating the temperature record set in 2016, when there was an exceptionally strong El Nino. Clearly, things are likely to get hotter, before they begin to cool. After a late start, the rains are lashing Mumbai and its surroundings. The collateral damage is heartrending. The Rumale family, stuck in a halted local train near the suburb of Kalyan, decided to make a dash of it by walking down the track to the next station. It was a decision they will rue all their lives. Grandpa, who was carrying mother Yogita Rumales infant baby, lost control in the rain and the baby slipped off and disappeared into a swollen nullah below. Not far away from the rail track tragedy, at Khalapur, Raigad district, a cloudburst of 400mm rain on Wednesday night brought the hill down on Irshalwadi, a small tribal hamlet, wiping out everyone who lived there. Simultaneously and ironically, it is record-breaking heat that is killing thousands in the US, Europe and Asia. Wildfires in summer and off-season cloudbursts have become common from Canada to Australia; but for the first time extreme weather is making the news ahead of the Ukraine war.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); About a third of US population is under heat wave alerts. Several cities, including Phoenix, and El Paso, Texas have broken records. In Californias Death Valley, temperatures have been hovering around a killer 54 deg C. The waters off Florida in recent weeks are too hot to swim. Temperatures are threatening the coral reefs off the coast. Europe is frying second year in a row with the Mediterranean seeming like an extended Sahara. Greece has shut the Acropolis to tourists during day hours fearing dehydration casualties. Spains meteorological service warned of temperatures of between 42 and 45 deg C. Japan has hit a 150-year all-time high. According to one study, the heat wave last year claimed 61,000 lives in Europe, perhaps more than the number who have been killed in the Ukraine war so far. This year and the next promise to be even worse. Can we make sense of all this? READ MORE | Sick of hearing about record heat? Scientists say those numbers paint the story of a warming world Climate systems go berserk Beyond doubt, climate change only a debating point at UN conferences some years ago has come home to bite the most skeptical. Extreme heat events have increased sixfold since the 1980s, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Increasing surface temperature from global warming has heated up the oceans in the Pacific; and this heat has been drifting inland known as the El Nino effect to cause wildfires and dust storms. Heatwaves are also becoming longer and more intense in what were earlier cooler areas of the Northern Hemisphere, like Europe and the UK. This is happening because of the heat dome phenomenon where warm air moves up trapping and creating a high-pressure zone of hot air, and causing temperatures to soar over large areas. One theory suggests higher temperatures in the Arctic - which has warmed more than four times faster than the global average - are causing strong winds called the jet stream to slow down thereby increasing the likelihood of heat domes. Global warming, triggered by emission of green house gases, is also behind the increasing cyclonic storms and merciless flooding we have been seeing like in Pakistan last year. The melting of the Artic icecaps is pushing millions of tonnes of water into the oceans raising their level and threatening coastal communities. Scientists call it the dipole effect. In the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, the phenomenon occurs as warmer waters move westwards near the coast of Africa and the cooler waters drift to the East towards Australia. It has been occurring over the last decade due to ice melts and rising temperatures, which has been pushing more warm water towards the African coast. ALSO READ | Food security at risk as farmers, fishermen bear brunt of climate change's profound effects Hotter days ahead The Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a UN collective monitoring climate change, for the first time in 2021, underlined it was destructive human activity that had led to global warming and perhaps irretrievable climate change. The report sent shock waves around the world and has led to many formal and informal targets limiting the use of fossil fuels and cutting down on greenhouse emissions. The object is to slow global warming to 1.5 deg C since preindustrial times if the Earth is to survive. The report also predicted if the trends in climate change were not reversed, as many as 12 coastal Indian cities may not exist by the end of this century. Reversing climate damage and moving to cleaner fuels is not moving fast enough. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has predicted global temperatures are likely to surge to record levels in the next five years, fueled by heat-trapping greenhouse gases and a naturally occurring El Nino event. The WMO also said in its May 2023 report that the annual mean global near-surface temperature for each year between 2023 and 2027 will be between 1.1C and 1.8C higher than the 1850-1900 average; and there is a 98% chance of at least one in the next five years beating the temperature record set in 2016, when there was an exceptionally strong El Nino. Clearly, things are likely to get hotter, before they begin to cool. Ramashankar By Express News Service PATNA: Three-year-old Shivam Kumar, who fell into a 50-feet deep borewell in Bihar's Nalanda district on Sunday, was rescued finally after an eight-hour-long operation, thanks to the national disaster management force (NDRF) personnel and other rescue teams. Shivam, a resident of Kul village, fell into a borewell while playing when his mother was working in a field. The children playing with Shivam informed his parents after which the rescue operation started. Nalanda district magistrate Shashank Shubhankar said that the toddler was rescued from the borewell safely by the rescue teams. Thank God, he is hale and hearty. He will be handed over to their parents after first medical aid, he said. A team of doctors was kept in readiness for any eventuality. The officials were monitoring the operation and providing all assistance to rescue the child from the borewell. The operation met with success and the child was extracted alive from the borewell, Subhankar said. The officials of the Nalanda district administration heaved a sigh of relief after the safe recovery of the child. Nalin Maurya, vice president of Nagar Panchayat, Nalanda, said that local residents thanked the district administration for its prompt and timely action. Locals said that a farmer in the village had abandoned the borewell after it didn't succeed. The boring was dug at some other place for irrigation and the first one was left open, they revealed. Circle officer, Nalanda, Shambhu Mandal, had said that earth-removing machines were pressed into service to rescue the child. To keep him alive, arrangements for a regular supply of oxygen were made, he added. PATNA: Three-year-old Shivam Kumar, who fell into a 50-feet deep borewell in Bihar's Nalanda district on Sunday, was rescued finally after an eight-hour-long operation, thanks to the national disaster management force (NDRF) personnel and other rescue teams. Shivam, a resident of Kul village, fell into a borewell while playing when his mother was working in a field. The children playing with Shivam informed his parents after which the rescue operation started. Nalanda district magistrate Shashank Shubhankar said that the toddler was rescued from the borewell safely by the rescue teams. Thank God, he is hale and hearty. He will be handed over to their parents after first medical aid, he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); A team of doctors was kept in readiness for any eventuality. The officials were monitoring the operation and providing all assistance to rescue the child from the borewell. The operation met with success and the child was extracted alive from the borewell, Subhankar said. The officials of the Nalanda district administration heaved a sigh of relief after the safe recovery of the child. Nalin Maurya, vice president of Nagar Panchayat, Nalanda, said that local residents thanked the district administration for its prompt and timely action. Locals said that a farmer in the village had abandoned the borewell after it didn't succeed. The boring was dug at some other place for irrigation and the first one was left open, they revealed. Circle officer, Nalanda, Shambhu Mandal, had said that earth-removing machines were pressed into service to rescue the child. To keep him alive, arrangements for a regular supply of oxygen were made, he added. The Security Service of Ukraine has reported suspicion of 31 more traitors of Ukraine. We are talking about collaborators from the occupation punitive body "Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation" in the Kherson region, who tortured Ukrainians. ADVERTISIMENT Suspects massively kidnapped citizens of Ukraine, robbed them, subjected people to cruel torture in the created on the occupied territory of the walls. Details were reported in the SSU. The Service officers have identified 31 more collaborators in the Kherson region. The suspicion was reported to 31 enemy henchmen who entered the "main department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kherson region of the Russian Federation" created by the aggressor in the temporarily seized part of the region. The mentioned traitors were members of the punitive "Novokakhovsky and Oleshkovsky police units of the Russian Federation". The selection was made with the participation of the Russian Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation. The occupants entrusted the traitors with the dirtiest "work": torturing Ukrainian patriots who found themselves in the occupation. ADVERTISIMENT "While on "posts", the collaborators participated in the punitive activities that the Rashists carried out against the participants of the resistance movement in the region. Their criminal actions were accompanied by mass kidnapping of people and looting of their private property. Facts of imprisonment of local residents in Russian torture chambers set up in temporarily seized buildings have been recorded. In the torture rooms, people were subjected to cruel torture and thus tried to induce the victims to cooperate," the SSU said. The traitors were also involved in the repressions with the help of which Russia intimidated local residents and forced them to participate in the fake Russian referendum. Based on the collected evidence, investigators of the Security Service informed all 31 traitors of suspicion under part 7 of Article 111-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (collaboration activities). All of them are hiding from justice in the occupied part of the southern regions of our state. However, the SSU assured that they are doing everything possible to ensure that the executioners are brought to justice and receive fair punishment. ADVERTISIMENT Thus, the following traitors have been reported on suspicion of collaboration activities: ADVERTISIMENT We shall remind you that earlier it became known that in Kiev the SBU exposed a former teacher - a fan of the "Russian world". He disseminated enemy propaganda and justified the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and the crimes of Russian occupants against the Ukrainian people. The homegrown propagandist could face up to 8 years behind bars. Ramashankar By Express News Service PATNA: LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Sunday asserted that his party was not only a part of NDA but it had even worked out a plan with BJP for Lok Sabha and assembly elections, scheduled in 2024 and 2025 respectively. Chirag's reaction came a day after his uncle and Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) chief Pashupati Kumar Paras claimed that LJP (Ram Vilas) was not technically part of the NDA despite the party attending the alliance's meeting held in New Delhi recently. Paras had also asserted that he and his party were one of the older partners of the NDA. In his maiden visit to Bihar after joining the NDA, Chirag told media persons that a formal announcement about his party joining the NDA had already been made. He said that prior to joining NDA, he had met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda, with whom he prepared a blueprint for the 2024 Lok Sabha election and 2025 state assembly election. To a query on union minister Paras contesting from Hajipur Lok Sabha constituency, Chirag said, When you are part of an alliance, decisions should be made in accordance with coalition dharma. It is not proper when the constituents of an alliance create disputes." "I had already said that Paras would make a decision about the alliance when we approach the election. Meanwhile, I met with the Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai. Since my concerns were respected, I joined the NDA," he said. He said that he had not made any comment against his uncle for the last 2-2.5 years and would not make any comment even now. I have no personal or family fight. I am not affected by all these issues, he remarked. He said that his party didn't join any other alliance even when it walked out of the NDA before 2020 assembly election in Bihar. He also claimed that NDA would win 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, as people were angered against chief minister Nitish Kumar. PATNA: LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Sunday asserted that his party was not only a part of NDA but it had even worked out a plan with BJP for Lok Sabha and assembly elections, scheduled in 2024 and 2025 respectively. Chirag's reaction came a day after his uncle and Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) chief Pashupati Kumar Paras claimed that LJP (Ram Vilas) was not technically part of the NDA despite the party attending the alliance's meeting held in New Delhi recently. Paras had also asserted that he and his party were one of the older partners of the NDA. In his maiden visit to Bihar after joining the NDA, Chirag told media persons that a formal announcement about his party joining the NDA had already been made. He said that prior to joining NDA, he had met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda, with whom he prepared a blueprint for the 2024 Lok Sabha election and 2025 state assembly election.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); To a query on union minister Paras contesting from Hajipur Lok Sabha constituency, Chirag said, When you are part of an alliance, decisions should be made in accordance with coalition dharma. It is not proper when the constituents of an alliance create disputes." "I had already said that Paras would make a decision about the alliance when we approach the election. Meanwhile, I met with the Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai. Since my concerns were respected, I joined the NDA," he said. He said that he had not made any comment against his uncle for the last 2-2.5 years and would not make any comment even now. I have no personal or family fight. I am not affected by all these issues, he remarked. He said that his party didn't join any other alliance even when it walked out of the NDA before 2020 assembly election in Bihar. He also claimed that NDA would win 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, as people were angered against chief minister Nitish Kumar. Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) which is a conglomerate of civil society organisations has asked the European Parliament to make sure Manipur does not become a New Golden Triangle even as it said the violence in the state has nothing to do with religion. The Golden Triangle is the region where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet, which is one of the biggest poppy-growing and drug-trafficking corridors in the world. In a letter to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, the Imphal Valley-based group COCOMI said the European Parliament arrived at a flawed understanding of the issue as a conflict between minority Christians and majority Meitei Hindus. The European Parliament had passed a resolution on Manipur and called on the Indian government to act promptly to halt the violence and protect religious minorities. The recent violence was not on religious line. It was between immigrant Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups and indigenous Meitei communities, the organisation wrote. It said hundreds of churches, belonging to about 25 ethnic communities, are still standing tall in the heart of Meitei-dominated areas, including Imphal. Further, it said many Christian ethnic communities, except Chin-Kuki groups, are still settled in Imphal and other Meitei-dominated areas and living together in harmony. Please note, 170000 Meitei communities are also Christians, which is 35% of Manipurs Kuki Christian population. The first ever Christian convert in Manipur is also a Meitei and their descendants are still Christians, the COCOMI wrote. It alleged all Meiteis, including Meitei Christians, were ethnically cleansed from the Chin-Kuki Christian-dominated districts on May 3 and 4 by Chin-Kuki Christians only. Further, it alleged, 100% Meitei religious centres in the Kuki-dominated hill areas are being completely destroyed and wiped out. Every Meitei Hindu and Sanamahi dwelling houses comprises three important temples or place of worshipSo, when a Meitei house is being burned down, it includes three important temples of worship. The COCOMI sought to draw the European Parliaments attention to the issue of Chin-Kuki narco-terrorism, stating that it has a direct relation to the ongoing violence. The emerging narco-terrorist activities and establishment of a narco-economy inside Manipur, primarily operated and managed by armed (illegal) immigrants and their drug cartel syndicates in India from Myanmar belonging to Chin-Kuki tribes, is the main cause of the violence, the organisation alleged. It said a thick, dense and lush green forest area of about 125,000 acres is being completely deforested for opium cultivation, and its estimated annual production is 500 MT to 625 MT. Alleging that all necessary infrastructure and network for institutionalizing the narco-economy is being set up in Manipur, the COCOMI said this alarming development creates a highly volatile socio-political environment where a small spark could quickly escalate into an inferno. the people of Manipur anticipate that the European Union shall live up to its responsibility and play a non-partisan active role in resolving the crisis. Do not let a New Golden Triangle emerge in the region, particularly in Manipur, the organisation further wrote to Metsola. GUWAHATI: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) which is a conglomerate of civil society organisations has asked the European Parliament to make sure Manipur does not become a New Golden Triangle even as it said the violence in the state has nothing to do with religion. The Golden Triangle is the region where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet, which is one of the biggest poppy-growing and drug-trafficking corridors in the world. In a letter to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, the Imphal Valley-based group COCOMI said the European Parliament arrived at a flawed understanding of the issue as a conflict between minority Christians and majority Meitei Hindus.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The European Parliament had passed a resolution on Manipur and called on the Indian government to act promptly to halt the violence and protect religious minorities. The recent violence was not on religious line. It was between immigrant Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups and indigenous Meitei communities, the organisation wrote. It said hundreds of churches, belonging to about 25 ethnic communities, are still standing tall in the heart of Meitei-dominated areas, including Imphal. Further, it said many Christian ethnic communities, except Chin-Kuki groups, are still settled in Imphal and other Meitei-dominated areas and living together in harmony. Please note, 170000 Meitei communities are also Christians, which is 35% of Manipurs Kuki Christian population. The first ever Christian convert in Manipur is also a Meitei and their descendants are still Christians, the COCOMI wrote. It alleged all Meiteis, including Meitei Christians, were ethnically cleansed from the Chin-Kuki Christian-dominated districts on May 3 and 4 by Chin-Kuki Christians only. Further, it alleged, 100% Meitei religious centres in the Kuki-dominated hill areas are being completely destroyed and wiped out. Every Meitei Hindu and Sanamahi dwelling houses comprises three important temples or place of worshipSo, when a Meitei house is being burned down, it includes three important temples of worship. The COCOMI sought to draw the European Parliaments attention to the issue of Chin-Kuki narco-terrorism, stating that it has a direct relation to the ongoing violence. The emerging narco-terrorist activities and establishment of a narco-economy inside Manipur, primarily operated and managed by armed (illegal) immigrants and their drug cartel syndicates in India from Myanmar belonging to Chin-Kuki tribes, is the main cause of the violence, the organisation alleged. It said a thick, dense and lush green forest area of about 125,000 acres is being completely deforested for opium cultivation, and its estimated annual production is 500 MT to 625 MT. Alleging that all necessary infrastructure and network for institutionalizing the narco-economy is being set up in Manipur, the COCOMI said this alarming development creates a highly volatile socio-political environment where a small spark could quickly escalate into an inferno. the people of Manipur anticipate that the European Union shall live up to its responsibility and play a non-partisan active role in resolving the crisis. Do not let a New Golden Triangle emerge in the region, particularly in Manipur, the organisation further wrote to Metsola. By PTI GUWAHATI: Gender activists from across the North East, including Manipur, have called for action against the perpetrators of sexual assault and parading of two women naked as seen in a video, but said parties should not politicise the issue. The incident that came to light via the viral video is ''shocking, unfortunate and a gross violation of human rights'', Manipur gender activist and secretary of Women Action for Development (WAD) Sobita Mangsatabam told PTI. The video, shot in Kangpokpit district in ethnic strife affected Manipur on May 4 but surfaced on July 19, attracted condemnation across the country. ''In a conflict situation, it is the women and children who are used as weapons and the same is happening in Manipur. The state has a long history of violence against women and children. It is a sad state of affairs that they suffer but receive no justice," Mangsatabam said. The state is suffering from a crisis for nearly three months but it took a ''shocking viral video violating the human rights of women for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak. Besides this incident, he did not say a word about the sufferings of the people in the state who have lost their families, and homes and are living in distress in relief camps since the violence broke out'', she said. Action must be taken against perpetrators of crimes against women but it should also be ensured that those women whose human rights have been violated are not again subjected to humiliation with such videos being widely circulated, she said. Mangsatabam also appealed to the authorities not to politicise the incident and divert from the core issues that need to be addressed to bring peace to the northeastern state. The Mizoram State Commission for Women (MSCW), the Arunachal Pradesh Women's Welfare Society (APWWS) and Naga Mother's Association (NMA) have also written to the National Commission of Women (NCW) and the Manipur government demanding justice for the victims and a safe environment for all women and vulnerable communities. MSCW Chairperson Lallawmchhungi also appealed to the authorities to stop sexual offence as well as any other violence against women and requested all males in the NE states and India as a whole not to use muscle power against women in different forms of violence by taking advantage of such crises situations''. APWWS President Kani Nada Maling told PTI that the authorities must ensure justice swiftly so that such acts are not repeated. She said this particular incident would not have occurred had the central government taken action on time as ''unrest in the state has been ongoing and the people of Manipur have been left crying since the first week of May''. ''This incident, however, should not be used as a tool by any political party to gain sympathy. It is a human rights issue and a failure of the present government to provide safety to women. We cannot sit as mute spectators when our sisters are raped but dealing with such sensitive cases, we must ensure peace and tranquillity in the society'', Maling said. The Naga Mothers Association, in their letter to the NCW Chairperson, called for her immediate intervention into the violent crimes against women in the ongoing Manipur violence. ''It is a matter of shame that in the prevailing conflict in Manipur, women and young girls have been made the target and are subjected to merciless violence, including rape and killings'', the letter stated. The North East Network (Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland chapters) said that the government institutions mandated to provide safety to women remained mute spectators despite complaints and statements by the women and affected communities. It is one state which is witnessing such violent crimes today but similar crimes against women continue unabated in every community, in homes, workplaces and public spaces across the country, NEN spokesperson Anurita Pathak Hazarika told PTI. ALSO READ | Manipur video: NCW wrote thrice, drew no response from state officials ''As the conflict rages, women continue to bear the brunt, sandwiched between state and non-state actors. The targeted gendered attack on the two women and more such sexual crimes reveal a picture of failed governance and lack of a political public consciousness to treat its women as equal rights holders, and not just as victims'', she added. More than 160 people have lost their lives, and several have been injured since ethnic violence broke out in the state on May 3, when 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, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts. GUWAHATI: Gender activists from across the North East, including Manipur, have called for action against the perpetrators of sexual assault and parading of two women naked as seen in a video, but said parties should not politicise the issue. The incident that came to light via the viral video is ''shocking, unfortunate and a gross violation of human rights'', Manipur gender activist and secretary of Women Action for Development (WAD) Sobita Mangsatabam told PTI. The video, shot in Kangpokpit district in ethnic strife affected Manipur on May 4 but surfaced on July 19, attracted condemnation across the country.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); ''In a conflict situation, it is the women and children who are used as weapons and the same is happening in Manipur. The state has a long history of violence against women and children. It is a sad state of affairs that they suffer but receive no justice," Mangsatabam said. The state is suffering from a crisis for nearly three months but it took a ''shocking viral video violating the human rights of women for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak. Besides this incident, he did not say a word about the sufferings of the people in the state who have lost their families, and homes and are living in distress in relief camps since the violence broke out'', she said. Action must be taken against perpetrators of crimes against women but it should also be ensured that those women whose human rights have been violated are not again subjected to humiliation with such videos being widely circulated, she said. Mangsatabam also appealed to the authorities not to politicise the incident and divert from the core issues that need to be addressed to bring peace to the northeastern state. The Mizoram State Commission for Women (MSCW), the Arunachal Pradesh Women's Welfare Society (APWWS) and Naga Mother's Association (NMA) have also written to the National Commission of Women (NCW) and the Manipur government demanding justice for the victims and a safe environment for all women and vulnerable communities. MSCW Chairperson Lallawmchhungi also appealed to the authorities to stop sexual offence as well as any other violence against women and requested all males in the NE states and India as a whole not to use muscle power against women in different forms of violence by taking advantage of such crises situations''. APWWS President Kani Nada Maling told PTI that the authorities must ensure justice swiftly so that such acts are not repeated. She said this particular incident would not have occurred had the central government taken action on time as ''unrest in the state has been ongoing and the people of Manipur have been left crying since the first week of May''. ''This incident, however, should not be used as a tool by any political party to gain sympathy. It is a human rights issue and a failure of the present government to provide safety to women. We cannot sit as mute spectators when our sisters are raped but dealing with such sensitive cases, we must ensure peace and tranquillity in the society'', Maling said. The Naga Mothers Association, in their letter to the NCW Chairperson, called for her immediate intervention into the violent crimes against women in the ongoing Manipur violence. ''It is a matter of shame that in the prevailing conflict in Manipur, women and young girls have been made the target and are subjected to merciless violence, including rape and killings'', the letter stated. The North East Network (Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland chapters) said that the government institutions mandated to provide safety to women remained mute spectators despite complaints and statements by the women and affected communities. It is one state which is witnessing such violent crimes today but similar crimes against women continue unabated in every community, in homes, workplaces and public spaces across the country, NEN spokesperson Anurita Pathak Hazarika told PTI. ALSO READ | Manipur video: NCW wrote thrice, drew no response from state officials ''As the conflict rages, women continue to bear the brunt, sandwiched between state and non-state actors. The targeted gendered attack on the two women and more such sexual crimes reveal a picture of failed governance and lack of a political public consciousness to treat its women as equal rights holders, and not just as victims'', she added. More than 160 people have lost their lives, and several have been injured since ethnic violence broke out in the state on May 3, when 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, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts. By PTI NEW DELHI: As Parliament's Monsoon session remained deadlocked over ethnic violence in Manipur, Union minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday appealed to the opposition parties 'with folded hands' to join the debate on the issue. Thakur also urged the opposition not to politicise the issue of atrocities against women in the northeastern state. The opposition parties have planned joint protests in Parliament on Monday on the situation in Manipur. They have been demanding a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament before starting a discussion on the issue. The government has been insisting that Home Minister Amit Shah will speak on the issue and not the prime minister. "Atrocities against women are painful, no matter which state the victims belong to. It is the responsibility of the state to curb such incidents," the minister said. He said the government is keen on a discussion on the issue of atrocities on women, which are prevalent in states such as Rajasthan, Bihar, West Bengal and Manipur. "We wish that there should be a good discussion on this in the House, where all political parties will participate. Nobody should run away from the debate. It is my request to the opposition with folded hands, do not run away from the discussion," the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said. He said the opposition should not politicise such issues and should join the discussion in Parliament. "The opposition does all this to remain in discussion, but it does nothing to join the discussion," Thakur said when asked about the protests on the Manipur issue. The Monsoon session of Parliament began on July 20 and has witnessed disruptions over the ethnic violence in Manipur, particularly over a video purportedly shot on May 4 and depicting atrocities against women in the state. NEW DELHI: As Parliament's Monsoon session remained deadlocked over ethnic violence in Manipur, Union minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday appealed to the opposition parties 'with folded hands' to join the debate on the issue. Thakur also urged the opposition not to politicise the issue of atrocities against women in the northeastern state. The opposition parties have planned joint protests in Parliament on Monday on the situation in Manipur. They have been demanding a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament before starting a discussion on the issue. The government has been insisting that Home Minister Amit Shah will speak on the issue and not the prime minister.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "Atrocities against women are painful, no matter which state the victims belong to. It is the responsibility of the state to curb such incidents," the minister said. He said the government is keen on a discussion on the issue of atrocities on women, which are prevalent in states such as Rajasthan, Bihar, West Bengal and Manipur. "We wish that there should be a good discussion on this in the House, where all political parties will participate. Nobody should run away from the debate. It is my request to the opposition with folded hands, do not run away from the discussion," the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said. He said the opposition should not politicise such issues and should join the discussion in Parliament. "The opposition does all this to remain in discussion, but it does nothing to join the discussion," Thakur said when asked about the protests on the Manipur issue. The Monsoon session of Parliament began on July 20 and has witnessed disruptions over the ethnic violence in Manipur, particularly over a video purportedly shot on May 4 and depicting atrocities against women in the state. By Express News Service PATNA: Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) and former minister Mukesh Sahani on Sunday announced that his party would observe the martyrdom day of former MP and Bandit Queen Phoolan Devi in the state capital on July 25. Sahani told the media that Nishad Aarakshan Sankalp Yatra would be taken out the same day as it would criss-cross the entire Bihar, Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh and some districts of Jharkhand, covering about 80 districts. He said that the Yatra would conclude on November 4. Sahani said that the party leaders and workers would interact with the people during the yatra. He said that a door-to-door resolution campaign would also be carried out. The party office bearers would go to each and every village and go to every house and make the people take a resolution and decide whether they were with VIP or with some other party, he said. People will have to take a pledge that we will stand with whatever decision VIP takes in the coming times, he remarked. Known as the Son of Mallah, Sahani said that his party would intensify its demand for reservation for the Nishad community in view of the 2024 Lok Sabha election. He said that his party had been demanding reservation for the Nishad community since the beginning. The VIP chief said that his party would not have any alliance with any party if the reservation was not given to the Nishad community in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. We will be with those who give us a reservation, he added. To a query, Sahani said that he didn't have any grudge against NDA for not inviting him to the meeting of NDA allies in New Delhi on July 18. Why would they invite us? Who would like to invite his enemy? he asked. However, Sahani was given Y+ security cover by the centre recently. PATNA: Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) and former minister Mukesh Sahani on Sunday announced that his party would observe the martyrdom day of former MP and Bandit Queen Phoolan Devi in the state capital on July 25. Sahani told the media that Nishad Aarakshan Sankalp Yatra would be taken out the same day as it would criss-cross the entire Bihar, Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh and some districts of Jharkhand, covering about 80 districts. He said that the Yatra would conclude on November 4. Sahani said that the party leaders and workers would interact with the people during the yatra. He said that a door-to-door resolution campaign would also be carried out. The party office bearers would go to each and every village and go to every house and make the people take a resolution and decide whether they were with VIP or with some other party, he said. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); People will have to take a pledge that we will stand with whatever decision VIP takes in the coming times, he remarked. Known as the Son of Mallah, Sahani said that his party would intensify its demand for reservation for the Nishad community in view of the 2024 Lok Sabha election. He said that his party had been demanding reservation for the Nishad community since the beginning. The VIP chief said that his party would not have any alliance with any party if the reservation was not given to the Nishad community in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. We will be with those who give us a reservation, he added. To a query, Sahani said that he didn't have any grudge against NDA for not inviting him to the meeting of NDA allies in New Delhi on July 18. Why would they invite us? Who would like to invite his enemy? he asked. However, Sahani was given Y+ security cover by the centre recently. By Express News Service COIMBATORE: A 23-year-old Sudan native who suffered injuries in the road accident that killed an SB-CID constable at Oppanakara Street on Thursday died at the hospital without responding to treatment on Friday. Police said efforts are underway to send the body to Saudi Arabia, where his family lives now. The deceased person was identified as Ibrahim alias Ibrahim Tahir Eisa Elzain (23) from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He was a native of Sudan and recently his family shifted to Saudi Arabia, said police. Another injured Basheer Suohaib Sheriff (22) son of Elsheriff Hadi Basheer from North Sudan is under treatment at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH). Suohaib was pursuing B Pharm in New Delhi while Ibrahim was studying BCA in Kuniyamuthur and stayed in a rental room at BK Pudur near Kuniyamuthur. Suhaib visited Coimbatore a month ago to meet his friends. On Thursday, while travelling on Oppanakara Street, unaware of the one-way, the duo's two-wheeler crashed into the bike of K Marimuthu (47) Special Branch - CID head constable of Ukkadam police station from the wrong side. Marimuthu died while being taken to Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH). Further probe is on. COIMBATORE: A 23-year-old Sudan native who suffered injuries in the road accident that killed an SB-CID constable at Oppanakara Street on Thursday died at the hospital without responding to treatment on Friday. Police said efforts are underway to send the body to Saudi Arabia, where his family lives now. The deceased person was identified as Ibrahim alias Ibrahim Tahir Eisa Elzain (23) from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He was a native of Sudan and recently his family shifted to Saudi Arabia, said police. Another injured Basheer Suohaib Sheriff (22) son of Elsheriff Hadi Basheer from North Sudan is under treatment at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH). Suohaib was pursuing B Pharm in New Delhi while Ibrahim was studying BCA in Kuniyamuthur and stayed in a rental room at BK Pudur near Kuniyamuthur. Suhaib visited Coimbatore a month ago to meet his friends. On Thursday, while travelling on Oppanakara Street, unaware of the one-way, the duo's two-wheeler crashed into the bike of K Marimuthu (47) Special Branch - CID head constable of Ukkadam police station from the wrong side. Marimuthu died while being taken to Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH). Further probe is on.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Priya Rathnam By Express News Service HYDERABAD: In a major breakthrough, the Hyderabad Cybercrime police have apprehended nine people allegedly involved in a sophisticated investment fraud that is linked to the financing of terrorist activities by the Lebanon-based militant outfit Hezbollah. Giving details of the case, Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand identified the arrested accused as Prakash Mulchandbhai Prajapati, Kumar Prajapati, Naimuddin Wahiduddin Shaik, Gagan Kumar Soni, Parvez alias Guddu, Shameer Khan, Mohammed Munawar, Shah Sumair, and Arul Dass, hailing from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad. Remember, scammers spare none. As citizens, your vigilance is paramount. Let not the allure of easy money blind you to the perils that await. We call upon each citizen to be a digital guardian, vigilant and informed. Here is an overview of pic.twitter.com/jtDXFXfcpa July 22, 2023 The Police Commissioner said that the investigation into the case began when a resident of Chikkadpally filed a cheating complaint. Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand briefs the media at the ICCC on Saturday According to the complaint, the victim was approached through the Telegram app and lured into a part-time Rate and Review job through a website https://www.traveling-boost-99.com. The victim initially earned profits of Rs 866 by performing simple tasks with an initial investment of Rs 1,000. However, as the tasks progressed, the fraudsters manipulated the victim into investing larger sums of money. Despite earning significant profits, the victim was denied withdrawal access, leading to a total loss of Rs 28 lakh, the Police Commissioner said. Investigating the complaint, the cybercrime police discovered that the defrauded funds were channelled into various Indian bank accounts before reaching Dubai, where the money was utilised to purchase cryptocurrencies, CV Anand revealed. Chinese masterminds behind cyber fraud The sleuths traced one of the accounts to Radhika Marketing, linked to Mohammed Munawar from Hyderabad. Further inquiries revealed that Munawar, along with Arul Dass, Shah Sumair, and Shameer Khan, had travelled to Lucknow under the instruction of Manish, Vikas, and Rajesh to open multiple bank accounts for shell companies. These companies were later sold to Kumar Prajapathi, an associate of Prakash Prajapathi, the city police chief said. Prakash Prajapathi, based in Ahmedabad, was found to have connections with Chinese nationals, identified as Lee Lou Guangzhou, Nan Ye, and Kevin Jun. Once the Chinese received the defrauded funds, Prakash Prajapathi coordinated with his associates in Mumbai, who were settled in Dubai, to convert the Indian currency to USDT (a cryptocurrency) and transfer it to China. For each fraudulent transaction, Prakash received a 2% to 3% commission, Anand said. During the investigation, it was uncovered that Prakash Prajapathis crypto-wallet had links to another wallet associated with the notorious Hezbollah, labelled as a terror financing module in various countries. The terror-linked wallet had sanctions imposed against it, raising serious concerns about the flow of illicit funds. Further investigations revealed that Prakash had supplied over 65 accounts to the Chinese, with transactions amounting to Rs128 crore. The other accounts involved in converting the fraudulently obtained money to USDT held a staggering volume of Rs 584 crores, resulting in a total siphoned amount of over Rs 712 crore. HYDERABAD: In a major breakthrough, the Hyderabad Cybercrime police have apprehended nine people allegedly involved in a sophisticated investment fraud that is linked to the financing of terrorist activities by the Lebanon-based militant outfit Hezbollah. Giving details of the case, Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand identified the arrested accused as Prakash Mulchandbhai Prajapati, Kumar Prajapati, Naimuddin Wahiduddin Shaik, Gagan Kumar Soni, Parvez alias Guddu, Shameer Khan, Mohammed Munawar, Shah Sumair, and Arul Dass, hailing from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad. Remember, scammers spare none. As citizens, your vigilance is paramount. Let not the allure of easy money blind you to the perils that await. We call upon each citizen to be a digital guardian, vigilant and informed. Here is an overview of pic.twitter.com/jtDXFXfcpagoogletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); CV Anand IPS (@CVAnandIPS) July 22, 2023 The Police Commissioner said that the investigation into the case began when a resident of Chikkadpally filed a cheating complaint. Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand briefs the media at the ICCC on SaturdayAccording to the complaint, the victim was approached through the Telegram app and lured into a part-time Rate and Review job through a website https://www.traveling-boost-99.com. The victim initially earned profits of Rs 866 by performing simple tasks with an initial investment of Rs 1,000. However, as the tasks progressed, the fraudsters manipulated the victim into investing larger sums of money. Despite earning significant profits, the victim was denied withdrawal access, leading to a total loss of Rs 28 lakh, the Police Commissioner said. Investigating the complaint, the cybercrime police discovered that the defrauded funds were channelled into various Indian bank accounts before reaching Dubai, where the money was utilised to purchase cryptocurrencies, CV Anand revealed. Chinese masterminds behind cyber fraud The sleuths traced one of the accounts to Radhika Marketing, linked to Mohammed Munawar from Hyderabad. Further inquiries revealed that Munawar, along with Arul Dass, Shah Sumair, and Shameer Khan, had travelled to Lucknow under the instruction of Manish, Vikas, and Rajesh to open multiple bank accounts for shell companies. These companies were later sold to Kumar Prajapathi, an associate of Prakash Prajapathi, the city police chief said. Prakash Prajapathi, based in Ahmedabad, was found to have connections with Chinese nationals, identified as Lee Lou Guangzhou, Nan Ye, and Kevin Jun. Once the Chinese received the defrauded funds, Prakash Prajapathi coordinated with his associates in Mumbai, who were settled in Dubai, to convert the Indian currency to USDT (a cryptocurrency) and transfer it to China. For each fraudulent transaction, Prakash received a 2% to 3% commission, Anand said. During the investigation, it was uncovered that Prakash Prajapathis crypto-wallet had links to another wallet associated with the notorious Hezbollah, labelled as a terror financing module in various countries. The terror-linked wallet had sanctions imposed against it, raising serious concerns about the flow of illicit funds. Further investigations revealed that Prakash had supplied over 65 accounts to the Chinese, with transactions amounting to Rs128 crore. The other accounts involved in converting the fraudulently obtained money to USDT held a staggering volume of Rs 584 crores, resulting in a total siphoned amount of over Rs 712 crore. Dilip Singh Kshatriya By AHMEDABAD: After Saturdays spell of torrential rain across Gujarat, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning to fishermen along the states coast against venturing out to sea for the next five days. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red, orange, and yellow alerts for various Gujarat districts till 24 July. Rains pounded 145 talukas mostly across Saurashtra-South Gujarat between 6 am and 4 pm on Saturday. Twenty-two talukas saw more than an inch of rain. Navsari district, however, received the highest of 13 inches of rain. Heavy rain also lashed the Junagadh district. The Girnar Hill in Junagadh received 14 inches of rain, following which runoff from the mountain flooded the city. Waterlogging has led to cars floating and people climbing onto roofs in many locations. The flow of water in the Kalwa River has also surged. Ravi Teja Wasam Shetty, Junagadh district police chief, appealed to the public to stay off the roads and remain safe at home. In the Amreli district of Saurashtra region, heavy rainfall has led to water logging at the ST bus stand and Rajkot Road. Navsari, in south Gujarat, received 13 inches of rain on Saturday Heavy traffic bottleneck was also reported on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad (NH 48) in Navsari. A 16-year-old boy who travelled from Belimora with his father to give an exam was swept away in the flood-like situation in Navsari town. As per reports, the accident occurred in the Jaishankar party plot area. However, the father was rescued by a fire services team soon after. In North Gujarat, Patan and Banaskantha districts are badly hit by rains. IMD has issued a red alert for Valsad, Bhavnagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Daman, Dadra Nagar Haveli; orange alert for Ahmedabad, Anand, Bharuch, Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Amreli, Jamnagar, Gir Somnath, Kutch; and yellow alert for Surendranagar, Dahod, Junagadh, Rajkot, Botad, Vadodara, Surat, Navsari. AHMEDABAD: After Saturdays spell of torrential rain across Gujarat, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning to fishermen along the states coast against venturing out to sea for the next five days. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red, orange, and yellow alerts for various Gujarat districts till 24 July. Rains pounded 145 talukas mostly across Saurashtra-South Gujarat between 6 am and 4 pm on Saturday. Twenty-two talukas saw more than an inch of rain. Navsari district, however, received the highest of 13 inches of rain. Heavy rain also lashed the Junagadh district. The Girnar Hill in Junagadh received 14 inches of rain, following which runoff from the mountain flooded the city. Waterlogging has led to cars floating and people climbing onto roofs in many locations. The flow of water in the Kalwa River has also surged. Ravi Teja Wasam Shetty, Junagadh district police chief, appealed to the public to stay off the roads and remain safe at home.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In the Amreli district of Saurashtra region, heavy rainfall has led to water logging at the ST bus stand and Rajkot Road. Navsari, in south Gujarat, received 13 inches of rain on Saturday Heavy traffic bottleneck was also reported on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad (NH 48) in Navsari. A 16-year-old boy who travelled from Belimora with his father to give an exam was swept away in the flood-like situation in Navsari town. As per reports, the accident occurred in the Jaishankar party plot area. However, the father was rescued by a fire services team soon after. In North Gujarat, Patan and Banaskantha districts are badly hit by rains. IMD has issued a red alert for Valsad, Bhavnagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Daman, Dadra Nagar Haveli; orange alert for Ahmedabad, Anand, Bharuch, Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Amreli, Jamnagar, Gir Somnath, Kutch; and yellow alert for Surendranagar, Dahod, Junagadh, Rajkot, Botad, Vadodara, Surat, Navsari. Rajesh Kumar Thakur By NEW DELHI: The Opposition will continue the protest in Parliament demanding a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the horrific Manipur incident. As part of its collective strategy, floor leaders of the newly formed Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A) are scheduled to meet on Monday before the start of the third day of the monsoon session. The meeting at the chamber of Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, will discuss the strategy to be adopted on the floor of both houses. According to sources, Opposition MPs have also planned a protest on Monday near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi demanding a debate on the Manipur incident. A senior Opposition leader said the protest will never die down until Prime Minister Narendra Modi gives a statement on the floor of both Houses on the Manipur incident. The Manipur ethnic violence and recent stripping and parading of two naked women have badly exposed the failure of Manipur government on the law and order front, remarked an Opposition leader. Since the first day of the ongoing Monsoon session, the Opposition leaders have been insisting that the PM make a statement on the Manipur issue. In the last two days of the ongoing session, the Opposition created din over the Manipur issue. ALSO READ | TMC accuses BJP of stalling Parliament, demands PM open debate on Manipur either in RS or LS Meanwhile, one of the prominent MPs of Opposition in Raya Sabha and noted lawyer of Kapil Sibal on Saturday lashed out at the Modi government saying that the only way forward in Manipur is to sack CM N Biren Singh immediately and bring the violence-hit state under the President rule. Taking to Twitter, Sibal said: The only way forward: sack Biren Singh; impose Article 356; apologies to the women of our country. Nothing has changed since Nirbhaya: Unnao, Hatharas, Kathua, Bilkis (convict released). Beti Bachao PM JI. NEW DELHI: The Opposition will continue the protest in Parliament demanding a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the horrific Manipur incident. As part of its collective strategy, floor leaders of the newly formed Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A) are scheduled to meet on Monday before the start of the third day of the monsoon session. The meeting at the chamber of Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, will discuss the strategy to be adopted on the floor of both houses. According to sources, Opposition MPs have also planned a protest on Monday near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi demanding a debate on the Manipur incident. A senior Opposition leader said the protest will never die down until Prime Minister Narendra Modi gives a statement on the floor of both Houses on the Manipur incident. The Manipur ethnic violence and recent stripping and parading of two naked women have badly exposed the failure of Manipur government on the law and order front, remarked an Opposition leader. Since the first day of the ongoing Monsoon session, the Opposition leaders have been insisting that the PM make a statement on the Manipur issue. In the last two days of the ongoing session, the Opposition created din over the Manipur issue.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); ALSO READ | TMC accuses BJP of stalling Parliament, demands PM open debate on Manipur either in RS or LS Meanwhile, one of the prominent MPs of Opposition in Raya Sabha and noted lawyer of Kapil Sibal on Saturday lashed out at the Modi government saying that the only way forward in Manipur is to sack CM N Biren Singh immediately and bring the violence-hit state under the President rule. Taking to Twitter, Sibal said: The only way forward: sack Biren Singh; impose Article 356; apologies to the women of our country. Nothing has changed since Nirbhaya: Unnao, Hatharas, Kathua, Bilkis (convict released). Beti Bachao PM JI. Mayank Singh By NEW DELHI: With the induction of Gorkhas from Nepal on hold for the past couple of years, the Indian Army is planning to recruit tribals from within India with similar traits to address the fast-depleting strength of the famed kukri-wielding Gorkha Rifles (GR). Officials told The New Indian Express the plan will kick off if the impasse over recruitment from Nepal does not get resolved soon. Explaining the idea of recruiting tribals with similar traits, an official said those with the physical attributes residing in the upper reaches of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Darjeeling may be considered. Soldiers of the Gorkha Rifles are known for their devotion to duty, bravery, loyalty and discipline. The Gorkhas have a fearsome reputation built over the last two centuries with their exemplary war-time successes. Their motto is better to die than be a coward. The term Gorkhas is popularly used for Nepalese soldiers serving in the Indian Army, British Gorkha Brigade and Singapore Police. In the Indian Army, Gorkhas serve in the Gorkha Rifles, Naga Regiment, Assam Regiment, and Unit of Guards Regiment. All these are under the Ministry of Defence. They also join the Assam Rifles, which provides support to the Army but is under the administrative charge of the Ministry of Home Affairs. A similar experimental step to expand the recruitment pool was taken in 2021, by allowing a higher number of youth from Garhwal and Kumaon region of Uttarakhand to join select regiments of the GR. The policy decision was also to stop the recruitment of the Nepalese youth to the Naga Regiment, Assam Regiment and the Unit of Guards regiment. The plan is to re-assess this policy in 2024. The Armys contingency plan comes amidst the Nepal governments decision to put on hold the drafting of their citizens into the Indian Armys Gorkha infantry regiments over some objections to the Agnipath scheme. Interestingly after the Anglo-Nepal war (1814- 1816) William Fraser the Political Agent in Nepal had reorganised the 7000-strong irregular levy into four Gorkha battalions. These had comprised mainly of the Kumaonis, Garhwali, Sirmouri hill men; and Nepalese from Nepal. Sirmaur is in Himachal. Arindam Bagchi, Spokesperson Indian foreign ministry said, We have been recruiting Gorkha soldiers into the Indian Army for a long time. And we look forward to continuing to recruit Gorkha soldiers in the Indian Army under the Agnipath scheme, The Nepalese side had informed India to wait on the plan to recruit Nepali youths under the new scheme. It was in June 2022 that the Indian Government announced the new recruitment scheme under which youths between age 17 and a half and 21 years are getting inducted under the Agnipath Scheme for a period of four years with 25 per cent getting inducted permanently after it. The rest of the people would not be entitled to a pension. Since then no youth from Nepal has joined Indian Army. Prior to the introduction of the Agnipath scheme, the Nepalese youths were being recruited under a Tripartite Agreement between India, Nepal and Britain which was signed in 1947, allowing continued recruitment of Nepalese into the armies of India and Britain. It is to be noted a tripartite treaty called the Memorandum of Agreement on Recruitment of Gorkha Troops was signed on May 1, 1947, and was ratified on November 9, 1947. Later in 1950, a Treaty of Peace and Friendship was signed between the two countries which reinforced the right of Nepalese citizens to work in India and for equal national treatment. There was no mention of any terms of engagement or other benefits in the annexure. As reported earlier by The New Indian Express, a source in the Indian Army said that the Agnipath Scheme is neither violating the Tripartite Agreement nor discriminating against anyone. The Gorkhas would get the same salaries and facilities as what their Indian counterparts would. At present around 25,000 Nepal Domicile Gorkhas are serving in the Indian Armys Gorkha regiments in its 43 battalions which are composed of Indian soldiers as well as those recruited from Nepal. NEW DELHI: With the induction of Gorkhas from Nepal on hold for the past couple of years, the Indian Army is planning to recruit tribals from within India with similar traits to address the fast-depleting strength of the famed kukri-wielding Gorkha Rifles (GR). Officials told The New Indian Express the plan will kick off if the impasse over recruitment from Nepal does not get resolved soon. Explaining the idea of recruiting tribals with similar traits, an official said those with the physical attributes residing in the upper reaches of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Darjeeling may be considered. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Soldiers of the Gorkha Rifles are known for their devotion to duty, bravery, loyalty and discipline. The Gorkhas have a fearsome reputation built over the last two centuries with their exemplary war-time successes. Their motto is better to die than be a coward. The term Gorkhas is popularly used for Nepalese soldiers serving in the Indian Army, British Gorkha Brigade and Singapore Police. In the Indian Army, Gorkhas serve in the Gorkha Rifles, Naga Regiment, Assam Regiment, and Unit of Guards Regiment. All these are under the Ministry of Defence. They also join the Assam Rifles, which provides support to the Army but is under the administrative charge of the Ministry of Home Affairs. A similar experimental step to expand the recruitment pool was taken in 2021, by allowing a higher number of youth from Garhwal and Kumaon region of Uttarakhand to join select regiments of the GR. The policy decision was also to stop the recruitment of the Nepalese youth to the Naga Regiment, Assam Regiment and the Unit of Guards regiment. The plan is to re-assess this policy in 2024. The Armys contingency plan comes amidst the Nepal governments decision to put on hold the drafting of their citizens into the Indian Armys Gorkha infantry regiments over some objections to the Agnipath scheme. Interestingly after the Anglo-Nepal war (1814- 1816) William Fraser the Political Agent in Nepal had reorganised the 7000-strong irregular levy into four Gorkha battalions. These had comprised mainly of the Kumaonis, Garhwali, Sirmouri hill men; and Nepalese from Nepal. Sirmaur is in Himachal. Arindam Bagchi, Spokesperson Indian foreign ministry said, We have been recruiting Gorkha soldiers into the Indian Army for a long time. And we look forward to continuing to recruit Gorkha soldiers in the Indian Army under the Agnipath scheme, The Nepalese side had informed India to wait on the plan to recruit Nepali youths under the new scheme. It was in June 2022 that the Indian Government announced the new recruitment scheme under which youths between age 17 and a half and 21 years are getting inducted under the Agnipath Scheme for a period of four years with 25 per cent getting inducted permanently after it. The rest of the people would not be entitled to a pension. Since then no youth from Nepal has joined Indian Army. Prior to the introduction of the Agnipath scheme, the Nepalese youths were being recruited under a Tripartite Agreement between India, Nepal and Britain which was signed in 1947, allowing continued recruitment of Nepalese into the armies of India and Britain. It is to be noted a tripartite treaty called the Memorandum of Agreement on Recruitment of Gorkha Troops was signed on May 1, 1947, and was ratified on November 9, 1947. Later in 1950, a Treaty of Peace and Friendship was signed between the two countries which reinforced the right of Nepalese citizens to work in India and for equal national treatment. There was no mention of any terms of engagement or other benefits in the annexure. As reported earlier by The New Indian Express, a source in the Indian Army said that the Agnipath Scheme is neither violating the Tripartite Agreement nor discriminating against anyone. The Gorkhas would get the same salaries and facilities as what their Indian counterparts would. At present around 25,000 Nepal Domicile Gorkhas are serving in the Indian Armys Gorkha regiments in its 43 battalions which are composed of Indian soldiers as well as those recruited from Nepal. Sunday, July 23, a forced "subbotnik" was held in Odessa, caused by Russia's overnight attack on the city. The invaders, who only pay lip service to fortresses and spiritual values, but in reality are ordinary terrorists and looters, destroyed a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site on Sobornaya Square - the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior. ADVERTISIMENT Images from the site of another arrival were shown online by photographer Jan Dobronosov. He characterized his eloquent photos succinctly, noting that our enemy has no shrines before which they will stop. "Our enemy does not believe in God," the author of the publication signed. ADVERTISIMENT ADVERTISIMENT It should be noted that the Russian missile landed right on the place where the altar for worship services was located. Here were held meetings of Orthodox believers under the patronage of the Odessa Eparchy of the Moscow Patriarchate. The Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior was consecrated by Patriarch Kirill of All Russia in 2010. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier OBOZREVATEL reported that the Odessa diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate called the missile strike on the Transfiguration Cathedral a terrorist act. The clergy emphasized that the shrine has nothing to do with military facilities. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel, Threads and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! 4.8-magnitude hits Japans Ibaraki Tokyo, July 22: A 4.8 magnitude quake struck parts of Japan's Ibaraki prefecture, northeast of Tokyo, the weather agency said on Saturday. 4.8-magnitude hits Japan's Ibaraki The temblor occurred at 1052 a.m. local time at a depth of 50 km, measuring 4 on Japan's seismic intensity scale which peaks at 7, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).It was epicentred at off Ibaraki at a latitude of 36.5 degrees north and a longitude of 140.8 degrees east.No tsunami warning has been issued.IANS22 July 2023 Shared Recently! Punjab: Health dept teams provide medical assistance to flood-affected people Chandigarh,, July 22: As part of its commitment to provide succour to the beleaguered people in accordance with the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the State Government machinery has plunged headlong to mitigate the situation created by floods in the state, an official release said on Saturday. Punjab: Health dept teams provide medical assistance to flood-affected people According to officials, 1441 villages have been affected by the flood till 8 am on July 21. A total of 155 relief camps are running in the state in which 4560 people are staying.To speed up the relief operations in the state and as per the directions of CM Bhagwant Mann, 26800 persons have been evacuated and taken to safe places, the release said.As per officials, currently, 19 districts are affected by floods including Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Faridkot, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, Kapurthala, Patiala, Moga, Ludhiana, SAS Nagar, Jalandhar, Sangrur, SBS Nagar, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Mansa, Bathinda and Pathankot.According to the report received by the revenue department from different districts, a total of 40 people have lost their lives due to floods in the state.As per the information received from the animal husbandry department, a total of 1746 animals are treated in the state while the number of vaccinated animals is 4836."458 Rapid Response Teams have been working in flood-affected areas. The health department has set up 246 medical camps in the affected areas," the official release read."Rescue teams of the department are working round the clock to provide treatment, supply feed, fodder and silage to the needy animals. Special flood relief camps are also being organised in affected districts. On the other hand, the health department teams are working in the flood-affected areas with full attention," it said.Dry food packets are being continuously distributed in the flood-affected areas. 22,881 dry food packets have been distributed in Rupnagar, 64000 in Patiala, 4800 in SAS Nagar, 5700 in SBS Nagar and 2200 in Fatehgarh Sahib, the release added.ANI22 July 2023 Shared Recently! Varun Dhawan expresses gratitude for overwhelming response to Bawaal Mumbai, July 22: Actor Varun Dhawan, on Saturday, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response of the audience to his recently released romantic drama film 'Bawaal.'. Varun Dhawan expresses gratitude for overwhelming response to 'Bawaal' Taking to Instagram, Varun shared a string of stills from 'Bawaal,' which he captioned, "Ajju bhaiya ne Mahual bana diya. Thank u for giving bawaal a place In Your heart. I have never received so many calls for any film of mine. The impact this film is having on people is incredible. It's a conversation starter about the fake image industry and how today we are all in someway slaves to this ideology. Thank u for watching and enjoying Ajju and his family. You are #bawaal."https//www.instagram.com/p/Cu_IV5CI0WF/'Bawaal' is directed by Nitesh Tiwari, who is best known for helming blockbusters like 'Dangal' and 'Chhichhore'. The film is a romantic drama set against the backdrop of World War 2.The film has Varun playing a history teacher who takes Janhvi Kapoor's character on a trip to Europe to visit World War 2 sites. It was shot in Paris, Berlin, Poland, Amsterdam, Krakow, Warsaw along with Lucknow and two other cities in India. The film's crew had more than 700 people with action directors and stuntmen hired from Germany.The film was released on the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video on July 21.Apart from this, Varun will also be seen in the Indian adaptation of the series 'Citadel' opposite Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The series will stream on Amazon Prime Video.He also has horror comedy film 'Bhediya 2' and 'Jawan' director Atlee's next film.ANI22 July 2023 Shared Recently! Rudra Global Infra Products doubles capacity for manufacturing TMT bars New Delhi, July 22: Rudra Global Infra Products, engaged in manufacturing of MS billets and TMT Bars of the finest quality, have informed the exchanges on the successful completion of a recent expansion into TMT bars.A . Rudra Global Infra Products doubles capacity for manufacturing TMT bars According to the company, the recent expansion of a new rolling mill has successfully completed its trial runs for all the sizes in the product portfolio. The expansion has led to an increase in the overall installed capacity for manufacturing TMT Bars from 1.2 lakh tonnne/annum to 2.4 lacs tonne/annum.The enhanced production will contribute significantly in increasing the top line as well as overall profitability of the company.Talking in detail, Sahil Gupta Director at Rudra Global said "With the increase in manufacturing capacity given the current situation we are expecting to achieve a top line of Rs 600 crore and bottom line of Rs 18 crore. Also if an opportunity arises and we are able to operate on 24 by 7 basis, then we shall be able to achieve top line of Rs 1800 crore and bottom line of Rs 60 crore.""Owing to the difference in tariff rates offered by GEB in the state of Gujarat we are currently operating in night shift only as the power rates which constitute a major portion of our cost of production, is cheaper vis-a-vis to the rates for units operating for 24 hours. Also, to reduce our reliance on external sources for meeting our energy requirements, we have periodically set up wind mills to meet our needs. Currently, approximately 10 per cent of our requirement is met through renewable energy. In the next 5 years we plan to increase our renewable energy consumption to 50 per cent. In the next 3 years we see our turnover to grow at CAGR of 10 per cent," he added.According to the management, the edge they have over competitors is that on account of having an integrated plant they follow the hot-rolling process, which substantially reduces the cost of production for manufacturing TMT Bars.The firm has extensive network of dealers with presence in 400+ locations across Gujarat. Out of these around 150+ dealers are exclusive dealers, helping them to command a premium for product offerings in the market.The company also enjoys royalty income from franchise units engaged in manufacturing cement and pipes under our brand name a Rudra Cement and Rudra Pipes.Rudra Inframart a a flagship solution offered by the company to meet all infra related requirements of the customer under one roof.Currently, there are 8 such stores across Gujarat. Rudra Global plans to open 12 more such stores in Phase-2 of expansion in the next two years.Rudra Global is also set to revive the Defence business. After completing the expansion in TMT business, the company has started reviving the stalled work in the defence project and work is in progress in construction of the factory building. Post completion, the company intend to supply specialised parts to bigger players in the defence and aviation sector.san/shaIANS22 July 2023 Shared Recently! Southern Air Command organises media orientation, IAF publicity programme Thiruvananthapuram, July 22: A media orientation and Indian Air Force publicity programme was organised at the Headquarters of Southern Air Command here on Friday, an official release said. Southern Air Command organises media orientation, IAF publicity programme Various media houses participated in the event.On arrival at SAC, the media personnel were conducted through a static display that included various technical equipment, an indigenous ALH aircraft and Induction Publicity Exhibition Vehicle .The media personnel were welcomed by Air Marshal SK Vidhate AVSM YSM VM, Senior Air Staff Officer of Southern Air Command at Travancore Auditorium.Videos pertaining to the history of IAF, Doctrinal aspects of Aerospace power, IAF's role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations and emphasis given by IAF on Atmanirbharta were highlighted to media personnel.An Air Show will be planned by Southern Air Command during Onam, this year, the SAC said.ANI22 July 2023 Shared Recently! Entry to Goas Dudhsagar waterfall banned Panaji, July 22: The Goa government on Saturday issued an order banning the entry of tourists, trekkers and all persons to the picturesque Dudhsagar waterfall in South Goa, which is located on Goa-Karnataka border. Entry to Goa's Dudhsagar waterfall banned Many tourists and trekkers used to visit Dudhsagar waterfall during weekends.A. Asvin Chandru, South Goa Collector, in the order has stated "Visitors shall be allowed to enter the Base of the Dudhsagar waterfall area through the prescribed routes only with permit / tickets purchased from designated entry points by Forest Department,""There shall be a complete ban for the entry of tourists, trekkers and all other persons to the Dudhsagar waterfall (at or near the railway bridge/ Dudhsagar railway station) either by trekking/ by train/ walking along the track as it is not a designated tourist point except for authorised personnel of Police, Railways, Forest department and other Government officials on duty," order stated.Last week, when unauthorised visitors allegedly walked on or along railway tracks to visit Dudhsagar waterfall, were caught by authorities and made to do 'sit-ups' while holding their ears.According to the order, there have been incidents of drowning and missing tourists visiting the Dudhsagar waterfalls and during attempts at trekking along the railway track and other routes in the past, especially during monsoon season.The government has also taken steps to restrict entry of any unauthorised persons towards the waterfall area by establishing check posts. Dudhsagar shot to fame in 2013, after it was portrayed in 'Chennai Express', a Bollywood film, starring Shah Rukh Khan.IANS22 July 2023 Shared Recently! Kerala: 5 top defense officials take part in Old Boys gathering at Sainik School Thiruvananthapuram, July 22: Sainik School Kazhakootam saw an exceptional reunion of its 'Old Boys' after five serving high profile officers in the defense services attended the function at the school. Kerala: 5 top defense officials take part in 'Old Boys' gathering at Sainik School On Saturday, the school witnessed its 54th reunion of the Old Boys Association (OBA).Lieutenant General M Unnikrishnan Nair AVSM, SM who occupies the office of the National Cyber Security Coordinator; Air Marshal R Radhish AVSM, VM; Air Officer Commanding in Chief, IAF Training Command, Lieutenant General Johnson P Mathew UYSM, AVSM, VSM; Chief of Integrated Defense Staff, Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan AVSM, VM; Commander in Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command and Air Marshal B Manikantan AVSM, VM; and Air Officer Commanding in Chief, Southern Air Command attended the function.All the five officers are from Kerala and passed out during 1980s.After the ceremonial wreath laying in the school Guards Square, the officers and the old boys along with their families settled down in the school auditorium for the routine functions seen every OBA meeting.All of them said that coming back to school is like a pilgrimage and maintaining a warm relationship amongst the classmates.IANS22 July 2023 Shared Recently! DMK rides on little parties for Dalit votes; AIADMK gives BJP a foothold Chennai, July 22: Coalition politics is now the order of the day, both nationally and state-wise. In Tamil Nadu, two major coalition groups have already been formed -- the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance on one side and the DMK-led alliance on the other side -- in view of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. DMK rides on little parties for Dalit votes; AIADMK gives BJP a foothold The DMK-led alliance can either be the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) that fought the 2021 assembly elections victoriously or the newly formed national level alliance, Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).The picture of NDA is becoming clearer with the principal opposition party of Tamil Nadu, AIADMK part of the alliance. The BJP national leadership has already invited the powerful Vanniyar political party, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and the Tamil Manila Congress led by former Union Minister GK Vasan, the son of towering Congress leader, late GK Moopanar.In the DMK-led alliance, there are more political parties including the Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), CPI, CPI-M, IUML, All India Forward Block, MDMK, Manithaneya Makkal Desia Katchi (MMDK), Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi.Interestingly in the DMK alliance, the political parties like Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the Left parties have deep inroads in the Dalit hamlets of the state. Being bigger parties, the DMK and the Congress would derive power and energy from the strength of smaller parties like the VCK, MDMK, Left parties and also the Muslim political parties like the Indian Union Muslim League and Manithaneya Makkal Desiya Katchi.On the other hand in the National Democratic Alliance of Tamil Nadu, BJP has gained the support of the powerful Dravidian political party, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) which has ruled Tamil Nadu several terms.The BJP national leadership is trying to rope in the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) which is the political arm of the powerful Vanniyar group, that has a major say in many districts of Tamil Nadu.It is to be noted that PMK was an ally of the BJP in the 2021 assembly elections but in the local body polls, it snapped ties with the saffron camp and contested the polls alone. However in the recent NDA meet in New Delhi, PMK attended the meet and this has boosted the prospects of NDA highly.In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the DMK-led alliance had won majestically bagging 38 of the 39 seats. The one seat that was won by the AIADMK was Theni constituency where the son of former Chief Minister, O. Panneerselvam (OPS), O. Raveendranathan won the seat. However now, OPS and his son are expelled from the AIADMK.The massive win in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and the 2021 victory in the assembly polls have given the DMK the much needed advantage in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, MK Stalin has already called for the alliance to win all the 39 seats in Tamil Nadu and the one seat in Puducherry which is currently with the AIADMK.The DMK alliance and Stalin are in high spirits as the performance of the state is comparatively good with the government taking initiative to implement several socially relevant schemes. This includes morning breakfast scheme to children in government schools, health at door steps, skill development programme, bridge courses for students who drop out of schools.The state government has also announced Rs 1000 monthly aid to women head of families under the Kalaignar Magalir Urmai Thittam (Kalaignar Women's Entitlement Scheme) who falls under the BPL bracket. The scheme will be rolled out from September 15 and the state government has allocated Rs 7000 crore for this project.Chief Minister Stalin has told media persons that the government expects around 1.5 crore applicants for this scheme but will have stringent checks to finalise the beneficiaries.While both the Dravidian parties, DMK and AIADMK are having strong vote bank in the state, the smaller parties who have their own strong holds will act as the support base for these major parties.BJP, which was a non-entity in Tamil Nadu politics, won four MLAs in the 2021 assembly elections after the alliance with the AIADMK, and with the PMK and the Tamil Manila Congress also becoming part of the party in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the NDA is expecting to fare well.Interestingly, the BJP has set its eyes on Tamil Nadu and the Union Home Minister Amit Shah had during the last month visit to the state called upon the NDA cadres to win 25 out of the 39 Lok Sabha seats from the state.In Puducherry, BJP is in a political alliance with the All India N.R. Congress and this has reaped rich dividends for the party. The BJP, like in Tamil Nadu, was a non-entity in Puducherry but is now sharing power with the AINRC in the union territory of Puducherry.While the AINRC has 10 MLAs, the BJP has six MLAs in its kitty in the union territory. Interestingly in 2016 assembly elections, the BJP did not get a single seat from the union uerritory.C. Rajeev, Director, Centre for Policy and Development Studies, a think-tank based out of Chennai while speaking to IANS said, "The BJP is trying to enter southern states in a big way and it has already tasted success in Puducherry and will try to replicate the same in Tamil Nadu. The alliance with the AIADMK is giving BJP the much needed hope in the state. DMK has a bigger alliance and is leaving no stone unturned. The support of VCK and the Left parties will garner it the Dalit votes while the IUML and the MMDK will garner it Muslim votes."The DMK is also trying to rope in cine star and politician Kamal Haasan and his Makkal Needhi Maiam is likely to be roped into the DMK alliance thus giving the party alliance the much needed glamour quotient.IANS22 July 2023 Shared Recently! War memorial worth Rs 300 crore ready in Haryana's Ambala: Chief secretaryA Chandigarh, July 22: Haryana has witnessed an overwhelming and enthusiastic response from its people as they actively participated in the 75,000 functions organized across the entire region for the celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav . War memorial worth Rs 300 crore ready in Haryana's Ambala: Chief secretaryA Referring to this, Chief Secretary, Sanjeev Kaushal stated that a remarkable contribution to the Amrit Mahotsav celebrations from Haryana is the ongoing construction of a grand and majestic War Memorial, spread over 22 acres of land, with an estimated cost of approximately 300 crore rupees.Among these functions, 29,913 events have received the coveted approval from the committee constituted by the Union Government, exemplifying the state government's dedicated efforts towards the cause of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, 75 years post-independence.Chief Secretary Kaushal noted this after attending the video conference chaired by Cabinet Secretary, Rajiv Gauba regarding the closing ceremony of AKAM which has been scheduled in the month of August.During the Video Conference, Kaushal expressed his wholehearted support for the idea of expanding the celebrations and programmes of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to the Urban Local Bodies level.Additionally, Kaushal emphasized the importance of conducting Information, Education, and Communication activities throughout the state to raise awareness about AKAM among a wider audience.The Chief Secretary further said that Haryana's proactive involvement and unwavering commitment to the Amrit Mahotsav are evident in the impressive upload of 29,913 events of AKAM, securing the prestigious third position among all states. The Amrit Mahotsav celebrations have been a testament to the spirit of unity and reverence as the nation pays tribute to its rich history of independence. Haryana's wholehearted participation and contributions have added a new dimension to this grand celebration.This Memorial holds a special significance as it commemorates the first step towards independence. Currently, 90% of the construction has been completed, and the inauguration is likely to take place in December.Apart from this, a martyr's memorial is being constructed on 42 acres of land in Nasibpur village of Narnaul and a library is being constructed near Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Park in Narnaul.Further adding to the grandeur of the celebrations, a theatrical play titled 'Dastaan Eronaat,' based on the theme of independence, enthralled the audience in Rohna village on March 28, 2022, with the Chief Minister, Manohar Lal gracing the event as the chief guest.In a beautiful tribute to the essence of independence, 75 locations across all districts were marked, symbolizing the historical significance of the freedom struggle and the valor of our freedom fighters and martyrs. These marked locations served as the backdrop for various significant events organized as part of the Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, connecting the present generation with our glorious past.ANI22 July 2023 Shared Recently! PM Modi's vision has taken India to new level, Jyotiraditya Scindia Gwalior, July 22: Union Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia on Saturday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision has taken India to a new level. PM Modi's vision has taken India to new level, Jyotiraditya Scindia "PM's vision has taken India to a new level. We are getting recognised internationally," Jyotiraditya Scindia on PM Modi distributed more than 70,000 appointment letters to newly recruits."The Rozgar Mela is a step towards fulfilling the commitment of the Prime Minister to accord the highest priority to employment generation," he added.Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed more than 70,000 appointment letters to newly inducted recruits via video conferencing.The Prime Minister, while addressing the appointees on the occasion, said, "During the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav', when the country is working on the path of development, it is a great honour to get the opportunity to work as a government employee. The people of this country have taken the resolution to make India a developed country."The Rozgar Mela was held at 44 locations across the country. The recruitments are taking place across Central Government Departments as well as State Governments and UTs supporting this initiative.He further stated, "Under CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan's govt, there has been continuous progress in Gwalior."Hitting out at the Congress government, Scindia asked that if the Congress government would have been there in Madhya Pradesh, would there have been an airport, railway station, or elevated flyover in Gwalior?"Under CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan's government, there has been continuous progress in Gwalior," he said.In a boost to the Congress campaign in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addressed a public rally in the crucial Gwalior-Chambal region, which is the home turf of Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.Priyanka Gandhi started the Congress campaign in Madhya Pradesh in June with a rally in Jabalpur and announced the party's five promises including assistance of Rs 1500 per month to women of the state.Rajasthan is among the five states that will go to assembly elections later this year along with Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Mizoram.ANI22 July 2023 Shared Recently! Britain has handed over to the armed forces of Ukraine mobile ground platforms Wolfram, designed to launch British Brimstone missiles. We are talking about several dozen of such armored vehicles. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by analysts of the Oryx portal on Twitter. The British army does not have such ground platforms in service, so it is possible that they could have been developed specifically for the Ukrainian army. Oryx analysts have updated the data on military equipment transferred to Britain by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. They said that Ukraine has already received "several dozen" Wolfram mobile ground platforms. They are designed to launch British Brimstone missiles, which the Ukrainian military received from London earlier. ADVERTISIMENT These British missiles are anti-ship, so they were previously launched from boats. However, Brimstone missiles can also work on land-based targets. But this way of using these weapons needed a solution to the problem of launchers for the atypical use of the missiles. The Ukrainian military tried to solve the problem by mounting the Brimston on conventional trucks. However, this appears to have significantly reduced the accuracy of the strikes. This is how the Wolfram came to be. According to The Independent, whose article is cited by Oryx, the Wolfram is a mobile ground platform with an MBDA missile and a Supacat vehicle that can be used "to move along Russian defense lines and strike the enemy." ADVERTISIMENT According to the publication, these launchers were developed by the UK specifically for the Ukrainian army. The development at Kyiv's request started back in 2022, and now the first vehicles, according to analysts, have already arrived in the army. The British army does not yet have Wolfram platforms in service. We will remind, earlier it became known that Britain transferred to Ukraine 15 times more ammunition than planned. This was announced by British Defense Minister Ben Wallace. According to him, the Ukrainian troops received from London by 184 thousand artillery shells more than Britain planned to transfer a year ago. Ukraines counteroffensive expected to gain pace: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Kyiv, July 22: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the Ukrainian army's ongoing counteroffensive is expected to "gain pace" after a slow start, CNN reported. Ukraine's counteroffensive expected to gain pace: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Zelenskyy while speaking at the Aspen security forum on Friday blamed the slow progress on the operation having started later than expected, as well as a lack of munitions."We did have plans to start it in spring, but we didn't because frankly, we didn't have enough munitions and armaments and not enough properly trained brigades, I mean, properly trained in these weapons," Zelensky said, according to CNN."Because we started a bit late, it can be said, and it's the truth, shared by all experts, that it provided Russia was the time to mine all our land and build several lines of defence.""Definitely, they had a bit more time than they needed, and because of that, they built all of those lines. And really, they had a lot of mines in our fields," the Ukrainian President explained.He said that despite the difficulties, his countrymen were making progress."We didn't want to lose our people, our personnel and our servicemen, we didn't want to lose equipment and because of that, they were quite careful about the offensive actions," he said."I would say that we are approaching a moment when relevant actions can gain pace because we are already going through some mine locations and we are demining these areas," he added.Zelenskyy's words came as Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the West is disappointed with the results of the Ukrainian counteroffensive."It is obvious that the Western curators of the Kyiv regime are clearly disappointed with the results of the so-called counter-offensive," Putin said on Friday, using the Russian name for Ukraine's capital.Meanwhile, Ukraine on Saturday hit an ammunition dump in Crimea, forcing an evacuation of the area and cancelling train services, as per information from Russian-backed authorities.This comes as the latest in a series of recent strikes on Russian supplies and critical infrastructure in the occupied peninsula.Social media videos show thick black smoke rising not far from a railway station in the town of Oktyabrskoye in the centre of Crimea. On one of the videos, at least three loud explosions can be heard, according to CNN.ANI22 July 2023 Shared Recently! Law and technological developments share dialectic relationship...: CJI DY ChadrachudA Chennai, July 22: Chief Justice of India DY Chadrachud on Saturday said that law and technological developments share a dialectic relationship and each of these two push the other forward. Law and technological developments share dialectic relationship...: CJI DY ChadrachudA While addressing the 60th convocation ceremony of IIT Madras, the CJI said, "It is often said that technology develops at a speed which the law cannot keep up with. This may seem true in the heat of the moment, but if we take a step back, our history is a testament to the fact that law and technological developments share a dialectic relationship. They speak to one another constantly, each pushing the other forward."CJI emphasised how developing technologies has helped the judicial process, "Today, videoconferencing technology has transformed the way we communicate and work.""Courts across India held as many as 43 million hearings. These millions of hearings made us quickly realize how virtual hearings helped female lawyers who otherwise face difficulties appearing physically in court due to the gender demands of domestic work and caregiving," he added while mentioning that courts across the country held as many as 43 million hearingsCiting the way courts functioned during the Covid-19 pandemic, Chandrachud said that virtual hearings transformed the way of work."During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Supreme Court introduced virtual hearings, which to date allow litigants and lawyers from outside Delhi to appear before the Supreme Court," CJI added.Indian Institute of Technology Madras was established in 1959 by the Government of India as an 'Institute of National Importance.ANI23 July 2023 Shared Recently! Assam-Meghalaya border row: Regional committees hold meeting Guwahati, July 22: The regional committees of Assam and Meghalaya met in Guwahati on Saturday to examine three disputed sectors along the interstate boundary, according to the ministers of the two states in charge of the panels.A . Assam-Meghalaya border row: Regional committees hold meeting The ministers also stated that they will meet at the same location the following month and go on a combined field trip to a troubled region."Today, we talked about three disputed areas. We listened to what the government of Meghalaya had to say," Assam Minister for Border Protection and Development Atul Bora said.In the meeting, the ministers, MLAs, and senior officials from both sides were present.According to Bora, the district commissioners in particular have been instructed to confirm the actual situation on the ground and present their updated reports at the upcoming meeting, which has been scheduled for August 25."On August 26, the committees will visit West Dimoria (in Assam's Kamrup Metropolitan district) for a joint inspection," Bora added.After the joint inspection, more sectors will be tackled gradually for resolution, according to Prestone Tynsong, deputy chief minister of Meghalaya.Notably, since Meghalaya was separated from Assam in 1972 and contested the Assam Reorganisation Act, of 1971, the two adjoining states have been embroiled in border disputes in 12 locations along their 884.9 km long boundary.Following the submission of the regional committees' recommendations, which were given to Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, a Memorandum of Understanding to settle conflicts in six of the twelve areas was signed on March 29, 2022.The agreement states that 36.79 sq km of the disputed territory was allocated for settlement in the first phase, with 18.51 sq km going entirely to Assam and 18.28 sq km to Meghalaya.IANS23 July 2023 Shared Recently! Temple managers from 41 nations gather in Varanasi for powwow, expo Varanasi, July 23: A three-day congregation to brainstorm on bringing uniformity in the management of temples across the world started in Varanasi on Saturday. Temple managers from 41 nations gather in Varanasi for powwow, expo The event titled International Temples Convention and Expo (ITCX) is being attended by delegates of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Jain temples from 41 countries. It is being organised by 'Temple Connect'."We will discuss the merits related to the management of these temples spread across the world and will try to bring uniformity in the management," Giresh Kulkarni, the founder of Temple Connect, told IANS.Elaborating on why Kashi was chosen as the venue for the convention, Kulkarni said it is a "unique" spiritual city. "Uttar Pradesh is the land of Lord Shri Ram and Shri Krishna. Here is Prayagraj, the king of pilgrimages, where the confluence of three rivers is found. A place holier than this cannot be found anywhere else in India," he added.On the intention behind choosing the month of Shravan for the convention, he said that the delegates coming to Varanasi in this holy month will get an opportunity to take bath in the Ganga river and pay obeisance to Lord Mahadev. "Also, they (delegates) do not get time off from their work. It is the rainy season now. Summer vacation is also over. In such a situation, the temple crowd sparses. Although, the number of devotees does not reduce much in the month of Shravan, still there is some relief. This is the reason why the time of the conference was fixed in the month of Shravan."If this convention had been organised in Goa or Delhi, then perhaps these people would have not been influenced, but there is a different feeling of spirituality in Kashi. It attracts people towards itself, Kulkarni explained.The agenda of the convention is not spiritual; it is for the development of temple management, operation and administration. The main objective is to strengthen the operation system along with worship in the temple, he said.People see the temple trust only from a religious point of view. They only focus on the place of God, worship method, priest and get out quickly after having the 'darshan'. But there are other things in temples, he asserted."People don't know about temple arrangement, management, and operation administration. They should also know what arrangements are in place to improve facilities and provide them convenience," the founder of Temple Connect added.This will deliberate on temple security, surveillance, fund management, disaster management, cleanliness and sanctity, as well as the use of state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) to foil any cyber attack bid and promote a strong temple community, he said.The Temple Connect in the last eight to nine years has visited over 7,000 temples in about 57 countries in its efforts to digitise those temples. The aim is to teach the system used by big temples to small temples.On inviting RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in the event, Kulkarni said: "Both, our intention and our organisation, are neutral. The RSS has done a lot of work and has experience in the religious field. Besides, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad is also associated with them.""Who would not be interested in learning from an experienced organissation? We have done the same. The inauguration of the programme by the best person elevates its level. It is our feeling that the Sangh Pramukh (Bhagwat) is a great person; such auspicious work should commence from his hands," he added.Kulkarni further said people who are looking into the management system of Tirupati Devmala and Padmanabha Temple are also attending the convention. Delegates will also get a chance to learn from them.It may be noted representatives from 41 countries are participate in the convention along with 468 temple heads from across the country. Of them, delegates from 32 countries are attending the event virtually.Brainstorming on intellectual property rights, cultural enrichment, convenience and security of pilgrims, economy, crowd management, disaster management, online events, global reach of temples and solid waste management will take place during the convention.vkt/shaIANS23 July 2023 Shared Recently! UAE Minister expresses gratitude to PM Modi for hosting G20 Energy Ministers meeting in Goa, calls it important Panaji, July 22: UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Al Mazrouei on Saturday expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for hosting the G20 Energy Transitions Ministers' meeting in Goa calling the meeting "a very important one". UAE Minister expresses gratitude to PM Modi for hosting G20 Energy Ministers' meeting in Goa, calls it important "A very important meeting and first I would like to thank the government of India and his excellency for hosting all of us. UAE is coming as a guest to the G20 and we have a very important role as well this year as we are hosting COP28 and discussing very important aspects of sustainability, transition in energy," the UAE Minister of Energy said.Mazrouei said it is important to ensure that energy transition is done at a pace that is also serving the interest of the common people."We have to address one important element which is affordability and we need to make sure that the transition is done at a pace that is also serving the interest of the common people, of not raising the energy prices on them. And we need to fight the emissions coming from fossil fuels, we need not target any type of fuel in my opinion. And fighting emissions and ensuring that we get to net zero on an emission does not mean that we need to eliminate any form of fuel," he said.Speaking on PM Modi's televised address during the meeting, he said "It shows the commitment of India and the Indian people toward sustainability. India is embarking on a very rapid transition and ensuring that India not only handles the energy challenge of the future but is able to export hydrogen. I think that's something that is very encouraging and we wish India and the Indian government and the Indian people all the success in the years to come."The G20 Energy ministers met under India's G20 Presidency, with the theme 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' in Goa on July 22, 2023, with the aim to share, collaborate and build on the sense of responsibility and solidarity amongst the G20 members in accelerating the clean, sustainable, just, affordable and inclusive energy transitions, following various pathways, as a means of enabling secure, sustainable, equitable, shared and inclusive growth.Turkey's Deputy Minister for Energy and Natural Resources Ahmet Berat ?onkar called the G20 Energy Minister's Meeting in Goa an important one, said "I think one of the most important issues in our agendas is energy. The sustainability of energy, renewable energy and the efficiency of using energy. So, we should focus more on this area and we should also focus on the fairness and justice part of the distribution of energy with affordable prices for our citizens. We need a lot of investments in our countries to reach our targets in renewable energy and the carbonization targets as well."The Turkish Deputy Minister further said "It's a good experience to be here in India. I think it's very important for all the countries to be represented here in G20."The G20 Energy Transitions Ministers' meeting brought together over 100 delegates from G20 member countries, special invitee countries, and several international organisations, as per a release by the Ministry of Power.Director General Energy Commission of Nigeria Joseph Sunday Olayande said the meeting "has given us an exposure to the dynamics of energy policy making in the international arena, so we are able to share the knowledge and experiences of other delegates and the ministers."During the meeting, G20 Ministers responsible for Energy underlined the importance of ensuring that the growing global energy demand is matched by sustainable and affordable energy supplies.The ministers aimed to advance technological collaboration and cooperation among G20 members, other international partners and multilateral institutions to strengthen energy systems with a view to ensuring energy security and stabilising energy markets, read the outcome document of the G20 Energy Transitions Ministers' meeting in Goa on Saturday.During the meeting, the ministers emphasised the importance of maintaining undisrupted flows of energy from various sources, suppliers and routes exploring paths to enhanced energy security and markets stability, including through inclusive investments to meet the growing energy demand, in line with our sustainable development and climate goals, while promoting open, competitive, non-discriminatory, and free international energy markets.ANI23 July 2023 Shared Recently! Gandhian society driven out of its premises in Varanasi Varanasi, July 23: The premises of the Akhil Bhartiya Sarva Sewa Sangh, a registered charitable society involved in the education, empowerment and rehabilitation of children at high risk, in Varanasi, was vacated by the police and eight office-bearers of the Gandhian organisation were detained by the Varanasi police as a preventive measure. Gandhian society driven out of its premises in Varanasi The Akhil Bhartiya Sarva Sewa Sangh is a registered society established in 1948 by freedom fighter Acharya Vinoba Bhave to propagate the ideas and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi.In June, the Northern Railways pasted a notice on the premises asking the Society to vacate the 12.9-acre plot as the structures were to be demolished.The demolition was initially scheduled to take place on June 30, but was delayed as the society approached the Allahabad High Court and the Supreme Court, but got no relief from the courts.While the Railway officials say the 12.9-acre plot near Rajghat belongs to it, the Sangh claims that it was purchased by the Society from the Union of India by means of three registered sale deeds in 1960, 1961 and 1970.Saurabh Singh, office-in charge of the Sarv Sewa Sangh's Uttar Pradesh unit, said, "We will protest against this in a peaceful manner. We will also knock on the doors of the Supreme Court."Varanasi District Magistrate, S. Rajalingam, said the eviction drive was undertaken by the Railways.Despite multiple calls and text messages, Additional Divisional Railways Manager (Northern Railways), Lalji Chaudhary, was unreachable for comment.Meanwhile, Chief Spokesperson of Janata Dal (U) and former MP, K.C. Tyagi said, "We are extremely upset after getting information about the news from freedom fighter and President of Sarvodaya Mandal, Ramdhiraj Ji. This is a direct attack on the legacy of late Mahatma Gandhi and Jayaprakash Narain. This is the legacy associated with Mahatma Gandhi. This campus was established by Rajendra Prasad, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Jayaprakash Narayan, Vinoba Bhave etc. The time has come for nationwide satyagraha."Additional District Magistrate (City), Alok Kumar, confirmed that the Sarv Sewa Sangh premises was vacated.In the last week of June this year, Northern Railways served a notice to the people living in the Sarva Sewa Sangh and alleged that they had encroached upon the land of Northern Railways, adjacent to GT Road, at the northern end of Kashi railway station here."All encroachers are informed that in the series of District Magistrate, Varanasi's, letter dated June 26, the process of demolition of illegal constructions made by Sarva Sewa Sangh on the land of Northern Railways will begin. Therefore, all the encroachers are informed to vacate the railway land immediately," said the notice.In protest, Sarva Sewa Sangh inmates, including coordinator Ramdhiraj started a satyagrah. When a police team reached the Sarva Sewa Sangh to get it vacated, people, including Sarva Sewa Sangh President Chandan Pal and a few others opposed the move.In a message, Pal said that he and a few others were taken into custody.Pal said, "Perhaps you have gone through the latest situation of the Gandhi-Vinoba-Jayaprakash heritage at Sarva Sewa Sangh, Varanasi."He alleged that police and railway forces forcefully occupied the campus, though the case was pending.People associated with Sarva Sewa Sangh said that a case regarding the ownership rights of the land was pending in a court of Varanasi and the action was inappropriate.IANS23 July 2023 Shared Recently! Eric Garcetti is being just the ambassador he said he would be Washington, July 22: Eric Garcetti was very clear from the very start what kind of ambassador he will be in India: someone who will not hesitate to rise to the defence of human rights and democracy. Eric Garcetti is being just the ambassador he said he would be And that's what he did recently when asked about the situation in Manipur, although he did in the end cover his flanks well, saying India is for Indians to determine.Garcetti is a politician and his last job was as Mayor of Los Angeles, the second largest city in the US, Los Angeles. And unlike a professional diplomat, he may cross lines that may not always endear him to his hosts.As a gentle reminder of where his Manipur remarks came from, here is what he said at his confirmation hearing in December 2021 "There's no question that the US-India relationship should be underpinned by our common commitment to democracy, to human rights and to civil society. It's enshrined in our constitutions, the oldest democracy in the world and the largest democracy in the world.""And human rights, defence of democracy is a pillar of our foreign policy, but to answer specifically, if confirmed, I will actively raise these issues. I'll raise them with humility. It's a two-way street on these."That's exactly what Garcetti did when asked about the situation in Manipur. He did not offer a diplomat's non-answer answer. He took it on "I don't think it's about strategic concerns. I think it's about human concerns. I think all of us. You don't have to be Indian to care when children or individuals die in the sort of violence that we see."But he added, "we know this is an Indian mattera India is for Indians to determine its pathway."Ambassador Garcetti may have seen a drop in his popularity in India as a result but he is unlikely to duck if faced with a similar question again.Garcetti is not known to give up -- or in -- easily. Nominated as US ambassador by President Joe Biden in July 2021, he waited six months for his confirmation hearing, which took place in December. And waited patiently to be confirmed.Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months and months turned into a year. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee, whose approval is needed for all State Department positions of a certain seniority, just sat on it and finally returned it to the White House.Garcetti never gave up. He did not withdraw his nomination as some nominees have had to do with their backs to the wall. And the Biden and White House also stuck by him.It sent it back to the Senate in January, when the new Congress began its term. He was finally cleared in March, almost two years after being nominated.People who were in touch with him in that period says he never gave up and remained just as excited about the assignment as on the first day."He was very excited about the assignment and was not deterred at all by the protracted confirmation process he faced," said M.R. Rangaswami, founder of Indiaspora who has met the ambassador a few times and gotten to know him.He added "As a politician and former Mayor of the second largest city in the US, he knows exactly what to do and when."Ambassador Garcetti has spoken of the relationship in lofty terms in the many appearances he had made at public events in Washington D.C."We need to look at this as a relationship of equals and a relationship that folks who share values together," Garcetti said at one of them, adding, "And I promise you that is the spirit that I bring."yrj/khzIANS23 July 2023 Shared Recently! Apple Vision Pro firmware suggests 3 battery models San Francisco, July 23: Apple has recently released a software update support for the Vision Pro, which revealed that there are three battery models to power the headset. Apple Vision Pro firmware suggests 3 battery models The tech giant released the back-end on Thursday night that enables the Vision Pro to receive firmware updates, reports AppleInsider.It contains information on the Vision Pro battery kit model numbers, allowing the back-end to identify what firmware upgrade is required for a specific combination of hardware.According to leaker 'Aaronp613', the Vision Pro battery model is A2781. However, the firmware also mentioned two other Vision Pro battery models-- A2988 and A2697."It's currently not known what this means, specifically. The additional model numbers could reference batteries that need to be manufactured in accordance with other countries' standards," the report said.The three models could also mean three different battery capacities. The iPhone maker had claimed at Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) last month that the headset's battery is not removable.On the battery, there is a USB-C port for charging and directly powering the Apple Vision Pro. Priced at $3,499, the headset will be available early next year, beginning with the US.Meanwhile, the tech giant had announced the availability of new software tools and technologies that allows developers to create app experiences for the Vision Pro headset. With the help of the visionOS software development kit (SDK), developers can create entirely new app experiences across a range of categories, including productivity, design, gaming, and more, taking advantage of the powerful and unique features of Vision Pro and visionOS.To help developers optimise 3D content for their visionOS apps and games, a brand-new tool called Reality Composer Pro, included with Xcode, enables developers to preview and prepare 3D models, animations, photos, and sounds so they look amazing on Vision Pro.IANS23 July 2023 Shared Recently! S20-G20 Summit: Isha Yoga Center brings a new impression of India, say G20 Delegates Coimbatore, July 23: The Science-20 Summit meeting of the G20 was held at Isha Yoga Centre, Coimbatore. 100 delegates from across the 20 member countries visited the Centre. The delegates were offered a display of Indian culture and yogic tradition. S20-G20 Summit: Isha Yoga Center brings a new impression of India, say G20 Delegates The event which was conducted from July 21 to July 22, 2023, around 35 foreign delegates and 65 Indian delegates from reputed institutes around the world gathered to discuss the themes of Clean Energy for a Greener Future, Universal Holistic Health, and Connecting Science to Society & Culture. The delegates included experts from The Royal Society, United Kingdom; National Academy of Sciences, USA; International Science Council, France; CERN, Switzerland; Indian National Science Academy amongst others."Engineering ourselves into joyful, inclusive human beings is a vital step in our commitment to scientific progress and technological advancement. This is what it takes to change the trajectory of our planet," said Sadhguru in an interactive session with over 100 delegates including scientists, academicians, experts and policymakers from around the world who converged at the Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, for the Science20 Summit of the G20.Commenting on a spiritual centre hosting the meet, Shri Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India, observed, "I think there's a better appreciation these days that dry science in the old way has its limits, and certainly, thinking about life in general, not just narrowly about science, requires an understanding of a more wider set of things. So, it's an interesting place consequently to hold the Science20 meeting here at the Isha Ashram where a somewhat more holistic view can be taken."Beginning with a traditional welcome with garlands, drums and flower petals, understanding the technologies of well-being at the iconic 112-feet Adiyogi to immersing themselves in yogic sessions, the delegates got a deeper insight into Indian culture and spirituality. Enthralling performance of classical Indian martial arts - Kalaripayattu - and classical Indian dance - Bharatanatyam - by the Isha Samskriti students, a ride in traditional bullock carts and visit to the consecrated spaces at the center, all blended to etch a lasting memory among the delegates.Dr. Munir Desouki, President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia, expressed, "The theme of the Indian presidency is One Family. So coming together and thinking about how to address the challenges in a place like this was an eye-opener."Describing the unique experience of delegates during their stay at Isha, Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Co-Chair, S20 remembered a foreign delegate sharing with him "If you do a conference at a New York Five Star hotel or a Five-Star hotel in Delhi/Mumbai- there would be no difference. But a place like this would bring new memories and new impressions about India."Echoing similar sentiments, Shri Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, opined, "The aim of both happens to unravel the question that we all have. I think Science is aiming at deciphering the world, spirituality is also to a large extent aiming at deciphering the truth. So in some sense both kind of follow the same approach, though the usages and the applications can be slightly different. But at the end of the day, I think both work for the betterment of humanity."The summit also included a session on the Science of Yoga. Leading the session, Dr. Bala Subramaniam, Professor of Anesthesiology, Harvard Medical School and Director, Sadhguru Center for a Conscious Planet, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA drew out scientific research establishing the benefits of Isha Kriya, Shoonya and Samyama Meditation offered by Sadhguru in alleviating stress and anxiety levels and improving overall well-being.Established by Sadhguru, a world-renowned Yogi, mystic and visionary, Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, is a sacred space for self-transformation, drawing people from around the world to dedicate their time towards their inner growth. The center offers all four major paths of yoga - kriya, gnana, karma, and bhakti, fostering inner transformation and creating an established state of well-being in individuals.ANI23 July 2023 Shared Recently! Rape videos, codenamed local film, spell big business in UP Lucknow, July 23: It is 10.30.a.m and most of the shops in the Naka Hindola market -- known as the grey market for electronic goods in Lucknow -- are not yet open. Rape videos, codenamed 'local film', spell big business in UP Inside a dusty lane, a man peeps inside a half open shutter and says "Paanch local film chahiye -- achche wale. Sham ko aaunga" (I need five local films -- will come in the evening) and walks off.The "local film", as it means here, is a rape video that is now a fastest selling commodity in this market.The rape videos, many of them filmed in an amateurish manner, are clandestinely sold only to known customers and come in blank cover. To make the business more discreet, most of the videos come in USB pen drives.Video recording a rape is no longer meant only for blackmailing the victim -- it is actually a good business proposition.The business is flourishing right under the nose of the police -- the Naka Hindola police station is barely 500 metres from these shops -- and sources claim that cops receive a hefty amount on a monthly basis for allowing the business to continue.Rakesh (name changed) who runs the sleaze business explained "The days of pirated films are over. It is now the rape videos that is in demand. The trend of filming a rape is gaining ground and most of these are cases of gang rape. The duration is anything between 10 minutes to 30 minutes and the video clip is sold for anything between Rs 300 to Rs 500, depending on how explicit it is."Rape videos are made available to those in the business by their agents in various cities."Our men buy these videos for Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 and we 'clean up' the clips before putting them out in the market. The clean-up means that the faces of the rapists are blurred but the victim's face is not. Those that have an audio track (read screams) are more expensive," Rakesh said and even admitted that there is a possibility of this business actually encouraging gang rape cases.It is clear that porn is passe and real-life crime is the current rage. Obviously, it paves the way for sadistic pleasure for the viewer.The demand for these sleaze clips has grown to such an extent that buyers are coming in from adjoining states like Madhya Pradesh and Bihar with bulk orders.Sellers in Lucknow claim to sell 100 to 200 'local films' every day.Those in the business say that their customers are mostly young boys and students and also those with political links which further firms up their 'business'.With the state government providing free Wi-Fi at most public places, the business has received an impetus.The complicity of the police in the business is more than evident. Sellers of rape videos claim that they give a fixed amount of money to the cops every month which allows them to conduct their business smoothly.The cops, meanwhile, feign complete ignorance about the business.A senior police official, however, said on condition of anonymity "Now you know why certain police stations are much sought after by the cops -- it is the money that comes in. In more than 50 per cent of rape cases, the victims complain that the act was filmed by the accused but the police never register the case under IT Act. It is clear that there is a nexus which cannot be easily broken."IANS23 July 2023 Shared Recently! Russia has been launching missile strikes against Odessa for several days in a row. And Russian propagandists are ecstatic about this on the airwaves of the Russian State television channels. ADVERTISIMENT For example, veteran propagandists Vladimir Solovyov and Olga Skabeeva have repeatedly called for Odessa to be wiped off the face of the earth and rejoiced wildly at the destruction in this beautiful southern Ukrainian city. The statements of the propagandists were recalled in the network. Thus, Vladimir Solovyov from a cozy Moscow studio can't wait to turn Kyiv and Lvov into ruins. And Odessa, which the fugitive Odessa traitor Igor Markov in one of the broadcasts proposed to "make the capital", the propagandist demands to destroy. "Fucking destroy Kyiv. Destroy Lviv... Odessa, of course, we will not save. We will rebuild it later. It will be much easier. What to do? Well, at least the port area. I remember that the Opera House should be preserved," Solovyov said. Skabeeva is not lagging behind her "colleague". On behalf of all Russians, she expressed satisfaction with the daily strikes on Odessa, as a result of which civilians are killed and injured. ADVERTISIMENT "About Odessa, if I may, literally a couple of words. We are, of course, not aggressors, but we are pleased to see how we are striking for the third night in a row, as we have been told - retaliatory strikes," the propagandist said. ADVERTISIMENT Recall that on the night of July 23, Russia attacked Odessa again. According to OC South, Russian forces hit the region with Kh-22 cruise missiles from Tu22m3 airplanes, as well as Kalibras, Onyx, Iskander-K, and Iskander-M ballistic missiles. Residential buildings and a cathedral were damaged, more than two dozen people were injured, one civilian was killed. The air defense forces shot down nine of the 19 missiles launched by the invaders during the night. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted to the night terrorist attacks of the Russian Federation. He assured that there will definitely be an answer for Odessa and emphasized that there can be no excuse for evil Microsoft to replace Windows Mail, Calendar apps with new Outlook app San Francisco, July 23: Microsoft has begun informing consumers and enterprise clients that the Windows Mail and Calendar apps will be retired in 2024, and they should begin testing the new Outlook app. Microsoft to replace Windows Mail, Calendar apps with new Outlook app "Beginning in 2024, new Windows 11 devices will be shipped with the new Outlook for Windows as the default mailbox application free for all to use. The Mail and Calendar applications will continue to be available via download in the Microsoft Store through the end of 2024," Microsoft said in a blogpost.Originally developed for Windows 10, Windows Mail and Calendar are built-in Windows applications that provide an easy-to-use interface for retrieving email and scheduling events, tasks, and appointments.To test the new Outlook app, click the toggle in the upper right-hand corner of Windows Mail to have it automatically install and import your settings from the Mail app.Moreover, the company said users will get to write better emails with advanced AI built into the new Outlook for Windows, helping them write impactful, clearer, mistake-free messages.Users will get the new Outlook app for free as no subscription will be needed, according to the company.The new app will also help remind users to follow up on important conversations.Meanwhile, Microsoft has announced the pricing for its AI-infused Copilot for Microsoft 365, which will cost $30 per user per month for business accounts."Microsoft 365 Copilot will be available for commercial customers for $30 per user per month for Microsoft 365 E3, E5, Business Standard and Business Premium customers when broadly available," Microsoft said in a blogpost.According to the company, the Microsoft 365 Copilot is built on the company's trusted and comprehensive approach to enterprise-grade security, privacy, identity, compliance and responsible AI, making it enterprise-ready.shs/prwIANS23 July 2023 Shared Recently! Voting starts in Spain's snap elections; could see the rise of right wing to power Madrid, July 23: Spain's general election, which might go down to the wire, begins with the possibility of a far-right government, reported Al Jazeera. Voting starts in Spain's snap elections; could see the rise of right wing to power Most surveys and analysts predict that Alberto Nunez Feijoo's conservative Popular Party will win the election, although unexpected results may be in store.According to experts, the 350-seat parliament's final outcome is expected to be decided by fewer than a million votes and fewer than 10 seats.Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a snap election following the Left's poor performance in the local and regional elections held in May.The far-right Vox party will need to join forces with the centre-right Partido Popular party in order to form a government, marking the first time a far-right party has held office since Francisco Franco's dictatorship ended in the 1970s.On Spain's mainland, 37.4 million eligible Spaniards can vote on Sunday, as per Al Jazeera. Along with 208 of the 265 seats in the upper house, all 350 seats in the lower house of parliament will be up for election. In contrast to the upper house, where voters can select up to three regional senators, voters for the lower house must choose a party rather than a single candidate.The winner will have three weeks to formally constitute their government, and King Felipe VI will meet party leaders to designate a candidate.Pedro Sanchez, the Prime Minister, arrived at a polling station in Madrid to cast his ballot in Sunday's snap election.Right-wing PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo and Santiago Abascal of the Vox party also cast their ballots at polling stations in Madrid .While Alberto Nunez Feijoo, the leader of the right-wing PP, is heavily favoured in the polls, his party is not anticipated to achieve a majority, according to Al Jazeera.For PP, it would entail forming a coalition government with the extreme right-wing Vox party.A potential PP-Vox government would represent a significant rightward shift for another EU member, continuing a recent trend in Sweden, Finland, and Italy.However, nations like Germany and France are worried about the potential impact of the change on EU immigration and climate policies, Al Jazeera reported.ANI23 July 2023 Shared Recently! 58 Meiteis leave Aizawl in Alliance Airlines flight; Mizoram govt embarrassed New Delhi/Aizawl, July 23: The Mizoram government has apparently been left embarrassed as at least 58 Meiteis left Aizawl on Sunday in an Alliance Airlines Aizawl-Imphal-Silchar flight.A . 58 Meiteis leave Aizawl in Alliance Airlines flight; Mizoram govt 'embarrassed' The Mizoram Home department reportedly tried to assure Meiteis living in the state that they are "not under threat" and adequate security arrangements will be made.In view of the deteriorating law and order situation in Manipur where Zo and Kuki communities, who share ethnic ties with Mizos, have been targeted, the Mizoram government had already ordered enhanced security for the Meitei population."In anticipation of a possible development of tension which could threaten the security of Meiteis living in Aizawl, due to public outrage against the recent viral video of two tribal Kuki-Zobrutally assaulted in Manipur, security arrangement is made to ensure safety of Meiteis in Aizawl," said DIG, North Range, Aizawl Police, Lallianmawia, IPS.In fact, the Mizoram police and state government authorities swung into action after the non-political but influential body, the Peace Accord MNF Returnees' Association (PAMRA) said in a statement "The situation in Mizoram has become tense and it is no longer safe for Meitei people from Manipur to live in Mizoram in the wake of barbaric and heinous acts committed by miscreants in Manipur."Civil society leaders in Aizawl say there are a good number of Meitei community people - Hindus, Muslims and also Christians - staying in the Mizoram state capital and other places. A large number of Meitei people in and around Aizawl are in the motor mechanic and auto-parts business.Political forces in Mizoram including MNF under BJP's ally Zoramthanga have also called for reviving the demand for 'Greater Mizoram' encompassing the present state of Mizoram, parts of Myanmar and Kuki-dominated hill districts of Manipur.A large number of Kuki-Zo people -- estimated over 12,000 including men and women - who fled Manipur after the violence started on May 3 are now staying in different parts of Mizoram.The MNF-led Mizoram government has requested the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to sanction Rs 5 crore for providing relief to the "thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs), that is Kukis, from Manipur".The Mizoram Home Department is against 'reverse migration' of Meiteis from Aizawl and other places in Mizoram.In fact, a visibly upset Mizoram Home Commissioner H Lalengmawia held a meeting with the PAMRA office bearers and lamented that their message had been 'misinterpreted'.PAMRA also sought to clarify that it was 'not a threat' but only an expression of 'concern' for the security of the Meitei people."We resolved that the PAMRA will withdraw their statement," an official source said.The Mizoram Home department also released a statement on Saturday stating that the Home Commissioner met with representatives of the All Mizoram Manipuri Association to assure them of their safety wherein Meiteis in Mizoram have been advised "not be misguided by rumours".In a telephonic conversation, Mizoram Chief Minister and MNF leader Zoramthanga has assured his Manipur counterpart N Biren Singh of the safety of Meiteis in Mizoram.MNF is also a BJP ally and part of North East Democratic Alliance.More than 160 people have lost their lives and several injured since ethnic clashes between Meiteis and Kukis and Zo communities broke out in Manipur on May 3.The video footage of two tribal naked girls being paraded in Manipur have provoked nationwide condemnation.This gory episode and the continued violence in Manipur have hit the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament.First two working days of the Monsoon session, July 20th and July 21st were a washout.Parliament will resume business again on Monday.Union Home Minister Amit Shah had visited Manipur in June also announced the setting up of a judicial probe panel headed by a retired high court judge and also a CBI probe to look into the 'conspiracy' angle for triggering unprecedented armed conflict between non-tribal Meiteis and tribals and especially Kukis and other smaller Zo community people.However, there is no let up in the situation in Manipur.Manipur has a legacy of ethnic strife more than once. In the 1990s, Kukis and Nagas (both tribals and Christian) had big differences and clashed for nearly eight years. The Naga (especially Tangkhul tribe) and Kuki clashes were reported also in Kohima and other parts of Nagaland like Athibung and Peren region.In 2001, Nagas and Meiteis also clashed over the issue of 'extension' of ceasefire between Naga militant group NSCN-IM and the Government into 'Naga dominated regions of Manipur'.In fact, the Meitei-stronghold Imphal valley burned for days and later the Vajpayee government withdrew the clause of extension of the ceasefire. The Naga peace talks between the Centre and two Naga groups NSCN-IM and umbrella body NNPG are still hanging fire.Observers have suggested that a forward movement in Naga peace talks between militant bodies and the Modi government at this juncture could result in bringing some soothing effect in the northeast.However, the talks are allegedly "parked wayside" for the last 3-4 years ever since the NSCN-IM has made a case demanding a separate Naga flag and Constitution.The Centre has obviously rejected both the demands.(Nirendra Dev is a New Delhi-based journalist. He is also author of the books 'The Talking Guns North East India', and 'Modi to Moditva An Uncensored Truth'. Views expressed are personal)IANS23 July 2023 Shared Recently! Voice actors raise strong concerns about overuse of artificial intelligence at Comic-Con Los Angeles, July 23: The issue of artificial intelligence continues to plague Hollywood amid the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes which have frozen the industry leading to the delay of several projects such as 'Andor Season 2', 'The White Lotus Season 3' and even cancellation of many panels at the ongoing comic con sessions.A . Voice actors raise strong concerns about overuse of artificial intelligence at Comic-Con In the midst of these strikes, voice actors have raised their issues with AI overuse at the San Diego Comic Con.As reported by 'Variety', Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the national executive director of the SAG-AFTRA joined a panel at the SSDC, organised by the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA), he said "We've got to reject the idea that this is just something that's going to happen to us and we can't say anything about it. I think it definitely could, the question is whether we're going to let that happen."Along with Crabtree-Ireland, NAVA director Tim Friedlander said "As a human voice actor, I can walk into a room and get a script that says something that I didn't either agree to say or something that I would never say, I personally have that ability to walk out of that room.""With AI cloning the voices of actors have lost control over what our voice could possibly say."He further went on to cite examples of how employees who have lost their jobs because of deep faking and voice modulation.This has also led to a lot of voice 'deep fake mods' which have often been used for phishing and even pornography.Duncan proceeded to accuse big budget studios of burying AI consent clauses in lengthy contracts, highlighting that voice actors are at the forefront of the AI debate which the studios are trying to ruin.He also said that changes are happening at such a fast pace in the voice acting industry, that studios are even exploring AI for dubbing dialogue into foreign languages and even bringing the voices of actors who have long since died or become too old to enact their earlier voices.The voice actors at the Comic-Con panel then emphasized the importance of consent and fair compensation in dealing with AI technology.They want to ensure that their voices are not misused or misrepresented, especially when it comes to sensitive content.To that end, Friedlander said that NAVA is working with the European Union to get voice protection written into the AI Act, which is currently working through the European Parliament.He also said that NAVA has been working with websites of game modders, working on the coding mechanism in order to take down voice mods that have been obtained without the actor's consent.IANS23 July 2023 Shared Recently! Global Food Regulators Summit 2023 paves way for robust food safety New Delhi, July 23: The first-ever Global Food Regulators Summit 2023 in the national capital has paved the way for a more robust food safety and regulatory ecosystem, according to an official release. Global Food Regulators Summit 2023 paves way for robust food safety This groundbreaking initiative has garnered global acclaim for its potential to transform and strengthen the world's food safety systems. The discussion and outcomes of the sessions have laid a strong foundation for collective action in tackling regulatory challenges and ensuring the well-being of consumers worldwide, the statement added.The first technical session of the summit focused on food regulatory systems in different countries, key strategies adopted by food regulators to mitigate various risks associated with foods, challenges faced by the regulators globally and the exchange of perspectives on strengthening food safety systems across the food value chain through a cohesive approach.VK Paul, member, NITI Aayog, delivered the special address during the opening session, deliberating on the importance of a national regulatory framework for an effective food safety control system."Harmonized global regulator regimes can play a crucial role in setting and enforcing standards & regulations to protect consumer health, promote fair trade practices and maintain public trust in the global food control system," Paul said.Raj Rajasekhar, vice chairperson, Codex Alimentarius Commission; and Rajesh Kumar Singh, secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Industry, addressed the participants and emphasized on the need for providing an enabling environment for the food industry, having simpler regulations and decriminalisation of minor offences, without compromising on the food safety.Professor Susan Jebb, chair, Food Standards Agency, UK and Isabelle Laberge, senior director and chief food safety officer, Canada shared their insights on innovations in standards setting and quality assurance and role of modern food regulations in creating a balance between innovations and food safety.Minister for food safety, New Zealand, Rachel Broking, addressed the participants virtually, laying a greater emphasis on food safety across the globe. S Gopalakrishnan, special secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, presented the regulatory system being followed by FSSAI which set a platform for the panel discussions.The opening session was followed by a panel discussion on 'Global Regulatory Framework', with panelists from eight different countries, including Brazil, Bhutan, Chile, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Mozambique, US and New Zealand. During this session, moderated by Shri Sanjeev Chopra, secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution, shared their experiences and successful initiatives from different countries, inspiring others to adopt similar approaches.The concluding day of the GFRS 2023 began with a plenary session addressed by Dr Chris Kebbel, chief food safety officer, New Zealand Food Safety.Dr Kebbel emphasised on food safety as an important element in building consumer trust and confidence.Setting the context, Anita Praveen, secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, said anything and everything which comes in contact with food should be safe. She highlighted the importance of framing science-based standards while adding that the periodic review of standards is equally important.In his special address, Rajesh Kotecha, secretary, Ministry of Ayush, shared his insights on the use of botanicals as traditional medicines. He also stated that botanicals are already in high demand, with consumers incorporating them in traditional preparations.He emphasised the need for having strong regulation in this area.The Global Food Regulators Summit, inaugurated on July 20 by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya brought together food regulators from around the world to exchange perspectives and knowledge on crucial issues related to food safety systems.Various initiatives including Food-o-Copoeia, a collection of food category-wise monographs and a single point reference for all applicable standards for a specific product; 'SaNGRAH' - Safe food for Nations Global food Regulatory Authorities Handbook and a Common Digital Dashboard were launched during the inauguration ceremony.ANI23 July 2023 Shared Recently! On the night of July 23, Russia attacked peaceful Odessa again, with residential buildings and a cathedral under attack. There is and can be no justification for such terror. ADVERTISIMENT Ukraine will certainly respond to the Russian terrorists. This was assured by the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky. "Missiles against peaceful cities, against residential houses, a cathedral..... There can be no justification for Russian evil. As always, this evil will lose. And for Odessa there will definitely be a response to the Russian terrorists. They will feel this answer," he wrote. The head of state added that all Odessa residents who suffered during the night Russian attack are now being assisted. "I am grateful to everyone who helps people, and everyone who thoughts and emotions are with Odessa. We will get through this. We will bring peace back. And for this we need to defeat the Russian evil," Zelensky added. ADVERTISIMENT ADVERTISIMENT Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, also promised retribution to the enemy. ADVERTISIMENT "For all this evil will be the answer..." - he wrote. The news is supplemented by Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. The first image is Jimmy Carter stepping out of the car during the inauguration parade and walking down the street with his wife. It embodied the message of his campaign and his understanding of how shaken Americans had become with the institution of the presidency. This story contains original reporting by News-Gazette staff. If you are not a subscriber, please consider becoming one, because local journalism is only possible with your support. A subscription to The News-Gazette plays a vital role in making this reporting possible. Thank you for your support and helping us continue to connect our community. Fire still blazing on the Greek island of Rhodes as dozens more erupt across the country Firefighters are struggling through the night to contain 82 wildfires across Greece, 64 of which started Sunday, the hottest day of the summer so far West Africa's regional bloc says heads of state will meet Thursday to discuss their next steps after Niger's military junta defied the bloc's deadline to reinstate the country's ousted president while its mutinous soldiers closed the countrys airspace and accused foreign powers of preparing an attack. Chief Executive John Lee (left) meets Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the Peoples Republic of China to the Republic of Singapore Sun Haiyan. Chief Executive John Lee led a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation to Singapore today to begin a visit programme to three countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Upon arrival in Singapore, Mr Lee met Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Singapore Sun Haiyan. Mr Lee expressed gratitude to Ambassador Sun and the embassy for their continuous support to the Hong Kong SAR Government and the thoughtful arrangements for this visit. He also thanked the embassy for its care for Hong Kong people in Singapore, adding that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to promote business and cultural exchanges between the two places, and tell Hong Kong's good stories in Singapore and other ASEAN countries. Noting that Hong Kong and Singapore have always maintained close bilateral trade relations, Mr Lee said that Singapore is Hong Kong's fourth largest trading partner and Hong Kong's largest trading partner among the 10 ASEAN countries. The Chief Executive hoped to strengthen the high-level connection with the Singapore Government through this visit. INCOME TAX DAY 2023: July 24 was officially adopted as the Income Tax Day or Aaykar Diwas to commemorate 150 years of this tax in India. The day is celebrated by a number of outreach programmes and events designed to promote tax payments and educate future taxpayers about the importance of tax payments. We as citizens can help our country prosper by paying our taxes on time. The Income Tax department, headquartered in New Delhi, is in charge of direct tax collection for the Government of India. It reports to the Ministry of Finances Department of Revenue and is overseen by an apex body known as the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). In the run up to IT Day 2023, poster making, slogan & essay writing competitions were held in seven dept. colonies of Mumbai on 16th July. The children of dept. Officials participated with great enthusiasm & showcased incredible talent, creativity & imagination. @IncomeTaxIndia pic.twitter.com/oHjGIcPbwl IncomeTaxMumbai (@mumbai_tax) July 20, 2023 Income Tax Day 2023: Why It Is Celebrated On July 24? Sir James Wilson implemented Income Tax in India on July 24, 1860. The scheme was introduced to recompense the British regime for losses sustained during the Revolt of 1857. The practice lasted for years before an official structure or department for coordinating tax collection was established in 1922. Furthermore, the Income-tax Act of 1922 introduced a distinct nomenclature for the several Income-tax administrations. Later, the act was amended in 1939, and two major structural modifications were made. The appellate functions were separated from administrative functions as well as a central charge was introduced in Mumbai (then Bombay). In 2010, the Finance Ministry declared July 24 as Income Tax Day to commemorate the establishment of this levy. Since income tax was first levied as a duty in the year 1860 and the authority to levy that duty came into force on July 24 of that year, it is proposed to celebrate this day as the Income Tax Investiture Day, a finance ministry official informed about the celebrations in the year 2010, according to a PTI report. The festivities were kicked off by former Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. Income Tax Day 2023: Celebrations Several activities are carried out by regional tax offices in the week preceding the event. Across the country, outreach programmes are undertaken to promote tax payment as a value norm and to inform potential taxpayers that paying taxes is an ethical duty of people. The Bar Council of India (BCI) is anticipated to commence the online application process for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) XVIII soon. According to reports, the AIBE XVIII application process is likely to commence next month. Candidates will be able to apply for the All India Bar Examination by visiting the official website at allindiabarexamination.com, once the registration window opens. This year, the AIBE 17 results were declared on April 28. The AIBE 18 application process will comprise several stages - filling out the registration form, uploading mandatory documents, and payment of the fee. Candidates will also be able to select any three exam centres of their choice, during registration. Reports also state that the BCI will release the AIBE 18 exam date 2023 soon. Once the registration process is complete, BCI will release the admit card as well as other important instructions for the candidates. Those who appear and pass the All India Bar Examination will be awarded a Certificate of Practice (CoP) by the Council. This certificate permits eligible candidates to practice law in India. AIBE XVIII: Eligibility Criteria The All India Bar Examination is open to applicants who have completed a three-year or five-year Bachelor of Legislative Law (LLB) degree. It is important to note that there is no age requirement for appearing in the AIBE exam. A candidate should be listed as an Advocate (Provisionally) with their respective State Bar Councils. Also, law graduates should have a valid enrollment certificate with them. It is mandatory for all law graduates to qualify for the AIBE exam within two years of enrollment at any of the state bar councils. AIBE XVIII: Application Fee Candidates from the General or OBC category have to pay an application fee of Rs 3,500. While those appearing under the SC/ST category need to pay Rs 2,500. AIBE XVIII: Exam Details The All India Bar Examination is held in an offline pen-and-paper mode in 50 cities across India. The question paper will include 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) that will be based on the syllabus prescribed by the Council. One mark will be given for every correct answer and there is no negative marking for wrong answers. Banaras Hindu University (BHU) commenced the registration process for undergraduate students. According to the recent notification, candidates who did not select BHU in their CUET UG applications can now register for UG programs through the official website. The deadline for submitting admission applications is today, July 23. The BHU UG applications are currently available on the admissions portal, bhuonline.in. BHU has released the information bulletin for undergraduate courses and a few special subjects. Applicants can now submit their BHU applications for various 1-year, 2-year PG Diploma, Diploma & Certificate courses included under special courses. A total of 22 UG programmes under CUET UG 2023 are being offered for admission by BHU. When applying for admission, prospective students are required to have a scanned copy of their passport-size photograph, signature, Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, birth certificate, and other essential paperwork handy. The fee structure and entrance criteria for each programme are detailed in the published BHU admission prospectus. The university will release the BHU merit list for UG admission 2023 in accordance with the courses applied for, the grades obtained by applicants, and seat availability. Candidates who make it to the shortlist must report to the institution within the time frame given with the necessary paperwork. BHU UG Admission 2023: How To apply If you are yet to apply for the BHUs UG programmes, follow the instructions to secure your admission now. Step 1: Visit bhuonline.in, the official admission portal of BHU. Step 2: Click on the UG admission registration link. Step 3: Read through all the instructions carefully. Step 4: Log in using the required information. Step 5: Upload all necessary credentials and information. Step 6: Submit the application form and complete the process. The postgraduate program admissions portal will open five days after CUET PG results i.e. on July 25 and the application forms will be available starting the same day. Only those candidates who have cleared the CUET PG exams are eligible for admission to the postgraduate programmes. You can apply through the link available on the official website. Details and instructions regarding the registration and application process will be made accessible soon. From UPSC Civil Services to SSC recruitment exams, from college admissions to group discussions, general knowledge questions mark a significant part of almost every exam. For candidates preparing to crack an exam or those who need to get their news in a compact form, News18 offers a weekly column - GK Capsule. While we provide you a weekly news wrap, to get more information on a specific topic or an exam, reach out at @news18dotcom. Every year, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts recruitment tests for a variety of Group A and Group B positions in the government. The Civil Services Examination is the Commissions most renowned and competitive exam. The Civil Services Mains examination will be held from September 15 this year. Candidates must have a basic understanding of general knowledge and current affairs in order to pass the majority of employment tests. So, whether you are studying for the UPSC, SBI bank PO, or any other competitive test, current events are essential. Without adequate preparation, clearing such important assessments will be tough. We have created a list of this weeks major news events to assist applicants in preparing for their upcoming recruitment exams. Delhi Prisons Department Says Prima Facie Lapse after Yasin Malik Appears in SC Drawing criticism for the appearance of jailed JKLF chief Yasin Malik in the Supreme Court, the Delhi Prisons Department on July 21 stated that there was a prima facie lapse on the part of some officers and ordered an investigation into the matter. According to an official release, the probe will be conducted by Deputy Inspector General (Prisons-Headquarters) Rajiv Singh, who would submit a report to the Director General (Prisons) within three days. On Friday, the presence of Malik, who is serving a life sentence at Tihar jail, in a packed courtroom caused a ruckus in the Supreme Court. Indian Tourists to Use UPI in Sri Lanka Soon India and Sri Lanka recently signed an agreement to establish the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Sri Lanka in order to encourage seamless cross-border transactions. The agreement was signed during a bilateral meeting in Delhi on July 21 between Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Vision Statement for India-Sri Lanka Economic Partnership emphasised both countries commitment to encouraging digital payments and improving commerce and transactions between firms and individuals. When informing the media of the conclusions of the bilateral meeting, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra announced that the UPI payment system would be active within the next two to three months. North Korea Fires Several Cruise Missiles Into Yellow Sea On July 22, North Korea launched several cruise missiles into the Yellow Sea, which separates China and the Korean peninsula, according to South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff. The launches came at a time when ties between the two Koreas are at an all-time low. South Korean and US intelligence authorities were analyzing the launches while monitoring signs of additional activities, the JCS said. Just three days before, North Korea launched two ballistic missiles into the sea off the opposite shore, aimed at Japan. DGCA Accepts Go Firsts Flight Resumption Plan With Certain Restrictions The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced on July 21 that, subject to certain restrictions, it had authorised Go Firsts intention to commence operations with 15 aircraft and 114 daily flights. Go First, a low-cost carrier that ceased operations on May 3, is insolvent. The DGCA, in a release, stated that the airlines resume plan for 15 aircraft and 114 daily flights has been examined and accepted. The acceptance is subject to the outcome of the writ petitions/ applications pending before the Honble High Court of Delhi & Honble NCLT, Delhi, it said. 22 Countries Opened Special Rupee Vostro Accounts in India The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed Rajya Sabha that 22 countries had created special rupee vostro accounts in Indian banks in order to increase global commerce. According to the MEA, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has devised an arrangement to enable transactions in domestic currencies, supporting global trade growth with a focus on Indian exports. The effort seeks to internationalise the Indian rupee while also fostering reciprocal benefits for both countries by preserving each others foreign exchange reserves. An intense heatwave is persisting across Asia, Europe, and North America, with residents seeking relief from scorching temperatures. Wildfires are raging in Greece and the Canary Islands, while authorities in California to China are issuing health warnings due to the extreme heat. China is experiencing extreme weather, with the thermometer showing temperatures of 80 degrees Celsius (176 degrees Fahrenheit). Beijing recorded a new record of 27 consecutive days with temperatures above 35C (95F), and a remote township in the Turpan Depression reached a record-breaking 52.2C (126F), as per a report by Al Jazeera. Heatwaves Rage Greece is battling wildfires near Athens, and firefighters are working tirelessly to protect coastal refineries. Another heatwave is expected, with temperatures predicted to reach 44C (111F). Italys Sardinia and Sicily may surpass the continent-wide temperature record of 48.8C (120F) set in Sicily in 2021. Spain is facing its third heatwave of the summer, causing distress among locals and tourists. In France, record temperatures of 29.5C (85.1F) were recorded in Alpe dHuez, and Verdun saw 40.6C (105.1F) for the first time. The Canary Islands are battling a massive fire that has already consumed 3,500 hectares (8,650 acres) of forest, leading to evacuations and poor air quality. Tens of millions of Americans are experiencing dangerous heat levels, with an extremely dangerous and prolonged heatwave expected to persist in the Southwest and spread to the south-central and southeastern regions. As per experts, the heat does not just impact the body, but also the brain. Heres how: Heat Stress and Its Impact on the Brain Heat stress occurs when the body struggles to cool itself down, leading to potential health issues. It can affect our cognitive function and even cause fainting episodes. The brain plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature and responding to heat through sweating. It can affect our cognitive function and even cause fainting episodes. Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown: At high temperatures, the blood-brain barrier, a protective layer around the brain, can start to break down, as per a report by Discover Magazine. This allows unwanted substances, like proteins and ions, to accumulate in the brain, causing inflammation and disrupting normal brain function. Additionally, proteins may unfold, leading to cell death in the brain. At high temperatures, the blood-brain barrier, a protective layer around the brain, can start to break down, as per a report by Discover Magazine. This allows unwanted substances, like proteins and ions, to accumulate in the brain, causing inflammation and disrupting normal brain function. Additionally, proteins may unfold, leading to cell death in the brain. Hypothalamus Involvement: The hypothalamus, a brain region responsible for regulating internal body temperature, becomes important in how heat affects us. It signals the sweat glands to produce sweat and cool the body down. The hypothalamus, a brain region responsible for regulating internal body temperature, becomes important in how heat affects us. It signals the sweat glands to produce sweat and cool the body down. Dehydration and Brain Function: Excessive sweating in higher temperatures causes water loss, which is the bodys way of maintaining temperature balance. However, if adequate hydration is not maintained, dehydration can occur, affecting brain function. Sufficient fluid intake is essential for optimal bodily function. Impact on People with Neurological Conditions: People with neurological conditions may struggle to regulate their body temperature and tolerate heat. For example, individuals with multiple sclerosis, a brain-related condition, are especially vulnerable to heats negative consequences on brain efficiency. Apart from this, heat also has numerous ill effects on a persons overall physical health, too: The Effects of Extreme Heat on the Body Sunburn and Skin Cancer Risk: According to a report by Observer, excessive exposure to the suns UV rays can cause sunburn and damage skin cell DNA. Repeated sunburns increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer as cells may grow out of control due to DNA damage. According to a report by Observer, excessive exposure to the suns UV rays can cause sunburn and damage skin cell DNA. Repeated sunburns increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer as cells may grow out of control due to DNA damage. Lung Health and Air Quality: Hot weather can worsen air quality, making it harder to breathe. Ground-level ozone, a harmful gas formed from pollutants reacting to sunlight, can reduce lung function and exacerbate asthma, leading to morbidity and mortality. Hot weather can worsen air quality, making it harder to breathe. Ground-level ozone, a harmful gas formed from pollutants reacting to sunlight, can reduce lung function and exacerbate asthma, leading to morbidity and mortality. Fatigue and Hyperthermia: Hyperthermia occurs when the bodys heat-regulating mechanisms fail, leading to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. As body temperature rises, fatigue sets in, along with symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and thirst. Heatstroke, a medical emergency, can cause dry skin, mental dysfunction, and, if untreated, lead to seizures, coma, and death. Hyperthermia occurs when the bodys heat-regulating mechanisms fail, leading to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. As body temperature rises, fatigue sets in, along with symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and thirst. Heatstroke, a medical emergency, can cause dry skin, mental dysfunction, and, if untreated, lead to seizures, coma, and death. Impact on the Heart: Hot temperatures cause blood vessels to dilate, lowering blood pressure and potentially leading to dizziness and sickness. The heart compensates by pumping more blood per beat, but with lowered blood pressure, it has to work harder, increasing the heart rate. As global temperatures rise, mortality rates may increase due to the added stress on the cardiovascular system, the report explains. Protecting Yourself During Extreme Heat: Seek Shelter: Stay indoors in places with air conditioning as much as possible to avoid extreme temperatures, as per the US CDC guidelines. Stay indoors in places with air conditioning as much as possible to avoid extreme temperatures, as per the US CDC guidelines. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids regularly, even if you dont feel thirsty, to prevent dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids regularly, even if you dont feel thirsty, to prevent dehydration. Plan Outdoor Activities: If you must go outside, schedule activities during cooler times of the day to minimize heat exposure. If you must go outside, schedule activities during cooler times of the day to minimize heat exposure. Dress Wisely: Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing along with sunscreen to protect your skin from the suns rays. Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing along with sunscreen to protect your skin from the suns rays. Take It Easy: Pace yourself and avoid overexertion during hot weather to prevent heat-related illnesses. Pace yourself and avoid overexertion during hot weather to prevent heat-related illnesses. Cool Down: Take cool showers or baths to help lower your body temperature. Take cool showers or baths to help lower your body temperature. Check on Others: Regularly check on friends, neighbors, and family members, and have someone do the same for you, to ensure everyones safety. Regularly check on friends, neighbors, and family members, and have someone do the same for you, to ensure everyones safety. Never Leave Kids or Pets in Cars: Avoid leaving children or pets in parked cars, even for a short time, as temperatures inside a vehicle can become dangerous quickly. Avoid leaving children or pets in parked cars, even for a short time, as temperatures inside a vehicle can become dangerous quickly. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on local news and updates about health and safety measures during extreme heat. With inputs from agencies A 25-year-old woman cut her husbands genitals with a blade after she caught him watching his ex-wifes Instagram reels in Andhra Pradeshs NTR district. According to a Times of India report, the family member rushed the man, Kota Anand Babu, to a government hospital. He was later shifted to Vijayawada GGH for better treatment. Doctors said that he was in stable condition after they stitched the cuts. A 26-year-old Anand Babu, first got married about six years ago. Due to several quarrels that broke out between him and his first wife, they separated. Then came along Varamma, whom he married four years ago. Since their wedding, the couple working as daily wage labourers have been living in Nandigama mandals Muppalla village in NTR district. Varamma got tense when she saw Anand Babu watching his first wifes reels on Instagram early on Saturday. This triggered a heated argument between the two, which further led to them hitting each other. Filled with anger, Varamma attacked Anand Babu with a blade and cut his genitals. Hearing the clamour from their house, locals immediately rushed there and found Anand to be severely bleeding. Doctors who attended to Anands case at the Vijayawada hospital said that he had a deep cut in his genitals. Following the treatment, he was discharged from the hospital. In a previous case, in June this year, a woman tried to cut off her husbands genitals in his sleep in Uttar Pradeshs Kanpur. According to an India Today report, the wife took this step after the couple had a heated argument. A case was filed after the husband raised a complaint before the authorities. The victim said that following their argument, his wife got a blade at night and attempted to chop off her husbands private parts. Initially, as the victim felt ashamed, he did not mention the incident to anyone. He said that later he had decided to file a police complaint, said reports. Christian Property in Iraq Threatened By Presidential Decision Abdul Latif Rashid, President of Iraq (left) and Ryan al-Kaldani The President of the Iraqi Republic recently withdrew what can be described as the "institutional recognition" of the office held by the Chaldean patriarch by repealing Decree 147, signed by his predecessor on July 10, 2013, which recognized the patriarch's appointment as head of the Chaldean Church "in Iraq and the world" and thus, "responsible for the assets of the Church." A source at Asianews points out that the whole affair turns on this point: "Someone wants to take control over the assets and properties held by Christians and the Church." President Abdul Latif Rashid has intervened in recent days with the intention of "clarifying" his decision. His office issues a statement saying: "Withdrawing the republican decree does not prejudice the religious or legal status of Cardinal Louis Sako, as he is appointed by the Apostolic See." According to the Kurdish Muslim leader, "the abolition of the Presidential Decree is intended to correct the situation," while the patriarch continues to enjoy "the respect and appreciation of the presidency of the Republic as Patriarch of the Chaldean Church in Iraq and the world." "However, the president's decision strips the Chaldean leader -- the Patriarch -- of the right to administer church assets, which are the target of Ryan 'the Chaldean' and his Babylonian Brigades. 'It's no coincidence that the president's decision came a few days after he met with Ryan,'" a source told AsiaNews. "For over 100 years, the patriarch, after his papal appointment, had his office recognized by decree by the king and then the president, upholding his status as head of the Church and custodian of its properties." With the withdrawal of the decree, the primate "will likely lose control over the [Church's] assets and properties," the source concludes, but Cardinal Sako "is determined to fight and is already studying ways to appeal in court so that law prevails and justice is done." The controversy surrounding the withdrawal of the presidential decree is the latest chapter in a series of attacks that have affected the most respected figure of the Chaldean Church in Iraq, to the point that in recent weeks there has arisen a backlash among Christians in response to the "lies": an attack against the patriarch and the leadership of the Church by the leader of the Babylonian Movement, Rayan. This self-styled Christian leader, supported by Shiites linked to Iran, wants to create an enclave in the Nineveh plain using his power base. It includes four members of Iraq's parliament (out of five reserved for the minority) and a government ministry. The Babylonian Brigade militia appeared during the struggle against ISIS and imposed itself economically and politically The bishops of the North (Mosul and the Nineveh Plain) have criticized the minority quota system, fully supporting the cardinal's battle and announcing a possible boycott of the upcoming elections by the Christians. In May, the Chaldean primate suggested that he might have to turn to international tribunals to protect the distribution of parliamentary seats. These statements have earned the patriarch more and more acerbic and harsh attacks from people close to the Babylonian Movement, to the point of pushing hundreds of Christians to take to the streets and in solidarity with Cardinal Sako. "In a joint statement sent to AsianNews, the Assyrian Democratic Movement, the Popular Chaldean Syriac Assyrian Council, the Betnahrain Patriotic Union, the Nahrain Sons Party, and the Assyrian Patriotic Party pledge their support for the patriarch. This closeness goes beyond respect for his religious authority and the Church, but concerns the latter's 'status as a religious institution that represents an important part of Iraqi society.'" The note concludes, "As national parties, we reject this decision," which will allow "the manipulation of Church assets by influential and corrupt parties who clearly want to seize them." President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi congratulated the Egyptian people on Saturday on the 70th anniversary of the 23 July 1952 Revolution, hailing the revolution as a culmination of peoples long struggle. The 23 July 1952 Revolution, which was led by a group of officers dubbed the Free Officers Movement, secured Egypts independence from British colonial rule and ended the monarchy of King Farouk. The glorious 23 July was a culmination of a long struggle led by the Egyptian people in defence of their right in a homeland whose head is held high, El-Sisi said in a recorded speech on TV. He added that the revolution managed to establish Egypts first republic and radically change life in the country as well as in the region. The revolution had inspiring contributions to the global movement of decolonisation and consolidating the right of peoples to self-determination, the president said. He affirmed that the flags of freedom and independence rose above most Arab and African countries following the revolution. Let our celebration today with the glorious anniversary of the July Revolution serve as a renewed impetus to work and ensure the advancement of our dear country and the realisation of the aspirations of its honourable people in a bright present and future shaded by security and stability and in which development flourishes, El-Sisi said. Marching towards a new republic During the speech, El-Sisi said he is confident of the Egyptian resolve in moving toward the new republic of development, construction, and a change of reality. He added that this new republic will establish a comprehensive intellectual, social and humanitarian system and will build a developed society dominated by noble human values. Despite the growing adverse circumstances caused by multiple unfavourable international incidents and developments, we are capable God willing and with the determination of the people of this great nation of overcoming them, the president stated. Owing to its geographical location and regional and international role, Egypt cannot isolate itself from the challenges and changes that are sweeping the world and whose implications have affected everyone, El-Sisi said. He stressed that there is no way to overcome these challenges except through serious and continuous work, as Egypt has faced diverse challenges with economic, social, political, and security dimensions over the past years. We are determined with a firm and unrelenting will to achieve the major goals that we have set in mind and the higher goals that we shoulder to advance our dear country and change its reality for the better, El-Sisi said. El-Sisi highlighted the successive achievements in Egypt over recent years, especially in the areas of infrastructure, new urban communities, energy, and industry localisation. He affirmed that these achievements have become a testament to the strength of the Egyptian will to [achieve] progress, build a better future, and form a strong and solid national economy. Had it not been for the states efforts in the field of economic reform and the giant development projects throughout the country, it would never have been possible to withstand these severe crises that have swept the world for three years, the president stressed. Salute to Revolutions heroes On this occasion, the president saluted those heroes who came forward to lead the revolution and took their life into their hands to create a new dawn for their homeland, El-Sisi said. Late presidents Gamal Abdel-Nasser, Mohamed Anwar El-Sadat, and Mohamed Naguib are at the top of those heroes, the president affirmed. The history of your armed forces, as you have always known, will stay full of national heroism and achievements including the glorious July Revolution, whose banner was carried by the armed forces, El-Sisi said. The president affirmed that the revolution has restored the homeland's pride and citizens dignity and served as a model for the relationship between the people and its army that has been characterised over long decades by cohesion and deep mutual trust. This is a unique relationship between the great and proud Egyptian people and an army constituting a model of the national institution that is aware of its mission, performs it to the fullest, and does not deviate from it, El-Sisi affirmed. Search Keywords: Short link: In an embarrassment to the Assam Police, the mobile phone of Deputy Inspector General (Law & Order) Vivek Raj Singh was snatched on Sunday by motorcycle-borne miscreants from an area close to the headquarters of the force, officials said. The incident took place at Mazar Road in Ulubari when Singh was on a morning walk, they said. Mazar Road is only a stones throw from the police headquarters, where Singh sits along with other senior officials, including the DGP, in central Guwahati. The official residences of several top IPS officers are located along the stretch of Mazar Road. The incident took place under the jurisdiction of Paltanbazar Police Station. We are looking into it, Guwahati Police Assistant Commissioner (Panbazar) Prithibi Rajkhowa told PTI. He, however, refused to share details. Several other senior officers refused to speak on the incident, while some accepted that it is an embarrassment to the force. An officer of the Paltanbazar Police Station said they are investigating the matter and launched a manhunt to nab the mobile snatchers. A Tamil Nadu couple was arrested for hijacking a truck with 2.5 tonnes of tomatoes after faking an accident in Bengaluru near Chikkajala. They sold the tomatoes in Vaniyambadi near Ambur in Tamil Nadu. The incident occurred on July 8 and the tomatoes in the vehicle were worth over Rs 2.5 lakhs. The police has said that the couple who hails from Vellore, was a part of a gang of highway robbers. They demanded money from Mallesh, a farmer from Hiriyur in Karnatakas Chitradurga district who was in the truck, as a compensation claiming that the truck had bumped into their car. As per a PTI report, the farmer was transporting the tomatoes to Kolar and refused to pay the money following which he was assaulted by the gang and the truck loaded with tomatoes was driven away. The victim lodged a complaint, following which the RMC Yard police tracked the vehicle and caught the gang. The accused couple was arrested on Saturday and was identified as Bhaskar (28) and his wife Sindhuja (26). The other three members of the gang Rocky, Kumar and Mahesh are still absconding. A case was registered against the accused culprits under the sections 346A (kidnapping, abduction or keeping a person in detention) and 392 (robbery) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). As per a News Minute report, the truck carrying tomatoes was noticed by the gang of robbers who then followed the vehicle. They stopped the truck and assaulted the farmer and the driver of a Bolero goods vehicle alleging that their car was hit. The miscreants then demanded money and ended up getting that transferred to their mobile online. Following the money transfer, they got into the goods vehicle with the farmer but later pushed him out and drove the truck carrying tomatoes towards Tamil Nadu. A CCTV footage was also found by the police officials that indicated clues about the accused couple. The couple who reportedly sold the tomatoes had parked the vehicle near Peenya and Bengaluru, before escaping to Tamil Nadu in another vehicle that did not have a registration number. The latest prices of tomatoes have gone up to over Rs 100 per kg in markets across the country. Few days back another case of tomato robbery was reported in Karnatakas Halebeedu. A woman had alleged that tomatoes worth Rs 2.5 lakh were stolen from her farm. A four-year-old child who fell into a 150-feet deep borewell in Kul village of Bihars Nalanda was rescued on Sunday. The National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force teams were earlier dispatched from Patna for the rescue operations. The boy named Doma Manjhi, a resident of Mahadalit Tola, was playing near the borewell when he slipped inside the well. Shortly after the officials were alerted, the local administration arrived at the scene and immediately initiated the process of using a JCB machine to rescue the child. #WATCH | Bihar: The child who fell into a borewell in Kul village in Nalanda has been rescued. More details are awaited. https://t.co/G6FW8RDIJJ pic.twitter.com/KQouMHkffD ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2023 JCB machines were used to supply oxygen and extract the child from the bore as visuals confirmed that the boy was alive. #WATCH | Rescue operation underway to rescue a child who fell into a borewell in Kul village of Nalanda, Bihar. Police and district administration officials are present on the spot. pic.twitter.com/7kVAmebCWd ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2023 The administration said it focused on digging the ground carefully to ensure the childs safe retrieval. Police and district administration officials were present at the spot, according to reports. We received information that a child fell into a borewell We are trying our best to rescue the child. The NDRF and rescue team will be reaching the spot. The child is still alive, and we can hear his voice," said Silwa, Circle Officer, Shambhu Mandal. The rescue operation was assisted by Nalin Maurya, Vice President of Nagar Panchayat Nalanda. He informed ANI, This borewell was made by the farmer here for boring. But the boring didnt succeed here, so they started boring in another place, and this borewell was not closed." A two-and-a-half-year-old girl died after she fell in a 300-foot borewell in Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh, after nearly 52 hours of rescue efforts last month. Initially stuck at about 40 feet, the girl slid down to approximately 100 feet due to rescue operation vibrations, making the task more challenging. Later, she slipped further to around 135 feet. Unfortunately, she was declared dead at the hospital. Despite the combined efforts of NDRF, SDERF, and an Army team, her condition worsened during the rescue operation. A team of robotic experts also joined the effort to save her, but tragically, she did not survive. A three-year-old boy drowned in the rainwater collected outside his house in the Prem Nagar area while playing, police said on Sunday. The matter was reported at Prem Nagar police station at 10.24 pm Saturday by the Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital, where the boy was rushed after he drowned, an officer said. At the hospital, the boys parents told police there was some waterlogging outside their house and their child drowned in it while playing, the officer said. Legal action is being taken into the matter, he said. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva in a statement attacked the city government saying he was shocked to learn of the boys death, which took place in the Ekta Enclave area of Kirari. What is more shocking in the matter are reports from Ekta Enclave that local authorities at the direction of the Aam Aadmi Party MLA Rituraj have forced the father of the child, Ashraf, to go back to his native place in Bihar," he alleged in the statement. The national capital in the past few weeks has received inordinate rain which flooded several areas in east Delhi and led to waterlogging in several parts of the city. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Sunday said that he wrote a letter to the chairman of Rajya Sabha opposing the introduction of the Bill replacing the Delhi Ordinance. He said that the introduction of the Bill in Rajya Sabha to replace the Delhi Ordinance is impermissible for three important reasons which he highlighted in the letter. On May 11, 2023, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court unanimously held that as a matter of constitutional requirement, the civil servants serving in the Government of NCT of Delhi are answerable to the elected arm of the government, i.e. the elected Council of Ministers presided over by the Chief Minister. This link of accountability was held to be crucial to a democratic and popularly accountable model of government. In one single stroke, the Ordinance has undone this model by seizing this control again from the duly elected Government of Delhi and vesting it in the hands of the unelected LG. The Ordinances design is evident, i.e. to strip the Government of NCT of Delhi down to only its elected arm enjoying the mandate of the people of Delhi, but bereft of the governing apparatus necessary for meeting that mandate. This has left the GNCTD in a crisis of administration, put day-to-day governance in jeopardy, and has led the civil service to stall, disobey, and contradict the elected Governments orders. Particularly, the Ordinance is blatantly unconstitutional for 3 reasons," read his letter. Chadha has said in the letter that the Ordinance and any Bill along the same lines as the Ordinance, seeks essentially to undo the position laid down by Court without amending the Constitution itself from which this position flows. The Ordinance does not change the basis of the Honble Supreme Courts decision, which is the Constitution itself. Secondly, Article 239AA(7)(a) empowers Parliament to make a law to give effect to" or to supplement" the provisions contained in Article 239AA. Under the scheme of Article 239AA, control over Services lies with the Delhi Government. A Bill in line with the Ordinance is, therefore, not a Bill to give effect to" or supplement" Article 239AA but a Bill to damage and destroy Article 239AA, which is impermissible," read his letter. Chadha said the Ordinance was also under challenge in the Supreme Court. He said that thus this Bill was unconstitutional and this House should not consider it. I would therefore request you to not permit the introduction of this Bill and direct the Government to withdraw it and save the Constitution. I hope the Honble Chairman will not permit the introduction of the Bill and direct the government to withdraw it," his letter read. BJP MP and outgoing WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who recently got bail from a Delhi court, on Saturday said it is in his nature to side with the weak, just as has been the culture of India. I had sided with the weak. Maybe its my nature. And this is not only my nature, it is also the nature of my country, Singh said, addressing a prize distribution function here, with no apparent context to his remarks. The BJP leader said things are getting clear now and are there for all to see, adding, he cannot be any more explicit. The Wrestling Federation of India chief, who is accused of harassing several female athletes, also said, I had said in the beginning that whatever is going against me pertains to the struggle against my policy. At that time, my statements were not considered correct. Addressing the youths, the lawmaker advised them to work ceaselessly and honestly. You should do your work honestly. For seven months, the world was making comments against me, but I did not look behind and did not stop my work, he said. Later talking to reporters, he called the Manipur incident in which two women were paraded naked, a reprehensible act. The situation there was adverse. For 3-4 days, the (Union) Home minister himself was in Manipur, but there was a lapse, he said. On the alliance formed by the opposition parties, Singh said the pact is between disparate elements, each with its own agenda, and predicted it will break away soon. A number of alliances were formed before this, but they were not successful. There was a time when alliances were made against the Congress, and now it is against the BJP, he said. A national party is sitting on the lap of regional parties. The alliance of the opposition their ideology does not match with each other. What will happen to the Congress in West Bengal? The same situation will happen in Delhi, Bihar and other states. This alliance will prove to be a short-lived one, he added. Delhi Commission For Women chief Swati Maliwal on Friday wrote to DGP Manipur on her plans to visit the strife-torn state in the wake of surfacing of a video that showed two women being paraded naked by members of a rival tribe. Maliwal had on Thursday written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi too, urging him to take steps in the matter. In her letter to Manipur DGP, she said she plans to visit the state on July 23 to assess the situation there and submit a fact-finding report. As a woman and as a citizen of this country, I feel deeply aggrieved by these gross human rights violations and the apparent failure of the State in protecting its women and girls, she said. In light of the same, I have decided to visit the state of Manipur and interact with the survivors of sexual violence therein and give a fact finding report to the government. In this regard, I wish to inform you that I shall be reaching Imphal July 23 2023, she said. She sought the senior officers help in facilitating a meeting with the two women in the video and a visit to the relief camps housing women and girls. Tension mounted in the hills of Manipur after a May 4 video surfaced online on Wednesday showing two women from one of the warring communities in the states Kangpokpi district paraded naked by a mob from the other side. Taking suo moto action in the matter, the Manipur Police the same night registered a case of abduction, gang rape, and murder at Nongpok Sekmai Police Station in Thoubal district against unidentified men. Four people have been arrested in connection with the incident since, according to official sources. A surge of discharge from the Hathnikund Barrage into the Yamuna following heavy rains in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh led to the river breaching the danger mark again in Delhi on Sunday, leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas. At 8 am on Sunday, the water level of Yamuna at Old Yamuna Bridge was recorded at 205.9 meters. It is expected to reach 206.7 meters by 4 pm. The danger mark for the Yamuna River stands at 205.33 meters. Any further increase in the water level of Yamuna is likely to impact relief and rehabilitation work in the flood-affected low-lying areas of the national capital. #WATCH | Delhi: Yamunas water level crossed the danger mark, recorded at 205.81 meters at 7 am today.Drone visuals from Old Yamuna Bridge (Loha Pul) pic.twitter.com/BK7q0IhjwV ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2023 The Delhi government is on high alert due to the discharge of over 2 lakh cusecs of water from the Hathnikund Barrage into the river and that some parts of Yamuna Khadar (floodplains) might get inundated if the water level rises to 206.7 meters, Revenue Minister Atishi said on Saturday. The water levels of Yamuna had been hovering around the danger mark of 205.33 meters for the last few days after reaching an all-time high of 208.66 meters on July 13. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy to very heavy rain in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand till July 25. According to the CWC data, the flow rate at the Yamunanagar-located Hathnikund Barrage crossed the 1 lakh mark at 9 am on Saturday and oscillated between 2 lakh and 2.5 lakh cusecs between 10 am and 5 pm. Since then, it has remained between 1.5 lakh cusecs and 2 lakh cusecs. This significant volume of water poses a risk of mid-scale floods in the capital, which is still recuperating from one of the worst flood spells it experienced in the second week of July. The second spell of floods will likely see the Yamuna river reclaiming most of its floodplain in Delhi. Given the valuable insights gained from the last flood spell this month, city planners and policy makers must take note of the lessons learned. Citizens are counting on the swift response of authorities, expecting all the gates of the ITO barrage to be opened and fully functional. Additionally, immediate attention should be given to fix any breached sites and bunds," said Bhim Singh Rawat, associate coordinator of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People. There have been marginal fluctuations in the water level over the last four to five days amid rain in the upper catchment areas, primarily in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Delhi Irrigation and Flood Control Department officials said heavy rains upstream of Delhi will impact rehabilitation of the affected families in the inundated low-lying areas of the capital and they may have to stay in relief camps for a longer period. Water Supply May Get Affected It could also impact the water supply in the city, which became normal only on Tuesday after being affected for four or five days due to the inundation of a pump house at Wazirabad. The pump house supplies raw water to Wazirabad, Chandrawal and Okhla treatment plants, which together account for around 25 per cent of the citys supply. Parts of Delhi have been grappling with waterlogging and flooding for more than two weeks now. Initially, a downpour caused intense waterlogging on July 8 and 9, with the city receiving 125 per cent of its monthly rainfall quota in just two days. Subsequently, heavy rains in the upper catchment areas of the Yamuna, including in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Haryana, led to the river swelling to record levels. (With PTI Inputs) Incessant rainfall has lashed several parts of Gujarat and Saurashtra district, triggering a flood-like situation across the state. The heavy to extremely heavy rains swamped the urban areas as well as isolated village areas. The water levels of the rivers and dams have also been rising to the danger mark. Waterlogging, traffic snarls caused several problems to the people in the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated extremely heavy rainfall in south Gujarat and Saurashtra-Kutch districts till Sunday morning. It also said that heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue in many other districts of south Gujarat and Saurashtra-Kutch during the next three days. IMD issued a red alert for Junagadh, Jamnagar, Devbhumi Dwarka, Kutch, Surat, Valsad, Navsari and Surat. A yellow alert was also issued for Surendranagar, Dahod, Rajkot, Batod, and Vadodara. Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted that he spoke to Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel about the flood-like situation occurring in various parts of the state due to the recent heavy rainfall. He added that sufficient numbers of SDRF and NDRF teams are available to help the people in need. In Ahmedabad, severe waterlogging put a stop on peoples movements. Visuals show a biker slowly navigating through the waters. #WATCH | Gujarat: Severe waterlogging in parts of Ahmedabad due to heavy rainfall. pic.twitter.com/jKy73jWN1O ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2023 Ahmedabad Airport Flooded, Passengers Dabble Through Water Staggering visuals from the Ahmedabad airport shows the flooding caused by the heavy rains in Gujarat in the past few days. Several users on Twitter shared videos of the airport, where people can be seen wading through the waist-deep/knee-deep waters. Several passengers shared visuals stating that navigating between the flight and the airport took long hours. Major #waterlogging at #Ahmedabad airport. Disembarkation took 40 minutes. Connecting flight delayed by two hours already! pic.twitter.com/Xu7YhO1k63 (@VineetaDwivedi) July 22, 2023 Another user said Ahmedabad airport is again river-like. How does one get to the terminal after you have landed?" Junagadh Worst Hit; Cars, Cattles, Washed Away; Rescue Ops Underway Junagadh city received 219 mm of rain in eight hours until 4 pm on Saturday. Following the heavy rains, dozens of parked cars and cattle were swept away in gushing waters. People were seen wading through waist-deep water to shift to safer places. Startling visuals from the city showed the impact left by the rainfall. VIDEO | Cattle, vehicles wash away in heavy flow of water as incessant rainfall trigger severe flooding in residential areas in Gujarats Junagadh district. pic.twitter.com/e8lI5Ucj6i Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 22, 2023 People who were being carried away by the waters strong current were rescued by ops teams. The rescue operation, conducted by National Defence Response Force (NDRF), reached out to the general public, helping them cross the city through waterlogged areas to safer places. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, on Friday, conducted an aerial survey of some parts of Junagadh and adjoining Gir Somnath districts to assess the damage caused by heavy rains. Navsari, Another Severely-Hit Regions Navsari district in Gujarat faced heavy rainfall, leading to disruption of normal life in both urban and rural areas due to flooding. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), Navsari and Jalalpore talukas of the district received 303 and 276 mm of rainfall, respectively, between 6 am and 4 pm. #WATCH | Gujarat: Severe waterlogging witnessed in Navsari due to incessant rain in the region; visuals from Junathana area. pic.twitter.com/jAmz3PtE9u ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2023 Earlier on Saturday, one person went missing amid the heavy rains. Officials said that the search of the person is underway. Amit Prakash Yadav, collector of Navsari, told ANI that no casualties were reported, adding that 40 teams are present at the spot. He said that water has receded almost everywhere, except some low-lying areas which are still waterlogged. According to NDRF, on team each has been deployed in Gir Somnath, Kutch, Navsari, Valsad, Amreli, and Rajkot districts of Gujarat. A godown storing empty gas cylinders was affected as water gushed in, washing away the LPG containers. Additionally, there were traffic jams on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad national highway near Navsari. In Navsari city, a father-son duo was swept away in a swollen drain, in which efforts to trace the son were still underway. In another such incident, a father-son duo drowned after their car washed away near Dadra and Nagar Havelis Silvassa town. Devbhumi Dwarka, Bhavnagar, Bharuch, Surat, Tapi, Valsad and Amreli were among the districts that received heavy rainfall, said the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), on Saturday. Additionally, the IMD also cautioned fishermen against venturing along and off the north Gujarat coast from July 22 to July 26, as squally weather conditions are very likely to prevail during this period. (With inputs from ANI and PTI) The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will conduct a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque premises barring the Wazukhana area at 7 AM on Monday. This comes two days after, the Varanasi Court had given permission for the survey based on a petition seeking it. For this, the ASI team reached Uttar Pradeshs Lucknow on Sunday, and also had a met the Varanasi Commissioner. The ASI was asked to file a report after conducting its survey, and submit it to the Varanasi court on August 4, 2023. The courts next hearing will also be on the same date. The court was hearing a petition seeking a scientific survey, including carbon dating, to determine the age of Shivling" which was believed to have been found at the Gyanvapi mosque. A K Vishveshs court upheld the petition of a group of Hindu devotees who sought a scientific survey to ascertain if the mosque was constructed on the site of a Hindu temple. However, the barricaded wazukhana, where a structure claimed by Hindu litigants to be a shivling exists, will not be included in the survey. The mosque authorities have asserted that the structure is actually a part of a fountain in the wazukhana, where ablutions are performed before namaz. Advocate Mohammad Tauheed Khan, representing the Muslim side, said, Today the court approved the application of the (Hindu side) to conduct the ASI survey of the area, except the sealed wazukhana. The Hindu side had filed a petition in the case, seeking a direction for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to survey the entire Gyanvapi mosque complex. Vishnu Shankar Jain, the counsel representing the Hindu side, welcomed the order and said, the survey will be done. We will file a caveat if the Muslim side approaches Allahabad High Court or the Supreme Court." Egypts Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday the release of 727 prisoners as per a presidential pardon on the 70th anniversary of the July 1952 Revolution. The ministry said its social protection department has studied the files of inmates in rehabilitation and correctional centres nationwide to determine those eligible for presidential pardon. Earlier this month, the Interior Ministry announced the release of 1,270 prisoners as per a presidential pardon on the occasion of Eid El-Adha. Egypt has released thousands of inmates as per presidential pardon decisions over the recent years on different national and religious occasions. The 23 July 1952 Revolution, which was led by a group of officers dubbed the Free Officers Movement, secured Egypts independence from British colonial rule and ended the monarchy of King Farouk. Search Keywords: Short link: Three months since the ethnic violence began in Manipur in May, people whose houses were burnt down have been living in the relief camps. The existential question that many have been raising is for how long will they have to spend their life in the relief camps? Ideal Girls College in Imphal has been turned into a relief camp where nearly 720 people are living. Francis, 35, has been staying there for the last three months. For how long will we have to stay here? I want to go back to my house. Politicians, media persons come to see us and talk to us but nobody gives a solution. My wife is a mental health patient. Dont know what will happen, he told News18. Samananda has similar story to share. We dont want packaged food. I want to go back to my small hut. Why cant the government make that arrangements? Home is home. Politicians are doing politics Reacting to the troublesome and shocking video of two Manipuri women who were paraded naked in May, Samananda condemned the incident, and said her own relative, who is 60 years old, was locked and killed. There are 100 such stories. The video that surfaced online on May 4 has shocked the entire nation. So far, six arrests have been made in the case. Manipur conflict has taken nearly 150 lives and displaced more than 60,000. Locals point out that the May 4 video may not just be the only case, there are several such incidents that have taken place in the state. One woman sitting in the corner of the relief camp suddenly stands up and says, Everybody comes and take down our details but nobody shows us the way to go back home. Why? Women and children are at the receiving end. The Manipur government has urged the people to not believe in rumours, adding that a rumour-free" helpline number has been issued for people to inform about circulation of unfounded videos. People were also urged to return the looted arms, ammunition, and explosives to the nearest police stations. Police said all-out efforts are being made to arrest the remaining culprits by conducting raids at many suspected hideouts. Meanwhile, Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh reacted to the video of the women being paraded naked, calling it a crime against humanity. He said every effort will be made to nab the culprits and give them capital punishment for committing such a heinous crime. The crux of violence in Manipur is the demand for Scheduled Tribe status for the Meitei community and other tribal groups opposing it. In fact, the violence first broke out across the state on May 3 when thousands turned up for the Tribal Solidarity March called by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) in Torbung area of Churachandpur to protest against the inclusion of Meiteis in the ST category. As clashes broke out between Manipurs Meitei and Kuki communities in May, the subsequent violence has affected livelihoods and stripped many of a place called home. News18 spoke with some Meitei community members who moved from the violence-hit areas and reached neighboring Mizoram and then Assam, awaiting a way to go back home, along with fearing for their life. We are humans and are dead scared, we hope situation returns to good old days and we return to Mizoram. Hundreds of Meitei Manipuris flee Mizoram, shelters in Neighbouring Assam. Dar sab ko lagta hain, we are humans and our lives are at risk," Sunil Meitiei, one of the 35 people from his community said. We have left Mizoram out of fear. Organizations have threated of consequences if we live there...We pray that we go back to the good old day when we lived together and in peace. I ran a shop in Mirzoram but now I need to reach Imphal. ," he added. Sunil further informed us that the flight that was supposed to take them back to Imphal did not reach, and therefore he came to Assams Cachar but road. On the other hand, the road journey to Manipur, he adds, is very dangerous and cannot be undertaken. Meiteis sheltering in Assam All the 35 people are currently surviving in the Binnakandi community hall in Assams Lakhipur sub-division. On Saturday, 19 people came from Mizoram, and another 21 came here on Sunday. We are providing shelter and food from our community. I fear more people shall come. There are around two to three thousand Meitei people living in Mizoram as government officials, businessman and workshop owners. Most of them hail from Assam, while others are from Manipur and now are stranded and sandwiched between fate and situation," a local activist told us. The local and SDPO of Lakhipur visited the shelter camp and we expect that government help shall reach soon," the activist added. On the other side of the coin, at least 67 people went back to Manipur through a flight on Saturday evening. Many other have started returning to their home state using buses, and cars. Mizoram-Manipur Organizations tussle Earlier amidst growing tension over a quit notice issued by Mizoram-based CSOs to the Meitei community in Mizoram, three prominent civil bodies in Manipur came out and took a stand for their safety. The Peace Accord MNF Returnees Association (PAMRA), a former militant group in Mizoram, has urged Meitei people to leave the state, citing concerns for their well-being. Reacting to this, the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO), Poirei Leimarol, and AMAWOVA, called upon the Mizoram government to take immediate measures to ensure the safety of Meitei people living there. Speaking on behalf of the three organizations, AMUCO President, Ph Nando Luwang, emphasized that Mizoram, as a neighboring state, should stand in solidarity with Manipur during its ongoing crisis rather than fueling further tensions." The civil bodies urged the Mizoram government to initiate dialogues with the concerned CSOs to prevent any untoward incidents and halt the escalation of the crisis in Manipur. President Luwang said that if the crisis spread to Mizoram, it could quickly engulf the entire Northeast region like a wildfire. The responsibility to prevent the crisis from cascading across the Northeast now rests upon the people of Mizoram and their government," he said. This comes as more than 2,000 Meitei individuals continue to reside in Mizoram. The organizations have advised them to prioritize their safety and take their own decisions during these challenging times. Religions come together to address crisis Amid this, religious leaders from different faiths conducted a fasting prayer, urging people for peace. In Imphal, leaders representing various faiths gathered under the banner of the Interfaith Forum for Peace and Harmony, Manipur with an objective to initiate a transformative journey for the violence-hit regions. Throughout the day-long fasting prayer, the religious leaders delved into their respective scriptures, reflecting on the proper treatment of women and children under all circumstances. They also exchanged ideas on how interfaith collaboration can help prevent such heinous crimes against women in the future. The participating religious groups included the All Manipur Buddhists Association, All Manipur Christian Organisation, Bhakti Seva Lup/Ekta Parishad, Brahmakumari Manipur, Catholic Diocese, Divine Life Society, Federation of Madrasahs, International Society of Manipuri Gaudiya Vaishnavas, ISKCON, Jain Samaj, Jamat-e-Islami Hind, Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board, Mahatma Seva Asram, Manipur Baptist Convention, Meitel Christian Churches Council, Manipur Cultural Integration Conference, Naga Christian Forum Manipur, Rongmel Naga Baptist Association, and Tinkao Ragwang Chapriak Phom (Assam-Manipur-Nagaland). Speaking to News18, Deben Bachaspatimayum, the convenor of the forum, highlighted the marginalization of religion since the onset of the crisis. Vice-president of All Naga Christian Forum, Pastor Johnny Shimray expressed deep pain and anguish over the ongoing destructive violence while speaking with us. Mumbai Police Control Room on Sunday received a threat call in which the caller informed them that a tanker filled with RDX explosive and two Pakistani nationals was going from Mumbai to Goa. The caller identified himself as Pandey and an investigation is underway, the city police said. The threat call came nearly a week after another threat, the second in two days, was received by the Mumbai police about a bomb planted in the city, officials reported. An unidentified individual made a threatening phone call on Tuesday, targeting both Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths government and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government. The caller had mentioned the presence of cartridges and AK-47s at specific locations, warning of a potential 26/11 style attack in Mumbai. Mumbai Police is actively searching for the person responsible for the cal, and a case was registered against the unknown individual under section 509 (2) of the IPC at Worli Police Station, officials had said. A similar call received on July 12 was found to be a hoax. An FIR was registered against unidentified persons regarding a message received, warning of a terror attack in the city if Pakistani woman Seema Haider did not return to her country. If Seema Haider does not come back then India will be destroyed, the caller was heard talking in Urdu. The caller said that if the attack takes place, the Uttar Pradesh government would be responsible for it. Earlier this month, Seema Haider, a woman from Pakistan, was arrested in Greater Noida for illegally entering India and staying without valid documents. She reportedly entered India with her four children to be with her lover, Sachin Meena, who she had met on the gaming app PUBG. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was conducting raids and searches at 24 places in Tamil Nadu on Sunday. Sources in the NIA told IANS that the raids were related to the murder of PMK leader K. Ramalingam in 2019. The raids were also being carried out at the residence of Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) leader Mubarak in Tirunelveli district. It may be noted that the premier investigating agency has conducted many raids in Tamil Nadu after the ban of the Islamist organisation, Popular Front of India (PFI). The state and central agencies have given an alert against the regrouping of the banned PFI under the banner of several social organisations in the state. The car bomb explosion on the eve of Diwali last year in which a 29-year-old youth was charred to death has also led to the central agencies upping their ante against the Islamist forces in the state. In another cross-border story, a married Indian woman crossed Pakistan to meet her friend who she met on Facebook and allegedly fell in love with. Anju, 34, born in Uttar Pradesh, but living in Rajasthans Alwar travelled to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on the invitation of her 29-year-old friend Nasrulla. She is currently in the Upper Dir district in Pakistans KPK, and is under the scanner of authorities for entering the country, sources told News18. This comes at the helm of Pakistani citizen Seema Haider crossing the border to enter India, after she met an Indian man on an online game. However unlike Haider, Anju has entered Pakistan legally through the Wagah border, sources added. #BreakingNews | Rajasthani girl travels to Pakistan to meet a Pakistani man Amid Seema Haider storyNews18s Shailendra Wangu with more details with @JamwalNews18 #SeemaHaider #Anju #IndiaPakistan pic.twitter.com/UbY4Sj0NnR News18 (@CNNnews18) July 23, 2023 Anju was initially under Pakistan police custody but was released after her travel documents were verified by the district police. Anjus friend Nasrulla works in the medical field and the two started talking online a few months back. She is visiting the Islamic country for a month, and has not gone there to marry his friend. An officer at Dir police station said Anju and her friend were released after her documents were cleared by senior police officer Mushtaq Khab and Scouts Major. On the Indian side, a team of Rajasthan police reached her house in Bhiwadi to enquire about her after media reports. According to her husband, Anju left home on Thursday saying that she is going to Jaipur, but later the family got to know that she was in Pakistan. Anjus husband said that she left home on Thursday. She had a valid passport, Assistant Superintendent of Police Bhiwadi Sujit Shankar told news agency PTI. The couple together have two children, a 15-year-old girl and a six-year-old son. There has been no complaint registered from her family as of now. According to her husband, he did not know that she was talking to anyone online. The story of Seema Haider There are similarities between the stories of Anju and Seema Ghulam Haider, a Pakistani mother of four, who sneaked into India to live with Sachin Meena, a Hindu man she got in touch with while playing PUBG in 2019. Haider remained in headlines as she faces investigation by security agencies over spy allegations and her renewed efforts to stay in India. She is currently out of detention after the ATS investigation and maintains that she is not a spy and wants to remain in India. EXPLAINED | Who is Seema Haider? Pak Womans Marriage with Indian, UP ATS Probe and Mercy Plea to Prez According to reports, the couple decided to take their relationship to the next level and married at the Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal in March this year. The couple met for the first time in person in March this year in Kathmandu where they stayed together at a hotel in the Nepal capital from March 10 to 17. Seema returned to Nepal from Pakistan, taking the Karachi-Dubai route, on a 15-day tourist visa on May 10. In Nepal, she reached from Kathmandu to Pokhara and stayed for the night. Seema then took a bus from Pokhara on the morning of May 12 and entered India from Roopandehi-Khunwa (Khunwa) border district Siddharthnagar. She along with her four children travelled to Greater Noida via Lucknow and Agra and had been staying with her lover since then. With agency inputs The Kashmir Valley is experiencing a long-awaited sense of justice and relief as the truth about backdoor appointments with terror links that had plagued the region for decades comes to light. In an unprecedented move, the Jammu and Kashmir administration in the last couple of months has taken strong action against individuals involved in anti-national activities and connections to terrorist elements, resulting in their immediate termination from jobs. Last week, three government employees, including the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the University of Kashmir, were shown the doors as part of this cleansing process. The university, once considered a hub of anti-India activities, has been undergoing a transformative change. Before the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, the then governor, who is also the universitys chancellor, faced difficulties in holding events at the main Gandhi Bhawan auditorium due to anti-India and pro-Pakistan slogans raised outside the premises, but now the same university hoists Tricolour on all major buildings with pride. According to the government dossier, the PRO, Faheem Aslam, was actively involved in anti-national activities and had close links with separatist groups and other anti-India forces. He was using his position at the university to propagate an anti-India narrative. Faheem Aslam is a hardcore member of Pak Embedded High Value Asset (PEHVA) of terror outfits, responsible for promoting and glamorising terrorism through his write-ups that would be published in leading local daily of J&K. Additionally, two other employees, one policeman, and a revenue official, were also sacked for their involvement in similar activities. The decision to remove these individuals from their positions has been met with approval by the students of Kashmir university. They see it as a sign of Lt. Governor Manoj Sinhas determination to root out terrorism from the region. The day he took over, he had said he would ensure the entire ecosystem of terrorism is eradicated, and he is working towards that direction. The youth like me welcome such decisions," said one student. This is not the first time the L-G administration has taken decisive action against those with questionable intentions. Earlier, two doctors were also terminated for forging post-mortem reports on behalf of Pakistan, attempting to distort the truth surrounding the tragic deaths of Asiya and Neelofar, who drowned. More than 50 such individuals have been removed from their government positions as part of this ongoing process, with legal proceedings initiated against some of them. For decades, deserving candidates in Kashmir had their aspirations crushed by a corrupt system that favoured individuals with terror links and political influence. While the common Kashmiris children faced limited opportunities, some separatist leaders ensured privileged positions and quality education for their own children, often resorting to undue influence. However, the tide has turned, and a new era of accountability and transparency has dawned upon the Valley. Over 50 individuals who were either connected to terrorism or employed without following proper norms have been identified and terminated from their positions. This momentous decision marks a significant step towards restoring justice and equality for the people of Kashmir. During the investigation, shocking revelations emerged, exposing the depths of the corrupt practices that had long plagued the region. Some individuals were found to have been given government jobs based on nothing more than a small piece of paper (chits) issued by high-ranking ministers, without any proper appointment orders. This blatant abuse of power had denied genuine candidates their rightful opportunities for growth and development. A government official, who requested to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the issue, commented, We delved into the depths of the system, and what we found was truly disheartening. The very individuals who claimed to fight against discrimination were the ones responsible for perpetuating it, ensuring their own prosperity while depriving the common Kashmiri of their basic rights. The purging of these corrupt elements has not only reinstated a sense of justice but also fostered renewed hope among the youth of Kashmir. With the removal of individuals linked to terrorism, the government is sending a strong message that there is no place for such elements in the regions administration. This resolute stand is bolstering the spirits of the deserving candidates who were once oppressed and discriminated against, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future. As the sun sets over the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir, the Valley now stands witness to the beginning of a new chapter. People rejoice in the fact that justice is finally being served, and the seeds of a transparent and equitable system have been sown. With each corrupt link severed, the shackles that once bound the dreams of the common Kashmiri are slowly being broken, and the echoes of change reverberate through the mountains, carrying the promise of a better tomorrow. This is what has changed in Kashmir after article 370 was removed a local resident commented. Two Chinese nationals were caught by the immigration department in Raxaul, East Champaran district in Bihar while attempting to enter India from Nepal, officials said on Sunday. The incident took place in front of the Indian customs office and the two Chinese men were subsequently brought to the immigration office for investigation, an official statement said. During the probe, it was revealed that both the men nationals, Zhao Jing and Fu Cong, did not possess valid documents. Jing (39) and Cong (28) both hail from Chinas Jiangxi. The two Chinese nationals were caught by the Raxaul Immigration Department on July 2 while attempting to enter India from Nepal without an Indian visa, the statement said. After crossing the border for the first time, both of them were sent back to Nepal with a warning stamped on their passports, indicating entry refusal. They were advised to obtain an Indian visa before attempting to enter India, it added. Immigration officials stationed at the border have not ruled out the possibility of espionage as the reason behind the Chinese nationals illegal movement into Indian territory from across the border, according to a Hindustan Times report. The accused exhibited strange behaviour" and while one of them was fluent in English, their statements were inconsistent and self-contradictory", an official was quoted as saying. The statement came days after one Chinese national was held at the Indo-Nepal border in Kharibari, under West Bengals Darjeeling district, by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). The Bengal police on Wednesday said the accused, 39-year-old Yongxin Peng, who found carrying Chinese goods, was interrogated was reported to be unable to speak Hindi or English. In February, another Chinese national was apprehended by the SSB while attempting to cross into India from Nepal without valid documents. This arrest occurred in Lakhimpur district, Uttar Pradesh. India-China relations have remained strained since the Galwan clashes of 2020. The Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad districts in Uttar Pradesh are facing a risk of a flood-like situation as the water in the Hindon River continues to rise on Sunday. Hindon is a tributary of the Yamuna River, which is again swelling after a surge in discharge from the Hathnikund Barrage, following heavy rain in parts of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Late at night on Saturday, water from the Hindon River entered houses along the banks in Noida and Ghaziabad, following which, police issued an alert regarding the situation. #BreakingNews: Hindon river swells; rising water level wreaks havoc; Ghaziabads Karera village floodedSDM Vinay Kumar Singh and Additional CP Sureshrao Arvind Kulkarni shares details of the current situation, listen in@GoyalYashco reports live | @KuheenaSharma#Ghaziabad pic.twitter.com/hjJylgBrrj News18 (@CNNnews18) July 23, 2023 From Chhijarsi to Ecotech, water entered the houses in three low-lying areas. People were evacuated from their houses. However, the river has not crossed the danger mark anywhere yet", said Suresh Rao A. Kulkarni, Additional Police Commissioner of Noida. As per Kulkarni, as a precautionary measure, police teams have been deployed at places. People were made to stay at nearby schools and Barat houses. Proper arrangements have been made for them. We are keeping an eye on the water level," he said. Yamuna in Delhi once again breached the danger level mark on Sunday. At 8 am today, the water level at Old Yamuna Bridge was recorded at 205.9 meters. The danger mark for the Yamuna River stands at 205.33 meters. After July 13, the Yamuna had been receding gradually after reaching an all-time high of 208.66 meters but there have been marginal fluctuations in the water level over the last two-three days. Due to the increase in the water level of the river, several places in Delhi grappled with water-logging and flood-like situations. Earlier, following a noticeable improvement in the waterlogging situation, the Delhi government lifted the ban on the entry of heavy vehicles into the national capital. HAPPY NATIONAL PARENTS DAY WISHES, SMS, SAYINGS, STATUS UPDATES, AND MORE: National Parents Day is a holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Sunday of July each year. The day is dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the role of parents in the lives of their children. It is a time to honour both mothers and fathers for their commitment, sacrifices, and unconditional love they provide to their families. Here are some wishes, quotes and greetings to wish your parents and people who played the role of a parent on Parents Day. National Parents Day 2023 Wishes and Greetings 1. To the worlds greatest parents, thank you for being my guiding stars and constant sources of love and support. Happy National Parents Day! 2. Wishing a wonderful National Parents Day to the two people who mean the world to me. Your love and care have shaped me into who I am today. 3. On this special day, I want to express my deep appreciation for the sacrifices youve made and the love youve given me. Happy National Parents Day! 4. Thank you for being the pillars of strength and the foundation of our family. Your love is the fuel that keeps us going. Happy Parents Day! 5. Today and every day, I am grateful for the love and care you shower upon me. You are my heroes. Happy National Parents Day! 6. May this National Parents Day be filled with joy and happiness, just like the love youve given me throughout the years. Thank you for everything! 7. You have been my biggest cheerleaders, my confidants, and my mentors. I am blessed to have you as my parents. Happy Parents Day! 8. Your unconditional love and unwavering support have been my anchor through lifes storms. Thank you for always being there for me. Happy National Parents Day! 9. Your love is a priceless gift that I cherish every day. On this special occasion, I want to send all my love back to you. Happy Parents Day! 10. Mom and Dad, you are the heart and soul of our family. Today, I want to celebrate and honor the incredible parents you are. Happy National Parents Day! National Parents Day Quotes Mrunal Thakur surely knows how to channel her inner diva. The actor recently took to Instagram to share pictures from a recent shoot. Recently, the actor shared some stunning pictures from a recent shoot on her Instagram. In these captivating images, Thakur is seen donning an oversized black blazer paired with trousers, complemented by a black bralette adorned with rhinestone-embedded mesh from the renowned brand Miakee. She captioned her post, Shimmer and shine blaze " and left her fans in awe. She kept her makeup minimal with smoky eyes, shaped eyebrows, lots of mascara and rhinestones on her eyelids. Her hair were left open in a slick and clean style. She stuck to nude lips and glowy cheeks. Mrunal Thakur recently charmed the internet with several pictures of herself donning a chic all-black co-ord ensemble for the Bawaal premiere. The coordinated outfit featured a black strapless buttoned top with a well-fitted bodice and pockets, paired elegantly with bootcut black trousers. Her makeup was lightly glamorous, highlighting contoured cheekbones, a crimson lip tint, and shimmering eyes adorned with precise eyeliner. To complement the look, she accessorized with black strappy heels featuring gold elements, a striking set of bangles, elegant gold earrings, and a layered gold necklace. Instead of compromising her glamorous appearance, Mrunal opted for a stylish and neat ponytail. Regarding her professional endeavors, Mrunal Thakur was recently featured in Lust Stories 2, starring alongside Angad Bedi. Additionally, she is set to appear in the Telugu film Nani 30, alongside the renowned actor Natural star Nani. Moreover, Mrunal has an upcoming project with Vijay Deverkonda, though the title remains undisclosed. Furthermore, she has the Hindi film Pooja Mera Naam lined up for the future. A Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow-annexed Crimea caused the "detonation" of an ammunition depot Saturday, the Moscow-installed leader of the peninsula said, ordering the evacuation of people living within five kilometres of the attack and halting rail traffic. The attack came five days after the only bridge linking annexed Crimea to Russia was hit, killing two people. Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014, has been targeted throughout Russia's Ukraine offensive but has come under increasing attack in recent weeks. "As a result of an enemy drone on the Krasnogvardeisky district, there was a detonation at an ammunition depot," official Sergei Aksyonov said on Telegram. "A decision was taken to evacuate people (living) within five kilometres" of the zone, he said. He did not specify which location was hit, saying only it was in the Krasnogvardeisky district, which lies inland at the centre of the Black Sea peninsula. Aksyonov also said train traffic will be stopped on the peninsula. "To minimise risks, it was also decided to halt rail traffic on Crimean railways." Authorities later said that two trains going from Moscow to Crimea's main city of Simferopol and one in the opposite direction had been stopped. Attacks on the Black Sea peninsula have intensified in recent weeks, with Kyiv launching a counteroffensive to retake land lost to Moscow, and saying it also aims to reclaim Crimea. Speaking remotely to the Aspen Security Forum on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia's Crimea bridge must be "neutralised." He said the bridge, inaugurated by President Vladimir Putin in 2018, "supplies ammunition to the Crimean peninsula." Kyiv considers the bridge an "enemy object" built in violation of international law. Asked if Kyiv aims to return Crimea in its counteroffensive, Zelensky said: "The goal is to return all of Crimea, because it is our sovereign state, and our sovereign territory is an integral part of our state." Search Keywords: Short link: NATIONAL THERMAL ENGINEER DAY 2023: Thermal engineering, a sub-discipline of mechanical engineering, focuses on the transfer and movement of heat energy between different mediums and the conversion of heat energy into other forms of energy. Utilizing the principles of thermodynamics, thermal engineers play a crucial role in designing and working with devices like boilers, engines, water pumps, heat sinks, radiators, and nuclear reactors. Additionally, they are instrumental in ensuring the proper functioning of electronic devices we rely on daily. National Thermal Engineer Day, celebrated on July 24, recognises their hard work and dedication. National Thermal Engineer Day 2023: History National Thermal Engineer Day was established in 2014 by thermal engineers at Advanced Thermal Solutions, Inc (ATS). ATS engineers selected July 24 as the date to celebrate National Engineer Day, and the first celebration took place in the year 2015 and eventually secured global recognition. Founded in 1989 as a consulting company, ATS is today a world-renowned engineering and manufacturing company that deals with heat management of electronics. It has its headquarters in Massachusetts, United States. National Thermal Engineer Day 2023: Significance Thermal engineers play a critical role in the functioning and reliability of electronic systems, yet their contributions often go unnoticed. Despite their significant impact on the performance and safety of electronic devices, they receive relatively less attention compared to other professionals in the tech industry. Thermal management is essential to ensure the efficient operation of electronic components and prevent overheating. Without proper heat energy utilization or cooling mechanisms, electronic systems can experience malfunctions, reduced performance, and even pose safety risks. Thermal engineers work tirelessly to design effective heat sinks, cooling solutions, and thermal management strategies to keep electronic devices operating optimally. ATS took the big step of introducing National Thermal Engineer Day to raise awareness about the crucial role thermal engineers play in ensuring the efficiency and safety of electronic devices that we use daily, such as laptops and televisions. This special day serves as a platform to highlight the hard work and dedication of thermal engineers, whose expertise ensures that electronic systems function optimally and are protected from potential hazards due to heat-related issues. Aditya Roy Kapur and Ananya Panday seem to be ready to make their relationship official. The actors were spotted together on Saturday in Adityas car by the cameras just shortly after they returned from their European holiday. In photos shared by paparazzi, Aditya was seen seated on the drivers seat while Ananya was seated next to him. Although Aditya was seen sporting a smile as the shutterbugs took the rumoured couples photos, Ananya was seen hiding her face from the cameras. The actors were seen in casual outfits. Aditya opted for a white shirt while Ananya appeared to be channeling her inner Barbie. For more: Aditya Roy Kapur Smiles, Ananya Panday Tries to Hide Her Face as They Step Out For Date Night Ater the blockbuster teaser drop of Shah Rukh Khans much-awaited action entertainer Jawan, buzz is that the makers will be dropping the first song from the film in the coming week. Jawan which also stars Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi is all set to hit the big screens on September 7. While there has been no official confirmation on the same, a tweet from Pinkvillas journalist Rahul Raut has reported, Following the blockbuster teaser with a massy chartbuster #Jawan FIRST SONG comes out NEXT WEEK! For more: Jawan: Shah Rukh Khan-Atlee To Drop First Song on July 26? Heres What We Know Samantha Ruth Prabhu has been grabbing headlines after she announced taking a break from acting. The actress is currently not doing any film but she has been keeping fans updated about herself. Just like today, the Kushi actress dropped a stunning video in which we can see her sporting a new look. Samanthas new look has left fans going gaga. In no time the video went viral on social media. Taking to her official Instagram handle, Samantha shared a video with no caption but used a white heart emoji. In the video, the actress can be seen wearing an olive green colour backless top and she has cut her hair too short. For more: Samantha Ruth Prabhu Looks Gorgeous In Her Latest New Look, Fans Call Her Cute; Watch Video Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani has been certified but with a few changes. The Karan Johar directorial is all set to release on July 28. Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt are promoting the film in full swing, visiting different cities and interacting with fans. Amid the promotions, a report has now claimed that the Censor Board has watched the film and has requested a few changes, including removal of references to the Lok Sabha. For more: CBFC Asks Karan Johar to Remove Lok Sabha References, Replace Cuss Words in RRKPK: Report Ace fashion designer Manish Malhotra is set to make his directorial debut. Yes, you read it right. If a recent reports were to be believed, Malhotra will soon be directing a biopic of the late legendary actress Meena Kumari which is likely to star Kriti Sanon in the lead. Reportedly, the film is currently in the scripting stage and will be backed by Bhushan Kumar T-Series. Now Manish Malhotra himself has come forward to confirm the news. For more: Manish Malhotra CONFIRMS That He Is Making A Biopic On Meena Kumari; Reveals Rekha Inspired Him Last week, Kangana Ranaut left the internet stunned when she accused a Bollywood couple of being in a fake marriage. Her description of the couple had the internet jumping to the conclusion that she might be talking about Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. While Alia and Ranbir havent reacted to her claims and the online chatter around it, a source close to the couple has claimed that the Brahmastra stars have opted to ignore the incident. The alleged insider added that the couple is apparently baffled by the potshots but have decided not to pay heed to the situation. The alleged grapevine told Koi Moi, They think its best to ignore it. They are baffled by the intensity of the attack. It seems very strange because neither Ranbir nor Alia know this lady (Kangana Ranaut) beyond a hello and hi. News18 couldnt confirm the authencity of the report at the time of publishing. For the unversed, Kangana took to her Instagram Stories last week and said that the couple is allegedly living on separate floors. In another news a farzi husband wife jodi who lives on separate floors and pretend to be a couple are spreading fake news about movie announcements which arent being made also calling a brand owned by Myntra their own besides no one wrote about how wife and daughter was snubbed from a recent family trip, while so called husband was texting me begging and pleading to meet him. This farzi jodi needs to be exposed." While Kangana refrained from taking any names, netizens are convinced that she seemingly took a dig at Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. Ranbir had recently joined his mother Neetu Kapoor in London for her birthday, while Alia Bhatt and daughter Raha stayed back in India. In another Story, Kangana claimed, This is what happens when you marry for movie promotions/ money/ work and not for love this actor who married under the pressure of a mafia daddy was promised a movie trilogy in return for marrying papa ki pari, movie trilogy has been canned and now he is desperately trying to break free from the fake marriage But sadly no takers for him now He must focus on his wife and daughter This is India ek baar shaadi ho gayi toh ho gayi aab sudhar jaao." On the work front, Ranbir and Alia are busy with their respective projects. While Ranbir is preparing for the release of Animal, Alia will be seen in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani releasing on July 28. Amitabh Bachchan is part of Nag Ashwins magnum opus Kalki 2898 AD, the thrilling teaser of which was earlier unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con. The film also starring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Kamal Haasan and others is touted to be one of the most expensive films ever made in India. Hence, being unravelled at the Comic Con was a huge feat for the entire as it became the first Indian film to get a slot there. Now the actor has explained in his blog as to why he couldnt be physically present for the same. Penning his thoughts on Saturday, Amitabh Bachchan expressed in his blog, Alright .. so San Diego and K, the project .. a great moment for the film and the makers and all those that went there for the release of the first look for it I was pushed hard by Nagi Sir to come along but work and medical restrictions have kept me away from many such occasions .. so .. but I must admit the first look was pretty darn good .. wasnt it .. style, music, frames .. everything." The Brahmastra actor continued,"And finally the reveal of K .. KALKI mythologically so important .. 2898 AD!! AD has been changed has it not? Yes .. AD, which I think was anno domini, meaning in the year of the Lord.. was changed to CE common era .. and BC, became BCE before common era! Why so .. have no idea .. it was related to the birth of Christ, before and after, hence .. but, each region in the World has its own year and month and named according to their calculated calendars. Making history, Project K became the first-ever Indian film to debut at the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) in 2023. Before the event, a billboard for Project K at Times Square, New York City, teased the audience with the message, First glimpse on July 20." Earlier, the first look of Prabhas was revealed. In the poster, Prabhas, dubbed the Rebel Star of the film sported a metal armour, dreadlocks and a thick beard. The sci-fi fantasy thriller is scheduled to release next year in January. Apart from Prabhas and Ran Daggubati, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone and Nag Ashwin took part in the panel discussion. Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor starrer Bawaal is getting a positive response from the audience. The film was directly released on the digital platform. Many celebrities have praised the romantic drama and keeping up with the trend Hansal Mehta also lauded Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor starrer Bawaal. He described it as a sweet film." Taking to his Twitter handle, Hansal wrote, I found Bawaal to be quite a sweet film. Has its heart in the right place. Makes you laugh, cry, smile and entertains you even where some of the dialogues seem misplaced in their use of world-war metaphors. The intention never feels misplaced. Try the film. Recently, Lisa Ray has slammed Janhvi Kapoor for comparing a relationship with Auschwitz. The actress has a dialogue saying, Har rishta apne-apne Auschwitz se guzarta hai. Take a look at the tweet here: I found Bawaal to be quite a sweet film. Has its heart in the right place. Makes you laugh, cry, smile and entertains you even where some of the dialogues seem misplaced in their use of world-war metaphors. The intention never feels misplaced. Try the film. Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) July 22, 2023 Earlier in the day, Janhvi also expressed her gratitude to fans for showering love on the film. The movie follows the journey of Ajay Dixit aka Ajju (Varun Dhawan), a small-town high school history teacher, and his newlywed wife Nisha (Janhvi Kapoor) who decide to go on, a Second World War trail across Europe by visiting Poland, the Netherlands, and Germany due to an incident in Ajjjus life. The couple, who is already suffering from a strained marriage, struggles to remain afloat despite a series of events that put their love to the test and make them face their inner demons. Tiwari successfully manages to use World War-2 as a metaphor and the backdrop of the story. On the work front, Varun will be next seen in Citadel which also stars Samantha Ruth Prabhu. He also has an action thriller with Atlee which will be releasing next year. While Janhvi Kapoor will be seen in Mr And Mrs Mahi next and she has also started shooting for Ulajh. Billed as a patriotic thriller, the film is directed by National Award winner Sudhanshu Saria and produced by Junglee Pictures. It also features Gulshan Devaiah and Roshan Mathew. Ace fashion designer Manish Malhotra is set to make his directorial debut. Yes, you read it right. If a recent reports were to be believed, Malhotra will soon be directing a biopic of the late legendary actress Meena Kumari which is likely to star Kriti Sanon in the lead. Reportedly, the film is currently in the scripting stage and will be backed by Bhushan Kumar T-Series. Now Manish Malhotra himself has come forward to confirm the news. In an interview with Film Companion, Manish Malhotra revealed that he is still caught up with the scripting process. He shared, I dont know how it got out but it is happening. We are still working on the script. The script is key, always. I have been reading her books. The film is based on her books. I have always been fascinated by Meena Kumari. He added, Rekha told me once that you know when you turn 40, you will understand the genius of Meena Kumari. And that is true. But I was young and I was busy working but when I turned 40 I not only understood the genius of Meena Kumari but even Nargis ji and Dilip Kumar and Guru Dutt. I started watching that cinema and understanding it so much better. I think Meena Kumari is phenomenal with her expressions, the way she uses her eyes and her adaa." Meena Kumari, who passed away at the age of 38 from liver cirrhosis, acted in nearly 90 films and left a lasting impression on Hindi cinema. The biopic is Manishs way to honour her legacy and the impact she left on the industry and cine-goers alike, reports claim. Tajdar Amrohi, son of Meena Kumaris husband Kamal Amrohi, raised concerns about it. Speaking of the conversation between his lawyer and him, Tajdar told Bollywood Bubble, My lawyer asked me has the film even started. I told him no, I have just heard about it. Even big production houses like to be in news. So, he told me that in case they decide to shelve the project in future, it would come across as I am publicity hungry. I am making enemies in vain. I dont want to do that. People would think I am publicity hungry, but I am not that way. He added, Is this the only couple in Bollywood left to make a film on? With all due respect to Nargis ji, Vyjanthimala ji, Reena Rai, Madhubala, Parveen Babi, Geeta Bali, there are many names. Why arent they making films on them? Why are they only behind my parents? Tajdar Amrohi acknowledged Kritis talent as an actress but advised her against portraying Meena Kumari on screen to preserve the legendary actress reputation. He also said that although Kriti is a talented actress, he believes she should refrain from portraying Meena Kumari on screen to safeguard the legendary actress reputation. He went on to say that a big announcement about the alleged biopic will soon be made. Alia Bhatt has come a long way in her career and this journey, she has essayed some strong roles on screen which is still fresh in the minds of her fans including Sehmaat in Raazi. Meghna Gulzars directorial was loved by all sections. Recently, a popular personality Sudha Murty showered praise on Alia Bhatt for her stellar acting prowess. In a heartfelt appreciation, she recalled being moved to tears while watching the actresss performance in the critically acclaimed movie Raazi. In a recent interview with Kunal Vijaykar, the teacher and philanthropist expressed her love for watching films. Praising Alia, she said, I normally dont cry in theatre but I cried watching her in Raazi. She is a really good actor. In the same interview, she revealed watching her first film in 1958 and since then she has been a fan of Vyjanthimala. Recently, in The Kapil Sharma Show, Murty revealed that the late actor Dilip Kumar was her hero when she was young. She said, When I was young, my hero was Dilip Kumar. He was simply lajawaab (incredible). Next to him, another actor who can act with that kind of emotion is Shah Rukh Khan. Coming back to Raazi, the spy thriller revolves around the real-life story of an Indian woman who marries a Pakistani military officer (Vicky Kaushal) to serve as an undercover spy during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Alia Bhatts portrayal of the brave and resilient protagonist garnered widespread acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Alia Bhatt has consistently delivered powerful performances in a wide range of roles. Who could forget her performance in Highway? On the work front, Alia is gearing up for her next release Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani co starring Ranveer Singh. The actors are currently busy promoting the film. It is releasing this month itself. Apart from this, she is also making her Hollywood debut with Heart of Stone. It was a special day for four-year-old Aprameya, the grandson of late union minister Ananth Kumar, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his very first visit to Delhi on Thursday (July 20). Giving company to his grandmother and Karnataka BJP vice-president Tejaswini Ananth Kumar, who was scheduled to meet the prime minister, the boy kept asking his family members if all the leaders they met on the way Nitin Gadkari, Rajnath Singh, Pralhad Joshi among others were friends of his thatha (grandfather). The family said Prime Minister Modi immediately made the four-year-old feel at ease, engaging him in a conversation and offering him chocolates. In fact, when he asked the child what he wanted to be when he grew up, pat came the reply: Hanuman! But, on a more serious note, Aprameya told the PM that he wanted to join the military. After a brief round of introduction, the prime minister asked the child his full name, to which he replied: Aprameya Ananth Pratap Singh. To this, PM Modi joked and said: But I cannot see any seeng (horns) on you. The family said PM Modi offered him a plate full of chocolates, like he does whenever he meets other children. He also asked Aprameya to take all and only hand them out to those interested. They further said it was indeed a special day for Aprameya as he was born after the death of Ananth Kumar, and he had only heard stories about him from his mother and grandmother. Modis connection with Ananth Kumar and his family goes back over three decades. During his conversation with Tejaswini, the PM recalled those days, including the two leaders visit to the US. Tejaswini Ananth Kumar also runs Adamya Chetana Foundation in Bengaluru and, through her projects, has provided food, education and healthcare to thousands. At least two lakh children are being provided midday meals through the foundation across Karnataka. The PM spoke to her in detail about her work and the initiatives of the foundation, including zero-garbage kitchen. It was a deep conversation where the prime minister asked her about the minutest of details, including the welfare of the staff. It was truly impressive a family member told News18. Only recently, after meeting Modi, BJP MP Poonam Mahajans daughter Avika Rao had said the PM was like a cool grandfather. Former union minister Ram Kripal Yadavs grandson was also delighted with his conversation with the PM about Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The daughter of Ujjain MP Anil Firozia had Modi in splits after she told him that she thought he worked with Lok Sabha TV, the television channel that covers central government proceedings. The way Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working for the development of the country, it will be a subject for researchers in the future, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Sunday. Speaking at a programme of the State Engineers Association in Agartala, Saha said the Northeast witnessed massive development during the tenure of Modi, whether it is improvement in internet connectivity or the expansion of the aviation infrastructure. PM Modi has been working silently for the welfare of the country and its people. The way he has been working for the development of the country, it will be a subject for researchers in the future. The development works in the pre-Modi era and post-Modi era will be a subject for Ph.D," he said. Saha also hailed the states engineers for helping in developing the infrastructure, and said his government will take steps to fill up the vacant posts. Engineers are partners in development. After a decade, engineers in government departments have been given promotions, leading to several vacancies. The government will take steps to fill up the vacant posts," he said. Saha said the BJP-led government in Tripura was following the footsteps of the prime minister who is taking the country to a new height. The Cupertino-based tech giant Apple, known for launching new iPhones usually in September every year, may face a delay with the iPhone 15 series launch in 2023. According to a recent report, the iPhone 15 series smartphones could hit the markets only in October instead of September. Bank of America global securities analyst Wamsi Mohan suggested that Apples iPhone 15 devices could be delayed by a few weeks," but he did not provide a reason for the delay. Reports suggest that the delay in the iPhone 15 series launch might affect Apples sales in the September quarter. Moreover, limited availability of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max is expected at launch in September due to screen manufacturing issues. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will have slimmer bezels than the iPhone 14 Pro models, and it is this decrease in bezel size that is creating issues, MacRumors reported. According to The Information, Apple suppliers are using a new display manufacturing process to shrink the bezel size, and it is causing problems with displays made by LG Display. Apple had a similar problem with the Apple Watch Series 7 display size increase in 2019, and that device was delayed by about a month. The LG displays are failing reliability tests during a process where the display is fused to the metal shell. Apple is tweaking the design of the LG display so it can pass the tests, and it still has displays from Samsung that it can use for assembly. Contrary to the Bank of America report, The Information said that Apple will not delay the launch of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, there will be fewer units available at the initial launch, leading to potential shortages. The manufacturing issue will primarily impact the iPhone 15 Pro Max, making it the most challenging device to obtain upon release. Russia has repeatedly fired missiles and drones at Ukrainian ports key to sending grain to the world. Moscow has declared large swaths of the Black Sea dangerous for shipping. Even the U.S. said ships are at risk of being targeted. There is still interest from ship owners in carrying Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea if they can mitigate the risk, according to a major shipping group. And thats a big if. Despite the warnings and port attacks, which have leveled grain infrastructure, shipping has always been very, very resilient in the face of these sorts of risks, said John Stawpert, senior manager of environment and trade for the International Chamber of Shipping, which represents 80 percent of the worlds commercial fleet. This weeks strikes came after Russia pulled out of a wartime accord that the U.N. and Turkey brokered last year to provide safeguards for shipping companies in a bid to end a global food crisis. Ukraine which, along with Russia, is a major supplier of wheat, barley and vegetable oil to developing nations shipped 32.9 million metric tons of grain to the world and supplied 80 percent of the World Food Programs wheat for humanitarian aid so far this year. Following the grain deals collapse, Ukraine sent a letter to the U.N. International Maritime Organization establishing its own temporary shipping corridor, saying it would provide guarantees of compensation for damage. But Russia warned this week that ships traversing parts of the Black Sea would assume to be carrying weapons to Ukraine. In a seeming tit-for-tat move, Ukraine said vessels heading to Russian Black Sea ports would be considered carrying military cargo with all the associated risks. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin said Friday that the navy will check vessels to ensure they are not carrying weapons before taking other action. Continued shipments from Ukraine will depend on vessels getting insurance for potential damage or injuries and deaths to crew members and how the safety risks play out. Ships that were exporting Ukrainian grain can be worth tens of millions of dollars, have 20 to 22 sailors on board and carry food also worth tens of millions, according to Jayendu Krishna, deputy head of maritime advisers at Drewry, a maritime research consultancy. All ships go through threat assessments to allow crews to protect against problems before setting sail, which have grown in importance as ships deal with piracy, terrorism and war zones. For the Black Sea, the risks for ships would be: explosive mines, becoming collateral damage at ports or being targeted themselves, which Stawpert said would be a huge escalation. The million-dollar question is whether the threats to merchant shipping are serious and whether theyll be followed through. And theres no firm way of knowing that until it actually happens, Stawpert said, adding that he has not yet heard from insurers. With Russias warnings, it is unlikely that underwriters will want to cover that risk, said the International Union of Marine Insurance, which represents national and international marine insurers. The group thought it was unlikely owners would put their ships and crews in danger, echoed by Munro Anderson, head of operations for Vessel Protect, which assesses war risks at sea and provides insurance with backing from Lloyds, whose members make up the worlds largest insurance marketplace. He didnt directly speak to whether underwriting businesses like his would take on the risk but said without protections for ships like they had under the grain deal, safety conditions cannot be guaranteed. Krishna said the only way to mitigate risk was through insurance from the 12 providers making up the International Group of P&I Clubs, which offers liability coverage for about 90 percent of the worlds cargo shipped by sea, according to its website. P&I clubs will be wary of even insuring without a guarantee from the U.N. or some other body, he said. The International Group of P&I Clubs said its CEO was the only one who could comment and that he was on vacation. Individual clubs either declined to comment or did not respond to calls or emails. The head of the seafarers division of the International Transport Workers Federation, a union for crew members, said the question should be whether its too risky right now to ask sailors to go to Ukrainian ports. The minds of seafarers wont be on questions of insurance cover, but more likely on whether their lives are safe amidst the fighting, David Heindel said in a statement, adding that crews should never be targeted just for doing their job. In the meantime, some analysts expect most of what Ukraine was going to ship through the Black Sea will get out by road, rail and river through Europe, but the transportation costs will be higher and likely lead to lower production by Ukrainian farmers. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Thursday that Ukraine has made progress in improving those routes but that the best way to export grain is through the Black Sea. Thats how 75 percent of the countrys grain got to the world before the war, analysts say. Plus, the routes have created divisions in the European Union, with five countries saying Wednesday that they want to extend a ban on Ukrainian grain imports through the end of the year. While Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria would keep allowing grain to move through their borders to world markets, their bans could create challenges like infrastructure backups that might give preference to local grain before Ukraines products, said Carlos Mera, head of agricultural commodities markets at Rabobank. The five countries say Ukrainian grain has flooded their markets, leading to a glut that drove down prices for their farmers and stirring protests. They signed a joint declaration ahead of EU talks next week, urging officials to work out ways of getting Ukrainian food to the world without hurting their agricultural industries. Its another hurdle for Ukraine and possibly for developing countries already struggling with high local food prices, which are helping drive hunger. Wheat prices have risen about 17 percent over the last week, and poorer nations that are forced to pay more on world markets for the ingredient for staples like bread and pasta means many millions of people being pushed into food insecurity, Mera said. Search Keywords: Short link: South Korean tech giant Samsung is set to host its Galaxy Unpacked 2023 event on July 26 (Wednesday). The company is expected to launch the most anticipated foldable smartphones Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5, including the new Galaxy Tab S9 and the Galaxy Watch 6 series The Galaxy Unpacked 2023 event will be streamed live on the Samsung website, Samsung Newsroom, and Samsungs YouTube channel beginning at 4:30 p.m. IST in India. The company has not disclosed the price and specifications of the new foldables, but rumors have already circulated regarding them. According to reports, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 will be available for sale in India from August 14. Pre-reservations can be made on the Samsung site, Amazon, Flipkart, and Samsung-exclusive retail stores, with benefits worth Rs. 5,000 for pre-reserving customers. Pre-orders for the handsets will start on July 26, right after their launch, said 91mobiles in its report. Leaks also suggested that the Galaxy Z Fold 5 will come in three storage variants: 256GB, priced at EUR 1,899, 512GB at EUR 2,039, and 1TB at EUR 2,279. It will be offered in Black, Blue, and Cream color options. On the other hand, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is expected to have two storage options: 256GB at EUR 1,199 and 512GB at EUR 1,339. It will be available in Cream, Graphite, Lavender, and Water Green color variants. Coming to specifications, both the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 are expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is rumored to feature a 7.6-inch full-HD+ (1,812 x 2,176 pixels) Dynamic AMOLED main display, along with a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED cover screen. On the other hand, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is said to come with a 6.7-inch full-HD+ (1,080 x 2,640 pixels) Dynamic AMOLED primary panel and a 3.4-inch outer display. In what comes as a strange incident, a man lost nearly Rs 6,000 after he used the toilet inside a Vande Bharat Express train at the Rani Kamalapati railway station in Bhopal. Recognised as Abdul Qadir, the Hyderabad based man was traveling to Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh with his wife and son. The family arrived in Bhopal and were about to take another train to Singrauli. At the station, the man felt a need to urinate but was unable to find a toilet nearby. This is when he entered a Vande Bharat Express. Also Read: Passenger Protests Halal Tea Packs Being Served in Vande Bharat Express, Video Ignites Discussion However, when he came out of the toilet, he found the doors were locked and the train was leaving the station. He approached the police and ticket collectors for help but was told that only the train driver could open the door. On approaching the driver, he was stopped. As a result, the man was fined Rs 1,020 for boarding the train without a ticket. He got down from the train at Ujjain and had to pay Rs 750 for a bus ticket. His family, stranded in Bhopal, decided to not take the train to Singrauli and were worried about him. The cost of the tickets was Rs 4,000, which was then wasted. In total, the man lost Rs 5,760. Also Read: Wholesome Video of Karan Johar, Kajol Goes Viral And Now Everyone Wants to Be Friends With The Actress Meanwhile, in another incident from Vande Bharat Express, a passenger refused to use tea packets with Halal certification. A video of the same incident went viral on social media. In the video, the man can be seen speaking to an official while he tries to pacify him. He claims that all of these products are vegetarian. The video has sparked debate on Twitter regarding food certification and its religious connotations. The video has been filmed by the passenger himself as he keeps asking one question. Cambodians voted Sunday in an election that longtime leader Hun Sen is all but guaranteed to win as he looks to secure his legacy by handing the reins to his eldest son. The 70-year-old former Khmer Rouge cadre has ruled since 1985 and faces no real contest in this vote, with opposition parties banned, challenger candidates forced to flee and freedom of expression stifled. His Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) is likely to retain all 125 seats in the lower house, prolonging his grip on power and paving the way for a dynastic succession some critics have compared to North Korean politics. The only serious opposition party was disqualified on a technicality in the runup to the polls and it will be a surprise if any of the 17 other small, poorly funded parties win seats. Hun Sen cast his ballot in the capital Phnom Penh shortly after polling stations opened at 7:00 am (0000 GMT), according to AFP journalists at the scene. More than 9.7 million people are registered to vote in the seventh election since the United Nations first sponsored polls in 1993 after years of conflict including the genocidal Khmer Rouge left the country devastated. Over the last 30 years what hopes the international community might have had for a vibrant multi-party democracy in Cambodia have been flattened by the juggernaut of Hun Sens rule. The veteran PM has begun to look to the future, saying he would hand over to his son, four-star general Hun Manet possibly even in the coming weeks. The 45-year-old scion led the final CPP rally in Phnom Penh ahead of polling day, telling a raucous crowd on Friday that it was victory day" for the country. Critics would disagree, and rights groups have condemned the upcoming election. On the eve of voting, a 17-strong coalition including the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) characterised the polls as being of profound concern". The upcoming electoral exercise indicates a notable absence of transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in the electoral process," the coalition said in a statement issued Saturday. - Parties dissolved - The only real challenge to Hun Sens CPP had come from the Candlelight Party (CP). But in May, the countrys electoral body refused to register it, rendering it illegible to compete. The decision came after the party performed better than expected at last years local elections, winning 22 percent of the popular vote. Internationally, Hun Sen has played off tensions between the United States and China, racking up huge sums in Chinese investment that came with no demands for democratic reforms. Speaking before the vote, the CP told AFP that the registration decision meant there was no way the election could be either free or fair. As for results, everyone knows who will win," said Rong Chhun, the partys vice-president. Ahead of the election, freedom of speech has been heavily stifled, with one of the few remaining independent news outlets, Voice of Democracy, shut down earlier this year. And last month, Hun Sen ordered election laws changed, banning anyone who fails to vote in the upcoming poll from ever running for office a move that will affect exiled rivals. Among those challengers is longtime foe Sam Rainsy, who has been in self-exile in France for almost a decade to avoid criminal convictions he says are politically motivated. Domestically, opposition leader Kem Sokha languishes under house arrest, after being sentenced to 27 years for treason over an alleged plot with foreigners to topple Hun Sens government. - I cannot evaluate - In the days ahead of the polls, capital Phnom Penh was blanketed by huge posters of Hun Sen. But many are now looking to Hun Manet, educated in the United States and Britain, wondering if a change in leadership might bring change to the country. For me, I want to see his work first then I can evaluate," one 73-year-old Cambodian told AFP. For now, I cannot evaluate anything at the moment," he added, declining to give his name. Polls are due to close at 3:00 pm, with early results expected within hours. Four people in Canada, including two children, were reported missing Saturday in flooding triggered by torrential rains in Nova Scotia, police said. The children were in a car that was submerged, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said. The three other people in the car managed to escape. In a separate incident in the eastern province, a youth and a man were reported missing under similar circumstances, the police agency said. Heavy rains falling since Friday in Nova Scotia have cut off roads and flooded homes. Premier Tim Houston told a news briefing that the province had received some 25 cm (10 inches) of rain the equivalent of three months rainfall in less than 24 hours. Houston declared a state of emergency in several areas of the province and urged residents not to join the search for the missing as conditions remain dangerous." He estimated that it would take several days for the water to recede. People in the Windsor region got evacuation orders in the middle of the night because of the danger that flooding would cause the breach of a dam. But relief valves were opened early Saturday to reduce pressure and the situation is now under control, said Windsor Mayor Abraham Zebian. News footage and images on social media showed roads that looked like rivers and many cars abandoned in the water. Environment Canadas weather service said heavy rain was expected into the evening in the eastern part of the province. Former US President Donald Trump would defeat incumbent Joe Biden if the presidential race were held now, winning by a five-percentage-point margin in a head-to-head matchup. As per a Harvard-Harris poll released on Friday, Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is gaining ground on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, trailing by only two points after an eight-point surge in the polls. In a hypothetical race against US Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump would lead by a more significant margin of seven percent. The survey, conducted with 2,068 registered voters, reflects a widespread sense of discontent across the country for both major party candidates, with 70 percent seeking an alternative option, according to the New York Post. A majority of respondents agreed that President Biden was mentally unfit to continue serving as President, with 59 percent expressing doubts about his fitness for office, mainly GOP voters at 85 percent. Moreover, 68 percent of respondents believe Biden is too old to hold the presidency. Trump remains ahead in the Republican presidential primary, despite the rise of Ramaswamy. In a head-to-head match between DeSantis and Trump for the Republican nomination, the former President is projected to win with a landslide victory, garnering 63 percent of the vote. The poll also sought opinions on favorability towards political figures, with Robert F Kennedy Jr. topping the list with a favorable rating of 47 percent and an unfavorable rating of 26 percent. Donald Trump followed with a favorable rating of 45 percent but a higher unfavorable rating of 49 percent. Earlier this month, a survey by Echelon Insights found that 48 percent of swing state voters would support Trump in next years election, compared to 41 percent favoring Biden. However, in a straight head-to-head nationwide poll, Biden is slightly ahead of Trump by 45 percent to 44 percent. Among likely Democratic voters, 60 percent said they would definitely" or probably" back Biden in a Democratic presidential primary, while 33 percent would support a different Democratic candidate, and 7 percent were unsure. How old is your car? Usually an impolite question in an environment fed to attach graded shame to aging cars. But, in Britain, this question has progressed from a socially impolite one to a deeply political question. That question came up in the by-election in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, the constituency of former prime minister Boris Johnson in the outer suburbs of London. Out of the three bypolls held, the Conservative Party were wiped out by miles in two. They nosedived from a massive majority in their heartland into losses by substantial margins. But they just about held onto Uxbridge and South Ruislip, winning by a wafer-thin margin of 495 votes. This is where cars drove the results. Both the Conservative candidate and Labour leadership agreed on that. Labour leadership, excluding London mayor Sadiq Khan whose unpopular policy to fine older and more emission-heavy cars, everyone agrees, drove voters against the Labour candidate and handed Steve Tuckwell and the Conservative Party a win neither was expecting. It was about cars hitting the ripe old age of 18 or so. It is generally thought that cars made in 2005 or later would be compliant with the new emissions standards. For a start, we would be saying a substantial number of people in the Uxbridge constituency cannot afford to drive cars less than 18 years old. And this is not some particularly poor area, quite the opposite; it is far more prosperous than many in Britain. So we would be saying then that millions across Britain cannot afford a car less than 18 years of age. That is quite a change from the requirements for cars that middle-class India faces. Cars of that age are simply not allowed to be driven on Delhi roads. In London, under the emissions scheme, you could still own and drive them even if it is at a charge of 12 pounds per day. The age of an owned car is not necessarily a socially scientific standard of prosperity, but as a rough and ready guide, it still does say something. A possible loophole in such rough indexing is that many Uxbridge voters do own and drive newer cars but oppose the new emissions standards, which correspond to Euro 4 for petrol cars, on principle or in solidarity with less prosperous neighbours. The London mayors office said the expansion of the measure from August 29 would reduce pollution by about 5 percent; critics said it will make no more than a 1 percent difference. The emissions charge is already in place within the equivalent of Londons Ring Road. The new move will take it further down to the suburbs, where Londoners are increasingly moving, such as Uxbridge and South Ruislip. But enough of them believe that the expanded move would clean up bank accounts more than they could the air. Just why they believe this will demand a census of the age of cars in the constituency. Labour is not keen on that because they lost, and the Conservatives dont care because they won somehow. Three people were hurt in a knife attack on a train in western Japan on Sunday, with police saying they had arrested a man for allegedly carrying out the stabbings. The victims a train conductor in his 20s and two male passengers aged in their 20s and 70s were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, Tetsuya Sakagami from a nearby fire department told AFP. The 37-year-old male suspect was armed with three knives when he was arrested at Rinku Town station in the Osaka region, local police told AFP. He was arrested for attempted murder and has already admitted to carrying out the attack on Sunday morning, police said, adding they were still investigating the motive. Violent crime is rare in Japan, which has a low murder rate and some of the worlds toughest gun laws. But there are occasional stabbings and even shootings, including the assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe last year. In 2021, a 24-year-old man allegedly stabbed a passenger and started a fire on a train in Tokyo on Halloween while wearing an outfit resembling comic book villain the Joker. A verdict, in that case, is due to be handed down on July 31. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was doing great" Sunday following surgery to fit a pacemaker, as his hard-right governments controversial judicial overhaul plan neared a key vote in parliament. Tens of thousands of protesters have again taken to the streets against Netanyahus proposal to curb the powers of judges, which critics fear will undermine Israels democracy, while lawmakers started discussing a major plank of the package. A vote is expected in the Knesset Monday on a bill that would limit Supreme Court judges ability to strike down government decisions they deem unreasonable". As the crisis looked set to come to a head, Netanyahus office announced overnight that the 73-year-old would undergo surgery to fit a pacemaker, days after he had been hospitalised for a reported spell of dizziness. On Sunday afternoon, Netanyahu thanked his supporters for their concern and the doctors at Sheba Medical Center for their care. As you can see, I am doing great," a seated Netanyahu said in a video released by his office. Were continuing our efforts to complete the legislation, and the efforts to do it in agreement (with the opposition)," he said, wearing a suit jacket open at the neck. Either way, I want you to know that tomorrow (Monday) morning Im joining my friends at parliament," he said, with a spokesman for the hospital telling AFP the premier was still at Sheba. Earlier in the day, Sheba said Netanyahus condition was good," and that he remained in the cardiology department for observation. Netanyahus government, which includes far-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish allies, argues that the proposed reforms will prevent overreach by unelected judges and ensure a better balance of power. Opponents accuse Netanyahu, who has been fighting corruption charges in court, of a conflict of interest and some protesters have labelled him the crime minister". We have to keep up the pressure, we have to safeguard our democracy," said one demonstrator, Amir Goldstein, who had spent the night in a protest camp outside parliament. Inside the chamber, centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid said: We want to continue to live in a Jewish and a democratic state We must stop this legislation." Scheduled trips Netanyahu had been due to make to Turkey and Cyprus this week have been postponed because of his medical condition, but no new dates had yet been fixed, said his office, where Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin temporarily assumed the premiers duties. - We can still stop - The proposed judicial revamp has split the nation and, since its unveiling in January, set off one of the biggest protest movements in Israels history, also sparking concern in Washington and among other allies abroad. Opposition figure Benny Gantz called for a halt to the legislative process on the bills. We can still stop, come to an agreement on the reasonability clause," he told the Knesset. We have to stop everything." The debate was expected to last into Monday morning, with more than 20 lawmakers scheduled to speak against the bill, according to a list provided by parliament. If approved, the reasonability" clause would be the first major component of the overhaul to become law. Other proposed changes include allowing the government a greater say in the appointment of judges. The protests, meanwhile, have drawn support from across the political and social spectrum, among secular and religious groups, peace activists and military reservists, blue-collar and tech sector workers. Tens of thousands protested in Tel Aviv again on Saturday, for a 29th straight week, many wearing shirts emblazoned with the word Democracy". On Sunday, hundreds of protesters, many carrying Israeli flags, marched through Israeli-annexed east Jerusalems Old City and prayed at the Western Wall, the holiest place where Jews can pray. More protests were planned for later Sunday, when government supporters were also scheduled to rally. One protester opposed to the judicial reform package, Shanna Orlik, said she was rallying against what she called a misogynist and far-right government". We dont have a constitution, and the only thing that protects our rights is the Supreme Court, and the government intends to destroy that," she said. More than 12,000 Pakistanis are currently languishing in jails across 67 nations, with a significant number of citizens incarcerated in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to a recent disclosure by Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Out of the total, 3,100 individuals each, are held in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In addition to this, Greece houses 811 Pakistani prisoners, a country previously in the news due to a boat tragedy that claimed the lives of over 200 Pakistanis. The data indicates that India detains 683 Pakistanis, Iraq holds 672, Italy has 586, Oman incarcerates 540, and the United Kingdom detains 275 Pakistani nationals. Weak regulation of labour migration in Pakistan leaves thousands of mostly low-wage Pakistani male workers vulnerable to human trafficking, forced labour, ill-treatment in detention overseas and even the risk of death, the Justice Project Pakistan said. The Pak foreign ministry highlighted its dedication to addressing the plight of these prisoners and supporting overseas Pakistanis. The Pakistan Community Welfare and Education Fund (PCW&EF), managed by the ministry, plays a crucial role in providing legal assistance to imprisoned Pakistanis, including covering lawyers fees, fines, and repatriation expenses for destitute prisoners. In a written response, Pakistans Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said the countrys foreign ministry is fully cognisant of its responsibilities toward overseas Pakistanis, especially those who are imprisoned in foreign jails. Our missions are continuously engaged with the local governments in order to facilitate prisoners in the best possible manner, he said. As per Pakistani media reports, the countrys missions abroad promptly engage with the local authorities through the foreign affairs ministry of the respective nation to secure consular access. The report said all necessary measures are taken to release, consular services, and repatriate the prisoners. Moreover, legal assistance is offered on a need basis, including hiring lawyers, providing translation services, and supporting prisoners cases, according to Dawn. Apart from consular visits, Pakistani missions also reach out to prisoners on significant occasions, such as their Independence Day and Eid holidays. During these visits, prisoners receive essential items, including toiletries and sweets. Additionally, the missions initiate mercy petitions for convicted prisoners in the host countries royal courts and offer support to prisoners families by arranging telephonic calls and facilitating in-person visits. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Sunday that Kyivs counteroffensive had failed", as he began two-day talks with his Belarus counterpart and closest ally Alexander Lukashenko. The longtime leaders met for the first time since Lukashenko helped end a mutiny by Russian Wagner mercenaries in Russia last month, in the biggest threat to Putins more than two-decade rule. There is no counteroffensive," Lukashenko said, before being interrupted by Putin: There is one, but it has failed." The pair met in Putins native Saint Petersburg, hours after the Russian army had struck Ukraines Black Sea port of Odesa. In a sign of the importance of the meeting, Putin said he had changed some of my plans" so that talks with Lukashenko could last two days. The Russian leader said the pair would discuss security in our region." The Belarus strongman now hosts Wagner fighters on his territory, after brokering a deal that convinced its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin to end a march on Moscow and exile himself to Belarus. Lukashenko said Minsk was controlling" the situation with the notorious Wagner fighters, and restricting them to staying in the centre of the reclusive country. Wagners presence in Belarus has rattled EU and NATO member Poland, which has strengthened its border. Both Putin and Lukashenko accused Warsaw of having territorial ambitions on Ukraine and Belarus, with the Belarusian strongman issuing a veiled threat. They are asking to go West, ask me for permission to go on a trip to Warsaw, to Rzeszow," Lukashenko said, referring to Wagner fighters, to Putin, who smiled. But of course, I am keeping them in central Belarus, like we agreed". We are controlling what is happening (with Wagner)," he said, adding: They are in a bad mood." - Poland comments - Lukashenko thanked Putin for vowing to defend Belarus should it be attacked. The comments came two days after Putin said western Poland was a gift from Stalin. Lukashenko accused Poland of trying to rip off a western chunk" of Ukraine. He also accused Poland of bringing mercenaries to the border, saying he had brought him a map of moving armed forces of Poland to the borders of the union state". Warsaw has said it would strengthen its eastern border after Wagner fighters arrived in Belarus. On Sunday, its defence minister Mariusz Blaszczak said a new battalion of sappers would be formed in the countrys north-east, while on a visit to the Polish north-eastern city of Augustow. He said Polish, US, British, Romanian and Croatian soldiers were training shoulder to shoulder." Warsaw this week summoned the Russian ambassador over Putins Poland remarks. After their talks, Putin and Lukashenko greeted crowds in the naval town and base of Kronstadt on Kotlin Island in a rare walkabout. Russias Kommersant newspaper posted a video of Putin and Lukashenko posing for photographs with people, with bodyguards standing nearby. Asked about quarantine rules which the Russian leader has been keeping up strictly since the pandemic, Putin replied: People are more important than quarantine." Several days after Wagner had ended its mutiny last month, Putin met with adoring crowds in Dagestan in an apparent show of popularity. Russia said Friday that it understood the concerns African nations may have after Moscow left the Ukrainian grain deal, promising to ensure deliveries to countries in need. Those countries in need would receive the necessary assurances at a summit later this month, Russian deputy foreign minister Sergey Vershinin told journalists. "We understand the concerns our African friends may have," said Vershinin. "But I want to say that these concerns are not only understandable but will be fully taken into account. "The countries in need in the course of contacts with us and in the course of the upcoming Russia-Africa summit will naturally receive the necessary assurances regarding their needs for agricultural products -- first of all grain," he added. The summit is expected to be held in Russia's second city Saint Petersburg in late July. Vershinin's comments came days after Russia exited the landmark grain deal that allowed the safe passage of cargo ships carrying Ukrainian grain from Black Sea ports. Moscow had for months complained that a related agreement on allowing the export of Russian food and fertilisers had not been honoured. Russian President Vladimir Putin this week said that Russia would consider returning to the deal if its demands were "fully" met, saying the agreement had "lost all meaning". Vershinin told reporters that there were currently "no contacts" to find an alternative to the grain deal. The grain deal, brokered by the UN and Turkey, had enabled the export of more than 32 million tonnes of Ukrainian grain over the last year. Search Keywords: Short link: Ukraine on Sunday said Russian strikes destroyed" an Orthodox cathedral under UNESCO protection in Odesas historic city center, describing it as a war crime". The Transfiguration Cathedral, located in the historic center of Odesa, protected by UNESCO, was destroyed. A war crime that will never be forgotten and forgiven," Ukraines foreign ministry said on Twitter. The attacks come days after Russia pulled out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a wartime deal that enabled Ukraines exports to reach many countries facing the threat of hunger. On the night of July 23rd, Russia attacked #Odesa, a Ukrainian port city.The Transfiguration Cathedral, located in the historic center of Odesa, protected by @UNESCO, was destroyed. A war crime that will never be forgotten and forgiven.#RussiaIsATerroristState pic.twitter.com/nxi0gGkDtg MFA of Ukraine (@MFA_Ukraine) July 23, 2023 It also follows President Vladimir Putins promise to retaliate against Kyiv for an attack Monday on the crucial Kerch Bridge linking Russia with the Crimean Peninsula, which the Kremlin illegally annexed in 2014. On Sunday, Russia struck the Ukrainian Black Sea city of Odesa, keeping up a barrage of attacks that have damaged critical port infrastructure in southern Ukraine in the past week. At least one person was killed and 22 others wounded in the attack in the early hours. Regional Governor Oleh Kiper said that four children were among those wounded in the blasts, which severely damaged the historic Transfiguration Cathedral, a landmark Orthodox cathedral in the city. Russia has been launching persistent attacks on Odesa, a key hub for exporting grain, since Moscow canceled a landmark grain deal on Monday amid Kyivs grinding efforts to retake its occupied territories. Kiper noted that six residential buildings, including apartment buildings, were destroyed by the strikes. Some people became trapped in their apartments as a result of the damage caused by the attack, which left rubble strewn in the street and partly blocking the road, and damage to power lines. The Transfiguration Cathedral, one of the most important and largest Orthodox Cathedrals in Odesa, was severely damaged. Odesas historic center was designated an endangered World Heritage Site by the United Nations cultural agency, UNESCO, earlier this year, despite Russian opposition. (With AP inputs) Thousands of people, mostly women, held a massive sit-in in India's violence-wracked northeastern state of Manipur on Saturday to demand the immediate arrest of anyone who took part in the harrowing May assault of two women who were paraded around naked and molested by a mob in an attack that was caught on video. The leaders of religious and women's groups addressed the nearly 15,000 protesters, who also called for the firing of Biren Singh, the top elected official in the state where more than 130 people have been killed since violence between two dominant ethnic groups erupted in early May. The protest was held in Churachandpur, a town 40 miles south of Imphal, the state capital, the AP reports. Manipur has been the scene of a near-civil war that was sparked by Christian Kukis protesting against a demand by the mostly Hindu Meiteis for a special status that would let them buy land in the hills populated by Kukis and other tribal groups, as well as a guaranteed share of government jobs. A video showing the women being assaulted triggered widespread outrage and has been widely shared on social media despite the government largely blocking the internet and keeping journalists out of the remote state. The footage shows the two naked women surrounded by scores of young men who grope their genitals and drag them to a field. The Manipur state government on Saturday announced a fifth arrest in the attack, and police said officers were carrying out raids to arrest other suspects. Nearly 400 men and women held a protest in the Indian capital with similar demands, per the AP. They carried placards reading "We demand action against the perpetrators" and "Resign, Biren Singh." In Manipur state, the protesters assembled at a "Wall of Remembrance" in an open ground in Churachandpur, a stronghold of the Kuki tribe, where they kept dummy coffins of people from their minority community who have been killed in the violence. (Read more India stories.) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was rushed to the hospital early Sunday for an emergency procedure to implant a pacemaker, plunging the country into deeper turmoil after widespread protests overt his contentious judicial overhaul plan. In a brief video statement before the procedure, Netanyahu declared that he "feels excellent" and planned to push forward with his plan as soon as he was released, per the AP . The development came after a tumultuous day that saw some of the largest protests to date against the judicial overhaul plan. Netanyahu, 73, keeps a busy schedule and his office says he is in good health. But over the years, it has released few details or medical records. On July 15, he was rushed to Israel's Sheba Hospital with dizziness. He later said he had been out in the hot sun and had not drunk enough water. His return to Sheba for the pacemaker procedure indicated his health troubles were more serious than initially indicated. In the video, Netanyahu said that he was outfitted with a monitor after last week's hospitalization and that when an alarm beeped late Saturday, it meant he required a pacemaker right away. "I feel excellent, but I listen to my doctors," he said. Netanyahu and his far-right allies announced the overhaul plan in January, days after taking office. They claim the plan is needed to curb what they say are the excessive powers of unelected judges. Critics say the plan will destroy the country's system of checks and balances and put it on the path toward authoritarian rule. US President Biden has urged Netanyahu to halt the plan and seek a broad consensus. On Saturday night, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across Israel to protest the overhaul, while thousands marched into Jerusalem and camped out near the Knesset, or parliament, ahead of a vote expected Monday that would approve a key portion of the overhaul. (Read more Benjamin Netanyahu stories.) President Biden will establish a national monument honoring Emmett Till , the Black teenager from Chicago who was abducted, tortured, and killed in 1955 after he was accused of whistling at a white woman in Mississippi, per the AP . Biden will sign a proclamation on Tuesday to create the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument across three sites in Illinois and Mississippi, according to a White House official. Tuesday is the anniversary of Emmett Till's birth in 1941. The monument will protect places that are central to the story of Till's life and death at age 14, the acquittal of his white killers, and the activism of his mother, Mamie. Till's mother's insistence on an open casket to show the world how her son had been brutalized and Jet magazine's decision to publish photos of his mutilated body helped galvanize the Civil Rights Movement. The monument to Till and his mother will include three sites in the two states: Illinois: The Illinois site is Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Bronzeville, a historically Black neighborhood on Chicago's South Side. Thousands of people gathered at the church to mourn Emmett Till in September 1955. The Illinois site is Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Bronzeville, a historically Black neighborhood on Chicago's South Side. Thousands of people gathered at the church to mourn Emmett Till in September 1955. Mississippi: The Mississippi locations are Graball Landing, believed to be where Till's mutilated body was pulled from the Tallahatchie River, and the Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse in Sumner, Mississippi, where Till's killers were tried and acquitted by an all-white jury. Till was visiting relatives in Mississippi when Carolyn Bryant Donham said Till whistled and made sexual advances at her while she worked in a store in the small community of Money. Till was later abducted and his body eventually pulled from the Tallahatchie River, where he had been tossed after he was shot and weighted down with a cotton gin fan. Two white men, Roy Bryant and his half-brother J.W. Milam, were tried on murder charges about a month after Till was killed, but an all-white Mississippi jury acquitted them. Months later, they confessed to killing Till in a paid interview with Look magazine. Bryant was married to Donham in 1955. She died earlier this year. (Read more Emmett Till stories.) Canada isn't just battling wildfires and record heat this summer. Four people are missing after intense thunderstorms dumped record amounts of rain across a wide swath of the Atlantic coast province of Nova Scotia over the past two days, causing flash flooding, road washouts, and power outages, per the AP . Some areas got the equivalent of three months' of rain in a single day, notes CNN . The floods submerged multiple vehicles, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police spokeswoman Cindy Bayers said two such incidents in West Hants north of Halifax have left two adults and two children missing. Torrential downpours started on Friday afternoon across the Halifax region, dumping more than 7.8 inches of rain over a wide area. The port city typically receives about 3.5 to 3.9 inches of rain during an average July. Based on radar estimates and unofficial observations, Environment Canada said on Saturday that some areas may have received nearly 12 inches in 24 hours. "We got three months' worth of rain in less than 24 hours," said Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston. "It came fast and it came furious." Radar maps show the heaviest rainfall extending along the province's southwestern shore to a point north of Halifax. In the Hammonds Plains area, northwest of the city, flooding washed out driveways and the shoulders of many roads. That's the same area where where 151 homes and businesses were destroyed by a wildfire that started on May 28, forcing evacuations that affected 16,000 residents. And for much of the past week, the Halifax area has been sweltering under an immobile dome of humiditya rare event so close to the coast. (Read more Canada stories.) Twitter's bird logo is known the world over, but its days appear to be numbered. Elon Musk tweeted overnight that he intends to ditch the bird for some kind of X-themed logo, reports CNN . "And soon we shall bid adieu to the twitter brand and, gradually, all the birds," he wrote . He's also apparently ready to make the move quickly: "If a good enough X logo is posted tonight, we'll make go live worldwide tomorrow," he wrote early Sunday. Musk kicked off the discussion when he posted a flickering X and later responded "yes" in a Twitter Spaces chat when someone asked if the logo was changing, notes Reuters . "It should have been done a long time ago." In various other tweets, Musk wrote about how much he likes the letter X. Reuters notes that Twitter's own website describes the current logo as "our most recognizable asset," which explains "why we're so protective of it." Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reports on other news likely to make Musk happy: For the second week in a row, the number of active daily users on new rival Threads has declined, following a huge burst of initial signups. The number of such users fell to 13 million, down 70% from July 7. By comparison, Twitter has 200 million daily active users, and they spend far more time on the platform: 30 minutes, compared to under 5 minutes for Threads. (Read more Twitter stories.) In an escalation of the tension between Amazon and its remote workers over returning to the office, the company has told some employees they'll have to move. Amazon wants more of them working in one of the main offices in large cities, the Wall Street Journal reports, including Seattle, New York, or San Francisco. Some internal notices have said staffs need to return to the main hubs that host their teams or bosses, even if they're closer to another office. Amazon said that those asked to relocate will be eligible for relocation benefits and that requests for exemptions will be considered. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Migrants in Tunisias port city of Sfax who are aiming to make Europe their new home are now sharing the burden and the blame for escalating tensions deeply tinged with racism, amid the fears of European leaders who are trying to stanch the numbers of people arriving at their shores. The antagonism that exploded in recent weeks in Sfax between Tunisians and mainly Black sub-Saharan migrants is widely seen as a turning point in how this North African nation deals with migration. European leaders are offering millions to Tunisia amid the abuses, and activists fear a migration summit in Rome on Sunday will pursue an anti-migrant vision that puts the onus on Africa to keep Africans out of Europe. Hundreds of migrants have drowned at sea trying to reach Italy in fragile boats, but now migrants awaiting their chance to cross the Mediterranean cower in fear, some beaten or bused by authorities to new destinations, others dumped in the desert. Musa Khalid from Congo was among a group of migrants expelled from Tunisia and found by Libyan border guards huddling in a barren zone last weekend. He said that Tunisian officials took their belongings and money before transferring them out of the Tunisian port city of Sfax and dropping them off without food or water. As we tried to enter Tunisia again, they beat us badly. They broke my hand and hit my head, he told the Associated Press near the Al Assa border point in Libya, holding up a wrist wrapped in cloth. We are in the desert now for several days. Sir, please. Human rights activists from North Africa, West Africa and Europe met in Tunis this week and denounced the upcoming Rome meeting, predicting that it will amount to a bartering of values for financial incentives to stave off migrants from European shores. Today, the Mediterraneans calling is no longer to be a bridge between two shores, but a wall separating all of Europe from all of the African continent, said the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights, which organized the Thursday meeting. Italy is trying to decrease the number of migrant arrivals and stabilize Tunisia, in its worst economic crisis in a generation. Thousands of migrants have arrived in Sfax this year, but theres no solid figure of how many are in the city, or how many have left since the anti-migrant campaign started. Tunisia has become the main stepping stone to Italy, Europes gateway, replacing Libya, where widespread abuse of migrants has been reported. Of the 76,325 migrant arrivals in Italy so far this year until last Sunday, 44,151 took the sea route from Tunisia compared to 28,842 leaving from Libya, according to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. That is pushing up numbers in the reception center in Italys southernmost island of Lampedusa, with officials saying 2,500 people were at the site on Sunday following the arrival of 266 overnight. Tunisia President Kais Saied in February said that sub-Saharan Africans arriving in huge numbers are part of a plot to erase Tunisias Islamic identity. He has since tried to walk back such pronouncements, denying racist views and saying the migrant issue must be treated at its roots. Thats one intent of the Rome conference, which will gather nearly 20 heads of state and government or ministers from the Middle East to the Sahel and North Africa, along with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and an array of financial institutions. The one-day summit is part of Italian Premier Giorgia Melonis efforts to position Italy at the center of issues impacting the Mediterranean. The conference aims to come up with concrete proposals to decrease migration numbers by addressing the root causes, while combating migrant trafficking. It will also discuss energy policies, including ways to diversify energy sources, and climate change. Its widely viewed by human rights advocates as a road map for what is to come. The Rome summit comes a week after Saied signed a memorandum of understanding for a comprehensive strategic partnership in a meeting that included Meloni and von der Leyen. Financial details werent released, but the EU has held out the promise of nearly 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) to help restart Tunisias hobbled economy, and 100 million euros ($111 million) for border control as well as search and rescue missions at sea and repatriating immigrants without residence permits. Despite signing the deal, the Tunisian president has stressed in the past that Tunisia wont become Europes border guard or serve as a land of resettlement. Human rights organizations say that bartering money for lives is a betrayal of values. For some opponents, such deals are a new form of neo-colonialism. The EU risks not only perpetuating (human rights abuses) but also emboldening repressive rulers, who can brag about warmer relations with European partners while claiming credit for securing financial support for their failing economies, New York-based Human Rights Watch said ahead of the Rome summit. With high hopes smashed, migrants cower in fear of the anti-migrant backlash that has forced many from their shelters in Sfax and onto buses to unknown parts. Tunisian security forces had dumped at least 500 migrants in the desert border zone with Libya earlier this month, but they were transferred July 10 to other regions of Tunisia, according to the Red Crescent. Search Keywords: Short link: The Better Business Bureau, a private, nonprofit organization, has empowered people to find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust for more than 110 years. In 2022, people turned to BBB more than 250 million times to research BBB Business Profiles on 5.3 million businesses and review Charity Reports on 12,000 charities, all available for free at BBB.org. The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. BBB Great West + Pacific serves more than 20 million consumers in Alaska, Central Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Western Wyoming. For more information, visit BBB.org. Italy has invited Mediterranean countries to Rome on Sunday for an "international conference" aimed at extending an EU-backed deal with Tunisia to curb the arrival of migrants to European shores. Italy's far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is expecting leaders from the region, the European Union and international financial institutions to meet in the capital, according to a government press release. The full list of participants is unknown, but Meloni has confirmed the presence of Tunisian President Kais Saied, while the prime ministers of Egypt and Malta, Mostafa Madbouli and Robert Abela, respectively, have both said they will attend. During the 2022 election campaign that brought her to power, Meloni vowed to "stop the disembarkation" of migrants in Italy, which the government puts at nearly 80,000 coastal arrivals since January, compared to 33,000 in the same period last year. But while the government has put obstacles in the path of humanitarian ships rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean, it has failed to stop the departures themselves, which mostly originate in Tunisia and Libya. Italy and the European Commission have sought to step up engagement with Tunisia, promising funding if the country undertakes to stem emigration from its territory. Meloni has also sought to act as an intermediary between Tunisia -- cash-strapped and on the cusp of a major debt crisis -- and the International Monetary Fund, where a nearly $2 billion bailout package for the North African country has stalled amid an IMF demand for structural reforms. Last week, the EU signed a memorandum of understanding with Tunisia that provides for 105 million euros in direct European aid to prevent the departure of migrant boats and combat smugglers. The deal also provides for more illegal Tunisians to be repatriated, and for sub-Saharan African migrants in Tunisia to be sent back to their countries of origin. A much larger EU package to Tunisia, a long-term loan of around 900 million euros proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in June, is conditional on approval of the IMF loan. "This partnership with Tunisia must be a model for building new relations with our North African neighbours", Meloni said last week during a visit to Tunis, where she accompanied von der Leyen and Dutch premier Mark Rutte. A senior European diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed that the EU is hoping for similar partnerships with Egypt and Morocco. "There is unity in the EU on this principle.", a Rome-based ambassador who requested anonymity told AFP. 'Crime scene' Human rights groups and charities that rescue migrants attempting the dangerous Mediterranean crossing are up in arms. Human Rights Watch called the deal "a new low in the European Union's efforts to curb migrants' arrivals at any cost" that "pays only lip service to human rights". "It shows that Europe has learned nothing from its complicity in the horrendous abuses of migrants in Libya, the group said Thursday. "The Mediterranean is not only a graveyard. It is a crime scene", tweeted German NGO Sea-Watch. For independent researcher Yves Pascouau, dialogue between Europe and the countries of migrants' departure is positive, as are attempts to boost trade and investments in green energy. But as long as migration policy depends on European interior ministers, the issue will only be tackled from a security point of view, Pascouau noted. "What is lacking in the relationship between the EU and third countries is any long-term thinking," he said. According to the UN, more than 100,000 migrants arrived by sea to Europe -- most to Italy -- in the first six months of 2023, from the coasts of North Africa, Turkey and Lebanon. There were just over 189,000 such arrivals last year. With fewer than 80,000 asylum applications registered last year, Italy lags behind Germany, France, Spain and Austria. Search Keywords: Short link: TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com After an intense court battle over the custody of their child, a 20-year-old mother emerged victorious despite facing accusations of mental instability from her husband. The husband had approached the Bahrain court seeking custody of the baby, arguing that his wife was mentally unfit and incapable of caring for their child. However, the court rejected his claims after verifying a medical report from a psychiatric clinic, which certified her as mentally sound. Based on the medical report, the court ruled in favour of the wife, granting her custody of the child. Additionally, the court ordered the husband to pay more than BD2000 annually for both the wife's and their childs expenses. During the trial, the wifes lawyer revealed that their client had been experiencing marital problems since the early stages of their marriage. These issues cropped up when the wife discovered her husbands criminal records and multiple extramarital affairs. Furthermore, the lawyer asserted that the mans academic qualifications were fraudulent. The situation worsened with the birth of their child. The wife explained to the court that her husband began to torment her, pressuring her to accept his illicit relationships and inappropriate behaviour. Feeling unable to live life according to the mans demands, she eventually decided to file for divorce. The husband, in response, claimed that his wife had previously admitted to having mental health issues and being on psychiatric medication. He also accused her of threatening to harm the baby and asserted that she struggled with anger issues. In turn, the wife filed a counter-lawsuit, demanding a divorce and financial support for herself and the child, as the husband had been unwilling to provide for them. The court carefully considered the evidence presented by both parties and ultimately ruled in favour of the mother, recognising her ability to care for the child and her rights to a stable life. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com A drug peddler had his five-year prison terms confirmed by the Bahrain High Court of Appeals after rejecting his appeal challenging the lower courts verdict in the case. Police had arrested the defendant with over 120 drug-filled capsules in his stomach at Bahrain International Airport. The incident leading to the arrest began with airport customs officers growing suspicious of the mans actions during clearance procedures and deciding to subject the person to a detailed examination. Despite finding nothing suspicious in his baggage, the officers still recommended subjecting him to an x-ray examination, for he displayed signs of extreme fatigue and mental stress. The x-ray examination confirmed their suspicions, revealing foreign objects inside his intestine. Upon questioning, the suspect confessed that the objects were capsules filled with narcotics. Further investigations revealed his involvement in a drug smuggling network that was attempting to smuggle drugs into the Kingdom. As a result, the Public Prosecution charged him with drug trafficking and drug abuse, leading to his conviction. The Court of Appeals upheld the lower courts verdict, ensuring that the drug peddler will spend the next five years behind bars. New war with Azerbaijan 'very likely': Armenia PM New war with Azerbaijan 'very likely': Armenia PM AFP | Yerevan The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan warned Friday of the risk of a new war with Azerbaijan, accusing Baku of "genocide" in the breakaway Armenian-populated region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Baku and Yerevan have fought two wars over the mountainous enclave and the signature of a peace treaty remains a distant prospect. Talks under the mediation of the European Union, United States, and separately Russia have brought about little progress. "So long as a peace treaty has not been signed and such a treaty has not been ratified by the parliaments of the two countries, of course, a (new) war (with Azerbaijan) is very likely," Pashinyan told AFP. Tensions escalated earlier in July when Azerbaijan temporarily shut the Lachin corridor, the sole road linking Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia. The closure sparked concerns over a humanitarian crisis in the region, which experiences shortages of food, medicines, and power supplies. "We're talking not about a preparation of genocide, but an ongoing process of genocide," Pashinyan said, referring to the Karabakh crisis. Azerbaijan's forces "have created a ghetto" in Karabakh, he said. Last week, AFP spoke to locals in the rebel region's main city, Stepanakert, who reported food shortages and critical problems with access to medical services. The growing diplomatic engagement of the European Union and United States in the Caucasus has irked traditional regional power broker Russia. - 'Red lines' - Armenia has relied on Russia for military and economic support since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Yerevan has accused Moscow, bogged down in its war against Ukraine, of failing to fulfil its peacekeeping role in Karabakh under a 2020 Moscow-brokered ceasefire. As the latest round of peace talks on July 15 in Brussels failed to bring about a breakthrough, Pashinyan said that both the West and Russia needed to increase pressure on Baku to lift its blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh. "If, according to the logic of some circles in the West, Russia is not meeting all of our expectations because it is not fulfilling its obligations, similarly Russia also tells us (the same) about the West," he said. Pashinyan said the progress at talks was being impeded by "Azerbaijan's continued aggressive rhetoric, hate speech towards the Armenians", also accusing Baku of pursuing a "policy of ethnic cleansing". Deadly border clashes continued between the ex-Soviet republics after a Russian-brokered ceasefire ended six weeks of fighting in autumn 2020 and Azerbaijan has since captured pockets of land inside Armenia. Pashinyan said "Armenia's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the rights and security of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh" are Yerevans "red lines" at talks with Baku. - International witness - Nagorno-Karabakh has been at the centre of a decades-long conflict between the two countries which have fought two wars for control of the region -- in the 1990s and in 2020 -- that have claimed thousands of lives from both sides. The Russian-mediated ceasefire agreement saw Armenia cede swathes of territories it had controlled for some three decades. Moscow deployed peacekeepers to the Lachin corridor to ensure free passage between Armenia and Karabakh. "Armenia's case is difficult because Armenia's interest in this process is perceived and interpreted by Azerbaijan as a so-called encroachment upon Azerbaijan's territorial integrity," Pashinyan said. During Western-mediated talks in May, Yerevan agreed to recognise Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan, but demanded international mechanisms for protecting the rights and security of the region's ethnic-Armenian population. Baku insists such guarantees must be provided at the national level, rejecting any international format. The dialogue between Karabakh and Azerbaijan "should take place in the context of international mechanisms where we've got the witness, the international community will be the witness," Pashinyan said. TDT | Agencies The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com A Ukrainian drone attack on Crimea yesterday blew up an ammunition depot, sparking evacuations on the Moscow-annexed peninsula just five days after drones damaged Russias symbolic bridge across the Kerch Strait. In a statement, the Ukrainian army confirmed it was behind an attack that blew up an ammunition depot in the annexed Crimean Peninsula yesterday. "The strike on military installations in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea was carried out by Ukrainian forces," an army source said on condition of anonymity. Late yesterday, Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko arrived in Saint Petersburg, where he is due to meet the Russian president for the first time since he helped end a dramatic mutiny by Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group. Putin and his closest ally plan to discuss the "strategic partnership and alliance" between their two countries today, according to the Kremlin. Moscow, meanwhile, blamed the West and Kyiv for the death of a Russian war correspondent, saying he was killed by cluster munitions. Russia alleged that Kyiv had used cluster munitions on the Russian border village of Zhuravlevka and that the controversial weapon had killed one of its journalists in a frontline village. "In the Belgorod region, 21 artillery shells and three cluster munitions from a multiple rocket launcher were fired (by the Ukrainian army) at the village of Zhuravlevka," Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram, referring to attacks the previous day. The allegations came two weeks after US President Joe Biden faced fierce criticism from his own allies for sending the munitions, which pose a long-term risk to civilians. The Russian army announced that Rostislav Zhuravlev, a war correspondent working for the state RIA Novosti news agency, died from his wounds after coming under fire from cluster munitions in occupied southern Ukraine. Moscow blamed the West and Kyiv, vowing to respond after what the foreign ministry called "a heinous, premeditated crime". Three other journalists were said to be stable in hospital after the attack. United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken extended his heartfelt best wishes to the people and government on Egypt on the countrys National Day, according to a statement Sunday. Blinken also reaffirmed the US's commitment to its strong partnership with Egypt. Our more than 40-year strategic partnership continues to flourish to the benefit of the American and Egyptian people, He also expressed his pleasure with the recently held first-ever Joint Economic Commission between the US and Egypt in Cairo, explaining that it cemented further bilateral economic and commercial cooperation between the two sides. Moreover, Blinken praised Egypts crucial role in promoting peace and security in the region and its leading role on a global level in climate change, including hosting the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) last November. Egypts national day commemorates the anniversary of the 23 Revolution in 1952, which was a defining moment for the country that marked the end of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic. Search Keywords: Short link: Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, was stranded at the RCC junction on Sapele Road, Benin, Edo State after heavy rain made the road flooded and unpassable. A video of the incident which occurred on Friday is trending online with a background voice urging viewers to share the video to show that it is payback time for leaders who fail to take needed action to help the people. The background (male) voice said, When we told the government to fix the road, they were busy filling the potholes with broken blocks. They think they are suffering the masses. Now it is payback time as the masses are not the only ones suffering the collapse of this road. The governor is the one inside the vehicle but it has stopped moving. This is his vehicle (pointing at it), he cannot come down as he is ashamed. Everyone (both the poor and the rich) is feeling the brunt of bad policies in the country, he added. After a while, the convoy was seen moving away from the flooded part of the road. Meanwhile, Governor Obaaseki in a statement released on Sunday confirmed he was stranded on Sapele road due to the flooding. He said: I was on Sapele Road recently. After the heavy downpour, the road was impassable. What is going on in Benin-Sapele Road is scandalous. I dont think that any region where the oil resources that sustain the country come from should be neglected. We have done everything possible. We dont know what to do again to draw the attention of the federal government to these roads. Obaseki also said the state government cannot intervene in fixing the Benin-Auchi and Benin-Sapele roads because the Federal Government has awarded contracts for its repair. The governor said that it is concerning that the major Federal road networks in the state, which connect several parts of the country are in bad condition. He noted that his administration has done everything in its power to appeal to the Federal Government to look into the repairs of the wide span of damaged Federal Roads in Edo State. Obaseki added that his administration has drawn the attention of the Federal Government to the failed portions of the Benin-Auchi Roads, Benin-Sapele Road, and the Benin-Lagos Road, particularly the Ovia River Bridge but nothing has been done yet. He said, Look at the incident that happened on Ovia River Bridge three weeks ago, in which we lost several lives following multiple accidents. Nothing has been done till now. This shows they dont care about us in the State. The issue on the Benin-Lagos Road, particularly the Ovia River Crossing is becoming catastrophic. We have lost a lot of lives and done everything to get the Federal Government and the Federal Ministry of Works to work with us and put in place a palliative measure to stop the carnage on that road. On Sapele Road, he said: I was on Sapele Road recently. After the heavy downpour, the road was impassable. What is going on in Benin-Sapele Road is scandalous. I dont think that any region where the oil resources that sustain the country come from should be neglected. We have done everything possible. We dont know what to do again to draw the attention of the federal government to these roads. The Auchi-Ibillo Road was so bad that some of our contractors couldnt go to their quarry site. We appealed to the Federal Government to do palliative work on that road but they refused, saying the road is under contract. If I want to do the same for Benin-Sapele Road, I am not allowed to do so. They claim the road has been given out to a contractor. Last year, the Benin-Auchi Road was locked for about two weeks as food, animals, and petroleum products could not reach their destination. We dont want such situations this year so they should help us. We are not here to criticize them but to appeal for help. The governor noted that the federal governments policy relating to these roads is very confusing, noting that in the past, states could rehabilitate Federal roads and give the Federal Government the bills, but that is no longer obtainable. At a point, they said we can apply and take over the repair of federal roads but I am yet to see a state they have given federal roads to fix, he noted. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Major General Taoreed Lagbaja has charged troops to always respond to distress calls to stamp out criminals elements in the country Brigadier General, Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, Army Public Relations, in a statement on Friday night, said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Major General Taoreed Lagbaja gave the charge at the flagged off of operations to quell the herders/ farmers clashes in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. According to the statement, the operation, which was launched to mitigate the crisis in Mangu has progressively tackled the deteriorating security situation in the Local Government, restoring relative peace in the area. He urged the troops to sustain swift and timely responses to distress calls, adding that they should also make it a point of duty to feedback to the communities concerned. According to him, doing so would build the peoples confidence in the ongoing operations. He reminded the troops that he places a premium on the welfare and well-being of his personnel. The COAS also held a town hall meeting with stakeholders in Mangu and advised all to show commitment to what he described as the Mangu Peace project. He said when the peace is returned, it is the residents of the community that would benefit the most. While warning all parents to advise their children to keep away from trouble, he sympathised with those who lost family or property in the crisis, stressing that no amount of money is worth the life of any individual. He directed the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, to work speedily with the stakeholders in ensuring that lasting peace is restored, and to facilitate the return of Internally Displaced Persons to their respective communities. Troops of the Nigerian Armys Operation Hadarin Daji in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Friday night neutralized four bandits. The troops, according to a source engaged the bandits in a gun duel when they were about to attack a community in the local government. The source explained that upon receiving the information, the troops quickly mobilised to the area and engaged the armed bandits in a gun duel and denied them assess to the villages. He explained, After the encounter, four bandits were neutralised while others escaped with gun wounds. While repelling the attack, the troops recovered one General Purpose Machine Gun, one FN Rifle and 123 rounds of special ammunition from the bandits. He stated that the troops cleared bandits camps at Mutuwa, Guda tudu, Kawar, Dantayawa, Gidan Kare, Mahuta and Gyado villages of Zamfara and Sokoto States in a recent coordinated operation. Major General Godwin Mutkut, the General Officer of 8 Division Sokoto and also the Commander of the Joint Taskforce of Operation Hadarin Daji North-West zone, hailed the efforts of the troops in flushing out the bandits in the zone. He appealed to the general public to always cooperate with the troops by providing useful information on the bandits hideouts. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the planned hike of the countrys major federal universitiess tuition fees. If this appeal is ignored and schools raise their tuition and wish to impose implementation, the students will stage a nationwide protest and remain on the streets until their demand is met. NANS made this appeal in a statement released on Saturday by its Public Relations Officer, Mr. Giwa Temitope. According to NANS, the increase in school fees announced by the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka on Friday, as well as the planned increases by other federal universities across the country and even federal government colleges, demonstrate that the current administration is insensitive to the plights of most Nigerians who are facing difficult times. It is most ridiculous that government will be introducing fees increment without thinking of rescuing the over 133 million Nigerians out of multi-dimensional poverty they are in. To us, increment in school fees will complicate the poverty conditions of most parents and students and also increase the number of out-of-school children in the country. Before now, some students couldnt afford the fees and various other levies and because of that, dropped out of school and what would now happen to students, who are sponsoring themselves and their parents, who have more than one child in school? As an association, we believe that the Nigerian government has what it takes to massively fund education and make it accessible if there is a political will. In fact, the student loan that was introduced by the Federal Government is nothing but a sham and a bait to lure Nigerian people into accepting increment in fees payment. Beyond the fact that the terms of the loan are ridiculous, history has taught us that not every applicant will be considered. And even if all were to be considered, that does not justify fees increment in an economy like ours with a high unemployment index. Now, rather than give us loans, government should give us grants and scholarships. Our demand therefore is clear and simple and that is to tell all schools with the decision to increase their fees to suspend such plan and those that have already announced theirs to reverse it with immediate effect. Otherwise, we will embark on an all-round protest that will last till the Federal Government reverses the policy. DEAR ABBY: I recently met this guy at a private event. We got to talking, and he gave me his social media information. We have been messaging each other ever since. He has been acting increasingly obsessed, and its making me uncomfortable. He acts like weve known each other for years. I dont know how to tell him I dont want to talk to him anymore. What are your thoughts? -- RESERVED GUY IN MASSACHUSETTS DEAR RESERVED GUY: My thought is that because his messages are making you uncomfortable, you should respond to them slowly, briefly and then not at all. It would be kinder than ghosting him. *** MORE FROM DEAR ABBY: Dear Abby: Man grieves for his sister and his significant other feels snubbed Dear Abby: Widow worries about marrying a man with gambling addiction Dear Abby: Man wants his former wife to be his current girlfriend Dear Abby: My husband sneezes really loud and its kind of embarrassing Dear Abby: Woman with 6-month-old says husband has seemed disgusted by her since third trimester *** Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. *** To receive a collection of Abbys most memorable -- and most frequently requested -- poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby -- Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.) COPYRIGHT 2023 ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION 1130 Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64106; 816-581-7500 New Jerseys already tight real estate market got little help last month with every county reporting fewer newly listed homes for sale compared to a year earlier, with two counties seeing at least 40% declines, according to the latest Realtor.com data. Statewide, the 9,330 homes that hit the real estate market in June represented a 29% drop from the same month in 2022. New Jersey saw the 12th steepest decline in new listings in the nation, according to the data. More real estate news: The executive committee of the Rutgers University Senate on Friday asked university President Jonathan Holloway to pause the controversial merger between the universitys two medical schools, which the Board of Governors approved unanimously on July 10. The executive committee passed a resolution Friday saying that it has lost confidence in the leadership of President Holloway representing the values of shared governance, and also asked for a public re-commitment by President Holloway to the principles and values of shared governance. The resolution was first reported by NorthJersey.com. The Senate is comprised of faculty, students, staff, administrators and alumni. In 2011, amid the tumultuous political fervor that gripped Egypt, I felt a profound need for mental catharsis. To disentangle myself from the whirlwind around me, I sought solace in a book that would transport me far from the realm of politics. My choice fell upon Moon Over Samarqand, authored by the esteemed wordsmith Mohammed Al-Mansi Qandil. The literary gem had been released several years prior to that date, yet had eluded my grasp until then. This book possessed an enchanting spell, immersing me in the world and mythical persona of its protagonist, Noor Allah. The story traced their journey in the city of Samarqand and other places in search of an ancient secret that belonged to his father. Since that moment, I had harboured dreams of visiting Uzbekistan, with a particular yearning for the city of Samarqand and its ancient Registan square.. This long-cherished dream was finally realized in 2023 when I received an invitation to cover the presidential elections in Uzbekistan. After the elections on 9 July, I embarked on a train ride with my guide from the capital of Tashkent to Samarqand. The train, as is everything in the country, was meticulously clean and the whole journey lasted just over two hours. With a mere six hours at my disposal, I wanted to see everything that my heart desired in this city of dreams. The Arabized Berber explorer Ibn Battuta eloquently described it as one of the finest, most beautiful cities that is the epitome of magnificence. UNESCO heralds the city as a melting pot of world cultures, an exquisite tapestry interwoven by the interactions of diverse societies. After arriving in the early morning, my historical tour began under the guidance of a seasoned expert fluent in Arabic. First, I visited the tomb of Prince Timur, known as the Gur-e Amir complex. The complex contains an opulent repository housing the mausoleum of Timur, his progeny, and his mentor, along with a mosque and the vestiges of a school. Afterward, we ventured to the renowned Registan complex, whose name translates to "sandy place" in Persian. This extraordinary ensemble encompasses three illustrious schools, with the Ulugh Beg Madrasah among them. Continuing on, we explored the Shah-i-Zinda the "Living King" an architectural marvel where the tombs of numerous members of Timur's family rest. It also contains the shrine of Qutham ibn Abbas, the cousin of Prophet Muhammad who brought Islam to, and was martyred in, modern-day Uzbekistan. This shrine holds tremendous significance, as visitors from all walks of life converge to offer prayers and supplications during their pilgrimage. Among the other notable treasures is the mosque and tomb of Bibi Khanum, Timur's third wife, who hailed from Afghanistan and held a special place in his heart as she accompanied him on all his military conquests. Last but not least, though short on time, I managed to catch a glimpse of the Samarqand Observatory, an edifice erected by Ulugh Beg, Timur's grandson. He was an avid astronomer and mathematician whose legacy ranks among the top ten astronomers of all time. Samarqand, whose name in some narratives translates to Fortress of the Earth, is often referred to as the city of azure domes. Its history stretches back over 1,500 years before the Common Era. It is nestled in a vast oasis within the valley of the Zarafshan river in northeast Uzbekistan, in Central Asia, or as the ancients knew it, the lands beyond the river. Today, it stands as the second most important city in Uzbekistan, second only to the capital, Tashkent. It once held the status of the capital city until 1930. Timur However, its present form and remaining artefacts date back to the era of the empire of Prince Timur. The prince had a great affinity for art and architecture, attracting the finest engineers, artists, and craftsmen from the lands he conquered, including Syria, India, China, Iran, and Turkey. Thus, the city represents a confluence of diverse cultures, and its geographical significance is derived from its location as the midpoint of the Silk Road, linking China to Europe. The Uzbek people in general, and the inhabitants of Samarqand in particular, hold great respect and admiration for Timur, considering him a popular hero. They disapprove of the famous epithet Timur the Lame, a reference to the injury in his foot he sustained at the age of 27. Born on 9 April, 1336, Amir Timur passed away in February 1405. He hailed from the Barlas tribe, which has Turkish origins but settled in what is now Uzbekistan. Timur ruled over the southern part of Samarqand and established an empire that spanned Central Asia, Afghanistan, Northern India, Iraq, Syria, Eastern Anatolia, and parts of the Caucasus region. Tragically, he succumbed to pneumonia from extreme cold while preparing to invade China. Among the myths surrounding Timur, is what transpired six centuries after his death. During the Soviet occupation of Uzbekistan, Joseph Stalin ordered the opening of Timur's tomb to retrieve his remains and reconstruct his physical features using his skull. The locals warned against this act, as a legend foretold a terrible and great war that would ignite if his body was disturbed. Timur inscribed two warnings on his grave: "When I rise from the dead, the world will tremble" and "Whoever disturbs me in my tomb will unleash invaders worse than me." For five centuries, no one had dared to violate the sanctity of the tomb. However, the Soviets paid no heed and excavated the tomb on 19 June, 1941, just three days before Germany launched Operation Barbarossa, invading the Soviet Union. Afterward, it appeared that Stalin had some faith in Timur's extraordinary capabilities because, according to the tale, he ordered the remains brought to the besieged city of Stalingrad (now Volgograd) to inspire its defenders and seek the prince's blessings. To safeguard himself from further curses, Stalin ordered Timur's reburial with full Islamic rites in 1942. Culinary flavour One cannot overlook the exquisite cuisine I experienced in Samarqand and in Tashkent, such as the grilled lamb dishes and plov, a rice-based meal containing meat, nuts, raisins, carrots, and onions, all cooked together in large pots. Horse meat is a particular favorite among the Uzbek people, but before serving any meal, they inquire about their guests' preferred meat options. Their bread assortment ranges from something akin to Turkish simit to mashlut, similar to Egyptian feteer meshaltet. Another delicacy is the samosa, a pastry filled with meat or vegetables. The Uzbek people, known for their warm hospitality, have a special affection for Arabic speakers, particularly those from Egypt, thanks to the historical ties that date back to the Mamluk era and beyond. Many Uzbek students eagerly study Arabic under the guidance of Egyptian teachers. I encountered this firsthand, meeting a doctoral student in Arabic linguistics who talked his dream to study in Egypt at Al-Azhar University. Since 1993, the Egyptian Education and Science Centre in Tashkent has been actively organizing continuous Arabic language courses and various cultural activities, attracting around 2,000 students. Additionally, Egypt provides approximately 20 scholarships for Uzbek students to study Arabic at Egyptian universities and another 20 scholarships for undergraduate and bachelor's degrees. Despite my travels to many countries worldwide, Uzbekistan felt strangely familiar its streets, people, food, customs, and history all resonated with me. My visit to Samarqand was a dream come true, where I felt as though I had stepped into a time machine and journeyed six centuries into the past. Nonetheless, a part of the dream remains unfulfilled, as there are more cities and histories of Uzbekistan to explore, swimming alongside the time machine in places like Bukhara, Khiva, and Ferghana. *The writer is a senior diplomatic reporter with Al-Ahram newspaper. Search Keywords: Short link: A Friday evening apartment building collapse in Newark that injured six residents, including one critically, remained under investigation Saturday afternoon, officials said. The apartment building, a Newark Housing Authority property at 39 S. Pine Lane, collapsed around 6 p.m. on Friday, Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Frage said in a statement Saturday. Six residents were hurt, Frage said. One of victims was taken to St. Barnabas Medical Center for burn treatment and remains in critical condition, Frage said. One resident is at Clara Maas Medical Center, and three were taken to University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A sixth person refused medical attention outside the building, Frage said. The cause of the collapse remains unknown. PSE&G declined to comment. The citys Department of Public Works began cleaning up the site on Saturday, Frage said. Displaced and affected residents are being offered help by Newarks Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieKausch. A 26-year-old Lakewood man has been charged with fleeing the scene of a car crash in Lakewood early Saturday and leaving behind his passenger, who later died of his injuries, police said. Angel Garcia-Rodriguez, of Lakewood, was driving a car west on James Street around 2:25 a.m. Saturday when the he hit a utility pole and left the scene, leaving behind a critically injured passenger, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office said. The man was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he was pronounced dead, the prosecutors office said. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutors Office vehicular homicide unit determined that the vehicles passenger side door hit the utility pole, the prosecutors office said. Garcia-Rodriguez was located at a residence in Lakewood and taken into custody without incident, the prosecutors office said. He was being held in the Ocean County jail as of Saturday afternoon. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Brianna Kudisch may be reached at bkudisch@njadvancemedia.com. Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of a 32-year-old man early Saturday morning in Newark, the Essex County Prosecutors Office said. At 3:16 a.m. on Saturday, police were notified of a shooting on the 600 block of Broadway in the city. Officers found Carlos Zayas, of Newark, outside at the location suffering from a gunshot wound. Zayas was transported to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:51 a.m., the prosecutors office said. The investigation is active and ongoing. No arrests have been made, the prosecutors office said. Anyone with information is asked to contact the prosecutors office tips line at 1-877-847-7432. Calls will be kept confidential. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Brianna Kudisch may be reached at bkudisch@njadvancemedia.com. Mary Ciuffitelli grew up in Cliffside Park in a devout Italian-American Catholic family with a devotion to the Blessed Mother known as the Madonna dellArco, a shrine in SantAnastasia, outside of Naples. Back in the 16th century, a young athlete threw a ball at her image and legend has it that her face began to bleed. She is known as Mary with a bruised face, said Ciuffitelli, who added, It meant she could take the blows. This image inspired her in her bouts with the Catholic Church throughout her 67 years. She never lost her faith even when she had to care for three elderly relatives including her 92-year-old father. By then she was living in Weehawken not far from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. The article Murphy looks to drive up EV sales shows just how disconnected the governor is to the reality of his desires. His need to follow the lead of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has already ordered a more aggressive transition to sales of zero-emission vehicles only, is both sad and misguided. We are a free society, at least I believed we were, until people like Phil Murphy decided to dictate how we should live our lives. Had I wanted to live under a dictatorship, I would have moved to communist China. Serial Killer: Red Sea Attacks is premiering on Sunday, July 23 at 10 p.m. You can watch live as it airs on Philo (free trial). Heres the information youll need to watch a free live stream of Serial Killer: Red Sea Attacks online without cable. How to watch Serial Killer: Red Sea Attacks without cable If youre a cord-cutter or dont have cable, you can live stream Shark Week on Philo (free trial) or Fubo TV (free trial). Each streaming service offers a free trial. When is Serial Killer: Red Sea Attacks on? Serial Killer: Red Sea Attacks broadcasts its premiere on Sunday, July 23 at 10 p.m. on Discovery Channel. It will followed after Jaws vs. The Meg at 9 p.m. What channel is Discovery Channel? You can use the channel finder on your providers website to locate it: Verizon Fios, AT&T U-verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, DIRECTV, Dish. You can learn more about Shark Week programming here. How to watch Serial Killer: Red Sea Attacks online on-demand If you missed an episode of Serial Killer: Red Sea Attacks or want to binge watch other Discovery Channel or Shark Week series online when they become available, look for them on Philo (free trial) or Fubo TV (free trial). Each streaming service offers a free trial. What is Serial Killer: Red Sea Attacks about? According to the official Discovery Channel website: Shark attack investigator Brandon McMillan and cinematographer Fo Zayed travel to Egypt, hoping to figure out whats behind three recent deadly shark attacks off some of the Red Seas most posh resorts. Heres a look at Shark Week, courtesy of the official Discovery YouTube channel: Related stories about streaming TV services Shark Week 2023 on Discovery Channel: How to watch or live stream the hit series on July 23 Shark Week schedule 2023: Raiders of the Lost Shark, Cocaine Sharks, and more Sling TV launches free streaming platform The best VPNs of 2023, according to reviews Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Joseph Rejent covers TV, writing about live television, streaming services and cord-cutting. He can be reached at jrejent@njadvancemedia.com. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. Head of the Egyptian General Intelligence Service (GIS) Abbas Kamel met on Saturday with a delegation from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), the second largest faction within the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), reported Al-Arabiya. The two officials met ahead of a meeting between Palestinian factions secretary generals scheduled to be held in Cairo on 30 July. They discussed the requirements for making the meeting successful and the importance of ending the division and restoring Palestinian national unity. Kamel met with the delegation headed by Deputy Secretary-General of the PFLP Jamil Mezher, where they reviewed the factions position with regard to the current challenges and dangers facing the Palestinian cause. They also discussed means of bolstering Palestinian peoples resilience and achieving their national rights. Kamel affirmed Egypt's support for the Palestinian people as well as its keenness to make the upcoming conference a success. The GIS chief added that Egypt will provide all facilities to ensure the conferences success. For its part, the PFLP delegation affirmed its appreciation for Egypt's efforts and support for the Palestinian people and their rights, hailing Egypts continuous role in seeking to end the division. The meeting is being held in response to a call by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas following the deadly Israeli attack on the Jenin camp in the West Bank. Widening rift Leaders of several Palestinian factions welcomed the invitation to attend the conference, which aims to discuss the recent Israeli attacks. However, the Palestinian factions have a widening rift over whether to attend. Both Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) have accused the Palestinian Authority of detaining their members in the West Bank. PIJ Secretary General Ziyad Al-Nakhala has warned that the Palestinian authoritys arrest of his movements members in the West Bank places the planned meeting in Cairo at risk of failure. On Sunday, Al-Nakhala said in press remarks that the PIJ would not attend unless the Palestinian authority releases the detainees. Achieving national unity Hamas, however, announced Sunday that it will participate in the meeting, affirming that the movement will spare no effort to make it a success. Hamas Political Bureau member Khalil Al-Hayya said the Cairo meeting represents a great chance to advance the situation in Palestine and achieve national unity. Egypt has previously hosted a number of meetings to foster unity between Palestinian factions. Egypt has also brokered several ceasefire deals between Israel and the Palestinian factions over the past years against the backdrop of Israeli aggression. Ahead of the meeting, the Palestinian Ambassador to Cairo, Diab Al-Louh, has urged all Arab allies to aid in reconstructing the Jenin camp that was damaged by recent Israeli attacks. Meanwhile, the ambassador reaffirmed the State of Palestines commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative and the two-state solution. Search Keywords: Short link: Gianna Farruggio, 8, explores the Louisiana Children's Museum in New Orleans, on Sept. 14, 2021. The museum is looking for volunteers to work as greeters, in its gift shop and within the museum. Tuesday, the Republican-dominated Legislature pulled what was essentially a power play over Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards, when it overrode his veto of a high-profile bill banning gender-affirming care for transgender kids a bill hed fought at every step of the process. Not 24 hours later, on his monthly radio call-in show, Edwards took what sounded at least a little bit like a victory lap. It wasnt that Edwards didnt care about the bill that will now become law if the courts dont strike it down first, a real possibility. By all appearances, he cares deeply about the vulnerable kids wholl be harmed by the measure, which, he explained over and over again, serves no state interest and interferes with parents ability to decide whats best for their kids. Edwards issued a six-page veto message outlining his reasons for opposing it, and likened this and other bills targeting LGTBQ kids to an earlier generations opposition to the Civil Rights Movement. Hes right. Shell Geismar partnered with Make-A-Wish to grant ten-year-old Easton a behind the scenes, VIP tour of the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. The Egyptian Armed Forces announced on Sunday that they are preparing to send three Chinook helicopters to Greece to help in fighting forest fires. The helicopters are equipped with advanced equipment required to help put out the fires raging in a number of forests in Greece, Egyptian Armed Forces Spokesman Gharib Abdel-Hafez said in a statement. The Egyptian assistance comes in line with directives by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to assist friendly countries in the face of crises and difficulties, the spokesman added. The support is also a confirmation of the deep historic relations binding Egypt and Greece, Abdel-Hafez affirmed. Wildfires have been raging on the Greek island of Rhodes for the past five days, exacerbated by strong winds. Thousands of people, including tourists, have fled the affected villages and beaches close to the areas of Kiotari and Lardos in the southeastern part of the island. Authorities have also urged another 1,000 people to evacuate the villages of Pefki, Lindos, and Kalathos as the fires approach, Reuters reported, citing fire brigade spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis. The fires have continued to spread despite the efforts of firefighters assisted by water bombers and reinforcements from some countries, including Italy and France. The Mediterranean, including Greece, has become a wildfire hotspot over the hotter and drier weather during summer time each year. Search Keywords: Short link: One of the most common planning activities my team works through with clients is advising them as they sell, buy and move homes. Lifestyles change, the cycle of life marches on and housing needs and desires evolve. What can be a daunting process for a family that may have lived in the same home for decades, is something we deal with quite often, and I think its helpful to walk through some common trends and best practices Ive observed. I often hear of this process as downsizing, but in my experience rarely is this a completely accurate term. There is a class of home builders who have understood what buyers at various stages of life are looking for in their 50s, 60s and even 70s in a home and have done a very good job at producing attractive home products for these markets. Homes with open floor plans, single floor living, lots of common space for hosting and small guest bedrooms with a large master suite are the most common trend I see, but each family is unique, and Ive seen clients move to everything from condos to farms. One trend that is very consistent, however, is the new home rarely costs less than the existing home being sold, which is both OK and where the primary stress and planning challenges arise. So, lets go over a few tips. The real estate market in upgrade homes in Northwest Indiana, as well as many attractive retirement locations around the country, continues to be very tight. Homes in this segment of the market are often not listed for very long, and sellers are entertaining multiple offers soon after listing. So, one best practice is to have your ducks in a row before the shopping starts. For cash offers, realtors will often require a verification of deposit letter from a bank or investment firm certifying the buyer has the funds to close. These letters have to be official and take a few days to request and obtain, so having one in hand instead of scrambling at offer time can make an offer more nimble and reduce stress. The same applies to financed purchases, with many realtors requesting pre-approval letters from a bank or mortgage company for submission with an offer. These letters take even longer to obtain, up to a week or two, so starting this process early is definitely smart in a competitive market. After the offer, but during the due diligence period before closing, its very important to make sure all the costs of the new home are understood. The primary surprise I see in this regard is with Home Owners Association (HOA) dues. Many developments offer lawn maintenance, snow removal and other amenities. The prospect of no longer cutting grass, shoveling snow, or taking care of a pool can be super attractive, but these services of course come with a cost. In addition, some neighborhoods require road and common area maintenance as well as other community-based features. Its easy enough to determine current dues as this information will be available from the realtor and in the listing, where the surprise often comes in is with due increases and special assessments which may be on the horizon. While it wont always be possible to anticipate these potential cost changes, its a good idea to request a copy of the HOAs financials, and the minutes from the last year or so of HOA meetings. There is much to learn by reviewing these documents, and the HOA is usually able to provide them on request. Then we actually have to pay for the glorious new abode. In my experience, families in this age range will often have considerable home equity in their existing home, sometimes being paid off, and will need to transfer this equity into the new home. Rarely does the timing of selling the existing home and closing on the new home work perfectly, so some sort of bridge financing is required. This financing may take a couple different forms, such as Home Equity Loans, or Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC) or a specifically designed bridge loan product. These loan products will require underwriting of credit, assets and income as well as some level of appraisal. This all takes some time. So once again, starting early on this process can reduce stress at offer and closing time. Finally, the question of should retirement capital be used for a home upgrade comes up quite often. Unlike some radio and TV financial gurus who would say this should never happen, I work in real world financial planning and sometimes the answer is sometimes. The best approach is to holistically analyze the familys retirement accumulation and income needs in the context of the new home, and then decide if using either a retirement plan distribution or 401(k) loan makes sense considering taxes and planning needs. This also takes a bit of time and effort, so, you guessed it, start early. CROWN POINT A Lake County judge has ruled against the Indiana attorney general's office on two of its three arguments for seeking repayment of nearly $700,000 in extra retirement pay provided to two former School Town of Munster superintendents. Lake Circuit Judge Marissa McDermott said the attorney general failed to show the superintendents deviated from the plain reading of their contracts or acted unlawfully in relation to the genesis of the contract language, and she granted summary judgment to the superintendents on each of those claims. The attorney general's final allegation that Superintendents William Pfister and Richard Sopko were paid without the school board's knowledge, in a manner constituting recompensable misconduct, remains pending. A status hearing on that part of the case is scheduled for Jan. 25, according to court records. The payments at issue are supplemental retirement funds paid by the Munster school district to annuity accounts controlled by each of the superintendents, in addition to their regular pay, Indiana Public Retirement System benefits and other perks. Beginning in 2003, Pfister had a contract provision allowing for annually compounding annuity contributions beginning at 4% of salary, and growing by 4% each year so the school district paid 8% of Pfister's salary to the annuity in Year 2, 12% in Year 3, 16% in Year 4, and so on through 2012. The contract for Sopko, who served as assistant superintendent from 1998 to 2012, provided for a 3% annually compounding annuity contribution beginning in 2003. The annuity provision was not included in Sopko's contract during his 2012 to 2014 tenure as Munster superintendent, records show. The attorney general claimed such high payments on behalf of the superintendents were illegal because the plain meaning of the contracts suggest the "plus each year" 4% (or 3%) supplemental annuity payment merely meant a 4% payment in each year of the three-year contracts, which actually were renewed on a yearly basis, not an annually increasing annuity contribution. McDermott said the attorney general's argument failed on this point because the meaning of the contract is anything but plain as the State Board of Accounts, which conducted the retroactive audit of the school district, and even the attorney general's office at times, acknowledged the contract is unclear when it comes to cumulative percentage versus yearly percentage. "On its face, the provision is subject to more than one interpretation," McDermott said. "Further, there is undisputed designated evidence that supports the (superintendents') reading of ambiguous contractual language. Therefore, this court believes the (superintendents) are correct there was no 'plain reading' from which the (superintendents) could 'deviate.'" McDermott also was unpersuaded by the attorney general's assertion that the superintendents unlawfully forced the annuity language into their contracts, since she said the record clearly shows the contracts were a product of negotiation and bargaining between the superintendents and the school board. "There is nothing unlawful about 'requesting' or even 'insisting' upon the inclusion or amendment of a term within a freely negotiated contract. However, to the extent that the state would argue otherwise, the testimony of various participants in the process, including both Pfister and prior school board members, confirms that the process was a collaborative give-and-take," McDermott said. The attorney general's attempt to recover an estimated $359,728.94 from Pfister and $311,198.75 from Sopko was filed in May 2017, according to court records. McDermott initially ruled in 2018, and the Indiana Court of Appeals agreed in 2019, that the state waited too long to try to recover the funds especially since six State Board of Accounts audits identified no issues with the superintendents' contracts while they were actually leading the Munster school district. However, the Indiana Supreme Court in 2020 directed McDermott to reconsider her previous ruling in light of its decision in Robertson v. State, authorizing the attorney general to seek repayment of public funds based on a retroactive State Board of Accounts audit covering an extended time frame. That high court directive set off a lengthy period of discovery and other court filings, eventually leading to McDermott's grant of partial summary judgment in favor of the superintendents. The attorney general must now decide whether to seek review of McDermott's decision at the Indiana Court of Appeals. Records show Sopko died Oct. 7, 2022. The attorney general is, nevertheless, continuing to pursue repayment from Donna Sopko, the former superintendent's widow and personal representative of his estate, according to court records. Gallery: Get to know the state symbols of Indiana State Aircraft: Republic Aviation P-47 Thunderbolt State Bird: Cardinal State Flag State Flower: Peony State Fossil: Mastodon State Gun: Grouseland Rifle State Insect: Say's Firefly State Language: English State Motto: "Crossroads of America" State Nickname: The Hoosier State State Pie: Sugar Cream Pie (unofficial) State Poem: "Indiana" State River: Wabash State Seal State Snack: Indiana-Grown Popcorn State Song: "On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away" State Stone: Limestone State Tree: Tulip tree Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi honoured the leaders of the 23 July Revolution on the countrys National Day, affirming the governments commitment to achieving future economic development and security under the new republic. The president made his remarks Sunday in a recorded speech on the 71st anniversary of the 23 July Revolution, which ended the monarchy and established a republic. The president extended his congratulations to the Egyptian people, recalling how their elders made enormous sacrifices for a free and dignified Egypt liberated from colonialism and foreign domination. Salutations El-Sisi also extended his salutations to the late President Gamal Abdel-Nasser, leader of the revolution and Egypts second president, who fought colonial countries and forced them to leave the country. El-Sisi further extended a salutation of pride to the late Mohammed Naguib, Egypts first president, who assumed responsibility at a delicate moment in the life of the nation Finally, he honoured the late President Anwar Sadat "who fulfilled his duty in war and peace by freeing Sinai from foreign invaders and paid with his life for Egypt." New republic Citing Egypts tumultuous history since the 2011 Revolution, El-Sisi expressed the need to look to the future and to the new republic, which represents a historical development of [Egypts] national march as a great nation to regain its rightful place. The president affirmed that the new republic will work to preserve and protect Egypt amidst complex international and regional issues that threaten the safety of the country. The new republic is the result of an unprecedented phase in Egypts history that affirmed the need to protect the countrys security and stability above all, he added. Social and economic development is a necessity, not a luxury, the president asserted. The new republic seeks to provide equal opportunities for employment and a dignified life to its people in order to achieve sustainable development, he continued. Such achievements require improving the educational, cultural, and health conditions of the Egyptian people, he clarified. This will require a large amount of work within an integrated societal framework on the basis of balanced rights and duties, he asserted. Concluding remarks The president reaffirmed that Egypt is moving forward despite the many challenges it has faced since independence, adding that the government is working diligently and sincerely to make Egypts hopes into a reality. Egypts people have already endured many hardships and crises setting an example for patience, the president continued. He offered assurances that the state will exert its utmost efforts to provide its citizens with job opportunities, higher income, and new paths for economic development. Finally, El-Sisi concluded his speech by thanking everyone for listening. Search Keywords: Short link: Indiana hopes to make a good first impression on travelers headed south on Interstate 65 with a striking rest stop featuring wind turbines, public art and life-sized bison. The state is investing $34.7 million in a dramatic overhaul of the Kankakee Welcome Center by DeMotte on I-65, the first rest stop on the major highway between Chicagoland and Indianapolis. The eastern rest stop for northbound travelers on I-65 is a standard restroom to stop. But the western rest stop for southbound travelers is being rebuilt into a massive building that almost looks like something the starchitect Frank Gehry would design curving metal evokes the Indiana Dunes, the deep blue glass represents Lake Michigan and angular panels are designed to resemble wind turbine blades rotating above to represent the wind farms to the south. Five-foot-tall letters spell out Indiana, with a cursive addendum to the sign saying "welcomes you." The Indiana Capital Chronicle asked if it was "the fanciest rest stop Indiana's ever had." "We hope that the new Kankakee Welcome Center will be a destination for motorists both near and far, offering more to the travelling public than the previous facility," Indiana Department of Transportation Northwest Public Relations Director Cassy Bajek said. "Inspired by the wind generation industry, the dunes and Lake Michigan, the new welcome center will give travelers the opportunity to stretch their legs along a walking trail, enjoy the dog park or childrens play area with their families, and learn more about both the Hoosier state and the region they are traveling through." It's the flagship project in a new statewide program meant to upgrade welcome centers by state lines to put Indiana's best foot forward. They each will have a local theme with the Terre Haute Welcome Center off Interstate 70 for instance having an Indianapolis 500 theme because of the Hulman family's presence there. It will display four race cars donated by the Hulmans. The Evansville Welcome Center will be themed around suspension bridges while the Black River Welcome Center in Posey County will focus on Abraham Lincoln and have a log cabin exterior, in addition to recreation opportunities like a playground and a dog park. Calumet City- and Munster-based Hasse Construction has been building the new Kankakee Welcome Center near the Kankakee River at mile marker 231 on I-65 southbound, which replaces a 50-year-old facility in Jasper County. "The whole thing's new. The other was basically a bathroom while this one has more amenities like a dog park, fitness shelters, playgrounds, the pond, a 1-mile walking path. It will have interactive displays inside," Superintendent Chad Corley said. It will feature public art and exhibits about buffalo, sandhill cranes, monarch butterflies wind generation. "They will have some windmills, one old style with grass reeds that used to get them to blow. It's going to look like one of the ones from Holland. It's going to be a 20-foot-tall miniature version with a hologram lid so when you walk through it and look up it will be like you're looking up 160 feet at a real one. Then they will have the base of a new-style one like they have down south here to show the progression from the infancy to today's technology," he said. "They will have native animals native to the area: sandhill cranes, monarch butterflies and years ago bison used to roam here quite a bit. It's going to be steel cut into the shape of bison and mounted to the floor. It will be life-sized." It's meant to provide visitors with photo ops, similiar to the giant Indiana Welcomes You sign that frames the building in the back. Fair Oaks Farms also will put in exhibits about its agritourism farm just down south. "All the rest areas are now locally themed based," he said. "Fair Oaks is a big thing here. The wind mills are a big thing here, which is why this building is based off windmills and the beach." Architect Jay Smith with Fosse & Associates in Evansville designed the building. The southbound rest area will gain 94 more semitrailer parking spaces for a total of 150, while the northbound rest area will add 19 more truck spaces for a total of 75. Southbound car parking spots grew from 40 to 90. The added capacity is needed. "This is one of the most heavily traveled sections of interstate in the country," Corley said. "Basically you're taking all the traffic from around the lake and funneling it to I-65. Once you get to Indy they head of the Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia and Texas. On the I-465 loop, they split off in all directions and take off from there." It's also doubling the bathroom capacity with two different men's rooms and two different women's rooms. The state will overhaul more rest stops throughout the $275 program, which runs through 2032. The Pigeon Creek Welcome Center on southbound I-69 near mile marker 345 by Angola was the first to be replaced as a proof of concept to bring the governor onboard. "They want to draw people in. They want people who see these buildings to go back to where they came from and say, 'dude, you've got to go here,'" he said. "They were decrepit. They were 45, 50 years old before. They were just falling down." The facility in Steuben County was the first to be replaced. The $4.4 million, 7,500 square feet facility opened to the public in October 2020 and also includes electronic tourism displays that highlight the recreational and agricultural resources of the region. Welcome Centers many times provide our visitors with a first impression of Indiana and are our opportunity to put our best foot forward. These stunning new welcome centers will do just that," Indiana Destination Development Corporation Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Elaine Bedel said in a press release. "The interactive displays highlighting the States history, culture, and quality of life are a great addition for showcasing Indiana. The Kankakee Welcome Center will feature museum-quality sandhill cranes hanging from the ceiling and a Don Quixote figurine on a horse tilting at windmills. It will have an Indiana State Police substation where officers can come in and do paperwork. A terrazzo floor will feature the Indiana State Seal. "When this is all clean and everything's in it, you will be amazed," he said. "You will be shocked." They hope is to be done by September and have a grand opening celebration with the governor in October. The sprawling site includes adult fitness equipment, a kids playground, two picnic shelters and a pond filled with native plants that will be stocked for catch-and-release fishing. The mile-long walking path includes a 400-foot-long wooden boardwalk spanning the water. It's flanked with seven miniature wind turbine blades covered in murals depicting local flora and fauna that jut up out of a water. The Kankakee Welcome Center has a full-sized 219-foot-long wind turbine blade that was donated by the local wind farm. Koda Witsken with Hue Murals in Indianapolis won a commission to paint it. The end with be capped with glass so that people can look inside but can't crawl inside. About 150 workers have been working on the project for the last two years. "This is the largest single-award contract that Hasse Construction ever received," he said. "Normally Hasse does anywhere from $50 to $75 million a year. This project alone is $34 million." Corley has built many hospitals and medical offices across Northwest Indiana over the course of his career. He's planning to retire soon and is proud that the Kankakee Welcome Center will be one of his final projects. "This is the crown jewel of my career," he said. Last year, Alice Bell told Jesse Zannino that he needed to propose by May 2023. My astrology for getting married is really good in 2024 but not in 2025, Ms. Bell explained in an interview. The beginning of their relationship was also based on astrological guidance she timed their first date with the new moon in February 2021 so Mr. Zannino took the suggestion in stride. I actually predicted myself getting into a relationship in 2021 using astrology, said Ms. Bell, 30, an astrologer based in New York and the author of Trust Your Timing: How to Use Astrology to Navigate Your Love Life and Find Your Authentic Self. I knew something important was going to happen with relationships. I looked up my birth chart before our first date, Mr. Zannino, 32, said. And based on the description of Scorpio moon that I read online, I was nervous that she would be turned off by it. Instead, she was intrigued. After Mr. Zannino, a director of business development, met Ms. Bells astrologically aligned proposal deadline on April 28, she quickly mapped out potential wedding charts in order to find a date. She landed on June 8, 2024, which was ideal for both of their birth charts, she said. A birth chart is a snapshot of the sky at the time, date and place a person is born, taking into account how the position of the sun, moon and planets interact with one another to influence the persons life path and personality. Four people remained missing on Sunday after floods swept through Nova Scotia and parts of the province recorded its heaviest rainfall since 1971, forcing hundreds to evacuate and damaging or destroying 25 bridges, the authorities said. The heavy rains have subsided, and the flood water was gradually receding, said Jim Abraham, past president of the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society. The two-day rainfall totals in Bedford, just outside of Halifax, reached about 250 millimeters, or nearly 10 inches, of rain. In Halifax, the rainfall was 100 to 150 millimeters, or nearly four to six inches, over the course of Friday and Saturday. This precipitation, peaking at 10 inches, is very rare, Mr. Abraham said. The last time in the Halifax area we had precipitation that high was in 1971 with Hurricane Beth. Saint-Saenss choral writing here is particularly stirring, and well performed by the Bard Festival Chorale, under James Bagwell. With the broad-breathed patience of earlier bel canto opera, ensembles juxtapose contrasting situations to energetic effect; at the close of the first act, a dukes march to his execution is cannily intertwined with Henrys declaration of his love for Anne. The piece has been treated lovingly at Bard, in a vibrant but restrained staging by Jean-Romain Vesperini, with lush period costumes (by Alain Blanchot) and nods to the eras architecture and design in patterns and projections (by Studio AE). But Bruno de Laveneres set is also sleek and spare, with a thin band of cool white light framing the raked playing area and a mirror hovering to the side over the action a reminder that the characters are always being watched, at least by the divinity above. In addition to the stylish, committed performances by Walker, Woodbury and Ammann, the tenor Josh Lovell was poised as Don Gomez. Another tenor, Rodell Rosel, sounded bright in the small role of the Earl of Surrey; the bass Harold Wilsons tone was rich as the Duke of Norfolk. Conducting his American Symphony, Botstein kept the score from ever becoming too dense and kept the pace moving, without rushing. There are ever fewer companies and presenters, even in a cultural center like New York, doing works like this, let alone in full, thoughtful stagings; Botstein, and his annual opera production at Bard, seem more invaluable by the year. Henri VIII ends with a grim wink at what was to come for these figures in real life, with Henry warning Anne of the ax if hes been made a fool of, as the curtain comes down on her mad with terror. If anyone is looking for a sequel, Donizettis Anna Bolena depicts her getting what may have been her just deserts, with her husband finding yet another newer, younger woman to fall for requiring the disposal of yet another wife. Spoiler alert: In the Donizetti, her head and the ax end up in fatal proximity. Henri VIII Continues through July 30 at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y. Elon Musk has made one of the most visible changes to Twitter since he took control of the social media company last fall: replacing its widely recognized bird logo. In a tweet early Sunday morning Eastern time, Mr. Musk said that soon we shall bid adieu to the twitter brand and, gradually, all the birds. About 24 hours later, a stylized, black-and-white X appeared on the companys website in place of the blue bird logo. Twitters corporate accounts also adopted the new branding, which was projected onto the side of the companys headquarters in San Francisco overnight. Lights. Camera. X! Linda Yaccarino, Twitters chief executive, posted on the site, accompanying a photo of the building. X is a term for what Mr. Musk has described as an everything app that could combine social media, instant messaging and payment services, akin to the popular Chinese app WeChat. Therein lies the story. On a recent afternoon in his cluttered apartment, Mr. Herman offered a broken chair and began a circuitous account of friendship, loss and a commercial art market not meant for people like him. In 1967, Chuck Close was an instructor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, desperately unhappy and eager for the New York art world, when the school offered him his first solo exhibition, in the student union. Mr. Close, best known for his monumental photorealist portraits, had not yet found his style and was painting in an expressionist mode heavily influenced by Willem de Kooning. For his exhibition he chose 31 works, several of which featured male and female nudity. One painting depicted a semi-abstract Bob Dylan wearing only a T-shirt. Others had titles like, Im only 12 and already my mothers lover wants me and I am the only virgin in my school. There were complaints. One drawing was stolen. The university removed the paintings. Mr. Close sued on free speech grounds. His lawyer, in what became a well-known First Amendment case, argued that art is as fully protected by the Constitution as political or social speech. The lawyer was Mr. Silver, future poodle owner. Mr. Silver prevailed in court, then lost on appeal. Mr. Close, who later dismissed the exhibition as sort of transitional work, lost his job. Ask the families of the victims of last years racist massacre in Buffalo what they want and one goal comes up again and again. To hold anybody and everybody, in anything and everything, that had a part in what happened to my mother and the other nine, what was done in Buffalo, to hold them accountable, said Garnell W. Whitfield Jr., whose mother, Ruth, was one of 10 people all of them Black who were killed. That longing for accountability has resulted in two new civil lawsuits filed by the Buffalo families, the most recent attempt to hold social media companies responsible when men steeped in violent ideologies on those platforms open fire. But even as such massacres continue, seemingly unabated, lawsuit after lawsuit against tech giants has thus far failed to award victims and their families in court. Indeed, the Buffalo suits will face significant challenges, experts in digital law say, with some blunt predictions as to their likelihood for success. Those most likely to die from heat, however, tend to be older people, migrants, those in poverty, those experiencing homelessness or inadequate housing and those who work outside, like construction workers and agricultural laborers. Dangerous heat disproportionally affects Black and Latino families. Much as Covid-19 endangers and affects everyone but has disproportionally affected historically disadvantaged communities, heat deaths expose deep societal inequality. Soaring heat deaths represent a societal failure. They demonstrate not only the harm of environmental destruction but also how the poor fall through the cracks, how we as a society do not adequately care for one another, how we leave the vulnerable to die. This is usually a sin of omission. We do not want the economically disadvantaged to not have access to working air-conditioners. We do not want the poor to be endangered. But we often do not see or know our most vulnerable neighbors. Demographic sorting and the emergence of what the political scientist Charles Murray called super ZIPS, neighborhoods where the nations wealthiest families cluster, means that those with plenty of resources seemingly live on a different planet than those with few or none, even as we share the same city or state. The lives of the wealthy, the middle class and those in poverty are increasingly separated and utterly different. So Alfredo Garza Jr. died in Laredo last month, sweltering in a home with two broken air-conditioners, while my house, with a functioning air-conditioner, sat empty for a week as I traveled for work. Then there are times when these deaths are caused by a sin of commission an intentional act of greed and callousness. Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas, for instance, signed a bill into law, amid triple-digit temperatures, that eliminated local regulations in Austin and Dallas mandating 10-minute water breaks every four hours for construction workers. It also prevented other cities from requiring even these modest safety measures. Applauded by supporters as pro-business, this bill expresses a shocking and inhumane disregard for human lives. Texas lawmakers appear to be punishing people for having the audacity to be working-class while also having basic bodily needs. We all get hot. We all need water. We all need breaks. Lawmakers can ignore this reality because they work (on legislation like this bill) in air-conditioned offices. They drive home on roads made by the workers whose lives they are endangering. They pull inside their garages, close the door to the blistering heat and enter their comfortable homes, where their family members do not have to worry about dying of heat. One is to dismantle the power of the Supreme Court to rein in this governments extreme agenda, and the other is to dismantle the Oslo peace process and its road map for a two-state solution, in order to pave the way for a unilateral Israeli annexation of the West Bank. Oslo has been a cornerstone of Americas Middle East policy since 1993. These twin dismantlings are interconnected: the Jewish supremacists in Netanyahus cabinet need to get the Supreme Court out of the way in order to carry out their plans to annex the West Bank. Such a move could easily destabilize Jordan, as it would likely push more and more Palestinians there and change its fragile demographic balance. Jordan is the most important buffer state in the region for the U.S., which operates from Jordanian territory, in collaboration with Jordan, to deal with U.S. security threats from Syria and western Iraq, where ISIS forces continue to operate. At the same time, Mr. President, you are wrestling with one of the biggest decisions ever involving U.S. strategy in the Middle East: whether to meet Saudi Arabias requests for a formal security guarantee from America, for a U.S.-overseen civilian nuclear program and for access to some of the most advanced U.S. arms. In return for this, Saudi Arabia would normalize its relations with Israel (provided that Israel makes some concessions to the Palestinians) and limit its collaboration with China. It would be both difficult and unfortunate to get such a deal through Congress without strong support from Democrats in the Senate. As you know, Mr. President, Netanyahu and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are two of the least popular world leaders among progressive Democrats, especially considering the way Netanyahu, over the past decade, moved to make support for Israel a Republican cause and spurned the embrace of secular American Jews for that of Christian evangelicals instead. In short, winning enough support among Democrats to forge this complex deal with Saudi Arabia will be a huge lift on a good day; it will be even harder if Netanyahu neuters the Israeli Supreme Court undermining our shared values of an independent judiciary and moves ahead with plans to annex the West Bank. And without you as president, such a deal would be virtually impossible, because very few Democrats in the Senate would support it if it was pushed by a Republican president. In short, the window for this deal is small. To the Editor: Re More Mothers Are Dying, and Its Preventable, by Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell (Opinion guest essay, July 17): There are other ways to address the high maternal mortality and morbidity rates. Improve abortion access at any gestational age when maternal life is at risk. Educate high-risk women of all ages on long-term, reversible contraception (especially IUDs). Make it easier to credential or re-credential older, retired professionals (physicians, nurse midwives) across state lines to assist with the shortage of medical practitioners. Our populations are aging use those of us with the skill. Put a surcharge on vanity practices (e.g., cosmetic surgeons, concierge practitioners) and/or require pro bono work to support the shortage of qualified professionals. Continue diversity and inclusion training throughout ones professional career, because everyone has unacknowledged biases. Train doulas of all racial and ethnic groups to increase postpartum visits to at-risk women. Improve telemedicine. Nutrition or health classes are often part of school curriculums; educate, screen and treat at younger ages for hypertension and other medical conditions. Ukraine on Sunday said 22 people, including four children, were wounded in a Russian overnight missile attack on Odesa that also killed two persons. "A man born in 1974 was killed in the night time shelling," Igor Klymenko, Ukraine's minister of internal affairs, said on Telegram, bringing the toll to two. "Twenty-two people were injured. Among them are four children: 11, 12, and two 17-year-olds." Kyiv also on Sunday said Russian strikes "destroyed" an Orthodox cathedral under UNESCO protection in Odesa's historic city centre, calling it a "war crime". "The Transfiguration Cathedral, located in the historic centre of Odesa, protected by UNESCO, was destroyed. A war crime that will never be forgotten and forgiven," Ukraine's foreign ministry said on Twitter. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to retaliate against Russian forces after Moscow attacked the historic port of Odesa with missiles. "Missiles against peaceful cities, against residential buildings, a cathedral," Zelensky said. "There will definitely be a retaliation against Russian terrorists for Odesa. They will feel this retaliation." Meanwhile, Moscow said it hit all intended targets in Ukraine's port city Odesa port, claiming the sites were being used to prepare "terrorist acts" against Russia. "At night the armed forces of the Russian Federation caried out a strike... on facilities where terrorist acts against the Russian Federation using unmanned boats were prepared," the Russian army said. "All planned targets in the strikes were destroyed." Odesa has been bombed several times since the start of the invasion, and in January the United Nations cultural agency UNESCO designated the historic centre of the city as a World Heritage in Danger site. The city has come under repeated attack since Moscow pulled out of a grain export deal last week. Ukraine has accused Russia of targeting grain supplies and infrastructure vital to the Black Sea deal. Search Keywords: Short link: I learned that every member of the American Embassy staff in Kyiv, led by our courageous and cleareyed ambassador, Bridget Brink, volunteered for the duty. They have been separated from their families and living for months on end in hotel rooms. They have the job of overseeing one of the largest U.S. assistance efforts since the Marshall Plan, ensuring that tens of thousands of individual pieces of American military hardware in Ukrainian hands are properly accounted for, reconstituting an embassy that was gutted on the eve of Russias invasion and keeping tabs on Russian war crimes some 95,000 of which have been documented so far by the Ukrainian prosecutor generals office. I learned what it was like to sit in conference rooms and walk along corridors that would soon be shattered by Russian ordnance. On Tuesday, I joined a diplomatic group led by Administrator Samantha Power of the United States Agency for International Development on a visit to the port of Odesa. Power met first with Ukrainian officials to discuss logistical options for their exports after Putins withdrawal from the grain agreement, then with farmers to discuss issues like de-mining their fields and de-risking their finances. The stately Port Authority building in which the meetings took place, a purely civilian target, was struck barely a day after our departure. I learned that Ukrainians have no interest in turning their victimization into an identity. Years ago, in Belgrade, I saw how the Serbian government had preserved the wreck of its old defense ministry, hit by NATO bombs in the 1999 Kosovo war, in keeping with its self-pitying perceptions of that war. By contrast, in Bucha, the Kyiv suburb that suffered some of the worst atrocities during Russias brief occupation in the early days of the war, I witnessed the transformation of apartment buildings dotted with patched-up bullet holes into trendy co-working spaces. As Anatoliy Fedoruk, the mayor of Bucha, told Power, Memory will stay in memoirs but residents want to rebuild without reminders. I learned that Ukrainians arent likely to trade sovereign territory for Western security assurances, much less for some kind of armistice deal with Moscow. They tried the former in the 1990s with the Budapest Memorandum, in which they surrendered the nuclear arsenal on their soil to Russia for the sake of toothless guarantees of territorial integrity. They tried the latter with the equally toothless Minsk agreements after Russias first invasion in 2014. The goal of Western policy should be to provide Ukraine with the military means they need to win, rather than to pressure Ukraine into again bargaining away its rights to sovereignty and security for the sake of assuaging our anxieties about Russian escalation. I learned that, for all the aid weve given Ukraine, we are the true beneficiaries in the relationship, and they the true benefactors. Ben Wallace, Britains usually thoughtful defense minister, suggested after this months NATO summit that Ukrainians should show more gratitude to their arms suppliers. That gets the relationship backward. NATO countries are paying for their long-term security in money, which is cheap, and munitions, which are replaceable. Ukrainians are counting their costs in lives and limbs lost. The authorities in Birmingham, Ala., are searching for leads and a motive in a daytime shooting at a city firehouse this month that left one on-duty firefighter dead and another wounded. Few details have emerged since the July 12 shooting, though the Birmingham police chief, Scott Thurmond, has described it as a targeted attack. Its extremely unusual for someone to come target one of our fire stations, the chief said at a news conference on the day of the shooting. He added, I find it extremely troubling. The firefighter who was killed, Jordan Melton, 29, had graduated from the recruit academy at Birmingham Fire and Rescue just a month earlier, said the citys mayor, Randall L. Woodfin. President Biden will establish a national monument on Tuesday honoring Emmett Till, the Black teenager who was brutally killed in 1955, and paying tribute to his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, according to White House officials. Emmetts murder and the subsequent activism of his mother helped propel the civil rights movement, and Mr. Biden will memorialize both individuals when he signs a proclamation naming the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument. As defined by the National Park Service, a national monument is a protected area similar to a national park. There are more than 100 national monuments in the country. The new monument will consist of three protected sites in Illinois, where Emmett was from, and Mississippi, where he was killed. One site is the church where Emmetts funeral was held, Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ, in a historically Black neighborhood on Chicagos South Side known as Bronzeville. Another is Graball Landing in Tallahatchie County, Miss., where Emmetts body is believed to have been pulled from the Tallahatchie River. A third site is the Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse in Sumner, Miss., where an all-white jury acquitted Emmetts killers. Throughout the spring, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida and his advisers waved off his sagging poll numbers with the simple fact that he wasnt yet an actual candidate for president. Two months in, however, his sputtering presidential campaign is still struggling to gain traction. Allies are complaining about a lack of a coherent message about why Republican voters should choose Mr. DeSantis over former President Donald J. Trump. Early strategic fissures have emerged between his own political team and the enormous super PAC that will spend tens of millions of dollars to help him. His Tallahassee-based campaign has begun shedding some of the more than 90 workers it had hired roughly double the Trump campaign payroll to cut swelling costs that have included $279,000 at the Four Seasons in Miami. Now, his advisers are promising to reorient the DeSantis candidacy as an insurgent run and remake it into a leaner-meaner operation, days after the first public glimpse into his political finances showed unsustainable levels of spending including a taste for private planes and a fund-raising operation that was alarmingly dependent on its biggest contributors and that did not meet its expectations. One recent move that drew intense blowback, including from Republicans, was the campaigns sharing of a bizarre video on Twitter that attacked Mr. Trump as too friendly to L.G.B.T.Q. people and showed Mr. DeSantis with lasers coming out of his eyes. The video drew a range of denunciations, with some calling it homophobic and others homoerotic before it was deleted. The effort to postpone the start has been led by nations including Costa Rica, Chile and France. The three nations urged other countries that are members of the Seabed Authoritys governing council to agree that no permit authorizing mining in international waters should be granted until regulations are finalized. This will now not likely take place until 2025 at the earliest, the body agreed. We are on the side of the ocean, said Gina Guillen Grillo, Costa Ricas representative to the Seabed Authority who has helped lead the opposition to seabed mining. We know there is not enough science. To start right now would be a disaster. Gerard Barron, the Metals Companys chief executive, said he remained optimistic that his company and its partner, Nauru, would secure the approval they needed to start the effort within the next several years. While the Seabed Authority continues its work to determine environmental standards, as well as a royalty rate that will be paid by the mining contractors, among other matters, the Metals Company will continue to lobby other nations, Mr. Barron said. The company will aim to convince them that ocean floor mining is better for the environment than surface mining in places like Indonesia or Congo, where battery metals such as nickel, cobalt and copper are now being produced. Hopefully, we can keep the timetable on track, Mr. Barron said. The Metals Company and Nauru, along with the delegation from China, which also has been aggressively pursuing seabed mining, pushed unsuccessfully at last weeks meeting for the Seabed Authority to set a goal of finalizing the regulations by 2024. Jack Smith, the special counsel overseeing criminal investigations into former President Donald J. Trump, employs 40 to 60 career prosecutors, paralegals and support staff, augmented by a rotating cast of F.B.I. agents and technical specialists, according to people familiar with the situation. In his first four months on the job, starting in November, Mr. Smiths investigation incurred expenses of $9.2 million. That included $1.9 million to pay the U.S. Marshals Service to protect Mr. Smith, his family and other investigators who have faced threats after the former president and his allies singled them out on social media. At this rate, the special counsel is on track to spend about $25 million a year. The main driver of all these efforts and their concurrent expenses is Mr. Trumps own behavior his unwillingness to accept the results of an election as every one of his predecessors has done, his refusal to heed his own lawyers advice and a grand jurys order to return government documents and his lashing out at prosecutors in personal terms. The friction among friends has complicated cooperation in other areas where the two allies have common interests. For months, Mr. Biden refused to invite Mr. Netanyahu to Washington, which prevented at least some meetings between lower-level officials. The president relented last week and agreed to get together at some as-yet-unspecified time and place in the United States this year. But he then felt compelled to issue two public statements making clear that he had not changed his mind about Mr. Netanyahus drive to limit the power of the courts even as the prime minister is on trial for corruption. The debate about the prime ministers plan, which drew hundreds of thousands of protesters into the streets of Israel over the weekend in the latest of months of demonstrations, has spread to the Jewish community in the United States as well, at a time when rising partisanship has threatened to undermine American support for Israel. People who are left of center are worried or more upset about it overall than people who are right of center, said Nathan J. Diament, executive director for public policy for the Orthodox Union, one of the largest Orthodox Jewish organizations in the country. There are many people in the American Orthodox community whose view on the substance is sympathetic or supportive to the reforms, he added, noting that his community leans more politically conservative, but nonetheless are worried about the divisiveness that the process has caused. Still, he and other longtime advocates and analysts said they remained confident that the relationship between the United States and Israel would endure. After a liberal Democratic congresswoman called Israel a racist state, the House overwhelmingly passed a resolution declaring the opposite was true. Only a handful of Democrats boycotted last weeks address to a joint meeting of Congress by President Isaac Herzog, and most of the rest gave him a standing ovation. London Breed sailed to victory as the mayor of San Francisco. A local who rose from the housing projects to become the first Black woman to lead the liberal city, she won a special election in 2018 and then a full term in a landslide the following year. Times were good; the pandemic had yet to happen. If homelessness and crime worried San Franciscans, few of them blamed her. No longer. Now San Francisco is reeling, its downtown plagued by fentanyl markets and tent camps, its employers straining to repopulate office buildings with a decidedly more remote labor force. More than 70 percent of voters have told pollsters that the city is on the wrong track, and some 66 percent disapprove of the mayors job performance. With more than a year to go before the next mayoral election, Mayor Breed has already drawn a challenge from a former ally, Ahsha Safai, a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors who outpolled her in a recent survey and who was building a campaign on addressing crime, especially what he called the retail theft crisis. And last week, word leaked from San Francisco political circles that Daniel Lurie, an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, was also planning a mayoral run. The civilian toll is rising in Odesa, the Ukrainian port city that has been under relentless attack by Russian forces in the past week after the Kremlin pulled out of an agreement that allowed for the export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. One person died and 22 others, including four children, were wounded in Russian missile strikes on Odesa overnight on Sunday, according to Ukrainian officials. At least six residential buildings were damaged, as was an Orthodox cathedral where rescuers pulled an icon devoted to the patron saint of the city out of the rubble. At least 25 historic landmarks were damaged, Ukrainska Pravda reported. There can be no excuse for Russian evil, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine said about the attacks in a Telegram posting on Sunday, adding, There will definitely be a retaliation. With its busy port, Odesa has long been a crucial economic link for Ukraine to the rest of the global economy. Even though the city was subject to attacks earlier in the war, there had been a fleeting sense of normalcy because for almost a year it had been shipping out agricultural products despite a wartime blockade by Russia. For the sixth day in a row, firefighters were battling on Sunday to douse blazes on the Greek island of Rhodes that have trapped thousands of tourists and locals, forcing many to spend the night in hotel lobbies, gymnasiums, schools or boats docked at the port. The Greek authorities said that no major injuries had been reported so far, though nine people had been briefly hospitalized, most with breathing problems. Some vacationers described a chaotic rescue effort and criticized travel operators for flying them to the island despite the raging fires. Helen Tonks, a British tourist, said in a phone call that she arrived on Saturday evening with her husband and three children to a living nightmare on Rhodes. The hotel she had booked had already been evacuated, she said, and her family spent the night at a school that had been turned into a crisis center. We shouldnt ever have come, Ms. Tonks said, accusing the tour operator of ignoring customer safety. At no point did they tell us there was risk, she added. It was just business as usual. Iraq has offered to mediate between warring parties in Yemen in an effort to end the country's years-long war, Iraq's top diplomat said at a press conference on Sunday. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein put forward the proposal during a visit from his Yemeni counterpart. Iran-backed Huthi rebels seized the capital Sanaa in 2014, before a Saudi-led military coalition intervened the following year on the side of the country's internationally recognised government. Hundreds of thousands of people have died in the fighting or from indirect causes such as lack of food in what the United Nations has called one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. A six-month truce brokered by the United Nations expired in October last year, but fighting has largely remained on hold. "Currently, there is an unofficial truce. In practice, there is some form of ceasefire... We hope this situation leads to dialogue between all Yemeni parties," Hussein emphasised during a press conference with Yemeni Foreign Minister Ahmed bin Mubarak. "Iraq is ready to help in this matter. We have good relations with all parties. We can use our influence for stability and security in Yemen, and we can act on a regional level," he stated. Baghdad has consistently tried to highlight its role as a regional mediator, and hosted several rounds of relatively low-level talks between regional rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia from April 2021. In March, Riyadh and Tehran announced a resumption of diplomatic relations in a surprise deal brokered by Beijing. The reconciliation raised hopes for peace in Yemen. "Unfortunately, for now, we have not seen any direct impact of this agreement on the situation in Yemen," the Yemeni minister said in his speech. "But we remain hopeful," he added. "We believe the time has come to put an end to this war in Yemen." In April Riyadh's ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed al-Jaber, travelled to Sanaa as part of a plan to "stabilise" the truce. Although no deal was struck, Jaber later said warring parties are serious about ending the conflict. Search Keywords: Short link: The headquarters of one of the battalions in Ukraines 53rd Mechanized Brigade smells of freshly cut pine trees. The scents are from the wooden support beams in the labyrinth of trenches that make up most of the units rudimentary base outside the embattled town of Avdiivka. In the main command room, flat-screen televisions, computers and satellite internet pipe in images from small drones, as a cadre of Ukrainian soldiers keeps tabs on their portion of the front line. What they mostly see is a violent stalemate. As the war enters its 17th month, the fighting has developed a noticeable rhythm. Russia and Ukraine are locked in a deadly back and forth of attacks and counterattacks. Russian artillery no longer has the clear advantage and Ukrainian forces are struggling with staunch Russian defenses, grinding on in their southern offensive, slowed because of dense minefields. Protests in Israel ahead of key vote Israeli lawmakers are expected to hold a binding vote today on one part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus plan to overhaul the judiciary. It will come after a weekend of protest and turmoil, and the issue has become a proxy for a broader emotional and even existential battle about the nature of the Israeli state. Last night, pro-government demonstrators held a rally in Tel Aviv, as those opposed to the judicial overhaul gathered in Jerusalem. A day before, a miles-long column of demonstrators opposed to the reform marched to Jerusalem in searing heat. Some of the tens of thousands of people who participated had walked for days, and some camped outside Parliament. Earlier yesterday, Netanyahu was rushed to the hospital for an emergency procedure to implant a heart pacemaker. Netanyahu released a video statement saying that he would be in Parliament today. Still, talks were continuing to seek an 11th-hour compromise over the bill, which aims to limit the ways in which the Supreme Court can overturn government decisions. Netanyahu had an emergency meeting with President Isaac Herzog in a last-minute effort to reach a compromise, according to Herzogs office. An agreement must be reached, Herzog said in a statement. When tens of thousands of Israelis marched up to Jerusalem this weekend to protest the far-right governments plan to limit judicial power, many were driven by an urgent fear that the government is trying to steal the country that their parents and grandparents fought to build against the odds. Its really a feeling of looting, as if the country is their spoils and everything is theirs for the taking, said Mira Lapidot, 52, a museum curator from Tel Aviv. This desperate march, in the middle of a heat wave, over the 2,400-foot mountains that lead to Jerusalem, was a last chance to stop it. The governments supporters many from more nationalist and religious backgrounds largely believe the opposite: that the country is being stolen by a political opposition that has refused to accept its losses, not only in a series of democratic elections but also through sweeping demographic and cultural changes that have challenged its once-dominant vision of the country. It should really be called a coup, not a protest movement anymore, said Avi Abelow, 49, a podcast host from Efrat, a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank. Theyre willing to destroy the unity of the Israeli people, willing to destroy the unity of the Israeli Army and destroy Israeli democracy to hold on to their power. With his country on knifes edge over his campaign to rein in the power of the judiciary, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel was rushed to the hospital early Sunday morning to have a heart pacemaker fitted. The procedure was performed hours before members of Parliament met to debate a measure that opponents view as nothing less than a Rubicon for their democracy: a law to limit the Israeli Supreme Courts power to overturn government decisions and appointments. A binding vote on the bill is scheduled for Monday. As antigovernment protesters camped out overnight near the Parliament building in a last-minute standoff over the legislation, Mr. Netanyahus office announced that he had undergone the procedure. It was the second time in a little over a week that the prime minister, who is 73, had been hospitalized. Spain General Election Results Leer en espanol With all in-person and mail-in votes counted, no political party or likely coalition has won enough seats in the Congress of Deputies to declare victory. Both PSOE, the mainstream social-democratic party of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, and their conservative opponents PP, fell short of the 176 seats needed for a majority, even when combined with parties likely to ally with them. Seats needed for a majority Major left parties Major right parties No seats allocated yet Party Votes Percent Pct. % Seats Chart of the number of seats 8,091,840 33.05 % 136 7,760,970 31.70 % 122 3,033,744 12.39 % 33 3,014,006 12.31 % 31 1,783,470 7.26 % 28 + View all Many voters in the Basque region voted for nationalist Basque parties Bildu and PNV . PSOE increased its support in Catalonia, but pro-independence parties Junts and ERC will be key to forming a new government. Voters in Madrid shifted to the right. Conservative PP won a strong 40% of the vote, 15 percentage points more than in 2019. Far-right Vox fell to third place in Murcia, the only province where they won the most votes in the last general election. Share of vote 30 % 40 % PSOE Sumar PP Vox Others No data Ballots from Spanish citizens living abroad have not yet been counted and may change the outcome in a few competitive seats. They will be tallied at the end of July. The inconclusive result may lead to weeks of negotiation between the parties, or even a new vote later this year. Vox, a far-right anti-immigration party expected to form a coalition with PP, lost 19 seats, failing to deliver the votes needed to achieve a right-wing bloc. Sumar, a progressive coalition expected to support PSOE, finished a close fourth. Their leader, the second deputy prime minister and labor minister Yolanda Diaz, was boosted by a strong debate performance in the final days of the campaign, where she challenged the anti-feminist policies of Vox leader Santiago Abascal. Possible coalitions 0% of votes reported 176 seats required for majority Major right parties PP + Vox = 0 seats No seats allocated yet Major right parties plus smaller parties PP + Vox + PNV + CC + UPN = 0 seats No seats allocated yet Major left parties PSOE + Sumar = 0 seats No seats allocated yet Major left parties plus smaller parties PSOE + Sumar + PNV + BNG + Bildu + ERC = 0 seats No seats allocated yet Major left parties plus smaller and all Catalan parties PSOE + Sumar + PNV + BNG + Bildu + ERC + Junts = 0 seats No seats allocated yet Both the progressive and conservative blocs will need to gain the support of smaller regional parties if they want to reach a majority of seats. PP and Vox will need the vote of PNV, a Basque nationalist party that supported a government led by Mr. Sanchez in 2019 and is unlikely to support a right-wing coalition. They will also need the support of two smaller parties with one seat each, Coalicion Canaria (CC), a nationalist party from Canary Islands that recently formed a regional government with the vote of PP, and Union del Pueblo Navarro (UPN), a historical partner of PP in Navarra. PSOE and Sumar will have to revalidate the support of the parties that voted for Mr. Sanchez in 2019 and will have to seek the backing of Junts, a Catalan nationalist party. Miriam Nogueras, a Junts candidate in Barcelona, said, We will not support Mr. Sanchez in return for nothing Our priority is Catalonia, not the governability of the country. Results by Province Will It Rain In Chennai? What Weather Looks Like in TN Capital For Next 2 Days Chennai oi-Prakash KL Chennai and several other parts of Tamil Nadu are predicted to get moderate to heavy rains for the next 3-4 days, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) said on Sunday. "Thunderstorm and lightning at one or two places with light to moderate rain at a few places is likely to occur over Tamilnadu, Puducherry & Karaikal area. Heavy rain is likely to occur at one or two places over Nilgiris and Ghat areas of Coimbatore districts," a statement from the weather-monitoring agency said. According to weather blogger Srikanth, under the influence of the Cyclonic Circulation over Central #India, the Monsoon will remain vigorous with widespread heavy #Rains likely along the Ghats between Maharashtra and North Kerala. Like yesterday some fast-moving thunderstorms may happen over North Tamil Nadu, he stated. Chennai can expect generally cloudy skies with the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by light or moderate rain in certain areas on Monday. The maximum temperature is projected to reach around 32 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is anticipated to be around 26 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, the temperature in parts of Tamil Nadu dipped following the heavy rainfall on Saturday and Sunday. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, July 23, 2023, 17:45 [IST] A new forum to combat drug smuggling from war-ravaged Syria through Jordan to the wealthy Gulf states held its first meeting in Amman on Sunday, the Jordanian foreign ministry said. The forum was agreed during talks between Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus earlier this month as regional concern mounts over an influx of the banned stimulant captagon from Syria. The Syrian delegation was headed by Defence Minister General Ali Mahmud Abbas and General Intelligence Director, Major General Husam Louka. Jordan's was led by the chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, Major General Yousef Huneiti, and General Intelligence director, Major General Ahmed Husni, the Jordanian ministry said. The talks "went over the issue of the parties that organise, run and carry out smuggling operations across borders to Jordan, as well as necessary measures to... confront this escalating danger to the entire region", the ministry said. Jordanian security forces have tightened border controls in recent years and occasionally announce thwarted drugs and weapons smuggling attempts from Syria. There has been increasing regional engagement with Assad's government since its readmission to the Arab League in May, ending more than a decade of isolation since civil war erupted in Syria in 2011. Search Keywords: Short link: Amit Shah Speaks To Gujarat CM, Delhi LG; Enquires About Yamuna Status India pti-PTI Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday and enquired about the flood-like situation in various parts of the state. Shah also had a discussion with Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena about the water level in the Yamuna river. "Spoke to Gujarat CM Shri @Bhupendrapbjp Ji about the flood-like situation occurring in various parts of the state due to the recent heavy rainfall. Also had a discussion with LG of Delhi, Shri VK Saxena Ji about the water level in the Yamuna river. Ample numbers of SDRF and NDRF teams are available to help the people in need," the home minister said on Twitter. Spoke to Gujarat CM Shri @Bhupendrapbjp Ji, about the flood-like situation occurring in various parts of the state due to the recent heavy rainfall. Also had a discussion with LG of Delhi, Shri VK Saxena Ji about the water level in the Yamuna River. Ample numbers of SDRF and NDRF Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 23, 2023 Heavy to very heavy rains pounded several districts in Gujarat's southern and Saurashtra regions on Saturday, triggering a flood-like situation in urban areas and isolating villages amid the water level in dams and rivers surging to danger levels. Red Alert In Gujarat's Junagadh After Heavy Rain; Yamuna Crosses Danger Mark Again The water level of the Yamuna in Delhi breached the danger mark again on Sunday following a surge in the discharge from the Hathnikund barrage into the river after heavy rain in parts of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. A further increase in the water level of the river is likely to impact the relief-and-rehabilitation work in the flood-affected low-lying areas of the national capital, officials said. Why Get Elected To Parliament If You Want To Raise Issues On Streets: Thakur Slams Opposition Over Manipur Anurag Thakur Urges Oppn With Folded Hands To Debate On Manipur In Parliament India oi-Prakash KL After the first two days of the ongoing monsoon session of the Parliament were washed out, Union minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday appealed to the opposition parties "with folded hands" to join the debate on the Manipur issue. The Minister also urged the Opposition not to politicise the issue of atrocities against women in Manipur. His appeal came after the anti-BJP parties cornered the government on the issue in both houses of the Parliament. The Opposition parties have planned joint protests in Parliament on Monday on the situation in Manipur. They have been demanding a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament before starting a discussion on the issue. The Monsoon session of Parliament began on July 20 and has witnessed disruptions over the ethnic violence in Manipur, particularly over a video purportedly shot on May 4, depicting atrocities against women in the state. However, the Centre has been insisting that Home Minister Amit Shah will speak on the issue and not the Prime Minister. "Atrocities against women are painful, no matter which state the victims belong to. It is the responsibility of the state to curb such incidents," Thakur said. He said the government is keen on a discussion on the issue of atrocities on women, which are prevalent in states such as Rajasthan, Bihar, West Bengal and Manipur. "We wish that there should be a good discussion on this in the House, where all political parties will participate. Nobody should run away from the debate. It is my request to the opposition with folded hands, do not run away from the discussion," the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said. "The opposition does all this to remain in discussion, but it does nothing to join the discussion," Anurag Thakur said when asked about the protests on the Manipur issue. More than 160 people have lost their lives, and several have been injured since ethnic violence broke out in the state on May 3, when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Meanwhile, the Congress slammed Minister Thakur, calling his latest appeal as "theatrics". Your theatrics don't conceal the fact that PM Modi is scared to face Parliament. Let him come make a statement -- followed by a detailed discussion. We will collectively assure Manipur. Is he willing?" Congress leader Supriya Shrinate tweeted. BJP Stages Dharnas Over Stripping Of Two Women In Bengal's Malda India pti-PTI The BJP on Sunday staged dharnas in front of the West Bengal Assembly and the office of Malda Superintendent of Police in protest against the alleged assault and stripping of two women at a marketplace in the district. Seeking the removal of Malda district SP, the BJP's legislative party members sat on a dharna in front of the assembly. Five BJP MLAs, including Manoj Tigga and Shankar Ghosh, held placards and raised slogans demanding the removal of the SP over the incident that took place at Pakua Hat in Bamangola police station area earlier this week. Maldaha Uttar constituency's BJP MP Khagen Murmu also sat on a dharna with party workers outside the SP's office in Malda town. The sit-in demonstration of the BJP workers, which began on Saturday afternoon, continued on Sunday. "The police must take stringent action against those involved in the gruesome act of assaulting and disrobing the women," he said. "Police have also lathi-charged our protesting workers," he said. Police have registered a suo motu case and detained five persons in connection with the incident. A purported video of the incident showing a mob beating up the women mercilessly was shared on social media by Amit Malviya, the head of BJP's IT cell on Saturday. In a tweet, Malviya claimed that two women were "stripped naked, tortured and beaten mercilessly, while the police remained a mute spectator". Women Paraded Naked, Tortured In Bengal Ahead Of Manipur Incident; Police Remained As Mute Spectator Rubbishing the charges, the Women and Child Health Minister Shashi Panja told reporters that the two were embroiled in a scuffle with other women who accused them of theft and women civic police volunteers who were present at the spot tried to stop them. She accused the BJP of resorting to "diversionary tactics" by "hyping" a quarrel between local women over the selling of vegetables and allegations of theft. "The scuffle has no political or caste overtones BJP is unnecessarily making this a political issue," the minister asserted. Chinese Citizens Who Tried To Enter India Illegally Via Nepal Arrested India oi-Prakash KL The Indian authorities have arrested two Chinese nationals for trying to enter the country illegally through Nepal. This is the second such incident to be reported in less than a month. The Chinese citizens were arrested in Bihar on Saturday by immigration officials. They were caught on Saturday night at the Raxaul border outpost falling in East Champaran district, Assistant Foreigner Regional Registration Officer SK Singh said, according to a report in PTI. The two people claimed that their names are Zhao Jing and Fu Cong and hail from Jaoxing province of China. They were found without valid travel documents and claimed to have left their passports at a hotel in Birganj, right across the border, where they had stayed the previous night.They had reached the border by an autorickshaw and tried to cross over on foot, Singh said. The immigration department official added that as per records the Chinese nationals had made an earlier attempt to sneak into Indian territory on July 2 when they claimed to have done so inadvertently. They had been let off and their passports were returned with ''entry refused'' stamped on these, said the official. However, he added, "Their repeated attempts to enter the area raises suspicions. Hence they have been handed over to the local police for further investigation and action". "Motive behind their move could not be established. Interrogation is being done," Hindustan Times quoted East Champaran superintendent of police (SP) Kantesh Kumar Mishra as saying. "In the course of the interrogation, they demonstrated strange behaviour. While one of them is fluent in English, the statement given by them are inconsistent and self-contradictory," said an immigration official on condition of anonymity. Denied Permission, DCW Chief Swati Maliwal To Go Ahead With Manipur Visit India oi-Deepika S Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chief Swati Maliwal on Sunday alleged that the Manipur government has denied her permission to visit the state to interact with survivors of sexual violence and has asked her to postpone her visit. Maliwal, however, said she will go ahead with her visit to Imphal as planned despite the state government allegedly denying her permission for the visit. In a tweet on Sunday, Maliwal said she has written to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh seeking an urgent meeting with him during her visit. She is expected to reach Imphal by 12 noon. ''Manipur Govt recommended I consider postponing my visit due to law and order situation. After deliberation on their suggestion, have decided to fly to Imphal as planned. Sought time from Manipur CM. Will meet him & request him to come along to visit the sexual assault survivors,'' Maliwal tweeted. Maliwal also shared a copy of a letter written to the Manipur chief minister on Sunday in which she urged him to facilitate her visit while ensuring that she will not do anything to create problems for the state government. ''I seek an urgent meeting with your hon'ble self to discuss the extremely pertinent issue of the human rights violations and sexual assault cases occurring in Manipur... Several Manipuri women have come to Delhi in order to escape the ongoing violence in the state. I wish to discuss issues regarding their welfare as well with your hon'ble self,'' she said in the letter. She also sought the CM's support in visiting the violence affected relief camps where the victims of sexual assault are presently staying. ''I request you to kindly issue directions to the officers to facilitate my visit. As a fellow citizen of this country and the head of a statutory body protecting women and girls, I appeal to your hon'ble self to aid me in providing help and support to the sisters of Manipur. I assure you that I shall not be doing anything that creates a problem for your government during my visit to the state,'' she added. ''I assure you that I shall leave no stone unturned to support the Manipur Government in its mandate to protect the rights and dignity of the women and girls of the state,'' she said. Maliwal said the video of inhuman atrocities against women and girls in Manipur has shocked the nation and she wished to ascertain their wellbeing and provide support to them. The DCW chief said she had written to Singh on July 20 and then to the chief of Manipur Police on July 21 regarding her visit to the state to interact with survivors of sexual violence. ''A letter dated 21.07.2023 was sent to DM Imphal who forwarded the same to Joint Secretary (Home) with the request to provide necessary support to the undersigned (Maliwal) and her team. The DM also gave us the contact numbers of the Joint Secretary (Home) who confirmed to us that we can travel to Manipur and he shall provide the necessary support to us in visiting the relief camps. Subsequently, we planned our travel to Imphal,'' Maliwal said in the letter. ''However, suddenly we received an email from the Joint Secretary (Home) requesting us to consider postponing our visit in view of the current law and order situation in Manipur,'' she said. Manipur Police has arrested five men and apprehended a juvenile in connection with the May 4 parading of two women naked in Kangpokpi district of the state, officials said on Saturday. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, July 23, 2023, 11:22 [IST] Now, A Married Indian Woman Goes To Pakistan To Meet Her Lover India oi-Prakash KL In a cross-border love story similar to Pakistani woman Seema Haider's saga, an Indian married woman has gone to Pakistan to meet her boyfriend, ANI reported. However, the only difference in this case is the Indian woman entered Pakistan legally. The New Delhi woman went to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan to meet her lover, the news agency reported citing a report in Aaj News. Pakistan woman Seema Haider ditched her country and entered India illegally via Nepal with her four children. However, she was caught by the Indian authorities a month after she started staying with her boyfriend in Noida. Indian woman is identified as Anju who entered Pakistan lawfully, Upper Dir SHO, Javed Khan said. She has been in a relationship with her Pakistna beau for four years and entered Pakistan via the way of Wagah and went to Islamabad. However, the government authorities have started an investigation into the matter. As per the report, Anju (35) and Nasrullah (29) from Upper Dir connected on Facebook and their friendship gradually blossomed into love. Despite being married, Anju decided to make a bold move by crossing over to Pakistan and embarking on a journey to the rugged terrains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in pursuit of love, Aaj News reported. The television channel confirmed that the Indian woman was currently in the Malakand Division district, and the Upper Dir Police had initiated an investigation with a security team. Her visa information indicated that she was allowed to stay in Pakistan for 30 days, according to Aaj News. Anju, in her statement to the channel, revealed that she had met Nasrullah on Facebook four years ago, and their friendship had grown into a deeper connection over time. Anju has claimed that she "could not live without" her Pakistani companion, reported Aaj News. She is going to Pakistan for sightseeing and not to tie the knot. However, she was not allowed to meet the local journalists after her love story came to light. On the other hand, Pakistani woman Seema Haider fell in love with Indian man Sachin Meena through PUBG game in 2020. However, the Indian authorities are currently investigating her and her Hindu beau to find out whether she has links with the Pakistan military. Manipur Violence: SC Sets Up Panel Of 3 Former HC Judges To Look Into Relief, Rehabilitation Congress Has Blood On Its Hands In Northeast: Himanta On Manipur Violence Freedom Fighter's 80-Year Old Wife Burnt Alive In Manipur India oi-Prakash KL Amid the outrage over two women being paraded naked in trouble-hit Manipur, yet another distressful incident has come to light. a freedom fighter's wife was reportedly burnt alive. She was aged 80. The victim identified as Sorokhaibam Ibetombi was burnt alive on May 28 as the mob locked her up inside her house before setting it on fire, The Times of India reported citing a report filed with the Serou police station. The victim is a wife of a freedom fighter who was honoured by former President APJ Abdul Kalam. As per a report by TOI, the Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) has brought attention to the tragic demise of Sorokhaibam Ibetombi. The elderly woman's lifeless body was discovered inside her home in Serou village of Kakching district. The perpetrators had cruelly locked all the doors from the outside before setting the house on fire. "No political leader, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, bothered to express a single word of sympathy when the aged and helpless woman was burnt alive even though her husband was a recipient of the All India Freedom Fighter Tamrapatra Award," the MIYC said. Manipur police and central forces have tightened security across the state to prevent any flare-ups in the wake of the viral video that emerged on July 19. Police said they are making all-out efforts to arrest the remaining culprits by conducting raids at many suspected hideouts. One of the women seen in the video is the wife of an ex-Army man, who served as a subedar in the Assam Regiment and had even fought in the Kargil War. A complaint in connection with the video was lodged around a month ago - June 21 - at the Saikul police station in Kangpokpi district. More than 160 people have lost their lives, and several have been injured since ethnic violence broke out in the state on May 3, when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, July 23, 2023, 19:49 [IST] Man Spends Rs 6000 To Urinate in Vande Bharat Express India oi-Sushmita Halder A Hyderabad-based man ended up losing Rs 6000 in a shocking incident after he used the toilet inside a Vande Bharat Express train at the Rani Kamalapati railway station in Bhopal. The person recognised as Abdul Qadir was travelling to Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh with his wife and son. As the train boarded in Bhopal, the man felt a need to pee but couldn't find a toilet nearby and therefore entered a Vande Bharat Express and this turned out to be a nightmare. When he came out of the toilet, he found the doors were locked and the train was leaving the station. He approached the police and ticket collectors for help but was told that only the train driver could open the door. On approaching the driver, he was stopped. However, his family got stuck in Bhopal while the man reached Ujjain. Later the man was fined Rs 1,020 for boarding the train without a ticket. He got off the train at Ujjain and had to pay Rs 750 for a bus ticket. On the other hand, his family who was stuck in Bhopal did not board train to Singrauli as they were worried about him. The cost of the tickets was Rs 4,000, which was then wasted. In total, the man lost Rs 5,760. Meanwhile, in another incident from Vande Bharat Express, a passenger refused to use tea packets with 'Halal' certification. A video of the same incident went viral on social media. In the video, the man can be seen speaking to an official while he tries to pacify him. He claims that all of these products are vegetarian. The video has sparked debate on Twitter regarding food certification and its religious connotations. The video has been filmed by the passenger himself as he keeps asking one question. 'Vow Of Silence' Over Ethnic Violence In Manipur: Opposition Invokes Atal Bihari Vajpayee To Attack PM Modi Opposition Brought No-Confidence Motion To Test Its Own Unity: PM Modi Fact Check: EVM Banned In Rajasthan, MP And Chhattisgarh & President Rule Imposed In Bihar? PM Modi To Inaugurate Redeveloped ITPO Complex On July 26: Details Here India oi-Deepika S Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate on July 26 the redeveloped ITPO complex here, which will host the G20 leaders' meeting in September. With a campus area of approximately 123 acres, the Pragati Maidan Complex proudly holds the title of India's largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination. In terms of the covered space available for events, the redeveloped and modern IECC Complex finds its place among the Top 10 Exhibition and Convention Complexes in the world, rivaling colossal names such as the Hannover Exhibition Centre in Germany, the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai. Absolutely Stellar & Spectacular! Take a look at the redeveloped ITPO complex. It will be inaugurated on 26th July. pic.twitter.com/ugTYoIUEIc Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) July 23, 2023 The magnitude of the IECC's stature and infrastructure is a testament to India's capability to host world-class events on a grand scale. At Level 3 of the Convention Centre, a grand seating capacity of 7,000 individuals awaits, making it even larger than the seating capacity of approx. 5500 of the iconic Sydney Opera House in Australia. IECC boasts a magnificent Amphitheater with a seating capacity of 3,000 individuals i.e., equivalent to 3 PVR theatres combined. Provision of over 5,500 vehicle parking spaces. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, July 23, 2023, 11:44 [IST] Raghav Chadha Writes To RS Chairman Dhankar Opposing Bill Replacing Delhi Ordinance India oi-Deepika S Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha wrote to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday, urging him to withdraw the Bill replacing the Delhi Ordinance while underlining that it was 'impermissible' as the matter was under challenge in the Supreme Court. In his letter to Dhankhar, Chadha termed the Bill "unconstitutional" and urged the Rajya Sabha chairman to direct the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre to withdraw it and "save the Constitution". The bill seeking to replace the ordinance is likely to be introduced by the Centre in Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon session. The Centre had, on May 19, promulgated the ordinance to create an authority for the transfer and posting of Group-A officers in Delhi, a week after the Supreme Court handed over the control of services in the national capital, excluding police, public order and land, to the elected city government. The ordinance seeks to set up a National Capital Civil Service Authority for the transfer of and disciplinary proceedings against the Group-A officers from the Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli (Civil) Services (DANICS) cadre. Transfers and postings of all Delhi government officers were under the executive control of the lieutenant governor before the May 11 verdict of the apex court. "A Constitution bench of the Supreme Court unanimously held that as a matter of constitutional requirement, the civil servants serving in the Government of NCT of Delhi are answerable to the elected arm of the government i.e. the elected council of ministers presided over by the chief minister," Chadha said in his letter to Dhankhar. This link of accountability was held to be "crucial" to a democratic and popularly accountable model of government, he added. However, in one single stroke, the ordinance has undone this model by seizing this control again from the duly elected government of Delhi and vesting it in the hands of the LG, the Rajya Sabha MP said. "The ordinance's design is evident i.e. to strip the Government of NCT of Delhi down to only its elected arm -- enjoying the mandate of the people of Delhi, but bereft of the governing apparatus necessary for meeting that mandate," he alleged. This has left the Delhi government "in a crisis of administration, put day-to-day governance in jeopardy and led the civil service to stall, disobey and contradict the elected government's orders," Chadha claimed. Terming the ordinance "blatantly unconstitutional", he contended that the Bill seeking to replace it is "impermissible" on the face of it as by seeking to take away the control over services from the Delhi government, contrary to the apex court's decision, the ordinance has lost its legal validity. No law can be made to nullify the court's decision without changing the basis of that decision, Chadha argued. "The ordinance does not change the basis of the Supreme Court's decision, which is the Constitution itself," he said. Chadha noted that Article 239AA(7)(a) of the Constitution empowers Parliament to frame a law to "give effect to" or "supplement" the provisions contained in Article 239AA. "Under the scheme of Article 239AA, control over 'Services' lies with the Delhi government. A Bill in line with the ordinance is, therefore, not a Bill to give effect to or supplement Article 239AA, but a Bill to damage and destroy Article 239AA, which is impermissible," he contended. " In conclusion, any law which the Parliament may make needs to supplement the provisions of Article 239AA and for only matters incidental or consequential to those provisions. Therefore, the proposed Bill which contains provisions contrary to the provisions of Article 239AA is not a valid exercise of the Parliament's legislative competence," the AAP leader said. Thus, the Bill is unconstitutional and the Upper House cannot consider it, he contended. "I would therefore request you to not permit the introduction of this Bill and direct the government to withdraw it and save the Constitution," Chadha said in his letter to the Rajya Sabha chairman. Given that the ordinance is under challenge in the apex court, it will be proper to await the outcome of the decision before introducing the Bill, he added. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, July 23, 2023, 14:53 [IST] Officials on the Greek island of Rhodes said Saturday they had moved 30,000 people threatened by wildfires to safety -- including 2,000 who had to be ferried off beaches. George Hadjimarkos, regional governor of the South Aegean, told Skai television that the operation, which was still ongoing, had been hampered by fires cutting off some road access. "The aim is to protect human life," he said. Tourists and some locals were being taken to gyms, schools and hotel conference centres on the island where they will stay overnight, while firefighters battle the blaze. Three passenger ferries have been moored at the port of Rhodes to accommodate those rescued, Athens News Agency reported. Members of the coastguard, the armed forces and local authority workers used dozens of buses to help move people away from the fires, said Rhodes municipality official Teris Hatziioannou. Where the fires had cut off road access, some tourists had to walk to safety. Panagiotis Dimelis, head of the Archangelos village council, told Skai TV that many locals had rushed to help the tourists. "It is an unprecedented situation for the island," he added. For the beach operation, the coastguard said three of its boats led more than 30 private vessels to pick up people from the Kiotari and Lardos beaches on the east of the Mediterranean island. A Greek navy boat was also headed to the area to help, according to the coastguard. Out of control From the moment the evacuation alert sounded early in the afternoon, tourists headed for the beach, pulling their suitcases behind them. Local video footage showed some of them pushing strollers carrying small children under the scorching sun. Some of those seeking rescue had missed their flights off the island after the fires cut off normal transport routes, according to media reports. Elsewhere, firefighters are still trying to bring the blaze on the island under control. Deputy Fire Chief Yannis Artopoios said the blaze on Rhodes, which broke out on a mountain in the centre of the island, was the toughest his force had had to face. Five helicopters and 200 firefighters fought the blaze during the daytime, but the air support was called off as the light failed. The battle to extinguish the fire in Rhodes continues in the area of Laermon and Lardos, where it is raging out of control. ERT TV reported that some firefighters were stranded in the Ypseni Monastery, near Lardos, as they tried to convince the nuns living there to leave the area. But they were reported to be safe. Search Keywords: Short link: T S Singhdeo Predicts Bhupesh Baghel As First In Line For CM Post Ahead Of Chhattisgarh Polls India pti-PTI Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister TS Singhdeo on Sunday said the Congress would fight the assembly polls under a "collective leadership" helmed by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and if the party wins, Baghel would be "first in line" to be considered for the CM's post. In an interview with PTI, Singhdeo said if an incumbent chief minister has not been removed, it means the party maintains its belief in that person being able to lead the team to victory and after the win "why should the captain be changed". He also predicted the Congress was likely to bag another resounding mandate in the 90-member assembly, saying some are projecting 75-plus seats for his party but his estimate is anywhere between 60 to 75-plus. The Congress had won 68 seats in the 2018 assembly polls. Asked if tensions between Baghel and him are a thing of the past after he was made the deputy chief minister last month, Singhdeo said, "There was no real bitterness or enmity, we (Baghel and him) were working together. There was this issue of time sharing, two-and-a-half years, I think that was weighing on our minds as well as on the minds of everybody associated with the two of us. That time has gone by. Even when those matters were in discussion, we were still performing to the best of our ability." On whether he felt a sense of betrayal for not getting two-and-a-half years as the chief minister, he said, "I don't see it as a betrayal. I see it as a decision which the high command takes, it is their call. I cannot become the chief minister, it is the high command, on the feedback it has, that gives designated roles to all of us." "There is no betrayal as it is the call which the high command has to take and we abide by it," Singhdeo added. SP Singh Baghel To Be Mos In Health Ministry Instead Of Law Ministry Asked whether he being made the deputy CM was a climb down from an earlier position or a progression, Singhdeo said he was, on protocol, already the number two in the cabinet. "We have these official protocols. So the CM had given me the protocol after him. He was number one and I was number 2 and Tamradhwaj Sahu ji was number 3 etc. There were 13 of us including the chief minister. I am still number 2 with an added designation. I am the Deputy CM, so I am sure a lot of people would be seeing it as a step up," he said. "I was one of the ministers in the cabinet. Now I am one of the ministers who is also designated Deputy CM. I am grateful to the party, very grateful to the party high command and Bhupesh bhai because with the consent and blessings of all, it would have happened," he told PTI over phone. On whether all the issues were a thing of the past and the party were united in Chhattisgarh, Singhdeo claimed the leaders were united earlier as well. "The issue (two-and-a-half years each CM tenure) was coming up repeatedly in the press so there was definitely that strain. It was difficult for Bhupesh bhai to reply all the time. It was very difficult for me to keep trying to reply to either the media or our associates (as to) when is it going to happen, what is going to happen, is there this two-and-a-half years thing, so it did weigh on us, certainly," the Congress leader said. Now there are no two-and-a-half years, only four-five months are left for the elections, he noted and added the situation that existed earlier does not exist anymore. On whether he was actually promised a two-and-a-half years in the CM's post, Singhdeo said there are many discussions that take place behind closed doors. "The high command has never said anything about this two and a half years (tenure) so I am in no position to make any comment. One has to maintain the dignity of discussions that take place behind closed doors" Singhdeo said. Asked whether the polls would be fought under a "collective leadership", Singhdeo said the decision taken on June 28, when the leaders from the state met the party top brass here, was that the polls will be "fought on a collective leadership which Bhupesh Baghel ji would lead". "That is the situation and obviously if we win under the situation, he (Baghel) would be first in line to be considered for the chief minister," Singhdeo said. Pressed further on his remark that Baghel will be first in line to be CM, the Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister said, "Certainly. If you are the incumbent chief minister, for one you have not been removed, so the party maintains its belief in your being able to lead the team to victory and after you win, why should the captain be changed." Asked whether he would also continue in the Deputy CM post if the Congress wins, Singhdeo said that is all for the high command to decide. "Whatever responsibility they designate, we will accept them and we should accept them with full grace," he said. He asserted the government has performed well on many parameters. There may be some shortcomings in terms of perceived promises which may not have been fulfilled but by and large the government has done quite well, he said. " title="Denied Permission, DCW Chief Swati Maliwal To Go Ahead With Manipur Visit" />Denied Permission, DCW Chief Swati Maliwal To Go Ahead With Manipur Visit "I would give a seven out of 10 rating and very good chances of coming back to governance again," Singhdeo said. Asked about the anti-incumbency factor, the Congress leader said anti-incumbency would have been there if there would have been lack of performance. "Where there is performance then the sense of anti-incumbency is not there. There has been performance on the front of the farmers, the forest dwellers, education, English medium schools, electricity concession, many initiatives in the urban areas too. In health, we have done quite well," he said. Asked if he would be fighting the polls from Ambikapur again, Singhdeo said if the constituents of his seat would want him to contest then that would be his first priority and he would seek their views on that. "I am in the process of doing that. Then the party has to accept me as the candidate, if they give me the ticket. First are the voters in the constituency and then the party. If both are there, then one will think of contesting, certainly" he said. Asked that with the captain and vice captain decided, is the team set to win the finals, Singhdeo said it is not just the captain and vice captain, it is the entire team. "We have all the other senior players, all the other party workers, we have to do it together, like we did it last time. The more we do it together, the more success there will be," he said. Singhdeo was appointed deputy chief minister last month. He and Chief Minister Baghel had been engaged in a power tussle since the party came to power in the state in 2018. There was talk throughout the tenure that party leadership had promised that he and Baghel would hold the chief minister's post alternately for two-and-a-half years each. However, the party leadership never publicly said anything on this. The Congress is seeking to retain power in Chhattisgarh and is projecting unity in the party unit. GBSE Results 2023: Gujarat Class 10 Results Out At gseb.org: How To Check 1 Dead, 8 Injured As Portion of Building Collapses During Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad For First Time In India, 'Black Cocaine' Seized At Ahmedabad Airport Watch: Ahmedabad Airport Flooded, Passengers Wade Through Water India oi-Deepika S The Ahmedabad airport in Gujarat was flooded with knee-high water as incessant rainfall lashed Gujarat for the past few days, triggering a flood-like situation. Several social media users took to Twitter to show the airport flooded due to incessant rainfall, with runways and terminal areas submerged under water. "Due to heavy rains and water logging around the airport, we request all passengers to check with their respective airlines before starting their journey. Passengers are also advised to avoid parking at the airport facility," Ahmedabad Airport tweeted. "Our teams are working round the clock to ensure a safe and comfortable journey at our Gateway To Goodness," it added. Giving a glimple into the situation, Congress national coordinator Deepak Khatri shared a video of a waterlogged road outside the Ahmedabad airport terminal. "This is the situation of Ahmedabad airport, Gujarat after 28 years of BJP rule. This is the model state of Narendra Modi," he tweeted. This is the situation of Ahmedabad airport, #Gujarat after 28 years of BJP rule. This is the model state of Narendra Modi.#GujaratRain pic.twitter.com/KpiwKu4AIq Deepak Khatri (@Deepakkhatri812) July 23, 2023 The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated extremely heavy rainfall in south Gujarat and Saurashtra-Kutch districts till Sunday morning. It also said that heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue in many other districts of south Gujarat and Saurashtra-Kutch during the next three days. IMD issued a red alert for Junagadh, Jamnagar, Devbhumi Dwarka, Kutch, Surat, Valsad, Navsari and Surat. A yellow alert was also issued for Surendranagar, Dahod, Rajkot, Batod, and Vadodara. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday and enquired about the flood-like situation in various parts of the state. Shah also had a discussion with Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena about the water level in the Yamuna river. "Spoke to Gujarat CM Shri @Bhupendrapbjp Ji about the flood-like situation occurring in various parts of the state due to the recent heavy rainfall. Also had a discussion with LG of Delhi, Shri VK Saxena Ji about the water level in the Yamuna river. Ample numbers of SDRF and NDRF teams are available to help the people in need," the home minister said on Twitter. Ahmedabad Airport becomes the first in the world that can also be used as a seaport!#AhmedabadAirport pic.twitter.com/wZkxq66PbN imam hulagur (@imamhulagur) July 23, 2023 For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, July 23, 2023, 14:35 [IST] Twitter's New DM Limits for These Users: What You Need to Do Did Twitter Fire A Man Who Designed Its New Logo? Elon Musk Vs Mark Zuckerberg's Fight To Be Live Streamed On Twitter X.Com Now Points To Twitter International oi-Deepika S Twitter CEO Elon Musk on Sunday announced that the x.com URL will now be directed to the microblogging website Twitter. "http://X.com now points to https://twitter.com/. Interim X logo goes live later today," Musk tweeted. Earlier, microblogging platform Twitter owner Elon Musk hinted that the social media platform will soon do away with the iconic bird logo, which has signified the brand over years. "And soon we shall bid adieu to the Twitter brand and, gradually, all the birds. If a good enough X logo is posted tonight, we'll make go live worldwide tomorrow", Musk tweeted. The decision to change the logo of Twitter is seen as the biggest overhaul by Musk since taking over the social media platform last year. Elon Musk's obsession with X is well known. In April, Musk had appointed Linda Yaccarino as the new chief executive officer. "Looking forward to working with Linda to transform this platform into X, the everything app", Musk tweeted. "Buying Twitter is an accelerant to creating X, the everything app", he had tweeted. Meanwhile, Elon Musk's Twitter platform is taking measures to reduce spam in Direct Messages (DMs) by imposing limits on unverified accounts. In an announcement on Saturday, Twitter revealed that unverified accounts will soon have daily restrictions on the number of DMs they can send. This move aims to combat the issue of spam and unwanted messages in users' DMs. However, for those using the paid Twitter service, Twitter Blue, there will be no daily limitations on DMs. This is part of the company's strategy to encourage more people to sign up for Twitter Blue, which offers additional features and benefits. Samdech Hun Sen is a Cambodian politician and former military commander who has been the prime minister of Cambodia since 1985. He is the longest-serving head of government in Cambodia's history, and one of the longest-serving leaders in the world. He is the president of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP), which has governed Cambodia since 1979, and a member of the National Assembly for Kandal. His full honorary title is Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen. As support for Germany's populist AfD is rising, some of its political opponents seem to be adopting far-right rhetoric in a bid to win over voters. But there are warnings that this can have the opposite effect. The predawn attack in central Crimea sparked the evacuation of civilians and the closure of the Kerch Bridge. A Russian journalist was killed in a separate strike in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region. DW has the latest. Voters going to the ballots say they are certain Hun Sen's ruling party will sweep all seats again. 2008-2023 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. Prime Minister Hun Sen told a Chinese television station that his eldest son could become prime minister as soon as three weeks after Sundays parliamentary elections. I am walking on the right path to secure country stability for younger generations, he said in the interview with Chinas Phoenix TV that aired on... Locals and tourists fled hotspots on the Greek island of Rhodes on Sunday, as firefighters battled a blaze that had sparked the country's largest-ever fire evacuation. Firefighters were bracing for high winds that have been forecast for the afternoon and that could hamper their efforts. The island of Rhodes is one of Greece's most popular tourist destinations, particularly with British, German and French tourists, many of whom are now being rapidly moved out of the path of the flames. As Greece has been battered by an extended spell of extreme heat, flames have burned for nearly a week on the island. Temperatures, which reached 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in central Greece on Sunday, were expected to dip on Monday before the mercury rises again for another four-day heatwave. "This is the biggest fire evacuation ever in Greece," Konstantia Dimoglidou, Greek police spokeswoman told AFP. "We had to evacuate an area of 30,000 people." Police said that authorities had transported some 16,000 people across land, with 3,000 evacuated by sea, and others fleeing by road or under their own transport after being told to leave the area. German travel giant Tui said it was suspending all of its inbound passenger flights to Rhodes until Tuesday but would fly in empty planes to help evacuate tourists. Spokesperson Linda Jonczyk told AFP that Tui had some 40,000 tourists in Rhodes, of which 7,800 are affected by the fires. The low-cost British carrier Jet2 also said it had cancelled "all flights and holidays" to the island. One German tourist was quoted as saying in Bild that they were "saved from the fire at the last moment" after returning from the beach Saturday to a deserted hotel. "We had embers flying around our heads and no help was in sight," said 23-year-old Paul from Bielefeld. "I had the feeling of being on my own, it was so hot and the smoke was already so thick we couldn't have survived another ten minutes." He said buses then arrived to evacuate the tourists, but some were so panicked they were trying to find boats to escape on from the beach. Authorities have warned that the battle to contain the flames -- raging in the middle of peak tourism season -- will take several days. Fire department spokesman Vassilis Vathrakoyiannis warned winds were set to become "more intense" through Sunday, which could further fan the flames. Last year Rhodes, which has a population of over 100,000, welcomed some 2.5 million tourist arrivals. The fires reached the village of Laerma during the night, engulfing houses and a church, while many hotels were damaged by flames that had reached to the coast. On Sunday the blaze was burning in three active fronts -- including on the southeast coast of the island where firefighters tried to prevent the fire from crossing a creek. Efforts are focusing on preventing the fire from spreading further north into the dense forest. 'Leave Everything' Tourists and some locals spent the night in gyms, schools and hotel conference centres on the island as firefighters battled the blaze. The Greek foreign ministry and embassies in Greece were setting up a station at the Rhodes airport to help tourists that have lost travel documents in the scramble to evacuate. TV footage broadcast by ERT Saturday showed a solo woman carrying her luggage through the smoke, looking disorientated. Firefighters were heard shouting at her: "Madam, your life! Come here! Leave everything behind.' A large part of the island was without electricity as the public power utility PPC shut down the local plant in the south for safety reasons. "This is a special fire here because the heart of Rhodes and its environment is affected," Efthymios Lekkas, a professor specialising in natural disasters told ERT TV on Sunday, warning of a severe impact to the island's tourist industry. "I just did a drive from Lindos to Gennadi," he said. "All the big hotels have closed. I don't think they will be able to operate this year because the surrounding area in each unit has been completely destroyed, and the environment is not inspiring for a holiday." The Greek presidency said it was cancelling a national holiday planned for Monday "in view of the extraordinary conditions prevailing in the country due to the fires." A separate wildfire broke out on Greece's second-largest Evia island in central Greece on Sunday, according to the fire services, although it was not near any homes. Evia was devastated last year by some of the worst wildfires in the country's history. Search Keywords: Short link: India Implements 28% Turnover Tax for Online Gambling Published July 23, 2023 by OCR Editor The Goods and Services Tax Council (GST) of India has announced a new flat 28% turnover tax for online gambling, casino, and horse race betting. This decision, made during the 50th GST Council meeting, aims to generate revenue from the industry. However, concerns have been raised about the impact of the tax rate on businesses and the potential for players to turn to unlicensed operators. India's Goods and Services Tax Council (GST) has announced a new turnover tax rate of 28% for online gambling, casino, and horse race betting. This decision, made during the 50th GST Council meeting, aims to generate revenue from the rapidly growing industry. The tax rate will be applied to the full face value of bets, chips, and bets placed with bookmakers and totalisators. Unlike the previous Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) tax structure, which taxed the profits of gambling operators, the new turnover-based tax will be levied on the total amount consumers spend. For every Rs100 (0.93/1.08/$1.22) spent, operators will pay Rs28 in tax. This change aligns with the recommendations of a group of ministers (GOM) report filed ahead of the meeting. However, this decision has sparked concerns among industry stakeholders. The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), the apex industry body for online gambling in India, strongly criticized the new tax rate. The AIGF expressed its worries about the adverse impact on businesses and potential job losses. It also highlighted the risk of players turning to unlicensed operators due to the increased tax burden on licensed operators. The AIGF argued that the tax rate would hinder the industry's growth potential, stifle competition, and impede innovation. Furthermore, it emphasized that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups would struggle to survive under the new tax regime. The AIGF suggested that the tax increase on deposits could lead to liability of up to 400-500%, significantly affecting the financial viability of companies. It is worth noting that this tax rate change is the latest development in India's evolving gambling regulations. In January, the government introduced new rules to regulate online gambling, emphasizing compliance with existing laws and establishing self-regulatory bodies. These bodies, comprising industry representatives, players, experts, and government nominees, aim to create industry standards and address player protection, addiction, financial crime prevention, and child protection. While the government's intention behind the tax increase is to generate revenue and regulate the industry, concerns about its potential negative impact on businesses and the overall market have been raised. The Indian gaming industry will closely monitor the implementation of the new tax rate and its implications for operators, players, and the sector's growth. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. It is recommended that readers consult with relevant authorities for up-to-date information and guidance on gambling regulations in their jurisdiction. Brussels/Beijing: As the costs of climate change rack up, a debate is surging among governments as to who should pay? The question has been in the spotlight amid this week's climate talks between the U.S. and China, where the world's two biggest economies tried to find ways to work together on issues ranging from renewable energy deployment to climate finance ahead of this year's U.N. climate summit, COP28, in Dubai. Given China's rapid economic growth and increasing emissions, pressure has grown on Beijing to join the group of countries providing this funding. During the talks in Beijing, U.S. climate envoy John Kerry said the two sides would continue to discuss climate finance over the next four months, before the COP28 conference starting Nov. 30. "It's difficult to argue that countries like China, Brazil or Saudi Arabia should still be put at the same level as the least developed countries and small island developing states," a diplomat from one European Union country told Reuters. The EU, today the biggest contributor of climate finance, has lobbied to expand the pool of donor countries that provide it. Climate finance refers to money that wealthy countries pay toward helping poorer nations reduce CO2 emissions and adapt to a hotter, harsher world. So far, the few dozen wealthy countries obliged to make these payments have not delivered cash in the amounts promised. That list of financing nations was decided during U.N. climate talks in 1992, when China's economy was still smaller than Italy's. Now, some countries are calling for China to contribute. U.S. officials including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen have noted that Chinese contributions would boost the efficacy of the U.N. climate fund. Other countries under similar pressure include Qatar, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, three of the world's richest nations in terms of GDP per capita. So far, China has resisted calls that could group it alongside wealthy nations. In a meeting with Kerry on Tuesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang stressed that developed countries should deliver their unfulfilled climate finance commitments and take the lead in cutting emissions, according to Li's office. He suggested developing countries could make contributions "within their capabilities." That resistance suggests the effort faces serious challenges. Changing the official U.N. donor list would require international consensus. "There is much too much resistance among countries like China and Saudi Arabia to touch the official definition," one EU official said on condition of anonymity. Advocates for the change argue that an expansion needs to happen before a new - and, likely, far bigger - U.N. target for climate finance kicks in after 2025. Countries still need to negotiate the size of that target and who will contribute to it. "All countries that are able, must contribute to global climate finance," said Ambassador Pa'olelei Luteru, who chairs the Alliance of Small Island States. The bigger issue, Luteru said, is which of the poor and most vulnerable countries will be in line to receive it. Who is responsible? The U.N. climate financing arrangement is based on the principle that rich countries have a greater responsibility to tackle climate change because they have contributed the bulk of the CO2 emissions heating the planet since the industrial revolution. The United States' historical CO2 emissions are bigger than those of any other country, but China today is the world's biggest CO2 emitter in terms of pollution produced each year. Countries will face the question of historical responsibility at COP28, as they aim to launch a new fund to compensate vulnerable states for costs already being incurred in climate-fuelled natural disasters. The EU dropped its years-long resistance to that fund last year, but on the condition that a larger group of countries pay into it. Countries have not yet decided who will contribute. The United States has been cagey about making payments that could be seen as reparations for climate change. Some countries not obliged to contribute to UN climate funds have done so anyway, including South Korea and Qatar. Others have begun channelling aid through other channels. China launched the South-South Climate Cooperation fund in 2015 to help least-developed countries tackle climate issues, and so far has delivered about 10% of the $3.1 billion pledged, according to think tank E3G. That's a fraction of the hundreds of billions that Beijing is spending on its Belt and Road Initiative, backing projects including oil pipelines and ports. Such arrangements allow countries to contribute without obligation, although if done outside of U.N. funds they can face less stringent criteria for public reporting - making it harder to track where the money is going and how much is paid. Byford Tsang, a senior policy advisor at E3G, said a Chinese offer of more climate finance would be a "win-win" for Beijing. "It would earn China diplomatic clout, and pressure Western donors to raise their stakes on climate finance," he said. Some vulnerable countries, frustrated with the flagging finance to date, are looking to new sources for cash. The Barbados-led Bridgetown Initiative is pushing for a revamp of multilateral development banks so they can offer more support for climate projects. Other nations have rallied behind a global CO2 levy on shipping to raise funds. By Joel D. Joseph The Ukraine has been called the breadbasket of the world for good reason. It is one of the world's largest exporters of wheat, sunflower oil and corn. For the past year Russia has agreed to allow Ukraine to export grain and vegetable oils. However, Russia has pulled out of the UN-Turkey-negotiated agreement to allow grain shipments from Odessa and other Ukrainian Black Sea ports. The United Nations' secretary general, Antonio Guterres, said he was "deeply disappointed" by Moscow's decision, and that millions of people facing hunger, as well as consumers confronting a cost-of-living crisis, would "pay a price". Russia announced that it will blockade shipments of grain causing millions of Africans and Asians to face starvation because they rely on Ukrainian grain imports to feed their people. Before Russia invaded the Ukraine, most of the food produced by Ukraine - enough to feed 400 million people - was exported through the country's seven Black Sea ports. In the eight months before the war began, about 51 million metric tons of grain were exported through these ports. The navies of the leading NATO countries, the United States, France and the United Kingdom, should move their warships to the coast of Odessa to force Russia to lift the blockade. This would not be an act of war, but an act of peace with purely humanitarian objectives. The Russian blockade constitutes a war crime. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) explicitly lists starvation and barring humanitarian relief as prosecutable war crimes. Article 23 of the Geneva Convention provides that food and medical products must be allowed to be shipped into and out of countries at war. The United States and its NATO partners have every right to ensure that food exports are not blockaded to prevent massive, unnecessary and inhumane starvation in poor African and Asian nations. President Joe Biden, President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak should formally notify Russian President Vladimir Putin that its navies are seeking to enforce international law to allow the export of grain and other food products from the Ukraine. At the same time, the NATO navies should send their warships, and submarines, to the Black Sea to show Mr. Putin that they are serious. One of the most significant blockades in recent history was not on water but on land. The city of Berlin, divided into East and West zones at the time, was blockaded by the Soviet Union from June, 1948 until May, 1949. All shipments by rail, road, and water were cut off from the Western sectors of the city. For nearly a year, the United Kingdom and the United States carried out a massive airlift operation that brought millions of tons of food and supplies into Berlin. This extraordinary effort overcame the blockade and saved the city. Now we must use our powerful military resources to break the Russian blockade of the Ukraine's Black Sea ports. The Soviet Union did not shoot down airplanes that broke the post-war embargo of Berlin and Russia will not sink American, French or British ships because Russia does not want to fight a war against the major western powers. The naval blockade of the Ukraine cannot be defeated by an airlift. There is simply too much grain to export by air. It is possible to ship grain from the Ukraine to neutral countries by rail and truck, and then from those countries by sea, but the infrastructure for this has not been established. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). THE POLITICS OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION[1] "Affirmative action" has existed in the United States since its birth, but it was white Christian men of money who benefited. For them, it had a material impact in the preference they received with respect to housing, jobs, sports, media, and educational opportunities. What this capitalist class preserved for itself through tightly knit social networks extends far beyond "legacy admissions" for the children of donors at ivy-league schools. In the 1960s, such material "affirmative action" for elites made way for pale and restricted policies that called upon universities to diversify and incentivize accepting women and people of color into the professional-managerial strata of society. Essentially designed for the more talented and better situated among divergent identity formations, nevertheless, affirmative action in our time has generated a bitter, protracted and well publicized debate--and it has now been abolished. Nostalgia isn't helpful in dealing with the current situation. It is time to incorporate the needs of the majority among people of color and women into a new "class" stance regarding the opportunities available to them in public life. This makes it necessary to change the discourse. Conflicts in class society require a class response; it's as simple as that. This makes it important to understand that affirmative action was never the brainchild of left ideologues who craftily foisted it upon an innocent and unwitting nation. It was instead constructed by moderate politicians and business elites as a relatively inexpensive way of appeasing an increasingly militant black constituency and soothing the conscience of white America. Affirmative action has always spoken more to diversification of the professional-managerial class and the universities than the needs of working people and poverty-stricken indigenous peoples. Civil rights activists, the New Left and progressives in the Democratic Party were actually wary of the policy. They regarded affirmative action as a stunted and risky means for drawing racially excluded groups into the mainstream, and a pallid substitute for a far broader set of interlinked social programs predicated upon the creation of full employment. Affirmative action was, from the beginning, a policy premised on "removing barriers" rather than dispensing additional aid. Such a program would have proven far more ambitious and inclusive than the short-lived War on Poverty whose funds for the non-elderly poor never came close to 1% of the federal budget. In any case, the refusal of "moderates" from both parties to support a genuinely progressive tax policy left white skilled workers wary of new social programs with their supposed willingness to lavish funds on "others". So, how did a compromised. ameliorative, and inexpensive program become elevated to the epitome of progressive political action regarding racial injustice? The most obvious answer is the most persuasive: It came to the forefront because the United States lacked alternative remedies for its racist history. Affirmative action, at least, provided a symbolic response to the past and, in fact, there is no substitute. Progressives now believe themselves on the barricades - and they are. Mass media trumpets the entry of minorities and women into public life and, partially through affirmative action, radical changes have taken place. But the progressive social and cultural achievements were accompanied by economic and political regression. It thus oversimplifies matters to dismiss as racist the criticisms of working-class "Reagan Democrats", who have morphed into "MAGA" Republicans. Admittedly, they remain ideologically tainted by white supremacy and entitlement. But they also have their economic woes and it matters little to them whether affirmative action serves minorities or provides them with access to the white-collar world. The moralizing elements of the Left still need to learn that guilt is an inadequate basis for politics. That is especially the case given the transformation of the Republicans from the "pragmatic" party of Richard Nixon and Nelson Rockefeller in the 1970s into a saber-toothed reactionary organization in which Christian fundamentalists mingle with billionaires and neo-fascist extremists. Affirmative action provides them with the perfect symbol, even if their critique makes no sense. Republicans can pretend that the policy has had no impact, which is manifestly false, and in the same breath argue that conditions have changed so radically that racism has vanished thereby making affirmative action unnecessary. Identifying affirmative action with the invasion of socialism into American life is also disingenuous. It was never intended to extend economic security for all but, instead, channel minority recruits into the university, public services, and corporate culture. Insofar as its various measures never considered the question of class, and ignored questions pertaining to the business cycle, the general policy enabled conservatives in both parties to conduct duels over the nature of "racism" on advantageously narrow ground. As economic downturns occurred, in this vein, affirmative action kindled resentment about "favoritism" among working people -- a quarter of whom earn full-time wages very near the poverty line. Thus, the conservative war cry of "reverse racism" hit a nerve. If your wages stagnate, your firm skips the country, your potential employer chooses someone else for a promotion, or your taxes rise, affirmative action or else immigrants are easy targets. There are enough citizens who know no other way to frame their problems in the current political climate. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose transformation into a "moderate" by conservatives is the height of hypocrisy, spoke in Why We Can't Wait (1964) about a "Bill of Rights for the Disadvantaged" that would focus on the unaddressed grievances of the "forgotten white poor" as well as disadvantaged minorities. The Reverend William Barber's "Poor People's Campaign" remains committed to the spirit of that enterprise. Such programs are class-oriented. They would serve all working people by shielding them from the whip of the market and downturns in the business cycle. A new Bill of Rights for the Disadvantaged, however, would prove far more expensive than affirmative action insofar as it would supplant formal concerns over "admissions" to the upper strata with substantive matters pertaining to the needs of working people such as income, taxation, health care and housing. Whether the United States is ready for a bold alternative to affirmative action remains an open question. It is incumbent upon rational radicals to provide the right answer for the roughly 80% of wage earners who have lost ground over the last decades. Economic progress has had a positive impact on people of color mostly regarding their access to universities and white-collar jobs. Affirmative action deserves part of the credit for bringing this about. The idea has also benefitted the activism of women and, with lesser success, other marginalized communities. White-collar advances spurred by affirmative action also strengthened general attitudes concerning the inclusion of the excluded into the public sphere, media, and the cultural mainstream. Affirmative action brought white America face to face with an issue it had studiously ignored. In lieu of an alternative approach, which conservatives have never forwarded, it is hard to imagine how minorities have gained any access to any strata in white society. Given the nation's history of race-relations, it would simply be absurd to think that "good faith" and "color-blindness" among the elites would suffice. Within limits, then, affirmative action has made positive contributions. But these produced rising expectations that have not been met. Black unemployment still averages twice the rate of whites and black family median income today is still about three-fifths of white income. Some ten million blacks live in poverty, one-third overall, and half of all black children. Black youth unemployment has soared to six times that of whites. One black male in three in his twenties is either in jail, on parole or under court supervision. However, conservatives are unwilling to face that reality; in fact, they now wish to suppress even the ability to talk about it through attempts to censor not only critical race theory, but all critical approaches to American history in the spirit of Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States (1980). Many see an expanding set of cumulative claims by identity formations as creating an "overload" on the system even though military expenditures, business subsidies, and tax loopholes miraculously remain largely intact and unchallenged. The debate over affirmative action and social policy begins only after these budgetary expenses are tactfully factored out or taken as given. With the playing field deemed level by fiat, especially when labor markets are tight, any edge will matter desperately. Thus, the scramble for scarce resources among increasingly atomized constituencies with competing claims of more-sinned-against-than-thou occurs among the marginalized, but naturally intensifies among white as against other elements of the working class. The reality is that unless class is factored skillfully into the debate, multiracial support for programs of socio-economic reform falls by the wayside. This does not necessarily call for tossing affirmative action into the dustbin of history. But it does call for configuring ameliorative policies in such a way that they can heal divisions, promote coalition-building, and foster support for policy measures that in our deficit-obsessed discourse are treated as taboo. Concluding remarks: Affirmative action is not unique in targeting particular constituencies. Responses to specified grievances exist in the most universalistic of plans and, by focusing on them, civil rights abuses are confronted and the current system is forced to address its own ideals of fairness. Gays wishing to operate openly in the military, LBGTQ persons seeking to adopt children, ethnic citizens wishing to study their cultures, the disabled seeking sloping curves for their wheel chairs, are also the domain for affirmative action committees. Universal demands for equal opportunity exhibit a critical character. Especially given the concern with symbolic identity ideologies, however, critical reliance on universal values has little resonance. by lobbies and mainstream media. Consequently, the broader Left has been stuck in the untenable position of defending ameliorative programs that split their own constituencies. Solutions cannot usefully be cast as race-based versus class-based policies. Resorting; to the mantra whereby race and class are mechanically linked with one another in what Chantal Mouffe termed a "chain of equivalence"--race+gender+class--is an intellectual short-cut that leads to disaster. Realizing the material conditions for equal opportunity, and a genuinely level playing field, requires nothing less than an integrated set of social democratic policies. Invoking "diversity" solves nothing if each group aims to justify the resources it seeks so that its oppression must take precedence over that of others: Albert Camus called this the "algebra of blood". Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Two years before the formal entrance of the U.S. in World War II combat, then President Franklin Roosevelt was in stark terror at the potential power and danger of a nuclear weapon in Hitler's hands. At various times in the White House meetings on how the US should proceed in developing a nuclear weapon, he had had informal discussions with various advisors about the awesome potential of nuclear energy on the battlefield. At one meeting at the White House, FDR flatly told a nuclear expert, "What you are after is to see that the Nazis don't blow us up." The atomic bomb project was subsequently named the Manhattan Project. At its peak in 1945, it had a moderate sized populated city of scientists, engineers, technicians, mathematicians, physicists, and military personnel working on the bomb project. The number of scientists alone topped 150,000. They were recruited from think tanks, universities, government agencies, and private corporations. Key figures in the bomb's development were the small number of top-flight European expatriates who had fled Germany and other parts of Europe ahead of Hitler. With the White House's official approval to put the nation in what amounted to an early, version of a nuclear arms race with what it thought was its competitor then, Germany, things and events moved fast. Funds for research, hiring personnel, recruiting, monitoring and oversight, site location finding, and reporting timetables over the next two years were established. It would cost a couple of billion dollars in total, which by the financial numbers of that day was a lot of money for one project (equivalent to about $30 billion in 2020). There was still much uncertainty about what and how a bomb, if one could be produced, would be used. When FDR approved the establishment of a Uranium Committee in 1939 for nuclear research, he did not specifically have in mind dropping a bomb on Japan or Germany. He did not view it, or certainly intend it to be a weapon of mass destruction. He saw it more like an experimental and feasibility project in the use of the new, yet for the most part still unknown potential and capability of atomic power. Harry Truman succeeded Roosevelt after his death in April 1945. He was almost totally in the dark on the bomb project. He established an interim committee in May 1945, to determine how or even if an atomic bomb should be used. The operative phrase was to consider "the military uses of the material." This strongly suggested that even at this late date in the war the project focused on research and development by the people assigned to produce the weapons materials in addition to producing a nuclear weapon. Fortunately, Hitler had almost no interest in and showed near total ignorance of the devastating power and impact of a nuclear weapon and how it could be a decisive game changer for Germany in the war. His top physicists and researchers were woefully under resourced and under supported in trying to develop a weapon. None of this was known at the time and the U.S. and FDR were hardly willing to take any chances. The next, and still heated debate decades after the evolution of the A bomb was whether it should have been used. Countless books, articles, memoirs, films, documentaries, and docudramas have been made on the making and testing of the weapon. The debate over its use was even more fierce after it was proven to work. Hiroshima and Nagasaki did not have to be nuked in August 1945 to end the war critics endlessly argue. Japan was near prostrate, a defeated nation, and desperately searching for a way out of the war. The counter argument is that military intelligence confirmed through reading Japanese codes that the nation's hard line military leaders rejected surrender. Given the American public's rage at Japan for Pearl Harbor, Japan's barbaric war atrocities, and the U.S. government's shell out of two billion dollars to develop the bomb, it was going to be used no matter what. The two A bombs caused nearly 200,000 deaths and injuries with untold legions still feeling the effects of the nuclear attacks in the 21st Century. Equally debated is, was the endless arms race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union with all its threat and danger to the world necessary in the half century after Hiroshima? Could the horrendous possibility of a nuclear assault have been avoided solely by diplomatic means? Could the billions the U.S. and the Soviets spent on nuclear weapons have gone solely toward the peaceful use of nuclear energy? Could the thousands who worked in the industries that were responsible for the manufacture, testing, and stockpiling of the weapons have been engaged in work in non-military industries? There are still no clear-cut answers to these questions, decades after the end of the war. There probably never will be. The issues that they raise in the nuclear debate remain too polarizing. The one certainty is that the Cold War rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union deeply shaded politics in those decades. There is no debate, however, that the A bomb spurred many technical innovations in energy use that would not have happened without the race to develop the bomb. Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. His latest book The A Bomb. His book How World War II Changed America will be published on the 80th anniversary of D Day in June 2024. The three women who died in a crash in Southeast Portland last Thursday have been publicly identified. Hannah Fetters, 18, was driving a 2015 BMW sedan with her twin sister Grace as a passenger at about 9:30 p.m. when it smashed into a car driven by Julie D. Skeen, 55. The Fetters sisters died at the scene, and Skeen died later at a hospital, Portland police said. The initial investigation suggests the BMW and a 2005 Subaru were racing on Southeast Powell Boulevard at speeds above the posted limit, police said. Skeen, driving a 2004 Lexus with a male passenger, was turning from 63rd Avenue onto Powell Boulevard when Hannah Fetters crashed into Skeens car, police said. Police have not publicly identified the Subarus 17-year-old driver, who pulled over and remained at the scene. The passenger in the Lexus, who also has not been named, was seriously hurt in the crash with not life-threatening injuries, according to police. No arrests have been made. -- The Oregonian/OregonLive; dperry@oregonian.com The shooting Saturday at Portlands Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center that left a security guard dead also injured another hospital employee, who was hit by shrapnel, officials said. The person was treated at the hospital and sent home Saturday, Legacy Health said in a statement. The company did not identify the person injured or what job they had at the hospital. We are grateful for our employees recovery and to our providers, nurses and staff who cared for our injured staff member after Saturdays tragic incident, Legacy Health said. Most areas of the hospital are operating as normal Sunday, but the birthing center will be closed until further notice, Legacy Health said. Portland police officers responded to the hospital just before 11 a.m. Saturday. The initial emergency call came from Good Samaritan security, reporting that someone visiting a patient verbally threatened hospital staff. Police found Bobby Smallwood, a Legacy Health security guard, wounded and began treatment. He was transferred to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, which is a Level 1 Trauma Center. There, he died despite additional lifesaving treatment efforts, police said. Officers closed off streets surrounding Good Samaritan while police searched the area for a suspect they believed had left the building after firing shots on the hospitals fifth floor. The search went on for several hours, and included evacuating a nearby Fred Meyer, but police did not find the suspect. Shortly after 1 p.m., numerous police cars converged in the middle of Northeast 181st Avenue near Glisan Street in Gresham. Portland and Gresham police stopped the suspects vehicle, a white-and-maroon van, outside of the U.S. Bank on 181st. Multnomah County sheriffs deputies arrived shortly after. The suspect did not cooperate, and three Portland officers used deadly force, police said. The suspect was shot and killed. Bystanders in the area said there was a standoff between the suspect and police, followed by gunshots. Police are investigating the motive for the shooting at the hospital. Investigators ask anyone with information on the hospital shooting to contact Detective Jeff Sharp at Jeff.Sharp@police.portlandoregon.gov 503-823-9773 or Detective JD McGuire at Jeff.McGuire@police.portlandoregon.gov and reference case number 23-192301. Anyone with information about the police shooting is asked to contact Detectives Fred Huffman at Frederick.huffman@greshamoregon.gov or Lindsay Friderich at Lindsay.friderich@greshamoregon.gov or call the tip line at (503)618-2719 or (888)989-3505. Austin De Dios; adedios@oregonian.com; @austindedios; 503-319-9744 Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe The security guard who was killed Saturday at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center was a dedicated employee who died protecting the Northwest Portland hospitals employees and patients, Legacy Health said in a statement. It is with great sadness that we share the news about a devastating tragedy that occurred today, the release said. Legacy identified the slain security officer as Bobby Smallwood, saying he was one of our dedicated safety and security officers (who was) tragically shot and killed while protecting our patients and employees. A second hospital employee, whom Legacy did not identify, was injured and was reportedly in stable condition. Police dispatchers received a call at 10:55 a.m. from Good Sam security that someone visiting a patient verbally threatened hospital staff, the Bureau of Emergency Communications said Saturday. When police arrived, hospital security told them shots had been fired. Officers found Smallwood wounded and began treatment. He was transferred to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, his usual workplace, which is a Level 1 Trauma Center. There, he died despite additional lifesaving treatment efforts, police said. Words cannot express the profound grief we are experiencing, said Kathryn Correia, Legacy Health president and CEO. We offer our unwavering support to Bobbys loved ones, to our patients in our care, to the staff at Legacy Good Samaritan and to all of our employees and providers suffering today. Other Legacy security officers said Smallwood typically worked at Legacy Emanuel, in North Portland, but was filling in Saturday at Good Sam. Legacy security officers are unarmed but routinely wear ballistic vests. According to his LinkedIn page, Smallwood had worked at Legacy Health since 2021, starting as a security screener and moving up to security officer. He received a degree in math and statistics from Portland State University in 2020, his page said. 14 1 / 14 1 dead, 1 wounded in shooting at Good Samaritan Hospital in NW Portland, suspect dead While at PSU, he was a computer lab attendant and managed the PSU Food Pantry. As manager of the PSU Food Pantry, I am the public networking node for communications that facilitate the essential operations of a rapidly-growing non-profit, he wrote. During the coronavirus pandemic, Smallwood was quoted in the PSU newspaper, the Vanguard, as saying he wanted students who needed food assistance to know help was available, even when COVID-19 disrupted operations and forced the pantry to move to a new location. We will always be there, Smallwood said. Legacy said Saturday no patients were physically injured in the Good Sam incident, which the statement did not describe. The Emergency Department and maternity services remained on divert status, meaning patients and ambulances were directed elsewhere, as of 5 p.m. Saturday. Good Samaritan was otherwise operating normally, Legacy said, except that workers needed to use their badge to enter. Legacy established a staging area for the families of our patients and employees in the parking lot at 1120 N.W. 20th Avenue. We will provide updates as quickly as possible. The shooting suspect was shot and killed by police after a standoff in Gresham, police said. This is a sad day for the staff at Legacy Health, and our hearts go out to the family, friends, and coworkers of the employees affected by todays tragedy, said Chief Chuck Lovell, who responded to the scene. By all accounts, hospital staff and law enforcement did great work responding to this incident, and Im grateful for the coordinated efforts by all. In fall 2019, Sandeep Brijesh Pillai was finishing a fine arts project when he overheard his parents whispering in the room across from him. Moments later, his mother came to his room and broke the news that the familys visas had expired. They would need to return to their home country of India. Sandeep, 16, had lived in Beaverton for the past seven years. His family immigrated to the United States when he was 7. He had only visited India once, when his grandmother passed away in 2017, and now he had to return to a country he didnt really know. I cried for, like, two hours because it was really hard to comprehend, Sandeep said. He realized his life was about to change. All the friends I made I would have to leave them behind. Sandeep thought he would be gone from Oregon for three months, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, three months turned into two years. After returning to his familys home state of Kerala, South India, Sandeep slowly came to terms with his new living situation and fully embraced his Indian culture. He was happy to be reunited with both sides of his family. Even though Sandeep loved being with his extended family, the unfamiliar education system and exams were a challenge. He attended Loyola School Trivandrum for two years, which he said was itself a learning experience. Those tests are always a headache because you cant finish it, Sandeep said. They frame it so only the fastest writers can finish it. And Im not a fast writer, so I could never finish it. Due to spending all of his time studying, he didnt have time to pursue his true passion photography and videography. But once his family secured their visas and returned to Beaverton, he had the opportunity to make up for lost time. Sandeep felt relieved to be back in his old classroom at Beaverton Academy of Science & Engineering and to reunite with his film teacher, Jared Agard. Hes the best, like a second dad to me, Sandeep said. Hes like my pillar. Agard recommended Sandeep join the Public Broadcasting Service Student Reporting Labs. Sandeep tested the waters by entering his first video story on sleep deprivation and its effects on student success. To his surprise, he won his first national award from PBS. Sandeep wanted to keep going and highlighted the story of Cambodian refugee and restaurant owner Saron Khut, who uses food to spread awareness about his culture. With the story came his first nationwide broadcast. Sandeep realized he had a passion for culture reporting. He loves sharing diverse and nuanced stories. Being from a different culture, there are many other cultures around me that have many different backgrounds and stories, Sandeep said. Theres a story everywhere. You just have to find a way to tell it. -- Moss Weigel, Tigard High School This story was produced by student reporters as part of the High School Journalism Institute, an annual collaboration among The Oregonian/OregonLive, Oregon State University and other Oregon media organizations. For more information or to support the program, go to oregonlive.com/hsji. When he was an Oregon State University student, Charlie PeBenito frequented a Corvallis vintage store. He became friends with the owners, who taught him the basics of their business. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. As students switched to online lessons, the store shut down, and the then-owners moved to the Portland area in search of more customers. Several months later, as students returned to campus, PeBenito said it became clear that the vintage stores absence had left a void. PeBenito and two of his roommates decided to fill it, opening Lint at 202 SW 5th St. in Corvallis a year and a half ago. And it ended up paying off, he said. Lint, a small vintage store within a five-minute drive from the OSU campus, sells vintage clothing and items under $40. The store owners say keeping prices affordable for college students was key. They wanted their customers to be able to freely express their style even on a student budget. We provide the greater Corvallis community with vintage clothing, antiques and collectibles from the past, said PeBenito. PeBenito, a citizen of the Osage Nation, said he grew up with a strong sense of community that helps him connect with customers. On a Tuesday morning in July as PeBenito prepared to open the shop for the day, regular customer Mary Walsh walked by wearing a teal ankle-length vintage dress. I spend a lot of money here, Walsh said with a chuckle. You keep us thriving, PeBenito replied. Lint has many regulars like Walsh. PeBenito says high school students will stop by on their college visits, and he is always excited when they return to do some shopping in the fall. As a teenager, PeBenito loved all things vintage. That evolved into an online vintage clothing business, which helped bring in extra cash during college. After graduating from Oregon State in December of 2019, in the midst of the pandemic, online shopping at an all-time high and his job hunt at a standstill, PeBenito decided to take a leap and turn his online business into a physical store with his two roommates-turned-business partners. PeBenito and Jake Nielson are the store operators and co-owners, while Chanti Manon, who is also an artist, is the social media director. Two weeks before the grand opening, they had yet to finalize a name for the store. When someone suggested Lint as a joke, PeBenito loved it and said they should use it for real. Inside the shop, shoppers will find that clothing is organized by color, not gender. The idea, PeBenito said, is to give customers the chance to express their style freely without the societal restraints of traditional gender roles. If I can mix stuff together, you can eventually, over time, stop trying to distinguish whether its catered for a certain gender, PeBenito said. Realistically, you can wear whatever you want. The team sources items from vendors around Oregon and also accepts consignments from customers. A lot of this stuff has just been like, if we didnt grab it or if we didnt buy it or if someone didnt bring it in, itd be in a landfill right now, he said. PeBenito said he and his partners hope to soon hire staff and be able to run the business remotely. But the three are committed to Corvallis. I feel like if we kept it in this really small space, in this really small town, we could still provide the same community-oriented feeling, PeBenito said. -- c This story was produced by student reporters as part of the High School Journalism Institute, an annual collaboration among The Oregonian/OregonLive, Oregon State University and other Oregon media organizations. For more information or to support the program, go to oregonlive.com/hsji. Egypt is currently in talks with the United Arab Emirates to secure a total of $500 million in funding to import wheat, Bloomberg quoted Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Ali El-Moselhi as saying on Thursday. El-Moselhi said that the talks should lead the UAE to provide the funding, in $100 million instalments, through the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, adding that the money will be mainly used to finance a wheat deal with the Abu Dhabi-based Al-Dahra Agricultural Company. Egypt secures wheat supplies. The minister also stated that Egypt has enough wheat reserves for five months, adding that local farmers supplied the government with 3.8 million tons of wheat. Egypt aims to purchase four million tons of local wheat during the current harvest season, which started in April and runs through the fall. The government increased the price for procured local wheat by 20 percent; it now pays EGP 1,500 per ardeb (150 kg) for the harvest season that started in April. Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin refused to extend a deal with Ukraine for exporting grain through the Black Sea. Russia and Ukraine are Egypt's primary wheat suppliers. Based on 2022 figures, Egypt consumes up to 18 million tons of wheat annually, 12 million tons of which are imported. Egypt thus aims to reduce the impact of the disruptions in global food supply chains and rising commodity prices by encouraging farmers to increase wheat supply to the government. Sugar self-sufficiency El-Moselhi further noted that Egypt produces 3.1 million tons of sugar annually and imports up to 400,000 tons. He highlighted that the Canal Sugar company, which owns a massive sugar factory in Minya, is expected to increase its production capacity to nearly 600,000 tons in the coming season. The company is majority-owned by Emirati businessman Jamal al-Ghurair, managing director of Al-Khaleej Sugar, and other UAE investors. They own 70 percent of the roughly $1 billion project, whereas Egypt's Al-Ahly Capital Holding owns the remaining 30 percent. Egypt uses both sugarcane and sugarbeet to produce sugar. The harvesting season for sugarcane occurs from January to May. On the other hand, the harvest season for sugarbeet starts in March. Search Keywords: Short link: At times, Angie Interian Solis has had as many as eight family members packed into a single mobile home. She drew on her creativity to live beyond those confines, she said, and has even come to appreciate her close-knit support system. Describing her background as fortuitous, the Parkrose High School senior is grateful for the support she has heading into her final year of high school. Surrounded by people who enjoy writing and reading, thats something Im comfortable with, she said. That includes Angies family in Portland, still marked by comings and goings. Her sister recently moved from Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula to reconnect with the family in Oregon. Nothing is more important than family, Angie said, even if the addition of her sister at home has forced Angie to be a bit more flexible with her time. But with all of her interests, Angie doesnt have much time to stay at home. She participates in debate club and Advancement Via Individual Determination, or AVID, and plays catcher for the Broncos varsity softball team, all big parts of her last year before high school. Shes also involved in Parkroses Latino Network program, which she said is a comfortable place to celebrate her culture. What is missing at school, however, is a formal journalism program. Theres no newspaper, even online. So Angie has found another outlet to keep up with her writing. She started using WattPad, a way for readers and writers to connect on a mobile app, at the age of 11 and published her first work.People liked it a lot, Angie said. Her story racked up more than 60,000 views. Angie wants to become a lawyer, and plans to major in criminology as an undergraduate, before law school. But journalism will be forever in her roots. Im still gonna be writing, she said. But itll be more as a passion. -- Mohammed Damtew, Ida B. Wells High School This story was produced by student reporters as part of the High School Journalism Institute, an annual collaboration among The Oregonian/OregonLive, Oregon State University and other Oregon media organizations. For more information or to support the program, go to oregonlive.com/hsji. Cindy Grimm and other members of the Oregon State University robotics department traveled to Jefferson on a July morning to look at blueberries research that one day could help them build robots that can gently prune the bushes without damaging the fragile fruit. While a lot of that work is computer science and math, some of the delicate movements are inspired by Grimms decades in martial arts. Grimm and her husband, Bill Smart, are co-owners of the Precision Martial Arts gym in Corvallis, which they purchased in December 2017. The gym teaches a variety of martial arts, including Brazilian jiu-jitsu, capoeira and a striking class inspired by many styles. Grimm and Smart met in a martial arts class while at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, where both received their masters degrees and doctorates in computer science. After about 12 years as assistant and associate professors at Washington University in St. Louis, they moved to Oregon in 2012 to be closer to Grimms family in Lake Oswego, taking positions at Oregon State Universitys College of Engineering. Grimm said martial arts has allowed her to better visualize how the human body works and how much power is put into fine motor skills. One of the things thats really fascinating is understanding your body kinetics link to what you can do, Grimm said. Like, why do you punch that way? Like, why is it that stance matters? Theres a lot of physical mechanics and sensing and actuation that you do in martial arts that were trying to replicate in robotics. They have a ways to go. So far, Grimm said cheerfully, they are failing miserably. Her blueberry-scanning project, using her background in computer modeling to imitate bat sonar to map a farm, underlines the difficulty of getting robots to do tasks that are relatively simple for humans. Climbing up a ladder to pick fruits manually can be dangerous, but theres also no mechanical alternative that can meet that need. Grimm ultimately hopes that robots can be used to pick apples and prune blueberry bushes. Smart also researches robots and is currently working with Amazon to build robotic consumer products. Some of his research has focused on building self-driving wheelchairs, improving the effectiveness of robot signals, and using robots to facilitate treatment for Ebola virus. Im not trying to revolutionize the world. I just want to build systems to help people, he said. Im helping other people in their careers, and Im helping some people with robots, making the world a little bit better. For Smart, whose research doesnt focus on motor skills as much as Grimms, martial arts serves as an escape from work rather than being directly connected to it. Its been a really safe space where I can come and just not think about anything for a couple hours, he said. And I think thats where the overlap is: the fact that they dont overlap. They complement. Grimm said teaching martial arts to others is rewarding, but especially teaching young kids, many of whom shes seen gain confidence through their practice. Tyrone Angolia, an instructor at Precision Martial Arts, said the gradual nature of martial arts is valuable, especially for the younger ones. Its a good thing to be able to set your mind to a goal and achieve the goal, Angolia said. Thats important for all ages, but for the kids especially. Its easy enough to see its not instant gratification it takes a while but as long as you keep investing in yourself, you get better and better. The three of them believe martial arts can bring peace to the mind and body. It always makes my day when one of the parents or one of the regular students come up and they say, Thank you for having this place, Grimm said. That makes it all worthwhile. -- Dakota Hill, McNary High School -- Karthik Krishnamurthy, Westview High School This story was produced by student reporters as part of the High School Journalism Institute, an annual collaboration among The Oregonian/OregonLive, Oregon State University and other Oregon media organizations. For more information or to support the program, go to oregonlive.com/hsji. Clio Koh always assumed that she would go straight to college after high school. But after putting in long hours at her student newspaper and taking multiple advanced science and math classes, the recent Lake Oswego High School graduate decided to take a break, a path that isnt traditional among her friends and family. When I was saying to my friends and parents that I wanted to go on a gap year, they kinda gave me sideways looks, Clio said. Like, Oh? Why is that Clio? Why arent you going to college like the rest of your friends? Clio, 18, was accepted as an engineering major at the University of Washington and also planned to pursue journalism during her time there. But by the end of high school, she felt burnt out. I was telling everyone, Journalism and engineering! Journalism and engineering! Im gonna do them, Im gonna do both, Clio said. But honestly, I wanted to have a little more time to decide, as well as learn more about the world I live in. During her gap year, Clio plans to travel throughout Taiwan with her twin sister, backpacking and staying in different cities and towns across the country. Clio was born in the United States but lived in Taiwan until she was 10 before moving back to America. My story is kind of like an average immigration story, with the exception that I was born in the U.S., she said. Clio said she identifies as more American than Taiwanese, since she spent her formative years in America. However, she maintains her Taiwanese culture at home and hopes to reconnect with it while living in the country. I really do miss the culture. Its just really hard when youre on a new continent, Clio said. (You) just cannot keep up or be as involved as you could be back in the country. She also hopes to study the language. Taiwanese is one of the official languages of Taiwan and is commonly spoken by older people. Its a slightly dying language and I want to preserve that, even in my own insignificant way, Clio said. Clio hopes to improve her writing through her travels and plans to record her experiences and journey. She also hopes to gain insight on what she wants to do with her schooling and life. But for now, shes comfortable with the unknown. Exploring is about being open to encountering new things, Clio said. -- Olivia Shreefter, St. Marys Academy This story was produced by student reporters as part of the High School Journalism Institute, an annual collaboration among The Oregonian/OregonLive, Oregon State University and other Oregon media organizations. For more information or to support the program, go to oregonlive.com/hsji. Anyelina Diaz, 17, has been writing in her journal since she was 8 years old, just one year after she emigrated from Cuba to America. She struggled to connect with her peers because she only spoke Spanish. Her journal was her earliest friend. Now, Angie has the words to write about her experience as a Latina and an immigrant. I wanted an outlet to voice my experiences, said Angie. She immigrated with her single mother. Angie watched her work hard for years to afford her daughter the ability to focus on her passion of writing. But assimilating was difficult. It felt like I grew up in two places, she said. I never really had anyone to talk to. Angie was born in Guira de Melena, Cuba, and lived there until she was 7. She remembers meat being very expensive and waiting in long lines to get food. Cuba is a communist country. So they believe that everyone should be equal, Angie said, even if that means everyone is equally poor. She remembers the government would regularly turn off the lights and water in her home. She said there arent many opportunities for people to get good paying jobs. It was even harder for her mother because she had Angie as a teen. Beyond the economic issues, Angie said some Cubans enforce traditional gender roles that her mother often rejected. I want to be part of my culture, she said. I just want to take a different approach. Angies mother made a huge impact on how she writes her stories today. Her mother worked to make sure that her daughter was able to eat and have a better life. It made me realize how much more immigrants have to work in this country for basic needs, she said. Angie stays in contact with her family in Cuba and loves her culture. She expresses herself through her writing, something she feels she can do freely in America. Now, she is 17 and attends Parkrose High School. Through her writing skills, she hopes to share her immigrant story to inspire others. She hopes that this will help people realize the difficulties of immigrating. Angie would love to make a career out of writing, but because she came from a family that struggled, she is sensitive to financial insecurity and she wants to keep her options open. But she knows that writing will always be there for her. It is who I am. -- Sofia DUva, Riverdale High School This story was produced by student reporters as part of the High School Journalism Institute, an annual collaboration among The Oregonian/OregonLive, Oregon State University and other Oregon media organizations. For more information or to support the program, go to oregonlive.com/hsji Its not easy to fire a post-probationary teacher from Portland Public Schools. Protections designed to provide a fair process as well as a strong teachers union help ensure that educators arent dismissed for frivolous reasons and sometimes legitimate ones. But a recent decision by a 4-3 majority of the districts school board shows how even those pushing for a more professional district can make accountability difficult to achieve. As The Oregonian/OregonLives Julia Silverman reported, the board narrowly voted last month to override the PPS administrations decision to terminate Damon Keller, a popular dance teacher at Ockley Green Middle School who repeatedly called in sick to his primary teaching job in order to work a second job he holds at a dance company. Keller, who is Black, is one of few teachers of color at the school where 60% of the student body is Black, Latino or multiracial. By many accounts, Keller has been an effective educator who connects with students and has served as a role model, particularly for students of color. His case sparked protests by students and community members who viewed the proposed termination as one more episode of poor support by PPS for minority teachers. But Keller not only worked his second job during school hours, leaving substitute teachers to lead his class; he did so, despite being expressly told by his principal that such activity was prohibited. The union contract not surprisingly does not allow teachers to work second jobs during the school day. In addition, evidence suggests that Keller was untruthful about flying to North Carolina during the school week last March, where he served as a paid judge for a dance competition. While he claims he did not fly there until late Friday, he could not provide documentation and PPS human resources investigators said a dance competition official confirmed Keller was there all day Friday. A history of prior problems including a two-year probation imposed by the states Teachers Practices and Standards Committee for physical misconduct against students only reinforces the picture of an educator who has been given ample warning and offered second chances to no avail. Certainly, Kellers popularity and strong student support make termination a tough decision. The districts long history of failing students of color and its lagging employment of nonwhite teachers reflect an institution that must make intensive, concerted efforts to help educators thrive, particularly those who clearly have made such an impact on students. There are other questions, as well, including the role and responsibility of Odyssey Elementary and its PTA, considering that he was teaching Odyssey students when he was supposed to be at Ockley Green. And while the four directors Michelle DePass, Herman Greene, Gary Hollands and Julia Brim-Edwards all voted to override termination, they directed the superintendent to impose significant discipline as an alternative. Keller will face consequences. But the vote sends the message to district administrators, principals, teachers, the union and the public that, once again, adults at PPS who fail their obligations can escape full accountability. Kellers students werent served well by being given substitute after substitute. His dishonesty, flouting of his boss and violating a union contract are not little things. They are grounds for termination in many workplaces, even without the history of prior misconduct that Keller has. Its also concerning that the union would take this outcome and claim victory, crediting the community for having pushed/shamed in public the district. Whether this creates a precedent of any kind remains to be seen. Certainly, other employees facing similar accusations may seek to use the case to their benefit. But theres no question that the resolution creates an incredibly challenging dynamic for principals across the district most notably, at Ockley Green where principal Julie Rierson will have to continue overseeing an employee who defied her authority. While the board can conveniently duck out of the aftermath, Rierson and her staff dont have that option. There is no shame in trying to hold accountable a teacher who flagrantly breaks the rules agreed to by his own union and enforced by his boss. Ockley Greens principal and the district administration made the right call. The board majority did not. -The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board Sign up for our free Oregon Opinion newsletter. Email: Historically Oregonians - especially Portlanders - have prided ourselves on our way of life, governance, accomplishments and overall economy. But I think we have not really been as tested as other areas of North America the parts not so blessed with a mild climate, homogenous demographics, a reasonably good economy and untested government structures. Recently I spent time in the downtown cores of Toronto, Milwaukee and San Diego. I walked everywhere, day and night. I found the cities clean and hospitable and rarely encountered homeless or threatening individuals. Transportation systems seemed to be working and downtowns reflected energy. I am saddened and angry to learn about the fatality July 15 at the bus stop near the Belmont public library branch at Southwest Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard, (Portland librarian killed in bus stop crash was mother of 2; driver pleads not guilty, July 17). I have long considered the sidewalk along this very busy four-lane roadway to be narrow and dangerous for pedestrians. This particular TriMet bench is positioned very close to the southbound traffic lane which has no shoulder or buffer. TriMet and PBOT must evaluate safety improvements to prevent another incident at this location as well as other danger zones, of which there are many. It goes without saying that a fully restored police Traffic Division is essential to public safety, (Portland police partially reinstate traffic division after 2-year hiatus, May 9). The growing number of incidents such as this are tragic and unacceptable. Lora Wilson, Portland To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion. With a population of just 400 people, Butte Falls is a speck in an ocean of remote timberland, much of it burned. The community is tucked into a vast forest of pine and fir about 35 miles from the California border. Outside town, snow-capped Mt. McLoughlin towers above a vast burn scar, where blackened trees from the South Obenchain Fire stand crookedly across miles of the Cascade Ranges foothills. In September 2020, logger Don Hamann watched with awe as that blaze cast embers over his head in the middle of the night. Hamann, 70, ignored an evacuation notice to protect his property and that of his neighbors on a woody rise above Butte Falls. In the light of day, Hamann could see the smoke from a separate fire burning thousands of homes in nearby Ashland and Talent, and further to the north, yet another blaze leveled the mountain community of Blue River. The Obenchain would burn 33,000 acres and skirted Butte Falls by just a quarter of a mile. You cant stop it, Hamann recalls. It was amazing. Butte Falls residents disproportionately live with disabilities or in mobile homes, risk factors that make it difficult to prepare and evacuate from wildfires that have become increasingly destructive. The hamlet itself, once a logging powerhouse, is still struggling to provide residents with good-paying jobs more than 40 years after the local timber industry began its long decline. Almost 10% of Butte Falls residents left town between 2010 and 2021. Conventional wisdom in the region would have Butte Falls try to reclaim its former glory as a logging hub. But community leaders have hatched an ambitious plan to protect their future by looking to the forest itself as a source of protection as much as prosperity. The town government recently purchased a ring of privately owned timberland surrounding Butte Falls. Instead of harvesting the landwhich could provide an immediate, short-term boon to the town economylocals want to grow an older and biodiverse forest that they say will better protect the town from wildfires, while attracting outdoor tourism. Conservationists and the states top politicos say the small project playing out in a remote corner of Pacific Northwest forest can teach other communities how to adapt to climate disasters and hard times. The namesake falls of Butte Falls, with community forest on either side of the river on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Amanda Loman A car drives along the Butte Falls Highway on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Amanda Loman New vision The 2018 blaze that killed at least 85 people in Paradise, Calif., was a wakeup call for Linda Spencer, who was the mayor of Butte Falls at the time. At that point, Butte Falls was completely surrounded by about 400 acres of timberland that didnt have much value for the community itself. Modern timber companies had rejected the practice of sustainable harvestinglow-intensity logging that provided a dependable supply of timber for future generations and, crucially, steady paychecks. A string of companies since the 1980s intensively harvested parts of the land or let it grow wild, resulting in a dangerously dense and young forest on the communitys doorstep, a serious fire risk, according to Mike Smeltz, a veteran local forester. Smeltz, Hamann and Spencer shared a new vision for the land. The logger, forester and former mayor believed that, if the town bought the forest, it could thin and burn unwanted foliage to cultivate open groves of old-growth trees resilient to wildfire and drought. Its a strategy some environmentalists want to implement across U.S. forests to sequester carbon, promote biodiversity and blunt severe wildfiresand one recently planned in Paradise itself as it rebuilds in California. In the new Butte Falls Community Forest, local foresters could build a trail network and recreation amenities near a roaring waterfall to bring outdoor tourism to town, providing incomes without relying on dwindling timber jobs. For Hamann, who has decades of experience in sustainable forestry projects, a beautiful forest is a more valuable asset in the long run than the timber from a clear cut, particularly if its your backyard. Spencer, the former mayor, sees the project as a way for the community to assert control of a resource that is critical to the towns future and the quality of its environment. The idea is, we didnt want someone else managing the forest around us, she says. We wanted to manage it ourselves. When the Seattle-based timber giant Weyerhaeuser informed the Butte Falls City Hall of plans to clear-cut and sell the cleared parcels surrounding the town, likely to another timber company, Spencer jumped at the opportunity to create a community-owned forest instead. The town purchased the 400-odd acres of woods last year for about $1.1 million with assistance from the Trust for Public Land, a conservation nonprofit. The cost was entirely covered by grants and donations, mostly from the Oregon state government and the U.S. Forest Service. Hamann and several experts told Inside Climate News that Weyerhaeuser is dropping assets in much of southern Oregon because of climate-driven tree die-offs and wildfires, which would mark another notch in the industrys decline. A spokesperson for Weyerhaeuser declined to comment for this story. New climate, new perspective Destinies in Butte Falls were always linked to the forest. The Butte Falls Sugar Pine Company built a sawmill and platted the town in 1906, according to historian Jeff LaLande. The firm took its name from the giant conifer of high cultural and religious value for the Achomawi people. Loggers prized sugar pines for their smooth, straight timber. In the 1980s, a Texas millionaire gutted the company that for decades had provided steady employment in Butte Falls. Almost all prized timber was cut and the mill sold, LaLande writes. Smeltz, 68, moved to Butte Falls in the 1970s and watched the companys liquidation plunge the town into a deep economic decline that it never truly recovered from, the forester said. Its a familiar story across the Pacific Northwest. People didnt have good jobs anymore, he said. When I came to town, the tavern was rockin, alcohol was the drug of choice. Now, heroin is the drug of choice. Now its fentanyl. Smeltz embarked on a 40-year career in forestry, including 28 years with the U.S. Forest Service. While Butte Falls changed, Smeltz watched the forests change around him. The climate in southern Oregon turned dry and hot, consistent with projections of human-caused climate change. Firs in the region are dying en masse due to drought and insects, pock-marking the green forests of the Cascades with brown sores that easily burn, Columbia Insight reported. Douglas firs, the state tree, which is high-value timber, are being replaced by species that are more resilient to drought. Climate science is unpopular in Butte Falls, which is staunchly conservative, Smeltz says. But when a group of locals visited the new community forest on a recent Saturday, there was broad agreement that the climate is less hospitable for certain conifers than it once was. Hamann had convened the meeting with a handful of residents as part of his weekly forest chats, where he describes his vision and seeks community buy-in over the roar of the falls. On the warm afternoon, Hamann drew the groups attention to a grove of century-old firs and pines. Its the only mature forest remaining in the town-owned parcels and the first portion that would age enough to provide the biodiversity and wildfire resilience he envisions. But much of the forest encircling Butte Falls is made up of young ladder fuels, a term in fire ecology for mid-sized foliage and low limbs that spread fire from the forest floor up to the canopy, where it is impossible to smother. The town wouldnt stand much of a chance if the forest around it burned in its current state, Stan Moore, another local retired from a career in forestry, told the others, who nodded grimly. If Butte Falls can weather this fire season, Smeltz will lead efforts to thin the forest by cutting down young trees and deadlimbs, which will be piled and burned. That will help the largest trees, including mighty ponderosa pines towering above the thicket, to continue flourishing. The town already secured $450,000 from the Oregon Department of Forestry and another $450,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for this work, according to Smeltz. The community has partnered with Chris Adlam, an expert on prescribed burns with Oregon State University, to reintroduce low-intensity ground fires as often as once a year to mimic the natural fire cycle in the forest and further reduce the dangerous overload of woody fuels, he says. Inside the town borders, Butte Falls is removing dangerous vegetation and ignition sources as part of the national Firewise USA network. Mayor Trish Callahan said more work and education is planned to help prepare residents for the next wildfire. Mike Smeltz (left), forest manager for the Community Forest, speaks with community members Darwin Moore, (right) and David Edwards (center) during a Community Forest Chat at the Butte Falls Community Forest on Saturday, June 10, 2023.Amanda Loman The future of natural resources When he grew up in Cottage Grove, an Oregon community rocked by the so-called timber wars between loggers and environmentalists in the 1990s, Kelly Droege watched disagreements over land management turn nasty, pitting residents against each other. Droege obtained a Masters degree in forestry from the Yale School of the Environment and in 2018 founded Chinook Forest Partners, which manages 215,000 acres for timber companies in Oregon and Washington. The companys portfolio briefly included the ring of forest surrounding Butte Falls. He thinks deeply about the relationships rural communities have with forests and views Butte Falls as a case study in striking a balance between new and old ideas. This is the future of how we view management of natural resources, says Droege. When she was in office, former Gov. Kate Brown, a Democrat, visited Butte Falls and designated it part of Oregon Solutions, a statewide policy network that fosters community-based solutions to thorny problems like high unemployment and wildfire danger. The states Democratic U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley penned a letter expressing his support for the community forest and his staff have walked its stands of fir and pine, says Smeltz. The project resonated in high places in part because of political acumen on the part of Spencer, the former mayor, who worked in the Environmental Protection Agency and the United Nations before retiring to Butte Falls. Owen Wozniak, a program manager at the Land Trust Alliance, lauded Butte Falls work. But he said Spencers political connections and assistance from the Trust for Public Land make its example somewhat unusual. Most small communities just cant access the resources and lack the financial and human capital to tackle such things, he says. There are thousands of communities across the West who need similar efforts. So its exemplary, but still too limited. Nonetheless, plans like those in Butte Falls are playing out across the region, from nearby Ashland, which has its own community-based model of fire adaptation, to Washington State as foresters and economic development experts push for new solutions in at-risk communities. Nationally, theres an excitement among conservationists and climate advocates that rural areas can leverage public lands to keep their communities functioning and safe from the most immediate hazards posed by the climate crisis. Towns have taken ownership of forests in Montana, Virginia and Vermont for a range of purposes, including wildfire resilience, but Butte Falls approach is pretty unique, says Chris Dunn, an associate professor in Oregon States College of Forestry. Butte Falls also benefits from the brain trust of Hamann, Smeltz, Moore and others who spent decades in forestry and logging. And Dunn said its rare that a community can legally buy all the land immediately around it. Towns in fire country often abut public or tribal land or are constrained by an urban growth boundary, he said. But Dunn said the work in Butte Falls to prevent homes from igniting, coupled with adequate management in the community forest, could offer significant protection to the town in future fire seasons. After the community meeting, Hamann took a walking stick in each hand and traversed a section of the Obenchain Fire burn scar on a rise above town. Lupines and Indian paintbrush poked out of a dense understory that sprung up after the blaze. Above, massive sugar pines and incense cedars stood blackened as high as 50 feet up their trunks. But they were still alive. This stand right here survived about as tough a condition as you can possibly survive, Hamann said. His hope is that Butte Falls can become just as resilient. Freelance journalist Grant Stringer is a former staff reporter with Sentinel Colorado. His work has been syndicated via the Associated Press to U.S. newspapers from Seattle to Orlando. This story was produced in collaboration with Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, independent news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. You can subscribe to the ICN newsletter here. ## Columbia Insight, based in Hood River, Oregon, is nonprofit news site focused on environmental issues of the Columbia River Basin. Ahram Online camped in one of Egypt's most beautiful protectorates, in a first of a series to explore the Red Land. Guided by a seasoned expert in desert and sea exploration, this expedition promises to unveil the secrets of the land and its people, taking readers on a historical tour like no other. Last month, the Heritage section travelled an enchanting journey exploring the intangible culture of the 'Red Land,' between the Red Sea and mighty mountains. Guided by Khalid Sobhy, an expert on desert roads and pro diver who helped chart Egypt's diving laws. We unfolded the social history of one of Egypt's natural gems: Wadi El-Gemal (Valley of the Camels). Sobhy, who spent 39 years exploring and navigating the desert and sea, shared with Ahram Online the lessons he learned. "You learn patience, care and humbleness because no matter how clever you are, it's easy to get lost and die in the desert. You can never match the resilience of rocks or the vastness of the sea," he noted. The Road to Hankorab According to the Ababda tribe, Hankorab is a mussel that used to abundantly fill the bay, naming it. Ras Hankourab Bay lies inside the Wadi El-Gemal Protectorate, an 808-kilometre (9 hours) drive from Cairo to the southeastern part of Egypt. Our 7am drive along the magnificent Red Sea mountains easily captivated us. The 'Red Land' is what valley inhabitants call Egypt's eastern desert, also known as Deseret as explained in The Red Land, The Illustrated Archeology of Egypt Eastern Desert by Steven E. Sidebotham, Martin Hense, and Hendrikje M. Nouwens. The road crossed paths with many historic and pre-historic events. According to The Red Land, the 25 million-year-old Red Sea formed when African and Arabian landmasses spread apart. The Red Sea has many anchorages known as Marsa, like Marsa Alam. Mighty mountains parallel the Red Sea, connecting it to the Nile via numerous valleys and routes. Wadi Shaiba linked Al Zafarana on the coast to the Nile at Beni Sweif. Egypt's 220,000 square kilometre Eastern Desert has famous trade roads like the Silk Road and Spice Road. Pilgrimage hajj routes from Qena on the Nile to Quseir Port on the Red Sea passed through, holding Roman wells, gold mines and mausoleums. We crossed roads leading to Homaithera with the mausoleum of Sidi Abul Hassan Al-Shazly, head of the Shazliah Sufi order. "Prehistoric civilizations left their mark. People lived there 250,000-10,000 B.C., finding routes, water and animals. Ancient Egyptians, Ptolemies and Romans built on this, expanding roads and quarrying." However, about 5,000 years ago, the eastern desert was in the final stages of becoming the desiccated, hyper-arid region that we know today as a result of desertification the Savanna fauna of Egypt including elephant, giraffe and rhinoceros disappeared before the age of the pyramids beginning in the third dynasty (2649-2575 B.C.) explained the book." A Meteor pool Approximately 14 kilometres south of Marsa Alam, we visited Naizak (The Meteor) Bay named after a legend that a meteor hit, causing a deep pool by the bay though no scientific proof exists to support this theory. The pool, layered with various shades of blue, looks like a deep hole in dark, friction-worn rocks. Wadi El-Gemal (Camels Valley) protectorate Around 70 kilometres from Marsa Alam, a diving retreat, we reached Wadi El-Gemal National Park. According to UNESCOs tentative list of World Heritage Convention, Wadi El-Gemal is a fascinating unpolluted site on the Red Sea coast, south of Marsa Alam with magnificent palm groves, coral reefs, mangroves and diverse plants/animals. The park's biodiversity especially the Gebel Hamata mountains is vital with seagrass beds housing dugongs, fish and marine life. Wadi El-Gemal Island nearby is key for breeding and migrating birds/sea turtles. Prehistoric, Ptolemaic and Roman ruins abound along with emerald quarries and the indigenous people's unique traditions and their exceptional local traditions and culture. Ras Hankorab beach We camped for three nights at Hankorab Bay, inside Wadi El-Gemal. Camping under the endless sky by the sea was an incredible experience- direct contact with nature that's rare nowadays. It was windy and some windsurfed, a surprise in summer. Modern camping provided inflatable mattresses, showers with solar heaters, portable toilets and a full kitchen with fresh meals. There was an internet connection and we used red light instead of white to avoid mosquitoes and learned to clean up after ourselves. Camping taught me patience and simplicity while allowing our group to connect and communicate, rare nowadays. How the Ababada tribe read the Sky Hankorab is a kind of mussel that was found in abundance here, hence the name of the beach, explained Hassan Abdel Saleh, the Hankorab Bay guide and a member of the Ababda Tribe who lives inside the protectorate. Hankorab is part of Wadi El- Gemal, which was once indeed the residence of camels. It was green pastures, as our ancestors used to tell us, he added. UNESCO's tentative list of World Heritage Convention notes the Ababda live nearer the Nile valley while local Bishari or Bisharin (of Hamitic origin) are a Red Sea coastal Beja tribe branch speaking an ancient Hamitic language, the Bishari language. Their material culture differs from Nile valley groups and northern Arab Bedouins like the Maaza near Hurghada and Hawitat in the Suez Canal area. In the old days, there was no electricity, mobiles, no connections with people nowadays it's better, the children go to school and we get in contact more with people, "Abd El-Saleh told Ahram Online. He said they still wear white and play heritage games like Tarbana and Siga. They still grill meat on basalt stone called Salat meat. He remembered an anthropologist who wrote her PhD on the Ababada and Bashari tribes. Shahira Fawzy helped our tribe dig the wells to reach underground water. You see they knew the right place to dig because the earth would emit water vapor," he noted. One interesting piece of Ababda's knowledge passed down is astronomy. They depend on stars to navigate the desert. At night, we follow specific stars, such as those who form the shape of Scorpio for example, it leads to our village Abu Ghosoun. Some stars move like the one star that rises and sets with the moon. You cannot depend on this kind of star because it moves and it would get you lost," he added explaining: Al gozi star is in the north, the group of stars forming Scorpio shape marks the east, the teria star marks the west points to Aswan, he concluded. Search Keywords: Short link: Bamako, Mali (PANA) - Mali's transitional government on Saturday promulgated the country's new Constitution, which is seen as a key step to return the country to constitutional rule in 2024, after two military coups in 2020 and 2021 Photo: (Photo : HECTOR MATA /Getty Images) In Oklahoma, a mother and her three children were discovered dead in their home after an hours-long standoff with law enforcement authorities. The incident, suspected to be a murder-suicide, has left neighbors and authorities in shock. According to USA Today, Oklahoma officials stated that a 39-year-old woman named Brandy McCaslin took the lives of her three children - Billy, aged 10 months; Bryce, aged 6; and Noe, aged 11 - at their residence in Verdigris, following a three-hour standoff with local law enforcement. Tragically, she later took her own life using the same weapon. The Oklahoma Standoff Is Perceived as Murder-Suicide The chain of events began when a police officer noticed fireworks emanating from the garage of a residence in Verdigris, a suburb located about 20 miles east of Tulsa. Sensing something amiss, the officer called for backup. NBC News reported that upon closer inspection, the officer made a grim discovery - a woman and two children locked inside the garage, alongside what Police Chief Jack Shackleford described as a Roman candle firework. The woman revealed that she had taken another child to the home for a supervised visit when they were confronted by an armed woman who seized the child and confined them in the garage. Multiple agencies, including a SWAT team from the Cherokee Nation, swiftly encircled the residence as a three-hour standoff ensued with no response from inside the house. Concerned for the safety of those trapped within, officers made the difficult decision to enter the home. Their worst fears were confirmed when officers found the lifeless bodies of an adult woman and three children with gunshot wounds. The children are believed to range in age from several months to around 11 years old. As investigations unfolded, the heartbreaking truth emerged that Brandy McCaslin, 39, had killed her three children-Billy, Bryce, and Noe-during the standoff before turning the gun on herself. This devastating incident has left the entire community in mourning as they struggle to comprehend the unimaginable loss of four lives. Read Also: Philadelphia Flood Disaster: Missing 2-Year-Old's Body Found in Delaware River Murder-Suicide Sheds Light on Mental Health Support Billy Jacobson, the father of the youngest sibling, shared heartbreaking details about his past encounters with McCaslin and the efforts he made to protect his son.He recounted a chilling incident where Noe informed him about her mother having a gun in her mouth. According to The Messenger, this incident prompted him to take swift action and seek emergency custody of his children. Despite his concerns, McCaslin was granted supervised visitation with the children about a month later, but Jacobson remained wary of her ability to care for them. Jacobson expressed his apprehension about the supervised visitation and counseling arrangements for Brandy McCaslin. He revealed that the counseling sessions occurred once a week via an iPad, but McCaslin never disclosed her suicide attempt to the therapists. During a court hearing, Jacobson stated that a judge granted McCaslin monitored supervision, leading to the current situation. He responded to sympathetic comments for his ex-partner, asserting that Brandy was not a victim but rather executed a planned and vindictive act. Jacobson disclosed that McCaslin had contacted him a week or so before the tragic event, requesting additional time with their son, indicating that she had been preparing for the devastating outcome. He blamed the mental health system in Oklahoma for not adequately looking out for the children's safety and well-being. He emphasized the urgent need for changes in mental health laws, especially when suicide attempts are involved, to better protect children in similar situations. Related Article: Nebraska Schools Alert Authorities: 26-Year-Old Man Arrested for Pretending To Be Teen Student Tuesday, August 1 is the next holy day on the modern Pagan Wheel of the Year. For me and many others its called Lughnasadh, named for the Irish God Lugh and celebrated in honor of His foster mother Tailtiu. For some its called Lammas, from the Anglo-Saxon hlaef-mass or loaf mass. Whatever you call it, its the first of three harvest festivals, a tradition that began in ancient times and continued into the modern era with county fairs and such. This is not the most popular Pagan festival. When Jason Mankey ranked the sabbats in 2019, Lammas came in at #6. When I did a similar analysis, it came in #8 out of 8. Its the middle of summer and people are out doing things before returning to school and other routines in September. More importantly, Lughnasadh has no mainstream correspondence, like Halloween with Samhain or Christmas with the Winter Solstice. Still, as I sometimes say, its the Wheel of the Year, not the Wheel of the Sabbats We Like. The first harvest is worth celebrating. Lugh and Tailtiu are worth recognizing and honoring. And theres some modern Pagan lore around this time thats worth remembering. Operation Cone of Power The Battle of Britain was fought from July through October of 1940. It was an air battle, as Nazi Germany attempted to bomb Britain into submission. At the time, many thought Hitler was trying to soften up Britain for a land invasion. If your home is under attack you defend it with all the tools at your disposal. The witches and occultists of Britain responded with an on-going magical working to protect Britain from invasion and to convince Hitler he could not successfully invade Britain. Gerald Gardner called this Operation Cone of Power the idea was to create and maintain a protective cone of power over the island of Britain. In 2012 I listened as Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki talked about how the Fraternity of the Inner Light built astral Guardians in defense of Britain. Dolores was too young to take part (she was 11 at the time) but her mother and her grandmother were active participants. Did the magic of witches and occultists prevent Hitler from invading Britain? The pilots of the RAF certainly deserve most of the credit. Their heroic performance during the Battle of Britain inspired Winston Churchills famous quote never was so much owed by so many to so few. The Royal Navy made sending an invasion force across the English Channel a high-risk proposition, and all those who supported the war effort made the military success possible. But many times, magic is not a matter of making things happen. Its a matter of improving the odds that something will happen. Or in this case, that they wont happen. We know one thing with certainty: Hitler never attempted an invasion of Britain. Lammas Night Whenever someone asks which Pagan or magical book Id like to see turned into a movie, my answer is always Lammas Night. Its a 1983 novel by Katherine Kurtz that fictionalizes the events of Operation Cone of Power. Its quite good. In addition to the World War II material, it has a fairly accurate portrayal of Wiccan and proto-Wiccan beliefs and practices from that era. Its divination scenes could almost be teaching examples, and its initiation scene is just a few oath-bound elements away from being complete. I dont know Kurtzs involvement with witchcraft (if any), but when you read the acknowledgements you understand why its so good. Her advisors included Doreen Valiente, John and Caitlin Matthews, and Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki. Its main character is a British Intelligence officer who finds himself caught up in an occult battle with Nazi magicians. As the story progresses, the primary characters come to understand theyre not just trying to magically influence Hitler to keep him from invading Britain. Theyre also battling against Nazis who are trying to magically turn the tide in their favor. Much of what passes for Nazi occultism is sensational speculation that borders on conspiracy theory, but there is some historical truth behind it. Lammas Night was out of print for many years, but it was finally republished in 2018. There are used copies available at reasonable prices. If you havent read it yet, theres no better time than now. Recent attempts to duplicate Operation Cone of Power When our countries are threatened, those of us with a magical background are often inspired to try something along the lines of Operation Cone of Power. I didnt participate in the mass binding of Donald Trump, but many did. Was it successful? I think its too early to say. Trump was largely ineffective as President (which is a good thing) but he did great harm with the courts especially the Supreme Court. However, much of that blame belongs to Mitch McConnell. His damage began in 2015 when Republicans took the Senate and blocked most of Barack Obamas nominations, including Merrick Garland. One of the most important elements of any magical working is selecting the proper target. While societal crises often require magical responses, we must take care not to make the classic military blunder of always planning to refight the last war. There are many ways we can use our skills to protect ourselves, our communities, and our nations. The method used in Operation Cone of Power is only one of them. Worshipping Lugh at Lughnasadh When we commune with the Gods in prayer, in meditation, and in worship some of Their divine nature returns to us. We do not become Gods, but we do become more God-like we take on a small but meaningful portion of Their values and virtues. When Lugh first came to Tara to take His place among His fathers people, the guard tried to refuse Him entry because He did not possess a skill They did not already have. But Lugh showed that He was skilled in many arts. One of His titles is Samildanach, which means Master of All Arts. None of us are the Master of All Arts. But all of us have skills and abilities with which we make a living, and with which we make a life. And we all have the ability to learn new skills. What skills do you have that can help you through these difficult and challenging times? What skills would you learn that would help you do what must be done, for yourself and your community? Choose and then ask the Master of All Arts to add His magic to yours, so that you can learn and grow in strength and skill. Lammas Night 2023 At the first harvest, the grain is cut down to feed the people. John Barleycorn must die. Lughnasadh celebrates Tailtiu, who cleared the land of Ireland for planting and then died from exhaustion. Sacrifice is a key theme of this holy day. When Gerald Gardner told the story of Operation Cone of Power, he said that two of his coven mates died as a result of the working. On one hand, they were old and likely overexerted themselves. On the other hand, they knew that powerful magic often requires sacrifice. This theme is explored from a slightly different perspective in Lammas Night the novel. I do not believe our current situation requires a death. I am certain it requires a life. It requires many lives. Not lives ended in some needless bloody slaughter, but lives lived in service toward the greater good, in whole or in part. As we celebrate Lughnasadh, let us remember the sacrifice of Tailtiu, the sacrifice of those who fought the Battle of Britain, and the sacrifice of the witches whose workings tipped the scales toward victory. What sacrifices of time, treasure, effort, convenience, or more will you make to help build the kind of world you want to see? Because while we live in a hi-tech, post-modern world, some ancient truths remain. Sacrifice is necessary. Mr Prince Adjei, the personal assistant to Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong, has come forward to shed light on the intentions behind his bosss recent commentary about the Ghanaian governments management of the cedi. In a statement, Mr Adjei clarified that the remarks were not aimed at Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, as widely assumed, but were instead a response to an anonymous government official at the Finance Ministry. The aide, who is affectionately called Guy Gee, admitted that controversy surrounding Kennedy Agyapongs comments had sparked intense speculation and heated debates about the governing New Patriotic Party's (NPP) economic policies, specifically the handling of the Ghanaian currency, the cedi, with some rank and file of NPP getting things twisted. Guy Gee stressed that many believed that Mr Agyapongs criticisms were aimed directly at Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, who is known for his expertise in economics and his role in spearheading the governments economic agenda. According to the personal assistant, the commentary made by his boss was in response to a specific statement made by an anonymous government official at the Finance Ministry. The official allegedly claimed that strategists don't go to the IMF, in an engagement, which seemed to suggest a disregard for seeking international financial expertise in addressing economic challenges. Misinterpreted comment Prince Adjei, therefore, emphasised that Mr Agyapongs intention was to highlight the importance of seeking external advice and collaborating with international institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to find effective solutions to economic issues facing the nation. He indicated that by sharing this information, he hopes to redirect the publics attention to the real message behind the controversial remarks. Guy Gee emphasized the need for all NPP members to refrain from attacking Agyapongs personality to maintain a healthy internal party relationship leading up to the 2024 general elections. Addressing concerns about the opposition taking advantage of the situation to sow disunity within the NPP, Guy Gee urged party members to cease fire and focus on the larger goal of unity. He highlighted that the opposition was capitalizing on the situation and urged NPP members to avoid falling into their trap. Prince Adjei questioned the basis for attributing Agyapong's remarks to Vice-President Bawumia, stating, Where in the video was Bawumias name mentioned?. He called on all rank and file of the NPP to fully review the video in question to understand the context of Agyapongs commentary accurately. Prince Adjei stressed that Kennedy Agyapong's critique should not be misconstrued as an attack on Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia. He reiterated that his boss has always respected Bawumia's economic prowess and contributions to the party. He added that any misunderstandings should be resolved through open dialogue rather than escalating tensions unnecessarily. Press disappointment He, however, expressed his disappointment with certain media outlets for misinterpreting Kennedy Agyapongs statement and taking it out of context. He called on media organisations to exercise responsible journalism and avoid unnecessary sensationalism in their reportage. Guy Gee stressed the importance of accurate reporting to maintain public trust and avoid unnecessary divisions within the party. He urged party members to focus on the bigger picture and avoid internal conflicts to strengthen the NPPs position and present a united front to the electorate ahead of the 2024 elections. Mr Adjei also took the opportunity to call for fair and transparent campaigning among the NPP flagbearer aspirants. With the next general elections drawing nearer, and internal competition within political parties tending to intensify, Guy Gee cautioned against resorting to tactics that could undermine party unity and damage the NPPs reputation. The aide stressed the need for aspirants to prioritize issues over personal attacks, creating an environment conducive to healthy political discourse. He stated, Ghanaians deserve to witness a campaign that focuses on constructive debates, addressing the critical challenges facing our nation. We should promote issue-based discussions and refrain from indulging in smear tactics or character assassination. He believes that his call for a fair and transparent campaign resonates with Ghanaians who have grown weary of divisive politics and empty rhetoric. By urging flagbearer aspirants to maintain integrity, he said it will restore confidence in the political process and ensure that the voice of the people is truly heard. Kens comments Mr. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong voiced his discontent with the governments handling of the local currency. During his campaign tour in Kintampo East on July 16, Mr. Agyapong expressed his dissatisfaction with the depreciation of the Cedi. He revealed that the value of his $40 million in Cedi equivalent had decreased to $16 million over a period of five months, spanning from March to August 2022. While Mr. Agyapong refrained from explicitly mentioning names, he remarked that it was peculiar to witness an economic manager seeking budgetary support from the International Monetary Fund and still claim to be a strategist. Mr. Agyapong stressed the significance of conducting a clean campaign during his address. He pledged to address any accusations levelled against him and emphasized the importance of governing the country with common sense. The Assin Central lawmaker also cautioned his fellow flagbearer aspirants to maintain a fair and transparent campaign. He assured that he would address every claim made against him and urged others to be mindful of their statements. In presenting his economic management capabilities to party delegates, Mr. Agyapong asserted that he would be a more effective custodian of the economy compared to his competitors. He highlighted his successful businesses, which he said employed over 7,000 individuals monthly, as evidence of his ability to contribute to reducing unemployment rates in the country. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Governments commitment to rebuild Appiatse, a mining community in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality of the Western Region which was razed by an explosion, is on course. Currently, works on the first phase of the communitys reconstruction have reached an advanced stage, and the project will be handed over for use by the end of the year. To this end, the initial impression of uncertainty about the rebuilding of the community by government from the indigenes of the area, has changed. This was disclosed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Appiatse Reconstruction Committee, Thywill Quarshie in an interview with DAILY GUIDE on the progress of work. The Appiatse community was razed down on Thursday, January 20, 2022, when a truck carrying explosives to a mining site exploded in the community. About 13 people were reported to have died from the incident, with several others sustaining different degrees of injuries. The current government promised to ensure the reconstruction of about 124 housing that were destroyed and rebuild the community. The PRO for the reconstruction committee told DAILY GUIDE that aside the housing units, all the roads in the area are also being reconstructed, adding, Almost all the drainage system have been completed. He pointed out that the construction of the buildings are also at finishing stages, and added that it is left with the electrical works. He was hopeful that by the end of the year, the first phase of the project would be handed over for use. He praised government for its commitment that has ensured the speedy rate of construction of the housing units, and said if it had not been the intermittent rainfall, the project would have been completed. He also commended other organisations and individuals who supported the people in diverse ways when the incident occurred. He, however, called on Ghanaians and other philanthropists to continue to support the community since the ultimate target has not yet been reached. He said at the moment, the affected residents are still being accommodated in tents, a building that was given out by a mining company in the Western Region. Source: dailyguidenetwork.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Ghana has restated its commitment to the treaties on refugees. A statement issued by the Ministry of the Interior expressed concern about a narrative that some Burkinabes seeking asylum in the country were being expelled. Ghana, the statement pointed out, has hosted refugees since the 1960s and continues to do so. Ghana is a signatory of the UN 1951 Convention relating to the status of refugees and the OAU 1969 Convention governing the specific aspects of refugee problem in Africa, the statement added. Ghana has welcomed and protected persons fleeing persecution and generalised violence of the vulnerable. Ghana continues to host refugees from 30 countries with the Ghana Refugees Board registering such persons. Continuing, the statement pointed out that over 3,200 refugees have been registered with the assistance of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the UN Refugee Agency. The Ghana Refugees Board has set up refugee reception centres at Tarikrom and in the process of creating more appropriate centres in the future through the acquisition of land for such development. Burkinabes continue to enter Ghana on account of terrorist activities in that country. Source: dailyguidenetwork.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) in collaboration with the Ayawaso West Wuogon Municipal Assembly has evacuated three dumping sites in the municipality to improve sanitation. The nationwide evacuation exercise on dumping sites is in line with the ongoing Government's Clean Ghana Agenda aimed at resolving sanitation challenges in the country. The three areas are La Bawaleshie near the Bawaleshie School, Okponglo and Mepeasem dumping sites. The implementing partner of the project, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, one of the leading waste management giants in the country expressed their preparedness and readiness towards the exercise by deploying trucks and technical expertise, to convey the rubbish to its final dumping site at Nsawam. Speaking during the exercise on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, the Municipal Environmental Health Officer (MEHO), Mr. Sani Mutala, thanked the ministry for embarking on the exercise adding that the evacuation will ensure that rubbish will not serve as a hindrance to cause flood in the area. Mr. Sani said these dumping sites are over 10 years old adding that their evacuation is going to serve as a relief for students and residents living in these areas. He pleaded with Zoomlion to increase the number of dustbin containers in each site to three to ensure that at all material times, there is a container for people to dump their waste to discourage residents from littering. The MEHO said immediately after evacuation, We will deploy the environmental health officers to the community to educate them on the consequences and the need to stop dumping rubbish on the ground. We are looking at ways to fence the whole area and provide one entrance where security would be stationed to man the place and also mount signage warning people from littering the environment. Mr. Sani challenged Ghanaians to change their attitude towards the environment because mostly, we are ignorant about our actions or we deliberately do so. Assuming it's raining and you deliberately dump rubbish in the rain, where do you expect it to go? It will block h drain and cause flood and the same people will turn around and blame the government of the day. We cannot blame the government when we ourselves are not responsible to the environment. Go to peoples houses, the water that they bath cannot flow through, it becomes stagnant and breed mosquitos, he stated. I encourage each and everyone to clean their immediate environment and homes to at least the middle of the road to complement the ongoing campaign (Operation Clean Your Frontage). On his part, the Assemblyman for the Okponglo Electoral Area, Ishmael A. Djani, was excited about the Assemblys decision to evacuate the waste in the area which he said has led to outbreak of malaria and other diseases. Finally, our cry has been heard by the authorities, we are grateful to the Ministry, the Assembly and Zoomlion for their timely support to clear all the waste from our society, he expressed. Officials of Zoomlion thanked stakeholders for their cooperation for successful refuse evacuation exercise. Source: Peacefmonline com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Carlee Russell is back in the headlines this week and the news isnt good for her. According to multiple reports, the 25-year-old Alabama woman has been fired from her job at Woodhouse Spa in Birmingham. The business owner, Stuart Rome, reportedly said that Russell was let go Friday. Also, according to multiple reports, Russells boyfriend, Thomar Latrell Simmons, has quietly wiped every trace of her from his social media account. These are rough developments for Russell who mysteriously disappeared from along I-495 in Hoover back on July 13. She called 911 that night and claimed to have seen a toddler walking along the interstate and said she was pulling over to help. A family member said they were on the phone with Russell and heard her speak to the toddler before screaming and vanishing. She re-appeared on July 15 at her parents home, and reportedly claimed she had escaped a kidnapping attempt. But earlier this week police said they were not able to find any proof that there was a toddler or that Russell was kidnapped. Police also said that in the lead up to her disappearance Russell did Google searches for the movie Taken, whether or not she was too old to have an Amber Alert issued for her, the price of a one-way bus ticket to Nashville as well as how to take money from a register without being caught. As you can see, there are many questions left to be answered, Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis said. But only Carlee can provide those answers. Police also said that Russell took a bathrobe, toilet paper and other items from the spa on the night of her disappearance and also stopped by Target to get granola bars and Cheez-Its. It was really devastating for them thinking a co-worker was abducted, Rome told the New York Post. The following day, Saturday, it was the busiest day of the week, and they had to play along and work, and in the off times, pass out flyers and other things. As the information came out, there were some questionable things, he added. Weve been a little pissed off, mainly because so many people took so much time out to search. The Pennsylvania State Police Bomb Squad was called to collect a possible military ordnance that was discovered by a resident in Lancaster County on Sunday afternoon, according to police. Elizabethtown Borough police were dispatched to the 0 block of East Orange Street at 1:46 p.m. after a resident found an apparent military ordnance. Out of an abundance of caution, officers with the Pennsylvania State Police Bomb Squad responded to inspect the ordnance where it was later confirmed to be inert and properly disposed of, police said. Police said all roadways have since been reopened and officers have cleared the scene. Emergency responders with Elizabethtown Fire Department, Mount Joy Fire Department and Bainbridge Fire Department were requested to direct traffic from the area, officers said. READ MORE: Man, woman dead following central Pa. shooting: police Delays possible during I-81 paving in Franklin County: PennDOT The Venice Film Festival has switched its opening selection, after the movie that had been slated to open pulled out because of the ongoing Hollywood strike, organisers said. Edoardo De Angelis' "Comandante" will now open the 80th Venice International Film Festival, in place of Luca Guadagnino's "Challengers", the festival said in a statement late on Friday. "Challengers" featuring US star Zendaya, "will not participate at the Festival following a decision made by the production," owing to ongoing industrial action in Hollywood, it said. "Comandante" will have its world premiere on Wednesday, August 30 in the Sala Grande of the Palazzo del Cinema (Lido di Venezia) during the opening ceremony. The change comes with actors having two weeks ago joined a writers' strike to trigger the first industry-wide walkout for 63 years, effectively shutting down Hollywood. The SAG-AFTRA (the Screen Actors Guild) went on strike after negotiations to reach a new deal with production studios ended without an agreement. The union's demands have focused on dwindling pay in the streaming era, as well as the threat to the industry posed by artificial intelligence. Based on a true story, "Comandante" depicts the rescue of 26 shipwrecked Belgians during World War II by a submarine skipper played by Pierfrancesco Favino. De Angelis, 44, was behind 2016 film "Indivisibili" and the TV drama series The Lying Life of Adults. Search Keywords: Short link: Comedian and radio personality Ron Sexton, better known by the stage name of Donnie Baker, has died according to a post on his official Facebook page Saturday. It is with immense sadness that we let everyone know that Ron Sexton passed away yesterday, the post from his family read. He was Donnie Baker to most of you, but Ron and Dad to us. Please respect our privacy at this time and pray for our family. According to WHIOTV 7, Baker died Friday in Ohio while on tour. Baker gained fame for his radio appearances on The Bob & Tom Show as well as his comedy skits which he shared on social media. Ron was known by millions of listeners of The Bob & Tom Show, for the indelible comedic characters he played on-air including Donnie Baker, Kenny Tarmac, and Floyd the Trucker, as well as his spot-on celebrity impersonations, Tom Griswold, of The Bob & Tom Show, wrote in a tweet. Ron was much-loved colleague and friend, and we will miss him greatly. We send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends. He made many, many people happy during his more than 20 years with The Bob & Tom Show, and we will remember him with love and gratitude. Sexton made headlines earlier this year after police said a man tried to shoot him because he was having an affair with his wife. Fox 59 said that court documents showed that Sexton told police that he stopped in Indianapolis to meet someone at a bar following a show in Portland, Indiana on Dec. 11. Police say that Sexton referred to the other person as his girlfriend, Fox 59 reports, but added that they were both currently married to other people. Police said that Sexton said that after a half-hour in the bar, they decided to go drop the womans car off in a parking garage. He told them that as they were driving there, a car pulled up next to the SUV he rented and opened fire. Fox reported that Sextons vehicle had multiple bullet holes, the rear window was shot out, and the driver-side window and windshield also had bullet holes in them. Police said Sexton was not able to describe the vehicle in great detail, calling it only some kind of sedan, but he did claim that he got a clear view of the shooters face, they say. And, Sexton told them the shooter was Paul Berkemeir, his girlfriends husband. Police said Berkemeirs wife told them her husband was aware of the affair, the report said. She also said she told him she was going to meet the comedian, and he became upset. Fox 59 said court documents show that police said they used cell phone records to place Berkemeir in the area of the shooting. They also said they have footage of a silver sedan with blue headlights and dark-tinted windows following Bakers rental car. They say Berkemeir owns a silver Acura with blue headlights and dark-tinted windows. Berkemeir was reportedly charged with attempted murder and unlawful carrying of a handgun, Fox 59 reported. Sexton reportedly suffered injuries to his ear and cheek which police reported were consistent with glass being blown on his face. This summer, Youth Advocate Programs (YAP) Inc. has placed close to 200 young people who have disabilities or face other employment barriers in work experiences across Pennsylvania. A partnership with YAP and the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) has helped grow the summer jobs program since it began in 2021 from a handful of employers to 50. We started the program three summers ago with 10 kids, said YAP National Coordinator of Developmental Disabilities Programs Lori Burrus. A huge contributor to our growth came last year when OVR extended employer eligibility from for-profit companies only to also include nonprofits and local governments. The summer employment program is part of MY Work, created by OVR to provide high school students with disabilities the chance to work at jobs in their communities. The goal is to give participants essential employability skills that allow them to become successfully employed in a competitive integrated environment following graduation. In addition to placing students ages 16-21 with disabilities in summer jobs across the state, the program allows YAP to connect participating employers with other young people who typically have a tough time finding work those who live in rural communities, and/or individuals who have been justice system involved. Headquartered in Harrisburg, YAP is a national nonprofit in 35 states and Washington, D.C. that partners with youth justice, child welfare, behavioral health, and other systems to provide services in homes, schools, and communities as an alternative to residential care and youth incarceration. YAP matches program participants based on their interests with participating employers near their homes. Through OVRs collaboration with local governments and nonprofits, some participants work on public space beautification projects or with childrens summer programs. YAP has placed participants in jobs with employers in 20 counties throughout the state including: Adams; Berks; Bradford; Carbon; Crawford; Franklin; Huntingdon; Juniata; Lackawanna; Lancaster; Lebanon; Mercer; Mifflin; Monroe; Northampton; Philadelphia; Pike; Schuylkill; Susquehanna, and York. YAP expects to continue expanding summer employment opportunities through the OVR partnership. OVR plans to continue expanding the MY Work program to all 67 Pennsylvania counties by 2024. For more information on the organization, click on this link to access its web site or follow it on Twitter @YAPInc. More: National nonprofit welcomes staff, community to new Harrisburg headquarters The Westwood Regional School board on Thursday moved one step closer to revising a district policy that critics said would prohibit teachers from expressing their views on controversial issues taught in class. Board members voted 7 to 2 in favor of a second reading of the amendment to the controversial issues policy, which allows students to identify, understand and develop techniques to form opinions on contentious subjects with assistance from their teachers. But Thursdays move disturbed the room of over two dozen students, educators, and community members who voiced their displeasure during the public comment portion of the three-and-a-half-hour meeting. You are supposed to be adults who listen to us and represent us to the best of your ability, one student told the board. I dont feel seen or respected. That is your doing. You need to do better. One teacher asked the board to consider the implications of the policy change. Teachers dont read from a script, she said. We have unexpected conversations and engage with students in the context of the real world, and this change will discourage educators from different walks of life. As speakers addressed the board, members listened quietly, then approved the measure, with members Jason Garcia and Andrea Peck voting no. The board will vote on the amendment again after the second reading at its next meeting on Aug. 31. According to the proposal, the revised policy would: Expand the definition of a controversial issue. Mandate that teachers refrain from expressing their opinions on controversial issues and present all viewpoints. And only allow instruction on controversial issues that the board has approved. The proposed change comes as the Bergen County school district, which serves 2,777 children in Westwood and Washington Township, has been under fire in recent months following efforts to ban Pride flags and other signs outside school buildings. One attendee told the board that the focus should be on the law. The First Amendment protects students ability to think critically and investigate different ideas, she said as the crowd cheered. Students have a right to protect their beliefs just like any other citizen. This policy is impractical, irresponsible, and completely un-American, she added. Michael Gottesman, the founder of the New Jersey Public Education Coalition, a non-partisan group working to protect public schools from right-wing extremism, said the boards vote was no surprise. Tonight, this board moved forward on placing restrictions on their educators right to express their own opinions in the classroom, he said. The quality of public education is no longer the foremost concern of this board, he added. Their actions will prevent the free expression and exercise of ideas in the classroom, a foundational element of our public school system. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Deion Johnson may be reached at djohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Instagram at @DeionRJohnson or Twitter @DeionRJohhnson More: Mumin confirmed as Pa. education secretary despite criticism from both sides HACC requests commission to update schools scope of accreditation with 9 location closings For eight years, Donald Trump has managed to secure the support of many evangelical and conservative Christians despite behavior that often seemed at odds with teachings espoused by Christ in the Gospels. If some observers initially viewed this as an unsustainable alliance, its different now. Certain achievements during Trumps presidency notably appointments that shifted the Supreme Court to the right have solidified that support. Hes now the clear front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, even after he recently was found liable for sexually abusing a New York woman in 1996 and was indicted in a criminal case related to hush money payments to a porn actress. Robert Jeffress, pastor of an evangelical megachurch in Dallas, has been a staunch supporter of Trump since his first campaign for president and is sticking by him even as rivals like South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and former Vice President Mike Pence tout their Christian faith. Conservative Christians continue to overwhelmingly support Donald Trump because of his biblical policies, not his personal piety, Jeffress told The Associated Press via email. They are smart enough to know the difference between choosing a president and choosing a pastor. In many ways, Christians feel like they are in an existential cultural war between good and evil, and they want a warrior like Donald Trump who can win, Jeffress added. In rural southwest Missouri, pastor Mike Leake of Calvary of Neosho a Southern Baptist church says support for Trump within the mostly conservative congregation seems to strengthen the more he is criticized and investigated. It further convinces them of their rhetoric that there is a leftist plot to undermine our nation, Leake said. So if everybody from the Left hates Trump, well, he must be on to something. Leake said many of his congregation members who strongly support Trump are not our most dedicated members. Anytime weve seen someone go full on MAGA, we lose them, Leake added. Attendance and involvement drops. Giving drops. Its all consuming -- just as with any other idol. Robert Franklin, professor of moral leadership at Emory Universitys Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, said Trump benefits from a perception among some of his followers that he is suffering on their behalf. The more he complains of persecution, the more people dig in to support him, and for a few, fight for him and make personal sacrifices (of money and freedom) for his advancement, Franklin said via email. Franklin also noted that some evangelicals, since early in Trumps presidency, have likened him to Cyrus the Great, the Persian king who, according to the Bible, enabled Jews to return to Israel from their exile in Babylon. This is a powerful trope, the bad man who makes good things possible, and is hence praised as a hero, Franklin said. Unfortunately, under this narrative, Trump can literally do no wrong. His wrong is right. No other politician gets that kind of pass. Trumps great achievements, in the eyes of many evangelicals, include moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and more profoundly appointing three Supreme Justices who have helped repeal the nationwide right to abortion and broaden religious-freedom protections in several cases involving conservative Christians. Trump is eager to tout his faith-based record. No president has ever fought for Christians as hard as I have, he told the Faith & Freedom gala in Washington in June. Ill fight hard until Im back behind that desk in the Oval Office. The political results are widely viewed as the key to Trumps evangelical support. I am certain that many Christians in the MAGA movement earnestly believe Trump has been anointed for this purpose to bring about certain political outcomes they desire, said Steven Millies, a Chicago-based Catholic scholar whose books include Good Intentions: A History of Catholic Voters Road from Roe to Trump. The embrace of Trump is really, finally a cynical calculation concerned with power, one that has the thinnest of possible Scriptural justifications, Millies added. Back in February 2017, just two weeks after Trumps inauguration, the Rev. Peter Daly a retired Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Washington wrote a column for the National Catholic Reporter titled Donald Trumps gospel is not the Gospel of Jesus. In the piece, Daly depicted Trump as an uncharitable bully, prone to lying, lacking in empathy and tolerance. He sees every opponent as someone to be shouted down or roughed up, Daly wrote. He is not a peacemaker. Six years later, Daly tries to comprehend why so many conservative Christians remain in Trumps camp despite behavior and rhetoric that are antithetical to everything they stand for. Some pro-Trump pastors have relished the proximity to power afforded during White House visits or special political events, Daly said. And some rural, white Christians feel like nobody speaks for them, Daly added. They think, Heres Donald Trump. Hell be our champion It has nothing to do with being Christian. Its the politics of grievance. Serene Jones is president of Union Theological Seminary in New York, which describes itself as a progressive religious institution with many LGBTQ students. Asked about Trumps popularity among conservative Christians, Jones evoked the numerous recent victories for evangelical and conservative causes in the courts and Republican-controlled state legislatures. Our nation is seeing a rampage of attacks on reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and the separation of church and state, Jones said via email. Even though certain evangelical Christians might harbor some discomfort about particular politicians, they may believe these social and political successes far outweigh the concerns. In Iowa, where evangelical support is crucial in the caucuses that launch the GOP nomination process, Trump seems far better positioned than in 2016. A Des Moines Register Iowa Poll in March found that he was viewed favorably by 58% of evangelicals, compared to 19% ahead of the 2016 caucuses. President Trump has stood up for the values that we hold dear, Brad Sherman, a pastor from Williamsburg, Iowa, told The Associated Press in April. Then we need to pray for him that his personal life comes in line with that. As strong as Trumps support is among conservative Christians, some prominent figures in those ranks are seeking alternatives in the GOP campaign. The Rev. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, backed Trump in 2020 but said recently on his radio show that hes now had enough. Christians begin with the clear biblical truth that no sinful human being has a perfect character, but even as we grade presidents on something of a curve, some stand out as particularly lacking in character, Mohler said. Donald J. Trump is certainly one of those presidents. I do not want Donald J. Trump to be the 2024 Republican nominee, Mohler added. There is simply too much baggage ... A statesman would realize that fact and make way for someone else to lead. That does not appear likely. Trump was raised as a Presbyterian, but told Religion News Service in 2020 that he had shifted to identifying as a nondenominational Christian. He has not claimed membership in any particular congregation, and during his presidency he attended worship services infrequently. When in Florida, Trump has sometimes attended an Episcopal church in Palm Beach for Easter and Christmas Eve services. On the campaign trail, he has visited churches of various denominations, including some new-age churches with music and dancing. Jeffress, the Dallas megachurch pastor, admires Trump as a political battler. But Jeffress says that during eight years of friendship, I have seen a side to him that many people never see. Ive watched him interact with strangers, as well as his own family, with warmth and kindness. Get ready, shark fans! Discovery Channels 35th annual Shark Week will begin Sunday, July 23 and run through July 29. WATCH SHARK WEEK ON Philo or FuboTV with a FREE TRIAL Fans are in for a special treat this year with Jason Momoa set to host the week-long event as he accompanies viewers through 20 hours of shark movies including Deadly Sharks of Paradise as conservationists investigate local legends and mysteries about massive tiger sharks and Jaws in the Shallows with veteran Dr. Riley Elliott who has traveled all over to study great whites, which are now terrorizing the beaches of New Zealand. For those who have cut the traditional cable cord, you can still watch Shark Week live through streaming services Philo or FuboTV, both of which offer free trials to new subscribers. Fans can also get an inside look on some of the innovative technology being utilized to track and study unique shark species in our oceans. Rare footage from remote locations in New Zealand and South Africa will highlight the mating and migration patterns of several shark species. Keep reading to see a breakdown of the entire 2023 Shark Week schedule: Sunday, July 23 Belly of the Beast: Feeding Frenzy 8 p.m. Philo, FuboTV In a Shark Week first, researchers with cameras film a great white shark feeding frenzy from inside a whale decoy in an effort to learn more about the biggest great white shark in South African history. Jaws vs. The Meg 9 p.m. Philo, FuboTV The Megalodon, a massive shark measuring 50 feet and weighing 60 tons, was once the most fearsome predator in the sea, but new evidence in this show suggests that the Megalodons cousin, the great white shark, may have caused its extinction. Serial Killer: Red Sea Feeding Frenzy 10 p.m. Philo, FuboTV Shark attack investigator Brandon McMillan and cinematographer Fo Zayed travel to solve the mystery of whats behind three deadly shark attacks off of the beaches of Egypts Red Sea. Shark Week: Off the Hook 11 p.m. Philo, FuboTV Explore the biggest thrills and most terrifying moments from 35 years of Shark Week, including behind-the-scenes looks at iconic moments and revealing never-before-seen footage. Monday, July 24 Great White Fight Club 8 p.m. Philo, FuboTV For this show, a team of experts ventures into the treacherous waters of New Zealand to provide groundbreaking evidence that female white sharks dominate the ocean, reigning over ocean battlegrounds. Monsters of Bermuda Triangle 9 p.m. Philo, FuboTV A healthy, 10-foot pregnant Porbeagle shark vanishes in the Bermuda Triangle. The evidence suggests an unknown predator could be to blame. Dr. James Sulikowski and a team of scientists dive into the most mysterious part of the ocean to uncover the truth. Alien Sharks: Strange New Worlds 10 p.m. - Philo, FuboTV The tip of South Africa is a hotspot for unusual sharks that exhibit bizarre behaviors. Wildlife biologist Forrest Galante explores stunning kelp forests and ocean depths never-before-seen by humans to study these extraordinary creatures. Tuesday, July 25 Mako Mania: Battle for California 8 p.m. Philo, FuboTV Off the coast of Los Angeles, a new population of super makos is challenging great white sharks for their hunting territories. Dr. Craig OConnell, Fo Zayed, and Kendyl Berna deploy state-of-the-art technology to unveil the mysteries that have transformed these makos into some of the oceans fiercest predators. Raiders of the Lost Shark 9 p.m. Philo, FuboTV Shark expert Matt Dicken and Shark Week legend Dickie Chivell embark on a quest to locate an elusive and colossal shark named Dutchess, who mysteriously vanished from Gansbaai, South Africa, years ago. Monster Hammerheads: Killer Instinct 10 p.m. Philo, FuboTV Dr. Tristan Guttridge believes Hammerhead sharks can reach monster sizes by hunting other species of sharks. The only way to prove his theory is to obtain tissue samples from some of the largest sharks on the planet. Dickie getting out of the water from their second Mako dive Wednesday, July 26 Air Jaws: Final Frontier 8 p.m. Philo, FuboTV Andy Casagrande and Jeff Kurr seek the second-ever breaching great white shark in New Zealand waters to uncover history-making secrets. Florida Shark: Blood in the Water 9 p.m. Philo, FuboTV Paul de Gelder dives into the Shark Attack Capital of the World to conduct experiments to confirm what makes these waters more dangerous than others and determine ways to mitigate risk. Cocaine Sharks 10 p.m. Philo, FuboTV For decades, rumors of cocaine-fueled sharks have spread throughout the fishing community. Shark expert Tom Hird travels to the Florida Keys to investigate what happens when wild sharks come in contact with illegal drugs dumped in their waters. Thursday, July 27 Jaws in the Shallows 8 p.m. Philo, FuboTV Shark Week veteran Dr. Riley Elliott has traveled all over to study great whites, which are now appearing around the beaches of New Zealand. He sets out alongside his wife, Amber Jones, to find answers to protect his loved ones from the apex predators. Monster Mako: Fresh Blood 9 p.m. Philo, FuboTV Twelve-foot-long monster mako sharks compete head-to-head with great whites for prey off the coast of California. Dr. Austin Gallagher and legendary free diver Andre Musgrove get up close with both predators using a custom clear, acrylic diving bell. A feeding frenzy of sharks. (Courtesy/Discovery) Shark vs Snake: Battle of the Bites 10 p.m. Philo, FuboTV Tiger sharks are washing up dead on the beaches of Western Australia with no sign of attack. Forrest Galante believes that deadly sea snakes are turning these apex predators into prey. Friday, July 28 Tropic Jaws 8 p.m. Philo, FuboTV When a 16-foot great white invades Indonesias warm coast of Bali, it sparks fears that the sharks are adapting to hunt the tropical beaches where millions of people swim every day. Dr. Craig OConnell and Madison Stewart are on a mission to find Tropic Jaws and discover why the sharks left the cold water environment that the animals have called home for thousands of years. Deadly Sharks of Paradise 9 p.m. Philo, FuboTV Scientists in South America are studying the shark species thought to be responsible for a spike in deadly attacks since 1990. Marine biologist Danni Washington and shark conservationist Paul de Gelder join a team tracking tiger sharks off an archipelago in Brazil. Haunting at Shark Tower 10 p.m. Philo, FuboTV News of a shark encounter at North Carolinas Frying Pan Tower sends underwater cinematographer Andy Casagrande and shark expert Kori Burkhardt on a quest to discover whether great white sharks are moving into the states waters. Saturday, July 29 Dawn of the Monster Mako 8 p.m. Philo, FuboTV A 14-foot giant mako shark is spotted in the waters of Portugals Azores region. Underwater cinematographer Joe Romeiro and his marine biologist wife, Lauren, search the depths around the islands to capture the sharks on film. Mega Sharks of Dangerous Reef 9 p.m. Philo, FuboTV The remote islands off the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia are believed to harbor some of the biggest white sharks on the planet, but the animals are rarely seen. The BC Wildfire Service continues to respond to the Ross Moore Lake wildfire located approximately 13 kilometres south of Kamloops, British Columbia is shown in this handout image provided by the BC Wildfire Service. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-BC Wildfire Service *MANDATORY CREDIT* Latin America is taking Barbie mania to an extreme, with everything from pink-colored tacos and pastries, commercial planes bearing the Barbie logo, political ads and even Barbie-themed protests. But its not all high heels and pom-poms: Barbie mania in the region has taken on a darker, macabre tone. In Peru, anti-government demonstrators this week dressed up two women in pink and put them in giant Barbie boxes in the main square of Lima, the capital, to protest current President Dina Boluarte, under whose administration police have often clashed with protesters. One actress, whose box was labeled Barbie Dictator, held a pink gun. The doll, according to the box legend, includes tear gas and dum-dum bullets. Another protesters box was labeled Genocidal Barbie. Meanwhile, stores, street vendors and restaurants throughout Latin America are offering up all sorts of Barbie-themed goodies. In Mexico, there are Barbie tortillas (the corn dough is colored pink with beet juice, with some imprinted with an edible-dye pony-tailed Barbie silhouette); Barbie pastries and Barbie tacos (marinated pork meat served in pink tortillas and accompanied by a strawberry milkshake). An entire Barbie-themed restaurant opened this week in Guayaquil, Ecuador; it is of course built to resemble Barbies house. Volaris, a Mexican airline, has painted one of its jets with a Barbie logo and, according to a promotional video, the plane will be piloted by Barbie, not Ken. The pink craze in the region is such that Barbie mania has now spread into politics. In Guatemala, presidential candidate Sandra Torres shared a musical TikTok video pitching her as a Barbie who wants prosperity for all. Mexican street sellers are peddling a Barbie doll modeled on presidential hopeful Claudia Sheinbaum, a real-life scientist-turned-politician whose own (real) ponytail has become her branding trademark. The office of Colombian President Gustavo Petro recently raised hackles with a Barbie-theme video including clips from the films trailer to promote an independence day tour of the country. His office quickly removed the poorly made video. Beyond the pony tails and fun food, there is a darker undercurrent. In Mexico, a Barbie homage doll sparked controversy when a sister of one of Mexicos 111,000 missing people began sewing Barbie outfits to costume the doll as a Searching Mother a member of a group of volunteers who fan out across Mexicos dusty plains to search for gravesites that might contain their childrens remains. Most of the missing appear to have been abducted and killed by drug cartels or kidnapping gangs. This Barbie is clad in a wide-brimmed hat and a sun hood, wears a T-shirt bearing the photo of a missing man and camouflage pants and comes equipped with a shovel. Her creator, volunteer searcher Delia Quiroa, hopes to publicize the plight of mothers who have to carry out the searches and investigations police wont do, and at the same time raise money to continue searching. One group of volunteer searchers in the western state of Jalisco the state with the highest number of missing people questioned whehter casting Barbie as the victim of a horrible crime is appropriate. Barbie has evolved into a representation of strong, independent women who can do what they want and chase their dreams, the volunteer search group Light of Hope wrote in a statement. Nobody who is searching for a missing child, spouse or a sibling is doing what they want to do, much less chasing a dream. It seems to us an abomination that girls see being a Searching Mother as something normal, the group added. Quiroa, from the northern border state of Tamaulipas, said her creation is almost an anti-Barbie. Barbie is everything a person wants to be, but this is a Barbie who doesnt want to be, she said. She is what nobody wants to be. Nobody wants to be a searcher, nobody wants to be looking for a family member. Quiroa has been looking for her brother Roberto since he was kidnapped by drug cartel gunmen in March 2014. Despite carrying out its own searches and pressuring authorities to investigate, the family knows nothing about his whereabouts. I think of this as a doll more directed to women, to us, not for girls to play with, Quiroa said. Vanessa Munguia, widely regarded as Latin Americas leading Barbie collector she numbers her collection in the thousands says Barbie is particularly popular in Latin America because, until a couple of decades ago, most girls toys here depicted maternal, home-maker roles. Barbie was the only toy I found that told me that there were a million other possibilities. I could be an astronaut, I could be a teacher, said Munguia, who became lawyer. Asked about depicting Barbie as a Searching Mother or any of the other incarnations of the doll, Munguia says she finds it a very valid expression. I think thats exactly what what we like in Barbie, that we can make her out to be whatever we need her to be at that moment, she said. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Biden-Harris 2024 campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond called out Ron DeSantis for pandering to extremists with racism about slavery. Video: Biden-Harris 2024 Campaign Co-Chair Cedric Richmond tells @Acosta about Ron DeSantis and slavery, "Gov. Desantis is going to continue to run to the extremists because he doesn't have a record to stand on and he will continue to push the culture wars, if not just flat out racism." pic.twitter.com/56fZqyRfkH Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) July 22, 2023 Richmond told CNNs Jim Acosta, Factually, hes wrong. Slavery had zero redeeming qualities. It further illustrates how far this Republican Party and these candidates are going to the right and to cater and pander to extremists in order to get support. And I think that Governor Desantis, his campaign has been floundering. Hes been looking for attention. And I think that he is now embarking on going as far to the right as he possibly can just to see if he can be the extremist candidate. Former Rep. Richmond later added, I think that Governor Desantis has been going to continue to run to the extremists because he doesnt have a record to stand on and he will continue to push the culture wars, if not just flat-out racism in order to get a base and catch a foothold in the Republican primary. I think that is, I hope that Americans can see right past it. And I dont think that you can say there were redeeming qualities to enslave many. I dont think that you can bash the Vice President Of The United States with such an atrocity. Accusing DeSantis of using racism to help his campaign is very strong language. However, it is also true. DeSantis is trying to use racism after his war on woke has been a complete failure as a national presidential campaign issue. Ron DeSantis is losing the Republican primary badly to a guy who might end up being a convicted felon by Election Day 2024. The Biden campaign isnt going to let any candidate spread racist views and racism, especially not Ron DeSantis. Gov. DeSantis is getting a taste of life in the political big leagues, and so far, he is not holding up well. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said that Kevin McCarthy and House Republicans look pathetic as they allow Trump to act as their puppeteer. Pelosi said when asked on CNNs State Of The Union about Republicans and expunging Trumps impeachments, The president was impeached because we had no choice. He had undermined our national security and jeopardized our well being of our country. I was very careful about bringing any impeachment forward. But when the president made that phone call in terms of Ukraine, there was no choice. We had no choice. He must be impeached. Kevin is playing politics. It is not even clear if he constitutionally can expunge those things. If he wants to put his members on the spot, his members in difficult races on the spot, that is a decision he has to make. But this is not responsible. This is not about the flag still being there. This is about being afraid. As Ive said before, Donald Trump is the puppeteer and what does he do all of the time but shine the light on the strings, these people look pathetic. Video: Pelosi on Trump and House Republicans, "This is about being afraid. As I've said before, Donald Trump is the puppeteer and what does he do all of the time but shine the light on the strings, these people look pathetic." pic.twitter.com/CjnJybJYy4 Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) July 23, 2023 There have been murmurs and side comments that Donald Trump is, in essence, driving the ideological agenda of the House Republican majority. McCarthy has been called an empty suit. It is Trump who is pushing the House investigations into Biden. Its Trump who wants House Republicans to make the Russia scandal go away. Its Trump who wants his impeachments expunged. Donald Trump isnt interested in the day-to-day operations of the House because Trump has never been interested in governing in any way, but he is steering the wayward and listless House Republican ship. After years of competent governance from Pelosi and House Democrats, the state of the current House majority is pathetic. It is also not serving the American people. The strings will never be cut, so the American people need to reject the puppetmaster. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Former Solicitor General Neal Katyal expressed that belief that Trump will likely be federally indicted in the 1/6 investigation this week. Katyal said on Inside with Jen Psaki: I think it is likely that something will happen this week. So Jack Smith sent this target letter to Donald Trump saying that we are looking at you specifically flew a violation of two criminal statutes. He doesnt have to do that under the Justice Department rules, but it is very common, it does not mean that he is guaranteeing that there will be an indictment. Sometimes target letters are sent when there was no indictment that is ultimately brought. Here, however, I think that all indications are that this is heading to an indictment. You dont set a target letter to a former president unless you are pretty darn sure that youve got the goods. And it does look like that Jack Smith has the goods. There are reports of the fact that Governor Kemp from Georgia has been called before Jack Smith to provide evidence about the fake electors plot. There are suggestions that Mark Meadows Trumps former chief of staff may have provided evidence against him to the Jack Smith investigation. And there is of course what we all know. We saw it for two months what Donald Trump did after the November election. And all of the different things in the January six committee has uncovered a lot, leading a very respected federal judge, Judge David Carter in California, the federal judge, to say that it is more likely than not that Donald Trump committed a series of federal felonies, including two of which were put in the Jack Smith target letter. Video: Neal Katyal says that a federal indictment of Trump could be coming this week. pic.twitter.com/zK1A9SEZXt Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) July 23, 2023 Katyal is an expert, and he should not be discounted. The odds are really good that a Trump federal indictment might be coming soon. It isnt a race, but it would be understandable if Smith wanted to get the ball rolling on a potential 1/6 case ASAP because the 2024 election calendar is getting closer. It is probable that all of Trumps federal indictments will be before the first Republican presidential debate which is in late August on Fox News. Even though Trump has stated that he wont be participating in the debate, prosecutors would probably like to be finished the indictment process before the Republican presidential candidates take the debate stage. Pay close attention because this could be the week that Trump gets held accountable for his attempted coup. The PGA Tour has released its 2024 schedule packed with big purses and big bonuses. It also includes a big change for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Pebble Beach becomes a signature event with a $20 million purse and a limited field. That means the field will be cut nearly in half from 156 players to 80 players, each with a prominent amateur. And it will be played on only two courses, Pebble and Spyglass Hill. That eliminated Monterey Peninsula. The signature events won't have a cut except for player-hosted events at Bay Hill, Memorial and Riviera. Read morePebble Beach to cut pro-am field to 80 players over 2 courses in 2024 schedule A roomful of Aiken residents heard from the three Republicans running for mayor on Sunday afternoon. Incumbent Rick Osbon, restaurateur Teddy Milner and Kathryn Wade made their positions known on Whiskey Road traffic, Project Pascalis and downtown redevelopment at a forum hosted by the Aiken Republican Party at South on Whiskey. Each candidate had three minutes to answer each of the eight questions. If a candidate mentioned another, the mentioned candidate had 30 seconds to respond. However, none of the candidates chose to use the 30 second response during the forum. Whiskey Road traffic What each candidate would do to address traffic on Whiskey Road was the first question asked. Osbon said the Whiskey Road traffic has been a problem for several years. He added the city is currently pursuing the Powderhouse Connector, which is expected to reduce Whiskey Road traffic by 24 percent. He said the city expects to begin "turning dirt" on the limited access road by the end of the year. Wade said she tries to avoid the road. She said the traffic is caused by overdevelopment on the Southside. She said development on the Northside, Eastside and Westside needs to be encouraged which would prevent everyone from having to visit businesses on Whiskey Road. Milner said she is opposed to the Powderhouse Connector because it would encourage the removal of vegetation and trees. She added she wants to work with the South Carolina Department of Transportation and, maybe, time the lights differently. She added the traffic in Atlanta is worse than the traffic in Aiken. Project Pascalis Each candidate's position on Project Pascalis and downtown redevelopment generally was the fifth question. Wade said she was not for Project Pascalis. She said she felt it was trying to shoehorn something that did not fit into the city's downtown. Wade said Aiken's downtown is amazing and has come a long way from when it was desolate. Wade added the proposed hotel didn't match the city and that the rest of the project was the wrong thing for the city. She called for renovations of the Hotel Aiken. Milner said her business is downtown and the efforts to redevelop the downtown are important to her. She said she was opposed to the project and wanted more citizen input on the next proposal. Milner said she wanted the Hotel Aiken to become a boutique hotel after restoration. Osbon said he felt Project Pascalis got too big but the city now controls the future of the hotel and can redevelop it with future tax revenues in mind. He added the project would have maintained the character of the city's downtown. He said he had learned to concentrate on one thing: building a building that could lease space to the Savannah River National Laboratory for a workforce development center. He added due diligence is ongoing on the project. SRNL Workforce Development Center The eighth and last question asked was for the candidates to give their position on a proposal for the city to construct a building in which the Savannah River National Laboratory could lease space for a workforce development center. Wade said she struggled with the proposal. She said the Amentum building had been great for the city and if the project followed that example and was mixed use, it would be a good thing. She said she didn't want to shoehorn something into a space where it doesn't need to be. She said she wanted to be very careful about the downtown and to make sure it benefits the community. Milner said she was not for the location downtown. She called for pursuing a proposal to build it at the old hospital. Osbon said he was in favor because it would bring some of the smartest people in the world to the city's downtown, providing more revenue for businesses and more tax revenue for the city. He added he also wanted the building to be mixed use. Other topics The second question was whether it was time to declare a moratorium for development on the Southside until the roads and schools can catch up. Wade said she would hate to declare a moratorium but added there are other parts of the city capable of growth. Milner said she was very in favor of a moratorium. Osbon said he was opposed to a moratorium. The third question asked if the candidates have attended city council meetings and what qualifies them for the office of mayor. All said they have attended city council meetings and all described their qualifications. The fourth question asked about whether the city should have accepted funds obtained by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., for the Powderhouse Connector in a bipartisan infrastructure bill. The Republican Party censured Graham for working with Democrats on the bill. All three said they would accept the money. The sixth question asked if the candidates supported a mask mandate during the COVID-19 pandemic and would support a future one. Milner and Osbon said they supported the mandates based on the information provided. Wade said she would not support a mandate. The seventh question asked about future businesses the candidates would like to see, specifically family friendly ones. None provided a business but all said they were supportive of future businesses and family friendly activities to encourage young professionals to move to the city. Ryan Dohrn moderated the forum. Another forum is scheduled for Tuesday at a special Aiken Republican Club meeting. The Republican primary is Aug. 8. Early voting begins Monday. Any needed runoffs are scheduled for Aug. 22. The Republican nominee will be unopposed in the Nov. 7 general election. Aiken residents don't have to wait until Aug. 8 to cast their ballots in the Republican mayoral primary. Early voting will begin Monday, July 24 and continue through Aug. 4. There are three candidates running for the Republican nomination: incumbent Rick Osbon, restaurateur Teddy Milner and Housing Authority board member Kathryn Wade. Osbon has been Aiken's mayor since 2015. He did not face opposition in 2019. Osbon is the owner of Osbon's Laundry and Cleaners. Milner is the owner and operator of It's All Good, a restaurant and catering business on Hayne Avenue. She also previously owned and operated the Stoplight Deli. Wade is the executive director of the Life Choices Pregnancy Care Center and a member of the Aiken Housing Authority board. She previously served as a field representative for former Congressman Gresham Barrett and as chair of the Housing Authority board. People wishing to early vote can do so from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Aiken County Board of Voter Registration and Elections office located in Suite 1200 of the County Government Center at 1930 University Parkway. People who wish to vote early are asked to bring one of four types of photo identification: South Carolina driver's license, South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles identify card, U.S. Passport or federal military identification. The primary is scheduled for Aug. 8. If needed a runoff would be held Aug. 22. The Republican nominee is unopposed in the Nov. 7 general election. A longtime North Augusta Public Safety officer is retiring. Captain Joseph Anthony Count, Jr. was honored at the July 17 city council meeting with a plaque that honored his 35 years of service to the city. Count started as a patrol officer and eventually worked his way up to his current Captain title. I'll tell you, this guy has dedicated his life to us. We thank him, North Augusta Mayor Briton Williams said. I appreciate you personally as mayor for the support you have given me and you have the respect of the men and women you work with and thank you for that. Count is thankful for the support of the community during his law enforcement career. Tonight is just my real big opportunity to call and reach out to the citizens of North Augusta. I have been here 35 years and one of the big reasons I was able to raise a family and stay here was because of the support we have from this community to this very day, Count said. "We know law enforcement went through some very tough times over the past couple of years, but this community never swayed, not one bit. It's been an honor to be a part of that and serve them over the last 35 years. The consensus is clear on two key points about the early financial settlements in the forever chemicals lawsuits that are piling up in downtown Charleston. The amount of money on the line is mind-boggling. And it likely wont be near enough. 3M Co. offered to pay at least $10 billion and as much as $12.5 billion for its part on June 22 with admitting liability, about three weeks after DuPont and two of its former businesses announced they'd put about $1.19 billion in the kitty. The big question now is how the combined pot of money will be carved up, assuming the 194-page landmark settlement deal is approved. The answer is starting to emerge. U.S. District Court Judge Richard Gergel this month called the first hearing to wade into the details of the 3M and DuPont proposals. More than 60 lawyers from around the country descended on the Four Corners of Law in Charleston for the July 14 proceeding. There must be money on the table," Gergel said as he looked over a packed courtroom on a mid-summer Friday morning. "What a surprise. Please explain It's been nearly five years since the nationwide litigation was assigned to the Charleston judge. The lawsuits, now totaling several thousand with more coming in almost daily, target a breed of long-lasting toxic chemicals that have been linked to a list of serious health ailments. Two of the primary manufacturers of the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances or PFAS were 3M and DuPont. In addition to thousands of everyday consumer products, the chemicals were a key ingredient in a widely used firefighting foam that, once discharged, could seep into the ground and contaminate drinking-water supplies. The first trial, pitting a small Florida city against a who's who of American industry, was scheduled to seat a jury in early June. It was postponed and then called off after the two settlements were announced. Gergel said the purpose of this month's hearing was for the negotiators to explain "what this means" so that the plaintiffs can learn "roughly what they're going to get" and decide whether to take the deal. "That is one of the more complicated questions," attorney Michael London replied. To get at the answer, both sides have come up with what London described as a "completely" objective model "based on real data, not guesswork" for calculating and allocating the financial payouts. The job of explaining the finer points fell to Dallas lawyer Scott Summy, who spelled out a claims review process that promises to be both tedious and time-consuming. It'll begin with plugging in some key figures on a case-by-case basis to see what model "kicks out," said Summy, who's one of the lead lawyers suing the chemical makers. The relevant numbers will include population data, the estimated costs of upgrading filtration equipment and each system's water-flow rates. "We put a lot of work into this and we're very proud of it," he said. "Its very elegant." Summy also noted that the damage assessments will dovetail with a federal requirement that all U.S. water system operators test for the presence of forever chemicals over the next three years. But, until then, it's impossible to predict whether the $13.7 billion bird-in-hand offer from 3M and DuPont will cover the entire tab for the 6,000 to 7,000 contamination claims each company will likely face. We don't know how many systems will test positive, Summy said. The 'b' word Gergel's commentary and questions made it clear to the water system's legal counselors that they'll need to take a hard look at what's on the table and not allow "perfection to be the enemy of good." The judge noted that 3M is offering a large amount of its net worth" close to 22 percent as of Friday "to pay these claims. This is a really critical moment, he said. Gergel also cautioned about the potentially costly consequences if too many water systems turn up their noses at the deal, causing the settlement to collapse. He alluded to the dozens of businesses that claimed insolvency during a similar stalemate involving asbestos makers in the 1990s. "You push too hard and youre litigating in bankruptcy court, Gergel said. "That would be terrible," Summy responded. The Texas lawyer said it's critical that plaintiffs be "realistic" as they weigh the merits of "the biggest U.S. water contamination settlement in history." Theres only so much money we can get from these defendants ... and I feel we have stretched the bounds, Summy said. He added that bankruptcy counsel is waiting in the wings, just in case. Its a risk, and we have to be careful, Summy said. A "fairness hearing" to review any objections and determine whether the settlement is reasonable and equitable will be held in early fall. In less than two weeks, South Carolina shoppers can buy a new MacBook for less than $850 or save $180 on a wedding dress. The first is a good example of how to stack savings during South Carolina's annual three-day sales tax holiday that begins Aug. 4, which is a Friday. The second is an example of the sweet spots for savings when sales tax is eliminated on certain categories of purchases that weekend. South Carolina's tax holiday is something I've mocked in the past because saving 6 percent to 9 percent sales tax varies by county isn't really much of a sale. It's an odd way for a state to sacrifice a few million dollars in revenue, and some of the rules seem ridiculous computers and shoes are tax-free, but smartphones and eyeglasses aren't. And so on. Having said that, tax-free weekend can be helpful if you're making an expensive purchase of something that rarely goes on sale. A computer or a wedding gown would be good examples. That's when legally avoiding the sales tax can turn into real money, particularly in places like Berkeley and Charleston counties, where the combined sales tax rates add 9 percent to most retail purchases. Ostensibly a back-to-school shopping event, the big savings during the 72-hour sales tax hiatus can be found on big-ticket items that fall in the allowed categories: clothing, footwear, computers and bed and bath items, such as bedding and towels. Clothing is pretty much anything you can wear, including a wedding dress, a suit or even a wetsuit. Same with footwear. Expensive shoes count. So do ski boots. Considering that the average wedding dress costs about $2,000, avoiding just the sales tax would save a budget-conscious bride-to-be $180 in Charleston County. Tax savings are even better when they come on top of other discounts and promotions. Let's take a new Apple MacBook laptop as an example. Depending on the version, the base price runs from $999 to $1,299. I'll focus on the mid-priced model with a 13-inch screen with the fastest chip offered. It starts at $1,099. With tax, that would cost $1,165 to $1,198 depending on the point of sale. Here's a tip for how to get one for $849: The pre-tax price drops to $999 if you qualify for Apple's education pricing. That includes any shopper employed by a public or private K-12 school or institution of higher learning, as well as parents who are buying for students accepted to or attending a higher education institution. School districts are among the largest employers in many South Carolina counties. Add all the faculty and staff at colleges and universities, and the number of college-bound students, that's a whole lot of people. Next, through Oct. 2, Apple is offering a $150 gift card on new MacBooks purchased directly from the company for buyers who qualify for the education pricing program. The way that's structured, customers actually buy the gift card but get that amount off the price of the computer. So now the cost of the laptop is down to $849. Buying it on tax-free weekend would save an additional $51 to $76 in sales tax at that price. The additional $150 for an Apple gift card adds to the total purchase. TIP: For Apple education pricing online, go to apple.com/us-edu/store. The big picture here is that the sales tax holiday can be icing on the cake of strategically timed savings. The cake is getting the lowest price available, through sales or discounts or promotions. We all know retailers frequently offer discounts much larger than 6 percent to 9 percent. If you plan on shopping during the early August sales tax reprieve, it pays to check prices and scout deals ahead of time. David Wangila, center, who believes his nephew Douglas Kalasinga was killed during one of the protests in July over new taxes and the rising cost of living. Nairobi, Kenya, Friday, July 21, 2023. At the morgue, the bullet was still lodged in Douglas Kalasingas head. His family said they couldnt afford an autopsy. At least 35 civilians have been shot dead by police in Kenya this month during protests over new taxes and the rising cost of living, and Kalasingas loved ones believe hes one of them. It is as if the police wanted to kill him because they aimed straight at his head, his uncle, David Wangila, told The Associated Press on Friday. An interior ministry spokesperson referred requests for comment to the police, who didnt respond. Wangila said the 27-year-old was struck on Thursday while at work, pushing a handcart of water cans instead of taking part in the national demonstrations called by the political opposition. As his family viewed his body, Kenyan human rights groups raised a chorus of outrage. Data shared with the AP by a police watchdog, the Independent Medico-Legal Unit, showed 35 people were killed by police across the country in such demonstrations this month. All but one, who suffocated from tear gas, were shot dead. Most were young men. All the fatal shootings happened in slums, the watchdog said. It was not clear how much money Kalasinga made per day as he carted water through one such neighborhood in Kenyas capital, Nairobi. Friends said he was living hand to mouth with his few belongings of buckets, clothes and shoes strewn across his one-roomed house made of corrugated iron sheets. He was the oldest child in his family and never studied past primary school because of the lack of money to pay school fees. He came to Nairobi as a teenager in search of menial jobs. He was one of millions of people that President William Ruto, elected last year, described as fellow hustlers as he appealed to those of humble background and vowed to lower the cost of living. Many Kenyans now accuse the president of making life unbearable with new taxes on fuel and other essentials, while food prices rise. Ruto on Thursday hailed the police for a good job done in maintaining peace amid the protests. A day later, as criticism rose, the president cautioned police against extrajudicial killings but warned that no public anarchy would be allowed. His administration has accused the opposition for any chaos and charged more than 300 people this week alone with crimes that include looting, destroying property and assaulting police. Human rights organizations expressed concern over the police killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions reported in the demonstrations this month and urged the policing oversight body to investigate and prosecute the officers found guilty. We are witnessing a disturbing pattern of police operation that exposes the country to civil strife and informal repression, a joint statement by more than 20 groups said Friday, adding that President Ruto had promised to end the era of police killer squads. A separate statement by religious leaders strongly condemned the excessive force and use of live bullets by police when containing the chaos. It is a longstanding problem in Kenya. For decades, police officers have been accused of extrajudicial killings during protests or with the aim of silencing critics. This week, police told the AP they had been ordered not to report deaths during the crackdown. One of the latest victims, Kalasinga, was described by loved ones as nonconfrontational, hardworking and providing for his parents back home in western Kenya. Now his family wants justice. We want action to be taken against the police officer who was shooting randomly. He was a calm young man, an artist, a water vendor who was fending for himself and not a thief, his uncle Rasto Sakulo said. The family said it hoped well-wishers could help transport the young mans body back to his hometown for burial, another cost they said they couldnt afford. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Plans to develop a small boutique hotel on a corner lot in Mount Pleasant's historic Old Village neighborhood are being revived under a new majority owner. Jeremy Graves of Village Inn LLC has submitted plans to build the Seabird at Hibben and Whilden streets. The town's Commercial Site Review Board is scheduled to vote July 26 for final approval of the site, landscape and architecture plans. Renderings show 23 guest rooms in one building with 1,185 square feet of restaurant space and a lounge. I'On developer Vince Graham pursued a plan more than a decade ago for what then was called Earls Court Hotel that was to be an offshoot of the nearby Earls Court residential nook his company built. The inn project faced early pushback from some Old Village residents and was stalled by years of legal squabbles with the town. A settlement was struck in 2019. Village Inn LLC bought the property in 2021 for $925,000, and Graham remains a minority investor in the hotel project, according to a spokesperson. Graves did not respond to a request for comment. Back at the BAR Two notable downtown Charleston hotel projects are coming back before the city's Board of Architectural Review on July 26. The developer of South Carolina's first Four Seasons property at 155 Meeting St. is requesting conceptual approval and the OK to add an eighth floor for a rooftop terrace, conservatory and pool. Florida-based Strategic Property Partners plans to construct three buildings for the 1.9-acre corner site at Horlbeck Alley that will include a mix of hotel rooms and residential condominiums. During the last review of the proposal in June, the BAR generally was in favor of what was presented, but members remained split over the request for the extra height. The panel also is set to take up a boutique 18-room lodging for upper King Street. Plans show a five-story building with parking, a rooftop area, meeting space and two ground-floor commercial spaces on a vacant lot between Line Street and the overpass where Interstate 26 merges into the Septima P. Clark Expressway. Greenville-based Atlantic South Development is listed the developer. Point of view An upcoming luxury waterfront hotel went before the Board of Architectural Review earlier this month requesting final approval of exterior changes that would improve the view. The Cooper, which is under construction at 176 Concord St., is expected to open in 2025 with 225 guest rooms on six floors. It will be part of the locally based Beemok Hospitality Collection, which also is embarking on an overhaul of The Charleston Place across from the City Market. The developer requested to switch from two-pane to four-pane windows on the top and bottom floors facing Charleston Harbor to improve the waterfront views from the penthouse, restaurant and lobby. Also, it asked for architectural columns on the top floor to be removed from the design plans. The BAR had mixed feelings about the latter request. The item was deferred. LEXINGTON Although big plans for a lakeside resort and living community on Lake Murray came crashing down July 19, the move may not be a death sentence for any similar development in the future. But in the immediate aftermath, the town of Lexington is left floundering after a project that had received state funding and has been years in the making slammed into a roadblock. Lexington planned to annex 93.5 acres of property just south of the Lake Murray Dam. The town would build a conference center on 5 acres of donated land. Private homes, a marina, retail businesses, restaurants and Lake Murray's first two hotels would be privately developed on the rest of the land. The 24,000-resident town 15 miles southwest of Columbia had already received $6 million from South Carolina for the conference center and sought future support from the state. But after the landowner withdrew consent for the town to annex the land, plans that have been in the works since 2006 have come to an abrupt standstill. "The landowner has enjoyed Lake Murray for more than 80 years and only wants the best for the community," said George Bullwinkel, a Maynard Nexsen lawyer representing the landowner. "Regrettably, the annexation and zoning process has overshadowed the thoughtful plans that would have opened up community access to this beautiful location." This year is on track to rank among the globe's 10 warmest ever measured. But here in Charleston, temperatures recorded since May are hovering right around average. The last two weeks of July and the first week of August tend to be Charleston's hottest portion of the summer, said Steve Taylor, a lead meteorologist for the National Weather Service's Charleston office. When nearing that window, one of the most worrisome aspects of weather is typically how the heat combines with humidity to produce the heat index. "Right now, we haven't really seen too much in terms of unusual level of humidity with the heat, so our heat indices have been running about average for this time of year," Taylor said. The National Weather Service won't issue a heat advisory until the heat index gets above 110, and while that has happened a few days this month, May and June were pretty temperate. In May, the average high temperature recorded at the Charleston International Airport was 81.1 degrees, about 2.5 degrees below normal. June's observed average was 87.1 degrees, and the normal that month is 88.5, according to data from the National Weather Service. As of July 21, temperatures recorded at the airport for the month have averaged 93.9 degrees. That is about 2.7 degrees above normal for July. "The numbers show that the last month has certainly been a little bit warmer than normal, but the previous two months were actually cooler that normal," Taylor said. "So, so far, the summer hasn't been too bad in the overall scheme of things." Charleston is not alone in increasing warmth, as temperatures globally have been record-breaking. Last month was the warmest June in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's records, which date back to 1860, said Ahira Sanches-Lugo, a climatologist for the NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information. The contiguous United States saw above-normal temperatures averaging 69 degrees. Much cooling of the air isn't expected anytime soon, as NOAA's forecasts predict both temperatures and precipitation in South Carolina to lean above normal August through October. With the hottest weeks still ahead, doctors urge people to take precautions when outside. One of the biggest concerns is dehydration, said Dr. Nikhil Jain, a Greenville physician who works in climate and public health. It is common for people to be out and about this time of the year while not watching how much fluid they're drinking. "Unfortunately in such heat, you just dehydrate so quickly," Jain said. "You can go from being well one minute to having to rush to the ER because you're going into heat shock." He said heat-related emergencies are increasing in frequency as average temperatures rise each year. Jain recommends people hydrate often and take a sip of water every 30 minutes or so. The risk of wildfires, like the ones currently burning in Canada, is another concern associated with extreme heat. Smoke from the fires has drifted thousands of miles, causing hazy skies and poor air quality in several parts of the country, including South Carolina. People who are generally healthy might not be affected by this as much, but Jain said those with allergies and respiratory issues should limit their time outdoors. Wearing a mask could help, he added. "Limit your exposure to heat as well just to be safe, but especially when there's smoke in the air," said Jain, who volunteers with the Citizens' Climate Lobby, which advocates for climate-friendly policies. The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control notes three stages to heat-related illness: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms, usually in the legs or abdomen. People with heat exhaustion may have cool, clammy or moist skin or experience headaches, nausea, weakness and dizziness, among other symptoms, DHEC said. Heat exhaustion is the body's response to a large loss of fluids and salt through sweating. Heat stroke is the most serious of the heat-related problems. Signs include red, hot, dry skin and confusion or loss of consciousness. Staying in an air-conditioned area is the best way to prevent heat-related illnesses, the agency said. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 75F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 75F. Winds light and variable. Did you know, you can do much of your business online with Social Security? This means no need to call or visit a local Social Security office. You can take your time completing our online applications and even save your progress to return to later. Read moreApply for Social Security benefits online Mount Pleasant, SC (29464) Today Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 75F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 75F. Winds light and variable. There are a myriad of reasons people find South Carolina's Lowcountry an attractive place to live, which somewhat explains the population boom that has taken place in recent years. One thing newcomers are particularly drawn to is the abundance of waterways and the opportunities they offer. South Carolina has 3,000 miles of coastline crammed into an area less than 200 miles from border to border; there are more than 8,000 miles of rivers and 460,000 acres of lakes, including such nationally recognized reservoirs as Lakes Marion and Moultrie, better known as the Santee Cooper lakes, about an hour drive from the heart of Charleston. So it's only natural that boating is an important part of the Lowcountry lifestyle. Gettys Brannon, executive director of the South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance, points out that one in 10 South Carolinians own a boat; many own more than one. Boating is big business in South Carolina, and sometimes it is hard to separate the business of boating from recreation. They go hand-in-hand, Brannon said. "In South Carolina, we have a $5.1 billion industry between boating and fishing. Those are directly correlated," Brannon said. He added that the state Department of Commerce recognizes 28 boat manufacturers that are headquartered in the Palmetto State. Boating and fishing support more than 23,000 jobs statewide, and the coastal economy relies heavily on boating and fishing. "I think every boat manufacturer in the state makes some type of fishing boat," Brannon said. "We don't have a lot of big cabin cruiser-type boats built here, but (South Carolina boat manufacturers) make some of the finest center console boats in the world." Brannon said of the top boat manufacturers worldwide, five to 10 are in South Carolina. "Scout Boats, headquartered in Summerville, is about to build the largest fiberglass center console in the world in the next year, a 67-foot boat. We have have everything from a 67-foot center console on down. We have something for everybody," Brannon said. The numbers bear out boating's popularity. The tri-county region of Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties have more than 54,000 registered boats and another 3,800 personal watercraft, according to the most recent numbers from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. Horry and Georgetown counties add another 30,000 boats and approximately 3,500 personal watercraft. Beaufort County registrations include more than 12,000 boats and nearly 1,000 personal watercraft. With the growing interest in boating, particularly for those new to the sport, safety should be a first concern. You can find boating requirements at www.dnr.sc.gov/boating.html. You also can find the location of boat ramps on their site. While a boating license is not required of adults, consider taking a boating safety course such as those offered by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. Boaters under 16 are required by law to pass an approved boater education course before operating, without supervision, a personal watercraft or a boat powered by a 15-horsepower motor or more. Brannon pointed out that there is legislation under consideration in the South Carolina General Assembly that will require anyone born after July 1, 2007, to take a boater education course. He said it will be phased in much like hunter education requirements. A Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (life jacket) is required for everyone on board and must be accessible. Youth under 12 must be wearing their PFD. Drowning is one of the biggest causes of boating fatalities, and your chances of surviving a boat accident are much greater if you are wearing your flotation device. If you are looking for ways to access boating and fishing opportunities, Brannon suggests the organization's website, scbfa.com, and clicking on the toolkit tab. It links to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation's plug-in that shows boat ramps, tackle shops and other outdoor activities in a particular area. Almost every boater in the Lowcountry will attest that finding a place to launch your boat and then park your vehicle and trailer is a challenge. Brannon said the various governmental entities have not built the facilities that can handle the growth of boating. "We need dedicated funding sources to go toward expanding parking lots and expanding the ramps," he said. Brannon said he has traveled the world working with the outdoors industry and his home state has outstanding aquatic opportunities. Charleston is awash in military history. From the very first landing of European settlers in 1670 to the U.S. effort to support allies during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, military elements are part of the fabric of the Lowcountry. Around the region and downtown there are reachable historic sites of all kinds and all periods. Pick your interests: the original English landing site at Charles Towne Landing (now a state park), the American Revolution, the Civil War, both World Wars and up to modern times where the Pentagon's presence is featured through vital work at secure Joint Base Charleston. A special area of interest that the state is gearing up for is South Carolinas Sestercentennial (250 years) celebration of the 1775-81 war for independence from England. The city of Charleston fell to British forces on May 12, 1780. A remnant of the battle can still be seen in the slab of shell-spackled rock in Marion Square that was once a piece of a tabby fort there. The so-called Horn Work was a walled-off, moated, 8-acre bulwark that held 18 of the Americans largest guns behind a gate wide enough that Gen. William Moultrie rode through at a full gallop. For more information on the American Revolution remembrance in South Carolina, go to southcarolina250.com. Here are some of the areas other military highlights from current and past centuries worth a visit: The Citadel Also known as the Military College of South Carolina, the school was established in 1842 originally off Marion Square downtown. That older building has since been converted to a hotel. The fortress-appearing campus was moved across town in 1922 to the banks of the Ashley River and has since graduated many prominent alumni who have gone on to serve the nation, including in the military and politics. The school grounds are open for touring year-round. Especially popular are the Friday afternoon parades by the gray-clad Corps of Cadets when school is in session. For more information, visit go.citadel.edu. Fort Sumter If you want to visit where the Civil War began, Fort Sumter at the mouth of Charleston Harbor is accessible by tour company boats. The island fortress was home to federal forces targeted by Confederate guns fired from around Charleston Harbor, launching four years of bloody fighting on April 12, 1861. The site is operated by the National Park Service, and tour boats leave throughout the day. Inside the fort are guns left over from the fighting plus history lessons of what the fort looked like before the bombing and then as a Confederate outpost during the war. The NPS visitor center at Liberty Square on the Cooper River side of Charleston is a good starting point. Nearby, the International African American Museum plans to open in 2023. Also close to the site is Gadsdens Wharf, which was the nations largest docking terminal during the slave trade. For more information, go to nps.gov/fosu. Fort Moultrie/Pinckney Farm If you don't favor a boat ride in the harbor, the National Park Service operates two related sites in the area, both in the Mount Pleasant/East Cooper/Sullivan's Island part of the region. The present-day site of Fort Moultrie on Sullivans Island is where, during the Revolutionary War, American troops were able to keep the invading British fleet at bay. It was at this site that federal troops abandoned their post in December 1861 for the safety of Fort Sumter. Today, the current brick-supported fort is an easy walk and is a mix of old and 20th century defensive upgrades. Seminole Indian leader Osceola is buried near the gate. A few miles away in Mount Pleasant is the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site. Pinckney was a principal author and signer of the U.S. Constitution, and the remnant of his property is part of the story of what life was like on a Lowcountry plantation, including for enslaved African Americans. For more information, go to nps.gov/fosu and nps.gov/chpi. The H.L. Hunley submarine If you want to see the world's first successful attack submarine, the Confederate sub H.L. Hunley is on display at the Clemson University-run Warren Lasch Conservation Center in North Charleston. The nearly 40-foot vessel sank the Union blockade ship Housatonic off Sullivans Island on Feb. 17, 1864, by ramming an explosive black powder charge into its side. The Confederate sub then mysteriously disappeared until 2000, when the Hunley and the remains of its eight crewmen were recovered 4 miles offshore. The sub museum is open to tours while conservation of the vessel continues right in front of visitors. Tours, however, are limited to weekends. For more information, go to hunley.org. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum If you want to experience the sounds, smells and echoes of the ships that defended America in the 20th century, Patriots Point on Charleston Harbor in Mount Pleasant is a superior experience. Billed as South Carolina's largest museum, the focal point is the Yorktown, a World War II-era aircraft carrier named for another carrier lost at the Battle of Midway. On board the vessel is the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum, which includes several well-curated exhibits that take you through various areas of the ship. Patriots Point also features the floating destroyer Laffey, survivor of vicious Pacific Theater kamikaze attacks, and on shore is the Vietnam Experience Exhibit of a U.S. outpost from the era. In all, the museum features 28 historic aircraft. For more information, go to patriotspoint.org. As a medical educator, Im always thinking about how to mitigate the physician shortage crisis in South Carolina. A recent commentary in The Post and Courier has prompted me to offer some clarification and context around this crisis and how we can better address it. Read moreCommentary: SC needs more doctors. Here's what MUSC is doing about it. Chances are youve seen some unfamiliar names on campaign signs along Savannah Highway and Rivers Avenue lately. Heck, the odds are not insignificant that one of those names is yours because it seems like just about everyone is running for mayor of Charleston or North Charleston this year. Two weeks before the filing period opens for municipal elections in the Lowcountrys two largest cities, there are already 16 announced mayoral candidates between them. Wait, now its 17. Curtis Merriweather, a local defense and information technologies expert formerly with SPAWAR, joined North Charlestons race Thursday. Can we get an 18? Going once .... Aside from this abnormal abundance of candidates, many of whom dont have a snowballs chance in the Lowcountry summer, these are very different races. But both cities are about to go through some things, particularly North Charleston. There, longtime Mayor Keith Summey is retiring and it will be the most seismic change in local politics since Joe Riley retired as mayor of Charleston eight years ago. Summey is the most transformative figure in North Charleston history. Over the past 30 years, the mayor has turned his city into the states premier economic powerhouse, home to business and industry, and also the most hip and relatively affordable big city in the region. Those are big shoes to fill. Unfortunately, the race to replace him has become, in the words of one North Charleston insider, a clown show on its way to becoming a circus. Which may be a gentle interpretation. The front-runners at this point appear to be former North Charleston Police Chief Reggie Burgess, the mayors hand-picked successor, and long-time Charleston County Councilman (and its most veteran chairman) Teddie Pryor. Pryor and Burgess are by far the best-known of the 10 announced candidates, and theyve raised $172,000 of the $210,000 of campaign contributions in this race so far. But then, some of the announced candidates have yet to file campaign disclosure forms. The unknown factor in the North Charleston contest is local businessman John Singletary, whos running for mayor a third time. In 2015, Singletary got an impressive 32% of the vote against Summey; in 2019, he improved that to 35%. Most current mayoral candidates contend Singletary was the beneficiary of an anti-Summey vote in those elections and cant expect similar support this time. After all, hes raised only $4,000 this election cycle. But Singletary claims he has a solid, and growing, base. If hes right, Singletary could win because North Charleston foolishly has no provision for runoffs or requirement that a candidate win more than 50% of the votes. The highest vote total takes all, and if we really do end up with anywhere near 10 candidates a slate that includes City Councilwoman Rhonda Jerome and former Councilman Todd Olds 30% could very well be enough to win. Heres where the algebra in this race jumps to calculus: If Singletarys vote was simply anti-Summey sentiment, does that mean Burgess as the mayors favored successor and presumed front-runner already has an electoral ceiling? Probably not, but Pryor supporters are counting on it. By the standards of North Charleston, the mayors race in Charleston seems tame. But its anything but normal, seeing as how incumbent Mayor John Tecklenburg whos running for a third and final term has six announced challengers of varying electoral strength. The challenger with the most momentum appears to be developer William Cogswell, a former Republican state lawmaker. Cogswell benefits (well, allegedly) from his ties to the local GOP in this nonpartisan race, and has raised the second-largest amount of money at $581,000 although $150,000 of that is his own. By comparison, Tecklenburg has raised more than $654,000, and $50,000 of it is his. Most political observers figure Cogswell will make the runoff, not because hes blowing up anyones skirt, but because he has the Republican apparatus behind him. The bigger question is whether attorney and West Ashley City Councilman Peter Shahid or former city employee and public relations professional Clay Middleton can siphon off votes that might otherwise go to Tecklenburg. Shahid and Middleton each have about $140,000 on hand, and Cogswell has $444,000. The problem for all Tecks challengers is name identification. None of them has anything approaching the near-universal recognition of Tecklenburg, nor the money to both raise their profile and compete with the mayors $500,000-plus campaign war chest. Thats a lot of drama and intrigue for a couple of races that havent officially kicked off. By the time filing opens Aug. 7, there could be more ... although that seems unlikely. But then, this isnt exactly a normal election cycle even by the bizarre standards of these times. A Ukrainian drone strike Saturday caused a massive explosion at an ammunition depot in Russia-annexed Crimea, forcing the evacuation of nearby homes in the latest attack since Moscow canceled a landmark grain deal amid Kyivs grinding efforts to retake its occupied territories. The attack on the depot in central Crimea sent huge plumes of black smoke skyward and came five days after Ukraine struck a key bridge that links Russia to the peninsula it illegally annexed in 2014 and after Moscow suspended a wartime deal that allowed Ukraine to safely export its grain through the Black Sea. Sergey Aksyonov, the Kremlin-appointed head of Crimea, said in a Telegram post that there were no immediate reports of casualties from the strike, but that authorities were evacuating civilians within a 5-kilometer (3-mile) radius of the blast site. The Ukrainian military took credit for the strike, saying it destroyed an oil depot and Russian military warehouses in Oktyabrske, in the Krasnohvardiiske region of Crimea, though without specifying which weapons it used. A Crimean news channel posted videos Saturday showing plumes of smoke billowing above rooftops and fields near Oktyabrske, a small settlement next to an oil depot and a small military airport, as loud explosions rumbled in the background. In one video, a man can be heard saying the smoke and blast noises seemed to be coming from the direction of the airport. The strike came during a week in which Ukraine attacked the Kerch Bridge and Russia, in what it described as retribution for the bridge attack, bombarded southern Ukrainian port cities, damaging critical infrastructure including grain and oil terminals. Ukraine also attacked the bridge in October, when a truck bomb blew up two of its sections, which took months to repair. Moscow decried that assault as an act of terrorism and retaliated by bombarding Ukraines civilian infrastructure, targeting the countrys power grid over the winter. The Kerch Bridge is a conspicuous symbol of Moscows claims on Crimea and an essential land link to the peninsula. The $3.6 billion, 19-kilometer (nearly 12-mile) bridge is the longest in Europe and is crucial for Russias military operations in southern Ukraine. As fierce fighting continues in Ukraines bid to retake territory from Russia, Russian shelling killed at least two civilians and wounded four others on Saturday, Ukrainian officials reported. A 52-year-old woman died in Kupiansk, a town in the northeastern Kharkiv region, while another person was killed in a cross-border Russian attack on a village in the neighboring Sumy province. Earlier Saturday, Ukrainian officials reported that Russian attacks on 11 regions across the country on Friday and overnight had killed at least eight civilians and wounded others. A DW cameraman was injured Saturday by shrapnel from Russian cluster munitions that also killed one Ukrainian soldier and wounded several others near the town of Druzhkivka, in the eastern Donetsk region, the German broadcaster said in a statement. Cameraman Ievgen Shylko was part of a team sent to report from the Ukrainian army training ground about 23 kilometers (14 miles) away from the frontline, it said. We were filming the Ukrainian army during target practice when suddenly we heard several explosions, DW correspondent Mathias Bolinger said. We lay down, more explosions followed, we saw people were wounded. Later, the Ukrainian army confirmed that we had been fired at with cluster munitions. Cluster munitions, which open in the air and release multiple small bomblets, are banned by more than 100 countries because of their threat to civilians, but they have been used extensively by both sides in the war. The Pentagon has said the cluster munitions the U.S. recently gave to Ukraine will give Kyiv critically needed ammunition to help bolster its counteroffensive. The Russian Defense Ministry announced that a group of Russian journalists came under artillery fire in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. In an online statement, it said four correspondents for pro-Kremlin media had been struck by cluster munitions and that one of them, Rostislav Zhuravlev of the state RIA Novosti news agency, later died from his injuries. The Kremlin-installed head of the Russia-occupied parts of the Zaporizhzhia region, Yevhen Balitsky, claimed in a Telegram post that the journalists were traveling in a civilian vehicle that was hit by shelling. The claims couldnt be independently verified. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova denounced the attack on journalists as a heinous crime in which the U.S. and its allies were complicit. The Ukrainian air force on Saturday morning said that overnight, it had brought down 14 Russian drones, including five Iranian-made ones, over the countrys southeast, where battles are raging. In a regular social media update, the air force said that all Iranian-made Shahed exploding drones launched by Russian troops during the night were brought down, pointing to Ukraines increasing success rate in neutralizing them. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Did you know that homeless people enjoy a constitutional right to free parking? Thats the main takeaway from a California Court of Appeals opinion issued Friday that ruled cities that tow cars with five or more unpaid parking tickets violate the 4th Amendments prohibition of search and seizure without a warrant. The Coalition on Homelessness sued the City and County of San Francisco seeking an injunction against towing scofflaw cars that piled up parking tickets, and the trial court had denied the petition. But the Court of Appeals reversed, because appellant [Coalition on Homelessness] presented declarations regarding the severe impacts of vehicle tows on unhoused San Francisco residents. More from the court: The principal issue on appeal is whether the challenged warrantless tows are permissible under the vehicular community caretaking exception to the Fourth Amendments warrant requirement. We conclude respondents have not shown that legally parked cars with unpaid parking tickets that present no threat to public safety and the efficient movement of vehicular traffic (S. Dakota v. Opperman (1976) 428 U.S. 364, 369 (Opperman)) may be towed under that exception. In particular, we reject respondents argument that their interest in deterring parking violations and nonpayment of parking fines justifies warrantless tows under the vehicular community caretaking exception. Such deterrence does not justify warrantless tows of lawfully registered and lawfully parked vehicles. We also reject the proposition that the tows at issue may be justified by analogy to warrantless property seizures in the forfeiture context. San Francisco and other California jurisdictions have actually been pretty lax in towing vehicles inhabited by homeless people (or any other scofflaw vehicles), but now they will have to get a warrant from a judge to tow any such car, which means in practice that almost no cars will be towed if they are parked in an otherwise legal spot on the streetexpired meter or not. San Francisco has been denied even this minimal tool to restrain the out-of-control social disorder in its streets. The homeless who have vehicles now essentially enjoy free parking. I suppose Americas work ethic peaked in the late 19th century and has declined somewhat since then. Still, compared with Europeans, Americans are considered hard-working. Thus the Telegraph headlines: How hard-working US is getting rich while the UK struggles on benefits. The worlds biggest economy has pulled ahead of the UK and the rest of Europe on an array of economic measures since the financial crisis of 2008. What began as a small disparity has become a chasm that has left Britain facing questions about whether it has the work ethic to close the gap. These are the numbers: Americans spend 20pc more of their time working than their British counterparts, working an average of 1,811 hours per year, compared with 1,532 hours, according to the OECD. But that isnt all: Americas productivity has increased faster than the Europeans: The differences on paper are already stark. Bowman highlights that in the decade before the pandemic, productivity growth of 8pc was twice as fast in the US as the UK. Americas economy has also grown much faster overall. In 2021, an American worker was 26pc more productive than their British counterpart, producing $74.80 (58.30) per hour worker versus $59.20 per hour for a British worker. A more productive workforce means better pay, with the average American worker paid $77,500 in 2022, compared with $54,000 in the UK, according to one OECD measure that adjusts for buying power in each country. As productivity advances compound over time, the consequence is that Europes more prosperous countries are on a par with Americas poorest states: Every country in Europe is poorer per head than every state except Idaho and Mississippi. The Telegraph compares American and European responses to the economic jolt caused by covid shutdowns: When Covid hit, America preferred firings to furlough, albeit with government stimulus cheques helping to soften the blow of unemployment. More than 20 million people lost their jobs in April 2020 alone, pushing the unemployment rate to 14.7pc the highest since the Great Depression. But it also shifted workers to more productive areas of the economy on their return. By contrast, UK policymakers largely pressed the pause button, funding wage bills for staff in existing jobs. The pandemic had a huge impact on both the US and UK workforces, but while America saw a bigger increase in unemployment, many Britons gave up looking for work altogether. Not only did a lot of Americans who found themselves suddenly unemployed seek new jobs, many of them moved to more dynamic states like Florida, Texas, South Dakota and Tennessee. Of course, this is nothing to be complacent about. Pretty much everything our federal government does is intended to weaken incentives to work and to be productive. Many states pursue similarly misguided policies. The single thing government can most directly do to encourage people to work both harder and more productively is to lower taxes on income and capital gains. But American liberals have not absorbed that simple lesson. A remarkably interesting letter (Eyes Only) that Richard Nixon sent to then-President Bill Clinton in March 1994, after Nixon returned from a trip to Russia and Ukraine, has been declassified and made public. Luke Nichter writes about Nixons letter in the Wall Street Journal: Nixon anticipated a more belligerent Russia, the rise of someone like Vladimir Putin, and worsening relations between Moscow and Kyiv. Nixon emphasized the importance of Ukraine, writing: You will be urged to scatter the available aid money all over the former Soviet Union. This would be a mistake. You have very limited funds. All the other nations in the near abroad are important. But Ukraine is in a different classit is indispensable. Back to Mr. Nichter: Nixon also warned Mr. Clinton about presidential personnel. I learned during my years in the White House that the best decisions I made, such as the one to go to China in 1972, were made over the objections of or without the approval of most foreign service officers, he wrote. Nixon evidently didnt think Mr. Clinton was being served well by his own people. Remember that foreign service officers get to the top by not getting into trouble. They are therefore more interested in covering their asses than in protecting yours. Nixon also pointed out that few foreign service officers know anything about economics. Nichters column is good, but I encourage you to read Nixons letter in its entirety. It is certainly the most interesting thing I have read today. The letter is also a reminder that Nixon was a patriot, and I think Clinton was, too. These lines seem to come from another galaxy, far away and long, long ago: First, the good news. Everyone I talked to in the four countries I visited spoke with great respect for you, and in Kohls case, with genuine affection. Not one mentioned Whitewater. Some of the American media tried to get me to make a statement on it, but I turned them all off by stating that I never commented on domestic issues when I am traveling abroad. Contrast that with Joe Bidens disgustingly partisan overseas press conferences. Nixon continued: I went on to say that what was most important is that we do not allow that issue or any other domestic issue to divert attention from our major foreign policy prioritythe survival of political and economic freedom in Russia. I emphasized that on this issue there should still be continued strong bi-partisan support for the Presidents leadership. As I said, a far-away galaxy, long, long ago. Nixon had his faults, but he was a patriot, he was smart, and he didnt sell out his country in exchange for millions in foreign bribes. Posted yesterday, Andrew McCarthys weekly NRO column is The Biden Familys History of Influence-Peddling, Explained (behind NROs paywall). It lays out the template of the Biden family business in Romania and then applies it to Ukraine. It is long, lucid, and devastating. NRO has also posted the long editorial The Jaw-Dropping Hunter BidenInvestigation Revelations. The editorial is accessible and provides a useful review of what we have learned so far about the farcical investigation of the Biden family business. Im guessing that Andrew McCarthy is the principal author of the editorial. When I read it I thought it was one of his columns. This is where we are now. The editors write: The compelling congressional testimony of two IRS whistleblower agents has established three things. First, the investigation into Biden corruption millions of dollars pouring into the family coffers from apparatchiks of corrupt and anti-American regimes seeking to buy Joe Bidens political influence is real and has been thwarted by the Biden Justice Department. Second, the presidents son Hunter Biden received preferential treatment, and, next week, a federal judge should reject the sweetheart plea deal he was given by the Justice Department. Third, Attorney General Merrick Garland owes the country an explanation for why the Biden investigation has been sabotaged from within, even as he maintains publicly that it was conducted with independence and integrity. See the whole thing here. The Lagos State Government has said none of the 103 bodies approved for mass burial were recovered from the Lekki tollgate in October 2020 during the #Endsars protest against police brutality. The state government is responding to a letter which has now gone viral dated 19 July. The letter, by the public procurement agency, revealed that the state government engaged the service of Messrs Tos Funeral Ltd, a private firm, at the cost of N61,285,000 to bury 103 bodies tagged as Endsars victims. But on Sunday evening, Olusegun Ogboye, the permanent secretary of the state ministry of health, put out a statement to shed light on the bodies. Many had alleged that the bodies scheduled for mass burial were of protesters killed by the Nigerian Army at the Lekki Tollgate on 20 October 2020. The incident at the toll gate generated controversies, including about people killed or injured during the incident. The state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, initially said no one died from the shooting but later said only two persons died. The judicial panel, in its report, dismissed the governments claims and confirmed dozens of peaceful protesters were killed at the toll gate by state agents. But in Sundays statement, the government said none of the bodies for mass burial was recovered from the toll gate. Instead, it said the bodies were recovered from different parts of the state during and after the protests. Read the statement by the state government below: LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT MINISTRY OF HEALTH PRESS STATEMENT RE: MASS BURIAL OF ENDSARS VICTIMS (MISCHIEF MAKERS AT WORK). The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to some social media publications about a purported mass burial plan for casualties of the 2020 #EndSARS incident. Peddlers of the news are deliberately misinterpreting and sensationalising a letter from the Lagos State Government Public Procurement Agency titled: Letter of No Objection Mass Burial for the 103, the Year 2020 ENDSARS victims, to misinform the public, stir public sentiment and cause public disaffection against the Lagos State Government. It is public knowledge that the year 2020 #EndSARS crisis that snowballed into violence in many parts of Lagos recorded casualties in different areas of the State and NOT from the Lekki Toll Gate as being inferred in the mischievous publications. For the records, the Lagos State Environmental Health Unit (SEHMU) picked up bodies in the aftermath of #EndSARS violence and community clashes at Fagba, Ketu, Ikorodu, Orile, Ajegunle, Abule-Egba, Ikeja, Ojota, Ekoro, Ogba, Isolo and Ajah areas of Lagos State. There was also a jailbreak at Ikoyi Prison. The 103 casualties mentioned in the document were from these incidents and NOT from Lekki Toll-gate as being alleged. For the avoidance of doubt, no body was retrieved from the Lekki Toll Gate incident. Contrary to the disingenuous narrative weaved around the recently approved mass burial, the #EndSARs Panel subpoenaed the Lagos State chief pathologist to produce full records of unclaimed bodies of dead deposited with the state central morgue during the days immediately preceding and following the event at Lekki tollgate on 20/10/20. The list with their autopsies of provable cause and circumstances of death were duly submitted and testified to before the panel. This subpoena was at the request of lawyers who represented #EndSARS protesters, and the chief pathologist complied. There was not a single finding in the report or ensuing white paper attributing the death of any named citizen listed in the autopsy to the Lekki incident. In the aftermath of the #EndSARS violence, the office of the Chief Coroner invited members of the public through public adverts and announcements (November 18,2020, Punch and November 19, 2020, THISDAY) who had lost loved ones or whose relatives had been declared missing between 19th and 27th October 2020 from various clashes as mentioned above, to contact the department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) to help with identification of these casualties deposited in State-owned morgues. Relatives were to undergo DNA tests for identification purposes. It is important to state categorically that nobody responded to claim any of the bodies. However, after almost three years, the bodies remain unclaimed, adding to the congestion of the morgues. This spurred the need to decongest the morgues a procedure that follows very careful medical and legal guidelines in the event that a relative may still turn up to claim a lost relative years after the incident. The Government, therefore, appeals to social media rumour mongers to please allow the hapless families of the unclaimed loved ones a deserved closure. Dr Olusegun Ogboye Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health July 23, 2023. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Some gunmen attacked and killed two residents of Tamba, a village in Ningi Local Government, Bauchi State on Friday night. Residents of the area told PREMIUM TIMES that security operatives and local vigilante members in the area rushed to the scene of the incident and conveyed the two persons to a hospital, where they were certified dead by a medical personnel. PREMIUM TIMES also learnt that two other residents of Kafin Lemo, the same local government, were kidnapped recently by an unknown group on Friday. According to the residents, those kidnapped were Yawale Lemo, 55, and Kwaine Musa, 50. The two residents of this village, Kafin Lemo, were abducted by unknown gunmen who came into the village shooting sporadically around 2 a.m. in the night. The two persons that were kidnapped recently by the group, were asked to make N10 million available for the kidnappers before they come. The inability to pay the money is the reason they carried out the attack. To date, the group has not called to inform their families where they are or to tell them the amount they should pay as ransom before they are released, a local source who does not want his name, in print said. READ ALSO: Police arrest suspected kidnappers in Anambra Sources told PREMIUM TIMES that a combined team of local vigilante members and policemen were combing the area, searching for the abductees. The gunmen have mastered the terrain, which has put them on edge against the security forces. Whenever the security agents blocked their route to arrest them, the gunmen usually find their way out of the security blockage, a resident said. The spokesperson of the Bauchi State Police Command, Ahmed Wakili, could not be reached on the phone to comment on the incident. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Lagos State Government says the recent demolition of distressed buildings in Alaba International Market in Ojo Local Government Area was neither a witch-hunt nor intended to acquire the land but done to protect lives. The General Manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA), Gbolahan Oki, said this on Saturday during an on-the-spot assessment of the demolition site. Mr Oki visited the market amid a downpour alongside his counterpart in Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), Kehinde Osinaike, and the seven-member committee set up by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the aftermath of the demolition exercise. They were led on the trip by Oluwole Sotire, permanent secretary of their parent parastatal, the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that South-east traders in the market, led by Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma, met with Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos to put to rest allegations of tribal bias behind the demolition exercise. During the on-the-spot assessment, Mr Oki explained that the demolition was simply to enforce building regulations and laws, to prevent building collapse. According to him, most of the demolished buildings were without permits, and the necessary documentation needed by the state government was also ignored. All we are after is that the lives of traders and other Nigerians are extremely important to the Lagos State Government. I have seen people painting buildings that are dilapidated, that are not good, it is not painting that makes a building new. Our lives are more important, he said. Mr Oki urged owners of distressed buildings marked for demolition to remove them within two weeks, to prevent disaster, or else the government would move in to take action. My mandate is to remove anything that is dilapidated, that is harmful to the people that even own it, he said. The official said Mr Sanwo-Olu set up the seven-member committee to look into the demolition without causing disaffection among the traders at Alaba International Market. He said LASBCA officials were usually prevented from enforcing laws by people who failed to get building plan approvals or those who did the illegal conversion of their properties. NAN reports that the LASBCA boss waded through flash floods to issue a stop work order on a contractor on site from the Ojo Local Government, for amicable resolution of all issues. He assured protesters carrying placards that the government had their interests covered with the appointment of an additional 17-member sub-committee compromising their market leadership, for quicker resolution of issues. Mr Oki explained why distressed buildings were being demolished and the need for some of the traders to do regularisation. He said this was because of issues of land grabbers selling one land to several people as well as the need to correct haphazard development. Earlier, the general manager and his team had a meeting with the leadership of the Alaba International Market traders at LASBCA head office at Ikeja GRA, before they all embarked on the trip to the market. During the meeting, the market leaders who are members of the seven-man technical committee set up to look into the issues of demolition in Alaba International Market discussed the way forward. The LASBCA boss explained processes and procedures guiding laws on physical developments and what must be done to comply with regulations. He said that there was no ethnic colouration to the decisions of the government, whose only motive was to prevent building collapse, to ensure the safety of lives of the traders and other Nigerians. Chris Maduka, secretary of the seven-member Technical Committee on Alaba International Demolition, commended the action of the government to sanitise the market. Mr Maduka said it had brought them closer and was in the best interest of everybody, to save traders from touts extorting them with various conflicting taxes and illegal levies. During the on-the-spot assessment of the market, Mr Maduka appealed for cooperation and understanding from the traders affected by the demolition exercise. He said that taking to protest or violence would defeat the purpose for which Mr Sanwo-Olu set up the committee. Some of the affected traders carrying placards with various inscriptions at the market pleaded with Mr Sanwo-Olu to fast-track the assignment of the committee to restore their means of livelihood. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Lagos State Environmental and Enforcement and Special Offences Unit (taskforce) cleared makeshift markets and buildings along the railway corridor at the Agege area of the state on Sunday. The agencys spokesperson, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, in a statement, said the enforcement exercise was designed to restore sanity and safety along the railway corridors of the state. The exercise, according to the task force chairperson, Shola Jejeloye, is to discourage certain individuals from conducting business on the rail tracks and prevent them from placing impediments which hinder the smooth movement of trains on the tracks. The activities of these traders are defacing the outlook of the rail tracks by setting up these slums and makeshift buildings here, but we will make sure that we leave no form of environmental crimes unchecked, Mr Jejeloye was quoted as saying. He further said the operations across rail tracks in the state would last at least a month to dissuade traders from returning to the tracks for commercial activities. We have made an irreversible decision to carry out operations and remain here to discourage them from returning. This singular operation is just the tip of the iceberg, but the major activities are coming up in the coming weeks, he said. Recently, the task force unit cleared traders off the Oshodi railway track and Apongbon bridge. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and President Bola Tinubu are locked in a war of words over an alleged plot to manipulate the ongoing electoral dispute at the Presidential Election Petition Court, Abuja. Atiku, a former vice president, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja by his media office, alleged that there are threats from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Tinubus party, that aim to intimidate the judiciary from ensuring justice in the ongoing presidential electoral dispute. But Mr Tinubu and the APC have dismissed the allegations. Dispute in Court Atiku, who came second in the 25 February presidential election, is urging the Presidential Election Petition Court to overturn Mr Tinubus victory on account of alleged electoral fraud. Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in their separated suits, are also asking the five-member panel of the court headed by Haruna Tsammani, to nullify the presidents victory at the polls. They are accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of manipulating the entire electoral process in favour of Mr Tinubu. The petitioners also argued during the courts hearing that Mr Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were not eligible to vie for the presidency owing to allegations of criminal forfeiture and double nomination against the duo. However, Messrs Tinubu, Shettima, the APC and INEC, in their defence before the court, contended that there was substantial compliance with the electoral laws in the conduct of the 25 February presidential election. They urged the court to dismiss the suits against Mr Tinubu. Sinister plot to undermine Nigerias judiciary, democracy But in a fresh reaction to the courts proceedings, Atiku said there is a plot to compromise the judiciarys independence. In the statement signed by his media aide, Paul Ibe, the PDP candidate described the last general election as the the worst in the annals of democratic politics in our country, a position Mr Tinubu has refuted. Atiku who was Nigerias vice president from 1999 to 2007, said INECs arbitrariness in declaring Mr Tinubu as winner of the election despite not fulfilling the statutory requirements was why he is challenging the outcome. But as proceedings on the controversial February 25 election continue at the court, there have been threats from the ruling party that aim to intimidate the judiciary from serving the duty of justice, the statement said. He alleged that the APC and Mr Tinubus agents have ceaselessly chosen to stand in the way of justice by making catastrophic threats to anarchy if justice is not served according to their whims. Last Wednesday, there were social media reports that Mr Tinubu allegedly had a secret telephone conversation with the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, concerning the pending suits against the president. The reports also alleged that Mr Ariwoola had a clandestine phone conversation with the Director General of Nigerias spy agency, the State Security Service (SSS), Yusuf Bichi, with a view to asking the presidential election court to give its judgement in favour of Mr Tinubu. However, the APC and the Supreme Court management denied the allegations, saying there was no iota of truth in the claims. Atiku cautioned that Nigerias democracy should not be undermined by using the judiciary to serve the interest of the ruling party. Referencing the social media reports about Messrs Tinubu and Ariwoolas alleged phone call, Atiku said, reports in the media about some heinous plots to harass justices sitting on the petition are ominous to peace and the security of our nation. To compromise the workings of our democracy and seeking to compromise the workings of our judiciary is an open call for anarchy. The former vice president expressed his desire to abide by the law in resisting any attempt to undermine our fragile democracy. Drawing the attention of the international community to the allegations, Atiku recalled how a former CJN, Walter Onnoghen, was unlawfully removed from office in 2019 when it was obvious that he would not bend to their will. In 2019, former President Muhammadu Buhari was re-elected but Atiku challenged the result of the election, which was later upheld by both the presidential election petition and Supreme Court. Atiku further recalled how armed SSS operatives invaded official residences of judges in 2016 and 2017 all in a bid to beat the judiciary into submission. He lamented that the ruling APC government had earned notoriety in arm-twisting the judiciary. The plot of the APC is simple: intimidate the judiciary, threaten judges with arrest so that they will bow to their will. This is a playbook from 2019 when they removed the CJN and then replaced him with Tanko Muhammad, who himself was later accused of corruption by his colleagues at the Supreme Court and resigned shamefully. Atikus claims laughable Tinubu Reacting to the allegations, Mr Tinubus spokesperson, Dele Alake, described Atikus statement as laughable. Mr Alake said Atiku had not fully recovered from the shock of defeat, hence the current attempt to mischievously rake up another round of inanities that offend basic logic and rational thinking. He said the former vice president failed to provide any evidence to support his claims. Mr Alake said Atiku shamelessly resorted to this cheap attempt to intimidate and blackmail the Judiciary even when he is party to a case before the Presidential Election Tribunal. Recalling Mr Tinubus contributions to the entrenchment of democracy, Mr Alake said the president was leading the charge against the emasculation of the judiciary and promoting the sanctity of rule of law as the building block for good governance as Governor of Lagos State between 1999-2007, under a PDP central government, Alhaji Atiku was nowhere to be found. He added that no leader with such a sterling and enviable credential as a champion of rule of law, independence of judiciary like President Tinubu will ever contemplate undermining the Judiciary as alleged by Alhaji Atiku. According to Mr Alake, Mr Tinubu won the February presidential election in a free and fair manner, saying it was the most transparent election ever conducted in Nigeria since 1999. Allegation lacking in substance APC Similarly, the APC described Atikus statement as arrant nonsense and lacking in substance. The partys National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said Mr Tinubu won the election convincingly and it has full faith and confidence in the nations courts. Our attention has been drawn to a Press Statement by a media aide to Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The statement alleges that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its government are engaged in a plot to intimidate members of the judiciary towards unduly influencing the outcome of pending cases before the court. Atiku Abubakar and his minions offered no evidence to support their wild, hollow, and mischievous allegations. Quite frankly, there is nothing in Atiku Abubakars statement that is worth a reaction from the APC. It is just arrant nonsense, totally lacking in substance and cogency. Its only imaginable purpose is a childish attempt to float an alibi to deflect the shame of a highly probable defeat in court, having miserably failed to make out a credible case to justify his bogus claim that he won the last Presidential Election. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our Party won the election convincingly. We have full faith and confidence in our courts to dispense electoral justice in accordance with our Constitution and all applicable laws, Mr Morka said. Read Atikus full statement below: PRESS RELEASE Theres a sinister plot to undermine Nigerias judiciary, democracy Atiku *Calls on Nigerians to be vigilant, puts international community on alert Since the conclusion of the presidential election in February of this year and the attendant controversies in its trail, there have been unfortunate developments that are saddening to many Nigerians. It is needless to say that the election that brought the current government into office is the worst in the annals of democratic politics in our country, even though it was promised to be the best ever. Consequently, the outcome of that election and the arbitrariness of the electoral umpire to declare a winner against the requirement of the law has been the reason Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria (1999-2007) and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and other parties in the election have chosen the patriotic path to challenge the outcome of that election. It is a truism that the judiciary is the only reasonable option in the quest for justice. As a matter of fact, our judiciary and the interpretations that they have given to our laws have been a major building block in our democratic journey so far. Our laws are very clear about the prerequisite of separation of powers as a guarantee of an independent judiciary. The idea behind that concept of an independent judiciary is to insulate that branch of government from unholy fraternity between its hallowed members and the rest of the society especially the political actors. But as proceedings on the controversial February 25 election continues at the court, there have been threats from the ruling party that aim to intimidate the judiciary from serving the duty of justice. It is regrettable that the APC and, indeed, agents of President Bola Tinubu have ceaselessly chosen to stand in the way of justice by making catastrophic threats to anarchy if justice is not served according to their whims. These and reports in the media about some heinous plots to harass justices sitting on the petition are ominous to peace and the security of our nation. Our democracy gives the people of Nigeria the powers to choose their leaders, and our laws demand that our judiciary must be allowed to act independently without harassment and intimidation by the government or powerful interests. To compromise the workings of our democracy and seeking to compromise the workings of our judiciary is an open call for anarchy. As a party in the litigation that is currently reviewing the outcome of the last presidential election, we wish to express our intentions to do all that is within the law in resisting any attempt to undermine our fragile democracy. Indeed, we are using this channel to call on the international community to be alerted. Nigerias democracy should not be undermined by using the judiciary to serve the interest of the ruling party. Sadly, this has become the stock in trade of the All Progressives Congress to intimidate the judiciary. Recall that in 2019, the APC-led Federal Government similarly removed the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, when it was obvious that he would not bend to their will. The Department of State Services similarly stormed the homes of judges in 2016 and 2017, all in a bid to beat the judiciary into submission. The plot of the APC is simple: intimidate the judiciary, threaten judges with arrest so that they will bow to their will. This is a playbook from 2019 when they removed the CJN and then replaced him with Tanko Muhammad, who himself was later accused of corruption by his colleagues at the Supreme Court and resigned shamefully. However, the APC government never went after Tanko Muhammad as they did in Onnoghens case because it was never about corruption but election. The APC has, over the years, built a reputation of judiciary intimidation. They accused about 10 judges of corruption, stormed their homes, and got them suspended and yet could not convict a single one of them. Justice Sylvester Ngwuta of the Supreme Court could not recover from the embarrassment that he ended up dying in office. Now, they have initiated a new plot. This time around, they want to intimidate the judges into delivering favourable judgments for them at the election tribunal. We draw the attention of the international community and, indeed, Nigerians to this fresh plot to steal the mandate of over 200 million people. We are also urging Nigerians to abide by the golden rule of eternal vigilance being the price of liberty. On this note, we appeal to all security agencies in the country to remain professional in the discharge of their duties and resist being used as an instrument of oppression and intimidation against the judiciary. Signed: Paul Ibe Media Adviser to Atiku Abubakar Vice President of Nigeria (1999-2007) and Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election. Abuja 22nd July, 2023 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Action Alliance (AA) in Abia has asked the National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Umuahia to annul the election of the House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The party hinged its demand on the alleged exclusion of its name and logo from the ballot for the 25 February poll. Mohammed Ndalahi, the counsel for the partys candidate, Ifeanyi Igbokwe, made the request during the tribunals sitting on Saturday. Speaking under cross-examination by Mr Ndalahi, the deputy speaker, Mr Kalu and APC witness Cyril Kwubiri, alleged that Mr Igbokwe was not validly nominated by AA, hence did not participate in the election. Mr Kwubiri, however, admitted that none of the documents he tendered in court to support his claim that Mr Igbokwe was not validly nominated emanated from APC. The three-member panel, led by Justice Samson Gang, adjourned sitting to 14 August for the adoption of the final written addresses by all the parties. Also, speaking under cross-examination in another suit challenging his eligibility to participate in the election, Mr Kalu denied forging his credentials contrary to the allegation by the Labour Party candidate, Frank Chinasa. Mr Chinasa had alleged in his petition that the credentials presented to INEC by Mr Kalu had fatal discrepancies. He, therefore, urged the tribunal to nullify his election, arguing that he was unfit to participate in the poll. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tribunal on Thursday, admitted in evidence, nine different documents tendered by Mr Chinasa to support his petition that Mr Kalus credentials were fraught with discrepancies in names. The petitioners had argued that Form EC9, submitted to INEC by Mr Kalu, bore Osisiogu Benjamin Okezie. They further posited that other documents, including his birth certificate, first degree certificate, NYSC Certificate and WASC bore Kalu Benjamin Okezie, and Benjamin Okezie Osisiogu, respectively. In his defence, Mr Kalu tendered seven documents, including the judgment of an Abia High Court, confirming his change of name. He also tendered Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria official gazette number 49, volume 107 of 26th March 2020; a letter from the Supreme Court; newspaper publication and a Deed Pool all confirming harmonisation of his name. He faulted the CTCs of the petitioners exhibits alleging discrepancies in his documents, saying they did not bear stamps from the issuing institutions. The counsel for APC, Vigilus Nwankwo, also told the tribunal to reject the said CTCs since they lacked the INEC stamp. In the same vein, the INEC counsel, Ogochukwu Onyekwuluke, disowned the documents, pointing out that the petitioners CTCs did not bear the commissions stamp. All seven documents were admitted by the tribunal as exhibits, in spite of an objection by Mr Chinasas Counsel, Yunus Usman. Mr Usman said they would incorporate the reasons for their injection into the admissibility of the documents in their final written addresses. The matter was adjourned to 14 August for the adoption of the final written addresses by all parties. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Thousands of Israelis march along a highway towards Jerusalem in protest of plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to overhaul the judicial system, near Abu Gosh, Israel, Saturday, July 22, 2023. Oceans of Israeli flags, steady drumbeats, cries of Democracy! Water cannons, police on horseback, protesters dragged off the ground. For seven straight months, tens of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets in the most sustained and intense demonstrations the country has ever seen. The protesters are part of a grassroots movement that rose out of opposition to a contentious judicial overhaul spearheaded by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right allies. The overhaul calls for sweeping changes aimed at curbing the powers of the judiciary, from limiting the Supreme Courts ability to challenge parliamentary decisions, to changing the way judges are selected. While the government says the overhaul is needed to reduce the powers of unelected judges, protesters, who make up a wide cross section of Israeli society, say the overhaul will push Israel toward autocracy. With a key portion of the overhaul nearing a final vote early next week, protesters are vowing further days of disruption and calling for strikes and general unrest. Heres a look at why they are still protesting, months into the governments efforts: Whats in the overhaul? Netanyahus ultranationalist and ultra-Orthodox religious allies say the package is meant to restore power to elected officials. Critics say it is a power grab fueled by various personal and political grievances by Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges, and his partners, who want to deepen Israels control of the occupied West Bank and perpetuate controversial draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men. The proposals include a bill that would allow a simple majority in parliament to overturn Supreme Court decisions. Another would give parliament the final say in selecting judges. On Monday, parliament is expected to vote on a key bill that would prevent the Supreme Court from striking down government decisions on the basis that they are unreasonable. Proponents say the current reasonability standard gives judges excessive powers over decision making by elected officials. But critics say that removing the standard, which is invoked only in rare cases, would allow the government to pass arbitrary decisions, make improper appointments or firings and open the door to corruption. Protesters say Netanyahu and his allies want to change the law so they can appoint cronies to government posts and particularly so that they can fire the countrys independent attorney general, according to Amir Fuchs, a senior researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem think tank. Supporters see Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara as a bulwark against the overhaul. The measures make it more difficult to conduct oversight over arbitrary decisions of elected officials, said Yohanan Plesner, the institutes president. This is one chapter of a broader plan and program of the government to weaken the checks and balances. In a speech Thursday, Netanyahu dismissed accusations that the plan would destroy Israels democratic foundations as absurd. This is an attempt to mislead you over something that has no basis in reality, he said. Why are there still protests? Netanyahus government took office in December and almost immediately unveiled its plans to weaken Israels Supreme Court. Protests sprang up in major cities, business leaders balked at the plan and, perhaps most critically, military reservists in Israels air force and other key units threatened to stop reporting for duty if it passed. The protests prompted Netanyahu to pause the overhaul in March and enter talks with opposition lawmakers. After talks broke down last month, Netanyahu announced in June the overhaul would move forward. Protesters accuse Netanyahu of changing tactics, but not his broader goals, by moving forward in a slower and more measured way in a bid to lull the protesters and dull their opposition. The government got smarter, said Josh Drill, a spokesman for the protest movement. They saw the fallout of trying to ram the overhaul through, and they decided instead to do it piece by piece. Protests have intensified as the coalitions efforts to make the overhaul into law have moved forward. On Tuesday, protesters crippled the citys main highway and blocked train stations, and thousands of people marched nearly 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem over the weekend ahead of Mondays vote. Why are protesters so determined to protect the judiciary? With a relatively weak system of checks and balances, the judiciary plays a large role in checking executive power in Israel. In the U.S. for example, Congress has two houses that operate independently of the president and can limit his power. But in Israel, the prime minister and his majority coalition in parliament work in tandem. That leaves the judiciary as the only check on governmental power, according to constitutional law professor Amichai Cohen. Israel also has minimal local governance and lacks a formal constitution. This means that most of the power is centralized in parliament, Cohen said. The basic laws foundational laws that experts describe as a sort of informal constitution can be changed at any time by a bare majority. With the overhaul, Cohen said, the Israeli parliament now threatens to further consolidate its power by weakening the judiciary. The government can do whatever it wants, because it controls the ability to change even the basic laws, Cohen said. Historically, the Israeli judiciary has played a role in protecting the rights of minorities, from Palestinian citizens of Israel to noncitizens and African asylum seekers, Cohen said. By weakening the judiciary, critics say, Israels government led by a male-dominated coalition whose members have advocated full annexation of the occupied West Bank, discriminating against LGBTQ+ people and Palestinian citizens of Israel, and limiting the rights of women will be granted near-total control. It will be a hollow democracy, said Fuchs. What happens next? Over the weekend, Israeli media reported that the countrys defense minister, Yoav Gallant, alarmed by the growing refusals to serve in the military, was pushing for a delay in Mondays vote. It was unclear if others would join him. If the reasonability bill is passed, it will mark the first major part of the legislation to become law. Fuchs predicted the law would be appealed to the Supreme Court. If the court strikes it down, Netanyahus coalition will have to decide whether to accept the ruling. That could set the stage for a constitutional crisis. In the meantime, the protests that have rocked the country for seven months will likely grow in intensity. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Faculty of Social Science of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) is set to host a valedictory lecture in honour of its former dean, Lai Olurode, a professor of sociology who recently retired from the university. At the event scheduled for 11 am on Tuesday, 25 July, at the facultys lecture theatre, Mr Olurode will speak on The Knowledge Sector, Public Interest and Power Structure. A former UNILAG vice chancellor, Rahaman Ade Bello, will chair the gathering, while the current vice chancellor of the university, Folasade Ogunsola, will be the chief host. At the lecture, Mr Olurode will argue for enhanced synergy between academics and those in formal positions of power if the public interest is to be better served. As at present, there seems to be a near-total disconnect and compartmentalisation, the professor told PREMIUM TIMES. Each scholar must nurse and fulfil a public purpose. The same philosophy should apply to over two million undergraduate and graduate students across Nigerias 170 universities. The embedded potential of youth corps members to fulfil a virile public purpose is being wasted. Mr Olurode, widely respected for his teaching and research capacity, public spiritedness, and incisive newspaper commentaries on national matters, retired from UNILAG in 2022 after over 40 years of teaching and researching. He joined the university as a graduate assistant in 1980, rising through the ranks to become a professor in the year 2000. While at the university, he served as head of the Department of Sociology and as dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. Between 2010 and 2015, Mr Olurode was a national commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He returned to UNILAG on the completion of his five-year tenure. Since his retirement from UNILAG, the professor has been active in community service in his native Iwo in Osun State, where he grooms young people and serves as chair of the Iwo Board of Trustees, a position he says has afforded him an opportunity to contribute more significantly to the development of his home town. Qosim Suleiman is a reporter at Premium Times in partnership with Report for the World, which matches local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to report on under-covered issues around the globe Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police have arrested ten senior secondary school students in Ogun State for allegedly beating up their teacher, Kolawole Shonuga, for stopping one of them from cheating in an examination. The incident occurred on Tuesday at Isanbi Comprehensive High School, Ilisan-Remo, in Ikenne Local Government Area of the state. PREMIUM TIMES learnt that Mr Shonuga while invigilating the unified examination for the Senior Secondary School (SS1) Art class, caught one Ashimi Adebanjo cheating and seized his paper. Angered by this development, Master Adebanjo allegedly mobilised his gang to waylay the teacher at the school gate and beat him severely. One of the suspected hooligans, Kazeem Adelaja, allegedly used a stick on Mr Shonuga while they also tore his clothes. READ ALSO: Our correspondent gathered that the matter was reported to the police by the victim, after which officers arrested the ten students. The police spokesperson in the state, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the arrests. She said the students were arrested after Mr Shonuga reported a case of alleged assault at the Remo Police Division. Ms Odutola, however, refused to say whether or not the students have been arraigned in court. The chairperson of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) in the state, Felix Agbesanwa, condemned the incident. He said, The incident is true, and I have been briefed. Our stand is that any student who raises his hand against his teacher should face the wrath of the law. Theres no going back on that. No student must raise his against the teacher, whether Ogun Teach teachers or permanent teachers, a teacher is a teacher. They must be made to face the law to serve as a deterrent. I learnt they have been charged to court already. Assault of teachers by students is not a strange development in Ogun State. In 2021, at least four cases were recorded in public schools in the state, following which the state government made students of public schools and their parents sign an undertaking not to be involved in hooliganism. In a related development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Science and Technology, Abayomi Arigbabu, has condemned indiscipline in public schools. Mr Arigbabu vowed that acts of indiscipline by students would not be condoned in the state. He gave this warning in Abeokuta while receiving the new Executive of the Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN). He said the signing of the undertaking was to make students and parents liable for misconduct and to create a safe learning environment in public schools. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Vice President, Kashim Shettima, will on Sunday depart Abuja to represent President Bola Tinubu at two major international summits in Rome, Italy and St Petersburg, Russia. Olusola Abiola, director, Information, Office of the Vice President, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Sunday. Mr Abiola stated that at the Rome event, Mr Shettima would join other global leaders for the first Stocktaking Moment (STM) Summit themed Transforming Food Systems for People, Planet and Prosperity, holding from Monday, 24 July to Wednesday, 26 July. According to him, during the summit, Mr Shettima would chair a high-level session themed Innovative Financing for Food System Transformation: the Case of Nigeria. He added that the side event titled Scaling up Multi Stakeholders Collaboration and Investment in the Implementation of Food Systems Transformation Pathways in Nigeria. READ ALSO: Mr Abiola also said the event is being organised in collaboration with the Rome-based UN Agencies, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Food Programme (WFP), as well as the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and wider UN system. Shettima will then proceed from Rome to St. Petersburg in Russia to represent the President at the Russia-Africa Summit scheduled from Wednesday, July 26 to Saturday, July 29. While in Russia, the Vice President will join other political and business leaders at the 2nd RussiaAfrica Summit and RussiaAfrica Economic and Humanitarian Forum focused on strategising to enhance relations between Russia and the African continent, among other benefits. Also, Vice President Shettima will participate in bilateral meetings with representatives of relevant Russian senior government officials and business leaders to discuss relations between Russia and Nigeria. he said. According to him, Mr Shettima, who will be accompanied by senior government officials from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, is expected back in the country at the end of the week. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigerias anti-narcotic agency says it arrested an alleged drug lord, Charles Uwagbale, 48, in a hotel in Lagos, on Sunday. NDLEAs spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, in a statement on Sunday, said the drug lord who specialises in sponsoring young Nigerians to traffic drugs abroad was caught while he was giving 93 cocaine wraps to a recruit to swallow in Lagos. It was a rude shock to a notorious drug kingpin who specialises in sponsoring young Nigerians to traffick Class A drugs to Europe, especially Italy, when operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, stormed his hotel room in Okota area of Lagos late on Friday 21st July when he was preparing a recruited courier to swallow 93 pellets of cocaine meant for distribution in Italy, the statement reads. The 48-year-old drug kingpin, Charles Uwagbale, had recruited Uju Dominic, 35, from his base in Italy with a deal to come to Nigeria, ingest 100 pellets of cocaine on Friday 21st July and return to Italy on Saturday 22nd July. True to plan, upon the arrival in Nigeria, the mule was lodged in Golden Heaven Hotel located at Enoma Street off Ago-Palace way, Okota, Isolo, Lagos, where Uwagbale brought 93 wraps of the Class A drug for him to swallow at about 11:45 p.m. Friday. They were in the process when NDLEA operatives who had been on their trail following credible intelligence stormed their hotel room, arrested both and recovered the drug exhibits with a total weight of 1.427 kilograms. Cannabis farms In Ondo state, Mr Babafemi said NDLEA operatives stormed the Ofosu forest, destroying 29 hectares of cannabis farms on Thursday. The quartet of Osamezu George Chukwuemeka, 51, who owns the farm; his wife Kate Osamezu, 43; Agboola Wasiu, 37 and Mustapha Sanni, were arrested during the operation, while 118.5kg processed cannabis was recovered from the farm, the statement reads. In another raid of the warehouse of a suspect at Elegbeka, Ose LGA, not less than 107 jumbo bags of the same illicit substance weighing 1,132.5kg were recovered on Monday 17th July. Also, in Edo state, two cannabis farms measuring 1.489895 hectares and 2.445295 hectares were destroyed. The owner of the farm, Victor Jack Utese, was arrested with 59 bags of processed cannabis sativa weighing 640kg during a raid of the Utese forest in Ovia North East local government area of the state. Another suspect, Endurance Chukwuma, 50, was arrested with seven bags of processed cannabis sativa weighing 68 kg, while his cannabis farm measuring 0.254324 hectares was destroyed. Tramadol seizure An attempt to smuggle 98 cartons of tramadol pills worth almost N4 billion was thwarted. Attempts to smuggle 98 cartons containing Five Million One Hundred and Twenty-Two Thousand Nine Hundred (5, 122, 900) pills of Tramadol 225mg with an estimated street value of about Three Billion Seven Hundred Million Naira (N3.7billion) only into Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, have been thwarted through the robust synergy between men of the Nigeria Customs Service and NDLEA officers at the airport as well as those at the DHL cargo warehouse, Mr Babafemi said. Preliminary findings revealed that the consignments were imported from India and Pakistan, while some of the seized consignments had Freetown, Sierra Leone as the final destination. Mr Babafemi also said in Bauchi State, pills of opioids worth six million Naira were recovered from three suspects Emmanuel Onyebuchi, 32; Uche Iyida, 33; and Chinedu Ezeanyim, 32, following their arrest alongside a truck driver and his assistant at Shopping Complex, Maiduguri Bye-Pass, Bauchi town on Wednesday and the subsequent follow-up search of the residence of Iyida on Friday 21st July. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Some unknown gunmen on Saturday night invaded the residence of Labaran Maku, former minister of Information, at Akpata community in Akun, Nassarawa-Eggon Local Government Area in Nasarawa State. The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the invaders injured four security personnel. One of the injured security personnel told NAN on Sunday that the criminals invaded the residence at about 7:50 p.m. The criminals forced their way into the residence and started shooting sporadically, injuring four of us in the process. They were many and kept communicating in the Hausa language while banging the main gate to the house. When I refused to open the gate for them because I did not know who they were, they started shooting and jumped the fence into the compound, he said. Commenting on the incident, Mr Maku decried the spate of kidnapping, banditry and other forms of insecurity in all parts of the state. The former minister particularly said the state was under siege, adding that it was the third time his residence and relatives were attacked by criminals. You will remember that about a month ago, these criminal elements invaded my fathers compound in the village and kidnapped three of my family members . About two years ago, they killed two of my elder brothers children at his residence in the Gudi community of Akwanga Local Government Area. What happened today shows clearly that our state is under siege, Mr Maku said. Meanwhile, Governor Abdullahi Sule has condemned the attack and directed the security agencies to arrest the perpetrators. The governors directive was contained in a statement by Peter Ahemba, his senior special assistant (SSA) on public Affairs. The statement quoted the governor as saying that the government had adopted modalities toward tackling all forms of insecurity in the state. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, has faulted the current database of poor Nigerians likely to benefit from the proposed cash transfer. The governor also said the Nigerian governments cash transfer policy was a big scam and that he never supported it. The President Bola Tinubu administration had proposed a cash transfer of N8,000 each to 12 million of the most indigent Nigerians as palliative for the removal of subsidy on petrol. The cash transfer was proposed to last for six months. Mr Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidy during his inauguration speech on 29 May. A litre of petrol sold for N185 before Mr Tinubus inauguration now sells for between N617 to N640. In an interview with Arise TV on Friday, Mr Sani said, My position has always been that, at this critical time, cash transfer should not be something we should bring up. I think that cash transfer, in my opinion, is a scam. Completely, its a scam. I can be very certain about that, because who are you transferring the money to? You should know that there is no accurate database of those that will benefit from the programme; many people are not captured in the current list. Let me give an example, go and check the current statistics. I was the Chairman, the Committee of Banking for four years in Nigeria; I oversight Central Bank, I oversight all the commercial sectors of our economy for the last four years, and I looked at the statistics. So who are you transferring the money to? He gave an example of his state, Kaduna, where he said many local governments were not correctly captured in the most recent database. Local governments like Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Part of Igabi, and even Some parts of Kaduna North and Zangon Kataf, they have been troubled by banditry; you could not access the people. So how are they going to benefit from the cash transfer? he asked. Lets put more money to ensure that we open accounts for them, get them involved; if we dont do that, no matter what we do, however, you do it, money will go to the wrong people, thats the fact. For me, here I can say the cash transfer is a scam, completely is a scam. Who are you transferring the money to? About 70-75 per cent of the rural population in the North-west are financially excluded completely. They are vulnerable; they dont even have a bank account. Someone cannot be sitting in the capital of a state and be committing fraud and scam and be taking the money. The governor also denied that the federal government gave some money to state governments. Since I became governor, I did not receive money from anybody. So the billions people are saying, I dont know where they got their information from. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Jesus is the firstborn among many brothers. God rejects everything that is first in this world. He is even opposed to every firstborn child. When God delivered Israel from bondage in Egypt, He killed all the firstborn of the Egyptians, including the firstborn of their livestock. But He saved the firstborn of the Israelites. Thereafter, He commanded that all the firstborn males of Israel should be sacrificed to Him. (Exodus 22:29). To avoid death, he later said they had to be redeemed with money. (Numbers 18:15-16). Jacob and Esau With the children of Isaac, God preferred the younger Jacob to Esau, the firstborn, even before they were born. When Rebecca, Isaacs wife, was pregnant with the twins, the babies struggled within her. God then told her: Two nations are in your womb, two peoples shall be separated from your body; one people shall be stronger than the other, and the older shall serve the younger. (Genesis 25:23). God later elaborates on this strange preference for the younger over the older: Was not Esau Jacobs brother? Yet Jacob I have loved; but Esau I have hated, and laid waste his mountains and his heritage for the jackals of the wilderness. (Malachi 1:2-3). In a moment of weakness, Esau then sold his birthright to Jacob. Therefore, Malachi describes the Edomites, the descendants of Esau, as: The people against whom the Lord will have indignation forever. (Malachi 1:4). Judah and Reuben With Jacobs children, God preferred the younger Judah to Reuben, the firstborn. In a classical synchronicity between divine providence and seemingly independent human action, Reuben offended his father, Jacob, by sleeping with his concubine. Thereby, he forfeited his firstborn status. On his deathbed, Jacob denounced Reuben: Reuben, you are my firstborn, my strength, the child of my vigorous youth. You are first in rank and first in power. But you are as unruly as a flood, and you will be first no longer. For you went to bed with my wife; you defiled my marriage couch. (Genesis 49:3-4). Judah then became first. He was not even next in line but the fourth child. However, Simeon and Levi, the second and third, also offended Jacob because they avenged Shechems rape of their sister Dinah by killing his entire family. God ratified Judahs new premier status. When the Israelites asked God which tribe should lead their fight against the Benjamites, God replied: Judah shall go first. (Judges 20:18). Judah new pre-eminence is evident in its being the tribe that produced Jesus. Judah means praise, appropriately the divinely prescribed starting point of godly worship: Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. (Psalm 100:4). Ephraim and Manasseh God preferred Ephraim, the younger son of Joseph, to Manasseh, the firstborn. When Jacob was blessing Josephs children, he placed his right hand on Ephraims head. Joseph objected, saying it should be on Manasseh: No, my father, this one is the firstborn, put your right hand on his head. But Jacob refused and said: I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will become great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a group of nations. He blessed them that day and said, In your name will Israel pronounce this blessing: May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh. So, he put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh. (Genesis 48: 18-20). Similarly, Aaron was the firstborn son of Amram, but God chose his younger brother, Moses, to deliver Israel from Egypt. (Exodus 7:7). Eliab was the firstborn son of Jesse, but God chose David, the eighth child, to be the ruler of Israel after Saul. (1 Samuel 16:6-7). Furthermore, Amnon was the firstborn son of David. But by divine providence, Absalom, his half-brother, killed him because he raped his sister, Dinah. Absalom himself was killed while trying to usurp his fathers throne. Thereafter, God chose the younger Solomon as king instead of his older brother, Adonijah. Prodigal son In Jesus parable of the Prodigal Son, the father celebrated the unfaithful younger son, who left home and squandered his inheritance on riotous living, when he finally returned home; to the annoyance of the older brother who stayed faithfully behind. Although the father tried to comfort the older brother by pointing out that he could have thrown a party for his friends anytime he wanted, it was clear even that option would still have been inferior to the party the father threw for the younger prodigal son. If he took that initiative, he would not have had the audacity to kill the fatted calf, which is reserved for special occasions. But the fatted calf was killed for the younger prodigal son. Accordingly, Jesus affirms the principle of Gods rejection of the firstborn, saying: Many who are first will be last, and the last first. (Matthew 19:30). Paul also points out that: God chooses people according to His own purposes; He calls people, but not according to their good or bad works. (Romans 9:11-12). God gives us what we do not deserve and not what we think we deserve. The younger prodigal son who wasted his inheritance did not deserve the fathers grace and forgiveness. Therefore, he received it. The older faithful son who thought he deserved it did not receive it. That is kingdom dynamics. Firstborn Jesus This divine providence whereby the firstborn is rejected assumes even greater resonance when we recognise that Jesus Himself is the firstborn son of Mary and Joseph. Spiritually, He is described as: The firstborn over all creation. (Colossians 1:15). The firstborn among many brothers. (Romans 8:29). Therefore, what is most remarkable about the parable of the Prodigal Son is that the story is told by Jesus, our older brother in the family of God. Jesus is the firstborn; we are His younger brothers. He is the older brother who did not get what He deserved, while we are his younger brothers who get what we do not deserve. Jesus is the proverbial older brother, and believers are collectively the Prodigal Son. Jesus is the Son that was always with the Father, the Son that never transgressed the Fathers laws in any way. He is the brother that watches as the Father and His angels rejoice over every repentant sinner. But unlike the brother of the prodigal son, Jesus rejoices when we return to the Father. In fact, we are the joy that was set before Him whereby He: endured the cross, despising the shame. (Hebrews 12:2). (Jesus) was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5). Thanks to Jesus, despite squandering our inheritance through our sins, we are nevertheless: Heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:17). For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17-18). CONTINUED. Faribisala@yahoo.com; www.femiaribisala.com Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Initial applauses from Bretton Woods and some local economists that greeted the economic reforms of the Bola Tinubu presidency were deafening. The reforms were termed bold and courageous. The most surgically painful of them, which drilled deep down into the marrows of Nigerians, was the removal of fuel subsidy. In a country that is almost totally dependent on PMS, the unbearable pains of the people reached ear-shattering decibel. Cars disappeared from the roads. Costs of transportation are tearing the roof, with rife social dislocations. Rates of crime have since been on the increase, with rising matrimonial disorder figures. Local political party panegyrists and their hirelings, in response to the harrowing pains that accompanied the policies, lapped up the time-worn cliche of Rome was not built in a day as requests for national patience. Why not allow a window into the counterpoise of that cliche, to wit that Rome was not destroyed in a day? With my eyes of metaphor, I see an unfolding disaster of sobia that is afflicting villagers and townsmen. Africa developed several myths and fables in response to guinea worm. Among the Yoruba who named it Sobia, it was presumed to be the wrath of Sanpona, a dreaded deity. On the surface, sobias presentation looks not dissimilar from the perceived strike of Sanpona which usually came as smallpox pestilence. Coupled with the fact that it occurred majorly in the dry season, this made the ascription of the sobia to Sanpona deity logical. The initial clinical manifestations of guinea worm are often a constellation of symptoms. It begins with headache, body ache, fever, itching, swelling and rashes. Then, pain in a localised spot of its attack comes as forerunner of a blister. High temperature, especially accompanied by restlessness, then sets in Growing up, yours sincerely also suffered from sobia. Days epidemiologists later said it is 14 days after returning from our oft dashes to streams with amateur hooks to catch tiny fishes, and upon contact with infected water through bathing, washing or fetching infected water, we suddenly went down with what our parents, borne out of repeated experience, immediately and magisterially diagnosed as guinea worm. Most times, the feet of the diseases host suddenly appeared reddish and swollen. By then, said epidemiologists, adult female worms, which grow as long as up to one meter in length, develop inside the human subcutaneous tissue and when the worm releases its larvae, an ulcer develops on the hosts skin. To combat the sobia, native doctors found herbal remedy in the Oluganbe leaf. It is usually boiled and its water used to clean the ulcer. The leaves are then used as plaster on the burst worm site. So, as tribute to the rescue that the Oluganbe leaf provides those who suffer the strike of sobia, a traditional Yoruba aphorism was invented as salutation to the Oluganbe. They say, ti sobia yo ba degbo, Oluganbe laa ke si, translated to mean, before guinea worm transmutes into a dangerous sore, Oluganbe is always called to the rescue. Beyond the strike of the sobia, this wise saying has assumed a broader context as call on those who have ears, upon noticing early signals of an impending disaster, to immediately seek timely solutions to it. Until its near total rout in this century, guinea worm, with the botanical name dracunculiasis, was a dreaded tropical disease. Epidemiologists reckon that, just like its Siamese, tuberculosis, guinea worm had been with man for over 3000 years. Evidence gathered through surviving documents from physicians of antiquities even claim that man had suffered its affliction since 1000 BC. It was a disease that afflicted poor rural areas with no safe drinking water, from South Africa, through the Middle East and down to West Africa. During the 19th and 20th centuries, guinea worms widespread strike was such that it afflicted as much as 48 million people yearly. This figure nosedived to 3.5 million patients in 1980 but, through the intervention of various world agencies, this waterborne disease was in 2021 reduced to about 15 cases. Today, it can only be found in countries like Chad, Ethiopia, Mali and South Sudan. In his 55 days in government, like that Oluganbe aphorism, we should begin to conduct initial examination of the psychology and the emerging psychosis behind the operation of this government. If we do this, we will know what lies in wait for us. For instance, searchlight on the thought process behind the subsidy removal revealed that, rather than the prepared to rule and the methodical and process-inclined man that Tinubu had been touted to be, a policy of such monumental, sweeping and lives-threatening magnitude as removal of subsidy from fuel, was taken off-the-cuff and inflicted without the rigour needed. At his inauguration on May 29, Tinubus prepared speech had referenced the administrations preparedness to phas(e) out subsidy which he said was in tune with his Renewed Hope 2023 manifesto. Indeed, on its page 37, it says we shall phase out the fuel subsidy. This is taken to mean that governments plan in the removal of subsidy was incremental. However, all of a sudden, while the speech was being read, the president announced that the fuel subsidy is gone. Tinubu has been severally praised for the courage to take this decision. In the bid to stave off criticisms against it for lacking the governmental balls, the Muhammadu Buhari government claimed it sidestepped subsidy removal because it would have heralded electoral calamity for the APC. In a subsequent trip to France, asked whether it was impudence, boldness or courage that birthed the subsidy removal, Tinubu had told the Nigerian community in Paris that, When I got to the podium, I was possessed with courage, and I said, subsidy is gone. Here, we will notice the onset of sobia. What actually possessed the president at the Eagle Square on May 29? The first thing that this venture will yield is that, we will see the glaring equivocation in his usage of the word possess. Courage, being a positive attribute, does not harbor the negative portent associated with possessed. To be possessed is to be suddenly controlled, gripped and seized by an evil spirit. Did the president mean to convey the hidden metonym of what actually seized him on that day, to wit the draconian spirit of a totalitarian or a despot? In what has turned out an ad-lib pronouncement, which The PUNCH newspaper, in a highly applauded editorial comment last week, labeled a shoot first and ask questions later approach, Tinubu suddenly abrogated the joy of millions of Nigerians through a kick-and-follow economic policy of subsidy removal. Great as that policy is, it apparently never went through the crucible of critical assessment or a well-itemized provision of succor to its intended recipients. That was why, when the cries of its resultant pain became unbearable, government hurriedly rolled out plan to pay N8000 to 12 million poor Nigerians. Bayoneted on all fronts for the policys tenuousness, government then announced plans to have it reviewed. The Punch editorial said emerging evidence shows that the administration neither made preparations, nor undertook a thorough diagnosis of the existing conditions in the economy before yanking off petrol subsidy. Within this time, the CBN also floated the naira, with the two policies standing as manifestations of the presidents laissez fare economic inclination of unfettered free market economy. As the newspaper noted, reforms and the courage to initiate and see them through require meticulous planning, preparation, and fallback measures to absorb the shocks and protect critical economic sectors, and the vulnerable sections of the polity. Which Tinubu never had. Now, the euphoria of election, swearing in and ancillary make-believe fripperies of the presidential office are evaporating. It is assumed that with this reality dawning on them, Nigerians will be developing the right frame of mind to take critical look at a number of actions that have been taken in Tinubus 55 days in office. Some of them look like an imminent guinea worm affliction which may necessitate calling on the Oluganbe. First is the manifestation of a totalist, personalist traits of power around the president. Scholars of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes have spoken of some regime features which, if found in a new government, could be dangerous indicators. One of such is that authoritarian and totalitarian regimes try to fuse everything and everyone under their personal control. The only distinguishing feature between a military autocracy and democratic government is the legislature. They both had the judiciary. We all remember the dust provoked by Aso Rocks struggle to ensure the election of a pliable senate president, Speaker of the House of Representatives and leadership of the National Assembly. It is not an understatement that, though we may not have the tactless pronouncement that the legislature under Akpabio would approve every request brought by Tinubu like the previous senate did, the bendable lot in parliament today will recreate the Ahmed Lawan prototype. Already, the Senate President has begun to wear the Tinubu-like cap, trying to mimic the presidents appearance. He has literally carved a graven image of the president which he worships daily. Not even Lawan, in his genuflecting senate presidency, did this. And the president seems to enjoy the drama. Because it is his turn. Emilokan. To follow in tow is a firm grip on and an APC that is solely an appendage of the presidency. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the 74-year old ex-Kano State governor, whose alleged dollar bribery roulette gathered notoriety a few years ago; money said to have been stuffed inside the enveloping comfort of the babanriga, is rumoured to be the lucky fiddle. Ganduje would only be too happy to carry the presidents spittle. Having learnt the ropes from Olusegun Obasanjos seemingly democratic route to despotically squeezing resignation letters from PDP chairmen during his government, Tinubu was said to have walked this path too to upstage the stumbling block that erstwhile APC chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, posed to him. The road is almost totally cleared of all thorns and briers now. As showcase-worthy as the Lagos governance succession model is, critics have looked beyond this superficiality to decipher a strong tang of despotism and totalitarianism in it. It is also rumouredly flavoured by cultic abidance by the oath of fidelity to a regime of funneling of state funds into private purses. In Tinubus Lagos, what is called the Babasope syndrome operates. No one can wriggle into the echelon of political or governmental responsibility except the Fuhrer permits. It is a personality cult, a political buccaneer of totalitarian power. Nigerians believe that despotic and totalitarian governments cannot thrive in their country. The collapse of the Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha governments are cited to reinforce this. More importantly, despotism and totalitarianism usually occurred in military regimes. Fidel Castro of Cuba and General Alfredo Stroessner of Paraguay are rulers who personified those government types. Same for Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin and Mao. Totalitarians and despots may not, like Castro, possess accoutrements of power like fancy clothes, wealth or philandering liaisons. Under Stroessner, one of the key criteria for securing government employment was political affiliation. The Paraguayan bureaucracy under Stroessner was an enormous patronage network for loyal Colorados. Cronyism and corruption which his government symbolised were essential components of totalitarians which bound subordinates to Stroessner. Already, a group which called itself South West APC Support Group (SASG) is calling attention of the world to cells and layers of patronage for the presidents loyal Lagos cronies in what the group called Tinubus Lagosization of federal appointments. Those who see Nigeria as impossible a place for a totalitarian or despotic ruler to thrive may however be engaging in mere semantic hairsplitting. This is because, even in a democracy, there are mild versions of despotism and totalitarianism. In Castro and Stroessner, the dictator is the moving spirit of the totalist state. The totalitarian dictator also sees opposition, even neutrality, as treason. Godwin Emefiele and Abdulrusheed Bawa may have thus committed treason. Power is solely deployed for private ends and coloured by endemic authoritarian dictatorship. Again, national patrimony is piloted towards a huge private domain of spoils for loyalists. Thinking in this mould of an emerging fertile ground being currently ploughed for despotism and totalitarianism may sound off-key and an over-situation of a mild issue to some people. However, we must realize that such governments creep in on the people like feral cats. By the time they mature into full-blown national challenge, it is always too late. As Rome was not built in a day, Rome was also not destroyed in a day. Romes destruction came by stealth; gradually. But before our sobia becomes fluid-welling sore, we must seek the intervention of the Oluganbe leaf. We are the Oluganbe. We can tame the monster worm by being more critical of government; stop this childish Hallelujah chorus of effusive praise-singing of the people we elect and let us put our rulers on their toes. Breakfast with Yebo Gogo, Kole Omotoso In 2018 when news sieved in that Professor Bankole Ajibabi Omotoso had crept into Akure, Ondo State, our association, Ooye Development Initiative, (ODI) bated him like mousetrap does mice. Was Akure big enough to contain that hippopotamus-statured literary giant? I wondered. I, perhaps, was the most excited of the lot. I had read Omotosos works with doting wonder and imagined if he wasnt a gnome or some genie. So, this day in September, as we drove towards the then pot-holes ridden Oda road to honour an appointment given us by the professor, I fantasised that I would meet a hippo. We waddled through a forest-like jungle into his home. We were later shocked to see that it lacked electricity but Omotoso didnt mind. The gate opened. Was I disappointed? Before us was a slim, dark, tall man. Since he opened the gate, was that the gateman? No. That was the Omotoso, the man whose literary fame and portraiture literal and metaphorical in South Africa and Nigeria, was that of a giant. Prof was excited to see his Akure brothers Olumide Origunloye, Sunday Falae, Professor Abiodun Ayodele, Ayo Ajayi (Headmaster) and myself. His wife, affable in all ramifications, was there too. We hadnt sat for long when breakfast jumped on the table. He spoke in fluent Akure and it did not take long for me to discover that in spite of his wide travels, Omotoso relished his culture jealously. One was that, he loathed the idea of anyone anglicising his surname by adding h to his Omotoso to form an Omotosho. Then he took us round the expansive bungalow. What would he be doing with such mansion? I wondered. He explained. One of the open foyers would be an amphitheater where playwrights could come and activate their muse. He had actually come to finally settle in Akure, he said. The reporter in me would not allow me to rest. As he took us round the house, I sought an interview appointment with him, which we fixed for the second day. We spent close to three hours on the interview. I asked him so many questions in the one and only interview I would have with the great octopus of Nigerian literature. Questions about his epic book, Just Before Dawn; relationship with Soyinka; was his house patterned after Soyinkas middle-of-the-forest home as well?; why he studied Arabic in UI; how he became a South African; his NADECO activism; how his face became the face of South Africa, into becoming one of the most famous South Africans, adorning billboards in JoBurg and other cities as Yebo Gogo, so much that Nelson Mandela told him he was more famous than him, among others. As we went into his orchard, Yebo Gogo gifted our brother, Headmaster, a plant he must have brought from South Africa. It aids memory in elderly persons, he said. Was he trying to ask Akure to etch him in its memory? I have wondered endlessly upon his passage. Then Yebo Gogo promised to reciprocate our visit. He did and met us at Isopo, Headmasters home. Pleasant and unassuming. As he left us after that evening out session, we never knew it was our last encounter with the literary dinosaur. He developed an ailment which, the best decision he took on the instant, was to leave immediately for South Africa to seek succor. He probably would have left us far earlier than the almost five years he lived after the diagnosis of the ailment. We exchanged calls and messages thereafter. When he read my column thereafter, he expressed delight that his Akure brother penned the stuffs. Africa, Nigeria and Akure are already missing Omotoso. I just hope and pray that his remains would be brought to Akure. That is the land he cherished so much. Yes, South Africa clothed him from the usual coarse hostility that he would have received were he in Nigeria. It was still merely Omotosos dwelling place. It shouldnt be his resting place. Goodnight, our icon. Festus Adedayo is an Ibadan-based journalist. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print First, insecurity will never be solved under the watch of any president who prefers hearing what he wants to hear to hearing what he needs to know. Second, when presidents play fast and loose with public safety and security, the effects can be very durable. Third, public officers charged with protecting the country are unfit for purpose if they choose to be presidential courtiers preoccupied with preserving intimate relationships between their derriere and the glue that holds it to office. Nigerias return to civil rule has proved to be far more trying than many had hoped it would be. Of the challenges that emerged in its wake, few have proved to be as durable or chronic as that of guaranteeing public safety and security in the country. From the onset of the return to elective rule, the country has battled insecurity. Following the retreat of the military to the barracks on 29 May 1999, the security situation in the country ran amok. The contest for money, power, and influence among politicians degenerated into a spree of political assassinations. Different people and interest groups traded blames freely, assigning presumptive responsibility for the killings. Predictably, a major focus of the competing claims was the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo. Following the December 2001 assassination of then Attorney-General of the Federation, Bola Ige, Charles Mafua, then chair of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Kaduna declaimed that encouraged by the governments inability to track down the killers of its law officer and other Nigerians, assassinations, political or otherwise, have assumed (the level) of a national pastime, a very attractive and lucrative business for the teeming jobless youths and adults of our country. Many people also blamed the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), describing its handling of these killings as lethargic at best. In response, many states established vigilantes, formal or informal, which ultimately seemed to create more problems than they could solve. The official security services, including the NPF, were hardly fit for purpose. Institutionally, they were undermanned and their personnel suffered from low morale. In January 2002, a group identifying itself as Warrant Officers in the Nigerian Army and their Equivalents in the Navy, Air Force and Inspectors of Police and the Rank and File of the Armed Forces and Police of Nigeria went public with a letter to three leading figures in civic advocacy, including Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), in which they complained about lingering problems of morale in the joint services inherited in the transition from the military regime of General Abdulsalami Abubakar. Among the highlights of these pathologies, they complained that: there was no security in the country, not necessarily because there were few army and policemen but because many soldiers and policemen were used to guard senior serving and retired officers, their relations and friends, and also the well-to-do in the society, leaving the larger society of ordinary Nigerians unprotected; the crime wave in the country continued to rise alarmingly because many policemen and soldiers who should be used to protect Nigerians were attached to crime barons and other dubious persons who freely gave big money to senior officers or those connected to those in the corridors of power; and soldiers and Policemen with good records stagnated on one rank, in some cases for over 15 years without promotion, while a few among the personnel who had godfathers enjoyed an overdose of rapid promotions. Shorn of the diplomatese necessitated by the moment, his explanation was that it was not the place of a president to substitute his whim for the clear stipulations of the constitution, in terms of how to terminate the tenure of a sitting governor. When the president appeared to insist on his view of the matter, Chief Okeke offered that he could not as chair of the PSC do the job in good standing if the governor of his state was going to be put at the mercy of death by violence at the hands of acolytes of the president. The publication of this letter in the New Year roiled the Joint Services, creating a rapid cascade of consequences, which forced an angry President Obasanjo to summarily fire then Inspector-General of Police, Musiliu Smith. If there was one thing these developments demonstrated to the country, it was the overwhelming role of the president in ensuring security or undermining it. Chief Simon Okeke, who served as the pioneer chair of the Police Service Commission (PSC) under President Obasanjo from 2001 to 2006, dramatises this point in his recent memoir, Policing the Nigeria Police, in a narration of events that took place in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria, in 2003 to 2004. Chief Okeke recalls what transpired in 2004, when the then president instructed the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State to withdraw police protection from the sitting state governor, Dr Chris Ngige, at a time when the state government was under violent attack from forces unleashed by close political associates of the president in Anambra State, whom acclaimed author, Chinua Achebe, famously described as a small clique of renegades, openly boasting its connections in high places. As PSC Chair, Chief Okeke responded by requiring the state commissioner of Police to ensure that the governor had police protection, in effect countermanding the order of the president, a retired four-star General, who did not take kindly to having his orders treated in that manner. An affronted president summoned Chief Okeke, who was away in the hinterland, to the presidential villa to explain himself. On arrival back in Abuja, President Obasanjos Chief of Staff, Abdullahi Mohammed, himself also a retired General whose era in active service coincided with Obasanjos, ushered Chief Okeke into the cauldron of a seething president, who would not initially be assuaged. When eventually he got the opportunity to explain himself, Chief Okeke pleaded his case as resolutely as he could. Shorn of the diplomatese necessitated by the moment, his explanation was that it was not the place of a president to substitute his whim for the clear stipulations of the constitution, in terms of how to terminate the tenure of a sitting governor. When the president appeared to insist on his view of the matter, Chief Okeke offered that he could not as chair of the PSC do the job in good standing if the governor of his state was going to be put at the mercy of death by violence at the hands of acolytes of the president. It was a brutal push-back and an offer of resignation, which President Obasanjo, unused to such, uncharacteristically declined. Like a cat with nine lives though, this was not the first time that Dr Ngiges fate would be foundational in shaping insecurity in (South-East) Nigeria. On or about 10 July 2003, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Raphael Ige (who was due for retirement three weeks thereafter on 1 August, 2003) arrived Awka, the Anambra State capital, where he subsequently attempted to abduct the state governor, Dr Ngige. According to Chief Okeke, the governor very narrowly escaped abduction by a chance phone call made possible by a good Samaritan who suspected some foul play. Four days later, on 14 July, President Obasanjo requested the PSC to investigate the circumstances of Dr Ngiges attempted abduction. The Commission completed its investigation and delivered a report to the president on 22 July, concluding rather incredulously that AIG Raphael Ige acted on his own and did not have the authority or consent of anybody in the whole saga. The Commission recommended the dismissal from the NPF of AIG Ige, who had only 10 more days to go in service. Ige did eventually retire in August 2003. Five months later, on 13 January 2004, he conveniently expired at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Lokoja, the capital of his home state, Kogi, in north-central Nigeria. Over two decades later, this vignette offers many lessons in why the pathologies that define coexistence and insecurity in Nigeria are stubborn. First, insecurity will never be solved under the watch of any president who prefers hearing what he wants to hear to hearing what he needs to know. Second, when presidents play fast and loose with public safety and security, the effects can be very durable. Third, public officers charged with protecting the country are unfit for purpose if they choose to be presidential courtiers preoccupied with preserving intimate relationships between their derriere and the glue that holds it to office. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, a lawyer, teaches at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy can be reached at chidi.odinkalu@tufts.edu. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, has warned residents of troubled Mangu Local Government of Plateau State to submit all illegally acquired weapons or risk being killed. The army chief warned on Saturday during a meeting with representatives of ethnic and other groups held at Pilot Primary School in Mangu town. More than 300 persons have been reportedly killed, and about 80,000 persons were displaced from 11 communities in the area since clashes between farming communities and pastoralists in the area started in late April. The meeting was attended by representatives of the major interest groups in the area, including the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA) and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jamaatu Nasril Islam from the area. The meeting, according to the Nigerian army, was part of the continued efforts to find a lasting solution to the crisis that had engulfed the town and surrounding communities. During the meeting, the army chief advised residents of the area to submit all illegally acquired weapons or risk being killed. We have youth carrying illicit small arms and light weapons all over the place, here in Mangu and the entire state. If you have your children carrying weapons. Call them to order as quickly as possible. Collect those weapons from them and submit them to the military. If you dont do that, they will get killed, and they get killed, there would be no compensation, Mr Lagbaja, a major general, said. So, collect the arms from them and warn them. The government has the charge, the responsibility to organise, train and equip and maintain the military, which is in the hands of the government. And the government has done that. The law does not allow you to hold military weapons. Report your problem to the appropriate channel, he added. Mr Lagbaja further drew the attention of the residents to the effects of violence on the childrens future, adding that with crisis, their children will not have the opportunity to become leaders of tomorrow. Representatives of the Mwaghavul and Fulani communities explained some of their differences. If they agree that we are peaceful people, they must be responsible that there must be some outsiders. Because so long as we dont tell each other the truth, this will continue. If my dear brother, the chairman of Miyetti Allah, is telling the truth, he must reflect that in action, Joseph Gwankat, National President of MDA, said. All Fulani herders in the area of Ampan and Mongul district have been chased away. I dont know where they are at the moment. If what we are saying is true, what have the Fulanis in these areas done to deserve what they have witnessed? I am the leader of Fulani in the LGA; if something happens in some of the areas where Fulanis were chased away, who should I call to investigate? We have to stop this. It wouldnt take us anywhere, Bellow Shanono, MACBAN chairman, Mangu, said. Special Operation Meanwhile, the army chief has flagged off a special military operation codenamed Operation Hakorin Damisa IV (4) to end the killings in Mangu LGA. Over 300 troops were deployed for the operation. While flagging off the operation at a stadium in Mangu, Mr Lagbaja reminded the troops to ensure that they operate by the rules of engagement. He charged troops to respond to distress calls from communities and also give feedback so as to build confidence and trust. Whoever is carrying a military-grade weapon or any weapon at all, you must recover those weapons from them. You must not take sides; operate by the book you will not run into trouble. You must work, and you must work effectively. We must see the result in Plateau. This violence must not resource; you must stamp it and stamp it out completely once and for all, said Mr Lagbaja, Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Iraqi demonstrators carry copies of the Koran and chant slogans during a protest near the Green Zone in Baghdad, Iraq, 22 July 2023. Tensions flared again in Iraq on Saturday over a series of recent protests in Europe involving the desecration of the Quran, Islams holy book, which sparked a debate over the balance between freedom of speech and religious sensitivities. Hundreds of protesters attempted to storm Baghdads heavily fortified Green Zone that houses foreign embassies and the seat of Iraqs government early on Saturday, following reports that an ultranationalist group burned a copy of the Quran in front of the Iraqi Embassy in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, the previous day. The protest came two days after people angered by the planned burning of the Islamic holy book in Sweden stormed the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad. Security forces on Saturday pushed back the protesters, who blocked the Jumhuriya bridge leading to the Green Zone, preventing them from reaching the Danish Embassy. Elsewhere in Iraq, protesters burned three caravans belonging to a demining project run by the the Danish Refugee Council in the city of Basra in the south, local police said in a statement. The fire was extinguished by civil defense responders, and there were no human casualties, only material losses, the statement said. The council confirmed in an emailed statement to The Associated Press that its premises in Basra came under armed attack early Saturday. We deplore this attack aid workers should never be a target of violence, Lilu Thapa, the Danish Refugee Councils executive director for the Middle East, said. Iraqs prime minister has cut diplomatic ties with Sweden in protest over the desecration of the Quran in that country. An Iraqi asylum-seeker who burned a copy of the Quran during a demonstration last month in Stockholm had threatened to do the same thing again onThursday but ultimately stopped short of setting fire to the book. The man an Iraqi of Christian origin living in Stockholm, now a self-described atheist did, however, kick and step on it, and did the same with an Iraqi flag and a photo of influential Iraqi Shiite cleric and political leader Muqtada al-Sadr and of Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The right to hold public demonstrations is protected by the constitution in Sweden, and blasphemy laws were abandoned in the 1970s. Police generally give permission based on whether they believe a public gathering can be held without major disruptions or safety risks. On Friday afternoon, thousands protested peacefully in Iraq and other Muslim-majority countries. In Iran, the powerful Revolutionary Guards chief, Gen. Hossein Salami, said that we do not allow those who insult the Quran to be safe, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported Saturday. Muslims will decree a severe punishment for the perpetrators of these crimes, he continued. In the incident in Copenhagen, according to Danish media reports, members of the ultranationalist group Danske Patrioter burned a copy of the Quran and an Iraqi flag in front of the Iraqi Embassy, livestreaming the action on Facebook. Copenhagen police spokeswoman Trine Fisker told the AP that a very small demonstration with fewer than 10 people took place Friday afternoon across the street from the Iraqi Embassy and that a book was burned. We do not know what book it was, she said. Apparently they tried to burn the Iraqi flag and after that, somebody stepped on it. Fisker said the political angle is not for the police to comment on, but the event was peaceful ... from a police perspective. The Danish government on Saturday condemned the demonstration. Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen called the action a stupidity that a small handful of individuals did. It is a shameful act to violate the religion of others, he told Danish public broadcaster DR. This applies both to the burning of Qurans and other religious symbols. It has no other purpose than to provoke and create division. The incident prompted the protests in Baghdad overnight. Chanting in support of the anti-Western Shiite cleric al-Sadr and carrying images of him and the flag associated with his movement, along with the Iraqi flag, hundreds of protesters attempted to enter the Green Zone and clashed with security forces before dispersing. Later, the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned in a statement in strong and repeated terms, the incident of abuse against the holy Quran and the flag of the Republic of Iraq in front of the Iraqi Embassy in Denmark. It called the international community to stand urgently and responsibly towards these atrocities that violate social peace and coexistence around the world, the statement read. Irans foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani criticized the desecration of the Quran in Denmark and said the Danish government should be held responsible for preventing such acts and should pursue and punish those behind them, the ministrys website said. The ministry also summoned the Danish ambassador to Tehran, Jesper Vahr, the state-run IRNA news agency reported. The report said that Vahr was told Iran believes that if the Danish government had acted effectively, we would not have witnessed such a blasphemous act today. On Saturday evening, more than a thousand protesters gathered again in central Baghdad but did not attempt to storm the Green Zone for a second time. They burned Swedish and LGBTQ+ flags and chanted against the United States, Israel, Sweden and Denmark, before dispersing peacefully after a couple of hours. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has asked indigenes of the state who own businesses in Abuja, Nigerias capital, to invest in their home state for the development of the state and the South-east. Mr Soludo, who spoke on Thursday during a town hall meeting with Anambra indigenes who reside in Abuja, also assured them that his administration had concluded an arrangement to end the infamous sit-at-home order in the state. The Monday sit-at-home is usually enforced across the state and in the South-east by a faction of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group seeking the secession of the South-east and some parts of the south-south regions out of Nigeria. God did not make a mistake to make us Igbos and Anambra people. On the last day, God will ask how you contributed in developing the place. Every Anambra person has a role to play in developing our state. We, as Anambra people, have all it takes to make the state an (investment) destination rather than being a departure lounge, he said in a mixture of Igbo and English languages. Anambra, this is the time to come in (and invest). I can tell you, the next axis of prosperity that will be sustainable over a long time is down in our place (South-east region). With the 2nd Niger Bridge now in place and the crop of new governors in the South-east now, if we collaborate together, the South-east will sing a new song, Mr Soludo stated. The governor said there were many areas that the people could invest in the state, saying the state government was on the verge of acquiring large hectares of land for estate development in Awka, the state capital. We can only do it through strategic partnerships. I said earlier that the political party you belong to is irrelevant. It is just for the purpose of contesting elective offices. After that, we have only one project and thats Anambra, he said. Appeal to NASS members He also urged the National Assembly members from Anambra State to work harmoniously to bring resources and developmental projects to the state. The National Assembly members in attendance at the event were the senator representing Anambra Central District, Victor Umeh; Anambra South District senator, Ifeanyi Ubah; his counterpart in Anambra North District, Tony Nwoye, and some members of the House of Representatives from the state. Lets work together. If we do our part in Awka, you people in Abuja will help to make it work here. If there are things to be brought home from here, try and do so too, he told the National Assembly members. Plans to end sit-at-home Mr Soludo said he had concluded an arrangement to end the IPOBs sit-at-home in the state. The governor said his administration had dislodged terrorists disturbing residents of the state, stressing that plans were underway to strengthen vigilante groups in various local communities in the state to stop the sit-at-home order. We are determined. The moment we put this in place over the coming weeks, we are going to focus very aggressively on opening up Anambra and ending the sit-at-home once and for all. We are going to end it, he said. Not the first time This is not the first time Mr Soludo would be announcing efforts to stop the sit-at-home order in the state. Since his inauguration as the state governor in March 2022, Mr Soludo has repeatedly declared an end to the sit-at-home in the state. The governor had, in April 2022, organised a prayer rally to mark the end of the sit-at-home in Anambra and subsequently called for dialogue with the IPOB and other gunmen enforcing the sit-at-home order in the state and region. But the action continued afterwards. In May 2022, after visiting IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu at the facility of the State Security Service, the governor said those enforcing the civil action were criminals hiding under the cloak of Biafra agitation. Like other Igbo leaders, the governor repeatedly appealed to the Nigerian government to release Mr Kanu in order for the South-east to ascertain those behind insecurity in the region, including the sit-at-home order. The Nigerian government has , however, refused to release Mr Kanu who is being prosecuted for treason. Despite all Mr Soludos efforts, the sit-at-home has continued to hold on Mondays across the state and the region. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print NEW YORK, July 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues its investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Prudential plc (NYSE: PUK) (OTC: PUKPF) resulting from allegations that Prudential may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. SO WHAT: If you purchased Prudential securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=16906 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On May 31, 2023, Prudential disclosed that its Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") James Turner had resigned "in light of an investigation into a Code of Conduct issue relating to a recent recruitment situation." On this news, the price of Prudential's American Depositary Receipts ("ADR") fell $1.71 per ADR, or 6%, to close at $26.43 per ADR on May 31, 2023. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. Under Pressure from Teamsters Leadership, Central States to Extend Health Care Benefits for Workers at Yellow WASHINGTON, July 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Central States Health and Welfare Fund agreed Sunday to extend health care benefits for workers at Yellow Corp. operating companies YRC Freight and Holland, under intense pressure from Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien and General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman. The extension of health care benefits for Teamsters and their families averts a strike at the freight companies, which could have begun on Monday after Yellow failed to make contractually obligated benefit payments of $50 million to Central States on July 15. The agreement by Central States at the urging of the Teamsters gives Yellow 30 days to pay its bills with the understanding the company will do so within the next two weeks. The intense discussions between Teamsters leadership and Central States successfully convinced fund trustees to reverse their previous decision that health care benefits would end on July 23 if Yellow remained delinquent. O'Brien subsequently ordered the Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee to meet in-person with Yellow representatives on Sunday evening. Meetings will take place in Washington, D.C., to review the state of the company and the current contract. As the Teamsters and Yellow sit down, the reversal by Central States will keep health care benefits paid and hardworking Teamsters on the job for the time being. "Our members at YRC Freight and Holland cannot work without health care, and the Teamsters worked tirelessly to ensure an immediate strike at Yellow could be averted," O'Brien said. "These discussions were not easy, but Central States has made meaningful movement under pressure from the union. We are seeking a real resolution, but let this solution today serve as a profound reminder that our members can only endure so many sacrifices. Teamsters at Yellow simply work too hard and have already given so much." Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.2 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters . Contact: Kara Deniz, (202) 497-6610 [email protected] SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters Russia has repeatedly fired missiles and drones at Ukrainian ports key to sending grain to the world. Moscow has declared large swaths of the Black Sea dangerous for shipping. Even the U.S. said ships are at risk of being targeted. There is still interest from ship owners in carrying Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea if they can mitigate the risk, according to a major shipping group. And thats a big if. Despite the warnings and port attacks, which have leveled grain infrastructure, shipping has always been very, very resilient in the face of these sorts of risks, said John Stawpert, senior manager of environment and trade for the International Chamber of Shipping, which represents 80% of the worlds commercial fleet. This weeks strikes came after Russia pulled out of a wartime accord that the U.N. and Turkey brokered last year to provide safeguards for shipping companies in a bid to end a global food crisis. Ukraine which, along with Russia, is a major supplier of wheat, barley and vegetable oil to developing nations shipped 32.9 million metric tons of grain to the world and supplied 80% of the World Food Programs wheat for humanitarian aid so far this year. Following the grain deals collapse, Ukraine sent a letter to the U.N. International Maritime Organization establishing its own temporary shipping corridor, saying it would provide guarantees of compensation for damage. But Russia warned this week that ships traversing parts of the Black Sea would assume to be carrying weapons to Ukraine. In a seeming tit-for-tat move, Ukraine said vessels heading to Russian Black Sea ports would be considered carrying military cargo with all the associated risks. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin said Friday that the navy will check vessels to ensure they are not carrying weapons before taking other action. Continued shipments from Ukraine will depend on vessels getting insurance for potential damage or injuries and deaths to crew members and how the safety risks play out. Ships that were exporting Ukrainian grain can be worth tens of millions of dollars, have 20 to 22 sailors on board and carry food also worth tens of millions, according to Jayendu Krishna, deputy head of maritime advisers at Drewry, a maritime research consultancy. All ships go through threat assessments to allow crews to protect against problems before setting sail, which have grown in importance as ships deal with piracy, terrorism and war zones. For the Black Sea, the risks for ships would be: explosive mines, becoming collateral damage at ports or being targeted themselves, which Stawpert said would be a huge escalation. The million-dollar question is whether the threats to merchant shipping are serious and whether theyll be followed through. And theres no firm way of knowing that until it actually happens, Stawpert said, adding that he has not yet heard from insurers. With Russias warnings, it is unlikely that underwriters will want to cover that risk, said the International Union of Marine Insurance, which represents national and international marine insurers. The group thought it was unlikely owners would put their ships and crews in danger, echoed by Munro Anderson, head of operations for Vessel Protect, which assesses war risks at sea and provides insurance with backing from Lloyds, whose members make up the worlds largest insurance marketplace. He didnt directly speak to whether underwriting businesses like his would take on the risk but said without protections for ships like they had under the grain deal, safety conditions cannot be guaranteed. Krishna said the only way to mitigate risk was through insurance from the 12 providers making up the International Group of P&I Clubs, which offers liability coverage for about 90% of the worlds cargo shipped by sea, according to its website. P&I clubs will be wary of even insuring without a guarantee from the U.N. or some other body, he said. The International Group of P&I Clubs said its CEO was the only one who could comment and that he was on vacation. Individual clubs either declined to comment or did not respond to calls or emails. The head of the seafarers division of the International Transport Workers Federation, a union for crew members, said the question should be whether its too risky right now to ask sailors to go to Ukrainian ports. The minds of seafarers wont be on questions of insurance cover, but more likely on whether their lives are safe amidst the fighting, David Heindel said in a statement, adding that crews should never be targeted just for doing their job. In the meantime, some analysts expect most of what Ukraine was going to ship through the Black Sea will get out by road, rail and river through Europe, but the transportation costs will be higher and likely lead to lower production by Ukrainian farmers. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Thursday that Ukraine has made progress in improving those routes but that the best way to export grain is through the Black Sea. Thats how 75% of the countrys grain got to the world before the war, analysts say. Plus, the routes have created divisions in the European Union, with five countries saying Wednesday that they want to extend a ban on Ukrainian grain imports through the end of the year. While Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria would keep allowing grain to move through their borders to world markets, their bans could create challenges like infrastructure backups that might give preference to local grain before Ukraines products, said Carlos Mera, head of agricultural commodities markets at Rabobank. The five countries say Ukrainian grain has flooded their markets, leading to a glut that drove down prices for their farmers and stirring protests. They signed a joint declaration ahead of EU talks next week, urging officials to work out ways of getting Ukrainian food to the world without hurting their agricultural industries. Its another hurdle for Ukraine and possibly for developing countries already struggling with high local food prices, which are helping drive hunger. Wheat prices have risen about 17% over the last week, and poorer nations that are forced to pay more on world markets for the ingredient for staples like bread and pasta means many millions of people being pushed into food insecurity, Mera said. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Sydney, July 23 : Police in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) announced that three people sitting in two parked cars were injured in a public place shooting in Greenacre, a suburb in Southwestern Sydney, on Sunday morning, police said. A man, aged 25, was found injured in one parked vehicle, as well as a man, aged 22, and a woman, aged 19, in a separate parked vehicle, Xinhua news agency reported. All three people had been taken to hospital. Among them, the two men were in critical condition, according to the police. About five minutes after the shooting, a vehicle was reported alight in a nearby area, and inquiries are underway to determine if the incidents are linked, the police added. Detective Superintendent Simon Glasser told local media that the investigation is in its initial stage, but the police believe it is a targeted attack. Varanasi, July 23 : Stressing that all temples need to be socially driven, A.V. Dharma Reddy, Executive Officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), says temples do not just help in building a spiritual essence in the society and protect the value system, but should also play an instrumental role in social upliftment. "When a pilgrim donates to the temple, the latter must also give it back to the social ecosystem it thrives in," he tells IANS. Citing contributions made by TTD, he says, "From state-of-the-art medical facilities to protecting the environment, we ensure that our social imprint is everywhere." Talk to him about the need for government control in temple administration, and he says that the government-run ones are often managed much better as compared to their private counterparts. "We have seen that many a time, private organisations have their own self-interests. In the case of government-run temples, there is complete transparency of funds." Adding that two kinds of devotees come to the temples managed by TTD -- the ones who cannot pay and those who can, he says 60 per cent of energy is prioritised towards the former. "We ensure that utmost priority is given to them in all respects. Of course, we have online darshans and paid sevas as well." Talking about multiple development programmes and IT initiatives, Reddy says that modern technology is employed to ascertain functioning in all spheres. "Much emphasis is laid on computerisation and going paperless. Afforestation drives are conducted consistently, and electric vehicles in campus are encouraged. Systems are put in place to avoid man-animal conflicts. Thanks to the adoption of technology, we are manufacturing several profit-making articles, including agarbatis, ayurvedic medicines, and organic goods." The Executive Officer, who was one of the speakers on the first day of the world's biggest International Temples Convention and Expo (ITCX) 2023, being held in Varanasi, feels it is an excellent opportunity to study each others' best practices and adopt them. "This convention gives us a chance to share our experiences with other temples. We can also look at novel methods being adopted by other temples in order to serve pilgrims better." Washington, July 22 : Eric Garcetti was very clear from the very start what kind of ambassador he will be in India: someone who will not hesitate to rise to the defence of human rights and democracy. And that's what he did recently when asked about the situation in Manipur, although he did in the end cover his flanks well, saying India is for Indians to determine. Garcetti is a politician and his last job was as Mayor of Los Angeles, the second largest city in the US, Los Angeles. And unlike a professional diplomat, he may cross lines that may not always endear him to his hosts. As a gentle reminder of where his Manipur remarks came from, here is what he said at his confirmation hearing in December 2021: "There's no question that the US-India relationship should be underpinned by our common commitment to democracy, to human rights and to civil society. It's enshrined in our constitutions, the oldest democracy in the world and the largest democracy in the world." "And human rights, defence of democracy is a pillar of our foreign policy, but to answer specifically, if confirmed, I will actively raise these issues. I'll raise them with humility. It's a two-way street on these." That's exactly what Garcetti did when asked about the situation in Manipur. He did not offer a diplomat's non-answer answer. He took it on: "I don't think it's about strategic concerns. I think it's about human concerns. I think all of us. You don't have to be Indian to care when children or individuals die in the sort of violence that we see." But he added, "we know this is an Indian mattera India is for Indians to determine its pathway." Ambassador Garcetti may have seen a drop in his popularity in India as a result but he is unlikely to duck if faced with a similar question again. Garcetti is not known to give up -- or in -- easily. Nominated as US ambassador by President Joe Biden in July 2021, he waited six months for his confirmation hearing, which took place in December. And waited patiently to be confirmed. Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months and months turned into a year. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee, whose approval is needed for all State Department positions of a certain seniority, just sat on it and finally returned it to the White House. Garcetti never gave up. He did not withdraw his nomination as some nominees have had to do with their backs to the wall. And the Biden and White House also stuck by him. It sent it back to the Senate in January, when the new Congress began its term. He was finally cleared in March, almost two years after being nominated. People who were in touch with him in that period says he never gave up and remained just as excited about the assignment as on the first day. "He was very excited about the assignment and was not deterred at all by the protracted confirmation process he faced," said M.R. Rangaswami, founder of Indiaspora who has met the ambassador a few times and gotten to know him. He added: "As a politician and former Mayor of the second largest city in the US, he knows exactly what to do and when." Ambassador Garcetti has spoken of the relationship in lofty terms in the many appearances he had made at public events in Washington D.C. "We need to look at this as a relationship of equals and a relationship that folks who share values together," Garcetti said at one of them, adding, "And I promise you that is the spirit that I bring." Bengaluru, July 23 : Inshada Bashir Mir, a 29-year-old MBA graduate hailing from Hanjiwera Bala Pattan located close to LOC near Kanehama in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite challenging circumstances, Inshada with grit and determination has found a company "Tubruk", which sells a plethora of hand crafted articles. She works with 40 artisans and has expanded her business to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi and Jaipur. Inshada's ambition is to take her brand "Tubruk" to the international level to introduce the handmade crafts of Jammu and Kashmir and give a new lease of life to the art and artisans who are vanishing day-by-day. Inshada was invited as a panelist to share her success story in the recently held "Kula - 23 Conclave" organised by "200 Million Artisans", a social enterprise enabling ecosystem for craft led enterprises for the community at the Bangalore International Center in Bengaluru. Narrating her successful journey to IANS, Inshada explained that "Tubruk" is a Kashmiri word meaning a souvenir and blessing. "When I approached artisans with business proposals, they just saw me as a little child and laughed," she says. The young lady had dreamt of establishing a business at her native while she studied crafts management in Srinagar Craft Development Institute. She had learned the basics, value supply chains, but the challenge was to deal with the existing ground realities in Kashmir. When asked about whether she was allowed to carry out business by the family, Inshada explained that she hailed from a family which was into the business of carpets. "Outsiders think Muslim women are not allowed to carry out business. Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) wife is the first businesswoman of this world. My father's advice on my adventure was negative. Don't start a business as it is risky, was his opinion. But, as I was firm with my intention, he did not stop me from pursuing my dream. He is there for me all the time. My mother supported my dream as well. "I started my business by making advance payments to artisans. I got the new designs of shawls, stoles, jewels, ear rings, laptop covers and other articles with signature modern embroidery works. You have to take that one first step and you will realize there are many to help you. You have to do it with a creative mindset," Inshada revealed. She participated in the Bengaluru Exhibition organised by the NGO Commitment to Kashmir in 2018. After that she attended a few more events which helped her to get contacts, networks and market. "I started with four to five artisans. Now, I feel proud that I am working with 40 to 50 of them. The more joy comes as I am able to make their payments in advance. Now, my aim is to take Tubruk to international level," she says. 200 million artisans under the leadership of its founder Priya Krishnamoorthy are doing great work to bring together the handicraft artisans and enterprises community and promote this sector. "I am grateful to them to invite me for this Kula Conclave event in Bangalore and share my thoughts and journey along with other eminent personalities from the handcraft segment and discuss on how we can save this sector," Inshada says. Kashmir is marching forward, it is going ahead, Inshada explains with glitter in her eyes. NIA cracks down on newly floated outfits of banned terrorist organisations in J&K. Image Source: IANS News Lucknow, July 23 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has raided the residential premises of an absconding accused in the Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) terror conspiracy case. The raids were conducted on Saturday. The accused has been identified as Riaz Ahmad, a resident of Kishtwar district of Jammu & Kashmir. NIA has announced a cash reward of Rs 3 lakh for any leads on Ahmad. The searches conducted at his house led to the seizure of one mobile phone, which is being analysed. The case, registered initially by the UP Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on September 12, 2018, was taken over by the NIA on September 24, 2018. This case was registered against Qamar-Uz-Zaman and others for carrying out terror attacks by HM cadres at different places in UP and other parts of India. Zaman and one absconding accused, Osama-bin-Javed were charge-sheeted in NIA special court, Lucknow on March 11, 2019 under various sections of IPC and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. Osama was killed in an encounter with security forces on September 28, 2019. On May 29, 2021, a supplementary charge sheet was filed against arrested accused Nisar Ahmad Sheikh and Nishad Ahmad Butt, both residents of J&K. A second supplementary charge sheet was filed against arrested accused Danish Naseer on November 25, 2022. "Investigations revealed that accused Qamar-Uz-Zaman was radicalized by Osama-bin-Javed to join HM and both received nine months' training by HM cadres. Absconding accused Riaz Ahmed, an active militant and district deputy commander of the HM, along with co-accused Mohammad Amin, an active militant and district commander of HM, was involved in recruiting and training accused Zaman and Osama in the forests of Kishtwar district of J&K," said the NIA. After completion of training, Zaman was directed to set up bases and hideouts and select targets in Uttar Pradesh, Assam and other parts of India for terrorist activities. He had come to Kanpur for reconnaissance of a few targets, the NIA said. New Delhi, July 23 : Three Delhi Police personnel, including an Inspector, a Sub-Inspector (SI), and an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), posted with the Central Delhi district, were placed under suspension for allegedly demanding crores of Rupees in bribe from the relatives of an Arunachal Pradesh-based politician who is also a central minister. A source said that the action was taken by DCP Central Delhi, Sanjay Sain, after complaints were received from the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister and the Union Minister. The suspended officers are Inspector Girish Jain, S-I Akhil Kumar, and ASI Rakesh, and the suspension order was issued on July 21. "During the period of suspension, they will receive a subsistence allowance equal to the amount they would have earned on half pay leave, along with dearness allowance and other usual allowances based on their leave salary at the time of suspension. If the suspension period exceeds three months, their subsistence allowance will be reviewed," read the suspension order accessed by IANS. The order further stated that the suspended policemen will deposit their kit in the clothing store and Identity Cards in the General Branch. They are required to report to the Central District during their suspension period, the order said. They have also been warned not to leave the Headquarters. "Headquarter will be District Line/Central District and they will not leave the Headquarter without the prior permission of the competent authority," the order read No official was available to comment on the matter. Further details are awaited. --IANSatk/dpb Lucknow, July 23 : A man posing as an Indian Air Force (IAF) officer has been arrested by UP Special Task Force (STF) in Lucknow on Saturday for allegedly duping youths on the pretext of providing them jobs in the IAF. The accused Utkarsh Pandey, 26, of Kushinagar used to pose as Flight Lieutenant and had allegedly taken about Rs 50 lakh from 50 gullible youths. He was arrested from Deva Road, Chinhat and presented in court which sent him to judicial custody. Additional SP, STF, Amit Nagar said that acting on tip off, the police arrested Pandey from a flat in Chinhat. During interrogation, he revealed that he was preparing for CDS. "In 2019, he appeared for the exam but failed. During that time, he got the idea of running a scam and did not inform his family about failing the exam. Instead, he told them that he had become a Flight Lieutenant in the Air Force and was going for training and came to Lucknow. Due to the pandemic, he returned home, saying that the training was postponed. During this time, he started this racket," said Nagar. According to STF officers, during this period, he duped over 50 people. In the raid, the STF team seized two fake promotion letters, one joining letter, one call letter, two driver licences, an e-pay slip, four ID cards, three ATM cards, visiting cards, a laptop and an IAF uniform cap, among other items. During interrogation, Pandey said that he used to meet people in his Air Force uniform to gain their trust. However, information about this fraudulent activity reached the military intelligence which collaborated with UP STF to nab him. As per STF officers, when the team reached Pandey's location, he was preparing to escape. The police also found a train ticket from Lucknow to Delhi in his possession. Officials said Pandey claimed that he and one Praveen Tiwari from his native village appeared for the exam together. While Praveen got selected, he failed. To save himself from embarrassment, he told villagers that he got selected for the job. New York, July 23 : Two Indian-origin men have admitted to drug and firearms charges arising from a drug trafficking venture run out of a motel in a southwestern US city. Kamal Bhula, 44, and Pragneshkumar "Pete" Patel, 36, Patel, pled guilty to one count each of maintaining a drug-involved premises in New Mexico's Albuquerque city, a release by the Attorney's Office in New Mexico said. Along with Bhula and Patel, their accomplice Jonathan Craft also pled guilty to conspiracy and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm or ammunition. Bhula and Craft, who were indicted by a federal grand jury in 2019, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. According to court records, Patel owned the Best Choice Inn at 7640 Central Avenue SE and was the on-site manager from September 2017 to March 2018, when Bhula leased the property from Patel and took over as the on-site manager. Craft lived and worked at Best Choice Inn, claiming to be in charge when Bhula was away. Craft sold drugs from his room, permitted others to do the same, and permitted individuals to use drugs on the premises, and he also unlawfully possessed a firearm. Bhula and Patel allowed drug trafficking at the motel and personally observed and profited from those who used controlled substances on the premises. At sentencing, Bhula, Craft and Patel each face up to 20 years in prison. On June 18, 2019, more than 50 law enforcement officers raided the Best Choice Inn after numerous reports of recent overdose deaths, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency. Bhula and Craft were among five people who were arrested and charged with conspiracy, money laundering, sex trafficking, racketeering, and various drug charges. Inspired by the Sputnik, India's strides in space since Sarabhai. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, July 23 : It was on April 19, 1975, that India strode into the 'space age' with the successful launch of 'Aryabhata', the first satellite, named in honour of the ancient mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata. Since then, India has made significant leaps in the vast and endless domain of space through Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the nodal agency and flag-bearer of the Indian Space Programme. The purview of the Indian space programme includes a gamut of specialised fields such as remote sensing, astronomy and astrophysics, atmospheric sciences, and space sciences in general. The twin objectives of India's space programme are: Space discovery and exploration through space missions, and promotion of research and education related to space science in India. Besides, the space programme has several other functions including resource management such as mineral resources, agriculture, marine resources etc; environment conservation; internal security and terrorism; weather forecasting, disaster management, communication, etc. Commissioned in 1983, Indian National Satellite (INSAT), a series of multipurpose geostationary satellites launched by ISRO to conduct telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, and search and rescue operations. With nine operational communication satellites in the geostationary orbit, the INSAT system is one of the largest domestic communication satellite systems in the Asia-Pacific. The INSAT satellites have application in the areas of educational TV services, television, satellite-aided search and rescue, disaster management and geopolitics (such as the SAARC satellite). It also helps in commercialising space programmes, such as launching communication satellites of other countries or agencies. In 1988, ISRO deployed several operational remote sensing satellites which provide disaster management support, aid bio-resources and environment survey and mapping (RESOURCESAT), cartography (CARTOSAT), agriculture, rural and urban development (for example: National Drinking Water Mission). These landmark developments would not have been possible without the vision of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the founding father of the Indian space programme. In the history of India's space programme, the first phase was from 1960-70. Dr Sarabhai highlighted the potential of satellites after the launch of Sputnik in 1957. The leadership of that time, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru held scientific advancement as a core component of India's future. Research in the domain of space was under the jurisdiction of the Department of Atomic Energy in 1961. Subsequently, Homi Jahangir Bhabha, father of India's atomic programme, founded the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962, with Dr Sarabhai as Chairman. In 1962, the Indian space programme began gaining prominence with the launch of sounding rockets. This was aided by India's geographical proximity to the equator. In 1963, Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) was established near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. Over subsequent years, India developed an indigenous technology of sounding rockets called the 'Rohini Family'. These rockets are capable of carrying payloads of 2 to 200 kilograms between 100 to 500 kilometre altitudes. While ISRO was established in 1969, the Department of Space was established in 1972. In the second phase of India's space programme (the decade from 1970-80), Sarabhai joined an early NASA study on the viability of employing satellites for uses as diverse as direct television broadcasting. In this decade, India developed satellite technology in anticipation of remote sensing and communication requirements in future. In 1975, India ventured into space for the first time with the launch of their satellite Aryabhata by a Soviet launcher. By 1979, the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) was ready to launch from the Sriharikota Rocket Launching Station, a newly created second launch site. The 1979 launch, however, failed due to a control malfunction in the second stage. This glitch was resolved by 1980. In 1980, India's first indigenous satellite called Rohini was launched. In the third decade from 1980-90, following the success of the SLV, ISRO was eager to begin work on an SLV capable of placing a satellite in the polar orbit. In 1987, the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) was tested, but the launch failed. In 1988, after modest adjustments, another launch attempt was made but that too failed. It was only in 1992 that the first successful launch of the ASLV happened in the fourth decadal phase from 1990-2000. Since its first successful launch in 1994, the PSLV became the workhorse launch vehicle, launching both remote sensing and communications satellites into orbit, establishing the world's largest cluster and giving unique data to Indian industry and agriculture. Developments after 2000 are listed herewith: In 2001, the first development flight of the GSLV took place. In 2008, in the first attempt to explore the solar system, India pursued a mission to send unmanned probes to the moon, namely Chandrayaan. After 2010, ISRO embarked on launch vehicle development programmes such as Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), and next-generation GSLV Mark-III launch vehicle missions. The Earth Observation programme includes cutting-edge Indian remote sensing satellites such as Resourcesat, Cartosat, Oceansat, Radar Imaging Satellite, Geo-Imaging Satellite, and weather/climate satellites such as INSAT-3DR missions. In August 2016, ISRO has successfully conducted the Scramjet (Supersonic Combusting Ramjet) engine test. The Scramjet engine uses Hydrogen as fuel and Oxygen from the atmospheric air as the oxidiser. This test was the maiden short-duration experimental test of ISRO's Scramjet engine with a hypersonic flight at Mach 6. ISRO's futuristic-sounding rocket, the Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV), served as the solid rocket booster for the supersonic testing of Scramjet engines. The new propulsion system will complement ISRO's reusable launch vehicle that would have a longer flight duration. In 2019, a Central Public Sector Enterprise of the Government of India called NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) was founded and is managed by the Department of Space. Headquartered in Bengaluru, this is ISRO's commercial arm, and it seeks to enable Indian enterprises to engage in high-technology space-related operations. In the most recent development, India plans to launch an unmanned mission and send a female robot in the first and second missions, respectively, preceding the Gaganyaan human space-flight programme by the end of 2023 or in 2024. Under ISRO's mission Gaganyaan, three flights will be sent into orbit including two unmanned flights and one human spaceflight. The Gaganyaan system module, known as the Orbital Module, would house three Indian astronauts, one of them will be a woman. For 5-7 days, it will circle the Earth in a low-Earth orbit at an altitude of 300-400 km. (Kavya Dubey may be reached at kavya.d@ians.in) Chennai, July 23 : India may be sending spacecraft to orbit the Moon and Mars, and plans to send one to study the Sun and Venus, and finally, humans to space in the last four decades of this century, but its presence in the global space sector market is a mere two-three per cent. The advantage, though, is that the principal player, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has established itself as an end-to-end operator. India has to go a long way to catch up with other major spacefaring nations in terms of rocket and satellite capabilities. That process has begun with the opening up of the sector in 2020 to allow private players to make/own/launch/operate satellites and rockets. A recent EY report has put the global market size of the space sector at $447 billion in 2020 and is estimated to touch $600 billion by 2025. According to the EY report, the Indian market size in 2020 amounted to $9.6 billion, which was 0.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in the country. As per the EY report, out of the 5,465 satellites operational by the end of April 22, the US has the highest share of 63 per cent, followed by China-10 per cent, Russia- three per cent and others accounting for 24 per cent. Last year, the Indian government said the country has about 53 operational satellites that includes communication/navigation/earth observation and science satellites. Between 2022 and 2023, the number of Indian satellites up in the sky has not increased drastically. In terms of rocket's carrying capacity, India's heavy lift rocket LVM3 can carry a maximum of four tonne whereas the rockets of the US, China and Europe can carry several times higher. As a matter of fact, India uses the services of Arianespace's Ariane rockets to orbit heavier communication satellites. "From a regional perspective, the US, China and the European Space Agency (ESA) collectively accounted for approximately 81 per cent of government space spending in 2020. It is not surprising that the US leads in the share of total active operating satellites at 63 per cent," EY said. The Indian government allocated about Rs.12,543.91 crore for the country's space sector. The Indian government, citing a 2020 study done by a global consulting firm, told the Parliament that the revenue generated by the global space industry may increase to over $1 trillion by 2040. In order to increase India's share in the global space market, the government opened up the space sector in 2020, which an industry official had termed as "the surgical strike". Things are changing with the private sector players marking their presence. For instance, satellite maker and operator Pixxel has got a five year contract from the NRO Commercial Systems Program Office (CSPO), USA under the Strategic Commercial Enhancements Broad Agency Announcement for Commercial Hyperspectral Capabilities. Pixxel will provide technical hyperspectral imagery (HSI) remote sensing capabilities via modeling and simulation and data evaluation. The company has announced raising of $36 million in a Series B funding round with participation from new investors such as Google, along with existing investors Radical Ventures, Lightspeed, Blume Ventures, growX, Sparta and Athera. The fresh funds will bolster the plans to launch six satellites in 2024 and 18 other satellites by 2025, Pixxel said. "Lower costs have opened the door to new start-ups and MSMEs, and have also encouraged established aerospace companies to explore novel opportunities that once seemed too expensive or difficult. The technological improvements and advents of new tech have also intrigued investors, resulting in a surge of space funding over the past few years. We look forward to more private participation here," Chaitanya Dora Surapureddy, CFO, Dhruva Space, told IANS. The Hyderabad based Dhruva Space is involved in building satellites, earth stations and also the satellite dispenser systems fitted in the rockets. Dhruva Space's first mission was launched on 30 June, 2022, successfully testing Satellite Deployment Systems, followed by the launch of two satellites named Thybolt-1 and Thybolt-2 on 26 November, 2022. Owing to the Russian-Ukraine war, the UK satellite communication company OneWeb used ISRO's rocket LVM3 to orbit 72 of its satellites. The UK company had earlier tied up with Russia for putting its satellites into orbit. OneWeb will be seriously looking at ISRO's rockets for orbiting its fleet of second generation satellites. More foreign space companies are showing interest in Indian start-ups for making and launching satellites. "We are seeing a groundswell of partnerships with Indian Space companies. For example, Dhruva Space and Kineis, a French satellite service provider, have confirmed our intention to pursue technological and commercial cooperation in space, in line with the MoU signed in March 2023 with the launch of a satellite that we will operate jointly," Sanjay Nekkanti, CEO, Dhruva Space told IANS. According to Nekkanti, the Make-in-India initiative may drive the growth of manufacturing satellites owing to the increased demand for small satellites. "By 2025, the satellite manufacturing segment will be the second fastest growing in the Indian space economy. Having proven our full-stack technologies' capabilities through our Thybolt Mission in November 2022, we are very excited to be a key player here," Nekkanti added. On the rocket side, Promethee, a French new-space operator, has decided to look at Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram rocket to orbit its JAPETUS earth observation constellation. Last year, Skyroot Aerospace tested its rocket with a sub-orbital mission. Another rocket startup Agnikul Cosmos is also planning a sub-orbital flight for its rocket. On its part, the Indian space agency ISRO has decided to transfer the technology to manufacture small rockets -Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)- to private industries. According to the IN-SPACe -Indian regulator for the private space sector players- globally, with the emergence of the commercial space sector, it is expected that more than 20,000 satellites will be launched in the coming decade, as pointed out by Euroconsult. For India to have a significant share of the commercial launch services market, it is necessary that the aggregate lift off capacity of the nation be increased multifold, quickly. To this end, there is a need to complement the launch capacity of ISRO by allowing Indian private players also to own and operate launch vehicles developed by ISRO. Earlier, ISRO had selected Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd-Larsen and Toubro consortium to make five Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The Indian space agency is now in the process of developing rockets that can carry more than four ton luggage. On the policy front, the government has come out with a new Space Policy and the new policy for foreign direct investment (FDI) is on the anvil. Having built the end-to-end capability in the space sector and with the entry of the private sector, the Indian space industry has one way to go, that is upwards. Already the signs are visible. (Venkatachari Jagannathan can be reached at v.jagannathan@ians.in) New Delhi, July 23 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid rich tributes to freedom fighters, Chandra Shekhar Azad and Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak on their birth anniversaries and said their stories of sacrifice for the motherland will always inspire the countrymen. Remembering Azad, the PM tweeted, "The story of his sacrifice to protect the motherland will always inspire the countrymen." "The story of his courage, struggle and dedication in the freedom movement will always inspire the countrymen," Modi wrote in another tweet, paying rich tributes to Tilak. Union Ministers also took to the micro blogging site and paid homage to both the freedom fighters. Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tributes to them and said,"They dedicated every moment of their life for the motherland. Their contribution will always be remembered." "Tributes to the fearless freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Azad ji on his birth anniversary. Synonymous with valor and courage, his pivotal role in India's freedom struggle will always be an inspiration," said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in a tweet, recalling the contribution of Azad. Paying rich tributes to Tilak, Jaishankar in another tweet wrote, "A fierce advocate of Swadeshi movement and Swaraj, his legacy guides our quest for a Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India)." "Honouring the memory of the great revolutionary, Shaheed Chandra Shekhar Azad, on his Jayanti. His unwavering spirit and sacrifice for the nation are etched in history and continue to inspire generations. Let's pay homage to this true patriot," Union Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju tweeted. Remembering Tilak, Rijiju said, "His thoughts and principles are as relevant as ever in India's journey towards 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. A firm believer in Indian values, his views on education and women empowerment inspire many. Saluting the great freedom fighter and advocate of Swaraj." --IANSsantu/dpb Five killed as heavy rain lashes Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Image Source: IANS News Islamabad, July 23 : At least five people were killed and several were hospitalised after heavy rainfall lashed Mansehra district in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, local media reported. The intermittent downpour which started on Friday night and continued till Saturday triggered landslide, Dawn reported. In Chitral, the heavy rainfall triggered flash floods washing away bridges, roads, livestock and houses. The deceased were identified as Afghan national Samiullah's wife and son, Ajwa bibi, Mohammamed Hussain and an unidentified man, whose body was fished out from a swollen stream. Chitta Batta area. Those rendered homeless have been provided essential commodities, Dawn reported quoting Lower Chitral DC Muhammad Ali Khan as saying. Relief operations are affected as administration was experiencing difficulty due to road blocakades, Upper Chitral DC Khalid Zaman said. New Delhi, July 23 : The redeveloped ITPO complex at Pragati Maidan, which will host G20 Leaders' meetings, is likely to be inaugurated on July 26 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The G20 Leaders' summit is scheduled to take place on September 9 and 10 under India's presidency. With a campus area of approximately 123 acres, the Pragati Maidan complex is India's largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination. In terms of the covered space available for events, the redeveloped and modern exhibition complex finds its place among the top 10 exhibition and convention complexes in the world, rivalling the colossal names such as the Hannover Exhibition Centre in Germany and the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai, an official statement said. The Level 3 of the convention centre, has a seating capacity of 7,000 individuals and is a suitable venue for hosting mega conferences, international summits and cultural extravaganzas on a global scale. The exhibition halls offer seven innovative spaces for showcasing products, innovations, and ideas. These state-of-the-art halls provide an ideal platform for exhibitors and companies to engage with their target audience, fostering business growth and networking opportunities. Among its many exceptional features, the renovated exhibition ground has an amphitheater with a seating capacity for 3,000 individuals. It also has a parking space for 5,500 vehicles --IANS ans/dpb New Delhi: Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chairperson Swati Maliwal during a demonstration against the gruesome gang rape and murder of a woman veterinarian in Hyderabad; demanding death penalty for the rapists in New Delhi on Nov 30, 2019. (Photo:. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, July 23 : Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chairperson Swati Maliwal on Sunday said she would visit Manipur to meet the sexual assault survivors and urged the N Biren Singh-led state government to facilitate her visit. On Saturday, Maliwal claimed that despite initially inviting her to come on Sunday, the Manipur government suddenly rescinded their permission to meet with two women from the Kuki-Zomi community who had been subjected to the horrifying ordeal of being stripped, paraded, and sexually assaulted. "Manipur government recommended I consider postponing my visit due to law and order situation. After deliberation on their suggestion, have decided to fly to Imphal as planned. Sought time from Manipur CM. Will meet him and request him to come along to visit the sexual assault survivors," she wrote in a tweet. Along with the tweet, the DCW chief also shared a copy of a letter addressed to the Manipur CM, urging his support to facilitate her visit to the Northeastern state to meet the victims of the ghastly incident. "I would like to reiterate that the purpose of the visit is to meet the sexual assault survivors and their families and provide support to them," she wrote. Maliwal said, "In an interview on national television, you have also mentioned that hundreds of such cases have been registered in Manipur in the past three months.Hence, it is important that due support and help reaches these survivors of sexual violence in their worst hour of need." The DCW chief also assured that she shall leave no stone unturned to support the Manipur government in its mandate to protect the rights and dignity of the women and girls of the state. "Hence, after due deliberation on the suggestion of your government to postpone my visit, I have decided that I shall continue with the plan of reaching Imphal today. I seek an urgent meeting with you to discuss the extremely pertinent issue of the human rights violations and sexual assault cases occurring in Manipur," Maliwal said. Further, several Manipuri women have come to Delhi in order to escape the ongoing violence in the state, she added. "I wish to discuss issues regarding their welfare as well with your hon'ble self. Further, I also seek your support in visiting the violence affected relief camps where the victims of sexual assault are presently staying," she said. Manipur Police on Saturday arrested one more accused who is a juvenile, taking the total number of arrests in Manipur women assault case to six. Police said that the sixth accused was arrested from Thoubal district on Saturday afternoon. From Modi kirtan to tying rakhis, this is how BJP hopes to blitz state polls (Unedited Sunday Special). Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, July 23 : The BJP has come up with a masterstroke political plan -- 'Women, Modi kirtan and Rakhi Bandho' for the upcoming Assembly elections in the five poll-bound states to be held this year, which will be implemented at the ground level in various ways in the upcoming days. Of the five poll-bound states of the country -- Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Mizoram, the Congress is in power in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh while the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) is in power in Telangana. At present, BJP government is in power in Madhya Pradesh while Mizoram is governed by an NDA government with Zoramthanga, the leader of the Mizo National Front, an ally of the BJP, is the chief minister of the northeastern state. BJP women wing's national president Vanathi Srinivasan told IANS that the saffron party has prepared a mega plan to influence women voters towards it in these five poll-bound states. She told that three election in-charges each have been appointed separately for these five states by the BJP's women wing. These 15 women leaders of the party in coordination with the women wing state presidents of their respective states, will run a campaign to connect the women voters with the BJP as per the plan of the organisation regarding the women leaders and workers. Srinivasan also said that the BJP's national women wing is paying special attention to strengthen the BJP's women wing organisation in these five states. Along with this, the party's women wing will organise several programmes like 'Naya Voter Sammelan' to connect new women voters to the party at the booth level, and inform the first-time and other women voters about the achievements of the Modi government during the last nine years. The BJP Mahila Morcha in these five states have also made several plans for Navratri and Raksha Bandhan, including 'Modi Kirtan', 'Sneh Yatra' and 'Rakhi Bandho' campaigns. The BJP Mahila Morcha National President told IANS that the saffron party's women workers would try to connect women voters with the party by spreading the information about the achievements of the Modi government's nine-year tenure through 'Modi Kirtan' during Navratri. Along with this, tying rakhi to rickshaw and auto drivers as well as delivery boys at the time of Raksha Bandhan, they will also be told about the achievements of the Narendra Modi government. The party has named it 'Sneh Yatra'. The BJP Mahila Morcha held a meeting on Friday and finalised the strategy of these five poll-bound states. The election in-charges, co-in-charges, state presidents appointed for these five election states and other important women leaders of the BJP's national executive women wing also participated in the meeting chaired by Srinivasan. BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santhosh, party's National General Secretary and women wing in-charge Dushyant Gautam also gave important tips about the election campaign to these women leaders involved in the campaign to connect more women with the party in these five poll-bound states. Mexico City, July 22 : At least 11 people were killed and six others injured after a man who was removed from a bar for disrespecting women, returned and threw a lit object in San Luis Rio Colorado city in Mexico's Sonora state, said local authorities. The authorities in Mexico said that they have arrested the accused, CNN reported. On Saturday morning, an unknown person, threw a lit object at the doors of the bar after being expelled by the staff, the Sonora Attorney General's Office detailed in a statement. "According to several witnesses, the young male was disrespecting women in the bar, so he was removed, and then he returned and threw apparently some kind of 'molotov' bomb at the doors of the building, which caused the incident," said the statement. The injured were rushed to hospital. Mayor of San Luis Rio Colorado Santos Gonzalez Yescas called the attack a "tragedy". Bogota, July 23 : At least nine people were killed and 30 others injured after a bus fell into a ravine in the Colombian department of Santander, a police commander said. On Saturday, a vehicle belonging to Expreso Brasilia unfortunately lost control and rolled down a cliff between Playon and La Esperanza, approximately 25 km past Playon, police commander Jose James Roa said. The police, the Fire Department and the Civil Defence, along with the local community, were on site to help with the rescue work, Xinhua news agency reported quoting Roa. Lina Margarita Huari, general director of the National Road Safety Agency, confirmed that the vehicle's documents were in order and the Superintendence of Transportation will be carrying out investigations to establish the cause of the accident. New Delhi, July 23 : Since its launch in the US back in 2018, Mahindra's Roxor off-roader has been facing multiple lawsuits by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) - Stellantis, over its Jeep-like design. In a recent development, Mahindra has said that it has got the clearance to manufacture and sell the Roxor with the design update that debuted post 2020, Autocar India reported. In a regulatory filing, Mahindra has said that on July 19, the Eastern District Court of Michigan issued its order on FCA's renewed motion to enjoin the post-2020 Roxor and, based on its analysis, has declined to apply the "safe distance rule" to this case as sought by FCA. With this ruling, Mahindra Automotive North America, a subsidiary of the company, continues to have no restraints on its ability to produce, sell and distribute the post-2020 Roxor in the US, the carmaker said in the filing, Autocar India reported. The matter began in 2019 when FCA claimed that the Mahindra Roxor's design copied trademark-protected components of its Jeep and filed a lawsuit against it in Michigan and before the US International Trade Commission (ITC). Since then, Mahindra has tweaked the design of the Roxor, first in early 2020 and then again in late 2020, to make it look different, as directed by the court rulings, Autocar India reported. In September 2022, the 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals remanded the matter to the Detroit court so that it could determine whether the new Roxors maintained a "safe distance" from the Jeep design. Mahindra had been unable to manufacture and sell the Roxor in the US since. Mahindra sells the Roxor with a 2.5-litre diesel engine paired to either a 5-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission. The off-roader is assembled in Detroit and is currently on sale only in the US, Autocar India reported. There can be no worse horror. What two women in Manipur underwent is shocking and unnerving. The entire episode raises serious questions on the fragility of the dignity of women in our country. And there seems to be no end to such cases. Similar cases have occurred in the past, some have come to light and many may have gone unreported. In August 2010, an Adivasi teen was paraded naked and molested across three villages in West Bengal. The incident would have gone unnoticed, but for one of the several MMSes that the men recorded on their mobile phones and these reached the media three months later, which made the police act. The video was grotesque, showing the teen struggling to shake groping hands off her, desperately trying to seek a cover and after some time walking like a log of wood with a face that haunts sane minds. That teen's story became headlines then. The police made some arrests and voices were raised about women's safety and dignity. Thirteen years later, a similar horrifying incident occurred in Manipur, the only difference being that the number of women was two. Again, the case came to light nearly four months after it took place. One of the several videos reached the media and occupied the headlines. Soon, the chest beating began and political leaders made statements, most of which were stingingly aimed at each other. The Opposition made a direct attack on the Prime Minister, questioning his silence and seeking his statement in Parliament. Both Houses of Parliament have witnessed commotion on the first two days of the Monsoon Session. On social media, campaigns for justice for the two Manipuri women are being run and the Opposition is trying its best to corner the Centre and state governments. As the political uproar over the Manipur women's case grew, the BJP came out with similar cases taking place in West Bengal. BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya tweeted some similar horror videos from West Bengal. On July 8, the day of the panchayat poll in West Bengal, a "Gram Sabha female candidate [was] beaten, stripped naked and paraded in Howrah's Panchla, a stone's throw away from Nabanno, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sits". In her complaint the woman has accused "Hemanta Roy, TMC candidate from the same Gram Sabha, along with other criminals and 40-50 other men of hitting her on chest, tearing her saree and pulled off her inner wear, before parading her naked." Malviya also tweeted another case: "Two tribal women were stripped naked, tortured and beaten mercilessly while the police remained mute spectators in the Pakua Hat area of Bamangola Police Station, Malda, in West Bengal. The horrific incident took place on the morning of July 19. The women belonged to socially marginalised community." In this case the perpetrators were women and the men were only making videos. While women mourn the death of their dignity, the politicians and their parties are engaged in scoring brownie points. But the trauma that the women underwent will haunt them and their families for life. They will be in pain forever and nothing can compensate for that. One of them also lost her father and brother. What happened in a Bengal village in 2010 recurred in a Manipur village in 2023. The reasons offered for the barbarity were different. The teen girl of 2010 was punished because she was going around with a boy from a different community. The villagers, instead of being ashamed of what they put her through, were unrepentant. Similarly, the Manipur incident was the worst case of a mob that wanted revenge. The Supreme Court also took suo motu cognizance of the horrific video of the two women in Manipur. Expressing "deep concern" over the video of the two women being paraded naked in Manipur and calling it "simply unacceptable" and "the grossest of constitutional and human rights violations", a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud told the Centre to act, and warned "otherwise, we will take action if nothing is happening on the ground". Even as the ruling party, the Opposition and even the Supreme Court are talking about Manipur, there are thousands of cases of women being humiliated, tortured, assaulted and killed, and no justice being done. Thirty-three years ago, Girija Tickoo, a university librarian in Kashmir, was kidnapped, tortured, gang-raped and then brutally murdered by cutting her alive with a carpenter's saw. The case has been much talked about, but justice continues to elude her family even today. The list is long and full of horrifying stories. The cases of crime against women are ever increasing. Political noise and candlelight marches or campaigns on social media do not change anything. Momentary din leads to no justice and the country has seen enough of this. Even the most talked about case -- Nirbhaya -- took seven years, three months and four days to be brought to its right conclusion, when the four convicts -- Mukesh, Pawan, Akshay and Vinay -- were hanged to death in Delhi's Tihar Jail. It will need humongous efforts to bring much-needed change. Unless and until the change is in the fundamentals of our society's way of thinking and attitudes, in the enforcement of strict laws and quick justice, and in making moral education mandatory in formative years, the horror will surface again and again. (Deepika Bhan can be reached at deepika.b@ians.in) The fever wont go down is the phrase that pediatricians hear the most during their professional practice. In humans, a fever means running a temperature of 100.4F or more. This condition has always been the workhorse of childrens health, as well as a headache of mothers and fathers. Despite being a fundamental part of our defense system against infections, lowering fever is often considered the goal to beat, even if it requires a prescription. But that trend is changing. Today, most specialists in childrens health insist that fevers shouldnt always be lowered at all costs. Rather, treating the discomfort that fevers may cause in boys and girls should be the priority. Its the most frequent reason [why parents] come to the emergency room, says Paula Vazquez Lopez, president of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Emergencies (SEUP). A fever doesnt cause brain damage, or death, or anything. Its good [when a child] has a fever, because its our bodys way of defending itself against viruses and bacteria, adds this pediatric emergency specialist, who practices at the Gregorio Maranon Hospital in Madrid.Even having a high fever or one that doesnt go down doesnt mean that the infection is more or less important, she explains to parents. Ill give you an example: the flu is a viral infection that causes a very high fever, lasts several days and is very difficult to bring down but its not serious. According to Juan Carlos Molina a pediatrician in the emergency department of the Nino Jesus Childrens Hospital, also in Madrid our parents and grandparents accepted fevers as being natural. But now, there is feverphobia a misdirected or meaningless fear, the specialist sighs. Parents often want to treat the thermometer; theyre concerned about much more than [their childs] general condition. I tell them that the goal is for them to be well if we give them antipyretics, its so that the child is more comfortable. Indeed, fever serves to help us activate our bodys defenses, as the Spanish Association of Primary Care Pediatrics (AEPap) explains on its website. By itself, this scientific society emphasizes, a fever doesnt cause damage to neurons. The complications if there are any are due to the cause of the fever, not to the fever itself. In a downloadable brochure by AEPap aimed at families, the recommendations offered coincide with the advice of the pediatricians consulted by this newspaper: You only have to use medicines for fever if there is discomfort or pain. Additionally, the document clarifies that neither the degree of fever nor the response to treatment guides [doctors] regarding the severity of the infection, or whether its caused by viruses or bacteria. The AEPap insists on hydrating adequately and not covering or undressing the child too much. The association also advises against household measures such as the use of damp cloths, alcohol scrubs, showers, or baths. Treatment of fever does not modify the evolution of the infection. The important thing is the treatment of the infection that causes it, the experts emphasize. You have to change the [idea] that you have to lower a fever based on the number that the thermometer shows; instead, you have to do it according to how the child feels, Vazquez Lopez emphasizes. Its also unnecessary to use medicines to prevent reactions to vaccines, such as fever, or inflammation in the area of the puncture. Im old and I remember how, in the past, every time I got vaccinated as a child, [the doctors would tell my parents]: in case she gets a fever, give her [paracetamol] to prevent it. But its now clear that this wasnt correct. What good does a fever do? Strictly speaking, we consider a body temperature thats over 99.5F to be a fever, or pyrexia (from the word pyros, which means fire in Greek). However, anything between 98.6F and 100.4F is usually classified as being a low-grade fever. Under normal conditions, the thermoregulatory center of the hypothalamus keeps us at between 95F and 98.6F, which is the ideal range for smooth physiological functions. However, certain substances act as pyrogens: they stimulate this thermostat at the base of the brain to raise the temperature, which decreases the reproduction of microbes and increases the inflammatory response, as described on the Hospital Clinic de Barcelonas website. When theres a fever, the immune defenses and the mobility of the leukocytes improve. Products that are more toxic to the bacteria are generated, Molina explains. Pyrogens can be exogenous substances (such as microbes and their toxins) or endogenous (molecules that our immune system uses to communicate, such as cytokines or prostaglandins). When leukocytes detect the pyrogens of a germ that infects us (which, in children, are usually viruses), they release cytokines into the blood, which alert the biological thermostat to raise the temperature. This is achieved by increasing metabolism, reducing blood flow to the skin which causes palor and feeling cold and producing muscle contractions, or the classic shivering. Once the hypothalamic thermostat returns to the normal range, the body feels hot and sweats to reduce the temperature, which explains the various symptoms of febrile syndrome. Measurement of temperature should be made with an electronic contact thermometer, Molina advises. Ear thermometers and infrared ones which you put on the forehead arent very reliable. In older children, the axillary (armpit) measurement is sufficient but in children under the age of one, temperature should be taken via the rectum. The rectal temperature is between 0.5C and 1C higher than the axillary one, but closer to the real one, this expert notes. Precision, he clarifies, is necessary in young infants especially in children under three months because the risk of serious infections increases. Additional tests may be required, although these are rarely done in older children who are in good physical condition. At one point does a problem arise? As Molina explains, temperatures above 105F are more dangerous, especially if they are maintained. But in these cases, theres talk of hyperthermia in children, its very rare. It [usually] occurs due to significant exposure to the sun, such as heat stroke, or poisoning from certain medications, the pediatrician clarifies. Unfounded fears of fever-induced seizures Another thing that scares mothers and fathers are seizures, explains Vazquez Lopez. Indeed, a small group of infants and young children (about 4%) have a genetic predisposition to seizures that accompany fever. But the AEPap insists that lowering these childrens temperatures early on doesnt help to prevent seizures. And while pediatric assessment is always recommended after a seizure in the context of fever, [parents shouldnt] insist on lowering it so that [seizures] dont happen, reiterates the president of the SEUP. In most cases, you dont have to do anything they last for a few seconds. [These kinds of seizures] disappear with age, because the brain matures. Theres no need to take any medication to prevent febrile seizures, the specialist affirms. Not all children are going to have them, even if they have a very high fever, Molina adds. Theres a genetic predisposition [to febrile seizures]. Oftentimes, the patients have already experienced this. The pediatrician acknowledges that some children end up having epilepsy when theyre older, but its very rare, around 1% or 2%. In any case, its very difficult to avoid these seizures [parents shouldnt bother] administering antipyretics or applying cold compresses. Theres no need to apply a different treatment to these children. they should receive [the same treatment] as kids who arent prone to febrile seizures. The usual medications for children with fever and malaise are paracetamol which is analgesic and antipyretic and ibuprofen, which is also anti-inflammatory. These medications dont cure the infection, but they do help the child feel better. When the fever is due to significant inflammation such as acute otitis media (ear infections) or adenitis (swollen lymph glands) I prefer ibuprofen, Molina says. But for temperature control, both are the same. While the practice of alternating or combining these medicines is widespread, there is no evidence that this is more effective, as stated in a review published in the Spanish journal Evidence in Pediatrics. In fact, doing so increases the risk of dosing confusion and the risk of side effects. Many doctors recommend [this], but it hasnt been shown to be more effective in reversing fever and it leads to errors, either due to overdosing or underdosing. One must be given [these medicines] on schedule the doses can be raised a little or the administration intervals can be shortened, but its not appropriate to combine one and the other sequentially. Vazquez Lopez explains it to parents this way: Sometimes, I tell them that, occasionally, they can give the alternative medication, but the ibuprofen-paracetamol-ibuprofen-paracetamol regimen is totally discouraged. Many times, its the pediatricians themselves who set this pattern, but alternating must be avoided. Nor are traditional remedies a good idea, such as putting children in cold or warm water. Instead of promoting the well-being of the child, [these practices] prioritize discomfort. And, if they work, [the results are] very temporary we dont recommend them, Molina emphasizes. Sometimes, parents turn to less common practices, such as rubbing their feverish child with alcohol. This is dangerous, because it burns and irritates the skin a lot; rubbing alcohol can also be absorbed, intoxicating the child. Sometimes, parents overdress their kids. With several shirts, its more difficult to lose heat. We tell parents that they should put light clothes on their children and place them in a cool, well-ventilated place. They can drink liquids, but putting them in the bathtub is outdated. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Lucknow, July 23 : A professional Yoga trainer lost a sum of Rs 94,998 from her account in 20 minutes. The victim approached the cybercrime unit of Lucknow police and lodged a complaint with Ashiana police station. The victim, Sudha Swarnkar's father, Ghanshyam Swarnkar, an information department employee, said that the fraudster deducted the amount in five transactions in just 20 minutes, but the police are yet to react even after a week. He said that his daughter was approached by a person over the phone, introducing himself as Border Security Force (BSF) personnel Pankaj Kumar Pandey on July 15 and offered to hire her for a two-month long yoga camp to be organised by BSF in the Lucknow Cantonment area. He said Pandey asked her to deposit fees for a hiring request through the Paytm account linked to her bank account. He said that the fraudster sent her a Paytm request for Rs 2 transaction and asked to pay the fees on it. He said this Paytm account showed in the name of Bitoli Devi, and the transaction failed. She tried making transactions through requests sent by the fraudsters again and again. By the time, she realised, an amount of Rs 94,998 had been debited from her account in five transactions. He said the online fraudster's mobile phone number is still active and he is still calling again and again but the police have not reacted to the complaint yet. The Ashiana police, meanwhile, said the investigation in the matter is going on. New Delhi, July 23 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday spoke to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena after the Yamuna river water level has once again crossed the danger mark. "Had a discussion with LG of Delhi, VK Saxena Ji about the water level in the Yamuna river, " the Home Minister tweeted. On Sunday morning, the water level was recorded at 205.90 meters, which is around 57 centimeters above the danger mark of 205.90 meters. Shah also informed that he spoke to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and inquired about the situation caused due to heavy downpour in various parts of the state. "Spoke to Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Ji, about the flood-like situation occurring in various parts of the state due to the recent heavy rainfall," the Home Minister said. Ample numbers of SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) and NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) teams are available to help the people in need, he added. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rainfall in several districts including Kutch and Porbandar in Gujarat. Kabul, July 23 : The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan has termed the reports on the presence of the Daesh or Islamic State (IS) outfit in the country as baseless and utterly rebuffed them, according to its foreign ministry. In a tweet on Saturday, Ministry spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi said: "We reiterate that the IEA (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan) will not allow anyone to threaten the national security of Afghanistan, or use our territory against others." Iran's top diplomat has claimed that the terrorist group's operatives had been shifted to Afghanistan from Syria, Libya and Iraq, Xinhua news agency reported quoting media reports. "We reject the Iranian foreign minister's allegation asserting that Daesh leaders have been transferred to Afghanistan from Iraq, Syria and Libya," Balkhi contended in his reaction. Although the Afghan security forces have killed and arrested scores of affiliated IS operatives, the extremist armed group has claimed responsibility for several deadly attacks including bombing mosques, hotel and foreign ministry employees in the capital Kabul over nearly the past two years. Kolkata, July 23 : Ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha polls, a three member team of Election Commission of India (ECI) will visit West Bengal next month to review the election preparedness. West Bengal Chief Election Officer (CEO) sources said that the three member team of ECI is expected to arrive in the state on August 19. Senior deputy election commissioner Nitin Kumar Vyas is likely to head the ECI team. A preliminary meeting on the poll preparedness has already been discussed by the senior officials from the CEO office this week. It had been decided that the task for examining the available EVMs in the state will start from August 1 and is likely to be completed in the next six days. "We want to prepare fully from our end before the ECI team arrives in the state to review the preparedness," an official from the office of CEO, West Bengal said. CEO office has sent instructions to the district administrative authorities to start the process of reviewing the voters; list in the respective districts. "All attempts will be made to make the voters' list totally error free this time by deleting the names of deceased voters or bring about necessary revisions in case of individuals having names registered in more than one place. This happens mainly in cases of married women having their names registered both in their parents' place as well as in their in-laws' place," the official from the CEO office said. The commission expects the number of booths to increase this time from the current figure of 79,000. Nagpur, July 23 : The Nagpur Police are on a hunt to track a Gondia-based bookie who allegedly cheated a Nagpur businessman of Rs 58 crore in illegal online betting, police said. Following a complaint lodged by the victim, the Nagpur Police raided the bookie, identified as one Sonu Navratan Jain, alias Anant, but he had escaped shortly before the police team landed there on Saturday. Nagpur Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar told mediapersons that a raid on the bookie's premises led to the seizure of Rs 14-crore cash, 4 kg gold bars and 200 kgs silver, the exact value of which is being ascertained. The police suspect that Jain may have fled to Dubai or some other country and a further probe is on to find out if there are more victims lured and cheated by him. As per investigations, Jain had allegedly been investing money on behalf of the businessman in return for good returns, but later claimed that there were losses. When the worried businessman demanded his money back, Jain refused after which the victim lodged a complaint with the Nagpur Cyber Police, according to Kumar. The online crime reported from a remote tribal area like Gondia has caused concerns and the police are keeping tabs about the modus operandi of such sly tricksters who trap gullible people and dupe them of large sums of money. Kolkata, July 23 : Keeping in mind the big battle of 2024 Lok Sabha polls, a three-member team of the Election Commission of India (ECI) is slated to come to West Bengal next month and review the preparedness on this count. Sources from the office of the Chief Election Officer (CEO), West Bengal said that the three-member team is expected to arrive in the state on August 19. Senior deputy election commissioner Nitin Kumar Vyas is likely to head the three-member ECI team coming to the state. A preliminary meeting on the poll preparedness has already been discussed by the senior officials from the office of CEO, West Bengal this week. It had been decided that the task for examining the available EVMs in the state would start from August 1 and likely to be completed in the next six days. "We want to prepare fully from our end before the three- member ECI team arrives in the state for the purpose of review of the preparedness," an official from the office of CEO, West Bengal said. Already the CEO office has sent instructions to the district administrative authorities to start the process of reviewing the voters; list in the respective districts. "All attempts will be made to make the voters' list totally error free this time by deleting the names of deceased voters or bring about necessary revisions in case of individuals having names registered in more than one place. This happens mainly in cases of married women having their names registered both in their parents' place as well as in their in-laws' place," the official from the CEO office said. The commission expects the number of booths to increase this time from the current figure of 79,000. IANS src/dpb San Francisco, July 23 : Music streaming giant Spotify is reportedly planning to increase its monthly subscription price by $1 in the US, as part of its effort to become consistently profitable. The price hike is expected to be announced next week for subscribers in the US, followed by similar increases in "dozens of markets globally in the coming months", reports Variety. The news was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. Since 2011, Spotify hasn't changed its $9.99-per-month ad-free Premium plan in the US. After the hike, users will need to pay $10.99 per month for the premium service. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek has previously stated that the company is considering raising prices in the US in response to price rises by competitors such as Apple Music, according to the report. "When our competitors are raising their prices, that is really good for us," he said on the company's third-quarter 2022 earnings call in October. Moreover, Ek stated that raising membership prices in the US, the world's largest music market by far, "is one of the things we would like to do and it's something we will (discuss) with our label partners. I feel good about this upcoming year, and what it means about pricing for our service". Apple Music hiked its subscription fee for individuals last fall to $10.99 per month, with the family plan increasing by two dollars to $16.99/month, among other changes. Amazon Music Unlimited hiked its monthly rate to $10.99 (for non-Prime members). This week, Google-owned YouTube has increased the price of a Premium individual plan by $2 in the US for new and current customers. Users will now have to pay $13.99 per month instead of $11.99. The plan will cost $18.99 if users are subscribing from the iOS YouTube app. Guwahati, July 23 : : Robbers have snatched the cell phone of Law and Order DIG Vivek Raj Singh while he was on a routine morning walk in his residential area in Guwahati, Assam. Police said that DIG Singh was on a morning stroll on Sunday when thieves stole his cell phone in the Ulubaria area of the city. Police have started to investigate the case. Earlier, the burglars forced their entry into the residence of senior police officer Tapan Kumar Deka, who is currently the director of the Intelligence Bureau. Deka wasn't home at the time of the incident. New Delhi, July 23 : A 36-year-old man wanted in 18 criminal cases died under mysterious circumstances in the Netaji Subhash Place Police Station in North West Delhi. He was arrested on Saturday and was in police custody for one day in connection with an Arms Act case. "An incident of custodial death was reported at North West Delhi's Subhash Place Police Station at around 6:30 a.m.," an official said. A senior police official identified the deceased as Sheikh Sahadat (36), a resident of Jahangirpuri, with involvement in more than 18 criminal cases. According to the available information, the deceased, along with four other people, was apprehended by the police in connection with an Arms Act case. An FIR was lodged against them under sections 25, 35, 54, 59 Arms Act at police station Subhash Place on July 21. "The deceased, along with four others, was arrested on July 22. The accused persons were produced before the court, and accused Sheikh Shadat was on PC remand for one day for the sake of the investigation of the case, whereas the others were sent to judicial custody," said the official. The police stated that as per procedure, a medical examination of the accused was conducted on Saturday evening. The accused was taken to PS, and he was lodged in the lockup on Saturday night. "At about 6:30 a.m., the constable on duty noticed heavy breathing from the accused Sheikh Shadat. He informed the duty officer, and the accused was rushed to BSA Hospital immediately for a medical examination. He was admitted to the hospital, where a doctor declared him brought dead. As per procedure, an inquiry is being conducted," said the official. The family of the deceased has alleged that he was murdered. The police have initiated an inquiry into the matter. --IANSatk/dpb Jerusalem, July 23 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday underwent a surgery and was fitted with a pacemaker at Sheba Medical Center in Israel's Tel Hashomer, a doctor from the medical facility said. Netanyahu's operation was triggered by a warning from a heart monitor that he had "transient" heart block, after which he was admitted to Center and operated upon, Eyal Nof, head of Invasive Electrophysiology Service at the Sheba Medical Center, was quoted as saying by CNN. On July 15, the 73-year-old Prime Minister was discharged from the same medical centre after a series of medical checkups including lab tests and an electrocardiogram to measure his heart activity as he had complained of dizziness. He was diagnosed with dehydration that time and discharged after implanting a heart recorder for continuous monitoring. The city is not what it used to be. Throughout history, the city has served as a place for survival and coexistence in the company of other people we dont know. It has been a space for establishing institutions and collective identities. In the beginning, cities also spurred different innovations: since the founding of the first urban centers, there has been a flood of inventions such as the wheel, the coin, the alphabet, money, navigation, etc., as Steven Johnson shows in his book Where Good Ideas Come From: The Natural History of Innovation. Of course, cities also function as a node for business, domination and power. But in recent decades, the neoliberal city has undergone a profound change and become a hostile territory for its inhabitants and a place from which everyone (on a global scale) wants to make a profit. That has led to problems of gentrification, touristification, segregation, inequality, housing insecurity and misery. As Zygmunt Bauman put it, cities have become the dumping grounds of globalization. Theres been a proliferation of books that try to understand these phenomena and seek alternatives to them: according to the United Nations, by the middle of the 21st century, 80% of humans will live in cities, so there are many potentially interested urbanites. There is particular interest in the urban question, and the presence of housing in debates is noticeable, says Jorge Dioni Lopez, author of the essay El malestar en las ciudades [Unrest in Cities]. In his view, the city the place where our existence develops has become a primary economic product, which causes conflict. There is a struggle for space between residents and what we might call the movement industry, as well as between various types of residents, such as owners and non-owners. In a way, struggles over land ownership have moved from the rural to the urban environment, the author says. That includes conflicts related to tourism, the phenomenon of gentrification in which the wealthy classes, investment funds or businesses take control of urban centers, and the problems of managing pockets of poverty and homelessness, whose encampments and lost people now form part of the folklore of large cities. The neoliberal global city, under the glittering patina of modernity, hides inequality and misery. The processes by which the places where we live become global financial assets, designed for speculation and not for living, are studied in In Defense of Housing: The Politics of Crisis, by David Madden and Peter Marcuse (he is philosopher Herbert Marcuses son, by the way). Homeless people forming camps on the first floor of the Segovia aqueduct in Madrid, Spain. LUIS SEVILLANO A global city is emerging, which, as sociologist Saskia Sassen defined it in her book The Global City, is a planetary node that seeks to attract flows: flows of capital, information and people, all of which are the means for building a city-narrative and competing in the international market of global cities. That is where world events are decided, and the headquarters of the major multinationals and financial and political forums are located. Consequently, cities all over the planet always aspire to that global status and constantly look outward, in a sort of eternal posturing and desire to seduce, offering business, tourism, culture and nightlife for outsiders. But in so doing, these cities forget about the needs of their inhabitants, especially their need to live. That state of affairs is a far cry from the right to the city Henri Lefebvre discussed in his 1968 essay of the same name. The right to the city means that citizens have the right to actively participate in the configuration of the urban spaces they inhabit. Citizens are also entitled to be involved in the friendly and human-scale vision that activist Jane Jacobs proposed in 1961 in her The Death and Life of Great American Cities; the book was inspired by her struggles in the neighborhoods of New York against the grandiloquent ideas of civil servant Robert Moses, a proponent of large highways in pursuit of destroying the neighborhood fabric. But the city is something else; it is the place where these rights languish. The most aggressive process is segregation, says Lopez, that is, the spatial separation between rich and poor, which is one of the reasons for the frequent riots in the Parisian banlieues, including the recent ones. For the author, the citys commodification implies that its main function is to create value. It must valorize, monetize, privatize and create different offers for different demands, as if different spaces whether residential, work, training or leisure were offered at a market for different incomes, the haves and the have-nots. Curiously, inequality and segregation are intentional consequences: Its not a mistake; its the model, as Lopez reiterates in his book like a revealing mantra. Injustice in the city is not because of ineptitude or lack of foresight; it is precisely what is foreseen by the dominant economic dogma. The exclusionary city lacks a future At least since the emergence of modernity, the city has been a place that attracts the masses (the ones who so fascinated poet Charles Baudelaires flaneur), whom it includes and offers anonymity. Bauman argues that the public space is precisely that which does not select who inhabits it and allows people who do not know each other to live together. Everyone is welcome. Fabio Ciamarelli, the author of The City of the Excluded (Trotta), observes that for the first time in history, todays city is one that expels, although the flow of people it attracts continues. In other words, large crowds still want to go to the cities... but the cities are no longer willing to accept them into their midst. That is where conflict arises. Mossos d'Escuadra police officers evict housing activists protesting against a real estate fair in Barcelona, Spain, on Oct. 19, 2022. Gianluca Battista The object of urban exclusion is first and foremost poverty, inequality. And not just for economic reasons, because the main victim of such exclusion is transformative initiative. Exclusionary cities seem condemned to the standardization of identity, tending toward authoritarianism, says Ciamarelli. Efficiency and innovation are lost. And the people who are expelled are the ones who are not useful for obtaining maximum profitability (of the new arrivals to the city, tourists are chosen instead of migrants). Public space itself is also excluded, increasingly degraded and privatized; moreover, the future itself is excluded, becoming simply unthinkable in its novelty and unpredictability. The global city is imprisoned in the present and therefore reluctant to grasp the opportunities represented by the future, which it often only perceives as a threat, Ciamarelli argues. In search of the happy city There are also more hopeful visions of the city, as Charles Montgomery shows in Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design. The author defines a happy city as one that maximizes health, positive relationships and social inclusion. Montgomery believes that a citys main function is to bring people together. These successful cities draw diverse communities to moments of cooperation, collaboration and common joy, he adds. A young man takes his bike from a parking lot in downtown Valladolid, Spain, on June 21, 2023. Emilio Fraile His analysis focuses on solving the housing crisis, which he likens to a public health problem that governments must address with more social housing and by fighting against the epidemic of tourist rental apartments promoted by platforms like AirBnB; that fight would allow workers and students to inhabit urban centers. That also impacts new forms of mobility, beyond the dominance of the car, to improve public spaces: Although half of daily commuting in Spain is done on foot or by bicycle, most of the road space is dedicated to the private car, he explains. Cities would be healthier, happier and more inclusive if more space were devoted to cyclists, pedestrians and public transport. He gives the following examples: the commitment to safe spaces for cyclists in Paris, the replacement of highways with public bus routes in Mexico City, and initiatives for easy access to housing around citizen-designed parks in Vienna. Im an optimist, Montgomery says. His book explores alternatives for finding models of coexistence in which new relationships and new ideas flow. That is the great promise of our cities, Montgomery argues. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Thiruvananthapuram, July 23 : Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President K. Sudhakaran has indicated that a member of the late Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's family will contest from Puthuppally Assembly bypoll. The seat went vacant after its MLA for the last five decades, Oommen Chandy passed away. Sudhakaran said that a decision will be taken on the Congress candidate for the bypoll and it will be decided and finalized only after consultations with the family of the late Chief Minister. In a related development, senior leader of the Congress party and considered close to the Chandy family, Cherian Philip said that Oommen Chandy's son and Youth Congress leader, Chandy Oommen was qualified in all aspects as the candidate to replace his father in Puthuppally constituency. Cherian in a Facebook post said that Chandy Oommen knew the politics of his father, Oommen Chandy from a young age and said that he was qualified to replace his father in all aspects. The senior Congress leader said that Chandy Oommen had walked several kilometers during the Bharat Jodo Yatra of Rahul Gandhi. He, however, said that Oommen Chandy was not in favour of his children entering politics and was of the belief that only one person from a family was enough. --IANS aal/dpb New Delhi, July 23 : Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday said that any atrocities on women are very painful and added that it is the responsibility of the state governments to reduce crime against women. "Any atrocities on women are painful whether it is any state. It is the responsibility of the state governments to reduce crime against women," Thakur told reporters on the sidelines of an event here. He said besides the government, it is also the duty of the society to work in this direction. The Minister, who criticised the non-BJP ruled states including Congres-led Rajasthan government and Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government over the recent alleged incidents of crime against women on Saturday, attacking the Opposition, further said,"There should be a discussion in the House (Parliament) on these (such incidents). All the parties should attend. I once again appeal to Opposition not to run away from discussion, and also not to politicise such sensitive issues." Earlier, senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad slammed the Opposition and had said, "The Manipur incident is unfortunate. Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) has condemned it and assured strict action (against the culprits).We wanted discussion on this in both Houses of Parliament as it is a serious matter for us. It is a matter of great pain that the Congress and Opposition were arguing on the rules under which discussion would take place." On Friday, the BJP claimed that Manipur-like gruesome incident had also happened with one of its nominee-candidates in the recently-concluded Panchayat elections in West Bengal. Tokyo, July 23 : Three individuals were injured on Sunday during a stabbing incident on a train in Japan's western prefecture of Osaka, and the suspect has been arrested, according to local authorities. The suspect, identified as Kazuya Shimizu, was arrested on the spot on suspicion of attempted murder, who later confessed to the stabbing, Kyodo news reported. The stabbing incident was reported to police by a staff member at Rinku-Town Station at around 10:25 a.m. local time. The injured -- a male passenger in his 20s, another in his 70s, and a male train conductor in his 20s -- were rushed to the hospital and their injuries not life-threatening, according to authorities. The incident occurred on a station in Lzumisano near a large shopping mall and a hospital. Los Angeles, July 23 : British indie-rock band The 1975 have cancelled their shows in Indonesia and Taiwan, a day after being banned from performing in Malaysia for protesting the nation's anti-LGBT laws. While performing at the Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur, frontman Matty Healy strongly criticised Malaysia's anti-LGBTQ laws before kissing male bandmate Ross MacDonald. The band then ended their set, claiming officials ordered them off stage. Homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia and punishable by 20 years in prison. The incident prompted the Malaysian authorities to call an end to the Good Vibes Festival. Malaysia's government termed the UK band "extremely rude". "Unfortunately, due to current circumstances, it is impossible to proceed with the scheduled shows," the pop rock group said in a statement. The 1975 were among the international headline acts at the three-day Good Vibes music festival in Kuala Lumpur. A Malaysian government committee said that the band would never again be permitted to perform in the country. "I have called the organisers of Good Vibes Festival 2023, which is Future Sound Asia, following the very rude actions and statements displayed by UK artist 'The 1975' in Sepang last night," Malaysia's communications minister Fahmi Fadzil tweeted. The band has now announced that they will cancel their performance at the We The Fest event in Indonesia's capital Jakarta, as well as a show in Taiwan. "The 1975 regret to announce that their forthcoming shows in Jakarta and Taipei will no longer be going ahead as planned," the band said on Sunday in a statement on the We The Fest Instagram page. "The band never took the decision to cancel a show lightly and had been eagerly looking forward to playing for fans in Jakarta and Taipei but unfortunately, due to current circumstances, it is impossible to proceed with the scheduled shows," it said. Healy, 34, recently made headlines for his whirlwind romance with Taylor Swift. During the performance on Friday night, Healy told fans the band had thought of pulling out of the event, saying: "I do not see the point of inviting The 1975 to a country and then telling us who we can have sex with. I made a mistake. When we were booking shows, I wasn't looking into it," as per dailymail.co.uk "Unfortunately you don't get a set of loads of uplifting songs because I'm f****** furious and that's not fair on you, because you're not representative of your government because you are young people, and I'm sure a lot of you are gay and progressive and cool." Healy and bassist MacDonald then kissed as the band played the song 'I Like America & America Likes Me'. He later abruptly ended the set, saying: "All right, we gotta go. We just got banned from Kuala Lumpur." On Saturday the festival's organisers said the remaining schedule for the festival had been cancelled following the controversy. A statement said the decision came after an "immediate cancellation directive" from Malaysia's Ministry of Communications and Digital, as part of its "unwavering stance against any parties that challenge, ridicule or contravene Malaysian laws." New Delhi, July 23 : Pakistan, a country that has forever been in dire economic straits, as it finds itself now, has managed to build a nuclear bomb. Iqbal Chand Malhotra in his just-released book, 'The Bomb, The Bank, The Mullah and The Poppies: A Tale of Deception', takes the reader into the core of Project 706, the centrepiece of Pakistan's nuclear ambitions. Just a month after Pakistan's dismemberment, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto called upon his country's top-notch nuclear scientists under a shamiana in Multan on January 20, 1971. Known for his powerful oratory, Bhutto asked his scientists to embark upon what seemed then to be the impossible task of building a nuclear weapon. The old guard was not swayed by what Bhutto was asking of them, but a new generation of nuclear scientists -- including Samar Mubarakmand, Munir Ahemd Khan and Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood -- took their prime minister's words to heart and embarked on a path to achieve the impossible. After giving the scientists the go-ahead, Bhutto needed an uninterrupted supply chain of money to sustain what seemed like madness to many at that time. After meeting the scientists in Multan, Bhutto went on a tour to various Islamic countries to ask for the money he needed. Only two leaders agreed to finance the unachievable -- Col Muammar Gaddafi of Libya and Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Malhotra writes that an international bank name Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI) was set up within eight months. Banker Agha Hassan Abedi was chosen by the Pakistani establishment to head the enterprise. Bhutto had his financial structure in place to pursue the nuclear path. It was ideally suited to carry out all manner of dodgy, under-the-radar operations. BCCI, though operated mainly by the Pakistanis, had no official connection with the government of Pakistan. The author has described in detail the murky dealings of BCCI all over the world, the most infamous among them being working with the elite Safari Club, which included the intelligence heads of France, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt and Iran. The BCCI also provided funds to entities in South America, Middle East and Iran. And it had links with the Senior George Bush. The BCCI head -- Abedi -- has successfully created a bank with no fixed spatial location. The bank had been incorporated in Luxembourg, which was an unregulated financial area, its stakeholders all came from the Persian Gulf, its headquarters was in London, and its main investors were based in the UK and the UAE. After Bhutto had brought in the financial stability to help build the bomb, his first decision was to appoint Ghulam Ishaq Khan as Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan. The author writes that since Pakistan had no means to fund Project 706, the entire process of bomb building that Bhutto orchestrated was cloaked in "deception" and "illegality", but Bhutto viewed it as being necessary for Pakistan to realise its destiny. The year 1976 was a watershed moment for Pakistan's nuclear dream. The Pakistani-Dutch nuclear scientist Dr A.Q. Khan, after two years of persuasion, was allowed by the Pakistani establishment to construct his own uranium enrichment facility called the Engineering Research Laboratories. In July 1976, Ghulam Ishaq Khan, who was now Pakistan's Defence Minister, and Agha Shahi, the Foreign Secretary, code-named the nascent nuclear project 'Project 706'. Malhotra goes on to point out that by the time Bhutto was hanged by the regime of Zia-ul Haq, Pakistan's "narco-terror" state was beginning to breathe and grow into a formidable force under a new leader. Bhutto, according to Malhotra, was truly Pakistan's Machiavelli, unsung and forgotten by the country's many generals and politicians who subsequently mentored Project 706. By the end of 1977, BCCI chief Abedi had no choice but to turn to the global drug industry, whose branches had already been established in the Af-Pak region. About the "narco-terror" state, Malhotra writes that Abedi was exploring how to make money out of the drug industry to compensate for the loss of earnings from petro-dollar deposits, and had an understanding in this regard with Lt Gen Fazle Haq, who was appointed governor of the North Western Frontier Province (NWFP) in 1978. Malhotra writes that the BCCI went on to finance the 200-or-so heroin refineries that were then in the process of being set up in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district of NWFP and take responsibility for transporting the produce to Karachi. From there it would be loaded on to ships owned by the Gokal brothers and transported to the various target markets. All of the profits from this operation were banked with BCCI, thereby boosting its cash deposits. From 1982 onwards, the logistics of ferrying drugs from the heroin refineries in Balochistan and the NWFP was under the control of the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Trucks of the Pakistan Army's National Logistics Cell (NLC) would arrive in NWFP with arms from Karachi unloaded from ships chartered by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and returned laden with heroin under ISI protection back to Karachi for global distribution. The CIA therefore provided legal cover for this activity and the trade grew to gigantic levels never before conceived. Malhotra writes that by 1986 the global drug business was estimated to be a $100-billion industry, out of which the Pakistan's share was not less than $30 billion. After 1985, the Soviets started to withdraw from Afghanistan. That was when the Pakistani establishment started to plan for alternative sources to fund and sustain Project 706 as US support would eventually dry up. It was General Zia's idea to set up a 'nuclear cell'. Its main aim was to systematically leverage the skills and assets of the Khan Research Laboratories. The first-rung customers identified for highly secret negotiations were Iran, Syria, and Libya. By October 1988, BCCI had started to run in trouble, mostly because George H.W. Bush was nominated as the Republican candidate for the White House. He was involved with the BCCI via the dictator of Panama and wanted to get rid of the BCCI if he had to run his election campaign successfully, without any controversies. Malhotra writes that even after BCCI officers were arrested in Tampa, Florida, for their operations in the US, it remained in place because it was a necessary broker in clandestine weapon deals and other initiatives involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, China and Israel even after the arrests. It was after General Zia's death that Agha Hassan Abedi's health was impacted and he was rushed to hospital in London. His close friends -- among them President Jimmy Carter -- summoned top cardiologists to attend to Abedi. In July 1991 that BCCI was shut down after it had collapsed and caused more than 6,500 depositors to lose their money, including the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, which is believed to have lost $2 billion. Abedi was never brought to trial in the US or the UK, although he had been indicted in both countries for crimes related to the BCCI, but Pakistani officials refused to give him up for extradition claiming the charges were politically motivated. Abedi died a natural death in 1995. Malhotra writes that by the 1990s, Pakistan's Project 706 was almost good-to-go, however they did not have the technology of a delivery system. For the missiles, Pakistan roped in North Korea. The No-dong missiles of North Korea were delivered by A.Q. Khan with the help of Benazir Bhutto, who was then prime minister and visited North Korea in her official capacity to get the missile delivery system for Pakistan at the end of 1993. 'The Bomb, The Bank, The Mullah and The Poppies: A Tale of Deception' also shed light on the capture of Kabul by the Taliban in 1997. The author writes that it was not Taliban's own military force which made it possible for them to capture Kabul, but it was a combination of several factors that significantly did not include their military prowess on the battlefield. Rapid desertions from the Pashtun militia aligned with Ahmad Shah Massoud for the defence of Kabul, the failure of Abdul Rashid Dostum to switch sides from the Taliban into the Massoud camp, thereby relieving pressure on Kabul from the north-west, and the slow but steady progress made by the Taliban to cut Massoud's link with Jalalabad were some of the reasons for the Taliban to take over Afghan capital. Malhotra writes that the Taliban conquest of Afghanistan provides a fascinating and complete doctrinal example of modern unconventional warfare. The Pakistanis employed a predominantly indigenous force, the Taliban, to overthrow the legitimate government and install a pro-Pakistan regime purely in order to "consolidate" and "expand" the heroin trade. Armed with Pakistani weapons, trained by Pakistani advisers, sympathetic to Pakistani interests and with Pakistani soldiers eventually fighting directly alongside them, the Taliban conquered Afghanistan. Thus was born the modern worldas most "dangerous narco-state" -- Afghanistan. As Iran and India started supporting the Northern Alliance, the Pakistanis backe the Taliban. Conservative estimates place the number of Pakistani troops serving in Afghanistan between 1994 and 1999, fighting alongside the Taliban, at between 80,000 to 100,000 personnel. Under A.Q. Khan, meanwhile, "proliferation" of nuclear arms continued and also after Pervez Musharraf took over the narcotics business, which had now moved to Afghanistan from the NWFP, it continued unabated in Jalalabad, which the author mentions as the capital of Afghanistan's opium-rich Nangarhar province. Soon after Taliban's fall in 2001, the ISI nurtured its operatives, provided them with safe sanctuaries and protected them from the prying eyes of the CIA and other American security agencies. The narco business, however, remained unaffected, Malhotra points out. It simply passed from the Taliban to Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai, who also nurtured the business. The ISI ensured the narco business supply chain did not get disturbed because of the US-led invasion of Afghanistan. (Daanish Bin Nabi can be reached at daanish.n@ians.in) Kolkata, July 23 : The central leadership of BJP has summoned its top leaders from West Bengal to the national capital on Monday to discuss and review the situation in the state after the recently concluded panchayat polls. State BJP sources said that following the summons from the central leadership, top BJP leaders form the state, namely state party president and Lok Sabha member Sukanta Majumdar, the leader of the opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari and general secretary Amitava Chakraborty are scheduled to leave for New Delhi on Sunday evening only. "As per the information available with us, the three state leaders are supposed to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah and our party's national president J.P. Nadda on Monday and update them on the existing situation in the state. "Our national vice-president and party Lok Sabha member Dilip Ghosh, who is in New Delhi now, is also supposed to attend those meetings," said a state committee member of BJP. It is learnt that in the meeting the issue of the party's results in the recently concluded rural civic body polls might also come up for discussion, where the state leaders might face questions on the reasons behind the party's poor performance in its stronghold areas in North Bengal as well as the tribal dominated- pockets of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts. "Our top leaders are also likely to set some guidelines for the state leadership on the next course of political action in West Bengal in wake of the current situation in the state," the state committee member said. Meanwhile, Adhikari has ridiculed the West Bengal chief minister, Mamata Banerjee over her political initiatives in the current situation of the trouble- ridden Manipur. According to the leader of the opposition, the chief minister "is probably suffering from hyperopia, where one can see the distant object clearly but objects nearby are blurry". Los Angeles, July 23 : A scene from filmmaker Christopher Nolan's recent release 'Oppenheimer' starring Cillian Murphy features a line from Hindu holy scripture Bhagavad Gita has angered many leading to protests. Passed with a U/A certificate by India's Central Board of Film Certification, the film has a sex scene between Cillian Murphy as Robert Oppenheimer and Florence Pugh as Jean Tatlock, reports Variety. In the film, Pugh stops during intercourse, gets up and goes over to the bookshelf, picks out a copy of the "Bhagavad Gita" and asks Murphy to read from it. Murphy reads the line "I am become Death, destroyer of worlds," the quote from the "Bhagavad Gita" that Oppenheimer famously thought of when the first nuclear bomb was detonated, reports Variety. The 700-verse "Bhagavad Gita" is a part of the Indian epic "Mahabharata" and consists of a dialogue on a battlefield between Arjuna and Lord Krishna as the former undergoes a moral dilemma. Indians went in big numbers to watch "Oppenheimer". Protests began on social media almost immediately after. Among them was Uday Mahurkar, a journalist who was appointed by the Indian government as an information commissioner in 2020. Mahurkar is also the founder of the Save Culture Save India Foundation. In a letter addressed to Nolan on Twitter, Mahurkar wrote on behalf of the foundation: "It has come to our notice that the movie 'Oppenheimer' contains a scene which make a scathing attack on Hinduism. As per social media reports, a scene in the movie shows a woman makes a man read Bhagwad Geeta aloud while getting over him and doing sexual intercourse." "She is holding Bhagwad Geeta in one hand, and the other hands seems to be adjusting the position of their reproductive organs. The Bhagwad Geeta is one of the most revered scriptures of Hinduism. Geeta has been the inspiration for countless sanyasis, brahmcharis and legends who live a life of self-control and perform selfless noble deeds." "We do not know the motivation and logic behind this unnecessary scene on life of a scientist. But this is a direct assault on religious beliefs of a billion tolerant Hindus, rather it amounts to waging a war on the Hindu community and almost appears to be part of a larger conspiracy by anti-Hindu forces." The letter goes on to say that Hollywood "is very sensitive about the fact that Quran and Islam is not depicted in any manner that may offend the value system of a common Muslim, even if you make something based on Islamist terrorism," and asks, "Why should not the same courtesy be also extended to Hindus?" The letter urged Nolan to "remove this scene from your film across world" and added, "Should you choose to ignore this appeal it would be deemed as a deliberate assault on Indian civilisation." This is not the first time a quote from the "Bhagavad Gita" has been used in a Hollywood studio picture. According to Variety, an orgy scene in Stanley Kubrick's 1999 film "Eyes Wide Shut" had the lines "For the protection of the virtuous, for the destruction of evil and for the firm establishment of Dharma, I take birth and am incarnated on Earth, from age to age." Following protests from Hindu groups, Warner Bros. edited out the lines from the soundtrack. Amaravati, July 23 : Actor-politician Pawan Kalyan on Sunday posed three questions to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on the volunteer system in the state. The Jana Sena Party (JSP) chief took to Twitter to launch a fresh attack on the Chief Minister over the issue. Pawan posted a video of Jagan Mohan Reddy when he was in the opposition. Jagan had then stated that keeping details of someone's Aadhaar, bank account and voter ID by a private person is a crime. "Everyoneas concern is same .. my dear Watson!. Data privacy laws will remain the same,whether you are CM or not . So answer these basic three questions. 1) Who's the Boss of Volunteers? 2) Where are you storing the personal data of People of AP? 3) Who has authorised volunteers to collect people's personal data, when they are not Govt employees?," wrote the JSP leader. Pawan Kalyan had earlier demanded the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government to come clean on data collection of citizens. "Who's the Boss of volunteers? Who gives them instructions to collect private data? Is it a Pvt Company, if so who heads that? or if it is Govt of AP then who ordered to collect data? Is it Chief Secretary? CM? Collector? MLA? Who???," he had asked. The JSP leader had also tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. On Saturday, the JSP leader had demanded the Election Commission of India to investigate reports that the services of volunteers were being used for verification of electoral rolls in the state. "The Truest sense of upholding Democracy is to ensure Fairness & Transparency in the Entire Election Process starting from Preparation of Voter List to the Declaration of Result. Despite Election Commission's clear instructions, several Volunteers across AP are being part of the door-to-door survey process along with YCP Booth Level Officers. This is violation of the Constitution & blatant abuse of power by the YCP in Andhra Pradesh. JANASENA demands Election Commission of INDIA to investigate this and take strict action & immediate enforcement of the necessary rules in AP," he tweeted. New Delhi, July 23 : Congress Delhi unit on Sunday held a 'Maun Satyagraha' (Silent Protest) against the BJP-led government over the Manipur crisis and disqualification of Rahul Gandhi as a member from Lok Sabha. Scores of Congress leaders and party workers under the leadership of its Delhi unit chief Anil Kumar Chaudhary, wearing black ribbons, staged the protest at the Jantar Mantar. "Silent Satyagraha was observed against the dictatorship of the Central government, communal violence in Manipur for more than two and a half months and BJP's attempt to suppress Rahul Gandhi's voice raised for the poor," said Chaudhary. The Congress, which has been blaming the N Biren Singh government in Manipur over the current situation, has stepped up its attack at the BJP after the video of two women being stripped, paraded, and sexually assaulted surfaced on social media. Manipur Police on Saturday arrested one more accused who is a juvenile, taking the total number of arrests in Manipur women assault case to six. In March, Gandhi was disqualified from Lok Sabha as a member following his conviction by a Gujarat's court in a 2019 defamation case. Lucknow, July 23 : A first of its kind trans-health clinic in Lucknow is instilling confidence among intersex people to search for their own identity. 'Sabrang', the clinic, claims to be the only one of its kind in north India. Ayush Kumar Agnihotri, the clinic manager, says, "Every month we get people confused about what they look like and what they feel from inside. Experts working with us find a solution." Transgender is an umbrella term that encompasses people who have a gender identity or gender expression, which differs from their sex assigned at birth. Being independent of sexual orientation, they have often been classified as the "third sex." Dr Heeralal, additional director, National Health Mission, said, "Based on various socio-cultural traditions and beliefs, they are frequently discriminated against and stigmatised. This has led to their limited social inclusion and participation." "The average footfall at the clinic is up to 30 every month. All of them go for counselling and other services," said Ayush. For transgender population, the current standard under the National AIDS Control Programme is to deliver HIV services through targeted interventions (TI) which are implemented by NGO/CBOs for prevention services. The current HIV prevalence among the transgender population in India is 3.14 per cent as per the 2017 data. Given that the transgender population has broader health care needs beyond HIV, offering comprehensive services will most likely increase access to and adherence to STI/HIV prevention and treatment and increase overall health and well-being. In many health care settings, transgender and gender non-conforming individuals experience discrimination and mistreatment. In all, 438 transgender persons were registered at the clinic and 32 district representatives are active in 17 districts. So far, 3 webinars have been organized under the chairmanship of Dr Heera Lal. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez surprised everyone on May 29 with his announcement of an early election on July 23. It caught many Spaniards off guard, with many trying to disrupt their vacation plans as little as possible. Requests for postal voting doubled compared to April 2019, and there was a surge in requests to be excused from mandatory electoral duties (Spaniards who get called up in a lottery must man the polling stations in a system similar to mandatory jury duty in other countries), according to electoral sources consulted by EL PAIS. But what if someone does not report for duty? What punishment does the law set out? And what kind of excuses have people made up to try to dodge a conviction in court? The answer to what happens can be found in the Official State Gazette (BOE): Article 143 of the LOREG (Organic Law of the General Electoral Regime) provides for the crime of abandonment or non-compliance at polling stations. The penalty for offenders is three months to one year of imprisonment, or a fine for six to 24 months, which may be imposed on presiding officers and members of polling stations (or their respective deputies) who fail to attend or perform their duties, abandon them without legitimate cause or fail to comply without just cause with the obligations of excuse or prior notice imposed by this law. But before someone is convicted, the jurisprudence of the Supreme Court has established a series of conditions. First, it must be proven that the individual was duly notified. However, once this point is proven, the burden of justifying their absence is placed on the accused. In other words, the accused must prove that there was sufficient cause for not performing his/her duties and for not having notified the authorities in time, according to several rulings. In spite of this, during almost half a century of democracy, the tricks used by some people to try to avoid a sanction have been quite varied. EL PAIS has compiled some of the worst excuses: I was asleep Antonio (not his real name) was supposed to report to the Mendia public school in Balmaseda, in the northern Basque region, at 8 a.m. on April 28, 2019. He had been selected for electoral duty for the general elections but did not attend. According to him, he fell asleep, so he did not go to the facilities until 9 or 10 a.m.; where, upon seeing that the voting was running smoothly, he cast his ballot and left. However, Criminal Court 2 of Barakaldo and the Provincial Court of Bizkaia did not buy his version. It is an allegation devoid of any principle of proof, countered the appeals court in a February 2, 2023 ruling, which insists that Antonio did not prove that he fell asleep accidentally that day, thus opening the door to his doing so intentionally or that his defense was merely an excuse. The court sentenced him to a fine of 4,050 (US$4,508). Tummy trouble On January 30, the Court of Asturias sentenced a man to pay a fine of 900 (US$1001) for not showing up for duty at the community center in Pumarin (Oviedo) on May 26, 2019, for the municipal, regional, and European elections. He claimed he did not go because he was suffering from an upset stomach. The court did not believe him: The reason given lacks any evidentiary support [...] Nor did he provide medical justification for his illness by any means, and he did not even communicate with the electoral board to explain the circumstances in which he found himself on that day or with the polling station he was to man. Nor did it help him that his mother testified in his favor: The version his mother offered does not allow us to sustain that the accused suffered a serious illness that constituted an impediment, nor is it logical to argue that he did not notify the polling station because its members had already been picked out. I dont live at my parents house anymore In an attempt to strike down the accusation, the defense of Matilde (fictitious name) focused on trying to convince the court that she did not know that she had been selected for election duty because she did not receive the official notice, since it arrived at her parents house, and she no longer lived with them and her parents did not notify her. However, the Barcelona Court of Appeal concluded that she lied to the court, as did her mother and brother in supporting her version. The judges took into account that the mother contradicted herself, as she testified during the trial that, whenever she receives something for her daughter, her son takes a photograph of it with his cellphone and sends it to her via WhatsApp: [He does] this with all the letters she receives. The court sentenced her to pay a fine of 1,800 (US$2003), as stated in the sentence, dated October 5, 2021. I had a broken index finger on my right hand On April 21, 2021, the Court of Oviedo ratified the fine of 900 (US$1001) against a man who did not show up for duty at his polling station on May 26, 2019. His excuse was that he had a broken index finger on his right hand and that, due to severe pain, he could not drive from his home to the polling place. To justify this, he submitted a medical report dated May 22. However, the judges pointed out that this document states, precisely, that no clear fracture lines were appreciated and that the cortices appear to be intact. No evidence was proposed at the appropriate procedural moment aimed at accrediting a greater seriousness in said ailment, said the court, which emphasized that the electoral board itself had rejected this excuse when the man communicated it to them and that, despite this, he did not show up on election day. Being drunk Criminal Court 4 of Mostoles (Madrid) describes the following scene that occurred on May 5, 2015, 19 days before the regional and municipal elections of that year. The accused, who was at his home in Fuenlabrada (Madrid), refused to accept the notice served to him by the notifying agent, in which he was designated as the first member of a polling place. In view of this attitude, two members of the local police went to the house and warned him of the legal consequences. But he was not convinced. He refused again and again. Meanwhile, he shouted: Im going to shit on the fucking mother of these democrats, who do nothing but suck on the teat. I am not going to sign anything or go anywhere. [...] I dont give a shit if I have to go to a trial and if I have to shit on the judges fucking mother. Ill put my balls on table if I have to. Of course, the man did not show up at the polling station on May 24. And the courts initiated a case, which ended with him being sentenced to pay 450 (US$500). During the trial, the defense alleged that he was drunk when he was notified. The Madrid court rejected this claim in October 2022 after studying his appeal: The officers of the Local Police who appeared at the scene stated that they had not found that the defendant was drunk at that time [...]. It cannot be concluded that addiction for which the accused was treated after the facts and/or alcohol intake could have totally or even partially annulled his cognitive ability and will at the time of the facts. And it should not be forgotten that the act of refusing a notice is not an act that constitutes a crime. Rather, on the day of the elections he did not show up at the polling station for which he had been appointed. New Delhi, July 23 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday said they have filed a charge sheet against nine, including three notorious 'listed terrorists' associated with banned terror outfits, Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) in the gangsters-terrorists nexus case. The three are -- Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda of BKI, Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dala of KTF and Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa of BKI, (all based abroad), for creating their own networks of operatives to carry out terror activities in India. The NIA said that they have close contacts with drug smugglers and Khalistani operatives in Pakistan and other countries. "Through this complex network of operatives based abroad, they have been recruiting, motivating and handling their associates in India to carry out terrorist activities, extortion and cross-border smuggling of weapons and drugs into India. They also have linkages with major gangs operating in North India, including local gangsters, organised criminal syndicates and networks," the NIA said. The official said that their investigations have also revealed a complex mechanism of fund raising for the BKI and KTF. The funds were being routed to India-based associates through both, informal channels as well as formal channels with layering and fund provisioning. MTSS or other means were being used in a way that the identity of the real sender or receiver of funds was completely masked. NIA is also investigating the links of 16 other absconding and arrested accused associated with the BKI and KTF. A former gangster, Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda is now a key BKI member and Khalistani operative. In the year 2018/19, he fled to Pakistan illegally and is currently living there under the patronage of ISI, and is involved in commission of terrorist activities against India. Rinda is involved in various offences like smuggling of arms, ammunition explosives and drugs into Indian territory from Pakistan, recruitment of BKI operatives, murders, raising funds for BKI through extortion in the states of Punjab and Maharashtra. He has been involved in many terrorist activities, including the RPG attack on Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters in May 2022, and was declared as an 'individual terrorist' in 2023 by the Government of India. Accused Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dala, was an infamous gangster in India who left for Canada. In Canada, Dala came in contact with Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was the chief of proscribed terrorist organisation KTF. The duo engaged in recruitment of youth and formation of terrorist gangs to carry out extortion for raising funds for KTF and for carrying out targeted killing of businessmen and leaders of particular communities in Punjab. Dala has been declared an 'individual terrorist' in 2023 by the Government of India. Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa, was initially involved in criminal and gangster related activities. In 2017, he left for Canada and continued his activities from there. He came in contact with BKI terrorist Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda and started working for the latter and BKI. Landa has been main accused in a number of terrorist incidents, including RPG attack on Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters in May 2022 and RPG attack on Sarhali Police station in Tarn Taran in December, 2022. He was also the mastermind of the conspiracy to kill Punjab Police S-I Dilbagh Singh in August, 2022. Other foreign based BKI nodes charge-sheeted by the NIA are Harjot Singh, based in the US; Kashmir Singh Galwaddi, an absconding accused of Nabha Jailbreak case and suspected to be presently in Nepal; and Tarsem Singh, brother of Landa, currently living in Dubai. Gurjant Singh is presently living in Australia and is one among the foreign based nodes of KTF who has been chargesheeted. Other accused charge-sheeted by NIA are Deepak Ranga and Lucky Khokhar alias Denis, who were recruited by foreign based handlers for carrying out terror activities in India. Accused Deepak Ranga was handled by accused Harwinder Rinda and Landa for carrying out the RPG attack on Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters, Mohali, Punjab in May 2022. --IANSatk/dpb New Delhi, July 23 : Government has said that it is aware of various developments related to Pacific Island countries and is keeping a close watch with a bearing on India's security and interests. The government said that it is also taking all necessary measures to safeguard India's interests. The government's response came after a question was asked in Lok Sabha whether the government has taken note of the steps taken by the Chinese government for influencing the South Pacific small island nations for setting up its bases to tighten its grip over the region. The government was further asked whether it has come across the fact that China is pushing security pacts with Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and many other nations and the steps taken in view of the statement of President of Federation of States of Micronesia that China was trying to coerce countries in the region to toe its line on Taiwan. Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan in his reply said: "Government is aware of the various developments pertaining to Pacific Island Countries (PICs)... The Government keeps a close watch on all developments with a bearing on India's security and interests and takes all necessary measures to safeguard the same." He also informed that India robustly engages with PICs as a part of its extended neighbourhood in the Indo-Pacific region, including through the Forum for India-Pacific Island Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit first held in 2014. "In order to further enhance cooperation, 12 collaborative projects were announced by the Prime Minister at the Third Forum for India-Pacific Island Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit in May 2023, focussing on shared priorities and the needs of PICs," Muraleedharan further said. Last year in April, China had announced that it had signed a security deal with the Solomon Islands. The pact paved the way for China to deploy security forces in the Pacific island nation and giving China a strategic foothold in the Pacific. The pact had evoked concern from Australia and the United States, which had even dispatched it's top officials to the Solomon Islands. Kolkata, July 23 : West Bengal Police on Sunday arrested a couple based out of Panihati in North 24 Parganas district for selling their six-month-old child to arrange for funds to purchase their alcohol. The grandfather of the child, who is believed to have acted as the middleman in the matter, has also been arrested by the cops. The police are not ruling out the involvement of a child trafficking racket in the entire matter. However the police are yet to rescue the child. The arrested persons have been identified as Jaideb Chowdhury (father), Sathi Chowdhury (mother) and Kanai Chowdhury (grandfather). They are being questioned currently to know about the person to whom they have sold their child. The local people brought the matter to the police after they found the child missing for quite some time. Whenever the neighbours enquired about the matter, the couple answered that the child was at a relative's place. The neighbours smelt some foul-play and brought it to the notice of the local councilor, who informed the police. The cops will present the arrested trio at a district court on Sunday only and will seek police custody for them. "Our prime aim is to extract information from them in the matter, so that we can carry forward our investigation and rescue the child," an investigating official said. The local people informed the cops that the couple used to be intoxicated almost throughout the day and often they had severe quarrels within the family and at times with the neighbours. But none could imagine that urge for alcohol would push them into taking such a nasty step of selling their own child.. Chennai, July 23 : Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder leader Ramadoss has urged the Central government to ensure that Karnataka releases Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. The PMK leader in a statement on Sunday said that the present quantity of Cauvery water was not enough for the crops in the delta region of Tamil Nadu to survive. The senior leader said that Karnataka has released 5000 cusecs of water from Kabini and KRS dams. He said that the present storage of water in Mettur dam would last only till August 10 and added that the water released from the two dams will not reach Tamil Nadu border in full. He said that crops will wither if water does not reach properly into the delta districts of the state. Ramadoss said that Karnataka should have released 32.3 TMC of water as per the Cauvery River Water Tribunal judgment but has released only 4 TMC of water till now. The senior leader said that Karnataka should release 25.344 cusecs by August 31 so that Tamil Nadu gets its due share. He said that the dams across Cauvery in Karnataka have 58 TMC of water and receive 35000 cusecs and added that there was no issue in releasing water to Tamil Nadu. The PMK leader urged the Central government to ensure that 25000 cusecs of water were released from Karnataka to save Kuruvai crops and called upon the Tamil Nadu government to put pressure on the central government for the same. New Delhi, July 23 : The luxury linen wear brand House of Kaveri is now available on an exclusive website in the Middle East including in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. Catering to fashion enthusiasts in the Middle East Asian countries, bykaveri.ae brings the luxury all-linen clothing brand, inspired by nature's beauty and sustainability, to discerning customers across the region. Kaveri Lalchand, known for her ebullient personality and exquisite designs, has garnered immense admiration for her free-flowing, silhouette-flattering, finely handcrafted and embellished garments that cater to all shapes and sizes. The label showcases custom crafted collections for the region, using the finest linen fabrics that exude luxury, confidence, versatility, and timeless elegance. The website offers a carefully curated yet extensive collection of wardrobe essentials tailored to the middle eastern culture and fashion, including tunics, kaftans, contemporary coords, dresses and jacket sets. Each piece tells a unique story, transforming the wearer's outlook, instilling a sense of power, whimsy, and effortless style. Kaveri Lalchand, Founder, House of Kaveri is buoyant on the brand's expansion into the region stating "We are pleased to launch in the Middle East; the region has been on our radar for sometime with its discerning customers who value and appreciate the beauty of handmade unique one of a kind garments. The House of Kaveri is thrilled to bring its apparel to those who appreciate the luxury of wearing pure European linen." (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) Rita Ora says working with Carrie Fisher in 'Wonderwell' was an amazing experience. Image Source: IANS News Los Angeles, July 23 : British pop star and actress Rita Ora has reflected on what it was like to work with the late Carrie Fisher, her co-star in 'Wonderwell' that was finally released in June. In an interview with People magazine, Ora termed the experience of working with the beloved Star Wars actress as "an amazing experience." Carrie Fisher died in 2016. 'Wonderwell' was released seven years after her passing. Fisher had completed her work on the movie just weeks before her death, but post-production work, as well as Covid lockdowns, delayed the release. Ora, whose new album 'You & I' is out, said she'll forever treasure those memories of working with Fisher. "I'm really actually surprised and happy that this film's finally getting the light that it deserves. To say I've been in scenes with Carrie Fisher, it's insane. She's an icon a" a legend," Ora said. "Obviously, that was an amazing experience working with Carrie Fisher. I'm going to cherish the experience forever, and I'm happy that people are going to finally really see this film." 'Wonderwell', a coming-of-age fairytale, was shot in Tuscany, Italy. The story follows Savannah, a 12-year-old girl (Kiera Milward) embarking on a magical journey after meeting Hazel (Fisher) in a forest. Ora stars as a fashion designer who wants Savannah to be the face of her world-famous fashion label. When Hazel guides her to a mysterious portal, Savannah is given a glimpse of what her future has in store. Fisher, best known for portraying Princess Leia Organa in the Star Wars films, died of a heart attack at age 60 after going into cardiac arrest during a flight from London to Los Angeles. William Brookfield wrote the screenplay of 'Wonderwell' while Vlad Marsavin directed the film. It also stars Nell Tiger Free (Servant) and Sebastian Croft (Heartstopper). Palermo : , July 23 (IANS) China's Zheng Qinwen will fight for her first WTA title against home favorite Jasmine Paolini after beating Mayar Sherif of Egypt in the semifinals of the Palermo Open, here on Sunday. The 20-year-old Zheng hit nine aces in the match and secured the victory 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, while her final opponent Paolini beat Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain 7-6 (6), 6-0. "It was a really tough day. My opponent is such a great fighter. She never gives up and fights for every point. I have a big respect for her," Zheng was quoted as saying by Xinhua. The rising star, who was named the WTA 2022 Newcomer of the Year, reached the final at the Pan Pacific Open last season, but was beaten by Russian Liudmila Samsonova in straight sets. "She [Paolini] deserves to be there in the final and to have a great competition with me. I will try to fight and give my best," Zheng said of the final. Hyderabad, July 23 : The Telangana government on Sunday issued an order for providing financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each to eligible members of minorities with 100 per cent subsidy. The financial assistance for minorities will be on the lines of the assistance extended to the backward classes. The state government claimed that it is another historical milestone towards achieving economic self-reliance of the minority communities. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said that the state government is making all efforts with a vision to eliminate poverty in all sections irrespective of caste and religion. The government is already extending support to the deserved sections, he said. The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government is committed to the development and welfare of all minority communities. Efforts are being made to eradicate poverty and backwardness of minorities by implementing a slew of schemes in various sectors including education and employment. CM KCR made it clear that the government will safeguard 'Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb' by supporting all cultures and religious traditions equally. A Government Order (GO) was issued by the Minorities Welfare Department for implementation of the economic support scheme. According to the GO, applications that were received in the financial year 2022-23 but which are pending will be considered in 2023-24 for sanction of 100 per cent direct subsidy of Rs 1 lakh for each eligible beneficiary, to be executed through Telangana State Minorities Finance Corporation. Fresh applications will be called for from Christian applicants for selection of Christian beneficiaries for extending the financial assistance from the Telangana State Christian Minorities Finance Corporation. The grant will be given to only one member from a family. The individual age limit fixed for applicants is from 21 years to 55 years as on June 2, 2023. The annual income of the applicant shall not exceed Rs.1.50 lakhs in rural areas and Rs 2 lakh in urban areas. Patna, July 23 : A four-year-old boy fell into a borewell in Bihar's Nalanda district on Sunday and efforts are on to rescue him, officials said. The incident occurred at Kulgaon village under Nalanda police station in the district. The victim was identified as Subham Kumar, whose father and mothers are labourers. He fell into a 150-foot borewell and struck at the 50-60 foot level. His mother said that she was working in the agricultural field and Subham was playing there, when he suddenly fell in the borewell. Chaos ensured and police were informed and reached the spot with National and State Disaster Response Force personnel for the rescue operation. They have supplied the trapped child oxygen through pipes and some food packets. "We are digging a parallel pit followed by making a tunnel to rescue the child," an NDRF official said. Protest against judicial reform swell in Israel, debate over contentious bill underway in Knesset. Image Source: IANS News Jerusalem, July 23 : Protest against judicial reform in Israel swelled on Sunday after agitators formed a human chain from Western Wall to Knesset (Parliament), where debate is underway over the contentious bill and the rightist coalition government prepares to pass the first piece of judicial reform legislation. The protests swept major cities across the country.The debate, which began in Sunday morning, will continue for 26 hours and likely to conclude on Monday. During the debate, referring to the widespread judicial reform protests taking place, Constitution, Law and Justice Committee Chair Simcha Rothman said: "The current situation is not democracy, and not the rule of law," Jerusalem Post reported. Opposition leader MK Yair Lapid said: "We didn't march to declare war, but to prevent one. To tell the government, if you still have any sense of fairness, stop this." The government is arguing that the bill will enhance democracy, while the opposition termed it to be slide toward authoritarianism. The contentious bill is aimed at canceling some of the Supreme Court's powers, with the aim of completing the legislation before the Knesset adjourns on July 30 for its summer recess. The planned judicial overhaul has thrown Israeli society into turmoil, with many expressing concerns and frustration about the future of Israel's judiciary under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership. The grassroots movement has staged some of the largest demonstrations ever seen in Israel since the 1980s, with weekly protests occurring for 28 consecutive weeks following the announcement of the overhaul plan by the ruling coalition in January. Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader, returned to office in December last year, leading a rightist government coalition consisting of ultranationalist and ultra-religious parties. He is facing a criminal trial over corruption charges in three separate cases. Voter turnout at Spains national election reached 70.40% with 99% of the ballots counted, up nearly four points compared to the 2019 polls, when it was 66.23%, according to figures released by the Interior Ministry. Postal voting also reached record numbers this year, with 2.47 million voters choosing this option. Turnout rose in the regions of Galicia, Extremadura, the Balearic Islands, Cantabria, the Canary Islands and Asturias and fell elsewhere, mainly in Catalonia, Madrid and the Basque Country. With 22,562 polling stations open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. this Sunday, the prospect of a hot day pushed many people to go early. A majority of polling stations lack air conditioning, and they have been equipped with electric fans, portable air conditioning systems and refrigerators containing bottles of water to make the day easier for the citizens who were summoned to man the 60,314 polling tables across the Spanish territory. With the snap election taking place in the middle of summer, the railway company Renfe enabled shuttle buses on the Madrid-Valencia route after a serious incident in a tunnel interrupted traffic in both directions. The breakdown affected some 4,000 passengers, including many citizens who were going home in order to vote. The main opposition Popular Party (PP) has insinuated that the breakdown may have been due to an alleged boycott by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of the Socialist Party (PSOE). Before this, the PP had suggested that mail-in ballots would experience trouble; instead, there has been a record 2.4 million mail votes. Pedro Sanchez voting in Madrid on Sunday. Claudio Alvarez Sanchez voted at 9.10 a.m. at the Nuestra Senora del Buen Consejo school in Madrid. The next main candidate to cast his vote was the head of the far-right Vox party, Santiago Abascal. Yolanda Diaz, head of the left-wing alliance Sumar, showed up at 11:30 a.m. at her polling station in Madrid, and Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of the conservative PP voted after 11:30 a.m. at the Ramiro de Maeztu school. Anecdotes of the day As always, the tiny hamlet of Villarroya (in the northern region of La Rioja) was the first to close the polls after its seven registered residents once again broke their own record, and in just 26 seconds exercised their right to vote. A drag queen who called herself Onyx showed up in her best clothes and with special makeup to help man one of the polling stations at the Montserrat school in Madrid, where she encouraged people to enjoy the party of democracy. A worker installing an electric fan at a polling station in El Puerto de Santa Maria, Cadiz. PACO PUENTES Pilar and Luis, who got married on Saturday in Granada, went to vote after a whole night of celebration. The couple went to cast their vote at the Jose Hurtado school, in the central Realejo neighborhood of the Andalusian city. In some coastal locations such as Valencia, some voters showed up in bathing suits, cast their vote and went right back to the beach. A voter in Valencia shows up in beach gear on Sunday. MONICA TORRES PM Modi arrives to address media on the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament. Image Source: IANS News Gandhinagar, July 23 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate 'Semicon India 2023' here on July 28. An official said that 'Semicon India 2023' aims to boost the semiconductor industry's growth by facilitating networking, showcasing technological advancements, and unveiling prospective business opportunities. The event is projected to play a significant role in molding the future trajectory of the semiconductor industry both in India and Gujarat, with a special emphasis on innovation, inclusivity, and growth, the official said. The event is scheduled to be held from July 25-30, with major companies like Foxconn, Micron, IBM, AMD, and more participating. Ahead of the main event, a special exhibition will be thrown open to the public from July 25-30. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel would inaugurate the exhibition. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology; External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajeev Chandrasekhar would grace the occasion. High-level executives from the leading semiconductor industries would also be in attendance. The key highlights of the event would include a detailed presentation on the numerous investment prospects within India's burgeoning semiconductor industry, supplemented by a panel discussion featuring industry veterans, an official said. The Gujarat government has rolled out the Semiconductor Policy (2022-2027), making it the first state in India with a dedicated policy for the sector, supporting the Central government's Aatmanirbhar vision for India's semiconductor industry. Moreover, the state government has also introduced an IT/ITES policy to bolster the IT and semiconductor design sectors. The Gujarat government signed an MoU worth Rs 22,500 crore with the semiconductor powerhouse, Micron Technology Inc., to set up an Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP) facility. During PM Modi's US visit, where President Joe Biden announced the establishment of this state-of-the-art ATMP facility in India. Consequently, this MoU is set to usher in a new era of semiconductor manufacturing in India, with a state-of-the-art ATMP facility slated for construction in Sanand, Gujarat. Bengaluru: Refurbished and upgraded North Runway at Kempegowda International Airport commenced operations, in Bengaluru on Thursday 25th March 2021. . Image Source: IANS News Thiruvananthapuram, July 23 : A Dubai-bound Air India flight made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport soon after taking off on Sunday, officials said. Air India, in a statement, said that the emergency landing was due to an issue with the air-conditioning system in the aircraft. It said that the passengers in the aircraft were safe. --IANS aal/vd Patna, July 23 : The security agencies on Sunday arrested two Chinese national along the Indo-Nepal border for entering into Indian territory without a valid Visa. They were identified as Fukong and Zhao Jing, a native of Ziyajing province in China. This was the second attempt of two Chinese to enter into India through Raxaul border in East Champaran district. Earlier, they had attempted to cross the India border in first week of May this year. The accused, during questioning, said that they came to Kathmandu on Saturday morning and then to Birgunj. They ate meals at Birgunj and waited for the evening to cross the Indo-Nepal border by taking advantage of the darkness. When they were crossing the border, immigration department spotted them and asked for their documents. The accused failed to provide valid documents leading to their arrest. Chennai, July 23 : The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) will hold a protest meeting on June 26 over the Manipur sexual assault across all the assembly constituencies of the state. The state Congress leadership has condemned the Manipur governmentas failure to act against the culprits involved in the sexual assault on two tribal women. TNCC state president, K.S. Alagiri in a statement on Sunday said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not prepared to give an explanation on the Manipur incident in parliament and is disrespecting it. The Congress leader also said that the opposition was seeking for imposing Presidentas rule in Manipur. It is to be noted that the Tamil Nadu Mahila Congress had on Saturday conducted protests in Chennai on Saturday condemning the Manipur sexual assault case. The Mahila Congress also called for the dismissal of the Manipur government and to enforce Presidentas rule in the state. Imphal, July 23 : In another horrifying case of ongoing ethnic violence reported from Manipur after the parading of two naked women in Kangpokpi district on May 4, the octogenarian widow of a freedom fighter was locked inside her house and it set on fire by an armed group in Manipur's Kakching district. Belonging to Meitei community, S. Ibetombi Maibi, the wife of the freedom fighter S. Churachand Singh, who died few years back at 80, was locked inside her house before the armed assailtants set on fire her home at Serou village on May 28, according to a FIR filed recently with Serou police station. Churachand Singh, who was a member of the Indian National Army headed by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, was honoured by President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and awarded Netaji Award by All India Forward Bloc in April 1997. The tragic incident occurred amidst the ethnic violence in Manipur including in the Serou village, 48 km from the state capital Imphal. Burnt bones of Ibetombi Maibi, half-burnt photographs, medals, mementos of Churachand Singh, many valuables, domestic materials, burnt houses and bullet holes on the walls are now displaying the undreamed off horror. "When the heavily-armed assailants attacked our house, my mother-in-law asked me and other neighbours to flee and after some time, come back or send someone to rescue her after the attackers leave the place. Due to her old age and limited mobility, she could not flee. Accordingly, I and the neighbours of three other families ran away," Ibetombi Maibi's daughter-in-law, S. Tampaksana said. She said that after a few hours, she asked 22-year-old Premkanta Meitei, a relative of Ibetombi Maibi, to rescue her. Premkanta Meitei said that when he, along with few others, reached the spot to rescue her, the blaze had engulfed the entire house and the elderly woman charred to death. The rescuers were also immediately forced to escape again as the attackers again started firing and he was also hit by bullets. About the May 28 attack, Tampaksana, said that frightened by the attack they took shelter at the local MLA's house, where they reached after running around two kilometers amidst the intense firing. "I told Premkanta Meitei to go to the spot along with others to rescue my mother-in-law. But when he reached the spot, everything was finished, only the ashes and debris besides the remains of elderly woman, who was charred to death, were seen," Tampaksana said. The Serou village was one of the worst-hit areas during the ethnic violence between the valley-based Meiteis and the Kuki-Zo tribals, mostly living in the hilly areas of Manipur. A short distance away from the village, the local Serou village market resembles a ghost area now. All local traders, who lived in the village, have all fled the place and taken shelter in the relief camps leading to an absolute silence prevailing in the area. The over 80-day long ethnic violence, which broke out after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, has so far claimed over 160 lives, injured over 600 people of different communities and displaced over 70,000 people besides destroying a large number of properties and vehicles. Local leaders said that there are many more horrific incidents that still remained unknown and came to light as hundreds of villages remained deserted and the displaced frightened people out of fear are reluctant to visit their habitats and villages. (Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujit.c@ians.in) --IANS sc/vd New Delhi, July 23 : Congress on Sunday blamed the BJP-led government at the Centre over the death of several cheetahs in the last few months which were translocated under the 'Project Cheetah'. "If only science had been put at the forefront of the Cheetah reintroduction project in India rather than 'vanity and showmanship', we may not have witnessed the current tragedy. Instead, the Modi government is busy instituting gag orders on scientists and forest officers," Congress general secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh wrote in a tweet, attacking the ruling dispensation. Along with the tweet, the Congress MP also posted a link of a media report which higlighted about a recent 'order' by the concerned authorities about 'protocol for dissemination of information' about Project Cheetah. He added: "Stephen J. O' Brien is a distinguished molecular biologist. He is also a dedicated conservationist who uses genetics to protect endangered species. I had spent considerable time with him in 2009 to understand the genetic history of the cheetah. His book makes for fascinating reading." The Project Cheetah is being implemented by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), a statutory body under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in collaboration with Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and Cheetah experts from Namibia and South Africa. Mumbai, July 23 : Christopher Nolan's biopic 'Oppenheimer' is faring extremely well in Indian cinemas, going housefull over two weeks (in pre-booking), particularly in IMAX. However, the movie has become the target of controversy due to a scene involving J. Robert Oppenheimer having sex with Tarot while she has him read a line from the Bhagavad Gita. This has angered certain sections of people who believe in Hinduism greatly, with mythologist and writer, Devdutt Pattanaik stating that 'Oppenheimer' got the translation of the 'I am become Death' line wrong. During the Manhattan Project, when he witnessed the very first nuclear explosion during the Trinity Test, he had quoted a verse from Gita to describe the mushroom cloud and the massive firepower he witnessed, which was used when Arjuna gave description of Krishna upon witnessing his full divine form. The quote reads, "If the radiance of a thousand suns were to burst into the sky, that would be like the splendor of the Mighty Onea I become death, the destroyer of worlds," which he told his colleagues in Los Alamos, New Mexico in 1945. This line was when Krishna described his divine form to Arjuna, explaining to him his duties, that sometimes one must follow their dharma even if it kills them from inside. Pattanaik went on to say that while doing research on 'Oppenheimer', he was surprised at this quote because he himself has never seen it in the Gita. "I had never heard this line. Someone said it was chapter 11, verse 32, which really says 'kaal-asmi', which means 'I am time, destroyer of the world'. So, his translation itself is wrong. It is not 'I am death'. It is time, time is the destroyer of the world," he said. According to him, J. Robert Oppenheimer was in a "dharam sankat (ethical dilemma) when he carried out the tests, and said that humanity has a history of interpreting religious texts differently." He went on to add that Oppenheimer came from a Judeo-Christian background, where God is known for destroying humanity with floods and fire. Continuing, Pattanaik said: "For a scientist, if he has used this sentencea And I have seen that video also of his, where he keeps saying, 'I am death, I am death'. It is very clearly, 'I am time'. 'Kaal' means 'time'. That is what he is saying, but of course, he gets excited because he's seeing death and destruction at a massive scale, and he's obviously seeking some kind of a spiritual background.' "This act of killing humanity with violence is very much a big part of Biblical religions, but has nothing to do with any dharmic schools and isn't found in any of the Sanatan texts, be it Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism or Sikhism." He further added: "I think he was looking for some solace and found this verse very dramatic." For those unfamiliar, J. Robert Oppenheimer who is credited as the 'Father of the atomic bomb' was deeply interested in Hinduism and classical Sanskrit, reading the Gita in original Sanskrit. While he did not turn to Hinduism as a devotee, he was nonetheless philosophically aligned with it as the Gita helped him explore what he called 'the metaphysical aspects and mysteries of the great unknown, which transcend scientific calculations.' He also went on to call Gita 'the most beautiful philosophical song in existence' and it continued to influence him throughout his life, where he even went as far as to call it among the most important books of his life as it reshaped his thinking. Despite his knowledge of the Gita however, the scientist's own interpretation has come under much scrutiny by not just Devdutt Pattnaik but many other researchers who have said that he only interpreted the text and its verses the way he wanted it to. Los Angeles, July 23 : The issue of artificial intelligence continues to plague Hollywood amid the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes which have frozen the industry leading to the delay of several projects such as 'Andor Season 2', 'The White Lotus Season 3' and even cancellation of many panels at the ongoing comic con sessions. In the midst of these strikes, voice actors have raised their issues with AI overuse at the San Diego Comic Con. As reported by 'Variety', Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the national executive director of the SAG-AFTRA joined a panel at the SSDC, organised by the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA), he said: "We've got to reject the idea that this is just something that's going to happen to us and we canat say anything about it. I think it definitely could, the question is whether weare going to let that happen." Along with Crabtree-Ireland, NAVA director Tim Friedlander said: "As a human voice actor, I can walk into a room and get a script that says something that I didn't either agree to say or something that I would never say, I personally have that ability to walk out of that room." "With AI cloning the voices of actors have lost control over what our voice could possibly say." He further went on to cite examples of how employees who have lost their jobs because of deep faking and voice modulation. This has also led to a lot of voice 'deep fake mods' which have often been used for phishing and even pornography. Duncan proceeded to accuse big budget studios of burying AI consent clauses in lengthy contracts, highlighting that voice actors are at the forefront of the AI debate which the studios are trying to ruin. He also said that changes are happening at such a fast pace in the voice acting industry, that studios are even exploring AI for dubbing dialogue into foreign languages and even bringing the voices of actors who have long since died or become too old to enact their earlier voices. The voice actors at the Comic-Con panel then emphasized the importance of consent and fair compensation in dealing with AI technology. They want to ensure that their voices are not misused or misrepresented, especially when it comes to sensitive content. To that end, Friedlander said that NAVA is working with the European Union to get voice protection written into the AI Act, which is currently working through the European Parliament. He also said that NAVA has been working with websites of game modders, working on the coding mechanism in order to take down voice mods that have been obtained without the actor's consent. San Francisco, July 23 : Babies have an increased likelihood of being born prematurely if either their father or mother has a history of psychiatric diagnosis, a new study has shown. According to the study published in the online journal PLOS Medicine, infants whose father or mother has a psychiatric condition have a higher chance of preterm birth than those whose parents do not, and the risk is even higher when both parents have such diagnoses. Preterm birth has been linked to unfavourable health outcomes for newborns. Women with psychiatric diagnosis have long been known to be at a higher risk of preterm delivery, but little is known regarding the danger in children of psychiatrically diagnosed fathers and couples with both parents having psychiatric illnesses. The researchers analysed data on all live births to Nordic parents (parents who were born in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark and Iceland) in Sweden between 1997 and 2016. The researchers noticed an earlier gestational age in the offspring of parents with psychiatric illnesses. About 5.8 per cent of babies were born prematurely to parents who did not have a diagnosis. A paternal diagnosis increased the number of births to 6.3 per cent, while a mother diagnosis increased the number of births to 7.3 per cent. Preterm births occurred in 8.3 per cent of cases where both parents had a diagnosis, according to the study. "Preterm birth can result in significant lifelong complications for the infant, and in my clinical experience, the mother has traditionally been held responsible for the events," said Michael Silverman, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Icahn Mount Sinai and an author on the paper. The researchers also found that the risk was further increased for offspring of parents -- mothers as well as fathers -- who had several co-existing psychiatric disorders. "This new work demonstrates that the non-gestational biologic parent's (the father's) psychiatric history is also associated with the increased likelihood of obstetric outcomes traditionally attributed solely to the mother," Silverman said. The researchers mentioned that children of parents with mental illness are at increased risk of being born too early and our study shows that both the mothers and fathers are important. New Delhi, July 23 : An exclusive survey conducted by India's leading poll agency CVoter reveals that close to half of the Indians are of the opinion that Opposition parties have done the right thing by branding their 26-party alliance against the NDA for contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as 'INDIA'. The question asked during the CVoter survey was: Is the decision of the Opposition to name its alliance INDIA right or wrong? Overall, 48.6 per cent of the respondents say it is the right decision while 38.8 per cent of the respondents say it is a wrong decision. The survey had a sample size of 2,664. There is a clear difference of opinion between respondents who support Opposition parties and those who support the NDA. Among those who support Opposition parties, three in five respondents say it is the right decision. Significantly, almost 30 per cent those supporting Opposition parties are of the opinion that it is a wrong decision. A majority (53 per cent) of NDA supporters say that it is the wrong decision. An array of Opposition parties and leaders have been holding talks for months to form a united alliance to fight the NDA led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There have been protracted negotiations as many of these Opposition parties are electoral rivals in some states. For instance, the AAP and the Congress are rivals in Delhi as well as Punjab. Similarly, the Congress and the Left parties are rivals in Kerala while they fight as an alliance against the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal. The first meeting of the united Opposition was held in Patna. It was during a recent reunion in Bengaluru that the term INDIA was coined as an alternative to the BJP and NDA for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. A third meeting of the combined Opposition has been scheduled to be organised in Mumbai. The primary aim of the Opposition parties is to field one combined candidate against the BJP in close to 400 Lok Sabha seats. KYODO NEWS - Jul 23, 2023 - 20:27 | Japan, All Three people were injured after being slashed by a man with knives Sunday on a rapid train to Kansai airport in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, police said. The 37-year-old man was arrested for alleged attempted murder at a station next to the airport, with an officer drawing his handgun and warning him to drop the weapons, the police said. He was in possession of three knives at the time of his arrest. The suspect told the police he had trouble with a man on the train and that he was not acquainted with the three people who were slightly injured. He was arrested at the Rinku-Town Station in Izumisano on suspicion of slashing the neck and temple of the 23-year-old man, who was in the same train car at around 10:25 a.m. The suspect admitted to the allegation, the police said. The police believe he also cut the hands of another passenger and the train's conductor, who was injured while intervening in the altercation. About 150 people were on the train at the time of the incident, which affected a total of around 8,000 people as services on the line were temporarily suspended, according to the operator, West Japan Railway Co. A 58-year-old man said he was on the train and saw two panicked foreign passengers run in from the next car, shouting in broken Japanese that someone had been stabbed. A video posted on Twitter showed a police officer pointing a pistol at a man believed to be the suspect. The man wore a face mask, held a knife in each hand and made threatening gestures toward several officers surrounding him. Related coverage: Tokyo "Joker" train attacker says he was inspired by similar case Chennai, July 23 : The Tamil Nadu Congress will stage protests across all the assembly constituencies in the state on July 26 over the Manipur sexual assault incident. The state Congress leadership has condemned the Manipur governmentas "failure to act against the culprits" involved in the sexual assault on two tribal women. State Congress chief K.S. Alagiri in a statement on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "not prepared to give an explanation on the Manipur incident in Parliament". Earlier on Saturday, the state Mahila Congress conducted protests in Chennai condemning the Manipur sexual assault case. The Mahila Congress also called for the dismissal of the Manipur government and sought imposition of the Presidentas rule in the state. New Delhi, July 23 : An exclusive survey conducted by India's leading poll agency CVoter reveals that an overwhelming majority of Indians want culprits like the ones who paraded women naked in public and gang-raped them in public in Manipur should be given the death penalty. The question asked during the CVoter survey was: Some horrifying videos of brutality and gang-rape of women have come to the fore during the violence taking place in Manipur. According to you, should culprits of such acts get the death penalty? Overall, a huge majority of 87 per cent of the respondents answered in the affirmative while less than 4 per cent disagreed with the contention. There is hardly any difference of opinion between respondents who support the NDA and those who support the opposition parties. The stripping of the two women belonging to the Kuki tribe, their naked parading on streets and subsequent gang-rape in public occurred in the month of May. However, it is only recently that the horrific videos surfaced on social media and went viral. The viral videos have triggered nationwide anger and outrage. The northeastern state has been gripped by uncontrolled violence since May 3. There were protests by members belonging to the Kuki tribe when the Manipur High Court ordered that the indigenous Meitei tribe be given the Scheduled Tribe status. The Supreme Court stayed the order and reprimanded the Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court. The protests by members of the Kuki community soon spiralled into horrific violence as militant sections of both communities launched attacks on each other, attacked police posts and armouries and looted weapons. Worse, women have been brutally assaulted and gang-raped, leading to nationwide outrage and anger. The Supreme Court has taken suo moto cognizance of the case and issued notices to the state and central governments. The monsoon session of Parliament has been disrupted over the issue. More than 115 people have lost their lives so far in the Manipur violence. New Delhi, July 23 : An exclusive survey conducted by CVoter reveals that more than three in four Indians are aware of the violence that has engulfed Manipur since May this year. More significantly, a huge majority wants Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally intervene in the matter. To the question: should Prime Minister Modi personally intervene to stop the violence in Manipur, overall 80 per cent of the respondents answered in the affirmative. There was no significant difference of opinion on the issue between NDA and opposition supporters. Opposition leaders have accused the Prime Minister of ignoring the Manipur violence and staying over it for more than two months. Even more significantly, a big majority wants the chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh to resign from his post. Close to 60 per cent of the respondents in the CVoter survey are of the opinion that Biren Singh must resign immediately. Less than one fourth want him to continue as the Chief Minister. Close to half of NDA supporters want Biren Singh to resign while only a third want him to stay. Among respondents, who support opposition parties, more than two thirds want him to resign immediately. The northeastern state has been gripped by uncontrolled violence since May 3, 2023. There were protests by members belonging to the Kuki tribe when the Manipur High Court ordered that the indigenous Meitei tribe be given the Scheduled Tribe status. The Supreme Court stayed the order and reprimanded the Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court. The protests by members of the Kuki community soon spiralled into horrific violence as militant sections of both communities launched attacks on each other, attacked police posts and armouries and looted weapons. Worse, women have been brutally assaulted and gang-raped, leading to nationwide outrage and anger. The Supreme Court has taken suo moto cognizance of the sexual assault cases. The monsoon session of Parliament has been disrupted over the issue. More than 115 people have lost their lives so far in the Manipur violence. Patna, July 23 : BJP State President Samrat Choudhary on Sunday asked the Superintendent of Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) to provide a detailed postmortem report of Vijay Kumar Singh. BJP has alleged that Kumar died during the police lathi-charge on July 13. However, the Patna administration has said that the deceased died due to a heart attack. Patna DM Chandrashekhar Singh has also claimed that Vijay Singh was not present at the protest site where police restored to lathi-charge to disperse the BJP protesters. Samrat Choudhary said that Vijay Kumar Singh, the Maha Mantri of BJP Jahanabad district, died due to lathi-charge on July 13. "His postmortem was conducted in PMCH. Provide us with a detailed postmortem report and video of the postmortem," Choudhary said. RCP Singh, the former union minister, after meeting with the family members of Vijay Singh said: "Vijay Singh was not having any heart problem. He was not taking any medicines. The state government is claiming that he died due to a heart attack. It is an unfortunate incident." PM has time to campaign but has forgotten Manipur: Kharge. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, July 23 : Congress on Sunday constituted an election committee panel for Chhattisgarh state unit for the upcoming assembly elections. According to a communique, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has approved the proposal for the constitution of the Pradesh Election Committee with immediate effect. MP Deepak Baij, who was appointed as the new president of Chhattisgarh Congress earlier this month, has been appointed as the chairman of the panel. Among the members of the poll panel include Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Deputy CM T.S Singh Deo. Last month, Congress reviewed the preparations for the forthcoming assembly elections in Chhattisgarh at the party headquarters. The party exuded confidence that it will retain power in the state. Assembly polls in Chhattisgarh are scheduled to be held at the end of this year. Thiruvananthapuram, July 23 : A US-based IT company that set up its office in Kerala will start its operations from Monday (July 24). The company will be providing direct employment to 200 people in the state. Chief Executive Officer of 'Cloud Q' Yassar Hameed, in a press conference on Sunday, told mediapersons that the company would be setting up a centre in Kerala based on the opportunities in the state. The CEO said that the company was interested in opening a new office in Kerala as the facilities provided in the state was good, including infrastructure. Hameed said that the company was currently providing job opportunities to 600 people and Cloud Q was a leading IT solutions provider for several companies and industries in the US, Canada and the United Arab Emirates. The CEO also said that Cloud Q is one of the fastest growing companies of the US and added that the expertise acquired in high-end software and IT solutions will be made available in India also from the Thiruvananthapuram office. The company's Chief Operating Officer, Michael Gogin, and the Chief Technical Officer, Niyas Ahmad were also present in the press meet. New Delhi, July 23 : Delhi flooding claimed a fresh victim, as a three-year-old boy drowned in north Delhi's Kirari area with his family blaming it on the negligence of the administration. The deceased, identified as Arif, was the only brother among his five sisters. His father Ashraf Ali, a rickshaw puller, said his son was playing alone when the incident happened on Saturday evening. "He went downstairs where there was water-logging and drowned," he said. The family used to live on the first floor of the house, which had two staircases. One of them is closed and they used the second staircase to come down. Ali was not at home, and the mother was sitting outside the home when Arif, who was alone on the first floor, went downstairs using the second staircase where water was standing. The whole Kirari area is facing water-logging after heavy rain in Delhi. Lack of water drainage in the colony has become a significant problem, leading to water-logging. The area has witnessed deaths due to water logging in the recent past too. The locals said that even after the deaths, no officials from the authorities concerned or local MLA and councillors came to meet them. The locals said that due to negligence of the administration, the whole area is waterlogged, several houses have become ponds, and the victim's house was one of them where water was logged. --IANS atk/vd New Delhi, July 23 : The Nifty faced a downturn from its all-time high as Tech stocks plummeted due to Infosys' disappointing revenue guidance, says Rupak De, Senior Technical analyst at LKP Securities. A crucial support level for the Nifty lies at 19,700, marked by significant put writing. Should the index breach this level, it may lead to a substantial market correction. On the upside, resistance is positioned at 20,000, he said. In the upcoming week, investors will be closely focused on the US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, says Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services. While a 25-basis point rate hike is widely expected, investors will be more interested in the committee's commentary on future rate actions, seeking clues for the anticipated future rate pause, he said. The domestic market witnessed a broad-based rally during the week, strengthened by encouraging domestic macroeconomic data and sustained inflows from FIIs, he said. The unlocking of value by heavy weights (like RIL & ITC) also helped in apprising the main indices. Mixed cues from the global peers did not cause any serious disturbance in the mood of the domestic market as FII inflows stayed put with the prospects of the Indian economy. The bull run was, however, lately interrupted by weak guidance from Infosys, which cast a shadow over the outlook of the Indian IT sector. The banking sector led the sectoral rally in anticipation of a good Q1 result, he said. Chandigarh, July 23 : In a major blow to cross-border smuggling, Punjab Police on Sunday said it has foiled a drug smuggling bid by Pakistan-based smugglers with the arrest of two people after recovering 20 kg heroin dropped by a drone from their possession. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said following inputs about the attempt to influx heroin by Pakistan-based smugglers, police teams of Fazilka carried out an operation near Rano village of Fazilka, where the accused were expected to come after retrieving the heroin consignment dropped from across the border using a drone. On seeing the police party, the accused -- Subeg Singh and Sandip Singh -- tried to flee on motorcycle. The police apprehended them after a brief scuffle and recovered 10 packets of heroin, weighing 20 kg, he added. Assistant Inspector General of Police Lakbhir Singh said more arrests are expected. --IANS vg/vd KYODO NEWS - Jul 23, 2023 - 11:50 | All, Japan Japanese education services company Benesse Corp. will offer a new service to help elementary school students with their research projects using generative artificial intelligence during the summer break. The service, which will be provided for free on its website for parents, will make suggestions and offer tips to help students search research themes and compile their findings, the company said in a recent press release. For example, if one asks "How can I study the biology of dinosaurs?" the AI would give such advice as "How about finding out what they ate?" without giving exact answers, the company said. The service, customized for education based on government guidelines allowing the limited use of the technology in schools, cannot be used to write a book report even if asked to do so. It will instead offer advice on how to write one, Benesse said. As it is intended to be used by students with their parents or guardians, the service will be accessible only after receiving their consent via email. The service will be available from July 25 through Sept. 11, it said. Benesse's new service will be released after Japan's education ministry unveiled early July guidelines calling for particular caution regarding use by elementary school students, while stating that passing off AI-assisted schoolwork as one's own will be deemed cheating. In an effort to encourage children to think on their own, the service limits the number of questions they can ask per day and the information entered by a student will not be used to respond to other students' questions, the company said. At a trial event for the service held in Tokyo earlier this month, fifth grader Ko Takachiho, while consulting with his mother, told the AI that he wanted to know his roots. He said its response was not what he had expected but expressed his willingness to use it. "I'm not sure if it'd really help me with my research project, but I'd like to make the best use of it," he said. The new service was made on a generative AI offered by Microsoft Corp. Benesse, which offers correspondence education materials, will consider providing different services in the future, it said. Related coverage: Japan publishes guidelines allowing limited use of AI in schools Podcast [English World] Episode 4 - Artificial Intelligence New Delhi, July 23 : Chinese smartphone makers, including Oppo Mobile, Vivo India and Xiaomi, have been found evading taxes to the tune of Rs 9,000 crore in India, the government has said in Parliament. The data shared by Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar in Rajya Sabha pointed out tax evasion of around Rs 9,000 crore, comprising customs duty and GST -- detected between 2018-19 and 2022-23. The Minister has said that major Chinese mobile handset brands which are operating in India are Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, Transsion (which operates three brands in India, viz. Itel, Tecno and Infinix), Realme and Oneplus. "These companies manufacture the mobile handset either by themselves or through contract manufacturers. Their cumulative turnover in 2021-22 was estimated to be Rs 1.5 lakh crore in India. The total direct employment generated by them in their manufacturing operations is more than 75,000. They also have sales and operational workforce of around 80,000 workers," he said. He also said that primarily, these Chinese companies have setup their own manufacturing units. "However, they work with contract manufacturers like Bharat FIH Limited and DBG Technology (India) Private Limited also which have also set up Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) operations in India. The distribution of mobile handsets is mainly handled by Indian companies. "However, some of the Chinese companies like Oppo and Vivo have some Chinese distributors also," Chandrasekhar said. "The company-wise list of Chinese mobile handset companies reported in evasion of Customs Duty along with the amount of tax evasion detected and recovered during the period 2017-18 to July 1, 2023 are Oppo Mobile India Pvt Ltd, which has been found evading Rs 5,086 crore in taxes which includes Rs 4,403 crore in customs duty and Rs 683 crore in the form of GST. "Vivo has evaded taxes worth Rs 2,923.25 crore comprising Rs 2,875 crore in Customs duty and Rs 48.25 crore in GST," according to the written reply by the Minister. "Tax evasion of Rs 851.14 crore has been detected in the case of Xiaomi Technology India Pvt Ltd comprising Rs 682.51 crore in customs duty and Rs 168.63 crore in GST," he stated in the reply. Chandrasekhar also shared that Customs duty evasion of Rs 4,389 crore was detected in 2019-20 in the case of Oppo Mobile India Pvt Ltd, out of which Rs 450 crore has been recovered. He said that Vivo India Mobile Pvt Ltd was found to be evading customs duty of Rs 2,217 crore out of which Rs 72 crore has been recovered in 2020-21. In 2019-20, Xiaomi Technology India Pvt Ltd was found to be evading Customs duty of Rs 653.02 crore out of which Rs 46 lakh has been recovered. In 2022-23, Vivo Mobile India Pvt Ltd was found evading Rs 658 crore. According to the official data, another Chinese manufacturer, Lenovo, has evaded Rs 42.36 crore of GST. He said that the government has been able to recover Rs 1,214.83 crore from Oppo, Rs 168.25 crore from Vivo and Rs 92.8 crore from Xiaomi. The minister was replying to a question on the number of Chinese handset companies which have evaded taxes and made illegal remittances in India. Aizawl/Imphal, July 23 : Amid reports of many Meitei community people leaving Mizoram following an "advisory" by former militants in the state, the Mizoram government has assured the safety and security of Meitei residents. Around 1,500 to 2,000 Meitei families from Assam and Manipur have been living in various places of Mizoram, including Aizawl, for many years and are engaged in various government and nongovernment works, studies, and business. The exodus of Meitei community people began on Saturday after an organisation of former militants, the Peace Accord MNF Returnees' Association (PAMRA) issued an "advisory" on Friday for the Meiteis living in the state. Sources in Imphal said that 56 people of Meitei community arrived in Manipur capital on a flight from Aizawl on Saturday. These people, mostly teachers of different institutes, including Mizoram University, and students of paramedical, veterinary and nursing colleges, left Aizawl on their own. Many other Meitei community people were leaving Mizoram by road for southern Assam on Sunday. Amidst the media reports of Manipur government likely to evacuate the Meitei community people from Mizoram, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh told IANS that there is no such plan yet. The office of the Mizoram Inspector General of Police has issued an order to the Commandants of the three Mizoram Armed Police battalions asking them to strengthen the security of the Meitei people living in four Mizoram locations. "In anticipation of a possible development of tension which could threaten the security of Meiteis living in Aizawl, due to the public outrage against the recent viral video of two tribal Kuki-Zo community women brutally assaulted in Manipur, security arrangement is made to ensure safety of Meiteis in Aizawl," the order said. The Mizoram government, in a statement, said that it has been closely following the developments in Manipur in the wake of the ethnic conflict which has engulfed the neighbouring state since May 3. In view of the press release issued by the PAMRA which was construed and reported in some sections of the press as a diktat to leave Mizoram, state Home Commissioner, H. Lalengmawia held a meeting with representatives of PAMRA on Saturday. In the meeting, PAMRA representatives clarified that the press release that was issued by them was an advisory requesting Meiteis living in Mizoram to exercise caution in the light of public sentiments regarding the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur and was not a diktat or a quit notice to Meiteis, the statement said. After the Home Commissioner informed representatives of PAMRA about the steps and measures being taken by the government on various fronts regarding the ethnic conflict, PAMRA representatives, expressing regret that their press release was misconstrued, decided not to pursue it any further in order to maintain peace and tranquility in the state. PAMRA Secretary General C. Lalthenlova said that it was simply a normal appeal for safety of the Meitei community people and not a diktat or warning. The Home Commissioner also met the representatives of All Mizoram Manipuri Association, assured them of their safety and security and not be misguided by rumours, and also persuaded them to inform their fellow Meiteis - both government employees and students - not to leave the state due to the misinterpretation of the PAMRA press statement. So far 12,584 Chin-Kuki-Zo community people from Manipur have fled to Mizoram seeking safety and refuge. So far no incident of violence or untoward incident has been reported involving the Meitei community people in Mizoram. Biren Singh, in telephonic conversations with his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga last month, asked him to provide adequate security to the Meitei community people in Mizoram and he assured Singh that his government would take all possible steps for the security of the Meitei community people in Mizoram. --IANS sc/vd New Delhi: A Delhi Metro train moves over the bridge spanning the swollen Yamuna river. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, July 23 : The Yamuna river in the national capital is flowing around one metre above the danger mark, at 206.35m, officials said on Sunday. The administration has asked the people residing near river bank to go to safer place or relief camps. Earlier in the morning, the water level in Yamuna river was recorded at 205.9m, which was around 57 cm above the danger mark, set at 205.33m. Officials said that this happened as a result of the continuous release of a large amount of water from the Hathnikund barrage. The Delhi government on Saturday said that Delhi was on high alert as the Yamuna river continued to rise due to the discharge of more than 2 lakh cusecs of water from the Hathnikund barrage. It had said that Yamuna Khadar could face flooding in case the water level rises to 206.7m. Guwahati, July 23 : The Assam Police and Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation, seized illegal Burmese betel nuts worth Rs 1 crore in Karimganj district of the state, police said on Sunday. According to police, a truck with registration number NL-01AB-8938 was stopped in the Badarpur area of Karimganj, and at least 16,907 kg of smuggled Burmese betel nuts were found inside. The driver of the vehicle was arrested by the police. He has been identified as Samsuddin. As per police, the truck carrying the illegal Burmese betel nuts was moving towards Guwahati. Karimganj's SP Partha Protim Das said: "Acting on a specific input, the joint operation was held on Saturday night. Huge quantities of Burmese betel nuts were recovered. We have been interrogating the arrested truck driver." According to Das, the market value of seized betel nuts should be more than Rs 1 crore. Further investigation in the matter is underway. --IANS tdr/vd New Delhi, July 23 : Delhi Education Minister Atishi attended the orientation of National Law University (NLU) on Sunday. On this occasion, Atishi said that the five years of college will give them an opportunity for all students to explore their intellectual potential, broaden their horizons, and acquire not only legal knowledge but also critical thinking skills that will shape them into compassionate and responsible legal professionals. "You must make the most of this time, engage in rigorous studies, participate in extracurricular activities, and contribute to society positively. Your journey at this esteemed institution will be transformative, equipping you to bring about positive changes in the legal landscape and society as a whole," she said. The minister said that she believed that during the five years of a law degree, it was crucial to keep in mind the profound significance of the country's Constitution. "The Indian Constitution written by Dr. B.R Ambedkar is more than just a book; it embodies a dream for many, irrespective of their caste, religion, region, or language. It promises equality and justice for all citizens of the country," she said. For the academic year 2023, about 20,000 students appeared in the competitive examination -- All India Law Entrance Test (AILET). A total of 123 students have joined through merit. This includes students from 18 states of India and foreign students from the USA, Canada, and Nepal. New Delhi, July 23 : The police on Sunday said that they have arrested seven persons, including six women, who were associated with a gang that used to dupe job aspirants. The police said that the main accused was identified as Ansh. The names of the women were withheld. They used to charge ranging from Rs 1,100 to Rs 10,000 in the name of application form and processing fees. They mainly targeted unemployed people from Assam, Agartala, Bhubaneswar, and Uttar Pradesh. They also revealed that one Ranjan is the mastermind of this fraud tele-calling office. "Ansh and Rajan used to supply the data of unemployed persons through their sources," the official said. The police have recovered 11 mobile phones, one laptop, and a data of unemployed people from them. A police officer said that they learned that an illegal call centre was being operated in Kotla Mubarakpur. It was also learned that the accused were duping people on the pretext of providing them jobs in the airport. The police formed a team to bust the gang. "A police team conducted a raid at the said address where seven persons, including six women, were found to be indulging in duping people over phones. They were enquired and asked to provide the authorisation documents to run the call centre but they could not produce any authorisation documents," the police officer said. "During the course of questioning, all the accused persons disclosed that they were working with this call centre for the last three months. They used to dupe innocent, unemployed people on the pretext of providing jobs," the official said. The police further stated that they were making efforts to arrest the mastermind. New Delhi, July 23 : Delhi Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj on Sunday visited Wazirabad Water Treatment Plant for an inspection as the water level in the Yamuna river has been rising. Previously, the water treatment plant had to be closed as water from the Yamuna had entered its premises. "To prevent the recurrence of such episodes, all necessary arrangements were thoroughly reviewed during the visit. The officials present at the Water Treatment Plant were given clear directives to remain vigilant and take necessary actions to tackle the situation effectively," the Delhi government said in a statement. During the visit, Bhardwaj told the mediapersons that the water level of the Yamuna has started rising again, and it was currently above 206 metre, which was beyond the danger mark. He cautioned that the level might increase further, considering the available data till this evening. During the last occurrence, the water level had risen above 208 metre, leading to the closure of the Wazirabad Water Treatment Plant, Okhla Treatment Plant, and Chandrawal Treatment Plant. This resulted in about a 25 per cent reduction in water production in Delhi. Learning from the difficulties faced previously, the Delhi government has made substantial preparations this time. The walls surrounding all water treatment plants have been raised to a level that even if the Yamuna's water level reaches 209 metre (which is unlikely), the water will not enter the treatment plant premises, and there will be no need to shut down the plant. Bhardwaj stated that, currently, all water treatment plants are operating at their full capacity. The Delhi government said that all residents living in low-lying areas near the Yamuna were evacuated and shifted to relief camps in advance. Imphal, July 23 : Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chairperson Swati Maliwal, who reached Imphal on Sunday, said that she had come to Manipur to assist people, meet the distressed women and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani to visit to the state to look into the sufferings of its people. Maliwal said that she is keen to meet Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Governor Anusuiya Uikey, senior officials and the women who are victims of the ongoing violence. "I have not come here to do any politics, but to assist people. I would appeal to the PM and Union Minister for WCD to come, visit the state and listen the hapless people," Maliwal told the media immediately after her arrival at the Imphal airport. She claimed that many Manipur women have already approached her after being affected by the violence in the state. "I want to meet Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. I am also keen to meet the sexual abuse survivors and see whether they have got legal aid, counselling or any compensation. I appeal to the Manipur Govt that I have come here to help the people of the state, please allow me to do that," she said. In a tweet on Sunday, Maliwal said she has written to Biren Singh seeking an urgent meeting with him during her visit. "Manipur Govt recommended that I consider postponing my visit due to law and order situation. After deliberation on their suggestion, I have decided to fly to Imphal as planned. Sought time from Manipur CM. Will meet him and request him to come along to visit the sexual assault survivors," she said. --IANS sc/vd Johannesburg, July 23 : More than 40 countries have shown an interest in joining BRICS, Anil Sooklal, South Africa's ambassador-at-large responsible for ties with the economic alliance and Asian countries, has said. The diplomat said in Johannesburg that 22 countries have formally applied to join the group, while "an equal number" of states "have been informally asking about becoming BRICS members", RT reported. Sooklal described BRICS as an "inclusive" organisation that has always been open to dialogue with the larger global community. The group currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and accounts for over 40 per cent of the global population and nearly a quarter of the world's GDP, RT reported. Sooklal said that BRICS does not distinguish between the Global North and Global South and is ready to talk to any country that "has the same vision for a more inclusive and equitable global order where we do not marginalise large parts of the world", including many developing nations. The diplomat went on to point out that while the UN has yet to embark on comprehensive reforms that would give emerging countries a greater voice, BRICS has charted its own path to remedy the situation, RT reported. However, he stressed that the bloc "does not seek to become a dominant economic force", but rather wants to have "a major influence in an inclusive manner to work for change". "We don't want a world where we have one or two global hegemons," he added, explaining that such a distribution of power sows division in the global community. Sooklal had earlier said in comments to journalists that Argentina, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates were among those countries looking to join the bloc, RT reported. South Africa will host the BRICS annual summit this year, which will take place in Johannesburg from August 22-24, with President Cyril Ramaphosa having sent invitations to nearly 70 global leaders. New Delhi, July 23 : The guard of a cash van has been arrested for stealing Rs 20 lakh out of Rs 1 crore Rs (five bundle of 2,000 note) to use for a trip to Haridwar, a Delhi Police official said on Sunday. A senior police officer said that on June 21, Punjab National Bank (PNB) Senior Manager Rajendra Prasad Singh reported that a cash van had picked up the money (five bundles of Rs 2,000 denomination amounting to Rs 1 crore) from the Punjabi Bagh branch to deposit in the Currency Chest Office at Acharya Sushil Ashram, Ahimsa Bhawan. But, later on checking and recounting of cash, the seal of the cash box was found broken and a bundle of Rs 2,000 note totalling Rs 20 lakh was found missing. Police collected details of the staff who were on duty on cash van on that particular day and the CDRs of their mobile numbers were analysed and also CCTV footage of all the possible places on the route were checked. "During interrogation, one of the guards of cash van, Krishan Kumar broke down and confessed to having committed the crime. He disclosed that earlier he was in Indian Army and after retirement, he had been working with PNB cash van as a guard since 2017. During transportation of cash, he noted few lacuna in safety aspects and to fulfill his greed for money he prepared the plot. On the day in question, he was aware that CCTV cameras of the cash van were not functioning and the staff deployed with him for security was also new. "Seeing the opportunity, he slipped a bundle of Rs 20 lakh from the bundle of money by opening the cash box. After commission of crime, Krishan Kumar went to Haridwar with the stolen money and spent about Rs 30,000," DCP Sanjay Kumar Sain said. KYODO NEWS - Jul 23, 2023 - 22:41 | World, All The ruling Cambodian People's Party said it is certain to have won by a landslide in Sunday's general election, with Prime Minister Hun Sen's eldest son and heir apparent, Hun Manet, likely to have secured a seat in the National Assembly. Contesting a parliamentary seat for the first time, Hun Manet, 45, is sure to have won a spot, CPP spokesman Sok Eysan said. In 2021, the CPP endorsed him as a future prime minister. Hun Sen, 70, has ruled the Southeast Asian country for 38 years, and on July 20, he told Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV that Hun Manet, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, could become prime minister in just three or four weeks. While election results were still being collected nationwide, Sok Eysan said the party is convinced it will "gain a landslide victory." Within two hours or so, the "seats allocation, and how many seats that the CPP will get, will be known," he told Kyodo News. As of 5 p.m., the voter turnout was 84.21 percent. Following the 2018 poll, it was the second consecutive National Assembly election with no real opposition forces. A total of 18 political parties fielded candidates for the 125-seat lower chamber for five-year terms. Days before and on Election Day, some groups of overseas Cambodians living in Europe and the United States staged protests against the election, calling it "fake and unfair." Leaders of the dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party and others urged voters to cross out ballots to invalidate them. Congo : At least six people were killed in a suicide bomb explosion late Saturday, in the middle of Christmas celebration, in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. (Photo by Produced by Xinhua Global Service). Image Source: IANS News Kinshasa, July 24 : At least 13 civilians were killed by a soldier of the Congolese Armed Forces in the village of Nyamamba in the eastern province of Ituri, a local military spokesman said. According to Jules Ngongo, Congolese armed forces' spokesman in Ituri province, at least 10 children were among the victims, Xinhua news agency reported. The majority of the victims are family members of the soldier who fired the shots, said the spokesman, adding that a family conflict was the cause of this tragedy. "As the armies, we are shocked and sympathise with the families after the murder of 13 civilians caused by a soldier of the naval force in Tchomia. Whatever the family problem, he should not act in this way. For us, it is a criminal act. He must answer it before military justice," said Ngongo. The military authorities have deployed a commission of inquiry to conduct on-site investigations into this killing. Tehran, July 24 : Iranian and Serbian Parliament Speakers met in the Iranian capital of Tehran to discuss parliamentary ties, economic cooperation and issues of common interest, media reported. During the meeting with Vladimir Orlic, Iran's Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said on Sunday that the two countries have "numerous" opportunities and different ways for promoting cooperation, and stronger parliamentary ties will prepare the ground for enhanced cooperation. Qalibaf listed oil, petrochemical and tourism sectors as among the promising areas for stronger cooperation, Xinhua news agency reported. To achieve a three-fold rise in the bilateral trade's value by 2027, the two countries' parliamentary friendship groups should strengthen their relations and help further activate the Iranian and Serbian private sectors, he said. He noted that Iran is under US sanctions, which is to blame for the merely 60-million-euro ($66.74 million) annual trade volume between Iran and Serbia. The President of the National Assembly of Serbia, for his part, said his visit is aimed at expanding bilateral relations in all areas, with the parliamentary ties given greater priority. He added that Serbia prepared to improve relations with Iran in the economic, industrial and agricultural sectors and is confident that there were numerous opportunities. Orlic expressed optimism that the bilateral trade figure would reach 150 million euros in the next year with the implementation of a number of joint projects. Heading a parliamentary delegation, Orlic arrived in Tehran on Sunday morning on a two-day visit for talks with high-ranking Iranian officials, including President Ebrahim Raisi. Tehran, July 24 : Iran and Qatar have vowed to strengthen cooperation in all areas, particularly in trade and the joint construction of infrastructure projects, media reported. During a meeting held in the Iranian capital Tehran on Sunday, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), Ali Akbar Ahmadian, and Qatar's Assistant Foreign Minister for Regional Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, highlighted the necessity of expanding bilateral cooperation in those areas in accordance with specific plans and schedules and removing the obstacles to such cooperation, the report said. Later on Sunday, the Qatari diplomat met Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Ali Bagheri Kani, and discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of common interest, according to Iran's official news agency IRNA. Khulaifi pointed to the growing relations between Doha and Tehran, saying his country is willing to improve economic ties with Iran, Xinhua news agency reported. The two diplomats called for a collective action by Islamic countries, especially through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, against the desecration of Quran in Sweden and Denmark. The Iranian Deputy Minister said the burning of Quran is tantamount to "trampling the basic and inalienable" rights of two billion Muslims, adding such acts in Europe are "flagrant violations" of human rights. He added that Denmark and Sweden are responsible for putting an end to such "cultural brutalities" in their countries. On Friday, the far-right Danish group of Danske Patrioter burned a copy of the Quran and trampled an Iraqi flag in front of the Iraqi Embassy in the Danish capital of Copenhagen, according to Danish media reports. The move was meant to protest against the Iraqis' attack on the Swedish embassy in Baghdad on Thursday, according to the group. Hundreds of angry protesters stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad on Thursday. They set fire to the building in protest against the desecration of the Quran and the Iraqi flag in the Swedish capital of Stockholm. Moscow, July 24 : The Russian forces carried out an overnight missile strike on facilities that manufacture and prepare drone boats near the Ukrainian city of Odessa, the Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement. "Last night, the Russian armed forces launched a group strike with long-range high-precision sea- and air-based weapons on facilities where terrorist acts against Russia were being prepared using uncrewed boats, as well as on places where they were being manufactured near the city of Odessa," it added on Sunday. Foreign mercenaries were seen at the affected facilities, it said as quoted by Xinhua news agency report. All selected targets were destroyed, according to the Ministry. Property details: Welcome to an extraordinary investment opportunity! We are thrilled to present to you our exclusive land portfolio in beautiful Modoc County, California. This package comprises five pristine, raw, and unimproved land properties, all conveniently located in one of California's most captivating regions. Whether you're an astute investor, a visionary developer, or someone seeking an idyllic retreat, this offering is bound to capture your attention. Act now, and you could be the proud owner of these... Price: $ 14,999 Seller State of Residence: Idaho Property Address: Modoc County, CA State/Province: California Location: 834**, Idaho Falls, Idaho You will be redirected to eBay Nearby California KYODO NEWS - Jul 23, 2023 - 20:06 | World, Japan, All China has proposed three-way vice-foreign ministerial-level talks with Japan and South Korea, diplomatic sources said Sunday, a move Tokyo views as underscoring Beijing's enthusiasm for a three-nation summit this year, the first in four years. China's top diplomat Wang Yi made the proposal when he met with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi in Jakarta on July 14, even as the two countries are at odds over Tokyo's plan to release treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear complex into the sea around this summer, the sources said. Usually, a summit between Japan, China and South Korea is held following working-level and foreign ministerial-level talks, respectively. Japan has also notified South Korea, which assumes the rotating chair of the next trilateral summit, of China's stance on resuming a three-way dialogue, the sources said. The deterioration of ties between Japan and South Korea, coupled with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, has prevented the three neighbors from holding a trilateral summit since the last session in December 2019. But with Tokyo-Seoul ties significantly improving, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol agreed in March on the importance of holding a three-way dialogue as soon as possible. Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, had also said at the opening of a forum on trilateral cooperation held in China on July 3 that the three countries should "create an atmosphere for the early resumption of leaders meetings." A senior Japanese Foreign Ministry official said the latest attitude of China "shows it has become positive toward three-way dialogue" with the neighbors, considering its position in global affairs and its domestic economy. China's recent overture seemingly aims to create divisions in the efforts by Japan, South Korea and the United States to strengthen regional security and economic cooperation as Beijing vies with Washington and expands its military influence, according to other Japanese government sources. As the Chinese economy has signaled a slowdown, Beijing may also seek to promote cooperation with Japanese firms in advanced technologies and attract investment, diplomatic sources said. In 2008, when the framework was launched, the three countries agreed to hold leaders talks annually and to take turns acting as the host. They then pledged to step up cooperation in various areas such as international finance, the economy and disaster response. Related coverage: Japan seeks experts' dialogue with China on Fukushima water release Japan, China agree on communication, but at odds on Fukushima water The Assam Rifles has registered a sedition and defamation case against the chief of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity, an influential civil society group in Manipur's capital. IMAGE: Congress supporters stage a candle march to protest against the ongoing Manipur's ethnic violence, in Bhopal, July 22, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo A highly-placed defence source said a first information report was registered against COCOMI on July 10, after the outfit gave a call to people 'not to surrender weapons.' 'We have registered an FIR against COCOMI against Jitendra Ningomba, convener of COCOMI, at Churachandpur police station, under Section 124 A of the Indian Penal Code, pertaining to sedition; Section 153 A IPC, promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc," a police officer confirmed. Sources alleged that many women protestors were assaulted by the Army in Moirang of Bishnupur on June 30. The Army, however, has denied the allegation. In a memorandum to the Union home minister on June 4, COCOMI had demanded that the Assam Rifles be replaced with any other central armed police force, adding that local youths were not willing to surrender arms. After the ethnic strife erupted in the state on May 3, more than 4,000 weapons and lakhs of ammunition were either robbed or taken away from police armouries. Despite an appeal made by Home Minister Amit Shah when he visited the state from May 29 to June 1, only a little over 1,600 weapons have been recovered by police or surrendered by the public. COCOMI was originally a part of the peace committee constituted by Governor Anusuiya Uikey in June, but refused to participate till action was taken against narco terrorists and illegal immigrants from Myanmar. Meanwhile, Manipur police and central forces have tightened security across the state to prevent any flare-ups in the wake of the viral video that emerged on July 19. The police said they are making all-out efforts to arrest the remaining culprits by conducting raids at many suspected hideouts. The Manipur police have so far arrested six persons in connection with the May 4 parading of two tribal women in Kangpokpi district of the state, officials said. Hours after speculation began on who would replace late Congress stalwart Oommen Chandy as the party candidate from the Puthuppally constituency he represented for 53 years, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee chief K Sudhakaran on Sunday said it would be someone from the veteran leader's family. IMAGE: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge breaks down as Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and party leader Rahul Gandhi pay last respects to former Kerala CM Oommen Chandy, in Bengaluru, July 18, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo KPCC president and MP, Sudhakaran said that unofficially discussions have begun on who should be the candidate and officially it would start a couple of days later. However, there was no doubt that it would be someone from Chandy's family, he said while speaking to reporters in Kochi. At the same time, the KPCC chief also said that the decision on who it should be would be decided by the family and not the party. Sudhakaran also said that if the ruling Left Democratic Front in Kerala has any respect for Chandy, who died in Bengaluru on July 18, they should refrain from contesting for the Puthuppally constituency seat. "We (Congress) do not need to make such a request. They (LDF) should do it on their own if they have any respect for Oommen Chandy," he said. The contention or demand by the KPCC chief was rejected by LDF convener E P Jayaran who told media that the Congress has never taken such a stand in the past. Jayarajan also said that elections were not about individuals, they were a political norm and therefore, he was rejecting the demand of the KPCC chief. Sudhakaran also disapproved of Congress leader Cherian Philip's social media post primarily pushing for Chandy's son -- Chandy Oommen -- to be the "heir" to the position vacated by the late Congress leader. "That was not correct on his (Philip) part. I have spoken to him about it and told him so," the KPCC chief said. Philip, in a Facebook post, said that Chandy Oommen was qualified in every way to replace the late Congress leader as he understood the Congress culture, how his father worked and became the leader of the Youth Congress at the national and state level through his own hardwork and ability. He also said that all three children of Chandy were politically aware and capable of playing a significant role in the party and that his two daughters -- Achu and Maria -- would be welcomed into the party if they chose to enter politics. At the same time, in his post, Philip also said that Chandy was not in favour of his children being part of active politics and was of the view that one member from the family was enough. Congress leader and MP K Muraleedharan said, in Kozhikode, that once a by-election is announced for the Puthuppally seat, the party's candidate would be decided immediately and there would be no arguments or disputes regarding the selection. On being asked by scribes whether the candidate would be a member of Chandy's family as was being suggested by many Congress workers, Muraleedharan said that the party will take everything into account while making its decision. PK Kunhalikutty, the National General Secretary of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), too said that there would be no problems in deciding a candidate for the by-election. "Puthuppally and Kerala deserve continuity of the same standards set by Oommen Chandy. The Congress party will decide who should represent the constituency and there will be no issues with that decision. There will be no dispute over the candidate selected by the party," he said. Oommen Chandy, who served as the chief minister of Kerala twice, breathed his last in a private hospital in Bengaluru on Tuesday. His end came while undergoing treatment for cancer, party sources said. He was 79. Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal arrived in strife-torn Manipur on Sunday, a day after the state government allegedly denied her permission for the visit. IMAGE: Delhi Commission for Women Chairperson Swati Maliwal speaking to people at Imphal airport, Manipur, July 23, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Earlier in the day, she said she will be going ahead with her planned visit to the northeastern state. "Just landed in Manipur. I've sought time from CM @NBirenSingh ji. I hope he accepts my request at the earliest," Maliwal said on Twitter. The DCW chief had alleged on Saturday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Manipur had refused to let her visit the state to interact with the survivors of sexual violence. In a tweet on Sunday, Maliwal said she has written to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, seeking an urgent meeting with him during her visit. "Manipur Govt recommended I consider postponing my visit due to law and order situation. After deliberation on their suggestion, have decided to fly to Imphal as planned. Sought time from Manipur CM. Will meet him & request him to come along to visit the sexual assault survivors," Maliwal tweeted. Maliwal also shared a copy of a letter written to the Manipur chief minister on Sunday in which she urged him to facilitate her visit while ensuring that she will not do anything to create problems for the state government. "I seek an urgent meeting with your hon'ble self to discuss the extremely pertinent issue of the human rights violations and sexual assault cases occurring in Manipur... Several Manipuri women have come to Delhi in order to escape the ongoing violence in the state. I wish to discuss issues regarding their welfare as well with your hon'ble self," she said in the letter. She also sought the CM's support in visiting the violence affected relief camps where the victims of sexual assault are presently staying. "I request you to kindly issue directions to the officers to facilitate my visit. As a fellow citizen of this country and the head of a statutory body protecting women and girls, I appeal to your hon'ble self to aid me in providing help and support to the sisters of Manipur. I assure you that I shall not be doing anything that creates a problem for your government during my visit to the state," she added. "I assure you that I shall leave no stone unturned to support the Manipur government in its mandate to protect the rights and dignity of the women and girls of the state," she said. Maliwal said the video of inhuman atrocities against women and girls in Manipur has shocked the nation and she wished to ascertain their wellbeing and provide support to them. The DCW chief said she had written to Singh on July 20 and then to the chief of Manipur Police on July 21 regarding her visit to the state to interact with survivors of sexual violence. 'A letter dated 21.07.2023 was sent to DM Imphal who forwarded the same to Joint Secretary (Home) with the request to provide necessary support to the undersigned (Maliwal) and her team. The DM also gave us the contact numbers of the Joint Secretary (Home) who confirmed to us that we can travel to Manipur and he shall provide the necessary support to us in visiting the relief camps. Subsequently, we planned our travel to Imphal,' Maliwal said in the letter. 'However, suddenly we received an email from the Joint Secretary (Home) requesting us to consider postponing our visit in view of the current law and order situation in Manipur,' she said. Manipur Police has arrested five men and apprehended a juvenile in connection with the May 4 parading of two women naked in Kangpokpi district of the state, officials said on Saturday. Civil rights activist Irom Sharmila on Sunday described the incident of strip-and-parade of two tribal women as "inhuman" and "very disturbing" and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediately intervene to address the situation in her home state. IMAGE: Civil rights activist Irom Sharmila. Photograph: ANI Photo She also demanded that Chief Minister N Biren Singh admit his failure and apologise to the people of Manipur. The 51-year-old award-winning activist said she could not hold her tears after watching the video clip that showed two women being paraded naked and molested by a group of men in Kangpokpi district of the northeastern state on May 4. The video which surfaced on July 19 sparked condemnation countrywide. Since then, the police have arrested six people. "It's inhuman and quite a disturbing incident. I could not hold my tears seeing the video I have received. I am deeply pained and shocked," Sharmila told PTI in an exclusive interview from Bangalore. Sharmila who hailed from Manipur had been on hunger strike for 16 years demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. She was force-fed by food tubes during that period. "It's clear that the state government in Manipur has failed totally. And when a state cannot control the situation, why is the Prime Minister silent? He should protect the people of Manipur. If he is concerned about the suffering of the people of Manipur, he must intervene... Like the people of Gujarat, the Maniuris also require his leadership," she said. The 'Iron Lady' of Manipur demanded that Chief Minister N Biren Singh admit his failure and apologise to the people. "The CM must talk to all 60 MLAs putting aside the differences. He must talk to them one-to-one and consider their opinions and decide how to stop the feeling of hatred between the two communities (Meitei and Kuki). That is the need of the hour," she said. After the first arrest was made in the strip parade incident on July 20, the chief minister had said he will ensure strict action is taken against all the perpetrators, including considering the possibility of capital punishment. Sharmila also felt that the ban on the internet to curb the circulation of fake news and videos in the ethnic violence-hit state of Manipur has not helped the situation in Manipur. "I do not think this ban on the internet has helped in controlling violence in Manipur. On the contrary, Had the internet been working, the women (strip parade victims) could have got justice and the culprits were behind bars," she said. Prime Minister Modi, who was accused by the Opposition of keeping mum on the Manipur situation for over two months, condemned the incident of parading the two women naked a day after the video surfaced. Sharmila demanded that the culprits should be awarded life imprisonment with rigorous labour and without parole. More than 160 people have lost their lives, and several have been injured since ethnic violence broke out in the state on May 3, when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts. Forty-one Meitei people have reached Assam from Mizoram after an ex-militants' group asked the community to leave the state following the viral video of two women being paraded naked in Manipur, officials said on Sunday. IMAGE: Women belonging to the 'Meira Paibis', a group of women representing the Meitei society, hold torches during a demonstration demanding the restoration of peace in Manipur, in Imphal on July 11, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Cachar's superintendent of police Numal Mahatta said these people reached Silchar from neighbouring Mizoram on Saturday night and they have been kept at the building of the Lakhipur Development Block in Binnakandi area. "These are all well-to-do families and they came in their own vehicles. Some are college professors, while some work as senior government officials. They said that there have been no attacks in Mizoram as of now," he told PTI. They said that the Mizoram government was providing all security to them, but they themselves did not want to take any risk and came to Assam for their own safety, he added. "They are saying that they will stay here till the situation normalises," the SP said, adding that the Assam police is providing security to them. Thousands of people from Meitei, Kuki and Hmar communities fled Manipur, and have been living in Assam since ethnic violence erupted in that state on May 3. On Saturday, the Mizoram government reassured the Meitei community living in the state of safety and told them not to pay heed to rumours. The government's assurance came amid reports of Meiteis fleeing the state following an 'advisory' by an ex-militant's association of Mizoram asking them to leave due to tension triggered by the viral video of two women being paraded naked by a mob in Manipur. Mizoram home commissioner and secretary H Lalengmawia held a meeting with leaders of the Meitei community and assured them of their safety and security, an official statement said. During the meetings with leaders of All Mizoram Manipuri Association (AMMA), Lalengamwia asked them to inform and persuade their fellow Meiteis, both government employees and students, not to leave Mizoram in the wake of the advisory issued by the Peace Accord MNF Returnees' Association (PAMRA), the statement said. He informed the leaders that the press statement by PAMRA was misconstrued in a section of media. The home secretary also convened a meeting with leaders of PAMRA, who clarified that the press release was issued as an advisory requesting the Meitei community living in Mizoram to exercise caution in the light of public sentiments regarding the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, the statement said. The leaders also informed the home secretary that the press release was not a diktat or a quit notice to the Meiteis, it said. While expressing regret that their press statement was misconstrued, PAMRA leaders decided not to pursue their release any further in order to maintain peace and tranquility in the state, the statement added. Earlier on Friday, PAMRA secretary general C. Lalthenlova said they were concerned about the safety of the Meitei community in Mizoram as many Mizo youths have become angry after the viral video. He also said they had just issued an appeal as a precaution to avert any untoward incident. The police said several Meitei people have left for their home states on Saturday amid mounting tension. A few thousand Meiteis, mostly from Manipur and south Assam, live in Mizoram. Mizoram deputy inspector general of police (Northern Range) Lallianmawia said security has been tightened in some places and institutions, including Mizoram University and Zoram Medical College, where a sizeable number of Meiteis study. "We have deployed police personnel in some areas and institutions where the Meitei people are living and regular patrolling is being done to avoid any untoward incident," he told PTI. He said no untoward incident has happened till Saturday. He said the police department is in constant touch with leaders of the Meitei community. According to Lallianmawia, Meiteis feel insecure and are afraid not because of the PAMRA press release, but due to the proposed protest rally by civil society groups on July 25. The Meitei community is afraid that something wrong would happen after the rally as violence in Manipur began after the tribal solidarity march on May 3, he said. The central committee of Young Mizo Association issued a press release on Saturday comforting the Meitei people not to be afraid because of the proposed rally and also appealed to them to live in peace. The organisation also urged the Manipur government to ensure the safety of the Mizo students in Imphal. Meanwhile, state principal consultant for civil aviation Wing Commander J. Lalhmingliana said 65 Meitei people left for Manipur by flight on Saturday. He said all tickets for the next flight on Aizawl-Imphal route on Monday have also been booked. A National Security Guard team on Sunday visited the Mall Road eatery in Shimla where a gas leak apparently led to a blast, killing one person and injuring 13 more. IMAGE: National Security Guard personnel arrive at a restaurant on Mall Road where a gas leak apparently led to a blast, in Shimla, July 23, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo The blast occurred on Tuesday evening at Himachali Rasoi restaurant, known for serving Himachali cuisines, located in Middle Bazaar adjacent to the fire brigade office in the heart of the city. The police said the blast was apparently caused by a gas leak. A 16-member team of the NSG's national bomb data centre inspected the site, collected evidence from the blast spot, examined the evidence collected by the special investigation team probing the case and also interacted with those injured, besides the forensic experts who initially collected the samples. Director general of police Sanjay Kundu told PTI earlier in the day that the place where the blast occurred was sensitive as it is near the police reporting room. The NSG specialises in this field and their services are being availed to determine the cause of the blast according to the standard operating procedure of the government, he added. Created in 1988, the NBDC is the apex national agency for post blast investigation which works under the NSG. Keeping in view the sensitivity of the case and to ensure a thorough and expeditious investigation, the DGP had requested the additional secretary of the Counter Terrorism and Counter Radicalisation Division under the Union ministry of home affairs to depute the PBI team of the NSG to unearth the cause of the blast, a statement issued here said. On July 19, Kundu visited the blast site and said preliminary investigation and forensic examination have pointed out that a gas leak led to the blast. According to the statement of the injured people, a gas leak from two LPG cylinders led to the blast but more casualties were averted as the place was closed for maintenance. Shimla superintendent of police Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi said people in the vicinity of the eatery had complained of a gas leak before the blast. However, suspicion is being raised due to the high intensity of the blast that shattered windows of several shops and houses in the vicinity and the sound of the explosion was heard miles away. The SIT constituted to probe the blast has registered a case of endangering life, causing hurt and causing death by negligence under sections 336, 337 and 304A of the IPC. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party media in-charge Karan Nanda, who along with other shopkeepers are demanding a high-level investigation into the matter, said they were confident that the NSG would dig out the truth about the blast. The ethnic violence in Manipur that erupted on May 3 and has left over 160 dead has been largely fuelled by rumours and fake news, according to officials from various security agencies who have been monitoring the situation in the restive northeastern state. IMAGE: AAP supporter being detained by women police personnel during the protest against the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, in Lucknow, July 23, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo The despicable May 4 incident in Kangpokpi district, where two women were paraded naked and assaulted by several people, was among the spate of sexual attacks that occurred after a picture of a body wrapped in polythene was circulated in the Imphal valley with a false claim that the victim had been murdered by tribals in Churachandpur. The picture was later found to be that of a woman murdered in the national capital but the fire had engulfed the valley by that time, and what was witnessed the next day put humanity to shame, says an official while referring to the video of the Kangpokpi incident that appeared on social media last week and has sparked massive outrage in the country. On the same day, barely 30 km away, two more women in their 20s were brutally raped and murdered. The lawlessness because of the fake picture spread like jungle fire and was one of the reasons for the state government to shut down the Internet on May 3, the officials said. A section of parties and activists have opposed the suspension of the Internet. Refusing to interfere, the Supreme Court on July 17 asked the Manipur government to raise its grievance before the high court against the HC's earlier order on a limited restoration of the Internet in the state. Analysis by various security agencies engaged in dousing the fire in Manipur, which has been on the boil since May 3, has led to the conclusion that there is "no control on fake or one-sided news being circulated even by local newspapers". Citing a recent example, they said one of the prominent dailies had claimed that tribal men, armed with weapons, had planned to attack the members of the majority community at Kwatha village of Chandel district. Alarmed by the news report, the Manipur police swung into action, only to find that the news report was false. The police issued a statement saying that there was no attempt to burn any village as reported in some local dailies and again appealed that only verified information in sensitive cases should be published. The police have dedicated 'Rumour Free Number' 9233522822 for verifying any information emerging either through social media or word of mouth and checking the spread of disinformation. Another video showing tribal youths marching in Churachandpur a few days back was circulated in the valley with subtitles claiming that the tribals will snatch women and children from the majority community. However, since the video was in Mizo language, which is the most widely spoken of the Kuki-Chin areas, some anti-social elements took advantage and put subtitles to raise tempers in the Imphal valley, where Manipuri Meiteilon is generally spoken. What was actually spoken in the video was a demand for a separate administration which ended with a tribal hymn, the officials said. Another fake news being peddled and circulated in the Imphal valley was that some tribals had torched a religious place - Kongba Maru Laiphamlen. Security agencies took some of the members of the majority community and showed them that no damage had been done to the religious place. However, armed clashes were reported between the ethnic groups in which two tribals were injured. Things subsided after the news was denied. Another video was circulated which showed some dead people lying on the ground and termed as members of the majority community mowed down by the tribals. This video was also circulated after the shocking 26-second clip of the assault on two tribal women appeared on social media. The fact, officials said, was that the dead were members of the majority community who had attempted to burn a tribal village in the hills and were killed in retaliatory action. In the early phase of violence, a video showing a young woman being brutally assaulted and finally shot to death was circulated with a claim that she was a tribal woman who was tortured by the majority community. It was immediately clarified that the video was that of a woman killed in Tamu town of Myanmar last year and had no links with the ethnic clashes in Manipur. Earlier this month, a vehicle, which was a part of Manipur police's inspector general (CID), was set afire after a fake rumour that some tribals were being escorted out of the Imphal valley. However, police took strong action and arrested people in this connection, The majority community held a protest in the national capital where they had shown a woman from their community being targeted by the tribals. However, the picture was that of an Arunachal Pradesh woman who had been abused domestically, the officials said. Officials feel that with the rumour mills working overtime, it will take a long time before the Internet could be fully restored in the state. "The semblance of sanity has to arrive first. As of now, we are very far from that," a senior official said. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 66F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 66F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. KYODO NEWS - Jul 23, 2023 - 09:04 | All, World, Japan Japanese restrictions on exports of advanced chip-manufacturing equipment took effect Sunday, in line with U.S.-led efforts to stymie China's ability to develop high-end semiconductors capable of being used for military purposes. With the revision of a trade ministry ordinance under the foreign exchange law, Japan added 23 chip-manufacturing items that require approval for export. The move has triggered a backlash from China, though Japan did not specify that the world's second-largest economy is the main target of the export restrictions. Beijing has said it will curb exports of gallium and germanium, two rare earth metals crucial for chip production, next month in apparent retaliation for U.S. semiconductor export restrictions targeting China. In October last year, the United States rolled out a sweeping set of export controls on certain high-end chips that China could use to train artificial intelligence systems and modernize its military, while asking Japan and the Netherlands, which possess advanced chip-manufacturing technologies, to follow suit. The Dutch government has also announced new restrictions on exports of advanced semiconductor equipment. Under the new regulations, Japan's list of restricted items now includes equipment for cleaning, checkups and lithography, a technology used for creating complex patterns that can be etched into semiconductor wafers, which is essential in producing cutting-edge chips. The Japanese government has simplified the process for exporting such equipment to 42 countries and regions, including the United States, a key security ally of Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. About 10 Japanese companies involved in manufacturing such equipment are likely to be affected by the regulations. However, industry minister Yasutoshi Nishimura has said the impact on domestic companies will likely be limited as the export controls target "extremely advanced" technology. Related coverage: Japan, India vow to boost chip supply chains for economic security Japan relists South Korea as preferred trade partner as ties improve The National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet against three 'listed individual terrorists' - Rinda, Dala and Landa and six others allegedly associated with banned terrorist organisations -- Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) on Saturday. According to the NIA, the three terrorists have links with gangs operating in North India, including local gangsters and organised criminal syndicates. The three listed individual terrorists -- Rinda (Harwinder Singh Sandhu) said to be associated with BFI, Dala (Arshdip Singh) of the KTF and Landa (Lakhbir Singh Sandhu) are all based outside India and have created terror networks inside India, the NIA charge-sheet says. The charge-sheet further says that they have links to Pakistan-based Khalistani operatives. On the money trail The NIA investigation has revealed a complex funding mechanism used by the accused that uses both formal and informal channels. The funds are said to have been routed through India-based associates of the three terrorists. The NIA probe revealed that Money Transfer Service Scheme (MTSS) or other means were used in a way the identities of both the real sender and the receiver are completely masked. The NIA is also investigating links of 17 others associated with BKI and KTF. The three terrorists 1. Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda Rinda is a prominent member of BKI and a pro-Khalistan operative, the NIA charge-sheet says. "In the year 2018-19, he fled to Pakistan illegally and is currently living there under the patronage of ISI, and is involved in the commission of terrorist activities against India," an NIA spokesperson said. Rinda is an accused in various offences, including smuggling of arms, murders and extortion. He is an accused in several terrorist activities, including the RPG attack on Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters in May 2022. 2. Arshdeep Singh alias Dala Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dala Arshdeep Singh alias Dala is from Punjab's Moga. He is an infamous gangster in India according to the NIA, who escaped to Canada. In Canada, he is said to have come in contact with Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the chief of the proscribed terrorist organisation KTF. Dala has been accused of extortion and being involved in targetted killings of businessmen and community leaders in Punjab. Dala was declared an 'individual terrorist' by the Government of India in 2023. Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa (Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa) Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa is said to have been involved in criminal and gangster activities. In 2017, he left for Canada. In Canada, he came in touch with BKI terrorist Harwinder Singh Sandhu. He was declared a main accused in the RPG attack on Punjab Police Headquarters in May 2022 and the RPG attack on Sarhali Police Station in Tarn Taran in December 2022. Landa is also said to be the mastermind of the conspiracy to kill Punjab Police sub-inspector Dilbag Singh in August 2022. Other foreign based BKI nodes chargesheeted by NIA are Harjot Singh, a resident of Punjab and currently in USA; Kashmir Singh Galwadi, resident of Punjab and an absconding accused of Nabha Jail break case and suspected to be presently in Nepal and Tarsem Singh, brother of Landa, and currently in Dubai. Gurjant Singh, resident of Punjab and currently in Australia, is amongst the foreign based nodes of KTF who has been chargesheeted. Other accused chargesheeted by NIA are Deepak Ranga and Lucky Khokhar alias Denis, who were recruited by foreign-based handlers for carrying out terror activities in India. Accused Deepak Ranga was charged by accused Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda and Lakhbir Sandhu alias Landa for carrying out the RPG attack on Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters, Mohali, Punjab in May 2022. The UP Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS), on July 23, arrested two brothers from Bulandshahr for allegedly providing fake Aadhar cards for Sachin Meena which eventually ended up with Seema Haider. According to sources, the duo owns a public service center in the Ahmedgarh area. Seema Haider, a resident of Pakistan, entered India via Nepal on May 13 and is said to have concealed her real identity using a fake Aadhar card. Both Sachin and Seema came to know each other in 2019 through an online video game and the two met for the first time in March this year in Nepal. During their meeting, Sachin reportedly provided Seema with three Aadhar cards, one for her and two for her children. These Aadhar cards were used by Seema to enter into India via Nepal. Seema, 30, is currently residing in Greater Noida with her new husband Sachin Meena, 23, for whom she illegally crossed over into India with her four kids. She is currently on the radar of the ATS. The arrest by the ATS makes it the first in the investigation which began with the interrogation of Seema, Sachin and his father for three days straight. Seema Haider seeks Indian citizenship Amid intense scrutiny by the ATS, Seema Haider has filed a petition before President Droupadi Murmu seeking Indian citizenship. Speaking to Republic TV, Seema's lawyer AP Singh said that she had sought permission to live in India at her matrimonial house with her minor children and requested the initiation of the process to grant Indian citizenship. The petition says that Seema changed her religion to Hinduism after being "influenced by India's civilisation, culture, behaviour, safety, security toward women by the Government of India." "We are very hopeful that she'll be granted citizenship of India as she has done nothing wrong in her life, she is a woman who fell in love and she can be granted citizenship as she fulfills all the qualifications of the third schedule of Citizenship Act," the lawyer told Republic. Some 19,000 people have been evacuated from the Greek island of Rhodes as wildfires continued burning for a sixth day on three fronts, Greek authorities said on Sunday. The Ministry of Climate Change and Civil Protection said it was "the largest evacuation from a wildfire in the country." Local police said that 16,000 were evacuated by land and 3,000 by sea, from 12 villages and several hotels, with no casualties. Six people were briefly hospitalized with respiratory problems and were later released. On Sunday morning, 266 firefighters and 49 engines on the ground were joined by five helicopters and 10 planes seven Greek, two Turkish and one Croatian to help put out the wildfire, authorities said. A further 15 engines are expected later in the day. In the mountainous part of Rhodes, an active front of the wildfire, firefighters have been trying to stop the blaze from spreading to nearby dense forests. Southwest of the resort of Kiotari, the main focus of Saturday's evacuations, a trench was being dug to keep the fire from crossing a creek and threatening another seaside village, Gennadi. The weather remains hot in the Mediterranean country on Sunday. Before midday, temperatures had already reached 38 C (100 F). Winds were low but are notoriously variable in Rhodes, as in other Greek islands. Some of the evacuated, including tourists, are being accommodated in other hotels, gyms and a conference center. A shipping company has offered one of its ships for accommodation. Managers from the evacuated hotels are seeking their former clients to get them in touch with their tour operators, authorities said. Other island visitors have headed to the airport to try and fly home. Greece's ministry of foreign affairs has announced that it is coordinating with embassies to assist those who might have left their travel documents behind during the evacuation. Authorities have designated an unprecedentedly large part of the mainland, the whole eastern part of central and southern Greece, plus the islands of Evia and Rhodes as well as large swaths of the southwest, as Category 5, the highest for risk of fire outbreaks Sunday. A further chunk of Greece has been designated Category 4, very high risk. Temperatures are expected to reach 43 C (110 F) in the capital, Athens, Sunday and 45 C (113 F) in the interior plains of central Greece. Russia's President Vladimir Putin's steadfast ally, Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko, on Sunday, warned neighbouring Poland that the Kremlin-backed shadowy paramilitary group Wagner's mercenaries want to unfold an all-out attack on Minsk's neighbouring territoryPoland. Lukashenko told his ally, Russia's President Putin during a meeting, that the Wagnerites, who arrived in Belarus this week to train the Belarusian Special Forces, were "stressing him out" because they want to attack Poland and Rzeszow, a south-eastern city that has transformed into a major aid hub for Ukraine's war. Located just 45 miles from Ukraines border, Rzeszow Airport has become the main gateway for the heavy inflow of Western weaponry and military aid for Ukraine's military. Since the inception of the war, the Rzeszow-Jasionka airport, once hidden from the world, has been widely used to transport injured Ukrainian soldiers to hospitals in Europe. Its runway is lined with American MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. It is this western logistics hub for Ukraine where the Polish military, last month, detained at least 12 foreigners from unspecified eastern European countries whom they accused of spying for Russia. Rzeszow has turned into a main target for Russian intelligence services to gather intelligence. Its airport, for the first time, was depicted on the map by the United States earlier last year shortly before Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, deployed US Army's 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers to bolster eastern flank's defences. Elite US troops from 82nd Airborne Division and military equipment seen landing at Rzeszow-Jasionka airport. Credit: AP US Army's transport plane landing at Rzeszow-Jasionka airport in southeastern Poland. Credit: AP 'They ask to go to the West: Let us!' Self-proclaimed President of Belarus, on Sunday, threatened a Polish offensive from Belarus. Wagner Private Military Company (PMC) fighters are "stressing him out," he said, because they want to invade the neighbouring Warsaw. "Maybe we shouldnt have said it, but Ill say that the Wagnerites began to 'strain' us. They ask to go to the west: 'Let us!' I say: 'Why do you need to go west there?' Well, to quiet one ... We control what is happening..'Well, well go on an excursion to Warsaw and Rzeszow,'" Lukashenko said. The latter asserted that the Zheshuv [Rzeszow] is unacceptable for them [Wagner mercenaries]. "When they [Wagner] fought near Artemovsk or Bakhmut, they know where Ukraine's military equipment came from. They have this inside: Zheshuv is a disaster," Lukashenko explained. Their mood is very bad, the Belarusian leader said of Putin's de facto private army known for violence, harassment and intimidation, systemic and grave human rights abuses including arbitrary detention, torture, disappearances and summary execution in Syria, Central African Republic, and the Middle East. "Of course, I keep them [Wagner mercenaries] in the centre of Belarus, as agreed. I would not want to relocate them there. Because their mood is bad. And, to be fair, they know what is happening around the Union State [of Russia and Belarus]," Lukashenko said. In response to the arrival of Wagner troops in neighbouring Belarus, Poland mobilised a large number of Polish soldiers from the country's west to the east "due to possible threats related to the presence of the Wagner," Mariusz Baszczak, Minister of National Defence of Poland said in a statement. Zbigniew Hoffmann, secretary of the Polish Security Committee, labelled the joint exercises of the Belarusian Army and the Wagner mercenaries as "undoubtedly a provocation." "That is why Mariusz Baszczak, the Minister of National Defence and head of the committee, decided to move our military units from the west to the east of Poland," Hoffmann said, according to his statement given to the Polish news agencies. Polish assault units are training on the border to "deter a potential aggressor," secretary of the Polish Security Committee iterated. Special Forces soldiers who form the Polish contingent. Credit: Ministry of National Defense/ Poland As Wagner trained with the Belarusian Army, the Polish Ministry of Defense told reporters that it "strengthened the cooperation of the army with the border guards through, among other things, an intensification of joint operations at the border". Russia in favourable position to target NATO asset: The Suwaki Gap Tensions between Belarus and Poland escalated to an all-time high last month after former Russian army officer, Andrey Kartapolov, said during a televised interview on Russian state television that the relocation of the Wagner mercenaries to Belarus postures Russia "in a favourable position to target NATO assets near Poland and Lithuania." Kartapolov warned that Wagner fighters can attack the border region of Poland and Lithuania "within a short span of a matter of hours" from their newly revived defense base in Osipovichi, a town 230 kilometres (142 miles) north of the Ukrainian border. The ex-Russian Army officer said that they would capture the land strip of vital military significance for Russia located between Poland and Lithuania--the Suwalki Corridor also known as the Suwaki Gap. Located between Belarus and Russia's Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad, the Suwalki Corridor is the only chokepoint that links the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia Estonia with other NATO states, and capturing this land strip can establish a land link to Kaliningrad, the main base of Russian Baltic Fleet. Russian Colonel General Kartapolov asserted that "it is clear that Wagner went to Belarus to train the Belarusian armed forces, but there's also such a place as the Suwalki Corridor. Should anything happen, we need this Suwalki Corridor very much a strike force [based in Wagner forces in Belarus] is ready to take this corridor in a matter of hours." NATO's Achilles heel, the Suwalki Gap, is a crucial and militarily sensitive 60-100 kilometres stretch which, if attacked, could trigger NATO to invoke Article 5 of the alliance's collective defence dragging NATO member states into direct confrontation with Russia. In 2020, Belarus and Russia conducted a mock invasion of Lithuania during the Zapad Military Exercises. Russian security forces on Saturday killed a heavily-armed gunman who broke into a private house in the suburbs of Moscow and fired at them, reportedly threatening to march on the Kremlin. The assailant was spotted by guards after he had broken into an unoccupied house located in an elite cottage village in the Istra region, about 45 kilometers (less than 30 miles) west of Moscow. When two guards and a police officer entered the house, the man held them at gunpoint, but the three later managed to escape, according to Russian media. For several hours, the authorities negotiated with the attacker who was in combat fatigues and toted a Kalashnikov rifle. The man claimed he came from the front lines in Ukraine and was driven by God to march on the Kremlin, the seat of the government in Moscow. He refused to surrender, fired at the special forces and was killed when they stormed the house, Russia's National Guard said. It said that the attacker had several automatic weapons and hand grenades. Russian lawmaker Alexander Khinshtein identified the assailant as Vyacheslav Chernenko, a 35-year-old resident of the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk. It wasn't immediately clear if he indeed fought in Ukraine as he claimed. Istra administrator Tatiana Vitusheva described the attacker as mentally unstable. Some Russian media claimed that the cottage he broke into once belonged to Viktor Yanukovych, the former Moscow-friendly president of Ukraine who was driven from office by mass protests and offered shelter by Russia. It has been put up for sale by its current owner, who was abroad when the incident happened. The standoff attracted close media attention, coming nearly a month after mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin launched a short-lived mutiny that saw his Wagner troops capture military headquarters in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don and then drive as close as 200 kilometers (125 miles) to Moscow in a bid to oust the country's top military leaders. Prigozhin agreed to end the June 23-24 rebellion under a deal that offered amnesty to him and his mercenaries and allowed them to move to Belarus. People look at voters lists on the day of Cambodias general election, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, July 23, 2023. UPDATED at 9:10 p.m. EDT on 07-23-2023 Cambodians have finished voting in a one-sided parliamentary election thats expected to be an easy victory for the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party as Prime Minister Hun Sen prepares to hand over power to his eldest son in the coming weeks. Preliminary results show the CPP winning 120 seats in the National Assembly, with the royalist Funcinpec party securing five seats, according to a message posted by the prime minister on Telegram. Hun Sens CPP has neutralized the political opposition over the last six months by either threatening or co-opting activists. In May, the National Election Committee banned the main opposition Candlelight Party from running in the election, citing inadequate paperwork. Opposition activists have said the decision was politically motivated. The ban meant that the CPP didnt have any major challengers on the ballot. Funcinpec, which formed a coalition government with the CPP for several years in the 1990s, and 16 other parties qualified for the election but werent expected to be serious challengers. An election observer in Koh Kong province near the Thai border told Radio Free Asia that there were no independent observers at his polling station. In previous elections, people stayed and watched the election process after they cast their votes, he said. But this time, people knew the outcome that the ruling party will win the election. So theres no point for them to monitor. U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement that the department was troubled that the elections were neither free nor fair. The United States will pause some foreign assistance programs and has taken steps to impose visa restrictions on individuals who undermined democracy in Cambodia ahead of the elections, he said in the statement released on Sunday. Cambodian authorities engaged in a pattern of threats and harassment against the political opposition, media, and civil society that undermined the spirit of the countrys constitution and Cambodias international obligations, Miller said. These actions denied the Cambodian people a voice and a choice in determining the future of their country. Both the NEC and Hun Sen said that 84 percent of eligible voters had cast their ballot on Sunday. Official election results were expected to be announced between Aug. 9 and Sept. 4. An election official counts ballots at a polling station in Phnom Penh on July 23, 2023, during the general elections. Cambodians voted on July 23 in an election that longtime leader Hun Sen is all but guaranteed to win as he looks to secure his legacy by handing the reins to his eldest son. (AFP) Worries about democracy The prime minister said in a voice message Sunday evening that exiled opposition leader Sam Rainsys plan to sabotage the election by urging people to destroy their ballot had failed. Earlier this month, the National Assembly approved an amendment to the election law that prohibited those who didnt cast a vote in Sundays election from running for office in future elections. At least three opposition party members who were accused of destroying their ballot were arrested on Sunday, authorities said. Another 40 opposition activists were being sought by police for allegedly being involved with plans to destroy ballots. The NEC said in June that those who urge voters not to go to vote, recreate mistrust in the election and disturb the electoral process could face fines of between 5 million-20 million riels (US$1,200-4,800) and prison terms. It did not specify the possible length of prison term. Photos of dozens of spoiled ballots were posted on Sam Rainsys Facebook page on Sunday. CPP spokesman Sok Ey San estimated that the number of spoiled ballots across the country was between 200,000 and 300,000. Several voters interviewed by RFA on Sunday showed off the black ink on their fingers used to mark their ballots. They said they felt pressured to vote. One voter in Kandal province, who asked not be named, told RFA that many people at her polling station were unhappy about the coercion. I am worried and think that democracy will not be reinstated, she said. Everything from social morals to human rights have declined. Dozens of members of the Candlelight Party the only party that could have mounted a serious challenge to the CPP were arrested in several provinces in recent months. Some detained activists received pardons, were released from prison and given government positions after they publicly switched their allegiance to the CPP. Prime Minister Hun Sen casts his vote at a polling station in Kandal province on July 23, 2023. (Photo by TANG CHHIN SOTHY/AFP) The main opposition party is absent More than 23,000 polling stations opened nationwide at 7 a.m. Hun Sen and his wife, Bun Rany, drove a black Mercedes to the polls near his home in Kandal province, just outside of Phnom Penh. Hun Sen did not say anything to reporters. The prime ministers eldest son, Hun Manet, voted at a primary school in Phnom Penh. He told journalists that he came to cast his vote to fulfill his obligations as a citizen. Hun Sen, who has held power since 1985, told a Chinese television station last week that the 45-year-old Hun Manet could become prime minister as soon as three weeks after the election. Ros Sotha, the executive director of the Cambodian Human Rights Action Coalition, said he and his group traveled from Phnom Penh to Kandal and Kampong Chhnang provinces to monitor polling stations. Wat Dambok Khpos in Phnom Penh was crowded in the morning, but near empty by afternoon. At other polling stations, there were almost no voters after 12 p.m. just election officials and observers, he said. The unhappy reaction of the people seems to be due to the fact that the main opposition party is absent from the election, he said. Translated by Sok Ry Sum. Edited by Matt Reed. THIS STORY WAS UPDATED TO INCLUDE DETAILS FROM A U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT STATEMENT. A woman cools herself with a fan in Valletta, Malta, on July 24, 2023. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua) VALLETTA, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Malta is currently gripped in a heatwave that is affecting southern Europe, causing electricity demand to peak and leading to blackouts in several localities. It is experiencing a heatwave with temperatures hitting highs of 40 degrees Celsius amid scorching hot weather across the Mediterranean. At times, the temperatures felt like 42 and 43 degrees Celsius, according to the Meteorological Office. The sweltering heat forced residents and tourists to turn up their air conditioning systems, raising the electricity demand considerably. The heatwave caused Malta to hit a new peak electricity demand of 624 megawatts on Thursday. Some underground cables were literally melting, owing to high electricity demand and the heat of the ground, with many households ending up without power for hours. "We first had a power cut of just under twelve hours. It then returned during the day, but went out again in the evening for another 11 hours," resident David Zammit told Xinhua. "During the day it's bearable as you can simply go for a drive in the air-conditioned car, but our power cuts were at night when the heat was simply unbearable," he added. Another resident in a locality in the south spent 10 hours without power, forcing her to relocate her elderly mother. "My mother just couldn't handle it. She was passing out at intervals so I made arrangements to take her to a relative who lives in an area which was not yet affected by power cuts," Jenny Grech said. Malta's state-owned Enemalta said the sustained heatwave was impacting the energy provider's distribution network. Addressing a media briefing on Thursday, Enemalta CEO Jonathan Cardona said the company had registered a new peak electricity demand of 624 megawatts, which was well below its capacity. However, the heat was damaging underground cables, leading to several faults and power cuts. He explained that the power cuts were not caused by overloading but damage to distribution equipment caused by consistently high temperatures. Dorianne Bonnici, also a resident, said that while she understood faults do happen, she blamed it on the lack of investment in a proper infrastructure that could cope with the demand and the heat. "I cannot believe we're back to using candles as I remember doing in my childhood when we had frequent blackouts," she told Xinhua. "We had no power for 11 hours and the ice in the freezer literally melted and there was a puddle underneath it. All the food inside thawed so that's for the rubbish bin now," her husband Peter added. While residents brace themselves for sleepless nights without their fans or air conditioners, there seems to be no end in sight. "I've run out of battery-powered fans because everyone came to buy them so they don't spend nights in the heat," Karl Saliba, who owns a shop selling household appliances told Xinhua. "We also had a surge in sales of air-conditioning units," he added. The heatwave is expected to continue until at least Thursday next week, with temperatures forecast to increase from the current 40 degrees Celsius to 41 degrees Celsius as from Monday, the Meteorological Office said. If the heatwave continues beyond Thursday, it would become the longest heatwave recorded during the summer months in a decade. The longest so far was 12 days stretching from June to July in 2021. The hottest July temperature on record is 42.7 degrees Celsius, recorded in 1988. It does not seem like this will be surpassed. A woman holding an umbrella walks on a street in Valletta, Malta, on July 24, 2023. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua) People walk on a street in Valletta, Malta, on July 24, 2023. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua) International students from Taiwan give the low-down on studying in Hong Kong under the national security law Teachers and students attend a flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, July 1, 2022. Taiwanese students who enrolled in Hong Kong universities since a 2020 national security law banned public criticism of the government say they have no freedom to talk about politics, with some engaging in self-censorship for fear of getting themselves or others into trouble. They talked about what it's like to study at a Hong Kong university amid an ongoing program of patriotic education in schools and universities since the national security law was imposed on the city in 2020. They said they are very careful not to make any political statements at all, with others citing "disgust" at the encroachment of Chinese Communist Party propaganda onto university campuses and a sense of "hopelessness" about the city's future. A student who gave the pseudonym Florence said she is very careful about what she says while she is in Hong Kong. "I let everything roll off me here, and I don't comment or express opinions," she said. "I can't talk about sensitive topics publicly, but I don't feel it's too much of a pain." "Does the national security law have any impact on me? Not much at all," she said. Fellow Taiwanese student Gavin said he has also chosen to keep quiet in public. Four months into his course, he saw campus security guards clear away a campus protest in solidarity with the November 2022 "white paper" protests that swept China in response to a deadly lockdown fire in Xinjiang's regional capital Urumqi. Then they called the police. "You need to be aware that Hong Kong may be more tightly controlled than a lot of places in mainland China even," Gavin said. "I supported them, but I daren't help them for personal safety reasons." "But the rest of the time, there's no impact," he said of the citywide crackdown on dissent. Whos listening? However, a number of the students who are currently in Hong Kong glanced around nervously while talking to The Reporter, to check that nobody was in earshot. In mainland China, there is already a widespread culture of political informants in schools and universities, and there are concerns that this could soon spread to Hong Kong, where a hotline taking reports of national security law breaches received 400,000 calls last year. Protesters hold up sheets of paper to commemorate the deadly Urumqi fire during a gathering at the University of Hong Kong, Nov. 29, 2022. Credit: Bertha Wang/AP Another student who gave only the nickname Henry said he went in 2019 because he won a scholarship, and that the protest movement didn't put him off. "From the perspective of someone from Taiwan, demonstrations aren't very shocking they're just demonstrations," he said. "Isn't it normal to demonstrate?" However, Henry got up at one point during the interview to make sure his door was shut before continuing. He then told The Reporter that government policy used to be commonly debated in some disciplines at Hong Kong universities. "Lecturers would put government policy on the table for discussion and comment with students, but now they're also under a lot of pressure, and they don't talk about these things any more," he said. "Universities once known for their critical thinking were now sending emails to lecturers inviting them to attend a flag-raising ceremony for the Chinese national flag," he said. "The university's student union has been disbanded and student self-governance is dead," he said. "I don't talk about this publicly, and I'll think twice before discussing it on social media." National security education Then there is the matter of the "national security education" modules that are now mandatory in Hong Kong's universities. "One day I received a notification that a class has been posted on the course website and that I was required to complete it," a Taiwanese student who gave the pseudonym Edgar told The Reporter. Edgar enrolled in the fall of 2022, and his class was in the first cohort of foreign students required to take a class in "national security education," which is mandatory for all students. Media mogul Jimmy Lai, founder of the Apple Daily newspaper, leaves the Court of Final Appeal by prison van in Hong Kong, Feb. 9, 2021. Credit: Tyrone Siu/Reuters Course content covers the history of modern China and the national security law, and a pass is needed in all tests to graduate. "Which of the following actions could be said to breach the National Security Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region?" reads one test question. It offers a number of scenarios including "contacting international organizations to call for sanctions against Hong Kong," "posting online messages saying Hong Kong is independent of China," donating funds to an international organization that attacks Hong Kong, and planning to "attack" government buildings. The answer? All of the above. Edgar said the multiple choice test wasn't too challenging he didn't even need to watch the video tutorials to gain a 100% score, but confessed to some feelings of disgust as he did so. "Those exam questions are exactly the same as the propaganda we see on [Chinese state television]," he said. "This has now become a requirement to graduate I feel disgusted about that." Retroactive Gavin said he answered a question on the jailing of pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai for his "national security education" test. He and some classmates got together to study the "correct" answers to the test, which include statements like "the status of the chief executive is higher than that of the legislature and the judiciary, and the chief executive is the core." It also asserts that the law has retroactive effect. "This course is ridiculous," Gavin said. "It may not be hard to pass the test, but you have to be emotionally passive and powerless to do so." "We're foreigners, so why should we have to be patriotic or understand the Chinese constitution?" he said. Yeh Chiah-hsing, a student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said he isn't so bothered by the propaganda class, however. "These general education courses don't need to be taken so seriously," he said. "Also, it's important for students from other places to understand China's narrative about itself." "After all, discourse in the English-speaking world isn't very friendly in the way it describes China ... you can see the confrontation of discourse in this course." Psychological intimidation But Lin Tsung-hung, a researcher in social sciences at Taiwan's Academia Sinica, said the courses are a form of psychological intimidation. "When you read text aimed at brainwashing you, you don't just wind up brainwashed; it takes effect on another level, that's the problem," Lin told Radio Free Asia. "It is also telling you that, in a society that has this level of brainwashing, they can raise the stakes at any time, and start watching you at any time, like Big Brother," he said in a reference to the fictional, all-seeing dictator of George Orwell's novel "1984." "It doesn't actually really matter too much what Big Brother is telling you." People hold Taiwanese flags as they join others at a rally to mark Taiwan's National Day, in the Tsim Sha Tsui district in Hong Kong, Oct. 10, 2019. One Taiwanese student says she hasn't been allowed to hang a Taiwanese flag when taking part in international student gatherings, as students from other countries can. Credit: Kin Cheung/AP Lin also warned that Hong Kong's once-respected universities will likely fall in world rankings due to the national security law, adding that lecturers and professors are leaving because of it. "When a lecturer leaves, it's not just about brain drain," Lin said. "It affects people's networks there's nobody there to write a letter of recommendation, and professors coming in from mainland China will have completely different networks and viewpoints." Taiwanese student Elaine said that while she doesn't feel impacted personally by the political climate in Hong Kong, she hasn't been allowed to hang a Taiwanese flag when taking part in international student gatherings, as students from other countries can. Nobody told anyone that Taiwan's flag was now taboo a "consensus" just formed among the students, she said. "The school didn't actually inform us that we can't display this flag, she said. I guess maybe they thought we would figure that out for ourselves." Taiwan split from mainland China amid civil war in 1949. It has never been ruled by the Chinese Communist Party, nor formed part of the 73-year-old People's Republic of China. But Beijing insists the island is a province of China and bans any references to its sovereign status as the 1911 Republic of China. Ideal place For Tanya, who was born and raised there, Hong Kong seemed like a cool place to go to business school. "When I was younger, I wanted to go to business school somewhere outside of Taiwan," Tanya said. "The international environment of Hong Kong seemed like an ideal place to be." She enrolled in a course beginning in 2016, two years after the 2014 Umbrella Movement failed to pressure the authorities into allowing fully democratic elections in the city, and after the "fishball rebellion" unrest in Mong Kok. She knew the city was becoming less free under Chinese rule, but she had her own criteria. "I thought I would leave when you could no longer get Google or Facebook in Hong Kong," Tanya said, in a reference to the stringent government censorship applied to mainland China, known as the Great Firewall. Chen Wei'an headed to the city two years later, in 2018, just before the 2019 protest movement exploded onto the city's streets, challenging the erosion of Hong Kong's promised freedoms. "I was super anxious because I wanted to do research in areas like gender studies, Hong Kong's Basic Law, and China's United Front operations," Chen said. "But I didn't know if there would still be academic freedom in Hong Kong by the time I graduated." In the end, he went anyway, because "if Hong Kong was going to change, I wanted to see it while it was still Hong Kong." Chen Wei'an came to study in Hong Kong in 2018, but says the political atmosphere already reeked of despair. He left after a few months and enrolled in a Taiwanese university. Credit: Huang Shize But Chen found a political atmosphere that he felt already reeked of despair. "I tried to find friends who cared about politics, but I couldn't stand the sense of hopelessness," Chen said. "The sense of powerlessness was terrifying, and I felt I could suffocate." He left after just a few months and enrolled in a Taiwanese university instead. Drop-off in numbers Chen doesn't appear to be the only person put off by studying in a city whose promised freedoms have been all but dismantled under Communist Party rule. According to estimates compiled by The Reporter among the Taiwanese communities in Hong Kong and Macau, around 900 students from the democratic island, whose government has been vocally supportive of the 2019 protest movement, were studying in Hong Kong universities in 2019, with the number rising to around 1,000 in 2020. Since Beijing imposed the national security law, those numbers have fallen sharply. By 2023, there were only around 300 students from Taiwan still studying in Hong Kong's universities. The island's Ministry of Education and Mainland Affairs Council said they have been unable to compile figures since the Hong Kong authorities stopped issuing visas for its representative office in the city. A Taiwanese student who gave only the nickname Daniel who enrolled in business school in Hong Kong in August 2019, at the height of the protest movement, said his family and friends tried to get him to come home. "The main consideration was my personal safety they were worried that the petrol bombs and tear gas they saw on news footage would spread to every corner of the city," he said. "But I wasn't going to be there my whole life, and so [I told them] I would stay for as long as the political situation wasn't affecting my studies." Tanya, who now works at an investment bank in Hong Kong, said she had genuinely believed when she first arrived as a student in 2016 that Beijing would keep its promise to allow the city's freedoms to remain unchanged for 50 years from the 1997 handover. "I've been in Hong Kong a long time, and I love it here," she said. "But the constant political turbulence means that I can't stay just because of that." Despite their disgust with mandatory national security education classes, Edgar, Gavin and Daniel all plan to look for jobs in the city when they graduate, citing higher salaries than in their native Taiwan. "I think it was worth it, coming to Hong Kong to study, but there are sacrifices in doing that," Gavin said. "You can't say whatever you want there's no freedom." Based on a collaborative report by RFA's Mandarin Service and The Reporter, a Taiwan-based investigative magazine. Interviewees' names have been changed at their request. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Welcome to The Azadi Briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter that unpacks the key issues in Afghanistan. To subscribe for free, click here. I'm Frud Bezhan, regional desk editor for Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Here's what I've been tracking and what I'm keeping an eye on in the days ahead. The Key Issue The Taliban has closed many of the Afghan offices of the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee, a prominent charity linked closely with the Iranian government, according to Iranian media reports. Irans Jamaran news website said the charitys offices in the cities of Kabul, Herat, and Mazar-e Sharif have been shut down and sealed by Taliban fighters in recent weeks. The website -- which is close to the family of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic republic -- added that the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee was not given prior notice or offered any reasons for the closures. Only the charitys office in the Afghan city of Zaranj, near the Iranian border, is still believed to be operating. Both the charity and the Taliban have yet to comment on the reported shutdowns. The charity, whose head is chosen by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has a long history of operations in Afghanistan and was registered with the Talibans Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Why It's Important: Iran has been suspected of using the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee and other state-backed charities to promote its conservative brand of Shia Islam around the world. The charities spread anti-Western propaganda and are seen to be tied to Tehran's long-standing effort to export the Islamic Revolution. Many of the charities build schools and mosques and help the poor. An extremist Sunni militant group, the Taliban has imposed increasing restrictions on Afghanistans Shiite minority, which makes up around 15 percent of the population. The Taliban has prevented Afghan Shia from marking important religious holidays and banned the teaching of Shi'a jurisprudence in universities in Afghanistan. The closure of the offices of the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee is likely an attempt by the Taliban to curb Irans influence in Afghanistan. It also comes amid tensions between the Taliban and Iran over cross-border water resources. Following deadly border clashes in May, the Taliban and Tehran have traded threats and accusations. What's Next: With tensions still high between the sides, the Taliban and Iran are likely to engage in tit-for-tat moves. In recent months, the authorities in Iran have intensified the deportation of Afghan refugees and migrants and imposed more restrictions on Afghan nationals living in the Islamic republic. In retaliation, the Taliban could target more Iranian organizations and activities in Afghanistan. What To Keep An Eye On The Taliban has shut down three local media outlets -- Hamisha Bahar Radio and Television, Radio Nan, and Radio Jawanan -- in the eastern province of Nangarhar. Taliban fighters stormed the studios of Hamisha Bahar Radio and Television on July 31 after the media outlet provided journalism training for young Afghans, including girls, according to an employee who spoke to RFE/RLs Radio Azadi on condition of anonymity. The employee said Taliban fighters beat the reporters and sealed the studios of the station. Why It's Important: Since seizing power in 2021, the Taliban has waged a brutal crackdown on independent reporters and media outlets. The militants have beaten and jailed reporters and forcibly closed down scores of radio and TV stations as well as newspapers. In its attempts to crush dissent, the Taliban has also targeted human rights defenders, women activists, and intellectuals. Cases of arbitrary arrests and detention, threats, and intimidation of journalists have sharply increased during the past year. The Taliban has also severely restricted female education and banned co-education. That's all from me for now. Don't forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you have. You can always reach us at azadi.english@rferl.org. Until next time, Frud Bezhan If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe for free here. It will be sent to your inbox every Friday. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Russia failed a long time ago in what it sought to achieve in its war against Ukraine and that Kyivs current counteroffensive has retaken substantial territory initially seized by Moscow, but he also warned of a long, "very hard fight" in the coming months. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here. The objective was to erase Ukraine from the map, to eliminate its independence, its sovereignty, to subsume it into Russia. That failed a long time ago, Blinken told CNN in an interview broadcast on July 23. Unlike the Russians, Ukrainians are fighting for their land, for their future, for their country, for their freedom, Blinken said. But he cautioned that the war -- now more than 500 days old -- would continue for at least several months. Blinken said Ukraine has seen success in its counteroffensive, but he cautioned that progress going forward would not be easy. "[Ukraine has] already taken back about 50 percent of what was initially seized," Blinken claimed, without being specific. "These are still relatively early days of the counteroffensive. It is tough. "It will not play out over the next week or two. Were still looking, I think, at several months." Many Western observers had initially expressed optimism that Kyivs long-awaited counteroffensive could quickly clear Russian forces from occupied regions in the east and south of the country, but many have suggested that the going has been tougher than hoped. In late June, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said progress against Russian forces was "slower than desired" but that Kyiv would not be pressured into speeding up its actions. The comments come as fighting continues to rage in eastern and southern Ukraine, including reports of heightened attacks on civilian sites by Russian forces. Ukrainian officials on July 23 said one person was killed and 22 wounded, including four children, in a fresh Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa. Russias military has launched strikes on the port city and other Ukrainian food export facilities over the past week after the Kremlin withdrew from a UN-brokered sea corridor agreement that allowed for the safe shipment of Ukrainian grain. Kyiv has accused Moscow of targeting grain supplies and infrastructure vital to the deal. Missiles against peaceful cities, against residential buildings, a cathedral.... There can be no excuse for Russian evil. As always, this evil will lose. And there will definitely be a retaliation to Russian terrorists for Odesa. They will feel this retaliation, Zelenskiy said in a post on Twitter after the fresh strike on Odesa. Zelenskiy wrote on his Telegram channel on July 23 that Ukraine needs a full-fledged air shield to defeat Russian missile strikes. "We have already shown that we can shoot down even those Russian missiles that terrorists especially boasted about. Thanks to the help of partners and air-defense systems provided to Ukraine, our sky defenders have saved thousands of lives, Zelenskiy wrote. But for our entire territory, for all our cities and communities, we need more air-defense systems. The world should not get used to Russian terror -- it is necessary to defeat terror. And it is possible," Zelenskiy wrote. With reporting by Reuters The presidents of the five Central Asian countries just traveled to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to participate in the first-ever Gulf Cooperation Council-Central Asia summit. Ties between the two regions have been growing since Russia launched its full-scale war on Ukraine. What is changing in Central Asian-Arab relations and what lies ahead for cooperation between these regions? To explore these questions, host Bruce Pannier is joined by two experts: Aijan Sharshenova, research fellow at the Bishkek-based think tank Crossroads Central Asia; and Theodore Karasik, fellow on Russian and Middle Eastern affairs at the Washington, D.C.,-based Jamestown Foundation. Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks in St. Petersburg on July 23 with Belarusian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka, who was quoted as saying in an apparent joking tone that fighters of Russia's Wagner mercenary group who are now training Belarus's army were keen to push across the border into NATO member Poland. "The Wagner guys have started to stress us. They want to go west. 'Let's go on a trip to Warsaw and Rzeszow'," he was quoted as saying. To read the original story by AFP, click here. https://www.barrons.com/news/kyiv-warsaw-will-always-stand-united-ukraine-s-fm-9e2b5b49 Poland is moving extra troops toward the border with Belarus in response to the arrival of Wagner forces who relocated there after a short-lived mutiny in Russia last month. The meeting comes two days after Moscow warned that any aggression against ally Belarus would be considered an attack on Russia. Putin said Moscow would use all means it has to react to any hostility toward Minsk. While not sending his own troops to Ukraine, Lukashenka allowed Moscow to use Belarusian territory to launch its full-scale invasion on Ukraine in February 2022 and has since met with Putin frequently. In comments to Lukashenka, Putin claimed that Ukraine's counteroffensive "had failed. "There is no counteroffensive," Russian news agencies quoted Lukashenka as saying. Putin replied: "It exists, but it has failed." Ukraine began its long-anticipated counteroffensive last month but has so far made only small gains against well-entrenched Russian forces. U.S. General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on July 18 that the Ukrainian drive was "far from a failure" but would be long, hard, and bloody. Lukashenka and Putin also repeated Moscow's oft-stated remarks suggesting that Poland has eyes on capturing parts of western Ukraine for itself, reversing some post-World War II border changes. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba respoded by saying Ukraine and Poland would "always stand united" and that "Putin's attempts to drive a wedge between Kyiv and Warsaw are as futile as his failing invasion of Ukraine." "Unlike Russia, Poland and Ukraine have learned from history and will always stand united against Russian imperialism and disrespect for international law," Kuleba wrote on Twitter. The remarks came two days after Putin angered Warsaw by saying western Poland was a "gift" from Soviet dictator Josef Stalin at the end of World War II, when the Allies set out the borders of postwar Europe. With reporting from Reuters and AFP At least one person was killed and 22 wounded, including four children, in fresh Russian missile strikes on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, Ukrainian officials said on July 23. An Orthodox cathedral was also seriously damaged in the overnight Russian military attack, Oleh Kiper, governor of southern Ukraine's Odesa region, said on the Telegram messaging app. Odesa: another night attack of the monsters, wrote Kiper. Some reports said that a second person had died from the Odesa strike, but that could not immediately be confirmed. Russias military has launched military strikes on Odesa and other Ukrainian food export facilities over the past week after the Kremlin withdrew from a UN-brokered sea corridor agreement that allowed for the safe shipment of Ukrainian grain. Kyiv has accused Moscow of targeting grain supplies and infrastructure vital to the deal. WATCH: Locals rushed to the Transfiguration Cathedral in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa to clear it from rubble after an overnight Russian missile attack on July 23. Odesa's largest Orthodox church was consecrated in 1809, destroyed by the Soviet authorities in 1939, and rebuilt in 2003. The city center is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Kyiv would submit the attack on the Orthodox cathedral as evidence to the United Nations of Russias systematic destruction of religious sites in Ukraine during its invasion. "The latest case is today's strike on the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa. We will raise this issue at the next meeting of the UN Security Council on Ukraine to make it clear: Russia is the only threat to Ukrainian Orthodoxy," Kuleba wrote on Twitter. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a Twitter post after the Russian strike on Odesa that missiles against peaceful cities, against residential buildings, a cathedral.... There can be no excuse for Russian evil. As always, this evil will lose. And there will definitely be a retaliation to Russian terrorists for Odesa. They will feel this retaliation. Zelenskiy also urged Ukraines Western allies to speed up delivery of air-defense systems to help it defend itself against Russian missile terror. Thanks to the help of partners and air-defense systems provided to Ukraine, our sky defenders have saved thousands of lives. But for our entire territory, for all our cities and communities, we need more air-defense systems. The world should not get used to Russian terror -- it is necessary to defeat terror. And it is possible," Zelenskiy wrote. Odesa's military administration said that the cathedral of the Moscow-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) was severely damaged. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here. "The Kasperovska icon of the Mother of God, who is the patroness of Odesa, was retrieved from under the rubble," the administration said on its Telegram channel. Andriy Palchuk, the cathedral's archdeacon, told Reuters that the missile strike had started a fire that only affected one corner of the cathedral containing nonhistoric religious artifacts for purchase by worshippers. "When the right altar chapel -- one of the most sacred parts of the cathedral -- was hit, a missile piece flew through the whole cathedral and hit the area where we display icons, candles, and books for purchase," he said. The Russian Defense Ministry reported strikes on targets in the area but denied it had struck the cathedral and claimed the building had probably been hit by a Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile. The Spaso-Preobrazhenskiy Cathedral, or the Transfiguration Cathedral, is Odesa's largest Orthodox church and was consecrated in 1809. It was destroyed by the Soviet authorities in 1939 but rebuilt in 2003. In video posted to social media, Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov is seen walking amidst the rubble inside the church. Another video clip showed a man walking inside the cathedral repeating, "The church is no longer. Lord, have mercy. Other photos and videos showed parts of the building destroyed and rubble inside with several icons lined up on the ground. Ukraine's Southern Operational Command said Odesa was targeted with at least five types of missiles, including high-precision Onyx missiles, sea-to-shore Kalibr cruise missiles, and Iskander ballistic missiles. The city's military administration said that air-defense systems had destroyed a "significant part" of them. Andriy Yermak, Zelenskiy's chief of staff, repeated calls for more missiles and defense systems. "The enemy must be deprived of the ability to hit civilians and infrastructure. More missile defense systems, as well as ATACMS -- this will help Ukraine," Yermak wrote on Telegram, referring to the long-range tactical missiles that Kyiv wants Washington to supply. Odesa has been bombed several times since the start of the invasion, and in January the United Nations cultural agency UNESCO designated the historic center of the city as a World Heritage in Danger site. On July 23, UNESCO issued a statement strongly condemning Russias repeated attacks against cultural and heritage sites. UNESCO is deeply dismayed and condemns in the strongest terms the brazen attack carried out by the Russian forces, which hit several cultural sites in the city center of Odesa, home to the World Heritage property, it said. It said the latest attack, in addition to taking human life, damaged a number of significant cultural sites, including the Transfiguration Cathedral, the first and foremost Orthodox church in Odesa founded in 1794." With reporting by AFP, Reuters, and AP DOMNA, Russia -- Besides the military, there aren't many opportunities in this poor settlement some 35 kilometers southwest of Chita, the administrative center of the southern Siberian region of Zabaikalye. "For us, military service is the main way of earning a living," said local resident Aleksei. "Now, they are recruiting new volunteers. Almost everyone has already gone to the war." Domna's prewar population of about 6,000 has been seriously depleted since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Many young men have volunteered or were mobilized, while others vanished after President Vladimir Putin proclaimed mobilization last September. There is an ancient Buryat legend that Domna was founded at the place where a maiden wept for a slain warrior. Locals say the town has been weeping ever since. "A lot of guys were mobilized," said Aleksei, whose name has been changed for his protection. "They were taken away on buses. My brother was taken. He's young -- just 20. And they also brought mobilized soldiers here from other regions. They were trained here and then sent away to the war." The settlement is dominated by a large military airfield that is the home base of the 120th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment and a service center for Russian military transport planes. 'The Money Helps, Too' Domna has a rough reputation. "It is almost impossible to go there at night," a local taxi driver said. "The locals are scumbags who will hit you over the head just like that. There is no normal work there. Everything revolves around the railroad or the military units. The only way to get work is through bribery. As soon as the war started, almost all the local men were taken to Ukraine." Another taxi driver, Sergei Anufriyev, said he has been driving between Chita and Domna a lot lately as soldiers return from Ukraine on leave. "You drive them, and you hear stories that make your hair stand on end," he said. "They say a lot of our guys are dying there. And a lot of wounded guys have been sent back, too. And they are young guys, too, but you don't see any life in their eyes." Aleksandr Ryabchenko, 22, was mobilized in late September 2022 and was back in Domna on a short leave. Before that, he worked as a laborer at the air base. "We loaded artillery shells," he said. "It was normal work, and I was satisfied. I got 25,000 rubles ($275) a month, and it was enough for bread and cigarettes. But then they came and called me up. "And was I supposed to run away when my homeland was in danger?" he asked. "No. I'm a patriot. I went to defend it. Of course, the money helps, too." Ryabchenko found himself in Ukraine in November 2022, one of more than 800 soldiers from the Zabaikalye region. He recalled his arrival in the combat zone. "They promised us we'd get training in Rostov," he said, referring to a southern Russian region bordering Ukraine. "But that didn't happen. We flew into Rostov on transport. They even let us smoke on the plane. That was because half of us were not going to come back alive. The officers talked about that openly in front of us. We listened to them and smoked our cigarettes. It was terrifying." The new soldiers, he said, were transferred directly from the plane into buses and driven into Ukraine. "We were shelled the first time as soon as we arrived," he recalled. "And eight men were killed on the spot. I fell to the ground and, only half alive myself, I thought: This is where I will die." 'You Have To Eat' "I joined the Wagner mercenary group back in 2016," said 48-year-old Igor, "because there was no normal work in Domna, and you have to eat. I couldn't go to work in a mine because I'd served time in prison." Igor was standing in front of the local school, where there is a memorial to those killed in World War II. Last October, a black plaque was attached to the monument dedicated to the memory of those killed "in the special military operation for the liberation of the Donbas," as the Kremlin requires its invasion of Ukraine be euphemistically described. A classroom inside the school has been named for a local man who was killed in the war. A lot of locals have criminal records, said one woman. "Every other person here has been driven to the police station," she said. "A lot of them have served time for theft. You have to live somehow. All the normal people leave for Chita, and they don't come back." Igor is an enthusiastic supporter of the war, repeating government narratives that Russia is "saving the world from American and Western influence." "What is our country built on?" he said. "The family and its development. Look at what is happening abroad: Everyone is gay. But we have traditional families -- a father, a mother, children. "I came back on leave, and I see young men wandering around Domna," he continued. "I say, 'What are you doing here? You should be defending the homeland.'" Igor added that he was heading back to Ukraine soon. 'We Bury A Lot Of People Here' Early this year, virtually the entire village turned out for the funeral of Wagner fighter Aleksei Lukyanov, who was killed near the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, the scene of some of the heaviest fighting of the war. His family was never told the details of his death. "There were a lot of people there," said Kristina, a friend of the family. "There weren't any particular signs of the war. We try to bury the guys without flags. That's the way things are. Someone might desecrate the grave. After all, not everyone supports the war. And we bury a lot of people here." Locals rushed to the Transfiguration Cathedral in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa to clear it from rubble after an overnight Russian missile attack on July 23. Odesa's largest Orthodox church was consecrated in 1809, destroyed by the Soviet authorities in 1939, and rebuilt in 2003. The city center is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Editors Note This story was originally published on Richland Source in 2016. OK. I admit that what made this the Trial of the Century was not the verdict or the arguments, or the witnesses or the defendant or the victim. But lest you think I got you here under false pretenses let me assure you there is a fascinating aspect to this story. It has to do with the attorneys involved, and it makes you wonder about the deeper workings of fate and destiny. Recap After Robert Bowland killed Franklin Barker on the Square, there was quite a bit of speculation as to whether or not he may have been justified in his homicide. That argument was based on the inordinate amount of stress he was under because the victim was harassing him by slandering his wife. There was a terrific amount of energy expended by both sides of the case in determining whether or not the victim may have been correct in assailing the good character of the defendants wife. Investigators from Mansfield were rushing back and forth to Manhattan gathering depositions from former neighbors and landlords who declared that Bowlands wife definitely was, or definitely was not, a bona fide woman of ill repute. But in the end, not much of that slander was actually admissible in court. Bowland killed Barker everyone saw him do it. He was found guilty of murder through the processes of the court and sent off to the state prison. Yet that is not the interesting part of the trial. The element of this trial that makes it such a curious intersection of historical significance has nothing to do with the crime at all, but rather with the attorneys for the victim and the accused. Mr. Bowland, whose son stood trial for murder, was a highly-placed and well-respected man in the community. He was influential enough to hire some pretty high-powered legal representation to see to his sons defense. One of these defense attorneys was Thomas Ewing; the other was Columbus Delano. The third player in this historic courtroom tableau was Richland County Prosecutor Samuel J. Kirkwood. All three of these men are recorded in the pages of American history. They all had their portraits engraved for use on official governmental seals of one sort or another. That fact, in itself, might seem significant enough to incite some wonder, but it only sets the stage for the truly remarkable aspect of this story. Ewing In 1846 when Thomas Ewing walked into the Richland County Courthouse, he was already a formidable personality in statewide and nationwide politics. At that time he had already served in the U.S. Senate, and in the Cabinet of President Benjamin Harrison as Secretary of the Treasury. The only reason he was available to attend a trial in our town was because he and the entire Cabinet had walked out and resigned from President John Tylers administration in protest. He was between jobs. He would eventually occupy the seat as Ohios Senator in D.C. once again in 1850, and he would raise some mighty eyebrows by being appointed as Secretary of War by President Andrew Johnson after the Civil War. Ewing was no less than an Ohio legend, who had established a dynasty of war heroes and political dynamos in Lancaster. He was well known in Mansfield as a foster father to the Sherman brothers: the future Sen. John Sherman, and the future Civil War Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman. The fact that he was in Mansfield at all trying a case speaks to the financial and social depth and influence of Mr. Bowland. Delano In 1846, when Columbus Delano was summoned to Mansfield from Mount Vernon to act as another defense attorney, he had already served one term in the U.S. Congress, and was preparing to run for Governor of Ohio. He had grown up in Lexington, so he already knew his way to the Richland County Courthouse. His life was notable for many public offices he held during significant eras, but he is perhaps best remembered locally for his residence. The farm where Columbus Delano lived is today the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Kirkwood Of these three eminent men, Samuel Kirkwood is the only one who has his own statue in the National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol. Kirkwood was the only one of these attorneys who was from Richland County: he had been a school teacher in Newville before studying law. When young Kirkwood started practicing law on the Square in Mansfield, his partner in the firm was Atty. Thomas Bartley, also known as Gov. Thomas W. Bartley. Kirkwood went on to hold his own Governors seat as well: in Iowa during the Civil War. He was also a Senator from that state for a couple of terms. In 1846, however, when Samuel Kirkwood played a role in Mansfields Trial of the Century, he was a young untried lawyer who had only just recently been elected to the office of Richland County Prosecutor. This was his very first trial. Fate and Destiny So there were these three lawyers in the Richland County Courthouse: one already famous, one getting famous, and one at the very beginning of his famous career. Whats remarkable is what happened to them all several years later. Two and a half years after the trial, in 1849, Thomas Ewing was appointed to the Cabinet of President Zachary Taylor. When Ewing arrived in Washington D.C., he consolidated various governmental agencies such as the Land Office and the Indian Bureau into one organization they called the Department of Everything Else. Officially it became the Department of the Interior. As its very first Secretary, Ewing had his portrait hung on the wall of the new bureau. A couple decades later, in 1870, Columbus Delano was appointed Secretary of the Interior by President Ulysses S. Grant. When Delano moved into the Washington D.C. office there was a picture hanging on the wall of his friend Thomas Ewing, who he had met in court at the Mansfield murder trial. Another decade later, in 1881, Samuel Kirkwood was appointed to President James Garfields Cabinet as Secretary of the Interior. When he walked into his new office in Washington D.C. he had to stare at the wall in amazement. Two of the portraits looking back at him were the two men who opposed him in court during the very first trial of his life in Mansfield, Ohio. They looked down their noses at me then, he quipped, they are looking down on me yet. These three American statesmen, whose combined years of public service in elected office totaled at least 42 years, whose concerns took them in official capacity from coast to coast, all sat at one table in the Richland County Courthouse for three days during the Trial of the Century. There is a nexus of interwoven destinies connecting otherwise unrelated people and places. The design of this web is expressed and discovered only through the study of history. If youre looking for more history about the Trial of the (19th) Century there is an excellent book of source material and narrative called Two Sons: The Bowland-Barker Murder by Alan Wigton, 2010. MANSFIELD Brandon Boyd and Jade Montoya arent interested in following convention. Thats why, on July 16, they decided to say I do to each other on the steps of the Ohio State Reformatory minutes before Slipknot took the stage at THE Inkcarceration Tattoo and Music Festival. We saw a guy advertising on Facebook Get married at Ink. She decided lets do it. It was the greatest decision of our lives. It was cool as heck, Boyd said. The happy couple met in California in 2020. Boyd, 43, said they met at a friends house. I pulled up to my friends house and I was going to leave, but I saw an extra car there. So I went inside and I met her. I did a double take, I was like holy crap, Boyd said. Three years later, the couple is living in Loudonville thats where Boyds son and brother live. We finally decided to move because we werent getting anywhere in California. Weve been through it, man. We were living the rough life in California. And she stuck with me through it all, he said. At the beginning of this year, he asked her to marry him. She said yes. On Friday, the first day of the festival, he and Montoya, 33, walked around to determine the best spot with their officiant, Anthony Force. Together, they found the front steps of the Ohio State Reformatory as a good spot. Force, 30, of Lima, said the ceremony was the most unique hed ever officiated. Just 10 minutes before the ceremony, he moshed in the crowd to Lamb of God. I had to wash myself off a bit before the ceremony, he said, laughing. The ceremony was short, but sweet. We are here to celebrate the union of two souls, whose hearts beat to the rhythm of a hard and rebellious anthem, Force said during the ceremony. Love, much like rock music, knows no boundaries. It thrives on passion, defies convention, and breaks free from the ordinary. Forces short speech ended with cheers from Inkers and to the couple throwing horns before embracing with wide smiles on their faces. Its not the first time couples have tied the knot at Ink, Force said. And theres definitely a ton of proposals that happen too. Other ministers charged up to $100 for a ceremony, he said. His compensation, however, included $25 and two drinks to write the short speech. It was pretty cool. There were random bystanders that stopped by and listened to the ceremony it was cool that so many people who didnt know them stopped by and gave them respect, he said. Force said hell continue to offer the service at Inkcarceration. And when it comes time for him to get married? We intend on also having a unique ceremony, he said. BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in Brunei issued a statement on Sunday announcing the resumption of the unilateral visa-free policy for Brunei citizens, which was previously suspended due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The statement said that starting from July 26, the Chinese government will resume the 15-day visa-free entry policy for Brunei citizens holding ordinary passports to go to China for business, travel and tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit. According to the notice, Brunei citizens who have previously been issued visas to China will continue to have their visas valid. Visa applications accepted by the embassy will continue to be processed. Currently, Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports can apply for visas on arrival at all border checkpoints of entry, including Brunei International Airport, for a stay of 14 days. Lisa K. Madden, age 55, of Ashland, passed away in the comfort of her home on Thursday, July 13, 2023. She was born in Mount Vernon, on October 30, 1967, daughter to Clifford Castline and Carol (Campos) Lester. She graduated from Highland High School and spent her entire life making and upkeeping a home for her soulmate and children. She simply enjoyed her life with her family. This included family camping trips in Michigan, motorcycle rides and commuting to Nickelback concerts with her husband, John. She enjoyed spending time with her family on the boat at Charles Mill Lake, which she named Johnnys lake, after her late husband. Fishing, barbecues, big birthday parties for her girls and all holidays were very important to her. She loved spending quality time with family and friends. She made sure her family and guests were always fed and taken care of in any way possible. Lisa was always putting the needs of others before herself. She loved to help out anyone she could, whether it was a family member, friend or stranger. Private, loving, determined, and free spirited are just a few of many words that could be used to describe the wonderful woman that Lisa was. She also had a love for anything beautiful in nature. Her favorite flowers were lilacs, lavender, tiger lilies, roses and sunflowers. She loved butterflies and hummingbirds. She had the pleasure to watch the sunset at the lake on late summer nights with her husband, John. She also took a liking to the stray cats that would show up on her porch, making sure they had food and water every day. Lisa liked things simple, she didnt need or ask for much and she sure enjoyed the little things in a big way. Lisa is survived by three daughters, Andrea Madden (Jimmy Skinner), Jesseca Madden and Jill Madden; step son Chris (Kim) Madden; two grandchildren, Quaylynn Madden (Kaden Schell) and Lily Skinner; mother, Carol Lester; three brothers, Robert (Barbie) Castline, Steve (Kelly) Castline and Jimmy Castline; a sister, Penny Givens; two nephews, Tyler (Kerrigan) Castline and Chase (Teresa) Castline; good friends, Priscilla, Jenny and Nay; and many other relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Madden; father Clifford Castline; and step father, Herman Lester. The family will receive friends from 1:00pm-2:00pm on Monday, July 24, 2023 at Wappner Funeral Directors-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service conducted by Pastor Richard Hite will follow at 2:00pm. She will be laid to rest in the Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made in care of the family. Words of condolence may be expressed at www.wappner.com Funeral home : Wappner Funeral Directors Ontario BEIJING, July 23 (Xinhua) -- China's meteorological authorities on Sunday renewed a blue alert for rainstorms. From 8 a.m. Sunday to 8 a.m. Monday, heavy rain or rainstorms are forecast to hit parts of Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Gansu, Ningxia, Sichuan, Shandong, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Zhejiang and Fujian, according to the National Meteorological Center. Some of these regions will experience heavy rainfall, with 30 mm to over 60 mm of hourly precipitation, as well as severe convective weather conditions such as thunderstorms and gales, the meteorological center said. Meteorological authorities warned of natural disaster risks in regions including Jilin, Heilongjiang, Chongqing and Sichuan in the next three days, such as the flooding of small and medium-sized rivers, mountain torrents, geological disasters, waterlogging and disasters caused by severe convective weather. China has a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. TEHRAN, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Iranian foreign minister held a phone call with his UAE counterpart late on Saturday to discuss bilateral ties and the recent desecration of the Muslim holy book of Quran in Denmark and Sweden, the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced Sunday. During the phone call, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said the recent desecration of the Quran in the two Nordic countries hurt the feelings of Muslims worldwide, calling for serious actions against perpetrators of the insults. The Iranian top diplomat also called for holding an emergency meeting of the foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states to discuss the issue. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan strongly condemned any affront to the Abrahamic religions' books and peoples' religious beliefs, and welcomed Amir-Abdollahian's proposal to hold the OIC meeting. Reviewing his visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in late June, Amir-Abdollahian said the two sides held good and constructive meetings, and necessary measures should be taken to implement bilateral agreements. The top UAE diplomat said Amir-Abdollahian has made "very important" visit to the UAE, and called for bilateral cooperation to expand in all fields. On Friday, the far-right Danish group of Danske Patrioter burned a copy of the Quran and trampled an Iraqi flag in front of the Iraqi Embassy in the Danish capital of Copenhagen, according to Danish media reports. The move was meant to protest against the Iraqis' attack on the Swedish embassy in Baghdad a day earlier, according to the group. Hundreds of angry protesters stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad on Thursday. They set fire to the building in protest against the desecration of the Quran and the Iraqi flag in the Swedish capital of Stockholm. The global spice trade has played an essential role in world history. However, because of poor preservation conditions, archaeobotanical remains of spices have been limited in archaeological contexts until now. A new analysis of plant microremains recovered from the surfaces of grinding stone tools from the archaeological site of Oc Eo in southern Vietnam has identified culinary spices that include turmeric, ginger, fingerroot, sand ginger, galangal, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. These spices are indispensable ingredients used in the making of curry in South Asia today. Spices have been highly valued and sought-after since ancient times and have played a key role in building bridges between different cultures. South Asia has served as a major source of spices since the Bronze Age, and evidence has shown the movements of turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper from the region to the Mediterranean during the second millennium BCE. By the last centuries BCE and early centuries CE, historical texts from China, Roman Europe, and India suggest knowledge of even more exotic spices that originated in Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia played a special role in the spice trade, both as a source of tropical products and as a geographical intermediary between China and the Indian subcontinent. According to interpretations of Chinese records, the polity of Funan (first to seventh centuries CE) was located at the head of the Mekong Delta, from where it could control the Thai-Malay Peninsula and especially the narrow portage presented by the Isthmus of Kra. Two major Funan-era archaeological landscapes have been identified: Angkor Borei in the lower Mekong Valley in southern Cambodia as a potential state capital, and Oc Eo, the focus of the current study, downstream at the head of the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam, as a trading entrepot. Our study suggests that curries were most likely introduced to Southeast Asia by migrants during the period of early trade contact via the Indian Ocean, said Australian National University Ph.D. candidate Weiwei Wang, first author on the study. Given these spices originated from various different locations, its clear people were undertaking long-distance journeys for trade purposes. The global spice trade has linked cultures and economies in Asia, Africa and Europe since classical times. Now we know the port city of Oc Eo played an important role in this trade as a cultural and trading crossroads. Wang and colleagues from Australian National University, Vietnams Southern Institute for Social Science and Sun Yat-sen University were able to identify starch grains, phytoliths, and pollen grains of culinary spices turmeric, ginger, fingerroot, sand ginger, galangal, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon on the surfaces of stone processing tools excavated at the site of Oc Eo. The preservation of plant remains in Oc Eo is exceptional the seeds were so fresh it was hard to believe they were 2,000 years old, said Dr. Hsiao-chun Hung, a researcher at Australian National University. We believe further analysis could identify more spices and possibly even uncover unique plant species, adding to our understanding of the history of the region. And while families in modern-day Vietnam might have the option of turning to store-bought curry powder, the key ingredients have not changed much since ancient times. The spices used today have not deviated significantly from the Oc Eo period, said Dr. Khanh Trung Kien Nguyen, a researcher at Southern Institute for Social Sciences. The key components are all still there, such as turmeric, cloves and cinnamon. The findings were published in the journal Science Advances. _____ Weiwei Wang et al. 2023. Earliest curry in Southeast Asia and the global spice trade 2000 years ago. Science Advances 9 (29); doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adh5517 Volunteering in late life is associated with better cognitive function -- specifically, better executive function and episodic memory. Those are the findings of a new study from UC Davis Health presented today (July 20) at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2023 in Amsterdam. "We hope these new data encourage individuals of all ages and backgrounds to engage in local volunteering -- not only to benefit their communities, but potentially their own cognitive and brain health," said Donna McCullough, Alzheimer's Association chief mission and field operations officer. Volunteer activities -- such as supporting educational, religious, health-related or other charitable organizations -- allow older adults to be more physically active, increase social interaction and provide cognitive stimulation that may protect the brain. However, there has been a lack of information on the relationship between volunteering and cognitive function, especially in large, diverse populations. Yi Lor, an epidemiology doctoral student at UC Davis, and Rachel Whitmer, the study's principal investigator, examined volunteering habits among an ethnic and racially diverse population of 2,476 older adults. The participants are in the Kaiser Healthy Aging and Diverse Life Experiences Study (KHANDLE) and the Study of Healthy Aging in African Americans (STAR). The study group had an average age of 74 and contained 48% Black, 20% white, 17% Asian and 14% Latino participants. A total of 1,167 (43%) of the participants reported volunteering in the past year. The researchers found that volunteering was associated with better baseline scores on tests of executive function and verbal episodic memory. This was true even after adjusting for age, sex, education, income, practice effects and interview mode (phone versus in-person). Those who volunteered several times per week had the highest levels of executive function. "Volunteering may be important for better cognition in late life and could serve as a simple intervention in all older adults to protect against risk for Alzheimer's disease and associated dementias," Lor said. "Our next steps are to examine whether volunteering is protective against cognitive impairment, and how physical and mental health may impact this relationship." Volunteering was also associated with a trend toward less cognitive decline over the follow-up time of 1.2 years, but this association did not reach statistical significance. "You're not in control of your family history or age -- you can't turn back the clock. But you are in control of how you spend your day and life," Whitmer said. "Volunteering is about keeping your brain active. It's also about socializing, which keeps you engaged and happy, and potentially lowers stress." TEHRAN, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Iranian and Serbian parliament speakers met in the Iranian capital of Tehran on Sunday to discuss parliamentary ties, economic cooperation and issues of common interest, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported. During the meeting with Vladimir Orlic, Iran's Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said the two countries have "numerous" opportunities and different ways for promoting cooperation, and stronger parliamentary ties will prepare the ground for enhanced cooperation. Qalibaf listed oil, petrochemical and tourism sectors as among the promising areas for stronger cooperation. To achieve a three-fold rise in the bilateral trade's value by 2027, the two countries' parliamentary friendship groups should strengthen their relations and help further activate the Iranian and Serbian private sectors, he said. He noted that Iran is under U.S. sanctions, which is to blame for the merely 60-million-euro (66.74 million U.S. dollars) annual trade volume between Iran and Serbia. The president of the National Assembly of Serbia, for his part, said his visit is aimed at expanding bilateral relations in all areas, with the parliamentary ties given greater priority. He said Serbia prepared to improve relations with Iran in the economic, industrial and agricultural sectors and is confident that there were numerous opportunities. Orlic expressed optimism that the bilateral trade figure would reach 150 million euros in the next year with the implementation of a number of joint projects. Heading a parliamentary delegation, Orlic arrived in Tehran on Sunday morning on a two-day visit for talks with high-ranking Iranian officials, including President Ebrahim Raisi. IIASA recently launched the Climate Solutions Explorer -- a comprehensive resource that visualizes and presents vital data about climate mitigation, climate impacts, vulnerabilities, and risks arising from development and climate change. The website utilizes the latest data and state-of-the-art models to assess future trends related to development- and climate-induced challenges. By offering up-to-date information on climate mitigation and impacts, the Climate Solutions Explorer aims to be a go-to platform for anyone interested in accessing the latest research on climate change and net-zero mitigation pathways. The Climate Solutions Explorer is the result of a long-standing collaboration and contributions from various sources within and external to the ENGAGE project -- a global consortium consisting of nearly 30 partners, coordinated by IIASA and co-led by several other institutions. The project, which has been running since September 2019 and will conclude in December this year, aims to explore the feasibility of pathways that align with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. So, what can you expect from the Climate Solutions Explorer website? "The platform offers a diverse range of content, including an interactive map that visualizes climate change impacts, national and regional data dashboards showcasing impacts and mitigation pathways, and articles covering a wide array of climate-related topics and countries. The website also provides publicly available data, allowing users to delve deep into their preferred areas of exploration," explains Edward Byers, a researcher in the IIASA Energy, Climate, and Environment Program and coordinator of the website. One particularly interesting feature of the website is the "Net Zero Stories" section, which features narratives written by local experts. These stories document national transitions towards sustainable, net-zero societies and offer insightful analyses on the trade-offs and co-benefits associated with these transformations. With an understanding that sustainable transitions have commonalities but also regional variations, the Net Zero Stories shed light on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by different countries. For those interested in specific countries, the Climate Solutions Explorer offers national dashboards that consider variables such as socioeconomics, emissions, mitigation options, and climate impacts at varying levels of exposure and risk. This enables users to gain valuable insights into the climate landscape of specific countries and the potential implications of global warming. "The launch of the Climate Solutions Explorer represents a significant step forward in our collective efforts to tackle climate change. By providing easy access to the latest data, cutting-edge models, and expert analysis, this comprehensive website empowers individuals, businesses, and policymakers to make informed decisions and contribute to a more sustainable future. Whether you're interested in understanding the impacts of climate change or exploring net-zero pathways, the Climate Solutions Explorer is your go-to resource for all things climate-related," Byers concludes. Further information https://www.climate-solutions-explorer.eu/ Bat activity falls as farms make the transition to organic agriculture, new research shows. Organic farming is better for biodiversity than conventional farming, which relies heavily on substances such as pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers. However, little is known about how wildlife is affected by the transition period when a farm goes organic. The new study, led by the universities of Bristol, Gottingen and Exeter, assessed the effects of organic farming by monitoring insect-eating bats at citrus orchards in Cyprus. Activity of three of the four species included in the study was significantly lower at farms in the transition period, compared to conventional farms. However, activity increased on established organic farms -- suggesting a "time-lag" before the organic biodiversity boost for the most abundant bat species. "We were surprised by our results -- we expected the transition to organic farming to bring positive effects from the start," said Penelope Fialas, from the University of Exeter. advertisement "We can't be certain why bats are negatively affected, but previous research suggests soil can suffer -- with knock-on effects for other wildlife -- when fertilisers, pesticides and other aspects of conventional farming stop. "The soil and the wider ecosystem may take time to recover." Fialas added: "Our findings suggest the transition to organic farming should be managed carefully, to limit any negative effects on biodiversity. "For example, neighbouring farms could avoid simultaneous transitions, allowing wildlife to find alternative habitats nearby while each farm switches its methods." Gareth Jones, from the University of Bristol, said: "We've long known that organic farms often harbour higher biodiversity than otherwise similar conventional farms. "The transition to organic farming has been little studied, however, and determining if the detrimental effects during transition observed here hold for other animals and plants would be an interesting future research project." The study examined 22 matched pairs of citrus orchards, comparing bat activity at certified organic farms with conventional farms, and organic-transition farms with conventional farms. advertisement The bat species included in the study were: Kuhl's pipistrelle (P. kuhlii), Savi's pipistrelle (H. savii), common bent-wing (M. schreibersii) and common pipistrelle (P. pipistrellus). The findings showed: Activity of Savi's pipistrelles was three times lower -- and activity of Kuhl's pipistrelles and common bent-wings was twice as low -- on organic-transitional farms compared to conventional farms . compared to . Activity of Kuhl's pipistrelles was twice as high on organic farms compared to conventional farms . compared to . Activity of Kuhl's pipistrelles and Savi's pipistrelles was higher or organic farms than on organic-transition farms (by threefold and twofold respectively). than on (by threefold and twofold respectively). The presence of "semi-natural" areas surrounding the farms did not affect these differences. The study was partially funded by the University of Gottingen. A large portion of Greenland was an ice-free tundra landscape -- perhaps covered by trees and roaming woolly mammoths -- in the recent geologic past (about 416,000 years ago), a new study in the journal Science shows. The results help overturn a previous view that much of the Greenland ice sheet persisted for most of the last two and a half million years. Instead, moderate warming, from 424,000 to 374,000 years ago, led to dramatic melting. At that time, the melting of Greenland caused at least five feet of sea level rise, despite atmospheric levels of heat-trapping carbon dioxide being far lower than today (280 vs. 420 ppm). This indicates that the ice sheet on Greenland may be more sensitive to human-caused climate change than previously understood -- and will be vulnerable to irreversible, rapid melting in coming centuries. The scientists -- from the University of Vermont (UVM), Utah State University, and fourteen other institutions -- used sediment from a long-lost ice core, collected at a secret U.S. Army base in the 1960s, to make the discovery. They applied advanced luminescence and isotope techniques to provide direct evidence of the timing and duration of the ice-free period. A Green Land During the Cold War, a secret U.S. Army mission, at Camp Century in northwestern Greenland, drilled down through 4560 feet of ice on the frozen island -- and then kept drilling to pull out a twelve-foot-long tube of soil and rock from below the ice. Then this icy sediment was lost in a freezer for decades. It was accidentally rediscovered in 2017 and shown to hold not just sediment but also leaves and moss, remnants of an ice-free landscape, perhaps a boreal forest. But how long ago were those plants growing -- where today stands an ice sheet two miles thick and three times the size of Texas? An international team of scientists was amazed to discover that Greenland was a green land only 416,000 years ago (with an error margin of about 38,000 years). Their new study was published in the journal Science on July 21, 2023. advertisement Bulletproof Evidence Until recently, geologists believed that Greenland was a fortress of ice, mostly unmelted for millions of years. But, two years ago, using the rediscovered Camp Century ice core, this team of scientists showed that it likely melted less than one million years ago. Other scientists, working in central Greenland, gathered data showing the ice there melted at least once in the last 1.1 million years -- but until this study, no one knew exactly when the ice was gone. Now, using advanced luminescence technology and rare isotope analysis, the team has created a starker picture: large portions of Greenland's ice sheet melted much more recently than a million years ago. The new study presents direct evidence that sediment just beneath the ice sheet was deposited by flowing water in an ice-free environment during a moderate warming period called Marine Isotope Stage 11, from 424,000 to 374,000 years ago. This melting caused at least five feet of sea level rise around the globe. "It's really the first bulletproof evidence that much of the Greenland ice sheet vanished when it got warm," says University of Vermont scientist Paul Bierman, who co-led the new study with lead author Drew Christ, a post-doctoral geoscientist who worked in Bierman's lab, Professor Tammy Rittenour from Utah State University, and eighteen other scientists from around the world. Understanding Greenland's past is critical for predicting how its giant ice sheet will respond to climate warming in the future and how quickly it will melt. Since about twenty-three feet of sea-level rise is tied up in Greenland's ice, every coastal region in the world is at risk. The new study provides strong and precise evidence that Greenland is more sensitive to climate change than previously understood -- and at grave risk of irreversibly melting off. "Greenland's past, preserved in twelve feet of frozen soil, suggests a warm, wet, and largely ice-free future for planet Earth," says Bierman, a geoscientist in UVM's Rubenstein School of the Environment and Natural Resources and a fellow in the Gund Institute for Environment, "unless we can dramatically lower the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere." Into the Light advertisement The team's new study in Science, combined with their earlier work, is causing a major and worrisome rethinking of the history of Greenland's ice sheet. "We had always assumed that the Greenland ice sheet formed about two and a half million years ago -- and has just been there this whole time and that it's very stable," says Tammy Rittenour, a scientist at Utah State University and co-author on the new study. "Maybe the edges melted, or with more snowfall it got a bit fatter -- but it doesn't go away and it doesn't dramatically melt back. But this paper shows that it did." At Rittenour's lab, sediment from the Camp Century core was examined for what is called a "luminescence signal." As bits of rock and sand are transported by wind or water, they can be exposed to sunlight -- which, basically, zeros out any previous luminescence signal -- and then re-buried under rock or ice. In the darkness, over time, minerals of quartz and feldspar in the sediment accumulate freed electrons in their crystals. In a specialized dark room, Rittenour's team took pieces of the ice core sediment and exposed them to blue-green or infrared light, releasing the trapped electrons. With some advanced tools and measures, and many repeated tests, the number of released electrons forms a kind of clock, revealing with precision the last time these sediments were exposed to the sun. "And the only way to do that at Camp Century is to remove a mile of ice," says Rittenour, "Plus, to have plants, you have to have light." These powerful new data were combined with insight from Bierman's UVM lab. There, scientists study quartz from the Camp Century core. Inside this quartz, rare forms -- called isotopes -- of the elements beryllium and aluminum build up when the ground is exposed to the sky and can be hit by cosmic rays. Looking at ratios of beryllium and other isotopes gave the scientists a window onto how long rocks at the surface were exposed vs. buried under layers of ice. This data helped the scientists show that the Camp Century sediment was exposed to the sky less than 14,000 years before it was deposited under the ice, narrowing down the time window when that portion of Greenland must have been ice-free. Under Ice Camp Century was a military base hidden in tunnels under the Greenland ice sheet in the 1960s. One strategic purpose of the camp was a top-secret operation, called Project Iceworm, to hide hundreds of nuclear missiles under the ice near the Soviet Union. As cover, the Army claimed the camp was an Arctic science station. The missile mission was a bust, but the science team did complete first-of-its-kind research, including drilling a nearly mile-deep ice core. The Camp Century scientists were focused on the ice itself -- part of an effort to understand Earth's past ice ages and warm periods, the interglacials. They took little interest in the twelve feet of sediment gathered from beneath their ice core. Then, in a bizarre story, the ice core was moved in the 1970s from a military freezer to the University at Buffalo -- and then to another freezer in Denmark in the 1990s. There it was lost for decades -- until it was found again when the cores were being moved to a new freezer. More about how the core was lost, rediscovered in some cookie jars, and then studied by an international team gathered at the University of Vermont's Gund Institute for Environment can be read here: Secrets Under the Ice. Sea Level Camp Century is 138 miles inland from the coast and only 800 miles from the North Pole; the new Science study shows that the region entirely melted and was covered with vegetation during Marine Isotope Stage 11, a long interglacial with temperatures similar to or slightly warmer than today. With this information, the team's models show that, during that period, the ice sheet melted enough to cause at least five feet, and perhaps as much as twenty feet, of sea-level rise. The research, supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, lines up with findings from two other ice cores collected in 1990s from the center of Greenland. Sediment from these cores also suggest that the giant ice sheet melted in the recent geologic past. The combination of these earlier cores with the new insight from Camp Century reveal the fragile nature of the entire Greenland ice sheet -- in the past (at 280 parts per million of atmospheric CO2 or less) and today (422ppm and rising). "If we melt just portions of the Greenland ice sheet, the sea level rises dramatically," says Utah's Tammy Rittenour. "Forward modeling the rates of melt, and the response to high carbon dioxide, we are looking at meters of sea level rise, probably tens of meters. And then look at the elevation of New York City, Boston, Miami, Amsterdam. Look at India and Africa -- most global population centers are near sea level." "Four-hundred-thousand years ago there were no cities on the coast," says UVM's Paul Bierman, "and now there are cities on the coast." Video: https://youtu.be/Z3RrCWhc558 New work by scientists in the U.S. and China shows how a fertilized egg cell, or zygote, hits 'reset' so that the newly formed embryo can develop according to its own genetic program. The study was published July 17 in Nature. It has been known for some time that the genome of a newly fertilized egg cell is inactive and has to be woken up, said Richard Schultz, research professor at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine and a corresponding author on the paper. This step is called zygote genome activation. "For the embryo to develop, the oocyte/egg has to lose its identity and does so by making new stuff," Schultz said. "We now know the first steps in how this transition occurs." For the resetting or awakening process to occur, the embryo needs to start transcribing genes from its DNA into messenger RNA that are in turn translated into proteins. The first genes transcribed will activate other genes, implementing the program that will allow the embryo to develop into a complete mouse (or human). The identity of those first master-regulator genes has been unknown until now. "This is something that has puzzled me for a long time," Schultz said. RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is the enzyme that transcribes DNA to RNA. But Pol II by itself is a dumb enzyme, Schultz said. Other genes, called transcription factors, are needed to instruct Pol II so that it transcribes the "correct" genes at the right time. In the early 2000s, Schultz had the insight that those first transcription factors would be found among dormant maternal messenger RNAs in the egg cell. Dormant maternal messenger RNAs are unique to oocytes because the newly synthesized messenger RNA is not translated as it is in somatic cells. As the oocyte matures to become an egg, these dormant maternal messenger RNAs are translated into proteins that then execute their function. Schultz realized that the information to start zygote genome activation would be in a dormant messenger RNA from the mother that would encode a master transcription factor. advertisement OBOX1-8 identified as candidates Working at the University of Pennsylvania with Paula Stein (a senior member of his lab and now at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences), Schultz's lab identified a large family of genes called OBOX as likely candidates. The family consists of 8 genes, OBOX1-8. Based on their expression profiles during early development, OBOX1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 were likely candidates. They began working with Wei Xie at Tsinghua University, Beijing to narrow down the candidates. Working with lab mice, Xie's team was able to knock out all of the likely candidates and then systematically restore OBOX genes to establish which ones were crucial to zygote genome activation. Without these genes, embryo development stops at the two to four cell stage. Most interesting, and unanticipated, was that the function of these OBOX genes was highly redundant: a knockout of one could be replaced by another. That redundancy has likely evolved because the transition is so important, Schultz said. In addition, the researchers found that the OBOX genes function by facilitating Pol II locating to the correct genes to begin zygote genome activation. In mice, genome activation occurs at the two-cell stage. In human embryos, it occurs later, when the embryo has gone through a couple of rounds of division to form eight cells. An open question is how conserved this process is across species, i.e., are OBOX-like genes involved in genome activation in humans. The work also has implications for understanding how embryonic stem cells are reprogrammed so that they can develop into any tissue of the body. Additional coauthors on the paper are: Shuyan Ji, Fengling Chen, Jiacheng Wang, Ziming Zhou, Lijuan Wang, Qing Zhao, Zili Lin, Bofeng Liu, Kai Xu, Fangnong Lai, Zhuqing Xiong, Xiaoyu Hu, Tianxiang Kong, Feng Kong, Qiujun Wang, Qianhua Xu, Qiang Fan and Ling Liu, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences and Tsinghua University, Beijing; Carmen Williams, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; Bo Huang, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou. The work was supported in part by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key R&D Program of China, and the NIH. Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified a process by which enzymes can help prevent heart damage in chemotherapy patients. The enzymes are normally found in a cell's mitochondria, the powerhouse that produces energy. But when heart cells are put under stress from certain types of chemotherapy drugs, the enzymes move into the cell's nucleus, where they are able to keep the cells alive. The paper is published in Nature Communications. "As chemotherapy has become more and more effective, we have more and more cancer survivors. But the tragic part is that a lot of these survivors now have problems with heart failure," explained co-senior author Sang Ging Ong, assistant professor of pharmacology and medicine. This has led to the rise of a field called cardio-oncology. Most previous research in the field focused on the mechanisms by which chemotherapy drugs damaged the mitochondria of heart cells. This research team was interested in investigating a different angle: Why do some patients' hearts escape damage? Is there something particular about their cells that is protecting them? First the team discovered that when the heart cells were stressed by chemotherapy, the mitochondrial enzymes moved into the cell's nucleus -- an unusual phenomenon. But they didn't know if that movement was the cause of the cell's damage or the means of its protection, explained Dr. Jalees Rehman, co-senior author, Benjamin Goldberg Professor and head of the UIC Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics. "We really didn't know which way it would go," he said. To find out, the researchers generated versions of the enzymes that would specifically move into the nucleus and bypass the mitochondria. They discovered that this relocation fortified the cells, keeping them alive. They demonstrated that this process worked in both heart cells generated from human stem cells and in mice exposed to chemotherapy. advertisement "This seems to be a new mechanism by which heart cells can defend themselves against chemotherapy damage," said Rehman, who is also a member of the University of Illinois Cancer Center. The discovery suggests new clinical possibilities. Doctors could test individual patients to see if heart cells generated from personalized stem cells would adequately protect themselves from chemotherapy by moving their enzymes from their mitochondria into the cell's nucleus. Doctors could draw blood from the patient, make stem cells from the blood cells and then use those personalized stem cells to generate heart cells with the same genetic makeup as the patient's heart cells. "Assessing the injury caused by chemotherapy and the enzyme movement from the mitochondria into the nucleus of those heart cells in a lab would help determine what the patient's likely response would be to chemotherapy," Rehman said. In patients with inadequate protection, one could then enhance the protection by increasing the enzyme movement and protection of the heart cells. The researchers are eager to do more studies looking at whether this method could help prevent heart damage from other conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart attacks, and whether it would work in other cells, such as those in blood vessels. The other authors on the paper are Shubhi Srivastava, Priyanka Gajwani, Jordan Jousma, Hiroe Miyamoto, Youjeong Kwon, Arundhati Jana, Peter Toth and Gege Yan, all at UIC's College of Medicine. The research was funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association. In Africa, climate change impacts are experienced as extreme events like drought and floods. Through the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (which leverages expertise from USG science agencies, universities, and the private sector) and the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Center, it has been possible to predict and monitor these climatic events, providing early warning of their impacts on agriculture to support humanitarian and resilience programming in the most food insecure countries of the world. Science is beginning to catch up with and even get ahead of climate change. In a commentary for the journal Earth's Future, UC Santa Barbara climate scientist Chris Funk and co-authors assert that predicting the droughts that cause severe food insecurity in the Eastern Horn of Africa (Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia) is now possible, with months-long lead times that allow for measures to be taken that can help millions of the region's farmers and pastoralists prepare for and adapt to the lean seasons. "We've gotten very good at making these predictions," said Funk, who directs UCSB's Climate Hazards Center, a multidisciplinary alliance of scientists who work to predict droughts and food shortages in vulnerable areas. In the summer of 2020, the CHC predicted that climate change, interacting with naturally occurring La Nina events, would bring devastating sequential drought to the Eastern Horn of Africa. The region normally has two wet seasons a year -- spring and fall. An unprecedented five rainy seasons in a row failed. Eight months before each of those failures, the CHC anticipated droughts. Fortunately, agencies and other collaborators paid heed to those early warnings and were able to take effective actions, Funk said. Within the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the forecasts helped motivate hundreds of millions of dollars in assistance for millions of starving people. These efforts were a far cry from similar predictions of sequential droughts that the researchers, collaborating with the USAID-supported Famine Early Warning Systems Network, made for the same region ten years earlier. Predictions that went largely unheeded. "More than 250,000 Somalis died," Funk said. "It was just really horrible." At the time, he said, the available forecasts weren't able to predict rainfall deficits in this region. While the models said East Africa would become wetter, observations showed substantial declines in the spring wet season. And to be fair, he added, the group's long-range weather prediction capabilities were still in their infancy. "We made an accurate forecast, but we didn't understand very well what was going on scientifically," Funk said. "Now, following our success in 2016/17, and extensive outreach efforts, the humanitarian relief community appreciates the value of our early warning systems." In the intervening 10 years, the researchers have worked to discern and understand the broad, often distant mechanisms that drive drought in the Eastern Horn of Africa and create accurate, tailored forecasts for the region. They built on research showing that increased rainfall around Indonesia, caused by anthropogenic increases in sea surface temperatures, resulted in less moisture flowing on to the East African coast during the rainy months. These changes in moisture flows drive back-to-back droughts. But as climate change increases western Pacific sea surface temperatures, it becomes more and more possible to predict devastating water shortages. advertisement "We've published about 15 scientific papers on this topic," Funk said, "and we've forecasted dry seasons in 2016-2017, which helped prevent a famine that year." As he discusses in his book "Drought, Flood, Fire (Cambridge University Press, 2021)," "climate change amplifies natural sea surface temperature variations, which opens the door to better forecasts." In the new commentary and a longer paper currently at preprint stage, also coming out in Earth's Future, the co-authors highlight, respectively, the opportunities associated with these long range outlooks, and the physical mechanisms explaining the predictability. "To reduce the impacts of climate extremes, we need to look for opportunities," said CHC Specialist and Operations Analyst Laura Harrison. "We need to pay attention to not just how climate is changing, but how these changes can support more effective predictions for droughts and for advantageous cropping conditions. As a community, we also need to foster communication about successful resilience strategies." "Flooding still happens, drought still happens, people still get hurt, but we can try to reduce the harm." With climate models that can predict extreme ocean states at eight-month lead times, and weather forecasts that can make projections at two weeks and at 45 days, CHC scientists and researchers now can provide actionable information to collaborators on the ground to help local farmers anticipate and plan for dry conditions. "We're working with this group called Plant Village, who is providing agricultural advisories to millions of Kenyans, and helping them take actions that can help make their crops more drought-resistant," Funk said. This proactivity is something Funk and collaborators hope will become a bigger part of climate change strategy for the Eastern Horn of Africa, as their models predict more of these drought-forming conditions in the region's future. A better local understanding of the mechanisms that result in droughts, and investments in early warning systems and adaptation measures, may initially be costly, they said, "but are relatively inexpensive when compared to post-impact, response-based alternatives such as humanitarian assistance and/or funding safety-net programs." Education and participation can build trust and ultimately increase resilience. The CHC is building on what they learned in East Africa, and using it to feed partnerships in other parts of the world. In southern Africa, for example, they are collaborating with the Zimbabwe Meteorological Services Department and the Knowledge Impact Network to support the development of actionable climate services. "Understanding that climate change makes extremes more frequent is really empowering because now we can try to anticipate those bad effects," Funk said. "Flooding still happens, drought still happens, people still get hurt, but we can try to reduce the harm." Perhaps the most profound advance in primate evolution occurred about 6 million years ago when our ancestors started walking on two legs. The gradual shift to bipedal locomotion is thought to have made primates more adaptable to diverse environments and freed their hands to make use of tools, which in turn accelerated cognitive development. With those changes, the stage was set for modern humans. The genetic changes that made possible the transition from knuckle-based scampering in great apes to upright walking in humans have now been uncovered in a new study by researchers at Columbia University and the University of Texas. Using a combination of deep learning (a form of artificial intelligence) and genome-wide association studies, the researchers have created the first map of the genomic regions responsible for skeletal changes in primates that led to upright walking. The map reveals that genes that underlie the anatomical transitions observed in the fossil record were strongly acted on by natural selection and gave early humans an evolutionary advantage. "On a more practical level, we've also identified genetic variants and skeletal features that are associated with hip, knee, and back arthritis, the leading causes of adult disability in the United States," says Tarjinder Singh, PhD, assistant professor of computational and statistical genomics (in psychiatry) at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and a co-leader of the study. For example, slight deviations from the average hip width-to-height ratio were associated with an increased risk of hip osteoarthritis, while slight deviations in the tibia-femur angle were associated with an increased risk of knee osteoarthritis. These insights could help researchers devise new ways to prevent and treat these debilitating conditions. The findings were published July 21 in Science. The study was co-led by Vagheesh M. Narasimhan, PhD, assistant professor of integrative biology and of statistics and data sciences at the University of Texas at Austin. New techniques deployed The researchers applied deep learning to analyze more than 30,000 full-body X-rays from the UK Biobank. Deep learning, a technology modeled after the brain's neural networks, trains computers to do what comes naturally to humans, such as driving a car or translating languages. In this case, the technique was used to standardize the X-rays, remove any images with quality issues, and then precisely measure dozens of skeletal features, tasks that would have taken the researchers months, if not years, to complete. advertisement Next, the researchers scanned the human genome to identify chromosomal regions associated with variations in 23 key skeletal measures, such as shoulder width, torso length, and tibia-to-femur angle. (These scans, called genome-wide association studies, involve surveying the genomes of large groups of people, looking for genomic variants that occur more frequently in those with a specific disease or trait compared to those without the disease or trait.) This process revealed 145 regions associated with genes that regulate skeletal development. Only a handful of these loci were known from previous studies. Many of the 145 regions overlapped with "accelerated" regions of the human genome, which have rapidly evolved over eons compared with the same regions in great apes. In contrast, few genes associated with the heart, immune system, metabolism, and other traits were found in accelerated regions. "What we're seeing is the first genomic evidence that there was selective pressure on genetic variants that affect skeletal proportions, enabling a transition from knuckle-based walking to bipedalism," says Narasimhan. The study also shows the power of combining large-scale biobank data, machine learning, and genomics to help us understand human health and disease. Singh, who joined Columbia in 2022, is now applying these techniques to understand the causes of mental illness. TEHRAN, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Four Iranian traffic policemen were killed on Sunday in a "terrorist attack" while they were patrolling on an intercity road in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, the official news agency IRNA reported. The "terrorists" fled the scene after the attack and investigations were underway, the provincial police were quoted as saying in a statement. The provincial police also vowed a response to the "terrorists" strong enough to make them remorseful. Bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan, the province has been the target of several terrorist attacks on both civilians and security forces over the past years. In early July, two policemen and four "terrorists" were killed in an armed attack on a police station in the province, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported. This aerial photo taken on July 19, 2023 shows wild Asian elephants in Jiangcheng County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Thanks to uncompromising environmental and wildlife protection efforts, the population of wild Asian elephants in Yunnan has been growing in recent years. Feeling much safer than before, some of these elephants have become increasingly "rampant," and a daring "group tour" of an elephant family in the province even made a great scene in the global cyberspace back in 2021. Jiangcheng County, which boasts a noticeable number of wild elephants, has inaugurated a special squad to monitor their movements. Once an elephant is found near a village, members of the squad would rush in, and deter it in a non-voilent manner. But if they fail to do so, cordon signs would be placed on site and warning messages would be sent to the villagers. While staying indoor to avoid confrontation with these naughty giants, villagers do not have to worry about their crops in the field. An insurance plan is in place to cover possible damages, and generous compensations would be made in accordance to the amount of crops consumed or affected by the unaware invaders. The Asian elephant, the continent's largest land animal, is under top-level protection in China. The species is mainly scattered in Yunnan's Xishuangbanna, Pu'er and Lincang. (Xinhua/Yang Zhisen) Diao Faxing, member of an elephant monitoring squad, launches a drone to track the movement of wild Asian elephants in Jiangcheng County, southwest China's Yunnan Province on July 20, 2023 Thanks to uncompromising environmental and wildlife protection efforts, the population of wild Asian elephants in Yunnan has been growing in recent years. Feeling much safer than before, some of these elephants have become increasingly "rampant," and a daring "group tour" of an elephant family in the province even made a great scene in the global cyberspace back in 2021. Jiangcheng County, which boasts a noticeable number of wild elephants, has inaugurated a special squad to monitor their movements. Once an elephant is found near a village, members of the squad would rush in, and deter it in a non-voilent manner. But if they fail to do so, cordon signs would be placed on site and warning messages would be sent to the villagers. While staying indoor to avoid confrontation with these naughty giants, villagers do not have to worry about their crops in the field. An insurance plan is in place to cover possible damages, and generous compensations would be made in accordance to the amount of crops consumed or affected by the unaware invaders. The Asian elephant, the continent's largest land animal, is under top-level protection in China. The species is mainly scattered in Yunnan's Xishuangbanna, Pu'er and Lincang. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua) This aerial photo taken on July 19, 2023 shows a wild Asian elephant in Jiangcheng County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Thanks to uncompromising environmental and wildlife protection efforts, the population of wild Asian elephants in Yunnan has been growing in recent years. Feeling much safer than before, some of these elephants have become increasingly "rampant," and a daring "group tour" of an elephant family in the province even made a great scene in the global cyberspace back in 2021. Jiangcheng County, which boasts a noticeable number of wild elephants, has inaugurated a special squad to monitor their movements. Once an elephant is found near a village, members of the squad would rush in, and deter it in a non-voilent manner. But if they fail to do so, cordon signs would be placed on site and warning messages would be sent to the villagers. While staying indoor to avoid confrontation with these naughty giants, villagers do not have to worry about their crops in the field. An insurance plan is in place to cover possible damages, and generous compensations would be made in accordance to the amount of crops consumed or affected by the unaware invaders. The Asian elephant, the continent's largest land animal, is under top-level protection in China. The species is mainly scattered in Yunnan's Xishuangbanna, Pu'er and Lincang. (Xinhua/Cui Wen) This aerial photo taken on July 19, 2023 shows a wild Asian elephant at a tea yard in Jiangcheng County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Thanks to uncompromising environmental and wildlife protection efforts, the population of wild Asian elephants in Yunnan has been growing in recent years. Feeling much safer than before, some of these elephants have become increasingly "rampant," and a daring "group tour" of an elephant family in the province even made a great scene in the global cyberspace back in 2021. Jiangcheng County, which boasts a noticeable number of wild elephants, has inaugurated a special squad to monitor their movements. Once an elephant is found near a village, members of the squad would rush in, and deter it in a non-voilent manner. But if they fail to do so, cordon signs would be placed on site and warning messages would be sent to the villagers. While staying indoor to avoid confrontation with these naughty giants, villagers do not have to worry about their crops in the field. An insurance plan is in place to cover possible damages, and generous compensations would be made in accordance to the amount of crops consumed or affected by the unaware invaders. The Asian elephant, the continent's largest land animal, is under top-level protection in China. The species is mainly scattered in Yunnan's Xishuangbanna, Pu'er and Lincang. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) This aerial photo taken on July 20, 2023 shows two members of an elephant monitoring squad in operation in Jiangcheng County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Thanks to uncompromising environmental and wildlife protection efforts, the population of wild Asian elephants in Yunnan has been growing in recent years. Feeling much safer than before, some of these elephants have become increasingly "rampant," and a daring "group tour" of an elephant family in the province even made a great scene in the global cyberspace back in 2021. Jiangcheng County, which boasts a noticeable number of wild elephants, has inaugurated a special squad to monitor their movements. Once an elephant is found near a village, members of the squad would rush in, and deter it in a non-voilent manner. But if they fail to do so, cordon signs would be placed on site and warning messages would be sent to the villagers. While staying indoor to avoid confrontation with these naughty giants, villagers do not have to worry about their crops in the field. An insurance plan is in place to cover possible damages, and generous compensations would be made in accordance to the amount of crops consumed or affected by the unaware invaders. The Asian elephant, the continent's largest land animal, is under top-level protection in China. The species is mainly scattered in Yunnan's Xishuangbanna, Pu'er and Lincang. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) A wild Asian elephant feeds itself on a mango tree in Jiangcheng County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, on July 20, 2023. Thanks to uncompromising environmental and wildlife protection efforts, the population of wild Asian elephants in Yunnan has been growing in recent years. Feeling much safer than before, some of these elephants have become increasingly "rampant," and a daring "group tour" of an elephant family in the province even made a great scene in the global cyberspace back in 2021. Jiangcheng County, which boasts a noticeable number of wild elephants, has inaugurated a special squad to monitor their movements. Once an elephant is found near a village, members of the squad would rush in, and deter it in a non-voilent manner. But if they fail to do so, cordon signs would be placed on site and warning messages would be sent to the villagers. While staying indoor to avoid confrontation with these naughty giants, villagers do not have to worry about their crops in the field. An insurance plan is in place to cover possible damages, and generous compensations would be made in accordance to the amount of crops consumed or affected by the unaware invaders. The Asian elephant, the continent's largest land animal, is under top-level protection in China. The species is mainly scattered in Yunnan's Xishuangbanna, Pu'er and Lincang. (Xinhua/Lyv Shuai) This aerial photo taken on July 19, 2023 shows wild Asian elephants in Jiangcheng County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Thanks to uncompromising environmental and wildlife protection efforts, the population of wild Asian elephants in Yunnan has been growing in recent years. Feeling much safer than before, some of these elephants have become increasingly "rampant," and a daring "group tour" of an elephant family in the province even made a great scene in the global cyberspace back in 2021. Jiangcheng County, which boasts a noticeable number of wild elephants, has inaugurated a special squad to monitor their movements. Once an elephant is found near a village, members of the squad would rush in, and deter it in a non-voilent manner. But if they fail to do so, cordon signs would be placed on site and warning messages would be sent to the villagers. While staying indoor to avoid confrontation with these naughty giants, villagers do not have to worry about their crops in the field. An insurance plan is in place to cover possible damages, and generous compensations would be made in accordance to the amount of crops consumed or affected by the unaware invaders. The Asian elephant, the continent's largest land animal, is under top-level protection in China. The species is mainly scattered in Yunnan's Xishuangbanna, Pu'er and Lincang. (Xinhua/Lyv Shuai) This aerial photo taken on July 19, 2023 shows wild Asian elephants in Jiangcheng County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Thanks to uncompromising environmental and wildlife protection efforts, the population of wild Asian elephants in Yunnan has been growing in recent years. Feeling much safer than before, some of these elephants have become increasingly "rampant," and a daring "group tour" of an elephant family in the province even made a great scene in the global cyberspace back in 2021. Jiangcheng County, which boasts a noticeable number of wild elephants, has inaugurated a special squad to monitor their movements. Once an elephant is found near a village, members of the squad would rush in, and deter it in a non-voilent manner. But if they fail to do so, cordon signs would be placed on site and warning messages would be sent to the villagers. While staying indoor to avoid confrontation with these naughty giants, villagers do not have to worry about their crops in the field. An insurance plan is in place to cover possible damages, and generous compensations would be made in accordance to the amount of crops consumed or affected by the unaware invaders. The Asian elephant, the continent's largest land animal, is under top-level protection in China. The species is mainly scattered in Yunnan's Xishuangbanna, Pu'er and Lincang. (Xinhua/Cui Wen) This aerial photo taken on July 19, 2023 shows wild Asian elephants foraging at a paddy rice field in Jiangcheng County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Thanks to uncompromising environmental and wildlife protection efforts, the population of wild Asian elephants in Yunnan has been growing in recent years. Feeling much safer than before, some of these elephants have become increasingly "rampant," and a daring "group tour" of an elephant family in the province even made a great scene in the global cyberspace back in 2021. Jiangcheng County, which boasts a noticeable number of wild elephants, has inaugurated a special squad to monitor their movements. Once an elephant is found near a village, members of the squad would rush in, and deter it in a non-voilent manner. But if they fail to do so, cordon signs would be placed on site and warning messages would be sent to the villagers. While staying indoor to avoid confrontation with these naughty giants, villagers do not have to worry about their crops in the field. An insurance plan is in place to cover possible damages, and generous compensations would be made in accordance to the amount of crops consumed or affected by the unaware invaders. The Asian elephant, the continent's largest land animal, is under top-level protection in China. The species is mainly scattered in Yunnan's Xishuangbanna, Pu'er and Lincang. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) A staff member places a cordon sign on a road where wild Asian elephants are found in Jiangcheng County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, on July 19, 2023. Thanks to uncompromising environmental and wildlife protection efforts, the population of wild Asian elephants in Yunnan has been growing in recent years. Feeling much safer than before, some of these elephants have become increasingly "rampant," and a daring "group tour" of an elephant family in the province even made a great scene in the global cyberspace back in 2021. Jiangcheng County, which boasts a noticeable number of wild elephants, has inaugurated a special squad to monitor their movements. Once an elephant is found near a village, members of the squad would rush in, and deter it in a non-voilent manner. But if they fail to do so, cordon signs would be placed on site and warning messages would be sent to the villagers. While staying indoor to avoid confrontation with these naughty giants, villagers do not have to worry about their crops in the field. An insurance plan is in place to cover possible damages, and generous compensations would be made in accordance to the amount of crops consumed or affected by the unaware invaders. The Asian elephant, the continent's largest land animal, is under top-level protection in China. The species is mainly scattered in Yunnan's Xishuangbanna, Pu'er and Lincang. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) Li Jiangwei, member of an elephant monitoring squad, checks the infrared image of wild Asian elephants in Jiangcheng County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, on July 19, 2023. Thanks to uncompromising environmental and wildlife protection efforts, the population of wild Asian elephants in Yunnan has been growing in recent years. Feeling much safer than before, some of these elephants have become increasingly "rampant," and a daring "group tour" of an elephant family in the province even made a great scene in the global cyberspace back in 2021. Jiangcheng County, which boasts a noticeable number of wild elephants, has inaugurated a special squad to monitor their movements. Once an elephant is found near a village, members of the squad would rush in, and deter it in a non-voilent manner. But if they fail to do so, cordon signs would be placed on site and warning messages would be sent to the villagers. While staying indoor to avoid confrontation with these naughty giants, villagers do not have to worry about their crops in the field. An insurance plan is in place to cover possible damages, and generous compensations would be made in accordance to the amount of crops consumed or affected by the unaware invaders. The Asian elephant, the continent's largest land animal, is under top-level protection in China. The species is mainly scattered in Yunnan's Xishuangbanna, Pu'er and Lincang. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua) BEIJING, July 23 (Xinhua) -- China's foreign trade of agricultural products rose 6.4 percent year on year in the first half of this year (H1), official data showed. The country's imports and exports of farm produce totaled 171.76 billion U.S. dollars during the period, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. China's exports of agricultural products went up 1.7 percent year on year to 47.71 billion dollars, said the ministry. Its imports of such products reached 124.05 billion dollars, climbing 8.3 percent from the same period last year. China's trade deficit for farm produce stood at 76.34 billion dollars in the same period, up 12.9 percent year on year, the data also revealed. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Since last Sunday, its been an interesting week in small business discussions. V&J Sorianos Pork Store closed in a complex of dwindling storefronts at the Savo Brothers development on Greaves Lane. Aside from a vape store in adjoining commercial space in the strip mall, area residents call the situation disheartening. And that brings us back to another sad discussion ignited last week on the trend of snack and convenience stores. Last weeks column indeed resonated with fellow Staten Islanders, as per the enormous, candid feedback on the commentary. Tom Beyar of Beyars Market wrote, Its crazy how much money they make on cigarettes alone. Then include vape, marijuana, chocolate and gummies, etc. Im not so much against the legalization of the dispensaries but the money the taste and city are losing in tax revenue is alarming. Ten places within a mile from my house to my store. Zack 1 probably has as much volume of customers as I do. One North Shore resident summed up the collective sentiment, I know personally what restaurant and small business owners go through on a daily basis to just open, yet alone stay in business. Maybe Diane Savino should come back to Staten Island and see what a mess her legislation made...Regardless of how weve come to this horrible point I think the only way its going to be reigned in is with a multi-agency approach on all government levels. A mom of three from the West Brighton neighborhood said of smoke shops, Even if you dont have children it makes the neighborhood look trashy. Castleton Cafe adds breakfast and lunch to menu options on the North Shore. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri) Owner of 420 CBD store on Castleton Avenue Arthur Carlston said hes pleased with his newly awarded Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) license. This week, over 200 were granted across across New York state -- including five for Staten Island. Carlston also owns a restaurant in the neighborhood, Castleton Cafe. A long-time marajuana user himself, hes glad taxes will be going to New York State as a result. Carlston said, My stores happen to be next to each other but theyre not connected. If you come to my cafe it has nothing going on there like the exotic snacks. Those are the nuisance-types of places. Those are like 80s head shops that were cleaned up in Times Square, the paraphanalia stores of yesteryear. Carlston added, Ive been around the [pot] industry the good side, the bad side for a long time. Im looking to do this the right way. Its not for a young mind with the advertising and marketing. He said catering to kids is New York States biggest pet peeve, from what is understood about the law. Carlston explained, When Cuomo signed this bill he made it legal to consume three ounces of marijuana. You have two years where there was a gap in regulations so you have a huge demand with an open, gray market. The best way for them now is to release these licenses and eventually these other unlicensed stores will all be shut down. In the meantime, he says, As a cannabis enthusiast, Im in the CBD business for recreation and helping people with alternative medications. Hes in the restaurant realm to give a sit-down place to the community. Operating 24-hours, convenience stores increasingly are targets for robberies. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk) WHAT THE POLITICIANS SAY The former State Sentator Savino now works for Mayor Adams administration. She recently shared with the Advance/SILIVE.com, In 2014 I wrote the Compassionate Care Act which created NYSs Medical Cannabis Program. The CCA was the most tightly controlled, legal regulated model in the country. It was so tightly controlled that it was hard for patients to access the program. Over the ensuing years, we amended it to better serve patients, providers and create clear rules for the industry. Savino continued, The Medical Cannabis Program never created any issues in communities, no illegal unlicensed operators and no one has ever been accused of diversion. The MRTA that was enacted in 2021 and I raised several concerns with the language as I predicted correctly that unless the creation of a tightly controlled, highly regulated industry model was inherent, we would see exactly what is happening across the State. She concluded, I raised these issues in hearings, and at the confirmation of those appointed to run the agency. Borough President Vito Fossella added to the conversation this week. He expressed in a statement, The proliferation of shops that sell drugs illegally is a problem, not only on Staten Island, but also throughout New York City. That is why we remain in constant communication with the District Attorneys Office, New York City Police Department, and the New York City Sheriffs Office because they are entrusted with the enforcement powers to deal with this issue. He further noted, It is one thing if somebody wants to obtain a license and sell products legally, in a regulated way, but it is unacceptable to allow some of the stores to be fronts for an illicit drug trade. It would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time regarding sources and methods, as to do so could endanger ongoing investigations. Members of the city Sheriff's Office load illegal products into a vehicle. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk) Anyway, this increasingly circular conversation that started with food could segue into Department of Health and Mental Health discussions on smoking cessation for New Yorkers. But to put an end to the topic for now, I strongly encourage you to express your opinion on the normalization of drugs and all the food stores to those who can do something about it. Do routinely attend community board meetings and get on the phone often calling Borough Hall, your local Council people and other career politicians. I assure you with future elections in mind and if all these peoples hearts are in the right place they just might hear you. Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The College of Staten Island (CSI), in Willowbrook, is partnering with a program through a $1.3 million grant to pair autistic college students who major in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields with autistic high school students on Staten Island. Dr. Kristen Gillespie-Lynch, associate professor of psychology and director of Project REACH at CSI, is partnering with the Education Develop Centers (EDC) and NYUs IDEAS Maker Program, through a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) entitled, Making Mentors: Enhancing Access to STEM Careers for Autistic Youth through Mentorship Programs and Makerspaces. The grant, which was awarded in April, expands on earlier work funded by two previous NSF grants to Dr. Wendy Martin of the EDC. It will engage and expand among students at CSIs Project REACH, which is a mentorship program for students with autism and other disabilities. Students interested in taking on leadership roles are trained to mentor incoming students who also have autism, as well as become public speakers to educate the community and researchers. Now, they will mentor autistic high school students on Staten Island. Last summer while on sabbatical in Argentina, I was very happy to be invited to help develop this NSF grant and was thrilled when the grant was subsequently funded on our first try, said Dr. Gillespie-Lynch. Through our new grant, led by Dr. Martin, autistic college students in CSIs Project REACH mentorship program will help develop and provide innovative supports to autistic high school students in Staten Island high schools. The first collaborating high school on Staten Island was Tottenville High School which was also the site of a pilot mentorship program wherein autistic college students in Project REACH provided guidance to autistic high school students several years ago. Its very exciting to return to a school that we have already collaborated with years later with far more knowledge and resources to develop something more amazing than we had on our first go, said Dr. Gillespie-Lynch. Mentors at CSI will assist their high school counterparts with their projects, build on their interests and strengths, and help guide students as they transition into STEM majors in college. Mentors and mentees will meet at least twice monthly and mentors will also meet weekly with project team leaders to check in on their experiences, plan activities, and address issues that arise. The three-year project will help researchers discover how mentorship programs can prepare autistic high school students for entry into their fields of interest in college and beyond. And Dr. Gillespie-Lynch said the grant is perfectly aligned with CUNYs mission to promote social mobility for traditionally underserved students. She believes the program will help both autistic high school students and autistic college students become more confident in their skills and identities while improving their quality of life and ability to seek out jobs that match their skills and interests. Our new grant is a great opportunity for students and faculty at CSI to learn from and share our insights with collaborators at EDC, NYU, and local high schools, said Dr. Gillespie-Lynch. I am so happy that CSIs Project REACH has been able to take a lead in modeling participatory approaches to developing supports for autistic people locally, nationally, and internationally and that our efforts to make autism research more socially valid by collaborating with autistic people to do it are increasingly recognized by funding agencies. If you are an autistic City University of New York (CUNY) student who might be interested in mentoring an autistic high school student at Tottenville High School through this new grant, reach out to Dr. Gillespie-Lynch at kristen.gillespie@csi.cuny.edu. For more information on the EDC and the IDEAS Maker Program, visit the website at www.edc.org/ideas-maker-program. School Zone: An education newsletter with the updates you need throughout the school year and beyond. Enter your email address here and hit "subscribe" to receive this weekly newsletter: FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. COLOMBO, July 23 (Xinhua) -- China's Chongqing Municipality is willing to enhance cooperation with Sri Lanka on the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and strengthen collaboration on poverty alleviation, said a Chinese official. Sri Lankan President and leader of the United National Party Ranil Wickremesinghe met here Saturday with Yuan Jiajun, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee. Noting that the two countries are a model for friendly co-existence and win-win relations between countries with different systems, Yuan said China is willing to join hands with the Sri Lankan side at all levels to push to a new level the bilateral strategic cooperative partnership featuring sincere mutual assistance and lasting friendship. He said the CPC is willing to continue strengthening exchanges and mutual learning with Sri Lankan political parties, and to contribute to the development of bilateral relations and their respective national development. Yuan added that Chongqing stands ready to boost cooperation with Sri Lanka on the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, jointly enhance the level of openness and development, strengthen collaboration on poverty alleviation, and better promote the high-quality economic and social development of the two countries. Wickremesinghe, for his part, said China is a great friend of Sri Lanka, and he thanked the Chinese side for providing strong support for the country's economic and social development over the years. Sri Lanka is willing to cooperate with China to strengthen their all-round practical cooperation, deepen interparty and sub-national exchanges, promote the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road, and welcome investors from Chongqing to invest in Sri Lanka, said Wickremesinghe. Yuan led a CPC delegation to visit Sri Lanka from Wednesday to Sunday. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York City public school families will receive $120 per child in food benefits under a federal coronavirus (COVID-19) relief program to help pay for meals. New York State is continuing to distribute food benefits called the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer, or P-EBT to all households with eligible children who receive free school lunch under the National School Lunch Act, according to the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Since all New York City public school children are eligible for free lunch, regardless of family income, all families in the school system will receive food benefits. Families in charter and private schools who receive free meals through the federal school lunch program will also be eligible for food benefits. Every child will receive $120 in summer P-EBT food benefits. The benefit card can be used to buy any food for the household, such as: Fruits and vegetables; Meat, poultry, and fish; Dairy products; Breads and cereals; Other foods, such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages; and Seeds and plants, which produce food for the household to eat. Households cannot use benefits to buy items like alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, supplements, live animals, foods that are hot at the point of sale, and any non-food items like pet food, cleaning supplies, paper products, hygiene items and other household supplies. Families dont need to apply to receive this benefit. Its unclear when distribution will begin, though its designed to get benefits to children as quickly as possible. Food benefits will not be issued to school-age children for the 2022-2023 school year. Those who already received food assistance will have the money automatically added to their benefit cards. Children enrolled in Medicaid will see the money added to Medicaid cards. And for those who received the pandemic relief funds on food benefit cards last school year, the money will be added to the same card. Recipient households should also receive a text message alert when their food benefits are distributed. Families can check www.connectebt.com to see if the summer benefit was deposited, according to the state. You can check your familys P-EBT food benefit transaction history by visiting www.connectebt.com or by calling 1-888-328-6399. To order a replacement card, call 1-888-328-6399. If the cardholder receives Medicaid through the states marketplace, order a replacement by calling 1-855-355-5777. School Zone: An education newsletter with the updates you need throughout the school year and beyond. Enter your email address here and hit "subscribe" to receive this weekly newsletter: FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. Beyonces Renaissance World Tour 2023 is coming to East Rutherford, New Jersey at the end of July and tickets are still available. The 40-show tour, which kicked off in Stockholm on May 10, is currently in its North American leg, and will be coming to MetLife Stadium July 29 and July 30. The tour has been the first for Beyonce since her 2018 On the Run series of concerts alongside husband Jay-Z, and her first solo tour in more than six years. Beyonces Renaissance album was released last summer. Tickets sold out quickly, but they are still available on the secondary market. Legitimate resellers like VividSeats typically have availability even hours before showtime. As of Saturday, ticket prices started in the low $300s for upper deck seats and went up to $4,000-plus for a spot right in front of the stage. >> BUY TICKETS TO JULY 29 SATURDAY AT 7 P.M. AT METLIFE STADIUM << >> BUY TICKETS TO JULY 30 SUNDAY AT 7 P.M. AT METLIFE STADIUM << Beyonces massive concert setlist nearly three dozen songs! is Renaissance-heavy, but there are plenty of classics, too, like with Crazy in Love, Love on Top and Formation, joining new tracks including Plastic Off the Sofa, Cozy and Break My Soul. HERES A COMPLETE SETLIST, ACCORDING TO USA Today: OPENING ACT 1. Dangerously in Love 2 2. Flaws and All 3. 1+1 4. Im Goin Down (Mary J. Blige cover) 5. I Care RENAISSANCE 6. Im That Girl 7. Cozy 8. Alien Superstar 9. Lift Off MOTHERBOARD 10. Cuff It 11. Energy 12. Break My Soul (List continues, bleow) Beyonce performs on the NBC "Today" television program in New York's Rockefeller Center, Wednesday Nov. 26, 2008. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)ASSOCIATED PRESS OPULENCE 13. Formation 14. Diva 15. Run the World (Girls) 16. My Power 17. Black Parade 18. Savage (Remix) 19. Partition ANOINTED 20. Church Girl 21. Get Me Bodied 22. Before I Let Go 23. Rather Die Young 24. Love on Top 25. Crazy in Love ANOINTED PART 2 26. Plastic Off the Sofa 27. Virgos Groove 28. Naughty Girl 29. Move 30. Heated 31. Thique 32. All Up In Your Mind 33. Drunk in Love MIND CONTROL 34. America Has a Problem 35. Pure/Honey 36. Summer Renaissance STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A Dongan Hills mother and her family hosted a gala earlier this month to raise awareness about brain aneurysms and funding for research in her late daughters honor. Close to 200 people attended the gala on July 13 in LiGrecis Staaten in West Brighton, bringing together those have been impacted by the disease. Patricia McCarthy-Hillers, who lost her 21-year-old daughter, Brittany, when she suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm almost two years ago, said a number of guests had heard about her daughter and the gala through stories in the Advance/SILive.co and from local New York City radio. Brittany McCarthy, 21 (Courtesy of Patricia McCarthy-Hillers) We raised close to $15,000 from the gala, McCarthy-Hillers said. The community and local businesses donated items for raffle baskets to help make this event possible. The funds will go to The Bee Foundation to aid in its ongoing research. Prior to the event, the family had already raised more than $83,000 in Brittanys honor. The McCarthy-Hillers family along with the Bee Foundation hosted a gala event at Ligrecis Staaten to raise awareness for brain aneurysms and funding for research. (Courtesy of Patricia McCarthy-Hillers) Back in 2021, The Bee Foundation had heard about the familys story and used $25,000 raised by Brittanys sister, Ashley, to establish the Brittany McCarthy TBF Brain Aneurysm Preventative Research Grant. The following year, Dr. Stacey Quintero Wolfe, professor and residency program director of neurological surgery and radiology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, was awarded the research grant in honor of Brittany. The gala included dinner, an open bar, dancing and a live DJ. In addition, members of McCarthy-Hillers family and The Bee Foundation spoke about their experiences. Erin Kreszl, a co-founder of the foundation with her sister, Christine Kondra, talked about being inspired to help others following the death of their cousin, Jennifer Sedney, at the age of 27 due to a ruptured brain aneurysm in 2013. One in 50 people have a brain aneurysm -- they are so devastating. But what you are doing tonight -- what The Bee Foundation and this network of people are doing is so critically important, Kreszl said. Brain aneurysms in the future, we believe will be preventable. McCarthy-Hillers spoke about her late daughter. Brittany is missed every day -- our pain will never go away. We miss everything about her and love her forever. We want to thank the community and all the local businesses for your unwavering support and donations, she said. The family will host a second annual 5K run/one-mile walk in Brittanys memory at Wolfes Pond Park on Saturday Sept. 23, at 10 a.m. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Rep. Nicole Malliotakis has announced that her language meant to prevent the implementation of New York Citys congestion pricing plan was included in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill, which passed the House Appropriations Committee this week. Malliotakis provision would prohibit federal funding from being used for activities related to the implementation of priced zones under the Value Pricing Pilot Program or New York Citys Central Business District Tolling Program, otherwise known as congestion pricing, which would effectively halt the program. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and MTA Chairman Janno Lieber lied to the residents of New York City when they said there would be no MTA fare hikes and service cuts in 2023 and 2024 thanks to an influx of federal funding, said Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn), referencing the MTAs announcement of higher tolls and fares earlier this week. Not only have they raised tolls and fares, but theyre continuing to jam this congestion tax through as quickly as possible without conducting the proper studies to see how it would impact residents, commuters and small businesses, she said. Im pleased to see my language included in the overall THUD Appropriations bill, and if successful, it would effectively kill congestion pricing by stripping away the federal governments ability to help the city and state get it over the finish line. On Friday, New Jersey took a significant step as it seeks to block New Yorks congestion pricing plan with a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Transportation. Earlier in the week, members of the group responsible for figuring out how much drivers will be charged to drive into Manhattans Central Business District under congestion pricing met for the first time to outline the various considerations that must be taken into account in formulating the tolls. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage concert series returns to Staten Island next month with three free nights of music all at Stapleton Waterfront Park along Front Street between Wave and Canal streets. The SummerStage program is New York Citys beloved outdoor performing arts festival, bringing nearly 90 free and benefit shows to Central Park and 12 neighborhood parks across the five boroughs. On Friday, Aug. 11, which is National Hip-Hop Celebration Day, SummerStage and City Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks will present a special free show in Stapleton Waterfront Park, Staten Island Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop, beginning at 6 p.m. The event will be hosted by Raekwon the Chef & Friends, and will feature Tyrone Briggs with The Jazztronauts, Shyheim and more in association with Maker Park Radio, a nonprofit community internet radio station in Staten Islands Stapleton neighborhood. The concert also will include performances by artists Holy Moe, Eddy 1, Frank Nitti, Starda and WholsBravy, and DJ sets by DJ Xcel, DJ Smoove and DJ Shame. The events emcees will include Dyverse The 1st, Juthy and Jenn Baez, and there will also be a rap battle hosted by iBattle TV. I am excited to be able to partner with City Parks Foundation and Maker Park Radio to present free SummerStage concerts at the Stapleton Waterfront Park this summer, Hanks said. The concerts are a great way to bring the community together to enjoy the beauty of our Stapleton waterfront and take advantage of all that Stapleton has to offer. In addition to the musical performances, the event will highlight some of the other elements of hip-hop culture. There will be a dance demonstration by J.B. from the NY Arts Cypher and one of the founding members of the world renowned dance group The Amountboyz, a live graffiti demonstration by Projectivity and guest artists in partnership with Thrive Collective and courtesy of JM Custom Art Studio, and streetwear style-inspired vendors. On Saturday, Aug. 12, from 5 to 9 p.m., fans will be treated to a freestyle throwback jam featuring performances by Frankie Cutlass, The Original Cover Girls, Cynthia, Black Sheep Dres, DJ Millo and DJ Medina in association with Maker Park Radio. This show also will feature a special performance by the Ladies of Hip-Hop Dance Collective (LDC), an all-female intergenerational dance collective that creates dance works illuminating the strength, power and diversity of women in hip-hop. On Sunday, Aug. 13, from 5 to 9 p.m., a diverse lineup of women-led groups will perform in association with Maker Park Radio and La Isla Bonita. The artists include Las Cafeteras, Natu Camara, Justy, DJ Kitty the Disc Jockey in association with Maker Park Radio, and La Isla Bonita. For the lineups for all the SummerStage programming, visit www.summerstage.org. *** See the program schedule for Wednesday. *** STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Get ready to watch sharks non-stop for seven days Shark Week 2023 starts on Sunday. The summer tradition airs every year on the Discovery Channel and will wrap up on Saturday, July 29. This year, actor Jason Momoa will host the week-long shark extravaganza, serving as the master of ceremonies. Momoa is the second person to host the beloved event, following Dwayne The Rock Johnson, who served in the same position during Shark Week 2022. If you are a cord-cutter, you can watch Shark Week on fuboTV or Philo, both of which offer a free trial. Shark Week will also be available to stream on Max. Momoa will guide fans through nearly 20 new hours of television featuring the apex predators, including Belly of the Beast: Feeding Frenzy that will provide a first-time, close-up look at a great white shark feast captured by researchers with cameras inside a whale carcass decoy or Cocaine Sharks that reveals what happens to sharks that possibly feed on cocaine and other illegal drugs dumped in South Florida waters. WATCH SHARK WEEK ON FUBOTV OR PHILO WITH A FREE TRIAL Shark Week will also spotlight innovative technology used to track and study unique shark species and their enemies. It will delve into mating and migration patterns showing rare footage as researchers follow the sharks to remote locations in South Africa and New Zealand. The Shark Week experience will be brought to viewers across digital and social media platforms. You can follow Discovery on TikTok, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on programming and fun shark facts. Heres a look at the full schedule. SUNDAY, JULY 23 8 p.m. Belly of the Beast: Feeding Frenzy In a Shark Week first, researchers with cameras brave a great white shark feeding frenzy from inside a life-size whale decoy. Their findings could be the key to finding the biggest great white shark in South African history. 9 p.m. Jaws vs The Meg The MEG, a massive shark measuring 50 feet and weighing 60 tons, was once feared as the most fearsome predator. It could devour a killer whale effortlessly, but new evidence suggests that its cousin, the great white shark, may have caused its extinction. 10 p.m. Serial Killer: Red Sea Feeding Frenzy Shark attack investigator Brandon McMillan and cinematographer Fo Zayed travel to solve the mystery of whats behind three recent deadly shark attacks off of the posh beaches of Egypts Red Sea. 11 p.m. Shark Week: Off the Hook Dive into the biggest thrills and most terrifying moments from 35 years of Shark Week, celebrating behind the scenes of iconic moments and revealing never-before-seen footage of the fearless adventurers who get up close with the worlds scariest creatures. MONDAY, JULY 24 8 p.m. Great White Fight Club A team of experts venture into the treacherous waters of New Zealand to provide groundbreaking evidence that female white sharks unequivocally dominate the ocean, reigning as the ultimate controllers of its fierce battlegrounds. 9 p.m. Monsters of Bermuda Triangle A healthy, 10-foot pregnant Porbeagle shark vanishes in the Bermuda Triangle. The evidence suggests an unknown, monstrous predator could be to blame. Dr. James Sulikowski and a team of scientists dive into the most mysterious part of the ocean to uncover the truth behind the attack. 10 p.m. Alien Sharks: Strange New Worlds The tip of South Africa is a hotspot for unusual sharks that exhibit bizarre behaviors and unusual, otherworldly appearances. Wildlife biologist Forrest Galante explores stunning kelp forests and ocean depths never-before-seen by humans to study these extraordinary creatures. TUESDAY, JULY 25 8 p.m. Mako Mania: Battle for California Off the coast of Los Angeles, a new population of super makos challenge great whites for their hunting territories. Dr. Craig OConnell, Fo Zayed, and Kendyl Berna deploy state-of-the-art technology to reveal their dominance and unveil the mysteries that have transformed these makos into some of the fiercest predators in the oceans. 9 p.m. Raiders of the Lost Shark Shark expert Matt Dicken and Shark Week legend Dickie Chivell embark on a relentless quest to locate an elusive and colossal shark named Dutchess, who mysteriously vanished from Gansbaai, South Africa years ago. 10 p.m. Monster Hammerheads: Killer Instinct Dr. Tristan Guttridge believes Hammerhead sharks can reach monster sizes by hunting other species of sharks. The only way to prove his theory is to obtain tissue samples from some of the largest sharks on the planet. WEDNESDAY, JULY 26 8 p.m. Air Jaws: Final Frontier Shark filmmakers hunt for Air Jaws in New Zealands hidden launch pad. Andy Casagrande and Jeff Kurr seek the second-ever breaching great white in these waters to uncover history-making secrets. 9 p.m. Florida Shark: Blood in the Water Paul de Gelder dives into the Shark Attack Capital of the World to conduct experiments that will confirm what makes up these dangerous waters and determine methods to mitigate the risk. 10 p.m. Cocaine Sharks For decades, rumors of cocaine-fueled sharks have spread throughout the fishing community. Shark expert Tom Hird travels to the Florida Keys to investigate what happens when the sharks come in contact with the most notorious drug on the planet. THURSDAY, JULY 27 8 p.m. Jaws in the Shallows Shark Week veteran Dr. Riley Elliott has traveled all over to study great whites, which are now terrorizing the beaches of New Zealand. He sets out alongside his wife Amber Jones to find answers to protect his loved ones from the apex predators before its too late. 9 p.m. Monster Mako: Fresh Blood Twelve-foot-long monster mako sharks compete head-to-head with great whites for prey off the coast of California. Using a custom clear, acrylic diving bell, Dr. Austin Gallagher and legendary free diver Andre Musgrove get up close with both predators and track makos breaching eight feet out of the ocean. 10 p.m. Shark vs Snake: Battle of the Bites Tiger sharks are washing up dead on the beaches of Western Australia with no sign of attack. Forrest Galante has a theory that deadly sea snakes are turning these apex predators to prey. In the battle of shark against snake, are snakes winning? Shark Week will also be available to stream on Max. The Shark Week experience will be brought to viewers across digital and social media platforms. You can follow Discovery on TikTok, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on programming and fun shark facts. FRIDAY, JULY 28 8 p.m. Tropic Jaws When a 16-foot great white invades Indonesias warm coast of Bali, it sparks fears that they are adapting to hunt the tropical beaches where millions of people swim every day. Dr. Craig OConnell and Madison Stewart are on a mission to find Tropic Jaws and discover why they left the cold water environment that they have called home for thousands of years. 9 p.m. Deadly Sharks of Paradise Scientists in South America are studying the shark species thought to be responsible for a spike in deadly attacks since 1990. Marine biologist Danni Washington and shark conservationist Paul de Gelder join a team tracking tiger sharks off a pristine tropical archipelago in Brazil. 10 p.m. Haunting at Shark Tower News of a harrowing shark encounter at North Carolinas Frying Pan Tower sends underwater cinematographer Andy Casagrande and shark expert Kori Burkhardt on a dangerous quest to discover whether great white sharks are moving into the states waters. SATURDAY, JULY 29 8 p.m. Dawn of the Monster Mako A 14-foot giant mako shark is spotted in the waters of Portugals Azores region. Underwater cinematographer Joe Romeiro and his marine biologist wife, Lauren, search the teeming depths around the ancient islands to capture the beast on film. 9 p.m. Mega Sharks of Dangerous Reef The remote islands off the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia are believed to harbor some of the biggest white sharks on the planet. While local fishing reports suggest these giant sharks are still around, they are rarely seen. FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Filing for bankruptcy isnt usually the first choice for people who find themselves drowning in debt. But sometimes its the only avenue for getting back on track with your finances. While a bankruptcy can alleviate your debt, it also puts a major scar on your credit score. But the good news is that blemish on your credit isnt permanent. And if you pay your bills on time following a bankruptcy, you can gradually rebuild your credit to get approved for credit cards, home loans and more. We sought advice from Karra L. Kingston -- a bankruptcy lawyer on Staten Island and in New Jersey who has helped hundreds of people get out of debt -- to find out how past bankruptcies will impact your ability to buy a home. Q. Will I ever qualify for a mortgage after filing For bankruptcy? Kingston: Most people who file for bankruptcy are able to qualify for a mortgage after filing. However, what you qualify for and how long you have to wait will depend on your unique situation. If you have filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the typical waiting period for a conventional loan is four years from when the court discharged your debt. Typically, this will give you time to work on repairing your credit. Government backed loans generally have less waiting periods. For first-time homebuyers, a Federal Housing Administration [FHA] loan or a VA [Veterans Affairs] loan will [require] you to have to wait two years from your bankruptcy discharge. If you filed a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, most of the same waiting period applies. One exception to this is that government-backed loans, like a USDA loan, only requires a one year waiting period. While FHA and VA loans can generally be applied for after the Chapter 13 discharge. There is a misconception that once you apply for bankruptcy, you cant get a mortgage. This is completely false. There is no law or rule stating that people who file for bankruptcy cant be approved for a new mortgage. Bankruptcy laws were enacted to help people start over. To ensure that you get a decent mortgage rate after filing for bankruptcy, it is important to take the proper steps to rebuild your credit score. This means paying your bills on time each month. If you have a financial question youd like answered, please send to porpora@siadvance.com and well find the right expert to answer your question. MORE MONEY MATTERS STORIES: How do I access my deceased parents retirement accounts? How much should I be contributing to my 401K so I dont have to worry about money when I retire? I never filed for Social Security. Can I get back benefits? I have a joint account with my son. I added $35K. Is tax due? How do I access my deceased parents retirement accounts? NYCs Mansion Tax: Your home doesnt have to be a mansion for the $10,000+ tax to apply FOLLOW TRACEY PORPORA ON FACEBOOK and TWITTER In ever changeable conditions in the Adirondacks, it was Joe Skipper and Alice Alberts who were able to power their way through them to victory at IRONMAN Lake Placid. The day featured a variety of challenges for professionals. First, the swim temperature of just north of 73 degrees saw the professional field in swim skins, with age groupers in wetsuits. Although the pro field had a comfortable head start on age groupers, the second loop was extremely congested, leading to slower than normal swim times for professionals; no woman swam under an hour, while the leading men's time from Josh Amberger was barely under 50 minutes. Once onto the bike, clear skies saw much higher than anticipated temperatures, with limited shade. The bike course is where both Skipper and Alberts were able to make decisive moves towards the front of their respective fields. Skipper was able to bridge up to early leader Amberger and work with him for most of the second loop of the bike course to build a nearly three minute lead over Ben Hoffman and over six minutes to Michael Weiss. Alberts steadily climbed through the women's field on the first loop of the bike course, taking the lead on the climb from Wilmington back to Lake Placid and never relinquishing it again. Onto the run and both Skipper and Alberts had to fend off hard-charging efforts from chasers. In Skipper's case, it was the aforementioned Hoffman who was steadily closing the gap through the first 15 miles of the run before Skipper closed the door after a thunderstorm cooled off the competition. For Alberts, it was Erin Snelgrove who was in hot pursuit, churning through the likes of Rach McBride, Jen Annett, and Angela Naeth in her relentless pursuit of the win. But Alberts had proven to build an insurmountable lead, taking her maiden IRONMAN victory in the process. Men's Results 1. Joe Skipper 8:03:46 2. Ben Hoffman 8:06:06 3. Matt Hanson 8:09:51 4. Josh Amberger 8:14:58 5. Michael Weiss 8:17:35 6. A.J. Desroches 8:24:18 7. Jan Stepniski 8:30:14 8. Max Hammerle 8:31:14 9. Hunter Lussi 8:32:26 10. Cody Beals 8:39:55 Women's Results 1. Alice Alberts 9:16:01 2. Erin Snelgrove 9:21:49 3. Jen Annett 9:27:35 4. Angela Naeth 9:32:23 5. Ai Ueda 9:33:49 6. Joanna Ryter 9:37:46 7. Rach McBride 9:53:09 8. Katie Colville 10:04:33 9. Veronique Ranger 10:06:03 10. Jennie Hansen 10:15:01 All Photos: Patrick McDermott / Getty Images for IRONMAN Thank you for visiting the Daily Journal. Please purchase an Enhanced Subscription to continue reading. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! Video: The Joshua trees, an integral part of California's Mojave Desert landscape, with their characteristic spiky leaves and unique branches, are locked in a desperate battle for survival. (Xinhua) The ailing Joshua trees are described as brown "Zombie forests," which are seemingly alive but struggling to survive and reproduce, with their natural vibrancy now reduced to mere hints of green. by Julia Pierrepont III, Gao Shan LOS ANGELES, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The Joshua trees, an integral part of California's Mojave Desert landscape, with their characteristic spiky leaves and unique branches, are locked in a desperate battle for survival. Increasingly severe droughts driven by climate change, habitat fragmentation due to expanding residential and commercial real estate development, and heightened wildfires all pose dire threats to this iconic and enduring symbol of the U.S. West. "There are desert and arid ecosystems all over the planet facing similar issues, including in China," Kelly Herbinson, Co-Executive Director of the Mojave Desert Land Trust, told Xinhua in a recent interview, noting that the international community should work together to deal with climate change. She pointed out that as the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, the collaboration of groups around the globe is also growing in importance. "I'm really looking forward to working with scientists all over the world who are dealing with similar issues and come up together with some solutions," she added, noting that "we don't have much time. Things are changing really fast and the species really is up against a difficult road ahead." The undated photo shows Joshua trees in the Mojave Desert. (The Mojave Desert Land Trust/Handout via Xinhua) Joshua tree is a species of desert Yucca plant that can tower up to 70 feet tall. They are considered one of the desert's most valuable "apartment buildings," hosting a variety of desert life that use them for shelter and food, including owls, woodpeckers, various birds, lizards, wood rats, moths and beetles - all important parts of the natural ecosystem. "Joshua tree is sort of ambassador species for our region," Herbinson explained. "It lives nowhere else on the planet but here in our desert region. And it is particularly sensitive to climate change." As mega-drought continues to take its toll, Joshua trees are under threat. But the desert's signature silhouette isn't going down without a fight and has found allies in lawmakers, philanthropic donors, community groups, and conservation groups, like the Mojave Desert Land Trust. The Mojave Desert Land Trust is a non-profit organization formed in 2006 by a group of devoted conservationists and donors dedicated to the protection and preservation of the ecologically diverse desert areas of California's 26-million acre Mojave Desert - especially the at-risk Joshua trees - and the Mojave's scenic and cultural resources that are under escalating threat from climate change and human activities. The organization achieves its goals through acquiring land and conservation easements, promoting awareness about desert conservation, collaborating with other organizations, serving as expert advisors to government officials, and engaging the public through educational programs and volunteer opportunities. The undated photo shows Joshua trees in the Mojave Desert. (The Mojave Desert Land Trust/Handout via Xinhua) Herbinson described the ailing Joshua trees as brown "Zombie forests," which are seemingly alive but struggling to survive and reproduce, with their natural vibrancy now reduced to mere hints of green. In response to these pressing concerns, California's legislature took a unique and pioneering approach to Joshua tree conservation last week. After a protracted debate and unsuccessful attempts to list the Joshua tree as an endangered species (an approach that met with resistance from business interests and solar farms), lawmakers formulated a more practical, compromise plan that balanced considerations for economic growth and the need for greater renewable energy development with ecological preservation. That plan, The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act, has been passed into law in California. "We are thrilled to see that the state took steps and come up with a creative solution to a really difficult problem," Herbinson told Xinhua. Kelly Herbinson, Co-Executive Director of the Mojave Desert Land Trust, speaks during an interview in Ventura, California, the United States, on July 18, 2023. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua) The new legislation requires companies to secure a permit before they can cut down or relocate Joshua trees, providing a layer of protection that was previously nonexistent. It also mandates the creation of a conservation plan aimed at ensuring the Joshua trees' survival along with the establishment of a dedicated conservation fund derived from permit fees and fines levied for disturbing Joshua trees without a permit. As a frontrunner in environmental policies, California has long been a national leader in combating climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and establishing legal protections for various habitats and species. Herbinson also pointed out that there are lots of ways that countries can work together to deal with climate change and mused that an international conservation summit might be the right place to get the ball rolling for effective people-to-people exchanges. "It's not just our leaders who need to talk. It's all of us who need to talk," she said, especially the people with their boots on the ground doing the hard work of conservation who go out every day to make it happen. "Around the world, we have so much to learn from each other. We would love to be partnering with groups in China to come up with innovative solutions to the similar problems confronting us all," Herbinson concluded. Bankrupt FTX Trading s latest lawsuit against co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried and his former top executives have revealed new details about the allegations of massive fraud at the fallen crypto conglomerate. According to the complaint, FTX Trading is seeking to claw back millions of dollars in cash and unwind over $US1 billion ($1.5 billion) in questionable transactions. The island of Nauru. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The lawsuit revealed Caroline Ellison, former co-chief executive officer at affiliated hedge fund Alameda Research, estimated a more than $US10 billion ($14.8 billion) cash deficit at FTX.com about eight months before the crypto exchange fell apart. The document also claims that Bankman-Fried and former FTX chief technology officer Gary Wang took $US546 million ($811 million) from Alameda in May 2022 to acquire shares in Robinhood Markets. Consider, for a moment, how many words your eyes tend to skip over when you read if you still do articles about the catastrophe we are, right now, in the midst of. My list would look something like this: floods; fire; record temperatures; ice melting; mass extinction; bleached coral; 1.5 degrees; 2 degrees; IPCC report; drought; heatwave; tipping point. There are more, but Id like you to keep reading. Illustration: Jim Pavlidis. Credit: All these terms mean only one thing, really: the world is getting very, very hot, and we are not doing enough to stop it. Nor does it seem much like we want to do enough to stop it. We know its getting hot, we are bored by the fact and that is why we allow our eyes to skip forward on the page, in an attempt to find something we have not read a hundred times before. Many young people, these days, simply avoid the news altogether. I am writing this and, full warning, this paragraph will bore you at the end of a truly crazy period. The world has likely just seen its hottest two weeks on record. Nobody alive has lived through a hotter period. The people of Phoenix, Arizona endured almost three weeks with temperatures above 43 degrees. Climate change has combined with El Nino to produce almost literally unbelievable conditions. (At least all this gave me a new phrase: heat dome. This is apparently hot air trapped by the atmosphere. For now, my eyes slow down when I come across it; that will no doubt stop soon.) One in seven Sydney suburbs is in dire need of more tree canopy cover, and the lack of heat-mitigating shade is worst in the citys poorest areas and in the new estates where nature has been razed for development. The places with the least canopy cover which include Fairfield, Merrylands and newer parts of the Hills are up to 10 degrees hotter than heavily vegetated areas, figures from the NSW Department of Planning show. The data comes as a heat catastrophe smothers the northern hemisphere; Europe and Japan face record temperatures, the United States swelters, and smoke from wildfires in Canada infects the air breathed by 70 million people. Academics say Sydney is failing to factor rising temperatures and climate change into its development policies, and warn that a lack of trees and green space will not only fail to protect against heat, but lead to poorer social and health outcomes. That degree accidentally turned out to be incredibly useful. The good thing about studying physics and maths is it gives you a very useful mental toolbox that you can use to jump into any other field that you like biomedical engineering, histology, anatomy, metallurgy any field that is vaguely scientific or technical, he said. Kruszelnickis work in science has been diverse: research at his hometowns steel works, investigating the properties of wool and hair, through to developing a machine that detects electronic signals from the human retina, supporting the work of the legendary Fred Hollows. Upon completion of that work, he turned down three Ph.D. scholarship opportunities, spent four years studying medicine, then dropped out to work on the launch of science program Quantum at the ABC. After a year, I returned to my medical studies and became a doctor at the kids hospital the best job Ive ever had in my life. I learnt how important it was to liberate people from what was holding them back. But I realised I could do more for society by going back into the media by speaking out in favour of vaccinations. Yes, there have been bad decisions bad in the sense that I didnt become fabulously wealthy but they were good in that they were the right thing to do. Looking back, I think Ive been on the right side of history. Studying science can lead to rewarding careers. Credit: Louise Kennerley Dr Karls top tips: Indecision is okay: The first thing you do will only be the thing you do before the second thing. Whatever you go into, give it a go and have a good time but you may change your mind and shouldnt feel bad about it. The first thing you do will only be the thing you do before the second thing. Whatever you go into, give it a go and have a good time but you may change your mind and shouldnt feel bad about it. Consider a gap year: You may need a break from study. Most kids will have spent more time in the education system than you spend in jail for murder they need a break. I would recommend that you spend half a year working in a job where people are rude to you. That has two advantages: firstly, youll earn money and secondly when you get rich and famous you wont be rude to those people who work in jobs where people are rude to them. Then, spend the second part of the year travelling the world somewhere. Open your mind up to all sorts of things you havent experienced. You may need a break from study. Most kids will have spent more time in the education system than you spend in jail for murder they need a break. I would recommend that you spend half a year working in a job where people are rude to you. That has two advantages: firstly, youll earn money and secondly when you get rich and famous you wont be rude to those people who work in jobs where people are rude to them. Then, spend the second part of the year travelling the world somewhere. Open your mind up to all sorts of things you havent experienced. Uni is a full-time job: If you go into university study straightaway, remember: full-time study is a full-time job. Dont even think about trying to get a full-time job. Your study, your results, will suffer. Your job is to get a distinction average. If you get a distinction average the university will do anything for you, in terms of allowing you to change faculties or courses. During the week no partying. If youre not happy with that, dont go to university. Study like you will live forever, but party like you will die tomorrow. If you go into university study straightaway, remember: full-time study is a full-time job. Dont even think about trying to get a full-time job. Your study, your results, will suffer. Your job is to get a distinction average. If you get a distinction average the university will do anything for you, in terms of allowing you to change faculties or courses. During the week no partying. If youre not happy with that, dont go to university. Study like you will live forever, but party like you will die tomorrow. Dont sweat the small stuff: Life is long. Youre the ones wholl be running the country. Kruszelnicki is hosting a free National Science Week event, Dr Karl and Friends, at Sydney Town Hall on August 17. First-hand experience leads to medicine Fourth-year medical student Eunice Cheng, 20, has a real love of learning. She speaks with enthusiasm about how her passion for different subjects drove her HSC course choices, and how she thrived pursuing the self-directed and independent learning encouraged at James Ruse Agricultural High School. Comfort always: Cheng has put her scientific smarts to use in pursuit of a medical career. Credit: Louise Kennerley Cheng topped NSW in Science Extension in 2019, the first year it was examined. As part of her medical degree, she is now completing an Honours project at the UNSW Sydneys Microbiome Research Centre (MRC). My project is on the microbiome of older Australians with and without dementia. Its a fascinating topic and a great opportunity to immerse myself in medical research, Cheng said. I did my HSC Science Extension project under the supervision of my current supervisors at the MRC. It had always been a dream of mine to return here to do more research, so to be able to live it out is incredible and Im so grateful for this opportunity. Cheng stressed the importance of keeping a balance between study, leisure activities and maintaining good health to ensure she could perform her best in the HSC. I deliberately kept up with all of my extracurricular activities throughout Year 12. For example, I represented Australia at the Yale University Young Global Scholars Program for Biological and Biomedical Science in the US in Year 11 and performed as a violin soloist at the Sydney Opera House in Year 12 just three weeks before my trial exams. These experiences not only enriched my high school experience, but nicely balanced my studies and helped me develop core life skills which have benefited me far beyond high school, Cheng said. Among the challenges was completing her HSC while also managing a rare eye condition which can periodically obscure her vision in one or both eyes. Having had my fair share of medical issues growing up, I am always incredibly inspired by my own doctors and hope that I will be able to help others in the same way they have done for me, Cheng said. While she hopes to care directly for patients at the bedside, Cheng also wants to maintain work in medical research because of the potential to help a much greater population of people. Just before starting university, I came across the quote from Hippocrates: Cure sometimes, treat often, comfort always. Comfort always resonated deeply with me, so much so that I even got it engraved on my stethoscope, Cheng said. Having this phrase with me serves as a constant reminder of what an amazing privilege it is to be part of the medical profession and my goal in medicine, and life generally caring for and serving others. Chengs tips for HSC Science: Test and apply concepts: I prioritised making sure that I understood all the key concepts listed in the syllabus and then practised applying them to a wide variety of questions. That way, regardless of what question comes up or whether youve seen it before or not, youll have the fundamental knowledge to be able to tackle and answer it. Enjoy the freedom of your project: For Science Extension, pick a topic that youre really passionate about and it will make studying so much more fun. Also, finding a mentor in the field of my project was crucial to my success and having that guidance and inspiration can make a world of difference. The Science Extension course is great at teaching the principles of science and then giving you the freedom to practise applying them, so take advantage of this. Take initiative! For me, this included actively participating in class or asking questions to clarify my understanding. Particularly in science, I found that reading widely around each concept covered in class helped me not only better understand the topic but also gave me extra general knowledge that enabled me to answer questions with more depth and detail and give additional examples to back up each answer. Top tips from HSC science teachers Biology Ami Morrow, Teaching Quality Advisor; Relieving Head Teacher, Teaching & Learning (Curriculum) Merewether High School Ami Morrow from Merewether High School. The skills of working scientifically are a vital component of the Biology syllabus. Key skills to practise include: designing first-hand investigations, identifying experimental variables (independent, dependent and controlled) and justifying the use of a control; interpreting, tabulating and graphing first-hand data, and assessing its validity, reliability, accuracy and precision; understanding the role of models in biology, and their advantages and limitations; evaluating the validity, reliability and accuracy of secondary sources. Many HSC exam questions will require you to apply your knowledge, understanding and skills to unfamiliar situations. Questions often provide stimulus material in the form of diagrams, flow charts, tables, graphs, scenarios or examples that you are not familiar with. Dont panic! Take the time to pick apart the stimulus and think carefully about what information or conclusions you can draw from it. For written questions with stimulus, rather than regurgitating the knowledge that you have on the topic, think about how you can apply what you know to the scenario being presented. Be sure to support your response with specific information or data from the stimulus material. If the stimulus includes a graph or a table, try to incorporate specific trends or points from the data into your response. Tips for longer questions Plan your answer Underline keywords in the question and note any plurals or the specific number of examples the question asked you to refer to. If the question asks you to use two examples, select the best two that support your answer. Spot the specific requirements of the question. In this question: Explain the loss of biodiversity that may result from TWO biotechnologies used in agriculture, a specific requirement is agriculture. This means your examples of biotechnology must relate to agriculture. Use a scaffold to help you plan (eg PEEL: Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link). You can also use headings or sub-headings to give your response a logical structure. Support your answer where appropriate using: information or data from any stimulus provided examples dot points diagrams tables flowcharts. Chemistry Kathy Barbeler Head Teacher, Science Faculty Gosford High School Teacher Kathy Barbeler. Credit: Hedy Xie Key terms Know the meaning of the following terms and how to apply them to your investigations and procedures: validity reliability accuracy. Tables, graphs and diagrams: Follow scientific conventions when drawing tables, graphs and diagrams. Provide titles, labelled axes with units, clear data points and smooth lines of best fit where appropriate. Think about which quantity is the independent variable and which is the dependent variable. Represent these on the graph accordingly, with the independent variable usually on the x-axis. Practise drawing graphs ahead of the exam, including calibration curves, the titration graphs and enthalpy of neutralisation graphs. Think about appropriate scales as a general guide use at least three-quarters of the provided grid. Scientific experiments Revise the equipment you used, the chemicals and quantities. You should be able to summarise and explain the results obtained. Think about how your results may have differed from expected results, what caused this difference, and how you could improve your investigation. Use scientific theory to explain your results. Annually, around 30 per cent of HSC students opt to study a vocational education and training (VET) course as part of their HSC, providing a pathway straight into further training, work or university. It also means students potentially leave school with dual accreditation the HSC credential and a VET qualification. Since starting her apprenticeship, Doan has helped to build once-in-a-lifetime projects including Western Sydney International Airport, Westmead Hospital and Quay Quarter Tower. The HSC Construction course gave her the basic knowledge and understanding needed to prepare for the construction work site. With practical and theoretical components, it was a great experience in the lead-up to my construction apprenticeship, she said. The course has a strong focus on work, health and safety to make sure youre going to be safe on-site. We learned about the protective equipment used in construction and developed the skills and confidence to use hand and power tools. The course also included doing my white card [or general construction induction card] which everyone needs for entry into any construction site. Most important to Doan is the sense that she is contributing to her community and the wider world. My dads a doctor and my mum owns a business. So, giving back to the community is important in our family. It makes the work Im doing rewarding on every level, she said. What is her advice to other young people, and women thinking about getting into construction from school? Id 100 per cent recommend training in construction to other girls and women. Its essentially a stepping-stone to get you started in the industry. It provides basic knowledge and skills, so its helpful to anyone who is thinking about taking up a trade, Doan said. Interested in pursuing a career in construction? Visit the NSW Government Women in Construction website to learn more. Doans tips for HSC Construction: Teachers help. So, dont be shy: Figure out what you need to know and ask for their help. Get organised: To prepare for a good result in this course, you need to do extra work outside class time. Schedule home study times into your calendar and stick to them. Look online: There are heaps of videos online that demonstrate the different construction and carpentry techniques in the course. Ask your teacher. I watched lots and found many of them helpful. Keep notes: Before you sit for a written exam, your teacher will typically review the HSC content with the class. Jot down the important points and update your notes. Itll help you study and do better in the exam. Dont miss practical tasks: Everything you build has a specification or a spec. Its a guide. Read it thoroughly and then build exactly to the requirements specified. Often, your teacher will set up mock practical tasks so you can get some practice in dont miss them. VET course sparks Tobys career ambitions Toby Maroulis is warm and wise beyond his 18 years perhaps a reflection of a life lived mainly on the land. With his formative years spent on the family farm outside Dubbo, Maroulis left to attend boarding school at St Josephs College, Hunters Hill, when he was 13. Enthusiastic about including a practical, hands-on subject for his HSC, Maroulis undertook a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) through the HSC Electrotechnology vocational education and training (VET) course. VET courses are perfect for all students, whether they want to take a traditional pathway to uni or go into further training, he said. Its a break from the standard schooling model, and, for those considering an apprenticeship after school, it shortens the requirements and offers a taste of what an apprenticeship would be like. For more practically minded students, a VET course breaks up theoretical work, balancing the workload and helping you focus on your other subjects. The Certificate II is a nationally recognised VET qualification that provides a pathway into any electrotechnology trade. Removal of course classifications for ATAR will mean more Stage 6 VET Industry Curriculum Framework courses will be eligible to count towards the ATAR for students undertaking the HSC from 2025. I knew I needed a practical subject in my timetable and the VET course appealed to me because of the large amount of workshop learning. I was already interested in electrotechnology to start with, so it was a logical step, Maroulis said. While being in the workshop is the drawcard for most students interested in undertaking a VET course like Electrotechnology, Maroulis said the theoretical and practical elements of the course bolstered each other and worked best when melded together. Although it isnt as exciting as the practical components of the course, theory lessons provide the base level of knowledge that is essential to understand the fundamentals of electrotechnology. There are some things that just need to be learnt, like the colour code of standard electrical wire, before you can apply that knowledge in the workshop, Maroulis said. Then use the practical lessons to further develop your understanding. Youll find that if you apply yourself in the workshop, itll make the theory easier to remember this is especially helpful when youre in an exam and the content being assessed was learnt almost two years ago. You dont need to rote learn the wiring convention for a lightbulb and regurgitate it in the exam, you just remember how you did it in the workshop, and theres your answer. Maroulis is taking a gap year and is set to begin a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering at Newcastle University next year. Marouliss tips for HSC Electrotechnology: Make the most of it: Its rare that you get a chance to study on such a practical level it mirrors what youll be doing out there in the real world if you choose to take it on as a trade. Ask questions: Understanding a concept is always going to make it easier to remember than just memorising notes from a PowerPoint presentation. This is true of all subjects but particularly a VET course. If youre unsure of anything, just ask your teacher until you understand it. Sit the exam: Why not? I get that a lot of people arent wired for exams (pardon the pun) but if youre doing an ATAR pathway, whats the harm? If you enjoy the subject, youll be surprised how much youll remember and theres no downside ... so just give it a go! Have fun: A course like this offers a break from traditional schooling and all your other subjects, so enjoy it! Teacher advice: Hospitality Judy Cropper, Head of Food Technology and Hospitality, Tara Anglican School for Girls Judy Cropper with her Tara students. Exam preparation tips Know which topics are in the HSC exam. Some topics you study are electives for the course and/or qualification and are not examined. Write detailed study notes using the NESA Hospitality syllabus as a guide. Do as many practice questions as you possibly can from past HSC papers and include multiple choice questions. You will find many on the NESA website. Your teacher can give you past HSC papers to complete. Take notice of the feedback you get from your teacher and resubmit the question if you do not get full marks. Take notice and know the meaning of key words such as describe and include words that have been used in the question for your answer. Take an approved calculator with you to the exam. Calculators are allowed and there may be a question where its very useful. Tackling the exam Independent MPs will push for all large government grant schemes to have parliamentary oversight, so potential cases of politicisation or conflicts of interest can be caught in real time, after this masthead reported hundreds of millions of dollars had been spent on non-competitive contracts. The move comes as the Greens introduce their own legislation to ban political donors including the big consulting firms from being awarded Commonwealth contracts. Questions are being raised about the Medical Research Future Fund. Credit: Richard Giliberto This masthead revealed last week that the governments $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund had spent more than half a billion dollars on ad hoc or non-competitive grants, including to projects in or near marginal seats. Since then, reports have emerged of a non-competitive contract worth $30 million given by the Health Department to a PwC-backed company to trial a digital mental health platform. Planning decisions would be fast-tracked under a major package to ease Victorias housing crisis, which Premier Daniel Andrews said would represent one of the states biggest policy shake-ups, but the opposition has accused the government of distraction tactics after cancelling the Commonwealth Games. Andrews said everything was on the table when asked on Sunday about reports the government was considering new rent controls and a tax on short-term stays, such as Airbnb accommodation. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas at a press conference on Sunday. Credit: Penny Stephens The proposal to limit the amount and frequency of rent increases was slammed by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria and the opposition which said the measures would dampen housing supply but welcomed by the Greens and Tenants Victoria. In April, The Age revealed local councils could be cut from decision-making on major development projects under a massive planning overhaul expected to be delivered within weeks. Hundreds of Victorian students could be left to learn in distracting and noisy open-plan classrooms, despite a move away from the outdated design. The Grattan Institute has called for a statewide audit of public schools to identify and fix open-plan classrooms after the NSW government recently moved to cease construction of the spaces, now dismissed as a 40-year-old fad unsuitable for learning. An open-plan learning space, which has now been labelled unsuitable for learning. The Victorian government now constructs flexible learning spaces, which allow for open-plan rooms to be segmented with soundproof walls. But the independent think tank says it is aware of a number of schools in the state that dont have genuinely flexible classrooms, including some built quite recently. As the once-formidable 50-year alliance between mining moguls Lang Hancock and Peter Wright began to crumble, Hancock had a message for his schoolfriend-turned-business partner that now reads like a premonition. The ageing pioneers had spent much of the early 1980s butting heads while attempting to carve up the mining assets they had acquired over swathes of Western Australias premier iron ore heartland. We have to do our best to solve the problem now rather than pass it on to the next generation, Hancock wrote to Wright. But efforts to stave off a bitter tug-of-war over assets that would elevate their descendants to the top of the countrys rich-list were futile. Jakes mum, Yong Hung Xu, couldnt believe the response of the security guard when she got there and told them about the incident. I met my boy and as we were going down the lift, Jake recognised two of the boys. Westfield Carousel in Cannington. Credit: Rebecca Peppiatt I started running after them and six or seven of them started running off and heading for the lift. I yelled out stop them, stop them but I couldnt get hold of them. When Hung Xu finally found a security guard, he told her there was nothing he could do. He said he sees this every day, she said. He said, these kids have spat on me, theres nothing I can do because theyre minors. I cant put a hand on them or Ill lose my job. An increase in antisocial behaviour Staff throughout the centre have noticed an increase in crime committed by younger people, including shoplifting, but say there is a general trend by kids to wreak havoc throughout the mall in other ways too. Cailan Gumina, a retail assistant at Caasi Boutique, said an employee from another store ran into her shop just last week to hide after shed confronted a group of girls she had seen trying to steal. She just needed to hide here for a bit because a group of girls had told her they were going to come back with their massive group and mob her, she said. Cailan Gumina works at fashion store Caasi Boutique and has noticed an increase in crime in recent months. Credit: Rebecca Peppiatt She was scared. They had stolen a few things from there and she had confronted them. Another nearby retailer told Gumina that days earlier a group of young girls had run into their underwear shop and went through the change rooms ripping open curtains, exposing women who were trying on garments. My friend is the manager there and she said the girls were coming out of there crying because they felt so exposed, she said. Sam Chapman, the store manager at LOccitane en Provence, said she saw 10-year-old boys being escorted out of the centre by police. In the last few months, the amount of crime here has skyrocketed, she said. Ive seen eight-year-olds walking around stealing stuff during school hours. It seems to be the younger demographic doing most of it. Most store employees said the average age of those committing the shoplifting and muggings were between 11 and 15 years old. They steal anything and everything, Universal Store manager Shania Nicholson said. Carousel Shopping Centre, WAs largest mall, has experienced an increase in anti-social behaviour. Credit: Rebecca Peppiatt Its mostly teenagers. However, a new system designed to stop petty thieves in their tracks is working, employees said. Each shop has access to a WhatsApp group where they will post photos of repeat offenders or those that have been caught in the act. Loading Theyll then warn other stores of which direction the offender is heading in, so they can be on high alert. We have a callout system thats a code word that all the team know, Nicholson said. If we see someone who looks suspicious, maybe they beep when they come in, maybe theyve got tons of shopping bags, maybe theyve got two empty cooler bags and thats a bit suss, or theyre wearing caps or even if weve seen them before and we know them, then we just get on top of them and dont leave them alone. We just give really good customer service, ask them how theyre going and hang around. A WA Police spokesperson said Cannington District officers worked closely with various retail outlets to assist in enhancing their theft prevention capabilities. Officers conduct frequent patrols of the major shopping centres in Cannington District, and are always ready to respond swiftly to community calls, they said. Additionally, overt and covert operations are conducted to further identify and charge individuals committing offences in retail outlets. They also said that while violent offences were not prominent at any of the shopping centres in the Cannington District, that they did not tolerate individuals coming into these shopping precincts, with the intention of committing offences. TOKYO, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Three individuals were injured on Sunday during a stabbing incident on a train in Japan's western prefecture of Osaka, according to local authorities. Local police quickly arrested the male perpetrator on the spot on suspicion of attempted murder, who later confessed to the stabbing. According to the police, the stabbing was reported by a staff member at Rinku-Town Station at around 10:25 a.m. local time. It is believed that the attack happened while the train was in motion. The injured were a male passenger in his 20s, another in his 70s, and a male train conductor in his 20s. All three were taken to the hospital, their injuries not life-threatening, according to authorities. Kazuya Shimizu, the 37-year-old perpetrator, was found carrying three knives when taken into custody on the station platform. The station where the incident took place is situated near a large shopping mall and a hospital in Izumisano, Osaka prefecture. Queensland-based family company Canstruct, which was paid $1.82 billion over five years to run the Nauru centre after Broadspectrum pulled out, confirmed that one arrangement to pay millions to a company linked to Naurus then president to deliver water had the backing of Home Affairs. Internal company emails also reveal that some taxpayer-funded services were tainted by overcharging, raising concerns among senior employees of Home Affairs then lead contractor, Broadspectrum. Home Truths, an investigation series by The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and 60 Minutes, can reveal that, on Nauru, a money trail that began in Home Affairs ended with multimillion-dollar payments to businesses controlled by powerful politicians and suspected kickbacks to the islands political kingmaker, David Adeang. The Australian Federal Police and financial crime agency Austrac have spent months probing the payments. But no charges have been laid, and sources aware of both agencies work, speaking anonymously to detail confidential investigations, said the National Anti-Corruption Commission or a commission of inquiry was needed to examine a money trail that spans 10 years and several governments. Financial data, internal emails and whistleblower testimony implicate Home Affairs lead contractors Broadspectrum, Canstruct and Paladin in suspected systemic misuse of taxpayer dollars in Nauru and Papua New Guinea. Australias Home Affairs Department oversaw the payment of millions of taxpayer dollars to powerful Pacific Island politicians through a chain of suspect contracts as it sought to maintain controversial offshore asylum seeker processing centres. A months-long investigation into the failures of Home Affairs, exposing deep flaws in the operation of Australias gatekeepers. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. The Home Affairs Department defended its handling of offshore processing contracts, saying it has a robust contract management framework ... which has matured over the past decade. Any allegations should be referred to the Australian Federal Police or the National Anti-Corruption Commission, it said. Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil said: These allegations are extremely serious and ought to be investigated by the appropriate authorities. I encourage anyone with evidence of wrongdoing or corruption to share it. The revelations come as part of the Home Truths series , which has found evidence that Australias Home Affairs Department has failed to prevent criminal infiltration of Australia or the misuse of visas, or to manage the multibillion-dollar offshore processing system. Its inconvenient to have a report like this out there, and no one wants the inconvenience of it, Stewart said. On Manus Island, Australias other offshore detention centre, a former director of contractor Paladin has separately alleged that millions of dollars were paid to Papua New Guinea officials via a bank account in Singapore to obtain visas and work permits for Paladin employees. Former director Ian Stewart said that when executives flagged corruption concerns with Home Affairs, they were told to avoid putting them in writing. On top of revelations in recent days of failings within Home Affairs that have allowed organised criminals to rort Australias visa and migration system, the scandal also raises questions for departmental secretary Michael Pezzullo, who has led Home Affairs and its predecessor, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, since 2014. The revelations pose a political challenge for the Albanese government, which has campaigned hard on integrity and has sought to position Australia as an honest broker in the face of Chinas tactics of using financial inducements among Pacific Island leaders to win influence. Most of the suspect payments occurred while Home Affairs and its predecessor, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, were overseen by the Coalition and long-time minister Peter Dutton, but some also happened on Labors watch. But Transparency Internationals Australian chief executive, Clancy Moore, said it should have been blatantly obvious to the government and Home Affairs officials throughout the operation of the offshore detention program that Nauru and PNG were corruption-prone jurisdictions. The governments own advice wouldve been to proceed with extreme caution, he said. The commission has the power to investigate government contractors. This masthead is not suggesting that the payments were bribes, which is ultimately something that can only be proven by a court or the corruption watchdog. Rather, it is stating that the deals raise integrity concerns that warrant significant scrutiny. Documents released under freedom of information show that the department was aware of the bribery allegations involving Adeang, who exercised significant control over offshore processing on Nauru as justice minister and a member of his governments offshore processing working group. Getax has been charged with conspiracy to bribe a public official. Adeang has previously called bribery allegations baseless and said they have been consistently disproven. He has never been charged. When the Nauru centre was reopened, Australian authorities already knew key Nauruan officials were suspected of being corrupt. Australian Federal Police and intelligence services had gathered information as early as 2010 that Naurus justice minister and political kingmaker, David Adeang, had received suspect payments from an Australian phosphate mining company, Getax. Contractors and the department were also reliant on key local politicians and officials, who had control over visas, work permits and legislation that included requirements to use local contractors. However, contracts released under the Freedom of Information Act indicate Home Affairs, and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection before it, maintained strict control over those companies. The contracts said Broadspectrum, Canstruct and Paladin must not enter into a subcontract without the prior written approval of the department if the total fees from it were $50,000 or more. In late 2012, the Labor government reopened the Nauru and Manus offshore processing camps after a four-year hiatus, putting the immigration department in charge of implementation. The department paid private companies to run the camps. Home Truths has also confirmed that companies controlled by both Aingimea and Mr X were paid sums totalling several million dollars by the Australian government to provide services to the offshore processing regime. The Home Truths investigation has seen banking records that reveal Adeang received more than $120,000 in suspect payments from offshore processing subcontractors hired by Broadspectrum and Canstruct with the approval of Home Affairs. This masthead is not suggesting these payments were bribes, only that they should be scrutinised. The pressure on Home Affairs and its Australian lead contractors to use Nauruan subcontractors was frequent and longstanding. Leaked emails from within Home Affairs contractor Broadspectrum reveal that in his capacity as Naurus justice department secretary in 2015, Aingimea warned Broadspectrums import licence would be revoked to enable to [Nauruan] government SOEs [state-owned enterprises] to have a bigger place in RPC [regional processing centre] supplies. In 2018, the working group pressured the Australian government to replace Home Affairs contractors with Nauruan service providers. In October 2018, Adeang told the Nauru parliament how the government of Nauru has been negotiating with the government of Australia to take over the commercial operations and services currently provided ... to the regional processing centres. Two other key Nauruans also exercised influence over offshore processing and were working group members: the secretary of the justice and border security department, Lionel Aingimea, and a public servant, Mr X, who later became a politician, who The Age, The Herald and 60 Minutes are not naming for legal reasons. In Aingimeas case, the payments to his private company commenced in early 2016. Leaked internal emails from Broadspectrum describe how Lionel [Aingimea] approached the ops manager recently informing that he had a water truck 8000-litre available for Broadspectrum use. Nauru has little naturally occurring water and relies on desalination, rainwater and minimal supplies of groundwater, which must be trucked around the island. Another internal email chain describes how Broadspectrum employees began discussing Lionels water truck and the need to get it on the books, even though Broadspectrum was already paying another company to carry water. Broadspectrum decided it would hire Aingimea as an alternative back-up service and said it would assist in keeping up with the required water service delivery. The intention is to use both Lionel (new vendor) and the existing service when required, one email states. The decision triggered alarm bells inside Broadspectrum, with a manager querying whether hiring a high-ranking Nauruan official was in accordance with our code of business conduct. The code strictly prohibits improper financial or other advantages, such as bribes and kickbacks, intended to induce or reward favourable commercial and governmental decisions. Such concerns were ignored, according to other Broadspectrum emails. By March 2016, Aingimea had struck a deal with Broadspectrum: it would pay the company linked to him, LRC Car Rental and Construction, an estimated $500,000 a year. Even after Aingimea was elected to parliament and appointed assistant justice minister under Adeang in July 2016, Broadspectrum emails reveal Australian taxpayers money continued to flow to LRC. This masthead is not suggesting LRC did not provide the services required under the agreement, only that the agreement should have raised serious conflict of interest concerns and been declared given Aingimeas position and influence over offshore processing. Detailed questions were sent to Aingimea and Adeang. Neither responded. Our subcontractor is the president Broadspectrum was sold to a Spanish company in 2017 and pulled out of Nauru and Manus under pressure from international human rights organisations. Queensland family-owned company Canstruct replaced it as the lead contractor on Nauru. The payments to the Aingimea-linked company continued. In August 2019, Aingimea was elected Naurus president, becoming the most powerful man on the island. By then, the number of asylum seekers on the island was plummeting. In May 2016, Australia held 1193 asylum seekers on Nauru, a number that steadily decreased to 107 in August 2021. Even so, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, followed by Home Affairs, kept paying LRC the same fees to truck water. Financial records reveal that, between March 2016 and October 2017, Aingimeas company received $750,000 for trucking services. After the immigration department was renamed, it paid his company an estimated $2.6 million between late 2017 and November 2022 between $45,000 and $60,000 a month. The amount was about seven times Aingimeas salary as the president. Banking records suggest a large part of the money was for personal use: in 2020 the trucking firm LRC Car Rental and Construction transferred $435,000 to Aingimeas personal bank account. The trucking business was not the only way one of Naurus top politicians earned personal income from Australias offshore processing regime. Emails reveal that while he was secretary of the justice department and assistant justice minister, one of Aingimeas family members ran a bakery business called Golden Food, which Broadspectrum felt it had little choice but to buy from. Internal emails reveal that Broadspectrum employees held concerns about the accuracy of Golden Foods invoices, but were urged to pay quickly because Lionel owns this cafe. Between January 2015 and November 2016, Broadspectrum, using taxpayer money, paid Golden Food more than $865,000. This masthead does not suggest the concerns raised by Broadspectrum over the Golden Food invoices were well-founded or that the invoices were not legitimate. That issue was never investigated, let alone determined. The company that purchased Broadspectrum, Ventia, did not respond to questions. Canstruct said in a statement it knew LRC Car Rental and Construction had connections with the family of Mr Lionel Aingimea and that its use of the firm was approved by Home Affairs. Given the small population on Nauru, many companies are connected with family members of prominent people including members of parliament, and it was unsurprising and usual for all contractors operating in Nauru, it said. Canstruct said it rejects any insinuation that this contractor was anything but a company that provided legitimate services and were paid accordingly and appropriately. However, Transparency Internationals Clancy Moore said the corruption risks of dealing with politicians such as a president were really, really high, particularly in a place like Nauru where one in four people live below the poverty line. We dont know where that money goes, what was provided for that service as well. And in this instance, taxpayers money was wasted. They paid more than they should have. This is a real scandal. A Nauru official, speaking to the Home Truths investigation on condition of anonymity, said: We suspected that there were funny deals involving politicians behind the scenes. Now that it is clear the extent of those dealings, Im outraged. An Australian doctor, Chris Jones, speaking out for the first time about his experiences treating asylum seekers on Nauru in 2018, said that with millions of Australian taxpayer dollars flowing into the island, there should be a thriving middle class, but instead the population was poor and local infrastructure, including the hospital, underdeveloped. The only thing that I saw around the periphery of the country were these garish, small, colourful slides that the government of Australia had given them for their children to play on, Jones said. But there was no infrastructure at all. None at all. A piece of the pie The practice of high-ranking Nauru officials seeking lucrative offshore detention contracts was raised repeatedly by Broadspectrum staff. In April 2015, the companys managers emailed each other to raise a concern that the Nauru government was pressuring it to hire a new waste disposal and security company, JHSS. The company was, according to an internal Broadspectrum email, an entity directly associated with a senior government of Nauru minister. Broadspectrum had been directed to utilise their services, the internal email said. In another leaked email, a Broadspectrum manager raised integrity concerns, saying it made him nervous. I see the writing on the wall and I know where this is going, the email said. But despite the concerns, Australias border protection department paid the firm more than $430,000 via its subcontract with Broadspectrum. One internal Broadspectrum email describes how another Nauruan MP also wanted a piece of the pie. Broadspectrum went on to create an arrangement in which department funds were used to pay a large mark-up for bottled water supplied by his company, Forever Exports. Fact is we pay $11 per unit, cost is $6. The minister margin is 45 per cent. I would target a 2-3 dollar reduction, a Broadspectrum manager wrote to a colleague about the bottled water supply. In another email, dated November 2016, a Broadspectrum manager wrote of the deal: I have some concerns that the supply chain doesnt align with Broadspectrums business ethics and poses some potential reputational risk. Political pressure came in a number of ways. In early 2016, Broadspectrum described facing government demands to remove a laundry service provider run by an opposition politician and replace it with a firm that Broadspectrum believed was linked to government ministers. Other public officials who pressured Broadspectrum to hire them included a senior police officer who was then in charge of overseeing offshore processing, a local politician who ran a skip bin company, and the politician owner of a car rental company who threatened to start talking to my friends in the Australian media if his company was not used. Broadspectrum awarded a car rental contract worth $500,000 to that company. An existing bread supplier was sacked and another contracted, despite questions about cost and quality, after the minister was asking why it had not been hired. The Albanese government announced last month the detention centre had closed, though Home Affairs Minister ONeil has left open a $350 million contingency fund to keep it ticking along as a deterrent to possible maritime arrivals. Id consider it a bribe Separately, at Australias other offshore processing centre, Papua New Guineas Manus Island, a whistleblowing former director of contractor Paladin claimed the company made a series of payments of more than $3 million to an account in Singapore of a businessman with close ties to senior PNG officials. Ian Stewart says he was pressured to pay bribes and tried to report it to the government. Credit: Eddie Jim Ian Stewart said it was one of a number of demands by PNG politicians for bribes and donations, some of which he reported to Home Affairs. In another allegation, Stewart said an employee of Home Affairs had pressured him to use a subcontractor suspected of being a front for corrupt PNG officials. In an interview with The Age, The Herald and 60 Minutes, Stewart said even when he made his complaints public in 2019, the department sought to play down its knowledge of corruption concerns and urged Paladin executives to pass on his concerns only in phone calls and to avoid putting them in writing. The allegation is corroborated by confidential Paladin records. Home Affairs paid Paladin $530 million in taxpayer funds to run the detention centre for just over two years between 2017 and 2019, but from the beginning the company had difficulty with PNG officials and politicians in obtaining visas and work permits. In 2018, Stewart was called to a breakfast meeting with a businessman and a high-ranking PNG politician to try to secure their support. He says he went to the meeting after another Paladin manager had texted him, stating: Hi Ian, if we dont meet the minister, it will cause us a great deal of problems. Invoices from September 2018, seen by the Home Truths investigation, show Paladin made one payment of $1.5 million to the businessman via a Singapore bank account. The invoice was marked Visas. After it was made, we did get work permits and visas that we hadnt been able to get for months before, Stewart said. So that [$1.5 million] seems to be an unrelated payment outside the [offshore processing] contract that impacted what we were able to receive inside the contract I would consider that was a bribe. Internal Paladin records obtained by this masthead reveal that in addition to the $1.5 million payment, Paladin made another of $1.48 million, as well as a $124,000 payment variously described in records as for visa assistance, consultation and submission. A November 2018 email from the businessman receiving the payments describes them as part of an ongoing commitment made by Paladin relating to ongoing relationships. Paladins former chief executive, David Saul, said he was not aware of any improper payment made by Paladin to any politician or official. There had been several attempts by people purporting to be politicians to try to extract money from the company, he said, but these were simply scams. He said the businessman who Stewart claimed had received the $3 million payments was in a legitimate marketing relationship with Paladin, and any payments to him were much smaller than claimed. As for paying for visas, Saul said: We paid nothing to any official and got nothing from them. Were not aware Stewart said that shortly after Paladin was appointed as a lead security contractor on Manus Island, a Home Affairs official had pressured it to use a subcontractor that Stewart said was known to be a front for corrupt PNG officials. Stewart said another contractor on Manus Island had paid bribes via the same subcontractor. Im aware some key contract subcontractors ... were the ones making the corrupt payments. We were strongly pressured to take on some of those subcontractors, Stewart said. It was said to me by Home Affairs officials that if we were just to take them on as a subcontractor, then we would have no troubles. Stewart described meeting a Home Affairs official at a Port Moresby hotel. He basically said to me, Why wont you just subcontract one of their subcontractors? And I said, Because I believe them to be corrupt, and Ill never subcontract him. He said, It would be just easy if you did. And I said no. Stewart says he reported the conduct to Home Affairs, along with several approaches from senior PNG officials for bribe payments in return for visas and work permits. When we reported it, it was to senior people, Stewart said, but nothing happened. The first reports were made in 2017, he said. When he was confronted with media reports in this masthead about allegedly corrupt approaches made to Paladin by PNG officials, Home Affairs secretary Pezzullo told a parliamentary committee in April 2019: Were not aware of any demonstrable instances of likely, possible or reasonably suspected corruption. An internal Paladin text message after this hearing states that a Home Affairs official had phoned Paladin and said he was concerned I would imply improper practices in PNG. He would prefer phone calls, the message says, referring to the Home Affairs official. After these questions were raised in this masthead in 2019, Home Affairs conducted an internal audit, after which it says it improved its subcontracting processes, including requiring all arrangements of more than $50,000 per year to be approved by the department. But Stewart alleged Home Affairs was actively managing to keep any records of these reports off the books. I think the approach of the government was to put distance between themselves and the corruption, he said. Department of Home Affairs secretary Michael Pezzullo in a parliamentary hearing. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Pezzullo maintained throughout 2019 that the department had no records of bribes or bribe attempts. He told this masthead this week that he was proud of the departments record throughout his tenure. Loading I have always acted with integrity, he said. Late in 2019, Paladin lost the Manus contract. These contracts, theyre on a knife edge, Stewart said. They could be pulled by the government, either Papua New Guinea or the Nauru government could pull their support for the contracts at any time. So no one from the [Australian] government side wants that to happen. So, anything that could be a threat to that, such as a report of corruption, is inconvenient. I dont think they [Home Affairs] actively managed it with an enthusiasm to actually find any truth. They managed it with an enthusiasm to close off the issue. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Thank you, Geraldine Brooks, for succinctly expressing my own thoughts. I remember the 1967 referendum as an 18-year-old (Voice cant be silenced by Duttons triumphant tone, July 22). At the time, I could not believe that our Indigenous people were not counted in the population. Voting Yes then was the right thing to do and voting for the Voice now is also right. It is but another tiny step in the reconciliation process. Julie Granger, St Peters Saying sorry in 2008 was a symbolic gesture by non-Indigenous Australians to acknowledge the wrongs perpetrated against the stolen generations. Many Aboriginal people graciously accepted the apology. No future sorry will ever suffice if the Voice referendum is not successful. Margot Vaccari, Berowra Guidelines. Credit: Matt Golding By accusing Peter Dutton of mimicking Donald Trump, dual US/Australian citizen Brooks is falling into the same trap as others. On a day when the Herald Resolve Political Monitor is showing a continuing slide in support for the referendum question, Yes advocates need to explain what the Voice actually means rather than resorting to name-calling (Voice vote faces loss as NSW trends No, July 22). Most Australians support Indigenous recognition in the Constitution. However, they are worried and unsure of the consequences of an enshrined Indigenous institution separate to government. Riley Brown, Bondi Beach One key element that has been missing from the Yes campaign is evidence: evidence that consulting with program participants achieves better results (Yes campaign in need of a radical shake-up, July 22). Thankfully, this is now being addressed. Programs run by charities such as World Vision clearly demonstrate outcomes improve when the voices of intended beneficiaries are heard, whether in Australian First Nations communities or in developing countries. The Yes campaign has to date relied largely on emotion. It is time to let the facts speak for themselves. Clay OBrien, Mosman One of the key factors we should consider in voting is the impact of a No vote on our nations moral fibre. If we explicitly disregard the ample moral claims of Indigenous Australians to their own Voice, we might imagine this has no bearing on the overall integrity of the nation. One thing that the robo-debt scandal has taught us is the propensity of politicians to disenfranchise any powerless subgroup if they think it is to their advantage. Let us not imagine any of us is immune to having our rights trampled. Strengthening the rights of Indigenous Australians will strengthen the rights of all of us, both as individuals and as a nation. Gerard McMullan, Birchgrove Is the increasing resistance to the idea of the Voice really about disinformation? Are pundits being too narrow in their take on this? We should remember we are a self-made people. We pride ourselves on dragging ourselves up in life. We hate seeing increases in unemployment payments. We dont like seeing people get something for nothing. There are many layers in the strata of the Australian psyche. We shouldnt oversimplify this and develop tunnel vision. Garry Feeney, Kingsgrove Advertisement Nothing could be clearer. The Voice = considered advice. No more, no less. Full stop. Kaput. Any suggestion it is otherwise points towards racism, gullibility or private agendas. Geoff Simmons, Belrose Crime gangs welcome, but no asylum seekers please For a moment, your headline had me worried that we may have been at risk from serious crime (Violent, organised and in Australia, July 22). What a relief to find, on reading the article, the danger was just a few small matters of identity fraud, with fake passports and fake visas, some burglary, money laundering, money mules, drug and human trafficking, sexual exploitation and minor murder events. These people were aspirational, organised and demonstrated perseverance: welcome to Australia! Please come in. So reassured to find they hadnt come by boat. So glad our governments have been able to keep us all so safe through our superior, protective migration system over past decades by focusing on and blocking those dreadful asylum seekers who turned on-water, disorganised, without passports or visas, not even fake ones. And with nothing to offer their targeted country no drug supplies, no money to launder and sink into real estate. Keep them locked up with their dangerous ideas stuck on freedom and democracy. Nell Knight, Avoca Beach Yet another wonderful Coalition legacy: we will decide who comes to this country and the circumstances in which they come, said PM John Howard in 2001. Scott Morrison stopped the boats and various Commonwealth departments were amalgamated under none other than Peter Dutton, put in military-style uniforms and ostentatiously named Border Force. So while there was plenty of focus on people arriving in leaky boats, we apparently ignored people who arrived on commercial flights, intending to set up criminal enterprises. Indeed, the weaknesses in our immigration controls seemed to facilitate their efforts and therefore attract them. Michael McMullan, Avoca Beach The previous Coalition government and its Border Force led so incompetently by Dutton and by Morrison in his various guises seem to have scared us about a few poor refugees on boats, but instead allowed in a whole criminal and drug army and slave-labour force from China, Colombia and Albania. Yet they still trump themselves as some sort of guide to how things should be done. Tony Sullivan, Adamstown Heights While Albanian illegal immigrants were gaining a foothold in Australia, importing drugs and getting away with murder, the men whose job it was to protect us from them were preoccupied with seeking political advantage from queue-jumping asylum seekers and African crime gangs. The Coalition will always go after the low-hanging fruit. Duttons opposition to the Voice is yet another case of vote-seeking over principle. Wake up, Australia. Peter Newberry, Kingsford Advertisement Spend profits of doom on fire-fighting With the anticipated likelihood of heatwaves over summer, we can expect horrendous wildfires and crippling drought, compounded by potentially fatal impacts on human health (Hottest July in history bodes ill for summer, July 22). At the same time, fossil fuel exporters will reap huge profits while directly contributing to global warming. The forecast climatic events suggest that substantial additional resources will need to be directed to fire-fighting, drought relief and mitigation of the heat effects on our population. This raises the obvious question, which sectors should be contributing additional funds to offset the threat? Roger Epps, Armidale Illustration: Megan Herbert Credit: What wattle? There are more than 1000 species of Acacia (wattle) in Australia, so there is always more than one type in flower at any time of the year (Letters, July 22). Wattle Day was gazetted as September 1 nationally in 1992. Previously it had been celebrated on August 1 and September 1 in different states. Certainly, there are indicators of climate change in altered flowering patterns of native plants, but one needs to compare specific species over many years to provide evidence of this. Location and other factors also come into play. For example, many plants flower later (every year) in the Blue Mountains than on the coast, despite relatively close geographic proximity. Dave Noble, Marks Point Forty years ago I went into labour on a grey rainy day in July. Three days later I came home with my beautiful third baby - a bright sunny day and it seemed like the bush had exploded into a sea of yellow. Acacia longifolia was blooming as it does every July. With hundreds of species of wattle in Australia, it is not unexpected that different wattles bloom at different times, giving us the opportunity to gather blooms in many months. Margaret Gibbons, Green Point What youre seeing blooming at the moment is winter wattle. A third of Australian wattle species start flowering in winter but the golden wattle, our national flower, puts on its show a bit later, signalling the beginning of spring. Freda Surgenor, Caringbah Advertisement The benighted city After leaving the Dendy Newtown one Friday at 9pm I crossed the road looking for dessert and a drink at a well-regarded bar/restaurant (One night out, three classic nightlife fails, July 23). No such luck: the kitchen closes at 9pm. Its more cost effective to sling $25 cocktails than to keep a kitchen open. On a balmy Saturday summers evening, drinkers are ushered inside at 10pm to avoid disturbing the beauty sleep of nearby homeowners. The pub has been here for 100 years and the residents chose to live next door to a pub. David Farrell, Erskineville The one and only As the mother of an only child, I know the stereotypes only too well (The power of one, Good Weekend, July 22). Most have been shared with me by children, having overheard them when their parents were talking, and passed on to me or my daughter unaware of their hurtful messages. I heard a five-year-old ask my daughter of the same age why we didnt have a swimming pool, explaining the question to my daughter with the comment that I thought youd have a pool. My mum said youd be spoilt. Ive spent my life defending the only child and believing that only children could be as happy and have as good a life as children with siblings do. However, I now think its important to acknowledge that whoever we are, we dont get it all. Im very proud of our daughter. Shes a happy, well-adjusted person making a good life for herself and her family, and enriching the lives of many others. But Im deeply sad for her that she will never know the joy of having loving siblings as I do. There are many reasons for having whatever number of children you have, or for having none. But whatever eventuates, therell be advantages and disadvantages for the child. We dont get it all, and thats life. Prue Nelson, Cremorne Point Advertisement End of an empire? The actors and writers strike in the US is just another sign of whats ailing the country (Disney boss adds fuel to the actors strike fire of Fran, July 23). Just like its ingrained problem of guns that rots every fibre of American society, its inescapable gravity towards involvement in other countries wars, the strike is starting to reveal that its been caused by big business in its never-ending quest for the mighty profits as well. Whether Americans admit it or deny it, capitalism (once revered as the greatest economic powerhouse) is now destroying the very country that espoused it, if it has not already destroyed the country. Capitalism has reared its ugly head. Felix Orcullo, Wahroonga Big Ws duty of care Your correspondents who are criticising Big W for taking the Welcome to Sex book off the shelves seem to have missed the point (Letters, July 22). Big W has a duty of care for its employees. If employees are being abused because the book is being sold, it has to respond. The book is still available online so Big W has not succumbed or kowtowed to anything. Having said that, I hope the Bible is no longer being sold in Big W stores. Erik Hoekstrat, Leura Old lefties unite! Your correspondents image of old-style lefties with their pampered little pets is entirely accurate (Letters, July 21). She certainly has me pegged. Its no coincidence that I named my little ginger boy cat Kerry OBrien. Paul Vincent, Birchgrove What about the ageing, tree-hugging, tofu-eating wokerati who dont have pets? John Oakley, Wollongong Advertisement Distressed property sales are increasing in parts of Sydneys mortgage belt, as households succumb to the pressure of rising mortgage repayments and the cost of living crisis. Distressed property listings in the citys western and south-west suburbs, and in some inner pockets, have increased year-on-year, Domain figures show, as the fall-out from 12 cash rates rises proves too much for some. Distressed listings are on the rise in Sydneys outer suburbs. Credit: Janie Barrett Although the share of urgent listings remains low overall, they more than tripled year-on-year in the Bringelly-Green Valley region, covering suburbs such as Austral and Leppington, to 7.3 per cent. Listings more than doubled in Penrith and Camden, but to lower rates of 3.3 and 2.4 per cent. They also climbed to 8.8 per cent in the Blacktown region, and increased in the Liverpool, Carlingford, Bankstown, Campbelltown and Botany areas, making up between 4.5 and 5.5 per cent of listings. Americas Main Street is as ephemeral as the lore its evoked since kicking off in 1926. It exists not as an unbroken stretch of bitumen but in splinters of tar that drift off into prairie grass here, duck beneath thundering overpasses there, dissolve in all manner of forsaken dead-ends. Feted and fabled, it labours fitfully across 3940 kilometres and eight richly storied, deeply contrasting states. Credit: Jamie Brown Lack of signage and the fragmentary nature of the road lead to many a wrong turn. The first rule is to get your hands on a reliable map: Route 66 historian Jerry McClanahans EZ66 Guide, produced with The National Historic Route 66 Federation, is your faithful companion. Individual alignments and easterly and westerly driving instructions are clarified in this spiral-bound digest. Direction presents another dilemma: where to start? Purists set off from downtown Chicago a days drive from the routes official birthplace of Springfield, Missouri and follow the trail across Americas breadth before sidling to a halt at Santa Monica Pier. One can more easily conjure, on this course, the routes historic trajectory, and the souls of those who traversed it on their way to the land of milk and honey California during the Great Depression. The jalopies cluttering the Mother Road in Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath are long gone. Harley Davidsons and Chevy Corvettes lend a touch of retro authenticity to the modern wayfarers journey; whatever your style, remember that the roads decay demands robustness in a vehicle. And though you could conceivably cover the distance in three or four days, the voyage should proceed sedately, over a period of two weeks or more. Phnom Penh: The ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) declared a landslide victory in a one-sided election on Sunday, clearing the path for a historic leadership transition and the end of the reign of one of the worlds longest-serving premiers. The contest was effectively a one-horse race, with Prime Minister Hun Sens CPP, a political behemoth with a vast war chest, facing no viable opponent after a ruthless, years-long crackdown under which hundreds of its rivals have fled into exile. Hun Manet, of the Cambodian Peoples Party, son of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, also army chief, shows off his inked finger outside a polling station after voting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Credit: AP The CPP was leading in ballot counting late on Sunday, with a turnout of 84 per cent, according to the election committee, with 8.1 million people voting in a lopsided contest between the CPP and 17 mostly obscure parties. Weve won in a landslide ... but we cant calculate the number of seats yet, CPP spokesperson Sok Eysan said. Zero would be nice, the general replies. Oscar voters may decide next March that director Christopher Nolan made the correct dramatic choice. But no physicists or historians interviewed for this story recalled coming across any mention of such a conversation between Oppenheimer and the general in the historical record. The Technical Area of the Los Alamos laboratory in January 1947. Credit: Did the actual exchange happen at that moment? No, I dont think so, said Alex Wellerstein, an associate professor at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, and author of the 2021 book Restricted Data: The History of Nuclear Secrecy in the United States. But were there discussions like that? I believe so. The ultimate catastrophe? At a conference in the summer of 1942, almost a full year before Los Alamos opened, physicist Edward Teller raised the possibility of atomic bombs igniting Earths oceans or atmosphere. According to Rhodes account, Hans Bethe, who headed the theoretical division at Los Alamos, didnt believe it from the first minute but nonetheless performed the calculations convincing the other physicists that such a disaster was not a reasonable possibility. Workers mounting the worlds first atomic device, dubbed the Gadget, to a test tower at the Alamogordo Bombing Range in New Mexico in July 1945. Credit: Los Alamos National Laboratory I dont think any physicists seriously worried about it, said John Preskill, a professor of theoretical physics at California Institute of Technology. Still, the discussions and calculations persisted long after the Trinity test. In 1946, three Manhattan Project scientists, including Teller, who would later become known as the father of the hydrogen bomb, wrote a report concluding that the explosive force of the first atomic bomb wasnt even close to what would be required to trigger a planet-destroying chain reaction in air. The report was not declassified until 1973. A 1979 study by scientists at the University of Californias Lawrence Livermore Laboratory examined the question of whether a nuclear explosion might trigger a runaway reaction in the atmosphere or oceans. In page after page of mathematical equations, the scientists described a complex set of factors that made atmospheric ignition effectively impossible. Loading Probably the easiest to grasp is the fact that, even under the harshest scenarios, far more energy would be lost in the explosion than gained, wiping out any chance to sustain a chain reaction. In 1975 and 1976, the doomsday issue flared up again in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists when the journal published The ultimate catastrophe, a shocking essay by H.C. Dudley, a professor of radiation physics at the University of Illinois Medical Centre in Chicago. Dudley reported that during World War II, eminent scientists had offered President Franklin D. Roosevelt two options: either accept the possible slavery of the Nazis, they said, or develop and explode atomic bombs. There was a third option, however, that was kept under wraps, top secret, discussed only behind closed doors, Dudley wrote. This was the possibility of triggering a vast nuclear accident when and if a fission device was detonated. Loading Dudley went on to explain that, in an interview with writer Pearl Buck published in 1959 in the American Weekly, Manhattan Project physicist Arthur H. Compton had acknowledged there was a concern that Earth would be vaporised. It would be the ultimate catastrophe, Buck quotes Compton as saying. Dudleys essay also recounted a story that on the day of the test, as zero hour approached General Groves was annoyed to find Manhattan Project physicist and Nobel Prize winner Enrico Fermi making bets with colleagues about whether the bomb would ignite the atmosphere, and, if so, whether it would destroy only New Mexico or the entire world. (Some experts have suggested Fermis actions may have been more of a joke, or an example of gallows humour.) The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists printed letters critical of the essay, then a full rebuttal from Bethe himself, in which the physicist quickly dismissed the idea that an atomic blast could ignite the atmosphere or ocean as nonsense. He wrote that Buck had completely misunderstood Compton. Dr Enrico Fermi (left), his associate, nuclear physicist Dr. Walter H. Zinn (centre), and Major General Leslie Groves, head of the Manhattan Engineering project in 1946. Credit: AP Still, more than a decade later, Bethe found himself asked about the same issue in an interview published in Scientific American. It is such absolute nonsense, he repeated, and the public has been interested in it ... and possibly it would be good to kill it once more. What scientists are really saying Fascination with this doomsday scenario may stem, at least in part, from a misunderstanding of what physicists mean when they say near zero. The branch of physics known as quantum mechanics, which deals with matter and light at the atomic and subatomic scale, does not rule out any possibilities. For example, if a boy tosses a rubber ball at a brick wall, there is an exceedingly remote but still valid possibility that instead of watching the ball bounce back, he could see it pass through the wall. Dr Edward Teller in 1958. Credit: AP Aditi Verma, an assistant professor of nuclear engineering and radiological sciences at the University of Michigan, put it this way: What a physicist means by near zero would be zero to an engineer. In the 2000s, scientists encountered a similar problem of terminology as they prepared to generate high-speed particle collisions at the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva. Talk surfaced that the activity might generate a black hole that would devour Earth. As outlandish as the notion was to many scientists, the nuclear research organisation CERN felt obliged to deal with the fear, noting on its website that some theories suggest that the formation of tiny quantum black holes may be possible. The observation of such an event would be thrilling in terms of our understanding of the Universe; and would be perfectly safe. In other words, any black hole created by the collider would be far too small to pose any risk to the planet. Loading Scientists say such disaster scenarios are sometimes the price of crossing new thresholds of discovery. The discussions and calculations on the issue of atmospheric ignition were entirely appropriate given the situation and encapsulates the fear of the unknown, said Daniel Holz, a University of Chicago physics professor and co-chair of the board at the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists that sets the Doomsday Clock. You dont often talk in certainties, he said. You talk in probabilities. If you havent done the experiment, you are hesitant to say, This is impossible. It will never happen. ... It was good to think it through. NEW DELHI, July 23 (Xinhua) -- At least two people were killed and four others injured after being struck by lightning in the central India state of Madhya Pradesh, police said Sunday. The incident took place in the Bakswaha area of Chhatarpur district, about 247 km northeast of Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. The state experienced heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and accompanying lightning strikes on Saturday evening. Lightning-related incidents are a recurring concern during the monsoon season in India, leading to numerous fatalities each year. According to reports from local media, citing data from the federal ministry of earth sciences, 907 people fell victim to lightning strikes across the country in 2022 alone. OSLO, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on Saturday urged the nation to commemorate the July 22 attacks in 2011 that killed 77 people, while emphasizing the importance of respecting diversity. "Elected representatives must be able to find compromises, joint solutions and good settlements. And people must respect disagreement and diversity. Not to and from, now and then, but all the time," said Store at the commemoration held in Oslo that marked the 12th anniversary of the tragedy. He acknowledged the efforts of the national support group, which has provided crucial support for survivors and the broader community affected by the attacks. He urged them to continue using their expertise to combat radicalization and extremism. On July 22, 2011, far-right extremist Anders Behring Breivik set off a car bomb outside the high-rise building in the government administration complex in Oslo, killing eight people. Later that day, he killed 69 others, most of them teenagers, in a shooting rampage on Utoya Island, about 40 km northwest of Oslo, where members of the Labor Party's youth wing had gathered for their annual summer camp. Breivik was sentenced to 21 years in prison in 2012 at Oslo district court. Norway's penal code does not have the death penalty or life imprisonment, and the maximum prison term for Breivik's charges is 21 years. However, the term can be repeatedly extended by five years as long as he is considered a threat to society. MAIDAN SHAR, Afghanistan, July 23 (Xinhua) -- At least 22 people have been confirmed dead and 40 others injured as rainstorms and flash floods hit parts of east Afghanistan's Wardak province, a statement of the provincial government said Sunday. Heavy rains triggered flash floods in Jalrez, Chak, Sayed Abad, Nurkh and Jaghato districts of the province late Saturday night, with hundreds of houses and thousands of acres of agricultural land damaged or completely destroyed, the statement added. Provincial Director for Natural Disaster Management Faizullah Jalali confirmed that over a dozen people have been missing in the flooding. In the meantime, Afghanistan's Metrological Department has forecast more rains in the coming days, warning of flooding in parts of the war-torn country. M ichael Gove has warned against making tackling climate change a religious crusade after the Tories narrowly won a by-election in Uxbridge and South Ruislip by opposing the expansion of Ulez. The levelling up minister said he supported moves to encourage people to walk and cycle more but that some car journeys are vital. Speaking to the Sunday Telegraph, Mr Gove said the expansion of the charge for polluting cars to outer London was unwise. One of the dangers - I don't think Labour are alive to this at all is that if people think that you are treating the cause of the environment as a religious crusade, in which youre dividing the world into goodies and baddies, then you alienate the support that you need for thoughtful environmentalism. Labour overturned a huge 20,000 Conservative majority in the North Yorkshire seat of Selby and Ainsty but fell short in Uxbridge by 495 votes. Sir Keir Starmer held talks with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan on Saturday and urged him to reflect on proposals to extend Ulez to all London boroughs. It currently only applies to central London and the areas up to, but not including, the North and South Circular Roads. Mr Gove cited Dutch protests over emissions regulations as reasons for ministers to be wary of pressing ahead with environmental legislation too quickly. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir were on Saturday urged not to water down environmental commitments despite the Conservatives success in the by-election. Tory MPs have called for Mr Sunak to re-examine the Governments pledge for the UK to have a net zero carbon economy by 2050. But Chris Skidmore, the UK Governments net zero tsar, warned ministers against playing politics with environmental issues, arguing it could cost the Tories in the long run. The Conservative MP said: To do so would not only be deeply regrettable, it would be an abdication of responsible government that must put the lives and health of the public, and the opportunity for economic growth by investing in industries of the future, ahead of gamesmanship. It is also really bad politics, given that the environment and taking action on climate change consistently polls third in the issues that voters care about. G reeces Prime Minister has warned the country is at war as wildfires stoked by near-record heatwaves continue to ravage the holiday islands of Rhode and Crete, sparking the evacuations of thousands of tourist and local residents. We are at war - completely focused on the fires, Kyriakos Mitsotakis said during a debate in parliament on Monday. Over the coming days and weeks, we must remain on constant alert. His comments came as the Greeces wildfires crisis spread to Corfu, where dozens of people were evacuated by boat from a beach as devastating blazes tore through the island. Corfu is the second Greek island to launch major evacuations due to wildfires after more than 19,000 holidaymakers were rescued from Rhodes over the weekend. Aurthorities began evacuating people from Nissaki beach on Corfu on Sunday night due to spreading fires, the Greek Coast Guard posted on Twitter. A total of 59 people were rescued from the beach, and taken to the port of Corfu. Wildfires burn forests on the Greek island of Rhodes on Sunday / TED G. BAILOS via REUTERS Late on Sunday night and in the early hours of Monday, more than 600 holidaymakers had been transferred from hotels on Corfu to a municipal theatre in Corfu Port, according to reports by Greek media. None were said to be harmed. More than 2,000 people in Corfu including tourists were being moved to safety, it was reported on Monday. People in at least 17 areas of the island - a destination hugely popular among British tourists - were advised to leave on Sunday evening as fires spread. Those in Santa, Megoula, Porta, Palia Perithia and Sinies were told to evacuate to Kassiopi. An hour later, a directive urged holidaymakers in Viglatouri and Nisaki to evacuate to Barbati. Tourists in Rou, Katavolo, Kentroma, Tritsi, Kokokila, Sarakiniatika, Plagia, Kalami, Vlachatika and Kavalerena were instructed to move to Ypsos. Pictures posted on social media showed a large blaze on a hill just above Ypsos, located on the northern half of the island. Separate footage showed a mountain on fire near the town of Kassiopi. One holidaymaker said the fires in northern Corfu were growing at a rapid rate. Meanwhile on the island of Rhodes, the Greek Ministry of Climate Change and Civil Protection has carried out what it describes as the largest evacuation from a wildfire in the countrys history. Photos showed relieved families greeting British holidaymakers as they arrived back in the UK on Sunday, having escaped the fires. Saturday saw families flee their hotels, leaving their belongings behind, as the huge flames crawled closer. Greece Wildfires: Tourists evacuation from Rhodes 1 / 40 Greece Wildfires: Tourists evacuation from Rhodes Tourists wait for departing planes at the airport, after being evacuated following a wildfire in Rhodes REUTERS Tourists wait for departing planes at the airport, after being evacuated following a wildfire in Rhodes REUTERS Tourists wait for departing planes at the airport, after being evacuated following a wildfire in Rhodes REUTERS Smoke rises from a wildfire on the island of Rhodes, Greece TED G. BAILOS via REUTERS A fireman gestures and holds a cat and two rabbits after rescuing them from a fire between the villages of Kiotari and Gennadi, on the Greek island of Rhodes AFP via Getty Images Tourists wait in the airports departure hall as evacuations are underway due to wildfires, on the Greek island of Rhodes on July 23, 2023. AFP via Getty Images Firefighters, volunteers and police officers operate as a wildfire burns near the village of Asklipieio, on the island of Rhodes, Greece REUTERS An aerial view shows smoke billowing in background of Kiotari village, on the island of Rhodes AFP via Getty Images Tourists wait for departing planes at the airport, after being evacuated following a wildfire in Rhodes REUTERS People watch the fires near the village of Malona in the Greek island of Rhodes on July 23, 2023. Tens of thousands of people fled wildfires on the Greek island of Rhodes AFP via Getty Images Tourists wait for departing planes at the airport, after being evacuated following a wildfire in Rhodes REUTERS A satellite image showing overview of Rhodes wildfires, Greece via REUTERS Tourists wait for departing planes at the airport, after being evacuated following a wildfire in Rhodes REUTERS Tourists wait for departing planes at the airport, after being evacuated following a wildfire in Rhodes REUTERS Smoke rises from a wildfire on the island of Rhodes, Greece TED G. BAILOS via REUTERS Tourists wait for departing planes at the airport, after being evacuated following a wildfire in Rhodes REUTERS Tourists wait for departing planes at the airport, after being evacuated following a wildfire in Rhodes REUTERS A firefighting plane drops water over a wildfire burning near Asklipio, on the island of Rhodes, Greece REUTERS Tourists wait for departing planes at the airport, after being evacuated following a wildfire in Rhodes REUTERS Tourists wait for departing planes at the airport, after being evacuated following a wildfire in Rhodes REUTERS The gutted remains of cars lie on a road after a forest fire, on the island of Rhodes, Greece AP Tourists wait in the airports departure hall as evacuations are underway due to wildfires, on the Greek island of Rhodes on July 23, 2023. AFP via Getty Images Tourists wait in the airports departure hall as evacuations are underway due to wildfires, on the Greek island of Rhodes on July 23, 2023. AFP via Getty Images Tourists are sheltered in a stadium after being evacuated following a wildfire on the island of Rhodes, Greece REUTERS Tourists are sheltered in a stadium after being evacuated following a wildfire on the island of Rhodes, Greece REUTERS Romanian firefighters give water to rabbits saved from a wildfire burning on the island of Rhodes, Greece via REUTERS Tourists shelter on an indoor basketball court following wildfires on the island of Rhodes, Greece KRITIKOS GIORGOS via REUTERS Flames and smoke rise as a wildfire burns near the village of Asklipieio, on the island of Rhodes, Greec REUTERS Flames and smoke rise as a wildfire burns near the village of Asklipieio, on the island of Rhodes, Greec REUTERS Pne trees burning in a wildfire on the Greek island of Rhodes Eurokinissi/AFP via Getty Images Thousands of tourists and residents were then forced to huddle in schools and shelters over the weekend as flames gutted resorts and coastal villages. It comes amid a prolonged heatwave across southern Europe, with temperatures in Greece expected to exceed 40C in the coming days. The wildfires, which have burned for nearly a week, forced coastguard vessels and private boats to carry more than 3,000 tourists from beaches on Rhodes on Saturday. Around 16,000 people were evacuated by land, authorities said. The first repatriation flights were due to arrive on fire-ravaged Rhodes to rescue British holidaymakers trapped on the island on Monday. Airline easyJet is set to operate two rescue flights on Monday and a third on Tuesday, with 421 seats available across the three flights. This is in addition to its nine scheduled flights to the Greek island. Some flights out of Rhodes were delayed on Sunday night, including an easyJet flight due to arrive in Gatwick at 9pm which touched down at 11.30pm after stopping for a crew change in Milan. Further easyJet, Jet2 and Ryanair flights from Rhodes were scheduled to arrive at Gatwick, Stansted and Bristol on Monday afternoon. Meanwhile, a UK government spokesperson said five staff from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and four British Red Cross responders had been sent to Rhodes as part of the Rapid Deployment Team. The team will be based at Rhodes International Airport to assist with travel documents and liaise with Greek authorities and travel operators on the ground. On Sunday, Tui suspended its flights to Rhodes until Tuesday, while Jet2 Holidays cancelled its trips until next Sunday. Tourists sleep as they wait for departing planes at the airport, after being evacuated following a wildfire on Rhodes on Monday morning / REUTERS However, easyJet has maintained a regular service along with fellow budget airline Ryanair, prompting criticism from consumers. A spokeswoman for easyJet said it was doing all it can to help customers in Rhodes and invited those due to travel to or from the island until Saturday to change the date for free. P arts of Italy have been pummelled by a huge hailstorm just days after the country experienced a 40C heatwave. Footage on social media shows small ice sheets forming inside fast-moving water bursting through the streets of Seregno, a town near Milan in northern Italy. It looks like a river flowing, the person filming says as floodwaters deluge the area. It comes after days of unprecedented hot weather, which led to tourists and locals sheltering indoors during the scorching daytime hours, popular sights being deserted and travellers cancelling trips. Naples was on a red heat alert warning last week, but temperatures have since dropped to between 35C and 40C for the week ahead. Italy has been battered by storms in recent days and a tornado tore through the countrys north-west on Friday. Firefighters were deployed to around 110 incidents in Cernusco sul Naviglio and Gessate in Lombardy, north-east of Milan, after a tornado wreaked havoc. Several people were injured, and the European Storm Forecast Experiment issued an "extremely bad" weather warning for all of northern Italy. Winds of 125 miles per hour were reported in Bergamo, and in Brescia two workers were hit by windows that were torn off a building. Both men are in a serious condition. July could be hottest since records began July is set to be the Earths hottest month since records began, a Nasa climate expert has said. Gavin Schmidt, the director of Nasas Goddard Institute for Space Studies, said recent weeks, in which there have been heatwaves across Europe and North America, have also increased the likelihood that 2023 will become the hottest year on record. He said: "We are seeing unprecedented changes all over the world. There has been a decade-ondecade increase in temperatures throughout the last four decades." Temperatures remain at around 40C in Italy, and the heatwave is expected to return to the country next week. A t least one person was killed and 22 injured after a fresh wave of Russian missile strikes on the port city of Odesa. Regional Governor Oleh Kiper said that four children were among the wounded in the overnight blasts, which damaged the historic Transfiguration Cathedral and six residential buildings. Some people were left trapped in their apartments following the attack, which left rubble strewn in the street and caused major damage to power lines. Following the attack, Volodymyr Zelensky promised a retaliation against Russia. He said: There can be no excuse for Russian evil. As always, this evil will lose. And there will definitely be a retaliation to Russian terrorists for Odesa. They will feel this retaliation. Svitlana Molcharova, 85, was rescued by emergency service workers. But after she received first medical aid, she refused to leave her destroyed apartment. I will stay here, she said to the emergency service worker who advised her to leave. An interior view shows the Transfiguration Cathedral damaged during a Russian missile strike / REUTERS I woke up when the ceiling started to fall on me. I rushed into the corridor, said Ivan Kovalenko, 19, another resident of the building. He came to Odesa having fled the city of Mykolaiv in search of a safer place to live after his house was destroyed. Thats how I lost my home in Mykolaiv, and here, I lost my rented apartment. The Transfiguration Cathedral, one of the most important and largest Orthodox Cathedrals in Odesa, was severely damaged. AP The destruction is enormous, half of the cathedral is now roofless, said Archdeacon Andrii Palchuk, as cathedral workers brought documents and valuable items out of the severely building, the floor of which was inundated with water used by firefighters to extinguish the fire. Palchuk said the damage was caused by a direct hit from a Russian missile that penetrated the building down to the basement and caused significant damage. Two people who were inside at the time of the strike were wounded. Russia has been pounding Odesa and other Ukrainian food export facilities almost daily over the past week after Moscow withdrew from a UN-brokered sea corridor agreement that allowed for the safe shipment of Ukrainian grain. Unesco has condemned the attacks on the historic city, which is protected under the World Heritage Convention. T he UK Foreign Office has said it is monitoring the situation in Rhodes after tourists were evacuated from hotels due to the wildfires on the island. British tourists described terrifying scenes of turmoil as the five-day fire continues to rage, with power cuts causing chaos and an absence of information from travel agencies. In previous days the wildfire was confined to the islands mountainous centre, but aided by winds, very high temperatures and dry conditions, it spread on Saturday towards the coast on the islands central-eastern side. Local media reported the fires had reached three hotels, which had already been evacuated, while three coast guard vessels, plus one from the army, were evacuating people from two beaches. UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly added: The safety of British Nationals is our top priority. I encourage those in Rhodes, and those with family and friends there, to continue checking FCDO travel advice for updates. Fire Service spokesman Yannis Artopios said on Saturday that more wildfires could break out as temperatures are set to reach 45C on Sunday. Thomas Cook said 40 of its customers were at hotels in Lardos and Kiotari the areas most affected by the fire. Budget airline Jet2 has cancelled all flights to the island due to the fires. While holiday firm Tui Group has cancelled all flights and holidays to Rhodes up to and including July 25 because of the fires on the Greek island. Corinne Watson, 42, who is holidaying with her husband and two sons, told the PA news agency she had only received one automated text message from Tui, telling her they were sorry for any disruptions. The mother-of-two said: Our hotel has accepted some evacuees and hosted a few while other accommodation was found. Power losses affecting the kitchens has caused chaos but hotel staff are working exceptionally hard to manage the situation they must be very worried for their island. Hotel staff [are] working flat out under desperate worry. However, she said Tui had offered a poor service with no information on whether her area was safe or what to do in the event of an evacuation. Ms Watson, a local government worker from Cumbria, added: Today the sky has rarely been blue and we have had the water planes above us frequently collecting from the sea. Getting information is very difficult. Currently we are lucky, in a lovely hotel and hope it stays that way. For others, both tourists and locals, it is awful and terrifying. I hope they bring them under control quickly with limited damage. Speaking to the BBC, Simon Wheatley said: We were told by police that we had to evacuate the building because the air was just unbreathable it had turned bright orange and black above our heads. Katie Piercefield-Holmes told the BBC it was really quite terrifying. A spokesman for Thomas Cook said: We are monitoring closely the wildfires in Rhodes and are in touch with our customers who are on holiday there. Our teams are in regular contact with our holidaymakers on the island currently as well as those about to depart to discuss their options. There will be a brief respite in the heatwave on Monday, but it will resume on Tuesday and could last until at least Friday, meteorologists have said. The Foreign Office updated its foreign travel advice on the heatwaves and wildfires in Europe. It said: If you are a British national affected by wildfires in Rhodes, please follow the guidance from the emergency services. Call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger. The Greek government has established a crisis management Unit to facilitate the evacuation of foreign citizens from Rhodes. They can be contacted on +30 210 368 1730. For 24/7 British consular assistance, call +4420 7008 5000. If you are planning to travel to Rhodes, please check with your travel operator or hotel prior to travel that the area you plan to visit is not impacted by the current wildfires, Firefighting forces from eight EU countries are either operating or due to arrive soon, Mr Artopios said. Israel, Jordan and Turkey have also sent reinforcements, mostly aerial equipment. Tui has been approached for comment. R ussia has only achieved marginal gains during its assault along the north of the frontline in Luhansk and Kharkiv oblasts, British defence chiefs have said. The UKs Ministry of Defence (MoD) says Russia is using disinformation to exaggerate these small military gains in Ukraine. In its latest intelligence update, the MoD said: In recent days there has been an increase in artillery fire along the north of the front line, in Luhansk and Kharkiv oblasts. This has likely been accompanied by some increase in Russian small-unit assaults, but the situation has been obfuscated by Russian disinformation. They added: Russia has likely only achieved marginal gains, but its renewed activity in the north highlights its importance to the Kremlin, when it is concurrently facing significant pressure in the southern Zaporizhzhia sector. The MoD said that Russian strategists are trying to create a buffer zone around Luhansk Oblast, the possession of which Russia almost certainly considers one of its fundamental objectives of the war. It comes after an alleged Ukrainian strike on an ammunition depot in Crimea on Saturday. The attack, blamed on Ukraine by Russian officials, triggered a massive explosion and led to the evacuation of civilians in a three-mile radius. Russia responded by halting traffic and rail services across the Kerch bridge, which links the Ukrainian peninsula to Russia and plays a key role in supporting its occupying forces. The attack destroyed an oil depot and arms warehouses in the Krasnohvardiiske area, a week after a strike on the bridge 100 miles away. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has described the Kerch bridge - also known as the Crimea Bridge - as a target which must be neutralised. S pains opposition conservative party has failed to get an overall majority in parliament, leaving the country facing a period of political deadlock. The centre-right Peoples Party and the far-right Vox won a combined 169 seats in parliament, while the Socialists and far-left Sumar won 153, well short of the 176 seats needed for a majority. The result means neither Alberto Nunez Feijoos Popular Party (PP) nor Pedro Sanchezs incumbent Socialist Party (PSOE) won a decisive majority. After winning the most seats, the Peoples Party will be given the first opportunity to cobble together enough votes in parliament to win a prime-ministerial vote. However, its alliance with the far-right Vox will make it difficult to gain support from any other faction. Mr Sanchezs controversial decision to call the vote in the heat of a Spanish summer has left him with a slim chance to form the next government, but it could mean relying on Catalan separatist parties. They could demand an independence referendum, triggering the kind of political chaos seen in 2017 when Catalonia last tried to break from Spain. Mr Sanchez told supporters: The reactionary bloc of regression, which set out a complete reversal of all the advances that weve achieved over the past four years, has failed. Socialist Workers' Party leader and current Prime Minster Pedro Sanchez / AP He could win over left-wing separatist party Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC), as he did to form a minority government in 2019. However, he will likely also need the backing of the more hardline Junts, which has not supported Mr Sanchez in the past four years, and has made clear any support would be in return for an independence referendum. Carles Puigdemont, one of the partys top leaders, said Junts would back neither Sanchez nor Feijoo. Mr Puigdemont is living in self-imposed exile in Belgium and is wanted by Spanish authorities for leading a failed independence bid in 2017. Pre-election polls had predicted a bigger victory for the PP and the possibility for it to form a coalition with Vox. PP and Vox have already teamed up to govern in dozens of regions and cities since local elections in May. Vox, founded in 2013, has proposed the expulsion of illegal migrants and a naval blockade to stop them arriving, and the closure of mosques promoting radical Islam or jihad. A my Dowden has revealed that doctors have found more tumours and another type of cancer which means she will not compete on this years Strictly Come Dancing. The 32-year-old professional dancer who was a finalist on the BBC celebrity competition four years ago with presenter Karim Zeroual found out in May that she had stage three breast cancer. She announced last month that she had undergone a mastectomy. Dowden spoke with rower Erin Kennedy, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and has undergone chemotherapy, during an Instagram video on Friday with awareness charity CoppaFeel. The Welsh ballroom and Latin American dancer said: I was originally going to have a lumpectomy, radiotherapy and hormone treatment. And then, after my MRI, (the doctors) found another tumour so then it changed into a mastectomy and then, after my mastectomy, unfortunately, they found even more tumours. And my pathology wasnt what we were expecting and then they found another type of cancer. She added that being told she needed chemotherapy was scary and a massive blow as the treatment had not been part of her original healthcare plan. Dowden said: For me, straightaway, (it) was just like my dancing, like you can take away my boob but you cant take my dancing away from me. I was already upset about (it), and obviously, this year, it means Im not (going to) be able to dance with a celebrity on Strictly but Im in such regular contact with the team (and) the BBC have been just utterly incredible. We are just one big family and theyre going to be guided by me (and there are) so many ways to be involved in the show and Im just staying really positive and hopeful that Im still going to be part of the show in some way. Dowden said she is aiming to continue dancing and added: The oncologist said to me (my) movement is really, really good for people on chemo, its important so that was encouraging. The Caerphilly-born dancer who joined the BBC show in 2017, also said: Im determined to continue in a healthy way and, as much as I can, continuing to be Amy. She revealed to Hello! magazine she had found a lump in her breast the day before she planned to go on a belated honeymoon with fellow professional dancer Ben Jones in April. The couple got married in July 2022. NEW DELHI, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Indian capital Delhi's territory faces potential flood as the Yamuna River surpassed the danger mark once again on Sunday. According to the Central Water Commission, the water level of the Yamuna River was recorded as 206.01 meters at 10:00 a.m. (local time) at Delhi Railway Bridge. Officials attributed the increase in water level to the heavy discharge from the Hathnikund barrage in neighboring Haryana. Reports said over 200,000 cusecs of water were released from Haryana. The water level is expected to increase further by evening, prompting evacuations in low-lying areas. Some areas might see flooding if the water level rises further. The Delhi government is on high alert and ready for immediate evacuations. The Yamuna River has been flooding parts of Delhi for over a week. The release of water from the Haryana barrage and monsoon rains in Himachal Pradesh contributed to rising water levels. Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, chair of the China-Britain Business Council, delivers a speech at China Hainan Free Trade Port -- the U.K. Promotion Conference in London, Britain, June 9, 2023. (Photo by Stephen Chung/Xinhua) According to Britain's official data, the total trade in goods and services between Britain and China increased 18.3 percent to 111 billion pounds (142 billion U.S. dollars) in 2022 and Britain's exports to China increased 37.7 percent to 37.6 billion pounds (48.3 billion dollars). LONDON, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The close connection between Britain and China in terms of investment and trade will benefit both sides, as "all ships float on a rising tide," Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, chair of the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) told Xinhua in a recent interview. Cowper-Coles and other CBBC representatives recently dispatched a business delegation to China to boost trade ties. During his visit, he observed a heightened sense of optimism among British companies operating in China regarding the prospects for the upcoming year in the Chinese market. According to Britain's official data, the total trade in goods and services between Britain and China increased 18.3 percent to 111 billion pounds (142 billion U.S. dollars) in 2022 and Britain's exports to China increased 37.7 percent to 37.6 billion pounds (48.3 billion dollars). "Now, with UK-China trade at record levels ... we are at a new stage," he told Xinhua. Noting that British business leaders hope to strengthen the China-Britain relationship in a win-win manner, Cowper-Coles said the connection is "not just for both countries, but for both peoples." "In particular sectors in China, the UK has a very important role to play," Cowper-Coles said, adding that "a transition to net-zero" can offer Britain business opportunities in the Chinese market. "We are embarking on a great journey together, the transition to more sustainable economic development," he said. Besides cosmetics and advanced manufacturing equipment that are popular in China, there are other areas where British companies can tap into the potential, such as health, life sciences, new models of savings and wealth management, he added. In his view, Chinese companies also have opportunities to invest in Britain. "China is ahead of the world in the development of the technologies of the 21st century, particularly green technologies, whether it's solar panels, wind turbines, or electric batteries," said the expert. Regarding the bilateral relationship, he noted that the level of understanding should be raised "not just among our leaders, but among our school children as well, by encouraging the study of Chinese civilization, not just the study of the Chinese language." "These are two great countries, two great civilizations, and they should be connected and engaged," he said. The Center for Urban and Regional Sociology - CURS has published the data from the most recent survey, conducted between July 8th and July 20th, 2023. According to the sociological research, the national voting intention does not show significant differences compared to the previous survey in May 2023, with the main change being a 3% increase recorded by AUR (Alliance for the Union of Romanians). PSD (Social Democratic Party) and PNL (National Liberal Party) remain within the margin of error, maintaining the majority in a hypothetical future Parliament. After the period of the Ciuca Government, PNL has seen a decline of approximately 5 percentage points in voting intention, while the Ciolacu Government begins with PSD at 31%. Thus, if the parliamentary elections were to take place next Sunday, the voting options would be as follows: PSD - 31% (31% in May 2023, 33% in March 2023, 36% in January 2023, 34% in November 2022, 35% in September 2022, 37% in July 2022, 35% in May 2022) AUR - 20% (17% in May 2023, 16% in March 2023, 14% in January 2023, 12% in November 2022, 15% in September 2022, 12% in July 2022, 10% in May 2022) PNL - 18% (20% in May 2023, 21% in March 2023, 22% in January 2023, 24% in November 2022, 22% in September 2022, 24% in July 2022, 23% in May 2022) USR - 12% (11% in May 2023, 9% in March 2023, 8% in January 2023, 9% in November 2022, 8% in September 2022, 7% in July 2022, 9% in May 2022) UDMR - 4% (5% in May 2023 and previous surveys) PUSL - 4% SOS Romania - 4% PMP - 4% Pro Romania - 2% Other - 1% The rise of AUR is also explained by the perception formed in the collective mindset regarding the political opposition. According to the CURS survey, 24% of respondents believe that AUR is the leader of the opposition at the moment, compared to only 14% for USR. However, these perceptions are distorted by a misunderstanding of the notion of opposition, with a significant number of Romanians believing that PSD and PNL are in opposition Sample universe: The adult population residing in Romania. Sample size: 1064 respondents, voters aged 18 years and above. Maximum margin of error for the entire sample: +/-3% at a 95% confidence level. Data collection method: Face-to-face interviews at the respondents' homes. Sample validation: Conducted based on the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS). Data weighting: The data is unweighted. Survey period: July 8 - July 20, 2023. The global media forum with the theme "New Media in the Era of the 4th Industrial Revolution", held in Shusha, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, ended on Sunday after the last discussion session, which was dedicated to the safety of journalists. The speakers in this panel were the managing director of the AGERPRES National News Agency of Romania, Claudia Victoria Nicolae, the vice-president of the Korean Political Science Association, Professor Gi Woong Jung, the Azerbaijani MP Nigar Arpadarai and the special correspondent of the AZERTAC State News Agency of Azerbaijan, Vugar Seidov, Agerpres informs. During the session, the participants discussed the improvement of communication mechanisms in crisis situations and the threats and challenges faced by journalists in conflict zones.Claudia Nicolae emphasized that AGERPRES had a special correspondent in Ukraine eight times since the war began, detailing the conditions in which he, like other journalists from other countries, fulfills his press mission in the context of such a conflict.Drawing a parallel with medical professionals, she noted that journalists should strive to be objective, avoiding emotional bias, while fulfilling their role as information providers. Also, the managing director of AGERPRES referred, in her speech, to the European regulations regarding the media. The Vice President of the Korean Political Science Association, Professor Gi Woong Jung, noted that journalists are becoming a target of increasing violence. "The safety of journalists is a problem that cannot be solved individually. The protection of journalists is not a problem of a particular country, but a general problem. There is a certain prejudice against journalists. Anti-media rhetoric should be prevented by law," he said, quoted by www.azernews.az. Apart from the session dedicated to the safety of journalists, the forum also included two sessions on "The Future of Media: Journalism in the Digital Age, New Tools and the Role of Media in Communication" and "Investment and Consumption Trends in Media". The speakers at this last session were the CEO of PA Media Group (Great Britain), Clive Marshall, the founder and CEO of the communications consulting firm DigiTips (Switzerland), Matthias Lufkens, the American defense analyst Oubai Shahbandar, and the general manager of the Georgian Public Broadcaster, Tinatin Berdzenishvili. The discussions focused on investment and consumption trends in mass media and the importance of media education, respectively the methods of combating disinformation and fake news. In his speech, Clive Marshall noted that traditional media are already losing their leading position in the digital environment. "It is necessary to take into account the needs and interests of consumers, the public demands short, concise and quick information. The young generation is intelligent, they understand what propaganda is. If we talk about traditional media, people must trust them," said Marshall, quoted by the APA Azerbaijani news agency. DigiTips CEO Matthias Lufkens said that social media offers the opportunity to publish short and concise news that the public wants. "Twitter, YouTube, TikTok and other social networks offer these opportunities, so we have to adapt to these new platforms and use them. We have to adapt the content we produce to these platforms," he opined. Matthias Lufkens stated that media education is important for the correct and effective use of social networks: "We always hear about the negative parts of social networks and not about their possibilities. But we need to teach our children how to use them effectively. At the same time, we need to increase the level of media education among the public to combat fake news on social networks." Organized for the first time in the history of Azerbaijan during the Year of Gheidar Aliev (former president of the country between 1993 - 2003, father of the current head of state) and on the occasion of the 148th anniversary of the national media in Azerbaijan, the forum brought together the most important media in the world, heads of journalistic organizations, influential experts in the field of media, information and of communication, renowned journalists. At the opening of the event, on Friday, the Azeri president, Ilham Aliyev, was also present, and he spoke and met with the participants. 150 foreign guests representing almost 50 countries participated in the forum. Among them were state news agencies from 34 nations, 12 international organizations and numerous media entities. They were joined by 60 managers and representatives of the local media. This photo taken on Feb. 27, 2023 shows the 52nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) taking place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Noting that such abuse is a widespread practice in the context of the so-called U.S. war against terrorism, the Cuban expert said that the U.S. war against terrorism had no direct impact on tackling terrorism but resulted in the emergence of new terrorist groups and organizations across the world. HAVANA, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The prison at the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay in Cuba sees the most flagrant violation of human rights perpetrated by the U.S. administration, a Cuban academic and diplomat told Xinhua in a recent interview. "This is a topic that has been presented again before the international community, but it is one of the longest human rights violations in U.S. history," said Jose Ramon Cabanas, director of Cuba's Center for International Policy (CIPI). Speaking about the recent technical visit to the U.S. Naval Station in Guantanamo by Fionnuala Ni Aolain, the United Nations (UN) special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Cabanas said that the final report was "relatively objective and impartial." Some detainees at the prison had never been taken to court, which violates U.S. law and prisoners there suffered all types of inhuman and illegal practices, including various forms of torture, said Cabanas. Protesters dressed as detainees of the Guantanamo Bay detention camp rally to demand the closing of the Guantanamo Bay detention camp outside the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on Jan. 11, 2018. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) Noting that such abuse is a widespread practice in the context of the so-called U.S. war against terrorism, the Cuban expert said that the U.S. war against terrorism had no direct impact on tackling terrorism but resulted in the emergence of new terrorist groups and organizations across the world. Cabanas, who served as former Cuban Ambassador to the United States, said that Australian citizen Julian Assange and former U.S. National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden were victims of a witch hunt for revealing the crimes and human rights violations committed by the U.S. government. Cuba calls for the return of the territory illegally occupied by the United States at the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay against the will of Cubans, said the academic. "We continue to call to recover sovereignty in this territory occupied under the Platt Amendment imposed by the U.S. Congress to the Cuban Constitution in 1901," he said. Protesters rally to demand the closing of the Guantanamo Bay detention camp outside the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on Jan. 11, 2018. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) Cabanas said that after the triumph of the 1959 Cuban Revolution, there have been attempts to use this naval base to increase tensions between Cuba and the United States, adding that the Cuban government has worked for many years to avoid an escalation of the bilateral conflict. The former diplomat said that, because of the illegal occupation of Cuban territory by the U.S. administration, residents in the neighboring town of Caimanera are deprived of a normal life. "We have nothing to negotiate with the U.S. administration about this topic. What we only accept is the return of this territory, which has been illegally occupied," he said. Sure, youre probably not using paper checks for most things. But are you returning payments to medical providers and insurance companies in the mail? Paying by check for the random parking ticket or your childs piano lessons? Now is a good time to stop: Check fraud tied to mail theft is up nationwide, according to a February alert from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. And letter carrier robberies are also on the rise. This is partially due to the effects of the pandemic, when thieves targeted government relief checks in the mail. Fraudsters just went back to tried-and-true potential attack factors that seemed to be working, says Michael Bruemmer, head of global data breach resolution for Experian. The U.S. Postal Service is vulnerable, and thieves who can access your checks can change the amount and ferret those funds right out of your bank account. And then it can take weeks to get the funds back. Its absolutely a life disruption event when you mail a check and its been intercepted, says Mary Ann Miller, fraud and cybercrime executive advisor and vice president of client experience at consumer identity company Prove. That can take all the money out of your account at once. Here are some steps to keep yourself safe from check fraud and what to do if youre a victim. Use payment alternatives Look for ways to pay your bills that dont require using the mail. Check your statement for online payment instructions, for example. We are beginning to see more online options, Miller says. In fact, some medical providers, like One Medical, have a very nice option to pay from a mobile app along with all of your medical information. I find it super helpful and modern. If youre paying individuals, ask if theyll accept electronic payment through PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or another cash app. Theres really no need to be writing checks today, Bruemmer says. Working with a vendor that doesnt offer an easy way to pay online? Call and ask if you can pay over the phone. Paying by phone via the IVR interactive voice response or a live customer service representative is definitely a preferred option, Miller says. Just make sure you are calling the correct number for the utility or medical provider. And in general, experts recommend using credit cards to transact, whenever possible. You have a lot more protection globally with a credit card, if youre traveling internationally, or if youre buying things online, says Derek Miser, an investment advisor and CEO at Miser Wealth Partners in Knoxville, Tennessee. Send checks safely If you must send a check, take steps to lower the chances of financial mayhem. If its a big payment, consider using a shipper like UPS or FedEx. They do accept checks and provide a tracking number, Miller says. If youre using the U.S. Postal Service, send your payment in a security envelope and take it directly to the post office, bypassing mailboxes and mail carriers. You can also write your checks using a black gel ink pen to make it harder for criminals to wash your checks (the ink soaks into the paper). If youre sending a check to someone, ask them to let you know once they receive it. That way, if too much time has passed and the recipient hasnt gotten the check, you can place a stop payment, Miller suggests. One last safeguard: Keep enough funds in your checking account to pay the bills, but put the rest elsewhere, such as a linked savings account. The smaller your checking account balance, the less money that can be accessed by someone forging a check against your account. Take action if a check goes awry If you suspect a check has fallen into the wrong hands, call your bank right away. Then file a police report and contact the person or business that was meant to receive the check. If you were making a payment, you may have to make arrangements to make another payment to prevent late fees or interest. Be forewarned: Processes for returning fraudulently lost money to bank accounts vary by institution, and some timelines are lengthy. The customer generally is made whole, but that could be months, Miller says. In the meantime, consider putting a fraud alert on your credit reports in case someone tries to open credit in your name, and go over your bank statements and credit reports with an eagle eye. Note that youre eligible for a free credit report from each of the three major reporting agencies each year at AnnualCreditReport.com. You can also set up check monitoring at some banks, from which youll receive text messages or alerts when transactions over a certain amount are cashed. I would say now that just about every bank has some sort of monitoring, Bruemmer says. Take advantage of that free alerting that comes from being a member of a financial institution. Think you're immune to cybercrime because you're young and tech savvy? Think again Who is most impacted by cybercrime? People under age 50 lost around $2.7 billion to internet scams in 2021 People in younger age groups are scammed at higher rates than those over 60 41% of people in their 20s reported losing money to fraud People in their 40s were the fastest-growing segment of online crime victims Adults under 40 were more than twice as likely to be the victims of social media scams NORMANDY Stuart Sikevitz was heading home to Chicago. Havana Rutledge was bound for her sister's funeral in San Francisco, Norman Allen to his mother's 88th birthday party in Madison, Wis. They were among 41 passengers and three crew members on Ozark Air Lines Flight 809 to St. Louis on July 23, 1973. The Fairchild-Hiller twin-turboprop aircraft left Nashville, Tenn., and made four quick stops at small airports before departing Marion, Ill., for Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, where strong thunderstorms and gusty winds were moving in. Pilot Arvid Linke guided his final instrument approach into the storm, descending from the east. An air-traffic controller advised Linke of a thunderstorm entering his flight path. Linke said he had it in sight. As the airplane rocked in turbulence, Sikevitz looked out a window and saw houses closer than they should be. He closed his eyes. Flight 809 vanished from radar at 5:43 p.m. Annette Day, of 8228 Florissant Road, thought lightning had blasted her home as the high-winged airplane sliced into a tree. Flight 809 smashed across the roof of a vacant house at 4112 Lowen Drive and into the wooded hillside just north of the University of Missouri-St. Louis, 2.8 miles short of the runway. Drenching rain soaked rescuers, who picked through debris to find Sikevitz and seven others alive. Rutledge, of Murray, Ky., was killed along with her daughter, Pamela. So was Allen, of Clarksville, Tenn. Linke, of St. Charles, survived, as did co-pilot Michael Williams of Bridgeton. But flight attendant Beth Williams of Maryland Heights, seated just behind Sikevitz, was killed. So were three soldiers and the wife of an Army captain from Fort Campbell, Ky. In all, 36 people on the plane were killed outright. No one on the ground was injured. At the muddy scene, police officers had to fend off gawkers and souvenir hunters. Said a resident, Leo Brady of 8220 Florissant, "People were looking for airplane parts. They're crazy." An Air Force crane shifted the shattered remains of the fuselage. In the debris of a luggage compartment, rescue workers found a beagle alive in a shipping crate. Two critically injured passengers later died, raising the final toll to 38. In June 1974, the National Transportation Safety Board said Linke's airplane encountered a strong downdraft at low altitude. The board criticized the National Weather Service for delay in issuing a severe weather statement and said the storm's danger 'should have been apparent" to the pilots. It also said Ozark hadn't published specific flight rules for thunderstorms near airports. The crash was the only fatal accident for St. Louis-based Ozark, which mainly served smaller cities before being purchased by Trans World Airlines in 1986. By far, it was the worst accident ever at Lambert. Scenes from 1973 Ozark plane crash 1973 Ozark plane crash 1973 Ozark plane crash 1973 Ozark plane crash 1973 Ozark plane crash 1973 Ozark plane crash 1973 Ozark plane crash 1973 Ozark plane crash 1973 Ozark plane crash 1973 Ozark plane crash 1973 Ozark plane crash 1973 Ozark plane crash 1973 Ozark plane crash ~~ VERTICAL GALLERY: HIDE TITLES, ENLARGE TYPE ~~ Your flight was just canceled. Now what? Unexpected disruptions can send even the most seasoned travelers into a frenzy. Happily, flight cancellations are less common these days. For the first three months of 2023, the cancellation rate among U.S. airlines was 1.7%, down from 4.1% for the same period in 2022, according to the latest Air Travel Consumer Report from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). But for the unlucky folks in that 1.7% bucket, a canceled flight often can be just as disruptive to your bank account as it is to your travel plans. That is, unless you make the right money moves. From understanding your right to a refund to securing alternative arrangements, take these steps to get your trip back on track for minimal cost, while also getting the flight cancellation compensation you deserve. 1. Seek out the customer service desk Assuming youre already at the airport, make a beeline for the customer service desk. Time is money, and others on the canceled flight will be headed that way, too, competing for what might only be a couple of available seats on the next departing flight. The customer service desk is also the spot to request flight delay compensation. Its not legally required under U.S. law. Still, many airlines have made customer service pledges in the event of controllable cancellations and delays promising relief like meals or travel vouchers for delays (usually of three hours or more). These are outlined in the DOTs Airline Customer Service Dashboard. Even if circumstances dont qualify under the airlines official pledge, the gate agent might still issue you bonus miles or meal vouchers for shorter delays if you ask nicely. Air travelers in Europe have even more rights. Under EU flight delay compensation rules, travelers are entitled to up to 600 euros for delays and cancellations, depending on the trip distance and length of the delay. If youre not at the airport when you hear about your delay or cancellation, contact your airlines customer service via phone, mobile app or social media accounts. 2. Rebook your flight Every major U.S. airline has promised to rebook passengers on the same airline at no additional cost, and many airlines rebook you automatically, which might eliminate the need to mob the customer service counter. If theres another flight youd rather take thats to the same or a nearby airport as your original destination, you can typically ask to be moved, again usually at no additional cost. Some airlines also let you rebook on a partner airline (for example, Alaska Airlines and American Airlines are partners) at no additional cost. Though, that also assumes the partner airline is flying the route you need to take. If you want to fly with a different airline, youll likely be on your own in terms of cost. And booking last-minute airfare is typically expensive. While U.S. airlines are legally required to refund you for significant delays or cancellations, that might not be helpful if you snagged a $49 fare deal for a flight that has since been canceled, and youre now booking last-minute with a different airline for, say, $499. The $49 refund on a new $499 airfare might just feel like salt in the wound. 3. Assess whether you have travel insurance The exact terms of travel insurance vary by policy, but if it includes trip interruption benefits, you may be refunded for additional costs incurred due to the cancellation. The best travel insurance policies will reimburse you for up to several thousand dollars in expenses. Most major airlines will fund complimentary hotel accommodations for cancellations, but not all (such as Frontier Airlines), in which case travel insurance can help. Travel insurance can also get you compensation for alternate transportation arrangements, like a rental car or a flight on another airline. Just ensure that the reason youre invoking your policy is truly a covered reason, as not every insurer will protect you from every scenario. For example, severe weather is typically covered, though not always. Meanwhile, a country closing its borders due to a pandemic generally is not covered by any policy except the most comprehensive Cancel For Any Reason policies. You might have bought travel insurance from a specific insurance company or added it to your airfare upon checkout. But you might also have travel insurance without even knowing it. Many travel credit cards offer trip insurance as a perk simply for paying for that trip on the card. Check out your credit cards guide to benefits (typically mailed to you upon approval or posted online) to see if yours offers this deal. 4. Find your bags While at the customer service counter, find the status and location of any checked bags. They could be on the aircraft or could have been offloaded. Ideally, your bags would be labeled with your contact info on luggage tags to alleviate any stress of lost stuff. However, stay in communication with airline staff to reduce the risk of being separated from your stuff longer than necessary. While you should never pack essentials like medication in checked baggage (keep that in your carry-on), the customer service counter can usually help you retrieve your bags should you need to access your stuff in the interim. Most travel insurance policies include some form of lost luggage reimbursement, so you can get money back for items you packed and lost, should your bags end up gone for good amid the chaos of a canceled flight. The boy told police he was walking around 2 a.m. in the 3900 block of Greer Avenue when he heard as many as 10 gunshots, police said. He felt a sharp pain in his right side and ran to Natural Bridge Avenue, where he found someone who took him to a hospital. Fewer than 6% of physicians in the U.S. are Black or African American and even fewer are Black women. Dr. Jovita Oruwari, a St. Louis area breast cancer surgeon, is working to increase those numbers. In her new book, Black Girls in White Coats, Oruwari features a collection of Black female doctors to show the next generation of Black girls that they have a place in the medical field. I think its really important for us to start thinking about the next generation of doctors, she said. There are not enough role models to highlight that this is a great field to go into. In the book, medical professionals like anesthesiologists, oncologists and psychologists briefly recount their own career paths and give advice to those aspiring to one day don their own white coats. Oruwari, who is Nigerian, said she hopes the book will help increase the representation of Black women in medicine and ultimately lead to more equitable patient care. Dr. Melba Akinwande, owner of Chesterfield Dentistry and a contributor to the book, said her philosophy for building patient trust is about loving the work she does. I believe that you give what you have on the inside, and that comes across, she said. It comes across in your body language and the way that you greet [patients] with a warm and welcoming smile. Akinwande describes in her chapter of Black Girls in White Coats that one of her biggest obstacles was believing she could even become a doctor. That was, until she went to her orthodontist a Black, female orthodontist for braces at the age of 12. That experience caused her to fall in love with dentistry while also giving her a role model that she said led her to think, Alright, I can do that. She hopes that the book will illustrate that theres always a chance to become a physician. You can still make it, Akinwande said. Even if you dont see it in person, hopefully you can see yourself through the book. Building trust with patients Oruwari said she has seen firsthand mistrust of the medical community, especially among Black and African American patients, which she attributes to the long history of their maltreatment by doctors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she said, some patients were hesitant to get vaccinated, but she was able to build trust. It really highlighted to me the importance of patients hearing things from people who look like them, Oruwari said. I think it makes a big difference. And shes not alone in this belief. Studies have shown that Black patients tend to have better population health measures, including life expectancy, when there are more Black primary care doctors in the area. After graduating from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, Oruwari came to Missouri in late 2001. Now, in Bridgeton, she feels as though shes found the place where her work can make a serious impact. In this demographic, I feel like Im doing what I was meant to do, she said. I think Im making a big difference because Im taking care of women who I dont think wouldve been cared for or paid attention to as much as I pay attention to them. Oruwari sees increasing the representation of Black women in medicine as a path to building more patient trust and correcting disease disparities. For example, Black women still have a 40% higher breast cancer death rate compared to White women, according to the American Cancer Society. These issues put the idea for writing Black Girls in White Coats in Oruwaris mind for years. During the pandemic, she began to work on the book more seriously and realized that the topic was greater than her own story alone. She started reaching out to other physicians on social media, as well as friends and colleagues, asking them to share their stories. It was really heartwarming, Oruwari said. Hearing that people had struggles similar to the struggles that I had was great to see. Dr. Leslie Scott, an obstetrician-gynecologist also at SSM Health DePaul Hospital and a contributor to Black Girls in White Coats, tells in her chapter of the book that she knew she wanted to be a doctor from a young age, and that her experience as a teenage mom led her to choosing a specialty that provides care for women. Im always up for telling my story, Scott said. I think thats what makes my connection with patients and people so much stronger, because I bring myself down to just a person. Im a doctor, but Im a person, too, and Ive had my own health struggles. With her patients, shes noticed that racial concordance can help build trust, but believes that consideration and understanding are more important when it comes to providing quality treatment. Its all about having compassion for where a patient comes from and immersing yourself in their environment and understanding that environment, which really lets them know that you care, Scott said. So, it doesnt really take them looking like you, but it definitely helps. Under Pressure from Teamsters Leadership, Central States to Extend Health Care Benefits for Workers at Yellow WASHINGTON , July 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Central States Health and Welfare Fund agreed Sunday to extend health care benefits for workers at Yellow Corp. operating companies YRC Freight and Holland , under intense pressure from Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien and General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman . The extension of health care benefits for Teamsters and their families averts a strike at the freight companies, which could have begun on Monday after Yellow failed to make contractually obligated benefit payments of $50 million to Central States on July 15 . The agreement by Central States at the urging of the Teamsters gives Yellow 30 days to pay its bills with the understanding the company will do so within the next two weeks. The intense discussions between Teamsters leadership and Central States successfully convinced fund trustees to reverse their previous decision that health care benefits would end on July 23 if Yellow remained delinquent. O'Brien subsequently ordered the Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee to meet in-person with Yellow representatives on Sunday evening. Meetings will take place in Washington, D.C. , to review the state of the company and the current contract. As the Teamsters and Yellow sit down, the reversal by Central States will keep health care benefits paid and hardworking Teamsters on the job for the time being. "Our members at YRC Freight and Holland cannot work without health care, and the Teamsters worked tirelessly to ensure an immediate strike at Yellow could be averted," O'Brien said. "These discussions were not easy, but Central States has made meaningful movement under pressure from the union. We are seeking a real resolution, but let this solution today serve as a profound reminder that our members can only endure so many sacrifices. Teamsters at Yellow simply work too hard and have already given so much." Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.2 million hardworking people in the U.S. , Canada , and Puerto Rico . Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters . Contact: Kara Deniz, (202) 497-6610 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/strike-averted-at-yrc-freight-holland-301883619.html SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters By Aislinn Laing MADRID (Reuters) - Spaniards got up early, voted in swimwear and turned ballot papers into fans to beat sweltering heat on Sunday as they took part in an election that many saw as ill-timed in the middle of summer. By midday, long queues were reported outside polling stations, where staff installed fans, set up portable air conditioning machines and gave out bottles of water to keep voters and polling staff cool. One polling station in Mallorca moved eight of its nine voting tables outside after the room became "unbearably hot", RTVE state television reported. There were sporadic reports on local media of elderly people fainting as they went to vote. Some 40.5% of votes were cast by 2 p.m. (1200 GMT) compared to 37.9% in the last election in November 2019. Another 2.47 million people - about 7% of those eligible to vote in Spain voted before Sunday by post. Commentators on local media remarked on long queues building earlier than usual. Most voters said their motive was to beat the heat. "I've always voted early," one elderly man told RTVE. "Less heat, more coffee!" In a video posted on Twitter, one man showed up to vote in southern Malaga in a snorkel, flippers and Hawaian shirt in protest at being asked to vote at a time when about a quarter of Spaniards are habitually on holiday. In Barcelona, some arrived in swimming trunks and flipflops. "The beach can wait," Jose, an office manager who did not want to give his last name, told Reuters. "Im going there now because I have already voted, and feel calmer." "Spaniards will vote freely... Despite the weather conditions and against all adversity, we will show the world that Spain can overcome the temperatures, the disruption and holidays," said a flushed-looking Alberto Nunez Feijoo, of the conservative frontrunners, the People's Party, as he voted in Madrid. He has vowed to make it illegal to hold elections at the height of summer. Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the elections - which had been due in December - early after the left took a beating in regional elections in May. Meterological agency AEMET issued high temperature alerts for Sunday, with the hottest areas in Andalusia, Navarra and Aragon where temperatures could touch 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), and up to 39C (102F) in provinces including the capital Madrid. Spain endured the hottest and second-driest spring since records began in 1961, and higher than average temperatures are likely to continue this summer, with two heatwaves already baking the country in June and July. (Reporting by Aislinn Laing and Horaci Garcia; Editing by Frances Kerry) FILE PHOTO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs a cabinet meeting at the prime minister's office in Jerusalem, Monday, July 17, 2023. Ohad Zwigenberg/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo By Dan Williams JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was "doing excellently" after an unscheduled pacemaker implant and would on Monday attend a key judicial reform vote that has brought nationwide protests to a boil and stirred calls for compromise. With the country ensnared in its worst domestic crisis in decades, President Isaac Herzog on Sunday met Netanyahu in the hospital treating him in hope of closing the rifts between the religious-nationalist ruling coalition and opposition parties. "This is an emergency. Agreement must be reached," Herzog, who mediated fruitless March-June talks, said in a statement. The Knesset, where Netanyahu wields a comfortable majority, is due on Monday to hold final readings of a bill limiting Supreme Court powers to overrule some government decisions. It would be the first reform written into law of a package critics fear aims to curb judicial independence, but which Netanyahu - who is on trial on corruption charges he denies - insists are needed for balance among branches of government. The embattled 73-year-old leader was rushed to a hospital near Tel Aviv late on Saturday after a heart monitor implanted a week earlier in what was described as a dehydration episode detected a "temporary arrhythmia", his doctors said. Fitted with a pacemaker, he was due for discharge on Monday. "As you can see, I am doing excellently," he said in a video statement that showed him seated, smiling and wearing a blazer. "We are pursuing efforts to complete the legislation, as well as efforts to do this through consensus, but in any event I want you to know that tomorrow morning I'll be joining my colleagues in the Knesset." Lawmakers on Sunday began debating the bill, which would amend a law enabling the Supreme Court to void decisions made by the government and ministers it deems "unreasonable". Poll results aired by national broadcaster Kan found that 46% of Israelis were opposed to the amendment versus 35% who were in favour and 19% who were undecided. The Histadrut labour federation proposed a scaled-down version of the bill. Centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid said that could be a basis for new compromise talks, but Netanyahu's Likud party said it was too close to Lapid's positions. RIVAL RALLIES Tens of thousands of Israelis calling for the proposed judicial overhaul to be scrapped lined city streets in Jerusalem carrying flags and beating drums under a scorching summer sun. Many pitched tents in a park near the Knesset. "We're worried, we're scared, we're angry. We're angry that people are trying to change this country, trying to create a democratic backslide. But we're also very, very hopeful," said Tzivia Guggenheim, a 24-year-old student. Counter-protesters, meanwhile, massed in Tel Aviv, where another 24-year-old student, Aviya Cohen, said she had come to send a message to the government she had voted for. "I am 100% in favour of the judicial reforms. I think my country needs it. I think we absolutely need to go through with it," she said. Netanyahu's coalition has been determined to push back against what it describes as overreach by a Supreme Court that it says has become too politically interventionist. Critics say Monday's amendment has been rushed through parliament and will open the door to abuses of power by removing one of the few effective checks on the executive's authority in a country without a formal written constitution. The crisis has spread to the military, with protest leaders saying thousands of volunteer reservists would not report for duty if the government continues with the plans and former top brass warning that Israel's war-readiness could be at risk. Netanyahu has cast the threat of insubordination in the ranks as an attempt to undermine Israel's elected government. The military chief, Lieutenant-General Herzi Halevi, wrote in an open letter that "dangerous cracks" are formed when politics impact on the military. "If we dont have a strong and united defence force, if Israel's best do not serve ... we will no longer be able to exist as a country in the region," Halevi wrote. The furore has contributed to strains in relations with the U.S., as have surging Israeli-Palestinian violence and progress in Iran's nuclear programme. Washington has urged Netanyahu to seek broad consensus over any judicial reforms. Netanyahu's health problems prompted his office to postpone planned trips to Cyprus and Turkey, without immediately providing new dates. (Additional reporting by Maayan Lubell, Ari Rabinovitch, Emily Rose, Rami Amichay and Ilan Rosenberg; Editing by Paul Simao, Richard Chang, Jan Harvey and Conor Humphries) MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico has been hit with three sets of trade arbitration proceedings in the past few days, according to the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). First Majestic Silver and Silver Bull Resources, both Canadian companies, as well as U.S. food firm Arbor Confections have filed cases against Mexico, ICSID said in brief statements issued between Thursday and Friday. The proceedings all invoked the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) which replaced NAFTA. The statements did not set out what sort of redress the companies were seeking. In June, Silver Bull said it would likely soon be filing a request for arbitration against Mexico over its Sierra Mojada project on a claim worth at least $178 million. Arbitration magazine CIAR Global said the Arbor Confections claim relates to a leasing contract for an industrial warehouse in the border city of Ciudad Juarez. The firm could not immediately be reached for comment. In 2021, First Majestic said it had started arbitration proceedings against Mexico following a tax dispute. It was not clear if and how the latest filing related to that issue. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The administration of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has sought to tighten state control of natural resources and the energy market, sparking trade disputes with the United States and Canada over the energy sector and corn. (Reporting by Dave Graham; Editing by Paul Simao) This photo taken on May 26, 2022 shows hydroponic vegetables growing at an intelligent farm of the Tayuanzhuang Village in Zhengding County, north China's Hebei Province. (Xinhua) SHIJIAZHUANG, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Every weekend, 2,000 or so residents living in nearby cities travel to Tayuanzhuang Village in Zhengding County, north China's Hebei Province, to enjoy leisure time there. Tang Xiaoying was cheerfully and energetically peddling vegetables, confident that the pesticide-free produce cultivated with intelligent planting technologies tasted good. In front of an intelligent farm is an automatically-controlled-temperature glass house in which Tang has been working, and where rows of lettuce can be seen growing in water. The 65-year-old villager is already quite skilled at modern hydroponic vegetable planting methods, and she said that the 60-square-meter building can produce approximately 1,000 kg of vegetables a year. The farm is the result of cooperation between the village and Tongfu Group Co., Ltd, a leading agricultural company. Zhengding County, since it is separated from the provincial capital city Shijiazhuang by just one river, decided as early as the 1980s to develop its economy based on the demands of the city. Tayuanzhuang Village, two thirds of which is located on floodplain areas, lacks sufficient land resources. However, the village has taken advantage of its proximity to both the county and provincial capital and adopted the mode of "village-enterprise cooperation" to inject new vitality into its development. In the past, villagers needed to pedal a cart to transport food and vegetables to the city to sell, while now visitors from the city tend to walk in the fields to pick and gather fresh fruits and vegetables themselves, said Wu Feng, head of Tongfu rural revitalization demonstration park. Wu added that the intelligent farm also features aquaculture including fish, shrimp and crab breeding and uses bio-organic bacterial fertilizer to improve soil fertility. Business opportunities are booming. From cultural tourism and varied forms of farming to in-depth agricultural research and other projects, a rural industrial ecosystem has been formed. As of July, the park had received more than 900,000 visits this year. The village also launched a "shared farm" program in which city dwellers can rent small plots and grow their own food. As large as 90 square meters, these plots were snapped up within one week. Hu Wenfa, an official with the village, said that from 2013 to 2022, the village's collective income rose from over 4 million yuan (about 556,000 U.S. dollars) to more than 32 million yuan. Villagers receive dividends at the end of the year with their utility charges exempted. In March this year, eyeing the healthcare needs of urban seniors, Tayuanzhuang, along with six neighbouring villages, reached cooperation agreements with enterprises to kick off the construction of a comprehensive demonstration park integrating the likes of modern agriculture, healthcare, forest economy, and leisure agriculture. "We want to join hands with others villages and harvest wealth together," said Yin Jiping, Party chief of Tayuanzhuang Village. By Mohammad Yunus Yawar KABUL (Reuters) - At least 30 people have been killed in Afghanistan after floods caused by a heavy monsoon rain spell washed away homes, a disaster ministry official said on Sunday. Mohammad Shafi Rahimi, the ministry spokesman, said 26 of the deaths occurred in Jalrez district, 46 km (29 miles) east of Kabul, after the rain washed away hundreds of houses, most of them built of earth. Four more people died in Kabul, and a total of over 70 were injured in both the districts, he said, adding at least 40 other people were missing. Afghan Taliban's spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid issued a condolence message, calling on aid groups and the Kabul administration to help the bereaved families. Last year's monsoon flooding killed dozens of people in Afghanistan, washing away hundreds of houses and livestock. (Writing by Asif Shahzad; Editing by Frances Kerry) LAGOS (Reuters) - Authorities in Nigeria's Lagos state were planning a mass burial for 103 people linked to anti-police protests more than two years ago, where demonstrators accused soldiers of killing protesters, a state health ministry official said on Sunday. The number of victims of the October 2020 protests has been a source of dispute. The latest figure is much higher than previously reported. In December 2021, Lagos state rejected findings by a judicial panel that security forces carried out a "massacre" of unarmed protesters, maintaining only one person suffered a gunshot wound during the protests. Protesters at a tollgate in the upmarket Lagos district of Lekki were shot at by men that witnesses said were soldiers. Rights group Amnesty International said 12 protesters were killed there. The army denied involvement. On Sunday, local media published a leaked letter from Lagos public procurement agency informing a local funeral parlour to prepare for mass burials for "2020 ENDSARS victims." Olusegun Ogboye, permanent secretary for Lagos state health ministry confirmed the letter in a statement but denied reports the bodies were linked to the shooting at Lekki tollgate, which was occupied by protesters. Ogboye said Lagos environmental health unit had picked bodies from at least 12 locations across the state "in the aftermath of EndSARS violence and community clashes." "The 103 casualties mentioned in the document were from these incidents and NOT from Lekki Toll-gate as being alleged," said Ogboye. He said the mass burials were meant to decongest mortuaries and that no relatives came forward to claim the bodies. The demonstrations were held under the slogan "ENDSARS" to protest against a police unit which the demonstrators blamed for killings, torture and extortion. The unit was disbanded. Police said 22 of their personnel were killed and 205 buildings including police stations were damaged in the unrest. (Reporting by MacDonald Dzirutwe; Editing by Chris Reese) An interior view shows the Transfiguration Cathedral damaged during a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Odesa, Ukraine July 23, 2023. REUTERS/Nina Liashonok By Iryna Nazarchuk ODESA (Reuters) - A Russian missile attack on Ukraine's southern port of Odesa early on Sunday killed one, injured 20 and severely damaged an Orthodox cathedral in the city centre, a UNESCO world heritage site, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said. "Odesa: another night attack of the monsters," Oleh Kiper, governor of the Odesa region, said on the Telegram messaging app. He said the missile attacks also destroyed six houses and apartment buildings and hospitalised 14 people. Zelenskiy said the injured included four children aged 11 to 17. Almost 50 buildings were damaged, 25 of them architectural monuments, and the Greek consulate was among the affected structures, he added. "All these missiles target not just cities, villages or people, but humanity and the foundations of our entire European culture," Zelenskiy said. Officials said the icon of the patroness of the city had been retrieved from the rubble of the Spaso-Preobrazhenskyi Cathedral, or Transfiguration Cathedral. Zelenskiy said it was hit by a Kh-22, a Cold War-era missile designed to hit U.S. aircraft carriers. The cathedral's archdeacon, Andriy Palchuk, told Reuters the missile strike had started a fire which only affected one corner of the cathedral containing non-historic religious artefacts for purchase by worshippers. Ukraine's defence ministry said the cathedral had now been "destroyed twice," by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. The early 19th-century cathedral was demolished in 1936 as part of Stalin's anti-religious campaigns and rebuilt when Ukraine gained independence from Moscow in 1991. Parts of the building were destroyed, the floors were covered in rubble and chunks were ripped off the cathedral's ornate walls. Several local residents from the surrounding area came to assist with cleaning up the rubble. Russia has attacked Odesa with missiles and drones several times since it withdrew on Monday from a year-old deal that had allowed for safe exports of Ukraine's grain from Black Sea ports. Odesa's ports were the departure point for grain leaving Ukraine in the Turkey and UN-brokered agreement. Zelenskiy vowed payback, saying on Twitter, "There can be no excuse for Russian evil. As always, this evil will lose. And there will definitely be a retaliation to Russian terrorists for Odesa. They will feel this retaliation." Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a statement condemning the attack and offering assistance in the reconstruction of the cathedral. In its daily briefing, Russia's Defence Ministry said it had struck targets "where terrorist attacks were being prepared" in the Odesa area and all targets had been destroyed. Separately, the ministry said Ukrainian reports of a Russian strike on the cathedral were false, and its targets in Odesa were located "a safe distance" from the cathedral complex. It said the "probable cause" of the damage to the cathedral was a Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile. Russia has been pounding Odesa and other Ukrainian food export facilities nearly daily over the past week. Pro-Kremlin military bloggers have said in the past week that Russia has changed its air attack tactics, using a combination of weapons in a "swarm" manner, one wave after another, which they say is more difficult to defend against. Zelenskiy accused Russia of using 19 missiles of different types "absolutely on purpose, so that they are harder to shoot down and so that they cause more destruction." Odesa's military administration said air defence systems destroyed nine of the 19 missiles fired at Odesa and the surrounding region. The cathedral that was hit on Sunday is of the Moscow-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), Ukraine's second-largest Church. Most Ukrainian Orthodox believers belong to a separate branch of the faith formed four years ago by uniting branches independent of Russian authority. Ukraine has accused the UOC of maintaining links to the pro-invasion Russian Orthodox Church, which used to be its parent church but with which the UOC says it broke ties in May last year following the Russian invasion. (Reporting by Iryna Nazarchuk in Odesa, Nick Starkov and Max Hunder in Kyiv, Felix Light and Keith Weir in London, Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Writing by Max Hunder and Elaine Monaghan in Washington; Editing by Richard Chang, Frances Kerry and Chris Reese) FILE PHOTO: China's Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi attends during a trilateral meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Jakarta, Indonesia, July 12, 202 TOKYO (Reuters) - Top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi proposed high-level talks between China, Japan and South Korea in a meeting with the Japanese foreign minister in Indonesia this month, Kyodo news agency reported on Sunday. The proposal is seen as signalling a willingness to resume talks among the three countries and Japan would accelerate preparations to make it happen by the end of the year, Kyodo reported, citing unidentified diplomatic sources. U.S. allies Japan and South Korea are wary of China's increasing military assertiveness and of growing tensions between China and the U.S. over a range of issues including trade and self-ruled Taiwan. China's foreign ministry did not immediately comment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo could not be reached for comment on Sunday, outside business hours. Wang and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi met on the sidelines of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in Indonesia on July 14. They discussed a Japanese plan to discharge into the sea treated radioactive water from its wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant but they fell short of an agreement. The issue of the water could be a sticking point preventing an early meeting of leaders of the three countries, Kyodo said. The last time the three countries' leaders met was in December 2019. Japan conveyed Wang's proposal for the talks to South Korea, Kyodo said. (Reporting by Satoshi Sugiyama; Additional reporting by Ryan Woo; Editing by Jacqueline Wong, Robert Birsel) (Tribune News Service) The U.S. Army will begin installing whole-home water filtration systems in East Selah, Wash., households with contaminated groundwater this fall, officials said. Over the past week, Army officials and contractors visited households in the area to discuss the installation of point-of-entry-treatment system filters. These systems will be installed outside, where they can filter all water coming from a contaminated well before it enters a home. They will replace the bottled water the Army has been providing to affected residents for almost two years. The filters will reduce the concentration of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals, to levels that meet federal standards. PFAS refers to a large family of chemicals, some of which are toxic to humans in minute quantities and can remain in the body for years. For decades, the Army used a fire suppressant foam laden with PFAS in firefighting exercises at the Yakima Training Center. Over time, the chemicals in the foam seeped into the earth, slowly moving down and out toward East Selah. The Army began testing private water wells for PFAS in late 2021. By September 2022, the Army had tested 300 wells in East Selah, 62 of which exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency's maximum contaminant levels for PFAS. Incoming solutions In a public meeting last fall, the Army offered possible solutions that would allow residents to use their well water safely. The water filter systems were on the list. In February, the Army began doing in-home assessments to gauge the viability of the filtration systems. Now, the next step of the process has begun as contractors including plumbers, electricians and water experts have started visiting homes. Some residents said the Army may have to build a small shed to house the system. While residents expressed relief in interviews with the Yakima Herald-Republic, some are still hesitant about the idea of drinking from their contaminated wells. Nicole Acosta, an East Selah resident whose well tested at over 800 parts per trillion for PFAS, 200 times the amount considered dangerous to consume by the EPA, said she's worried about being among the first residents to use the filters. "I'm afraid we're going to be the guinea pigs for this," Acosta said. "I don't know that I ever want to drink that water again." Acosta's well feeds water to two households and 10 people in total. She said she cooks often and isn't comfortable with the idea of using the water in her home to cook. Jeff Davis said he is pleased there's a possible solution. He said the Army offered to pay for any installations or modifications to his house related to the filters. "I'm just glad they're (Army) doing something about this," he said. "It's a relief." Like Acosta, Davis will be among the first to have a filtration system installed because of his well's PFAS concentration of 640 ppt. An Army spokesperson said a combination of criteria including PFAS concentration levels, well geography and water consumption rates were used to determine the order in which filtration systems will be installed. To get the systems, residents are asked to sign a five-year contract with the Army for continued maintenance and testing of the filtration system, all of which the Army would pay for. Acosta, Davis and other residents like Terry Archer said the Army would provide eight weeks' worth of bottled water while the filtration systems were tested to assure they were working properly and meeting the 70 ppt standard. After that, systems would be checked every two to four months for new filters, maintenance needs and water testing. The three homeowners said they'd have to look over their contracts closely but that they are inclined to accept the Army's offer. The Army spokesperson said all eligible homes will get a system. "Currently there are 61 wells serving 79 households receiving bottled water provided by the Army," the spokesperson said. "Any residence whose drinking water sampled above 70 parts per trillion for PFAS receives bottled water from the Army and will have a Point Of Entry Treatment (POET) system installed to filter water going into the home." The spokesperson said installation will start in the fall and will continue until all eligible homes have had their system installed. The Army has contracted with the Environmental Chemical Corporation, a California-based company that has worked in everything from nuclear decontamination to cleanup efforts in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The ECC has subcontracted with local businesses like Shepherd Plumbing and Wild West Electric. Changes to regulation In March, the EPA proposed a new federal limit of 4 ppt for PFAS chemicals, the lowest level that tests can detect. The new regulation would be a mandatory limit on water providers, different from the earlier advisories. The EPA expects the regulation to be implemented by the end of this year. If approved, thousands of public water systems would be required to start testing and treating their water for PFAS. An Army spokesperson said the Department of Defense, which oversees Army operations, is prepared to revisit its existing data and conduct additional testing in the area once the EPA's regulations are in place. The Army will abide by PFAS cleanup guidance, along with the new drinking water regulations. Under the new standard, dozens of additional households in East Selah could be eligible to receive help from the Army. Santiago Ochoa's reporting for the Yakima Herald-Republic is possible with support from Report for America and community members through the Yakima Valley Community Fund. (c)2023 Yakima Herald-Republic (Yakima, Wash.) Visit www.yakima-herald.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (Tribune News Service) Baltimore sailor Donald Lawson is missing at sea, the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed Sunday. Lawson took off on July 5 from Acapulco, Mexico, on a voyage to Panama. His last point of contact came on July 12, when his wife communicated with him, said Hunter Schnabel, a spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guards District 11. Mexicos coast guard is leading the search-and-rescue efforts. The Coast Guard issued a rescue alert Saturday asking nearby vessels to look out for Lawson and his sailboat. Lawson has been seeking to set records with his sailboat, Defiant, an ORMA 60 trimaran that can reach speeds of up to 42 knots, or 48 miles an hour. Too much speed can be dangerous, some sailors have cautioned, but Lawson told The Baltimore Sun in an interview last year that his boats swiftness could also be a strength: If Im sailing along and I see a bad weather system coming along, Im fast enough to avoid it. Defiant was equipped with two life rafts, a position beacon, multiple radios and a survival suit, he said at the time. Lawson, a Baltimore native and Woodlawn High School graduate, was set to begin an around-the-world voyage in the fall with the goal of becoming the fastest person to sail solo and nonstop around the world in a boat no longer than 60 feet. The current record is 74 days. Defiant had previously sailed on the Pacific Ocean. Lawson had not yet tried to sail around the world. Earlier this year, he told The Sun that he planned to sail through the Panama Canal and return to the Baltimore area, expecting to take off from there for his circumnavigation this fall. Lawson has experience as a delivery captain, bringing boats to new homes, and he estimated that hes completed at least 100 passages of more than 1,000 miles. Long passages are dangerous, but asked about the risk in 2022, Lawson said he was concerned but not scared. Baltimore Sun reporter Lilly Price contributed to this article. 2023 Baltimore Sun. Visit baltimoresun.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (Tribune News Service) In the late spring of 1952, Sen. Brien McMahon, a presidential contender, and his right-hand staffer William Borden hired a former FBI agent to investigate whether Oppenheimer, father of the atomic bomb, was a Communist spy. Oppenheimer, the nuclear physicist who headed the Los Alamos Laboratory, was a leader in organizing the Manhattan Project, which created the first nuclear weapons. According to historian Patricia McMillan's account in "The Ruin of J. Robert Oppenheimer," the FBI agent would eventually end the investigation trying to convince Borden that Oppenheimer was a Communist spy. McMahon died before the investigation concluded, the election held, and Oppenheimer's later removal. He would die of cancer in July of 1952 at age 48 at Georgetown University Hospital. From his deathbed he telephoned the Democratic state convention in Hartford that if elected president, he would direct the Atomic Energy Commission to build hydrogen bombs by the thousands. Seizing the atomic issue McMahon was an ambitious senator from Norwalk who was first elected in 1944. In 1945 when word of atomic weapons reached the public, McMahon was quick to jump on them politically. He served as the chairman of the Senate's Special Committee on Atomic Energy. In 1946, during the intense debate over McMahon's proposed Atomic Energy Act, he was among the first to suggest atomic tests be carried out on naval ships, a suggestion that was realized on Bikini Atoll. During the debates McMahon's atomic bill bore his name, the McMahon Act. McMahon maneuvered himself into the center of the first atomic political debate whether atomic weapons and research should be under civilian control. "You had the military leadership of the Manhattan Project very much in favor of retaining the wartime style of control," said James Stemm, curator of the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. "And you have people like Oppenheimer ... who wanted to see civilian control brought back into it." It was a frantic time. President Harry S. Truman wanted legislation passed quickly to formalize what would become of The Manhattan Project and its sprawling complex of research labs, factories, and facilities. Whole cities in Washington and Tennessee were built in service of the project. Tens of thousands of people lived and worked during World War II in secret. The initial Atomic Energy Act legislation was held up in the senate after drawing a tidal wave of criticism from many scientists including noted physicist, Manhattan Project scientist and nuclear arms race critic Leo Salazard. They feared that the secrecy provisions and structure of the initial bill would leave nuclear weapons and research in military hands. "What McMahon does in this period is basically seize control of this issue," said nuclear historian Alex Wellerstein, a professor at the Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey. Wellerstein has extensively studied the development of the nuclear security state. "He sees this opportunity to have this defining issue, and he ends up giving scientists opposed to the military a big voice." Becoming a hawk During the drafting of the Atomic Energy Act a spy scandal called the Gouzenko Affair occurred in Canada, which prompted McMahon to add much higher provisions of military secrecy to his bill. The final bill tries to merge peaceful atomic research while also maintaining strict military secrecy. "McMahon justified this after saying that by putting things in the (legislation) that were deliberately opposite that would force everybody using the law to figure out the rational, enlightened solution," said Wellerstein. "But what immediately becomes clear is that the lofty aspects of the law, nobody is empowered to actually use them." Shortly after the passage of his bill McMahon's committee was embroiled in the debate over whether to push for the development of hydrogen bombs, which are much more powerful than a typical nuclear weapon. At this time McMahon encountered the 28-year-old William Borden, who had written a book about future wars with nuclear weapons. Borden also wrote a letter called "the inflammatory document" that McMahon read in which Borden called for Truman to issue Soviet Chairman Joseph Stalin a nuclear ultimatum. "Present the issue directly to Stalin atomic peace or atomic war," wrote Borden. McMahon hired him to a high-ranking staff position for his congressional committee. A young nuclear hawk was now working to push nuclear policy. Oppenheimer, leading a secret scientific advisory committee, opposed developing hydrogen bombs on technical and moral grounds. At the time he was also pushing for open, international control of nuclear technology through the United Nations. "The United States was not interested. The Soviet Union was not interested," said Stemm. "The idea was basically dead on arrival." At the same time America was growing more and more paranoid about nuclear weapons. A series of spy scandals over the ensuing years revealed that the Manhattan Project had been infiltrated by Soviet spies. Nuclear secrets had passed to the Soviet atomic bomb project. By 1949, the Soviet Union would test their first atomic bomb. This threw gasoline on the fiery debate over whether to develop hydrogen bombs. Wellerstein explained that McMahon thought that nuclear war was going to happen and that the U.S. had to have atomic supremacy. "He says that if the Soviet Union gets the H-Bomb they have a gun pointed at our hearts," Wellerstein said of McMahon. "He can't live with that sense of vulnerability ... mutually assured destruction means mutual vulnerability." In now declassified congressional transcripts McMahon downplays Oppenheimer and his committee's worries about nuclear fallout, nuclear contamination and triggering an arms race. Those worries would eventually be borne out by the historical record. McMahon was "incredulous," said Wellerstein. "He cannot believe the scientists actually believe this." In the transcripts McMahon cites contrary opinions by one of the fathers of the hydrogen bomb, Edward Teller. McMahon and Oppenheimer Eventually Truman decided to pursue building hydrogen bombs. But this was not enough to satisfy the people angered by Oppenheimer's resistance. Those who opposed the hydrogen bomb were seen as deliberately stalling its development. Borden would push McMahon to tell Truman to have Oppenheimer removed up until McMahon's death, all while advocating nuclear armament. "The winners are the ones who become the most bitter about it," said Wellerstein. "They really believe that these people gummed up the works. In their view they need to be punished." Teller would be the sole scientist to testify against Oppenheimer during the security clearance hearing that marked the end of Oppenheimer's relationship with the U.S. government. Borden, too, would play a role in the proceedings testifying against Oppenheimer and "pass out of history," according to Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Richard Rhodes, who wrote in his book "Dark Sun: The Making of the Hydrogen Bomb." Whether McMahon would have actually pushed Oppenheimer out of the government remains unknown. "It's a contentious question of whether Borden was operating on his own authority," said Wellerstein. "How much did McMahon agree with him?" It's not clear how McMahon would have reacted to other developments in the hydrogen bomb saga. He died before the Castle Bravo detonation in 1954 that contaminated several of the Marshall Islands and sickened Japanese fisherman working roughly 80 miles away. He never knew that scientists weren't bluffing when they testified to his committee that hydrogen bombs had "unlimited destructive power." "Who knows what he would have done," said Wellerstein. "There's a Cold War approach that you judge a man by his association. Who is he within this period? But would he have softened? I can't say." None of this history is in the film Oppenheimer. The sprawling, three-hour movie cuts most of this period out. Wellerstein, who saw a pre-screening with scientists and academics, said that it focused on the Manhattan Project and the period just after the Soviets got the bomb. U.S. Congress is barely mentioned. Borden, however, does make an appearance, cast as "the oiliest man," said Wellerstein. Instead of working for McMahon, Borden is depicted working for Lewis Strauss, arch-secret keeper of the Manhattan Project and another enemy of Oppenheimer's. (c)2023 Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn. Visit Journal Inquirer Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (Tribune News Service) Poland summoned Russia's ambassador following President Vladimir Putin's comments about post-World War II borders and claims that Polish authorities were considering seizing parts of western Ukraine. Putin riled Warsaw with remarks on Friday that western territories given to Poland in the wake of Nazi Germany's defeat in 1945 when the country's eastern regions were taken over by the Soviet Union were a "gift" from communist leader Josef Stalin. The Kremlin is trying to "falsify history and the present," Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister Pawel Jablonski told reporters after speaking with Russian envoy Sergei Andreyev on Saturday. Putin's suggestions that Poland is interested in seizing territory are a provocation as "borders are absolutely inviolable," he said. Andreyev said after the meeting that he rejected "all accusations" leveled by Poland against Putin, as they have "no justification." The developments mark a further deterioration in relations between Warsaw and Moscow, which have effectively been frozen since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Jablonski said Putin's suggestions that Poland should be thankful for Stalin's role in moving its borders westward nearly 80 years ago amounted to "pseudo-historical arguments" and "attempts to whitewash a war criminal by another war criminal." Putin also warned Poland that he would treat any "aggression" toward his ally Belarus as an attack on his own country. That followed Warsaw's recent decision to send troops to reinforce its eastern border in response to the presence of Wagner mercenary forces in its neighbor. Poland, a NATO member, has shown no intention to take unilateral, unprovoked military action. Wagner troops plan to train together with Belarusian troops near Brest, which is adjacent to the Polish border, the Belarusian defense ministry said on Thursday. 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Biden administration is holding firm, for now at least, on its refusal to send long-range Army missiles to Ukraine despite mounting pressure from U.S. lawmakers and pleas from the government in Kyiv, according to U.S. officials. Disappointment at the slow pace of Ukraine's counteroffensive against entrenched Russian forces and a newly equivocal tone by President Biden have led to widespread speculation that the missiles will soon follow the path taken by other U.S. weapons systems that were first denied but ultimately approved during the 17 months of the war. In late May, Biden appeared to alter his previously firm "no" on the possibility of ATACMS, the Army Tactical Missile System, saying for the first time that it was "still in play." Two weeks later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he and Biden had spoken about the missiles at the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania but that no decision had been made. But U.S. defense and administration officials familiar with the issue said that despite what one called a growing public perception of "some sort of slow, gravitational pull" toward approval, there has been no change in U.S. policy and no substantive discussion about the issue for months. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to address the sensitive subject. The Pentagon believes that Kyiv has other, more urgent needs than ATACMS, and worries that sending enough to Ukraine to make a difference on the battlefield would severely undercut U.S. readiness for other possible conflicts. The number of ATACMS in American stockpiles is fixed, awaiting replacement with the next generation, longer-range Precision Strike Missile, called the Prism, for PrSM, which is expected to enter service by the end of this year, officials said. Lockheed Martin still manufactures 500 ATACMS each year, but all of that production is destined for sale to other countries. Ukraine has said that the ATACMS, with a range of 190 miles, is essential for destroying command posts and logistics areas far behind Russian front lines. "Without long-range weapons, it is difficult not only to carry out an offensive mission but also to conduct a defensive operation," Zelensky said at a July 7 news conference in Prague. The ATACMS would allow Ukrainian forces to target the farthest reaches of Russian-occupied Crimea from their own current front lines, including the 12-mile Kerch Bridge and the Russian naval base at Sevastopol. Asked at the Aspen Security Forum on Thursday what is at the top of Ukraine's list of security needs, Andriy Yermak, the head of Zelensky's presidential office, said: "My answer will be very simple. At this point, it's very clear and understandable. We need and are waiting for decisions on ATACMS." Kyiv has asked for hundreds of the missiles. Ukraine has appealed to its supporters in Congress - many of whom have visited Kyiv or met elsewhere with Zelensky and other Ukrainian government officials - and U.S. lawmakers have made increasingly loud demands for the Biden administration to approve the transfer of missiles. Last month, the House Armed Services Committee included funds to send ATACMS to Ukraine in its draft of the defense budget, and the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed a bipartisan resolution calling for the United States to "immediately" provide the missiles. "There's no reason to give Ukraine just enough to bleed but not enough to win," Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Tex.) said. "If we're going to be helping them, either go all in or get out." The resolution was backed by the committee's chief Democrat, Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (N.Y.). Early this month, Sens. James E. Risch (Idaho) and Roger Wicker (Miss.), the ranking Republicans on the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services committees, respectively, joined McCaul in a statement that said transfer of ATACMS, along with cluster munitions and F-16 aircraft, was "critical" to Ukraine's success. Since last year, the administration has cited several reasons for holding back. Refusal initially centered on concerns that Ukraine might fire the long-range missiles into Russian territory, escalating the conflict into a U.S.-Russia confrontation. Even supplying the weapons, Moscow has said publicly, would cross a red line. Whatever Moscow's threats, those worries seem to have abated. The Biden administration has said it is satisfied with public statements and written pledges from Kyiv not to use U.S.-supplied weapons to target Russians beyond the border. Although officials privately concede there have been some breaches, Ukraine is said to have largely complied with those promises. Britain and France have recently supplied cruise missiles with a range of about 140 miles - nearly three times as far as what was previously available to Ukraine, but about 50 miles short of the range of the ATACMS - after coordinating their decisions with the United States. "We are confident that these weapons will be used by Ukraine in accordance" with agreements "not to attack Russian soil," a senior European official said. The recent arrival of British Storm Shadow and French SCALP missiles means Ukraine has even less need for ATACMS, Colin Kahl, until early this month the Pentagon's undersecretary for policy, said during the same Aspen panel at which Yermak appeared. "The problem now is not their ability to strike deep" into Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory, Kahl said. "They have that ability. They are doing it now. The Russian command and control, their logistics, have been disrupted in the deep." "The problem is not a hundred kilometers away, it's one kilometer in front of them with the minefields" the Russians have laid, along with rows of trenches and tank traps, in defensive lines along the 600-mile front line, Kahl said. The minefields are the primary cause of delay in the Ukrainian offensive, according to Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "Right now, [the Ukrainians] are preserving their combat power and they are slowly and deliberately and steadily working their way through all these minefields. And it's a tough fight. It's a very difficult fight," Milley said after Tuesday's virtual meeting of the 50-plus group of Ukraine's international backers. "The various war games that were done ahead of time have predicted certain levels of advance and that has slowed down," he said. "Why? Because that's the difference between war on paper and real war. These are real people in real machines that are out there really clearing real minefields and they're really dying." Not only would the ATACMS be game changers in Ukraine, in the view of the administration, but they also would "limit the use of HIMARS or the GMLRs," a defense official said, referring to the U.S. High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System and the Guided Multiple Launch Rockets it is capable of firing six at a time with a nearly 50-mile range. The ATACMS are also fired from HIMARS, but only one at a time. "There's a very limited number [of ATACMS] available to export, and for distances longer than the GMLR can reach, the Ukrainians have been given Storm Shadows and SCALPS," the defense official said. This fall or winter, Ukraine also will receive U.S. GLSDB, or Ground Launched Small Diameter Bombs, with a range of 93 miles and the ability to fire on a 360-degree trajectory. ATACMS are nearly two-ton guided missiles. Each one is 13 feet long, 2 feet in diameter, and costs nearly $1.5 million. First designed in the 1980s, they were used in combat by the Army in both the 1991 Persian Gulf War and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The Ukrainians believe the ground-launched missiles would provide a capability beyond the cruise missiles, which are launched from aircraft. The limited number of ATACMS is the U.S. military's most pressing concern. While the exact number in the U.S. arsenal is classified, Lockheed Martin has made only about 4,000 since production began, many of them used by the U.S. Army in combat, exercises and periodic testing. At the same time, nearly 900 have been sold to allies and partners abroad in the past decade - including 211 since the beginning of the Ukraine war, according to the State Department's list of foreign military sales. They have gone to NATO allies, Persian Gulf countries and as far afield as Taiwan and Australia, usually in conjunction with the sale of HIMARS. The administration notified Congress in April of the pending sale of 40 of the missiles to Morocco. To fulfill those and future foreign orders, the Army has signed at least three contracts with Lockheed Martin since 2018, totaling about $1 billion, for ongoing manufacture of ATACMS, which are "currently in full-rate production . . . at a rate of about 500 per year" at Lockheed Martin's facility in Camden, Ark., according to a company spokesperson, who declined to be named. All are destined for foreign sales. Alex Horton contributed to this report. DAMASCUS, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian military stood ready to open crossings for patients from rebel-held regions to seek medical treatment in government-controlled areas, Syria's pro-government al-Watan newspaper reported Sunday. Citing Idlib Governor Thaer Salhab, it reported that the government forces would open the crossings for cancer patients, including children, and other people with chronic diseases. His remarks came after media reports circulating in rebel-held areas in the northern provinces of Aleppo and Idlib about the deteriorating medical situation of people who had chronic illnesses and failed to receive proper treatment, some of whom even crossed the border into a neighboring country to seek medical help. "We have received many appeals from some people on this issue, and the state is responsible and has a duty to provide treatment to any Syrian citizen on any part of the territory of Syria, and there is no difference between Syrian citizens, whether they live in or outside the government-controlled areas," he said. Still, Salhab added that there was a shortage of medical personnel in Idlib, saying that a request was made for the rehabilitation of the Maarat al-Numan hospital in the namesake city to make the process of offering medical care easier. Last week, the Ministry of Health issued a statement saying it was "following with great concern" the health conditions of people in northern Syria, especially children and women. Meanwhile, war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said some 3,000 cancer patients are in need of urgent medical help in northern Syria. PLATTSBURGH (Tribune News Service) It's all blue skies ahead for the North Country. U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, joined by Senior Advisor to President Joe Biden and White House Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator Mitch Landrieu, toured Plattsburgh's Beta Technologies Friday to get an up close look at the work being done by the leading electric aerospace manufacturer. CREATIVE INCENTIVES Gillibrand is committed to bringing clean electric infrastructure to the North Country and her visit with Landrieu will help support federal infrastructure investment throughout the region. "What we're doing here today is creating incentives for the private sectors to help build a clean energy economy with some massive public investments," Landrieu said during a brief press conference after their tour Friday. "When the private and public sector work together, we can boost domestic manufacturing, diversify our workforce, and strengthen our supply chains. We can build a better and smarter clean energy economy." HOW TO INNOVATE Gillibrand told Landrieu his visit was essential because he got to see firsthand why electric infrastructure in airports is needed up and down the country and throughout the entire economy. "This (also) shows another vision about how to innovate transportation for lots of applications like medical use, for emergency applications, as well as military uses and delivery uses," the senator said. "We saw a lot of challenges with our supply chain during COVID, and so understanding how we can fix those supply chain problems ourselves with made in America here, in the United States here, and in Upstate New York is pretty exciting." Gillibrand and Landrieu were joined by CEO of Beta Technologies Kyle Clark; Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake); President and CEO of the North Country Chamber of Commerce Garry Douglas; Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry; Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman; and executive director of the Clinton County Industrial Development Agency Molly Ryan. Clark said now is the time for the aerospace industry to go electric. "Aerospace has not gone electric yet. Every other form of transportation has gone electric," Clark said. "At the rate at which I see engines becoming more efficient cars are going electric, buses are going electric, trains are hybrid already and going more electric if we don't do anything about it in aerospace, we, unfortunately, will be the number one producer of carbon emissions by 2035. It is absolutely imperative to do something about the aerospace industry." MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE ASSET Clark also said their electric aircrafts will look to cut costs, create jobs and give rural communities the opportunity to make connections globally. "There's a massive infrastructure asset that is underutilized. It's the 4,300 airports across the United States that connect these communities for critical things like medical and for practical things like industrial that are underutilized and it's because the cost of aviation is just a little bit out of reach," Clark said. "With an electric aircraft, you not only are more sustainable, but it costs less, you don't pay a green premium, and in many cases, the baseline costs half as much. and all of a sudden you open up the opportunity for people that live and work in places like this or Vermont or New Hampshire or Mississippi to compete on a national and thus a global scale with more economic transportation with infrastructure that already exists." Gillibrand said one piece of legislation last year already invested billions of dollars in energy infrastructure. "That bill invested in renewable energies, electric vehicles. It invested in infrastructure for electric vehicles, it invested in everything that you'll need to build long-term to have energy efficiency and energy independence," she said. "So that was a lot of investment. That will take 10 years to actually spend all that money and that money can be spent here in the North Country. It can be spent through a lot of the work that this company is trying to do." Douglas said now more than ever, infrastructure is about the development and production of green transportation and not just roads and bridges. "BETA Technologies is a standout part of our region's diverse transportation equipment and aerospace cluster, symbolizing the present and future of the North Country economy and its significant place in the changing landscape of North American transportation," he said. "We thank Senator Gillibrand for her continued, active interest in supporting this key element of our future economy by bringing Mitch Landrieu here to learn about BETA and our other companies and their technologies. Every such visitor leaves as a valuable new ambassador and partner." GREEN ECONOMY 'NOT A FAD' Cashman shared that he believes the community knows that the green economy is the wave of the future. "Beta knows that. It is not a fad," he said. "It is companies like Beta that will take our local economy and our national economy to new heights. So we look forward to the growth and the direction that you're taking us in." Jones similarly said "this is the future." "We saw this many years ago, and now it's paying dividends," he said. "It will for many years to come for our area and for the state and quite frankly, the country." Henry said "To see it grow to what it is here today, and what the plans are for the future, and to kind of have been in on that at the beginning, and to see where we are now, is really exciting for this county, for our area, for all of us." "The future of aviation is here. It's here in Clinton County. It's here in Plattsburgh. It is here with Beta." (c)2023 the Press-Republican (Plattsburgh, N.Y.) Visit the Press-Republican Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Dale Walsh is alleged to have stayed overnight at an address in Portavogie without prior approval A pervert awaiting sentence for harassing a woman from prison has been charged with breaching his Sexual Offences Prevention Order (Sopo). Dale Walsh is alleged to have stayed overnight at an address in Portavogie without prior approval from his designated risk manager on June 17 and 18. None of the facts were opened at Newtownards Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Walsh was granted bail but will remain in custody until he can meet certain terms. The 28-year-old has already admitted harassing a woman between October and November 2021. Dale Walsh Walsh, who lives at a hostel in Belfast, also confessed to a breach of his SOPO in 2021 after failing to tell a new partner about his past. Previous hearings were told he used a false name when he began the relationship with the woman, who had no idea he was a convicted sex offender. When Walsh was arrested for that breach, he tried to smash his unauthorised mobile phone, even though it was the phone he was allowed to have. When officers examined the device, they uncovered the relationship and Walsh was remanded into custody. That did not stop him from committing further offences, and he bombarded his girlfriend with letters from prison. Walsh was jailed for twice abducting a teenage girl (14). He has a litany of Sopo breaches on his record as many as 14. The case was adjourned until next month. He will be sentenced for harassment in September. Pan Yuzhen (L), an inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Miao embroidery of the Miao ethnic group, teaches her daughter Zhang Yanmei to embroider in Taijiang County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, May 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) GUIYANG, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Pan Yuzhen, 77, was embroidering flying butterflies and peonies while leaning against a window. Hailing from Taijiang County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China's Guizhou Province, Pan is an inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Miao embroidery of the Miao ethnic group. Dressed in Miao ethnic costumes featuring unique embroidery patterns, Pan has been a frequent guest on the international fashion stage. These experiences have made her well-known. "The girls in my hometown can embroider with needles from a very young age. Since I was five years old, I learned embroidery from my mother and sister. Miao embroidery techniques are complicated, but I have basically mastered all embroidery methods," Pan said, adding that she used to embroider for herself, but after she got married, she also made embroidered clothes for her family. Pan's daughter Zhang Yanmei, who was born in 1977, suffered from poliomyelitis at the age of three. "I remember when I was a child, my mother took me by boat to seek medical treatment along the Qingshui River, and we had also been to Beijing to see a doctor. Although doctors said it could not be cured, my mother never gave up," Zhang said. After corrective surgery, Zhang was finally able to walk with crutches, but due to the family's heavy financial burden, Pan began to sell Miao embroidery products across the country and traveled to a number of cities including Guiyang, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing and other places by train. Zhang remembered that her mother was always back home in a hurry, bringing a lot of candies and new clothes to her, but she never complained about her hardship. In 1999, Zhang went to Beijing to join her mother after graduation from high school, to do business while learning embroidery. At that time, Pan had a stall in Panjiayuan Antique Market, covering about 6 or 7 square meters, where she met many foreign friends. "They advised me to go abroad and sell cultural and creative products. Over the 10 years, from 2006 to 2016, I went to the United States to do business related to Miao embroidery," Pan said. Xia Hua, chairwoman of Eve Group, a garment brand in China, has been deeply engaged in the intangible heritage embroidery industry for more than 30 years, and has been looking for embroiderers in the mountainous area of Guizhou for years. In 2016, Pan became a contracted embroiderer of Xia's handicraft workshop. Xia then took Pan and other embroiderers from Guizhou to the United Kingdom to participate in various fashion show activities. Foreigners who were interested in Miao embroidery flocked to take photos with the Chinese embroiderers. With the help of Xia and her team, Pan's embroidery works have been integrated into international fashion designs, becoming both haute couture fashions for supermodels and exquisite handicrafts with ethnic characteristics. "Foreigners are fond of our embroidery, especially at Christmas. They even queue up just to buy an embroidery decorated notebook or embroidery pendant for their families. I never thought that the craftsmanship handed down by my ancestors would sell so well abroad," Pan said. "Miao embroidery is not only the pride of our Miao people, but also the pride of our Chinese people," Pan said, "Now, not only me, but every family in Taijiang County is engaged in the Miao costume business. I am 77 years old now, and I want to pass my embroidery skills down to the younger generation, hoping that they can continue to inherit our Miao ancestors' unique skills." Zhang has taken over her mother's business and helps her run a Miao embroidery clothing processing plant. She also serves as the chairwoman of the Taijiang County association for the physically disabled, helping 10 disabled households to grow indigo plants which are used for dyeing cloth, and leading six disabled embroiderers in completing Miao embroidery orders. Today, the Miao embroidery industry has become a major distinctive industry in Taijiang County. Zhang is not only a role model for local disabled people, but also gives them hopes. Pan Yuzhen, an inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Miao embroidery of the Miao ethnic group, embroiders in Taijiang County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, May 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) Pan Yuzhen (front), an inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Miao embroidery of the Miao ethnic group, dyes cloth with her daughter Zhang Yanmei in Taijiang County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, May 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) Women of Miao ethnic group are pictured during a parade in Taijiang County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, April 25, 2021. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) Paul Weldon (57) has been awarded 140,000 in multiple personal injury claims Paul Weldon was told his case was dismissed... but he has another four personal injury claims in progress This is the serial litigant who has been awarded 140,000 in multiple personal injury claims and told a judge to f*** off after he struck out his latest claim after being caught repeatedly lying on the stand. Dublin man Paul Weldon (57), who has taken 12 separate personal injury claims in 20 years, was seeking up to 60,000 in Dublin Circuit Civil Court this week after claiming he tripped and fell and hit his head on a windowsill in Dublin city centre on September 4, 2015. Weldon, who was previously given a suspended sentence after he shouted racist abuse at Indian restaurant staff, was suing Dublin City Council as well as Lasal Ltd and Eleybrooke Ltd, which owns the building where he hit his head. The case was defended by insurance company Allianz. He arrived at the Four Courts in a three-piece suit and was in a jovial mood shortly before the case began. Weldon loudly inquired in the corridor outside the court if any settlement had been offered. Well did ya get me any money? he asked. However, no settlement had been offered and the case was listed to go ahead. Weldon then walked into the courtroom and approached the court registrar and asked if he had time to go off for lunch, even though it was only 10.30am. Paul Weldon was told his case was dismissed His case began shortly afterwards and Weldon remained in a positive mood as he took the stand and told his court about the accident. I was walking down like a human being does, he said before adding that he tripped and fell. I hit my head off the wall on the left hand side, he said. His own legal counsel asked him if he had any previous claims. He listed off three claims which were claims from Dublin Bus and from tripping on the street. Im telling you the truth, he said. Asked if he had made any more claims since the incident before the court, he said none at the moment. Defence barrister Grainne Larkin cross-examined Weldon and put it to him he was lying about how many accidents he had been involved in. How may have you had in the last 20 years? she asked. Now listen to me, anything I do is 100 per cent straight, no lies, no messing, Weldon replied. Ms Larkin put it to him that he had made 12 claims. If I done it, I won it and I was entitled, Weldon said. However, Ms Larkin said he had also withdrawn claims. She added that he had sued Dublin Bus on four separate occasions even though he claimed he had only done it twice. Im not being rude to you lady, Sean Sheehan and Co [solicitors] represent me, Weldon said. However, the defence barrister replied that he had been represented by six different law firms in his various claims. Weldon asked if that was against the law and Ms Larkin said it wasnt but pointed out that lying on the stand was. You havent answered any questions properly, Ms Larkin said. She added that Weldons claim that he hadnt been in any other accidents since the current case was also a lie and said he had taken four more injury claims since then. Youve had 12 claims in 20 years. When the judge asked you said you had three, Ms Larkin said. She pointed out that Weldon had claimed multiple times for tripping on cellar doors and walking down footpaths. At this point Judge James McCourt interjected. In pleadings you were asked if you had previous claims, Judge McCourt said. The judge then listed the accidents Weldon had disclosed. That is the extent of accidents you said you were previously involved in. You have accepted you moved from one solicitor to another. There is nothing wrong with that but that concerns people like me, said the judge. He said cases rely on the credibility of those giving evidence. I dont find your evidence credible, Im dismissing your claim, the judge said. Weldon got off the stand and started to walk toward the exit. The judge was still addressing Weldon, warning him he could expect similar scrutiny in his upcoming claims but Weldon interrupted him and said f*** off as he made his way out the door. It is unclear at this stage if Weldon intends to proceed with his four outstanding claims. Danielle (28), from Buncrana, Co Donegal, was murdered in March 2017 The trial of a man accused of the rape and murder of backpacker Danielle McLaughlin is to be expedited and her mother is now preparing to travel to India for the proceedings. Last week, the High Court in Goa, India, denied Vikat Bhagat bail and pledged the case would be concluded within a year. Danielle (28), from Buncrana, Co Donegal, was murdered in March 2017. Her body was found in a field between the Agonda and Canacona beaches in south Goa. Vikat Bhagat was charged with her rape and murder. He denies the charge. On Friday, the criminal case was before the Indian courts and heard from several witnesses. The case, which has been beset with delays, will continue on August 7. Danielles mother, Andrea Brannigan, told the Sunday Independent she is relieved the prosecution is finally gathering pace. She intends to travel to India for its conclusion, as soon as she has more information. I will go over for the end of the trial. I would certainly like to be there for the verdict. Finally, on Friday, the case made some progress and the trial seems to be properly under way, after so many delays. I am very relieved that he did not get bail, she said. In June 2022, diplomats from Ireland and England travelled to Goa and met the chief minister there to discuss Danielles murder and the delays. Vikat Bhagats trial began in July 2017. The court has sat for about half an hour, once a month, for a couple of years. Ms Brannigan, who met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar over her daughters case in 2018, has repeatedly called on the Government to intervene in the case. For Ms Brannigan and Danielles four sisters, life is on hold until there is a conclusion to the trial, she said. We havent been able to come to terms with our loss properly. How can we? I am hopeful that finally now, things are moving in the right direction with the trial, she added. Bhagats trial has been delayed for various reasons, including his legal challenge to wearing handcuffs, which began in January 2019. Before this, he was engaged in a lengthy legal battle to be released on bail because of delays caused by Covid-19, which ultimately failed. Ms Brannigan has kept the last text she received from her daughter. Dated March 13, 2017, it reads: Im safe. Im with my friend Vikat and others. Bhagat has been described by police in India as a gang member and has convictions for theft. Danielle knew nothing of his criminal past. She had met him the year before when visiting India and had struck up a friendship. Heavily tattooed Verner is nicknamed Gerry Vermin because of his rape conviction UVF rapist Gerry Verners upcoming trial over a punch-up in a play centre has been delayed while a key witness gets dental work done abroad. Ex-soldier Verner (33) appeared at Laganside Magistrates Court for a contest alongside co-accused Shea McGreevy (25) on Friday, but the case was adjourned due to the absence of the witness. The court heard Toni McAllister, who is Verners ex-partner, had travelled outside the jurisdiction to have her teeth done, meaning the case could not proceed. Prosecutors said they had clear CCTV of the brawl which erupted in the Happy Town childrens soft play centre on the Portaferry Road in Newtownards in January. Deputy District Judge Phillip Mateer KC exclaimed in Happy Town? while details of the case were being heard. Shea McGreevy Heavily tattooed Verner, nicknamed Gerry Vermin because of his rape conviction, and pal McGreevy are both charged with assault and disorderly behaviour over the fist-fight. McGreevy, of ONeills Lane in Belfast, and Verner, whose address is given as c/o McConnell Kelly solicitors, deny the charges. Lawyers for the pair objected to the adjournment and were keen to have the matter dealt with. However, judge Mateer re-scheduled the case to be heard next month. Predator Verner was handed a five-year prison sentence in 2012 for raping a teenager. She was the fourth female he had violently assaulted. After getting out of prison, Verner moved to the Sydenham area of east Belfast, where he forged links with leading UVF figures. Loyalists say he dealt cocaine for the terror gang before being sidelined after details of his sex convictions were revealed in the media. Since then, Verner who was returned to prison for a short time in 2021 for breaching the terms of his early release licence has led a nomadic lifestyle, moving from place to place. In May he was charged along with another man with possessing a military-style M4 carbine rifle and 50,000 of cocaine. Verner is further charged with possessing class B drugs with intent to supply, possessing class C drugs and having criminal property namely, 4,325 in cash. Cops identify three teens suspected of sick attack on tourist as family try to raise funds to be with victim 10:35: Termini is karate kicked and beaten from behind by teens US tourist Stephen Termini was in Ireland to trace his roots and visit his mothers grave A cowardly thug who was part of a gang of three teenage boys who left an American tourist with life-altering injuries following a brutal attack in Dublin, filmed the assault on his mobile phone. Shocking CCTV footage of the savage incident shows feral teenagers repeatedly kicking Stephen Termini (57) in the head on Talbot Street before following him around to Store Street and continuing to attack him just metres from a Garda station. Shocking moment an American tourist was left fighting for his life on Talbot Street One of the youths who repeatedly kicked the New York native in the head including with a vicious scissors kick then walked back and filmed the attack as another member of the gang continued to beat Mr Termini. Mr Terminis sister, Michelle, said yesterday the family who are based in Buffalo, New York feel helpless as they cant afford to travel to be by his bedside and are trying to raise funds to do so as they have heard he might lose his eye and suffer lifelong injuries. I didnt worry about my little brother visiting Ireland, as hes been a long-time traveller, she added. My brother had been working at a galvanizing plant, saving every penny to afford the trip after losing his wife to illness last April. He had always dreamed of visiting Ireland. He was trying to trace our family that emigrated to the US from Dublin. US tourist Stephen Termini was in Ireland to trace his roots and visit his mothers grave The family have launched a GoFundMe to raise money to come over to Ireland to be with Mr Termini, who is currently in a coma after suffering serious injuries to his eye and head. Shocking CCTV footage of the attack shows Mr Termini walking down Talbot Street past a group of teenage boys and girls and stopping as if something had been said. A bus then blocks off the camera from seeing the group but when it leaves a teen boy can be seen kicking Mr Termini in the head. He steps back and repeatedly kicks the victim in the head and then jumps in the air and scissors kicks him in the head. By this stage most of the girls who were present flee the scene, except one who remains but was not involved in any violence. Another male teen then starts kicking Mr Termini multiple times in the head and then drags him around the corner to Store Street. While the victim is out of view of camera, the footage shows the teen coming back into view and appearing to run up as though kicking the victim multiple times on the ground. By this stage, the first youth who kicked Mr Termini has taken out his phone and is standing back across the street filming the incident. Footage then shows a third youth in a grey tracksuit run across towards the victim but what happens then is out of range of the camera. 10:34: US tourist Stephen Termini walking up Talbot Street 10:35: Termini is karate kicked and beaten from behind by teens 10:36: Original assailant videos horror attack from a few metres away 10:36: Making a run for it down Talbot Street 10:43: Paramedics arrive at the scene of Mr Terminis beating After the attack the teens then disperse in different directions. The first youth pulls up his hood and runs down Talbot Street in the direction of Connolly Station. Another cycles from the scene up James Joyce Street while another flees on foot. Within five minutes of the attack beginning, two gardai can be seen on footage coming around from Store Street and running up Talbot Street towards Connolly Station. Gardai have confirmed a male teenager has been arrested in relation to the serious assault. He is currently being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a North Dublin Garda Station. A garda spokesperson said: A male juvenile has been arrested for an alleged offence contrary to the Non-Fatal Against the Persons Act, 1997. An Garda Siochana had no further comment at this time. Gardai are understood to have identified three youths suspected of carrying out the attacks and expect to make arrests over the incidents. The suspects are all from the north inner city, with one based close to the Talbot Street area. One of the youths suspected of involvement is just 14 years old while the others are believed to be 15. They are part of a group that have been linked to previous violent incidents in the north inner city. Mr Termini is being treated in Beaumont Hospital, which specialises in head injuries. He has serious eye and head injuries and doctors are assessing whether he will have any long-term brain injuries from the attack. His family are now trying to raise funds to be able to come to Ireland to be by his bedside. His sister Michelle, a retired nurse, said in a statement released yesterday that he had an affinity with Ireland. Their mother was buried here following her death in 2004. Our mothers last request was to be buried in Ireland. He was unable to attend the ceremony at the time, but longed to visit her final resting place. Mr Termini has made several trips to Ireland in recent times and his family didnt think he would be in any danger here. His two sons Michael and Jesse are also hoping to travel to be with their father. Michael, who plays guitar with the metal band Kissing Candice, said he had just come back from touring with the band when he heard news that his father was the victim of an unprovoked attack by a gang of youths. The brutal attack has left my father in a coma after suffering various injuries. He is currently in critical condition with what I am told are life-altering injuries, he said. He said that he was receiving news of the situation through the media and spoke of his connection to his father. My father instilled the love of music I have inside of me and has been a huge support to me over the past decade. Although we may have not been the closest throughout the years, he is still my father. I am asking for you to send healing vibes to my father while my family and I attempt to learn more facts of the situation. Anyone looking to donate to the fundraiser for Mr Termini and his family can do so at gofundme.com/f/9zgq4-help-our-family Investigators say drugs were tied to buoy and to be picked up using GPS tracking with bigger haul One of the packages at Ballyhiernan Beach in Fanad, Co Donegal Locals handed over the bales to a Garda on the Magheroarty Pier in Co. Donegal Gardai searched a lobster potting vessel but have not been able to link it to the bales found Gardai believe bales of cocaine that washed up on the coast of Donegal were tied to a buoy offshore possibly with a GPS attached to it, to be picked up as part of a larger drugs haul. So far, two 30kg bales of cocaine have been recovered. The first was found on Tramore beach on the outskirts of Dunfanaghy village early on Wednesday morning and the second at Ballyhiernan Beach at Fanad Head a short time later. Pure cocaine is valued by gardai at 70,000 a kilogram. This gives the haul recovered so far an estimated street value of 4.2 million. Both locations where the drugs were discovered are popular with walkers and tourists. The concern for gardai now is that other bales may have washed up and remain undiscovered along more isolated areas of the coast. Our source said gardai believe the drugs couriers may have attached the bales, as part of a larger consignment, to a buoy off-shore to be collected hours, days or even weeks later. Locals handed over the bales to a Garda on the Magheroarty Pier in Co. Donegal The ropes attached to the bales wasnt there simply to keep them wrapped in the plastic they were found in, the source said. You can see from the pictures that there are trailing ropes which leads us to believe the bales were tied to a buoy offshore possibly with a GPS attached to it. The drugs would have been destined to have been picked up by a smaller vessel after the delivery vessel had left the drop off point. Fortunately, or unfortunately from the point of view of the criminals behind this, the weather conditions and currents off the coast of Donegal last week were unseasonably poor and its likely this caused the ropes to break and the drugs to come free. The source confirmed that a boat impounded at a pier in the county earlier this week has been examined by gardai as part of the ongoing probe. However, he said, officers had yet to find evidence linking it to the cocaine. Fishermen at the pier where it is berthed yesterday told the Sunday World the 11.8 metre lobster potting vessel had been berthed at the pier on Tuesday of last week before being seemingly abandoned. The vessel had been recorded as sold by its previous owners earlier this month. The previous owners are highly respected fishermen who are in no way suspected of any involvement in what has occurred. We had reports of unusual activity in relation to this vessel and that is why it has been impounded, the source said yesterday. It is of interest to the investigation team and for that reason it has been searched and forensically examined. However, there is, as of this point, no evidence to link it to the discovery of the bales. As reports emerged of cocaine tourists arriving in the county in search of undiscovered drugs, the source said the public at large should be made aware of the consequences of failing to notify gardai if further bales are spotted. This stuff is pure or almost pure, he warned. The intended recipient would have diluted it with mixing agents and whatever other kind of rubbish he had to hand before putting it out on the street. So, for someone to find it and think they can use this stuff the same way they use cocaine bought from a dealer would be really dangerous. It is likely to result in serious injury and deaths. Gardai need to be notified immediately if any further bales are found. Searches for further bales were continuing yesterday. Throughout the week, a Revenue patrol boat, a Garda helicopter and small craft from the Garda Water Unit have been searching the shoreline for signs of similar packages. Pictures taken by this newspaper yesterday show ferry workers, arriving back to Magheraroarty Pier, handing over black plastic sheeting similar to that in which the recovered bales were wrapped - to a waiting garda. One of the packages at Ballyhiernan Beach in Fanad, Co Donegal Regarding reports of cocaine tourists descending on the Donegal coastline in search of bales, the source said this description might be overstating things. A lot of people would be using this area of the coast for tourist reasons at this times of year and there is no doubt many of them will be doing their civic duty and keeping an eye out for these drugs. The two bales recovered were notified to the authorities by members of the public. We have not had to deal with queues of people descending on these beaches looking to take advantage of what is happening. Gardai have urged landowners in the Fanad Head area with coastal land and/or any people using the North Donegal Coastline over the coming days to be conscious of the packages that have been recovered. Any person who sees any similar package or any other marine debris that attracts their attention is asked to contact An Garda Siochana at the investigation team at Milford Garda station 074 9153060, their local Garda station or the Garda Confidential Phone number 1800 666 111. On Friday, Haughney and Coakley were sentenced to two-and-a-half years and two years in prison respectively after both changed their pleas on Tuesday TWO men convicted of deception after they dragged a lifeless Peadar Doyle into a post office in Carlow in a bid to collect his pension, have lodged four High Court actions seeking damages. Declan Haughney and Gareth Coakley issued High Court legal proceedings against Mediahuis (publishers of the Sunday World) Reach (publishers of the Irish Mirror) Associated Newspapers of Ireland (publishers of the Irish Daily Mail) and The Sun Ireland (publisher of The Irish Sun) on January 20 of this year. Gareth Coakley. Pic Kevin Mc Nulty No documents have been filed with the High Court in connection with the case on behalf of either man since that date. However, cases against newspapers usually fall within the sphere of defamation law where plaintiffs are alleging damage to their reputation as a consequence of media coverage. At the time that the cases were initiated, Haughney, Peadars nephew, and Coakley were maintaining their innocence of the accusation that they had tried to obtain Peaders pension by deception. On Friday, Haughney and Coakley were sentenced to two-and-a-half years and two years in prison respectively after both changed their pleas on Tuesday the day their trial was due to start. Both pleaded guilty to the attempted deception of Margaret OToole at Hoseys post office on Staplestown Road, Carlow town, on January 21, 2022. Hosey's Post Office, Staplestown Road, Carlow Handing down his sentence at Carlow Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Eugene OKelly sentenced Mr Haughney to two-and-a-half years with the final six months suspended for one year and Mr Coakley was handed a two-year sentence with the final six months suspended. Judge OKelly said that while considering his judgment he took into account the distasteful and macabre scene in the post office on the day in question. The attempt of deception and theft was (for a) very modest (sum). It was at the lowest level of gravity but was highly aggravating, he said. He said Declan Haughney showed a callous disregard and dignity towards a dying man. He could have been left at home to have died peacefully and in bed. No person should die in those circumstances. Remarking on Mr Coakleys sentence, Judge OKelly said he was marginally less culpable and was not a relative. He leant support to (Mr Haughney). His offence (on this occasion) is mid-range. Judge OKelly said a post- mortem could not ascertain the time of Mr Doyles death and there was no evidence of foul play. A montage of footage played showed Mr Haughney entering the post office at 10.59am on the day of the incident when he used his uncles social welfare card which was out of date in bid to collect Mr Doyles money. Peadar Doyle He left the post office and returned at 11.14am with Mr Coakley and Mr Doyle whom they were carrying with their arms around him. While Mr Haughney and Mr Coakley were accompanying Mr Doyle to the post office, they were observed by witness Claire Knight, who was driving into Carlow. The court heard that at this time Mr Doyles eyes were fixed and his face was grey and that Ms Knight, although having no medical training, formed the opinion that Mr Doyle was already dead. She then followed the three men into the post office as they jumped the queue and went to the post office clerks window. Mr Haughney, the court heard, said: Hes here now to collect (his money) and pushed him against the partition in front of clerk Ms Margaret OToole. Prosecution counsel, Niall Storan BL, said at this point Mr Haughney shouted: Hes dead, hes dead. She wouldnt pay. It was her fault. If you paid me he wouldnt be here. Mr Doyle was declared deceased at 12.40pm by a GP and later taken from the post office. Upon sentencing, Judge OKelly added that he was taking into account their guilty pleas, but that they cost the court system a lot of time and money in not pleading guilty sooner. Health food chain owner tells how financial controller and family friend betrayed trust and stole thousands A financial controller who stole 82,000 from health food chain Chopped Ireland Limited was motivated by nothing other than pure greed the companys founder Brian Lee has told the Sunday World. On Thursday, the chains former Chief Financial Officer Mairead Latimer was exposed as a serial thief who stole tens of thousands of euros from Chopped during her 18-month-tenure as the helm of the companys accounts. The glamorous 35-year-old, the wife of a former business partner of Mr Lees, admitted before Dublin Circuit Court to stealing the money from the chain through a myriad of deceptive practices including payouts to ghost employees, inflating her own wages, collecting cash from outlets and stuffing her own pension. Chopped owner Brian Lee A disgusted Mr Lee said afterwards that it is now his sincere hope that the penalty handed down to Latimer will fit the gravity of her crime. Todays proceedings are another important step on a long journey, he said. We now wait for October 13 for sentencing and hope that the right punishment is dealt out for this crime. People will call it white collar crime and try to dress it up as something less bad than pickpocketing or stealing from shops. These criminals will say its a victimless crime stealing from a business, but in my book stealing is stealing and its disgusting. There needs to be a better system for deterring this crime and allowing them to continue to steal and embezzle from hard working Irish business people. Im talking to you today so we can shine a light on these criminals. Former financial controller Mairead Latimer Mr Lee told the Sunday World that one of the most hurtful features of Latimers theft was the breach of trust the thefts represented as she was a trusted family friend as well as an employee of the chain he founded in 2012. This is not a big American company that came into Ireland, he said. This is an Irish company that started with one outlet and we grew from there through hard work. Then she came into us and she couldnt help herself it was pure greed. Worst of all, this is a person who is the wife of a former business partner of mine in a gym I used to own. I gave her the position in Chopped in good faith based on that. She was at the christening of my first born child. She was all innocent and sweet. She bought him a birthday card for his first birthday with a personalised picture of him. All of these things led me to believe she was someone I could trust. But she was like Inventing Anna (a fraudster who posed as a wealthy German heiress). All sweetness and innocence on the outside but pure poison on the inside. At Thursdays hearing, Latimer (35), of Corr Castle, Howth, Co. Dublin, pleaded guilty to a total of four counts of stealing money from Chopped between December 2016 and July 2018. She has no previous convictions. Detective Garda Declan OCarolan outlined how during this period Latimer stole money in four different ways from Chopped. He said she made payments to ghost employees, with over 43,000 going into her fathers account. She authorised inflated wage payments to herself of over 12,000 that had not been approved by the directors. She took over 22,000 from a Chopped shop on Grafton Street and in Lucan and also authorised more than 3,000 in the form of increased pension payments to her own pension plan. The court heard that Latimer has paid back 73,546 to Chopped Limited with a further 7,852 outstanding. The scam only came to light in July 2018 when one of the companys two directors was looking at staff rotas and wage payments. He saw that they were paying an employee who was not rostered anywhere. He asked Latimer to investigate and said he wanted answers the following week. The following week, Latimer confessed to making up the ghost employee and claimed this was the extent of her actions. She offered to work at a reduced rate until the money was paid back. Due to the breach of trust, Chopped ended her employment on August 1, 2018. Latimer subsequently wrote a handwritten letter to the directors saying that she would pay back the money. The court heard that Chopped began their own internal investigation and asked Latimer for her bank statements. She gave them bank statements, which turned out to be fake. Managers from two Chopped shops also gave statements outlining that on a number of occasions, Latimer told them there was a problem with the usual secure cash pick-up and that she would be collecting the money. In August 2018, Latimer was arrested after she attended a garda interview by appointment. She was cooperative, answered questions and made admissions to the gardai. Det Gda OCarolan agreed with Dominic McGinn SC, defending, that Latimer had paid back over 90 per cent of the money to Chopped. The garda also agreed with counsel that Latimer is now in employment elsewhere and also volunteers with a crisis text line. Mr McGinn said his client is married and has a stepchild. Latimers husband, the court heard, is in full-time education and she is the main breadwinner. He said that her mother also suffers from Parkinsons disease and needs to be brought in for medical appointments by her daughter. He submitted that Latimer is extremely unlikely to re-offend in the future and asked the court to take note of the probation report. He said Latimer has lived her life in a law-abiding way, except for this incident. He also asked the court to take into account how dependent Latimers mother is on her and her husband and stepchild. Judge Martina Baxter said that she required more material evidence from the defence that supports their claims in the form of bank statements for Latimer and other paperwork. She adjourned for finalisation until October 13. Chopped founder Mr Lee said he is glad Latimer, whose married name is Doody, has for now been publicly exposed as a fraudster. I believe it is important for other business owners that her name is out there and people will be aware of the kind of person she really is, he said. And I want to pay tribute to the work done by Det Gda Declan OCarolan... Its because of his efforts and hard work that five years after she committed these crimes, she is not being called to account for what she did. He is currently being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a North Dublin Garda Station The corner of Talbot Street and Store Street where the unprovoked attack took place. Photo: Rolling News A male teenager has been arrested in relation to the serious assault of an American tourist in Dublin city centre last week. He is currently being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a North Dublin Garda Station. A garda spokesperson said: A male juvenile has been arrested for an alleged offence contrary to the Non-Fatal Against the Persons Act, 1997. An Garda Siochana had no further comment at this time. Shocking CCTV footage shows teen gang attack on US tourist as family launch fundraiser to travel to Ireland This comes as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has vowed to increase garda numbers and get tough and firm on street thugs in order to combat a noticeable deterioration in public order in towns and cities around the country since the pandemic. Speaking in the wake of the vicious assault on an American tourist in Dublin city centre last Wednesday, Varadkar told the Sunday World. Its not just Dublin and not just the north inner city. We want people to feel safe at night on our streets. "There are a lot of factors at play, but its clear that a tough and firm response is required. People dont just want more guards, they want more visibility of gardai on the street. Words were exchanged briefly between the youths and the victim before they attacked him "Well be stepping up efforts to recruit more gardai and garda staff, improve equipment and vehicles, increase CCTV cover, appoint more judges and develop Community Safety Partnerships, he added. The Taoiseachs comments come as the devastated son of Stephen Termini the American tourist who was left in a coma with life-altering injuries after the attack in Dublin has said he wants to come to Ireland to be with his father when he wakes up. Mr Termini (57), a musician from Buffalo in New York, was kicked and punched in the head multiple times during an unprovoked assault, just yards from Store Street garda station on Wednesday night. Stephen Termini with his sons Mike Rizzuto (left) and Jesse Gardai believe three youths, all aged between 14 and 15, were involved in the attack. They have been identified from CCTV footage of the incident. Gardai are expected to make arrests imminently but investigators are taking their time to ensure it is done properly, according to a source. The Sunday Independent has also learned that one of the suspects was brought to a garda station in recent days by his father to give a voluntary statement. He was not arrested. Speaking to this newspaper this weekend, the victims son Mike Rizzuto recalled the shock of hearing about the vicious attack his father was subjected to. Definitely it was a shock. When I got the call, I thought it was just going to be he got assaulted but hes okay, but apparently not. Assistant Garda Commissioner for Dublin Angela Willis vows to bring perpetrators of Store street attack to justice I know hes still in intensive care, he might lose vision in one eye because it was hurt and damaged so badly. I know he got attacked by three people right outside the police station out there, it was unprovoked. I am trying to set up something to come and visit him. Mr Rizzuto said that he was adopted as a young child, but has been in more regular contact with his biological father in recent years and described how his dad has been working saving every single penny hes had to travel to Ireland. Im adopted, so I didnt grow up with dad but later down the line we met and became very close. Hes a musician, so he put me and my brother on the same path of music. I was on tour with my band and had just gotten back when I got the call. He said his family had an Irish heritage and that his father has expressed a desire to move over to Ireland to live. The corner of Talbot Street and Store Street where the unprovoked attack took place. Photo: Rolling News Mr Rizzuto also said the US embassy has said it can expedite passports for the family, including his brother and aunt, to travel from America but that they are trying to raise funds due to the expensive cost of travelling to Ireland. I think it would be really big to us, it would mean the world to see him. I havent seen him in a couple of years. "Hes been working hard, with his nose to the ground, doing what hes always been wanting to do, and Ive been touring these past couple of years so its tough to keep up. It happens but maybe when he wakes up, we can finally get in touch with each other and see how hes doing. "In a perfect world I want to be there when he wakes up. That might be a little far-fetched though at this time. A GoFundMe page has also been set up over the weekend by Stephens two sons and his sister to help the family travel to Ireland to be with him. He remains in Beaumont Hospital. Posting on social media yesterday, Stephens older sister Michelle revealed that her younger brother had been saving to travel to Ireland for some time, having only lost his own wife to illness last April. She said the purpose of her brothers visit was to trace his Irish heritage. My brother had been working at a galvanising plant, saving every penny to afford the trip after losing his wife to illness last April. He had always dreamed of visiting Ireland. He was trying to trace our family that emigrated to the US from Dublin. "What we were told as children was that our grandfather, Charles Wilson, had been a painter, painting cathedrals in Dublin. His mother, Ann Donnelly was from Co Mayo. Its been difficult to find any trace of them from here, so he thought perhaps he could learn more in Ireland. She said their mother was buried in Ireland in 2004 but her brother had been unable to make it to the funeral. Our mothers last request was to be buried in Ireland. He was unable to attend the ceremony at the time, but longed to visit her final resting place. Steves love of music and art appreciation were thankfully passed on to his children. We were a very musical family. I didnt worry about my little brother visiting Ireland, as hes been a long-time traveller, she added. Mr Termini arrived in Ireland on Tuesday after getting a flight via Washington DC and was socialising on Talbot Street prior to the attack. Gardai are currently arranging specific interview plans for the arrest and detention of three teenage boys suspected of being behind the barbaric attack. The Sunday Independent understands that the three male youths have all come to garda attention before. The trio has been identified as a result of high-quality CCTV and could be arrested as early as today, according to a source. If not, they are expected to be taken into custody in the coming days. The source confirmed the investigation is progressing well and that the teens behind the attack are local to the north inner city, though at least one also has an address elsewhere. From the CCTV, gardai have gathered that words were exchanged briefly between the youths and the victim before they attacked him. There is no motive for the attack, according to the source. A separate source explained that because of the age of the suspects, their arrests must be very carefully managed. Everyone is clambering for arrests but gardai are taking their time to ensure it is done properly. They can only be questioned in the company of a solicitor as well as a parent or guardian. The length of time they are permitted to be questioned is also shorter than that of an adult. "There is a specific plan around the proposed arrest and detention of the suspects being formulated. We need all of the evidence in order to put it to them. There is no need to rush into arrests, they explained. After their proposed arrest and questioning, the lead investigators will then have discussions with the director of the Juvenile Diversion Programme about the case. A decision will then be made on whether the suspects should be dealt with as children under the Juvenile Diversion Programme or whether a file should be sent to the DPP, so they can face criminal charges. That will be a matter for the lead investigators and the garda director of the Juvenile Diversion Programme to decide. Their age will be a factor, also whether they have come to garda attention before, and what for. As well as the specific circumstances of this attack, added the source. Under the Juvenile Diversion Programme, the views of the victim, or their family members, are also sought. This means they can have a say in whether the young offender is dealt with through diversions to steer them away from further crime, or whether they are dealt with in the criminal courts. Mr Termini has been a regular visitor to Ireland in recent years with one man who knows him from his trips here saying: Hes a lovely, lovely man. He would come back here regularly enough, and he likes it over here. I was speaking to him at around 9pm on Wednesday and the next day I heard he was assaulted. Its bad, very bad. The familys support page is at www.gofundme.com/f/9zgq4-help-our-family The Department has been contacted by a number of Irish citizens impacted by the current fires Smoke rising from a wildfire covers the air over a basketball court, near Lardos, on the island of Rhodes, Greece. Photo: REUTERS/Vassilis Ikoutas The Department of Foreign Affairs has advised Irish citizens to be alert and stay away from affected areas as as wildfires continue to ravage the Greek island of Rhodes. Thousands of tourists and residents have been forced to evacuate several villages on the island. Officials feared that high winds would hamper efforts to contain the flames on Sunday. The fires have burned for nearly a week on part of the island. A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Department has been contacted by a number of Irish citizens impacted by the current fires in Rhodes, Greece. "The wildfires have caused road closures and extensive damage to property, particularly in the centre of the island, and some areas are being evacuated," the spokesperson said. "Irish citizens are being advised to be alert and stay away from the affected areas and to move rapidly out of any areas affected. This is an evolving situation, and citizens should comply with evacuation orders and follow the instructions from the emergency services and local authorities. "Irish citizens should call the Greek Emergency Services on 112 if they are in immediate danger. People should turn mobile phones on to roaming, to receive alerts from local authorities. "Temporary shelters have been established by the authorities in Greece for tourists who have had to evacuate their hotels. Citizens should contact their tour operator or agency for information on arrangements and flights. "Anyone in need of consular assistance can call the Embassy of Ireland in Greece on +30 2107232771 or the Honorary Consulate of Ireland in Rhodes on +30 2241075655. If in Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs HQ can be contacted on 01 4082527. "If citizens are planning to travel to Rhodes, it is important prior to travel that they check with their travel operator or agency, or their hotel, to see if the area they plan to visit is impacted by the current wildfires and evacuations. There is likely to be travel disruption. The Department is advising against travel to the affected areas." Flights Meanwhile, TUI has stated it is cancelling all outbound flights to Rhodes up to and including July 25, due to the wildfires. Separately, Ryanair flights to/from Rhodes Airport are currently operating as normal and unaffected by the forest fires. A Ryanair spokesperson said: Passengers departing from Rhodes should be advised that we will accept temporary travel documentation issued by the Greek Police. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also set up a helpdesk at Rhodes airport to assist visitors who have lost their travel documents. Please check your Ryanair app where you will be notified of any changes to your Ryanair flight. Meanwhile TUI told the Irish Independent: We are working with the local authorities in Rhodes who are managing the movement of people, food and power in the impacted areas of the island We have reps on the ground at all evacuation points and have brought in additional team members to Rhodes to support customers in a difficult and evolving situation Well continue to work with the authorities and do everything we can to assist those affected. Were continuing to closely monitor the wildfires in Rhodes which have led to the evacuation of a number of hotels in the South of the island. We appreciate how distressing and difficult it is for customers who have been evacuated and ask that they follow the advice of the local authorities who are managing tourist movements in impacted areas. Our resort teams are doing everything they can to support customers, working closely with the relevant authorities. We have cancelled all outbound flights to Rhodes up to and including Tuesday, and passengers due to travel on Wednesday will be offered a fee free amend to another holiday. Those customers currently in Rhodes will return on their intended flight home. The safety and well-being of our customers and teams remains our top priority. Mr Termini (57), a musician from Buffalo in New York, was kicked and punched in the head multiple times during an unprovoked assault The corner of Talbot Street and Store Street where the unprovoked attack took place. Photo: Rolling News A male teenager has been charged in relation to a serious assault of an American tourist in Dublins city centre last week. In a statement this afternoon, gardai said that: "The male juvenile arrested for the alleged offence contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997 has been charged. "The juvenile has appeared before a special sitting of the Children's Court which was already held at the Criminal Courts this afternoon Sunday 23rd July, 2023," it added. It comes as the devastated son of Stephen Termini the American tourist who was left in a coma with life-altering injuries after the attack in Dublin has said he wants to come to Ireland to be with his father when he wakes up. Mr Termini (57), a musician from Buffalo in New York, was kicked and punched in the head multiple times during an unprovoked assault, just yards from Store Street garda station on Wednesday night. Stephen Termini with his sons Mike Rizzuto (left) and Jesse Speaking to this newspaper this weekend, the victims son Mike Rizzuto recalled the shock of hearing about the vicious attack his father was subjected to. Definitely it was a shock. When I got the call, I thought it was just going to be he got assaulted but hes okay, but apparently not. I know hes still in intensive care, he might lose vision in one eye because it was hurt and damaged so badly. I know he got attacked by three people right outside the police station out there, it was unprovoked. I am trying to set up something to come and visit him. Mr Rizzuto said that he was adopted as a young child, but has been in more regular contact with his biological father in recent years and described how his dad has been working saving every single penny hes had to travel to Ireland. Im adopted, so I didnt grow up with dad but later down the line we met and became very close. Hes a musician, so he put me and my brother on the same path of music. I was on tour with my band and had just gotten back when I got the call. He said his family had an Irish heritage and that his father has expressed a desire to move over to Ireland to live. The corner of Talbot Street and Store Street where the unprovoked attack took place. Photo: Rolling News Mr Rizzuto also said the US embassy has said it can expedite passports for the family, including his brother and aunt, to travel from America but that they are trying to raise funds due to the expensive cost of travelling to Ireland. I think it would be really big to us, it would mean the world to see him. I havent seen him in a couple of years. "Hes been working hard, with his nose to the ground, doing what hes always been wanting to do, and Ive been touring these past couple of years so its tough to keep up. It happens but maybe when he wakes up, we can finally get in touch with each other and see how hes doing. "In a perfect world I want to be there when he wakes up. That might be a little far-fetched though at this time. A GoFundMe page has also been set up over the weekend by Stephens two sons and his sister to help the family travel to Ireland to be with him. He remains in Beaumont Hospital. Posting on social media yesterday, Stephens older sister Michelle revealed that her younger brother had been saving to travel to Ireland for some time, having only lost his own wife to illness last April. She said the purpose of her brothers visit was to trace his Irish heritage. My brother had been working at a galvanising plant, saving every penny to afford the trip after losing his wife to illness last April. He had always dreamed of visiting Ireland. He was trying to trace our family that emigrated to the US from Dublin. "What we were told as children was that our grandfather, Charles Wilson, had been a painter, painting cathedrals in Dublin. His mother, Ann Donnelly was from Co Mayo. Its been difficult to find any trace of them from here, so he thought perhaps he could learn more in Ireland. She said their mother was buried in Ireland in 2004 but her brother had been unable to make it to the funeral. Our mothers last request was to be buried in Ireland. He was unable to attend the ceremony at the time, but longed to visit her final resting place. Steves love of music and art appreciation were thankfully passed on to his children. We were a very musical family. I didnt worry about my little brother visiting Ireland, as hes been a long-time traveller, she added. Mr Termini arrived in Ireland on Tuesday after getting a flight via Washington DC and was socialising on Talbot Street prior to the attack. He has been a regular visitor to Ireland in recent years with one man who knows him from his trips here saying: Hes a lovely, lovely man. He would come back here regularly enough, and he likes it over here. I was speaking to him at around 9pm on Wednesday and the next day I heard he was assaulted. Its bad, very bad. The familys support page is at www.gofundme.com/f/9zgq4-help-our-family TAIPEI, July 23 (Xinhua) -- A group of 37 teachers and students from five mainland universities concluded their nine-day visit to Taiwan Sunday. The visit of the group, led by the Party chief of Peking University Hao Ping, marked the first one made by mainland universities to the island for exchanges over more than three years. At the invitation of the Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, the mainland visitors met their peers from local universities, including Taiwan University and Chengchi University, and toured several counties and cities on the island. They had received a warm welcome in Taiwan. "Taiwan compatriots were so friendly and hospitable that I was deeply touched," said Chen Shihua, a student from Peking University, recalling that "elder brothers and sisters" from local colleges kindly recommended to her where to dine and have fun. When mainland students visited the Chinese Culture University in Taiwan Tuesday, students from the two sides of the Taiwan Strait gave a well-received traditional Chinese music performance. "When the music rose, I truly felt that the two sides of the Strait shared the same cultural root," said Chen Kaidi, who played Chinese zither in the performance. If young people across the Strait learn from each other and work together, they surely will revitalize the traditional Chinese arts, Chen said. Sun Lin from Wuhan University was otherwise impressed by the campus of the Chinese Culture University in Taiwan. "The campus looked like my university. They both kept a lot of traditional cultural elements and paid great attention to carrying forward our cultural legacy," Sun said. Chan Yu-hsiang from Taiwan University said he found no difficulties or barriers in talking with mainland peers since they were largely on the same page, and he expected more chances to meet them in the future. Calling the visit a constructive try, Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, said that young people from the two sides of the Strait should have such regular exchanges every year. Tony Dunne says he was known as Tony 10 because he owed banks 10m when the property market collapsed Tony Dunne tells our reporter Alan Sherry how hes now living in a flat on an invalidity pension A former landlord and auctioneer who was once worth 25m has told how he went from rags to riches and back again and regrets ever getting caught up in property. Tony Dunne, who said he was called Tony 10 because he ended up owing the banks 10m when the property market collapsed, said he left his hometown of Callan, Co Kilkenny, with barely a penny to his name when he was 17 and moved to Dublin in the early 1980s. I got a job in an estate agents in Rathmines and got a bedsit. I was paid 20 a week and the bedsit was 20 a week. You worked in pubs at the weekend to get food, Dunne told us from his flat in Glenageary this week. He said he bought his first house in Bray for 24,000 when he was 21. Within a couple of years, he went into business running his own estate agents and started buying up property, eventually owning 19 properties across Dublin in places including Ranelagh, Rathmines and Donnybrook, which he rented out. While he was successful, he was also caught up in controversy over the years and was even the subject of RTEs Liveline when his neighbours called Joe Duffy and picketed Dunnes business after getting involved in a dispute with him over building works. Dunne called them busy-bodies when the Sunday World asked him about that dispute this week, but said the matter was resolved at the time. Some of his tenants have also taken successful cases to the Residential Tenancies Boards against him for withholding deposits and illegal eviction. Despite the findings against him, he claimed there were reasons for withholding deposits. I was always a sort of a decent guy. Maybe I was too nice to be in the business. Most of the guys I know who succeeded were bastards. Tony had a portfolio of 19 houses He went on to call one of his previous tenants who complained about him as a prick and a f***ing arsehole. Dunne said he never got to enjoy his money when he was a millionaire, as he was always moving on to the next project. He said he had no time for luxury holidays, would always drive around in a banger of a car and mostly lived in bedsits, even when times were good. He said he was annoyed by people including friends and family always asking him for money. Banks, however, kept giving Dunne money as property values increased. I kept buying houses. I had basically built up a portfolio of 19 houses. We built it up years from 1985 to 2005. However, when the crash came over a decade ago, everything fell apart and his property empire was repossessed with Dunne owing around 10 million. Now he is living in flat in Glenageary on an invalidity pension and fears he could end up living in a tent if the banks go after the flat. He said he doesnt even have a car now and his mode of transport is a bicycle. Borrowing money is a f***ing nightmare, he said. You are worth 25m but you owe 10m and then property comes down in the crash so you are down very quick. He said banks were throwing money at him in the good times because they thought he was a property genius when he paid off one of his early loans within a year but in reality, it was just luck. When the banks see you doing well, they think you are a genius and they just f*** money at you. I got in with [Irish] Nationwide after buying a house in Drumcondra for 50,000 and I got a 50,000 claim for a fire. I went back and paid them the following year. I paid off the debt and they just thought I was f***ing hallelujah because I paid off the debt within a year. It was guys like me that they wanted. They just f***ing think youre a genius. There was cheap money and it was all about lending, lending, lending, and you have enough guys like me to take it. I know of guys who got 50m off AIB and they couldnt even read. There was mad stuff. He said banks encouraged him to go for bigger risk investments. I was buying small houses and they started giving out and said to me we dont want you buying a small house in Inchicore, we want you buying houses in Ballsbridge 2m, 4m. Theyd f***ing set out to kill you. Buying a house for 30,000 Inchicore and selling it a couple of years later for 180,000, youre winning, no risk. If youre buying a four-storey in Ballsbridge, you could have neighbours from hell, fellas who would sue you for a million. In 2001 Dunne featured on RTEs Liveline when his neighbours in Glenageary protested outside his offices Dunne had bought one apartment in the building but was not living there at the time. The neighbours said they had been seeking repairs for five years after Dunne knocked down part of his property to carry out renovations to build an extension but didnt complete the work. They were giving out. I was trying to get planning to put on an extension and they came and f***ing marched on my office. They were kicking up s**t that it was lying idle for a couple of years. They had nothing else to do. Theyre busybodies, looking out the curtains every day and they want to create controversy, he said. He said the matter was later resolved he hasnt had any hassle since but admitted he built some of the extension on communal land he didnt even own. I put an extension on there and didnt own the ground, he said. He no longer lets or sublets out property. While banks repossessed all his property from him in the crash, with the exception of the flat where he is living, he still owes millions. He said one bank offered to write off a debt of more than 4m if he agreed to give up his flat. I said where will I live? And he said live in a tent on Killiney beach. He admits he now regrets getting caught up the property madness that gripped Ireland during the Celtic Tiger. I came up with nothing and Im going home with nothing. You cant go to the grave with anything anyway. Leader Lenny Murphy was assassinated by the IRA in a shooting which was set up with the help of loyalists who knew he was out of control The UVF memorial on the Shankill Road which includes the names of four of the notorious Shankill Butcher gang The UVF on the Shankill road have placed a new Mural in Glenwood Street and included the Shankill butchers names on the roll of honour plaque The UVF memorial on the Shankill Road, a victim of the gang (bottom left), and leader Lenny Murphy (right) A mural on Glenwood Street off the Shankill Road commemorating UVF dead above a field of poppies now includes a tribute to the notorious killers who terrorised Belfast. Among a list of dead UVF men it includes Lenny Murphy, his brother John Murphy, Robert Basher Bates and John Townsley. They were key members of the gang which held Belfast in terror for seven years from 1975. They were notorious for slashing the necks of their victims, often after hours of torture. Their killings were so gruesome they caused fear and revulsion in a city already blighted by the violence of the Troubles. The gang was responsible for at least 23 murders, usually targeting Catholics, however eight of their victims were Protestants. Lenny Murphy Lenny Murphy was personally responsible for killing a young Protestant man with learning difficulties, a part-time UDR soldier and a former UVF prisoner. Hes also thought to have poisoned his co-accused in prison at just 21 to get off a murder charge. The ruthless killer was murdered by the IRA in November 1982 in a shooting which was set up with the help of loyalists who knew Murphy was out of control. He was later given a heros send-off but leaders within the UVF at the time regarded him as a loose cannon. The appearance of his name along with the other gang members on the marble memorial has caused anger locally. It declares we will remember them. He was a disgrace to loyalism, says a local man. Lenny Murphy was a serial killer, and his brother John wasnt much better. They were psychopaths who killed whoever they liked using the name of the UVF. Why anyone has decided to honour them now is beyond me, next to a plaque to war dead. The UVF memorial on the Shankill Road which includes the names of four of the notorious Shankill Butcher gang The memorial is just a street away from where the final victim of the gang was dumped in 1982, in Brookmount Street, where Lenny Murphy lived. He came up with the gangs calling card of slashing victims throats, often after mutilating them with hatchets. As their terrifying reputation grew, they would glory in telling victims they were in the clutches of the Shankill Butchers. The horror of their crimes was captured in a best-selling book by journalist Martin Dillon who described Murphy as a serial killer using a paramilitary banner. When Murphy was jailed for firearms offences in 1976 after trying to murder a Catholic woman in a drive-by shooting, he ordered one of his deputies, William Moore, to continue the cut-throat killings. Moore and Murphys brother John proved to be as bloodthirsty as their jailed leader. A Shankill Butchers victim lies in a Belfast alley The only person to survive their deranged violence was Gerard McLaverty, who was slashed and left for dead in 1977. His evidence eventually led to the arrest and conviction of 11 men for 19 murders. However, when Murphy was released, he returned to killing within 24 hours. He was gunned down by the IRA four months later. His brother John died in a car accident on the Grosvenor Road in 1998. William Moore died at home in Mount Vernon in 2009. Robert Basher Bates, who claimed he had become a committed Christian in prison, was shot dead in 1997 by the son of a UDA member hed killed 20 years earlier. Former gang member Eddie McIlwaine, who served time for kidnapping, assault, possessing weapons and intent to endanger life, was pictured last month erecting UVF flags in Glenwood Street, before taking part in the Orange Order Whiterock parade the next day. These men were as much of a danger to loyalists as they were to anyone else, says the local. Theyre being remembered a stones throw away from where Lenny Murphys last victim was dumped. Call them what you like but they werent heroes. Knives used by Butchers Yesterday, Jude Whyte, whose mother was murdered on the doorstep of her south Belfast home by the UVF, said he was appalled to hear the Shankill Butchers had been honoured. He said: Every family has the right to remember their dead, but it is absolutely outrageous that the Shankill Butchers gang are being remembered in this way. We all know that Lenny Murphy killed almost as many Protestants as he did Catholics. But whats actually happening here and this argument is going to develop in the near future if we commemorate the Shankill Butchers, do we also commemorate IRA volunteers in south Armagh? This is the big debate thats still to come here. People should always chose their words carefully, but glorification of the Shankill Butchers is a shameful thing. I suppose the fact that it is being erected within a loyalist working-class district keeps the offence out of public view, unless you want to go to see it. But victims like me are just appalled that these monsters are being remembered, he said. Jude Whyte Jude Whytes mum Margaret a 52-year-old mother of eight and a part-time taxi driver died along with RUC constable Michael Dawson when a UVF bomb exploded outside her home on University Street in 1984. The officer had called to the house in response to a telephone call from Mrs Whyte, who had spotted a suspicious looking bag on her windowsill around 2am. And Jude Whyte revealed the UVF man who murdered his mother is commemorated on a loyalist mural a short distance away from the double murder scene. Mr Whyte said: The man who murdered my mum is eulogised on a wall in nearby Donegall Pass. He was injured in the explosion and hes up there on the wall with other UVF volunteers. He added: But honouring the Shankill Butchers really stretches the imagination to its limits. The couple officially said I do at an intimate ceremony in Dublin last November, but tied the knot for a second time on Saturday on the Spanish island of Mallorca. Fair City star Ryan Andrews has shared the first photo from his lavish destination wedding to Michaela ONeill. The couple officially said I do at an intimate ceremony in Dublin last November, but tied the knot for a second time on Saturday on the Spanish island of Mallorca. Taking to Instagram on Sunday, the actor shared the first official snap from their big day, which he captioned: Mr & Mrs Andrews, adding a white heart emoji. The bride stunned in a floor-length veil and lace dress while Ryan looked dapped in a classic black tuxedo. Fans and friends flocked to the comments section to congratulate the happy couple. Glenda Gilson said: Look at you two! Amazing! Congratulations to you both. Makeup artist and businesswoman Aimee Connolly added: Ah so gorge. While James Patrice wrote: Ah so gorge. The newlyweds summer nuptials come eight months after they officially became husband and wife in a small civil ceremony in Dublin last winter. Speaking ahead of their Spanish do, Ryan said that he and Michaela didnt feel any pressure the second time around because they were more focused on spending time with friends and family. "I think there will be 65 people in total and our families will make up 35 of that. It will be very tight, the soap star told RSVP Live. "I was genuinely nervous for the ceremony and I laughed the whole way through it. It was just my parents and my brother and Michaelas mother and her siblings there on the day. Without even realising it, the pressure is completely gone. "We are looking at July as more of a party because in our heads we have had our wedding and done our vows. "This will be a thank you to all the people in our life, our guests." Ryan and Michaela both share a love for the arts and first met after they were both cast in The Olympia Panto as 10-year-olds. They started dating five years later and have been together ever since with Ryan getting down on one knee at Ballymoney beach in Co Wexford in the summer of 2021. A Bay of Plenty teenager with disabilities was beaten, screamed for help and left traumatised while waiting for her school bus at a city centre terminal which has been the scene of violent attacks. The 13-year-old was at the Durham Street bus stop in Tauranga CBD on July 17 at 3.15pm, when she was hit by two other teenage girls, her mother says. My daughter was screaming Help me, help me and no one stepped in while they were beating her. She is traumatised. She has bruising and swelling on her face. A few months earlier her daughter was pushed in front of a bus by another teenager. Im sick and tired of these bullies targetting the vulnerable. Its getting worse. Shes terrified going to school. Other parents agreed that the central bus stop was where many of their children now feared getting the bus, with the violence on kids out of the gate. It was the bus driver in the end who helped the victim. He was amazing, so kind, and helped calm her until her dad could come. Evidence shows disabled women face higher rates of abuse. A man got on the bus with a machete at Taurangas CBD, but was removed by police at a further stop in Fraser Street. The incident last year is one of increasing violence in Taurangas central bus station, with another attack this week. Photo: SunLive. The girls mother is concerned that there is little security around the bus stop which also makes young people vulnerable to violent people who might target them there. First Union, the union which represents 40 per cent of Taurangas bus drivers, says security should adequately protect drivers and passengers. Last year a man boarded a bus with a machete at the same bus stop. Weve seen people get on with tasers, knives and machetes, says a spokesperson. Drivers were suffering stress from increasing violence, threats and abuse, bullying, harassment and damage to the buses, the spokesperson says. In response to increased violence at the central bus stop. Bay of Plenty Regional Council has security in place at the Durham Street bus interchange at peak travel times, including after school. It comes at a cost to ratepayers of $1m a year, but Mike Seabourne, Director Public Transport at the regional council said that they have been able to reduce those costs. We continue to monitor the situation and adjust the level of security as required. Each reported incident at the bus stop was investigated, he says. Its a challenge as anti-social behaviour in urban locations, like bus stops, can have multiple root causes and require a multi-agency response. Paul Mason Safe and Resilient Communities' advisor at Tauranga City Council, says it was working to address the violence. Tauranga City Council continues to work closely with police, Regional Council, other agencies and community organisations to address concerns of anti-social behaviour in the city. Police were notified about the assault against the girl on Monday, and a police spokesperson told Stuff that the investigation was ongoing. Annemarie Quill/Stuff. The 33 rd New Zealand School Trustees Association (NZSTA) Annual Conference is wrapping up in Rotorua today, where hundreds of school board members have converged on the Energy Events Centre. On Saturday, members voted in favor of a name change for NZSTA, to reflect both its commitment to te reo Maori, and the terminology of the Education and Training Act 2020, which changed the term school trustee to board member. NZSTA will rebrand to Te Whakarputanga Kaitiaki Kura O Aotearoa - the New Zealand School Boards Association - NZSBA. Over the three-day conference which started on Friday, they have heard from key leaders, including Minister of Education Hon Jan Tinetti and Associate Minister Hon Kelvin Davis. Speaking at the conference on Friday, Minister Tinetti, herself a former principal, was effusive in her praise of school board members and spoke of the "incredibly important" role they play in the education system. She acknowledged the challenges faced by boards, including the implementation of major legislative changes, and the unprecedented disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, while thanking them for their unending commitment to doing the best they can for their school communities. Conference attendees. Photo: NZSTA. Conference attendees also heard from Associate Minister of Education Hon Kelvin Davis, who focused his speech on his portfolio area of Maori education. The Minister spoke of his ambitions to lift the numbers of tamariki Maori in immersion education, while briefly putting on his other cap as minister responsible for Oranga Tamariki to speak about the role of schools in preventing harm and improving outcomes for at-risk children. "Disengagement from the education system is the first step to disengagement from society," says Davis. Also speaking at the conference was Paula Tesoriero, former school board member and currently Chief Executive of Whaikaha - The Ministry of Disabled People, who highlighted the critical role of school boards in ensuring inclusive school environments. She says disabled akonga still experience exclusion in school, and as a result suffer poor outcomes across a range of measures. She spoke of the legal obligations to disabled learners boards have, and the critical part they play in ensuring a truly inclusive education system. Aside from speeches, NZSTA conferences are heavily focused on board member professional development, with dozens of workshops to grow members governance capability and thought-provoking sessions on a variety of topics, including one on resetting the education agenda, offered this year over two and a half days. In addition to the AGM and several workshops and masterclasses, attendees also heard from Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster, Chief Executive of the Teaching Council Lesley Hoskin, former All Blacks player Doug Howlett, award-winning tenor Geoff Knight, and Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People CEO Paula Tesoriero. With around 900 registrations this year, it is one of the largest education-centered conferences in the country. Rare and unusual sea creatures have been unveiled during an annual squid survey. Earlier this month, NIWA welcomed the Auckland University of Technology Squid Squad - a team of scientists from the Lab for Cephalopod Ecology and Systematics - to unbox and categorise cephalopod species taken from voyages around the country. This years finds include a rarely collected scaled squid and spectacular hooked squids. Professor Kat Bolstad from Auckland University of Technology led the survey. She says that each specimen is important in helping us preserve the deep ocean. "For every animal we collect, we gain more knowledge on their biology, ecology, and habitat. We still have plenty of undescribed species and we know very little about the biology of many our deep-sea squids. "Were working to make sure each species can be reliably identified and has a name that accurately represents how its related to the others. "From there, we can investigate individual species roles within their ecosystems, and where and when we might expect to encounter these animals. If we can clarify our local cephalopod biodiversity and its role within Southern Ocean ecosystems, we can protect them." The waters around New Zealand host an extraordinary diversity of cephalopod species, with NIWA collecting and receiving many priceless specimens. This year, the team unearthed spectacular large hooked squids, weighing about 15kg and sitting at 2m long, a Taningia - which has the largest known light organs in the animal kingdom - and a few species that remain very rare in collections worldwide, such as the scaled squid Lepidoteuthis and the Batoteuthis skolops. These specimens will be stored and preserved in the NIWA Invertebrate Collection for future study. Collection Manager of the NIWA Invertebrate Collection Sadie Mills says she loves hosting the ALCES team. "We affectionately call this event Squid Christmas because its so exciting opening the boxes and seeing what treasures weve got," says Sadie. "The enthusiasm from everyone is infectious. As the frozen cephalopods defrost and unfold, the team eagerly examine them to begin identifying and sampling. "Some, like the light-organ-studded jeweled squids and warty hooked squids, can be confirmed right away. Others must be thoroughly examined and may remain a mystery squid pending more detailed investigations. Best still, we get to improve the scientific value of our collection with these new discoveries." This years team included ALCES co-leader Dr Heather Braid, and PhD students Ryan Howard, Marina Maranzana, and Samuel Clough. Dr Thom Linley from The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa was also on hand to assist with outreach and record for the Deep-Sea Podcast. For more highlights, check out the ALCES labs #SQXmas2023 posts on Twitter or go to the Facebook page The Government is delivering on its climate commitment to ban new coal boilers and to phase out by 2037, existing coal boilers, the Energy and Resources Minister Dr Megan Woods has announced. The National Policy Statement and National Environmental Standards for greenhouse gas emissions from industrial process heat gives councils the muscle to tackle emissions produced by industrial process heat, which currently produce about eight per cent of New Zealands greenhouse gas emissions. Energy and Resources Minister Dr Megan Woods says the Governments decisions will reduce emissions by about the same amount as 100,000 cars would produce in a year. Currently, more than half of the heat used to process raw materials into products such as paper and dairy production comes from fossil fuels, says Woods. Switching to cleaner ways of generating process heat presents a huge opportunity to reduce our domestic greenhouse gases and paves the way for greener export products too. It continues the Governments momentum in reducing emissions and decarbonising industry, and delivers on a key Labour Party manifesto commitment." The new policy follows the Governments recent announcement of New Zealands biggest ever emissions reduction project, in partnership with NZ Steel, to introduce an electric arc furnace and reduce carbon emissions by 800,000 tonnes per year the equivalent of 300,000 cars. Publishing the emissions reduction plan and expanding the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry (GIDI) Fund last year, shows the Government is committed to reduced emissions, cleaner air, and more productive businesses. The new national direction will ensure councils regulate process heat emissions in a nationally consistent way, accelerating New Zealands transition to a low emission, thriving, and sustainable economy. Official title: National Policy Statement and National Environmental Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emissions on Industrial Process Heat requires councils to factor in climate change impacts caused by industrial process heat when making resource consent decisions. The national direction supports last Novembers changes to the Resource Management Act, that allow greenhouse gas emissions to be considered in resource consenting decisions, including industrial process heat air discharge permits. The national direction will phase out existing low-to-medium temperature coal boilers by 2037 and ban the installation of new low-to-medium temperature industrial coal heating devices, from July 27 this year. Under the new policy, resource consent will be needed for discharges of greenhouse gases from all fossil fuel heat devices generating 500 tonnes (or more) of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, per site. Developed by the Ministry for the Environment and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), the NPS and NES will be ready for councils to implement in the second half of 2023. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is producing guidance to help councils and industrial emitters of greenhouse gases understand and implement the national direction. The NPS and NES only apply to fossil-fuel burning devices (such as coal boilers) that are used to generate thermal energy for industrial processes. The NPS and NES: introduce consenting requirements to reduce emissions from the use of fossil fuels in industrial process heat devices, including for boilers, furnaces, engines, or other combustion devices apply to fossil fuels as including coal, coke, diesel, liquid petroleum gas, natural gas, used tyres, oil, peat or plastics incentivise lower-emission alternatives for new process heat devices require consent applications for heat devices to have greenhouse gas emissions reductions plans require greenhouse gas emissions plans to be reviewed by qualified assessors for sites emitting above 2000 tonnes CO2-e per year provide a framework for ongoing monitoring and compliance of industrial process heat emissions for use by resource consent holders and councils will apply to regional councils and unitary authorities responsible for managing air discharge under the Resource Management Act, and to all industries using fossil fuels in process heat devices that discharge greenhouse gases. accelerate New Zealands transition to a low-emissions, sustainable economy. The national direction does NOT cover: emissions from non-fossil fuels electricity generation heat devices used for commercial space and water heating. (These are partially covered by the Carbon Neutral Government Programme (CNGP) and the Ministry of Business, Employment and Innovations (MBIE) Building for Climate Change Programme devices under the consent threshold.) Back up devices used for planned maintenance or in emergencies for 400 hours or less per year are exempt from the regulations. Link to website: http://www.environment.govt.nz/nps-ighg Justice Minister Kiri Allan is facing charges following a crash overnight. In a statement released this morning, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed Allan is facing charges of careless use of a motor vehicle and refusing to accompany a police officer. She was also issued an infringement notice for having excess breath alcohol between 250 and 400mcg. A police spokesperon says they received a report of a crash involving two vehicles on Evans Bay Parade in Roseneath, Wellington, shortly after 9pm. "One person was taken in to custody and is assisting police with inquiries into the circumstances of the crash. "The road was blocked for a short time, no injuries are reported." Hipkins says Allan was taken into police custody and held at Wellington Central Police Station. She was released around 1am. Hipkins says she also returned a breath test over the legal limit but at a level considered an infringement offence. Police have not pressed charges in relation to that. "While her alleged actions are inexcusable, Ive been advised she was experiencing extreme emotional distress at the time of the incident," says Hipkins. "Her recent personal struggles with mental health have been well documented and it appears some of those issues came to a head yesterday. "I have spoken with her first thing this morning and advised her I do not believe shes in a fit state to hold a Ministerial warrant. "I believe its also untenable for a Justice Minister to be charged with criminal offending. "Kiri agrees, and shes advised me she wishes to resign all her portfolios immediately, is heading home, and taking time to consider her future in politics. Ive accepted that resignation." In a statement to media, Allan says she will "immediately resign all my portfolios". "Im heading home and will be taking time to consider my future in politics," says Allan. "Over recent weeks Ive faced a number of personal difficulties. I took time off to address those, and believed I was okay to juggle those challenges with the pressure of being a Minister. "My actions yesterday show I wasnt okay, and Ive let myself and my colleagues down. "I accept that my position as a Minister is untenable. "Im very sorry for my actions, the harm they could have caused and the embarrassment it has placed on the Government and my colleagues." Hipkins says he recently provided Kiri the opportunity to address her mental health issues. "After taking some time out I believed she was okay and was assured by her she was. "Last nights incident is evidence there are not always quick fixes when it comes to mental health, and the best thing for Kiri right now is to focus on her whanau and her wellbeing away from Parliament. "I dont provide this detail to diminish her actions, they were indefensible, but to provide context for the distressed circumstances she found herself in when the incident occurred. "I will confirm the reallocation of her portfolios later today." ANTANANARIVO, July 23 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC), led by Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, visited Madagascar from Thursday to Saturday. During the visit, Liu met with President of Madagascar Andry Rajoelina, President of the Senate Herimanana Razafimahefa, President of the National Assembly Christine Razanamahasoa, Foreign Minister Yvette Sylla, and Pierre Holder Ramaholimasy, national coordinator of the IRD. He also held talks with representatives of local Chinese companies and Chinese communities. The two sides agreed to strengthen exchanges between political parties and legislatures, enhance people-to-people exchanges, increase mutual learning on state governance, closely synergize development strategies and promote Belt and Road cooperation, so as to jointly step forward toward modernization and bring China-Madagascar relations to a new level. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. Syracuse, N.Y. A $400,000 proposal to install security cameras on the original section of the Creekwalk may finally get a Syracuse Common Council vote this week. The proposal, which has been placed on council agendas and then pulled three times since June 5, has stirred a broader conversation about the need for more cameras in other areas of the city, with several councilors expressing concern that those installations arent happening fast enough. The city engineering department is seeking councils blessing for a plan to add 16 police cameras to the original stretch of the Creekwalk pedestrian path from downtown to Onondaga Lake. The cameras are periodically monitored by Syracuse police and footage is also used in criminal investigations. There are now 529 such cameras installed throughout the city, but residents have been asking for more, several councilors said in meetings over the past month and a half. The city plans to continue expanding the neighborhood camera program, but because funding for those comes from the state, the process takes considerable time. The Creekwalk cameras, though, would be funded by city taxpayers because theyre part of the Creekwalk capital development plan overseen by the city engineering department. That doesnt sit well with some councilors, even though they agree that improved security is needed for the 2-mile section of the pedestrian trail. I think we do need Creekwalk cameras it is imperative that we dont ignore that neighborhood, Councilor Rasheada Caldwell said at a study session Wednesday. But the energy we put on this one should be the same energy we put on those other cameras. Every day, theres a shooting, theres a stabbing, and the community comes to me and says, Were putting cameras on the Creekwalk? Why is this a rush with us? One particular area of concern for Caldwell is neighborhood parks, where cameras mostly do not exist. She said shes heard from constituents who wont bring their families to parks because theyre worried about crime. Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens said planned new neighborhood cameras already have committed state funding, but the process for the city to receive the money can take up to 18 months. And even when the cameras are finally purchased, the city often must wait on utility companies that own or sublease poles to coordinate installations. The police department has provided a list of 57 future camera installations, but city officials said theres too many variables to be able to provide an accurate timeline for when those will be completed. A task force of city officials involved in the security camera procurement and installation process has formed in light of the councils concerns raised in the past month, Owens said. A top priority is figuring out how the city can build its own pole infrastructure in neighborhoods so it can mount cameras without needing to deal with utility companies. There is no emphasis from us on whether one community is more important than the other, Owens told the council on Wednesday. That discussion around how were going to streamline those processes is what were committed to doing, she added. Councilors also asked why the city is directly funding the Creekwalk cameras but using the more cumbersome state grant process for neighborhood cameras. Owens said the Creekwalk cameras would be part of the ongoing phased development of the pedestrian path. A second phase, stretching from downtown to Kirk Park, opened in 2020 and included 20 police cameras in its design. The first phase, which opened in 2011 and cost $10.1 million, didnt include cameras. A police security camera is in place on the Creekwalk in Syracuse at the Armory Square trailhead on July 21, 2023. The city included cameras on the pedestrian path's second phase that opened in 2020, but the original section between West Genesee Street and Onondaga Lake remains without them. Safety along the Creekwalk has been a concern since it opened, but an attempted rape in November 2020 in broad daylight not far from the Destiny USA mall brought a heightened emphasis on the need for safety improvements, city officials said. The Creekwalk cuts all the way through a bunch of different neighborhoods, Councilor Pat Hogan said at Wednesdays meeting. We put a significant amount of revenue into building that Creekwalk and making us a walkable, accessible city. Hogan suggested the city use some of the citys $123 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds toward neighborhood camera purchases as a way to streamline the process. Councilor Latoya Allen asked city staff to see if they could use the state funding already committed to cameras but not yet received as a reimbursement. I would much prefer to have this move forward, Hogan said. Owens told councilors she would aim to get more information to them about funding options and timelines for neighborhood camera installations by the next council meeting, which is scheduled for Monday afternoon. City reporter Jeremy Boyer can be reached at jboyer@syracuse.com or (315) 657-5673. Former President Donald Trumps legal troubles mounted last week, as he was informed by Special Counsel Jack Smith that he is the target of an investigation into efforts to overturn results of the 2020 presidential election. Editorial cartoonists Michael Ramirez leads the gallery with his view of Trump as the man who lived in the other shoe yet to drop. Bill Bramhall, Mike Luckovich and Dana Summers note that the development didnt seem to dent Trumps popularity or campaign fundraising. Editorial cartoonists also commented on the strikes by Hollywood screenwriters and actors over compensation for their work on streaming services. Drew Sheneman sees the CEOs of Hollywood studios as Scrooge McDuck swimming in riches while complaining about the strikers unrealistic demands. Bramhall slyly notes one reason the actors are striking their fear that artificial intelligence will put them out of work by drawing throngs of picketers and a studio head fretting, Please tell me thats a digitized crowd. Other events making news last week include a persistent, record-breaking heat wave; Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s antisemitic comments; President Joe Bidens slip about an ammunition shortage caused by supplying the war in Ukraine; a security lapse at the White House; the Oppenheimer and Barbie movies; and a Shakespearean meditation on artificial intelligence by Scott Stantis. Cartoons were drawn by Jack Ohman, Nick Anderson, Bill Bramhall, Dana Summers, Drew Sheneman, Scott Stantis, Walt Handelsman, David Horsey, Phil Hands and Joey Weatherford of Tribune Content Agency; and Mike Luckovich, Steve Breen and Michael Ramirez of Creators Syndicate. View more editorial cartoon galleries. Washington Former U.S. Rep. John Katko has donated a combined $100,000 in cash left over from his political campaigns to the high school and college where he graduated in the 1980s. Katko contributed $50,000 to Bishop Ludden Junior-Senior High School and $50,000 to Niagara University on May 18, according to a report filed with the Federal Election Commission. KINSHASA, July 23 (Xinhua) -- At least 13 civilians were killed from Saturday to Sunday by a soldier of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) in the village of Nyamamba in the eastern province of Ituri, a local military spokesman said on Sunday. According to Jules Ngongo, FARDC's spokesman in Ituri Province, at least ten children were among the victims. The majority of the victims are family members of the soldier who fired the shots, said the spokesman, adding that a family conflict was the cause of this tragedy. "As the armies, we are shocked and sympathize with the families after the murder of 13 civilians caused by a soldier of the naval force in Tchomia. Whatever the family problem, he should not act in this way. For us, it is a criminal act. He must answer it before military justice," said Ngongo. The military authorities have deployed a commission of inquiry to conduct on-site investigations into this killing. Elon Musk's announcement suggests a significant change to Twitter's iconic bird logo, replacing it with a bold "X." Musk, known for his roles at Tesla and SpaceX, shared his vision on Sunday (July 23), sparking excitement and curiosity among millions of users worldwide. Recent Twitter Developments Under Musk's direction, the blue Larry the Bird emblem, which has been associated with Twitter since 2006, has undergone considerable changes. The planned modification to the logo could be the most significant one yet. Thousands of users enthusiastically and creatively replied to Musk's post with design ideas for the planned "X" logo. Musk promised that if a convincing "X" logo was presented by the end of the day, he would speed up the procedure and execute the modification globally. An increase in artistic "X" logo submissions on Twitter increased interest in the new brand. Elon Musk posted a little animation of an "X" with an entrancing flashing background to add to the excitement. In April, Twitter replaced Larry the Bird with a Shibu Inu dog as part of an experiment with alternative logos. This little modification demonstrated the platform's openness to experimenting with alternative visual identities. After a merger, Twitter was renamed "X Corp" in an email, but Musk said the company would keep its original name. The "X" design may signify a new chapter for Twitter while keeping its history intact. Read Also: Elon Musk's Meme Crypto Doge Coin Value Shoots Up After Twitter Logo Change Criticism From Users Both enthusiasm and skepticism have surrounded Twitter's progress under Musk's ownership, with users and the media paying close attention to any prospective "X" logo changes. The "X" emblem denotes a transition in the platform's meaning, signifying a new beginning and perhaps a change in the platform's future course. A text-based discussion software called Threads was introduced by Meta, the parent company of Facebook, underscoring the industry's strong competitiveness. The Twitter crew is still dedicated to innovation and being relevant in the rapidly evolving digital environment. But according to recent reports, Twitter is threatening to sue Meta on claims that trade secrets were stolen, highlighting a developing rivalry between the two internet behemoths. The unveiling of Twitter's "X" logo will be a crucial turning point in the development of the business. The platform's trajectory is changing as a result of Elon Musk's innovative mindset and risk-taking actions. Users will welcome a memorable "X" logo if it represents change, resilience, and the platform's ongoing dedication to innovation and advancement. It is abundantly evident that change is the only constant in the digital era as the IT industry keenly observes Twitter's development. Related Article: Twitter Bars This Singapore Startup From Using a Bird Logo 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Mexico's government has attempted new strategies to tackle water scarcity and boost rains in the wake of a historic heatwave and months of persistent drought. The most recent phase of their cloud seeding project, which began in July, aims to replenish aquifers and mitigate the effects of drought in rural areas - and reports claim it is doing the job. This project includes dispersing silver iodide particles into clouds to attract additional water droplets to increase rain or snowfall. Mexican Government's Successful Cloud Seeding Project The Guardian reports that the cloud seeding operation is conducted through specially equipped planes flying into target clouds, releasing the silver iodide particles. The technology, a 100% Mexican innovation, uses silver iodide molecules supercooled in acetone, an environmentally friendly composition. A report from the Mexican government claims that the cloud seeding project has achieved remarkable success, boasting a 98% effectiveness rate. During 72 flights carried out in six states, rainfall was recorded in an impressive 71 instances. The results indicate that the project has successfully stimulated precipitation and contributed to refilling aquifers and water bodies. Concerns and Skepticism Despite the government's claims of success, skepticism remains among experts, including leading cloud physicists at Mexico's National Autonomous University (UNAM). Fernando Garcia Garcia and Guillermo Montero Martinez, cloud physicists at Unam, emphasize in writing that no concrete evidence supports the notion that cloud seeding can reliably increase precipitation over economically significant regions. They caution against relying solely on cloud seeding and advocate for a comprehensive, integrated approach to water resource management. Read Also: Does Excessive Heat Harm Our Bodies Long Term? Here's What the Experts Say Mexico's Scorching Heatwaves and Droughts The ongoing drought in Mexico, intensified by a scorching heatwave, has put the impact of climate change into sharp focus. June 2023 was recorded as the hottest month in Mexican history, with temperatures soaring 2.3 degrees Celsius above historical averages. The relentless heatwave has affected livestock, driving up dairy and beef prices in affected areas. It has also led to the drying up of once-humid forests, affecting tourism and local ecosystems. At least 167 people have tragically lost their lives due to heat-related causes. Meanwhile, unsustainable agricultural practices in rural regions turn fertile lands into barren deserts. Alvaro Bours Cabrera, the president of the Association of Farmers' Organizations of Southern Sonora (AOASS), suggests investing in irrigation distribution networks to increase efficiency and save water would be a preferred strategy. The cloud seeding project has been operational since 2020, and the Mexican government claims significant achievements, attributing increased precipitation by up to 40% above forecasts in 2021. However, cloud physicists emphasize that rainfall forecasts are highly variable, and the evidence linking cloud seeding and consistent precipitation increases remains inconclusive. What's Next? Experts caution that while cloud seeding may have benefits, it should not be viewed as a standalone solution to water scarcity and climate change challenges. Despite the skepticism and ongoing debate surrounding the effectiveness of cloud seeding, the Mexican government remains committed to the project. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Related Article: Death Valley May Face the Hottest Temperature Ever Recorded, According to Experts 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. China has announced its plan to send zebrafish, a popular aquarium fish, to the Tiangong space station. A Chinese news outlet reported that the experiment aims to delve into the intriguing interactions between fish and microorganisms within a closed ecosystem while shedding light on astronaut bone loss. Revealed during the Space Station Science and Application Project Solicitation Seminar in Beijing on July 10, Zhang Wei, assistant to the commander-in-chief of China's manned space engineering space application system, disclosed this groundbreaking initiative. Why Zebrafish? According to studies, zebrafish are an exceptional model animal for biomedical research, including studies of biological processes and human diseases, due to their fully sequenced genome, ease of genetic manipulation, high fecundity, external fertilization, rapid development, and nearly transparent embryo. Additionally, the Chinese experiment builds upon previous research conducted by space agencies, including NASA's Aquatic Habitat (AQH), which was sent to the International Space Station in 2012. The AQH aimed to study the impact of microgravity on marine life using medaka fish, a small freshwater species native to Japan. While the findings from AQH were insightful, including zebrafish in China's mission opens new avenues of exploration due to their unique characteristics and historical significance in space research. Read Also: More Americans Prefer NASA Missions Against Killer Asteroids Instead of Mars Expeditions: Survey Animals in Space Research Space.com tells us that zebrafish's journey to microgravity dates back to 1976 when they were sent aboard the Soviet Union's Salyut 5 space station during the Soyuz 21 mission. Surprisingly, Soviet cosmonauts noticed behavioral modifications in the zebrafish due to the microgravity environment, sparking further intrigue in studying these captivating creatures in space. The decision to study zebrafish in space is not a mere whimsical pursuit; it holds significant promise for human health, particularly in understanding bone loss. As astronauts embark on long-duration space missions, such as future missions to Mars, their prolonged exposure to microgravity can lead to detrimental effects on bone density, according to recent studies. By observing how zebrafish respond to microgravity-induced bone loss, scientists hope to gain insights into potential countermeasures to safeguard astronauts' skeletal health during extended space missions. Moreover, zebrafish being vertebrates offer an unparalleled opportunity for research on the effects of microgravity on bones, which is not feasible with other aquatic species like medaka fish. While the specifics of the zebrafish experiment and the aquatic apparatus remain under wraps, the scientific community eagerly anticipates the outcomes of this groundbreaking endeavor. Notably, the use of animals in space research is not novel. The history of sending animals to space can be traced back to 1947, with the tragic flight of the Soviet space dog, Laika, aboard Sputnik 2 in 1957. The sacrifice of these pioneering animals paved the way for invaluable insights that have advanced our understanding of space physiology and the adaptability of life beyond Earth's atmosphere. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Related Article: China's Next-Gen Spaceship to Carry 7 Astronauts, Eyeing Maiden Voyage by 2028 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The scorching summer of 2023 has set new records in portions of the United States and worldwide. However, many travelers are unaware that these intense heat waves are causing considerable disruptions in the aviation industry. According to reports, airlines are now being forced to adopt measures to handle the challenges imposed by rising temperatures, ensuring both passenger safety and operational efficiency. Heatwaves Impacting Flight Operations As the mercury climbs, the hot air becomes less dense, leading to reduced engine performance and diminished lift generated by aircraft wings. This necessitates adjustments to takeoff weights and distances, requiring airlines to address these thermal challenges proactively. The Guardian reports that Allegiant Airlines, based in Las Vegas, is on the frontlines of this weather-driven revolution. With excessive heat advisories becoming the norm in the Southwest, the carrier has cautioned that passenger safety cannot be compromised. They have put in place measures to delay flights if necessary to ensure optimal conditions for takeoff. In a recent incident, Delta Air Lines witnessed the impact of heat-induced weight issues firsthand. Reports say several passengers and crew on a flight from Las Vegas to Atlanta volunteered to disembark due to delays caused by aircraft weight challenges arising from the sweltering temperatures, ultimately leading to canceled flights. These occurrences have prompted airlines to take precautionary steps to prevent further disruptions. Extra Protocols Airlines like Delta and American Airlines have implemented additional protocols in response to the challenging climate conditions. Bloomberg reports that these include loading less fuel to manage weight and balance and strategically scheduling refueling along the flight route. These adjustments ensure safety while navigating the heatwave's effects on aircraft performance. Moreover, the critical issue of aircraft cooling is also receiving attention. When planes are parked at gates, they are typically connected to external cooling units. Read Also: Did You Know the Greenhouse Effect Was Discovered 2 Years Earlier Than Most Think? Meet the Woman Before John Tyndall However, extreme heat can overpower these cooling systems, leading to discomfort for passengers and potential disruptions in onboard systems. American Airlines has taken measures to ensure that jet bridges are equipped with cooling capabilities, and they have also initiated early maintenance on auxiliary power units that function when engines are off. Airline Worker Welfare in the Heatwave Beyond the cabin, airlines are also considering the well-being of their ground staff during prolonged heatwaves. Ramp workers, baggage handlers, and other laborers are being provided with more frequent breaks, access to shaded areas or air conditioning, additional water supply, and cooling towels. These efforts aim to ensure their safety and prevent heat-related health issues while they perform their crucial roles in airport operations. The implications of extreme heat on aviation go beyond immediate operational challenges. The heat dome over the US Southwest is an alarming sign of what could be a recurring issue affecting airports and airlines alike. Flights in Phoenix experienced cancellations in 2017 due to safety calculations that did not account for 120F temperatures. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Related Article: Mexico's Cloud Seeding Project, Aimed at Historic Heatwave, Reports 98% Success Rate 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. PHNOM PENH, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) of Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen claimed a landslide victory in Sunday's general election, a party spokesman said. Though official results had yet to be announced, CPP spokesman Sok Eysan confirmed the results on Sunday evening, saying that this marked another great success for the CPP. "We have won a landslide victory in this election, but we have not yet calculated the number of seats we have gained," he told Xinhua. "This truly reflects people's confidence in the CPP's leadership." A total of 18 political parties contested the election, which was held once every five years to elect 125 lawmakers for the National Assembly. The National Election Committee was still counting results from across the country on Sunday evening, as official ones will be released on Aug. 9. Sunday's election was the country's seventh since 1993. In the previous general election held in 2018, the CPP won all 125 seats in the National Assembly. The CPP has ruled the Southeast Asian nation since 1979. YANGON, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) on Sunday announced that it will release new banknotes with a denomination of 20,000 kyats on July 31. The release of the new banknotes is to mark the completion of the Maravijaya Buddha Image, a giant sitting marble statue of Lord Buddha in Nay Pyi Taw and to mark the first birthday celebration of a rare white elephant, the central bank said. The 20,000-kyat banknotes are to be issued in limited numbers through an exchange process, it said, adding that individuals can obtain the banknotes by exchanging them with the current banknotes, particularly the old ones that are no longer suitable for circulation. The banknotes will be available for exchange at the central bank in Nay Pyi Taw, as well as its branches in Yangon and Mandalay, it said. The CBM also clarified that the existing banknotes currently in circulation will continue to exist as official currency alongside the new denomination. The central bank described the design of the new banknote that its dominant color is light green. The front side of the banknote features a Myanmar-style artistic portrayal of a white elephant, while its back side displays the illustration of Sagaing Bridge and Ayeyarwady Bridge. The dimension of a 20,000-kyat banknote is 15 centimeters in width and seven centimeters in height, the bank said. Once released, the 20,000-kyat banknotes will become the highest denomination among Myanmar's current currency notes. The central bank's reference exchange rate on Sunday stands at 2,100 kyats per U.S. dollar. Death of a man on the sidelines of the riots in Marseille: five police officers in custody At Army-2023, a mock-up of the base module of the Russian orbital station will be presented Pollution of the oceans: Less plastic gets into the sea than expected, but there is more floating on the surface From a temple of the product to a top Italian, four restaurants to devour Madrid this August Death of a man on the sidelines of the riots in Marseille: two police officers released The head of NASA said that he does not consider Russia a participant in the space race Typhoon Kanu continues to move north-west and will have heavy rainfall in Jilin, Heilongjiang and other places 10 yuan for 50 minutes of parking: the meaning of punishment is not only "individual cases" Signal interruptions, shortages of supplies... How did the K70 train, which was trapped for more than 1178 hours, get out of trouble? Chen Yushu restored the Lingzhi chair in the Forbidden City of the Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage and is in the permanent collection 20-year-old suspect arrested on suspicion of driving without a license for more than 60 years or hit-and-run Attu and Tarawa Soldiers' Letters from the Island of "Tama Shattering" to the Family | NHK How to travel with a baby in the summer to avoid accidental injuries "Spartak" beat "Paris NN" in the match of the Cup of Russia with nine goals Crazy scenario: "Spartak" missed four times, but snatched victory from "Paris NN" in the Cup of Russia Bahamontes, the cyclist of hunger and espadrille, who became the father of the pioneers Economic drama two days before the start of LaLiga: most teams have not been able to register all their signings (Bashu rhyme Chinese style) The final song is elegant, and the moon is bright and chanting Shu The Chinese women's football team plans to start preparations for the Asian Games at the end of the month A themed exhibition to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the successful Beijing Olympic Games opened in the Bird's Nest Hunan Xiangyin held the first Xiangqi "Village Jia" giant chess pieces with a diameter of 60 cm appeared in the final-China News Network Video The opening of the largest sports event in Shanxi "Jin" shows the style of Jin Yusei Kikuchi gave up one run in seven innings and pitched well, but lost the game for the 7th win. Climate fund: Federal government wants to spend 2024.57 billion euros on green transformation in 6, according to draft The charging fee in many places exceeded 2 yuan / kWh to explore the charging station in the storm The Central Bank of Russia admits an increase in the key rate in September Spain hangs the full sign on the August bridge with prices 14.6% more expensive. Check the communities where prices have risen the most Medical substitutes under the high pressure of medical anti-corruption: "Don't dare to enter the hospital now" Exports rank first in the world China's auto industry is leading the way National Bureau of Statistics: CPI turned from falling to rising in July, and the month-on-month decline in PPI narrowed Tuhu Car Factory Store "Word of Mouth Good Store" selection and release: Focus on service, technology and environment to create a factory store with customer satisfaction Highlights in the semi-annual report of the machinery industry It is expected that the growth rate of major economic indicators will be about 2023% in 5 Change lanes ahead! China's automobile exports rank first in the world, and new energy vehicles have become the key Imported goods "new"! What are the new trends in China's foreign trade imports in the first 7 months? Thailand held a seminar on the 10th anniversary of the "Belt and Road" initiative, focusing on the development of Chinese-funded enterprises in Thailand How the Port of Lulea protects itself against external threats the military involved TASS: the court imposed a new arrest on the property and accounts of blogger Blinovskaya The US Senate spoke out against China's participation in resolving the conflict in Ukraine Antonov: The United States intends to evade responsibility for failures in the work of the Istanbul agreements The state of emergency in the United States criticized the Biden administration's inaction on immigration issues Ukraine's revenues from grain exports decreased by 1.9 times with the termination of the grain deal A vegan influencer who had been eating only fruits and natural juices for years dies Rodolfo Sancho's son speaks for the first time after his arrest for murder: "I am guilty, but I was his hostage" The butcher Daniel Sancho and his victim "were going to set up a business" and saw each other in Spain The French Ministry of Defense refused to recognize the failure of French policy in Africa Daniel Sancho admits his sexual link with Edwin Arrieta: what is known about the relationship between the chef and the Colombian doctor This class of young people fell in love with Tuina massage? Seeking relaxation and relieving fatigue are the main reasons Communities 2019 - Privacy The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. SINGAPORE, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government will resume the 15-day visa-free policy for Singaporean citizens from Wednesday, according to a statement by the Chinese Embassy in Singapore Sunday. The policy will allow Singaporean citizens holding ordinary passports to enter China for business, tourism, family visit and transit purposes, the statement said. Visas which have been issued to Singaporean citizens are still valid, and visa applications that have been lodged will be processed normally, according to the statement. Singapore's foreign ministry said on social media that reinstating the visa-free policy will facilitate people and business flows between the countries and pave the way for deeper bilateral cooperation. LONDON, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The close connection between Britain and China in terms of investment and trade will benefit both sides, as "all ships float on a rising tide," Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, chair of the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) told Xinhua in a recent interview. Cowper-Coles and other CBBC representatives recently dispatched a business delegation to China to boost trade ties. During his visit, he observed a heightened sense of optimism among British companies operating in China regarding the prospects for the upcoming year in the Chinese market. According to Britain's official data, the total trade in goods and services between Britain and China increased 18.3 percent to 111 billion pounds (142 billion U.S. dollars) in 2022 and Britain's exports to China increased 37.7 percent to 37.6 billion pounds (48.3 billion dollars). "Now, with UK-China trade at record levels ... we are at a new stage," he told Xinhua. Noting that British business leaders hope to strengthen the China-Britain relationship in a win-win manner, Cowper-Coles said the connection is "not just for both countries, but for both peoples." "In particular sectors in China, the UK has a very important role to play," Cowper-Coles said, adding that "a transition to net-zero" can offer Britain business opportunities in the Chinese market. "We are embarking on a great journey together, the transition to more sustainable economic development," he said. Besides cosmetics and advanced manufacturing equipment that are popular in China, there are other areas where British companies can tap into the potential, such as health, life sciences, new models of savings and wealth management, he added. In his view, Chinese companies also have opportunities to invest in Britain. "China is ahead of the world in the development of the technologies of the 21st century, particularly green technologies, whether it's solar panels, wind turbines, or electric batteries," said the expert. Regarding the bilateral relationship, he noted that the level of understanding should be raised "not just among our leaders, but among our school children as well, by encouraging the study of Chinese civilization, not just the study of the Chinese language." "These are two great countries, two great civilizations, and they should be connected and engaged," he said. Baton Rouge Police Department officers, detectives and crime scene investigators and East Baton Rouge Coroner's Office personnel work the scene of a shooting that left one dead at the intersection of Gus Young Avenue and North Acadian Thruway East, Monday, May 22, 2023. EBR District Attorney Hillar Moore III and BRPD Chief Murphy Paul both came to the scene. A former high-ranking member of the United States military has thrown his support behind Daniel Duggan, an Australian citizen and former marine who is being held in maximum security over accusations he trained Chinese military pilots more than a decade ago. Duggan, 54, who lives near Orange in regional NSW with his wife and six children, has been in custody since October last year after the US indicated it would request his extradition. He denies any wrongdoing. Daniel Duggan with two of his children, Ginger and Hazel. His lawyers have indicated he will challenge the extradition on at least two grounds: that the case against him is a political one, which would make him ineligible for surrender overseas, and because the charges against him do not exist in Australia, a requirement known as dual criminality. In a letter written last week, retired marine colonel Ben Hancock said he had known Duggan for 25 years, including serving in the same squadron for two years, working closely on a six-month ship deployment, and being deployed in Kuwait. This photo taken on July 22, 2023 shows a massive wildfire raging the Rhodes island in Greece. At least 2,000 residents and holidaymakers were evacuated by sea in the fire-stricken areas of Rhodes island in Greece on Saturday evening, authorities said. (Photo by Argiris Mantikos/Xinhua) ATHENS, July 23 (Xinhua) -- At least 2,000 residents and holidaymakers were evacuated by sea in the fire-stricken areas of Rhodes island in Greece on Saturday evening, authorities said. A massive wildfire on Rhodes has raged since Tuesday afternoon burning down a dense forest. Although firefighters had managed to put out several flare-ups on the island over the last few days, the strong winds and extreme temperatures rekindled the fires on the island's central-eastern side. Emergency alert messages were sent to residents to evacuate four seaside villages. At the beaches in both Kiotari and Lardo, coastguard vessels assisted by ferries and private boats transferred people to safe zones. Thousands more people were evacuated over land to other parts of the island. More than 200 firefighters and 40 fire engines were operating on the ground, assisted by three planes and five helicopters. The force included 31 firefighters from Slovakia, with five fire engines. "Less than 10 percent of the island's tourist accommodations" were affected by the evacuation order, local fire department spokesman Yannis Artopios was quoted by Athens News Agency as saying. The wildfire on Rhodes is one of hundreds to have broken out across Greece this week, fueled by dry weather and dry conditions due to a second heatwave set to reach 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in central Greece on Sunday. A helicopter is seen above the Rhodes island in Greece, July 22, 2023. At least 2,000 residents and holidaymakers were evacuated by sea in the fire-stricken areas of Rhodes island in Greece on Saturday evening, authorities said. (Photo by Argiris Mantikos/Xinhua) This photo taken on July 22, 2023 shows smoke caused by a massive wildfire in the Rhodes island in Greece. At least 2,000 residents and holidaymakers were evacuated by sea in the fire-stricken areas of Rhodes island in Greece on Saturday evening, authorities said. (Photo by Argiris Mantikos/Xinhua) People wait to evacuate after a wildfire hit the Rhodes island in Greece, July 22, 2023. At least 2,000 residents and holidaymakers were evacuated by sea in the fire-stricken areas of Rhodes island in Greece on Saturday evening, authorities said. (Photo by Argiris Mantikos/Xinhua) This photo taken on July 22, 2023 shows smoke caused by a massive wildfire in the Rhodes island in Greece. At least 2,000 residents and holidaymakers were evacuated by sea in the fire-stricken areas of Rhodes island in Greece on Saturday evening, authorities said. (Photo by Argiris Mantikos/Xinhua) This photo taken on July 22, 2023 shows smoke caused by a massive wildfire in the Rhodes island in Greece. At least 2,000 residents and holidaymakers were evacuated by sea in the fire-stricken areas of Rhodes island in Greece on Saturday evening, authorities said. (Photo by Argiris Mantikos/Xinhua) ABC chair Ita Buttrose has written to the Australian Monarchist League apologising to those who were disappointed by the national broadcasters coverage of King Charles IIIs coronation in May. The ABC faced widespread backlash over the coverage that featured a 45-minute segment, focusing on how the monarchy has impacted Indigenous Australians since colonisation. Ita Buttrose responded to a letter of complaint sent to the Australian Monarchist League. Credit: The Age/SMH In a letter seen by this masthead, Buttrose also points out the coverage did not breach editorial guidelines and that the ABC Ombudsman found covering Indigenous perspectives on the monarchy were legitimate and newsworthy topics of discussion in the context of the ABCs broader coverage. The segment featuring Stan Grant, Indigenous writer and lawyer Teela Reid and Australian Republican movement chair Craig Foster plus Liberal MP and monarchist Julian Leeser was part of eight hours of coverage on the May 6 coronation led by Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez. One reader wrote that he was verbally and physically abused from the very first day of primary school right through to the end of grade 6. Thirteen years of terror that I had to learn to live with, he said. Trying to report any incident was not a good idea as it was not just fellow students who put their boots in, but teachers as well. Anti- bullying programs are not working, some say. A 15-year-old student at a state school in Melbournes south-east said she had experienced and witnessed extreme antisemitism at her school. When she was in year 7 Nazi symbols were drawn on face masks and over the school, but she said this year had been the worst. She was in a classroom with three other students who started talking about student backgrounds. They knew I was Jewish and started talking about how Hitler did right, and my great-grandparents shouldve died like the rest of their family, so I wouldnt be in that moment, then and there, she said. Loading I told the teacher. The girl afterwards told me to my face that she doesnt like them Jews because they are scammers and liars. The school asked the student to write her a letter to apologise, but she said she had ChatGPT write it. There was also an instance where a boy said he wanted to gas me and my Jewish classmate out of nowhere, she said. The teachers were also antisemitic, she said. This school praises itself for having children from 85 countries and yet this form of racism is overused. Its a real concern for many Victorian Jewish families, who steadily weigh up whether they send their children to state school because they worry their child will be targeted. Jewish Community Council of Victoria president Daniel Aghion said they were aware of a small number of antisemitic incidents in Victoria schools, but any incident of antisemitism was one too many. Even so, he didnt think there was an undercurrent of antisemitism in state schools, and they were instead unrelated incidents. The organisation has engaged with government, Catholic and independent schools and worked with the Department of Education, Courage to Care and the Jewish Museum of Australia to roll out an optional training program for school staff about antisemitism, which has been available since April. He said while a teenage students cruel taunt about gassing may seem no different from commenting on a students weight or haircut, for the recipient, it means so much more. What it is saying is: you are an other, who should not exist. Thats why its so heinous and thats why ... its not acceptable in any way it sits, even in an unthinking schoolyard taunt. A Department of Education spokesperson said it takes antisemitic behaviour extremely seriously, that Holocaust education was mandatory in years 9 and 10, and taught in other year levels through texts in subjects like English. The spokesperson said teachers must report any incident that impacts on student wellbeing and safety. The hotline for students and parents to report racism, the BullyStoppers initiative, included a guidance for schools to prevent racist bullying, a partnership with the Gandel Foundation and the Courage to Cares Upstander Programs, which offers tools to tackle racism, bullying and prejudice. After my story last week, I also received an email from an Asian student in year 9 at another secondary school who said she was called an Asian slave and Asian eyes, and asked, do you know where my shoes come from? You must work in factories. Telling her coordinator didnt make a difference. The bullying didnt stop to the point I could no longer go to school, so I would secretly wag school, she said. She asked for the students to be removed, but was told it couldnt be done and that theyd continue logging it. They moved on like it was all okay. I went into therapy twice a week, she said. She doesnt feel the school did enough to protect her, that her experience wasnt bad enough to contact their parents about it. Its these experiences, and the lack of action, this othering that has really significant consequences. I hope my two-year-old son doesnt feel he has to hide who he is. Its hard not to be concerned about whether he will experience the same antisemitism in school that these students faced, or that I faced as a child. Racism and prejudice, in any form, against any minority, needs to be stamped out. It requires leadership and education, and that can start in the schoolyard. Nicole Precel is an education reporter. When Paul Keating made his latest intemperate intervention on international affairs at the time of the recent NATO summit in Vilnius, the sheer savagery of his language caught the publics attention. NATO, he said, was a poison and its greatly respected secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, a supreme fool. Even among Keatings dwindling band of admirers there may have been a twinge of regretful pity for a hero who had so obviously degenerated into a ranting, King Lear-like figure. Which is a shame because the attention-getting verbal pyrotechnics distracted from the larger point that Keating was seeking to make: that we should be very careful about the relationship between NATO and the Indo-Pacific. And that extending the alliance to our region would be a serious mistake. About that, Keating was right. Paul Keatings sledging of NATO was over the top, but his central objections were valid. Credit: Not that extending NATO beyond the Euro-Atlantic is being seriously considered by Australian ministers and policymakers. Nevertheless, there is increasingly loose talk about the idea, particularly in the United States. Last week, two US senators canvassed the possibility. Senator Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat from Illinois, was quoted as saying that the expansion of NATO into the Indo-Pacific had already started [with the] AUKUS agreement. Senator Dan Sullivan, a Republican from Alaska, was quoted as describing the expansion as inevitable. These are relatively junior senators, however they both sit on the powerful Senate armed services committee. Their linkage of AUKUS with NATO expansion reflected a serious misconception of AUKUSs nature and purpose. Nevertheless, their observations are typical of a growing volume of poorly thought-through commentary about the nature of NATOs role in the Indo-Pacific. Much of this talk is driven by glib and oversimplified comparisons between Russias invasion of Ukraine and Chinas declared intentions in relation to Taiwan. London: Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King says high-speed rail will happen in her lifetime but has refused to commit to a deadline after viewing Britains troubled fast-rail scheme. King, on a trip to the UK, said she believed fast rail would connect Newcastle and Sydney within 30 years. Infrastructure Minister Catherine King. Credit: Peter Rae Australia has appointed UK woman Dyan Perry, who oversaw Britains High Speed One (HS1), to Australias High Speed Rail Authority Board. HS1 is a 109-kilometre rail line between Londons St Pancras and the Channel Tunnel and enables Eurostar passengers to travel at speeds of 300 kilometres per hour instead of 160 kilometres per hour. It was completed in 2007 and cost 5.8 billion. Cheyenne, WY (82001) Today Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 52F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 52F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. OTTAWA, July 22 (Xinhua) -- A provincewide state of emergency has been declared in the eastern Canadian province of Nova Scotia on Saturday in response to severe flooding, authorities said Saturday. The Nova Scotia Government's Emergency Management Office said in a news release that the order is in place to protect the entire province as the storm progresses. "This is a very serious event. This flooding has been fast and furious, and we are taking strong action to ensure Nova Scotians are protected," said John Lohr, minister responsible for the Emergency Management Office. Some areas in the province received up to 300 mm of rain in less than 24 hours since Friday afternoon. According to Environment Canada, some areas could expect an additional 75 to 150 mm of rain. Premier of Nova Scotia Tim Houston's office said the storm continues to impact the province on Saturday, causing flooding and significantly damaging roads, bridges, dams and other critical infrastructure. "As the rain and flood risk continues, we need people to stay off the roads so that first responders and critical infrastructure partners can do their work to restore our roads and power and keep people safe," Lohr said. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said four people were missing after the vehicles they traveled in were submerged in floodwaters. Nova Scotia Power said approximately 4,000 customers lost power at peak due to lightning impacts on power equipment and infrastructure. According to the office, the state of emergency remains in effect for 14 days, until Aug. 5, unless the government terminates or extends it. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on his social media that federal assistance is being provided, and the federal government is ready to provide additional assistance as needed. Batavia, NY (14020) Today Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 80F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 65F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Batavia, NY (14020) Today Cloudy with rain ending in the afternoon. High 73F. Winds WNW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight A few clouds from time to time. Low 59F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Assam to ban packaged drinking water bottles of less than 1 litre GUWAHATI, THE Assam Government has decided to ban packaged drinking water bottles of less than 1 litre from October 2. From October 2024, bottles of less than 2 litres will also be banned in the State, Chief Minister Himanta Biswas Sarma said after a cabinet meeting on Friday evening. The cabinet decided to ban the production and use of drinking water bottles made of PET of less than 1 litre in volume. The ban will come into effect from October 2 with a three-month transition period provided, he said. Polyethylene terephthalate or PET is a type of polyester that is widely used in the production of plastic bottles, films and other products. It is known for its strength, flexibility and chemical resistance. We will also strictly implement the ban on single-use plastic in the State as per the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021, the Chief Minister said. At the cabinet meeting, consolidated administrative approval was given for phase I of ADB-aided Climate Resilient Brahmaputra Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Project. It will be executed through Flood and River Erosion Management Agency of Assam at a cost of Rs 2,097.88 crore. Under the project, integrated flood and riverbank erosion risk management activities would be taken up in the main stem of the Brahmaputra river at vulnerable reaches of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Morigaon, Kamrup and Goalpara districts. Greed for power overrode national interest during UPA Govt: PM Modi NEW DELHI, PRIME Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that greed for power overrode national interest during the UPA Government, wreaking havoc on the banking sector, but his dispensation has nursed it back to good financial health. Addressing a Rozgar Mela, Modi took an apparent swipe at the Gandhi family, saying a few powerful politicians close to a particular family would get loans of thousands of crores of rupees to their favourites by calling up banks and those loans were never meant to be returned. He said that the phone banking scam was one of the biggest scams of the previous Government as it broke the back of the banking system. Phone banking may be a common practise now but its idea was different for the Government which was there nine years ago as it was not meant for the common citizen, PM Modi said. He also said that India is now among the countries with the strongest banking sectors following a series of measures taken by his Government. Addressing a gathering of recruits after giving appointment letters to over 70,000 of them virtually, PM Modi noted that a large number of them have been employed in the banking sector as he highlighted how it was destroyed under the previous Congress-led dispensation before his Government took corrective measures. The UPA was in power during 2004-14. His Government, Modi asserted, took several measures, including strengthening the management of banks, merging small banks and injecting professionalism, to help the sector. Public sector banks were earlier known for losses running into thousands of crores of rupees and non-performing assets (NPAs), but now they are known for record profits, the Prime Minister said. He also praised banking sector employees for their hardwork and commitment to serve people and execute various government schemes to help the poor and unorganised sectors through loans under the Mudra scheme and to support women self-help groups. Millers, exporters express concern over ban on rice export Business Bureau Even as consumers have welcomed the Governments decision to ban export of non-basmati rice, millers and exporters flagged concerns over the move saying that it had adversely impacted them. The rice millers and exporters said prices of the banned commodity have started falling as soon as the Government announced the decision which has eventually affected their businesses. In addition to this, most of the millers have cut short processing of rice which is further putting financial burden on them. Majority of millers are operating at only 10 per cent of their total capacity. This has further made many workers job less, said Peeyush Sachani, Nagpur-based miller. Processing of non-basmati white rice is done in 750 to 800 rice mills located in five districts of Vidarbha region including Nagpur. Sachani told The Hitavada that a sizable quantity of non-basmati rice was being exported from the region. However, the Government has now abruptly banned the commodity which led to a fall in rice prices by Rs 400 to Rs 500 per quintal. This price difference has become a big cause of concern for the millers who are sitting on huge stocks of rice, he said. The price of non-basmati white rice came down to Rs 2,200 to Rs 2,400 per quintal on Friday from Rs 2,800 to Rs 3,000 per quintal before the ban. Umesh Motwani, one of the leading rice exporters, also said the exporters are facing hardship due to the ban. The Government should have given us some time to clear the stock. This ban has disrupted the entire supply chain. It will even affect the farmers in coming days, Motwani said. The Government has imposed the ban after retail rice prices jumped nearly 3 per cent in a month after late but heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage to crops. In the meanwhile, consumers bearing the brunt of rising prices of various essential commodities welcomed the decision. Jitendra Jadhav, a consumer buying rice in a Kalamna market on Saturday, said falling prices of rice gave much needed relief to him. This price cut ahead of the festival season is making us happy. We want the Government to take similar steps to bring down the prices of other commodities, he added. On-line gaming fraud: Police seize Rs 17 crorecash, 14 kg gold from bookies house in Gondia Staff Reporter The City police raided the bungalow of a notorious bookie involved in an on-line gaming fraud in Gondia and seized a staggering Rs 17 crore in cash, 14 kg of gold and 200 kg of silver collectively worth Rs 27 crore from the premises on Saturday. The accused, identified as Anant alias Sontu Navratan Jain (40) from Civil Lines, Gondia, allegedly defrauded many people of crores of rupees through an on-line application called Diamond Exchange dot com. Commissioner of Police (CP) Amitesh Kumar said that the fraud came to light after a victim, a businessman with interests in grain and transport, approached the police. The businessman had affection for gambling and was introduced to the accused, Sontu, by two traders from the city. Sontu allegedly convinced the victim to gamble on his on-line gaming application, providing him with a username ID and password after taking an initial amount of Rs 8.50 lakh. The doctored app was accessed only after clicking a link provided by Sontu. Initially, the businessman managed to register some wins, which fueled his addiction to gambling. Subsequently, he played games worth a staggering Rs 77 crore on the Diamond Exchange dot com application. He had borrowed substantial sums from friends and relatives to fund his gambling habit. However, he later realised that the application was designed to manipulate results, ensuring that the player always lost, said CP Kumar. Feeling cheated and desperate to recoup his losses, the businessman demanded Sontu to return his money, but the latter refused. Sontu had even threatened the victim to kill him if he would not repay the remaining amount of Rs 40 lakh. Somehow, the victim managed Rs 40 lakh from friends and transferred to Sontu through a hawala trader last week. Depressed over the deteriorating financial situation, the victim, whose son studying at IIT Kanpur, attempted suicide by consuming sleeping pills. Tunis:Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune was quoted by Ennahar TV as saying that Algeria has submitted an application to join the BRICS group and a request to become a shareholder member of the BRICS Bank with a contribution of $1.5 billion. It was also mentioned that Tebboune stated Algeria's desire to join the BRICS in order to create new economic opportunities at the conclusion of his visit to China. The oil and gas-rich nation in North Africa is attempting to diversify its economy and improve relations with nations like China. Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa make up the BRICS group of countries. It makes up about 26% of the world's economy and more than 40% of the world's population. Also Read: As attacks intensify, a drone from Kiev strikes a munitions depot in Crimea We sent a letter requesting to be shareholder members in the bank and submitted an official application to join the BRICS group. According to Tebboune, Algeria's initial investment in the bank will be $1.5 billion, according to Ennahar. Also Read: Zelensky desires a NATO-Ukraine Council meeting to discuss the Black Sea grain issue According to South Africa's top diplomat overseeing relations with the bloc, more than 40 nations have expressed interest in joining the BRICS group of nations. Also Read: 30,000 people fled to safety as wildfires raged in Rhodes Among the nations that expressed interest were Argentina, Iran, the UAE, Cuba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Comoros, Gabon, and Kazakhstan. Tebboune was quoted this week in local media as saying that China will invest $36 billion in Algeria across a variety of industries, including manufacturing, new technology, the knowledge economy, transport, and agriculture. PORTS OF GAIN AMID the flurry of international engagements undertaken by Indian leadership and diplomats in the recent few weeks, the visit of Sri Lankan President Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe has come as a booster shot for New Delhi in context of the geopolitical pulls and pressures in the immediate neighbourhood. The Lankan Presidents visit has concluded five key pacts between India and Lanka in crucial sectors including connectivity, maritime cooperation and economic relations. All the pacts are extremely important for India to enhance its presence in the island nation and build an effective strategy to counter the Chinese maneuvers in strategically-important ports. The raft of initiatives announced by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and Lankan President Mr. Wickremesinghe through a vision document reflect the sectors where New Delhi would like Colombo to reassess its earlier foreign and economic policies. The now-ousted regime in Lanka, led by the Rajapakse family, had formed its policies broadly under the heavy influence of China which ultimately brought doom for the country. During the resultant economic meltdown, India was the first and strongest responder in every form which has been duly acknowledged by Mr. Wickremesinghe in his statement in New Delhi. Like always, Indias help was of non-transactional nature which the Lankan leadership seems to have realised in the last couple of years as the nation witnessed a political change. It is seen in the vision document that aims to enhance bilateral relations in critical sectors with the help of India. For India, this is the best time to realign its focus on the immediate neighbourhood even as it builds strong relations with the United States, Europe and other middle powers. Lanka has remained a complicated subject for the last decade or so when the Rajapakses were in power. The familys heavy tilt towards China had opened up many sectors where Chinese companies had a free run. China is still pressing to renew its deals in the power and ports sector, in direct conflict with Indian businesses ,and posing a security threat to India. New Delhi has to leverage its present international position, economic heft, and the image of being a saviour to smaller economies to ward off the Chinese threat and forge deep strategic relations with Colombo. India has wisely crafted the items to be included in the five agreements. A pact between NPCI International Payments Limited and Lanka Pay for acceptance of the UPI application in Sri Lanka will be beneficial to both the communities who share long historic and trade relations. It will also augment tourist inflow in the enchanting island nation from India thus helping Lanka to recover some ground as it heavily depends upon tourism for revenue generation. For India, it is a golden opportunity to leave its imprint on the Lankans and tap business opportunities with the local establishments. That can secure one key component in the bilateral relations and instill a sense of assurance against the Chinese efforts that always come with some financial traps. Another key area covered in the agreements is the possibility of a land bridge to boost connectivity between the two neighbours. Road connectivity can go a long way in erasing another faultline -- the dignity of the Tamil community living in Lanka. It can be the biggest game-changer. Yamuna hovers around danger mark in Delhi; heavy rains in Telangana, Godavari in spate NEW DELHI, THE water level of the Yamuna in Delhi, which has been hovering around the danger mark of 205.33 metres for the last few days, dropped below the threshold again on Saturday morning. However, fresh spells of heavy rain have been reported in parts of Uttarakhand and it may lead to a rise in the river water level again, further delaying rehabilitation efforts in the flood-affected low-lying areas of Delhi. The India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy to very heavy rain in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand till July 25. The Central Water Commissions (CWC) data showed the water level dropped from 205.34 metres at 6 pm on Friday to 205.29 metres at 9 am on Saturday. It may drop further before the impact of rain in upper catchment areas becomes clear. Rains continue in parts of Telangana, Godavari in spate: Rains continued unabated in parts of Telangana for the fifth consecutive day on Saturday, inundating low lying areas and bringing normal life to a grinding halt. Lakes, tanks and other water bodies were overflowing due to incessant rains in some districts in north coastal Andhra. With irrigation projects receiving huge inflows from upstream, authorities opened flood gates to release the flood water. Three persons were killed in rain-related incidents in the State on Friday. With huge inflows continuing, authorities have opened two more gates of Himayat Sagar reservoir here on Saturday to release water into Musi River. Rains in Punjab, Haryana: The water level in the Hathnikund barrage saw a rapid uptick on Saturday with rains lashing several parts of Punjab and Haryana in the past 24 hours, officials said. Lausanne: On Saturday, about 6,000 Kurds gathered to protest the 100th anniversary of the Treaty of Lausanne, which established the boundaries of contemporary Turkey but crushed aspirations for a separate Kurdish state. In opposition to the 1923 treaty, protesters marched through the Swiss city as organizers pleaded with the international community to reevaluate the agreement and its implications for the Kurdish people. The protesters, who had gathered by Lake Geneva before marching uphill to the Palais de Rumine, where the treaty was signed, were from all over Europe. The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is banned in Turkey and blacklisted as a terrorist organization in the European Union, was represented by flags carried by several people. Also Read: As attacks intensify, a drone from Kiev strikes a munitions depot in Crimea The treaty, according to the Kurdistan Cultural Center in Lausanne, "enacted the separation of the Kurdish people between four states Turkiye, Iraq, Iran, and Syria whose democratic record over the past century is largely negative." The Kurdish people, like all other peoples around the world, assert a right to the ability to live with their identity on their own lands, according to Berivan Firat, a spokeswoman for the Kurdish Democratic Council of France. Also Read: Zelensky desires a NATO-Ukraine Council meeting to discuss the Black Sea grain issue She claimed that "this treaty opened the door to all kinds of oppression and massacres against the Kurdish people." It is time to decriminalize the Kurdish movement and, in particular, to review the Treaty of Lausanne, which has no value for us. Our opponents are the worst dictators in the Middle East. In order to replace the 1920 Treaty of Sevres between the Allies and the Ottoman empire, which Turkiye no longer recognized under its new leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Conference of Lausanne was established in November 1922. Lausanne was selected primarily because of Switzerland's neutrality, but it was also convenient for the Orient Express train, which connected Paris with Istanbul. The conference took place from November to February and then again from April to July, with the main participants being Great Britain, France, Italy, and Turkey. Benito Mussolini, the newly elected Italian leader, spoke at the meeting. Turkey and Greece were forced to exchange populations as a result of the treaty. It made the Turkish Straits open to unrestricted civilian travel. Eastern Anatolia was incorporated into modern-day Turkiye in exchange for the renunciation of its Ottoman-era claims to southern Syria and Iraq. Kurds and Armenians had no part because their territorial aspirations had been crushed. "Lausanne is a byword for treachery and severe trauma for these peoples. And it still exists today, according to historian Antoine Fleury, emeritus professor at the University of Geneva, who spoke with the Swiss news agency ATS. The protester Munevver Gok, a 56-year-old housewife from the Netherlands, demanded that Lausanne apologize for dividing Kurdistan into four parts. Also Read: 30,000 people fled to safety as wildfires raged in Rhodes Kardo Lucas Larsen, a 41-year-old fellow protester from Denmark, told AFP: "A protest like this brings the Kurdish people together and makes us feel like a nation. "We can continue to be strong... and then we can choose our course of action." Around the 100th anniversary of the Turkish republic in October, the Turkish community in Switzerland is planning conferences and concerts to commemorate the treaty. Russia is copying ISIS, says Zelenskyys chief of staff after Odesa devastated 23 July, 07:25 PM Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa after the night attack (Photo:REUTERS / Serhii Smolientsev) The world should not leave Russia's overnight missile strike on Odesa without response, Presidential Office head, Andriy Yermak, said on Telegram on July 23. "These are deliberate attacks by Russian terrorists who repeat the practices of ISIS," he said. He listed five ways to respond: Long-range missiles for Ukraine. They will destroy the enemy's capabilities to launch these strikes. Rapid delivery of additional missile defense systems to protect Ukrainian skies. Modern Western missile defense systems, which Ukraine has received in small numbers, can shoot down the types of missiles the enemy used to attack Odesa. Further strengthen economic sanctions, making it impossible for the Russian military-industrial complex to operate. International isolation of Russia, both by Western countries and the states of the Global South. Ukrainian Crimea should be demilitarized from Russian forces. Video of day Russian troops launched their largest attack yet on the historic center of Odesa on July 23, firing five types of missiles. Ukraine managed to eliminated nine of 19 missiles in the devastating attack that killed one, injured 22, and destroyed several historic buildings, including the Transfiguration Cathedral. Will you support Ukraines free press? Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations. As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility to amplify Ukraines voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation. Its the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine. If youre willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful. Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda. Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd. If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly. There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting. We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If youre willing to stand up for the truth consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much. Will you help tell Ukraines story to the world? Twenty years ago, most people hadnt even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyones lips and everyones headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of from music and culture to technology. We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If youre willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the executive director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), is calling on the relevant Nigerian authorities to investigate and hold public officials accountable for accepting nearly $80 million in bribes from Glencore, a multinational mining and commodity trading company. "Glencore has admitted that it paid bribes to Nigerian officials in connection with deals involving the purchase of oil and petroleum products from Nigerias state-owned company," said Rafsanjani in a message in TIs Newsletter in Berlin. "It is time for Nigerian authorities to investigate these allegations and hold those responsible to account." Despite Glencore facing repercussions for bribery, public officials on the receiving end have not faced any consequences. The same can be said for over US$1billion paid in bribes by Eni and Royal Dutch Shell for the rights to the OPL 245 offshore oilfield, to members of President Goodluck Jonathans administration. Nigeria could lose as much as US$5 billion because of the questionably negotiated fiscal terms under the deal, in addition to the US$1.1bn that it already lost due to corrupt payments, according to Italian prosecutors. To ensure that government officials who demand for bribes are punished by the US, Transparency International's Nigeria chapter and 10 other chapters of Transparency International are urging US lawmakers to adopt the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act (FEPA) to support anti-corruption efforts in their countries. "FEPA would provide a valuable tool to help countries like Nigeria combat corruption and hold their officials accountable for accepting bribes. "We urge US lawmakers to pass this important legislation," Rafsanjani said. As the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, Bola Tinubu, the ECOWAS Youth Council has urged the president to make youth inclusion and development part of the sub-regional bodys agenda during his tenure. The EYC applauded Tinubu, for declaring a commitment to ending coups, maintaining peace and security in West Africa, especially in Francophone countries as priority issues of the ECOWAS. The President of EYC, Dr Oluwaseun William, disclosed this in Abeokuta, during the investiture of Dr Babatunde Adeyemo as ECOWAS Youth Ambassador. William explained the place of youths in society, nation building and peace in the West African sub region, expressed the readiness of the youth council to engage Tinubu on how to ensure youth inclusion in the governance of ECOWAS. The ECOWAS Chairman, Bola Tinubu, who doubles as the President of Nigeria has made stopping coup and maintaining peace and security in West African subregion, most especially in the francophone countries, as top items on his agenda and we are waiting and we want to see the agenda of Mr Chairman as regard youth inclusion because this is where we would be able to engage the ECOWAS Chairman and the commission on how they want to be decisive in ensuring the growth of young people in West Africa. Even without hearing his agenda, we are putting some ideas in place to engage the appropriate quarters that link to Mr President to see how we can bring youth inclusion in the governance of ECOWAS itself and how we are going to help the youth participate in politics, economic development, regional integration and education," he said. During his acceptance speech, Adeyemo, expressed the need to harness the potentials of Nigerian youths. He noted that, An average Nigerian youth have had their future stolen and looted, hence the need for our new government of the day to make a drastic effort to reconcile the huge margin between the young and the old Nigerians in governance. The aborted #EndSARS protest in Lagos, is a very strong expression of grievance by the Nigerian youths that should not be overlooked by any serious nation or government. Yes, the Nigerian numerous economic challenges cannot be corrected overnight, but an average Nigerian youth, need to start to have the sense of belonging, from the appointments of the President. Only the youths can guarantee an effective and efficient delivery of the Nigerian future. As Chief Executive Officer of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, Adeyemo also bagged the EYCs Nelson Mandela Leadership for Excellence and Integrity Award at the event. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has slammed Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over claim that the ruling party was making attempts to intimidate the judiciary. Tinubu, who was reacting via a statement by Dele Alake, his special media aide, described Atiku's claim as ill-thought out and illogical statement which has no evidence based backing. The former Vice President Atiku had alleged that there was a sinister plot by the All Progressives Congress to undermine Nigerias judiciary. In a statement by Paul Ibe, his spokesperson, Atiku said partly, It is regrettable that the APC and, indeed, agents of President Bola Tinubu have ceaselessly chosen to stand in the way of justice by making catastrophic threats to anarchy if justice is not served according to their whims. These and reports in the media about some heinous plots to harass justices sitting on the petition are ominous to peace and the security of our nation. Our democracy gives the people of Nigeria the powers to choose their leaders, and our laws demand that our judiciary must be allowed to act independently without harassment and intimidation by the government or powerful interests. In a counter-reaction, Mr Alake stated that the ruling party won the 2023 presidential election fairly, noting that there would not be any reason for it to undermine the judiciary. Describing Tinubu as a champion of democracy, Mr Alake urged Atiku to honourably allow the Judiciary perform its sacred duty without harassment and the resort to self-help. The statement read, We have read the laughable and jejune statement by former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Candidate in the last election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. It is obvious that having been thoroughly defeated by the All Progressives Congress and now President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the former Vice President has not fully recovered from the shock of defeat, hence the current attempt to mischievously rake up another round of inanities that offend basic logic and rational thinking. In the ill-thought out and illogical statement, Alhaji Atiku accused the current administration of the governing APC of plotting to undermine the judiciary without providing any shred of evidence. Apart from innuendos, insinuations and outright lies contained in the said press statement, the former Vice President Atiku didn't put forward any convincing argument to support his claims on how the President Tinubu-led administration and APC sought to undercut, undermine and compromise the judiciary. If the former Vice President believes in democracy and the sanctity of the Judiciary, as claimed, he would not engage in making spurious and wild allegations aimed at disparaging and discrediting an important arm of government that should serve as the bulwark for our democracy. He shamelessly resorted to this cheap attempt to intimidate and blackmail the Judiciary even when he is party to a case before the Presidential Election Tribunal. Let it be said that when it comes to matters of fighting for democracy and democratic ideals, rule of law and independence of Judiciary in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu stands shoulder above Atiku Abubakar. When President Tinubu was leading the charge against the emasculation of the judiciary and promoting the sanctity of rule of law as the building block for good governance as Governor of Lagos State between 1999-2007, under a PDP central government, Alhaji Atiku was nowhere to be found. It is on record and to his eternal credit that President Tinubu, through the instrumentality of the law and Judiciary, successfully challenged many of the draconian and obnoxious decisions of the PDP-led Federal Government that trampled on the rights of the states as federating units. Lagos State under the leadership of the then Governor Tinubu won over 13 cases up to the Supreme Court against the hydra-headed PDP administration at the centre. No leader with such a sterling and enviable credential as a champion of rule of law, independence of judiciary like President Tinubu will ever contemplate undermining the Judiciary as alleged by Alhaji Atiku. President Tinubu won a free, fair and credible election. The February 25th, 2023 Presidential election that produced him is the most transparent election ever conducted in Nigeria since 1999. President Tinubu and the APC absolutely have no reason to undermine the judiciary in the hope of any favourable judgement. His lawyers and that of APC have presented very solid defence of the result of the election and we are sure the judiciary will impartially deliver its ruling on the basis of points of law and evidence before it, not based on presumptuous speculations and unfounded accusations. Atiku Abubakar should be honourable enough as a statesman to allow the Judiciary perform its sacred duty without harassment and this resort to self-help. Attempting to discredit an important institution of State for selfish political end is disingenuous, shameful and unbecoming of a former Vice President of Nigeria. This desperation must stop. A good plan, violently executed now is better than a perfect plan tomorrow. Anonymous Recently, Independent Hajj Reporters released a public statement urging NAHCON and state Muslim Pilgrims Boards to immediately activate the process of registering intending pilgrims that wish to participate in the 2024 Hajj. The statement hinged its calls on the early release of the 2024 Hajj calendar by the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah - detailing the allotted date for each major preparatory event preceding the 2024 Hajj days. In reaction, some critical hajj stakeholders commended IHR for the timely reminder of the potentially difficult situation NAHCON and States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards may find themselves in in 2024 if they failed to immediately begin the preparations for the 2024 hajj. Thereafter, Pakistan, Kuwait, and Indonesia swung into 2024 hajj preparations citing the early release of the hajj calendar. Nigeria's case is more dangerous because of the cash and go yearly policy we operate. It is only in Nigeria intending pilgrims will pay for Hajj registrations after the commencement of the Hajj airlift. We should note that the 2024 hajj is going to be extremely challenging especially if Nigeria maintained its 95,000-hajj quota. The political/administrative structure in Nigeria inhibits the easy flow of implementation of hajj plans coupled with incompetent and mostly politically convenient trial-by-error hajj administrators. The call for early preparations becomes more expedient to avoid multiple service failures in the 2024 hajj. Timely actions minimised errors and gave room for proper review. For example, If NAHCON directs States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board to commence registration of pilgrims today, it will take a minimum of 30 days for states to comply as they will have to request approval from their respective Governors before they can start the registration. Remove 30 days from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj 2024 calendar of events and see the challenge of time. Interestingly, Saudi Arabia has since begun to work the plan, with the committee in charge of pilgrims accommodation in the city of Medina commencing registration for permits for houses that will be used to accommodate pilgrims in 2024. More importantly, The Minister of Hajj has made it very clear that The country that concludes early contracts will be given the priority in taking the appropriate places at the holy places. There is an urgent need to appraise the Saudi Ministry of Hajj calendar of events, match it with the reality of times and come up with a blueprint. Essentially, Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation, there is sure to be a failure of service delivery next year More importantly, the poor services experienced by virtually all hajj participating countries in this year's hajj was primarily a result of the challenge in planning and execution of hajj policies that comes with little or no time to test run operational manuals before airlift began. The Dates that matter September 16 (approximately in 60 days) The preparatory meeting with hajj participating countries for 2024 hajj is expected to be held on September 16, 2023, and also, the electronic track would open for data entry, and the list of licensed companies that will serve pilgrims would be published. More importantly, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) will activate the financial portfolio of the electronic track for airlines. NAHCON has less than 60 days to prepare for this all-important meeting. Can NAHCON end the airlift in 15 days, return home and summon post stakeholders meeting to prepare for this important meeting? Can NAHCON seal a pre-hajj airlift contractual agreement with a potential 2024 Hajj carrier in 60 days? Can the local airlines meet up with the new times table? The race is on. November 4 2023 (in 4 months) On this date, the preparatory meetings will be completed and service packages will be made available on Rabi Al-Thani 20, 1445AH, corresponding to November 4, 2023. Thereafter, the Hajj and Umrah service will be launched. February 25, 2024 (in 7 months) The minister said that the allotment process of pilgrims accommodation in Makkah and Madinah and the Holy Sites would be finalized by Shaban 15, 1445AH, corresponding to February 25, 2024. In 8 months from now, NAHCON and States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards must finalize all accommodation contracts for the 2024 hajj exercise. A tall order. 1st of March to April 29, 2024 (in 8 months) The announcements that the processing of visas will begin on 1st March and close on April 29, 2024, should ordinarily create operational panic in NAHCON. Timely Processing of visas has been a major challenge leading to some pilgrims missing out during the 2022 hajj. Now, NAHCON has less than 8 months to collate all funds from 2024 registered pilgrims, remit the same to Saudi Arabia and begins the issuance of visa. The first batch of 2024 hajj pilgrims will arrive in Saudi on May 9 corresponding to Dhul Qada 1, 1445AH. Are the Nigerian Hajj Stakeholders ready for the fast pace Hajj operating system? Time is a factor. Ibrahim Muhammed is the National Coordinator, Independent Hajj Reporters - Misfala, Makkah Saudi Arabia +966547818968 The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has said its operatives, on Friday 21st July 2023, shockingly arrested a 45- year- old notorious drug kingpin, Charles Uwagbale, who specialized in sponsoring young Nigerians to traffic class A drugs to Europe especially Italy. The suspect was arrested after the NDLEA mem stormed his hotel room in Okota as he was preparing a recruited courier to swallow 93 pellets of cocaine meant for distribution in Italy. It was learnt that Uwagbale had recruited Uju Dominic, 35, from his base in Italy with a deal to come to Nigeria, ingest 100 pellets of cocaine on Friday 21st July and return to Italy on Saturday 22nd July. A statement by Femi Babafemi, spokesman of NDLEA said, True to plan, upon the arrival in Nigeria, the mule was lodged in Golden Heaven Hotel located at Enoma street off Ago-Palace way, Okota, Isolo, Lagos where Uwagbale brought 93 wraps of the Class A drug for him to swallow at about 23:45pm Friday night. They were in the process when NDLEA operatives who have been on their trail following credible intelligence stormed their hotel room, arrested both and recovered the drug exhibits with a total weight of 1.427 kilograms. Operatives of the Lagos state Command of the Agency who made the arrest and seizure had on Thursday 20th July raided Akala in Mushin area of the state where they recovered 37.5kg cannabis from the home of a fleeing suspect. The statement added, Meanwhile, attempts to smuggle 98 cartons containing Five Million One Hundred and Twenty Two Thousand Nine Hundred (5, 122, 900) pills of Tramadol 225mg with an estimated street value of about Three Billion Seven Hundred Million Naira (N3.7billion) only into Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, have been thwarted. This was done through the robust collaboration between men of the Nigeria Customs Service and NDLEA officers at the airport as well as those at the DHL cargo warehouse. Preliminary findings revealed that the consignments were imported from India and Pakistan, while some of the seized consignments had Freetown, Sierra Leone as final destination. In the same vein, NDLEA operatives in Bauchi state have recovered a total of Six Million Two Hundred and Sixty-Five and Eighty (6,265,080) pills of opioids from three suspects: Emmanuel Onyebuchi, 32; Uche Iyida, 33; and Chinedu Ezeanyim, 32 following their arrest alongside a truck driver and his assistant at Shopping Complex, Maiduguri Bye-Pass, Bauchi town on Wednesday 19th July and the subsequent follow up search of the residence of Iyida on Friday 21st July. Nine Hundred and Ninety-Nine thousand, Five Hundred (999,500) tablets of Exol-5 were also recovered by operatives from a shop close to the market at Hong Road, Gombi, Adamawa state on Friday 21st July Another 46,000 capsules of tramadol were seized from a suspect, Paul Ajaegbu, 36, along Owerri Aba road, Imo state on Monday 17th July. Same suspect had earlier been arrested, precisely on 9th February 2023, for the same offence. In Ondo state, NDLEA operatives in their numbers stormed the Ofosu forest where they destroyed 29 hectares of cannabis farms on Thursday 20th July. The quartet of Osamezu George Chukwuemeka, 51, who owns the farm; his wife Kate Osamezu, 43; Agboola Wasiu, 37 and Mustapha Sanni, were arrested during the operation, while 118.5kg processed cannabis was recovered from the farm. In another raid of the warehouse of a suspect at Elegbeka, Ose LGA, not less than 107 jumbo bags of the same illicit substance weighing 1,132.5kg were recovered on Monday 17th July. Operatives in Sokoto state arrested a suspect, Charles Nwankwo, 50, with 610kg of cannabis in Tamaje area of Sokoto on Friday 21st July, their counterparts in Yobe also same day nabbed a fleeing suspect Shaibu Musa, 29, in Dawasa while he was offering them a bribe of N500,000 following the seizure of 36kg skunk in his house on Wednesday 19th July. In Edo state, operatives on Monday 17th July raided the Utese forest Ovia North East LGA where they arrested Victor Asukwo Jack, with 59 bags of processed cannabis sativa weighing 640kg. His two cannabis farms measuring 1.489895 hectares and 2.445295 hectares were destroyed. Also, Endurance Chukwuma, 50, was arrested with seven bags of processed cannabis sativa weighing 68kg, while his cannabis farm measuring 0.254324 hectares was destroyed. A total of 273kg cannabis was earlier intercepted in a Toyota Sienna Vehicle marked RBC 451 CM on Wednesday 19th July at Ogida, Benin City, and a suspect, Lucky Oriakhi, 41, arrested while operatives also seized 48,380 pills of tramadol in a commercial bus marked KAK 66 XA along Ewohimi road, heading to Kabba, Kogi state and arrested the driver, Ibrahim John. In Nasarawa, two suspects: Abubakar Suleiman, 30 and Shehu Garba (aka Shagari), 29 were arrested along Keffi Akwanga road on Tuesday 18th July in a Peugeot J5 vehicle loaded with 1,608.4 kilograms of cannabis sativa. The consignment was loaded in Edo state and meant for distribution in Bauchi state. While a total of 1,556.1kg of cannabis was recovered from two suspects: Jonathan Nuhu, 54 and Mohammed Abubakar, 18, following their arrest at Wudil area of Kano State on Thursday 20th July, 76kg of same substance was seized from Yakubu Muhammad, 32, on Monday 17th July along Okene/Lokoja highway in a trailer coming from Port Harcourt to Kano. In the same vein, operatives in Ogun state on Wednesday 19th July, recovered 810 parcels of cannabis weighing 604kg from the house of one Adetunji Abiodun. Fresh bid to smuggle into Nigeria, another consignment of Colorado, a synthetic variant of cannabis, through the Tincan port in Apapa Lagos was again on Friday 21st July frustrated by NDLEA officers who discovered a total of 323 parcels of the illicit substance weighing 161.5kg concealed in one of the four used vehicles in a container marked MEDU 7519460 coming from Montreal, Canada, during a joint examination of the shipment. At least, three suspects are currently in NDLEA custody over the shipment while a bribe of N20 million converted to $22,900 offered operatives by the importers agents has also been recovered and documented as evidence. Stoltenberg schedules Ukraine-NATO Council meeting at Zelenskyy's urgent request 23 July, 06:36 PM Stoltenberg schedules Ukraine-NATO Council meeting (Photo:REUTERS / Kacper Pempel) NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has scheduled a meeting of the newly formed Ukraine-NATO Council on July 26, confirmed NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu to German news agency dpa on July 23. The meeting comes after a specific request from UkrainianPresident Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "The parties will convene to consult on the latest developments and discuss the transportation of Ukrainian grain across the Black Sea," she said. It will be an ambassador-level meeting, said Lungescu. The urgent call for the Ukraine-NATO Council meeting came in response to the situation in the Black Sea and the disruption of the crucial grain corridor, as President Zelenskyy emphasized in his July 22 video address. Video of day Zelenskyy then held a telephone conversation with Stoltenberg. The establishment of the Ukraine-NATO Council occurred during the NATO summit in Vilnius on July 11-12, marking a significant milestone in Ukraine-NATO relations. Grain Agreement Suspension and Attack on Odesa: Key Details The Kremlin announced the suspension of the "grain agreement" on July 17, previously brokered by the UN and Turkey last July. This agreement facilitated the unblocking of three Ukrainian ports for food exports. Russia then withdrew its shipping safety guarantees under the framework of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Ukraine asked Turkey andthe UN to continue the "grain corridor" operations without the involvement of Russia. In retaliation, the Kremlin issuedthreats, hinting at the possibility of resuming the agreement's operation without Ukraine. In the wake of these developments, Russia launched massive strikes on the port and grain infrastructure of Ukraine, targeting the port cities of Odesa and Mykolaiv. These attacks resulted in the destruction of civil infrastructure and the loss of civilian lives. Notably, on the night of July 23, Russian troops inflicted a devastating blow on the historic center of Odesa, resulting in at least one fatality, 22 injuries, and significant damage to the city. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has expressed conditional willingness to consider a return to the "grain agreement," subject to meeting all its provisions. Will you support Ukraines free press? Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations. As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility to amplify Ukraines voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation. Its the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine. If youre willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful. Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda. Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd. If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly. There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting. We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If youre willing to stand up for the truth consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much. Will you help tell Ukraines story to the world? Twenty years ago, most people hadnt even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyones lips and everyones headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of from music and culture to technology. We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If youre willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code Chalong Pier pontoon sinking again PHUKET: Operators of Thai diving and fishing tour boats at Chalong Pier have raised safety concerns about the state of one of the main pontoons at the key tour boat facility, with exposed rust posing a danger to tourists and the pontoon starting to sink again. tourismmarinetransportSafety By The Phuket News Sunday 23 July 2023 11:32 AM One of the main pontoons at Chalong Pier that Phuket tourists use to board tour boats is covered with rust and sinking, again. Photo: Supplied One of the main pontoons at Chalong Pier that Phuket tourists use to board tour boats is covered with rust and sinking, again. Photo: Supplied One of the main pontoons at Chalong Pier that Phuket tourists use to board tour boats is covered with rust and sinking, again. Photo: Supplied One of the main pontoons at Chalong Pier that Phuket tourists use to board tour boats is covered with rust and sinking, again. Photo: Supplied One of the main pontoons at Chalong Pier that Phuket tourists use to board tour boats is covered with rust and sinking, again. Photo: Supplied One of the main pontoons at Chalong Pier that Phuket tourists use to board tour boats is covered with rust and sinking, again. Photo: Supplied One of the main pontoons at Chalong Pier that Phuket tourists use to board tour boats is covered with rust and sinking, again. Photo: Supplied The pontoon at risk is the same one that started sinking early last year, prompting officials to take action and weld patches over where the rust had eaten through. This is happening time and again, one of the tour boat operators told The Phuket News. Not only is it unpleasant for tourists to look at when they board boats to head out on tours, but also it is dangerous. The exposed rust poses a danger to their feet. They cannot even walk barefoot onto the boats, the operator said. The sinking pontoon also poses an obvious risk. It may be sinking slowly now, but no one knows if the pontoon will just give way and sink, the operator said. Like any steel boat in Thailand, the material used to build the pontoon is cheap steel from China. It rusts very quickly. When the pontoon is built it is given a protected coating, but after two to three years it starts to rust inside Then the rust starts to spread. You cannot see how much rust there is inside, so you do not know how much damage has been done, the operator added. Last year they patched the holes with welding. This does not fix the problem of the rust from inside, he added. The whole system at the marina Is a mess. It is all steel, and it all rusts. It is called an international-standard marina, but it is made with the wrong, cheap, steel. It is made to look good, but it is not working, he said. The alternative is to have a new pontoon made from aluminium, but the cost may be prohibitive. The price is three to four times what it costs to make with the cheap steel, but it is good for 20 to 30 years, the operator explained. The big problem we have today is that if they just keep welding and repainting it, then the same problem will keep happening, he added. The operator recognised that a key concern for fixing the pontoon properly was getting the budget required. It could cost anywhere from B10 million to B20 million, and for that local authorities will need budget approval from Bangkok, he explained. It will take time, and by next high season we might not have a safe, secure pontoon at the pier and that is a problem, the operator said. Health workers dont want Anutin back as minister BANGKOK: A doctors group says its members will not support the possible return of Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul as public health minister, saying he is unfit for the position. politicshealth By Bangkok Post Sunday 23 July 2023 10:00 AM Bhumjaithai Party leader and caretaker health minister Anutin Charnvirakul (second from left) is flanked by party secretary-general Saksayam Chidchob (left) and Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew during a press conference at Pheu Thai headquarters on Saturday. Photo: Somchai Poomlard / Bangkok Post The MorMaiThon (Doctors Wont Tolerate This) group posted the statement on the We, The People Facebook page on Saturday morning (July 22), saying its medical personnel members no longer wish to work under Anutin, reports the Bangkok Post. They claim that over the past four years in the position, the construction billionaire has proven to be inappropriate for the role. They accuse Anutin of lacking a necessary understanding of the Thai public health system, leading to its deterioration and resulting in the loss of lives due to his ineffective management of COVID-19 vaccinations. The announcement further criticised his orders to expedite the use of medical marijuana, delayed budgetary decisions leading to impaired healthcare services, including slowed access to safe abortions, and mismanagement resulting in the mass resignation of medical workers. The group highlighted Anutins response to the resignations, when he said: Nothing can be done at this time, they can only pack up and leave. The statement concluded by saying that MorMaiThon members would not be able to continue under Anutins administration if he returns to government, and they do not wish for him to serve as the public health minister. During his term as minister, Anutin also had a rocky relationship with the Rural Doctors Society (RDS), an influential group that was highly critical of his policies. The relationship worsened further when the ministry ordered an investigation into Dr Supat Hasuwannakit, the RDS president, who had earlier been transferred from his post as director of Chana Hospital in Songkhla. Dr Supat had been a vocal critic of Bhumjaithais policy to decriminalise cannabis. The MorMaiThon statement was issued just ahead of talks between the Pheu Thai Party and Bhumjaithai about the setup of a new government on Saturday afternoon. At that meeting, Anutin reiterated his partys position that it would not be part of any government that contained the election-winning Move Forward Party. But as far as voting for a Pheu Thai prime ministerial nominee is concerned, the Bhumjaithai leader said the two parties were still in discussions about it. Phuket readies for long holiday weekend PHUKET: Officials are urging people to take advantage of five days of holidays over six days next weekend as the country celebrates the 71st birthday of His Majesty The King next Friday (July 28) and observes two major Budhhist religious holidays Asarnha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) on Aug 1-2. culturetourismreligionalcohol By The Phuket News Sunday 23 July 2023 08:29 AM Image: PRD Phuket Immigration is already warning that its offices will be closed next Friday (July 28), as will all government offices, for the Kings Birthday national public holiday. Also next Friday, main branches of banks will be closed, but some bank branches in shopping malls will remain open. Thailand Post branches and kiosks in shopping malls will remain open as normal, while hospitals will provide emergency and ongoing regular treatments only ancillary services such as weight loss and skin care will not be available. All Royal Thai Police and Tourist Police stations will remain open and some local consulates will be open to serve their respective citizens. However, government offices will reopen on the Monday (July 31), which is not a holiday, before closing again for two more days Asarnha Bucha and Khao Phansa on the Tuesday and Wednesday (Aug 1-2). If you can take additional leave on July 31 in total, we will have a long holiday for up to 6 days Know this: You can plan a trip together, said the national Public Relations Department in a notice posted online. As both Asarnha Bucha and Khao Phansa are major religious holidays, the sale of alcohol is banned by law across the country on both days. As such, the alcohol ban will start at 00:01am Aug 1 and will conclude at midnight on the Wednesday (23:59pm, Aug 2). The ban does not include duty free shops at international airports. Of note, recognising the impact of so many holidays occurring together, the Bank of Thailand this year has not declared Khao Pansa a bank holiday. Description The Huntington Militia will host "Huntington Independence Day on Sunday, July 23, 2023 from 12PM to 4PM at the Arsenal & Village Green, 425 Park Ave, Huntington, NY. (The rain-date is Sunday, August 6) Please check our website and Facebook page for updates on this event: http://www.huntingtonmilitia.com/ https://www.facebook.com/HuntingtonMilitia1775 Hear the Declaration of Independence read aloud in its entirety. See how the Town of Huntington reacted to the news of American Independence. Learn about the Huntington Militia and its involvement in the American Revolutionary War. Watch the Militia drill with musket and cannon firings. See colonial crafts, trades, cooking, and music. THE DECLARATION ARRIVES AT 1PM! BE ON THE SITE BEFORE 1PM IF YOU WISH TO SEE THIS REENACTMENT. COME EARLY AND STAY AFTER TO EXPERIENCE 18TH CENTURY LIFE ON LONG ISLAND! THIS EVENT IS FREE! A three-member team of the Election Commission of India (ECI) is scheduled to visit West Bengal next month to review the states preparedness for the next Lok Sabha elections. Sources in the office of the Chief Election Officer (CEO) of West Bengal revealed that the team is expected to arrive here on August 19. It is likely that Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Nitin Kumar Vyas will lead the three-member ECI team. This week senior officials from the office of CEO, West Bengal held a preliminary meeting on poll preparedness. It has been decided that the examination of available Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the state will commence on August 1 and is expected to be completed within six days. We want to ensure thorough preparation before the arrival of the three-member ECI team to review our preparedness, said an official in the office of CEO, West Bengal. The CEOs office has already issued instructions to district administrative authorities to begin the process of reviewing the voters list in their respective districts. The aim is to make the voters list completely error-free this time, which includes removing the names of deceased voters and rectifying cases where individuals have their names registered in multiple places, especially in the case of married women. The ECI anticipates an increase in the number of polling booths this time, up from the current figure of 79,000. Amidst allegations and outrage over a viral video, showing a women being paraded naked by a mob in strife-torn Manipur and being criticized by chief minister Mamata Banerjee, the BJP alleged on Saturday that two tribal women were stripped naked and tortured a few days ago in West Bengals Malda while the police remained mute spectators. Union minister Smriti Irani and BJPs national IT cell incharge Amit Malviya, targeting chief minister Mamata Banerjee, said today that the Trinamul Congress-led government is a mute spectator to such heinous crimes against women. Mr Malviya, who is also the partys co-in-charge for West Bengal, said the incident took place in Malda on 19 July, with a frenzied mob baying for her blood. Union minister Smriti Irani also reacted to the Malda incident. This (Manipur viral video) issue is not only sensitive but also has implications with regard to national security and is known to the opposition leaders. However, the Opposition did not want to discuss the issue on the floor of the Parliament. What is extremely alarming is that yesterday, from the state of Rajasthan, a minister spoke up on the crime against women in the state, he was unceremoniously dismissed by the Congress. Advertisement Equally shocking is a video that is emanating from West Bengals Malda where two Dalit women are being beaten and stripped, she said. Stating that there is absolutely no need to politicize the Malda incident, West Bengal minister and Trinamul Congress leader Shashi Panja claimed that it was a case of theft, where the two ladies tried to steal something from the market. West Bengal DGP Manoj Malviya, however, earlier said that the police investigated the incident but no evidence was found about the alleged incident. Trinamul Congress is forced to choose a woman from the Congress as a pradhan of the Narugram panchayat at Raina. She was chosen because in the numbers game she is the only representative from the Scheduled Tribe community in the panchayat. Were now forced by the circumstances to accept an accidental pradhan as none from the other parties, including the TMC, could win this year, exclaimed Bamdas Mondal, Trinamul Congresss president for Raina-1 block. He added: It was free and fair election in our block, where the CPM grabbed a panchayat. The Narugram panchayat in Raina has 22 seats, of which, the TMC won in 18 and the CPM in 3 seats. Minati Mandi, a Congress candidate, defeated the TMC candidate. In 2013, Minati had won as a Congress candidate from local Kulia village and had to flee her residence allegedly due to TMCs terror. This year, the delimitation commission reserved the pradhans chair at Narugram panchayat for the ST community. As Minati is the lone elected member from the ST community, shes remained as the lone choice now. The Trinamul initially tried to convince Minati, a daily wager, to switch over to the party, which the woman declined. She said: Twice they tried to force me to join TMC but my neighbours restrained them. Sheikh Qutubuddin, block president of the Congress, said, The TMC repeatedly tried to force Minati, even tried to bribe her since the day of nomination. But destiny brought good time for her, ultimately. Advertisement Another lone ST candidate in Hatgobindapur Panchayat in Burdwan-1 block Lata Hansda on a BJP ticket however deserted her party and joined the TMC yesterday, after the TMC promised her a berth as the panchayat pradhan. Music streaming giant Spotify is reportedly planning to increase its monthly subscription price by $1 in the US, as part of its effort to become consistently profitable. The price hike is expected to be announced next week for subscribers in the US, followed by similar increases in dozens of markets globally in the coming months, reports Variety. The news was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. Advertisement Since 2011, Spotify hasnt changed its $9.99-per-month ad-free Premium plan in the US. After the hike, users will need to pay $10.99 per month for the premium service. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek has previously stated that the company is considering raising prices in the US in response to price rises by competitors such as Apple Music, according to the report. When our competitors are raising their prices, that is really good for us, he said on the companys third-quarter 2022 earnings call in October. Moreover, Ek stated that raising membership prices in the US, the worlds largest music market by far, is one of the things we would like to do and its something we will (discuss) with our label partners. I feel good about this upcoming year, and what it means about pricing for our service. Apple Music hiked its subscription fee for individuals last fall to $10.99 per month, with the family plan increasing by two dollars to $16.99/month, among other changes. Amazon Music Unlimited hiked its monthly rate to $10.99 (for non-Prime members). This week, Google-owned YouTube has increased the price of a Premium individual plan by $2 in the US for new and current customers. Users will now have to pay $13.99 per month instead of $11.99. The plan will cost $18.99 if users are subscribing from the iOS YouTube app. The water level of the Yamuna river in the national capital crossed the danger mark once again on Sunday and was recorded at 206.31 metres till 4 pm. The river crossed the danger mark following a surge in discharge from the Hathnikund Barrage into the Yamuna, increasing chances of another spell of floods in the city. Meanwhile, announcements are being made by the administration to vacate low-lying areas. Advertisement Earlier in the morning the water level of the Yamuna river in Delhi was recorded at 205.81 metres, marginally above the danger mark of 205.33 metres. After the heavy rainfall in parts of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, the water was discharged from Haryanas Hathnikund barrage. The city government is on high alert due to the discharge of over 2 lakh cusecs of water from the barrage into the river, said Delhi Revenue Minister Atishi on Saturday. Due to a rise in the water level of the Hindon river in Noida, several houses were submerged in the low-lying areas on Saturday. The police reached the spot on Saturday and issued an alert regarding the situation. Water entered some houses in the low-lying areasas a precautionary measure, people have been evacuated to a safer place. The situation is normal at the moment and we are monitoring the water level and spreading awareness about it, said Sureshrao Kulkarni, Additional Commissioner of Police. Citing the Central Water Commission, the Delhi Revenue Minister, in a statement on Saturday, said there is a possibility that the Yamuna River may cross the danger level by Sunday evening. Atishi also announced that certain parts of Yamuna Khadar might face flooding if the water level rises to 206.7 metres. However, the government is fully prepared to carry out immediate evacuations in these vulnerable areas, she added. After July 13, the Yamuna had been receding gradually after reaching an all-time high of 208.66 meters but there have been marginal fluctuations in the water level over the last two-three days. The water level dropped below the danger mark at 8 pm on July 18 after flowing above the threshold for eight days. The river breached the danger mark at 5 pm on July 10, leading to extensive flooding of the national capital. Due to the increase in the water level of the river, several places in Delhi grappled with water-logging and flood-like situations. Bollywood diva Ananya Panday, who has recently returned from her Europe vacation, has set the internet on fire on Saturday, by sharing some glimpses of her picturesque holiday. Ananya was on vacation with her rumoured boyfriend and actor Aditya Roy Kapur. They were spotted in a restaurant in Lisbon, Portugal, having an engrossed happy conversation with each other. The rumoured couple was also spotted together taking a stroll on the streets of Spain, where Aditya was seen hugging Ananya from behind, while they were enjoying the picturesque view. They had also attended a rock concert there. Advertisement In a string of photos, Ananya flaunted her toned body, donning an aqua coloured bikini. In one photo, she is seen holding a coconut in her hand, while sitting beside a poolside. Another photo is a full mirror selfie of Ananya, with the vast sea as the backdrop. One photo shows her sitting on the sand, on the seashore. She also shared a view of the alluring locales. She captioned the photos as, blue baby, with a blue heart, blue butterfly, blue cap, blue whale emoji. She gave the geo-tag of Ibiza. The post, which is liked by Sara Ali Khan, and Mira Rajput, has left the fans excited and they wrote: Where is Night Manager? referring to Adityas character in the recent espionage thriller The Night Manager. One user wrote, Where is Adi, the other said, where is Aditya??? One fan also said: Aditya and Ananya is a perfect couple. Another user said: Is Night Manager taking photos? Ananyas bestie Suhana Khan commented: woww bikini babe. Earlier, the viral photo of the new B-Town couple on the Instagram, showed Aditya in a navy blue shirt, and Ananya in a white and pink top, with her hair loosely tied at the back. Both were seen facing towards each other and Ananya flaunted her big hearty smile, while she was listening to Aditya. The picture was evident that both were having a good time together, over a glass of wine. On the work front, Ananya has Vikramaditya Motwanes untitled cybercrime-thriller. She also has Farhan Akhtars Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, Dream Girl 2 and web-series Call Me Bae. Adityas latest release is The Night Manager, part 2. He also has Anurag Basus Metro In Dino. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha wrote to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday, urging him to prevent a bill that seeks to replace the Delhi Ordinance giving control of services back to the Delhi Lieutenant Governor to be introduced in the Upper House of Parliament. In his letter, the AAP MP urged the Rajya Sabha Chairman to direct the Union Government to withdraw it in order to safeguard the Constitution and uphold the principles of democratic governance in Delhi. The BJP-led Central government brought the ordinance on the transfer and posting of bureaucrats in Delhi in May, virtually negating a Supreme Court verdict giving the elected government in Delhi the control over services matters. Chadha in his letter said: Any law enacted by Parliament must supplement the provisions of Article 239AA and remain within the bounds of matters incidental or consequential to those provisions. Therefore, the proposed Bill, containing provisions contrary to Article 239AA, lacks valid legislative competence and is unconstitutional. In his letter, the AAP MP has stated: On 11 May 2023, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court unanimously held that as a matter of constitutional requirement, the civil servants serving in the Government of NCT of Delhi are answerable to the elected arm of the government, i.e., the elected Council of Ministers presided over by the Chief Minister. This link of accountability was held to be crucial to a democratic and popularly accountable model of government. The MP further places on record that in one single stroke, the Ordinance has undone this model by seizing this control again from the duly elected Government of Delhi and vesting it in the hands of the unelected LG. The Ordinances design is evident, i.e., to strip the Government of NCT of Delhi down to only its elected arm enjoying the mandate of the people of Delhi, but bereft of the governing apparatus necessary for meeting that mandate. This has left the GNCTD in a crisis of administration, put day-to-day governance in jeopardy, and has led the civil service to stall, disobey, and contradict the elected Governments orders. I would therefore request you to not permit the introduction of this Bill and direct the Government to withdraw it and save the Constitution, the AAP MP said in his letter. Congress Delhi unit on Sunday held a Maun Satyagraha (Silent Protest) against the BJP-led government over the Manipur crisis and disqualification of Rahul Gandhi as a member from Lok Sabha. Scores of Congress leaders and party workers under the leadership of its Delhi unit chief Anil Kumar Chaudhary, wearing black ribbons, staged the protest at the Jantar Mantar. Silent Satyagraha was observed against the dictatorship of the Central government, communal violence in Manipur for more than two and a half months and BJPs attempt to suppress Rahul Gandhis voice raised for the poor, said Chaudhary. Advertisement The Congress, which has been blaming the N Biren Singh government in Manipur over the current situation, has stepped up its attack at the BJP after the video of two women being stripped, paraded, and sexually assaulted surfaced on social media. Manipur Police on Saturday arrested one more accused who is a juvenile, taking the total number of arrests in Manipur women assault case to six. In March, Gandhi was disqualified from Lok Sabha as a member following his conviction by a Gujarats court in a 2019 defamation case. The stressful situation that followed a video of two Kuki-Zomi women being stripped and sexually assaulted in Manipur has created panic among the other small community of Meiteis living in Mizoram, according to recent reports many of them left the state on Saturday. The Mizos of Mizoram share a deep ethnic bond with the Kuki-Zomis of Manipur and analyse the developments closely in the neighbouring state. In fact, 12,584 Kuki-Zomi people from Manipur have sought shelter in Mizoram since the violence began on May 3. The conflicts in Manipur can create stressful situations in Mizoram for Meitei community. Following a public call by former Mizoram insurgents to people from the Meitei community to leave the state, the government of Mizoram has arranged for security cover for Meiteis in the capital Aizawl. Advertisement In a statement issued from Aizawl on Friday, Peace Accord MNF Returnees Association (PAMRA) said, Meiteis should leave Mizoram for their own safety as there is anger among Mizo youth over the incident of two women being paraded naked in the neighbouring ethnic strife-torn state. Mizo sentiments have been deeply hurt by the violence meted out to the Zo-ethnic community in Manipur, PAMRA said, adding a warning that if any violence should happen upon Meiteis in Mizoram, they themselves shall bear the responsibility. The situation in Mizoram has become tense, and it is no longer safe for Meitei people from Manipur to live in Mizoram in the wake of barbaric and heinous acts committed by miscreants in ManipurThe PAMRA appeals to all Meitei people in Mizoram to leave for their home state as a safety measure, the statement read. Sources in the Mizoram government have said steps have already been taken to ensure that no Meitei person is harmed. In a telephonic conversation, Chief Minister Zoramthanga had earlier assured his Manipur counterpart N Biren Singh of the safety of Meiteis in Mizoram. The Manipur government again had a round of discussions with Mizoram and the Centre after this development, sources said. The former militants statement said there is anger among Mizo youths, who are deeply anguished over the barbaric and atrocious act of Meiteis against Zo or Kuki ethnic people in Manipur, who share ancestry with the Mizos. They said the appeal was only for Meiteis from Manipur and not those from elsewhere. Thousands of Meiteis, including students, mostly from Manipur and Assam, live in Mizoram. Over 12,000 Kukis displaced from Manipur have also reportedly taken shelter in the northeastern state, which is Christian-dominated. Kukis are also mostly Christians. PAMRA is a non-political organisation of former Mizo National Front (MNF) militants seeking implementation of all clauses of the Mizo Peace Accord. Since ethnic violence broke out in the state on May 3 more than 160 people have lost their lives and several injured when a Tribal Solidarity March was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei communitys demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The total percentage of Meiteis is about 53 in Manipurs population living largely in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts. A 16-year-old student has been expelled from a private school in Uttar Pradeshs Meerut for asking Hindu students to distance themselves from Muslim pupils, citing examples from films like Kashmir Files and The Kerala Story, police said. The girls parents, however, alleged that she was asked to leave the school by the authorities for wearing a tilak on her forehead and a rudraksha bead on her wrist inside the school premises. Principal of the school, Bhawna Chauhan, said, The girls hardline approach was the reason for her expulsion. Her behaviour was disruptive with her radicalised thinking. She was creating a nuisance and spreading hatred against Muslim students. Advertisement The girls mother told reporters on Saturday that, My daughter was merely following her rituals and she was punished for it. Wearing tilak and rudraksha beads is not allowed as it is not a part of the uniform, the principal said. The girl, meanwhile, said, We are all aware of the instances revealed in films like Kashmir Files. So, I used to warn my friends of the consequences of love jihad. Meerut Senior Superintendent of Police, Rohit Singh Sajwan, said, No complaint has been received by the police, and therefore, no action has been taken in the matter. Helmut Marko fears that "fireworks" could erupt between old foes Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen at the start of Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix. The stage is set for an exhilarating battle at the Hungaroring as Hamilton and Verstappen find themselves side-by-side on the front row of the grid for the first time since Abu Dhabi in 2021. Given the pair's past history, marked especially by their monumental clash at Silverstone in 2021, the anticipation is palpable, and many expect the two fierce competitors to go wheel-to-wheel into the first few corners of the race. Surviving the latter will likely be key to fans enjoying a clean race according to Marko. "The first three corners are critical at the start," the Red Bull motorsport boss told Sky Germany. "The combination of Lewis and Max often creates fireworks." Read also: Although Verstappen complained after qualifying about his car's lack of balance around the Hungaroring, Marko believes that Red Bull's race pace remains superior to that of Mercedes. However, with scorching temperatures forecasted for Sunday afternoon in Hungary, tyre degradation and strategy are likely to come into play. "In the long runs, we were very strong and the fastest," added Marko. "However, we are in Hungary and overtaking is difficult here. It will be even warmer and maybe we will see a three or four-stopper, a lot is possible. "We have two cars in the top 10 and possibly that can help." In the Mercedes camp, Hamilton acknowledged Red Bull's remarkable race pace as displayed during practice simulations. But the seven-time world champion believes that if he can somehow resist his opponent's attacks, then he might be in for a chance to return to the top step of the podium. "Normally its not a bad race car, we tend to have decent race pace," said Hamilton after qualifying. "Maxs race pace yesterday was, I think, quite extraordinary. I think they were quite a bit quicker than us. "But if theres a way to hold position then maybe theres a fighting chance for us." Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Botcha Satyanarayana hit back at Janasena Party chief Pawan Kalyan over his tweet flagging the alleged inadequacy of teachers at the government schools in the state. The actor-turned-politician had tweeted, No Mega DSC Notification, No Teacher Recruitment, No Teacher Training. But, a loss-making startup gets crores of contracts. Has YCP Govt followed Standard Protocol? How many companies applied for the tender, who were shortlisted? Is it in Public Domain? YCP GOVT RESPOND! PS Tabs are good, but first build toilets in school Apps are a Choice, but Teacher is a Must. Responding to the tweet, the Andhra Education Minister tweeted, Dear @PawanKalyan, from today onwards Ill take your tuition but my only condition is that you promise to do your homework! Todays assignment is to go through these 7 lessons thoroughly! In the first of his seven lessons for the Janasena chief, the minister claimed the YSRCP government in Andhra is the only one of its kind in the world that has willingly given up its power with regard to deciding the eligibility or scope of government tenders. Advertisement The minister tweeted, The finalisation of scope and eligibility of any govt tender above Rs 100 crores is done by a special judge (in this case Justice Shivshankar Rao) appointed with the concurrence of the high court. He informed further that the tender specifications (specs) are brought to the public domain, giving 21 days to companies to comment or react, adding that it is only then that the judge takes a call and the tender specifications are locked. The minister tweeted further, We are proud to highlight that ours is the only government in the world that has a judicial preview thereby ensuring a level playing field to all companies. He added, Also, a basic Google search will give you details of all the companies which engaged with the government for this particular tender (been in the public domain since Aug 2022!) but sharing the link again so that theres no way you miss it! judicialpreview.ap.gov.in/findings-recom Claiming the Education department to be the most transparent, the minister said, As far as the AP Education sector is concerned, we are proud to say that we are the MOST TRANSPARENT department where results are out there for everyone to see! I feel sorry for your teachers who must be so ashamed for every attempt you make to mislead the public. But like I said, I am open to give you tuitions as long as you promise to be attentive and apply your brains, the minister added. The internal differences in Kerala unit of the BJP seem to be intensifying. The official wing of the party in the state has approached the central leadership with a complaint against state party vice-president Sobha Surendran, who is at loggerheads with the party state leadership. In the complaint, the BJP leaders have brought to the notice of the party central leadership the public statements Sobha made indirectly against Union Minister V Muralidharan and party state president K Surendran. Such statements are creating disgrace to the party among the general public, it has been pointed out in the complaint. Kerala BJP General Secretary P Sudheer had the other day warned Sobha Surendran of grave consequences if she continued to make statements against the party leaders and that she should air her grievances at the party forums. Responding to this, Sobha asked who is this Sudheer and she didnt know any Sudheer. Advertisement The BJP state official wing has approached the central leadership with the complaint against Sobha Surendran, who is considered as a firebrand leader of the party in Kerala, at a time when the partys Kerala in-charge Prakash Javedakar and organising secretary K Subhash are holding talks with Sobha to bring her on board. Following the official wings complaint to the central leadership, the other wing, who supports Sobha, has decided to file a complaint against the leaders of the official wing of the BJP in the state. They are reportedly seeking enquiry into party state president K Surendrans relationship with Kodakara money heist case accused Dharmarajan. They also demanded the sources of income and account details of many leaders in the official wing. The financial position of many of the leaders in the official group has grown quickly and that the assets of these leaders have increased sharply after the last Lok Sabha polls, the complaint reportedly states. Sobha Surendran alleged that she is being kept out of the party by the state leadership. In an interview given recently to a Malayalam news channel Sobha Surendran has said that she faced disgrace from the party state leadership and that she was performing her duties in the party, shedding tears within her. In the interview, Sobha said that she is being ignored, ill treated and sidelined by the party state leadership. A large number of party workers and sympathisers do not approve of the treatment being meted out to Sobha Surendran by the party state leadership. They feel that the party is not making use of her potential to connect with people, to take up the issues related to the people and to make inroads for the party in new areas. Political analysts state that if the issues raised by Sobha Surendran is not settled amicably before the coming Lok Sabha polls, it will adversely affect the prospects of the BJP in the state, as many BJP workers and sympathisers feel that Sobha Surendran, who toiled for the party for around 25 years, is not getting due consideration in the party. Opposition leader VD Satheesan recently said that understanding between the CPI-M and the BJP was behind the silence of the central agencies on the serious allegations levelled against the Chief Minister by gold smuggling accused Swapna Suresh. VD Satheesan also said that the Pinarayi Vijayan government, which had taken case against KPCC president K Sudhakaran in connection with a case related to the fake antique dealer Monson Mavunkal, had exempted BJP state president K Surendran, who should have been arraigned as an accused in the Kodakara money heist case. The state police, while trying to arrest Sudhakaran, are not going ahead with the case against Surendran, who is an accused in the Manjeswaram election bribery case. The Left government is protecting Surendran in order to save Pinarayi Vijayan from the central probe agencies in various cases including SNC Lavlin, Life Mission Housing project cases, Satheesan recently alleged. Mumbai Police on Sunday received a threat call of a tanker filled with RDX alongwith two Pakistani nationals has proceeded to Goa from Mumbai, officials said. A call was received by Mumbai Police Control Room at 1 am about a white tanker filled with RDX has been proceeded from Mumbai to Goa in which two Pakistani nationals are also there, Mumbai Police said. The Mumbai Police at once alerted the Maharashtra ATS and the Goa Police Control Room, Mumbai Police said. The police further revealed that the caller identified himself as Pandey. Advertisement Police has verified the location from where the call was made but is now engaged in tracing the caller, the Mumbai Police added. More details are awaited. The Centre spent Rs 1.79 crore in the last two months over Prime Minister Narendra Modis foreign visits to seven nations between May and July, which included the high profile visits to the US and France. According to the external affairs ministry, between May 19 and July 15, PM Modi visited seven nations Japan, Papua New Guinea, Australia, US, Egypt, France and UAE, which entailed expenses worth Rs 1,79,38,717 crore. Expenses incurred on the prime ministers visits are borne by the central government while expenses on visits of other cabinet ministers are met from the funds of the respective ministry. Advertisement High level visits are established means to foster closer relations with foreign countries and promote Indias engagements at bilateral, regional and global level. Through such visits India serves its national interest and implements foreign policy objectives. These visits have enhanced understanding of Indias perspectives on regional and global issues among foreign partners at the highest level, sources said. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday raided the homes of five absconding proclaimed offenders (POs) and suspects across 21 locations in Tamil Nadu in the PFI conspiracy case relating to the brutal assassination of Ramalingam for protesting against forcible conversions by the banned outfit. The state-wide raids in the Ramalingam Murder PFI conspiracy case were conducted on the residential premises of several functionaries of the Popular Front of India (PFI), including Nellai Mubarak, who is also the State President of the SDPI, the NIA release said. Ramalingam, who had opposed the Dawah work of leaders of Popular Front of India (PFI) allegedly involved in converting Hindus into Islam, was murdered in 2019. Advertisement Others whose houses were raided included absconding accused Mohammed Ali Jinna, Abdul Majith, Bhurkhanudeen, Shahul Hameed and Nafeel Hassan, it stated. NIA has announced a reward of Rs 5 lakhs each to anyone providing information leading to the arrest of any of the five absconders. The prosecution of others already arrested in the case is currently under way. Earlier, the NIA had filed a chargesheet against 18 accused persons, including the five absconding accused persons, on August 2, 2019, before the NIA Special Court, Chennai. The NIA Special Court, Chennai, had declared these five absconding accused persons as Proclaimed Offenders. Todays raids, in the districts of Thanjavur, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Tirupur, Villupuram, Trichy, Pudukottai, Coimbatore and Mayiladuthurai, led to the seizure of several digital devices (mobile phones, SIM cards and memory cards) and documents, NIA stated Ramalingam was brutally murdered on February 5, 2019 in Paku Vinayakam Thoppu, Thanjavur by members and office bearers of the PFI, which had conspired the assassination. The accused persons had avenged Ramalingam by killing him in an extremely violent jihadi manner as he objected to the forcible conversion of underprivileged persons by Dawah Team / Proselytization team dispatched from Arivagam, Theni (now attached as proceeds of terrorism under section 25 of UA(P) Act, 1967). According to NIA investigations, the violence was instigated to instil fear among the opponents of the outfit, declared as an unlawful association under UAPA bythe Government of India on 28th September 2022, and to drive a wedge between the communities by inciting communal hatred and violence. South Africa has extricated itself from a potentially embarrassing situation with Russian president Vladimir Putin having decided not to attend the Brics summit to be held in Johannesburg next month. The decision followed extensive consultations between the two countries, including discussions between South Africas president Cyril Ramaphosa and Mr Putin last month. South Africa is a signatory to the International Criminal Court which in March had issued a warrant to arrest the Russian President for overseeing the abduction of Ukrainian children. This means Pretoria would have been obligated to arrest Mr. Putin the moment he landed in the country, and even if Mr Ramaphosa was inclined to look the other way, or find a legal way out of the predicament, the South African opposition would not let him do so for it had sued the government to meet its treaty obligations. Mr Ramaphosa said in the course of the legal proceedings that Russia has made it clear that arresting its sitting President would be a declaration of war. It would be inconsistent with our Constitution to risk engaging in war with Russia. Moscow has denounced the ICC warrant and maintains it is inapplicable because Russia is not an ICC signatory. Nonetheless, Mr. Putin has been careful not to travel outside Russia since March, except to the occupied territories in Ukraine. He will attend the Brics summit meeting by video-conference and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is expected to join heads of government from the other member nations. The summit agenda is expected to cover trade and investment and global governance reform. But a controversial discussion point could be a new, gold-backed currency which has been mooted to reduce dependence on the US dollar, even though South Africas top Brics diplomat says this is not on the agenda. Russia, China and Brazil have increasingly used non-dollar currencies in crossborder transactions, and the three countries have taken public positions in support of a Brics currency. Advertisement Brics nations have also explored the possibility of a cryptocurrency. But experts believe that the grouping may focus on developing an efficient and integrated payment system for cross-border transactions before looking to create a currency of their own. Thus, the Johannesburg summit will be closely watched for it will confirm the resolve of the grouping to play the lead role in an emerging world order. Several economists have gone on record to say a new currency could be a game changer, especially because Brics accounts for 40 per cent of the worlds population, and between a quarter and a third of global GDP. But on the other hand, the grouping has always been a disparate one, with critics often saying its members have little in common in terms of governance systems and strategic heft, and as between India and China, much to keep them apart. The other contentious agenda item is likely to be the enlargement of the grouping, where India has expressed reservations. The Opposition coalition, now named INDIA, saw a low-profile Congress despite the presence of the two Gandhis Sonia and her son Rahul. It is important to note that Sonia Gandhi, who had kept away so far, appeared at the opposition meeting in Bangalore. Her presence was necessary to be a glue for the Opposition. After all, she had been the chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance, which she built up in 2004. She ran the government from behind, keeping Dr Manmohan Songh as the Prime Minister till 2014. She has more clout with the coalition as a senior leader. There are two things Congress had decided. One is to keep a low profile in the Opposition meeting. The second is to concede that all partners are equal, climbing down from its high pedestal. But more importantly, even before the meeting, Congress President Mallikharjun Kharge had clarified that his party was not in the race to stake a claim for prime ministership this time. This was a calculated decision of the Party (read the Gandhi family), or Kharge would not have made that statement. It has created a positive atmosphere as most of the partners had been anti-Congress at one time or another. They also resented the big-brother attitude of the Congress. The million-dollar question is why the Gandhis took a we are equals stance in the Bengaluru meeting. Before this, the coalition partners were anticipating that Rahul Gandhi would make a bid for the position of Prime Minister. Insiders say that it was a tactical step. With Rahuls future unclear and what the Supreme Court could say about his disqualification being unknown, the Gandhi family is not keen to project anyone. So as a goodwill measure, the party said it would not seek primacy. Sonia had initially planned to retire from politics at 70 but could not do so due to political challenges. Advertisement Over the past two years, she has taken a less active role in politics due to her declining health. While she has minimized her participation in election rallies, she attended the Bengaluru meeting to serve as a unifying force for various partners. Also expecting regional leaders to work under Rahul may be more optimistic. Taking on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which won more than 300 seats in 2019 and is still growing will be a formidable challenge even for a united opposition. In any case, there are too many hurdles to cross. This includes the coalitions stability, the egos of the regional satraps like Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal, and the tally of each player. Secondly, the Gandhi family is biding its time. Suppose the apex court verdict goes in Rahuls favour in the disqualification case, it will be an optimistic scenario. The Gandhi legal team hopes to nullify the ban by overturning the decision or reducing his sentence to under two years. The Gandhis need the full strength of the Opposition to help them counter the BJP. Thirdly, the Gandhi family has sometimes shown a reluctance to accept positions. This renunciation went down well with the public. In 2004, Sonia declined the post of prime minister. It was the same with Rahul Gandhi. He said at an AICC meeting in Hyderabad that he was not ready to take on the job. Rahul has the advantage of his pedigree. As the son of Congress President Sonia Gandhi and a fifth-generation Nehru-Gandhi dynasty member, Rahul has projected himself as a significant opponent. But taking on the BJP will be a formidable challenge. Due to differing political ideologies, many opposition parties are currently at loggerheads with each other in states such as West Bengal and Delhi. Some, like the Nationalist Congress Party, and Congress are battling internal defections and a lack of unity among senior state leaders. However, a robust anti-BJP sentiment unites the Opposition, pushing them to look past their differences. They have declared that the one-point agenda of INDIA is first to get more seats, remove Modi, and then address other problems. Despite not holding any official position, Rahul is now a prominent Opposition coalition member along with his mother and party chief Kharge. If Sonia becomes the new coalitions President, Rahul will still make the decisions on behalf of the party whether he contests or not. He could always campaign for the alliance if the Apex Court upholds the lower courts decision. The Congress is the biggest party in the coalition. It has the responsibility to build the team and keep it going. After the recent Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahuls image has improved. Though this low profile is new to the Party, it is political compulsions which make Congress accept this role. Also, the Congress has finally realized that it does not have the same clout that it once had. Justyn Vicky, a 33-year-old well-known influencer and bodybuilder, lost his life in a horrible accident at a gym in Bali. Justyn was born and raised in Bali. The Indonesian professional gym trainer who pursued his passion for fitness with unwavering dedication. Justyns journey in the fitness industry began at an early age, and he eventually established himself as a prominent figure in the field. After becoming a beloved and respected trainer at The Paradise Bali in Sanur, Justin gained recognition not only for his exceptional physique and bodybuilding expertise but also for his kind and caring nature. Known for his vibrant personality and motivational approach, Justyn Vicky inspired many to embrace a healthy lifestyle and strive for their fitness goals. On July 17, he was trying to lift an exceedingly heavy weight of 210 kg while squatting when the accident occurred as he struggled to lift the weights, the barbell landed on his neck, causing a severe injury. Despite immediate medical attention, he passed away during surgery due to a broken neck and critical damage to vital nerves. Advertisement The tragic death of Justyn Vicky serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in high-intensity weightlifting and the importance of safety precautions during workouts. Justins untimely passing has left a big question of safety and teaching in the fitness community, as he was not only known for his exceptional physique and bodybuilding expertise but also for his caring and motivational approach to training. The gym where the accident happened, The Paradise Bali, conveyed a tribute to Justyn on social media, expressing their deep sorrow and acknowledging the positive impact he had on many lives through his bodybuilding, nutritional advice, and personal training. Friends and followers also paid tribute to him on his social media accounts. A 31-year-old Sikh farmer, who died while trying to save an eight-year-old girl in California in 2020, has been bestowed with the Carnegie Hero Award, North Americas highest honor for civilian heroism. Manjit Singh from Fresno died while trying to save Samantha Cruz Pedro from the Kings River in Reedley on August 5, 2020. Pedro struggled to swim as she was separated from a group of children playing in the river and the swift current carried her downstream. Singh then entered the river to save the child, despite not knowing how to swim. He unwrapped his turban and tried to use it as a lifeline as he went into the water up to his neck to try to help the little girl. Advertisement Shortly after this, he submerged and onlookers lost sight of him in the chaos. A man located Pedro and took her to first responders on the bank. She was taken to a hospital where she died six days later. Singh was recovered downstream and was brought to the bank unresponsive. All attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. Each of the recipients or their survivors will receive a financial grant, the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission announed in a release late last month. The Carnegie Medal is given throughout the US and Canada to those who enter extreme danger while saving or attempting to save the lives of others. So far, the Carnegie Medal has been awarded to 10,371 individuals since the inception of the Pittsburgh-based Fund in 1904. Following the death of an Indian-origin cop in Singapore, Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam has asked police to investigate claims of racial discrimination, workplace bullying and other allegations. Uvaraja Gopal, 36, died in hospital on Friday after he was found lying motionless at the foot of a residential block in Yishun, The Straits Times reported, citing Singapore police. Offering his condolences to Gopals family, Shanmugam said Gopal died under tragic circumstances, and asked Singapore police to look into the allegations made by the officer before his death. Advertisement (Mr Uvaraja) has put up a post, which among other things, says he faced racial discrimination in SPF (Singapore Police Force). These and other allegations are serious, Shanmugam said in a Facebook post on July 21. I have asked SPF to investigate the matter thoroughly. We will get to the bottom of it. And be accountable. We have a clear policy of non-discrimination. All officers are entitled to be treated fairly. SPF as an organisation is committed to that principle. We will investigate the facts, Shanmugam wrote. In a Facebook post, which has since been made unavailable, Gopal had said he was bullied at the workplace by his superiors and racially abused by his team members, and claimed that he had sought help but did not receive any. The police were aware of the challenges at work which had been raised by the officer in his Facebook post, and we had extended various assistance to him, the SPF said in a post shared on Facebook. They further said that they did not suspect foul play, and that investigations are ongoing into the unnatural death. We will be looking thoroughly and will investigate into all the issues he has raised in his post, police said. We are all deeply saddened by the passing of a colleague. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the officer and are assisting the family in their time of grief. In this article, we will be taking a look at the 15 states most dependent on the Federal government. To skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to see the 5 States Most Dependent on the Federal Government. The U.S. is a federal republic, which means that there is a division of power between the Federal government and the 50 states that comprise the United States of America. This means that detailed legislation can vary significantly from state to state, while some overarching laws from the Federal government are applicable to all states, and in case where there's a conflict between the two, the Federal government supersedes state government. Every year, each state's lawmakers jostle for tens of billions of dollars from the Federal government after the federal budget is agreed. While it might seem counterintuitive, the money that states get vary significantly, not just in terms of total assistance but in terms of federal aid per capita. We wrote previously to discuss how this can negatively impact a state's willingness to contribute to the federal government, especially in the case of the Covid-19 pandemic, when New York, one of the biggest contributors to the Federal government, was the hardest hit initially and yet its request for aid was rebuffed. The analogy of insurance not paying out despite paying an insurance premium for that very reason still holds true today, and may even be more relevant now. Right now, states including Utah and Connecticut are among the states that pay the most taxes and get the least back, even though all 50 states have a positive balance of payments, which means that they are all taker states, though historically, New York has been a donor state. Smart Asset conducted a research on the states most dependent on the Federal government, and found that the most dependent states were mostly of a Republican majority, with Red states making up 8 out of top 10 dependent states. Many of these states have been traditionally red for several elections, with one of the reasons why Red states get more in Federal funding being the fact that the income per capita is often lower as compared to Blue states, and hence the reliance on Federal funds is much higher. Meanwhile, overall on average, 39% of state revenues come from the Federal government though of course, like we've said earlier, federal dependency by state varies heavily. Story continues 15 States Most Dependent on the Federal Government One of the states which receives the highest level of funding from the Federal government is West Virginia, where 45% of its total state revenue is federally funded. According to a 2021 report by the Rockefeller Institute of Government, in 2019, West Virginia received $2.15 from the Federal government for every $1 paid back in taxes, and the situation has been like this for several years now. Further, because West Virginia is home to some of the biggest aerospace and defense companies in the world, these companies operate primarily on lucrative contracts with the Federal government worth tens of billions of dollars. After all, the military announced a budget of $843 billion and has a budget biggest than the next top 10 combined! Separately, federal aid does include contracts awarded by the different agencies including the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security, and according to USAspending.gov, Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) was one of the biggest recipients of such contracts. Another interesting fact that arises from research of states most dependent on the Federal government is the fact that states with most Federal employees, while obviously more dependent on the Federal government, are also more recession-proof. This is because when the economy takes a downturn, as it did to a much lesser extent than expected towards the end of 2022 and start of 2023, the Federal government still doesn't layoff its employees whereas when we take a look at states with larger private workforces, layoffs tend to be much more frequent as seen when tech companies started laying off tens of thousands of employees in the last year when their share price was nosediving. This was evidenced in a study in 2014 conducted by Harvey S. Rosen of Princeton University, where a sample of 800,000 employees concluded "We find that workers in all levels of government are substantially less likely to be displaced than their counterparts in the private sector even after differences in worker characteristics are taken into account. During non-recession years, employees of the federal government are 4.2 percentage points less likely to lose their jobs than private sector workers; the comparable figures for employees of local and state governments (other than teachers) are 4.2 percentage points and 3.3 percentage points, respectively. These differences are larger during recessions; that is, the advantage to being in the public sector widens during recessions." Of course, it's not just states that benefit hugely from Federal funding, various companies enjoy massive funding and contracts from the Federal government as long as they're providing a service integral to the wellbeing of the country, be it utilities, construction and of course, defense. According to 24/7 Wall St. Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT), The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA), General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) and Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE:RTX) are the biggest recipients, with all of them unsurprisingly also being major defense contractors. Methodology States with the biggest populations are always going to get the highest level of Federal aid, which makes it an inaccurate metric to obtain rankings of states with that are the most dependent on the Federal government. This is why, to compute our rankings, we have considered states with the highest ratio between receiving aid from the Federal government and making payment to it, to form our overall ranking of states most dependent on the federal government, with all of our data being compiled from the Rockefeller Institute of Government. It is interesting to see that all states had a positive balance of payment to the federal government in 2021 i.e. it received more money from the federal government , particularly because of historic government budget deficit as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, which means this will only be temporary for some states such as New York, which has historically had a negative balance of payments. 15. Vermont Aid per dollar of payment to the Federal government: $2.11 Even though Vermont ranks 11th in terms of states with the highest payment per capita to the government, it also receives one of the highest funding per capita from the Federal government, which is why the state just made our list. 14. Arizona Aid per dollar of payment to the Federal government: $2.12 The largest source of funding for Arizona, as is the case for most states, is the Federal government. One of the reasons why Arizona pays less in taxes is because of major tax cuts for the rich, which is why middle-income families pay twice per $100 of income as compared to the highest-income families. 13. Maine Aid per dollar of payment to the Federal government: $2.20 Maine is one of the worst contributors in terms of payments per capita to the Federal government, ranking in the bottom 15 states. The primary reason behind this is that Maine's household income is second from the bottom in the United States. After all, according to a study by the Harvard University, around 40% of residents in Maine are struggling to even pay rent as housing costs dominate the state's struggling economy. 12. South Carolina Aid per dollar of payment to the Federal government: $2.25 South Carolina received over $100 billion in Federal aid in 2021, while only returning $44.5 billion in Federal taxes. 11. Hawaii Aid per dollar of payment to the Federal government: $2.31 Despite Hawaii being one of the states with the lowest balance of payments to the Federal government, its balance of payments per capita is significantly high, and the state received $1.6 billion in direct state fiscal aid, in addition to nearly $500 million additionally from the Federal government under the American Rescue Plan. 10. Arkansas Aid per dollar of payment to the Federal government: $2.37 Arkansas' Federal individual income tax rates per capita were $2,500 less than the U.S. average, while Federal payroll taxes were nearly $1,000 below the U.S. average. Since these are the two biggest contributors to the Federal government from the state government, Arkansas easily ranks among the states most dependent on the Federal government. 9. Oklahoma Aid per dollar of payment to the Federal government: $2.42 While Oklahoma ranks firmly in the middle in terms of Federal aid, its also one of the lowest contributors in taxes to the Federal government, thus making it one of the states most dependent on the Federal government. 8. Virginia Aid per dollar of payment to the Federal government: $2.62 Easily making the list of the states most dependent on the federal government is Virginia. The reason Virginia's spending is so high is because of its close proximity to Federal headquarters, and hence, gets much higher funding for Federal wages as well as for procurement purposes. 7. Louisiana Aid per dollar of payment to the Federal government: $2.70 Even though Louisiana receives less than $100 billion from the Federal government, its low contributions in terms of taxes place it in our list. 6. Alaska Aid per dollar of payment to the Federal government: $2.74 Alaska is one of the states most dependent on the Federal government mainly because of higher than average Federal spending in the state. Click to continue reading and see the 5 States Most Dependent on the Federal Government. Suggested articles: Disclosure: None. 15 states most dependent on the Federal government is originally published at Insider Monkey. The most you can lose on any stock (assuming you don't use leverage) is 100% of your money. But when you pick a company that is really flourishing, you can make more than 100%. One great example is Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG) which saw its share price drive 208% higher over five years. We note the stock price is up 2.2% in the last seven days. So let's investigate and see if the longer term performance of the company has been in line with the underlying business' progress. See our latest analysis for Arthur J. Gallagher To paraphrase Benjamin Graham: Over the short term the market is a voting machine, but over the long term it's a weighing machine. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement. During five years of share price growth, Arthur J. Gallagher achieved compound earnings per share (EPS) growth of 13% per year. This EPS growth is slower than the share price growth of 25% per year, over the same period. So it's fair to assume the market has a higher opinion of the business than it did five years ago. That's not necessarily surprising considering the five-year track record of earnings growth. The company's earnings per share (over time) is depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers). We know that Arthur J. Gallagher has improved its bottom line lately, but is it going to grow revenue? Check if analysts think Arthur J. Gallagher will grow revenue in the future. What About Dividends? It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. We note that for Arthur J. Gallagher the TSR over the last 5 years was 234%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return. Story continues A Different Perspective It's good to see that Arthur J. Gallagher has rewarded shareholders with a total shareholder return of 31% in the last twelve months. And that does include the dividend. That's better than the annualised return of 27% over half a decade, implying that the company is doing better recently. Given the share price momentum remains strong, it might be worth taking a closer look at the stock, lest you miss an opportunity. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 3 warning signs with Arthur J. Gallagher , and understanding them should be part of your investment process. Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies we expect will grow earnings. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here Early this month I was chief guest at the convocation of an impressive new college of engineering in rural Kerala. As I handed out the certificates and awards, I was struck by four observations, which had been building up in my mind over the more than 50 such occasions at which I have officiated over the last decade, and which were reconfirmed for me yet again. First, it is striking how many young people in our country are burdened with names that begin with the letter A. They are the offspring of a hyper-competitive generation of parents who wanted to equip their children with a name that would give them a seat in the first row, be called first on school occasions, and be served first whenever children were lined up alphabetically. Indian educational institutions, unlike western ones, usually go by first names and not surnames (unavoidably, since naming traditions vary so much within our country and even within communities). So a first name beginning with A is assumed to confer a great advantage. The problem is that too many parents had the same idea, so that often 25 per cent of a class consists of children whose names begin with A, thus nullifying some of the advantage. To restore the balance, parents have now started giving their kids names that start with Aa, like Aaron, Aashish or Aashiq! The last two, strictly speaking, dont even need the second a and never used to be spelled that way a generation ago. (Aasha is no doubt round the corner!) Other parents go further and change names that used to be spelled differently, as names starting with other letters. Thus the Kerala name Ebin is now spelled Abin by many. One day we will probably see Urmila being spelled Armila. Where will this end, and when will parents learn to stop saddling their children with such oddities? My second observation is that education is increasingly becoming a female preserve. In this college and in many other co-educational institutions where I have conferred degrees, girls were a minorityperhaps 30 per cent. Yet they were, as usual, a distinct majority of the high achievers. This seems to cut across disciplinesscience and humanities, engineering and medicine, dental courses and ayurvedic studies, all have a preponderance of women excelling over men. (The one exception seems to be mechanical engineering, which is still largely, if not exclusively, a male field.) The bulk of the students may be men, but the toppers are almost always women. The 21st century is clearly going to belong to women, and well all be much the better for it. Third, the hunger for education is widespread and is driven mainly by parents who see in a good college degree the best hope for social advancement. It was striking for me to see parents in simple rural attire proudly watching their children, in graduation gowns and mortar-board caps, collecting engineering degrees earned in the English medium. But we are releasing our graduates into an employment ecosystem that may not be able to accommodate them. I was aware, though I did not mention it, that a study by the All-India Professionals Congress had established in Kerala that 66 per cent of engineering graduates ended up in jobs that did not require an engineering degree. Its all the more essential to ensure that there is a connect between what students are taught and what the market-place needs. Fourth, those black graduation gowns have to go. They are completely unsuitable for our climate and totally at odds with our colourful culture. Instead of kids sweating in their gowns in sweltering weather, why not create an India-specific robe that consists of a kurta or jubba and a university-specific angavastram, both in appropriate university colours? As for the mortar-board tasseled caps, surely an Indian cap or turban would fit the bill better? My own preference would be for a gold-bordered Mysuru peta; and as for the tassels, you could replace them with metal pendants of the same provenance. We talk all the time of decolonising our education; why not decolonise our convocations, too? editor@theweek.in He says the opposition will bring down the BJP in the next elections An 80-year-old woman, wife of a freedom fighter, was burnt alive in her home on May 28 during the ethnic clashes in Manipur, said reports. The woman, identified as Sorokhaibam Ibetombi, was locked inside her home before being set ablaze by an armed group, reported NDTV quoting a FIR filed with Serou police station. The incident happened in Kakching district's Serou village in Manipur which witnessed massive violence and exchange of gunfire. Ibetombi was the wife of the deceased freedom fight S Churachand Singh, who was honoured by President APJ Abdul Kalam. The report comes days after the video showing two women being paraded naked went viral, triggering massive outrage. The slain woman's grandson, 22-year-old Premkanta, told NDTV that the victim was locked inside the house by those who attacked her village. The house was then set on fire, killing the woman before her relatives could rescue her. "When we came under attack, my grandmother told us to run now and return for her after some time. 'Come back to get me,' she said as we left. Those were her last words, unfortunately," Premkanta told NDTV. He too had a narrow escape after bullets grazed his arm and thigh as he tried to save his grandmother. He added that Ibetombi had stayed back due to mobility issues and the firings near their home made it dangerous to venture out for someone like her. Premkanta and other family members has since returned to their village but their house is just broken wood and metal. Ibetombi's daughter-in-law, S Tampaksana, told NDTV that they took shelter at an MLA's house, where they reached with great difficulty amid the intense firing. "At 2.10 am, we fled as we were frightened and she (Ibetombi) insisted we run to safety first and send someone to rescue her later. We took shelter at our local MLA's house, frightened as the firing continued. Then we told our boys to go and rescue her at 5.30-6 am. By the time they went, the house was completely consumed by fire," Tampaksana said. Reports added that old videos of burnt woman have resurfaced along with that of another woman whose body was found in a semi-burnt state. The victim Thiendam Vaiphei was a 45-year-old widow and mother of two. Thiendam Vaiphei, was not only assaulted and had her throat slit but also suffered from burns on her legs, hands, and head. The harrowing incident came to light when a pastor, accompanied by the Gorkha Regiment and Andro police, went to retrieve her body on May 7, reported The Times of India. BJP MP Vinod Sonkar, who is heading a five-member fact-finding team of the saffron party to West Bengal in the aftermath of panchayat elections, on Sunday alleged that law and order in the state has "collapsed". He also claimed that post-poll violence in the state is common in every election from parliamentary to rural polls. Alleging that 10 BJP workers have been killed in the aftermath of the panchayat elections held on July 8, he said, "Eight of them belonged to the scheduled classes". "Law and order in Bengal has collapsed," he said at a press conference here before visiting some places where BJP workers were allegedly subjected to assault and intimidation following the rural polls. The five-member team sent by the BJP leadership over post-panchayat poll violence in Bengal, comprises MPs Suresh Kasyap, Vinod Chavda, S Muniswamy and Manoj Rajoria. They spoke to people, who claimed to have been at the receiving end of atrocities by ruling Trinamool Congress activists in the state, at Tarakeswar in Hooghly district. "Post-poll violence is nothing new in Bengal whenever elections are held, be it Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha or panchayat," Sonkar said. The fact-finding team will submit a report to BJP president J P Nadda after visiting various places in the state, he said. Claiming that the unfortunate death figures go on to reflect that people belonging to scheduled classes in Bengal are with the BJP, Sonkar said, "This has caused worry among the ruling party in the state as its base among them is decreasing." The MP from Kaushambi in Uttar Pradesh claimed that in the recently held municipal elections in the state with 25 crore population, there has not been a single case of death related to it. "So many deaths in Bengal mean that the administration is not active," Sonkar said. The violence, which rocked the panchayat polls, had claimed at least 15 lives on the polling day while three more were murdered on counting day on July 12. Since elections were announced last month, at least 33 people have lost their lives in poll-related violence, with the ruling party suffering 60 per cent of the deaths. Heavy rain battered several north Indian states late Saturday, causing severe waterlogging and flood-like situations. The worst-hit include Gujarat's south and Saurashtra regions, Bhiwandi and Yavatmal towns in Maharastra and Uttarakhand. The continuous downpour has put the Delhi administration on its toes as Yamuna water levels once again crossed the danger mark. Gujarat's Junagadh city witnessed severe flooding, following which NDRF personnel had to be deployed to conduct rescue operations. Videos from the city, situated 355 kilometres southwest of Ahmedabad, showed water sweeping away parked vehicles and cattle. People struggled to wade through the gushing water and some of them were seen being rescued by volunteers. #WATCH | Flood like situation in parts of Gujarat due to torrential rain, NDRF conducts rescue operation in Junagadh (22/07) (Video source - NDRF) pic.twitter.com/s3B5bGX0fB ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2023 The city received 241 mm of rainfall in just 12 hours till 8 pm on Saturday causing low-lying areas to flood. Authorities evacuated over 250 people to safer regions. The Gujarat city of Navsari too suffered under heavy showers, recording 303 mm between 6 am and 8 pm on Saturday. The drains overflowed and water spilt onto roads, disrupting traffic. "Due to rain in Navsari district, there was a traffic jam of 5-7 km on the National Highway. At present traffic has opened towards Ahmedabad and Mumbai," SK Rai, Deputy SP, Navsari, was quoted by ANI. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel cut short his official programmes in Rajkot and reached the district collector's office to review the situation in Junagadh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated extremely heavy rainfall in south Gujarat and Saurashtra-Kutch districts till Sunday morning. A red alert has been issued for Junagadh, Jamnagar, Devbhumi Dwarka, Kutch, Surat, Valsad, Navsari and Surat. Heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue in many other districts of south Gujarat and Saurashtra-Kutch during the next three days, the IMD said. Meanwhile, Bhiwandi in Maharashtra witnessed severe waterlogging resulting in many vehicles getting half-submerged. Yavatmal, which received 240 mm of rain on Saturday, too suffered huge damage. "219 people have been shifted who were stranded in various areas with the help of SDRF and IAF helicopter," said Yavatmal district collector Amol Yedge. The IMD has issued an 'orange alert' for Sunday in Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts, and a 'yellow alert' to Mumbai predicting heavy rainfall again. The India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy to very heavy rain in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand till July 25. Yamuna water level #WATCH | Water level of river Yamuna in Delhi increasing again, water level recorded at 205.75 m Visuals from Old Yamuna Bridge (Loha Pul) pic.twitter.com/sHD5nWbk3w ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2023 The Delhi government is on high alert after the water level of Yamuna continues to rise. The water level of the river is at 205.75 m as of Sunday morning. Revenue Minister Atishi warned on Saturday said the level could rise after 2 lakh cusecs of water were discharged from the Hathnikund Barrage into the Yamuna. "Some parts of Yamuna Khadar (floodplains) might get inundated if the water level in the river rises to 206.7 metres but the government is ready for evacuation," she said in a statement. According to Central Water Commission (CWC) data, the flow rate at the Yamunanagar-located Hathnikund Barrage crossed the 1 lakh-mark at 9 am and oscillated between 2 lakh and 2.5 lakh cusecs between 10 am and 4 pm. As the Yamuna breached the danger mark again, Delhi stands risk of another spate of waterlogging and chaos. There seems no respite, as the swollen river threatens to affect the rescue and rehabilitation work, which is being progressed. Following a surge in discharge from the Hathnikund Barrage into the river and heavy rains in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, Yamuna crossed the danger level. The national capital was put on high alert due to the discharge of over 2 lakh cusecs of water from the Hathnikund Barrage into the river. After reaching an all-time high of 208.66 metres on July 13, the river water level had been around the danger mark 205.33. According to the Central Water Commission's (CWC) data, the water level rose to 205.96 metres at 9 am on Sunday. It is expected to reach 206.7 metres by 4 pm. Meanwhile, heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand till Tuesday. According to the CWC data, the flow rate at the Yamunanagar-located Hathnikund Barrage crossed the 1 lakh-mark at 9 am on Saturday and oscillated between 2 lakh and 2.5 lakh cusecs between 10 am and 5 pm. "This significant volume of water poses a risk of mid-scale floods in the capital, which is still recuperating from one of the worst flood spells it experienced in the second week of July, Bhim Singh Rawat, associate coordinator of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People was quoted by PTI. "The second spell of floods will likely see the Yamuna river reclaiming most of its floodplain in Delhi. Given the valuable insights gained from the last flood spell this month, city planners and policy makers must take note of the lessons learned. Citizens are counting on the swift response of authorities, expecting all the gates of the ITO barrage to be opened and fully functional. Additionally, immediate attention should be given to fix any breached sites and bunds," he said. Amid heavy rains in the upper hill regions, the water level has been fluctuating since last week. According to Delhi Irrigation and Flood Control Department officials the heavy rains and waterlogging in low-lying areas would hamper the rehabilitation of families. Earlier, due to severe waterlogging the water treatment plants had to be shut making it difficult for the people to get access to drinking water. Four treatment plants remained closed due to overflowing rivers. Due to inundation of pump house in Wazirabad, the water supply in the city was hit. The pump house supplies raw water to Wazirabad, Chandrawal and Okhla treatment plants. Delhi have been witnessing waterlogging and flooding for over two weeks. With receiving over 125 per cent of its monthly rainfall quota, severe waterlogging occurred in the national capital on July 8 and 9. At 208.66 metres on July 13, the Yamuna surpassed its previous record of 207.49 metres set in September 1978 by a significant margin. Over 27,000 people were evacuated from their homes due to floods. Experts attribute the unprecedented flooding in Delhi to encroachment on the river floodplain, extreme rainfall within a short span of time and silt accumulation that has raised the riverbed. (With PTI inputs) By buying an index fund, you can roughly match the market return with ease. But if you pick the right individual stocks, you could make more than that. For example, the Batu Kawan Berhad (KLSE:BKAWAN) share price is up 39% in the last three years, clearly besting the market decline of around 4.5% (not including dividends). So let's assess the underlying fundamentals over the last 3 years and see if they've moved in lock-step with shareholder returns. Check out our latest analysis for Batu Kawan 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 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 three years of share price growth, Batu Kawan Berhad achieved compound earnings per share growth of 49% per year. The average annual share price increase of 12% is actually lower than the EPS growth. So it seems investors have become more cautious about the company, over time. This cautious sentiment is reflected in its (fairly low) P/E ratio of 9.36. 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 is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. It's fair to say that the TSR gives a more complete picture for stocks that pay a dividend. In the case of Batu Kawan Berhad, it has a TSR of 58% for the last 3 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. This is largely a result of its dividend payments! Story continues A Different Perspective Batu Kawan Berhad shareholders are down 4.1% for the year (even including dividends), but the market itself is up 5.0%. 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 8%, 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 3 warning signs for Batu Kawan Berhad that you should be aware of. Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies we expect will grow earnings. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on 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. 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 A large wildfire burning on the Greek island of Rhodes for a fifth day has forced authorities to order an evacuation of four locations, including two seaside resorts. About 2,000 people, including tourists, were evacuated by sea, fire department spokesman Yannis Artopios said Saturday evening. He added that the hotels and rented homes evacuated represent less than 10 per cent of the island's tourist accommodations. He added that all visitors had been evacuated without incident. Three coast guard vessels, an army lifeboat, a special forces inflatable craft and 30 private sailboats helped with the evacuation. Private passenger shipping company Blue Star has offered one of its ships to accommodate some of the evacuees, Artopios said. Care has been taken to accommodate all those that needed to be taken away from the stricken areas, he added. In previous days, the wildfire was confined to the island's mountainous centre, but aided by winds, very high temperatures and dry conditions, it spread Saturday toward the coast on the island's central-eastern side. Local media reported the fires had reached three hotels, whose clients had already been evacuated. Earlier Saturday, Artopios had said that the residents of four localities were sent SMS messages to evacuate in two localities they were told to move to the northeast and, in two others, to the southwest. In those first two localities, the intensity of the blaze had abated, he said later. Artopios said that more than 200 firefighters and 40 fire engines were operating on the ground, assisted by three planes and five helicopters. The force includes 31 firefighters from Slovakia, with five fire engines. The main front of the fire is a triangle, with two of its points near the sea and one in the mountains. On maps, each side of the triangle appears more than 10 kilometers (six miles) long. The blaze in Rhodes was just one, the most dangerous, of several active across Greece, Artopios said. The fire northwest of Athens and one near Sparta were subsiding, he said, although the conditions, including temperatures set to reach 45 C (113 F) on Sunday and low humidity (below 15 per cent), mean that the danger isn't over and more wildfires might break out. The fire department has designated almost the whole eastern part of the mainland, plus the islands of Evia and Rhodes as well as large swaths of the southwest, as Category 5, the highest for the risk of fire outbreaks Sunday. A further chunk of Greece has been designated Category 4, very high risk. There will be a brief respite in the heat wave on Monday, but it will resume on Tuesday and could last until at least Friday, meteorologists have warned. Firefighting forces from eight European Union countries are either operating or due to arrive soon, Artopios said. Israel, Jordan and Turkey have also sent reinforcements, mostly aerial equipment. On Sunday, the Southeast Asian nation of Cambodia will witness over 9.7 million of its 16-million population heading to poll booths to elect the new government. However, there won't be a nail-biting finish or any major upsets. There wont be any dark horses either. For, the election is a one-horse race with all strong opposition parties silenced, jailed or banned. Prime Minister Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party (CPP) is expected to sweep all 125 seats in the countrys national assembly, a repeat of the 2018 elections, which was widely considered a sham. Though there are 17 small parties contesting the elections, none are large or influencial enough to give CPP a fight, having won no elections in the past four years. Polling stations witnessed long queues since morning, and by noon, over 6.2 million of the 9.7 million eligible voters had cast ballots, said National Election Committee official Dim Sovannarom. The last nail in coffin of electoral democracy in Cambodia happened last May when the country's only opposition, the Candlelight Party, was disqualified. Though lack of proper paperwork was cited as reason, party insiders told BBC that they were intentionally "stymied by red tape." Though the move, Hun Sen eliminated any real challenge in front of him. In 2018, the courts, with the backing of CPP, had dissolved the main opposition allaince, which helped Hun Sen win all the seats he contested. Despite accusations of high-handedness by opponents and human rights groups, Hun Sen continued to subdue all forms of opposition by arresting critics and blocking access to the websites of several independent news and information outlets. In power since 1985 Hun Sen, 70, was a former Khmer Rouge guerrilla who later switched sides. He came to power in 1985 and ruled Cambodia for 38 years. While his reign was more tolerant and leniant in the initial years, Hun Sen later inched towards a authoritative style, quashing dissent and jailing critics, forcing many to flee overseas. He is also close with China and has spoken against Western governments, who he claims helps Cambodias political opposition. "Like all dictators, Hun Sen will never give up his power," said Cambodian politician Mu Sochua, who once served as the countrys Minister of Women and Veterans Affairs and has since fled overseas. "The July 23 election is just a day for Hun Sen to impose (his choices) onto the Cambodian people," she said. "His ruthless policies and practices of eliminating political opponents and critics is all to protect his power and to transfer it to his eldest son during the late stage of his career." Hun Sen has already hinted about the transfer of power to his son Hun Manten. He said he "could be" prime minister next month, depending on whether Hun Manet will be able to win a National Assembly seat, which he will likely. Though educated in the West, Hun Manet, 45, too would rule more like his father. Analysts expected the transition to come mid-term, giving time for Hun Manet to earn legitimacy with the public and political elite, reported Reuters. "Transferring power while he is still physically and mentally well allows Hun Sen to strongly protect his son from any internal challenges," Gordon Conochie, adjunct research fellow at La Trobe University and author of a new book on Cambodia's democracy, told Reuters. "As long as Hun Sen is around, nobody will move against Hun Manet." Hun Manet is Cambodia's army chief and deputy armed forces commander. The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party is considering proposing the name of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar as the caretaker prime minister of the cash-strapped country once the term of the current National Assembly ends next month, a media report said on Sunday. The tenure of Pakistan's current government will end on August 14 and the Election Commission will announce the date for the next general election, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said. The Pakistani media has reported that the current federal government led by Prime Minister Sharif may dissolve the National Assembly on August 8, days ahead of the expiry of its term. Dar's name came into focus as the Shehbaz Sharif-led government mulled changes in the Elections Act 2017 to empower the upcoming caretaker set-up to take decisions beyond its constitutional mandate, with a view to ensure continuity of the recently rolled out economic plan and expedite the process aimed at receiving foreign investment in state-owned entities, reported The Express Tribune newspaper. The Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) was considering proposing the name of Dar, 73, for the caretaker prime minister as part of a broader plan to ensure the implementation of the economic policies, sources were quoted as saying by the newspaper. Under the Constitution, if the National Assembly completes its term, polls are to be held within 60 days. But if the assembly is dissolved prematurely, even if by a day, it would give the government 90 days to conduct elections. The caretaker prime minister will administer the country til a new government is formed after the general elections. However, the final decision about the candidature of Dar will be taken next week in consultation with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) - one of the two main coalition partners. The PML-N sources said that the government was considering amending Section 230 of the Elections Act 2017, empowering the caretaker set-up to take economic decisions and the amendments might be introduced in the National Assembly next week to allow the caretaker government to take decisions necessary to revive the economy. Pakistan's economy is passing through a phase where the matters cannot be left for three months on just day-to-day decision-making, a senior cabinet member said on the condition of anonymity. He added in order to ensure that the IMF programme remains on track and the country completes the second review in November, there was a need that the caretaker government should have more powers to take decisions in economic matters. According to Section 230, a caretaker (interim) government shall only perform its functions to attend to day-to-day matters that are necessary to run the affairs of the government. It will assist the Election Commission of Pakistan in holding the general elections in accordance with law and restrict itself to activities that are of routine, non-controversial and urgent nature, in the public interest and can be reversed by a future elected government. The present law also bars the caretaker government from taking major policy decisions, except on urgent matters. Fresh missile strikes on the port of Odesa killed one, injured 22, officials have said, AP reported. The overnight strikes damaged at least six residential buildings, a Ukrainian Orthodox Church and architectural monuments, according to Ukraines Southern Operational Command. Dozens of cars were damaged, facades and roofs of many buildings in the city were damaged and windows were blown out, it said in a statement on Telegram. The attack reportedly also caused power outages, which could mean that public transport could be affected. The Southern Operational Command also said that Russia attacked Odesa with five different types of missiles. Russia withdrew from a United Nations-brokered sea corridor agreement that allowed for the safe shipment of Ukrainian grain last week. Since then, it has been attacking the port city of Odesa and other Ukrainian food export facilities almost every day. Earlier this week, a strike destroyed about 60,000 tonnes of grain. The historical Transfiguration Cathedral was damaged by the strikes. The building is Odesa's largest Orthodox church and was declared sacred in 1809. Transfiguration Cathedral is Ukraines second-largest church. Russia states that these attacks are retaliation for a Ukrainian strike on a Russian-built bridge to Crimea. Unesco declared Odesa's historic centre an endangered World Heritage site earlier this year. Tens of thousands of protesters marched into Jerusalem on Saturday evening in a last-ditch show of force aimed at blocking Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's contentious judicial overhaul, as more than 100 of Israel's former security chiefs signed a letter pleading with the Israeli premier to halt the legislation. In scorching heat that reached 33 degrees Celsius (91 degrees Fahrenheit), the procession turned the city's main highway into a sea of blue and white Israeli flags as marchers completed the last leg of a four-day, 70 kilometer (45-mile) trek from Tel Aviv to Israel's parliament. The marchers who spent the last three nights along the way in rows of small white tents were welcomed in Jerusalem by throngs of cheering protesters. They planned to camp outside the Knesset, or parliament, ahead of Monday's expected vote. Meanwhile, tens of thousands flooded the streets of the coastal city of Tel Aviv, the country's main hub. Netanyahu and his far-right allies claim the overhaul is needed to curb what they say are the excessive powers of unelected judges. But their critics say the plan will destroy the country's system of checks and balances and put it on the path toward authoritarian rule. The proposed overhaul has drawn harsh criticism from business and medical leaders, and a fast-rising number of military reservists in key units have said they will stop reporting for duty if the plan passes, raising concern that the country's security interests could be threatened. Over 100 top former security chiefs, including retired military commanders, police commissioners and heads of intelligence agencies joined those calls on Saturday, signing a letter to Netanyahu blaming him for compromising Israel's military and urging him to halt the legislation. The signatories included Ehud Barak, a former Israeli prime minister, and Moshe Yaalon, a former army chief and defense minister. Both are political rivals of Netanyahu. The legislation is crushing those things shared by Israeli society, is tearing the people apart, disintegrating the IDF and inflicting fatal blows on Israel's security, they wrote. The legislative process violates the social contract that has existed for 75 years between the Israeli government and thousands of reserve officers and soldiers from the land, air, sea, and intelligence branches who have volunteered for many years for the reserves to defend the democratic state of Israel, and now announce with a broken heart that they are suspending their volunteer service, the letter said. After seven straight months of the most sustained and intense demonstrations the country has ever seen, the grassroots protest movement has reached a fever pitch. The parliament is expected to vote Monday on a measure that would prevent the Supreme Court judges from striking down government decisions on the basis that they are unreasonable. Proponents say the current reasonability standard gives the judges excessive powers over decision making by elected officials. But critics say that removing the standard, which is invoked only in rare cases, would allow the government to pass arbitrary decisions, make improper appointments or firings and open the door to corruption. Monday's vote would mark the first major piece of legislation to be approved. The overhaul also calls for other sweeping changes aimed at curbing the powers of the judiciary, from limiting the Supreme Court's ability to challenge parliamentary decisions, to changing the way judges are selected. Protesters, who make up a wide swath of Israeli society, see the overhaul as a power grab fueled by various personal and political grievances by Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges, and his partners, who want to deepen Israel's control of the occupied West Bank and perpetuate controversial draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men. In a speech Thursday, Netanyahu doubled down on the overhaul and dismissed as absurd the accusations that the plan would destroy Israel's democratic foundations. This is an attempt to mislead you over something that has no basis in reality, he said. Alarmed by the growing mass of reservists refusing to serve, the country's defense minister, Yoav Gallant, pushed for a delay in Monday's vote, according to reports in Israeli media. It was unclear if others would join him. In a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Ukraine's counteroffensive a failure and the country's losses have increased since the launch of counteroffensive. Putin added he would expose foreign mercenaries fighting on the Ukrainian side. The leaders met at St.Petersburg on Sunday. According to reports, Lukashenko told Putin that there is no counteroffensive to which Putin replied, It exists, but it has failed. Putin informed the Belarusian President that Ukraine's losses have increased since the launch of counteroffensive. Putin told Lukashenko that Ukraine's irrecoverable losses have exceeded 26,000 people. During the meeting, Putin told Lukashenko that he would expose foreign mercenaries fighting for Ukraine. Putin said he would brief the Western public about the losses among mercenaries from countries fighting on the Ukrainian side. As for foreign mercenaries, they also suffer significant losses; because of their stupidity," TASS agency quoted Putin as saying. "The public in the countries whose governments are sending people to the war zone today should also know what is happening there. And we will bring this to the people so that they can judge the actions of their rulers," Putin was quoted as saying. Amitav Ghosh has chased opium for decades. From the stash of opium papers in the British archives to the poppy fields from Bihar to Guangzhou, he followed the flowerthe most potent force that, like Helen of Troy, launched a thousand ships, and morefor a considerable part of his life. Ultimately, Ghoshs book is about morality. And an idea of correctness tinged with idealism. What makes his retelling of history poignant is that it is deeply felt. It is a few days after his 67th birthday and Ghosh, in a way, is back to the start with Smoke and Ashes: A Writers Journey through Opiums Hidden Histories. It has been almost a lifetime on the trail of the drug. He embarked on the Ibis trilogy (Sea of Poppies, 2008) when his children were teenagers. Flood of Fire (2015) was out when they were adults. I was completely unaware of before [opium story], he says. I studied history in college, I have been reading history forever. But even then it came as a complete surprise to me, this whole chapter of the Indian past. Ghosh is on a whirlwind tour across the country promoting his new book, which is a chronicle of the addictionpushed by colonial powers. And it could be tied up intimately with his own history. As I began to delve into it more and more, I suddenly discovered that it could have played an important role in my family, he says. Maybe some of my ancestors were employed by the opium department, which was by far the biggest game in Chapra and in Saran district. But I would say, what was true for me was to some greater or lesser extent true for virtually every family in the Gangetic belt in Malwa. This trade had such a massive role in the 19th century India. In fact, it affected most of us in one way or the other. The book is testimony to Ghoshs eye for detail. If he conjured up a world that had been lost in memory in the Ibis Trilogy, his latest makes the history that built his books difficult to forget. It was the Dutch who led the way in enmeshing opium with colonialism, and in creating the first imperial narco-state, heavily dependent on drug revenues, writes Ghosh. But it was in India that the model of the colonial narco-state was perfected by the British. It is all poppy crop. The foundations of Bombay, Singapore and Hong Kong. Grown in the fields of the Gangetic plains, the drug that addicted China and filled the coffers of British India. From the 1830s onwards, Bombay was literally kept afloat by opium, says Ghosh. Singapore could be a free port solely because it was essentially financed by opium. Hong Kong was built in order to be an opium smuggling hub after the war. This is the hidden history of globalisation. If you think of cities like Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bombay, these four cities together handle probably 30 to 40 per cent of the global trade. They all came about because of the opium. Sinful trade: A busy stacking room in an opium factory in Patna. Lithograph by W.S. Sherwill (1850) | Getty Images Like with everything that Ghosh writes, it is thoughtful and meticulously researched. There is the sheer vast landscape of history, which provides a dark history of globalisation powered through drugs that existed in the colonial world and became the template for the narco-states that is witnessed in Afghanistan today. Japanese resisted, he says. Every Asian company in the country tried to resist. The Burmese tried. But essentially, they were forced to adopt this model by the British and the French. Once Patrick French and I were talking about these things. He said to me, No matter how bad you think colonialism was, when you actually look at the material, its even worse. The book traces the extent of this narco-state and how its links were hidden in plain sight. While it is a book based in Indiaand on how it became the centre of tradeit is also about China. And the devastation that opium brought. Even Indias role in it, from fighting the Opium Wars to fuelling the habit. Farmers in the Gangetic plains were forced to grow it even in the famine. It expanded the empire; the Company invaded Sindh to capture Karachi. After the 1830s, opium was the main export, averaging 20 to 30 per cent of the annual total. There are very few writers who have perused opium so obsessively, or written about it with so much clarity. The book comes at a time when slaveryand the countries linked to itare being questioned. Ghosh confronts the reader with the Indian link. Opium not only fuelled the rise of cities, but also contributed to the rise in wealth across continents. From the Dutch rulers to the wealthiest families in America, they all trace their fortunes to the drug habit. Closer home, the trade benefitted great Parsi merchant clans like the Wadias, the Dadiseths and the Readymoneys. Even Dwarkanath Tagore, Rabindranaths grandfather, traded in opium. Indian merchants also did that. In fact, many of them wont let historians enter their archives. This whole subject is considered taboo. They will not let it be spoken of, says Ghosh. The research of the drugand its sheer powerhas kept Ghosh clean. He kept away from it, even after a hip replacement. I was then two or three years into my research, he says. So, he chose paracetamol to the miraculous power of opioid painkillers. I am going to Americas opioid crisis because they promoted this whole idea that there is too much pain in society. And in order to fight the pain, you have to have oxycodone. And they would prescribe oxycodone even after minor surgeries or minor procedures. And thats how people got hooked, he says. Ultimately, Ghoshs book is about morality. And an idea of correctness tinged with idealism. What makes his retelling of history poignant is that it is deeply felt. One of the reasons why it is possible to talk about what western countries did to Africa is because Africa is so clearly a victim, he says. It is very difficult to conceive of the Chinese as a victim because they are so strong, so powerful. But it is certainly true that they were at the receiving end of this history. They managed to overcome this problem. They are the only society that have really dealt with mass addiction in this way. An epic sweep of the history of the flower that made and unmade empires, Ghoshs book offers a tangible proof that the past is never really gone. EIGHT SEEMS TO be a recurring number for Indias ambitious Project Cheetah, and it does not bode too well for the big cats. Eight months after the moment of pride and celebration when the first batch of eight cheetahs from Namibia was released in Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh, the mood has turned sombre with eight of the 24 wildcats dying in the past three and a half months. South African expert Dr Adrian Tordiffe, who is associated closely with the project, said the frequency of the deaths at Kuno was alarming. We have to defend this project before our own governments to ensure that we can continue to supply cheetahs to India. Dr Adrian Tordiffe, South African expert Our action plan mentions that the mortality rate OF THE CHEETAHS may even go up to 90 per cent. Rajesh Gopal, chairman, Cheetah Project Steering Committee Speaking exclusively with THE WEEK, Tordiffe, the top name on the consulting panel of international cheetah experts linked to the Cheetah Project Steering Committee, cautioned that if the situation related to deaths was not turned around, Project Cheetah could be in jeopardy as the South African government might decide against sending more big cats to India. Rajesh Gopal, chairman of the steering committee, however, said such mortalities were expected in the initial phase of the intercontinental translocation project. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which is the project implementation agency, too, was against the premature conclusion on the success or failure of the project as it has not completed even one year. Project Cheetah was launched on September 17, 2022, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi released eight cheetahs from Namibia into KNP, 70 years after the sleek cats were declared extinct in India. On February 18, 12 more from South Africa were flown in. Tordiffe, veterinary wildlife specialist from the University of Pretoria, had accompanied both the Namibian and the South African cheetahs to Kuno. Four of the 12 cheetahs from South Africa are now dead, along with one adult from Namibia and three cubs of a Namibian cheetah. Tordiffe said there was real concern about the lack of involvement of experts in the project and delays in providing information. We are willing to help and provide advice. We are not trying to tell Indian authorities how to do everything, but at this stage they really need inputs from us, otherwise the project is in jeopardy, he said. Referring to the latest deaths of the two cheetahs named Suraj and Tejas, Tordiffe said, The veterinary staff at Kuno failed to correctly diagnose the cause of death. They also did not make any attempt to communicate with us. We only got partial information about the case until I was sent the video of the second male cheetah that died on July 14. I asked to participate in the steering committee meeting that was held in New Delhi, but my request was ignored. The Kuno management does not consult international experts, he said. Ready to go: A cheetah is loaded into a truck before being flown to India from South Africa | Reuters Tordiffe warned that the continuing deaths and the failure to consult experts from host countries might prove detrimental. We have to defend this project before our own governments to ensure that we can continue to supply cheetahs to India, he said. If things go wrong in India and our government decides that it is too risky to send more cheetahs, then we are in for a real problem. The project will actually be dead. We want to transport additional cheetahs to India sometime next year, and for that to happen we have to turn this situation around. Tordiffe said the South African government was still supportive of the project, but if there was too much negative publicity and poor cooperation from India, it might change. The expert later added that he had a discussion with NTCA officials and was assured of better cooperation. Suraj died on July 14, and prima facie evidence pointed to the wounds on his neck and back. Tejas died on July 11, from traumatic shock, according to Kuno authorities. Postmortem examination showed that Tejass internal organs were severely compromised and that he weighed only 43kg, compared with the average weight of 55kg to 60kg of similar cheetahs. After seeing the video of the postmortem examination and learning about the details, Tordiffe said both cheetahs appeared to have died from complications related to their satellite collars and the heavy rainfall at Kuno in recent weeks. He said there was severe skin infection on Surajs neck and maggots on his wounds. The wounds that I saw in the video were almost certainly not caused by another animal, but by a problem that we did not foresee because we put collars on cheetahs in Africa without any problem. But the wet weather extending over several days during the monsoon in India seems to have caused a real problem. The moist skin under the collar got infected, attracting flies and fly larvae. They invaded the wounds and made them deeper, spreading along the back of the animal. Since the wounds were on a part of the body that the cheetahs could not lick and clean, there was the invasion of bacteria which spread through the body to cause septicaemia (blood poisoning) and ultimately shock, leading to death. Dr Adrian Tordiffe Tordiffe suggested an immediate assessment of all the cheetahs at KNP to find out the extent of the problem. He suspects most cheetahs are affected. In that case, he suggested long-acting insecticide treatment administered through darts. But it will protect the animals only for two weeks and will not help the inflammation of the skin caused by bacterial infection. Antibiotics could be used, but is not recommended for repeated use until the end of monsoon. The final solution might be to remove the collars of the affected cheetahs and bring them into the acclimatisation camp for monitoring without collars, he said. The apprehension turned out to be right as by July 17, three more cheetahs were found to have neck wounds. Two other expertsDr Laurie Marker, founder of the Namibia-based Cheetah Conservation Fund, and Vincent van der Merwe, manager of the Cheetah Metapopulation Project, South Africawere also of the view that Tejas and Suraj died from septicaemia caused by collar wounds. They said the wet weather made the skin moist and prone to infections. Indian authorities, however, said the situation was not alarming. Rajesh Gopal said that in such a venture one should be prepared for mortalities. He said, Our action plan mentions that the mortality rate may even go up to 90 per cent (of the founder population). He added that the cheetahs were fragile animals and that the international translocation had changed their biological clocks and circadian rhythms. They have to get used to this and also to the anti-predator strategies of the prey animals in the new areas, the forest cover and the presence of other competitive animals. They do this through exploration. The Kuno cheetahs are currently in that exploratory phase. In this phase, there might be wrong turns and they can get killed or die. Only finally when they call out their territories will they settle and stabilise. This can take at least three or four years, said Gopal. Collar-related deaths are unusual and require more studies to find the exact cause. Meanwhile, other animals need to be examined urgently and possible preventive measures taken, he said. Currently, 11 of the 15 adult cheetahs are in the wild, while four adults and a cub are captive in quarantine enclosures. Capturing the animals in the wild for examination might prove to be a difficult task. At the time of writing this report, staff at KNP are engaged in the task. Gopal also confirmed that Surajs death was caused by bacterial infection related shock and that his body was full of maggots. Infighting, violent interaction with other animals and poaching were ruled out because of the absence of evidence. Gopal speculated that infection-related shock might have killed Tejas, too. Earlier, the cause was believed to be wounds from violent mating, but that no longer seems possible. Gopal said collars themselves could not cause infection, though they might aggravate the condition. Also, he did not agree to the theory that rainy weather might have caused the problem. In his work of a lifetime with collared tigers, Gopal said he had not seen any such problem. But since these animals have been brought in from a different continent, we need in-depth studies to find out the exact cause of the infection, he said. Rajesh Gopal As a speculative theory, Gopal said the cheetahs might have been infected by some disease-causing organisms found in the local livestock, causing any small wound to deteriorate. This is more likely because the agro-pastoral system (livelihood system integrating crop and livestock production) around the national parks and sanctuaries, which is typical to India, is not so common in countries like Namibia and South Africa. He also mentioned that during the steering committee meeting on July 15, the possibility of managerial lapse was ruled out. There are nine personnel monitoring each of the cheetahs and it is quite adequate. We cannot be more intrusive than that. Responding to Tordiffes accusation that he was not allowed to attend the steering committee meeting, Gopal said all members and experts were sent the link for the online meeting. He also contested the point that international experts were not consulted, saying that although the KNP had a team of eight or nine veterinary experts, consultations with international experts were made as and when required, but not for all routine things. The NTCA has come out with a detailed note related to the deaths. It said the project was yet to complete a year and it would be premature to conclude the outcome in terms of success and failure. It denied that the deaths were caused by radio collar wounds and stressed that all the deaths were natural. The report said blaming the deaths on radio collars was not based on any scientific evidence. Global experience suggests that in the initial phase of reintroduction of cheetahs in African countries, there was more than 50 per cent mortality. The mortality may happen because of intra-specific fights, diseases, accidents before release and post release, injury caused during hunting of prey, poaching, road hits, poisoning and attacks by other predators, said the note. Considering all these eventualities, an action plan has been made, with a provision to bring in new cheetahs annually to manage their demographic and genetic composition. The NTCA also revealed that it is consulting international cheetah experts and veterinary doctors from South Africa and Namibia for investigating the cause of deaths. Wildlife activist Ajay Dubey, however, said that some concerns still existed. The Madhya Pradesh forest departments note on the death of Suraj showed that the monitoring team noticed the cheetah to be sluggish and that there were flies around it at 6:30am, but the doctor could reach the animal only by 9am. Similarly, whenever there is an emergency medical situation, veterinarians from Bhopal and Jabalpur, which are very far from Kuno, rush there. This shows a lack of expert vets on the ground, said Dubey. He also mentioned that Uttam Sharma who runs KNP also had the charge of the Madhav National Park in Shivpuri (120km from Kuno), where two tigers were recently released. Bhupender Yadav, Union minister for environment, forests and climate change, told journalists that the government was in touch with experts, including international experts, to review the situation. We are aware of all the concerns and would deal with them with sensitivity, he said. Yadav ruled out shifting the cheetahs out of Kuno. They will not be relocated, he said. We will take the best measures here and we are sure that the cooperation of the people of Madhya Pradesh and the hard work of the officers will pay off and bring good results. I am hopeful that the project will be successful. Trouble in the jungle September 17, 2022 8 cheetahs (5 females and 3 males) from Namibia released in Kuno. February 18, 2023 12 cheetahs (5 females and 7 males) from South Africa released. March 23 Jwala from Namibia delivers four cubs. March 27 Sasha from Namibia dies, likely of renal infection. April 23 Uday from South Africa dies, likely of cardio-pulmonary failure. May 9 Daksha from South Africa dies, likely of injuries due to violent mating. May 23 One of Jwalas cubs dies. May 25 Two more cubs of Jwala dieall three deaths likely because of low birth weight and severe dehydration caused by extreme heat. July 11 Tejas from South Africa dies due to traumatic shock. He was underweight and his internal organs were compromised. July 14 Suraj from South Africa dies of septicaemia caused by wounds on neck and back, and consequent shock. Kolkata, Jul 23 (PTI) India's engineering exports to major markets like the United States, the European Union (EU) and China continued to decline in June 2023, reflecting a challenging global trade environment, EEPC India said. The country's shipments to West Asia and North Africa (WANA), North East Asia, and CIS countries, however, showed positive growth during the same period, the Engineering Exports Promotion Council of India (EEPC) said. India's engineering exports declined for the third straight month in June 2023, falling 11 per cent year-on-year to USD 8.53 billion. The decline was led by a sharp fall in exports to the US, EU, and China, it said. Exports to the US fell 12.5 per cent to USD 1.45 billion, while exports to the EU fell 16.2 per cent to USD 1.51 billion. Exports to China fell 20 per cent to USD 184 million. However, an almost threefold increase in engineering exports to Russia reached a substantial USD 116.9 million in June 2023. Cumulatively, during the April-June period of the current fiscal year, exports to Russia witnessed a remarkable four-fold surge, totalling USD 337.4 million compared to USD 89.7 million in the same period of the previous fiscal year. Experts pointed out that the metal sector, particularly steel, played a significant role in this downturn, owing to weakening global demand. Reports indicated that global steel demand weakened further due to slower offtake from China's construction sector. "It is the metal sector that has been the most significant contributor to the decline. This has been a result of weakening global demand. The latest news has indicated that global steel demand weakened further with slower offtake from Chinas construction sector," said EEPC India Chairman Arun Kumar Garodia. Excluding the export of iron and steel, engineering exports recorded a lower 6.95 per cent year-on-year decline in June 2023. While 17 out of 34 engineering segments witnessed positive year-on-year growth in June 2023, the remaining 17 segments experienced negative growth in exports. Major engineering products such as iron and steel, most non-ferrous products (excluding copper, nickel, and lead products), industrial machinery and parts, two- and three-wheelers, auto components and parts, auto tyres, railway transport, and hand tools saw declines in exports during June 2023 compared to June 2022. Chennai, Jul 23 (PTI) Makers of Suriya's upcoming film "Kanguva" shared the first glimpse of the magnum opus on the Tamil superstar's 48th birthday on Sunday. "Kanguva", billed as a "mighty valiant saga", is being directed by filmmaker Siva. It is backed by UV Creations and Studio Green and also features actor Disha Patani. Music is composed by Devi Sri Prasad. "The fearless man. The wild life. The powerful story. Get ready to witness it all... The King is here," Studio Green posted on Twitter alongside the first video glimpse of the movie. Suriya, who won the best actor National Award for "Soorarai Pottru" in 2022, also shared the first glimpse on his Twitter page. The first glimpse is released in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi and English languages. It will be out in four more languages soon. According to the makers, "'Kanguva' will be raw, rustic and will offer a new visual experience to the audience. Human emotions, powerful performances and never seen before action sequences on a massive scale will be the core of the film." "Kanguva" will be released in 3D in 10 different languages. The film is currently under production and makers will reveal further details about the project in near future. Hospitality In the post-pandemic era, pubs have found it hard to find staff to pull pints. Workers were cautious about joining an industry that had been shut down in Covid and competition for staff was fierce. Yet whereas the pub chain may have looked overseas in the past, Brexit now means it is far harder to attract the kinds of workers who would have staffed the bar in years gone by. Many roles do not meet the salary or qualifications thresholds under the new regime. The hospitality industry has almost 130,000 vacancies and has been pleading with officials to be added to the Shortage Occupations List, which can ease the threshold to bring in migrants. However, the Government may be reluctant to loosen migration restrictions even further ahead of the election for fear of the potentially politically toxic impact. In every election for the last 25 years, the British people have voted for parties promising less migration, says Karl Williams at the Centre for Policy Studies, a think tank with close ties to the Conservative Party. Rishi Sunak will be keenly aware of this fact. Despite the new skills-based post-Brexit immigration system that was meant to give Britain more control overflows, migration numbers have surged. The latest ONS estimates put net migration into the UK at 606,000 in 2022, largely driven by an influx of people from outside the EU as migration from the bloc declines. The surge is partly a symptom of Britains strong labour market. Employment is at record highs, while unemployment is close to historic lows. With more than 1m job vacancies still available, it means businesses must increasingly look abroad for workers to help fuel their growth. There were 1.98m non-EU foreign nationals in work in the three months to March, up 292,000 on the year to a fresh record high. By contrast, there are still around 135,000 fewer EU nationals working in Britain than before the pandemic. Many non-EU citizens coming to Britain are highly skilled. Visas granted in the first quarter of this year include almost 3,000 for IT professionals in the scientific, engineering and technology industries, more than 9,700 for healthcare workers, 1,200 for engineers and 800 for management consultants and business analysts, according to Home Office data. Story continues Smaller groups included more than 400 butchers and almost as many teachers, just over 100 architects, surveyors and project managers, and 79 airline pilots. As well as more highly skilled migrants, the net migration total also includes dependents, as well as students and their dependents who can take lower-paid jobs which would not otherwise come with a visa. Similarly, Ukrainians have come to Britain seeking refuge in significant numbers since the outbreak of war there. Last week certain construction workers, including bricklayers, roofers and carpenters, were added to the Shortage Occupations List after pleas from industry, paving the way for more overseas workers in these industries to come to Britain. Whatever the make-up of migrant flows, the high absolute number remains a problem for the Tory party. Focus on the issue will only intensify following two thumping by-election defeats last week. A group of MPs, called the New Conservatives, has set out proposals to slash inflows, warning that without swift action to get migration under control, the Conservative Party will further erode the trust of hundreds of thousands of voters who lent the Party their vote in 2019. The New Conservatives argue that companies need to be pushed to stop relying on migrants and instead do more to get those classed as inactive back to work, noting that employment is good for those who are in poor health. More than 700,000 people on sickness benefit want to work with support from the welfare system, the MPs said. It is both morally right and economically efficient to help them move back into work. Their proposals include cutting migration of care workers, which would represent a significant shock to the sector. Herein lies the rub: the Prime Minister must walk the narrow path of both bringing down migration numbers while not harming the economy. With the domestic labour market seemingly at capacity, Sunak and Jeremy Hunt for now have little choice but to accept more migrant workers if they want to meet the Prime Ministers pledge to get the economy growing again by the end of the year. Key to changing that reality will be convincing older people who left the workforce during the pandemic to come back and addressing persistently high rates of long-term sickness. Professor Brian Bell, chairman of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), which makes recommendations for which jobs should be included on the Shortage Occupations List, says: All the evidence tells us over-50s left the labour market more than others during the pandemic, so obviously there is a pool of workers where, if you put the effort in, you can get recruitment. At JD Wetherspoon, the pub group has been specifically targeting this group. Around one-in-10 of the chains pub staff are now aged over-50, with recruitment manager Michelle Crooke calling the hiring drive brilliant. The Department for Work and Pensions is planning a new scheme of hospitality boot camps where job seekers will be given basic training on food hygiene and preparation among others to ease the path into hospitality roles. There are still 8.65m people of working age who are neither in work nor looking for work. That is down from last years high of 9m, but still more than 280,000 above its pre-Covid levels. The biggest jump has been a rise of more than 400,000 in long-term sick. Efforts are being made to stem the rise in long-term sickness. The Treasury has also announced measures on occupational health to try to help those who are unwell stay in work. Prof Bell notes that the shortage occupation list itself is not intended to impede the development of workers already in the UK. To get more roles on the list, the construction sector had to set out predictions of how many workers it expected to need in five years time and its plan to train up staff to do those jobs. Migration is then only allowed as a temporary stopgap to fill the gap while training takes place. If in three or four years time you come back and say, we did not manage to train anyone, we will not keep you on the shortage occupations list, Prof Bell says. A failure to get tough in the past provided no incentive for employers to do the right thing in terms of training British workers, improving pay and conditions. We want to get that balance between helping out, and not letting it be the crutch that employers use to not bother doing any of the changes they need to make. Downing Street will be hoping those changes happen sooner rather than later, allowing migration numbers to start to come down. 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. Kyiv, Jul 23 (AP) A Ukrainian drone strike on Saturday caused a massive explosion at an ammunition depot in Russia-annexed Crimea, forcing the evacuation of nearby homes in the latest attack since Moscow cancelled a landmark grain deal amid Kyiv's grinding efforts to retake its occupied territories. The attack on the depot in central Crimea sent huge plumes of black smoke skyward and came five days after Ukraine struck a key bridge that links Russia to the peninsula it illegally annexed in 2014 and after Moscow suspended a wartime deal that allowed Ukraine to safely export its grain through the Black Sea. Sergey Aksyonov, the Kremlin-appointed head of Crimea, said in a Telegram post that there were no immediate reports of casualties from the strike, but that authorities were evacuating civilians within a 5-kilometer (3-mile) radius of the blast site. The Ukrainian military took credit for the strike, saying it destroyed an oil depot and Russian military warehouses in Oktyabrske, in the Krasnohvardiiske region of Crimea, though without specifying which weapons it used. A Crimean news channel posted videos Saturday showing plumes of smoke billowing above rooftops and fields near Oktyabrske, a small settlement next to an oil depot and a small military airport, as loud explosions rumbled in the background. In one video, a man can be heard saying the smoke and blast noises seemed to be coming from the direction of the airport. The strike came during a week in which Ukraine attacked the Kerch Bridge and Russia, in what it described as retribution for the bridge attack, bombarded southern Ukrainian port cities, damaging critical infrastructure including grain and oil terminals. Ukraine also attacked the bridge in October, when a truck bomb blew up two of its sections, which took months to repair. Moscow decried that assault as an act of terrorism and retaliated by bombarding Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, targeting the country's power grid over the winter. The Kerch Bridge is a conspicuous symbol of Moscow's claims on Crimea and an essential land link to the peninsula. The USD 3.6 billion, 19-kilometer (nearly 12-mile) bridge is the longest in Europe and is crucial for Russia's military operations in southern Ukraine. Speaking at the Aspen security forum via video link, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the bridge a legitimate target for Ukraine, noting that Russia has used it to ferry military supplies and it must be neutralised. In a video address to the nation later on Saturday, Zelenskyy said he had a phone call with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg to discuss our steps to unblock and ensure the stable operation of the grain corridor following Russia's withdrawal from the grain deal. Zelenskyy said they agreed to hold a meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council in the nearest days for consultations on the issue. We can overcome the security crisis in the Black Sea, he said. As fierce fighting continues in Ukraine's bid to retake territory from Russia, Russian shelling killed at least two civilians and wounded four others on Saturday, Ukrainian officials reported. A 52-year-old woman died in Kupiansk, a town in the northeastern Kharkiv region, while another person was killed in a cross-border Russian attack on a village in the neighbouring Sumy province. Earlier Saturday, Ukrainian officials reported that Russian attacks on 11 regions across the country on Friday and overnight had killed at least eight civilians and wounded others. A DW cameraman was injured Saturday by shrapnel from Russian cluster munitions that also killed one Ukrainian soldier and wounded several others near the town of Druzhkivka, in the eastern Donetsk region, the German broadcaster said in a statement. Cameraman Ievgen Shylko was part of a team sent to report from the Ukrainian army training ground about 23 kilometers (14 miles) away from the frontline, it said. We were filming the Ukrainian army during target practice when suddenly we heard several explosions," DW correspondent Mathias Bolinger said. "We lay down, more explosions followed, we saw people were wounded. Later, the Ukrainian army confirmed that we had been fired at with cluster munitions. Cluster munitions, which open in the air and release multiple small bomblets, are banned by more than 100 countries because of their threat to civilians, but they have been used extensively by both sides in the war. The Pentagon has said the cluster munitions the US recently gave to Ukraine will give Kyiv critically needed ammunition to help bolster its counteroffensive. The Russian Defence Ministry announced that a group of Russian journalists came under artillery fire in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. In an online statement, it said four correspondents for pro-Kremlin media had been struck by cluster munitions and that one of them, Rostislav Zhuravlev of the state RIA Novosti news agency, later died from his injuries. The Kremlin-installed head of the Russia-occupied parts of the Zaporizhzhia region, Yevhen Balitsky, claimed in a Telegram post that the journalists were travelling in a civilian vehicle that was hit by shelling. The claims couldn't be independently verified. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova denounced the attack on journalists as a heinous crime in which the US and its allies were complicit. The Ukrainian air force on Saturday morning said that overnight, it had brought down 14 Russian drones, including five Iranian-made ones, over the country's southeast, where battles are raging. In a regular social media update, the air force said that all Iranian-made Shahed exploding drones launched by Russian troops during the night were brought down, pointing to Ukraine's increasing success rate in neutralizing them. (AP) PY PY Kathmandu, Jul 23 (PTI) Nepal and China have remained good neighbours since ancient times, President Ramchandra Paudel told a Chinese leader during their meeting here on Sunday. Yuan Jiajun, a politburo member of the Communist Party of China (CPC), arrived here on Sunday on a three-day visit to Nepal, leading a 26-member delegation. Yuan called on Paudel at the Office of the President, Sheetal Niwas, and they discussed bilateral relations and mutual interests, the president's office said in a statement. Nepal and China have remained good neighbours since ancient times, Paudel said, and expressed confidence that such kinds of high-level visits will further enhance multifaceted bilateral relations, it said. Yuan is expected to hold separate meetings with acting Prime Minister and Defence Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka and Deputy Prime Minister and acting Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre) Narayan Kaji Shrestha at Singha Durbar on Sunday. He is also expected to meet senior leaders of other political parties here during his visit. Yuan arrived in Kathmandu after completing his visit to Sri Lanka where he met several leaders pf the island nation, including former president Mahinda Rajapaksa. Ahead of his visit, a CPC delegation arrived in Kathmandu on Thursday via a Sri Lankan Air flight in order to lay the ground for Yuan's visit, the Kathmandu Post newspaper reported. Yuan is visiting Nepal at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a CPN-UML leader said, adding that Yuan is considered to be the future leader of the CPC, it said. Odesa, Jul 23 (AP) Russia struck the Ukrainian Black Sea city of Odesa again on Sunday, keeping up a barrage of attacks that has damaged critical port infrastructure in southern Ukraine in the past week. At least one person was killed and 22 others wounded in the attack in the early hours, officials said. Regional Gov Oleh Kiper said that four children were among those wounded in the blasts, which severely damaged 25 landmarks across the city. They included the historic Transfiguration Cathedral. After the fires were put out, volunteers donned hard hats, shovels and brooms at the cathedral to begin removing rubble, combing through to salvage any artifacts under the watchful gaze of the saints whose paintings remained intact. Local officials said that the icon of the patroness of the city was retrieved from under the rubble. The destruction is enormous, half of the cathedral is now roofless, said Archdeacon Andrii Palchuk, as cathedral workers brought documents and valuable items out of the building, the floor of which was inundated with water used by firefighters to extinguish the fire. Palchuk said the damage was caused by a direct hit from a Russian missile that penetrated the building down to the basement. Two people who were inside at the time of the strike were wounded. But with God's help, we will restore it, he said, bursting into tears. One of the women who came to help with the cleanup said she loved it for its tranquility and grace. When you enter this church, you feel like you're beyond the world, said Liudmyla, who only gave her first name. I have a feeling that God, to protect apartments, took this pain, this explosion upon himself. Anna Fetchenko, who came to Odesa for a volunteer meeting, also pitched in to clear the debris. I wanted to go to the seaside, but last night was so frightening that I cried for the first time in 2023, she said. This is our Ukrainian heritage, and now it's taken away from us." Later Sunday, Palchuk urged people to gather in front of the destroyed part of the cathedral for an outdoor service and to pray in front of a sacred icon that miraculously survived. We will pray that it protects us from the Russians, he said. The cathedral belongs to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which has been accused of links to Russia. The church has insisted that it's loyal to Ukraine, has denounced the Russian invasion from the start and has even declared its independence from Moscow. But Ukrainian security agencies have claimed that some in the Ukrainian church have maintained close ties with Moscow. They've raided numerous holy sites of the church and later posted photos of rubles, Russian passports and leaflets with messages from the Moscow patriarch as proof that some church officials have been loyal to Russia. Odesa's historic centre was designated an endangered World Heritage Site by UNESCO earlier this year despite Russian opposition. Kiper said that six residential buildings were destroyed by the strikes. Some people became trapped in their apartments following the attack, which left rubble strewn in the street and partly blocking the road. Svitlana Molcharova, 85, was rescued by emergency workers. But after she received first aid, she refused to leave her destroyed apartment. I will stay here, she said to the worker who advised her to leave. I woke up when the ceiling started to fall on me. I rushed into the corridor, said Ivan Kovalenko, 19, another resident of the building. That's how I lost my home in Mykolaiv, and here, I lost my rented apartment. His unit revealed a partially collapsed ceiling and the balcony that came off the side of the building. All the windows were blown out. Ukraine's air force reported on the Telegram messaging app that Russia had launched 19 missiles in the Odesa region, including five high-precision winged Onyx missiles and four sea-to-shore Kalibr cruise missiles. It said that Ukrainian air defences shot down nine Russia's Defence Ministry said Sunday its forces attacked sites in Odesa where terrorist acts against the Russian Federation were being prepared. In a later statement, the ministry denied that its attacks struck the Transfiguration Cathedral, claiming that the destruction of the cathedral was likely due to the fall of a Ukrainian anti-aircraft guided missile. Russia has been launching persistent attacks on Odesa, a key hub for exporting grain, since Moscow cancelled a landmark grain deal on Monday amid Kyiv's grinding efforts to retake its occupied territories. Earlier Russian attacks this week crippled significant parts of export facilities in Odesa and nearby Chornomorsk and destroyed 60,000 tons of grain, according to Ukraine's Agriculture Ministry. The attacks come days after President Vladimir Putin pulled Russia out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a wartime deal that enabled Ukraine's exports to reach many countries facing the threat of hunger. Putin vowed to retaliate against Kyiv for an attack Monday on the crucial Kerch Bridge linking Russia with the Crimean Peninsula, which the Kremlin illegally annexed in 2014. (AP) SCY SCY Peshawar/Jaipur, Jul 23 (PTI) A married Indian woman has travelled to Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to meet her friend whom she befriended and fell in love with on Facebook, police said on Sunday. Anju, 34, was born in Kailor village in Uttar Pradesh and lived in Alwar district of Rajasthan. She is now in the Upper Dir district of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to meet her 29-year-old Facebook friend Nasrulla. Nasrullah, who works in the medical field, and Anju became friends on the social media platform Facebook a few months ago, ARY News reported. Anju is visiting Pakistan for a month and has not come here to marry him, The Indian woman was initially in the custody of the police but was released after her travel documents were verified by the district police. "She was allowed to go after all the travel documents were found to be in order. They were provided security to ensure no untoward incident takes place and which can bring a bad name to the country," a source told PTI. An officer at Dir police station said Anju and her friend were released after her documents were cleared by senior police officer Mushtaq Khab and Scouts Major. A team of Rajasthan police reached the home of Anju in Bhiwadi to enquire about her after media reports. Her husband Arvind told police that she left the home on Thursday on the pretext of going to Jaipur but later the family came to know that she was in Pakistan. Anju's husband said that she left home on Thursday. She had a valid passport, Assistant Superintendent of Police Bhiwadi Sujit Shankar told PTI. He said that the family has not given any complaint regarding the matter. The couple works in private firms in Bhiwadi and has a 15-year-old girl and a six-year-old son. Arvind told the media at his home that his wife Anju told her sister that she was in Lahore and later he spoke to her on a WhatsApp call. He said he will talk to her and will ask her to return, asserting that he was hopeful that she would return home. He said her her passport was issued in 2020 as she wanted to apply for a job abroad. Arvind said he had no idea that she was in touch with anyone on social media. There are striking similarities between the stories of Anju and Seema Ghulam Haider, a Pakistani mother of four, who sneaked into India to live with Sachin Meena, a Hindu man she got in touch with while playing PUBG in 2019. Seema, 30, and Sachin, 22, live in the Rabupura area of Greater Noida, near Delhi, where he runs a provision store, according to Uttar Pradesh Police. While Seema was arrested on July 4 for illegally entering India without a visa via Nepal with her four children, all aged below seven years, Sachin was put behind bars for sheltering the illegal immigrants. However, unlike Seema who entered India without a visa via Nepal with her four children all aged below seven years, Anju has travelled to Pakistan legally from India via the Wagah-Attari border. PTI MRJ/SDA/AYZ/MZ AKJ MRJ MRJ Athens, Jul 23 (AP) Some 19,000 people have been evacuated from the Greek island of Rhodes as wildfires burned for a sixth day on three fronts, Greek authorities said on Sunday. The Ministry of Climate Change and Civil Protection said it was the largest evacuation from a wildfire in the country. Local police said 16,000 people were evacuated by land and 3,000 by sea from 12 villages and several hotels. Six people were briefly treated at a hospital for respiratory problems. A person who fell and broke a leg during a hotel evacuation and a pregnant woman remained hospitalized, the latter in good condition, authorities said. Package holiday companies TUI and Jet2 canceled flights to Rhodes. Jet2 said it was canceling five regularly scheduled passenger flights to the island on Sunday but would fly the planes to Rhodes empty to retrieve customers. TUI said it was canceling all its flights to the island until at least Tuesday. British tourist Kevin Evans was evacuated twice on Saturday with his wife and three young children first from Kiotari to Gennadi, then as the fire approached to the island's capital in the northeast, he told Britain's PA news agency. There were lots of people in Gennadi sent from the hotels many in just swimsuits having been told to leave everything in the hotel, he told PA. As night fell, we could see the fire on the top of the hills in Kiotari. They said all the hotels were on fire. Rhodes travel agent Stelios Kotiadis confirmed to the Associated Press that the evacuation was hasty. There was panic. ... The authorities were overwhelmed, he said. But, he said, the abandoned hotels are in much better condition than reported in social media. ... They will be ready to reopen very soon if Civil Protection gives the go-ahead. Kotiadis said he and other travel agents sent buses to the island's southeast to pick up evacuated tourists. They had to go the long way around, since the road running down Rhodes' eastern side was blocked in places. There were 80-90 people cramming into 50-seater buses, he said. He added that 90 per cent of the evacuated tourists are from European countries. The British ambassador to Greece, Matthew Lodge, said the UK government was sending a rapid deployment team to support British nationals on Rhodes. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that personnel were on their way to Rhodes to set up a help desk at Rhodes International Airport for visitors who have lost their travel documents. Fire Brigade spokesman Yannis Artopios said that as of early Sunday afternoon, 266 firefighters and 49 engines were operating on the ground, together with hundreds of volunteers. Ten firefighting planes, including two from France, two from Turkey and one from Croatia, are operating in the area, as well as eight helicopters. There are substantial reinforcements from the European Union. Over 450 firefighters and seven airplanes from the EU have been operating in Greece as fires sprout across the country, EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic tweeted early Sunday afternoon. In the mountainous part of Rhodes, an active front of the wildfire, firefighters have been trying to stop the blaze from spreading to nearby dense forests. Southwest of the resort of Kiotari, the main focus of Saturday's evacuations, a trench was being dug to keep the fire from crossing a creek and threatening the village of Gennadi. The weather remained hot in the Mediterranean country on Sunday. Before midday, temperatures had already reached 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). Winds were low but are notoriously variable in Rhodes, as in other Greek islands. Some of the evacuated, including tourists, are being accommodated in other hotels, gyms and a conference center. A shipping company has offered one of its ships for accommodation. Kotiadis, the travel agent, told The Associated Press that three ships were being used. Fires broke out elsewhere in the country Sunday. The most serious one was on Evia, Greece's second- largest island, where authorities told residents of four southern villages to evacuate to the town of Karystos, west of where the fire was advancing. Central Greece Vice Governor Giorgos Kelaiditis, who was near one of the villages, told state agency ANA-MPA that the situation is difficult: The fire may be 2 kilometers (1 1/4 miles) away, but the wind is strong, the growth is low, the smoke thick and the air is hard to breathe, he said. Northern Evia was devastated by wildfires in August 2021. Authorities designated an unprecedentedly large part of the Greek mainland - the whole eastern part of central and southern Greece - plus Rhodes and Evia as at the highest level of risk for fire outbreaks as of Sunday. A further chunk of Greece was designated as at a very high risk for fires. Temperatures reached 43 C (110 F) in the capital, Athens, Sunday afternoon and 45 C (113 F) in the interior plains of central Greece. A relative respite from the heat Monday, with highs of 38 C (100 F) forecast, will be followed by yet another heat wave starting Tuesday until at least Friday, meteorologists have warned.(AP) RUP RUP Chandrapur, Jul 23 (PTI) More than 30 activists of various organisations were detained and later released on Sunday for holding a protest at the venue of a meeting addressed by Hindutva leader Sambhaji Bhide in Chandrapur in Maharashtra. Bhide, founder of Shri Shiv Pratishthan Hindustan, was in Warora tehsil during the day to address his supporters. Police said activists of Ulgulan organisation, Vanchit Bhaujan Aghadi etc raised slogans against Bhide and accused him of defaming the state and country through his "controversial" remarks. Around 35-40 persons were detained and later released for holding the protest without permission, he added. Addressing the meeting, Bhide asked his supporters to give the saffron flag the same respect as the Tricolour and announced that a 'bhagwa zenda' (safrron flag) yatra will be held in 38,000 villages of the state on August 15. Mumbai, Jul 23 (PTI) Rashtra Sevika Samiti general secretary Sita Gayatri Annadanam on Sunday expressed anguish over atrocities against women in Manipur. Rashtra Sevika Samiti, set up in 1936, is a womens organisation which parallels mens Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The atmosphere of social enmity in Manipur since the last two and a half months has become a matter of grave concern. There is no sign of the tension and violence stopping, Sita Gayatri said in a statement issued after a meeting of the Samitis all-India executive meeting in Nagpur. The atrocities committed against women will make any civilized society hang their heads in shame, she said, adding that the government should ensure that stringent punishment be meted to the guilty. We believe that there is a need to go to the root of this social enmity and end it, the statement said. The Samiti sends its pracharikas to different regions and states to carry out the organisations work. It also conducts programmes for women in rural areas, including vocational training and health. Guwahati/Silchar/Kolkata, Jul 23 (PTI) Forty-one Meitei people have reached Assam from Mizoram after an ex-militants' group asked the community to leave the state following the viral video of two women being paraded naked in Manipur, officials said on Sunday. Cachar's Superintendent of Police Numal Mahatta said these people reached Silchar from neighbouring Mizoram on Saturday night and they have been kept at the building of the Lakhipur Development Block in Binnakandi area. "These are all well-to-do families and they came in their own vehicles. Some are college professors, while some work as senior government officials. They said that there have been no attacks in Mizoram as of now," he told PTI. They said that the Mizoram government was providing all security to them, but they themselves did not want to take any risk and came to Assam for their own safety, he added. "They are saying that they will stay here till the situation normalises," the SP said, adding that Assam Police is providing security to them. Thousands of people from Meitei, Kuki and Hmar communities fled Manipur, and have been living in Assam since ethnic violence erupted in that state on May 3. The Mizoram government on Saturday reassured the Meitei community living in the state of safety and told them not to pay heed to rumours. The government's assurance came amid reports of some Meiteis fleeing the state following an 'advisory' by an ex-militants' association of Mizoram asking them to leave due to tension triggered by the viral video of two women being paraded naked by a mob in Manipur. Mizoram Police said several Meitei people left for their home states on Saturday amid mounting tension. A few thousand Meiteis, mostly from Manipur and south Assam, live in Mizoram. Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress on Sunday alleged that an 18-year-old girl was assaulted and gang-raped in Imphal East district of Manipur on May 15, days after the two women were stripped and paraded naked. Quoting a report appearing in a section of the press, the ruling party of West Bengal claimed on Twitter, "The tragedy doesnt end for Manipur!" "An 18-year-old girl was handed over to four armed men by women vigilantes. She was later assaulted and gang-raped in Imphal East in Manipur on May 15. If such brutal cases are coming in the public eye after more than a month, what's still hidden must be truly gruesome," it tweeted. The TMC, a delegation of which visited the northeastern state recently, wondered when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh "take accountability for the complete law and order failure". Kolkata, Jul 23 (PTI) BJP MP Vinod Sonkar, who is heading a five-member fact-finding team of the saffron party to West Bengal in the aftermath of panchayat elections, on Sunday alleged that law and order in the state has "collapsed". He also claimed that post-poll violence in the state is common in every election from parliamentary to rural polls. Alleging that 10 BJP workers have been killed in the aftermath of the panchayat elections held on July 8, he said, "Eight of them belonged to the scheduled classes". "Law and order in Bengal has collapsed," he said at a press conference here before visiting some places where BJP workers were allegedly subjected to assault and intimidation following the rural polls. The five-member team sent by the BJP leadership over post-panchayat poll violence in Bengal, comprises MPs Suresh Kasyap, Vinod Chavda, S Muniswamy and Manoj Rajoria. They spoke to people, who claimed to have been at the receiving end of atrocities by ruling Trinamool Congress activists in the state, at Tarakeswar in Hooghly district. "Post-poll violence is nothing new in Bengal whenever elections are held, be it Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha or panchayat," Sonkar said. The fact-finding team will submit a report to BJP president J P Nadda after visiting various places in the state, he said. Claiming that the unfortunate death figures go on to reflect that people belonging to scheduled classes in Bengal are with the BJP, Sonkar said, "This has caused worry among the ruling party in the state as its base among them is decreasing." The MP from Kaushambi in Uttar Pradesh claimed that in the recently held municipal elections in the state with 25 crore population, there has not been a single case of death related to it. "So many deaths in Bengal mean that the administration is not active," Sonkar said. The violence, which rocked the panchayat polls, had claimed at least 15 lives on the polling day while three more were murdered on counting day on July 12. Since elections were announced last month, at least 33 people have lost their lives in poll-related violence, with the ruling party suffering 60 per cent of the deaths. Nainital, Jul 23 (PTI) More than 100 illegal structures erected on enemy property in Metropole hotel area here have been demolished, officials said on Sunday. An enemy property is an immovable asset left behind by people who have taken citizenship of Pakistan and China. The district administration had issued eviction notices to the encroachers who approached the Uttarakhand High Court against the demolition. After their plea was rejected, the demolition exercise was carried out on Saturday. A total of 134 encroachments were demolished in the presence of police and PAC personnel. The exercise began at 8 am and went on for 11 hours. It was carried out under the supervision of nodal officer and Nainital Deputy Collector Shivcharan Dwivedi, SDM Rahul Shah and Superintendent of Police (crime) Jagdish Chandra, they said. The demolition comes in the wake of an ordinance passed by the state government which has made the provision for a 10-year prison term for those who encroach upon government land. The removal of encroachments from the Metropole hotel area will help decongest the city, officials said. Considered one of the finest hotels of Nainital at one time, the Metropole Hotel belonged to the Raja of Mehmoodabad and hosted the founding father of Pakistan Mohammad Ali Jinnah and his wife Rattanbai on their honeymoon. After partition, the Raja of Mehmoodabad migrated to Pakistan leaving no legal heirs to the property. Hence, the hotel was declared enemy property according to the law. Hires Faisal Khalid Alruwaili Stormont Vail Health welcomed Faisal Khalid Alruwaili as the hospital's newest nocturnist. As a nocturnist specializing in internal medicine, Alruwaili provides overnight care in the Topeka Campus hospital, 1500 SW 10th Ave. Alruwaili was born and raised in Saudi Arabia. As the oldest of five siblings, the responsibility of caring for others became second nature from a young age. After high school, Alruwaili pursued his education and career in medicine in the United States. Moving alone to a new country without the physical support of nearby family and friends refined his resourcefulness and adaptability. These traits play an important role and help him appreciate the challenges that come with his work: "At night, we're more limited on resources, which can get a little intense. You only have a partial house of consultants or physicians at night. It requires a degree of resourcefulness." After pursuing an undergraduate degree in chemistry and biology, Alruwaili completed medical training at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City in 2020. He comes to Stormont Vail from his internal medicine residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. As a resident, Alruwaili developed and co-wrote several courses and training modules for use by medical students. His certifications and licensures include ultrasound-guided central venous catheter placement, paracentesis, arthrocentesis, and joint injection. Tom Hagen Heather Jones-Rutschmann The Kansas Hospital Association announced two new employees. Tom Hagen will be director of corporate relations. Hagen previously served as the marketing communications manager for Capitol Federal, joining them in 2015. Prior to that, he worked for 10 years as the morning meteorologist at KSNT. Hagen brings a strong set of skills to this position that supports the KHA president and executive team, as well as the KHA Board and membership. He received his bachelor's of science in atmospheric science from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is actively involved in numerous Topeka civic organizations. Heather Jones-Rutschmann will be administrative professional/receptionist. Before joining KHA, Rutschmann worked as full-time substitute teacher for Washburn Rural Middle School. Prior to that, she worked as an administrative professional and accounting liaison for the Kansas Pharmacist Association. Rutschmann brings years of customer service skills to this position. She has an associate of arts degree from Allen County Community College and an associate of liberal studies from Washburn University. She lives in Topeka with her four children. Story continues Retirement Kathleen Marker After seven years of service at the helm of the only YWCA in the state of Kansas, YWCA Northeast Kansas CEO Kathleen Marker has announced her plans to retire effective at the end of March 2024. "I have confidence in the board of directors and the leadership team as they search for the next leader of this incredible organization that has served Topeka and the northeast Kansas community for over 135 years. I came to YWCA Northeast Kansas because I believed in the mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. While we have accomplished a great deal over the past seven years, there is still much to be done, Marker said. The board has formed a succession planning committee and has engaged Moran Company as its executive search firm. As the transition moves forward, YWCA Northeast Kansas plans to remain transparent in its search for a new leader. YWCA Northeast Kansas board president Gina Millsap said, "Under Kathleens leadership, YWCA Northeast Kansas has become a national model for empowering women and advocating for racial and social justice. Helping survivors of domestic abuse and human trafficking reclaim their lives with safe places, affordable childcare for their children, and providing access to essential services through community partners have made a huge difference in thousands of lives. The board is committed to finding a successor to continue her exceptional work and grow the impact of the programs, advocacy, public education, and community building she has championed. Promotions Emily Wilson The Kansas Public Employees Retirement System has named Emily Wilson as its communications officer. She succeeds Kristen Basso, who resigned in July. Wilson has more than 15 years of communications experience. She has served as a KPERS communications specialist since August 2015. Before joining KPERS, Wilson served as manager of communications for the Kansas Association for Justice and marketing coordinator for EMR Inc. Wilson earned a bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communications and a master of Science in mass communications, both from Kansas State University. The Communications Department has a team of five professionals who provide communications and education to KPERS internal and external stakeholders, and media relations. Topeka-area hirings, promotions, retirements and other announcements can be emailed to iyb@cjonline.com. This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: It's Your Business has Stormont Vail, YWCA Northeast Kansas, KPERS New Delhi, Jul 23 (PTI) A 25-year-old man was arrested from northeast Delhi's Jafrabad area for allegedly dealing in Chinese manjha, police said on Sunday. Based on a tip-off, a trap was laid near the Madina Masjid here on Saturday and Zakhir was caught red-handed selling the banned kite string. A total of 60 rolls of the Chinese Manjha were recovered from him, the police said. Efforts are being made to trace the source from where Zakhir illegally procured the kite string, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North East) Joy Tirkey said. The Delhi Police has launched a crackdown on those illegally selling Chinese Manjha and its chief Sanjay Arora on Saturday stressed the need for consistent and deterrent action while citing unsatisfactory seizure. The police took legal action against 44 people and seized 120 rolls of Chinese Manjha in the national capital on Wednesday and Thursday -- the first two days of the drive, officials said. Kite-flying picks up traditionally in the run-up to Independence Day, but several injuries and deaths are also reported due to it every year. In 2017, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned Chinese Manjha in the national capital as it posed a risk to people and animals by cutting through their skin. In February this year, the Delhi High Court directed the crime branch of the city police to investigate the manufacturing, sale, purchase and storage of Chinese synthetic manjha, used for kite flying, in markets and shops here. New Delhi, Jul 23 (PTI) A delegation of the RSS-linked Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) on Sunday called on Law Commission Chairman Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi and submitted its suggestions on the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The delegation, jointly led by the MRM's functionary Shiraz Quraishi and its national media In-charge Shahid Saeed, met Justice Awasthi at his residence here and submitted a memorandum, supporting the move to bring a UCC in the country, the organisation said in a statement. During the meeting, Justice Awasthi noted that there is a lot of confusion among various sections of society with regard to the drafting of a UCC but people need not worry for anything, the MRM said. Law Commission Chairman Justice Awasthi told the MRM delegation that there are many confusions but there is no threat to the internal practice of any religion, community or class from the UCC, it said. Justice Awasthi also noted that there is a rumour about the UCC that it will be brought in the next session of Parliament but nothing like this is going to happen, the MRM said. He clarified that it will take a long time to complete the process, the MRM said quoting Justice Awasthi. Justice Awasthi said that the UCC will empower the people of the country irrespective of their religion, MRM media in-charge Saeed said after the meeting. Garkhal (Akhnoor), Jul 22 (PTI) Hundreds of acres of land was inundated and a house washed away on Saturday as heavy rain led to a flash flood in the Chenab river in Jammu district's Akhnoor area near the Pakistan border. A rescue operation was launched by the district administration to bring the people, mostly tribals, to safer areas. "Chenab is overflowing. The bunds around the banks are damaged. It has breached in a few places and is flowing close to villages, so we have come to evacuate people. Situation is under control," Additional deputy Commissioner (ADC), Jammu, Harvinder Singh told PTI. He said 105 persons have been evacuated from the area in view of the threat of rising water levels. The National and the State Disaster Response Force and local officials were pressed into rescue operations. "The situation is under control. In the morning the water level was high. We hope it doesn't rise. We have urged people to stay away from river Chenab," Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySp), SDRF, Arvinder Kotwal told PTI. People said Chenab was getting dangerously close to their villages. "There is a lot of danger as the river is cutting its course and getting closer to the village," Garkhal resident Rahul Sharma said. Pargwal farmer Rajinder Singh demanded compensation for crops damaged in the flood from the government. "We appeal to the government for some compensation. In 2014 too, we did not get anything. My crops worth Rs 2-3 lakh is destroyed. I have nothing left," Singh said. With the situation looking grim and the monsoon likely to continue for a few more weeks, people are hopeful that the administration provides them with the necessary relief material. New Delhi, Jul 23 (PTI) A court here has convicted a man for attempting to murder his wife by firing at her with a country-made pistol nearly five years ago. Additional Sessions Judge Vipin Kharb was hearing a case against Ravinder Singh, who was accused of shooting his wife with the intention to kill her on September 4, 2018. According to the prosecution, the victim, Poonam, was married to Singh for 13 years. On the day of the incident, the accused started a verbal altercation and after she told him not to quarrel as the kids are growing up, he went to another room, came back with a gun and fired upon her, the prosecution said. The prosecution has been able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused has committed an offence under Section 307 (attempt to murder) of the IPC and offence under the Arms Act. Hence, Ravinder Singh is convicted for the offences..., ASJ Kharb said in a judgment passed earlier this month. The court has posted the matter for hearing the arguments on sentencing on August 10. It said the victim's testimony was reliable and trustworthy as it was consistent and corroborated by medical evidence and the depositions of her daughter and brother. According to the medical report, the bullet hit the victim's stomach and exited from the right gluteal region. The accused went inside the room and brought the pistol into the living room and then fired upon his wife, this shows that he intentionally did the act and if someone is fired upon with a pistol then it is common knowledge that act will be sufficient in normal course to cause the death of a person, the court said. It said from the Singh's act, it was quite evident that the accused had the intention to cause his wife's death. The court said the prosecution was successful in establishing that a country-made pistol having two live cartridges and one empty cartridge was recovered from the accused. As Singh did not possess a licence to use it, he was liable for punishment under the Arms Act, it said. The Uttam Nagar police station had registered an FIR against Singh. FILE - Yarimar Mercado Martinez, of Puerto Rico, competes during the women's 50-meter Rifle 3 Positions qualification, at the Olympic Shooting Center, during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Aug. 11, 2016. A Connecticut jury found Franklin Robinson guilty on Friday, July 21, 2023, in the death of Mabel Martinez Antongiorgi, the mother of two-time Olympian rifle shooter Yarimar Mercado Martinez. Russia comes under pressure at UN to avoid global food crisis and revive Ukrainian grain shipments Russia came under pressure at the United Nations Security Council from its ally China and developing countries as well as Western nations to avert a global food crisis and quickly revive Ukrainian grain shipments 60 Rabbanim and 25 Rebbetzins attended the 13th annual Midwest Conference of Synagogue Rabbanim with one question in mind: How can we help our kehillos grow? Over the two-day conference, participants focused on connecting to every member of their kehillos. Each presenter spotlighted different groups within the kehillah, ranging from men to women, from school-age children to teenagers. This years conference was dedicated liluy nishmas Rabbi Reuven Gross ztl, Rav, Shaarei Tzedek Mishkan Yair and a member of the Vaad HaRabbonim, who passed away this past Chanukah. Divrei Hesped were shared by Rabbi Henoch Plotnik on practical rabbanus ideas that one could learn from Rabbi Gross career. On relationships, Rabbi Chaim Schabes, Mara Dasra of Congregation Knesses Yisroel in Monsey, NY, spoke about the value of connecting to families within the kehillah and the relationship between Rabbanim and therapists. Rabbi Yosef Elefant, Maggid Shiur, Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim, spoke on the topic of building a stronger relationship with and inspiring the men in the kehillah. Rabbi Shmuel Fuerst, Dayan, Agudas Yisroel of Illinois, shared bein adam lchaveiro questions Rabbanim are often presented with, and how to address them. A highlight of this years conference was the expansion of the discussion groups sessions. During the two-day conference the Rabbanim joined together three times in randomly chosen groups to have open discussions moderated by a leader chosen from the group. The sessions created lively conversations about relevant topics and issues facing many of the participants. Another main topic at the conference was mental health. Rabbi Shloime Schwartzberg, Mora Dasra of Grande River Shtibel in Toms River, NJ, and a licensed social worker discussed how to avoid burnout and the importance of correctly understanding mental health terminology. The Rebbetzins participated in a program of their own, featuring remarks from Mrs. Debbie Selengut, who spoke about the role of a Rebbetzin and its unique challenges. I found the conference interesting and enlightening, commented Rabbi Menachem Ostroff. It is a unique opportunity to have the chance to benefit from having so much rabbinical experience all in one room. Every year I look forward to this conference, said Rabbi Zvi Zimmerman. As a Rabbi in the community, it is a great opportunity to speak to other Rabbanim who have experienced what I have, allow me to appreciate what my baalei batim bring to the table, and how I can help others similarly to how they help their congregants. In addition, each session was filled with applicable insights that I intend to implement in my shul. A new poll from Monmouth University raises serious doubts about Donald Trumps viability as a general election candidate, even as he appears to be cruising to the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. The poll indicates that even if Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) were to launch a third-party bid, it would have limited impact on Bidens lead. The survey revealed that 47% of respondents would likely or definitely support President Biden, while only 40% would back Donald Trump. Interestingly, a hypothetical unity ticket involving Joe Manchin and former Republican Utah Governor Jon Huntsman would only slightly diminish Bidens lead, as he would still hold a 40%-34% advantage over Trump. Moreover, the poll indicated that a substantial majority, 63% of voters, had an unfavorable view of Donald Trump, with half of the respondents firmly stating they would definitely not support him in the 2024 election. The release of the Monmouth poll comes in the wake of Donald Trumps announcement that he may face indictment for the third time in the year, this time in relation to his alleged involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot that followed his defeat to Biden. Despite these legal challenges, Trump remains the clear frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination. According to the RealClearPolitics polling average of national primary voters, Trump leads his closest competitor, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, by an impressive margin of almost 33 points. In the early primary contests in Iowa and New Hampshire, Trump holds leads of 24 and 22 points, respectively. Senator John Kennedy, during an appearance on Fox News, suggested that the mounting legal peril faced by Trump might be due to Democrats desire to see him as the GOP nominee in 2024. Kennedy argued, President Biden wants President Trump as an opponent because given President Bidens poll numbers he polls right up there with Bud Light he thinks President Trump is the only person he can beat. I think the Justice Departments going to do pretty much whatever, at the senior levels, whatever they can to make sure that President Trump is the nominee because thats who President Biden wants. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) By Sabrina Valle (Reuters) - U.S. oil major Chevron Corp announced sweeping management changes on Sunday, including the retirement next year of its finance chief and extension of the mandatory retirement age for Chief Executive Officer Michael Wirth. Chief Financial Officer Pierre Breber, 58, will retire in 2024, and will be replaced by the company's technology chief Eimear Bonner, who will become only the second woman to be named chief financial officer in the company's more than 140-year history. Breber, who joined the company as a financial analyst in 1989, has been finance chief for the past three years and before that ran the company's refining and chemicals business. Bonner, 49, has been with Chevron for 24 years and became chief technology officer two years ago. Previously, she was general director of the Tengizchevroil in Kazakhstan, the company's largest joint venture which produces about 700,000 barrels of oil per day. "We've got a terrific leader who will come in as our next CFO, Eimear Bonner. She's run big, complex businesses. I'm very confident that she's going to be a great chief financial officer," Wirth said in an interview on Sunday. Wirth, who will turn 63 this year, has agreed to stay past the company's mandatory retirement age of 65, Chevron said in an announcement. "My commitments to our investors has been higher returns and lower carbon. I've got much more progress I want to make on both of those," he said. The company announced several other senior leadership changes. Balaji Krishnamurthy, currently vice president of Strategy & Sustainability, will become vice president of the Chevron Technical Center. Molly Laegeler, currently vice president of Chevrons San Joaquin Valley Business Unit, will become vice president of Strategy & Sustainability. And Frank Mount, currently vice president of M&A and Origination, will become vice president of Business Development. Story continues Chevron has topped Wall Street's earnings estimate for the second quarter, it said in a separate filing. It expects to report a $3.08 per share quarterly profit, above the $2.97 per share consensus, according to Refinitiv. Chevron is due to report full quarterly results on Friday. (Reporting by Mrinmay Dey and Shubhendu Deshmukh in Bengaluru; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Diane Craft) Russian security forces on Saturday killed a heavily-armed gunman who broke into a private house in the suburbs of Moscow and fired at them, reportedly threatening to march on the Kremlin. The assailant was spotted by guards after he had broken into an unoccupied house located in an elite cottage village in the Istra region, about 45 kilometers (less than 30 miles) west of Moscow. He held them at gunpoint, but they managed to escape, according to the Russian media. For several hours, the authorities negotiated with the attacker who was in combat fatigues and toted a Kalashnikov rifle. The man claimed he came from the front lines in Ukraine and was driven by God to march on the Kremlin, the seat of the government in Moscow. He refused to surrender, fired at the special forces and was killed when they stormed the house, Russias National Guard said. It said that the attacker had several automatic weapons and hand grenades. Russian lawmaker Alexander Khinshtein identified the assailant as Vyacheslav Chernenko, a 35-year-old resident of the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk. It was not immediately clear if he indeed fought in Ukraine as he claimed. Istra administrator Tatiana Vitusheva described the attacker as mentally unstable. Some Russian media claimed that the cottage he broke into once belonged to Viktor Yanukovych, the former Moscow-friendly president of Ukraine who was driven from office by mass protests and offered shelter by Russia. It has been put up for sale by its current owner, who was abroad when the incident happened. The incident attracted close media attention, coming nearly a month after mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin launched a short-lived mutiny that saw his Wagner troops capture military headquarters in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don and then drive as close as 200 kilometers (125 miles) to Moscow in a bid to oust the countrys top military leaders. Prigozhin agreed to end the June 23-24 rebellion under a deal that offered amnesty to him and his mercenaries and allowed them to move to Belarus. (AP) FBI employees wrongly searched foreign surveillance data for the last names of a U.S. senator and a state senator, according to a court opinion released Friday. The disclosure could further complicate Biden administration efforts to renew a major spy program that already faces bipartisan opposition in Congress. Another FBI employee improperly queried the Social Security number of a state judge who alleged civil rights violations by a municipal chief of police, according to the opinion by the chief judge of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. News of the latest violations comes as the Biden administration faces a difficult battle in persuading Congress to renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which allows spy agencies to collect swaths of emails and other communications. Already this year, U.S. spy officials have disclosed that the FBI improperly searched Section 702 databases for information related to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol and the 2020 protests following the police killing of George Floyd. U.S. officials say Section 702 enables their highest priority work on China, Russia and threats like terrorism and cybersecurity. But many Democratic and Republican lawmakers say they wont vote to renew Section 702 when it expires at this years end without major changes targeting how the FBI uses foreign surveillance data to investigate Americans. Democrats who have long demanded new limits on the FBIs access to surveillance have increasingly been joined by Republicans angry about the bureaus investigations of former President Donald Trump as well as errors and omissions made during the probe of Russian ties to his 2016 campaign. FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a statement that reforms at the bureau had led to significant improvement and fewer incidents of not following intelligence rules. He later sent a letter to congressional leaders arguing for the importance of the Section 702 program. We take seriously our role in protecting national security and we take just as seriously our responsibility to be good stewards of our Section 702 authorities, Wray said in his statement. We will continue to focus on using our Section 702 authorities to protect American lives and keeping our Homeland safe, while safeguarding civil rights and liberties. Patrick Toomey, deputy director of the ACLUs National Security Project, said in a statement that the latest errors show it is long past time for Congress to step in. As Congress debates reauthorizing Section 702, these opinions show why that cant happen without fundamental reforms, he said. The surveillance court opinion released Friday didnt disclose the names, states or party affiliations of the people whose names were searched. It said the searches of the state senator and U.S. senator occurred in June 2022. According to the court opinion, the analyst who did the searches had information that a foreign spy service was targeting the lawmakers. But the Justice Departments national security division reviewed the searches and found that they didnt meet FBI standards to limit how much information was retrieved, the opinion stated. The state judges Social Security number was searched that October. It was later determined that the analyst did not have sufficient evidence to conduct the search and did not clear the search with higher-ups as required of politically sensitive searches, according to a senior FBI official who briefed reporters Friday on condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the agency. The unnamed U.S. senator has been notified of the search, but the state senator and state judge have not, the FBI official said. The FBI gets a section of foreign surveillance data collected primarily by the National Security Agency, U.S. officials have said. Unlike the NSA and CIA, which go after intelligence targets abroad, the FBI is responsible for investigating threats affecting the U.S. such as cyberattacks or attempts to influence or interfere in American elections. There are strict rules governing when analysts can search for U.S. citizens or businesses in surveillance data. Facing pressure from the surveillance court and Congress, the FBI in recent years has changed its search tools, ramped up training for analysts working with foreign data, and required new approvals from higher-ups for larger searches or sensitive searches like the names of public officials. The FBI last month also announced new disciplinary measures. Any employees accused of negligence would immediately lose access to surveillance data until they undergo training and meet with a bureau attorney. The actions revealed Friday predate the new disciplinary policy. Judge Rudolph Contreras opinion, which was completed in April 2023 and released Friday with redactions, says there is reason to believe that the FBI has been doing a better job in applying the querying standard. Of nearly 80,000 searches audited over a 16-month period ending in December 2022, 1.8% were found to have not met internal standards, the court said. The total number of searches for Americans appears to have dropped as well. Over a year-long period ending in March, the FBI ran about 180,000 searches of U.S. citizens and other American entities, the court said. Thats well below the roughly 2 million searches reported just between December 2020 and February 2021, something Contreras wrote should indicate less intrusion into the private communications of U.S. persons. (AP) by Rabbi Yair Hoffman This week, Wednesday will be the 14th Yahrtzeit of Rav Moshe Chait ztl. There was no one who knew him that was unaffected by him. His love for his Talmidim, for his congregants, for Klal Yisroel was seen in his warm, loving smile and in the hand that extended over your shoulder as he spoke to you. His intellect and his grasp of the entire oeuvre of the Mussar literature were both quite formidable. Rav Moshe Chait zatzal (Yahrtzeit 8 Av) was unique in that he combined all of these qualities in one, as he served as the Rosh HaYeshiva of Chofetz Chaims branch in Sanhedria HaMurchevet in Yerushalayim. He was a master pedagogue whose power of description was nothing short of a time machine. As one sat and listened to his shmuessim, you were transported. I remember his vivid description of Shavuos in South Ninth Street in his beloved Yeshiva in the 1930s. We were all transfixed and literally transported. His description of it all, especially the feelings of ruchniyus that permeated what he felt, made it so real and palpable even for the listener. You felt that you were there. You too, were a Talmid of Reb Dovid zatzal. You felt the connection. True it was not possible, but somehow, some way, you too were a Talmid of Reb Dovid. His shmuessim were so uplifting and inspiring that Talmidim who had him more than two or three decades earlier were and still are listening to tapes and mp3s of them. He discussed the mundane and transformed it into a religious experience. I remember once, some of the bochurim (myself included) were not making their beds. A shmuess. Hakaras HaTov to one and to all. Hakaras HaTov even to an inanimate object. This bed refreshed you. It revived your spirit. You, a tzelem Elokim, a reflection of the Divine Spirit. Reflect upon what that bed is, and allow it to once again be in its most dignified state. Make that bed. Your coat kept you warm. Treat it properly. Hang it up. We rushed to turn the mundane into kedusha. We ran and made our beds. A question. Rebbe, could this also be why Chazal made brachos? To sanctify the mundane? Rav Chaits loving hand and warm smile gave you the answer. And he felt pride in your question like a loving father. Vast erudition and love. He conquered hearts. **** Please help support an important pidyon shvuyim case**** CLICK HERE His passion was Mussar. And he loved his beloved Midrash, the Yalkut Shimoni. Trained by the scions of the Mussar Movement, he had the ability to unfold the latent Mussar gem that lay inherent, hidden perhaps, but revealed so beautifully and eloquently, within the words of the Midrash and Rav Chaits expanation. Indeed, he had studied this text for over four decades even back then. He knew it through and through and was attuned to the subtle differences between it and other versions of the same Midrash. He kept in touch with Talmidim and wrote them letters. Which Rosh Yeshiva writes letters to Talmidim past? Sadly, it is unheard of. There was no question. He was that link to Torah past. But he connected you to it. You were that next link in the chain. He linked you to his Rebbe, Reb Dovid Leibowitz. He linked you to Reb Dovid Leibowitzs Rebbe, the Alter of Slabodka. His formidable powers of description once again had that time-machine quality, and there you were in the Slabodka Yeshiva itself hearing Shmuessim from the Alter. Dont ask how it could be it was. And then Rav Chait zatzal transported you somehow to Rav Yitzele Peterberger, and to Rav Yisroel Salanter himself. Regal, tall and angelic Rav Salanter. And that is how we all saw him too, regal, tall, and angelic. Rav Moshe Chait told us of Rav Salanters reaction to the Cholera epidemic in the 1800s in the Great Synagogue of Vilna. Somehow, some way, he had had what seemed was a firsthand account. His Hakaras HaTov toward others was a Mussar lesson in and of itself. I was zocheh to be a shliach in a large donation to the Yeshiva so that the Yeshiva could have a copy machine. Back then, large copy machines were upwards of seven thousand dollars a huge sum in the early eighties. And years later, Rav Chait ztl still warmly expressed his Hakaras HaTov. He was real and genuine. He put into practice everything that he spoke about. Even years later, one swells in appreciation of having known someone so genuine in a world of sheker. Rav Chait personified humility in its very essence. His Yeshiva was one of remarkable growth for its students and was most assuredly not a cult of personality. And yet he also had a remarkable strength of character. I was not zocheh to have heard his shiurim in Gemorah. I was too young. But his powers of analysis were remarkable there too. He was equally comfortable in the Mussar texts as he was with a Gemorah and a Tosfos in front of him. In Yeshiva, there were stories that spread around about his years in Rabbanus, as the Rav of the Young Israel of Bayswater in Far Rockaway. Once a wealthy member of the community was behaving in a truly horrifying manner. Rav Chait and the shul president approached him. His reaction to the shul president was violent. Now at this point in the narrative there are different versions. But suffice it to say that Rav Chait stood him down and the man begged for Rav Chaits forgiveness. Chazal tell us that a nitzutz of the Neshama of the father is present in each one of his children. And one can see it in every one of his sons Rav Dovid Chait, the current Rosh HaYeshiva of Chofetz Chaim in Yerushalayim warm, wise, and loving; Rav Boruch Chait, creative and brilliant, the founder of Maarava, the founder of modern Torah music (the Rabbis Sons), author of those remarkable illustrated halacha and mussar books; and Rabbi Reuvain Chait fearless, brave and inspiring yet loving and caring. Each of his children carry part of his Neshama. They are him. His daughters, I am told, have equal qualities. Rav Moshe Chait personified what the ideal Rosh HaYeshiva could and should be passion in every shiur and shmuess; visible, palpable love for Talmidim, Torah, and Klal Yisroel; and an ability to speak, inspire, and transform. **** Please help support an important pidyon shvuyim case**** CLICK HERE It is most fitting that he passed into the Olam HaEmes right before Tisha BeAv. It should not just be the family, and his Talmidim that mourns this remarkable shalaim. All of Klal Yisroel is now mourning. The loss is indescribable. The author can be reached at [email protected] The author publishes a weekly Parsha sheet on the topic of Emes for the Sfas Tamim Foundation. To subscribe please send an email to the author with the word subscribe included to [email protected] The police detained a 30-year-old resident of Nes Tziona on suspicion of attacking two yeshivah bochurim at a tefillin booth in the city on Friday and desecrating tefillin. The suspect threw eggs from his vehicle as he drove past the tefillin stand, which is run by Chabad bochurim every Friday. The Chabad shaliach in Nes Tziona, Rav Sagi Har-Shefer told Chareidim10: I dont blame the attacker. Hes simply a product of the incitement in the media against the right and against religion. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Jerusalem Minister Meir Porush will lead the coordination of the yearly trip by thousands of Israelis to Uman for Rosh Hashanah. Porush and his staff at the Ministry for Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage will work with the relevant authorities in Ukraine and also make efforts to bolster and improve the operations of the border crossings in neighboring countries. Based on issues faced in past years, officials of the National Security Council (NSC) made a decision to appoint a minister to regulate the thousands of Israeli visitors to Ukraine, well-aware that despite the war in Ukraine, many Israelis will travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah. Following Porushs success at heading the preparations for Lag BOmer at Meron, the NSC requested that Porush head the Uman project as well. Porush and senior members of the Jerusalem Ministry held a series of meetings on the topic with officials from the NSC, the Foreign Ministry, the Airports Authority, the National Security Ministry, and Israel Police. Following the meetings, it was agreed that the Foreign Ministry would instruct the Israeli ambassadors in Poland, Moldova, Hungary and Romania to contact the local authorities with a request to increase the staff at the border crossings to Ukraine in the days before Rosh Hashanah. Porush also intends to appoint a dedicated project manager who will maintain contact with the leaders of Breslov communities and head the coordination with the relevant government officials at the political, security, and medical levels. Ill work to coordinate with the Foreign Ministry and the other relevant parties to ensure that those who choose to travel to Uman will receive the service they deserve, Porush said. The situation on the ground is not simple and its important that the public be attentive to the instructions, with a tefillah that we will succeed in preventing danger to human lives. I thank National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi and the Director General of the Foreign Ministry Ronen Levi, who responded to my request on the issue of bolstering the land border crossings between Ukraine and the neighboring countries. I intend to continue working with them and with other relevant parties to faithfully fulfill the mission on behalf of Breslover chassidim. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu underwent surgery to have a pacemaker implanted at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan overnight Motzei Shabbos. Netanyahus surgeons at Sheba provided an update on his condition at about 4 a.m. on Sunday morning, saying that the procedure was successful and that the prime minister is now under observation in the cardiology department. According to a Ynet report on Sunday, Netanyaus EKG tests have shown heart irregularities for years. Netanyahu is expected to be released on Sunday evening or Monday. The Prime Ministers Office postponed Netanyahus visits to Turkey and Cyprus, where he was scheduled to travel later this week. Since the prime minister will require several weeks of follow-up care, the visits are not expected to be rescheduled until September. The weekly Cabinet meeting that usually takes place on Sunday morning was pushed off until Monday. On Sunday afternoon, Netanyahu, appearing healthy and energetic, released a video thanking his supporters and emphasizing that the judicial reform legislation will continue despite the anarchist protests. I want to thank many of you who asked about my welfare and also thank the wonderful staff at Sheba, Netanyahu said. As you can see, I feel excellent. Were continuing with our efforts to complete the [judicial reform] legislation as well as efforts to do so with a broad agreement. But whatever occurs, I want to inform you that tomorrow morning, Ill be joining my colleagues in the Knesset. Meanwhile, my deepest thanks to all of you. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Thousands of leftists still angry about the democratically elected right-wing government continued their march to Jerusalem that began last week, arriving at the capital on Shabbos. Many leftists set up tents in Gan Sacher, which is near the Knesset, slept there Motzei Shabbos, and continued to protest on Sunday, holding a rally outside the Knesset. The wave of IDF reservists threatening to quit their service has continued, and opposition leader Yair Lapid held a meeting with Histadrut chairman Arnon Bar-David on Sunday to try to convince him to call a general strike in opposition of the government. Politicians, past IDF generals, and prime ministers continue to engage in lies and incite worldwide opinion against the government. The media, dominated by left-wing journalists, continue to engage in fearmongering, exaggeration and outright false reports about the end of democracy. Meanwhile, in the Knesset, the representatives of the government that was voted in by over two million voters continue to advance legislation to revoke the reasonableness clause in order to curb the power of the Supreme Court, which holds excessive power unparalleled in any democracy throughout the world. Will the government successfully complete the legislation or will they give in to the hooligans? (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Sponsored Content In the more than five decades that he was involved in Agudath Israel of America, rising from a member of their youth group to the Executive Vice President of the organization, Rabbi Shmuel Bloom encountered literally thousands of fascinating people: gedolei Yisrael, dedicated askanim, politicians from all sides of the political spectrum, and so many just plain Jews who proved, by their actions, that there is no such thing as a just plain Jew. Rabbi Bloom met with gedolim at Agudah events, at meetings of the Moetzes Gedolei Torah, and in quiet, urgent conferences. He chatted with them in cars and on Shabbos afternoons at conventions. In this Inside ArtScroll interview, we hear stories from Rabbi Bloom, many of them not widely known, of generations of greatness. In these stories behind the stories, more of which youll find in Rabbi Blooms book, On the Shoulders of Giants, we gain a unique understanding of the inner workings of daas Torah, in all its glory. We also meet the Jewish peoples askanim, up close and personal. Watch and be inspired. Purchase the book HERE . WATCH: Watch all Inside ArtScroll episodes at: Inside.Artscroll.com. TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST OF THE INTERVIEW, CLICK ON THE PODCAST PLATFORM YOU WANT: Spotify Apple Podcast Podbean Tune-In Stitcher Or Podcast.ArtScroll.com Inside ArtScroll is also available on TorahAnytime.com. Challenges are starting to pile up for chipmakers as they face slowing consumer demand and labor shortages. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) is pressing Washington for action on another concern he predicts could hamper the industry in the near future: government red tape. The worry is that top manufacturers from Intel (INTC) to Micron (MU) are about to run headlong into Americas oft-criticized environmental review process as they embark on ambitious US plans in the years ahead. It could present a headwind both for the industry as well as for the Biden administrations efforts to compete with China in the crucial semiconductor space. "Our national security literally depends on this kind of stuff," Kelly said during an interview this week in his Capitol Hill office. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ). (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) The complex issues are emblematic of growing pains for a US advanced semiconductor sector that is literally starting from scratch. In recent years, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association, 100% of the worlds most state-of-the-art semiconductors have been produced overseas. The US role in semiconductor manufacturing overall has also fallen from nearly 40% in 1990 to 12% in recent years. 'Building Chips in America Act' These leading semiconductor companies are currently queued up for billions in government money to kick-start new advanced chip-manufacturing projects in the US, part of last years landmark CHIPS and Science Act that set aside over $50 billion for direct grants to the industry. But if history is any guide, these projects could face complex permitting and legal challenges after the funding is secured. That's where Kelly hopes his bill can help. He is leading a push this week for the Building Chips in America Act, with an aim to streamline the environmental review process for microchip projects by putting them under the purview of the Department of Commerce. His goal is for faster reviews and more limited legal challenges without sacrificing environmental protections. Story continues The bill is being cosponsored by a bipartisan array of senators, including Todd Young (R-IN), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), along with five members of the House of Representatives. Chip companies also appear eager for these changes. Al Thompson, Intels head of US government affairs, told Yahoo Finance in a statement that the bill is important legislation. "The Building Chips in America Act will ensure these projects remain on track and on time by streamlining the review process" as the billions being invested by Intel and other companies begin to take hold, he said. Intel is currently in the process of investing over $43.5 billion in US facilities, including a giant semiconductor hub outside Columbus, Ohio. President Joe Biden walks with Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger as they attends the groundbreaking of the new Intel semiconductor manufacturing facility in New Albany, Ohio, in 2022. (REUTERS/Joshua Roberts) TSMC's challenges in Arizona One concrete example of the ongoing challenges facing the industry is playing out in Kelly's home state. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has been building a flagship fabrication plant in Arizona since 2021. While the company appears to have largely cleared the environmental review hurdles for now, it announced this week a delay in the launch of full-scale production in Arizona to 2025 from 2024. The reason: a worker shortage. Mark Liu, the companys chairman, said in a conference call Thursday morning that the company faces the shortage as the project enters "a critical phase of handling and installing the most advanced and dedicated equipment." The company also discussed plans to import workers from Taiwan to close the gap and offer training "for a short period of time." TSMC also cut its outlook for annual revenue this week largely due to a slowdown in consumer demand. It was a clear warning for the chip industry of potentially choppy waters in the year ahead. Senator Kelly speaks with Apple CEO Tim Cook during a ceremony for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's semiconductor fabrication plant in Phoenix. Apple plans use the chips built at the plant once production begins. (REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst) Kelly underlined the temporary nature of these foreign workers during this week's conversation, saying he remains confident that the workforce in Arizona will be able to handle the fabrication plant once it is up and running. He argues that existing provisions in the 2022 CHIPS law, which set aside billions for workforce training largely at universities and community colleges, will bear fruit but acknowledges its an ongoing challenge. "It's a heavy lift for the community colleges, but they've been doing well so far," he said. Can Kelly get his bill through Congress? Kelly will have to navigate complicated politics currently playing out on Capitol Hill around China, the US military, and social issues if he hopes to get the permitting reform efforts done. Kelly and his allies are currently attempting to get the bill attached to the annual National Defense Authorization Act. Its a bill Congress must finish before the end of the fiscal year in September, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer saying he hopes to pass the Senates version before Congress leaves for its August recess in the coming days. "We just had to put out some fires down there on the floor of the Senate here like 10 minutes ago," Kelly said during Thursdays interview of his ongoing efforts, expressing optimism that a bill with his permitting reform ideas can get done. But this years version of the usually drama-free military appropriations bill has been caught up in an unusual level of partisan fighting. Republicans in the House injected controversial social issues like abortion into the conversation and the Senate debate has been marked by a worry that some senators could be looking to hold up the entire process over amendments around things like credit card fees. The bottom line for Kelly and his efforts is that if the various standoffs continue, Schumer could seek to rush the bill through the Senate without considering a second wave of amendments, including Kelly's bill and other measures aimed at taking on China. Kelly says getting his bill attached to the NDAA would be "the ideal situation." If not, he promises to pursue it as a standalone bill. Ben Werschkul is a Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance. Click here for politics news related to business and money Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Mobile phone users are being urged to check their contract before jetting off abroad as some networks charge almost 7 a day for certain countries. Last week, industry regulator Ofcom called for new powers to force networks to text customers about roaming fees. But the rules are not expected to be introduced until next year. As it stands, mobile phone companies are not obliged to warn customers of the extortionate fees they could rack up while on holiday. Life's a beach: As it stands, mobile phone companies are not obliged to warn customers of the extortionate fees they could rack up while on holiday One in five people has no idea what they pay, according to the regulator. Costly roaming charges in the EU ended in June 2017, allowing tourists to use their mobile phones on holiday without extra costs. But UK customers are no longer entitled to this right since Brexit. Provider O2 is now the only network that does not levy roaming charges in Europe for any contract taken out recently. However, most networks have continued to provide free roaming in the EU, as well as Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and in some cases Switzerland, for those who stick with old contracts typically those taken out between July and October 2021. For more recent contracts, EE, Vodafone and Three have all reintroduced roaming charges demanding 2.29, 2.25 and 2 a day respectively. Outside Europe some providers levy an even higher roaming charge on top of the daily bill. Vodafone charges an extra 6.85 for every day in countries outside Europe and Three 5 per day while O2 demands 6 a day. Britons abroad have paid an estimated 539 million in unexpected roaming charges over the past year, according to price comparison website Uswitch. Ernest Doku, mobile expert at Uswitch, says: 'Given how confusing policies and plans can be, it is right Ofcom is taking the issue seriously. But customers should not have to wait so the regulator should act now.' To avoid a nasty surprise bill, Doku says it is important to read the small print of your contract to find charges for calls and data usage abroad. He suggests taking advantage of free wi-fi spots in hotels and cafes as long as they are secure to reduce mobile data usage. If you're happy to rely on these, ensure the data roaming option in the settings is switched off to avoid unexpected charges. And while you may pay to receive calls, you never pay to receive text messages, so encourage friends to send these. Or simply put your phone in flight mode if you are not using it. Cristina Luna-Esteban, of Ofcom, says: 'Millions of holidaymakers heading abroad want to stay connected. 'But without clear information from their provider they face unexpected bills for calling home or going online. 'Alerts would mean they would not be left in the dark on charges.' Every year, about four billion parcels are delivered around the UK. Turbocharged during the pandemic, the market continues to thrive, with businesses and individuals spending more than 10 billion annually to have goods sent direct to their door. Most packages are relatively small and simple food, frocks and fripperies. But many items are trickier to handle bulky stuff such as tyres or lengths of piping, heavy household wares including sofas and dishwashers, or items requiring extra security, such as jewellery, medicine or confidential papers. That is where DX Group comes into its own. The company was founded in the 1970s as a courier with an edge, delivering papers to lawyers and court houses before 9am each day and collecting documents after 5 in the afternoon. Perfect fit: DX specialises in shifting items that are tricky to deal with, such as furniture, or sensitive papers Business was brisk and the company grew at pace until email became part of commercial life and volumes started to dwindle. The firm tried to pick up the slack by moving into new areas, particularly the transport of unwieldy goods, but problems came thick and fast and, by 2017, DX was on the verge of collapse. New management were parachuted in, a turnaround ensued and, by 2020, DX was profitable and making progress. But the group soon hit another bump in the road, when rival Tufnells mounted a corporate espionage case against DX, alleging that staff had conspired to secure confidential information from their arch-rival. The case was finally settled in early June this year just a week before Tufnells went into administration. Details were never disclosed, but the amounts involved are understood to be minor, involving very few employees. Nonetheless, the case cast a long shadow over DX. Its accounts were delayed, shares were suspended for months and most members of the board, including the chairman and chief executive, left the business. Today however, prospects are robust and the shares, at 32p, should go far. New boss Paul Ibbetson is a plain-speaking Yorkshireman, who has spent more than 30 years in the delivery industry and has a history of turning round troubled businesses. Recruited to DX in 2017, he helped orchestrate the firm's recovery, was not involved in the espionage saga and, in January this year, was recruited to the top job. Early signs under his leadership are encouraging. The group's financial year ends on July 1 and a trading update last week showed good progress, with revenues expected to be up 10 per cent on the previous year at 470 million and a 40 per cent uplift in cash to 38 million. The spy story, grisly as it was, had little impact on the business itself, which has gained a reputation for efficiency and service, qualities that Ibbetson considers fundamental to future success. Crucially too, Ibbetson has moved swiftly to capitalise on Tufnell's unfortunate demise, picking up 15 sites from the business, which will now be incorporated into the DX estate. The move should accelerate growth across the firm. Delivering unwieldy parcels is a specialised field. Tufnells had a substantial share of the market and DX is picking up the slack, with demand for its services soaring some 25 per cent in recent weeks. Brokers expect a 31 per cent increase in profits to 26.5 million for the year just ended, with further strong growth coming through in 2024 and beyond. After a multi-year hiatus, DX has also reintroduced dividends, with 1.5p pencilled in for 2023, rising to 1.7p next year and 2p for 2025. DX retains its specialised courier business too and a flourishing logistics business, helping a host of retailers, including Ikea to deliver products. Traded on: AIM Ticker: DX Contact: dxdelivery.com or 0333 241 1624 Midas verdict: DX was once synonymous with legal deliveries, so much so that lawyers still talk about 'DXing' their papers. The firm has had a volatile few years, but the outlook is upbeat. Ibbetson knows what he is doing, Tufnells' collapse has fuelled demand for DX deliveries and, at 32p, the shares are undervalued, while the dividend adds further spice. Buy. Raising the stakes: French billionaire Patrick Drahi Patrick Drahi is considering raising his stake in BT for a fourth time, according to City sources. The French billionaire already owns 24.5 per cent of the group through his French telecoms company Altice. He is understood to be eyeing raising it to as much as 29.9 per cent the highest level before a shareholder must make a formal offer to buy the company. This happens when an investor's holding reaches 30 per cent. Drahi, 59, has repeatedly said he does not wish to attempt to take over BT, which is worth 12.6 billion. That is still the case, a source said. But taking his stake above 25 per cent would trigger another investigation by the Government about whether his investment poses any threats to Britain's security under a law called the National Security & Investment Act. A review under the same law last year gave him the green light. It comes weeks after BT's chief executive, Philip Jansen, said he would step down from FTSE 100-listed BT within the next year. The Mail on Sunday revealed days earlier that Jansen was 'desperate' to leave the group, which he has led since early 2019 and navigated through the pandemic. The 56-year-old recently set out his long-term vision for the firm which employs 130,000 staff outlining plans to cut up to 55,000 jobs by 2030, with many to be taken over by artificial intelligence. His strategy also includes ploughing 15 billion into rolling out next-generation 5G mobile and full-fibre broadband across the UK. Chairman Adam Crozier is expected to deliver an update on the hunt for Jansen's successor later in the summer. Drahi, who also owns auction house Sotheby's, initially bought a 12 per cent stake in BT in 2021. He raised this to 18 per cent a few months later. Then, in May 2023, he hiked it to 24.5 per cent despite making a loss on his holding after BT's share price dropped. It could be a tricky time for Casablanca-born Drahi to increase his stake in BT as Altice's Portuguese division has been rocked by an investigation into alleged corruption, which has led it to suspend several managers. Altice and BT whose shares dropped two per cent on Friday declined to comment. The amount of UK national debt held by overseas investors has doubled in the past two decades and is on track to become the highest of any advanced economy, according to the independent budget watchdog. More than a quarter of the UK's total 2.3 trillion debt pile is foreign-owned, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility. It means the Government will rely on what former Bank of England governor Mark Carney called 'the kindness of strangers' to fund public borrowing, experts warned. Counting the cost: More than a quarter of the UK's total 2.3 trillion debt pile is foreign-owned, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility Only France of the major G7 countries has a higher amount of debt owned by foreign investors. The rest of the UK's debt is held by domestic pension funds, insurers and the Bank of England under its controversial bond buying programme called 'quantitative easing'. 'In theory it's good news that overseas investors are still prepared to buy,' said Doug McWilliams of the Centre for Economic and Business Research adding, however, that 'in the longer term it makes the economy more vulnerable if outside investors don't like what they see.' Brewdog's boss has claimed train strikes 'are killing UK businesses' and have cost his company 3.5 million. James Watt said sales at the craft beer brewer's bars were down by half on strike days and that the Treasury had lost out on 1 million through National Insurance, VAT and beer duty and that was only from Brewdog. In a lengthy tirade on LinkedIn, founder and chief executive Watt urged the Government to 'step in and sort this mess out'. Hit hard: James Watt said sales at the craft beer brewer's bars were down by half on strike days He even offered to host a meeting of ministers and unions over beer and sandwiches at a Brewdog pub to thrash out a deal. Hopes of an end to the long-running dispute over pay and conditions rose last week when a planned stoppage on the London Underground was called off. But unions have not ruled out further strikes and action is still planned on the train network. 'Everyone, including the Government is losing out massively,' Watt wrote. 'The strikes are threatening the viability and the future of hundreds of thousands businesses, and jobs all over the UK. 'All of this comes at a time when pubs, bars and restaurants are closing at the fastest rates since records began.' Watt has faced accusations of presiding over a 'culture of fear' in an open letter signed by staff, to allegedly promoting a toxic work environment. In a recent interview he accepted mistakes had been made but insisted some allegations against him and his company have been blown out of proportion. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered shares of China Yongda Automobiles Services (OTCMKTS:CYYHF Free Report) from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a report issued on Thursday, FlyOnTheWall reports. China Yongda Automobiles Services Price Performance CYYHF opened at $0.50 on Thursday. China Yongda Automobiles Services has a 12-month low of $0.45 and a 12-month high of $1.05. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $0.53 and a two-hundred day moving average of $0.68. Get China Yongda Automobiles Services alerts: China Yongda Automobiles Services Company Profile (Get Free Report) Featured Articles China Yongda Automobiles Services Holdings Limited, an investment holding company, operates as a passenger vehicle retailer and service provider in the People's Republic of China. It operates through Passenger Vehicle Sales and Services and Automobile Operating Lease Services segments. The company focuses on luxury and ultra-luxury brands. Receive News & Ratings for China Yongda Automobiles Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Yongda Automobiles Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Core & Main, Inc. (NYSE:CNM Get Free Report) has received a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the nine brokerages that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and six have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $34.30. A number of analysts recently issued reports on CNM shares. Robert W. Baird lifted their price objective on Core & Main from $33.00 to $34.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 7th. Loop Capital boosted their price target on Core & Main from $28.00 to $33.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 7th. Truist Financial boosted their price target on Core & Main from $24.00 to $29.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price target on Core & Main from $42.00 to $44.00 in a research report on Monday, June 12th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on Core & Main from $25.00 to $27.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 4th. Get Core & Main alerts: Core & Main Price Performance CNM opened at $30.79 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $7.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.46 and a beta of 0.93. Core & Main has a 1 year low of $18.75 and a 1 year high of $32.23. The company has a current ratio of 2.71, a quick ratio of 1.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $29.04 and a 200 day moving average price of $25.14. Insider Transactions at Core & Main Core & Main ( NYSE:CNM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, June 6th. The company reported $0.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.47 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $1.57 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.60 billion. Core & Main had a return on equity of 18.42% and a net margin of 5.52%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 1.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.74 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Core & Main will post 1.99 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other news, VP Jeffrey D. Giles sold 18,827 shares of Core & Main stock in a transaction dated Monday, April 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.01, for a total value of $489,690.27. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 8,217 shares in the company, valued at $213,724.17. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, President John R. Schaller sold 25,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $31.96, for a total transaction of $799,000.00. Following the transaction, the president now directly owns 15,903 shares in the company, valued at $508,259.88. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, VP Jeffrey D. Giles sold 18,827 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, April 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $26.01, for a total value of $489,690.27. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 8,217 shares in the company, valued at $213,724.17. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 17,497,420 shares of company stock worth $493,420,553. Company insiders own 3.49% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Core & Main Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of CNM. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank boosted its holdings in shares of Core & Main by 203.4% in the 4th quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 29,942 shares of the companys stock worth $578,000 after acquiring an additional 20,074 shares in the last quarter. Pinebridge Investments L.P. boosted its holdings in shares of Core & Main by 254.1% in the 4th quarter. Pinebridge Investments L.P. now owns 60,057 shares of the companys stock worth $1,160,000 after acquiring an additional 43,097 shares in the last quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. boosted its holdings in shares of Core & Main by 80.2% in the 4th quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 234,426 shares of the companys stock worth $4,526,000 after acquiring an additional 104,362 shares in the last quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Core & Main by 23.2% in the 4th quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 3,995,204 shares of the companys stock worth $77,147,000 after acquiring an additional 752,385 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Pendal Group Ltd boosted its holdings in shares of Core & Main by 53.1% in the 4th quarter. Pendal Group Ltd now owns 179,378 shares of the companys stock worth $3,464,000 after acquiring an additional 62,223 shares in the last quarter. 97.37% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Core & Main (Get Free Report Core & Main, Inc distributes water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection products and related services to municipalities, private water companies, and professional contractors in the municipal, non-residential, and residential end markets in the United States. Its products portfolio include pipes, valves, hydrants, fittings, and other products and services; storm drainage products, such as corrugated piping systems, retention basins, inline drains, manholes, grates, geosynthetics, erosion control, and other related products; fire protection products, including fire protection pipes, and sprinkler heads and devices, as well as fabrication services; and meter products, such as smart meter products, meter accessories, installation, software, and other services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Core & Main Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Core & Main and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sampo Oyj (OTCMKTS:SAXPY Get Free Report) and Baloise (OTCMKTS:BLHEY Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, risk, analyst recommendations, profitability, institutional ownership, earnings and valuation. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Sampo Oyj and Baloises revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Sampo Oyj alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Sampo Oyj $8.66 billion 2.60 $1.50 billion $1.23 17.89 Baloise N/A N/A N/A $1.14 13.53 Sampo Oyj has higher revenue and earnings than Baloise. Baloise is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Sampo Oyj, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Dividends Profitability Sampo Oyj pays an annual dividend of $0.85 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.9%. Baloise pays an annual dividend of $0.28 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.8%. Sampo Oyj pays out 69.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Baloise pays out 24.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. This table compares Sampo Oyj and Baloises net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Sampo Oyj N/A 13.14% 2.70% Baloise N/A N/A N/A Insider & Institutional Ownership 0.0% of Sampo Oyj shares are owned by institutional investors. 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. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for Sampo Oyj and Baloise, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Sampo Oyj 1 2 2 0 2.20 Baloise 0 0 1 0 3.00 Sampo Oyj currently has a consensus price target of $48.50, indicating a potential upside of 120.45%. Baloise has a consensus price target of $155.00, indicating a potential upside of 909.11%. Given Baloises stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Baloise is more favorable than Sampo Oyj. Summary Sampo Oyj beats Baloise on 8 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks. About Sampo Oyj (Get Free Report) Sampo Oyj, through its subsidiaries, provides life and non-life insurance products and services in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and the Baltic countries. It operates through If, Topdanmark, Hastings, Mandatum, and Holding segments. The company offers household, homeowner, motor, accident, travel, boat, forest, livestock, property, casualty, liability, car, van, bike, and cargo insurance. It also provides life, individual and group pension, home and content, illness, animal, electronics, change of ownership, workers' compensation, rewards, marine, aviation, and transport insurance, as well as wealth management and asset management services. The company was founded in 1909 and is based in Helsinki, Finland. About Baloise (Get Free Report) Baloise Holding AG, together with its subsidiaries, primarily engages in the insurance and banking businesses in Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg. It operates through Non-Life, Life, Asset Management & Banking, and Other Activities segments. The company offers various non-life insurance products, including accident, health, general liability, motor, fire and other property, marine, credit protection, and legal expenses insurance. It also provides life insurance products, which include endowment policies, such as conventional and unit-linked life insurance; group life insurance products; term insurance; immediate and deferred annuities; and policy riders, including premium waiver, accidental death, and disability. In addition, the company engages in the banking activities in Switzerland; and offers asset management services. Further, it has interests in equity investment companies, real-estate firms, and financing companies. The company sells its products and services to individuals, small and medium sized enterprises, and industrial clients. Baloise Holding AG was founded in 1863 and is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.Baloise Holding AG operates as a subsidiary of Baloise Group Receive News & Ratings for Sampo Oyj Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sampo Oyj and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank Polska Kasa Opieki (OTC:BKPKF Get Free Report) is one of 362 publicly-traded companies in the BanksRegional industry, but how does it compare to its competitors? We will compare Bank Polska Kasa Opieki to similar businesses based on the strength of its valuation, analyst recommendations, dividends, institutional ownership, risk, earnings and profitability. Dividends Bank Polska Kasa Opieki pays an annual dividend of C$6.80 per share and has a dividend yield of 23.6%. Bank Polska Kasa Opieki pays out 63.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, BanksRegional companies pay a dividend yield of 12.6% and pay out 18.9% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Get Bank Polska Kasa Opieki alerts: Earnings and Valuation This table compares Bank Polska Kasa Opieki and its competitors gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Bank Polska Kasa Opieki N/A N/A 2.70 Bank Polska Kasa Opieki Competitors $314.70 billion $624.16 million 165.42 Insider and Institutional Ownership Bank Polska Kasa Opiekis competitors have higher revenue and earnings than Bank Polska Kasa Opieki. Bank Polska Kasa Opieki 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. 34.2% of shares of all BanksRegional companies are held by institutional investors. 13.1% of shares of all BanksRegional companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current recommendations and price targets for Bank Polska Kasa Opieki and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Bank Polska Kasa Opieki 0 0 2 0 3.00 Bank Polska Kasa Opieki Competitors 1376 5036 4822 67 2.32 As a group, BanksRegional companies have a potential upside of 272.20%. Given Bank Polska Kasa Opiekis competitors higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Bank Polska Kasa Opieki has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors. Profitability This table compares Bank Polska Kasa Opieki and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Bank Polska Kasa Opieki N/A N/A N/A Bank Polska Kasa Opieki Competitors 26.83% 11.61% 0.99% Summary Bank Polska Kasa Opieki competitors beat Bank Polska Kasa Opieki on 10 of the 13 factors compared. About Bank Polska Kasa Opieki (Get Free Report) Bank Polska Kasa Opieki S.A., a commercial bank, provides a range of banking products and services to retail and corporate clients in Poland and internationally. It operates through Retail Banking, Private Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, Enterprise banking, and Assets and Liabilities Management and Other segments. The company accepts current accounts, saving accounts, and term deposits. Its loan products include mortgage, operating, investment, cash, and consumer loans; loans for corporates, and small and medium enterprises; and commercial real estate financing. The company also provides insurance, asset management, pension funds, brokerage, transactional advisory, leasing, factoring, business consulting, transferable agent, call-center, real estate development, and online banking services. Bank Polska Kasa Opieki S.A. was incorporated in 1929 and is headquartered in Warsaw, Poland. Receive News & Ratings for Bank Polska Kasa Opieki Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank Polska Kasa Opieki and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (NYSE:CFR Get Free Report) saw a large drop in short interest during the month of June. As of June 30th, there was short interest totalling 2,100,000 shares, a drop of 10.3% from the June 15th total of 2,340,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 574,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 3.7 days. Currently, 3.5% of the shares of the company are sold short. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms recently weighed in on CFR. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers from $121.00 to $116.00 in a research note on Friday, July 7th. Truist Financial cut their price target on shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers from $114.00 to $113.00 in a report on Thursday, June 29th. StockNews.com raised shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, July 15th. Wedbush raised their price target on shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers from $110.00 to $120.00 in a report on Friday, April 28th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers from $130.00 to $135.00 in a report on Thursday, June 29th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Cullen/Frost Bankers currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $135.91. Get Cullen/Frost Bankers alerts: Insider Transactions at Cullen/Frost Bankers In related news, EVP Bobby Berman purchased 1,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 4th. The stock was bought at an average price of $95.25 per share, for a total transaction of $142,875.00. Following the purchase, the executive vice president now directly owns 26,662 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,539,555.50. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other Cullen/Frost Bankers news, Director Chris Avery acquired 5,000 shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $95.75 per share, for a total transaction of $478,750.00. Following the purchase, the director now owns 10,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $957,500. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Bobby Berman acquired 1,500 shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 4th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $95.25 per share, with a total value of $142,875.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the executive vice president now directly owns 26,662 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,539,555.50. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders purchased a total of 8,500 shares of company stock worth $818,945 in the last quarter. Insiders own 2.89% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Cullen/Frost Bankers Cullen/Frost Bankers Stock Performance Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in CFR. Creative Planning increased its position in shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers by 49.8% in the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 7,892 shares of the banks stock valued at $849,000 after acquiring an additional 2,624 shares during the period. Tower Bridge Advisors increased its position in shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers by 13.4% in the second quarter. Tower Bridge Advisors now owns 45,965 shares of the banks stock valued at $4,943,000 after acquiring an additional 5,425 shares during the period. Riverwater Partners LLC increased its position in shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers by 5.1% in the second quarter. Riverwater Partners LLC now owns 11,695 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,258,000 after acquiring an additional 570 shares during the period. Diversified Trust Co increased its position in shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers by 36.1% in the second quarter. Diversified Trust Co now owns 5,516 shares of the banks stock valued at $593,000 after acquiring an additional 1,462 shares during the period. Finally, Louisiana State Employees Retirement System increased its position in shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers by 9.9% in the second quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 18,800 shares of the banks stock valued at $2,022,000 after acquiring an additional 1,700 shares during the period. 80.49% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. NYSE CFR opened at $114.40 on Friday. Cullen/Frost Bankers has a 52-week low of $92.55 and a 52-week high of $160.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a current ratio of 0.58. The company has a market capitalization of $7.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.43, a P/E/G ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a fifty day moving average of $107.45 and a 200-day moving average of $114.09. Cullen/Frost Bankers (NYSE:CFR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The bank reported $2.70 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.55 by $0.15. The business had revenue of $505.09 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $503.93 million. Cullen/Frost Bankers had a net margin of 30.40% and a return on equity of 21.59%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 44.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.51 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Cullen/Frost Bankers will post 9.64 EPS for the current fiscal year. Cullen/Frost Bankers Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, May 31st were paid a $0.87 dividend. This represents a $3.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.04%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, May 30th. Cullen/Frost Bankerss dividend payout ratio is presently 34.77%. Cullen/Frost Bankers Company Profile (Get Free Report) Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Frost Bank that provides commercial and consumer banking services in Texas. It operates in two segments, Banking and Frost Wealth Advisors. The company offers commercial banking services to corporations and other business clients, including financing for industrial and commercial properties, interim construction related to industrial and commercial properties, equipment, inventories and accounts receivables, and acquisitions; and treasury management services, as well as originates commercial leasing services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Cullen/Frost Bankers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cullen/Frost Bankers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. One of the best investments we can make is in our own knowledge and skill set. With that in mind, this article will work through how we can use Return On Equity (ROE) to better understand a business. We'll use ROE to examine General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS), by way of a worked example. Return on equity or ROE is an important factor to be considered by a shareholder because it tells them how effectively their capital is being reinvested. In simpler terms, it measures the profitability of a company in relation to shareholder's equity. Check out our latest analysis for General Mills How Do You Calculate Return On Equity? ROE can be calculated by using the formula: Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations) Shareholders' Equity So, based on the above formula, the ROE for General Mills is: 24% = US$2.6b US$11b (Based on the trailing twelve months to May 2023). The 'return' is the profit over the last twelve months. So, this means that for every $1 of its shareholder's investments, the company generates a profit of $0.24. Does General Mills Have A Good Return On Equity? By comparing a company's ROE with its industry average, we can get a quick measure of how good it is. The limitation of this approach is that some companies are quite different from others, even within the same industry classification. As is clear from the image below, General Mills has a better ROE than the average (14%) in the Food industry. roe That's clearly a positive. Bear in mind, a high ROE doesn't always mean superior financial performance. Especially when a firm uses high levels of debt to finance its debt which may boost its ROE but the high leverage puts the company at risk. Our risks dashboardshould have the 2 risks we have identified for General Mills. The Importance Of Debt To Return On Equity Companies usually need to invest money to grow their profits. That cash can come from retained earnings, issuing new shares (equity), or debt. In the first and second cases, the ROE will reflect this use of cash for investment in the business. In the latter case, the use of debt will improve the returns, but will not change the equity. In this manner the use of debt will boost ROE, even though the core economics of the business stay the same. Story continues Combining General Mills' Debt And Its 24% Return On Equity General Mills clearly uses a high amount of debt to boost returns, as it has a debt to equity ratio of 1.09. There's no doubt the ROE is impressive, but it's worth keeping in mind that the metric could have been lower if the company were to reduce its debt. Debt does bring extra risk, so it's only really worthwhile when a company generates some decent returns from it. Summary Return on equity is useful for comparing the quality of different businesses. In our books, the highest quality companies have high return on equity, despite low debt. All else being equal, a higher ROE is better. Having said that, while ROE is a useful indicator of business quality, you'll have to look at a whole range of factors to determine the right price to buy a stock. Profit growth rates, versus the expectations reflected in the price of the stock, are a particularly important to consider. So you might want to take a peek at this data-rich interactive graph of forecasts for the company. If you would prefer check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt. 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 SG Americas Securities LLC boosted its holdings in shares of AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO Free Report) by 378.6% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 737 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 583 shares during the period. SG Americas Securities LLCs holdings in AutoZone were worth $1,812,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in AZO. AdvisorNet Financial Inc grew its holdings in AutoZone by 83.3% during the 4th quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 11 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 5 shares in the last quarter. RFP Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of AutoZone in the 4th quarter valued at about $27,000. MCF Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of AutoZone by 600.0% in the 1st quarter. MCF Advisors LLC now owns 14 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 12 shares in the last quarter. MUFG Americas Holdings Corp boosted its holdings in shares of AutoZone by 166.7% in the 3rd quarter. MUFG Americas Holdings Corp now owns 16 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 10 shares in the last quarter. Finally, U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of AutoZone in the 4th quarter valued at about $39,000. 98.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get AutoZone alerts: Insider Activity at AutoZone In related news, SVP K. Michelle Borninkhof purchased 217 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 12th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $2,406.36 per share, with a total value of $522,180.12. Following the purchase, the senior vice president now owns 501 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,205,586.36. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other AutoZone news, VP Charles Pleas III sold 4,200 shares of AutoZone stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,546.55, for a total transaction of $10,695,510.00. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 3,425 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,721,933.75. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, SVP K. Michelle Borninkhof bought 217 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, June 12th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $2,406.36 per share, for a total transaction of $522,180.12. Following the purchase, the senior vice president now owns 501 shares in the company, valued at $1,205,586.36. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 8,535 shares of company stock valued at $21,414,854. 2.59% of the stock is owned by company insiders. AutoZone Price Performance NYSE:AZO opened at $2,457.93 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $44.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 0.68. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $2,479.85 and a 200-day moving average price of $2,496.73. AutoZone, Inc. has a 1-year low of $2,050.21 and a 1-year high of $2,750.00. AutoZone (NYSE:AZO Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, May 23rd. The company reported $34.12 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $30.84 by $3.28. The firm had revenue of $4.09 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.12 billion. AutoZone had a net margin of 14.45% and a negative return on equity of 62.38%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 11.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $29.03 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that AutoZone, Inc. will post 130.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms have recently weighed in on AZO. DA Davidson lowered their price target on shares of AutoZone from $2,425.00 to $2,340.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 24th. Bank of America upgraded shares of AutoZone from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and raised their price target for the company from $2,120.00 to $2,465.00 in a report on Thursday, June 1st. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their target price on shares of AutoZone from $2,899.00 to $2,840.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 23rd. UBS Group upgraded shares of AutoZone from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $2,800.00 to $2,900.00 in a research note on Friday, June 16th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of AutoZone from $2,750.00 to $2,975.00 in a research note on Friday, May 12th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, AutoZone currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $2,716.00. AutoZone Company Profile (Free Report) AutoZone, Inc retails and distributes automotive replacement parts and accessories. The company offers various products for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. Its products include A/C compressors, batteries and accessories, bearings, belts and hoses, calipers, chassis, clutches, CV axles, engines, fuel pumps, fuses, ignition and lighting products, mufflers, radiators, starters and alternators, thermostats, and water pumps, as well as tire repairs. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AZO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for AutoZone Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AutoZone and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Commerzbank AG (ETR:CBK Get Free Report) passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of 10.11 ($11.36) and traded as high as 11.26 ($12.65). Commerzbank shares last traded at 11.21 ($12.60), with a volume of 6,623,958 shares traded. Commerzbank Stock Down 0.4 % The company has a market cap of $13.95 billion, a PE ratio of 9.15, a P/E/G ratio of 0.16 and a beta of 1.31. The stock has a 50-day moving average of 10.11 and a 200-day moving average of 10.12. About Commerzbank (Get Free Report) Commerzbank AG provides banking and capital market products and services to private and small business customers, corporate groups, financial service providers, and institutional clients in Germany and internationally. It operates through two segments, Private and Small-Business Customers, and Corporate Clients. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Commerzbank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Commerzbank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC cut its stake in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (NYSE:BIP Free Report) (TSE:BIP.UN) by 51.0% in the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 10,460 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 10,875 shares during the period. Ameritas Advisory Services LLCs holdings in Brookfield Infrastructure Partners were worth $353,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in BIP. Clear Street Markets LLC purchased a new position in Brookfield Infrastructure Partners in the 4th quarter valued at about $38,000. Pacifica Partners Inc. lifted its position in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 305.4% in the first quarter. Pacifica Partners Inc. now owns 1,792 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $60,000 after acquiring an additional 1,350 shares in the last quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners in the first quarter valued at approximately $63,000. Power Corp of Canada acquired a new stake in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners in the first quarter worth approximately $73,000. Finally, Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new stake in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners during the first quarter worth approximately $81,000. 47.41% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Brookfield Infrastructure Partners alerts: Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Trading Down 0.0 % Shares of NYSE:BIP opened at $35.69 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $16.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 446.13 and a beta of 0.88. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. has a 12-month low of $30.03 and a 12-month high of $43.62. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $36.12 and a 200 day moving average price of $34.84. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Dividend Announcement Brookfield Infrastructure Partners ( NYSE:BIP Get Free Report ) (TSE:BIP.UN) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 3rd. The utilities provider reported ($0.07) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.72 by ($0.79). Brookfield Infrastructure Partners had a net margin of 1.67% and a return on equity of 1.00%. The company had revenue of $4.22 billion during the quarter. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. will post 3.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 30th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, May 31st were paid a dividend of $0.382 per share. This represents a $1.53 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.28%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, May 30th. Brookfield Infrastructure Partnerss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 1,912.50%. Analysts Set New Price Targets BIP has been the subject of a number of research reports. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners from $40.00 to $41.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, April 13th. National Bankshares boosted their target price on Brookfield Infrastructure Partners from $38.00 to $39.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, May 5th. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $47.00 price target on shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners in a report on Thursday, April 13th. Finally, StockNews.com lowered Brookfield Infrastructure Partners from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 12th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Brookfield Infrastructure Partners currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $42.60. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Company Profile (Free Report) Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. owns and operates utilities, transport, midstream, and data businesses in North and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company's Utilities segment operates approximately 60,000 kilometers (km) of operational electricity transmission and distribution lines; 2,900 km of electricity transmission lines; 4,200 km of natural gas pipelines; 7.8 million electricity and natural gas connections; and 540,000 long-term contracted sub-metering services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cwm LLC trimmed its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:EFAV Free Report) by 1.8% 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 18,965 shares of the companys stock after selling 345 shares during the quarter. Cwm LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF were worth $1,283,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Parallel Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF by 157.4% during the first quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 471 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 288 shares in the last quarter. Milestone Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF in the 4th quarter worth approximately $35,000. International Assets Investment Management LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF in the 4th quarter worth $37,000. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $41,000. Finally, CoreCap Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF during the 4th quarter worth $52,000. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF Stock Performance Shares of BATS:EFAV opened at $68.79 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.62 billion, a PE ratio of 16.01 and a beta of 0.60. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $68.05 and a 200 day moving average of $67.45. iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF has a 52-week low of $64.68 and a 52-week high of $76.51. About iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF The iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (EFAV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of developed-market equities, ex-US and Canada, selected and weighted to create a low volatility portfolio subject to constraints including sector exposure. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFAV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:EFAV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ieq Capital LLC grew its position in shares of AmerisourceBergen Co. (NYSE:ABC Free Report) by 2.7% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 6,694 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 173 shares during the quarter. Ieq Capital LLCs holdings in AmerisourceBergen were worth $1,072,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of ABC. United Bank boosted its holdings in AmerisourceBergen by 16.6% during the 1st quarter. United Bank now owns 3,632 shares of the companys stock worth $562,000 after acquiring an additional 518 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. raised its stake in shares of AmerisourceBergen by 29.9% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 5,193 shares of the companys stock worth $803,000 after purchasing an additional 1,194 shares during the period. Synovus Financial Corp raised its stake in shares of AmerisourceBergen by 123.4% during the 1st quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 6,301 shares of the companys stock worth $975,000 after purchasing an additional 3,480 shares during the period. Vontobel Holding Ltd. raised its stake in shares of AmerisourceBergen by 22.5% during the 1st quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 2,767 shares of the companys stock worth $430,000 after purchasing an additional 508 shares during the period. Finally, Blair William & Co. IL raised its stake in shares of AmerisourceBergen by 12.4% during the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 8,124 shares of the companys stock worth $1,257,000 after purchasing an additional 899 shares during the period. 92.64% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get AmerisourceBergen alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have recently commented on ABC. Citigroup began coverage on AmerisourceBergen in a research note on Friday, March 31st. They set a buy rating and a $185.00 target price on the stock. StockNews.com began coverage on AmerisourceBergen in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a strong-buy rating on the stock. 888 reiterated a maintains rating on shares of AmerisourceBergen in a research note on Friday, May 26th. TheStreet upgraded AmerisourceBergen from a c rating to a b+ rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 2nd. Finally, Bank of America boosted their price objective on AmerisourceBergen from $200.00 to $212.00 in a research note on Monday, July 17th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $186.31. AmerisourceBergen Stock Down 0.4 % Shares of NYSE ABC opened at $192.59 on Friday. AmerisourceBergen Co. has a 12 month low of $135.14 and a 12 month high of $194.79. The company has a current ratio of 0.89, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.13. The firm has a market capitalization of $38.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.75, a PEG ratio of 1.82 and a beta of 0.56. The business has a 50-day moving average of $182.24 and a 200-day moving average of $168.68. AmerisourceBergen (NYSE:ABC Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 2nd. The company reported $3.50 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.29 by $0.21. AmerisourceBergen had a return on equity of 809.53% and a net margin of 0.65%. The company had revenue of $63.46 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $60.40 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $3.22 earnings per share. AmerisourceBergens revenue was up 9.9% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts expect that AmerisourceBergen Co. will post 11.89 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. AmerisourceBergen Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, May 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 12th were issued a dividend of $0.485 per share. This represents a $1.94 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.01%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 11th. AmerisourceBergens payout ratio is 24.94%. Insider Transactions at AmerisourceBergen In other AmerisourceBergen news, CEO Steven H. Collis sold 10,499 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $169.52, for a total value of $1,779,790.48. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 257,967 shares of the companys stock, valued at $43,730,565.84. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other AmerisourceBergen news, major shareholder Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. sold 292,792 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $170.77, for a total value of $50,000,089.84. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 33,366,388 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,697,978,078.76. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Steven H. Collis sold 10,499 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $169.52, for a total value of $1,779,790.48. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 257,967 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $43,730,565.84. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 627,815 shares of company stock valued at $110,824,233. 20.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. AmerisourceBergen Profile (Free Report) AmerisourceBergen Corporation sources and distributes pharmaceutical products. Its U.S. Healthcare Solutions segment distributes brand-name and generic pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter healthcare products, home healthcare supplies and equipment, and related services to acute care hospitals and health systems, independent and chain retail pharmacies, mail order pharmacies, medical clinics, long-term care and alternate site pharmacies, and other customers. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for AmerisourceBergen Co. (NYSE:ABC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for AmerisourceBergen Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AmerisourceBergen and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ieq Capital LLC increased its holdings in VMware, Inc. (NYSE:VMW Free Report) by 24.3% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 6,891 shares of the virtualization software providers stock after buying an additional 1,345 shares during the quarter. Ieq Capital LLCs holdings in VMware were worth $860,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in VMware by 2.1% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 13,046,294 shares of the virtualization software providers stock worth $1,485,582,000 after buying an additional 273,093 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its holdings in VMware by 2.7% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 5,372,625 shares of the virtualization software providers stock worth $611,781,000 after buying an additional 143,362 shares in the last quarter. Deutsche Bank AG grew its position in VMware by 5.3% in the 4th quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 3,644,246 shares of the virtualization software providers stock worth $447,368,000 after purchasing an additional 183,169 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its position in VMware by 5.8% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 3,408,400 shares of the virtualization software providers stock worth $388,115,000 after purchasing an additional 186,229 shares during the period. Finally, Morgan Stanley grew its position in VMware by 57.7% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 2,655,951 shares of the virtualization software providers stock worth $326,045,000 after purchasing an additional 971,516 shares during the period. 46.00% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get VMware alerts: Insider Activity at VMware In related news, EVP Jean Pierre Brulard sold 3,600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $141.51, for a total value of $509,436.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 103,905 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,703,596.55. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 40.30% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. VMware Trading Down 2.1 % Shares of VMW stock opened at $160.38 on Friday. VMware, Inc. has a 1 year low of $103.55 and a 1 year high of $170.00. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $139.98 and a 200-day moving average price of $127.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.06, a current ratio of 0.82 and a quick ratio of 0.82. The company has a market cap of $69.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 52.93, a PEG ratio of 4.00 and a beta of 0.72. VMware (NYSE:VMW Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, June 1st. The virtualization software provider reported $1.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.55 by ($0.06). The company had revenue of $3.28 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.31 billion. VMware had a net margin of 9.57% and a return on equity of 162.41%. The companys revenue was up 6.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.71 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that VMware, Inc. will post 4.46 earnings per share for the current year. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have commented on the stock. Mizuho lifted their target price on shares of VMware from $135.00 to $138.00 in a research report on Friday, June 2nd. Piper Sandler boosted their price target on VMware from $125.00 to $134.00 in a research note on Friday, June 2nd. UBS Group boosted their price target on VMware from $151.00 to $161.00 in a research note on Friday, June 2nd. StockNews.com upgraded VMware from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Saturday, July 8th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets boosted their price target on VMware from $139.00 to $140.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 7th. About VMware (Free Report) VMware, Inc provides software solutions in the areas of modern applications, cloud management and infrastructure, networking, security, and digital workspaces in the United States and internationally. It offers VMware multi-cloud solutions, including VMware vSphere, a data center infrastructure that provides the fundamental compute layer; vSAN and VxRail, which offers holistic data storage and protection options to applications running on vSphere; and vRealize Cloud Management solutions that manages hybrid and multi-cloud environments running in virtual machines and containers, as well as VMware Cloud Foundation, a cloud platform that combines its vSphere, vSAN, and NSX with vRealize Cloud Management into an integrated stack and delivers enterprise-ready cloud infrastructure for private and public clouds. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VMW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for VMware, Inc. (NYSE:VMW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for VMware Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for VMware and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SageView Advisory Group LLC lowered its stake in shares of General Electric (NYSE:GE Free Report) by 22.2% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 5,035 shares of the conglomerates stock after selling 1,435 shares during the period. SageView Advisory Group LLCs holdings in General Electric were worth $481,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. TFO TDC LLC bought a new position in shares of General Electric during the 4th quarter valued at about $31,000. Global Wealth Management Investment Advisory Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of General Electric by 808.1% during the 1st quarter. Global Wealth Management Investment Advisory Inc. now owns 336 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 299 shares in the last quarter. Ridgewood Investments LLC bought a new position in shares of General Electric during the 1st quarter valued at about $34,000. Silicon Valley Capital Partners bought a new position in shares of General Electric during the 4th quarter valued at about $31,000. Finally, Financial Freedom LLC bought a new position in shares of General Electric during the 4th quarter valued at about $32,000. Institutional investors own 74.75% of the companys stock. Get General Electric alerts: General Electric Stock Down 0.8 % GE stock opened at $110.33 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.25, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. The firm has a market capitalization of $120.14 billion, a PE ratio of 14.38, a PEG ratio of 7.76 and a beta of 1.27. General Electric has a 1-year low of $48.06 and a 1-year high of $112.15. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $106.16 and its 200 day simple moving average is $94.66. General Electric Dividend Announcement General Electric ( NYSE:GE Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The conglomerate reported $0.27 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.13 by $0.14. The business had revenue of $14.49 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.46 billion. General Electric had a return on equity of 9.45% and a net margin of 11.85%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 14.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.24 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that General Electric will post 2.03 EPS for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 25th. Investors of record on Tuesday, July 11th will be paid a $0.08 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, July 10th. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.29%. General Electrics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 4.17%. Insider Activity at General Electric In related news, VP Thomas S. Timko sold 7,254 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, May 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $100.82, for a total value of $731,348.28. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 20,953 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,112,481.46. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, VP Thomas S. Timko sold 7,254 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, May 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $100.82, for a total transaction of $731,348.28. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 20,953 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,112,481.46. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Scott Strazik sold 173,873 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $99.56, for a total value of $17,310,795.88. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 56,049 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,580,238.44. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 239,419 shares of company stock worth $24,144,151 in the last ninety days. 0.67% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on GE shares. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on General Electric from $120.00 to $130.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 17th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their target price on General Electric from $97.00 to $103.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 12th. Barclays lifted their target price on General Electric from $115.00 to $125.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on General Electric from $100.00 to $102.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on General Electric from $90.00 to $110.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, March 31st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $109.63. About General Electric (Free Report) General Electric Company operates as a high-tech industrial company in Europe, China, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. It offers gas and steam turbines, full balance of plant, upgrade, and service solutions, as well as data-leveraging software for power generation, industrial, government, and other customers. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for General Electric (NYSE:GE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for General Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Retirement Systems of Alabama lessened its position in Kimco Realty Corp (NYSE:KIM Free Report) by 2.8% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 559,234 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 16,342 shares during the quarter. Retirement Systems of Alabama owned about 0.09% of Kimco Realty worth $10,922,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Desjardins Global Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Kimco Realty in the first quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. lifted its position in shares of Kimco Realty by 106.8% in the first quarter. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. now owns 6,507 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $122,000 after acquiring an additional 3,361 shares in the last quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System lifted its position in shares of Kimco Realty by 1.0% in the first quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System now owns 177,333 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,463,000 after acquiring an additional 1,700 shares in the last quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC lifted its position in shares of Kimco Realty by 23.1% in the first quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 15,115 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $295,000 after acquiring an additional 2,840 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jeppson Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Kimco Realty by 10.8% in the first quarter. Jeppson Wealth Management LLC now owns 26,338 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $514,000 after acquiring an additional 2,560 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.48% of the companys stock. Get Kimco Realty alerts: Kimco Realty Trading Up 0.2 % Shares of NYSE KIM opened at $20.92 on Friday. Kimco Realty Corp has a twelve month low of $17.34 and a twelve month high of $23.89. The company has a current ratio of 3.11, a quick ratio of 3.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $19.31 and a 200-day simple moving average of $19.78. The stock has a market capitalization of $12.97 billion, a PE ratio of 87.17, a PEG ratio of 2.40 and a beta of 1.44. Kimco Realty Dividend Announcement Analyst Ratings Changes The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 22nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 8th were paid a $0.23 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, June 7th. This represents a $0.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.40%. Kimco Realtys payout ratio is presently 383.35%. Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on KIM shares. Truist Financial decreased their target price on Kimco Realty from $24.00 to $22.00 in a research report on Monday, May 15th. Argus reduced their price objective on Kimco Realty from $27.00 to $22.00 in a research report on Monday, May 22nd. Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on Kimco Realty in a research report on Tuesday, May 23rd. They set an underweight rating and a $19.00 price objective on the stock. Barclays reduced their price objective on Kimco Realty from $26.00 to $24.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on Kimco Realty in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $22.57. Kimco Realty Profile (Free Report) Kimco Realty Corp. is a real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in New Hyde Park, N.Y., that is one of North Americas largest publicly traded owners and operators of open-air shopping centers. As of December 31, 2018, the company owned interests in 437 U.S. shopping centers comprising 76 million square feet of leasable space primarily concentrated in the top major metropolitan markets. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KIM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Kimco Realty Corp (NYSE:KIM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Kimco Realty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kimco Realty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Retirement Systems of Alabama trimmed its position in shares of PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE:PHM Free Report) by 3.4% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 177,680 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 6,305 shares during the period. Retirement Systems of Alabamas holdings in PulteGroup were worth $10,355,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Arete Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in PulteGroup during the first quarter valued at about $1,691,611,000,000. Desjardins Global Asset Management Inc. bought a new position in PulteGroup during the first quarter valued at about $52,000. Banque Pictet & Cie SA grew its stake in shares of PulteGroup by 151.6% in the 1st quarter. Banque Pictet & Cie SA now owns 66,785 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $3,892,000 after purchasing an additional 40,239 shares during the period. CWM LLC grew its stake in shares of PulteGroup by 210.0% in the 1st quarter. CWM LLC now owns 7,543 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $440,000 after purchasing an additional 5,110 shares during the period. Finally, Wealthfront Advisers LLC grew its stake in shares of PulteGroup by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. Wealthfront Advisers LLC now owns 70,674 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $4,119,000 after purchasing an additional 500 shares during the period. 90.24% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get PulteGroup alerts: PulteGroup Stock Up 0.7 % NYSE:PHM opened at $78.09 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $73.65 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $62.85. PulteGroup, Inc. has a 52-week low of $35.99 and a 52-week high of $82.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a current ratio of 0.70. The company has a market cap of $17.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.72, a P/E/G ratio of 0.52 and a beta of 1.36. PulteGroup ( NYSE:PHM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 25th. The construction company reported $2.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.78 by $0.57. The firm had revenue of $3.58 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.27 billion. PulteGroup had a return on equity of 31.03% and a net margin of 16.22%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 12.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.83 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that PulteGroup, Inc. will post 9.35 EPS for the current year. PulteGroup announced that its board has approved a share buyback plan on Tuesday, April 25th that permits the company to repurchase $1.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the construction company to buy up to 6.9% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are generally an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. PulteGroup Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, July 5th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, June 20th were paid a $0.16 dividend. This represents a $0.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.82%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, June 16th. PulteGroups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 5.51%. Insider Activity In other news, Director Brian P. Anderson sold 15,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, April 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.95, for a total value of $1,004,250.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 55,886 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,741,567.70. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, Director Brian P. Anderson sold 15,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, April 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.95, for a total value of $1,004,250.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 55,886 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,741,567.70. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CFO Robert Oshaughnessy sold 115,102 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, April 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.90, for a total value of $7,700,323.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 177,564 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,879,031.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 228,102 shares of company stock valued at $15,101,034 in the last 90 days. 0.83% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have recently weighed in on PHM. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on PulteGroup from $54.00 to $68.00 in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. Seaport Res Ptn reiterated a buy rating on shares of PulteGroup in a research note on Wednesday, June 14th. VNET Group reiterated a maintains rating on shares of PulteGroup in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. Raymond James upgraded PulteGroup from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $93.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Friday, July 14th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft began coverage on PulteGroup in a research report on Wednesday, May 31st. They set a buy rating and a $95.00 price target on the stock. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $73.20. PulteGroup Company Profile (Free Report) PulteGroup, Inc, through its subsidiaries, primarily engages in the homebuilding business in the United States. It acquires and develops land primarily for residential purposes; and constructs housing on such land. The company also offers various home designs, including single-family detached, townhomes, condominiums, and duplexes under the Centex, Pulte Homes, Del Webb, DiVosta Homes, American West, and John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods brand names. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PHM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE:PHM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for PulteGroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PulteGroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ieq Capital LLC grew its position in shares of Hess Co. (NYSE:HES Free Report) by 9.4% in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 8,138 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after acquiring an additional 701 shares during the quarter. Ieq Capital LLCs holdings in Hess were worth $1,077,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Raymond James Trust N.A. purchased a new position in Hess in the first quarter worth about $446,000. Blair William & Co. IL increased its position in shares of Hess by 17.1% during the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 4,276 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $458,000 after purchasing an additional 625 shares during the last quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH raised its holdings in Hess by 3.7% during the 1st quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 114,120 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $12,216,000 after buying an additional 4,027 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers bought a new stake in Hess in the first quarter worth $410,000. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in Hess by 2.2% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 30,928,530 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $3,310,590,000 after buying an additional 667,979 shares during the period. 82.89% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Hess alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms recently commented on HES. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on shares of Hess from $158.00 to $154.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, July 18th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of Hess from $156.00 to $158.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 5th. UBS Group assumed coverage on Hess in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. They issued a buy rating and a $184.00 price target for the company. Raymond James increased their price objective on Hess from $170.00 to $172.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, April 21st. Finally, Susquehanna dropped their price objective on Hess from $185.00 to $183.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a research note on Friday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $167.47. Hess Stock Up 1.3 % Shares of NYSE HES opened at $142.20 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.65, a quick ratio of 1.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98. The stock has a market capitalization of $43.66 billion, a PE ratio of 20.37 and a beta of 1.57. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $134.26 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $137.98. Hess Co. has a 12-month low of $98.27 and a 12-month high of $160.52. Hess (NYSE:HES Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The oil and gas producer reported $1.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.03 by $0.10. Hess had a return on equity of 25.85% and a net margin of 18.47%. The business had revenue of $2.45 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.37 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.30 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 3.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts expect that Hess Co. will post 4.52 EPS for the current fiscal year. Hess Cuts Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 30th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 15th were issued a dividend of $0.4375 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $1.75 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.23%. Hesss dividend payout ratio is presently 25.07%. Insider Activity In other news, Director Corp Hess sold 6,382,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.12, for a total transaction of $166,710,900.00. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Company insiders own 9.91% of the companys stock. About Hess (Free Report) Hess Corporation, an exploration and production company, explores, develops, produces, purchases, transports, and sells crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and natural gas. The company operates in two segments, Exploration and Production, and Midstream. It conducts production operations primarily in the United States, Guyana, the Malaysia/Thailand Joint Development Area, and Malaysia; and exploration activities principally offshore Guyana, the U.S. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HES? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Hess Co. (NYSE:HES Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Hess Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hess and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 One simple way to benefit from the stock market is to buy an index fund. But if you choose individual stocks with prowess, you can make superior returns. For example, the Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) share price is up 46% in the last three years, clearly besting the market return of around 35% (not including dividends). On the other hand, the returns haven't been quite so good recently, with shareholders up just 4.4% , including dividends . Since the stock has added US$1.2b to its market cap in the past week alone, let's see if underlying performance has been driving long-term returns. See our latest analysis for Prudential Financial There is no denying that markets are sometimes efficient, but prices do not always reflect 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. Over the last three years, Prudential Financial failed to grow earnings per share, which fell 44% (annualized). This means it's unlikely the market is judging the company based on earnings growth. Given this situation, it makes sense to look at other metrics too. Interestingly, the dividend has increased over time; so that may have given the share price a boost. It could be that the company is reaching maturity and dividend investors are buying for the yield. The image below shows how earnings and revenue have tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail). Prudential Financial is a well known stock, with plenty of analyst coverage, suggesting some visibility into future growth. So we recommend checking out this free report showing consensus forecasts What About Dividends? When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. We note that for Prudential Financial the TSR over the last 3 years was 70%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. This is largely a result of its dividend payments! Story continues A Different Perspective Prudential Financial provided a TSR of 4.4% over the last twelve months. But that was short of the market average. On the bright side, that's still a gain, and it's actually better than the average return of 4% over half a decade It is possible that returns will improve along with the business fundamentals. 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 example, we've discovered 3 warning signs for Prudential Financial that you should be aware of before investing here. Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies we expect will grow earnings. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here Waldron Private Wealth LLC acquired a new position in shares of AmerisourceBergen Co. (NYSE:ABC Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 1,560 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $249,000. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in AmerisourceBergen by 7.4% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 18,411,527 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,848,446,000 after buying an additional 1,269,147 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp boosted its stake in AmerisourceBergen by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 6,931,262 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,072,336,000 after buying an additional 123,695 shares in the last quarter. Boston Partners boosted its stake in AmerisourceBergen by 3.2% in the 4th quarter. Boston Partners now owns 5,201,488 shares of the companys stock valued at $861,279,000 after buying an additional 159,849 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its stake in AmerisourceBergen by 2,004.6% in the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 4,171,292 shares of the companys stock valued at $691,225,000 after buying an additional 3,973,094 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in AmerisourceBergen by 5.5% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,256,549 shares of the companys stock valued at $538,664,000 after purchasing an additional 169,980 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.64% of the companys stock. Get AmerisourceBergen alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have recently weighed in on ABC. Barclays boosted their target price on AmerisourceBergen from $182.00 to $189.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price objective on AmerisourceBergen from $174.00 to $182.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Citigroup assumed coverage on AmerisourceBergen in a report on Friday, March 31st. They issued a buy rating and a $185.00 price objective for the company. Mizuho upped their price objective on AmerisourceBergen from $174.00 to $192.00 in a report on Tuesday, July 11th. Finally, Bank of America upped their price objective on AmerisourceBergen from $200.00 to $212.00 in a report on Monday, July 17th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $186.31. AmerisourceBergen Trading Down 0.4 % Shares of NYSE:ABC opened at $192.59 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $38.99 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.75, a P/E/G ratio of 1.81 and a beta of 0.56. AmerisourceBergen Co. has a 1 year low of $135.14 and a 1 year high of $194.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.13, a current ratio of 0.89 and a quick ratio of 0.51. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $182.24 and its 200 day simple moving average is $168.68. AmerisourceBergen (NYSE:ABC Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The company reported $3.50 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.29 by $0.21. The firm had revenue of $63.46 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $60.40 billion. AmerisourceBergen had a return on equity of 809.53% and a net margin of 0.65%. The companys revenue was up 9.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $3.22 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that AmerisourceBergen Co. will post 11.89 EPS for the current fiscal year. AmerisourceBergen Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, May 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 12th were issued a $0.485 dividend. This represents a $1.94 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.01%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 11th. AmerisourceBergens dividend payout ratio is presently 24.94%. Insider Buying and Selling at AmerisourceBergen In related news, CEO Steven H. Collis sold 10,499 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $169.52, for a total transaction of $1,779,790.48. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 257,967 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $43,730,565.84. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, major shareholder Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. sold 292,792 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $170.77, for a total transaction of $50,000,089.84. Following the sale, the insider now owns 33,366,388 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,697,978,078.76. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Steven H. Collis sold 10,499 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $169.52, for a total value of $1,779,790.48. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 257,967 shares in the company, valued at approximately $43,730,565.84. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 627,815 shares of company stock valued at $110,824,233. 20.10% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. AmerisourceBergen Profile (Free Report) AmerisourceBergen Corporation sources and distributes pharmaceutical products. Its U.S. Healthcare Solutions segment distributes brand-name and generic pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter healthcare products, home healthcare supplies and equipment, and related services to acute care hospitals and health systems, independent and chain retail pharmacies, mail order pharmacies, medical clinics, long-term care and alternate site pharmacies, and other customers. See Also Receive News & Ratings for AmerisourceBergen Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AmerisourceBergen and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lincoln National Corp boosted its holdings in BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK Free Report) by 8.7% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,614 shares of the asset managers stock after purchasing an additional 129 shares during the period. Lincoln National Corps holdings in BlackRock were worth $1,080,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of BLK. Y.D. More Investments Ltd purchased a new position in shares of BlackRock during the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. HBC Financial Services PLLC lifted its position in shares of BlackRock by 55.6% during the 4th quarter. HBC Financial Services PLLC now owns 42 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 15 shares during the last quarter. Steward Financial Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of BlackRock during the 4th quarter valued at $31,000. Sugarloaf Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of BlackRock by 168.1% during the 4th quarter. Sugarloaf Wealth Management LLC now owns 47 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 116 shares during the period. Finally, WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new stake in shares of BlackRock during the 4th quarter valued at $34,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.37% of the companys stock. Get BlackRock alerts: Insider Activity at BlackRock In related news, Director Mark Wiedman sold 2,079 shares of BlackRock stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $733.82, for a total value of $1,525,611.78. Following the sale, the director now owns 6,160 shares in the company, valued at $4,520,331.20. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 0.96% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets BlackRock Stock Up 0.0 % A number of analysts recently issued reports on the company. Bank of America decreased their price objective on BlackRock from $928.00 to $921.00 in a research note on Sunday, July 16th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their target price on shares of BlackRock from $780.00 to $785.00 in a research note on Monday, July 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on shares of BlackRock from $780.00 to $770.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, July 3rd. Credit Suisse Group raised their target price on shares of BlackRock from $662.00 to $673.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, April 17th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of BlackRock from $780.00 to $820.00 in a research note on Monday, July 17th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, BlackRock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $767.69. Shares of BlackRock stock opened at $751.21 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a quick ratio of 4.20 and a current ratio of 4.20. BlackRock, Inc. has a 52-week low of $503.12 and a 52-week high of $785.65. The stock has a market capitalization of $112.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.94, a P/E/G ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.27. The companys 50 day moving average price is $689.17 and its 200-day moving average price is $690.58. BlackRock (NYSE:BLK Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, July 14th. The asset manager reported $9.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $8.52 by $0.76. The firm had revenue of $4.46 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.47 billion. BlackRock had a net margin of 29.90% and a return on equity of 14.35%. The businesss revenue was down 1.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $7.36 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that BlackRock, Inc. will post 34.98 EPS for the current year. BlackRock Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 22nd. Investors of record on Friday, September 8th will be issued a $5.00 dividend. This represents a $20.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.66%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 7th. BlackRocks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 58.41%. BlackRock Profile (Free Report) BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BLK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SageView Advisory Group LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of The Bank of New York Mellon Co. (NYSE:BK Free Report) by 7.1% during the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 7,519 shares of the banks stock after selling 571 shares during the quarter. SageView Advisory Group LLCs holdings in Bank of New York Mellon were worth $342,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. MV Capital Management Inc. raised its stake in Bank of New York Mellon by 38.3% in the 4th quarter. MV Capital Management Inc. now owns 747 shares of the banks stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 207 shares during the period. Outlook Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in Bank of New York Mellon by 1.6% in the 1st quarter. Outlook Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 13,856 shares of the banks stock valued at $630,000 after acquiring an additional 224 shares during the period. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC raised its stake in Bank of New York Mellon by 2.0% in the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 12,274 shares of the banks stock valued at $558,000 after acquiring an additional 241 shares during the period. Clarius Group LLC increased its position in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 2.2% during the first quarter. Clarius Group LLC now owns 11,300 shares of the banks stock valued at $513,000 after buying an additional 242 shares during the period. Finally, Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. increased its position in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 1.7% during the first quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 14,451 shares of the banks stock valued at $717,000 after buying an additional 245 shares during the period. 81.19% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Bank of New York Mellon alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have recently weighed in on BK. Citigroup decreased their price target on Bank of New York Mellon from $58.00 to $55.00 in a research report on Wednesday. StockNews.com began coverage on Bank of New York Mellon in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Evercore ISI decreased their price target on Bank of New York Mellon from $49.00 to $46.00 in a research report on Friday, May 12th. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on Bank of New York Mellon from $46.00 to $47.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price target on Bank of New York Mellon from $43.00 to $44.00 in a research report on Wednesday. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Bank of New York Mellon presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $52.90. Insiders Place Their Bets Bank of New York Mellon Stock Down 1.4 % In other news, EVP J Kevin Mccarthy sold 35,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $46.33, for a total transaction of $1,621,550.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 98,102 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,545,065.66. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website . 0.10% of the stock is owned by insiders. Shares of NYSE BK opened at $45.00 on Friday. The Bank of New York Mellon Co. has a 12 month low of $36.22 and a 12 month high of $52.26. The company has a current ratio of 0.72, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.94. The firm has a market capitalization of $35.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.12, a PEG ratio of 1.17 and a beta of 1.09. The business has a 50-day moving average of $43.21 and a 200-day moving average of $45.60. Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE:BK Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, July 18th. The bank reported $1.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.22 by $0.16. The business had revenue of $4.45 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.37 billion. Bank of New York Mellon had a return on equity of 11.88% and a net margin of 10.95%. Bank of New York Mellons revenue for the quarter was up 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.15 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts expect that The Bank of New York Mellon Co. will post 4.81 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Bank of New York Mellon Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 28th will be paid a $0.42 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 27th. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.73%. This is a positive change from Bank of New York Mellons previous quarterly dividend of $0.37. Bank of New York Mellons dividend payout ratio is currently 43.15%. Bank of New York Mellon Profile (Free Report) The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation provides a range of financial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and other segments. The Securities Services segment offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, transfer agency, services for private equity and real estate funds, foreign exchange, securities lending, liquidity/lending services, and data analytics. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Bank of New York Mellon Co. (NYSE:BK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bank of New York Mellon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of New York Mellon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Crestone Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG Free Report) during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 1,491 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $222,000. Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Axiom Financial Strategies LLC increased its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 7.0% in the 1st quarter. Axiom Financial Strategies LLC now owns 1,728 shares of the companys stock valued at $276,000 after purchasing an additional 113 shares during the last quarter. AMI Investment Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 7.2% in the 1st quarter. AMI Investment Management Inc. now owns 3,461 shares of the companys stock valued at $529,000 after purchasing an additional 233 shares during the last quarter. LSV Asset Management increased its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 5.7% in the 1st quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 18,600 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,842,000 after purchasing an additional 1,000 shares during the last quarter. Ergoteles LLC bought a new position in shares of Procter & Gamble in the 1st quarter valued at $3,073,000. Finally, Wsfs Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 12.0% in the 1st quarter. Wsfs Capital Management LLC now owns 4,256 shares of the companys stock valued at $650,000 after purchasing an additional 455 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 64.65% of the companys stock. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes PG has been the topic of a number of research reports. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $160.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $160.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Raymond James boosted their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $170.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Sunday, April 23rd. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $171.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Finally, Truist Financial lowered Procter & Gamble from a buy rating to a hold rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $165.00 to $155.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $161.06. Procter & Gamble Stock Up 1.6 % Shares of PG opened at $152.93 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $360.45 billion, a PE ratio of 26.64, a PEG ratio of 3.93 and a beta of 0.42. The company has a current ratio of 0.59, a quick ratio of 0.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $148.83 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $147.20. The Procter & Gamble Company has a 12 month low of $122.18 and a 12 month high of $158.11. Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, April 21st. The company reported $1.37 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.32 by $0.05. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 32.18% and a net margin of 17.69%. The company had revenue of $20.07 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $19.32 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.33 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 3.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts anticipate that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 5.86 EPS for the current year. Procter & Gamble Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Investors of record on Friday, July 21st will be given a dividend of $0.9407 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 20th. This represents a $3.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.46%. Procter & Gambles payout ratio is 65.51%. Insider Activity at Procter & Gamble In related news, CEO Ma. Fatima Francisco sold 8,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, April 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $156.84, for a total transaction of $1,254,720.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 9,343 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,465,356.12. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Procter & Gamble news, CFO Andre Schulten sold 25,244 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, April 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $155.27, for a total value of $3,919,635.88. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 27,118 shares in the company, valued at $4,210,611.86. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Ma. Fatima Francisco sold 8,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, April 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $156.84, for a total value of $1,254,720.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 9,343 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,465,356.12. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 95,093 shares of company stock worth $14,821,930 in the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 0.26% of the companys stock. Procter & Gamble Company Profile (Free Report) The Procter & Gamble Company provides branded consumer packaged goods worldwide. It operates through five segments: Beauty; Grooming; Health Care; Fabric & Home Care; and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment offers conditioners, shampoos, styling aids, and treatments under the Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Pantene, and Rejoice brands; and antiperspirants and deodorants, personal cleansing, and skin care products under the Olay, Old Spice, Safeguard, Secret, and SK-II brands. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Waldron Private Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 5,173 shares of the natural resource companys stock, valued at approximately $211,000. Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Fisher Asset Management LLC grew its position in Freeport-McMoRan by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 53,946,760 shares of the natural resource companys stock valued at $2,206,962,000 after acquiring an additional 626,000 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley grew its position in Freeport-McMoRan by 4.8% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 16,533,638 shares of the natural resource companys stock valued at $628,278,000 after acquiring an additional 753,458 shares during the last quarter. Putnam Investments LLC grew its position in Freeport-McMoRan by 7.1% in the 4th quarter. Putnam Investments LLC now owns 14,245,904 shares of the natural resource companys stock valued at $541,344,000 after acquiring an additional 950,270 shares during the last quarter. Amundi lifted its holdings in shares of Freeport-McMoRan by 13.8% in the 4th quarter. Amundi now owns 13,496,129 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $611,468,000 after buying an additional 1,637,605 shares during the period. Finally, Clearbridge Investments LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Freeport-McMoRan by 2.5% in the 4th quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 13,405,212 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $509,398,000 after buying an additional 322,894 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 79.35% of the companys stock. Get Freeport-McMoRan alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets FCX has been the subject of several research reports. Barclays upped their target price on Freeport-McMoRan from $24.00 to $29.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Friday, April 21st. StockNews.com cut Freeport-McMoRan from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, June 9th. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM reiterated an initiates rating on shares of Freeport-McMoRan in a report on Thursday, June 29th. Raymond James upped their target price on Freeport-McMoRan from $43.00 to $44.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday. Finally, 3M reiterated an initiates rating on shares of Freeport-McMoRan in a report on Thursday, June 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $39.46. Insider Activity Freeport-McMoRan Trading Down 3.1 % In other news, Director Sara Grootwassink Lewis acquired 4,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 12th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $34.90 per share, with a total value of $139,600.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 17,800 shares of the companys stock, valued at $621,220. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . Corporate insiders own 0.78% of the companys stock. Shares of NYSE:FCX opened at $40.61 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $38.23 and its 200 day moving average is $39.93. Freeport-McMoRan Inc. has a 1 year low of $26.03 and a 1 year high of $46.73. The firm has a market capitalization of $58.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.01 and a beta of 2.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 2.94 and a quick ratio of 1.71. Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The natural resource company reported $0.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.36 by ($0.01). Freeport-McMoRan had a net margin of 9.63% and a return on equity of 9.45%. The business had revenue of $5.74 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.61 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.58 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 5.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts predict that Freeport-McMoRan Inc. will post 1.53 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Freeport-McMoRan Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 14th will be issued a $0.15 dividend. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.48%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 13th. Freeport-McMoRans dividend payout ratio is presently 20.69%. About Freeport-McMoRan (Free Report) Freeport-McMoRan Inc engages in the mining of mineral properties in North America, South America, and Indonesia. It primarily explores for copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and other metals, as well as oil and gas. The company's assets include the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia; Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita, and Miami in Arizona; Tyrone and Chino in New Mexico; and Henderson and Climax in Colorado, North America, as well as Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FCX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Freeport-McMoRan Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Freeport-McMoRan and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SageView Advisory Group LLC purchased a new position in Ford Motor (NYSE:F Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 40,351 shares of the auto manufacturers stock, valued at approximately $508,000. Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in F. Semmax Financial Advisors Inc. increased its stake in Ford Motor by 78.2% in the 4th quarter. Semmax Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 1,998 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 877 shares during the period. Tanglewood Legacy Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Ford Motor in the 1st quarter worth about $25,000. Baldwin Brothers LLC MA purchased a new position in Ford Motor in the 4th quarter worth about $26,000. Boulder Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Ford Motor in the 4th quarter worth about $27,000. Finally, Riverpoint Wealth Management Holdings LLC purchased a new position in Ford Motor in the 4th quarter worth about $28,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 53.20% of the companys stock. Get Ford Motor alerts: Ford Motor Stock Down 0.7 % F stock opened at $13.93 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $13.61 and a 200 day moving average of $12.83. The stock has a market capitalization of $55.73 billion, a PE ratio of 19.62, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.25 and a beta of 1.59. The company has a quick ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.16. Ford Motor has a 52 week low of $10.90 and a 52 week high of $16.68. Ford Motor Dividend Announcement Ford Motor ( NYSE:F Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The auto manufacturer reported $0.63 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.36 by $0.27. The company had revenue of $39.09 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $37.42 billion. Ford Motor had a net margin of 1.75% and a return on equity of 19.99%. Ford Motors revenue for the quarter was up 21.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.38 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Ford Motor will post 1.78 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, July 25th will be given a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.31%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, July 24th. Ford Motors dividend payout ratio is presently 84.51%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In F has been the topic of several recent research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their target price on shares of Ford Motor from $13.00 to $14.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, July 14th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of Ford Motor from $10.00 to $11.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their target price on shares of Ford Motor from $16.00 to $17.00 in a report on Friday, July 7th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Ford Motor from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 18th. Finally, TheStreet upgraded shares of Ford Motor from a c+ rating to a b rating in a report on Tuesday, May 2nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $15.42. Ford Motor Company Profile (Free Report) Ford Motor Company develops, delivers, and services a range of Ford trucks, commercial cars and vans, sport utility vehicles, and Lincoln luxury vehicles worldwide. It operates through Ford Blue, Ford Model e, and Ford Pro; Ford Next; and Ford Credit segments. The company sells Ford and Lincoln vehicles, service parts, and accessories through distributors and dealers, as well as through dealerships to commercial fleet customers, daily rental car companies, and governments. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding F? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ford Motor (NYSE:F Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Ford Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ford Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Austin-based developer StoryBuilt, which has been a major force behind the recent wave of redevelopment on South First Street, is going through a financial reorganization, according to a letter sent to shareholders. This 2019 drone photo shows StoryBuilt construction of a mixed-use project at 1600 S. First St. StoryBuilt, one of Austins most active urban developers, has launched a major reorganization and furloughed employees as it deals with a financial meltdown. In a letter sent to StoryBuilt investors Friday, co-founder Anthony Siela said: "As you are aware, StoryBuilt has recently struggled with focused growth, reporting/financial controls and liquidity. This has materially affected our performance as a business and our partners." Siela said co-founder Ryan Diepenbrock has resigned from day-to-day management duties and Chad Shepler has resigned from his role as chief operator and director of StoryBuilt's board. Siela said the board of directors has delegated board authority to an executive oversight committee made up of stakeholders, an independent director, and Preferred Class A and Common B shareholders. Siela said that "in response to current financial realities," StoryBuilt has furloughed much of its staff over the past couple of weeks and expects to have "a vast reduction in headcount with the aim of solely focusing on core development services for our projects and partners." StoryBuilt was founded in 2001 as PSW Real Estate and is based in Austin. The firm specializes in infill projects, building mixed-use developments with apartments, condos, townhomes and single-family homes as well as shops, restaurants and retail space. In Austin, StoryBuilt has been a driving force behind the latest wave of development on South First Street along Bouldin Creek in South Austin. The corridor has seen a surge of growth in recent years, with new restaurants, boutiques, food trucks and housing. More: Austin developer StoryBuilt expands South First project StoryBuilt mixed-use projects include 2001 S. First St., across from Polvos Mexican Restaurant; 900 S. First St., across from the Texas School for the Deaf; and 1600 S. First St., the former site of Angel Funeral Home. In 2021, StoryBuilt said it had begun construction on a condo and office project in East Austin at 755 Springdale Road. Story continues According to StoryBuilt's website, it previously had a team of 250 people. A 2019 drone photo shows StoryBuilt's mixed-use project at 900 S. First St., across from the Texas School for the Deaf. StoryBuilt has furloughed much of its staff over the past couple of weeks. Siela said StoryBuilt is now moving away from all-in-one projects, in which the company bought properties and oversaw every aspect of their development, from building to selling. "We are working in concert with our Shareholders, Retail Limited Partners, and Institutional Joint Venture Partners to look at every aspect of the business for improvement and set a new bar," Siela said. To support the reorganization, StoryBuilt which has developed projects in Austin, Dallas, Seattle and Denver will be bringing in bridge capital, he said. "The foregoing changes may raise concerns about your investment. We plan to continue written communications weekly at a minimum and schedule a virtual town hall meeting next week," Siela said. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin urban developer StoryBuilt is reorganizing, furloughing staff A drone attack on an ammunition depot in Crimea prompted authorities to evacuate a 5-km (3-mile) radius and briefly suspend road traffic on the bridge linking the peninsula to Russia, the regions Moscow-installed governor said on Saturday. Ukraine said its army had destroyed an oil depot and Russian army warehouses in what it called the temporarily occupied district of Oktiabrske in central Crimea. The attack caused an ammunition depot to explode, said Russian-installed governor Sergei Aksyonov, adding there was no reported damage or casualties. Footage shared by state media showed a thick cloud of grey smoke at the site. Aksyonov later said that all rail traffic in the affected area, temporarily disrupted, was back to normal operation. Russian news agencies quoted the Health Ministry as saying 12 people required medical assistance and four were taken to hospital. Russia seized and annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, eight years before launching its full-scale invasion of the country. The brief halting of traffic on the Crimean Bridge, about 180 km (110 miles) to the east of the drone incident, came five days after explosions there killed two people and damaged a section of roadway the second major attack on the bridge since the start of the war. The 19 km (12 mile) road and rail bridge is a vital logistics link for Russian forces, and is also heavily used by Russian tourists who flock to Crimea in summer. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday that the bridge was a legitimate target because it was a military supply route for Russia. This is the route used to feed the war with ammunition and this is being done on a daily basis, he said. Russia is on high alert for incidents at the bridge, and an official Telegram channel tells people not to panic in the event of an alarm. In a further sign of security concerns in Crimea, Oleg Kryuchkov, an adviser to Aksyonov, warned people not to post images of critical infrastructure on the internet. He urged people who knew the authors of such posts to report them to the interior ministry or the FSB security service. Remember that a video posted on the web of military or other critical facilities is work for the enemy, he said. SOURCE: REUTERS A hospital consultant has climbed the highest peak in every county on the island of Ireland within one week in memory of his sister-in-law. Richard Horgan, a Cork-based consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, completed the fundraising challenge almost five years on from the death of wifes youngest sister, 38-year-old Orla Gosnell. The consultant and father of three, who is aged in his 40s, completed the demanding task to raise money for Cork University Maternity Hospital, through the CUH Charity, with the hope of using the funds to create dedicated spaces for patients and staff. Ms Gosnell, a social care worker, died in December 2018, five months after delivering her fifth child at CUMH. Dr Horgan took the final steps of the challenge on Saturday after completing an average of four to five peaks per day. As he descended the final peak, 918-metre tall Galtymore on the Limerick/Tipperary border, he said: What a fantastic week, it has been challenging and brilliant. I think if Orla could see us now, shed be crying happy tears. Dr Horgan was joined by Ms Gosnells husband Robert, her mum Myriam and dad Kees on his final descent. The 32-peak challenge was done in her memory but also to raise funds to construct relaxing spaces in CUMHs corridors for patients, their partners and staff. The medic, who has previously conquered Kilimanjaro, tripled the initial target of 10,000 euro, with more than 30,000 euro rolling into the CUH Charity from supporters at home and overseas. During the seven-day trek with colleague and friend, Professor Richard Greene, the pair climbed a combined altitude of 16,000m, which is almost twice that of Mount Everest. After beginning the challenge in Cork on Sunday July 16, they slept for little more than four hours per night. The journey involved travelling more than 2,000 kilometres around the island to the highest point in each county. The avid climbers slept overnight at the base of the following mornings peak. Dr Horgan said: I am overwhelmed by the love and respect for Orla, the support for Richard Greene and I, for CUMH, and I am humbled by the generosity and support of so many. CUH Charity head of development Claire Concannon described the mountaineer as a fantastic representative of so many donors who choose to fundraise in memory of a loved one. Part of Orlas legacy will be the creation of more comfortable spaces for anyone who may need it during their time in CUMH, where they can step away from the clinical spaces and just breathe. We are absolutely blown away by Richards energy and enthusiasm throughout the week and hugely appreciate his effort. Big thanks also to Prof Greene for such incredible support. Dr Horgan said Ms Gosnell always enjoyed a brilliant relationship with children. She loved being pregnant but always wanted to be involved and to know everything about her care. She was so dynamic, it was always about the solution rather than the problem with her. This lives on in her five fabulous kids, he said. Dr Horgan said he hopes the new space will include a symbol specifically remembering Ms Gosnell and her experiences in CUMH. What has always been to the forefront in my work is the patients experience, the mothers experience, even in bad outcomes and to make the experience as positive as we can. When I walk into the maternity hospital, there are magnificent glass corridors and theres an opportunity to install benches or seats, we have three floors to work with and could do it on all floors. It is simply somewhere patients, their partners and staff can go and sit, take a moment, have a chat, take a phone call, have those few minutes. For more information or to support the challenge until August 6, visit www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/DrRichardHorgan32CountyPeaks Options to enable pharmacists to extend prescriptions for a range of medicines and conditions are among measures to be examined by a new Government taskforce. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced the establishment of a new expert taskforce to support the expansion of the role of pharmacists in Ireland. The Department of Health said it will examine how pharmacists can be enabled to operate at the top of their licence for the benefit of patients and the wider health service. The group will also advise on a comprehensive approach to facilitate pharmacist prescribing. This will include empowering pharmacists to assess and prescribe for common minor ailments within a community pharmacy setting and to use their expertise to operate as independent prescribers. Mr Donnelly said these initiatives would make it easier and faster for patients to get the medication they need. He said: Empowering pharmacists to use their expertise to assess and treat certain ailments will help patients get the care they need sooner and closer to home but the benefits go much further. It can help reduce demand on hospitals, walk-in clinics and GP practices. The taskforce will be chaired by Dr Pat OMahony, and includes representatives from the HSE, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, the Irish College of General Practitioners, as well as academic and training bodies. It is due to provide its first recommendations to the minister in October. Dr OMahony, former CEO of the Health Products Regulatory Authority and previous deputy secretary general of the Department of Health, said it is a privilege to be appointed chair. Pharmacists are highly trusted healthcare professionals, and in line with best practice on the safe and appropriate use of medicines, and the principles of Slaintecare, it is timely we now look urgently at how certain medicines can be made available directly to patients through the extensive network of community pharmacies, he said. Newsflash . . . It's Summer and it's gonna be hot in the upcoming days. Even better or worse . . . KANSAS CITY NEWS JUNKIES SHOULD PREP AGAINST DIRE SKYFALL WARNINGS BURNING UP THE NEWS CYCLE!!! Of course we won't deny "the science" but reasonable people should beware that it's a lot easier to make impassioned arguments against the current state of the Earth's climate when temperatures rise above 100 consistently. Moreover . . . Climate change deniers will struggle to maintain composure given that beloved old white dudes sweat just as much or more as everybody else in this crazy heat. Nevertheless . . . We won't pretend to understand meteorology . . . However, we do have a few insights about local news and it seems like the week ahead already holds a scintillating and heated debate about climate consequences that may or may not take place in the dark . . . Depending on how the grid holds up. Here's more info . . . Record-breaking temperatures are hitting multiple cities. Phoenix recorded an unprecedented nineteen consecutive days over 110 degrees. Death Valley reached 128 on Sunday. Records are falling everywhere. It's not your imagination: This is not a typical summer. The extreme temperatures being recorded this summer are the result of the combination of natural variations within the climate system and human-caused climate change, with a hefty serving of El Nino thrown in. Something more to consider . . . After all, the hotter it gets, the more people have to run their AC, adding ever more stress to the grid. Well, there's a reason the United States hasnt seen such an extreme mass-mortality event: For all its faults, the electric grid is surprisingly resilient to heat emergencies. And yet, heat is already a hidden disaster. Statistically, it causes more deaths each year than any other weather-related eventan estimated 12,000 per year in the USbut it doesnt get the headlines that hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes do. And beyond that mortality rate, extreme heat exacerbates underlying health problems, sends people to hospitals, stresses emergency medical transport, and hikes health care spending. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Extreme heat has people cranking up their air conditioners-and energy costs Natural gas prices are down, but temperatures are up and so are households' utility bills, adding pressure on agencies that offer aid to low-income residents. 'Hell on earth': Phoenix's extreme heatwave tests the limits of survival Residents of Arizona's capital are used to scorching heat, but the summer's unyielding sizzle is making it harder to live there July is world's hottest month, with spikes not seen in 125,000 years The punishing, relentless and record-breaking heat continues on three continents. Summers are always hot. Here's how we know climate change is making summer 2023 hotter. It's not your imagination: This is not a typical summer. While heat waves have always happened, the ones now are hotter and happening more often. A Grid Collapse Would Make a Heat Wave Far Deadlier Climate change is making summers hotter, blackouts more common, and heat-related illness more dangerous. The power system may be resilient-but it still has vulnerabilities. Developing . . . Right now we take a moment to roundup a few local links concerning crime reporting, ongoing court cases and alleged misdeeds. Check TKC news gathering . . . Kansas City's jail commission hears thoughts on new jail, alternatives Alternatives to Incarceration held a public meeting to get input from the community on improving Kansas City's jail system. The conversation instead became a debate on pro-jail versus anti-jail. Highest Total Crime in Missouri Exists in a Town of 13,000 People I could give you 5 guesses as to what Missouri town has the highest total crime rate and I'd bet there's a good chance you wouldn't come up with the right answer. I will confess that the same is true of me. I learned the highest total crime rate exists in a town of less than 13,000 residents. KBI announces fentanyl task force The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is partnering with the other officials and agencies to create a joint task force to combat fentanyl in Kansas. Olathe mom waits 7 months for benefits, questions how JoCo DCF operates Casey Maschler is a single working mother. She contacted KCTV5 out of sheer frustration after a seven-month battle to get benefits for her son. Haysville, Kansas, Marine veteran arrested, charged for alleged role in Jan. 6 attack A Haysville, Kansas, man was arrested and charged earlier this week for his alleged role in the Jan. 6 attack at the U.S. Capitol. Discount store closes leaving devastated customers without retail lifeline CUSTOMERS have been left in the lurch after a major discount grocery chain closed a location. But another smaller company plans to take over the store, which was a vital source of fresh produce and... Family of Kansas City, Kansas stabbing victim says she is out of the hospital A Kansas City, Kansas woman stabbed earlier this week in the city's Argentine neighborhood is now out of the hospital Are Handguns or Rifles Used More Often in Mass Shootings? Concealable handguns have been involved in a majority of mass attacks for decades. But the use of rifles is becoming more common. Developing . . . Natural gas prices are down, but temperatures are up and so are many households utility bills. Across the country, programs for helping low-income residents cover their energy costs designed decades ago with winter heating in mind are struggling to meet higher summertime demand. In Texas, which has been baking under a record-breaking heat wave for more than a month, air conditioners are running at full blast, raising costs for electricity generation that often get passed down to customers. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which operates the states utility grid, has seen surging demand break the systems maximum load records 10 times within the past five weeks, peaking at about 83,000 gigawatts on Tuesday. Were hot every summer, said Bobby Deike, executive director of the Community Council of South Central Texas. I think what was somewhat of a difference this year is its been much hotter earlier. The group has already distributed an average of $2,180 per household to help low-income residents cover energy costs this fiscal year, Deike said. Thats more than double its roughly $969 average in 2021, though the uptick came after the state tightened its aid criteria, delivering larger payments to the neediest Texans. A mild winter in many parts of the U.S. helped boost this years supplies of natural gas, whose prices have fallen about 60% since last summer. But high electricity demand in recent weeks, and renewables limited ability to fill in the gap, have blunted those savings. That is partly because heat waves often create still atmospheres that limit how much energy wind turbines can contribute to the grid, said Mohammed Hamdaoui, vice president of renewables and power at the research firm Rystad Energy. Solar is typically less effective under extreme heat, too: When the sun goes down, people still need to run their ACs, because the temperature is still high and demand is still high, he said. This is a really new economic problem, said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, which represents state directors who manage federal aid dollars for home energy costs. Story continues NEADA estimated earlier this month that U.S. consumers utility bills would be nearly 12% higher this summer than last, reaching an average of $578, up from $517. Bills are set to be even steeper in the West and South Central region that includes Texas, where users are expected to pay an average of $706 between June and August, up from $642 last year. In many cases, Wolfe warned, families will have less money to spend in the fall on clothes for children because theyre paying off their electric bill. Up to recently, that wasnt the case. While temperatures typically peak in much of the U.S. in June and July, scientists who study heat waves say climate change has been making those periods more frequent and longer since the 1960s. About 84 million people are now under heat advisories across the country, and parts of California, Oregon and Idaho that were previously untouched by the ongoing heat wave, are now included in the alerts. Relief organizations in some states that arent used to widespread air conditioning use are now grappling with extended periods of high demand. At Denver-based Energy Outreach Colorado, applications for bill payment assistance have jumped nearly 30% from the same time last year. Its only July and were already seeing almost 2,000 people calling every week, which is very unusual, said Denise Stepto, chief communications officer. Because many agencies traditionally see their LIHEAP programs as offering seasonal relief for home heating costs in colder months, they often pare back aid distribution during the summer. But recent heat extremes have pushed some of the groups to transition to year-round operations. In 2021, Washington state used resources from the bipartisan CARES Act to bolster its home energy assistance fund by $30 million, according to Brian Sarensen, a program manager at the states commerce department who manages the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, aid. That boost allowed state officials to help more than 100,000 residents a year with utility bills and installing new air conditioners, up from 65,000 households before the influx. But the extra money has dried up, leaving Sarensen to weigh tough decisions about how best to allocate funds this year. We may be sacrificing how much heating assistance we give in the winter to hold over for the summer, he said. But at the same time, then youre thinking: Am I leaving somebody to freeze to death? Its the Catch-22 of trying to provide everything to everybody that needs it, and just not having enough money to do so. We need to rethink the LIHEAP allocation formula, he said. The program, which is run from the Department of Health and Human Services, was created after the 1970s oil crisis to help Americans heat their homes long before the effects of climate change were widely appreciated. Since then, there has been a near constant push and pull among federal officials, state governments and advocates over how to portion out a finite pool of relief money. LIHEAP is funded with $6.1 billion through the end of September, and the House Appropriations Committee recently approved $4.1 billion in funding for 2024. Administrators had asked for $9 billion. Unlike safety-net programs like Medicaid or food stamps, LIHEAP doesnt guarantee payments to all eligible applicants, Wolfe said. If more qualified residents apply for help than the program can support, funding simply runs out even if demand hasnt been met. Theres not enough money to do a year-round program in states that increasingly need one, he said, despite extreme temperatures in more places during both seasons. He added that only 19 states and Washington, D.C., ban utility shutoffs during the summer, while more than 40 ban them during winter. LIHEAP-funded agencies in several states told NBC News they began to cap assistance this spring to maintain summer reserves. Some in areas that saw warm winters said that has helped them stretch their resources further. In Texas, state documents show the maximum cooling allotment for low-income families was raised to $12,300 in 2022, up from $8,200, and will remain at that level for the next fiscal year. That is partly due to the record $284 million in federal home-energy assistance funding the state received from the American Rescue Plan, which Democrats passed along party lines in 2021. Overall, though, Wolfe said federal policies governing LIHEAP havent caught up with reality as climate change reshapes vulnerable residents needs. This is all preventable, he said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com In this compilation we focus on nicer news that doesn't really fit anywhere else on this blog. For Sunday we take a glimpse at reports celebrating students, veterans and local opportunities. Check TKC news gathering . . . Urban Neighborhood Initiative purchases Kansas City's Wendell Phillips School for youth programs Urban Neighborhood Initiative is working to unlock the potential of Kansas City youth by giving them and others in the community a space to dream big at the Wendell Phillips School Kansas City University begins research into how babies detect emotion It's Baby Development Lab is conducting research into how babies detect emotion, but it needs roughly 25 more babies to study. KC Program helping drive students towards trades jobs Trade schools are trying to keep up as the need for workers continues to increase nearly every year. PHOTOS: Wyandotte County celebrates 'Christmas in July' at the lake The Wyandotte County Lake Marina celebrated its annual "Christmas in July" Saturday night. Missouri begins removing Medicaid recipients, how to make sure you don't lose coverage Thousands of Medicaid recipients are scrambling right now, thanks to a post-pandemic change to enrollment rules. In many cases, if the state can't find you, you're out. We speak with an advocate, getting you prepared for these changes-so you can make sure you're still covered. Alicia Keys, Roc Nation bus Staley High School students to St. Louis concert Alicia Keys is on stage Friday night in St. Louis and students from Staley High School were in the building. I Am Foundation teaching life, leadership skills to Kansas City-area students This week, students from all over the Kansas City metro are getting a helping hand through the I Am Foundation's Leadership Institute. Jeff Hanson, Overland Park artist, will be remembered in dramatic fashion Jeff Hanson was known for his bold and colorful paintings. New KC Attractions Pass allows exploration of city at discounted price Visit KC launched a new tool for people to explore more of Kansas City: the KC Attractions Pass. It offers a single fee for admission to seven different attractions around the city. Unified Government holds community engagement event for KCK's Spanish-speaking population The Unified Government of Wyandotte County held its first Spanish language community engagement event. Raytown Summer Lunch Ministry serves bags of groceries to 150 families in 1 hour With one month left before school, local teachers are continuing to step up to make sure Raytown kids have a meal. National program helps Kansas City area veteran in his pursuit of creating a pumpkin patch A $5,000 grant is helping one local veteran become a farmer Philanthropy MATTERS - Andrew Lang To learn more about becoming a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Kansas City Chapter, please visit afpkc.org. The Independent is proud to be the exclusive media partner of AFPKC. Andrew Lang is director of philanthropy for Starlight. Royals infielder Vinnie Pasquantino takes part in 'Reach out and Read Program' The Kansas City Royals gave 50 kids a very special opportunity on Wednesday. Developing . . . A 25-year-old Belmont woman who had been detained by police is to be charged with killing ac Being ready involves more than just waiting as long as possible to start collecting your Social Security benefits. This past April, the French government moved forward with raising the nation's official retirement age to 64 years old from 62. As expected, this news was met with loud, widespread criticism and protests in a country recognized worldwide for its securite sociale system that many want to emulate and with a population that routinely rages against any type of pension reform. Five Reasons Youll Blow Up Your Retirement Plan Although the retirement age for most European countries is even higher (65-plus), it was still a tough pill to swallow for many French citizens, as President Emmanuel Macron wielded special constitutional powers to bypass Parliament and make the change. Many are now wondering what would happen if the U.S., already with one of the world's highest retirement ages to collect full benefits (67 for everyone by 2027, still earlier for those born prior to 1960), eventually increases it. Its well known the U.S. is facing a retirement crisis, with Baby Boomers and Millennials headed into their golden years facing potential cutbacks in Social Security benefits. Social Security trustees project the fund to run out by 2033 and then pay only 77% of benefits currently projected, unless changes are made. If the U.S. raises its official retirement age, will citizens take to the streets as they did in France? Perhaps. But one certainty is that anyone choosing to begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits at 62, the earliest possible age, will get much less than they initially thought. Currently, people born after 1960 will reduce their full benefit by 30% if collecting at age 62. Nows the time to consider how to maximize benefits, minimize dependency While everyones situation is different, now is the right time to start thinking about ways you can maximize Social Security retirement benefits or minimize dependency on Social Security in case the full retirement age jumps or benefits are cut. Story continues Many experts might say the best approach is to just wait it out dont start taking benefits until the age when youre entitled to collect 100% of your benefits (currently thats 67 years old for anyone born after 1960.) Thats certainly a good idea if you can literally afford to do so. But for those who cant or dont want to wait, there are other planning options. Here are three tips for saving for everyone from Boomers to Generation Alpha before taking your Social Security benefits. Most experts recommend setting aside 10% to 15% from each paycheck for a retirement savings pool, such as a 401(k) or individual retirement account (IRA). Its not always easy, however. When youre starting out in life, youre still thinking about things like paying back school loans, marriage or saving money for a car or a house. But its important to make this a priority. Even if you cant save up to 15%, take advantage of employer matching contributions to your 401(k) to increase your nest egg. Hopefully, your income will rise as you get older, and so, too, should your retirement savings contributions even if you start at 5%, increase gradually to 7%, 10% and so on, especially as you move into your 30s and 40s. Also, keep in mind that contributing money to a traditional 401(k) lowers your taxable income, so you receive a double boost. Whether its a 401(k) or IRA, having these extra retirement funds apart from Social Security will serve as a buffer in case the retirement age increases or benefits are cut. Other savings also increase flexibility to delay Social Security benefits at least to normal retirement age or beyond which for many with reasonable life expectancies will produce greater total benefits from Social Security. Its one thing to live longer, but its quite another to get those quality, high-earning work years in before you retire. The Social Security Administration calculates the benefits youll receive based on an average of your highest 35 years of earnings. So if you start working at 25, youll get your 35 years in by the time youre 60. While that doesnt sound so bad, remember that earners typically make more as they get older. Once you start working past those 35 years, each year of additional earnings can knock off lower earnings from a previous year from your record (e.g., if you make $125,000 at age 61, that would replace the theoretical $30,000 you made at age 25). The more you earn later in life to move the lower income out of the equation, the more youll receive when you decide to tap into your Social Security benefits. This also will enable you to keep increasing your other retirement funds, as mentioned above. For those who are married, if your spouse was a high earner, you could apply for spousal Social Security benefits when you reach full retirement age (currently 67). This allows you to receive up to 50% of your spouses benefit, so you need to carefully assess whether youll get a higher benefit from your own work record or your spouses. However, its important to wait until full retirement age for this action; claiming spousal payments before that will reduce the benefits. You also need to wait until the higher-earning spouse reaches retirement age and starts collecting. Spousal benefits arent available before then. Also, even if youre divorced or widowed, you can still claim Social Security benefits on your ex or deceased spouse, as long as you were married for 10 years or more. Of course, the benefit you receive will also depend on when the ex or deceased spouse started earning toward Social Security. You should also be aware that although spousal benefits are a percentage of the higher-earning spouses benefit at normal retirement age and dont change if the higher earner delays benefits (up to age 70 with delayed credits), survivors benefits will increase if the higher earner delays benefits. Remember this important caveat: These tips are general in nature. The permutations are almost endless when it comes to ways you can maximize the highest possible retirement income. Its certainly a best practice to consult with a financial adviser in order to make the right decisions based on your specific situation. Doing Your Retirement Income Planning in the Right Order Matters Saving for retirement is often the most overlooked, complex and misunderstood financial decision people make. Be sure youre working with a professional who can guide you most effectively to maximize your Social Security benefits. This article was written by and presents the views of our contributing adviser, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA. The Russian war has killed another journalist, Dmytro Rybakov, who took up arms to defend his homeland. This was reported to his comrade-in-arms Oleh Sentsov, an acclaimed film director and former Kremlin prisoner, according to Ukrinform. Dmytro Rybakov, callsign Reporter, was part of the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade. Before the large-scale invasion, he worked as an editor and media consultant for Chas.News, Forbes Ukraine, LB, and Ukrainian Pravda outlets. "Dima the Reporter would surprise everyone, first with his insight and knowledge, and then with his courage and bravery. You never know how someone will act in combat: someone gets sour, and someone fights like a lion. He fought like a lion and died a hero. Rest in peace, my friend! We will keep on fighting, now without you," Sentsov wrote on social media. As reported earlier, as of July 20, a total of 63 journalists have been killed in Ukraine participating in military operations or as a result of Russian shelling or torture. "Fourteen of them were killed while performing journalistic duties, another nine journalists are among civilian casualties," Taras Shevchenko, Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine for European Integration, said during the meeting of the Human Dimension Committee of the OSCE Permanent Council. Photo: facebook.com/dmytro.rybakov On Friday, Ukraines war pilots engaged 14 Russian manpower and weapons clusters and hit three anti-aircraft missile systems. Thats according to a morning summary by the General Staff of the Armed Forces, reports Ukrinform. "Also, our defenders destroyed 11 reconnaissance UAVs of operational-tactical level. During the past day, rocket and artillery forces hit two enemy manpower, weapons, and equipment clusters, five artillery guns in firing positions, and an electronic warfare system," the report says. The Ukrainian Forces continue to conduct an offensive operation in the Melitopol and Berdiansk directions, entrenching in the positions gained. The military also states that the enemy is focusing its main efforts on the Kupiansk, Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Marinka directions where over 40 combat clashes took place in the past day. Read also: Ukraine advisor explains why Putin turning Russian Guard into own army Over the past 24 hours, the Russians launched 16 missile strikes, more than 20 airstrikes, and 50 rocket salvos on the positions of Ukrainian troops and populated areas. As a result of Russian terrorist attacks, unfortunately, civilians, including children, have been killed and injured, grain storage sites in the south of Ukraine and industrial facilities have been destroyed and damaged, more than 70 civilian residential buildings and other infrastructure objects have been hit. It is highly likely that the Russians will be launching more missile and air strikes on the entire territory of Ukraine. On the Volyn and Polissia axes, the operational situation has not changed significantly. No signs of an enemy offensive grouping being formed were detected. On the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes, Russian mortars and artillery hit over m 15 settlements, including Honcharivske in Chernihiv region; Stukalyvka, Bilovody, Stepne, Morozova Dolyna of Sumy Region, and Hatishche, Vovchanski Khutory, Bochkove, Kruhle and Budarky in Kharkiv Region. In the Kupiansk direction, Ukrainian soldiers are firmly holding their defense. Krasne Pershe, Novomlynsk, Kupiansk, Novoosynove, and Synkivka of Kharkiv region were subjected to enemy artillery and mortar attacks. In the Lyman direction, the enemy ran unsuccessful offensive missions in the areas of Nadia, Makiivka, and Nevske in Luhansk region, and Serebryansky Forest and Dibrova in Donetsk region. They also carried out airstrikes in the Serebryansky Forest, Spirne, and Dibrova areas of Donetsk region. The settlements of Nevske and Bilohorivka in Luhansk region and Torske, Verkhnokamianske, Spirne, and Rozdolivka in Donetsk region were hit by artillery fire. In the Bakhmut direction, under heavy enemy artillery fire, Ukraines defenders successfully repelled enemy attacks in the Hryhorivka area, while more than 15 settlements were affected by enemy artillery shelling, including Kostiantynivka, Oleksandro-Shultine, Stupochky, Klishchiivka, Druzhba, and New York of Donetsk region. In the Avdiivka direction, Ukraine successfully repelled attacks by Russian troops in the Pervomaiske area of Donetsk region. The enemy launched airstrikes in the Avdiivka area. At the same time, Russian artillery shelled of more than 15 settlements, including Novokalynove, Krasnohorivka, Stepove, Avdiivka, Pervomaiske, and Nevelske of Donetsk region. In the Marinka direction, Ukraines Defense Forces continue to hold back the advance of Russian troops in the areas of Krasnohorivka and Marinka. The enemy shelled over 15 settlements, including Marinka, Heorhiyivka, Maksimilianivka, Hostre, Pobieda, and Novomykhailivka of Donetsk region. In the Shakhtarske direction, the enemy went for fruitless offensive operations in the Novomykhailivka and Blahodatne districts of the Donetsk region. More than 10 settlements were shelled. Vuhledar, Prechystivka, Neskuchne, and Blahodatne came under fire. On the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes, the enemy is focusing its main efforts on preventing the further advance of Ukrainian troops. The Russians carried out an airstrike in the Kozatske district, Kherson region. Over 30 settlements, including Novodarivka, Malynivka, Chervone, Mali Shcherbaky, Stepove, Lobkove, and Piatykhatky of Zaporizhia region, were hit by artillery fire; as were Dmytrivka, Tyahinka, Sadove, Dniprovske, and Antonivka of Kherson region, the city of Kherson, as well as Ochakiv, Mykolaiv region. According to Ukraines intelligence soldiers fighting as part of a Russian motorized rifle regiment in the Pershotravnevo region of Luhansk region are experiencing a low level of morale. It was established that the main factors affecting them include large manpower losses, untimely provision of ammunition, and uncertainty regarding rotation. The number of those willing to desert from their units and withdraw from the areas of hostilities to the Russian Federation is increasing. The former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Linas Linkevicius, believes the Ukrainian counteroffensive would have developed at a higher pace if the USA had provided Ukraine with ATACMS to destroy Russian military bases on Ukrainian territory. The diplomat wrote about this on Twitter, Ukrinform reports. "Ukraine is dangerously low on all types of ammunition. This makes the counteroffensive difficult, bloody and long. No Russian military bases in Ukraine would be safe if the US gave them ATACMS. The Pentagon stubbornly repeats that Ukraine doesnt need them. Who is right??" the tweet says. As Ukrinform reported earlier, the head of the President's Office, Andriy Yermak, commenting on the enemy's attacks in Odesa, said that in order to deprive the enemy of the opportunity to shell peaceful cities, Ukraine needs more anti-missile systems, as well as long-range ATACMS. Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba said Kyiv is negotiating with Washington and other capitals the issue of ATACMS and similar missiles. H.Res. 488 with a call to the Biden administration to provide Ukraine with ATACMS missiles was tabled in the U.S. Congress in the first half of June. The text of the document emphasizes the need to provide Ukraine with long-range capabilities immediately, while maintaining the combat readiness of the United States. Deputy Minister of Defense Volodymyr Havrylov stated that in order to achieve victory over the Russian invaders, the Defense Forces of Ukraine need long-range, high-precision weapons. Photo: Delphi Twenty-seven military clashes have occurred in the Kupiansk, Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Marinka directions over the past day. The relevant statement was made by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. In the past 24 hours, Russian occupiers have launched a missile attack on Ukraines territory, using 17 cruise missiles and two ballistic missiles. Ukraines air defense units downed nine enemy cruise missiles. Additionally, Russian troops launched 26 air strikes and opened fire with multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) 35 times. Following Russian terrorist attacks, casualties among civilians were reported, as well as the damage caused to residential houses, religious buildings and other civil infrastructure. The threat of Russian missile and air strikes is persisting all over Ukraine, according to the General Staff. In the Volyn and Polissia directions, the operational situation remained rather unchanged. No enemy offensive groupings were detected. Certain Belarusian units continue completing tasks within the areas bordering with Ukraine. In the Siverskyi and Slobozhanskyi directions, Russian troops are maintaining military presence. The enemy launched an air strike near the Sumy regions Pavlivka. Over 15 settlements were affected by Russian mortar and artillery strikes in the Chernihiv, Sumy and Kharkiv regions. In the Kupiansk direction, Ukrainian warriors are firmly holding defense. Russians launched an air strike near the Kharkiv regions Kucherivka, as well as artillery and mortar strikes on the Kharkiv regions Fyholivka, Novomlynsk, Dvorichna and Kyslivka. In the Lyman direction, Russian troops conducted unsuccessful offensive actions near the Donetsk regions Torske. The enemy launched an air strike near the Serebrianske forestry, as well as artillery strikes on the Luhansk regions Nevske and Bilohorivka; the Donetsk regions Torske, Verkhniokamianske, Spirne and Rozdolivka. In the Bakhmut direction, under extensive enemy artillery fire, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled Russian attacks near Bohdanivka, Klishchiivka, and to the north-east of the Donetsk regions Orikhovo-Vasylivka. Over 10 settlements were affected by Russian artillery strikes. In the Avdiivka direction, under extensive artillery fire and air strikes, Ukrainian warriors successfully repelled Russian attacks near Avdiivka and Nevelske. Over 10 settlements were affected by Russian artillery strikes. In the Marinka direction, Ukrainian forces continue holding back Russias onslaught near the Krasnohorivka and Marinka. Over 10 settlements were affected by Russian shelling. In the Shakhtarske direction, Russian troops conducted unsuccessful offensive actions near Novomykhailivka and launched an air strike near the Donetsk regions Blahodatne. Over 15 settlements were affected by Russian shelling. In the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson directions, Russian occupiers are focusing efforts to prevent Ukrainian forces from advancing. The enemy made unsuccessful attempts to regain their lost positions near the Zaporizhzhia regions Pryiutne. Russians launched air strikes near the Zaporizhzhia regions Mala Tokmachka and Novodanylivka; the Kherson regions Antonivka. Over 25 settlements were affected by Russian artillery strikes. In the Melitopol and Berdiansk directions, Ukraines Defense Forces continue the counteroffensive and are gaining foothold within the re-captured frontiers, attacking the detected enemy targets with artillery, and conducting counterbattery measures. Over the past day, Ukraines Air Force has launched three strikes on enemy personnel, ammunition and military equipment clusters. Ukrainian defenders destroyed four Russian reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Ukraines missile and artillery units hit one Russian personnel, ammunition and military equipment cluster, five artillery systems in firing position, one command post, one air defense missile system, and one electronic warfare system. According to the available data, Russian occupiers continue to rob civilians and steal grain from Ukrainian farmers. In the Zaporizhzhia regions Pryshyb, Russians are using diesel locomotives to take away a large number of freight cars loaded with different grain crops from a local agricultural enterprise. The shortage of high-precision missiles forces Russia to modernize the existing Kh-22 and Oniks missiles, and also use the Bal and Bastion complexes. Thats according to the Deputy Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraines Defense Ministry, Vadym Skibitskyi, who spoke on the air of the national telethon, Ukrinform reports. "The Russians see a shortage of high-precision missiles they had before the start of the war. ILast year they could use from 80 to 110 cruise missiles of the same type, for example, Kh-101, in one strike but now they have no such opportunity," Skibitskyi said, commenting on Russia's use of various types of missiles during the recent strikes. Another factor in the expansion of the munitions types deployed by the Russians is the fact that they managed to modernize part of the existing weapons, Skibitsky added. "In addition, we clearly know that measures were taken to modernize some types of missiles. Thats including the Kh-22, which, in fact, has already become the Kh-32. The Main Directorate of Intelligence also has information about the measures taken by the Russian Federation to modernize the Oniks missiles, said the GUR spokesman. He emphasized that Oniks is an anti-ship missile intended for other purposes. In autumn, Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Kherson regions have already been hit by these missiles, and many misses were recorded back then. "So after modernization, they again resumed the use of the Bal and Bastion complexes." Bastion is an Oniks missile, which is used, again, against civilian objects," Skibitskyi noted. As reported earlier, referring to Operational Command South, during the latest Russian missile attack on Odesa, the enemy employed at least five types of missiles: Kalibr, Oniks, Kh-22, Iskander-K, and also Iskander-M ballistic missiles. As a result, one person died and 22 people were injured, including four children. Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Oleksiy Kuleba has held a meeting with the management of the international charity organization, Misericordia, to discuss assistance with the restoration of life in the areas liberated from Russian invaders and the most war-affected regions of Ukraine. The relevant statement was made by the Office of the President of Ukraine, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. In the course of the meeting, participants considered the issues of further cooperation, namely social assistance to Ukrainians. Kuleba thanked those present for their help to Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of humanitarian missions with the support of the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta in Ukraine and Misericordia. Assistance to our citizens from the start of the full-scale invasion, assistance in the evacuation of Ukrainian refugees, especially children and the elderly, to Italy, financial assistance the country highly appreciates Misericordias role in supporting Ukraine in the fight against the terrorist country, Kuleba said. Additionally, Kuleba expressed his belief in strengthening cooperation, namely in the restoration of life in de-occupied regions and the most war-affected regions of Ukraine, such as the Kherson region, which is now recovering from the devastative, economic, environmental, and other consequences of Russias terrorist attack at Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) thanks to joint efforts. We have a common vision regarding the involvement of Misericordia in recovery projects across several communities in the region. The organization is expanding its work in Ukraine at the regional level as well. The day before, a Memorandum was signed with Lviv Regional Military Administration regarding social assistance for vulnerable categories and support for medical institutions in the region, Kuleba mentioned, having expressed gratitude to Dr. Domenico Giani and Misericordia for supporting Ukrainians both in Ukraine and abroad. Meanwhile, Misericordia President Domenico Giani expressed readiness for further cooperation. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and fully support them in their struggle for independence and democratic values. We continue our cooperation. During this visit, an ambulance was brought and handed over to St. Nicholas Hospital in Lviv. We started cooperation in the field of rehabilitation with the National Rehabilitation Center in Lviv. I am convinced that our cooperation will only strengthen in the future, Giani stressed. A reminder that Finland is preparing a new package of humanitarian aid for the regions affected by Russias blowing up of Kakhovka HPP. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine Canada and the United Nations share concern over Russias withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The relevant statement was made by the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada, following a meeting between Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Antonio Guterres, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. Both leaders expressed concern over Russias decision to withdraw participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative and its potential impacts on global food security, most notably amongst vulnerable populations, the report states. Additionally, Trudeau condemned Russias illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine and highlighted the global impacts of the conflict. Among other things, the two leaders discussed the political, security, and humanitarian crises in the Republic of Haiti and the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). A reminder that, on July 17, 2023, Russia announced its withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which was signed in Istanbul on July 22, 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sent official letters to President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres with a proposal to continue the Black Sea Grain Initiative or its analog in a trilateral format without Russia. The Joe Biden administration has accepted significant risks in sending advanced weapons to Ukraine, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told the Aspen Security Forum, defending against charges that the U.S. was too timid in arming Kyiv. Thats according to Politico, Ukrinform reports. Much of the conference featured criticisms at the speed of Americas decision-making and delivery of air-defense systems, artillery, and ammunition. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke over video conference, complaining about the lack of F-16 fighter jets and long-range missiles that the U.S. had yet to provide. Asked about those broadsides, the national security adviser rejected the narrative of a White House scared of raising Russian President Vladimir Putins hackles. One caricature is that the administration is sitting around, you know, unwilling to provide things because were worried about the Russians. I think that is belied by the sheer magnitude of the breadth and sophistication of the capabilities that we have provided, Sullivan said. We have been prepared to take risks, and we will continue to be prepared to take risks to provide support to Ukraine. At the same time, Sullivan noted that some caution was needed as the chance of severe escalation remains in place: It is responsible for every member of NATO and for the United States to think about the Russian reaction when we choose to do something because that matters for our security and management of global stability. So dont be paralyzed by it. Consider it and then make decisions accordingly. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba starts his third tour of African countries with a visit to Equatorial Guinea. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba will visit the African continent for the third time against the backdrop of the worsening global food crisis after Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. On July 23-24, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine will start his tour with a visit to Equatorial Guinea. The visit will be the first in the history of diplomatic relations, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine informs. In Malabo, Kuleba will hold talks with the countrys leadership on the development of bilateral relations, increasing the volume of trade, ensuring food security in Africa and supporting President Volodymyr Zelensky's Peace Formula. As noted, the first African tour of the head of the MFA of Ukraine took place in October 2022 (Senegal, Cote dIvoire, Ghana and Kenya), and the second in May 2023 (Morocco, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Mozambique and Nigeria). Genus plc (LON:GNS) shareholders should be happy to see the share price up 12% in the last month. But that doesn't change the fact that the returns over the last three years have been less than pleasing. In fact, the share price is down 28% in the last three years, falling well short of the market return. While the stock has risen 4.9% in the past week but long term shareholders are still in the red, let's see what the fundamentals can tell us. Check out our latest analysis for Genus 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. During the three years that the share price fell, Genus' earnings per share (EPS) dropped by 4.2% each year. The share price decline of 10% is actually steeper than the EPS slippage. So it seems the market was too confident about the business, in the past. You can see below how EPS has changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image). Before buying or selling a stock, we always recommend a close examination of historic growth trends, available here. A Different Perspective Investors in Genus had a tough year, with a total loss of 4.7% (including dividends), against a market gain of about 4.7%. Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. Regrettably, last year's performance caps off a bad run, with the shareholders facing a total loss of 1.9% per year over five years. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. 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. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Genus you should know about. Story continues If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of companies that have proven they can grow earnings. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on British exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here With a price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 25.5x HWA AG (ETR:H9W) may be sending very bearish signals at the moment, given that almost half of all companies in Germany have P/E ratios under 16x and even P/E's lower than 9x are not unusual. Although, it's not wise to just take the P/E at face value as there may be an explanation why it's so lofty. Recent times have been quite advantageous for HWA as its earnings have been rising very briskly. The P/E is probably high because investors think this strong earnings growth will be enough to outperform the broader market in the near future. You'd really hope so, otherwise you're paying a pretty hefty price for no particular reason. View our latest analysis for HWA Although there are no analyst estimates available for HWA, take a look at this free data-rich visualisation to see how the company stacks up on earnings, revenue and cash flow. What Are Growth Metrics Telling Us About The High P/E? HWA's P/E ratio would be typical for a company that's expected to deliver very strong growth, and importantly, perform much better than the market. Retrospectively, the last year delivered an exceptional 190% gain to the company's bottom line. Still, EPS has barely risen at all from three years ago in total, which is not ideal. Accordingly, shareholders probably wouldn't have been overly satisfied with the unstable medium-term growth rates. This is in contrast to the rest of the market, which is expected to grow by 12% over the next year, materially higher than the company's recent medium-term annualised growth rates. With this information, we find it concerning that HWA is trading at a P/E higher than the market. It seems most investors are ignoring the fairly limited recent growth rates and are hoping for a turnaround in the company's business prospects. Only the boldest would assume these prices are sustainable as a continuation of recent earnings trends is likely to weigh heavily on the share price eventually. Story continues The Final Word Generally, our preference is to limit the use of the price-to-earnings ratio to establishing what the market thinks about the overall health of a company. We've established that HWA currently trades on a much higher than expected P/E since its recent three-year growth is lower than the wider market forecast. When we see weak earnings with slower than market growth, we suspect the share price is at risk of declining, sending the high P/E lower. If recent medium-term earnings trends continue, it will place shareholders' investments at significant risk and potential investors in danger of paying an excessive premium. Before you settle on your opinion, we've discovered 2 warning signs for HWA (1 is a bit concerning!) that you should be aware of. If these risks are making you reconsider your opinion on HWA, explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Walt Disney fair value estimate is US$165 Walt Disney's US$87.18 share price signals that it might be 47% undervalued Our fair value estimate is 41% higher than Walt Disney's analyst price target of US$117 In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Believe it or not, it's not too difficult to follow, as you'll see from our example! We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model. View our latest analysis for Walt Disney Crunching The Numbers We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars: Story continues 10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$7.23b US$9.90b US$12.1b US$16.4b US$19.5b US$22.2b US$24.5b US$26.5b US$28.1b US$29.5b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x10 Analyst x9 Analyst x3 Analyst x2 Est @ 18.91% Est @ 13.87% Est @ 10.34% Est @ 7.87% Est @ 6.14% Est @ 4.93% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 8.9% US$6.6k US$8.3k US$9.4k US$11.7k US$12.7k US$13.3k US$13.5k US$13.3k US$13.0k US$12.5k ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$114b We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (2.1%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 8.9%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = US$29b (1 + 2.1%) (8.9% 2.1%) = US$440b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$440b ( 1 + 8.9%)10= US$187b 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$301b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of US$87.2, the company appears quite good value at a 47% 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. 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 Walt Disney as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 8.9%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.151. 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 Walt Disney Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Debt is well covered by earnings. Weakness No major weaknesses identified for DIS. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the American market. Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Threat Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow. Annual revenue is forecast to grow slower than the American market. Looking Ahead: Although the valuation of a company is important, it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For Walt Disney, we've compiled three additional factors you should further examine: Financial Health: Does DIS have a healthy balance sheet? Take a look at our free balance sheet analysis with six simple checks on key factors like leverage and risk. Future Earnings: How does DIS'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. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the NYSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here ROME, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 23rd Jul, 2023) President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan participated today in the International Conference on Development and Migration, which took place in the Italian capital, Rome. The conference was inaugurated by Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, in the presence of heads of state, government ministers, and representatives of regional and international organisations concerned with migration and its humanitarian, social and economic impact. The conference focused on the challenges presented by irregular migration and emphasised the urgent need for integrated solutions to address its root causes. Participants stated the importance of intensifying international cooperation to safeguard the wellbeing of migrants and protect their dignity, highlighting the fact that thousands of lives are lost each year through irregular migration. The conference also explored the links between migration and socio-economic development and stability in the migrants countries of origin. Upon his arrival at the conference, which was held at the headquarters of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, His Highness the President was received by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. His Highness is accompanied during the visit by a delegation that includes H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; and Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation. In his speech on the occasion of the International Conference on Development and Migration, His Highness announced the UAE's contribution of US$100 million to support development projects in countries affected by irregular migration, including backing initiatives proposed in the Rome Process. His Highness thanked the Italian Republic for hosting the important conference and for inviting the UAE to participate in it. He explained that the conference confirmed the participating countries' desire to enhance cooperation, integration, and joint efforts regarding an international issue of great importance and sensitivity, which is irregular migration. This collaboration, he said, serves peoples aspirations for stability, progress, and prosperity. His Highness added that the conference comes at a crucial stage in the world, requiring greater cooperation and solidarity among nations. He stated that the UAE firmly believes that international collective action and building bridges of cooperation among different countries are the means to tackle shared global challenges and uplift humanity, ensuring a prosperous future for coming generations. The UAE President stressed that irregular migration, which tragically claims thousands of lives each year, stands as one of the most critical challenges facing the world today. Addressing this phenomenon requires comprehensive solutions rooted in development and stability, he explained, as it is through development that we can achieve peace and stability, both within societies and on an international scale. His Highness added that dealing with cases of displacement, whether it be asylum or migration, requires strengthening joint efforts to address the main causes through comprehensive development efforts and close cooperation between all affected countries, which include countries of origin, transit and countries hosting migrants, in addition to the support of international and regional agencies and initiatives to build on previous progress in facing these challenges. His Highness said that climate change is one of the main drivers of irregular migration as it leads to drought, agricultural crop destruction, and increased poverty in many countries. He stated that he was looking forward to meeting participants at COP28 in the UAE later this year, explaining that the climate conference will aim to accelerate international efforts to address the impacts of climate change and support the implementation of the outcomes from previous conferences. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the UAEs belief in the importance of diplomacy and dialogue as tools for building trust, and that it will continue to support global peace and stability, calling for cooperation for the greater good of humanity. In conclusion, His Highness expressed his thanks to the Italian Republic for its efforts in coordinating the conference, and extended his wishes for its success in achieving outcomes that serve development, stability, and peace in the world. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 24th July, 2023) Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan will pay a visit to Iran on July 24 to hold a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the Armenian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday. "On July 24, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan will pay a visit to Tehran. The meeting of Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Iran is scheduled," the foreign ministry said in a statement on its social media. The meeting will be followed by a news conference, the statement read. On Saturday, Mirzoyan received newly-appointed Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Mehdi Sobhani on the occasion of handing over the copies of his credentials. The diplomats discussed the deepening of bilateral cooperation in trade, economic, energy and transport sectors and regional security issues. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 23rd July, 2023) Air raid sirens went off in multiple regions of Ukraine late on Saturday night, according to air raid data from the country's Ministry of Digital Transformation. Air raid alerts were in effect in the Ukrainian regions of Odesa and Mykolaiv, as well as the Kiev-controlled parts of Kherson region, shortly after midnight, the ministry's online map showed. Later in the night, air raid warnings were issued in the regions of Kirovohrad and Dnipropetrovsk. Ukrainian media reported that explosions were heard in the Odesa region overnight. Precision strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure have been carried out by Russia since October 10 (two days after the terrorist attack on the Crimean Bridge). In February, the head of Ukrainian power grid operator Ukrenergo said that direct damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure caused by Russian strikes may amount to hundreds of millions of Dollars, with economic losses ranging in billions. CAIRO (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 24th July, 2023) Egypt's Journalists Syndicate has called for a transparent and unbiased probe into the death of RIA Novosti war correspondent Rostislav Zhuravlev, killed by Ukrainian shelling in the combat zone, the union's head, Khaled El-Balshy, said on Sunday. "I call on the United Nations to conduct an investigation of this crime condemned by international law as well as other offences directed against journalists worldwide," El-Balshy said. The syndicate's chief also said that the union condemned the murder of Zhuravlev, adding that the strikes on mass media workers were carried out "to prevent them from fulfilling their professional duties and reporting the truth from conflict zones." A member of the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR), Ali Al Bayati, told Sputnik that Zhuravlev's death caused by the shelling of the Ukrainian forces violated the international law because the conflicting sides are required to ensure security of civilians and employees of, among others, mass media and healthcare sectors. "International law obliges the conflicting parties to ensure the protection of civilians and workers of certain areas, such as healthcare, mass media, and any breach of this (regulation) is a violation of international law," Al Bayati told Sputnik. Zhuravlev died during evacuation from injuries caused by a cluster submunition explosion in the conflict zone on Saturday, the Russian Defense Ministry said. Several other Russian journalists, including RIA Novosti photojournalist Konstantin Mikhalchevsky and Izvestia journalist Roman Polshakov, received wounds of varying degrees of severity. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that those responsible for the death of Zhuravlev, including the suppliers of cluster munitions to Kiev, will be punished. PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA Cambodians go to the polls Sunday with incumbent Prime Minister Hun Sen and his party all but assured a landslide victory thanks to the effective suppression and intimidation of any real opposition that critics say has made a farce of democracy in the Southeast Asian nation. The longest-serving leader in Asia, Hun Sen has steadily consolidated power with his strongarm tactics during the last 38 years. But, at age 70, he has suggested he will hand off the premiership during the upcoming five-year term to his oldest son, Hun Manet, perhaps as early as the first month after the elections. Hun Manet, 45, has a bachelor's from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point as well as a master's from NYU and a Ph.D. from Bristol University in Britain. He is currently chief of Cambodia's army. Despite his Western education, however, observers don't expect any immediate shifts in policy from that of his father, who has steadily drawn Cambodia closer to China in recent years. "I don't think anyone expects Hun Sen to sort of disappear once Hun Manet is prime minister," said Astrid Noren-Nilsson, a Cambodia expert at Sweden's Lund University. "I think they will probably be working closely together, and I don't think that there is a big difference in their political outlook, including foreign policy." Hun Manet is part of what is expected to be a broader generational change, with the ruling Cambodian People's Party planning to install younger leaders into most ministerial positions. "That's going to be the big change of guard, that's what I'm watching," Noren-Nilsson said. "It's all about the transition, it's all about who's going to come in and in what positions they find themselves." Hun Sen had been a middle-ranking commander in the radical communist Khmer Rouge responsible for genocide in the 1970s before defecting to Vietnam. When Vietnam ousted the Khmer Rouge from power in 1979, he quickly became a senior member of the new Cambodian government installed by Hanoi. A wily and sometimes ruthless politician, Hun Sen has maintained power as an autocrat in a nominally democratic framework. His party's stranglehold on power faltered in 2013 elections, in which the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party won 44% of the popular vote to CPP's 48%. Hun Sen responded to the wake-up call by going after leaders of the opposition, primarily through sympathetic courts, which eventually dissolved the party after local elections in 2017 when it again fared well. Ahead of Sunday's election, the Candlelight Party, the unofficial successor to the CNRP and only other contender capable of mounting a credible challenge, was barred on a technicality from contesting the polls by the National Election Committee. While virtually assuring another landslide victory for Hun Sen and his party, the methods have prompted widespread criticism from rights groups. Human Rights Watch said the "election bears little resemblance to an actual democratic process," while the Asian Network for Free Elections, an umbrella organization of almost 20 regional NGOs, said the National Election Commission had showed a "clear bias" toward the CPP in barring the Candlelight Party. After the "vastly unpopular" way the opposition was neutralized in 2018, this time around there is little sign of widespread popular discontent, Noren-Nilsson said, because Hun Sen and the CPP have done a very effective job over the past five years of building a sense among many Cambodians that they are part of a new national project. The strategy has involved careful messaging, with sweeping slogans like "small country, big heart," and little talk about policy, she said. "It's really quite astonishing how the CPP has managed to gain at least acceptance for what we see now," she said. "If before people thought that the glass was half empty, now it's half full, so you focus more on what you have than don't have." With the Candlelight Party out of the running, the largest beneficiary of any anti-CPP vote will likely be FUNCINPEC, a royalist party whose name is an unwieldy French acronym for the National Front for an Independent, Neutral and Cooperative Cambodia. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Some Florida Keys coral reefs are losing their color weeks earlier than normal this summer because of record-high water temperatures, meaning they are under stress and their health is potentially endangered, federal scientists said. The corals should be vibrant and colorful this time of year, but are swiftly going white, said Katey Lesneski, research and monitoring coordinator for Mission: Iconic Reefs, which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration launched to protect Florida coral reefs. "The corals are pale, it looks like the color's draining out," said Lesneski, who has spent several days on the reefs over the last two weeks. "And some individuals are stark white. And we still have more to come. Scientists with NOAA this week raised their coral bleaching warning system to Alert Level 2 for the Keys, their highest heat stress level out of five. That level is reached when the average water surface temperature is about 1 degree Celsius) above the normal maximum for eight straight weeks. Surface temperatures around the Keys have been averaging about 33 Celsius, well above the normal mid-July average of 29.5 Celsius, said Jacqueline De La Cour, operations manager for NOAA's Coral Reef Watch program. Previous Alert Level 2s were reached in August, she said. Coral reefs are made up of tiny organisms that link together. The reefs get their color from the algae that live inside them and are the corals' food. When temperatures get too high, the coral expels the algae, making the reefs appear white or bleached. That doesn't mean they are dead, but the corals can starve and are more susceptible to disease. Andrew Bruckner, research coordinator at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, said some coral reefs began showing the first signs of bleaching two weeks ago. Then in the last few days, some reefs lost all their color. That had never been recorded before Aug. 1. The peak for bleaching typically happens in late August or September. "We are at least a month ahead of time, if not two months," Bruckner said. "We're not yet at the point where we are seeing any mortality ... from bleaching. It is still a minor number that are completely white, certain species, but it is much sooner than we expected." Still, forecasting what will happen the rest of the summer is hard, De La Cour and Bruckner said. While water temperatures could continue to spike which could be devastating a tropical storm or hurricane could churn the water and cool it down. Dusty air from the Sahara Desert moving across the Atlantic and settling over Florida could dampen the sun's rays, lowering temperatures. Because of climate change and other factors, the Keys waters have lost 80% to 90% of their coral over the last 50 years, Bruckner said. That affects not only marine life that depends on the reefs for survival, but also people coral reefs are a natural buffer against storm surge from hurricanes and other storms. There is also an economic impact because tourism from fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling is heavily dependent on coral reefs. "People get in the water, let's fish, let's dive that's why protecting Florida's coral reef is so critical," De La Cour said. Both scientists said it is not "all doom and gloom." A 20-year, large-scale effort is under way to rebuild Florida's coral back to about 90% of where it was 50 years ago. Bruckner said scientists are breeding corals that can better withstand the heat and are using simple things like shade covers and underwater fans to cool the water to help them survive. "We are looking for answers and we are trying to do something, rather than just looking away," Bruckner said. Breeding corals can encourage heat resistance in future generations of the animals, said Jason Spadaro, coral reef restoration program manager for Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida. That could be vital to saving them, he said. Spadaro and others who have visited the corals said they have noticed the coral bleaching is worse in the lower Keys than in the more northern parts of the area. The Keys have experienced bad bleaching years in the past, but this year it is "really aggressive and it's really persistent," he said. "It's going to be a rough year for the reef. It hammers home the need to continue this important work," he said. The early bleaching is happening during a year when water temperatures are spiking earlier than normal, said Ross Cunning, a research biologist at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. The Keys are experiencing water temperatures above 32 degrees Celsius, which would normally not occur until August or September, he said. The hot water could lead to a "disastrous bleaching event" if it does not wane, Cunning said. "We're seeing temperatures now that are even higher than what we normally see at peak, which is what makes this particularly scary," Cunning said. De La Cour said she has no doubt that the warming waters are caused by human-made global warming and that needs to be fixed for coral to survive. "If we do not reduce the greenhouse gas emissions we are emitting and don't reduce the greenhouse gases that are already in the atmosphere, we are creating a world where coral reefs cannot exist, no matter what we do," she said. A member of Irans parliament has criticized the return of the morality police to the streets to enforce mandatory veiling laws, calling it a misguided policy. As reported by the Jamaran news agency on Sunday, Jalil Rahimi Jahan-Abadi, a member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the parliament, called on officials to avoid harmful, irrational, and insulting behaviors that can negatively impact the relationship between the government and the people. He said, No one is willing to take responsibility for the morality police, which, he added indicates the flawed nature of this policy. They returned to the streets a week ago. Their presence had largely ceased following nationwide anti-government protests sparked by last year's death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody. Amini had been detained by the morality police for allegedly wearing her headscarf too loosely. Although the street protests have subsided, many women in Iran have publicly opposed the mandatory hijab since Amini's death. As the anniversary of Amini's death draws near, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller has conveyed his concern. During a press briefing last week in response to a question from VOA, he said renewed "compulsory hijab" enforcement indicates "the Islamic Republic has not taken heed of the recent protests." In May, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights called on Iran to decriminalize mandatory veiling laws, warning that the harassment of women, including what they do or do not wear, appears to have intensified as street protests have died down. "Women and girls face increasingly stringent legal, social, and economic measures in the authorities' enforcement of discriminatory compulsory veiling laws," Volker Turk told reporters in Geneva. "I urge the government to heed Iranians' calls for reform, and to begin by repealing regulations that criminalize non-compliance with mandatory dress codes." Generally speaking the aim of active stock picking is to find companies that provide returns that are superior to the market average. And the truth is, you can make significant gains if you buy good quality businesses at the right price. For example, long term Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW) shareholders have enjoyed a 82% share price rise over the last half decade, well in excess of the market return of around 53% (not including dividends). However, more recent returns haven't been as impressive as that, with the stock returning just 37% in the last year , including dividends . Now it's worth having a look at the company's fundamentals too, because that will help us determine if the long term shareholder return has matched the performance of the underlying business. Check out our latest analysis for Illinois Tool Works 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. Over half a decade, Illinois Tool Works managed to grow its earnings per share at 14% a year. So the EPS growth rate is rather close to the annualized share price gain of 13% per year. That suggests that the market sentiment around the company hasn't changed much over that time. Indeed, it would appear the share price is reacting to the EPS. The company's earnings per share (over time) is depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers). We consider it positive that insiders have made significant purchases in the last year. Even so, future earnings will be far more important to whether current shareholders make money. This free interactive report on Illinois Tool Works' earnings, revenue and cash flow is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further. 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 is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. It's fair to say that the TSR gives a more complete picture for stocks that pay a dividend. As it happens, Illinois Tool Works' TSR for the last 5 years was 106%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence! Story continues A Different Perspective It's good to see that Illinois Tool Works has rewarded shareholders with a total shareholder return of 37% in the last twelve months. And that does include the dividend. That gain is better than the annual TSR over five years, which is 16%. Therefore it seems like sentiment around the company has been positive lately. In the best case scenario, this may hint at some real business momentum, implying that now could be a great time to delve deeper. 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. To that end, you should be aware of the 1 warning sign we've spotted with Illinois Tool Works . Illinois Tool Works is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here Eleven people were killed in a suspected arson attack on a bar in the northern Mexican border city of San Luis Rio Colorado after an expelled patron allegedly set it ablaze with a Molotov cocktail, authorities in the state of Sonora said Saturday. Sonora state prosecutors said preliminary findings showed the suspect was young, male and highly intoxicated at the time of the attack in the early hours of Saturday. He had reportedly been thrown out of the bar for being disrespectful to women there. He then came back and threw a kind of Molotov cocktail at the doors of the bar, according to a statement from prosecutors in the state, which shares a long border with Arizona. Four of the 11 dead were women, and four more people were being treated in hospital for their injuries, they added. One of the women was a U.S. citizen, and another victim was only 17 years old, Gustavo Romulo Salas, the state attorney general, told a news conference. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko will meet Sunday, the Kremlin said, two days after Moscow warned that any aggression against its neighbor and staunchest ally would be considered an attack on Russia. After Poland decided earlier this week to move military units closer to its border with Belarus in response to the arrival in Belarus of forces from Russia's Wagner Group, Putin said Moscow would use all means to react to any hostility toward Minsk. The Kremlin said Lukashenko is paying a working visit to Russia and will talk to Putin about further development of the countries' "strategic partnership." While not sending his own troops to Ukraine, Lukashenko allowed Moscow to use Belarusian territory to launch its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and has since met with Putin frequently. The two countries have since held multiple joint military training exercises. In June, Lukashenko allowed his country to be used as a base for Russian nuclear weapons, a move broadly condemned by the West. The perception that Lukashenko depends on Putin for his survival had fanned fears in Kyiv that Putin would pressure him to join a fresh ground offensive and open a new front in Russia's faltering invasion of Ukraine. On Thursday, the Belarusian defense ministry said Wagner Group mercenaries have started to train Belarusian special forces at a military range just a few miles from the border with NATO-member Poland. Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was shown in a video welcoming his fighters to Belarus on Wednesday, telling them they would take no further part for now in the war in Ukraine but ordering them to gather strength for Wagner's operations in Africa while they trained the Belarusian army. GENEVA - A U.N. expert is condemning the mass detention of tens of thousands of women and children in northeast Syria as a violation of international law and calling on governments to repatriate their nationals who she says live under cruel and inhumane conditions. Concluding a six-day visit to Syria, Fionnuala Ni Aolain, the U.N. special rapporteur on counterterrorism and human rights, issued a dire assessment Friday. "It is entirely unacceptable that we have 40,000-plus people in a detention facility where 60% of them are children under 12, and we have absolutely no idea what is happening in that facility," she said at a news conference. "To say that this is a breach of international law is perhaps the understatement of the day." During her visit this past week, Ni Aolain and her team toured prisons and sites of detention in the Qamishli, Gweiran and al-Hol districts, and in al-Malikiyah city. The enormous al-Hol camp is where tens of thousands of women and children mostly wives, widows and children of Islamic State group members are held. For years, the U.S. has been urging countries to repatriate the family members of militants, but those calls have gone largely unheeded. Either the camps residents cant prove their citizenship, or their home country is reluctant to accept IS sympathizers or former fighters. However, Ni Aolain said, states are obligated to repatriate their nationals held in the detention facilities in Syria. Camp authorities say the Islamic State group wives rule the al-Hol camp with violence as they try to keep the group active years after its defeat. Additionally, the authorities say they have set fires in the camp, threatened guards and tried to kidnap them, and have facilitated the escape of boys to join IS. The United Nations reports more than 100 people, including many women, have been killed in al-Hol camp since the beginning of 2021. Ni Aolain said what most concerned her and her team "was the mass, indefinite and arbitrary detention of children, particularly boys in various facilities, premised on the alleged threat they posed to security based on their parents alleged prior links with Daesh." Da'esh is an Arabic acronym referring to IS. An estimated 52,000 people, mainly Iraqis and Syrians, including relatives of suspected Islamic State militants, are being held in the al-Hol and al-Roj camps, which are run by the Kurdish, U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Ni Aolain described the camp conditions as dire. "What I was able to witness first-hand, including mass arbitrary detention of children, incommunicado detention, disappearances, structural and systematic discrimination of detained persons on the basis of their nationality, torture, cruel, and degrading treatment, as well as the deprivation of access to water, food, and health care. "All of these things undermine the right to life and make the return to countries of nationality absolutely imperative," Ni Aolain said. Last October, the SDF swept al-Hol, arresting hundreds of IS fighters and recovering stores of weapons. Since then, the SDF has enhanced security with help from the U.S., according to an NBC report. Syrian Democratic Forces officials did not respond to requests for comment on the humanitarian and security situation in the camp, NBC said. The United Nations estimates 7,000 people, three-quarters of them women and children, have been repatriated by 36 countries since 2019. The charity Save the Children says that at this rate "it would take up to 30 years" to repatriate all the children housed in the two camps. "Ending the issue of al-Hol camp has become a top national interest for Iraq," said Ahmad Sahhaf, Iraqs Foreign Ministry spokesperson, according to the countrys state news agency. He called on the international community to urge all countries that have citizens at the camp "to repatriate them as soon as possible in order to eventually close the camp" because it has become "a dangerous epicenter" for IS gatherings. "Let me be clear, anyone seriously thinking about long-term security in this region who is not addressing the systematic and arbitrary detention of thousands of children is closing their eyes to the long-term security implications of what it means to hold children in these kinds of conditions of detention indefinitely," Ni Aolain said. The special rapporteur said she shared her concerns in discussions with authorities at every detention facility. "I was absolutely crystal clear about the human rights violations that were implicated by what I saw, particularly among children. We see so much of this in media reporting on children the kind of inflammatory language of cubs of the caliphate or extremists or terrorists to describe 2-year-olds, 3-, 4-, 5-year-olds born on this territory by no choice of their own." The Associated Press provided some information for this report. A previously announced meeting of a new NATO-Ukraine Council, expected to address Black Sea security, has been scheduled for Wednesday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address Sunday. NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said Saturday that the meeting, requested by Zelenskyy in a telephone conversation with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, would discuss the situation following Russia's withdrawal from a year-old deal overseeing grain exports from Ukrainian ports. "In fact, the date was agreed upon immediately after our conversation yesterday," Zelenskyy said. "The meeting will be held this Wednesday." He said the meeting was among events Ukraine was preparing for in the coming week that would strengthen the country's defense. He said new support packages were being prepared including more air defense, artillery, and long-range weapons. Lungescu said the meeting would address the operation of a corridor for grain exports and take place at the level of ambassadors. The council's inaugural meeting, at NATO's summit in Vilnius, was attended by heads of state or government. JERUSALEM Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went to the hospital early Sunday for an emergency procedure to implant a pacemaker, amid widespread protests over his contentious plan to overhaul the judiciary. Netanyahu's office said that he would be placed under sedation and that a top deputy, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, would stand in for him while he underwent the procedure. In a brief video statement, Netanyahu declared that he "feels excellent" and planned to push forward with his plan as soon as he was released. Levin is the mastermind of the overhaul. Netanyahu's announcement, issued well after midnight, came a week after he was hospitalized for what was described as dehydration. It also came after a tumultuous day that saw some of the largest protests to date against the judicial overhaul plan. Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across Israel on Saturday night, while thousands marched into Jerusalem and camped out near the Knesset, or parliament, ahead of a vote expected Monday that would approve a key portion of the overhaul. Further ratcheting up the pressure on the Israeli leader, more than 100 retired security chiefs came out in support of the growing ranks of military reservists who say they will stop reporting for duty if the plan is passed. Netanyahu and his far-right allies announced the overhaul plan in January, days after taking office. They claim the plan is needed to curb what they say are the excessive powers of unelected judges. Critics say the plan will destroy the country's system of checks and balances and put it on the path toward authoritarian rule. U.S. President Joe Biden has urged Netanyahu to halt the plan and seek a broad consensus. A week ago, Netanyahu, 73, was rushed to Israel's Sheba Hospital with dizziness. He later said he had been out in the hot sun without enough water. His return to Sheba for the pacemaker procedure indicated his health troubles were more serious than initially indicated. In the video, Netanyahu said that he was outfitted with a monitor after last week's hospitalization and that when an alarm beeped late Saturday, it meant he required a pacemaker right away. "I feel excellent, but I listen to my doctors," he said. Netanyahu said he expected to be released from the hospital in time to go to the Knesset for Monday's vote. In the meantime, his office said the weekly meeting of his Cabinet, usually held each Sunday morning, had been postponed. As Netanyahu spoke, thousands of Israelis camped out in Jerusalem's main park, a short walk from the Knesset, after completing a four-day march from Tel Aviv to rally opposition to the judicial overhaul. Late Saturday, hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets in Tel Aviv and other cities in a last-ditch show of force hoping to head off the judicial overhaul. In heat that reached 33 C, the procession into Jerusalem turned the city's main entrance into a sea of blue and white Israeli flags as marchers completed the last leg of a four-day, 70-kilometer trek from Tel Aviv. The marchers, who grew from hundreds to thousands as the march progressed, were welcomed in Jerusalem by throngs of cheering protesters before they set up camp in rows of small white tents. The proposed overhaul has drawn harsh criticism from business and medical leaders, and a fast-rising number of military reservists in key units have said they will stop reporting for duty if the plan passes, raising concern that Israel's security could be threatened. An additional 10,000 reservists announced they were suspending duty Saturday night, according to a protest group representing retired soldiers. More than 100 top former security chiefs, including retired military commanders, police commissioners and heads of intelligence agencies, joined those calls on Saturday, signing a letter to Netanyahu accusing him of compromising Israel's military and urging him to halt the legislation. The signatories included Ehud Barak, a former Israeli prime minister, and Moshe Yaalon, a former army chief and defense minister. Both are political rivals of Netanyahu. Israel Katz, a senior Cabinet minister from Netanyahu's Likud party, said the bill would pass one way or another Monday and rejected the pressure from the ranks of the military, the most respected institution among Israel's Jewish majority. The overhaul measure would limit the Supreme Court's oversight powers by preventing judges from striking down government decisions on the basis that they are "unreasonable." Proponents say the current "reasonability" standard gives judges excessive powers over decision making by elected officials. Critics say removing the standard, which is invoked only in rare cases, would allow the government to pass arbitrary decisions, make improper appointments or firings and open the door to corruption. The overhaul also calls for other sweeping changes aimed at curbing the powers of the judiciary, from limiting the Supreme Court's ability to challenge parliamentary decisions, to changing the way judges are selected. At least 80,000 people have been displaced in three months of intercommunal violence in a north central Nigerian state, a local official said, as the army reinforced security to end the clashes. Since May, Plateau State has seen a surge of attacks among mostly Muslim nomadic herders and Christian farming communities in violence the local state government says has left around 300 people dead. Nigeria's military chief of staff, Major-General Taoreed Lagbaja visited Mangu, in Plateau State, on Saturday to mark the start of special operations to "stamp out" the crisis. The clashes are just one of the major security challenges facing new President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Nigeria, where armed forces also battle jihadis, heavily armed bandit gangs and separatist tensions. Mangu district has been one of the epicenters of the recent violence with villages ransacked and farmland destroyed. "Theres an estimate of 80,000 internally displaced persons, within 11 various camps in the local government area," said Markus Artu, a top official in the Mangu district. About 18,000 of the displaced were being sheltered in one of the camps situated at a primary school in Mangu. One of the camp coordinators, Yamput Daniel, gave AFP a similar estimate. State emergency response agency officials have delivered aid, but they have yet to give their official report on the number of displaced in the crisis. The local cattle herders' association said some of their communities have also been displaced by attacks. Farmland destroyed At the school, displaced victims were packed into classrooms, some dilapidated and with broken roofs, surviving on meager supplies and maize donations from local churches. "The crisis has rendered us homeless; our farmland has been destroyed and we are left to manage our lives here in this primary school," said Grace Emmanuel, 70, one of the displaced. "It has not been easy, we have no food to eat, we fetch water from the well to drink, at times the water isn't enough for [the] thousands of us here." The regional commander of Plateau's Operation Safe Haven campaign has relocated its headquarters temporarily to Mangu and deployed an extra 300 troops to the district with armored vehicles. SEE ALSO: By Lake Chad, Fulani Women Make Maps That Reduce Farmer-Herder Conflicts "Work with the communities. You are the people's army when they make distress calls you must respond as soon as possible," army chief of staff General Lagbaja told troops. Plateau sits on the dividing line between Nigeria's mostly Muslim north and the predominantly Christian south and has for years been a flashpoint for tensions. It was unclear what triggered the most recent flareup of attacks in Plateau. Tensions between herders and farmers over land and resources often spiral into tit-for-tat village raids by armed gangs who kidnap, loot and kill. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS: The United States plans to announce as soon as Tuesday a new military aid package for Ukraine of up to $400 million, including artillery, air defense missiles and ground vehicles as Ukraines counteroffensive grinds on, three U.S. officials said Friday. The package will not include cluster munitions. Poland said Saturday that a hub for repairs and maintenance of damaged Ukrainian tanks had begun operating in its southern city of Gliwice. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the nationalization of a bank in Ukraine previously belonging to Russian oligarchs. Now, it has public management. The rights of depositors and the resilience of the banking sector are guaranteed, he said in his nightly video address. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke Saturday with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg about ways to restore the safe transit of ships carrying Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy said he asked Stoltenberg to convene the NATO-Ukraine Council, which was set up at this month's NATO summit, to discuss security in the Black Sea, particularly the operation of a corridor for Ukrainian grain exports. "I proposed to Jens that the council be convened without delay for relevant crisis consultations. The meeting will take place in the coming days. We can overcome the security crisis in the Black Sea." NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said the NATO-Ukraine Council, created during the Vilnius summit this month, would discuss the situation following Russia's withdrawal from Black Sea Grain Initiative. Lungescu said the two men discussed Russia's exit from the deal and its "continued attempts to weaponize food, which are affecting millions of vulnerable people around the world." The U.N. brokered accord, which expired Monday, guaranteed safe passage to ships transporting grain and other agricultural commodities from Ukrainian ports through the Black Sea corridor. Since the expiration of the grain deal, Moscow has declared large areas of the Black Sea dangerous for shipping and has targeted Ukrainian ports with drones and missiles, destroying 60,000 metric tons of grain. Moscow has warned that it would assume that ships crossing parts of the Black Sea would be carrying weapons to Ukraine. Similarly, Ukraine said vessels heading to Russian Black Sea ports would be considered carrying military cargo with all the associated risks. In the wake of the deal's expiration, the number of ships loading grain from the Black Sea area has fallen by 35%. As uncertainty grows over whether commercial traffic could be hit by Russia, shipping insurance companies have suspended coverage for shipments from Ukraine apart from the smaller ports along the Danube, insurance industry sources said Friday. Despite the risks, some ship owners are still interested in shipping grain from Ukrainian ports to the world. Shipping has always been very, very resilient in the face of these sorts of risks, said John Stawpert, senior manager of environment and trade for the International Chamber of Shipping, which represents 80% of the worlds commercial fleet. Vessels crossing the Black Sea are likely to encounter mines and could become collateral damage at ports or a direct target of Russian strikes, which Stawpert said would lead to " a huge escalation." It is unlikely that underwriters will want to cover that risk, said the International Union of Marine Insurance, which represents national and international marine insurers. In an interview with VOAs Russian Service, USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman said the U.S. agency has been assisting Ukraine in exporting grain via alternate routes through Poland and other countries, as well as the Danube River. Coleman said these alternate routes are not as cost efficient and not as fast as transporting in big bulk carriers from the Black Sea, and it has caused some friction with its neighbors. Overland Ukrainian grain exports can adversely affect grain prices of Ukraines European neighbors, which see their agricultural products depreciate. But Coleman emphasized it is important to use these alternate distribution routes so that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's blackmail, his destruction will not undermine Ukraine's agricultural sector. Crimea FILE- A plume of smoke rises over an ammunition depot where explosions occurred at the facility in Kirovsky district in Crimea, July 19, 2023. Ukraine said its army had destroyed an oil depot and Russian army warehouses in what it called the "temporarily occupied" district of Oktyabrsky in central Crimea. The attack caused an explosion at the depot, said Russian-installed governor Sergei Aksyonov, adding that no damage or casualties were reported. Footage shared by state media showed a thick cloud of gray smoke at the site. The attack prompted an evacuation in the area and brief suspension of the road traffic on the Crimean bridge, linking the peninsula to Russia, the region's Moscow-installed governor said Saturday. Zelenskyy said Friday the Crimea Bridge is a legitimate target. The bridge that links Crimea to Russia was hit Monday with explosions that killed two people. Following the attack, a portion of the bridge was put out of commission. Russian airstrikes wrecked the historic Transfiguration Cathedral in the Ukrainian city of Odesa early Sunday, prompting Kyiv to pledge retaliation for the damage to the UNESCO World Heritage site. Father Myroslav, the assistant rector, said that there was extensive damage inside. There was a direct hit to the cathedral; it completely damaged three altars, he said. Members of the clergy pulled icons from the rubble inside the cathedral. Mosaics were smashed. A security guard and clergymen were inside when the strike hit but they survived. The destruction of the historic monument has caused outrage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vowed to retaliate. They will definitely feel this, he said. UNESCO issued a statement strongly condemning the attack. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the strike as a new war crime. The first and foremost church in the city of Odesa was founded in 1794 during the Russian empire. It was demolished under Stalin in 1936. Its rebuilding commenced in 1999 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and it was consecrated in 2003. Separately, A preliminary assessment in Odesa has revealed damage to several museums inside the World Heritage property, including the Odesa Archaeological Museum, the Odesa Maritime Museum and the Odesa Literature Museum. They had all been marked by UNESCO and local authorities with the Blue Shield, the distinctive emblem of the 1954 Hague Convention, the UNESCO statement said. Russia's defense ministry claimed it struck areas that were suspected of being sites of terrorist acts but denied it had struck the cathedral and said the building had probably been hit by a Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile. The airstrikes killed two people and wounded at least 19 others, including children. Residents said the missiles hit only residential areas and small businesses. Russia has launched a series of attacks on Odesa since Moscows exit from a U.N.-brokered Black Sea Grain deal that was securing the safe passage of cargo ships through the Black Sea corridor. Ukraine counteroffensive U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CNN Sunday that while Ukraines counteroffensive is going more slowly than originally hoped for, Ukrainian forces had reconquered half the territory that Russia had initially occupied when it invaded. "Its already taken back about 50% of what was initially seized," Blinken said. "These are still relatively early days of the counteroffensive. It is tough," he said, adding, "It will not play out over the next week or two. Were still looking I think at several months," he said as Ukrainian troops struggle to breach heavily entrenched Russian positions in the country's south and east. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Sunday that Ukraines counteroffensive has failed." While visiting St. Petersburg, Russia, Putins ally, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, said Sunday, "There is no counteroffensive. Putin replied: "It exists, but it has failed." The British defense ministry said Sunday in its daily intelligence report on Ukraine that Russia has likely achieved some marginal gains in northern Ukraine in Luhansk and Kharkiv oblasts, but the situation has been obfuscated by Russian disinformation. The activity, the British ministry said, highlights the norths importance to Russia, while Russia is also facing significant pressure in the southern Zaporizhzhia sector. Russian forces are likely going back to the Oskil River to form a buffer zone around Luhansk oblast because its possession, the ministry said, is almost certainly one of Russias fundamental war objectives. Black Sea cargo ships Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke Saturday with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg about ways to restore the safe transit of ships carrying Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy said he asked Stoltenberg to convene the NATO-Ukraine Council, which was set up at the recent NATO summit in Lithuania, to discuss security in the Black Sea, particularly the operation of a corridor for Ukrainian grain exports. NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said the council would discuss the situation following Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The U.N.-brokered accord, which expired last Monday, guaranteed safe passage to ships transporting grain and other agricultural commodities from Ukrainian ports through the Black Sea corridor. Since the expiration of the deal, Moscow has declared large areas of the Black Sea dangerous for shipping and targeted Ukrainian ports with drones and missiles, destroying 60,000 metric tons of grain. Moscow has warned that it would assume that ships crossing parts of the Black Sea would be carrying weapons to Ukraine. Similarly, Ukraine said vessels heading to Russian Black Sea ports would be considered carrying military cargo with all the associated risks. Some information in this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Funeral Announcements A daily list of current funeral annoucements as heard on KXRA 1490 AM/100.3 FM News Updates The daily news, sports, and events delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Sports Update This current sports headlines delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Upcoming Events This email is the events of the area delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Breaking News The big news. Sent only as it happens. The worst result, after buying shares in a company (assuming no leverage), would be if you lose all the money you put in. But when you pick a company that is really flourishing, you can make more than 100%. For instance, the price of TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE:TDG) stock is up an impressive 140% over the last five years. On top of that, the share price is up 16% in about a quarter. But this move may well have been assisted by the reasonably buoyant market (up 10% in 90 days). With that in mind, it's worth seeing if the company's underlying fundamentals have been the driver of long term performance, or if there are some discrepancies. Check out our latest analysis for TransDigm Group 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. During five years of share price growth, TransDigm Group achieved compound earnings per share (EPS) growth of 5.2% per year. This EPS growth is lower than the 19% average annual increase in the share price. This suggests that market participants hold the company in higher regard, these days. That's not necessarily surprising considering the five-year track record of earnings growth. This optimism is visible in its fairly high P/E ratio of 50.91. The image below shows how EPS has tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail). We know that TransDigm Group has improved its bottom line lately, but is it going to grow revenue? Check if analysts think TransDigm Group will grow revenue in the future. A Dividend Lost The share price return figures discussed above don't include the value of dividends paid previously, but the total shareholder return (TSR) does. In some ways, TSR is a better measure of how well an investment has performed. Over the last 5 years, TransDigm Group generated a TSR of 176%, which is, of course, better than the share price return. Although the company had to cut dividends, it has paid cash to shareholders in the past. Story continues A Different Perspective It's good to see that TransDigm Group has rewarded shareholders with a total shareholder return of 57% in the last twelve months. Since the one-year TSR is better than the five-year TSR (the latter coming in at 23% per year), it would seem that the stock's performance has improved in recent times. In the best case scenario, this may hint at some real business momentum, implying that now could be a great time to delve deeper. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand TransDigm Group better, we need to consider many other factors. To that end, you should be aware of the 2 warning signs we've spotted with TransDigm Group . Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies we expect will grow earnings. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here Those Old Scientists is now available to stream now via Paramount+ after an advance screening at San Diego Comic Con. First, its probably worth taking a moment to appreciate the level of difficulty at work in this episode. That Jack Quaid and Tawny Newsome bear more than a passing resemblance to their Star Trek: Lower Decks characters certainly helps make their transition from animation to live-action believable. But Lower Decks and Strange New Worlds are shows with extremely different tones and performance styles. The difference should be so jarring to make any merging of universes impossible. The solution: Those Old Scientists leans into the clash. That Boimler (Quaid) and Mariner (Newsome) dont fit in on the Enterprise is the gag that undergirds the entire episode. They talk too loud. They make, as Una points out, weirdly specific references to Star Trek lore. Quaid runs like a cartoon character. Newsome even keeps Mariners mischievous grin as her characters default facial expression in this new environment. Its undoubtedly hard to make all the pieces fit together, but Those Old Scientists makes it look pretty effortless. Anyone who doesnt know whats coming might at first think theyve tuned into the wrong show. The episodes animated opening is set on the USS Cerritos, the underachieving California-class starship the Lower Decks characters call home. It also opens in familiar Lower Decks fashion, with Boimler nerding out over a mundane assignment for reasons tied to Federation history, and Mariner making fun of him for it as Tendi (Noel Wells) and Rutherford (Eugene Cordero) get excited over the missions scientific potential. And, also in Lower Decks tradition, things quickly start to spin out of control. After Boimler and Tendi disagree as to whether the portal was discovered by the Enterprise or Orion scientists (They werent all pirates, you know, Tendi reminds him) and Boimler expresses a desire to live in the past, the portal activates and grants his wish. This, naturally, comes as a surprise to the (long-ago, from Boimlers perspective) members of the Enterprise who greet him on the other side. Though they quickly figure out Boimlers a harmless (and wildly enthusiastic to be among his heroes) traveler from the future, his presence is a real problem. Like any visitor from another time, he could screw up history. And as a student of Federation history with a seemingly encyclopedic knowledge about the Enterprise and its crew, he could screw it up in one specific way: by letting them know whats coming. To prevent this from happening, hes handed over to Laan, who briefs him on temporal protocols, including an admonition not to form any attachments. Its Laans own addition and one she understands all too well. Then again, history isnt always right. Mariner knows Uhura for her ability to enjoy life and not be on duty all the time. That doesnt quite square with the Uhura we know from TOS or the movies (who can relax, but not to the point where its her defining trait), and it really doesnt square with the Ensign Uhura of Strange New Worlds who works all the time, to the point it worries those around her. Boimler discovers this firsthand when he meets her for himself and gets a brush-off that suggests shes too busy for his nonsense. But its Boimlers encounter with Spock that really weirds him out. Returning to the portal with Spock and MBenga, Boimler makes Spock laugh, then barely has time to process this moment before an Orion ship shows up (though it will haunt him later). Are they pirates? Pike assumes they are before Boimler tips him off that this Orion vessel might be peaceful. But the line between science and piracy gets a little blurry when they steal the portal and take off, seemingly stranding Boimler in the past forever. At least hes making friends. After some ribbing from Chapel and Ortegas, he gets an invitation to join them for movie night, then accidentally lets slip that (a) Pikes birthday is coming up, and (b) its a holiday in his era. A party strikes Chapel and Ortegas as a good idea, even if Boimler worries it could change the future. Then he really puts his foot in it. Following Chapel to the turbolift, he expresses his concern that his joke may have broken Spock, whom he knows as an unsmiling, joke-averse historical hero. He goes on to tell her hes read every book about Spock available to him, and they dont mention this. And that, Chapel realizes, means they dont mention her. The note of melancholy Laan sounds when she warns Boimler about forming attachments sets the stage for other such moments to come. Pike has spent the entire series coping with the knowledge that hell meet his end in less than a decade, and nothing Boimler tells him suggests otherwise. But Boimler knows what awaits other characters too, just as we do. As fun as it is to watch their relationship and as much as they seem to be enjoying it, whatevers going on between Spock and Chapel wont last without some disruption of the continuity. I never assumed that I would get to influence him forever, Chapel says through tears. Sometimes its best not to know where youre going. After using some future tech to put the Enterprise on the trail of the Orions (with the ships crew looking the other way lest they learn something they shouldnt), Boimler urges Pike (and his really great hair) to find a peaceful solution. They do, though it means giving up some grain badly needed by some hungry colonists. And with that, they gain the ability to send Boimler back to his own time. The end. Or it would be if the attempt didnt result in Mariner traveling through the portal and joining them. For Mariner, this is no problem at all (especially if she gets to meet Uhura). But for Pike and the others, it means their troubles have doubled. Pike decides to put the new arrivals to work, sending Boimler off with Spock and letting Mariner hang out with (and fan out over) Uhura. But Mariners admiration for Uhura and her future accomplishments only stresses Uhura out more. Mariners suggestion, perfectly in keeping in character, is to slack off. Joined by Ortegas, they kick back with some improvised Orion Hurricanes, and, in the process, they figure out how to decipher the symbols that surround the portal. Meanwhile, Boimler discovers that Spock has figured out whats troubling him, having spoken to an upset Chapel. Even though she didnt go into details, Spock correctly deduces that its his displays of human emotion that trouble Boimler because these moments dont match up to history. But logic also suggests to Spock that he just needs to roll with it. If he tries to be less human after speaking to Boimler, that itself will alter history. Whatever will end his relationship with Chapel, its not this. One pep talk from Pelia later, Boimler joins Mariner on a shuttle with the intention of reclaiming the grain Pike previously traded away. Its a short-lived plan, thanks to Laan discovering them before they can take off. Busted, theyre taken to Pikes quarters, whos mad but softens when he hears that Boimler once dressed as him for Halloween. (He had to contour the hell out of the jawline, Mariner notes.) But whats really annoying him is the rumor that Boimler has encouraged the crew to throw him a birthday party, not so much because he doesnt think he has many birthdays left but because this is the year when he outlives the father with whom he had a difficult relationship and, frankly, hed planned to spend it drinking alone. But ticked off as he was when the conversation began, Pike comes around to Boimlers way of thinking when the time traveler suggests that if his years are more limited than hed like, Pike might want to spend some quality time with his friends. With the mention of Captain Archers original Enterprise, Boimler hits on a plan that will allow them to reactivate the portal using the alloy they need to fire it up again, which can be found on a piece of the older ship encased in the new one. One Live long and prosper from Spock later, theyre on their way home. Or they would be if there werent Orions in the way. Fortunately, they arrive at a compromise by letting the Orion scientists take credit for the discovery. (Tendi was right after all! Sort of.) After stepping through the portal and back into Lower Decks animated world, theyve left some of it behind on the Enterprise. Pikes party is fueled by genuine Orion Hurricanes, which seem to have the ability to alter reality, temporarily rendering them two-dimensional (and weirding them out as the episode cuts to the credits). This was a fun one, and fun in the same self-aware-but-not-too-self-aware style of Deep Space Nines Trials and Tribble-ations. And while its a lark of an episode, it also takes the ongoing story arcs of several characters quite seriously. Chapels moment in the turbolift is heartbreaking, made even more so by the way she steels herself after she absorbs the implications of what Boimler tells her. This is a character who has learned not to expect too much but whod begun to believe that maybe shed get what she wants anyway. But mostly it keeps it light, even more in the second half, which plays at times more like a Lower Decks episode than Strange New Worlds. Heres hoping this becomes a tradition, no matter how tricky it is to pull off. Hit It! The animated credits are a nice, unexpected touch. Memorable lines: But flipping it opens the best part. Funny captain. Whats happening? I was thoroughly unprepared for how hot Young Spock was going to be. The running, and developing, gag about Boimlers reverence for Una and the poster he has pinned up (but which is not a pinup) was fun and touching, and having Ransom (voiced by Rebecca Romijns real-life husband, Jerry OConnell) admire it was the perfect button for it in this self-referential episode. Pelias quote I always pretended to be someone I wanted to be until finally I became that someone, or he became me comes from none other than Cary Grant. Now theres a potentially fun time-travel episode. Thanks for going back to the TOS era. Its a clever title in a couple of ways, isnt it? This episode was written by Kathryn Lyn, who has previously written for both Strange New Worlds and Lower Decks, and Bill Wolkoff, whos been with Strange New Worlds since its first season. In an additional behind-the-scenes crossover, its directed by Jonathan Frakes. Ahead of a November vote on abortion rights, Republicans had wanted voters to make it more difficult to amend the state constitution. Voters said no, and constitutional amendments will continue to need just a simple majority to pass. MORE COVERAGE It is six years since Craig Reucassel first lifted the rubbish bin lid on just how much waste Australians generate, but, sadly, War on Waste is unlikely to run out of material any time soon. As news comes from the Australian Marine Conservation Society and World Wildlife Fund Australia that we generate more single-use plastic than any other country bar Singapore, the Chaser prankster turned waste warrior returns with a third season of shocking stunts and inspiring solutions, with government and big business in his sights. War on Waste host Craig Reucassel says Australians are doing the right thing when it comes to recycling and its now up to government to make a difference. Australians are doing the right thing, says Reucassel. Its on governments now to step in. A 13 per cent rate for [recycling] plastics is not good enough. Now is the time to go, OK, we cant keep digging our fossil fuels, exporting it across the world to be turned into plastic, using it for about five minutes and then its here forever. Its a ridiculous system. In the series, Reucassel challenges pharmaceutical companies to take responsibility for non-recyclable blister packs. He confronts the Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, about our national water crisis, recycling infrastructure, and legislation on manufacturing and retail. First in the hot seat is REDcycle founder Liz Kassel, whose soft plastics recycling scheme collapsed last year when it was revealed supermarket collections were stockpiled in warehouses. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size A months-long investigation into the failures of Home Affairs, exposing deep flaws in the operation of Australias gatekeepers. See all 15 stories . If you believe what it says on Yongge Henry Qis visa, he came to Australia to study. But he never went to the marketing and communication course he was enrolled in, and it was fanciful to think he could: the only English words he knows are yes and no. Instead, when he landed, Qi went to work in a suburban car window tinting factory. There for long hours, seven days a week, he did the work of two or three people, and was fed the sometimes rotten scraps from his employers table. When Qi complained about his conditions, his boss confiscated his passport. At one point, the factory he was living in was renovated and, he says, he went without a shower for a month. Qis ordeal is another example of the industrial-scale rorting of Australias student immigration system exposed by this masthead and confirmed in two recent federal government reports. His student visa was arranged by NewStars, the largest Chinese migration agent registered with the federal government, which boasts that it has assisted more than 30,000 migrants. A series of WeChat messages shows his employer drove the conversations with the NewStars agent to arrange Qis visa and student enrolment. The employer was posing as Qis sister. Advertisement An investigation by The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and 60 Minutes can also reveal that influencers on Chinese social media apps with hundreds of millions of users are luring people to Australia with false promises of permanent residency. An online advertisement promoting immigration to Australia touting high wages and no English requirement. Through a translator, Qi said he was lured to Australia by his employer with the promise of free accommodation, food, air tickets and a comfortable salary, but he ended up being treated like a slave. He was controlled, he had no freedom, he couldnt do whatever he wanted. Thats slavery to me, says Sean Dong, a migration lawyer who blew the whistle on Qis treatment. At my lowest, I couldnt express my feelings, so I punched the wall, concedes Qi in Chinese, as Dong interprets for him. I kept punching the wall. And I didnt know what to do, just punching the wall. The misuse of education visas is one of the rorts that have allowed criminals to traffic large numbers of people into the country to be exploited. A recent report by former police chief Christine Nixon also showed grotesque abuses of the visitor and asylum visa systems. The Albanese government has withheld Nixons report despite a promise to release it in May, and there has not yet been a response to it from Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil, who has described the migration system as broken in fundamental ways. Advertisement The Home Affairs Department has said it will not comment on individual cases for privacy reasons. In a statement, the department said it was highly successful at protecting Australia from immigration threats apart from isolated exceptions. But ONeil said she had inherited a migration system which was completely broken, not delivering for employers or workers and subject to rorting and exploitation. She told The Age, the Herald and 60 Minutes Home Truths investigation that her response to the Nixon report would be part of a systemic reform ... to build a migration system which protects workers and delivers for the national interest. The place where Henry Qi lived for a time in the factory of his employer. Fed leftovers Between December 2021 and last September, Qi was paid about $5 per hour for his work in the Melbourne car window tinting factory. He said he had been lured by the employer with promises of a job that was paid well and that he was told Australia was a relaxing environment to work in. Instead, he started by living in the employers house, and doing the jobs of two or three people between 9am and 9pm. For food, Qi said through Dong, they sometimes give him the leftovers that have gone bad, so he once had diarrhoea for three days. Later Qi lived in the factory where, he said, I was by myself. His employer brought him lunch and dinner which usually felt very un-fresh, he said. Advertisement They feed me leftovers, and they ask me to do things that are not related to work, Qi said. I have to work seven days. I only get rest when theres no job lined up. When the factory was being renovated, all he had for living quarters was a bed, a desk and a coat hanger. His longest workday was 16 hours, from 9am to 1am the following morning. He did not go to authorities to seek help because of his lack of English. I was scared because theres no way to say no because they threatened me because I have $12,000 cash on me. They said if I dont give up my passport, they will call the police [and say] I steal the money from them. He has since given a statement to the Australian Federal Police. A path to cheap labour Qi says he did not know that NewStars was his migration agent. In response to questions, NewStars produced documents showing Qi knew he was coming to Australia on an education visa. However, they conceded they had never spoken directly to him. Despite trying a number of times, they were unable to be answered, according to a written statement from the migration agent. Advertisement The statement said that, since the woman claiming to be his sister had provided all the requisite documentation, we were also satisfied that [she] had full authority acting on behalf of Mr Qi. It was only later, when Qis lawyer approached NewStars for documentation, did they realise that they are not in biological relationship. Loading The migration agents code says an agent must not deal with a client through an intermediary unless they can verify the persons identity. Qi didnt know who his agent was, and to me, thats obviously a representation issue, said Dong, a senior lawyer at immigration law specialist ProActive Legal. It was facilitated. To me, thats trafficking. He speaks almost zero English, just simply yes or no. He should never have been offered a place in a school and because of that, he shouldnt have gotten a visa. According to the law, as a student who was not attending classes, Qi was in the country illegally and not able to work. Dong said conversations on Chinese social media app WeChat were pitching a fantasy of Australia to thousands of people at a time and permanent residency if they worked well for two years. Advertisement The nature of investing is that you win some, and you lose some. And there's no doubt that KORE Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:KORE) stock has had a really bad year. The share price is down a hefty 56% in that time. KORE Group Holdings may have better days ahead, of course; we've only looked at a one year period. The last week also saw the share price slip down another 14%. After losing 14% this past week, it's worth investigating the company's fundamentals to see what we can infer from past performance. Check out our latest analysis for KORE Group Holdings KORE Group Holdings isn't currently profitable, so most analysts would look to revenue growth to get an idea of how fast the underlying business is growing. When a company doesn't make profits, we'd generally expect to see good revenue growth. That's because fast revenue growth can be easily extrapolated to forecast profits, often of considerable size. KORE Group Holdings grew its revenue by 1.3% over the last year. That's not a very high growth rate considering it doesn't make profits. Without profits, and with revenue growth sluggish, you get a 56% loss for shareholders, over the year. We'd want to see evidence that future revenue growth will be stronger before getting too interested. Of course, the market can be too impatient at times. Why not take a closer look at this one so you're ready to pounce if growth does accelerate. You can see below how earnings and revenue have changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image). It's probably worth noting we've seen significant insider buying in the last quarter, which we consider a positive. That said, we think earnings and revenue growth trends are even more important factors to consider. You can see what analysts are predicting for KORE Group Holdings in this interactive graph of future profit estimates. A Different Perspective While KORE Group Holdings shareholders are down 56% for the year, the market itself is up 15%. However, keep in mind that even the best stocks will sometimes underperform the market over a twelve month period. It's great to see a nice little 0.8% rebound in the last three months. This could just be a bounce because the selling was too aggressive, but fingers crossed it's the start of a new 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. Take risks, for example - KORE Group Holdings has 3 warning signs we think you should be aware of. Story continues KORE Group Holdings is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here Japan Foods Holding Ltd. (Catalist:5OI) stock is about to trade ex-dividend in 2 days. The ex-dividend date occurs one day before the record date which is the day on which shareholders need to be on the company's books in order to receive a dividend. The ex-dividend date is important as the process of settlement involves two full business days. So if you miss that date, you would not show up on the company's books on the record date. Accordingly, Japan Foods Holding investors that purchase the stock on or after the 26th of July will not receive the dividend, which will be paid on the 14th of August. The company's next dividend payment will be S$0.01 per share, and in the last 12 months, the company paid a total of S$0.02 per share. Calculating the last year's worth of payments shows that Japan Foods Holding has a trailing yield of 4.5% on the current share price of SGD0.44. We love seeing companies pay a dividend, but it's also important to be sure that laying the golden eggs isn't going to kill our golden goose! That's why we should always check whether the dividend payments appear sustainable, and if the company is growing. Check out our latest analysis for Japan Foods Holding Dividends are typically paid from company earnings. If a company pays more in dividends than it earned in profit, then the dividend could be unsustainable. Its dividend payout ratio is 85% of profit, which means the company is paying out a majority of its earnings. The relatively limited profit reinvestment could slow the rate of future earnings growth. We'd be concerned if earnings began to decline. Yet cash flows are even more important than profits for assessing a dividend, so we need to see if the company generated enough cash to pay its distribution. It paid out 20% of its free cash flow as dividends last year, which is conservatively low. It's encouraging to see that the dividend is covered by both profit and cash flow. This generally suggests the dividend is sustainable, as long as earnings don't drop precipitously. Story continues Click here to see how much of its profit Japan Foods Holding paid out over the last 12 months. Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing? Companies with falling earnings are riskier for dividend shareholders. If business enters a downturn and the dividend is cut, the company could see its value fall precipitously. Readers will understand then, why we're concerned to see Japan Foods Holding's earnings per share have dropped 6.6% a year over the past five years. When earnings per share fall, the maximum amount of dividends that can be paid also falls. The main way most investors will assess a company's dividend prospects is by checking the historical rate of dividend growth. In the last 10 years, Japan Foods Holding has lifted its dividend by approximately 6.5% a year on average. That's intriguing, but the combination of growing dividends despite declining earnings can typically only be achieved by paying out a larger percentage of profits. Japan Foods Holding is already paying out 85% of its profits, and with shrinking earnings we think it's unlikely that this dividend will grow quickly in the future. Final Takeaway Has Japan Foods Holding got what it takes to maintain its dividend payments? The payout ratios are within a reasonable range, implying the dividend may be sustainable. Declining earnings are a serious concern, however, and could pose a threat to the dividend in future. Overall, it's hard to get excited about Japan Foods Holding from a dividend perspective. With that being said, if dividends aren't your biggest concern with Japan Foods Holding, you should know about the other risks facing this business. To help with this, we've discovered 3 warning signs for Japan Foods Holding that you should be aware of before investing in their shares. Generally, we wouldn't recommend just buying the first dividend stock you see. Here's a curated list of interesting stocks that are strong dividend payers. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here This photo provided by the Willacy County Livestock Show and Fair shows a rodeo goat named Willy, who went missing on July 15, 2023, in a rural South Texas county. The search for Willy has residents enthralled as they're using horses, ATVs and even contemplating using a helicopter to locate the missing animal. (Alma Barron/Willacy County Livestock Show and Fair via AP) Boston Beer (NYSE:SAM Free Report) had its price objective decreased by TD Cowen from $350.00 to $300.00 in a report issued on Wednesday morning, Briefing.com reports. TD Cowen currently has a market perform rating on the stock. SAM has been the topic of several other research reports. Wedbush reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $325.00 price objective on shares of Boston Beer in a report on Friday, April 21st. Roth Mkm upgraded Boston Beer from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the company from $274.00 to $386.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 30th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price target on Boston Beer from $297.00 to $276.00 in a report on Monday, July 17th. Roth Capital upgraded Boston Beer from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, May 30th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on Boston Beer in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Five analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Boston Beer currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $308.69. Get Boston Beer alerts: Boston Beer Trading Up 0.6 % SAM opened at $303.17 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $3.72 billion, a P/E ratio of 62.38 and a beta of 1.03. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $319.74 and its 200-day moving average price is $329.86. Boston Beer has a 12 month low of $296.27 and a 12 month high of $422.75. Insider Buying and Selling at Boston Beer Boston Beer ( NYSE:SAM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported ($0.73) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.32) by ($0.41). The company had revenue of $410.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $412.47 million. Boston Beer had a return on equity of 7.58% and a net margin of 2.82%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted ($0.16) EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Boston Beer will post 7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other news, insider John C. Geist sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $341.35, for a total value of $3,413,500.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 5,573 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,902,343.55. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, CEO David A. Burwick sold 1,644 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $326.38, for a total value of $536,568.72. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 47,910 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,636,865.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider John C. Geist sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $341.35, for a total value of $3,413,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 5,573 shares in the company, valued at $1,902,343.55. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 23.30% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Boston Beer Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Boston Beer by 6.1% in the 4th quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 438 shares of the companys stock worth $144,000 after purchasing an additional 25 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC boosted its holdings in Boston Beer by 2.5% in the 3rd quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 1,201 shares of the companys stock worth $388,000 after buying an additional 29 shares during the period. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC boosted its holdings in Boston Beer by 14.7% in the 1st quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 281 shares of the companys stock worth $92,000 after buying an additional 36 shares during the period. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund boosted its holdings in Boston Beer by 1.4% in the 4th quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 2,776 shares of the companys stock worth $915,000 after buying an additional 37 shares during the period. Finally, AMG National Trust Bank boosted its holdings in Boston Beer by 1.2% in the 4th quarter. AMG National Trust Bank now owns 3,037 shares of the companys stock worth $1,001,000 after buying an additional 37 shares during the period. 65.46% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Boston Beer Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Boston Beer Company, Inc engages in the production and sale of alcohol beverages primarily in the United States. The company's flagship beer is Samuel Adams Boston Lager. It offers various beers, hard ciders, flavored malt beverages, and hard seltzers under the Samuel Adams, Twisted Tea, Truly Hard Seltzer, Angry Orchard, Dogfish Head, Angel City, Coney Island, and Havana Lager brand names. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Boston Beer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boston Beer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) had its target price lifted by Barclays from $62.00 to $70.00 in a research note released on Wednesday, FlyOnTheWall reports. Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $86.00 to $85.00 in a research report on Tuesday, April 18th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $75.00 to $72.00 in a research note on Tuesday, April 18th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $64.00 to $66.00 in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Bank of America upped their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $46.00 to $53.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 15th. Finally, Piper Sandler cut their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $75.00 to $69.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 5th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Charles Schwab currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $69.91. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Charles Schwab Stock Performance NYSE:SCHW opened at $66.48 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74, a current ratio of 0.39 and a quick ratio of 0.39. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $55.70 and a two-hundred day moving average of $62.44. The stock has a market cap of $117.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.16, a PEG ratio of 5.52 and a beta of 0.88. Charles Schwab has a 1-year low of $45.00 and a 1-year high of $86.63. Charles Schwab Announces Dividend Charles Schwab ( NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.75 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $4.66 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.61 billion. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 34.82% and a return on equity of 27.83%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 8.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.97 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Charles Schwab will post 3.19 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 26th. Investors of record on Friday, May 12th were paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 11th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.50%. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 27.32%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Charles Schwab news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 77,640 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $51.76, for a total value of $4,018,646.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now owns 59,771,278 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,093,761,349.28. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 6.60% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of SCHW. Vontobel Holding Ltd. grew its position in Charles Schwab by 7.5% in the 1st quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 20,822 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,847,000 after purchasing an additional 1,452 shares during the last quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 4.3% in the first quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 6,263 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $528,000 after acquiring an additional 259 shares in the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 25.4% in the first quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 13,064 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,101,000 after acquiring an additional 2,648 shares in the last quarter. Brighton Jones LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 7.5% in the first quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 3,807 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $321,000 after acquiring an additional 267 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Covestor Ltd boosted its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 16.6% in the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,239 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $104,000 after acquiring an additional 176 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.77% of the companys stock. About Charles Schwab (Get Free Report) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Citigroup upgraded shares of Orange (NYSE:ORAN Free Report) from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report published on Wednesday morning, MarketBeat.com reports. Several other analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Orange from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, March 27th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Orange in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Barclays raised Orange from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, April 18th. Get Orange alerts: Orange Stock Performance Shares of NYSE ORAN opened at $11.99 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.88, a current ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92. The businesss 50 day moving average is $11.69 and its two-hundred day moving average is $11.61. The company has a market cap of $31.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.95, a P/E/G ratio of 0.70 and a beta of 0.22. Orange has a 12 month low of $8.81 and a 12 month high of $13.08. Orange Dividend Announcement Institutional Inflows and Outflows The firm also recently announced a Semi-Annual dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 22nd. Investors of record on Friday, June 2nd were paid a $0.343 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 1st. Oranges payout ratio is currently 49.25%. Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. CWM LLC grew its stake in shares of Orange by 44.6% in the 1st quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,790 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 860 shares during the period. CENTRAL TRUST Co lifted its position in shares of Orange by 162.2% during the 3rd quarter. CENTRAL TRUST Co now owns 4,720 shares of the technology companys stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 2,920 shares during the period. Dividend Assets Capital LLC lifted its position in shares of Orange by 100.0% during the 4th quarter. Dividend Assets Capital LLC now owns 4,660 shares of the technology companys stock worth $46,000 after buying an additional 2,330 shares during the period. Money Concepts Capital Corp lifted its position in shares of Orange by 2,553.0% during the 4th quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 5,306 shares of the technology companys stock worth $52,000 after buying an additional 5,106 shares during the period. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Orange by 394.3% during the 4th quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 6,139 shares of the technology companys stock worth $61,000 after buying an additional 4,897 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 1.07% of the companys stock. About Orange (Get Free Report) Orange SA provides various fixed telephony and mobile telecommunications, data transmission, and other value-added services to customers, businesses, and other telecommunications operators in France and internationally. The company operates through France; Spain and Other European Countries; The Africa and Middle East; Enterprise; International Carriers & Shared Services; and Mobile Financial Services segments. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Orange Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Orange and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alcoa (NYSE:AA Get Free Report) and China Hongqiao Group (OTCMKTS:CHHQF Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, earnings, profitability, dividends, valuation, analyst recommendations and institutional ownership. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for Alcoa and China Hongqiao Group, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Get Alcoa alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Alcoa 2 5 3 0 2.10 China Hongqiao Group 1 0 1 0 2.00 Alcoa presently has a consensus target price of $39.00, indicating a potential upside of 16.84%. Given Alcoas stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities research analysts clearly believe Alcoa is more favorable than China Hongqiao Group. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Alcoa -6.78% 4.02% 1.82% China Hongqiao Group N/A N/A N/A Institutional & Insider Ownership This table compares Alcoa and China Hongqiao Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets. 80.5% of Alcoa shares are held by institutional investors. 0.9% of Alcoa shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Alcoa and China Hongqiao Groups top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Alcoa $10.87 billion 0.55 -$123.00 million ($8.16) -4.09 China Hongqiao Group N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A China Hongqiao Group has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Alcoa. Summary Alcoa beats China Hongqiao Group on 8 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About Alcoa (Get Free Report) Alcoa Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, produces and sells bauxite, alumina, and aluminum products in the United States, Spain, Australia, Iceland, Norway, Brazil, Canada, and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Bauxite, Alumina, and Aluminum. It engages in bauxite mining operations; and processes bauxite into alumina and sells it to customers who process it into industrial chemical products, as well as aluminum smelting and casting businesses. The company offers primary aluminum in the form of alloy ingot or value-add ingot to customers that produce products for the transportation, building and construction, packaging, wire, and other industrial markets. In addition, it owns hydro power plants that generates and sells electricity in the wholesale market to traders, large industrial consumers, distribution companies, and other generation companies. The company was formerly known as Alcoa Upstream Corporation and changed its name to Alcoa Corporation in October 2016. The company was founded in 1886 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. About China Hongqiao Group (Get Free Report) China Hongqiao Group Limited, an investment holding company, manufactures and sells aluminum products in the People's Republic of China and Indonesia. The company's products include molten aluminum alloys, aluminum alloy ingots, aluminum busbars, aluminum alloy processing, and alumina products. It also engages in the research, development, manufacture, trading, and sale of bauxite; production and sale of electricity; port operation; trading of carbons, iron ores, and light alloy materials; railway design and construction; and provision of financial leasing and business advisory services. The company was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Zouping, the People's Republic of China. China Hongqiao Group Limited is a subsidiary of China Hongqiao Holdings Limited. Receive News & Ratings for Alcoa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alcoa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Franco-Nevada Co. (NYSE:FNV Get Free Report) (TSE:FNV) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the six analysts that are covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, two have issued a hold recommendation and three have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $179.33. A number of research firms have recently issued reports on FNV. Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Franco-Nevada from $127.00 to $126.00 in a report on Friday, July 7th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Franco-Nevada in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. HC Wainwright lifted their price objective on shares of Franco-Nevada from $145.00 to $180.00 in a report on Thursday, May 4th. Finally, Raymond James lifted their target price on shares of Franco-Nevada from $163.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Get Franco-Nevada alerts: Franco-Nevada Price Performance Shares of NYSE:FNV opened at $146.43 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $145.24 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $144.72. Franco-Nevada has a one year low of $109.70 and a one year high of $161.25. The company has a market cap of $28.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 41.72, a PEG ratio of 10.39 and a beta of 0.69. Franco-Nevada Announces Dividend Franco-Nevada ( NYSE:FNV Get Free Report ) (TSE:FNV) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 2nd. The basic materials company reported $0.79 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.77 by $0.02. Franco-Nevada had a net margin of 53.87% and a return on equity of 10.58%. The company had revenue of $276.30 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $302.62 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.93 EPS. The firms revenue was down 18.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts expect that Franco-Nevada will post 3.51 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 29th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 15th were paid a dividend of $0.34 per share. This represents a $1.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.93%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 14th. Franco-Nevadas payout ratio is 38.75%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Franco-Nevada Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. boosted its stake in shares of Franco-Nevada by 3.8% during the 1st quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 6,931 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,010,000 after purchasing an additional 255 shares in the last quarter. Korea Investment CORP boosted its stake in shares of Franco-Nevada by 32.4% during the 4th quarter. Korea Investment CORP now owns 100,693 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $13,716,000 after purchasing an additional 24,623 shares in the last quarter. Maryland State Retirement & Pension System bought a new stake in shares of Franco-Nevada during the 1st quarter valued at about $927,000. Signaturefd LLC boosted its stake in shares of Franco-Nevada by 4.5% during the 1st quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 3,691 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $538,000 after purchasing an additional 159 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Investment Management Company LLC boosted its stake in shares of Franco-Nevada by 16.7% during the 4th quarter. Northwestern Mutual Investment Management Company LLC now owns 33,705 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $4,594,000 after purchasing an additional 4,830 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 64.24% of the companys stock. Franco-Nevada Company Profile (Get Free Report Franco-Nevada Corporation operates as a gold-focused royalty and streaming company in Latin America, the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through Mining and Energy segments. The company manages its portfolio with a focus on precious metals, such as gold, silver, and platinum group metals; and engages in the sale of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Franco-Nevada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Franco-Nevada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) Q2 2023 Earnings Call Transcript July 20, 2023 Johnson & Johnson beats earnings expectations. Reported EPS is $2.8, expectations were $2.62. Operator: Good morning, and welcome to Johnson & Johnson's Second Quarter 2023 Earnings Conference Call. All participants will be in a listen-only mode until the question-and-answer session of the conference. This call is being recorded. [Operator Instructions] I will now turn the conference call over to Johnson & Johnson. You may begin. Jessica Moore: Good morning. This is Jessica Moore, Vice President of Investor Relations for Johnson & Johnson. Welcome to our company's review of the 2023 second quarter business results and full-year financial outlook. Joining me on today's call are Joaquin Duato, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer; Joe Wolk, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer; and Erik Haas, Worldwide Vice President of Litigation. A few logistics before we get into the details. As a reminder, you can find additional materials, including today's presentation and associated schedules on the Investor Relations section of the Johnson & Johnson website at investor.jnj.com. Please note that today's meeting contains forward-looking statements regarding among other things, the company's future operating and financial performance, product development, market position and business strategy, and the anticipated separation of the company's consumer health business. You are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations of future events using the information available as of today's date and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may cause the companys actual results to differ materially from those projected. A description of these risks, uncertainties, and other factors can be found in our SEC filings including our 2022 Form 10-K, which is available at investor.j&j.com and on the SEC website. Additionally, several of the products and compounds discussed today are being developed in collaboration with strategic partners or license from other companies. This slide acknowledges those relationships. Moving to today's agenda. Joaquin will open with a few comments highlighting business performance achievements in the quarter and outlook for the remainder of the year. Story continues I will then review the second quarter sales and P&L results for the corporation and highlights related to the three segments. Joe will then provide additional business and financial commentary before sharing an overview of our cash position, capital allocation priorities, and updated guidance for 2023. Finally, Erik will provide comments regarding the talc litigation. The remaining time will be available for your questions. To ensure we provide enough time to address your questions, we anticipate the webcast will last approximately 75 minutes. I am now pleased to turn the call over to Joaquin. Joaquin Duato: Thank you, Jess, and good morning, everyone. This was a strong quarter for Johnson & Johnson with market leading performance, important advances across our innovative pharmaceutical, our MedTech pipelines and a successful initial public offering of Kenvue. We delivered solid sales and earnings growth for the second quarter of 2023, reporting operational sales of 7.5% and adjusted operational EPS growth of 9.7%. These strong results contributed to our confidence in raising our expectations for this year. You may have seen this morning the announcement that we intend to split off Kenvue shares through an exchange offer as the next step in the separation of Kenvue. Joe will provide additional information later in the call. We're excited about entering a new era for Johnson & Johnson one built around science, innovation and technology and strategically focused on pharmaceutical and MedTech, while maintaining our position as the world's largest, most diversified healthcare products company with 25 platforms over $1 billion in annual sales. And on today's call, I would like to share recent highlights and achievements from across the business that have contributed to our year-to-date results, as well as upcoming catalysts that give me great confidence in our near and long-term future performance. Starting with MedTech, for the second quarter of 2023, we generated 14.7% operational and 9.9% adjusted operational growth, which excludes the impact of the Abiomed acquisition. On a pro forma basis using sales publicly reported by Abiomed prior to our acquisition, MedTech grew 10.2%. These strong results continue to show that our efforts to improve the growth of the MedTech business are working. Q2 highlights in Electrophysiology include the publication of clinical data supporting the safety and effectiveness of QDOT, our newest Ablation Catheter for Atrial Fibrillation. In fact, this study demonstrated a clinical success rate of 86%, as well as achieving shorter procedure and fluoroscopy times than ablation with conventional catheters. I'm also happy to share that this month, we completed enrollment in the third clinical study evaluating our pulsed field ablation solutions. The SmartfiRE study evaluates our dual energy catheter, which enables physicians to instantly switch energy source whether radio frequency or pulsed field based on patient needs. The Abiomed integration continued to deliver against planned milestones and is on track across all areas and regions with no disruption to commercial activities or pipeline progression. Second quarter sales of $331 million, compared to Abiomed's public reported sales in the same period last year as a standalone company reflects approximately 20% growth. We also continue to see strong enrollment in the ongoing pivotal clinical trials, which aim to expand the use of our products into new patient populations. We anticipate that heart recovery will become a significant multiyear growth platform for Johnson & Johnson. In orthopedics, the VELYS robotic assisted solution is poised for further acceleration, having recently received CE and CA Mark international approvals. In Surgery, we are pleased with our progression on Ottava, our next generation soft tissue surgical robotic system, and we look forward to providing an investor update later in the year. In Vision, we recently launched products such as ACUVUE OASYS MAX and TECNIS Eyhance and we are performing very well across both contact lenses and surgical vision. Now turning to pharmaceuticals. In the second quarter of the year, we delivered above market operational growth of 6.2%, excluding the COVID-19 vaccine. Of note, our multiple myeloma portfolio has grown more than 30% year-on-year, which includes the acceleration of our newly launched products CARVYKTI and TECVAYLI. These new launches along with SPRAVATO are performing very well and are expected to be important contributors to achieving our 2025 sales target. We also achieved important regulatory and operational milestones, including multiple readouts from our pipeline. A few things Im particularly excited by include: first, the receipt of fast track designation from the U.S. FDA for all three prospective indications for Milvexian, our Factor XI oral anticoagulant in partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb, which has the potential to treat a broader set of patients such as those who currently have limited therapeutic options, due to bleeding risk. Second, the recent submission of a supplemental BLA for CARVYKTI to the FDA and European Commission supported by data from the CARTITUDE-4 study, seeking approval for a new earlier indication in treating relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Third, the presentation of initial TAR-200 data from the SunRISe-1 study in bladder cancer at the American Urological Association meeting. And finally, we announced positive top line results from the Phase 3 PAPILLON study evaluating RYBREVANT in combination with chemotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer with Exon 20 Insertion Mutations. This is the first of several ongoing pivotal Phase 3 studies to read out for RYBREVANT based regimens in EGFR mutated lung cancer. In addition, I want to highlight the Phase 2 study data that we presented earlier this month at the World Congress of Dermatology for JNJ-2113, our Novel Oral IL23 Receptor Antagonist Peptide in Psoriasis. The finding suggests that JNJ-2113 has broad potential across the spectrum of IL23 mediated diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease. We are already advancing into Phase 3 in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and initiating a Phase 2b in ulcerative colitis and will continue to assess additional opportunities. We are very excited about the potential of this asset and believe it represents $1 billion plus commercial opportunity. We also continue to defend the intellectual property associated with our medicines, including STELARA. In fact, we have reached settlements regarding our STELARA IP with both Amgen and Alvotech. We expect Amgen to launch in the U.S. on January 1, 2025 and Alvotech to launch in the U.S. on February 21, 2025. In all, our pharmaceutical business delivered very strong results. Our pipeline is progressing well and we continue to be confident in meeting our 2025 sales target of $57 billion. We are excited to enter the back half of the year from a position of strength, and we have high expectations as we evolve to a two sector Johnson & Johnson with a higher growth profile. I am now pleased to turn the call over to Jess to review our financial results in more detail. Jess? Jessica Moore: Thanks, Joaquin. As a reminder on May 8, 2023, Kenvue, Inc., closed its initial public offering. Johnson & Johnson continues to own 89.6% of total outstanding shares of Kenvues common stock and remains the majority shareholder. Therefore, the following financial results continue to include the consumer health business with the 10.4% of consumer health's net earnings no longer attributed to Johnson & Johnson being adjusted for in other income and expense from the date of the IPO through the end of the quarter. Starting with Q2 2023 sales results. Worldwide sales were $25.5 billion for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 6.3% versus the second quarter of 2022. Operational sales growth, which excludes the effect of translational currency, increased 7.5%, as currency had a negative impact of 1.2 points. In the U.S., sales increased 10.2%. In regions outside the U.S., our reported growth was 2.2%. Operational sales growth outside the U.S. was 4.7% with currency negatively impacting our reported OUS results by 2.5 points. Operational sales in Europe were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 vaccine and loss of exclusivity of ZYTIGA. Excluding the net impact of acquisitions and divestitures, adjusted operational sales growth with 6.2% worldwide, 8% in the U.S. and 4.4% outside the U.S. Turning now to earnings. For the quarter, net earnings were $5.1 billion and diluted earnings per share was $1.96 versus diluted earnings per share of $1.80 a year ago. Excluding after tax intangible asset amortization expense and special items for both periods, adjusted net earnings for the quarter were $7.4 billion and adjusted diluted earnings per share was $2.80, representing increases of 6.5% and 8.1%, respectively, compared to the second quarter of 2022. On an operational basis, adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 9.7%. I will now comment on business segment sales performance highlights. Unless otherwise stated, percentages quoted represent the operational sales change in comparison to the second quarter of 2022, and therefore, exclude the impact of currency translation. Beginning with the Pharmaceuticals segment. Worldwide Pharmaceutical sales of $13.7 billion increased 3.1%, with growth of 9.2% in the U.S. and a decline of 4% outside the U.S. Operational sales growth increased 3.8% as currency had a negative impact of 0.7 points. Excluding COVID-19 vaccine sales, Worldwide operational sales growth was 6.2% with growth of 9.9% in the U.S. and growth of 1.5% outside the U.S. Sales outside the U.S., excluding the COVID-19 vaccine, were negatively impacted by approximately 500 basis points, due to the loss of exclusivity of ZYTIGA in Europe. Pharmaceutical growth was driven by our key brands and continued uptake in our recently launched products with nine assets delivering double-digit growth. We continue to drive strong sales growth for both DARZALEX and ERLEADA with increases of 23.4% and 26.9%, respectively. STELARA grew 8%, driven by market growth and IBD share gains in the U.S., partially offset by unfavorable patient mix and increased rebates. TREMFYA grew 18.9%, driven by market growth and share gains in the U.S., partially offset by unfavorable patient mix. Growth of 16.5% in pulmonary hypertension was driven by favorable patient mix, share gains in the U.S. and market growth. Turning to newly launched products. We continue to make progress on our launch of CARVYKTI and continue to expand access and reimbursement for SPRAVATO. We are also encouraged by the early success of our launch of TECVAYLI, sales of which are included in other oncology. Total pharmaceutical sales growth was partially offset by the loss of exclusivity in REMICADE and ZYTIGA, along with a decrease in IMBRUVICA sales due to competitive pressures. IMBRUVICA maintains its market leadership position worldwide. I will now turn your attention to the MedTech segment. Worldwide MedTech sales of $7.8 billion increased 12.9% with growth of 14.6% in the U.S. and 11.3% outside of the U.S. Operational sales growth increased 14.7% as currency had a negative impact of 1.8 points. Abiomed contributed 4.8% to operational growth. Excluding the impact of acquisitions and divestitures, worldwide adjusted operational sales growth was 9.9%. Sales in the second quarter accelerated sequentially from Q1 for all MedTech businesses driven by global procedure growth, recovery in China, continued uptake of recently launched products and commercial execution, partially offsetting growth in the quarter was the impact of volume based procurement in China, as well as supply constraints. The Interventional Solutions franchise delivered operational growth of 56.9%, which includes $331 million related to Abiomed. Electrophysiology is a major contributor to the growth with a double-digit increase of 25.9%. This reflects strong growth in all regions, including Europe, driven by our comprehensive portfolio, including the most recently launched QDOT RS catheter. Orthopedics operational growth of 5.7%, reflects strong procedure recovery, success of recently launched products, such as the enhanced shorter portfolio, as well as global expansion of our digital solutions, such as VELYS Robotic assisted solution. Growth was partially offset by the impact of volume-based procurement in China and continued supply challenges primarily in hips. Operational growth of 8.4% and surgery was driven primarily by procedure recovery and strength of our biosurgery and wound closure portfolios. Growth was partially offset by the impacts of volume-based procurement in China and supply challenges. Global growth of 6.9% in vision was driven by price actions and contact lenses and other, as well as strength of new products, including ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day family of products and contact lenses and TECNIS Eyhance our monofocal intraocular lens and surgical vision. Growth of contact lenses was partially offset by strategic portfolio choices and supply challenges. Although these continue to improve. Moving to the Consumer Health segment. Worldwide Consumer Health sales of $4 billion increased 5.4% with growth of 6% in the U.S. and 5% outside the U.S. Operational sales growth increased 7.7% as currency had a negative impact of 2.3 points. Sales in the second quarter accelerated sequentially from Q1 for all consumer health franchises, primarily driven by strategic price increases and growth in OTC globally, due to strong pain performance, and cold, cough and flu season. Excluding the impact of strategic portfolio decisions and sales of personal care products in Russia, volume across all consumer franchises was relatively flat on strong price actions. For more detailed information, please visit investors.kenvue.com. Now turning to our consolidated statement of earnings for second quarter of 2023, I'd like to highlight a few noteworthy items that have changed compared to the same quarter of last year. Cost of products sold leveraged by 80 basis points, primarily driven by favorable patient mix and lower COVID-19 vaccine supply network related costs in the pharmaceutical business, partially offset by commodity inflation in the consumer and MedTech businesses. Selling, marketing and administrative margins deleveraged 20 basis points, driven by incremental costs to support the standalone consumer health business, partially offset by proactive management of costs. We continue to invest strategically in research and development at competitive levels, investing 15% of sales this quarter. The $3.8 billion invested was a 3.4% increase versus the prior year. The other income and expense line was income of $60 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared to an expense of $273 million in the second quarter of 2022. This was primarily driven by favorable litigation settlements, lower litigation expense, and lower unrealized losses on securities, partially offset by higher COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing exit related cost. And as previously mentioned, the 10.4% of consumer health earnings that are no longer attributable to Johnson & Johnson, which resulted in a $37 million reduction in consolidated earnings. Regarding taxes in the quarter, our effective tax rate was 23.9% versus 17.6% in the same period last year. This increase was primarily driven by 2023 tax cost incurred as part of the planned separation of the consumer health business, due to the internal reorganization of certain international subsidiaries. Excluding special items the effective tax rate was 16.6% versus 15.4% in the same period last year. I encourage you to review our upcoming second quarter 10-Q filing for additional details on specific tax matters. Lastly, I'll direct your attention to the box section of the slide, where we have also provided our income before tax, net earnings and earnings per share adjusted to exclude the impact of intangible amortization expense and special items. Now let's look at adjusted income before tax by segment. In the second quarter of 2023, our adjusted income before tax for the enterprise as a percentage of sales increased from 34% to 34.6%, primarily driven by favorable product and patient mix, partially offset by unfavorable segment mix and commodity inflation. Pharmaceutical margins improved from 42% to 42.7%, primarily driven by favorable patient mix, sales, marketing and administrative expense leverage, and R&D portfolio prioritization, partially offset by higher milestone payments. MedTech margins improved from 26.5% to 28.6%, driven by favorable intellectual property related litigation settlements and cost management initiatives, partially offset by commodity inflation. Finally, consumer health margins declined from 25.9% to 23.5%, due to incremental costs to support the standalone consumer health business, foreign exchange impacts, and commodity inflation, partially offset by supply chain efficiencies. It is important to highlight that the adjusted income before tax for the consumer health business as reported by Johnson & Johnson defers from the financial results reported by Kenvue Inc. this morning. The difference is primarily driven by incremental costs required to run Kenvue as an independent company. Additional differences also exist on an after tax basis, due to the application of different tax rates. This concludes the sales and earnings portion of the Johnson & Johnson second quarter results. I'm now pleased to turn the call over to Joe Wolk. Joe? Pharmacy, Medicines, Health Photo by Myriam Zilles on Unsplash Joe Wolk: Thank you, Jessica, and thanks, everyone, for joining us today. As previously shared, we reported particularly strong results across all segments for the second quarter and the first-half of 2023. During the second quarter, adjusted operational sales growth by pharmaceuticals excluding COVID-19 revenue accelerated 6.2% over the first quarter of 2023. Similarly, on a sequential basis, MedTech operational sales increased to 4.5% over an already strong first quarter. During the first-half of the year we executed against our long-term business strategy and achieved key clinical and regulatory milestones. These advancements provide a strong foundation for long-term growth and are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our talented colleagues around the world. We also made considerable progress toward the separation of Kenvue. On May 8th, as partial consideration for the transfer of the Consumer Health business, Kenvue paid $13.2 billion to Johnson & Johnson from the net proceeds of the initial public offering and debt financing transactions in connection with the separation. Today, we were pleased to announce an update on our next step toward the separation of Kenvue, subject to market conditions, our intention is to split off Kenvue shares through an exchange offer as our next step in the separation. As part of the proposed exchange offer, Johnson & Johnson's shareholders will have the choice to exchange all some or none of their shares of Johnson & Johnson common stock for shares of Kenvue common stock subject to the terms of an offer. We believe a split off is the most advantageous form of separation for Johnson & Johnson, Kenvue and our shareholders, specifically an exchange offer provides Johnson & Johnson the potential opportunity to acquire a large number of outstanding shares of Johnson & Johnson common stock at one time in a tax free manner for U.S. federal income tax purposes without reducing overall cash or future financial flexibility. Further, following the completion of the exchange offer, Kenvue would most likely have a shareholder base that would have made the election to own its shares. The exact timing of our decision to launch an exchange offer will, as stated earlier, depend on market conditions, but the launch of the tender could occur as early as the coming days. Offer terms for the exchange inclusive of applicable discounts, as well as the duration of the exchange tender period would be set upon launch. We understand that you may have questions on this process. At this point, there are no additional details about the contemplated split off to share, but we are committed to providing timely updates as appropriate. Let's now turn to cash and capital allocation. We ended the second quarter with approximately $29 billion of cash and marketable securities and approximately $46 billion of debt for a net debt position of $17 billion, inclusive of approximately $7 billion of 10 Kenvue net debt. Free cash flow through the second quarter was approximately $5.4 billion, compared to $8.1 billion in the prior year. The second quarter reflects elevated tax payments of approximately $2 billion related to TCJA and past audit related matters. Our capital allocation priorities remain unchanged with continued investment in our business being the highest priority to drive new and better solutions for patients, followed by dividends, increasing on an annual basis, adding strategic opportunities for inorganic growth, and share repurchases when attractive. Our R&D investment in the first-half of 2023 was $7.4 billion or approximately 15% of sales. This includes external investments such as our recently announced partnership with Cellular Biomedicine Group on two next generation CAR-Ts for the treatment of B-cell malignancies further broadening our cell therapy portfolio. In April, we announced our 61st consecutive year of dividend increases and in combination with the completion of our $5 billion share repurchase program authorized by the Board in September of 2022, and completed earlier this year, we returned $8.5 billion to shareholders in the first-half of 2023. Let's discuss our outlook for the balance of 2023. Before I get into the specifics of guidance, in light of the potential Kenvue split off transaction I will remind you that our updated full-year guidance today continues to include results from the Consumer Health Business given Johnson & Johnson remains the majority shareholder of Kenvue. I suspect you already know this, but it would not be accurate to subtract any guidance provided separately by Kenvue from total Johnson & Johnson guidance and assume that the resulting total reflects guidance for the new Johnson & Johnson. When Johnson & Johnson is no longer the majority shareholder of Kenvue, we will provide timely updated new Johnson & Johnson guidance that will reflect among other things the removal of Consumer Health's current contribution to Johnson & Johnson's performance, as well as any updates to Johnson & Johnson's outstanding share count. So with that context, moving on to our full-year guidance. Based on the strong results delivered in the quarter, like we did in April, we are again raising full-year operational sales and EPS guidance, despite some strategic items not accretive to EPS as detailed on this schedule. Specifically the lost income related to the approximate 10% non-controlling interest in Kenvue and the acquired in process research and development cost related to our investment in Cellular Biomedicine Group. We now expect operational sales growth for the full-year 2023 to be in the range of 7% to 8% or up $1.4 billion in the range of $99.3 billion to $100.3 billion on a constant currency basis and adjusted operational sales growth in the range of 6% to 7%. As you know, we don't speculate on future currency movements. Last quarter, we noted that we utilized the Euro spot rate relative to the U.S. dollar at $1.10. The Euro spot rate as of mid-last week remains at $1.10. However, the U.S. dollar has strengthened versus other select currencies such as the Won and the Yen. As such, we now estimate a negative impact of foreign currency translation of approximately 500 basis points resulting in estimated reported sales growth between 6.5% to 7.5%, compared to 2022 with a midpoint of $99.3 billion. Regarding other lines on the P&L, we now anticipate a slight improvement to our adjusted pretax operating margin driven by expense management. We have reduced our other income estimate to be in the range of $1.6 billion to $1.8 billion, primarily related to the companys 10.4% non-controlling interest in Kenvue. Regarding interest income and expense, we now anticipate a reduction of net interest expense to the range of a $150 million to $250 million, due to interest income on the net proceeds linked to the Kenvue separation. And finally, based on current tax law, we are maintaining our effective tax rate estimate in the range of 15.5% to 16.5%. These changes result in us increasing our adjusted operational earnings per share guidance by $0.10 per share to a range of $10.60 to $10.70 or $10.65 at the midpoint on a constant currency basis. Constant currency growth of 5% at the midpoint. While not predicting the impact of currency movements, assuming recent exchange rates I previously referenced our reported adjusted earnings per share for the year assumes no additional foreign exchange impact. As such, our reported adjusted earnings per share for the year increases by $0.10 per share to a range of $10.70 to $10.80 or $10.75 at the midpoint, reflecting growth of 6% at the midpoint. While we do not provide guidance by segment or on a quarterly basis, let me offer some qualitative considerations to support your modeling. In MedTech, we continue to anticipate stable procedure volumes and healthcare staffing levels in the back half of the year with normal seasonality. We expect continued competitive performance attributable to commercial execution recently launched products and improvement in supply. Headwinds from volume based procurement in China, as well as potential impacts from international sanctions in Russia are expected to be higher in the second-half than the first-half of the year. In Pharmaceuticals, we continue to expect to deliver our 12th consecutive year of above market growth in 2023, driven by key assets and continued uptake of our newly launched products. We expect continued strong growth in the back half of the year slightly higher than the first-half. When modeling consumer health growth rates in 2023, it's important to take into consideration prior year comparisons with lapping price increases in the back half of the year. Given the strong momentum in our pharmaceutical business and the upcoming clinical milestones mentioned earlier we remain very confident in our ability to meet our 2025 pharmaceutical sales target of $57 billion. Looking ahead, we have many important catalysts for the remainder of the year that can drive meaningful near and long-term value. Beyond the separation, in the near-term, we are continuing to drive performance in MedTech with better commercial execution and recently launched innovative products being a significant factor in driving the continued higher growth trajectory across the MedTech business. Many of the solutions mentioned are early in their commercialization, which means there are still significant opportunity ahead. For example, in electrophysiology we are excited to begin the commercialization of the QDOT MICRO Catheter in the U.S. during the second-half of this year. In Orthopaedics, the VELYS robotic assisted solution, recently received regulatory approvals in Europe, and we plan to launch it in key European countries by the end of this year. And in Vision, we are seeing the benefits of our recently launched innovations such as ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day multifocal, which is driving Johnson & Johnson's market share growth in the large and growing presbyopia market. We look forward to continued growth from this and other recent Vision launches. Related to our pharmaceutical business, we are excited about upcoming advancements in our pipeline with a number of important regulatory and clinical milestones for our key future assets, including on the regulatory front there is expected approval of [daratumumab] (ph) in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Clinically, we expect a Phase 3 data for TREMFYA for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The results of the MARIPOSA study of RYBREVANT plus lazertinib in front line non-small cell lung cancer with the opportunity to potentially present that data at an upcoming major medical meeting. Phase 1 data for TAR-210 in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, and Phase 2 data for Nipocalimab in rheumatoid arthritis. A couple of other items to highlight. In case you missed them, we recently published our Health For Humanity report our U.S. Pharmaceutical pricing transparency report and our U.S. patent table, all of which can be found on our website. Also, a reminder that we will be hosting an enterprise business review featuring both Pharmaceutical and MedTech at the New York Stock Exchange on December 5th. I'll conclude my prepared remarks by reiterating that we have had a strong first-half of the year both financially and operationally and we expect to continue to build upon that momentum in the second-half of this year. With that, I will now turn the call over to Erik Haas. Erik Haas: Thank you, Joe. On Tuesday, July 18th in the case of Valadez v Johnson & Johnson, a jury in Alameda County, California ruled in favor of the plaintiff on this talc product liability claims. We intend to pursue an appeal based on the erroneous rulings by the trial judge that prevented us from sharing with the jury critical facts that demonstrate that plaintiff's exceedingly rare form of mesothelioma was not caused by baby powder. Without the benefit of that evidence, the jury rendered a verdict that is irreconcilable with a decades of independent scientific evaluations confirming Johnson's baby powder is safe, does not contain asbestos and does not cause cancer. The research, clinical evidence in over 40-years of studies by independent medical experts around the world continue to support the safety of our cosmetic talc. The verdict award will not be paid, while the bankruptcy proceeding continues, and this decision has absolutely no impact on that process, which has the support of lawyers representing the majority of claimants. We remain focused on all claimants having the opportunity to vote and decide for themselves on a -- our plan to compensate them in a timely and efficient manner. Looking ahead with respect to the bankruptcy re-filing by LTL, the bankruptcy judge is expected to rule by August 2nd the motion to dismiss hearing that took place in the last week of June. In addition, a hearing on the motion for LTL's proposed, reorganization plan and voting procedures process, and the path forward is scheduled for August 22nd. As we previously stated, Johnson & Johnson stands by its physician that is talcum powder products are safe as confirmed through decades of numerous independent scientific tests and studies. I would now like to hand the call back over to Jess. Jessica Moore: Thanks, Erik. This concludes the prepared remarks section of our call. I will now turn the discussion over to the Q&A portion of the call. Kevin, can you please provide instructions for those wishing to ask a question. See also 15 Best Places to Retire Around the World and 20 Cities with the Most Bars per capita. To continue reading the Q&A session, please click here. Kellogg (NYSE:K Get Free Report) was upgraded by investment analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Friday. Several other research firms also recently weighed in on K. Stifel Nicolaus initiated coverage on Kellogg in a research report on Thursday, April 13th. They set a hold rating and a $71.00 target price for the company. Sanford C. Bernstein raised shares of Kellogg from an underperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $62.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Thursday, June 22nd. UBS Group raised their target price on shares of Kellogg from $73.00 to $74.00 in a research report on Friday, May 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Kellogg from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price target for the company from $68.00 to $72.00 in a report on Friday, May 5th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price objective on Kellogg from $60.00 to $71.00 in a report on Friday, May 5th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $71.08. Get Kellogg alerts: Kellogg Price Performance K stock opened at $67.78 on Friday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $67.21 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $67.59. Kellogg has a 52 week low of $63.74 and a 52 week high of $77.17. The company has a quick ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.29. The firm has a market capitalization of $23.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.01, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.88 and a beta of 0.41. Insider Buying and Selling at Kellogg Kellogg ( NYSE:K Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The company reported $1.10 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.00 by $0.10. Kellogg had a return on equity of 32.09% and a net margin of 5.33%. The company had revenue of $4.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.95 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.10 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 10.4% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts anticipate that Kellogg will post 4.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other Kellogg news, SVP Kris Bahner sold 3,483 shares of Kellogg stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $71.01, for a total value of $247,327.83. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 18,013 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,279,103.13. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other Kellogg news, SVP Kris Bahner sold 3,483 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $71.01, for a total value of $247,327.83. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 18,013 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,279,103.13. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Kellogg W. K. Foundation Trust sold 100,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.61, for a total transaction of $7,061,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 55,031,838 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,885,798,081.18. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 603,483 shares of company stock valued at $40,757,328. 1.40% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Kellogg Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Strong Tower Advisory Services raised its stake in shares of Kellogg by 6.6% in the second quarter. Strong Tower Advisory Services now owns 10,288 shares of the companys stock worth $693,000 after purchasing an additional 633 shares during the last quarter. Creative Planning raised its position in Kellogg by 8.9% during the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 27,614 shares of the companys stock worth $1,861,000 after buying an additional 2,263 shares during the last quarter. Clear Harbor Asset Management LLC raised its position in Kellogg by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. Clear Harbor Asset Management LLC now owns 13,294 shares of the companys stock worth $896,000 after buying an additional 186 shares during the last quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its stake in Kellogg by 66.2% during the 2nd quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 600 shares of the companys stock valued at $40,000 after acquiring an additional 239 shares during the period. Finally, Graypoint LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Kellogg in the 2nd quarter valued at $223,000. 83.22% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Kellogg Company Profile (Get Free Report) Kellogg Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets snacks and convenience foods. The company operates through four segments: North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia Middle East Africa. Its principal products include crackers, crisps, savory snacks, toaster pastries, cereal bars, granola bars and bites, ready-to-eat cereals, frozen waffles, veggie foods, and noodles. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Kellogg Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kellogg and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WEC Energy Group (NYSE:WEC Free Report) had its target price lowered by KeyCorp from $103.00 to $102.00 in a research report released on Wednesday morning, Briefing.com reports. The firm currently has an overweight rating on the utilities providers stock. KeyCorp also issued estimates for WEC Energy Groups Q2 2023 earnings at $0.85 EPS, Q3 2023 earnings at $1.13 EPS, Q4 2023 earnings at $1.04 EPS, FY2024 earnings at $4.88 EPS, FY2025 earnings at $5.24 EPS, FY2026 earnings at $5.59 EPS and FY2027 earnings at $5.93 EPS. Several other research firms have also commented on WEC. Guggenheim dropped their price target on shares of WEC Energy Group from $99.00 to $94.00 in a research report on Friday, July 7th. 888 reiterated a reiterates rating on shares of WEC Energy Group in a research report on Friday, June 30th. Bank of America dropped their target price on shares of WEC Energy Group from $106.00 to $103.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of WEC Energy Group from $99.00 to $105.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Finally, Mizuho reiterated a buy rating and issued a $98.00 target price on shares of WEC Energy Group in a research report on Friday, June 30th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, WEC Energy Group currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $99.10. Get WEC Energy Group alerts: WEC Energy Group Stock Up 1.2 % NYSE:WEC opened at $92.37 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $29.14 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.58, a PEG ratio of 3.38 and a beta of 0.40. WEC Energy Group has a 1-year low of $80.82 and a 1-year high of $108.20. The companys fifty day moving average price is $89.30 and its 200-day moving average price is $92.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32, a current ratio of 0.75 and a quick ratio of 0.61. WEC Energy Group Dividend Announcement WEC Energy Group ( NYSE:WEC Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, May 1st. The utilities provider reported $1.61 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.58 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $2.89 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.90 billion. WEC Energy Group had a net margin of 14.10% and a return on equity of 11.60%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down .7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.79 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that WEC Energy Group will post 4.6 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 14th will be paid a dividend of $0.78 per share. This represents a $3.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.38%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 11th. WEC Energy Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 72.90%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other WEC Energy Group news, Director Ulice Payne, Jr. sold 1,500 shares of WEC Energy Group stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.36, for a total transaction of $141,540.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 21,503 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,029,023.08. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 0.34% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On WEC Energy Group A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of WEC. Northwest Bank & Trust Co purchased a new position in WEC Energy Group during the second quarter worth about $26,000. Asset Dedication LLC acquired a new position in shares of WEC Energy Group in the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. Dakota Community Bank & Trust NA acquired a new position in shares of WEC Energy Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Achmea Investment Management B.V. acquired a new position in shares of WEC Energy Group in the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. Finally, First Manhattan Co. lifted its holdings in shares of WEC Energy Group by 102.0% in the 4th quarter. First Manhattan Co. now owns 303 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 153 shares during the last quarter. 74.68% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About WEC Energy Group (Get Free Report) WEC Energy Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides regulated natural gas and electricity, and renewable and nonregulated renewable energy services in the United States. The company operates through six segments: Wisconsin, Illinois, Other States, Electric Transmission, Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure, and Corporate and Other. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for WEC Energy Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WEC Energy Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Portland General Electric (NYSE:POR Free Report) Stock analysts at KeyCorp lowered their Q2 2023 EPS estimates for shares of Portland General Electric in a report issued on Tuesday, July 18th. KeyCorp analyst S. Karp now expects that the utilities provider will post earnings of $0.47 per share for the quarter, down from their prior estimate of $0.66. The consensus estimate for Portland General Electrics current full-year earnings is $2.69 per share. KeyCorp also issued estimates for Portland General Electrics Q4 2023 earnings at $0.71 EPS, FY2023 earnings at $2.66 EPS, FY2024 earnings at $3.04 EPS, FY2025 earnings at $3.21 EPS, FY2026 earnings at $3.40 EPS and FY2027 earnings at $3.63 EPS. Get Portland General Electric alerts: POR has been the subject of a number of other reports. Bank of America lowered their price target on shares of Portland General Electric from $56.00 to $52.00 in a report on Thursday, June 22nd. Guggenheim reduced their price objective on shares of Portland General Electric from $50.00 to $48.00 in a research report on Friday, July 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. started coverage on shares of Portland General Electric in a research report on Monday, May 8th. They set an overweight rating and a $56.00 price objective on the stock. StockNews.com raised shares of Portland General Electric from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, June 10th. Finally, 58.com reissued a downgrade rating on shares of Portland General Electric in a research report on Tuesday, June 20th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $50.83. Portland General Electric Trading Up 1.4 % NYSE:POR opened at $49.16 on Friday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $48.21 and a 200 day moving average of $48.50. Portland General Electric has a 52 week low of $41.58 and a 52 week high of $56.37. The company has a quick ratio of 0.89, a current ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.21. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.01, a P/E/G ratio of 2.94 and a beta of 0.56. Portland General Electric (NYSE:POR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, April 28th. The utilities provider reported $0.80 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.79 by $0.01. Portland General Electric had a net margin of 8.88% and a return on equity of 9.06%. The company had revenue of $748.00 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $622.50 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.67 EPS. The firms revenue was up 19.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Portland General Electric Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 16th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 25th will be given a $0.475 dividend. This represents a $1.90 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.86%. Portland General Electrics dividend payout ratio is presently 69.60%. Insider Transactions at Portland General Electric In other news, VP John Teeruk Kochavatr sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $51.12, for a total value of $153,360.00. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 15,489 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $791,797.68. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Insiders own 0.51% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Portland General Electric Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of POR. Cascade Investment Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in Portland General Electric during the 1st quarter valued at about $36,000. Ridgewood Investments LLC purchased a new stake in Portland General Electric during the 1st quarter valued at about $39,000. Benjamin Edwards Inc. grew its position in Portland General Electric by 150.9% during the 1st quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. now owns 946 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $46,000 after purchasing an additional 569 shares during the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in Portland General Electric by 475.1% during the 4th quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 995 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 822 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ronald Blue Trust Inc. grew its position in Portland General Electric by 78.6% during the 4th quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,547 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $67,000 after purchasing an additional 681 shares during the last quarter. About Portland General Electric (Get Free Report) Portland General Electric Company, an integrated electric utility company, engages in the generation, wholesale purchase, transmission, distribution, and retail sale of electricity in the state of Oregon. It operates six thermal plants, three wind farms, and seven hydroelectric facilities. As of December 31, 2022, the company owned an electric transmission system consisting of 1,255 circuit miles, including 269 circuit miles of 500 kilovolt line, 413 circuit miles of 230 kilovolt line, and 573 miles of 115 kilovolt line; and served 926 thousand retail customers in 51 cities. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Portland General Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Portland General Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Loring Wolcott & Coolidge Fiduciary Advisors LLP MA trimmed its position in shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report) by 17.0% in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 700 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 143 shares during the period. Loring Wolcott & Coolidge Fiduciary Advisors LLP MAs holdings in Travelers Companies were worth $120,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its holdings in Travelers Companies by 11.9% during the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 7,820,386 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,466,244,000 after acquiring an additional 829,918 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 0.5% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 4,409,763 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $825,601,000 after buying an additional 19,767 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley boosted its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 19.6% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 3,284,693 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $615,847,000 after buying an additional 539,294 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 2.3% in the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,411,106 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $257,853,000 after buying an additional 31,165 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Travelers Companies in the 4th quarter valued at about $239,875,000. 81.06% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Travelers Companies alerts: Travelers Companies Trading Down 0.5 % NYSE:TRV opened at $172.82 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $39.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.40, a PEG ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 0.60. The company has a current ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $174.17 and its 200-day simple moving average is $178.23. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a 12-month low of $149.65 and a 12-month high of $194.51. Travelers Companies Announces Dividend Travelers Companies ( NYSE:TRV Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The insurance provider reported $0.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.05 by ($1.99). The company had revenue of $10.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.97 billion. Travelers Companies had a net margin of 5.77% and a return on equity of 10.79%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 10.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.57 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 13.76 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 8th will be given a $1.00 dividend. This represents a $4.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.31%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 7th. Travelers Companiess payout ratio is 42.60%. Travelers Companies announced that its board has approved a share repurchase plan on Wednesday, April 19th that authorizes the company to buyback $5.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the insurance provider to buy up to 12.2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are typically an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on Travelers Companies from $183.00 to $185.00 in a research note on Thursday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on Travelers Companies from $185.00 to $194.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 6th. Piper Sandler decreased their price objective on Travelers Companies from $208.00 to $176.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 6th. Barclays boosted their target price on Travelers Companies from $179.00 to $185.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated an equal weight rating and set a $185.00 target price on shares of Travelers Companies in a research note on Friday. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Travelers Companies has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $193.77. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Travelers Companies news, EVP Michael Frederick Klein sold 10,246 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $182.85, for a total value of $1,873,481.10. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 14,080 shares in the company, valued at $2,574,528. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Travelers Companies news, EVP Michael Frederick Klein sold 10,246 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $182.85, for a total value of $1,873,481.10. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 14,080 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,574,528. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Andy F. Bessette sold 11,572 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, April 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $178.14, for a total value of $2,061,436.08. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 17,361 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,092,688.54. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.29% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Travelers Companies Profile (Free Report) The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TRV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Travelers Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Travelers Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of PowerSchool Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:PWSC Get Free Report) have earned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the eleven brokerages that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year target price among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $26.00. Several equities research analysts recently commented on the company. UBS Group reduced their price objective on PowerSchool from $24.00 to $22.00 in a report on Friday, May 5th. Barclays reduced their price objective on PowerSchool from $28.00 to $24.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, April 13th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded PowerSchool from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $20.00 to $24.00 in a report on Tuesday, April 18th. Finally, Piper Sandler reduced their price objective on PowerSchool from $28.00 to $27.00 in a report on Friday, May 5th. Get PowerSchool alerts: PowerSchool Price Performance PWSC opened at $23.30 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $19.38 and a 200-day moving average price of $20.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 0.44 and a quick ratio of 0.44. The firm has a market cap of $4.67 billion, a PE ratio of -166.43 and a beta of 0.84. PowerSchool has a 1 year low of $13.73 and a 1 year high of $26.05. Insider Activity at PowerSchool PowerSchool ( NYSE:PWSC Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The company reported $0.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.12 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $159.45 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $159.41 million. PowerSchool had a positive return on equity of 7.41% and a negative net margin of 3.20%. Sell-side analysts predict that PowerSchool will post 0.52 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In related news, CAO Angelina Hendraka sold 4,542 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $18.12, for a total transaction of $82,301.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 129,465 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,345,905.80. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, insider Marcy Daniel sold 2,150 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $18.82, for a total transaction of $40,463.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 51,468 shares in the company, valued at approximately $968,627.76. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CAO Angelina Hendraka sold 4,542 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $18.12, for a total value of $82,301.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 129,465 shares in the company, valued at $2,345,905.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 76,147 shares of company stock worth $1,436,307. 1.10% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in PWSC. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its holdings in PowerSchool by 262.4% in the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 1,348 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 976 shares in the last quarter. Orion Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in PowerSchool in the 1st quarter worth approximately $28,000. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its holdings in PowerSchool by 63.5% in the 3rd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 2,135 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 829 shares in the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC lifted its holdings in PowerSchool by 62.7% in the 1st quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 3,792 shares of the companys stock worth $75,000 after purchasing an additional 1,461 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank purchased a new position in PowerSchool in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $92,000. 62.98% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. PowerSchool Company Profile (Get Free Report PowerSchool Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, offers cloud-based software to the K-12 education market. Its solution embedded in school workflows and is used on daily basis by educators, students, administrators, and parents in schools and districts. In addition, the company provides cloud-based technology platform helps schools and districts manage state reporting and related compliance, special education, finance, human resource, talent, registration, attendance, funding, learning, instruction, behavior, grading, college and career readiness, assessments, and analytics. See Also Receive News & Ratings for PowerSchool Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PowerSchool and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Murphy Oil Co. (NYSE:MUR Free Report) Stock analysts at Capital One Financial decreased their Q1 2024 EPS estimates for Murphy Oil in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday, July 19th. Capital One Financial analyst B. Velie now anticipates that the oil and gas producer will earn $1.30 per share for the quarter, down from their previous forecast of $1.31. The consensus estimate for Murphy Oils current full-year earnings is $4.92 per share. Capital One Financial also issued estimates for Murphy Oils Q3 2024 earnings at $1.39 EPS and Q4 2024 earnings at $1.44 EPS. Get Murphy Oil alerts: Murphy Oil (NYSE:MUR Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, May 3rd. The oil and gas producer reported $1.24 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.95 by $0.29. Murphy Oil had a net margin of 30.08% and a return on equity of 19.42%. The company had revenue of $841.72 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $777.23 million. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.73 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 52.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Murphy Oil Trading Up 1.0 % A number of other brokerages have also recently issued reports on MUR. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of Murphy Oil from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $41.00 target price for the company in a report on Monday, April 17th. Mizuho dropped their target price on shares of Murphy Oil from $50.00 to $48.00 in a report on Friday, May 19th. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of Murphy Oil from $43.00 to $44.00 in a research note on Monday, May 15th. UBS Group initiated coverage on shares of Murphy Oil in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th. They set a neutral rating and a $45.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Piper Sandler dropped their price objective on shares of Murphy Oil from $59.00 to $51.00 in a research note on Tuesday, June 13th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $48.00. Shares of Murphy Oil stock opened at $41.38 on Friday. Murphy Oil has a 12-month low of $29.81 and a 12-month high of $51.28. The company has a current ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34. The stock has a market cap of $6.46 billion, a PE ratio of 5.13 and a beta of 2.36. The company has a 50-day moving average of $37.85 and a two-hundred day moving average of $38.55. Institutional Trading of Murphy Oil Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new stake in Murphy Oil during the first quarter worth approximately $29,000. Toronto Dominion Bank acquired a new position in shares of Murphy Oil in the 4th quarter valued at $30,000. Belpointe Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Murphy Oil by 68.2% in the 1st quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 900 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 365 shares during the last quarter. Quent Capital LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Murphy Oil by 70.5% in the 2nd quarter. Quent Capital LLC now owns 885 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 366 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CoreCap Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Murphy Oil in the 4th quarter valued at $48,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.02% of the companys stock. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CFO Thomas J. Mireles sold 14,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $35.14, for a total transaction of $509,530.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 58,372 shares in the company, valued at $2,051,192.08. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 5.92% of the stock is owned by company insiders. About Murphy Oil (Get Free Report) Murphy Oil Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an oil and natural gas exploration and production company in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It explores for and produces crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. The company was formerly known as Murphy Corporation and changed its name to Murphy Oil Corporation in 1964. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Murphy Oil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Murphy Oil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of International Tower Hill Mines (NYSEAMERICAN:THM Free Report) (TSE:ITH) in a research report report published on Wednesday. The firm issued a sell rating on the mining companys stock. International Tower Hill Mines Price Performance Shares of International Tower Hill Mines stock opened at $0.43 on Wednesday. International Tower Hill Mines has a one year low of $0.37 and a one year high of $0.75. The stocks 50-day moving average is $0.45 and its 200 day moving average is $0.52. The firm has a market cap of $83.48 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -21.42 and a beta of 0.70. Get International Tower Hill Mines alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows An institutional investor recently raised its position in International Tower Hill Mines stock. Renaissance Technologies LLC increased its position in shares of International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. (NYSEAMERICAN:THM Free Report) (TSE:ITH) by 187.3% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 215,462 shares of the mining companys stock after buying an additional 140,462 shares during the quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC owned about 0.11% of International Tower Hill Mines worth $211,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. 55.34% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. International Tower Hill Mines Company Profile International Tower Hill Mines Ltd., a mineral exploration company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. It holds or has rights to acquire interests in the Livengood gold project covering an area of approximately 19,546 hectares located to the northwest of Fairbanks, Alaska. See Also Receive News & Ratings for International Tower Hill Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Tower Hill Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. V Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM Free Report) (TSE:AEM) by 30.1% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 6,670 shares of the mining companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,544 shares during the quarter. V Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Agnico Eagle Mines were worth $340,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in AEM. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 86.4% in the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 540,450 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $33,097,000 after purchasing an additional 250,445 shares during the last quarter. US Bancorp DE grew its position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 108.6% in the first quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 4,420 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $270,000 after purchasing an additional 2,301 shares during the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp grew its position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 37.6% in the first quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp now owns 2,795 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $171,000 after purchasing an additional 764 shares during the last quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. acquired a new position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines in the first quarter valued at approximately $678,000. Finally, BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 44.0% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 364,215 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $22,304,000 after buying an additional 111,208 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 55.54% of the companys stock. Get Agnico Eagle Mines alerts: Agnico Eagle Mines Stock Performance NYSE AEM opened at $52.09 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $25.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.25, a PEG ratio of 23.13 and a beta of 0.78. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited has a twelve month low of $36.69 and a twelve month high of $61.15. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $51.30 and a 200 day simple moving average of $52.54. The company has a quick ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 2.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. Agnico Eagle Mines Announces Dividend Agnico Eagle Mines ( NYSE:AEM Get Free Report ) (TSE:AEM) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 27th. The mining company reported $0.57 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.50 by $0.07. Agnico Eagle Mines had a return on equity of 6.07% and a net margin of 40.12%. The business had revenue of $1.51 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.30 billion. Sell-side analysts expect that Agnico Eagle Mines Limited will post 2.21 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 1st were issued a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, May 31st. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.07%. Agnico Eagle Miness payout ratio is currently 31.50%. Analyst Ratings Changes AEM has been the subject of several recent research reports. Barclays cut their price target on Agnico Eagle Mines from $63.00 to $61.00 in a research note on Friday, July 7th. Scotiabank initiated coverage on Agnico Eagle Mines in a research note on Monday, April 3rd. They issued an outperform rating for the company. BMO Capital Markets initiated coverage on Agnico Eagle Mines in a research note on Monday, April 3rd. They issued an outperform rating for the company. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on Agnico Eagle Mines in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Agnico Eagle Mines currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $67.71. Agnico Eagle Mines Profile (Free Report) Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, a gold mining company, exploration, development, and production of precious metals. The company's mines are located in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in Canada, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A Nevada woman who tried to pay a hitman on the dark web with Bitcoin to kill her ex-husband received a five-year prison sentence on Friday. Kristy Lynn Felkins, 38, pleaded guilty in March to the use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. She faced a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. In 2016, she sent 12 Bitcoin, then worth $5,000, to the administrator of a site on the Tor network called Besa Mafia, which claimed to offer murder-for-hire services. The Bitcoin she sent would be worth nearly $360,000 today, according to CoinGecko. For four months in 2016, Felkins exchanged messages with the Besa Mafia website administrator. She provided specific information about how her ex-husband could be found, including his home address, vehicle, and what time he left for work, according to a criminal complaint filed in 2020. Man Used Coinbase to Pay Hitman in Bitcoin for Wife's Murder, FBI Says Felkins wanted her ex-husbands murder to look like an accident but didnt agree to a $4,000 upcharge. After her payment was sent, the sites administrator said a hitman was assigned and that her husband would be gone within a week. However, no murder took place. Besa Mafia was a scam site, and Felkins was never refunded Bitcoin she sent to the website, which is no longer in operation, the DOJ said in a press release. The Justice Department did not disclose how it became aware of Felkins' actions. At her sentencing on Friday, Felkins' ex-husband Gabriel Scott of North Carolina said he was very, very surprised when he learned of the failed plot to murder him, describing Felkins as a wonderful mother, per The Sacramento Bee. The divorce had been as amicable as you could expect, Scott told U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley, who had summoned Scott for his opinion. Still, Scott believed Felkins deserved some sort of sentence. Felkins told the Besa Mafia administrator in 2016 that she was in a position to benefit from her ex-husbands death. I stand to get his retirement, our house and possibly a large life insurance payout, she said, according to the cases complaint. Story continues Yet on Friday, Felkins said shes thankful the person in charge of Besa Mafia didnt deliver on the agreement they had established. Im very glad that no harm came to Gabe, she said. I do thank God every day that the person I talked to was a scam artist. A similar sting led to the arrest and imprisonment of a Mississippi woman last year, when she paid $10,000 in Bitcoin to a purported hitman who turned out to be a federal law enforcement agent. Articles Sorry, there are no recent results for popular articles. 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. Unfortunately, these high risk investments often have little probability of ever paying off, and many investors pay a price to learn their lesson. Loss making companies can act like a sponge for capital - so investors should be cautious that they're not throwing good money after bad. So if this idea of high risk and high reward doesn't suit, you might be more interested in profitable, growing companies, like Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY). Now this is not to say that the company presents the best investment opportunity around, but profitability is a key component to success in business. See our latest analysis for Occidental Petroleum Occidental Petroleum's Improving Profits Over the last three years, Occidental Petroleum has grown earnings per share (EPS) at as impressive rate from a relatively low point, resulting in a three year percentage growth rate that isn't particularly indicative of expected future performance. As a result, we'll zoom in on growth over the last year, instead. Occidental Petroleum's EPS shot up from US$6.97 to US$9.82; a result that's bound to keep shareholders happy. That's a commendable gain of 41%. Top-line growth is a great indicator that growth is sustainable, and combined with a high earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margin, it's a great way for a company to maintain a competitive advantage in the market. The good news is that Occidental Petroleum is growing revenues, and EBIT margins improved by 9.9 percentage points to 35%, over the last year. That's great to see, on both counts. In the chart below, you can see how the company has grown earnings and revenue, over time. For finer detail, click on the image. You don't drive with your eyes on the rear-view mirror, so you might be more interested in this free report showing analyst forecasts for Occidental Petroleum's future profits. Story continues Are Occidental Petroleum Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders? We would not expect to see insiders owning a large percentage of a US$54b company like Occidental Petroleum. But thanks to their investment in the company, it's pleasing to see that there are still incentives to align their actions with the shareholders. We note that their impressive stake in the company is worth US$147m. We note that this amounts to 0.3% of the company, which may be small owing to the sheer size of Occidental Petroleum but it's still worth mentioning. So despite their percentage holding being low, company management still have plenty of reasons to deliver the best outcomes for investors. Is Occidental Petroleum Worth Keeping An Eye On? You can't deny that Occidental Petroleum has grown its earnings per share at a very impressive rate. That's attractive. Further, the high level of insider ownership is impressive and suggests that the management appreciates the EPS growth and has faith in Occidental Petroleum's continuing strength. The growth and insider confidence is looked upon well and so it's worthwhile to investigate further with a view to discern the stock's true value. What about risks? Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Occidental Petroleum (of which 1 shouldn't be ignored!) you should know about. Although Occidental Petroleum 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. 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 BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend 2023 - Credit: Roberto Ricciuti/Redferns The 1975 have called off the remainder of their Asian tour following the bands performance that resulted in the cancellation of a Malaysian music festival. Matty Healy and company were scheduled to play at Jakarta, Indonesias We the Fest on Sunday as well as in Taipei, Taiwan on Tuesday, but the band announced in a statement that both shows were now off. More from Rolling Stone The 1975 regret to announce that their forthcoming shows in Jakarta and Taipei will no longer be going ahead as planned, the group said. The band never takes the decision to cancel a show lightly and had been eagerly looking forward to playing for fans in Jakarta and Taipei but unfortunately, due to current circumstances, it is impossible to proceed with the scheduled shows. The 1975 regret to announce that their forthcoming shows in Jakarta and Taipei will no longer be going ahead as planned. Please see the official statement from the band. pic.twitter.com/XpZskFnyeD We The Fest (@WeTheFest) July 23, 2023 The cancellations come days after the 1975s set at Kuala Lumpurs Good Vibes festival was abruptly cut short after Healy criticized Malaysias anti-LGBTQ+ laws onstage. At the gig, Healy apologized to fans for accepting Good Vibes invitation to play, saying he was unaware of Malaysias hardline stance toward the LGBTQ community; same-sex relationships are outlawed in the country and punishable by prison time and caning. I made a mistake. When we were booking shows, I wasnt looking into it, Healy said. I dont see the fucking point, right, I do not see the point of inviting the 1975 to a country and then telling us who we can have sex with. Story continues Healy continued, I am sorry if that offends you and youre religious and its part of your fucking government, but your government are a bunch of fucking retards and I dont care anymore. If you push, I am going to push back. I am not in the fucking mood. Upon concluding his speech, Healy kissed the 1975 bassist Ross McDonald; the concert was cut short one song later, with Healy telling the crowd the 1975 just got banned from Kuala Lumpur. The next day, Malaysias Ministry of Communications and Digital issued an immediate cancellation directive that forced the Good Vibes Festival to shut down, nixing headlining sets by the Kid Laroi and the Strokes. Indonesia and Taiwan are notably less oppressive toward the LGBTQ+ community than Malaysia: Same-sex relationships are legal in both countries (except in Indonesias Muslim-dominant Aceh province), and while Indonesia doesnt recognize same-sex marriages, Taiwan was the first Asian nation to make that legal. Despite the canceled Asia shows, the 1975 will return to the stage shortly as theyre booked to perform at Lollapalooza in Chicago next month, along with gigs at San Franciscos Outside Lands, Las Vegas Life Is Beautiful, Atlantas Music Midtown and the U.K.s Reading and Leeds festival. Best of Rolling Stone Click here to read the full article. Jason Aldean performs in Nashville in 2022 Country star Jason Aldean addressed the controversy over his song "Try That In A Small Town" during a concert in Cincinnati on Friday night. To crowd chants of "USA! USA!" Aldean told the crowd that it had been a "long-ass week" but that he wouldn't hesitate to play the song, which critics say glorifies vigilantism and racism. "What I am is a proud American," Aldean told the crowd at Cincinnati's Riverbend Music Center, several videos shared on social media show. "I love our country. I want to see it restored to what it once was before all this bulls--- started happening to us," he said, without elaborating. "Cancel culture is a thing. ... which means try and ruin your life, ruin everything. One thing I saw this week was a bunch of country music fans that could see through a lot of the bulls---, all right? "I saw country music fans rally like I've never seen before and it was pretty badass to watch, I gotta say." He said he had been asked if he would play the song. "The answer is simple. The people have spoken and you guys spoke very very loudly ... ." He then played the song. Country Music Television is no longer airing the music video for "Try That in a Small Town," after Aldean, who survived a mass shooting while he performed in 2017, faced backlash for the song. Not long after the video's release, online critics highlighted the song lyrics as emblematic of songs heightening gun violence and lynching sentiments upon many in his rural, small-town fan base. "Cuss out a cop, spit in his face / Stomp on the flag and light it up / Yeah, ya think you're tough / Well, try that in a small town / See how far ya make it down the road / Around here, we take care of our own / You cross that line, it won't take long / For you to find out, I recommend you don't / Try that in a small town, Aldean sings. Viewers also noted that scenes in the video were shot at the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, where a Black man named Henry Choate, 18, was lynched in 1927. The site is also where the infamous Columbia Race Riot occurred in 1946. Story continues The song has become a rallying point for conservatives, shooting to the top of iTunes' chart in the wake of the controversy. Former President Donald Trump defended Aldean as a "fantastic guy," and several other Republican presidential candidates have declared their support. USA TODAY contributed. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Jason Aldean defends 'Try That in a Small Town' in Cincinnati, Ohio FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. One year after the launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, many Floridians still dont know it exists and about 25% of the calls in the state are going unanswered. When you dial 988, it will route you to one of about 200 crisis call centers throughout the country based on your area code. From a Fort Lauderdale crisis center, counselor Brenda Mann-Kelly receives calls from a 754 or 954 area code. Over the past year, Mann-Kelly and the staff at Floridas 13 crisis centers answered more than 82,000 calls to 988 after the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline underwent a transformation, recasting its 10-digit number as 988. Thats the fifth highest state-level volume in the U.S. When Mann-Kelly answers the calls, she may have only minutes to respond and save a life. Yet, Florida crisis centers are following behind on answering calls. Florida had a average answer rate of 75% in June, up from an average answer rate of 52% in October 2022. Some states, such as California, Mississippi and Nebraska, had answer rates well more than 90%. Over the last year, at least 48,000 calls to 988 from Florida area codes went unanswered by state crisis counselors and had to be routed to the national back-up network where counselors are less familiar with local services, according to data from Vibrant Emotional Health, the administrator of the lifeline. Floridas mental health advocates had predicted the 988 rollout in the state would be difficult. Some states had created dedicated ways to pay for more staff and upgrade technology to support their 988 call systems. Florida relied on a patchwork of funding, with some counties more ready than others for the surge in volume projected. We have made a lot of progress, but theres still a lot of work to do, said Gayle Giese, president of the Florida Mental Health Advocacy Coalition. We are doing better than some states, and worse than others. For Mann-Kelly, the calls are non-stop. With mental illness on the rise, the hotline operator spends most of her workday finding the right intervention for callers in crisis, gauging whether they just need someone to listen or if they are actively in the process of trying to take their own life. She may send the troubled caller a list of nearby therapists, dispatch a mobile crisis team, suggest inpatient services or even connect them to 911 or emergency services if they mention a weapon or pills. Story continues Every call is different, but the majority of time people are overwhelmed and in distress, she said. People are having issues with relationship dynamics, and feelings of isolation. A lot of people are feeling very alone in this connected world and since COVID it has gotten worse. A person doesnt need to be in crisis or suicidal to call 988 and speak with a counselor. The help line is a free service available at all hours, day or night, for anyone who needs support. A big part of the makeover of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was to lessen the reliance on law enforcement or emergency departments to handle mental health crises. On a national scale, the 988 Lifeline encountered record demand in the past year. Since its launch in July 2022, more than 5 million calls, chats and texts have been routed to 988, thats 2 million more than the previous 12 months before the three-digit number and a federal investment. Now, the federal government and Lifeline partners announced the addition of Spanish text and chat services as of July, as well as specialized services for LGBTQI+ youth and young adults. Mann-Kelly, 58, says the shift to 988 allowed her to answer Broward calls as a peer support specialist, people with lived expertise who are prioritized as call recipients. She can now disclose to callers that she once was in their shoes, also in crisis mode, and currently in recovery from mental illness. The benefit is people feel connected to me, she said. They may call feeling embarrassed, but once I self disclose it makes the process easier and helps me deescalate quicker. Many challenges still lie ahead for the national mental health network. Some of the biggest problems are a need for awareness of the three-digit hotline, along with long-term funding to boost staff at the crisis centers. In May, the federal government allocated another $200 million in new funding that states will receive later this year to build local capacity for 988 and related crisis services. Mental health experts say Florida needs much more than just additional staffing at its crisis call centers. The state also needs more resources, particularly places to refer adults, teens and children struggling with mental health issues. Francisco Isaza, chief operations officer at 211 in Broward, the local call center for 988, said his crisis counselors can offer some resources to callers but admits there are gaps. The whole purpose behind 988 is not just a call center number but a system of care that is there to support people in times of crisis, he said. There has to be treatment services and support services that are available. The vision needs to be to create a robust system of care so anyone going through a mental health or substance abuse crisis can get a full spectrum of support. State lawmakers have taken a proactive step and created a Commission on Mental health and Substance Use Disorder to review how 988 is working in the state, identify any deficiencies in mental health services, assess the states crisis response capabilities and recommend changes. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis included more money in this years budget to expand the mobile response teams that could respond to a 988 call. Some counties need more psychiatric inpatient beds, others need more mobile response teams or mental health counselors. The need is always going to outweigh the services available, says Mann-Kelly who spends her off-work hours in support groups and therapy to maintain her own mental health. In Broward, we have a continuum of mental health care, but we always need more. She gave me everything I needed to make sure Im successful, says Chaquita Bandy Rooney Coffman - St. Andrews University Photographer Chaquita Bandy, left, with mom Dr. Dorothy Miller From being an impoverished teen mom in rural North Carolina to watching her daughter graduate from a nursing program she created, Dorothy Miller has come a long way. Exactly 13 years to the day after she received her own nursing degree, Miller watched with pride as her eldest daughter, Chaquita Bandy, graduated from St. Andrews University on May 7. Miller who serves as the St. Andrews University Department Chair of Health Services in Laurinburg credits her own mom, Ruby Bandy, for putting a high priority on education. At 15 years old, Miller, then a student, gave birth to her first daughter on a Friday and her mom insisted that the North Carolina high school freshman was back at school on Monday. "My mother had to stop going to school when she was in the third grade because she had to go work on the farms," Miller, 56, tells PEOPLE. "She knew that education would be the vehicle that would take me to a better future." Rooney Coffman - St. Andrews University Photographer Dr. Dorothy Miller (center) with graduating nursing students, including daughter Chaquita Bandy (second from left) Related: Florida Mom of 7 Graduates College as Class Valedictorian with Perfect GPA: 'Incredibly Honored' Miller said that her mom was disappointed when the teenager became pregnant, but she was determined to not let it derail her daughter's future. "She lived to see me become a registered nurse," Miller says. "I wish she could have been here physically to see that grandbaby she helped raised become a registered nurse as well, but Chaquita and I felt mom smiling and beaming down on us at her graduation." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Rooney Coffman - St. Andrews University Photographer Chaquita Bandy, left, with mom Dorothy Miller Growing up, Miller knew she wanted to become a nurse. I imagined myself working in a hospital and taking care of people at the bedside, Miller wrote in a 2022 blog post for the school. I knew it would be a tough battle to become a nurse. Firstly, I did not personally know anyone that was a nurse. I was not great in math or science and my high school counselor told me that because of my grades, I would never become a nurse. Story continues "As my high school counselor mentioned, the odds were definitely against me, Miller wrote. Fortunately, I was born with tenacity and the unmitigated audacity to refuse to give up. She knew education was a ticket out of poverty for both her and her baby. "Domestic abuse, sexual abuse and poverty seems to be constant bedfellows and I experienced all three growing up," Miller tells PEOPLE. "My way of escape was reading. I read everything I could get my hands on. Reading created a window of escape as I would often fantasize about what life would be like outside my rural and impoverished community." Rooney Coffman - St. Andrews University Photographer Chaquita Bandy with her nieces and nephews Miller went on to get her associate degree, bachelors degree, masters, a PhD and then another masters. She also served in the U.S. Army from 1995 to 2001. Her mother cared for Chaquita, who was 5 at the time Miller enlisted, during Millers period of service. When she got out of the military, she knew it was finally time to pursue nursing. Miller, currently running for a seat on the North Carolina Board of Nursing, went on to work as a nurse for seven years before she switched to an academic career in health care. Related: Texas Mom, Dad and Daughter All Graduate from College at the Same Time: 'Surreal' Miller launched the first nursing school at St. Andrews in 2021. Not only was her daughter Bandy in the first graduating class, but her name was also the first one called during the May 7 ceremony. She gave me everything I needed to make sure Im successful, Bandy, 41, told NBC affiliate WRAL-TV. You can imagine the pressure, though, coming through a program that was just established by your mother, being the first one to graduate." Related: Woman Gives Birth and Receives Doctorate Within Space of 24 Hours: 'Just Felt Like a Superhero' Bandy currently works in the intensive care unit at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst. Like her mother, her goal is to make sure patients get the best care possible. And she encourages others to never stop pursuing their dreams. "A persons walk of life is not linear and sometimes you veer off course," Bandy tells PEOPLE. "But despite your missteps, you have to trust that God knows your purpose and path and he will get you to where you supposed to be." Rooney Coffman - St. Andrews University Photographer Chaquita Bandy, center, with fellow grads Its rewarding for Miller to see her child follow in her footsteps after being the driving force behind Millers own successful career. I think if I hadnt been given the opportunity to have that child, I wouldn't have accomplished what I did, Miller says. By having her, it pushed me to something outside of me that I could have a better future for her. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. An influencer spontaneously did a woman's makeup on a flight, and quickly realized their connection went beyond blush and lip gloss A TikTok video showing an influencer doing a woman's makeup on a flight recently went viral. Speaking with Insider, the two travelers shared how their interaction came about. They also explained how the experience helped them through anxiety and illness. When 23-year-old Sabrina Hassan boarded an American Airlines flight on June 22, she felt one thing: nerves. The beauty content creator from Arizona had been invited to a TikTok event in California and was anxious about doing makeup in front of crowds and other influencers, as she told Insider. But as she stepped into the plane with her sister and looked for her seat, she was stopped by another passenger. "This woman was like, 'You look so beautiful!' and I said, 'Oh my God, thank you! You're so sweet,'" Hassan said. "She was hyping me up and the whole row could hear it and then I ended up sitting next to her." That woman was Linda Harrison, a 56-year-old California native who was traveling home after visiting her sister in Utah. "Sabrina and her sister were both absolutely gorgeous. Their skin looks like it belongs in Dove commercials," Linda told Insider. "Her sister was in the aisle across and Sabrina was next to me." Harrison asked if they wanted to sit next to each other, but the sisters declined leading Hassan to strike up a conversation with her new seatmate. It was then that she explained her job to Harrison and revealed that she was both excited and anxious to visit Anaheim. While Harrison admitted that she knew nothing about TikTok at the time, she could see that Hassan was skilled in makeup. "She said she was so nervous, so I asked, 'Do you wanna practice on me?'" Harrison recalled. And as it turns out, the influencer did. "When she first asked me to do her makeup, I thought she meant come back to California one day and do it. But then she pulled out her makeup and I was like: 'Oh my God! OK, I'll do it!'" Story continues Hassan asked her seatmate if she could record their interaction, to which Harrison said yes, and then they began their glam. "I'm an '80s girl," Harrison said. "I don't use sponges or anything. I just put makeup on with my fingers and smother it around. So when Sabrina used a makeup brush, I immediately started feeling fancy." Hassan noticed other passengers smiling at them, and flight attendants began complimenting the interaction. "We were on an airplane with a bunch of strangers, but it felt like I was at a girls' party getting pampered," Harrison said. But as the two women continued talking, they realized their interaction went deeper than blush and lip gloss. "Linda told me that she's going through chemotherapy right now and hasn't been feeling beautiful lately," Hassan said. "Here she was being so positive and such a light on this plane ride. You would never think she's going through something so big." Harrison noted that she doesn't typically wear much makeup, largely as a result of the treatment she's receiving for stage 4 colon cancer. "I've lost my eyebrows, I've lost my eyelashes, and I can't really wear mascara," she said. "My skin looks like I have a sunburn all the time. I don't look like my former self. But that day on the plane, Sabrina made me feel like I was that woman again." Beyond the makeup, Harrison said she's especially grateful that Hassan has now become a friend to her daughters. Both are starting careers, the mom of two noted, with her youngest being a nurse in another state. Due to the nature of her job and the health risks involved, they don't often get to see each other, she said. "When I was at the airport, I Googled the hospital that my daughter was working at that day," Harrison said. "She was 5.6 miles from me and we couldn't see each other. It was hard." "My daughters they're 28 and 30 saw the TikTok first, and they both reached out to Sabrina," Harrison added. "They've been chatting, and it's been so comforting for my girls to know somebody was taking care of their mom and making her feel special when they weren't there." And as Hassan noted, the experience was equally meaningful to her. Not only did Harrison's positivity and kindness push her through a moment of anxiety, but their interaction also led her to understand how she can help others through her craft. "My favorite part of this was being able to help let Linda know that she is beautiful," Hassan said. "I had no idea I could change her life the way she changed mine. I wish everybody could meet her." Harrison and Hassan both say they remain changed for the better by their interaction, and they are trying to find a way to see each other again in the near future. But for now, both are hoping that their story can help others learn the power of kindness and asking questions. "Everybody is fighting some kind of battle that you can't see," Harrison said. "My battle is a little bit more apparent. Sometimes I use a walker. I've gained almost 70 pounds since I started treatment. It's been extremely traumatic. But then there's Sabrina, who on the outside looks like she has everything. She's young, she's beautiful so it's shocking that she was feeling nervous and insecure." "I'm the one who needed the makeup, but she's the one that got the real boost out of this, and that's what's so special," she continued. "I'm a huge believer in asking for what you want with a smile on your face and good intent. You never know what the answer will be." Read the original article on Insider The popular instructor tells PEOPLE how an unexpected injury forced him to step away from teaching for two months, and why getting that rest was so important Peloton Adrian Williams woke up one day earlier this year with his left arm locked at a 90-degree angle. I couldnt get it down, the Peloton instructor tells PEOPLE in an exclusive interview. After getting an MRI scan, he was told that he had developed a bone growth around his joint. It was treatable, but the 39-year-old New Yorker who teaches running, rowing and strength classes on the popular fitness app was faced with a choice. Peloton Adrian Williams is sharing his story of recovery and healing after an arm injury. Williams says, The option was, You can continue to do movement, but you [wont] be able to move the way youd like to, or you can opt for surgery. Then youll be able to get back to yourself 100 percent. I immediately opted for surgery. Asked why, he explains, I dont want to be 60 percent injured. I want to be 100 percent [well]. Related: Peloton Instructor Emma Lovewell Reveals How a $50 Craigslist Job Ad Changed Her Life (Exclusive) But going under the knife meant that Williams ultimately had to take an eight-week break from teaching classes and working out in his downtime. For him, it wasnt a daunting prospect, as he says, I love exercise. Im not addicted to exercise, and theres a big difference in that." So, with me making the decision to have the surgery, it didnt even cross my mind that I wouldnt be working out for X amount of time," he continues. In fact, Williams admits he did nothing for most of that time. No running. No movement for six weeks. Zero. I did nothing," he says. Peloton Adrian Williams teaches running, rowing and strength training classes. Its a far cry from the level of activity that sparked the injury in the first place. Williams was away at a fitness retreat in Upstate New York in 2018 when he hyperextended his arm while doing a bear crawl. He says, It was a 100-yard gallop up the hill and then a bear crawl back down to the hotel. I was crawling back down, and we didnt happen to see this hole that was kind of in the earth. I fell into that hole, and it came down to my arm. My arm hyperextended. I got really nervous. Story continues Acting on instinct, Williams says he pushed his arm back into place and never thought about it again. It was probably sore the next day, he adds. That was until that morning in February when he woke up with his arm locked into place. Williams was later told that, while his arm felt fine, his body grew bone spurs to protect the joint that he hyperextended and pushed back into place. As a spur grows, it stops [movement] from happening. And then there were pieces that were hitting nerves in my arm and affecting my grip and things like that, Williams says. I didnt want to hurt myself one day or long term or suffer nerve damage. So, thats why I [had] surgery. Adrian Williams/Instagram Adrian Williams announced his return to teaching on Instagram. The instructor went to the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York, which is renowned for treating top professional athletes. Williams says, Theyre amazing. I went there for surgery [where they shaved the bone down] and PT [physical therapy]. Surgery was quick and easy. I think it was an hour. Went home the next day and then I started my rehab journey. Related: Peloton Instructor Kendall Toole on Learning Not to Be 'Ashamed' of Her Mental Health Struggles Despite not having exercise as an outlet, Williams says he leaned into his other hobbies to stay sane. Because working out for me is work, and then I also do it on my own, its important for me to have other interests," he says. Listing non-workout activities that give him joy, Williams notes, I love photography. I like going for a long ride in my car. Thats a big one. I call it moving meditation." Its the quiet and, honestly, its the power of being in a machine that makes me feel some sort of way. And I started meditating a lot, which Id been neglecting for a while, and now thats part of my daily practice," he continues. Williams adds, It was one of those moments where I just paid attention to other areas of my life that needed a little bit of TLC. Peloton Adrian Williams is back teaching classes and lifting weights after an eight-week period of rest and recovery. In the end, Williams says it took him just two weeks to feel back to normal when he finally started exercising again. The Bronx native, who ran track when he was growing up and became a personal trainer in his 20s, says, Im 39 and Ive done this more than half of my life. My bodys not going to forget something that was habitual. It knows. Your body is one of the best computers. It knows, its stored, and it learns to be stronger. While he admits resuming cardio exercise like running was tough, he says his strength popped back in two weeks. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Williams now hopes that his healing experience will be valuable for others, especially his followers and Pelotons army of fans, whether they take classes at home or in person at the companys live studios in New York and London. We hear this constantly in the studio. People have ailments and they dont want to get them taken care of because they know it means stopping whatever form of exercise that theyre into, he says. Why get to the point of being broken, if you can take care of something now? Why get to the point where youre doing more damage over a longer course of time, versus, heres the problem, let me fix it? Scott Wild Adrian Williams in Los Angeles in July, leading a pre-workout warmup session during a stop on Peloton on Tour 2023. Now that he has recovered, Williams is being intentional about sharing his message, as he did in Los Angeles earlier this month, when he and colleagues like Kendall Toole and Ben Alldis kicked off Peloton on Tour 2023. (The tour, which runs through October, will give fans in the U.S., London and Germany a chance to work out with their favorite instructors.) He says, This is a part of [my] story, but its also giving people the information. This is my job. This is my livelihood, but it was okay for me to take this break and Im better." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. When you think about it, having diarrhea in a rest stop in Montana because of the obscene amount of energy drinks youve been drinking on your road trip is pretty much exactly like getting dysentery on the Oregon Trail Im @leftatlondon on other websites too (HINT HINT) (@LeftAtLondon) July 16, 2023 An illustration of a flying saucer looking pitch-black against the starry night sky Were only halfway through 2023, and it feels already like the year of alien contact. In February, President Joe Biden gave orders to shoot down three unidentified aerial phenomena NASAs title for UFOs. Then, the alleged leaked footage from a Navy pilot of a UFO, and then news of a whistleblowers report on a possible U.S. government cover-up about UFO research. Most recently, an independent analysis published in June suggests that UFOs might have been collected by a clandestine agency of the U.S. government. If any actual evidence of extraterrestrial life emerges, whether from whistleblower testimony or an admission of a cover-up, humans would face a historic paradigm shift. As members of an Indigenous studies working group who were asked to lend our disciplinary expertise to a workshop affiliated with the Berkeley SETI Research Center, we have studied centuries of culture contacts and their outcomes from around the globe. Our collaborative preparations for the workshop drew from transdisciplinary research in Australia, New Zealand, Africa and across the Americas. In its final form, our group statement illustrated the need for diverse perspectives on the ethics of listening for alien life and a broadening of what defines intelligence and life. Based on our findings, we consider first contact less as an event and more as a long process that has already begun. Who's in charge of first contact The question of who is in charge of preparing for contact with alien life immediately comes to mind. The communities and their interpretive lenses most likely to engage in any contact scenario would be military, corporate and scientific. By giving Americans the legal right to profit from space tourism and planetary resource extraction, the Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act of 2015 could mean that corporations will be the first to find signs of extraterrestrial societies. Otherwise, while detecting unidentified aerial phenomena is usually a military matter, and NASA takes the lead on sending messages from Earth, most activities around extraterrestrial communications and evidence fall to a program called SETI, or the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Story continues SETI is a collection of scientists with a variety of research endeavors, including Breakthrough Listen, which listens for technosignatures, or markers, like pollutants, of a designed technology. SETI investigators are virtually always STEM science, technology, engineering and math scholars. Few in the social science and humanities fields have been afforded opportunities to contribute to concepts of and preparations for contact. In a promising act of disciplinary inclusion, the Berkeley SETI Research Center in 2018 invited working groups including our Indigenous studies working group from outside STEM fields to craft perspective papers for SETI scientists to consider. Ethics of listening Neither Breakthough Listen nor SETIs site features a current statement of ethics beyond a commitment to transparency. Our working group was not the first to raise this issue. And while the SETI Institute and certain research centers have included ethics in their event programming, it seems relevant to ask who NASA and SETI answer to, and what ethical guidelines theyre following for a potential first contact scenario. SETIs Post-Detection Hub another rare exception to SETIs STEM-centrism seems the most likely to develop a range of contact scenarios. The possible circumstances imagined include finding ET artifacts, detecting signals from thousands of light years away, dealing with linguistic incompatibility, finding microbial organisms in space or on other planets, and biological contamination of either their or our species. Whether the U.S. government or heads of military would heed these scenarios is another matter. SETI-affiliated scholars tend to reassure critics that the intentions of those listening for technosignatures are benevolent, since what harm could come from simply listening? The chair emeritus of SETI Research, Jill Tarter, defended listening because any ET civilization would perceive our listening techniques as immature or elementary. But our working group drew upon the history of colonial contacts to show the dangers of thinking that whole civilizations are comparatively advanced or intelligent. For example, when Christopher Columbus and other European explorers came to the Americas, those relationships were shaped by the preconceived notion that the Indians were less advanced due to their lack of writing. This led to decades of Indigenous servitude in the Americas. A black and white engraving of a group of armed and armored men standing on the shore speaking to many naked men. Large ships sail in the background. The working group statement also suggested that the act of listening is itself already within a phase of contact. Like colonialism itself, contact might best be thought of as a series of events that starts with planning, rather than a singular event. Seen this way, isnt listening potentially without permission just another form of surveillance? To listen intently but indiscriminately seemed to our working group like a type of eavesdropping. It seems contradictory that we begin our relations with aliens by listening in without their permission while actively working to stop other countries from listening to certain U.S. communications. If humans are initially perceived as disrespectful or careless, ET contact could more likely lead to their colonization of us. Histories of contact Throughout histories of Western colonization, even in those few cases when contactees were intended to be protected, contact has led to brutal violence, pandemics, enslavement and genocide. James Cooks 1768 voyage on the HMS Endeavor was initiated by the Royal Society. This prestigious British academic society charged him with calculating the solar distance between the Earth and the Sun by measuring the visible movement of Venus across the Sun from Tahiti. The society strictly forbade him from any colonial engagements. Though he achieved his scientific goals, Cook also received orders from the Crown to map and claim as much territory as possible on the return voyage. Cooks actions put into motion wide-scale colonization and Indigenous dispossession across Oceania, including the violent conquests of Australia and New Zealand. A painting showing five men, two dogs, and a statue of a woman standing in a clearing near the ocean shore. The center man, James Cook, is holding his hat out. The Royal Society gave Cook a prime directive of doing no harm and to only conduct research that would broadly benefit humanity. However, explorers are rarely independent from their funders, and their explorations reflect the political contexts of their time. As scholars attuned to both research ethics and histories of colonialism, we wrote about Cook in our working group statement to showcase why SETI might want to explicitly disentangle their intentions from those of corporations, the military and the government. Although separated by vast time and space, both Cooks voyage and SETI share key qualities, including their appeal to celestial science in the service of all humanity. They also share a mismatch between their ethical protocols and the likely long-term impacts of their success. The initial domino of a public ET message, or recovered bodies or ships, could initiate cascading events, including military actions, corporate resource mining and perhaps even geopolitical reorganizing. The history of imperialism and colonialism on Earth illustrates that not everyone benefits from colonization. No one can know for sure how engagement with extraterrestrials would go, though its better to consider cautionary tales from Earths own history sooner rather than later. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. From what we can see, insiders were net buyers in Power Metal Resources plc's (LON:POW ) during the past 12 months. That is, insiders acquired the stock in greater numbers than they sold it. While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether. Check out our latest analysis for Power Metal Resources The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Power Metal Resources Notably, that recent purchase by Edmund Charles Shaw is the biggest insider purchase of Power Metal Resources shares that we've seen in the last year. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at around the current price of UK0.0069. Of course they may have changed their mind. But this suggests they are optimistic. We do always like to see insider buying, but it is worth noting if those purchases were made at well below today's share price, as the discount to value may have narrowed with the rising price. Happily, the Power Metal Resources insider decided to buy shares at close to current prices. The only individual insider to buy over the last year was Edmund Charles Shaw. Notably Edmund Charles Shaw was also the biggest seller. You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date! 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). Are Power Metal Resources Insiders Buying Or Selling? We saw Non-Executive Director Edmund Charles Shaw buy shares worth UK46k in the last three months. That's only a tiny bit more than the sales, worth UK46k. Looking at the net result, we don't think these recent trades shed much light on how insiders, as a group, are feeling about the company's prospects. Story continues Insider Ownership For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. Insiders own 11% of Power Metal Resources shares, worth about UK1.6m, according to our data. Whilst better than nothing, we're not overly impressed by these holdings. What Might The Insider Transactions At Power Metal Resources Tell Us? Insider selling has just outweighed insider buying in the last three months. But the net divestment is not enough to concern us at all. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. While we have no worries about the insider transactions, we'd be more comfortable if they owned more Power Metal Resources stock. While we like knowing what's going on with the insider's ownership and transactions, we make sure to also consider what risks are facing a stock before making any investment decision. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 6 warning signs for Power Metal Resources (of which 2 can't be ignored!) you should know about. If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt. For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here Jumbo-Visma's Jonas Vingegaard is poised to take his second Tour de France overall victory Even after two straight Tour de France victories, Jonas Vingegaard seems as unknowable now as he did when he first announced himself at this race in 2021. He turns up, he performs, he doesn't say a whole lot, and he goes home. Two years ago, when Vingegaard was unexpectedly ushered into a leadership role at Jumbo-Visma following Primoz Roglic's early abandon, reporters scrambled to flesh out the neophyte's back story. They pounced gratefully on the detail that he had worked at a fish factory in Hanstholm before making the leap to the WorldTour, and Vingegaard patiently and politely talked them through the details. "I didn't cut the fish: I was the guy who put it in ice and made it ready for them to cut the fish," he explained. Since then, and though his status has grown immeasurably, it's difficult to say that the world has learned a great deal more about Vingegaard beyond his love for the quiet life with his young family. His social media footprint is light and media access is tightly controlled outside of races. In press conferences, he rarely uses twenty words when three will do. Read more Tour de France: Pogacar rebounds to take stage 20 victory as Vingegaard seals his second overall title As it happened: Pinot attacks, Pogacar wins stage and Vingeggard secures overall Tour de France victory 20 I cracked myself - Pogacars big takeaway from Tour Vingegaard is not the first enigma to dominate the Tour, and there are mild shades of Miguel Indurain about his reserved nature, but his apparent lack of interest in controlling the narrative is striking all the same. When he opted to miss the Tour of Denmark last August, for instance, it prompted speculation he was suffering from burn-out after his Tour victory. His silence only served to amplify the murmurs, but he didn't feel any need to rush to correct the record at the time. After sealing his second straight Tour by placing third behind Tadej Pogacar (USA Team Emirates) on stage 20 to Le Markstein on Saturday, Vingegaard dismissed the idea that he had struggled with the weight of his first title a year ago. There was no trace of irritation in his voice as he did so, it seemed more like a simple statement of fact. Story continues "As I have said many times before, I didn't have any problems last year," Vingegaard said after taking a seat in the press tent. "I just chose to take it really easy and relax. I wasn't having any problems at all. It wasn't hard for me, so I assume it will be the same this year." Vingegaard speaks in the same guarded way now as he did when he first emerged as a Tour contender two years ago, but he suggested that his belief in his own means had grown considerably since that break-out season when he rose so dramatically in the stage racing hierarchy at Jumbo-Visma. "Two years ago, it was my first Tour de France, and it was the first year where I started to deliver results," he said. "It's not that I was not a good bike rider before, but before I wasn't able to handle the pressure, which I mostly put on myself. I learned to handle this. From that moment, I started getting on podiums and I started winning. Then you get more confidence within yourself and with the media." Pogacar Vingegaard certainly wasn't lacking in confidence on this Tour, the third instalment of his ongoing duel with Pogacar, and a sound defeat at the Slovenian's hands in their head-to-head contest at Paris-Nice in March seemed to do nothing to knock Vingegaard off his stride. After dominating the Criterium du Dauphine in June, he arrived at this Tour as the joint favourite with Pogacar, and he proceeded to move into the yellow jersey in the opening week. On the first rest day, Vingegaard suggested Jumbo-Visma had a plan to "break" Pogacar, and he repeatedly suggested their duel would ultimately be decided by minutes rather than seconds. So it proved. Thanks to supersonic displays in the Combloux time trial and on the Col de la Loze, Vingegaard rides into Paris on Sunday with a lead of 7:29 over Pogacar. "Last year, I had a lot of injuries and sickness in the Spring, and this year I didn't have anything, which makes a big, big difference," Vingegaard said. "I'm still developing and I'm still getting better and better. But it's not like I improved 20% in a year. I'm slightly better than last year, but it's not like I'm way better than last year." Vingegaard remained coy on precisely what Jumbo-Visma's grand, Pogacar-breaking strategy had been "We have our plan and if we say how to crack him, he will be able to prevent it" but he hailed the way his team had controlled the race and dictated the terms of engagement on so many occasions. "We knew my strengths and we knew how to get the best out of my strengths," he said. "I think not everyone understood our plan every day, but we understood it ourselves. In the end, it paid off." In years past, the Tour winner's traditional Saturday evening press conference has stretched beyond half an hour in length. Vingegaard's clipped responses, by contrast, meant his spell in the press room lasted eleven minutes or so. As ever, it was hard to say the interaction had shed any particular light on what drives him, but he made it clear he would be back to win it all again next year. "I also have different goals, but the Tour de France is the biggest race in the world," Vingegaard. said. "For me, the Tour de France is just something special and I'll probably try to win it again next year." Watching the news can get boring, stressful, or even sad sometimes, but many news outlets like to keep things light, too. We can tell how much the news anchors appreciated this interruption from a small bird, and if we're being honest, it seems like viewers are enjoying it too. Even though it seemed rather windy, the bird landed on the FOX 17 tower cam in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It stayed for a while to check out the view, all while viewers got a different view! How cute! This little bird found the perfect spot to perch and watch the morning go by. Little did the animal know that the news cam found the perfect view, too! Although many people speculated that this was a baby bird, and most likely a peregrine falcon, a plethora of commenters were quick to correct them. This is a kestrel! Kestrels are the smallest falcon species, so technically--nobody is wrong. This little one has the most beautiful markings on its fluffy feathers, too! "It's a Kestrel and most likely an adult," agreed one commenter named Mark. "They're pretty small. Had them in my backyard at my old house. They're tiny compared to a peregrine falcon." You're so right! A kestrel's average body length is 12 inches at best, and their wingspan can reach a maximum of 24 inches. These birds can be found all across North America, so you may have seen one too. This species often migrates south--even into Mexico--for the winter, and then back north for the warmer breeding months. In places like Michigan, they can be found year-round! Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. READ THE COMMENTS "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." With every event Nicole Kidman attends, she aces the perfect Hollywood outfit. Back in February 2008 the Moulin Rouge! actress traveled to Tokyo, Japan to attend a photo call for her then-new film The Golden Compass. She shined in a unique black dress, which featured a number of textured materials that gave Nicole an unexpected edge. With every event Nicole Kidman attends, she aces the perfect Hollywood outfit. Turns out, it's not a new thingshe's knocked everyone off their feet for quite a while when it comes to her fashion. In February 2008, the Moulin Rouge! actress traveled to Tokyo, Japan to attend a photo call for her then-new film The Golden Compass. When she arrived for the red carpet, she shined in a unique black dress, which featured a number of textured materials that gave Nicole an unexpected edge. The bottom of the frock was comprised of a silky skirt that had tulle on top of it. It also had a floral lace design that went across the midriff and ventured down the seams of the A-like silhouette. The highlight of the dress was the ensemble's bodice that showed off a myriad of striking yet playful couture elements. A ruched bralette-style front popped against a see-through piece overlaying from the neckline to the waist. Along with a different kind of lace, the lower half of the top appeared akin to a spider-web with its transparent paneling. What's more, a structured fringed shoulders added an extra touch, helping Nicole made a rock and roll outfit look chic for a movie premiere. Junko Kimura - Getty Images Jun Sato - Getty Images To offset the monochromatic look, Nicole kept the rest of the outfit simple. The Being the Ricardos star paired the dress with black kitten heels with bows at the toes. She also wore a sparkling diamond bracelet and stud earrings. Nicole styled her blonde hair into a side-swept curly ponytail. The Australian native then tied it all together with black eyeliner and a muted plum lipstick for makeup. Story continues As Nicole somehow always makes red carpet attire feel effortless, there has to be a method to pulling off the perfect look. When speaking to Vanity Fair in June 2017, she revealed a specific detail she looks out for while trying out looks. "The only one that I consider is to feel relaxed," she told the outlet. "I also want to be able to dance. Thats an important rule for a dress to be able to dance. At least wiggle!" With that piece of advice, it makes us want to bust a move as well. You Might Also Like SIOUX CITY Richard Linn was up before dawn, sharing the anticipation of starting the first day of RAGBRAI's 50th anniversary edition with the thousands of others who had gathered on the banks of the Missouri River. It would be the most historic ride since the first one began a few blocks from here in 1973. But for Linn, it held an even deeper significance. While others in the deceptive coolness of a July Sunday morning were engaged in routines honed by decades of repetition packing up tents and sleeping bags to deliver to the luggage trucks, pumping tires by flashlight and completing the ritual of the pre-ride Missouri River tire dip he reflected on his personal history with the ride. Riders dip their tires in the Missouri River to begin RAGBRAI 50 in Sioux City, Saturday, July 22, 2023. Now 71, He'd grown up in Gilmore City, about 40 miles east of Sunday's destination, Storm Lake, reading the columns of Des Moines Register journalist Don Kaul, who founded the ride with fellow columnist John Karras not knowing it would become an enduring Iowa institution. More: As RAGBRAI grows from lark to legendary at age 50, it still offers glimpses of 'authentic Iowa' Linn's sense of adventure was piqued when he read about the ride, chronicled each day by Kaul and Karras as they pedaled across the state with a growing entourage of readers. But it wasn't until Linn moved to Missouri that he finally signed up for his first Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa at age 51. Now he was gearing up for his 17th, one that a year ago he couldn't be sure he'd be around for. He was starting the 2022 ride from Sergeant Bluff to Lansing when he crashed his bike, resulting in five cracked ribs and a ruptured spleen. An ambulance whisked him to a hospital in Storm Lake. Later, a helicopter carried him to another hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, where he got the news that his condition was far more serious than injuries from a bike crash: He had stage 4 cancer. "They gave me a 50-50 chance to live," he said. Story continues More: 'A little extra God can't hurt': RAGBRAI L kicks off with bike blessing In that moment, Linn chose not to give up. Within a month of returning from the hospital, he was back on his bike. He started chemo shortly after and now is in remission. He stood on the boat ramp Sunday next to the Sioux City Marina, checking the day's route on his phone, then dipped his bike's rear tire in the river before setting off for the Mississippi 500 miles away on what he called his ride for redemption. Linn said he plans to make it the entire way. "I have some unfinished business from last year," he said before mounting his bike and pedaling east to make his own version of history. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Rider beats injuries, cancer to make RAGBRAI's 50th anniversary ride The reason Dylan and Cole Sprouse wore headphones at Dylans wedding to model Barbara Palvin has been explained. Last week, former Disney Channel star Dylan, 30, and model Palvin, 29, confirmed that they had secretly married one month after announcing their engagement. The pair tied the knot in Palvins home of Albertirsa, Hungary on her parents property, Harlekin Birtok, which doubles up as a wedding venue. The wedding was photographed for British Vogue, with Palvin shown wearing a white Vivienne Westwood corsetted satin gown, sheer gloves, a Tiffany & Co choker and a long veil. Dylan, meanwhile, wore a simple black suit with a white collared shirt and a black tie. However, fans had a question about an accessory sported by Dylan and brother Cole, who was also his best man. In the pictures, both twins who rose to fame as children on The Suite Life of Zack and Cody could be seen wearing black headphones in one ear during the ceremony. The nature of the technology was explained by British Vogues sister publication Vogue Germany, in a video shared on their TikTok. Replying to a commenter who asked: Why does Cole have a headphone in his ear?, the page explained that the twins were wearing headphones for translation. This likely helped the pair communicate with guests who didnt speak English at the wedding in Palvins home country. Dylan had to speak in Hungarian as part of the ceremony, telling British Vogue: I had to speak Hungarian in front of everyone, and I was so nervous, but Barbara helped me all the way. Palvin, meanwhile, incorporated her countrys culture into the events, saying: There is also a Hungarian tradition where you have to wear a red dress after midnight its called menyecske ruh. Story continues There was no question I had to wear a Hungarian designer for this one, so I chose MERO. They created the dress of my dreams, it was sexy and sweet but also comfortable exactly what I wanted. The Victorias Secret Angel told the publication that she and Dylan had intended for the wedding to be intimate, but ended up having 115 guests in the end. There are a lot of people we care about and we wanted them all to be there, Palvin said. Dylan and Barbara had been dating for five years before they married. Speaking about the wedding, Dylan said: I think the definition of marriage is very different for our generation than what it meant for the previous one. For me, at least, marriage is a promise of loving you endlessly and being your partner. Texas mother Elena Andres delivered a stillborn baby on May 6 at 37 weeks gestation. She was told her daughter no longer had a heartbeat after Andres experienced food poisoning symptoms. After a traumatic and intense labor and delivery, Andres gave birth to her stillborn baby, Maxine. It was very traumatic, Andres tells TODAY.com. Immediately when they held her up you could just tell she was gray. She was gone. And then she was denied maternity leave after giving birthit was revoked by her employer, the Austin Public Health Department. When Andres returned home from the hospital two days later, she informed her HR department that shed be taking her maternity leave a little bit early since she was grieving the loss of her baby. They said: Oh, Im sorry to hear that, but you dont qualify for (leave) anymore,' Andres says. According to the Texas Tribune, Austin city employees are able to take eight weeks of paid parental leave after the birth of a child or the placement of a child for adoption or foster care and up to an additional four weeks unpaid under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. Andres HR representative told her that maternity leave only applies to those who give birth and care for a healthy newborn baby. In a statement to TODAY.com, a spokesperson for the City of Austin said that the loss of a child is an unthinkable tragedy for any parent and that they will ensure any city employee experiencing such a devastating loss receives the support and time they need. While the death of a child is not covered under FMLA, there are several other leave options available in the City, such as accrued leave, emergency leave and the Citys leave bank that fellow employees contribute to, the spokesperson said. We care for and value our staff members and are continuously looking for ways to provide needed support and will update policies to do so when those needs become evident. Our Human Resources Department is currently developing a leave program for when an employee loses a child for consideration and approval by City leadership. Story continues I felt so small, like they were saying my pregnancy didnt count, Andres told the Tribune. Like my daughter didnt count. Andres says she used up all of her sick time, paid vacation time, and received short-term disability coverage for six more weeks off in order to heal and grieve the loss of Maxine. She says after the Texas Tribune reported on her story, and inquired about the citys policy, her HR department offered her four additional weeks of paid time off. Her postpartum experience was excruciating, Andres says. She experienced severe pelvic pain and the bleeding that comes with childbirth for two months after her delivery. My milk came in that was horrible, she says. I had to put cabbage and ice (on my breasts) to help with the swelling. It was miserable a constant reminder of what happened. The body doesnt just go back to normal. Andres is also mom to two-year-old son Adrian, who she still had to take care of despite enduring the tragedy of losing his little sister. I was devastated. I lost 40 pounds. It was hard to get out of bed. I just cried all the time, but life doesnt stop I have a toddler, she says. I love him so much, so he made things easier at times, but a 2-year-old is going to make everything also way harder. Andres returned to work on July 18, two and a half months after her stillbirth. The Tribune reports that Austin city leaders, including Mayor Kirk Watson and several members of the City Council, are pushing for changes to the citys paternal leave policy. The anger that I have at the policies of the city Im never going to forget, Andres says. Its so unnecessarily and unbelievably cruel. Duvan Tomas Perez, 16, died on July 14. Andrew Kelly/Reuters Tomas Duvan Perez, 16, died after becoming trapped in equipment while working at a Mississippi poultry plant. It is illegal for US poultry plants to hire minors. The company says a hiring agency misled them about his age. Perez is the third minor in the last month to die in a US workplace, the Huffington Post reported. Duvan Tomas Perez was just 10 years old when he moved from Guatemala to the United States with his family. Now, six years later, he is dead because of a workplace accident at a poultry plant that should've never hired him. Perez, 16, died on July 14 at the Mar-Jac poultry plant in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, NBC News reported. He died from his injuries after becoming trapped in equipment on a conveyor belt. It is illegal under federal law for minors to work in poultry plants due to the inherent workplace safety hazards. A spokesperson for the Mar-Jac Poultry plant in Hattiesburg, Mississippi claims an outside hiring agency misled the company by misrepresenting the boy's age, the Huffington Post reported. Hiring agencies are often unreliable when it comes to ensuring workers are not minors and have the proper qualifications for hazardous workplaces, Jordan Barab, former deputy assistant secretary of labor at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, told the Huffington Post. "These temp agencies don't have any scruples at all," Barab said. "They don't have any national reputation to uphold. They're just trying to sell workers, basically." While OSHA is going after these agencies, Barab noted they continue to thrive because employers are trying to avoid paying more qualified workers. The poultry plant where Perez worked does not exactly have a clean safety record. In 2021, an employee was caught in a poultry processing machine and died as a result of his injuries. In 2020, another employee died after a coworker "placed the air nozzle on the lower back of the employee's pants and injected air into employee's rectum," according to the OSHA report. Story continues Joe Colee, the plant's manager, told NBC News the company is cooperating with the current OSHA investigation into Perez's death. His death marks the third child workplace death in the last month, the Huffington Post reported. On June 29, 16-year-old Michael Schuls died from asphyxiation after becoming trapped under equipment on a conveyor belt while working for a Wisconsin logging company. And on June 5, 16-year-old Will Hampton died in Missouri after becoming trapped between a tractor-trailer and its rig while working at a landfill. Meanwhile, legislators in at least 10 states across the country have proposed loosening child labor laws. These proposals have included measures like easing restrictions on school night hours and allowing kids as young as 14 to serve alcohol, PBS News Hour reports. Wisconsin, Ohio, and Iowa are all considering policies that would relax child labor laws to address worker shortages, according to the outlet. Read the original article on Business Insider A remarkable new exhibition showcasing contemporary African photography - looking at Africa's past, present and future through the lenses of artists from the continent - has opened in London. One of the largest exhibitions of its kind ever staged, this thrilling new collection at the Tate Modern features beautifully powerful photographs, videos and installations that capture the essence of the realities of the fastest-growing continent in the world. It eschews a view of Africa that has historically been defined by Western images. Mozambican Mario Macilau's Breaking News (The Profit Corner series, 2015). Courtesy Ed Cross Fine Art British-Ghanaian curator Osei Bonsu has taken a thematic approach to explore the complex diversity of the vast continent through the eyes of 36 artists from Africa and its diaspora. These include legendary artists such as Malawi's Samson Kambalu and Ghanaian James Barnor, and new talents like Aida Muluneh from Ethiopia, whose work Star Shine is above, and Ruth Ossai, who grew up in Nigeria and Yorkshire, in northern England. Ruth Ossai's work A World In Common at the Tate Modern Bonsu has divided the more than 150 works on show into three "chapters": identity and tradition, counter histories and imagined futures, taking the viewer on a thrilling journey from Kinshasa's bustling streets to the deserts of Mauritania. The show uses photography, video and installation to map out the possibilities of Africa in exquisite, complex, revealing ways. Zimbabwean photographer Kudzanai Chiurai's We Live in Silence IV (2017). Courtesy of the artist and Goodman Gallery The task of distilling the complexity and diversity of this expansive continent is no small feat. But through his deft curation, Osei has pulled off a visual feast, creating a vivid tapestry that thrusts contemporary African art firmly into the global centre. Speaking to the BBC, he explained how his thematic approach allows examination of how the continent's "shared histories" - from its colonial experience to post-independence revolutionary movements and its urban future - had "shaped and reshaped" how people in Africa see themselves and their place in the world. American-Nigerian Wura-Natasha Ogunji's Will I still carry water when I am a dead woman (2013, digital video). Fridman Gallery The exhibition's title, A World in Common, is inspired by the work of the pioneering Cameroonian historian and intellectual Achille Mbembe, who argued that we must think of the world from an African perspective. His ideas provide the intellectual thread that runs through the exhibition, offering a bold invitation to reconsider how we view the place of Africa in the world. Story continues Installation view of Nigerian photographer Andrew Esiebo's Mutations (2015-2022). Courtesy the artist and Tiwani Contemporary By featuring many artists for the first time internationally, the Tate Modern puts emerging African talent centre stage in a museum so crucial in setting the world's artistic agenda. One artist featured is the British-Nigerian, Zina Saro-Wiwa. Her work, The Invisible Man Series, 2015, explores the tradition of mask-wearing among the Ogoni, her ancestral ethnic group in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. Zina Saro-Wiwa's The Invisible Man Series (2015). Courtesy of the artist and Tiwani Contemporary Her work unpacks the role masks traditionally play in Ogoni culture and is also an ode to a more personal and emotional journey. "I made this work to help me heal myself," she told the BBC. Her intimate, mournful and beautiful images demonstrate the power of art to bridge the past and the present, the group and the individual. Another artist shown is the Angolan artist Kiluanji Kia Henda, whose work titled Rusty Mirage (The City Skyline), 2013, is a series of photographs of sculptures he created in the Jordanian desert. Kiluanji Kia Henda's Rusty Mirage (The City Skyline, 2013) These sculptures look like the outlines of cities emerging from barren desert lands. Inspired by the cityscapes of Dubai and Luanda, the capital of Angola and the city of his birth, Kiluanji told the BBC that he was interested in exploring the "idea of emptiness". He explains how Luanda, wrecked by one of Africa's longest civil wars, from 1975 to 2002, was reimagined as a city of glistening towers. He says many buildings have gone up unfinished, infamously including the town of Kilamba Kiaxi, but these buildings are "monuments to greed and corruption". Another featured artist is Eritrean-Canadian Dawit L Petros, whose work speaks powerfully of the perilous migration journeys taken by many young people across Africa. Dawit L Petros's Untitled (Prologue II), Nouakchott, Mauritania (The Strangers Notebook, 2016). Courtesy of the artist and Tiwani Contemporary His images highlight the contrast between Mauritania and the Italian island of Sicily, shedding light on the intricate realities of migration. Dawit L Petros's Untitled (Epilogue III), Catania, Italy (The Strangers Notebook, 2016). Courtesy of the artist and Tiwani Contemporary This is just the beginning for Osei, who hopes someday that an exhibition like this could travel to Africa and beyond. For now, he wants this dazzling show to "inspire" those on the continent and elsewhere to look with African eyes. Installation view of Angolan photographer Edson Chagas's Tipo Passe (2014) at the Tate Modern Ismail Einashe is a freelance journalist based in London and Nairobi and the author of Look Again: Strangers, a book exploring migration through the lens of art. Images subject to copyright More Letters from Africa: Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Local authorities in Germany said Friday that they are ending a search operation for what was previously believed to be a lioness on the loose in the suburbs of Berlin. After examining several hints, there was not a single indication concerning a lioness or a wild animal in the area, Michael Grubert, the mayor of Kleinmachnow, an area on the citys southwest outskirts, told reporters. Michael Grubert, mayor of Kleinmachnow, holds a picture of the suspected animal. - Annegret Hilse/Reuters Authorities ordered a large-scale search mission around midnight local time Thursday (6 p.m. ET Wednesday), after several eyewitnesses reported seeing a large predatory cat chasing a wild boar. The search team, involving two helicopters, a convoy of 30 police vehicles and 100 police armed with drones and infrared cameras, also included a veterinarian and hunters. A major search involving 100 police officers was conducted. - Christian Mang/Getty Images Police had earlier warned residents in parts of Berlin to stay indoors. Grubert had said Thursday that the animal spotted was believed to be a lioness. On Friday, he said that except wild boar, nothing else has been encountered. You can say pretty confidently, today, July 21, there is no wild animal there in the area, he added, saying: I can say with a clear conscience that there is no danger in Berlin or Kleinmachnow. Police spokeswoman Kerstin Schroeder earlier confirmed that authorities investigated the origin of the animal during the night. That is to say, we checked zoos, animal parks and other animal-keeping facilities and made inquiries. No animal of this kind has disappeared from any of these facilities. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Spring of 1973 was a busy season for Renault Robinson, who spoke at a conference on Community Control of Police and, not incidentally, walked a beat in the alley behind Chicagos police headquarters in the South Loop. This is retaliation, Robinson told a Tribune reporter about his assignment. No one had this job before me. Robinson, who headed the Afro-American Patrolmens League, had made a stink about five off-duty cops who beat a Black man and his companion outside a bar at 56 S. Wabash Ave. Trying to escape, the man was shot in the buttocks. A rookie cop was suspended; the other four werent given so much as a slap on the wrist. His protest was enough to put Robinson on bad paper with the departments brass, as well as with some fellow officers. They had taken a vow of silence: A cop doesnt rat on a cop. It was also beyond the pale to participate in a two-day meeting at the University of Illinois Circle Campus convened by the Black Panther Party, where comedian Dick Gregory recalled the sketchy cops of his youth in St. Louis: At 6 years old I saw the cop standing on the corner laughing and joking with the pimps, he said. Im 41 years old, and I hear white folks in America saying to Black folks, Why dont you have respect for your local police? That kind of talk was to be expected from a show-business celebrity. Or from Fannie Lou Hamer, a civil rights activist who came from Mississippi for the conference. The Black Panthers organized the meeting to confront police brutality, and half a century later, the call for Community Control of Police looks like the ancestor of the Black Lives Matter movement. But why would a Chicago cop attend? The one thing his supporters and detractors agreed upon was that Robinson, who died July 8, was an unusual cop. His superiors thought a beat under the alley L at 11th Street nicely matched the attitude he brought to the job. Robinson thinks he can run the department, said 1st District Cmdr. Paul McLaughlin, that he can get the press behind him so he doesnt have to follow the rules. Story continues Robinson sampled the Black communitys image of cops early on. He was working in plainclothes when a boy, running down a West Side street, crashed into him. As Robinson picked him up, he screamed; Let go, the pig is after me! Its OK, Im a policeman, Robinson said. I thought you was a brother! the boy shouted in disbelief as he resumed running. Once Robinson became president of the fledgling Afro-American Patrolmens League, he made headlines and was subjected to disciplinary actions in regular succession. When he was charged with drunken driving in 1969, he said the cops tailed him all day before giving him a Breathalyzer test. It read .050. A state evidence technician testified that the threshold of intoxication was .10, the Tribune reported. In 1970, he was suspended for disobeying an order, insubordination, incompetence, inefficiency and failure to report an anticipated absence from duty. The next year, he was arrested while distributing leaflets in the Kensington District police station alleging discrimination against Black police officers. In 1972, he asked the feds to stop funding the CPD until the department stopped its racial discrimination policies in hiring, discipline and other areas. The Afro-American Patrolmens League was joined by the U.S. Justice Department in suing the department over discrimination. The departments response to Robinsons leadership of the Afro-American Patrolmens League was one example of that discrimination. In 1975, Robinson told the Tribune that his annual efficiency rating dropped from 98.8 on a scale of 100 as a member of the elite vice squad during his early years on the force, to 15 by the time he was assigned to guard the alley behind police headquarters. By then, the Tribune had produced a series examining the basis of his crusade, Chicagos Troubled Police. Brutality is probably the most serious charge that can be levied against a police officer. It is also probably the most difficult to prove, the Tribune wrote on May 11, 1972. Yet the issue of police brutality is one of the key elements in the current barrage of criticism against the Chicago Police Department. Rep. Ralph Metcalfe, a Machine stalwart, was on the verge of breaking with Mayor Richard J. Daley on the police issue. Daley had limited tolerance for second-guessing the police, and Black politicians were expected to follow suit. But that had become problematic. Robinsons saga resonated with African Americans, as was witnessed by a column in the Chicago Defender. We the people must support Rep. Metcalfe and others, a minister wrote. Know it my brother! Feel it my sister! Day is breaking! Metcalfe heard similar voices. Not just Blacks are coming to our cause, he said at an Urban League meeting in May 1972. White people are seeing the indignities that Black people are suffering and they too are coming to our aid. The Tribunes series revealed that police brutality wasnt confined to Black neighborhoods. Residents of middle-class neighborhoods were also vulnerable. Harriet Bauman was dragged out of her Rogers Park home by Sgt. Edward Flynn, who was checking out a report that her dog had bitten a process server. As she was explaining the pet wasnt vicious, he cuffed her and muscled her down the stairs, cursing all the while and calling her a whore. Horrified neighbors verified her story. But the Police Departments internal affairs division stamped Baumans complaint unfounded. One witness said she struggled with the officer, which in addition to the officers denials of some of the allegations was apparently enough. That sort of experience was just a fact of life in Bronzeville and other Black neighborhoods. The Defender ran a column of advice from the Afro-American Patrolmens League for people who wrote in to say they had been victims of police brutality. This is a typical situation that happens hundreds and hundreds of times a week to Black people, began the response to a 1969 letter from a man who said cops had rousted him out of bed in the middle of the night, then beaten and handcuffed him. Reports like that gave the 1,000 attendees a lot to talk about during the 1973 Control of Police Conference. Yet any payoff came in extremely slow motion. Historical turning points arent reached in seminar rooms. Robinson and his superiors standoff continued. The department suspended Robinson without pay. Testifying before a judge investigating cops racism, he was told, violated a rule against disrespecting the department. The League ran out money and had to downsize its headquarters and staff it with volunteers. A bitter note had occasionally appeared in Robinsons Black Watch column in the Chicago Defender. He lamented not only the inequities in the police force, but the toll street gangs were taking on Black Chicago: Is that what we are born into this world for? Is that why we go school, work, struggle, and try to raise family for? So that we, or someone else can for no apparent reason kill someone snuff out a life a human life? Then a ray of hope from federal court fell upon the cause Robinson was fighting and suffering for. Judge Prentice Marshall ruled that Robinson had suffered discrimination at the hands of the police department. Its as plain as the egg on your face, he informed Superintendent James Conlisk: You have a man of Robinsons ability and record who is an outstanding street officer through the early part of 1966, who ends up five years later waking back and forth between two posts that are twelve or fifteen feet apart in a parking lot back of central police headquarters. When Robinsons suspension was revoked, he was due damages for paychecks denied him. The League announced a gala celebration at the Park Palladium Ballroom, 45th and King Drive. It was hoped the event would raise enough money to tide over the Afro-American Patrolmans league until the city coughed up the damages awarded by Marshall. Robinson himself wasnt up for partying. A chronic back problem had put him in St Joseph Hospital for 10 days. The Defender reported that Robinson was still in considerable pain when discharged: He had no funds to pay for a longer stay and the Police Department flatly refused to cover him under its insurance plan. A memorial service for Robinson will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Sabina Catholic Church, 1210 W. 78th Place, Chicago. Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Ron Grossman and Marianne Mather at rgrossman@chicagotribune.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com. I paid $400 to stay in a transparent bubble in the middle of the woods in Iceland. Here are 7 things that surprised me. Inside my bubble at Buubble by Airmango in Hrosshagi, Iceland. Talia Lakritz/Insider I spent a night at Buubble by Airmango, a bubble hotel in Iceland. I was surprised by how comfortable the accomodations were and how many amenities were offered. I didn't expect the bubble to feel more like a tent with its thin walls and zipper opening. On a recent trip to Iceland, I spent a night at Buubble by Airmango, where guests can sleep in transparent bubbles with unobstructed views of the sky. Also known as The 5 Million Star Hotel, Buubble by Airmango has two locations: one on Iceland's south coast, and the one I visited in Hrosshagi along Iceland's Golden Circle. 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. I paid 54,900 ISK, or $403.85, for a one-night stay in June. Here are seven things that surprised me during my trip. I was surprised to find that my plastic bubble had an air lock of sorts in order to stay inflated. Zipping up a bubble at Buubble by Airmango in Iceland. Talia Lakritz/Insider The bubble structure featured an entryway that led into the bubble itself. Like a spaceship, one door had to be closed before I opened another, otherwise the whole thing would deflate. My bubble appeared to sag whenever I opened the entryway zipper, though it reinflated right away. "Our bubbles stay upright because there is air being blown into them constantly, which is why they slightly deflate when the doors are open," a representative for Buubble by Airmango previously told Insider. "It doesn't take the bubble longer than a minute to inflate again once the doors are closed." The walls of the bubble were thinner than I expected. The plastic wall of the bubble hotel at Buubble by Airmango. Talia Lakritz/Insider The bubble had some wooden pieces holding the structure in place, but the clear plastic itself was pliable and flexible to the touch. The bubble also didn't lock. My luggage at the bubble hotel in Iceland. 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, but I still locked my valuables in my car for some peace of mind. Story continues The bed was surprisingly comfortable. Buubble by Airmango in Iceland. Talia Lakritz/Insider While the zippers and thin walls of the bubble made the experience feel somewhat like camping in a tent, the soft hotel-quality mattress and plush bedding made me feel like I was glamping. It definitely beat sleeping on the ground in a sleeping bag. The bubbles were totally see-through, with no option to cover the walls for a bit of privacy. Resting at Buubble by Airmango in Iceland. Talia Lakritz/Insider Buubble by Airmango is designed to give guests an immersive experience in the Icelandic wilderness. The woods offered some cover, but I could still see the parking lot and other bubbles from my bed. While I appreciated the uninterrupted views of the forest and sky, I wished that I at least had the option to cover the clear walls while I changed into my pajamas. I walked to the bathrooms to change there, instead. "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 previously 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." A cabin in the middle of the bubbles featured more amenities than I expected. The bathroom at the bubble hotel in Iceland. Talia Lakritz/Insider The cabin functioned as a lobby of sorts, offering Wi-Fi, a small kitchenette, bathrooms, and a seating area. The bathrooms were clean and well-stocked with towels, toiletries, and a small shower. They even included a hair dryer. I visited during Iceland's "midnight sun" season, and I couldn't believe how light the sky was in the middle of the night. Iceland's midnight sun at the bubble hotel. Talia Lakritz/Insider The sun doesn't fully set in Iceland between May and August, with June being peak midnight sun season, according to Guide to Iceland. 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. A clear plastic bubble in the middle of the woods was the perfect setting for me to witness this unique feature of Iceland. The hotel provided sleeping masks, but I enjoyed lying in bed with a front-row seat to the light night sky. Read the original article on Insider Flights to Rhodes have been cancelled and tourists left in limbo after wildfires spreading across the Greek island forced thousands to flee hotels. Holiday company Jet2 cancelled five flights to Rhodes, while TUI cancelled all flights there until Wednesday. The deputy mayor of Rhodes, Athanasios Vyrinis said some people had slept in cardboard boxes overnight and warned that there are not enough essentials. Officials estimate about 19,000 people have been evacuated by land and sea. One family has resorted to sleeping on mattresses on a conference room floor, while others are desperately searching for alternative accommodation. Greece's fire service has apologised and warned the situation could worsen. A further 1,200 will be evacuated from three villages - Pefki, Lindos and Kalathos. Rhodes has been battling wildfires fanned by strong winds since Tuesday, as Europe deals with a challenging heatwave. Jet2 said all flights to Rhodes up to and including next Sunday were cancelled, but planes would still bring tourists back home from the island. EasyJet said flights were operating as normal, but package holidays to the island were cancelled until Wednesday. Ryanair said flights to Rhodes were still running and not affected by the wildfires. A British Airways flight scheduled for Monday will still be running to bring tourists home, said the operator, adding that customers either already in Rhodes or due to fly out could change their flights free of charge. Thomas Cook said it currently had 300 customers in Rhodes, 40 of which had been evacuated, and any holidays in the affected areas scheduled between before 31 July would be cancelled. But customers who had holidays booked in unaffected areas of Rhodes would still be able to travel if they wished to. Deputy mayor Mr Vyrinis said: "There is only water and some rudimentary food - we don't have mattresses and beds." Speaking to Open TV from an assembly point, the deputy mayor said people were using cardboard boxes to sleep in and people arriving in Rhodes had nowhere to stay. Story continues Lesley Young - who arrived in Lindos, Rhodes on Saturday morning - said she could not go to their hotel because it had been evacuated. Despite having holiday insurance worth 2,000 to use for alternative accommodation, Ms Young said: "We have not been able to find anything at all." "So we have been taken to the sister hotel of the one we booked and they have set up mattresses on the floor of one of their conference rooms. "They have really tried to do the best but we have no idea how long we will be in this situation." Ms Young, who is on holiday as a group of seven including three children and four adults, said they had a two week holiday booked but was unsure if they would stay that long. "Luckily we have our luggage and the children are jumping up and down on the mattresses," she added. A couple on their honeymoon said they had been moved from a beach, where they were stranded with thousands of other people, by the Greek army in the early hours of Sunday. No injuries have been reported, according to the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection in Greece. It said tourists are being evacuated safely from the affected areas - which represents less than 10% of the island's tourist accommodation - and are being redirected to other hotels on the island. Map of wildfires in Rhodes ERT has reported that the areas that have been affected by the wildfires still have no power. Greek authorities are urging locals to donate breakfast items such as croissants and fruit, as many tourists are complaining about the lack of a plan regarding food. 'Bedlam in Rhodes tonight' "It's very stressful," said John Miller, who has been evacuated, with his family, twice from his hotel. The hotel they were at in Kiotari had multiple power cuts so they were being transferred to Plimmiri, he said on Saturday. "There is bedlam in Rhodes tonight," said Mr Miller, from Kent. He said the roads were gridlocked and the military was on its way. Simon Wheatley had to flee his hotel, alongside his pregnant fiance and three-year-old son, and is still searching for alternative accommodation for the next few nights. "I haven't found a hotel for this evening," he said, adding that the family needed accommodation until Tuesday, when they are due to leave. He said tannoys across the hotel said "immediate evacuation" and urged people to take only essentials. They packed everything they could into one suitcase and left two suitcases behind, he told the BBC. Mr Wheatley, from Cheltenham, said his family was "one of the lucky ones" because they had a hire car, while others at the hotel had to wait for shuttle buses or taxis. "People were there with wet t-shirts over their mouth trying to breathe more effectively because the air by then was unbearable. "It was like a bad bonfire in November, you could not handle the smoke at all." The Foreign Office has advised travellers in Greece affected by wildfires to follow the guidance from emergency services and to call 112 if there is immediate danger. The British ambassador to Greece said a "rapid deployment team" had been sent by the Foreign Office to help British tourists. Andrea Layfield, who was initially evacuated by boat from a beach, said there were thousands of people and they were "screaming and fighting". One boat arrived and was only taking women and children, she told the BBC. After being taken to safety, Andrea said her and a friend were taken back to their hotel by staff in their own cars. They were then woken up by banging on the doors for evacuation at 01:00 and "we could see the fire coming over the hill" she said. "It has been very, very scary," she said, adding the air was "horrific" and causing her breathing difficulties. Just drive through Lee County and its evident by the bustling construction, new buildings opening and increased traffic that the area is booming, and statistics overwhelmingly support that conclusion. Holly Smith According to the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Lee Countys population has grown by 3.3% annually and is currently estimated at 802,178. On average, there are 90 new residents moving to Lee County every day. Business growth continues as well, with approximately 43,000 businesses now operating in Lee County. Job growth is up 5% over last year and Lee County has enjoyed explosive growth in every business sector, including health care, life sciences, logistics, manufacturing and technology. In fact, Lee County is the fifth-most economically diverse county in Florida, according to Florida Atlantic University. To continue this successful track, a thriving Lee County business climate is dependent upon support from community partners as well as the private sector. As members of the Horizon Foundation, local business visionaries commit financially to Lee Countys economic future. The nonprofit Horizon Foundation privately funds the Horizon Council, a public-private board that advises Lee Countys Board of County Commissioners and Lee County Economic Development Office on economic development issues. The groups mission is to improve the business environment by retaining and encouraging the growth of existing business while also attracting new, diversified employers. Known as the voice of business in Lee County, this trifecta partnership of the Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and Lee County Economic Development Office has created a business-friendly environment that continues to attract top talent, new companies and entrepreneurs from around the globe. Given the growth were experiencing, one of the greatest areas of focus for businesses in Lee County has been workforce development. Since 2010, Lee County averaged 10,000 to 15,000 new jobs a year. In 2020, though, there were 20,000 new jobs added to the local economy. The momentum continued after Hurricane Ian, too, with Lee County adding 18,800 jobs in the six months following the storm. Currently, Lee County has approximately 20,000 job openings, but only 8,000 job hunters. We are encouraged by several new initiatives, including micro-credentialing, which is aimed at helping students and employees learn or advance their skills for employment and growth opportunities. Story continues After the Lee County Economic Development office gave a $1 million grant to cover the cost of micro-credential courses for Lee County residents, funding that was provided by the American Rescue Plan Act, several Horizon Foundation investors, including Scotlynn, stepped up to offer micro-credentialing or digital badge courses and guarantee interviews upon completion. These programs are offered through the areas higher education institutions, including Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida SouthWestern State College and Hodges University, at no cost to students. Micro-credentialing is helping close the gap between skilled workers and employment opportunities in our region. This is just one example of Horizon Foundation members collaborating and demonstrating their support for Lee Countys business community. As Lee County continues to grow, so must the investment in our economic development. Annually, more than 100 business leaders invest through the Horizon Foundation to fund Lee Countys proprietary employment database, a real estate website, site selection and relocation marketing to attract new business, and multiple marketing and business technologies aimed at supporting existing businesses while attracting new ones to the market. In turn, investors receive access to these tools as well as multiple marketing and networking opportunities. More importantly, they have a voice and a role in the economic prosperity of Lee County. By investing today, business leaders are guaranteeing the success of whats on the horizon. To learn more about becoming a Horizon Foundation investor, visit HorizonCouncilFoundation.com/Investors. Holly D. Smith is president of the Horizon Foundation, a Sanibel City Council member and the former mayor of Sanibel. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Closing gap between skilled workers, employment opportunities A sign for the baggage claim area at Palm Springs International Airport. Federal prosecutors have charged 17 people with taking part in in a drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy that included flying methamphetamine and heroin out of Palm Springs International Airport in checked luggage. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. attorney's office in the Orlando area, where authorities say the conspiracy was based and the drugs were sold. Prosecutors announced the charges Thursday, following a six-year joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the IRS and other agencies. According to court records, the drug trafficking organization was centered in Lake County, Florida, with sources of supply or distributors in California, Texas, the eastern United States and China. The organization operated largely through the use of couriers who fly to California from Florida with large sums of cash to purchase drugs and transport them in checked luggage back to Florida. These flights were typically between Orlando and Palm Springs or Los Angeles. Flight records during a two-year period show more than 350 flights between California and Orlando. Since at least 2017, prosecutors say, the organization trafficked thousands of kilograms of methamphetamine and fentanyl via commercial planes, trains, and the mail. So far, the DEA has seized more than 250 pounds of drugs mostly methamphetamine and fentanyl. The defendants, whose ages range from 25 to 65, are believed to have played various roles in the organization, such as suppliers, distributors, couriers, and courier coordinators. Most are from Florida. Two are from California, though prosecutors didn't say where: 33-year-old Jose Ivan Carbajal and 32-year-old Diego Navarro-Martinez. In addition to transporting drugs on commercial flights and trains, the organization allegedly had multiple stash houses and received hundreds of mailed packages of methamphetamine from California and other drugs, including fentanyl, from China. The source of supply in California would ship packages containing anywhere from one pound to 10 or more pounds of methamphetamine at a time. Investigators say they have identified almost 400 packages that were shipped from California as part of this conspiracy from 2021 to 2023. Andrew John is a reporter in the Coachella Valley for The Desert Sun and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at andrew.john@desertsun.com. This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Smugglers flew methamphetamine, fentanyl out of Palm Springs, feds say The chair of the House Foreign Affairs panel said Sunday he's worried about the American soldier who crossed last week into North Korea. "I think he was running from his problems," Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) told host Martha Raddatz on ABC's "This Week." "That was the wrong place to go. But, you know, we see this with Russia, China, Iran. When they take an American, particularly a soldier, captive they exact a price for that. And thats what I worry about." Army Pvt. 2nd Class Travis King crossed into North Korea on Tuesday via the Demilitarized Zone "willfully and without authorization," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Tuesday. The 23-year-old cavalry scout from Wisconsin had recently been imprisoned in a military detention facility in connection with an assault case in Seoul. According to published reports, King also damaged a South Korean police vehicle. "He was facing disciplinary charges and was going to fly back to the United States. But, instead, he did not board the plane, went with a tour group to the DMZ and then ran across the line," McCaul said of King. The 2.5-mile-wide DMZ, which has existed since a truce in the Korean War was reached in 1953, is one of the world's most volatile border areas. Raddatz pointed out that the King situation occurred at a particularly sensitive time in terms of that region of Asia. North Korea launched cruise missiles Saturday, its second-such launch within a week. The launches have been seen as a response to the docking of an American nuclear submarine in South Korea, a presumed demonstration of U.S. resolve in the face of aggression by North Korea and China. "I think projecting strength right now is important for deterrence," McCall told Raddatz. "You know, as you note, its the first time in four decades weve had this deployment of submarines. And I think its a projection of strength that we need right now to deter aggression." As for King, McCaul said was concerned about his well-being. "I'm sure that hes not being treated very well. I think it was a serious mistake on his part and I hope we can get him back," he said. Retired Editorial Page Editor Michael Douglas. Frank LaRose recently said he wouldnt be surprised if voter turnout in the Aug. 8 election proves no better than a year ago, when the mark was a dismal 8 percent. Of course, he said that. The Ohio secretary of state has been a fountain of mixed messages in his leading role as an advocate for state Issue 1. In March, he suggested turnout would surge because of the significant constitutional question on the ballot. Then, LaRose was pushing to make the ballot. Now, he and his allies are hoping to slip the measure past distracted Ohio voters. Issue 1 would raise the threshold for approving citizen-initiated constitutional amendments from the current simple majority (50% plus 1) to a supermajority of 60%. It also would stiffen the already challenging signature requirements and end the cure period, the 10 days permitted to replace faulty signatures. At the start, LaRose insisted the proposal promotes good government, the state constitution cluttered with amendments better conceived as statutes. Focus on the long run, he advised, especially in preventing special interests from exploiting this path to getting their way. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose Soon, the high-minded gloss faded. The true motivation, or what practically everyone suspected, emerged: This was about the Republican majorities at the Statehouse gumming up the effort to win passage in November of a citizen-initiated constitutional amendment to protect reproductive rights. Polls show a large majority of Ohioans support such an amendment, though the percentage falls short of 60. More, LaRose has campaigned lately with a top anti-abortion lobbyist. Thats not to say friends of Issue 1 have cast aside claims about serving the greater good. Consider the signage: Protect Our Constitution. Or the ballot language: Elevating the standards. They talk about empowering the people and ensuring constitutional changes are widely accepted. Dont be fooled. This is a brazen partisan power play, put together in haste as abortion rights advocates began gathering petition signatures. Story continues Issue 1 wouldnt protect the constitution, or elevate the process. The power of Ohioans would be diminished, say, a 55% percent majority no longer carrying the day. The minority would see its role enhanced, a hair above 40 percent enough to defeat a proposal. Mike Curtin, a former editor of the Columbus Dispatch and once a state representative, has made a mission of reminding Ohioans why the citizen initiative and the simple majority landed in the constitution. He explains that those attending the 1912 state constitutional convention wanted to restore balance to a Statehouse driven by trusts, monopolies and other mighty players, public business drenched in corruption. Thus, the citizen initiative works as a tool for Ohioans to hold the Statehouse directly accountable. It matters that a simple majority prevails, the wishes of the people thwarted, and accountability lost, when something more is required. It matters, too, that this is the great American idea, power residing with the people, the constitution a reflection of their will. Today, the huge Republican majorities at the Statehouse amount to monopoly power. True, they were elected, yet in gerrymandered districts designed to secure the seats necessary to hold near-complete sway. They dont seem embarrassed by scandal, from the Larry Householder mess to the tens of millions in public money poured into a failed online charter school. Two Republican governors have proposed modest steps to slow gun violence. In response, Republican lawmakers have eased gun restrictions. What if citizens mount an effort along the lines favored by the governors, demand the proposal reach 60%? It should be decisive that former governors and state attorneys general, Democrats and Republicans, have declared their opposition to Issue 1. Bob Taft notes that two signature initiatives of enduring value to the state, the Third Frontier Project and the Clean Ohio Fund, passed yet short of 60%. The same goes for the 10-mill limit on unvoted property taxes and home rule for counties. Dick Celeste captured the slipperiness of Issue 1 supporters: Theyre content with needing a simple majority of voters to alter a century-old precedent and impose a supermajority threshold going forward. Celeste asks: Why not 60% for you, too? Recall that LaRose, Gov. Mike DeWine, Matt Huffman, the Senate president, and Bob Cupp, then the House speaker, paid little heed to a redistricting amendment approved by 70% of voters. Just six months ago, LaRose and fellow Republicans essentially ended August elections, arguing they are wasteful and unrepresentative. Now, theyre OK with deciding this big constitutional measure. Fortunately, Ohio voters have a practice of rejecting citizen-initiated constitutional amendments, one count citing just one-quarter passing since the 1950s, hardly a case of voters gone wild. Lets hope the skepticism holds in this instance. Dont let Aug. 8 pass without doing your part to uphold direct accountability. Douglas was the Beacon Journal editorial page editor from 1999 to 2019. He can be reached at mddouglasmm@gmail.com. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Issue 1 'a brazen partisan power play' that strips power from voters A group of migrants boarding a bus that will transport them to a Customs and Border Protection processing center in Jacumba, Calif. on May 15, 2023. (Mark Abramson/The New York Times) WASHINGTON In the first weeks after President Joe Bidens new border policies were put in place, his administration recorded a sharp drop in the number of people allowed to apply for asylum after crossing into the United States illegally. But lawyers who counsel migrants seeking asylum say the changes make it nearly impossible for them to do their jobs and leave the people most in need of protection struggling to find help. Lawyers cannot meet with clients who are in the custody of Border Patrol. Or call them. Or leave messages for them. There is no system to find out where a client is being held. And the government sets the schedules for key meetings when a lawyer should be present and changes dates and times often without notification. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times These barriers are a byproduct of changes in how and where the government conducts what is called a credible fear interview, a make-or-break step that determines whether someone who crossed the border illegally and fears persecution or torture at home should be allowed to apply for asylum in the United States. Before the changes, the interviews were conducted in Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities, which have long-standing policies for detainees to access lawyers. Migrants were transferred there from border custody, and it took an average of 30 days from the time someone was picked up by Border Patrol to a final decision about whether the person would be allowed to apply for asylum. Now, many people are being interviewed in Customs and Border Protection facilities, cutting the time down to an average of 13 days. The government also raised the bar for who is eligible to seek asylum, which has reduced the number of people allowed to apply after crossing the border illegally. In June of 2019, about 74% of the people interviewed were given the chance to apply for asylum. Last month, just 30% were, according to government data. Story continues Biden officials say the new rules are working by limiting the ability to apply for asylum to people with a good chance at winning their case. The administration has added hundreds of phones and private booths to border facilities so that people can consult with a lawyer. DHS has taken significant steps to ensure that noncitizens who claim a fear of return are afforded a safe and efficient process that protects their confidentiality and privacy, Luis Miranda, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Customs and Border Protection, said in a statement. We are operating within a broken system that only Congress can fix, he added. The Trump administration put policies in place to limit who is eligible to seek asylum as well, but faced court challenges. Biden chose not to continue the court fight for those policies when he took office. But as illegal crossings at the southern border reached record levels, Biden embraced increasingly restrictive measures and issued rules similar to those in the Trump era. Officials in his administration say their approach, which is also facing a legal challenge, is different from former President Donald Trumps because, they say, access to legal counsel is built into their plan. But in interviews, reports and court filings, asylum lawyers say this is hardly the case. Its a mere fig leaf of legal access, said Greg Chen, who leads the government relations division for the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Some lawyers have refused to take on clients because the quality of representation they can provide under these circumstances is so compromised, Chen said. Attorneys are essentially going into guerrilla warfare just to enter a process with a whack-a-mole setting, said Faisal Al-Juburi, a spokesperson and vice president of development for the nonprofit group RAICES, one of five organizations on a list the government provides to help migrants held in Customs and Border Protection custody. Lawyers have long complained about the conditions and remote locations of ICE detention facilities. But they say CBP is much worse. Customs and Border Protection facilities were designed for booking and charging migrants who cross the border illegally. They were never intended to hold people for more than a few days or provide access from the outside world. But the Biden administration tasked CBP with making sure migrants could try to connect with a lawyer before interviews that could mean life or death. A senior CBP official, who was authorized to speak on the condition of anonymity, said that the agency was aware of the challenges asylum lawyers were facing and that it was clear to the government that demand for legal representation was greater than ever. But, the official said, the fact that lawyers are raising these concerns based on their experiences shows that migrants in CBP custody have some level of access to legal counsel. In addition to adding phone booths for migrants, the administration has created CBP liaison email accounts that lawyers can contact for help sending detainees the forms they must sign to formalize representation. But a migrants access to phones appears to be unpredictable, lawyers said. And often, the liaison email accounts are black holes, said Lisa Koop, national director of legal services for the National Immigrant Justice Center. Ruth Pebror, a lawyer with the organization, said hours can pass without a single call to a legal aid hotline. Another lawyer said there have been times when 150 calls came in at once. During one of her shifts, Pebror answered a call from a 20-year-old Colombian who said he fled his country because paramilitary groups had threatened him and his family. After their call, Pebror emailed a CBP account, seeking to formalize her representation of the client. Days passed, and Pebror said she heard nothing while her client was interviewed without her and determined to be ineligible to apply for protection. She hoped she could help him during his appeal before an immigration judge. But the court changed the time of his hearing to earlier in the day without telling her. The judge denied her clients appeal, and Pebror never spoke with her client again. As far as I know, he was removed, she said. Cynthia Bautista, a California-based lawyer, said an asylum officer told her that he would conduct her clients credible fear interview at 9 a.m. or 2 p.m. the following day. But he never called that day, Bautista said, and she had no way of finding out what happened to her client. I was going ballistic, she said, concerned that the government had deported her client. The next day, a Saturday, Bautista received the call she had expected 24 hours earlier. It was noon, and the asylum officer told her it was time for the interview. Bautista said it was lucky she was home and able to take the call, which lasted three hours. Ultimately, her client was released and allowed to apply for asylum. c.2023 The New York Times Company Amy Dowden has been Strictly Come Dancing since 2017 Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden has revealed she has been given a second cancer diagnosis. The 32-year-old dancer announced she had grade three cancer in May but was hopeful surgery would solve it. However, doctors found "more tumours" and "another type of cancer", she said. It means Amy will not be dancing in this year's Strictly Come Dancing competition. Amy discovered the first lump in April, a day before she was due to fly on her honeymoon to the Maldives with husband Ben. Appearing on Coppafeel's Instagram chat with Erin Kennedy, Amy said: "I was originally going to have a lumpectomy, radiotherapy and hormone treatment. "But then, after my MRI, they found another tumour so then it changed into a mastectomy and then, after my mastectomy, unfortunately, they found even more tumours. "After my mastectomy, unfortunately they found even more tumours. Then they found another type of cancer." Amy said she was told she needed chemotherapy, which made her "scared". Amy Dowden will not be well enough to compete in this year's Strictly Come Dancing "But the oncologist did say that with chemo I've got a really good chance of a cure," she added. However, Amy, from Caerphilly, said she did not want to have the treatment at first. "For me, straightaway, it was my dancing, like, 'you can take away my boob but you can't take my dancing away from me'. "That's what I get really upset about." Graphic showing how to check your breasts for cancer The diagnosis means Amy will not be able to compete on Strictly this year, but is "in regular contact with the team". "The BBC have just been utterly incredible," she said. Amy said she hoped to still be able to play some part in the show and her aim was "to continue dancing". "The oncologist said to me movement is really, really good for people on chemo, it's important. So that was encouraging." Amy said she was allowed to start dancing on Thursday for the first time since her surgery in June. Story continues She took to Instagram to share thank her supporters for their kind messages. She wrote: "The rest of the year looked very different to what was planned but hopefully I'll enter 2024 cancer free and I'll never take anything for granted and promise to live life to the full! "Welsh love always." A womans mutilated remains were spotted inside of multiple suitcases along a South Florida waterway this weekend. Police on Sunday released more information that could help identify her. The gruesome discovery was made after someone called 911 to report a suspicious item in the Intracoastal Waterway in Delray Beach around 4 p.m. Friday, police said in a news release later that day. When officers arrived near the 1000 block of Palm Trail, they found a suitcase with body parts inside. A short time later, two other suitcases also containing human remains were discovered along the intracoastal near Southeast Seventh Avenue and Casuarina Road. At this early stage of the investigation, the remains appear to belong to one unidentified adult female, Delray Beach police said Friday. Police said its investigating the womans death as a homicide. The victims remains were taken to the medical examiners office to figure out who she was and how she died. On Sunday, police said the woman was white or Hispanic, middle aged, with brown hair and approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall. She may have had tattooed eyebrows and was wearing a floral tank top with a black undershirt and black mid-thigh shorts. Anyone with information about the womans death is asked to call Det. Mike Liberta at 561-243-7874. Those breezy 80 degree summer days will be a distant dream. Sweltering temperatures are expected to move into Des Moines this week just in time for a record number of RAGBRAI bikers to pedal into the metro on Wednesday. This week will feature much warmer temperatures that will include widespread 90s from Tue thru Thu. Afternoon heat index values on those days will be in the 95 to 105 degree range. There are a few chances for thunderstorms during the period including late tonight. #iawx pic.twitter.com/Sqv72A6Mjy NWS Des Moines (@NWSDesMoines) July 23, 2023 There is an 80% or more chance of above average temperatures throughout the state next week, according to the NWS Des Moines. Humidity levels are not expected to be extreme, but temperatures may be around or top 100 degrees around midweek. There is an 80% or more chance for above normal temperatures in IA next week. High temps in the 90s are likely. Humidity levels are not expected to be extreme at this point but heat indices may still near or top 100 degrees through mid week, especially central and south. #iawx pic.twitter.com/Plh2S6UtJj NWS Des Moines (@NWSDesMoines) July 21, 2023 Where to find cooling stations in the Des Moines metro In preparation of the forecast, the Polk County Health Department announced that the Emergency Management Agency will activate the extreme temperature plan from Monday to Friday. The health department advises everyone to drink plenty of water, wear light fitting clothes and take breaks indoors or in cooling centers. Story continues The Central Iowa Shelter Services offers intake to anyone age 18 and older for day services and overnight services, Bethel Mission offers to adult males only, emergency shelters will offer weather amnesty and DART will provide free rides to cooling centers, according to the Polk County Health Department. A list of cooling centers can be found at Polk County Extreme Temperature and Sheltering Resources. Where to find emergency shelters Noelle Alviz-Gransee is a breaking news reporter at the Des Moines Register. Follow her on Twitter@NoelleHannika or email her at NAlvizGransee@registermedia.com. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Sweltering temperatures to come. What to expect with emergency plan A firefighter tries to put out a wildfire in Kiotari village on Rhodes island, Greece, on Saturday. Photo by Demiabdis Lefteris/EPA-EFT July 22 (UPI) -- Wildfires on the Greek Island of Rhodes have promoted the evacuation of about 3,500 people from hotels and private residences. A heatwave and high winds contributed to the spread of the wildfires, according to Rhodes Deputy Mayor Konstantinos Taraslias. Though fires have been raging on the island since Tuesday, officials say only about 10% of the island's tourist accommodations are affected. At least two resorts were evacuated as of Saturday. Some evacuees have been moved to other hotels on Rhodes. BBC reported that firefighters from Slovakia joined rescue efforts Saturday. "The situation in Rhodes is serious and extremely difficult. Due to the strong wind and quickly changing direction of the fire, firefighters had to withdraw and move," the Slovak Fire and Rescue Services wrote in a Facebook post. Three airplanes, five helicopters, and 40 firetrucks were deployed to assist over 200 firefighters combating the blaze on the island, according to Fire Service spokesman Yannis Artopios. Tourists and residents have been texted location specific evacuation plans and boats have been dispatched to bring people to safety. Four coast guard boats, 20 private boats and one cargo ship, one slipper and two military inflatable boats have been enlisted to assist evacuation efforts, according to the Greek Coast Guard and Ministry of Shipping. Firefighters have been fighting dozens of wildfires in other parts of the country with officials warning that the heat wave could cause more fires. Statistically speaking, long term investing is a profitable endeavour. But along the way some stocks are going to perform badly. To wit, the Premier Miton Group plc (LON:PMI) share price managed to fall 73% over five long years. That's not a lot of fun for true believers. And it's not just long term holders hurting, because the stock is down 33% in the last year. Furthermore, it's down 18% in about a quarter. That's not much fun for holders. With that in mind, it's worth seeing if the company's underlying fundamentals have been the driver of long term performance, or if there are some discrepancies. Check out our latest analysis for Premier Miton Group To paraphrase Benjamin Graham: Over the short term the market is a voting machine, but over the long term it's a weighing machine. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement. Looking back five years, both Premier Miton Group's share price and EPS declined; the latter at a rate of 20% per year. This change in EPS is reasonably close to the 23% average annual decrease in the share price. This implies that the market has had a fairly steady view of the stock. So it's fair to say the share price has been responding to changes in EPS. The image below shows how EPS has tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail). We consider it positive that insiders have made significant purchases in the last year. Even so, future earnings will be far more important to whether current shareholders make money. This free interactive report on Premier Miton Group's earnings, revenue and cash flow is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further. What About Dividends? As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. We note that for Premier Miton Group the TSR over the last 5 years was -64%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. This is largely a result of its dividend payments! Story continues A Different Perspective Premier Miton Group shareholders are down 27% for the year (even including dividends), but the market itself is up 4.7%. 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 10% over the last half decade. Generally speaking long term share price weakness can be a bad sign, though contrarian investors might want to research the stock in hope of a turnaround. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Premier Miton Group better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with Premier Miton Group (at least 1 which makes us a bit uncomfortable) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process. There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on British exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here The doubt surrounding the alleged kidnapping of Carlethia Carlee Nichole Russell, which Alabama police said they couldnt verify, threatens to overshadow thousands of unsolved cases of missing Black people, advocates say Russell went missing shortly after calling 911 on July 13 to report a toddler in a diaper walking along the highway. Police said Russell mysteriously returned home on foot around 10:45 p.m. two days later. Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis said police were unable to verify most of the 25-year-olds initial statement to investigators, including a claim that a man with orange hair abducted her when she got out of the vehicle to check on the child. Derzis said after finding Russells cell phone, police discovered web searches for Do you have to pay for an Amber Alert? and for the movie Taken. There are many questions left to be answered, but only Carlee can provide those answers, Derzis said at a news conference on Wednesday. Russells mother, Talitha Robinson-Russell, said she believes her daughter was abducted before returning home. Carlee has given detectives her statement and hopefully they are pursuing her abductor, Robinson-Russell said in a statement to CNN affiliate WBRC. Black families say they often struggle to get the police to take their missing person cases seriously. Officers are slow to investigate their loved ones disappearance or immediately label them as a runaway, they say. On the other hand, cases of missing White women and children are treated with urgency and thrust into the national spotlight, Black families say. So the possibility that Russell might have fabricated her kidnapping has left many of the people who helped search for her frustrated and worried about future missing persons cases. When asked if Russells case could impact searches for missing young women of color in the future, Derzis said, We investigate every crime to the fullest just like we have this one. According to 2021 FBI data, Black people make up 31% of missing person reports but only 14% of the US population. White people, meanwhile, make up 54% of missing person reports and 76% of the US population. Story continues David Robinson, whose son Daniel has been missing since June 2021 in Buckeye, Arizona, said it was very hard to hear that police couldnt find evidence to support Russells story. Robinson said he and other families endure a lot of pain watching months and years go by with no sign of their loved ones. Daniel Robinson - Family Photo Robinson said he struggled to get the police to thoroughly probe his sons case. He ultimately assembled his own search team that combed the desert for evidence and clues. He suspects there was foul play in Daniels disappearance. He worries that Russells case will make it harder for Black families to get fair attention. It damages the problems we already have with law enforcement with taking our stories serious, Robinson told CNN. Derrica Wilson, co-founder of Black & Missing Foundation, said she currently has nearly 6,000 cases of missing Black people in her database, most unsolved. Russells case and the questions surrounding it is an anomaly, Wilson said. For our community, we cant lose sight of the bigger picture, Wilson said. We are disappointed that there are inconsistencies with her (Russell) story especially when there are a staggering number of people of color who are still missing and they need our help. Many disappearances in the Black community stem from human trafficking, domestic violence and mental health incidents, Wilson said. Wilson said its often an uphill battle to get the cases of missing Black people amplified and she wants the public to continue sounding the alarm. We want people to continue making these cases viral, Wilson said. We cant allow this case to diminish our efforts that we have worked so hard for. Black & Missing is tracking numerous cases from 2023 alone that have yet to be solved. Here are a few: Three-year-old Samalea Monet Daniels has been missing since July 14 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Samalea was last seen at her grandmothers house and is believed to be with her mother, Tianna Daniels, traveling in a gray 2011 Ford Escape with Virginia plates N4M45T3. According to WTKR-TV, the child is believed to be in danger. Casey Lavonne Young, 44, has been missing since May 15 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Young was last seen wearing Black scrub pants and a gray Spartanburg Regional T-shirt. According to the Black & Missing Foundation, Youngs white 2007 Infinity G37 has been recovered. Marlisha Love, 24, went missing on January 6 in St. Louis, Missouri. Loves mother said her daughter told her she was going to a friends house that night. The friend said Love asked to be dropped off at a White Castle and then got into the passenger seat of an older model white Chevy Suburban and left the location. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com This article was originally published on Feb. 18, 2022. Maya Millete, 39, went missing in January 2021. What was happening between her and her husband before she disappeared and what does spellcasting have to do with it? January 7, 2021: Maya Millete last seen Maya Millete / Credit: Maricris Drouaillet Mother of three, Maya (May) Millete was 39 when she was last seen on surveillance video arriving at her home in Chula Vista, California. January 8-9, 2021: Where's Maya? Larry Millete / Credit: Maricris Drouaillet Maya's husband of 21 years, Larry Millete, was the last person to see Maya. When asked about Maya, he told her family different stories about where she might have gone. January 9, 2021: "Help Find Maya" / Credit: Maricris Drouaillet After not hearing from Maya for two days, her sister Maricris Drouaillet reported her missing to the Chula Vista Police Department. Family and friends made flyers to spread awareness about her disappearance. January 10, 2021: A worried family Richard and Maricris Drouaillet / Credit: CBS News Maya's older sister, Maricris and her husband Richard Drouaillet were hoping against hope that Maya was somehow OK, but they say they knew something terrible had really happened when Maya didn't show up for her daughter's birthday. January 11, 2021: Extra help Attorney Billy Little / Credit: CBS News Attorney Billy Little, a former criminal defense investigator for the U.S. Navy, heard about Maya's disappearance and wanted to help. On January 11, 2021, Little went to the Millete home and looked for clues. He says Larry Millete seemed unconcerned about his wife and it looked like he was airing out the house. January 13, 2021: Staying hopeful Maya and Larry Millete / Credit: Maricris Drouaillet "I love you honey, just come back home," said Larry Millete during a phone interview with local media. "I'm still very hopeful that will (with) all this media coverage, she'll turn up and say, 'Hey, I'm OK.'" On that same day friends, family, and neighbors searched for Maya at Mount San Miguel Park. January 23, 2021: Search warrant issued Two weeks after Maya's disappearance, the Chula Vista Police Department searched the Millete's Chula Vista, California, home. / Credit: CBS News The Chula Vista Police Department issued a search warrant at Maya and Larry Millete's home. The goal was to obtain evidence that would lead to finding Maya. Investigators seized some of Larry's guns. Story continues February 5, 2021: "Bring her home" Maya's family makes a public plea for help find her. / Credit: Chula Vista Police Department/Facebook The Chula Vista Police Department and Maya's family held a press conference pleading for help to find Maya. "Please bring her home." Maricris Drouailett cried. "If you have any information, please help us find my sister " February 2021: Dedicated search volunteers The search parties were made up of dozens of friends, family members, colleagues of Maya's and also strangers. They began looking for her in vast desert areas east of Chula Vista, near the Arizona border. / Credit: Help Find Maya/Instagram Since Maya's disappearance, a group called "Help Find Maya" has been out searching for her most weekends. The group has searched areas in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Otay Lakes and Marron Valley Road. March 2021: Spellcasting Larry Millete's bloody altar / Credit: Billy Little Billy Little says he found evidence that Larry Millete purchased spells online. According to Little, Larry first tried spells to get Maya to fall back in love with him. But as the couple's marital problems worsened, police say, Larry eventually wanted to harm her. He later asked a spellcaster, "Please punish May and incapacitate her enough so she can't leave the house. It's time to take the gloves off." May 7, 2021: Firearms surrendered Larry Millete was served with a gun violence restraining order and had to surrender firearms to authorities. / Credit: San Diego Superior Court During the investigation by the Chula Vista Police Department, multiple search warrants were served at the Millete home. On May 7,2021, Larry Millete was served with a gun violence restraining order and had to surrender more firearms to authorities. October 19, 2021: Larry Millete arrested In October 2021, Larry Millete was arrested for his wife's murder. He pleaded not guilty / Credit: CBS News Nine months after her disappearance, Larry Millete was arrested for the murder of his wife Maya. He has pleaded not guilty and continues to say she willingly left and abandoned the family. October 30, 2021: #TeamMaya Asked why she's helping in the search for someone she doesn't know, Keri Park tells CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti, Many dedicated search volunteers like Keri Park have never met Maya. She and others drive for hours to get to the search locations and have spent days looking for Maya. "It's just hard. I mean, you just want closure for this family so much," Park told "48 Hours" contributor Jonathan Vigliotti. "And I just want to bring her home." January 7, 2022: One year later Maya Millete was last seen in January 7, 2021 in Chula Vista, California. / Credit: Maricris Drouaillet After a year without Maya, the Help Find Maya community has created merchandise, held vigils, rallies, and raised more than $50,000 for search efforts. They put QR codes on flyers for people to scan for more information and to recruit volunteers. Justice for Maya Maya Millete's family and friends were adamant that she did not leave her children voluntarily. / Credit: Maricris Drouaillet Anyone with information about Maya's disappearance is asked to contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477 or the Chula Vista Police Department at 619-691-5139. Lionel Messi fever takes hold in U.S. as he makes his MLS debut Mega Millions jackpot jumps to $820 million after no winner in Friday drawing "Barbie," "Oppenheimer" look to revive Hollywood's struggling summer box office Santiago Ochoa's reporting for the Yakima Herald-Republic is possible with support from Report for America and community members through the Yakima Valley Community Fund. For information on republishing, email news@yakimaherald.com. You are the owner of this article. Washington River Protection Solutions workers install equipment to transfer waste from an underground tank at the Hanford site. Department of Energy If you are sending a Letter To the Editor, please be sure to follow these rules: Letters have a firm 200-word limit and will be edited for grammar, clarity and accuracy. The person who signs the letter must be the author. Anonymous letters will not be considered. Letters must address the editor, not a third party. We will not print form letters, libelous letters, business promotions or personal disputes, poetry, open letters, letters espousing religious views without reference to a current issue, or letters considered in poor taste. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer. The Yakima Herald-Republic cannot verify the accuracy of all statements made in letters. Writers are limited to one published letter per calendar month. Key Insights Institutions' substantial holdings in Paysafe implies that they have significant influence over the company's share price 51% of the business is held by the top 4 shareholders Analyst forecasts along with ownership data serve to give a strong idea about prospects for a business If you want to know who really controls Paysafe Limited (NYSE:PSFE), then you'll have to look at the makeup of its share registry. The group holding the most number of shares in the company, around 28% to be precise, is institutions. Put another way, the group faces the maximum upside potential (or downside risk). Since institutional have access to huge amounts of capital, their market moves tend to receive a lot of scrutiny by retail or individual investors. Therefore, a good portion of institutional money invested in the company is usually a huge vote of confidence on its future. In the chart below, we zoom in on the different ownership groups of Paysafe. Check out our latest analysis for Paysafe What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Paysafe? Many institutions measure their performance against an index that approximates the local market. So they usually pay more attention to companies that are included in major indices. Paysafe already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This can indicate that the company has a certain degree of credibility in the investment community. However, it is best to be wary of relying on the supposed validation that comes with institutional investors. They too, get it wrong sometimes. When multiple institutions own a stock, there's always a risk that they are in a 'crowded trade'. When such a trade goes wrong, multiple parties may compete to sell stock fast. This risk is higher in a company without a history of growth. You can see Paysafe's historic earnings and revenue below, but keep in mind there's always more to the story. Story continues Hedge funds don't have many shares in Paysafe. PI Holdings Jersey Limited is currently the largest shareholder, with 21% of shares outstanding. With 18% and 6.1% of the shares outstanding respectively, Blackstone Inc. and Fidelity National Financial Inc., Asset Management Arm are the second and third largest shareholders. Our research also brought to light the fact that roughly 51% of the company is controlled by the top 4 shareholders suggesting that these owners wield significant influence on the business. While it makes sense to study institutional ownership data for a company, it also makes sense to study analyst sentiments to know which way the wind is blowing. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily. Insider Ownership Of Paysafe While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO. Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances. Our most recent data indicates that insiders own some shares in Paysafe Limited. As individuals, the insiders collectively own US$22m worth of the US$714m company. This shows at least some alignment. You can click here to see if those insiders have been buying or selling. General Public Ownership The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 24% stake in Paysafe. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies. Private Equity Ownership Private equity firms hold a 23% stake in Paysafe. This suggests they can be influential in key policy decisions. Some investors might be encouraged by this, since private equity are sometimes able to encourage strategies that help the market see the value in the company. Alternatively, those holders might be exiting the investment after taking it public. Private Company Ownership Our data indicates that Private Companies hold 21%, of the company's shares. Private companies may be related parties. Sometimes insiders have an interest in a public company through a holding in a private company, rather than in their own capacity as an individual. While it's hard to draw any broad stroke conclusions, it is worth noting as an area for further research. Next Steps: While it is well worth considering the different groups that own a company, there are other factors that are even more important. I like to dive deeper into how a company has performed in the past. You can find historic revenue and earnings in this detailed graph. But ultimately it is the future, not the past, that will determine how well the owners of this business will do. Therefore we think it advisable to take a look at this free report showing whether analysts are predicting a brighter future. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here Horoscop 9 august 2023. Castiguri neasteptate pentru cateva zodii Horoscop 9 august 2023. Ziua este una norocoasa pentru nativii care au incredere in ei si stiu sa se valorifice. Concret, cine stie ce poate si cat poate va avea numai de castigat pentru ca si lumea din jur ii va respecta si aprecia financiar. Horoscop 9 august [citeste mai departe] To stir the mid-size SUV segment, the Kia Seltos has received a mid-cycle update and of course, it has big shoes to fill. After all, it was the first-ever Kia vehicle to go on sale in the Indian market almost 4 years back. The SUV established the South Korean brand in India by receiving a warm response from the audience. Now in 2023, the Kia Seltos is revamped with a host of updates and changes, which are claimed to put this forward as a more capable version of an already happening SUV. But, is it really the case? Well, we drove it to find out. 2023 Kia Seltos Facelift Review - Design Kia Seltos facelift gets slightly more than a simple nip and tuck job. The Tiger Nose grille is now larger, with LED DRLs extending into it. The headlamps are altered to feature dynamic-swipe turn indicators. The bumper is an all-new unit with chunkier fog lamp housings. These changes add some freshness to the design. Yes, the facelifted Seltos is easily distinguishable from the model it replaces, when looked into the face. The Seltos now rides on new alloy wheels, and the top-spec GTX and X-Line trims get larger 18-inch units. Around the sides, its the only noticeable change. However, the Seltos has now grown up in size by a few millimetres in all axes. The new Pewter Green paint option is a new addition to the palette. Following the trend of modernity around the rear, like the front-end, connected LED tail lamps make their way to the Seltos. No doubt, the new setup makes the Seltos look wider than it actually is. Kia has resculpted the bumper with a similar theme as the front, which it calls a dumbbell-inspired design. While it makes the Seltos have the much-needed newness, the dual exhaust pipes on the GTX trim are real, and a thing to fancy. 2023 Kia Seltos Facelift Review - Cabin When launched initially in the year 2019, the Seltos showed to the Indian masses - a new-age, feature-rich, premium-built cabin. In the updated iteration, things have headed northwards. The dual 10.25-inch screens are the highlight of the cabin now. It is indeed rather interesting to note how the infotainment screen is tilted towards the driver. Also, the glass pane is anti-reflective, and the whole panel is neatly fitted on the dashboard. The layout of the dashboard remains largely the same with the new dual-zone climate console. Alongside, the Seltos now features a colossal-sized panoramic sunroof. Thus, scoring full marks for the feature list. The much-loved Bose sound system is now available with a total of 8 speakers, retaining the premium cabin experience. The touch and feel, along with the fit and finish of the cabin feel superior to the competition. Besides, the seats are comfortable for long hauls; we clocked over 200 kilometres in just 4 hours. Spaciousness and practicality is another solid trait of the cabin. The Seltos also gets Level-2 ADAS tech with a total of 17 features. While most of these work phenomenally well, Indian driving conditions certainly make the forward collision avoidance assist unusable. The praiseworthy move from Kia remains the standard safety kit, including six airbags, all-4 disc brakes, ESC, TPMS, and hill-start assist. 2023 Kia Seltos Facelift Review - Performance There are a total of 3 engine options available in the updated regime. The 115 PS 1.5L NA petrol and 1.5L turbo-diesel are picked-up from the pre-facelift model. They do their duties in the expected way. The NA petrol is NVH-free, while the oil burner is frugal with a tank range of over 800 kilometres. As for the gearbox options, the NA petrol is still available with the 6-speed MT and IVT, the oil burner now skips out on the 6-speed MT for an iMT. The 6-speed AT is retained. The iMT too works rather flawlessly but turns up as a better pick over the regular stick shift. Coming down to the meat of the matter - 1.5L turbo-petrol motor. It is the most powerful engine in the segment with a peak power output of 160 PS and 253 Nm. The motor is potent at keeping the drives smile-friendly with its strong mid-range surge and top-end delivery. However, when tickled hard, it starts possessing a drinking problem. The motor is available with either a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT. Our test car had the latter, and it worked without any major issues on our 200 km drive. With larger 18-inch wheels, the side walls are now smaller. However, the Seltos manages to ride rather comfortably and keeps the undulations away from the cabin. The ride and handling experience is posh and on the sportier ride, as was the case earlier. The introduction of L2 ADAS has made driving safer and easier though. The adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping aids, and rear cross-traffic alerts do come in handy in making the drive pleasurable. 2023 Kia Seltos Facelift Review - Verdict Not every purchase can be a no-nonsense decision. The 2023 Kia Seltos facelift, well, it manages to. With updated styling cues, it looks refreshing. The revised and feature-loaded cabin is pompous. With multiple engine-gearbox combinations and variants, Kia is ensuring that there is a Seltos for everyones requirements. At Rs 10.89 lakh, the pricing is competitive too. On the whole, the Seltos does make for a strong consideration when planning to buy a mid-size SUV in India. Success Story: Three years after Dhirubhai Ambani's death, the Reliance empire was divided into Mukesh-led Reliance Industries Limited and Anil-led Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADA). This was the result of a severe public conflict between the Ambani brothers. But Time and tide wait for none. Anil Ambani declared bankruptcy in 2020 and claimed that his investments were worth zero in a court filing by the banks in the London case. The lawsuit concerned three Chinese banks' delinquent loans. Reliance Communications allegedly received a $925 million loan in February 2012. In this circumstance, Jai Anmol Ambani, is unquestionably 'A Ray Of Hope' in the darkness for Anil Ambani. Who Is Jai Anmol Ambani Jai Anmol Ambani, the eldest son of Anil Ambani and the nephew of Mukesh Ambani, the richest man in India, has recently attracted interest in a world that is intrigued by the lives of the wealthy and famous. Jai Anmol is charged with stepping into his grandfather Dhiribhai Ambani's enormous shoes and continuing the illustrious Ambani tradition despite being born into a family known for success and wealth. Jai Anmol, who was born on December 12th, 1991, had a wealthy upbringing based on academic excellence. Later, he attended Seven Oaks School in the UK after attending the prestigious Cathedral and John Connon Schools in Mumbai. Jai Anmol decided to seek higher education and enrolled in the Warwick Business School in the UK to earn a Bachelor of Science (BSc). Jai recently got married to Khrisha Shah, and the union captured media interest. Net Worth Rs 20,000 Crore Jai Anmol Ambani has reportedly amassed a net worth of $3.3 billion (about Rs. 20,000 crore), which he acquired at a comparatively young age. He enjoys the finer things in life in addition to having a knack for business. He began his professional career, according to a report, with a summer job at Reliance Mutual Fund when he was 18 years old. He later joined the company in 2014, and the expertise he earned there paid him. Anmol rose through the ranks to become Reliance Capital's executive director and a board member of Reliance Nippon Life Asset Management (RNAM) and Reliance Home Finance (RHF) a few years later. Jai Anmol, is also a well-known auto aficionado, has a collection that includes expensive cars like the Lamborghini Gallardo and the Rolls-Royce Phantom. According to reports, he even has his own helicopters and aircraft that he uses for business trips. Rise Above The Clouds He and his brother Jai Anshul Ambani were named directors of Reliance Infra in October 2019, but they left the board a year later. Despite this failure, Jai Anmol had a significant impact on the Reliance Group because of the 40% increase in the stock price that occurred shortly after his appointment, which earned praise from his father, Anil Ambani. Reliance Life Insurance and Reliance Capital Asset Management were formed as a result of his success in persuading Nippon, a significant Japanese company, to raise their shareholding in both companies. Jai Anmol Ambani is a young guy whose life is an alluring fusion of wealth, ambition, and responsibility. He stands for the next generation of the Ambani family, with a solid educational background, notable achievements inside the Reliance Group, and a drive for success. Jai Anmol is adamant about carving out his own path while upholding his family's renowned reputation as he navigates the challenging corporate environment. New Delhi: Every exploration trip they organise together either inspires them or brings to life their original thoughts. In 2021, they went on a city trip that included the Jaipur City Palace. Mesmerised by the splendour of the reception hall known as the "Mubaarak Mahal," they couldn't help but bring the roots of this beauty to Mumbai. At that moment, Mubaarak sprang to mind! Sagar, who helped Dhwani Vipani start the company a year ago, has always been a pillar of support for her. However, he had to balance his corporate job obligations with his own business, Mubaarak, which had great potential for success. He decided on the latter, and now he uses the occasion to refer to himself as the co-founder of Mubaarak and the pair who became co-founders in order to create their ideal project. The Brand Owl Studio's Mubaarak creates stories of community using a colour scheme that cherishes memories and cherishes moments. Through their stationary designing services, a dash of art and a dollop of love combine to let the milestones in your life be honoured with the utmost consideration. By far their greatest strength & contribution to the wedding business is how their distinctive process is changing the template-driven market. Sagar has been inspired to consider the difficult yet fascinating side of entrepreneurship and how it shapes you as a person every day by his wife Dhwani Vipani and her goals and dreams. New Delhi: Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal arrived in violence-hit Manipur on Sunday, a day after the state government allegedly denied her permission for the visit. She said she has sought time from Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh for a meeting and that she wants to interact with survivors of sexual assault in the northeastern state. She also requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani to visit Manipur immediately. Her visit comes days after a video showing two Manipur women being paraded naked by a mob surfaced on social media. "Just landed in Manipur. I've sought time from CM N Biren Singh ji. I hope he accepts my request at the earliest," Maliwal said on Twitter. Just landed in Manipur. Ive sought time from CM @NBirenSingh ji. I hope he accepts my request at the earliest. https://t.co/R6VCaSIvhc Swati Maliwal (@SwatiJaiHind) July 23, 2023 Speaking to the news agency ANI after landing at the Imphal airport, she said that she wants to meet the sexual abuse survivors and see if they have got legal aid, counselling or any compensation. The DCW chief also appealed to the state government saying that she has reached there to help the people of Manipur. "Please allow me to do that. I have not come here to do politics. I request PM Modi and the Women and Child Development Minister (Smriti Irani) to visit Manipur immediately. I will also try and meet the Governor," Maliwal said. Earlier on Saturday, the DCW chief had alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Manipur had refused to let her visit the state to interact with the survivors of sexual violence. "Manipur Govt recommended I consider postponing my visit due to law and order situation. After deliberation on their suggestion, have decided to fly to Imphal as planned. Sought time from Manipur CM. Will meet him and request him to come along to visit the sexual assault survivors," Maliwal said in a tweet. She also shared a copy of a letter written to the Manipur chief minister on Sunday, urging him to facilitate her visit and assuring him that she would not do anything to create problems for his government. "I seek an urgent meeting with your hon'ble self to discuss the extremely pertinent issue of the human rights violations and sexual assault cases occurring in Manipur.... Several Manipuri women have come to Delhi in order to escape the ongoing violence in the state. I wish to discuss issues regarding their welfare as well with your hon'ble self," she said in the letter to CM N Biren Singh. Maliwal also sought the chief minister's support in visiting the violence-affected relief camps where the victims of sexual assault are presently staying. "I request you to kindly issue directions to the officers to facilitate my visit. As a fellow citizen of this country and the head of a statutory body protecting women and girls, I appeal to your hon'ble self to aid me in providing help and support to the sisters of Manipur. I assure you that I shall not be doing anything that creates a problem for your government during my visit to the state," she said. "I assure you that I shall leave no stone unturned to support the Manipur government in its mandate to protect the rights and dignity of the women and girls of the state," she added. Maliwal said a video clip purportedly showing inhuman atrocities against women and girls in the northeastern state has shocked the entire country and she wished to ascertain their well-being and provide support to them. The DCW chief said she had written to Singh on July 20 and to the Manipur Police chief on July 21 regarding her visit to the state to interact with the survivors of sexual violence. "A letter dated 21.07.2023 was sent to DM, Imphal who forwarded the same to Joint Secretary (Home) with the request to provide necessary support to the undersigned (Maliwal) and her team. Manipur Govt recommended I consider postponing my visit due to law and order situation. After deliberation on their suggestion, have decided to fly to Imphal as planned. Sought time from Manipur CM. Will meet him & request him to come along to visit the sexual assault survivors. pic.twitter.com/Z8qycrnNQR Swati Maliwal (@SwatiJaiHind) July 23, 2023 The DM also gave us the contact numbers of the Joint Secretary (Home) who confirmed to us that we can travel to Manipur and he shall provide the necessary support to us in visiting the relief camps. Subsequently, we planned our travel to Imphal," Maliwal said in the letter. "However, suddenly we received an email from the Joint Secretary (Home) requesting us to consider postponing our visit in view of the current law and order situation in Manipur," she said. The Manipur Police has arrested five men and apprehended a juvenile in connection with the May 4 parading of two women naked in Kangpokpi district. HALDWANI: The police have successfully captured the primary suspect in the horrifying murder case of businessman Ankit Chauhan, which took place at a local hotel in Haldwani. The accused, known as Mahi alias Dolli, is believed to have conspired with her other lover, Deepu Kandpal, to administer a fatal snakebite to Ankit. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are still in pursuit of the housemaid and a male servant who are also implicated in the crime. The snake handler involved in the murder has already been apprehended. According to the investigation, Dolli was romantically involved with Ankit, the owner of a hotel in Haldwani, while also maintaining a relationship with another man. Together, Dolli and her second lover hatched a plan to eliminate Ankit by orchestrating a snakebite at the hotel. They had hired the snake handler a month prior to the incident. After the murder, Dolli fled to Pilibhit, where she sought shelter at her housemaid's residence in Nepal. The police traced her movements and eventually arrested her while she was traveling on a Delhi-bound bus. During questioning, Dolli initially claimed that she had fled from Bareilly to Delhi. She had stayed at various upscale hotels before deciding to surrender herself at a court in Haldwani. However, the police intercepted her before she could do so. Meanwhile, the authorities are still in search of the housemaid and the male servant allegedly involved in the murder. The shocking incident came to light when Ankit's lifeless body was discovered on the backseat of his car near the Teenpani railway crossing on the morning of July 15th. The post-mortem examination revealed snakebite marks on both his legs, prompting suspicions about the cause of death. As the investigation progressed, the police uncovered Dolli's connection to Ankit and her role in the sinister murder plot. As the investigation continues, the authorities are resolute in their commitment to bring all those involved in this heinous crime to justice. The chilling murder case has sent shockwaves through the community in Haldwani, emphasizing the importance of swift and effective law enforcement measures to address such horrific acts. In a tale defying boundaries and cultural norms, the Anju-Nasrullah love story has emerged as a remarkable cross-border romance. Hailing from India and Pakistan, respectively, Anju and Nasrullah's journey of love blossomed through a chance Facebook encounter, transcending geographical barriers. Anju's bold decision to apply for permission to visit Pakistan set the stage for a heartwarming and courageous expedition to meet her beloved Nasrullah. Despite facing scrutiny from security agencies, their enduring bond stands strong, inspiring hope and admiration as they navigate through a love story that knows no borders. A Facebook Friendship that Blossomed into Love The Anju-Nasrullah love story began on social media, with a simple Facebook friendship that quickly evolved into a heartfelt romance. Despite the distance between them, their virtual connection grew stronger, and their affection for each other deepened with every conversation. Anju's Bold Decision: Applying for Permission to Visit Pakistan Unlike Seema, who faced legal challenges, Anju decided to take a different route. Before the Seema Haider case came to light, Anju had already applied for permission to visit Pakistan. Her application was filed on June 21, setting her love story in motion. The Journey to Meet Nasrullah: A Brave Step Driven by love and determination, Anju set out on a journey to meet Nasrullah, who resides in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Leaving her homeland behind, she embarked on an adventure that would forever change her life. Under Scrutiny: Ongoing Investigation by Security Agencies The Anju-Nasrullah love story has caught the attention of security agencies, leading to an ongoing investigation into their connection. As they delve into the intricacies of their relationship, both individuals face questioning and scrutiny. Awaiting Updates: The Media's Interest in the Anju-Nasrullah Love Story The media is closely monitoring the unfolding Anju-Nasrullah love story, eagerly awaiting updates on the developments in their relationship. The public's curiosity has been piqued, and their story has become a hot topic for discussion. Love Knows No Boundaries: An Enduring Bond The Anju-Nasrullah love story is a testament to the power of love, transcending geographical barriers. Despite the challenges they encounter, their love remains steadfast, inspiring many with its resilience. A Symbol of Hope: Love Conquering All Obstacles Their love stands as a symbol of hope, showing that love can conquer all obstacles, including cultural and societal norms. The Anju-Nasrullah love story is a shining example of the enduring strength of love. Captivating Hearts: The Tale of Anju-Nasrullah The unfolding Anju-Nasrullah love story has touched the hearts of many, captivating people across both countries. Their unique journey reminds us of the boundless possibilities that love can bring. Love's Enduring Power: Anju-Nasrullah's Unforgettable Love The Anju-Nasrullah love story continues to enthrall with its unwavering power. Despite the uncertainty and challenges they face, their love endures, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who follow their extraordinary journey. New Delhi: The Gautam Buddh Nagar administration in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday issued a flood warning for low-lying regions along the Hindon as water discharge in the river increased. Around 200 people from five villages have been evacuated and shifted to shelter homes after the alert was raised, officials said on Sunday. The river is flowing below the danger mark of 205-metre in the district. "Around 200 people from five villages have been evacuated and shifted to shelter homes that have been set up by the administration to provide them accommodation, food and health care," Additional District Magistrate Atul Kumar told the news agency PTI. "The Hindon is currently flowing at 200-metre, below the danger mark of 205-metre," Kumar said, who is also the nodal officer for flood relief work in Gautam Buddh Nagar. The district, which is a part of Delhi-NCR and comprises the twin cities of Noida and Greater Noida, is located between the Hindon and Yamuna rivers, both of which have been overflowing in the wake of incessant rains in the recent past and the opening of dams on upper reaches in the north. The district recently witnessed floods along the Yamuna river banks, which submerged 550 hectares of low-lying land, and impacted thousands of people and animals. According to official figures updated last Sunday, 8,710 people, including the 4,748 displaced, have been impacted by the floods in the district. The floods have also displaced 6,308 animals. The displaced people have been kept at shelter homes which have been created by converting community centres where, the district administration said, free meals, snacks and medication facilities are being provided. Some people, who were rescued from the low-lying floodplains, were also staying in make-shift tarpaulin camps on the Pushta (embankment) road near Nagli Wajidpur village in Sector 135 of Noida, less than 500 metres from a major shelter home. Last Sunday, two young men aged 17 and 21 drowned in Yamuna while bathing in the overflowing river in Greater Noida's Dankaur area. The duo's bodies were fished out on Monday. Yamuna Breaches Danger Mark Again In Delhi; Another Spell Of Floods Likely The water level of the Yamuna in Delhi breached the danger mark again on Sunday following a surge in discharge from the Hathnikund Barrage into the river after heavy rain in parts of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Further increase in the water level of the river is expected to impact relief and rehabilitation work in the flood-affected low-lying areas of the capital, officials said. Revenue Minister Atishi on Saturday said the Delhi government is on high alert due to the discharge of over 2 lakh cusecs of water from the Hathnikund Barrage into the river and that some parts of Yamuna Khadar (floodplains) might get inundated if the water level rises to 206.7 metres. The river water level had been hovering around the danger mark of 205.33 metres for the last few days after reaching an all-time high of 208.66 metres on July 13. The Central Water Commission's (CWC) data showed the water level rose from 205.02 metres at 10 pm on Saturday to 205.96 metres at 9 am on Sunday. It is expected to reach 206.7 metres by 4 pm. The India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy to very heavy rain in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand till July 25. According to the CWC data, the flow rate at the Yamunanagar-located Hathnikund Barrage crossed the 1 lakh-mark at 9 am on Saturday and oscillated between 2 lakh and 2.5 lakh cusecs between 10 am and 5 pm. Since then, it has remained between 1.5 lakh cusecs and 2 lakh cusecs. "This significant volume of water poses a risk of mid-scale floods in the capital, which is still recuperating from one of the worst flood spells it experienced in the second week of July. "The second spell of floods will likely see the Yamuna river reclaiming most of its floodplain in Delhi. Given the valuable insights gained from the last flood spell this month, city planners and policymakers must take note of the lessons learned. Citizens are counting on the swift response of authorities, expecting all the gates of the ITO barrage to be opened and fully functional. Additionally, immediate attention should be given to fix any breached sites and bunds," said Bhim Singh Rawat, associate coordinator of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People. There have been marginal fluctuations in the water level over the last four to five days amid rain in the upper catchment areas, primarily in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Delhi Irrigation and Flood Control Department officials said heavy rains upstream of Delhi will impact rehabilitation of the affected families in the inundated low-lying areas of the capital and they may have to stay in relief camps for a longer period. It could also impact the water supply in the city, which became normal only on Tuesday after being affected for four or five days due to the inundation of a pump house at Wazirabad. The pump house supplies raw water to Wazirabad, Chandrawal and Okhla treatment plants, which together account for around 25 per cent of the city's supply. Parts of Delhi have been grappling with waterlogging and flooding for more than two weeks now. Initially, a downpour caused intense waterlogging on July 8 and 9, with the city receiving 125 per cent of its monthly rainfall quota in just two days. Subsequently, heavy rains in the upper catchment areas of the Yamuna, including in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Haryana, led to the river swelling to record levels. At 208.66 metres on July 13, the Yamuna surpassed its previous record of 207.49 metres set in September 1978 by a significant margin. It breached embankments and penetrated deeper into the city than it has in over four decades. The consequences of the floods have been devastating, with more than 27,000 people evacuated from their homes. The losses incurred in terms of property, businesses and earnings have run into crores. Experts attribute the unprecedented flooding in Delhi to encroachment on the river floodplain, extreme rainfall within a short span of time and silt accumulation that has raised the riverbed. The recent surge in popularity of weight loss and Type 2 diabetes drugs Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro have been fueled by celebrity and influencer usage but the success for the drugmakers has been a decade, and millions of lobbying dollars, in the making. And there is still one milestone the companies have yet to reach: passing a bill that would reverse the long-standing ban on Medicare covering obesity drugs, which has floundered for 10 years. That bill is the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA), which has been introduced in every session of Congress since late 2012 by Sen. Thomas Carper, a Democrat from Delaware, though it has never advanced beyond that. Carper, along with Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Reps. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) and Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), reintroduced the bill for the seventh time since 2012 on Thursday. The bill, among other things, directs Medicare Part D to cover obesity treatments if "used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss management for an individual who is overweight and has one or more related co-morbidities." A key difference from the 2012 version is a shift to require Medicare Part D coverage, rather than coverage based on "if the [Health] Secretary determines that coverage of such a drug under this part is appropriate." In 2012, estimates showed 42% of Americans will be obese by 2030, according to that version of the bill. The latest version increased that estimate to 47%. The bill highlights the cost of obesity to the annual Medicare budget: "On average, a Medicare beneficiary with obesity costs $2,018 (in 2019 dollars) more than a healthy-weight beneficiary." In comparison, there are concerns that the cost of the weight loss drugs almost $1,000 per month could bankrupt Medicare. And questions about whether or not it is a chronic disease drug or a lifestyle drug will determine the fate of the bill. Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk (NVO) is the only company with a drug approved for obesity without Type 2 diabetes. It has spent $11 million on food and travel for doctors to discuss products including Wegovy and Ozempic and spent $4.6 million on ongoing lobbying in Congress in 2022 alone. Story continues In the first quarter of this year, the company spent more than $1.3 million on lobbying Congress on various topics, including obesity drugs double what it spent in all of 2013, the first full year the bill was introduced, according to data from OpenSecrets.org. Boxes of Ozempic and Mounjaro, semaglutide and tirzepatide injection drugs used for treating type 2 diabetes and made by Novo Nordisk and Lilly, are seen at a Rock Canyon Pharmacy in Provo, Utah, U.S. May 29, 2023. REUTERS/George Frey Novo Nordisk also hired the lobbying firm Arnold & Porter, which recently hired a former sponsor of the bill, Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.), as a senior strategic adviser. Kind wont be allowed to lobby the bill for a year, according to ethics rules. In addition to engaging doctors, the company has also lobbied state governments and obesity advocates to create awareness about its products and increase coverage for them. Lobbying efforts Without commercial insurance and Medicare buy-in, weight loss drugs remain inaccessible to a large swath of Americans. But employers and commercial insurers are acting cautiously. Most insurers either require prior approval for the drug to be used or are sticking to only covering Type 2 diabetes patients. Medicare has been banned from covering these drugs for the use of weight loss alone for decades. This is why Novo and its competitors want to convince not just Congress but also state legislatures to cover the drugs for obesity. State governments represent a large population of covered lives, and some state legislatures govern what can and cannot be covered by the state's budget for its employees' health spend. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), shown here on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, in Washington, has introduced the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) every year since 2012. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File) The company has either directly hosted or been indirectly involved in, through advocates from organizations sponsored by Novo (and Eli Lilly (LLY)), policy events throughout the country. Yahoo Finance reviewed programs from at least two of these events, one in Philadelphia in August 2021 and one in New Jersey in 2022. The speakers included a member of Novo Nordisk or the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), which is funded by Novo Nordisk. The company contributes more than $500,000 to OAC annually and has been a corporate partner since 2013, according to OACs website. (Eli Lilly contributes more than $100,000 annually, according to the website.) An attendee of the event in Philadelphia, who was not authorized to speak to media, said weight loss drugs were discussed. New Jersey Assemblyman Herb Conaway, chair of the Assembly health committee, is now the sponsor of a bill that would cover obesity drugs under all state-administered health plans, such as those for state employees, public education employees, and Medicaid enrollees. A request for comment was not returned by Conaways office. Eli Lilly has also sponsored policy events that included discussion of obesity as a chronic disease. Its drug, Mounjaro, is awaiting FDA approval for patients with obesity without Type 2 diabetes. Pfizer (PFE) is a recent entrant in the space, with an oral drug candidate currently in clinical trials. 'The opioid playbook'? Several experts in the health insurance industry spoke to Yahoo Finance on background, since they were unauthorized to speak to the media. The common refrain among them: "This is the opioid playbook." From 1996 to 2001, Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, began a lobbying campaign that focused on pain management. Introducing that idea at conferences and forums hosted by Purdue and educating medical professionals about the drug as well as training them on how to speak about it was what led to the widespread use of opioids and the current epidemic. Others said this is too harsh a comparison and that it was more like the debate over Medicare coverage for erectile dysfunction drugs Viagra and Cialis. At that time, Medicare had been covering the drug, and outrage poured in over tax dollars being used for "lifestyle prescription drugs." Paying for doctors' food and travel and educating them on the drugs is a practice that landed Novo Nordisk in trouble across the pond, with the UKs drug lobbying group suspending the company for two years. Unlike in the US, the UK does not allow these lobbying strategies. Flags are seen outside Novo Nordisk headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, February 5, 2020. REUTERS/Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen Lobbying itself is legal and many other companies employ similar strategies to help boost sales in the US. But the current price tag of the obesity drugs has caused concern for those who would foot the bill employers, commercial insurers, and the federal government. When asked about the ongoing lobbying efforts, the company said: "We advocate for the full continuum of care for patients with obesity, including coverage for anti-obesity medications in Medicare Part D. We also actively work with private insurers and employers to encourage broader coverage of anti-obesity medicines." Novo Nordisk told Yahoo Finance it has been partnering with organizations to "provide fact-based context and education on this misunderstood disease" as well as "working with influential individuals to help change the societal perspective of obesity." Katherine Hempstead, a senior health policy advisor at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation who attended one of the policy events in the US, said it wasnt blatant selling of the product. But the bill in Congress could be a huge push towards greater coverage of the drug, she said. "A part of me feels like theres an inevitability to this, at some point these drugs will get covered in some ways. Especially when you hear about people going to compounding and getting dangerous substitutes because they want them so much," Hempstead said. That is why the lobbying for weight loss drugs is likely only to increase, Khrysta Baig, a health policy researcher at Vanderbilt University, told Yahoo Finance. "There seems to be greater energy behind the bill as new and pipeline anti-obesity medications have gained public attention. With Wegovys [semaglutide] approval in 2021 and the expected approval of tirzepatide [Eli Lillys Mounjaro] for weight loss sometime this year, public and industry interest in Medicare coverage seems to have increased," Baig said. The injectable drug Ozempic is shown Saturday, July 1, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Surprise surge The popularity of the products may have taken Novo by surprise. The company almost doubled its 2023 forecast after first quarter sales showed a 25% increase in sales based on a boost from Wegovy and Ozempic and that's in a market without widespread insurance coverage. Novo had to reduce the production of lower dosages of Wegovy as a result of the surge in interest and instead focus on higher dosages to help maintain the care of patients. That strain put an emphasis on Novo's older drug, Saxenda, which has also been added to the FDA's drug shortage list. Dr. Angela Fitch, president of the Obesity Medicine Association and one of the doctors paid as a consultant for Novo, said company officials told her they didnt predict the new drugs taking off the way they have. "Once you get out something that actually works, the people will want it," Fitch, chief medical officer of health startup knownwell, said, noting there is a potential population of about 120 million Americans who could benefit. Or as General Catalyst advisor Dr. Stephen Klasko put it: "Yes, theyre for obesity, but theyve really become a lifestyle drug. If youre in one of the clubs in Miami, where you used to talk about your plastic surgery, youre now talking about which GLP-1 youre on." He added, "All you have to know is Weight Watchers stock went up 45% when they announced that theyre selling GLP-1s now." Beyond the current shortage of products, Novo is also responsible for a 400% spike in spending on Ozempic for one employer and a 73% spike in utilization for one states education budget on Wegovy and Saxenda. In recent conversations with employers, weight care management startup Found's CEO Sara Jones Simmer said she was hearing about surges in healthcare spending. "[Employers] were seeing Ozempic go from not even being in the top 20 of drug costs literally to number one within six months time," Jones Simmer told Yahoo Finance. "We talked to one employer that sharedOzempic prescriptions had increased 400% year over year, and they said theres no way the number of Type 2 diabetics in our organization has changed 400% so where is this coming from?" And employers cant pull the drugs off their formulary, denying coverage to those who need it. But at the same time, "if they dont do anything about it, people are going to get on these medications that are designed to be taken in perpetuity, that cost, on average, $17,000 a year, and that could bankrupt especially a small employer," she said. Similarly, New Jerseys state education benefits plan has seen a 73% increase in the use of Wegovy and Saxenda, according to documents viewed by Yahoo Finance. Ozempic ranks in the top three for drug spending for fiscal year 2022 and is the top drug in the diabetes category, accounting for 12% of total plan spend, according to the documents. Novo Nordisk declined to comment on whether or not they anticipated this level of demand. But it is still facing a shortage of both Ozempic and Wegovy, after a slow initial rollout of Wegovy last year, and has scrambled to expand production more quickly than it anticipated. The company has also had to pause advertising for the drugs. "A second CMO [manufacturer] is now ready to begin production to help increase Wegovy supply capacity, and a third site at one of our current CMOs is expected later this year," the company said. Follow Anjalee Khemlani on Twitter @AnjKhem Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Every student's path into higher education is an exciting time in their lives. Finding the ideal student housing that offers not only a pleasant living space but also a supportive atmosphere for learning and personal development is one of the most important components of this trip. Here are five out-of-the-ordinary student housing options in India that offer a pleasant fusion of comfort, conveniences, and a lively community. These accommodations provide a home away from home, assuring a memorable and fulfilling college experience whether you're a local student exploring new towns or an international student seeing the grandeur of India. Your-Space: Website: www.your-space.in Your-space is India's premium student housing brand, offering exceptional accommodation services to college students across 12 Indian cities. With a mission to provide a stress-free living experience away from home, your-space presents thoughtfully designed facilities that create an exciting, safe, and memorable environment. Located within a 5-10 minute walking distance from colleges and universities, the properties feature spacious rooms, homestyle meals, reliable Wi-Fi, an on-premises gym, recreational areas, CCTV surveillance, 24/7 power backup, and top-notch security measures. Stanza Living: Website: www.stanzaliving.com Stanza Living aims to redefine the concept of PG accommodations with its professionally managed, tech-enabled spaces. Their fully furnished rooms, gourmet meals, and a range of amenities cater to the needs of young adults. Stanza Living creates a sense of community through various engagement activities, wellness programs, and an extensive network of PGs in key cities. Also read: Class 6-12 Girls To Get Free Sanitary Pads? SC To Hear Plea On Monday Zolo Stays: Website: www.zolostays.com Zolo Stays is known for its standardised and well-managed PG accommodations across multiple cities in India. With a focus on comfort and convenience, Zolo Stays offers fully furnished rooms, hygienic facilities, and amenities like Wi-Fi, housekeeping, and 24/7 security. Their community events and engagement activities provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. MyRoomie: Website:https://www.myroomie.in/ MyRoomie revolutionises the concept of student accommodation by offering exceptional services and fostering a dynamic community. Designed with attention to detail, MyRoomie provides students with thoughtfully curated rooms, state-of-the-art amenities, and an array of exciting events. By creating a supportive environment, MyRoomie empowers students to excel both academically and socially, making it a top choice for those seeking an elevated living experience during their college years. CoHo: Website: www.coho.in CoHo offers well-curated PG accommodations that blend comfort, community, and convenience. Their thoughtfully designed spaces provide modern amenities, comfortable infrastructure, and common areas. CoHo also organises social events, workshops, and networking sessions to foster a sense of belonging among residents. With locations in major cities, CoHo is a suitable choice for young professionals seeking a hassle-free living experience. Lok Sabha MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has accused the BJP-led Central government of being biased against Muslims when it comes to appointments in the country's premier intelligence agencies like Intelligence Bureau and Research And Analysis Wing (RAW). Quoting a news report, Owais alleged that while the ruling regime constantly demands proof of loyalty from Muslims, they never accept them as equal fellow citizens. "For the first time in decades, there wont be any Muslim officers in Intelligence Bureaus senior leadership. It is a reflection of the suspicion with which BJP sees Muslims. IB & R&AW have become exclusive majoritarian institutions. You constantly demand proof of loyalty from Muslims, but never accept them as equal fellow citizens," said Owaisi. For the first time in decades, there wont be any Muslim officers in Intelligence Bureaus senior leadership. It is a reflection of the suspicion with which BJP sees Muslims. IB & R&AW have become exclusive majoritarian institutions. You constantly demand proof of loyalty from pic.twitter.com/LtB5TjIDN7 Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) July 23, 2023 The report shared by Owaisi is of Asian Age newspaper which said that IB will have no senior Muslim IPS officer in an important position after decades. The report said that the last senior Muslim IPS officer SA Rizvi, who was holding the post of special director, was shifted to National Disaster Management Authority as an advisor. "It has been noticed that the number of Muslim IPS officers in the IB has dwindled significantly in recent years. This is in sharp contrast to the earlier regimes when an Asif Ibrahim could rise to the rank of IB director or Rafiul Alam, an Assam cadres IPS officer, could hold key positions during his deputation with the agency," read the part of the news report. Shafi Ahsan Rizvi is a 1989 batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. According to the Department of Personnel and Training order, the appointment was approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs. "The appointments committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs for the curtailment in present tenure of Shafi Ahsan Rizvi, IPS (UK:1989), hardcore officer of IB presently working as Special Director, IB, and his appointment as Advisor, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) from the date of assumption of charge of the post and up to January 31, 2026 or until further orders, whichever is earlier, by temporarily upgrading the post from level 14 to level 16, as a measure personal to the officer," read the order. Rizvi was appointed Special Director in June this year from the post of Additional Director. PATNA: Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras on Saturday once again staked his claim on the Hajipur constituency and said that he will contest the next Lok Sabha polls from his late brother Ram Vilas Paswan's constituency. While talking to ANI, Pashupati Paras, rebuffed his nephew Chirag Paswan who earlier said that he is going to contest from the constituency. I will contest from Hajipur itself, this is my right. I am an MP there, I am a cabinet minister in the Government of India and an old and trusted ally of the NDA (National Democratic Alliance), Paras said. In 2019, Pashupati Paras had won from Hajipur while Chirag emerged the winner from Jamui. However, the uncle-nephew fight shows no sign of relenting for close to three years. Pashupati Kumar Paras and Chirag Paswan first locked their horns over claiming the legacy of Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) founder Ram Vilas Paswan. Earlier on Tuesday, Chirag said that he will contest the next Lok Sabha polls in 2024 from the Hajipur constituency in Bihar. "I definitely say that I will contest the Lok Sabha elections from Hajipur only. It is not right to share the talks that took place with the BJP on a public platform but it is certain that Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) will contest the Lok Sabha election from Hajipur," Chirag Paswan told ANI. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) was formed in October 2021 after the Election Commission allotted a separate symbol to Chirag Paswan's faction following his differences with his uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras, who heads a separate faction. In the 2020 Bihar assembly elections, Chirag Paswan had walked out of the NDA, raising a rebellion against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. In the Bihar assembly elections 2020, the LJP managed to secure only 5.66 per cent vote share winning a single seat. The lone MLA who won under the LJP symbol soon switched sides to the JD(U). Paswan touched the feet of Paras and the two hugged each other. Paras, who heads Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), underplayed the warmth saying they were on a political platform with nothing to do with their family. That was just courtesy. This is our courtesy that if someone touches the feet of any elder then the elder person gives the blessing in return. Especially in Bihar when somebody touches feet, the senior gives blessings. In the same way, when he (Chirag Paswan) touched my feet I gave my blessing to him. That was something personal and political issue is different, said Pashupati Kumar Paras. New Delhi: Actor Kangana Ranaut's brother Aksht Ranaut and his wife Ritu Ranaut are expecting their first child. On Sunday, the Ranaut family hosted a Godh Bharai ceremony for Ritu. Kangana shared a string of pictures from the ceremony. Kangana looks super happy in the pictures. For the special day, she opted for a pink saree. The mom-to-be Ritu was dressed in a red silk saree with gold motifs. She flaunted her baby bump. On the other hand, Aksht was decked in a beige-toned kurta. "Sharing some precious moments from Ritu Ranauts GodbharaiOur hearts are full and we all are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Baby Ranaut thanks for all your well wishes and blessings," Kangana captioned the post. Meanwhile, on the work front, Kangana will be seen as an Air Force Pilot in 'Tejas'. 'Tejas' revolves around the extraordinary journey of Tejas Gill, an Air Force pilot, and aims to inspire and instil a deep sense of pride in the valiant soldiers who tirelessly defend our nation, confronting numerous challenges along the way. The Indian Air Force was the first of the country's defense forces to induct women into combat roles in 2016. Written and directed by Sarvesh Mewara, the film is all set to be in cinemas on October 20, 2023. Apart from this, Kangana will be next seen in the upcoming period film 'Emergency' in which she will be seen portraying the role of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. 'Emergency' marks her first solo-directorial film. The film also stars Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhry, Vishak Nair and Shreyas Talpade in prominent roles. New Delhi: American actor Joey Lynn King celebrated her bachelorette with friends and family at a winery in Napa Valley, California, People reported. For the occasion, she wore a chic halterneck dress and a white veil. She shared several photos from the enjoyable event on Instagram on Saturday. King, who got engaged to Steven Piet in February 2022, was pictured in the first image partying hard in a wine cellar while holding a glass and raising her arms. The upcoming bride captioned the humorous picture, "OHHHHHHHH SH*******." King posed admirably in the chic creamy-yellow dress for the second photo taken at the carousel while still donning her veil. A third image showed King standing on a raised platform inside the Cakebread Cellar Winery, demonstrating how seriously she took her wine-tasting responsibilities. In the last image, the actor was holding up a cheeky cookie in the shape of bathing trunks, with an offensive design iced on top. King's sister and actor Hunter King, reposted a photo of the actress on her Instagram Story, writing "Bride to be" across the image and adding a diamond ring emoji. A fellow actor, Taylor Lautner expressed her happiness by leaving two comments on King's Instagram post. A few hours later, he added another word, "JOEY," following his initial "Ahhhhhh" message. The Act, 2019 Hulu miniseries that earned the actress her first Emmy Award and Golden Globe nominations, is how she first met her fiance, Piet, 32. After dating Piet for three years, King announced their engagement in March 2022 by posting pictures of the proposal on Instagram. The Act, a 2019 Hulu limited series starring Piet as the real-life Gipsy Rose Blanchard, was produced and directed by King, as per People. "I never knew happiness could be so powerful that it can take the air from your lungs, overwhelming every part of you that you can't help but feel your eyes well from the undeniable joy," King captioned. "I never knew that a person's presence and heart could feel like a real home. I never knew love could be so unquestionably beautiful. I never knew until you." "The date was 2/2/22 when you asked me to marry you and made me the luckiest lady alive," she continued. "I love you more than an Instagram caption could ever do justice. Hanging out with you forever sounds like a real dream, so let's do it." Mumbai: Actor Shilpa Shetty on Sunday expressed her love and gratitude for her parents with a lovely post and a throwback picture of her with them on the occasion of Parents' Day. She took to her Instagram to write an emotional caption along with the picture. She mentioned, "For being the BESTest parents... Happy Parents' Day! Miss you, Dad! Love you, MomEternally grateful we are! @sunandashetty2 @ShamitaShetty #PricelessMemories #ParentsDay #family #love #parents #grateful #blessed." She also tagged her sister Shamita Shetty in her post. Fans took no time to react to her post and dropped heart emojis. One of them wrote, "Happy parents day." Another mentioned, Beautiful family While the other commented, "Parents bring and raise a daughter in the world with all their best abilities so that she can shine and show her abilities proudly to the world." Parent's Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday in July and this year it is celebrated on July 23. This day is the best opportunity to show respect and love to our parents. Meanwhile, Shilpa will act in 'KD-The Devil' as Satyavati alongside V Ravichandran, and Sanjay Dutt. The pan-India multilingual will be released in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi. She will also be seen among the panel of judges along with Kirron Kher, and Badshah on 'India's Got Talent'. New Delhi: Apple has recently released software update support for the Vision Pro, which revealed that there are three battery models to power the headset. The tech giant released the back-end on Thursday night that enables the Vision Pro to receive firmware updates, reports AppleInsider. It contains information on the Vision Pro battery kit model numbers, allowing the back-end to identify what firmware upgrade is required for a specific combination of hardware. According to leaker 'Aaronp613', the Vision Pro battery model is A2781. However, the firmware also mentioned two other Vision Pro battery models-- A2988 and A2697. "It's currently not known what this means, specifically. The additional model numbers could reference batteries that need to be manufactured in accordance with other countries' standards," the report said. The three models could also mean three different battery capacities. The iPhone maker had claimed at Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) last month that the headset's battery is not removable. On the battery, there is a USB-C port for charging and directly powering the Apple Vision Pro. Priced at $3,499, the headset will be available early next year, beginning in the US. Meanwhile, the tech giant announced the availability of new software tools and technologies that allows developers to create app experiences for the Vision Pro headset. With the help of the visionOS software development kit (SDK), developers can create entirely new app experiences across a range of categories, including productivity, design, gaming, and more, taking advantage of the powerful and unique features of Vision Pro and visionOS. To help developers optimise 3D content for their visionOS apps and games, a brand-new tool called Reality Composer Pro, included with Xcode, enables developers to preview and prepare 3D models, animations, photos, and sounds so they look amazing on Vision Pro. Mumbai: The table is set, the main course is done and finished and now the house will be set ablaze as the eliminations will begin this time on 'Bigg Boss OTT 2' on the Weekend Ka Vaar special. The Weekend Ka Vaar is always special given that it has new guests and more challenges, but this time, the house is truly hot because no one knows who will pack up and go home and who shall still remain. The drama and conflicts coupled with the twists and turns is a 'Bigg Boss' trope and audiences have witnessed much, ranging from Salman Khan's 'Dabangg' swag to contestants engaging in various tasks, heated arguments and controversies. Each and every time, the contestants are forced to up their game if they want to stay in the house, but now the time for listening and thinking is long past, it is time for action now as each contestant will have to put their best foot forward if they want to survive the harsh judgments that come their way. In the midst of all that has transpired, between the drama, the challenges, the thrills and conflicts, Bigg Boss OTT 2 has witnessed an interesting roster of nomination this week wherein six contestants were made prime candidates for eviction, with online polls not really able to determine who that person could be. The roster of names include Elvish Yadav, Avinash Sachdev, Falaq Naaz, Aashika Bhatia, Jiya Shankar and Jad Hadid. Ever since the nominations were announced, there has been speculation about who will get eliminated from 'Bigg Boss OTT 2'. The Captaincy Task was a big factor in determining who may still stay in the house. The recent antics of Elvish and the arising conflicts and controversies such as Jiya putting hand wash in his water, Falaq refuting his orders to make parathaas, or Avinash and Aashika engaging in fiery arguments taking pot shots and doing personal attacks have all collectively added to the anticipation. The whole scenario has been an interesting one full of dramatic turnovers, but who shall remain in the house will soon come to light, with a good chance that over two contestants among these six will pack up their bags and go home. Now as to who will it be, audiences can tune in to watch these thrilling eliminations and the accompanying drama in 'Bigg Boss OTT 2' streaming on JioCinema with the new 'Weekend Ka Vaar' special. SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) Q2 2023 Earnings Call Transcript July 20, 2023 SAP SE beats earnings expectations. Reported EPS is $3.14, expectations were $1.17. Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by. Welcome, and thank you for joining the SAP Q2 2023 Earnings Conference Call. [Operator Instructions]. I would now like to turn the conference over to Anthony Coletta, Chief Investor Relations Officer. Please go ahead. Anthony Coletta: Good day, everyone, and welcome. Thank you for joining us. With me today are CEO, Christian Klein; CFO, Dominik Asam and Scott Russell, who leads Customer Success. On this call, we will discuss SAP's Q2 and first half 2023 results. You can find the deck supplementing this call as well as our quarterly statement on our Investor Relations website. During this call, we'll make forward-looking statements, which are predictions, projections or other statements about future events. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and outcomes to materially differ. Additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties may be found in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, but not limited to the Risk Factors section of SAP's annual report on Form 20-F for 2022. Unless otherwise stated, all numbers on this call are non-IFRS and growth rates, percentage point changes and our 2023 financial outlook are non-IFRS at constant currencies. The non-IFRS financial measures we provide should not be considered as a substitute for or superior to the measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Before we start, I would like to remind you that SAP completed the sale of its stake in Qualtrics in June of this year. Therefore, all figures shared on this call are based on SAP Group results from continuing operations. And with that, I'd like to turn the call over to Christian. Story continues Christian Klein: Yes. Thank you, Anthony. And as always, thanks for joining us for our earnings call today. This has been a good Q2. At the halfway point of 2023 SAP continues to perform well despite a macroeconomic environment that remains uncertain. After reaching the turning point in our transformation, our sharpened focus has yielded real momentum, and we are seeing strong demand across our portfolio. Customers are looking to our game-changing solutions to foster sustainable end-to-end business processes across diverse industries on a global scale. It is also worth pausing on the watershed moment we're experiencing with generative AI. It's clear that generative AI will fundamentally change the way businesses run. In the business world, no one is better positioned than SAP to empower businesses to take advantage of this transformational moment, giving them the solutions to harness AI to improve business outcomes. We believe we are uniquely placed to become the leader in business AI. At our most recent Sapphire conference in May, we shared specifics of our AI approach with SAP Business AI. later on in my remarks today, I will talk in more detail about our ambitions on this front. So let's first turn to the summary of our numbers. In Q2, operating profit grew at an impressive 28%, up from 12% in Q1, clearly demonstrating the strength of this new phase in our transformation. This puts us in a strong position as we work towards our goal of double-digit operating profit growth in 2023. Current cloud backlog stands at over 11.5 billion, with continued strong growth, up 25% this quarter. Cloud revenue continues to grow steadily at 22%. And total Q2 revenue grew at 8%. For S/4HANA, specifically, cloud revenue grew 79%, up from 75% in Q1 and current cloud backlog grew 70%. Our results this quarter demonstrate the strength of our solutions in addressing the specific needs of our customers during challenging times. Customers are choosing SAP to help them transform their business processes, collaborate across their supply chain and operate sustainably. RISE with SAP continues to be the preferred choice for customers adopting the SAP portfolio to transform the end-to-end business processes in the cloud. Key new RISE deals this quarter include Bayer AG and Bacardi-Martini. As one of the world's largest pharma and biotech companies, Bayer chose RISE with SAP to facilitate its extensive business transformation program known as Core. While Bacardi is the world's largest privately owned international spirits company with a portfolio of more than 200 brands. They have chosen RISE with SAP to meet their ambitious growth targets. There were also a number of important RISE Go Live this quarter, including HanesBrands, Levi's, Tech Mahindra and Versuni. Tech Mahindra of India deployed RISE with SAP in record time, going live in just 3.5 months. Versuni, a new company formed from Philips Domestic Appliances undertook one of the largest RISE transformations ever, and it was completed in just 18 months. The success of RISE with SAP is clear. This is SAP's signature offering, which helps customers move to the cloud and transform their business processes at the same time. It's also very important to emphasize that SAP's newest innovations and capabilities will only be delivered in SAP public cloud and SAP private cloud using RISE with SAP as the enabler. This is how we will deliver these innovations with speed, agility, quality and efficiency. Our new innovations will not be available for on-premise or hosted on-premise ERP customers on hyperscalers. For example, new ERP capabilities as well as sustainability and carbon accounting solutions, and all our new AI innovations will only be available in the cloud and delivered via RISE and GROW with SAP. Last quarter, we introduced the powerful new offering, GROW with SAP, designed for mid-market customers who are new to SAP and likely to be growing quickly as they build their businesses. GROW has quickly become popular just RISE with SAP, for which around half of the customers are net new to the SAP family. The momentum I've described with both RISE and GROW with SAP is underpinned by the SAP business technology platform. This is the foundation for integration and extensibility across our portfolio. We have reached an important milestone this quarter with over 20,000 live BTP cloud customers. This quarter, new wins included Visa, the world leader in digital payments; and Santander, the Spanish financial multinational who are using SAP business technology platform to revolutionize and streamline the banking experience. Increasing adoption of S/4HANA and the SAP business technology platform is also driving significant cross and upsell opportunities across our portfolio. Let's now discuss the latest updates to our approach with SAP Business AI. As I said earlier, we believe we are uniquely placed to become the leader in AI built for business. Customers will benefit from new AI-powered solutions that step change how processes can self-learn and self automate to self-optimize business outcomes. For example, imagine supply chains that automatically initiate a different delivery route based on weather and congestion data. There will be a step change in how employees can interact with solutions in vertically more efficient and personalized ways. For instance, imagine your ERP system using embedded ESG data and business data to decarbonize the supply chain by 5%, simply by asking for it. And there will be a step change in uncovering new insights that lead to better business decisions. Imagine one trusted data layer across your entire company that enables AI to pull together the wide data in seconds. This will bring us significant opportunities for market expansion through new AI-based solutions and new premium offerings. Based on external forecasts and our own calculations, we see a potential doubling of our addressable market to $1 trillion by 2028 with AI being a key contributor. We will be introducing new premium RISE offerings with an uplift of up to 30% in the fall. Our approach with SAP Business AI is unmatched in the industry, delivering our customers the most relevant, reliable and responsible AI built for business. Firstly, our AI is relevant because it's embedded into every part of our portfolio. More than 24,000 SAP cloud customers today can already use SAP business AI across hundreds of built-in AI capabilities and partner use cases. To provide a couple of new tangible examples. In SAP Transportation Management, generative AI will save up to 55% of the processing cost of delivery notes. The new intelligent collections in SAP S/4HANA Finance can reduce the time between invoice and payment by up to 10%. Secondly, based on unique business data and business process context, we can deliver the most reliable business AI. Reliable AI hinges on applying the wide data to the wide model. By using SAP DataSphere to leverage substantial contact switch industry-specific data, business AI system can drastically improve accuracy, generate more relevant content and minimize AI hallucinations. Thirdly, responsible AI is not a buzzword for us. Our customers trust us with their most critical data and can confidently deploy our AI offerings, knowing we prioritize the highest levels of security, privacy, compliance and ethics. We comply with the highest standards when it comes to customer consent, security, GDPR regulations. This is what SAP stands for. We will continue to innovate and deliver by creating an AI ecosystem for the future, combining SAP and partner innovation built on the SAP business technology platform. software, tehnology, laptop Photo by Danial Igdery on Unsplash Let me give you some examples of this approach. At SAP Sapphire, we announced a partnership with Microsoft to collaborate on joint generative AI offerings to help customers address the talent gap with new recruitment and development tools. Last week, SAP Sapphire Ventures, the technology-focused we see backed by SAP announced that it will dedicate USD 1 billion to AI-powered enterprise technology start-ups. Earlier this week, we announced strategic investments in 3 leading generative AI companies, Aleph Alpha, Anthropic, and Cohere. In the fall, we plan to announce new AI solutions and capabilities across our portfolio. All told, we see a huge opportunity with new innovation in AI and believe SAP is uniquely poised to help customers take advantage of this watershed moment. As our Q2 results show, SAP continues to deliver. We are optimistic about the future based on SAP's core value, delivering technologies that build stronger companies. As we start the second half of the year, we remain fully committed to delivering on our promise of accelerated revenue and profit growth. This is reflected in our increased guidance for cloud and software revenue and for operating profit. In closing, let me quickly look back on what we have accomplished in recent years. Our own transformation into a cloud company, our leaner and more agile operating structure, new offerings that bring the power of SAP to more companies, solutions that harness the power of data wherever it resides and tools that create sustainable business processes across the industries. Now is another threshold moment. While nearly every company is working on the AI revolution in some way, no one sits at the nexus of technology and business like SAP. And we think there is enormous opportunity ahead. Dominique, over to you. Dominik Asam: Thank you, Christian, and good afternoon, everyone. We are very pleased with our second quarter's growth in non-IFRS operating profit, putting some upward pressure on our outlook on that metric for the full fiscal year 2023. In Q2, we also maintained a steady growth of our cloud business with current cloud backlog and cloud revenue, again growing by 25% and 22% year-over-year, respectively. The trend towards larger cloud transactions continued with deals greater than 5 million volume contributing to nearly half of our cloud order entry. As a reminder, on June 28, SAP completed the sale of its stake in Qualtrics. Therefore, the following results are for continuing operations. Let me talk you through our financial performance in more detail. Current cloud backlog was 1.5 billion, growing by 25% with S/4HANA, current cloud backlog growing by 70%, driven by the continued strong adoption of RISE with SAP. Our combined SaaS and PaaS portfolio continue to grow by 26%, with SaaS cloud revenue up 22% and PaaS cloud revenue up 45%. The sustained momentum was again fueled by the strong contribution of S/4HANA cloud and the business technology platform. Software licenses revenue saw a decrease by 24%. Total revenue was up 8% year-over-year, demonstrating the great resilience of our overall business in the current macro environment. Now let's take a brief look at our regional performance. In the second quarter, all regions delivered strong cloud performance. Germany, Brazil and India had outstanding cloud revenue growth, while the United States, the Netherlands, France, China and Chile performed particularly strong. Now moving further down the income statement. Our cloud gross profit grew by 24%, supported by the completion of SAP's next-generation cloud delivery program. This marks a key milestone in terms of portfolio integration and harmonization for our customers. This, in turn, resulted in cloud gross margin improving from the year ago period, expanding by 1.1 percentage points to 72.2%. In the second quarter, both IFRS as well as non-IFRS operating profit increased by 28%, mainly driven by sustained high growth in cloud revenue, the completion of the next-gen cloud delivery program, efficiency gains resulting from spending discipline across the entire organization as well as gradual relief from the impacts of the war in Ukraine. Additionally, our IFRS operating profit benefited from restructuring expenses in Q2 last year but was negatively affected by higher share-based compensation expenses primarily due to share price development over the quarter. Finally, the operating margin landed at 27.2%, a 4.4 percentage point improvement compared to the prior period. Earnings per share in the quarter increased 12% to 1.07. The IFRS effective tax rate for Q2 was 33.8%, and the non-IFRS tax rate was 30.4%. The reduction of the IFRS effective tax rate from Q1 to Q2 mainly resulted from the increase in profit before taxes. Now looking to our cash generation. Free cash flow for Q2 significantly increased to 604 million, driven by the strong expansion of operating profit and the reduction of payments, primarily for share-based compensation but also for CapEx and leasing. Now let's move on to our financial outlook. As you've seen in today's release, we are updating our revenue and operating profit outlook for the full year for continuing operations. The outlook range for cloud and software revenue is being narrowed by moving the lower end slightly up despite moving the upper end of the range for cloud revenues down. The latter being mainly driven by lower-than-anticipated transactional revenue. As a result of this slight shift in mix and overall marginally higher midpoint of our cloud and software revenue outlook, the operating profit outlook range has been increased accordingly. Note that this update implicitly leaves the overall margin profile intact for the year and provides confidence in achieving the free cash flow outlook, which is reaffirmed. As you know, our 2023 financial outlook is based on constant currency assumptions, i.e., a prior year's exchange rate of USD 1.05 per euro. Let's now discuss our nonfinancial targets. The nonfinancial outlook for 2023 is reiterated. In Q2, SAP once again achieved net carbon emissions of 0-kilotons. Our focus continues to be on reaching net zero emissions across our value chain by 2030. To get there, we're establishing a multiphase supply chain engagement program with our suppliers to significantly reduce our upstream greenhouse gas emissions. As a first step, we are working with our top 100 suppliers to ensure they report emissions at product level and follow a net zero plan, leveraging our own technology to do so. Our first half results give us confidence that we are heading in the right direction and continue to be well established and positioned to achieve our revenue and profit growth goals for the year. The resilience of our businesses, combined with the focus and cost discipline across the organization are evidenced by strong profit growth. Q2 results continue to demonstrate that SAP has entered the second phase of its transformation, characterized by sustained cloud momentum, now turning into significant profit growth. In addition, we are laser-focused on our core and continue to streamline the business as demonstrated by our successful divestiture of Qualtrics in the last quarter. We firmly believe that we offer best-in-class solutions to our customers, serving as a trusted strategic partner in their digital transformation journey. Thank you, and we will now be happy to take your questions. Anthony Coletta: All right. [Operator Instructions]. So operator, please open the line. See also 30 Most Polluted Cities in the U.S. and 10 Best Gold Royalty Stocks to Buy Now. To continue reading the Q&A session, please click here. Sensata Technologies Holding plc (NYSE:ST) will increase its dividend from last year's comparable payment on the 23rd of August to $0.12. Although the dividend is now higher, the yield is only 1.0%, which is below the industry average. See our latest analysis for Sensata Technologies Holding Sensata Technologies Holding's Earnings Easily Cover The Distributions Even a low dividend yield can be attractive if it is sustained for years on end. Before making this announcement, Sensata Technologies Holding was easily earning enough to cover the dividend. This means that most of its earnings are being retained to grow the business. Looking forward, earnings per share is forecast to rise by 50.2% over the next year. Assuming the dividend continues along recent trends, we think the payout ratio could be 12% by next year, which is in a pretty sustainable range. Sensata Technologies Holding Doesn't Have A Long Payment History Without a track record of dividend payments, we can't make a judgement on how stable it has been. This doesn't mean that the company can't pay a good dividend, but just that we want to wait until it can prove itself. Dividend Growth May Be Hard To Achieve Investors who have held shares in the company for the past few years will be happy with the dividend income they have received. Let's not jump to conclusions as things might not be as good as they appear on the surface. Unfortunately, Sensata Technologies Holding's earnings per share has been essentially flat over the past five years, which means the dividend may not be increased each year. Our Thoughts On Sensata Technologies Holding's Dividend Overall, we always like to see the dividend being raised, but we don't think Sensata Technologies Holding will make a great income stock. The payments haven't been particularly stable and we don't see huge growth potential, but with the dividend well covered by cash flows it could prove to be reliable over the short term. We don't think Sensata Technologies Holding is a great stock to add to your portfolio if income is your focus. Story continues Market movements attest to how highly valued a consistent dividend policy is compared to one which is more unpredictable. At the same time, there are other factors our readers should be conscious of before pouring capital into a stock. As an example, we've identified 1 warning sign for Sensata Technologies Holding that you should be aware of before investing. Looking for more high-yielding dividend ideas? Try our collection of strong dividend payers. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here (Bloomberg) -- Typhoon Doksuri has rapidly intensified and may become a super typhoon as it threatens to hit land north of the Philippines before possibly heading to Taiwan. Most Read from Bloomberg The typhoon, called Egay in the Philippines, has maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers (87 miles) an hour and gusts of up to 170 kilometers, the Philippine weather agency Pagasa said Monday. Moving westward at 15 kilometers per hour, its forecast to hit land or pass very close to the Philippines northern islands between tomorrow and July 26, the local bureau said. Its expected to be 49 nautical miles off the port city of Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan later Wednesday, according to the US militarys Joint Typhoon Warning Center. The second in a five-tier wind signal system has been hoisted in some areas in eastern Philippines, with light to moderate risks to light structures. The typhoon may also bring occasional rains to other parts of the main Luzon island as it enhances the southwest monsoon, the state weather bureau said. On Saturday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that government work and public-school classes in Metro Manila have been suspended on Monday. Marcos, who is set to deliver his State of the Nation Address on the day, cited weather risks and a scheduled transport strike for the suspension. Share trading will take place as usual on the Philippine bourse, while foreign-exchange transactions on the local spot market will be suspended. Monday is a regular trading day, Philippine Stock Exchange President Ramon Monzon said in a memorandum on Sunday. There will be no trading on the Philippine currency market on Monday because the central bank-operated payment and settlement system will be suspended amid a scheduled transport strike, the Bankers Association of the Philippines said. Similarly, there will be no bond trading, the local debt exchange said. The Bureau of the Treasury said a weekly treasury bills auction will be moved to Tuesday. Story continues The Joint Typhoon Warning Center located Doksuri 344 nautical miles east of Manila. It forecast the storm would make its closest point of approach to Taipei and Hong Kong on July 27, before heading to Shanghai. Doksuri may become the first typhoon to hit Taiwan since 2019, according to Chang Cheng Chuan, a forecaster at Taiwans Central Forecast Center. The initial impact on outer-region circulation may be felt on Tuesday, with direct effects from Wednesday to Thursday, Chang said. According to the Hong Kong Observatory, the chance of Doksuri moving toward the coast of eastern Guangdong still cannot be ruled out as it is forecast to gradually edge closer to the vicinity of Taiwan this week. --With assistance from Andreo Calonzo. (Adds details from latest weather bulletin throughout.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. As an investor, mistakes are inevitable. But you have a problem if you face massive losses more than once in a while. So consider, for a moment, the misfortune of Bubs Australia Limited (ASX:BUB) investors who have held the stock for three years as it declined a whopping 75%. That would certainly shake our confidence in the decision to own the stock. And over the last year the share price fell 57%, so we doubt many shareholders are delighted. 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. View our latest analysis for Bubs Australia Bubs Australia isn't currently profitable, so most analysts would look to revenue growth to get an idea of how fast the underlying business is growing. Shareholders of unprofitable companies usually expect strong revenue growth. Some companies are willing to postpone profitability to grow revenue faster, but in that case one does expect good top-line growth. Over three years, Bubs Australia grew revenue at 23% per year. That is faster than most pre-profit companies. So why has the share priced crashed 21% per year, in the same time? The share price makes us wonder if there is an issue with profitability. Sometimes fast revenue growth doesn't lead to profits. If the company is low on cash, it may have to raise capital soon. The company's revenue and earnings (over time) are depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers). This free interactive report on Bubs Australia's balance sheet strength is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further. A Different Perspective Bubs Australia shareholders are down 57% for the year, but the market itself is up 11%. 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. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 11% over the last half decade. Generally speaking long term share price weakness can be a bad sign, though contrarian investors might want to research the stock in hope of a turnaround. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Bubs Australia better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 3 warning signs for Bubs Australia you should know about. Story continues Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies we expect will grow earnings. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Australian exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here Carol Witteveen opened Way Cup Cafe in 2004 in Southshore Village. The shop offers coffee drinks, smoothies and shakes, plus a full menu. HOLLAND Tucked away on the southside of Holland sits a cafe some locals refer to as a hidden gem. Carol Witteveen opened Way Cup Cafe at 501 W. 17th St. in 2004. The shop offers a change of pace in Southshore Village, selling everything from coffee and espresso to fruit smoothies and shakes, plus a full menu. Witteveen opened the cafe after years of running other coffee shops in the area, including Joe2Go. I was managing these places by myself and I just decided to open up my own, Witteveen told The Sentinel. I just live a mile and a half down the road, so it's perfect and now we're going on 19 years. She's collected personal touches over the years, from local artwork to a Glasgow bumper sticker. But it's the story behind the business that truly makes it special, because Witteveen almost wasn't here at all. The interior of Way Cup Cafe in Holland on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Born in Scotland, Witteveen came to the United States after her mother married a man in the Navy. They lived in a couple of different places, but ultimately settled in his hometown, Holland. Then, at 17, she was in a car accident at the intersection of Riley Street and U.S.-31. My death certificate was filled out and everything, Witteveen said. I had a third-degree subdural hematoma, which is when the side of your brain is bleeding. She also suffered multiple breaks in her pelvis and hip and lost her spleen. Doctors didn't think Witteveen would survive. They drilled three holes to release the blood in her brain. And then, somehow, she lived. Witteveen said she pushed herself during physical therapy, putting in the work so she could walk again. Today, she still goes to Holland Aquatic Center to stay active and work her joints. That determination came in handy during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Witteveen and her son, Austyn, kept the business alive by leaning on their drive-thru. The exterior of Way Cup Cafe in Holland on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Without the drive-thru, I wouldnt be here right now," she said. As Witteveen looks to the future, she's excited to see what comes next. She hopes Way Cup Cafe can continue to be a place where customers make friends while enjoying a tasty treat. Story continues Subscribe: Get all your breaking news and unlimited access to our local coverage "I'm just grateful for all my great customers," she said. Thank you so much, thank you so much for coming out and supporting me." For more information, visit 4waycup.com. Contact reporter Austin Metz at ametz@hollandsentinel.com. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Showing grit: Holland cafe owner talks 20 years in business When we invest, we're generally looking for stocks that outperform the market average. And while active stock picking involves risks (and requires diversification) it can also provide excess returns. For example, long term Sonic Healthcare Limited (ASX:SHL) shareholders have enjoyed a 34% share price rise over the last half decade, well in excess of the market return of around 12% (not including dividends). On the other hand, the more recent gains haven't been so impressive, with shareholders gaining just 4.9% , including dividends . Now it's worth having a look at the company's fundamentals too, because that will help us determine if the long term shareholder return has matched the performance of the underlying business. Check out our latest analysis for Sonic Healthcare There is no denying that markets are sometimes efficient, but prices do not always reflect underlying business performance. 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, Sonic Healthcare achieved compound earnings per share (EPS) growth of 14% per year. The EPS growth is more impressive than the yearly share price gain of 6% over the same period. So one could conclude that the broader market has become more cautious towards the stock. The company's earnings per share (over time) is depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers). We consider it positive that insiders have made significant purchases in the last year. Having said that, most people consider earnings and revenue growth trends to be a more meaningful guide to the business. Dive deeper into the earnings by checking this interactive graph of Sonic Healthcare's earnings, revenue and cash flow. What About Dividends? It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. We note that for Sonic Healthcare the TSR over the last 5 years was 55%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return. Story continues A Different Perspective Sonic Healthcare shareholders gained a total return of 4.9% during the year. But that return falls short of the market. It's probably a good sign that the company has an even better long term track record, having provided shareholders with an annual TSR of 9% over five years. It's quite possible the business continues to execute with prowess, even as the share price gains are slowing. 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 example, we've discovered 1 warning sign for Sonic Healthcare that you should be aware of before investing here. There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Australian exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here Data show differences between how generations spend, including what challenges they face. Older Americans are increasing their spending faster than younger generations, according to data from Bank of America, which suggests this can be partly attributed to the relatively generous 8.7% cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) for Social Security beneficiaries this year. As the bank noted, the COLA was the largest increase in 40 years for Social Security recipients. The generational differences were reflected in data that showed overall consumer spending has been relatively stable. According to the bank, baby boomers spending increased 2.2% in May, while it dropped 1.5% among millennials and Gen Z. This comes at the same time as many boomers report delaying retirement because of fears about the economy. As BoA describes it, baby boomers (born 1946-64) and Traditionalist households (1928-45) are showing higher year-over-year growth rates in total credit card spending. Gen X, which is made up of people born between 1965 and 1977, is showing the same weaker trends as millennials and Gen Z. The differences can pose a challenge for those seeking to talk about money across generations . BoA found evidence of faster spending growth in households that receive Social Security payments, compared to those that dont. Another factor, according to the bank, is younger generations are likely to face higher housing costs and the consequences of the end of the student loan repayment moratorium. Titled The Young and the Restless , the report from the bank notes that housing costs are felt differently across generations, which likely contributes to the difference in spending. The report notes that data shows that Gen Z and millennials are seeing a much higher rise in median rent and mortgage payments than older generations. This comes at a time when boomers have become the largest generation of homebuyers . Still, younger adults are more likely to move for work or to accommodate growing families. This means, the bank says, that younger generations face more rising rent and house prices as they move around, while older generations may move less. Story continues Another explanation the bank offered is the fact that older Americans reduced spending more during the pandemic, so some of the acceleration in spending may be a recovery from that. Younger adults overspend because of friends In the meantime, spending habits are becoming a source of friction among younger adults, according to a survey conducted by Qualitrics on behalf of Intuit Credit Karma . That study showed 36% of Gen Z and millennials reporting having a friend who drives them to overspend. This is resulting in debt and sometimes ending friendships to protect finances. The study showed 88% of millennials and 80% of Gen Z who have these overspending friends have taken on debt as a consequence of spending time with that friend. Millennials are worse off however, with 15% admitting theyve taken on $500 or more in debt as a result of spending time with their spendy friend, compared to just 2% of Gen Z respondents in the same boat, the report says. The overspending is concentrated on dining or drinks and nights out, trips and vacations and birthday celebrations. Credit Karma notes that the top reasons young survey respondents spend money they dont have when theyre with these friends include not wanting to feel left out (31% of Gen Z and 32% of millennials who say they have a friend who drives them to overspend), wanting to keep up with their friends lifestyle (29% of Gen Z and 28% of millennials) and wanting to please their friend (29% of Gen Z and 28% of millennials). Another 28% of millennials admit they just dont know how to say no to this friend. Note: A version of this item first appeared in Kiplinger Retirement Report, our popular monthly periodical that covers key concerns of affluent older Americans who are retired or preparing for retirement. Subscribe for retirement advice thats right on the money. A Stability AI cofounder was perfectly positioned to strike it rich in the A.I. boom. He just didnt know it. Cyrus Hodes alleges that CEO Emad Mostaque deceived him into selling his 15% stake for $100three months before the startup reached a $1 billion valuation. His stake would be worth over $500 million now. Mostaque convinced Hodes that the company he had helped build was essentially worthless, leading him to sell his shares to him in October 2021 and May 2022, according to a complaint filed in San Francisco federal court on July 13. "But just a few months later, in August 2022, the company engaged in a seed funding round in which venture capital firms invested $101 million at a post-money valuation of $1 billion," the complaint states. More recently, the company has been in the marketplace seeking funding at a valuation of $4 billion. Mostaque's behavior epitomizes corporate greed at its worst and simply shocks the conscience," the complaint states. "The suit is without merit and we will aggressively defend our position," a Stability AI spokesperson told Fortune. Stability AI is the company behind Stable Diffusion, an A.I. tool for making digital images. Users type in what they want and the program generates a realistic or surrealistic picture. OpenAIs Dall-E 2 is a competitor. Hodes served as the artificial-intelligence program director at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. He was previously an adviser to the United Arab Emirates. The complaint states that Mostaque, even as he persuaded Hodes that his stake was worthless, worked on Stable Diffusion and held talks with VC firms that he never revealed. Hodes wants punitive damages for the alleged fraud and, unsurprisingly, his 15% stake restored. Hodes and Mostaque conceived of Stability AI together, and Hodes spent countless hours working full time to develop, fundraise, market, and advance Stability AI, the complaint alleged. It added that Hodes worked full time for 18 months to build the business, giving up other opportunities along the way and receiving de minimis monetary compensation outside his 15% stake. Story continues Stability AI also faces legal action from Getty Images. The stock photography company alleged in a February lawsuit filed in Delaware that the startup copied 12 million images (along with the associated captions and metadata) from its database to train its A.I. model without permission or compensation. Getty accused the company of brazen infringement of Getty Images intellectual property on a staggering scaleas part of its efforts to build a competing business. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com More from Fortune: 5 side hustles where you may earn over $20,000 per yearall while working from home Looking to make extra cash? This CD has a 5.15% APY right now Buying a house? Here's how much to save This is how much money you need to earn annually to comfortably buy a $600,000 home Ray Herrick, Margaret Stephens, Hazel Hayes, and Mayor Robert Visscher, c. 1960. Holland owes an awful lot to Hazel Hayes, Ray Herrick and Henry Ford. As we learned last week, Ray Herrick was a restless employee. Between 1911 and 1931, he worked for 10 different companies until he created his own. At the onset of the Great Depression, Ray co-founded, with Herrick Sage, the Hillsdale Machine and Tool Company. There, at the suggestion of Frank Smith, Ray began to make refrigerator compressors. Within the next year, Smith designed a model Ray could make for half the price of other compressors on the market. So, Ray doubled-down and became the majority shareholder in Hillsdale Machine. Then he leased the plant vacated by his former employer, the Alamo Engine Company, in exchange for 10 percent of the business he procured from among Alamos former customers. Unfortunately, Ray was so successful he couldn't afford to pay the royalty, forcing Hillsdales demise. But just in time, in 1934, an old friend came to the rescue. Henry Ford called Ray to his office in Dearborn. There, Ford proposed that, if Ray took over the failed H. Brewer and Co. in Tecumseh and built compressors for Ford, Ford would help him. That September, a hundred men began working to get the Tecumseh facility ready for production. In October, Ray re-opened the factory. In December, Ray started its first compressor line. But growing companies need cash workers make products, suppliers supply parts, and the company records sales before customers actually pay. Already in 1935, Rays Tecumseh Products Company was starving for cash. Then one Saturday, Ford appeared unannounced in Rays office chair. The following Monday, Fords loan officer called Ray to tell him Tecumseh had a line of credit. Ray didnt waste it. By the late 1950s, when Hollands Hazel Hays wrote to Herrick to tell him about the need for a new library, Tecumsehs annual sales had exceeded $160 million ($1.6 billion in todays dollars). Hollands mayor, Robert Visscher, helped dedicate the Herrick Public Library on May 7, 1960. Herricks $300,000 gift ($3 million in todays dollars) made that possible. It wasn't Herricks only gift to Holland. Herrick also endowed the Hazel Fortney Art Center at Holland High School. And, because Tecumseh Products was General Electrics largest private customer, he was also responsible for General Electric opening a plant in Holland (on 16th Street and U.S.-31, where Menards is located today) in 1953. Story continues Steve VanderVeen According to Jim Jellison, who worked in marketing for General Electric, Herrick had a unique style. Every year [we] negotiated a contract with him. ... Most invariably we went there to his office. On one occasion, we weren't getting anywhere ... [Herrick] was pleading the case for a lower price on the motors that they were going to buy, and so the conversation virtually ended. "As everyone was trying to decide what we'd do next, Mr. Herrick abruptly climbed onto the conference table, sank to his knees, raised his hands to the heavens, and began a lengthy prayer for our enlightenment. His prayer was that we should see the error of our ways and do the right thing. ... And finally, he ended his long prayer and got down off the table and sat down. "We had no idea how to handle this. [Then], one of the salesmen who called on that account started laughing, which, as it turned out, was the best way to handle it. ... Then [Mr. Herrick] burst out laughing and said, Well I had to do something to get your attention. One day, in the 1970s, according to Jellison, a sizable lectern showed up in the lobby of Tecumseh Products with a very large Bible on it. It became his practice every morning when he came in to leaf through that Bible and select a passage and put a ribbon on that as the passage for the day. "It became known to business visitors, salesmen, etc. that they better know what the verse was that day and be able to recite it. ... The strange part was that Mr. Herrick would say, People don't think I'm a religious person, but I'm the most blankety-blank religious person in the state of Michigan. That. and one of the most loyal to his old hometown. Information for this article comes from John Harper Dawsons "Biography of Ray W. Herrick" and Ann Paeths oral history interview of Jim Jellison. Community Columnist Steve VanderVeen is a resident of Holland. Contact him through start-upacademeinc.com. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland History: Who was the namesake of Herrick District Library? Questions have been raised following rival Unilevers admission that it would allow Russian staff to be conscripted - ALEXEY PAVLISHAK/REUTERS More than 7,000 Nestle workers in Russia are at risk of being conscripted into the Ukraine war as the company comes under pressure to withdraw from the country. The food giant, which has six factories in Russia, refused to say whether it would intervene to stop staff being called up to fight in Ukraine. Questions have been raised following rival Unilevers admission that it would allow Russian staff to be conscripted. The Swiss business said it is closely monitoring developments in Russia and would act to safeguard the wellbeing of its employees and protect their fundamental rights. However, when pressed further, Nestle declined to say it would take action to stop the conscription of its staff. Russian law requires any company operating in the country to allow the conscription of workers should they be called upon. Nestle and Unilever are among a handful of Western businesses that have remained in Russia following the outbreak of war in Ukraine. Both have cut back operations in the country and argue that they are providing vital goods to ordinary people who are not involved in the war. Nestle said it continues to sell essential and basic foods. Products available in Russian supermarkets reportedly include chocolate bars, Nescafe, Purina pet food and Bystrow breakfast cereals. However, Western businesses are under growing pressure to exit Russia altogether as the war in Ukraine drags on. Valeriia Voshchevska, of the Ukraine Solidarity Project, a campaign group, said: Companies basically gamble with the lives of their staff and with their reputation by staying there. Its not like operating in any other country. Its operating in a country that has basically thrown out any rules and any kind of laws through the window. Reginaldo Ecclissato, Unilevers chief business operations and supply chain officer, has said continuing to run its Russian business with strict constraints was better than selling it with a potential benefit to the Kremlin, or closing down and seeing operations appropriated by the Russian state. Story continues Protesters carry placards 'Boycott Nestle' as they take part in a demonstration against the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year - Shuttershock Eddy Hargreaves, an equity research analyst at wealth manager Investec, said this defence was starting to become implausible. Mr Hargreaves said: Those arguments dont hold much water now, because its not really stopping the Russians doing whatever they want. He pointed out that the Russian Government expropriated assets from Carlsberg and Danone last week under a decree aimed at companies from unfriendly countries. Mr Hargreaves said Unilever, Nestle and other businesses are being blackmailed into allowing their employees to be conscripted because if they did not, they would be shut down or have their assets expropriated. He said: By staying on it would risk losing more in reputation globally than they might save short term in monetary terms and continuing in Russia. At the same time, they cant really say that theyre safeguarding their employees or their well-being anymore. A Nestle spokesman said: Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, we have implemented the actions we committed to take last year concerning our operations in Russia, and drastically reduced our portfolio in the country to refocus our efforts on continuing to provide access to essential and basic foods for the local people. We continue to closely monitor developments in Russia, and act to safeguard the wellbeing of all our employees and to protect their fundamental rights. We have been clear that our employees in Russia should be considered essential workers given the critical nature of our sector: producing food. Of course, we are fully complying with all applicable international sanctions on Russia. 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. Let's talk about the popular The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW). The company's shares saw a significant share price rise of over 20% in the past couple of months on the NYSE. With many analysts covering the large-cap stock, we may expect any price-sensitive announcements have already been factored into the stocks share price. However, what if the stock is still a bargain? Today I will analyse the most recent data on Sherwin-Williamss outlook and valuation to see if the opportunity still exists. View our latest analysis for Sherwin-Williams What Is Sherwin-Williams Worth? The stock is currently trading at US$269 on the share market, which means it is overvalued by 30% compared to my intrinsic value of $206.10. This means that the buying opportunity has probably disappeared for now. If you like the stock, you may want to keep an eye out for a potential price decline in the future. Given that Sherwin-Williamss 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 Sherwin-Williams 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 22% over the next couple of years, the future seems bright for Sherwin-Williams. 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? It seems like the market has well and truly priced in SHWs positive outlook, with shares trading above its fair value. At this current price, shareholders may be asking a different question should I sell? If you believe SHW should trade below its current price, selling high and buying it back up again when its price falls towards its real value can be profitable. But before you make this decision, take a look at whether its fundamentals have changed. Story continues Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping an eye on SHW for a while, now may not be the best time to enter into the stock. The price has surpassed its true value, which means theres no upside from mispricing. However, the positive outlook is encouraging for SHW, which means its worth diving deeper into other factors in order to take advantage of the next price drop. If you want to dive deeper into Sherwin-Williams, you'd also look into what risks it is currently facing. Case in point: We've spotted 1 warning sign for Sherwin-Williams you should be aware of. If you are no longer interested in Sherwin-Williams, 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. 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 Chicago police Officer Renault Robinson on duty behind police headquarters at 11th and State streets on May 9, 1973. Robinson co-founded and became executive director of the Afro-American Patrolmens League, which aimed to boost police relations with the Black community and to improve relations between Black and white officers and police reform. As a form of retaliation, the Police Department assigned Robinson to patrol the alley behind headquarters. (Gerald West/Chicago Tribune) Spring of 1973 was a busy season for Renault Robinson, who spoke at a conference on Community Control of Police and, not incidentally, walked a beat in the alley behind Chicagos police headquarters in the South Loop. This is retaliation, Robinson told a Tribune reporter about his assignment. No one had this job before me. Advertisement Robinson, who headed the Afro-American Patrolmens League, had made a stink about five off-duty cops who beat a Black man and his companion outside a bar at 56 S. Wabash Ave. Trying to escape, the man was shot in the buttocks. A rookie cop was suspended; the other four werent given so much as a slap on the wrist. His protest was enough to put Robinson on bad paper with the departments brass, as well as with some fellow officers. Advertisement They had taken a vow of silence: A cop doesnt rat on a cop. Chicago police Officer Renault Robinson at the Afro-American Patrolmens League at 7126 S. Jeffery Blvd. in Chicago on July 16, 1971. (Roy Hall/Chicago Tribune) It was also beyond the pale to participate in a two-day meeting at the University of Illinois Circle Campus convened by the Black Panther Party, where comedian Dick Gregory recalled the sketchy cops of his youth in St. Louis: At 6 years old I saw the cop standing on the corner laughing and joking with the pimps, he said. Im 41 years old, and I hear white folks in America saying to Black folks, Why dont you have respect for your local police? That kind of talk was to be expected from a show-business celebrity. Or from Fannie Lou Hamer, a civil rights activist who came from Mississippi for the conference. The Black Panthers organized the meeting to confront police brutality, and half a century later, the call for Community Control of Police looks like the ancestor of the Black Lives Matter movement. Chicago police Officer Renault Robinson, head of the Afro-American Patrolmens League, takes over a meeting by shouting down the speaker with a bullhorn on June 20, 1972, in Chicago. The meeting was between Superintendent James Conlisk Jr. and the people of Englewood and Wentworth police districts at the Antioch Baptist Church. (Frank Hanes/Chicago Today) But why would a Chicago cop attend? The one thing his supporters and detractors agreed upon was that Robinson, who died July 8, was an unusual cop. His superiors thought a beat under the alley L at 11th Street nicely matched the attitude he brought to the job. Robinson thinks he can run the department, said 1st District Cmdr. Paul McLaughlin, that he can get the press behind him so he doesnt have to follow the rules. Advertisement Robinson sampled the Black communitys image of cops early on. He was working in plainclothes when a boy, running down a West Side street, crashed into him. As Robinson picked him up, he screamed; Let go, the pig is after me! Its OK, Im a policeman, Robinson said. I thought you was a brother! the boy shouted in disbelief as he resumed running. Renault Robinson, head of the Afro-American Patrolmens League, at a news conference on the Police Departments IDA procedures at the leagues headquarters on April 13, 1973. (Quentin C. Dodt/Chicago Tribune) Once Robinson became president of the fledgling Afro-American Patrolmens League, he made headlines and was subjected to disciplinary actions in regular succession. When he was charged with drunken driving in 1969, he said the cops tailed him all day before giving him a Breathalyzer test. It read .050. A state evidence technician testified that the threshold of intoxication was .10, the Tribune reported. In 1970, he was suspended for disobeying an order, insubordination, incompetence, inefficiency and failure to report an anticipated absence from duty. Advertisement The next year, he was arrested while distributing leaflets in the Kensington District police station alleging discrimination against Black police officers. In 1972, he asked the feds to stop funding the CPD until the department stopped its racial discrimination policies in hiring, discipline and other areas. The Afro-American Patrolmens League was joined by the U.S. Justice Department in suing the department over discrimination. The departments response to Robinsons leadership of the Afro-American Patrolmens League was one example of that discrimination. In 1975, Robinson told the Tribune that his annual efficiency rating dropped from 98.8 on a scale of 100 as a member of the elite vice squad during his early years on the force, to 15 by the time he was assigned to guard the alley behind police headquarters. Renault Robinson, center, and members of the Afro-American Patrolmens League, hold a news conference concerning the arrest of the leagues president, Howard Saffold, on Nov. 25, 1975. Sitting with Robinson are the Rev. George Clements, Saffold, Edgar Gosh and Henry Jordan. (Walter Kale/Chicago Tribune) By then, the Tribune had produced a series examining the basis of his crusade, Chicagos Troubled Police. Brutality is probably the most serious charge that can be levied against a police officer. It is also probably the most difficult to prove, the Tribune wrote on May 11, 1972. Yet the issue of police brutality is one of the key elements in the current barrage of criticism against the Chicago Police Department. Rep. Ralph Metcalfe, a Machine stalwart, was on the verge of breaking with Mayor Richard J. Daley on the police issue. Daley had limited tolerance for second-guessing the police, and Black politicians were expected to follow suit. But that had become problematic. Robinsons saga resonated with African Americans, as was witnessed by a column in the Chicago Defender. We the people must support Rep. Metcalfe and others, a minister wrote. Know it my brother! Feel it my sister! Day is breaking! Advertisement U.S. Rep. Ralph Metcalfe in Chicago police headquarters after he and Black leaders met with Superintendent James Conlisk on April 24, 1972, to discuss police harassment and abuse of Black people by police. (Gerald West / Chicago Tribune) Metcalfe heard similar voices. Not just Blacks are coming to our cause, he said at an Urban League meeting in May 1972. White people are seeing the indignities that Black people are suffering and they too are coming to our aid. The Tribunes series revealed that police brutality wasnt confined to Black neighborhoods. Residents of middle-class neighborhoods were also vulnerable. Harriet Bauman was dragged out of her Rogers Park home by Sgt. Edward Flynn, who was checking out a report that her dog had bitten a process server. As she was explaining the pet wasnt vicious, he cuffed her and muscled her down the stairs, cursing all the while and calling her a whore. Horrified neighbors verified her story. But the Police Departments internal affairs division stamped Baumans complaint unfounded. One witness said she struggled with the officer, which in addition to the officers denials of some of the allegations was apparently enough. That sort of experience was just a fact of life in Bronzeville and other Black neighborhoods. The Defender ran a column of advice from the Afro-American Patrolmens League for people who wrote in to say they had been victims of police brutality. This is a typical situation that happens hundreds and hundreds of times a week to Black people, began the response to a 1969 letter from a man who said cops had rousted him out of bed in the middle of the night, then beaten and handcuffed him. Advertisement Reports like that gave the 1,000 attendees a lot to talk about during the 1973 Control of Police Conference. Yet any payoff came in extremely slow motion. Historical turning points arent reached in seminar rooms. Robinson and his superiors standoff continued. The department suspended Robinson without pay. Testifying before a judge investigating cops racism, he was told, violated a rule against disrespecting the department. The League ran out money and had to downsize its headquarters and staff it with volunteers. Chicago police Officer Renault Robinson at his new assignment, patrolling the alley behind police headquarters on May 9, 1973, in Chicago. (Gerald West/Chicago Tribune) A bitter note had occasionally appeared in Robinsons Black Watch column in the Chicago Defender. He lamented not only the inequities in the police force, but the toll street gangs were taking on Black Chicago: Is that what we are born into this world for? Is that why we go school, work, struggle, and try to raise family for? So that we, or someone else can for no apparent reason kill someone snuff out a life a human life? Then a ray of hope from federal court fell upon the cause Robinson was fighting and suffering for. Judge Prentice Marshall ruled that Robinson had suffered discrimination at the hands of the police department. Its as plain as the egg on your face, he informed Superintendent James Conlisk: Advertisement Vintage Chicago Tribune Weekly The Vintage Tribune newsletter is a deep dive into the Chicago Tribune's archives featuring photos and stories about the people, places and events that shape the city's past, present and future. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > You have a man of Robinsons ability and record who is an outstanding street officer through the early part of 1966, who ends up five years later waking back and forth between two posts that are twelve or fifteen feet apart in a parking lot back of central police headquarters. When Robinsons suspension was revoked, he was due damages for paychecks denied him. The League announced a gala celebration at the Park Palladium Ballroom, 45th and King Drive. It was hoped the event would raise enough money to tide over the Afro-American Patrolmans league until the city coughed up the damages awarded by Marshall. Robinson himself wasnt up for partying. A chronic back problem had put him in St Joseph Hospital for 10 days. The Defender reported that Robinson was still in considerable pain when discharged: He had no funds to pay for a longer stay and the Police Department flatly refused to cover him under its insurance plan. A memorial service for Robinson will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Sabina Catholic Church, 1210 W. 78th Place, Chicago. Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Ron Grossman and Marianne Mather at rgrossman@chicagotribune.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com. Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Top Glove Corporation Bhd fair value estimate is RM1.51 Top Glove Corporation Bhd's RM0.86 share price signals that it might be 43% undervalued The RM0.74 analyst price target for TOPGLOV is 51% less than our estimate of fair value Does the July share price for Top Glove Corporation Bhd. (KLSE:TOPGLOV) 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. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. Believe it or not, it's not too difficult to follow, as you'll see from our example! Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you. View our latest analysis for Top Glove Corporation Bhd The Method 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. 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. 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: Story continues 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM103.6m RM417.1m RM546.0m RM757.0m RM923.1m RM1.07b RM1.21b RM1.33b RM1.44b RM1.53b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x5 Analyst x5 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 21.94% Est @ 16.43% Est @ 12.57% Est @ 9.87% Est @ 7.98% Est @ 6.66% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 11% RM93.2 RM338 RM398 RM497 RM546 RM572 RM580 RM573 RM557 RM535 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM4.7b 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 11%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = RM1.5b (1 + 3.6%) (11% 3.6%) = RM21b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM21b ( 1 + 11%)10= RM7.4b 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 RM12b. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of RM0.9, the company appears quite undervalued at a 43% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind. dcf The Assumptions We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Top Glove Corporation Bhd 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 11%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.938. 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. Next Steps: Although the valuation of a company is important, it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. 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. Can we work out why the company is trading at a discount to intrinsic value? For Top Glove Corporation Bhd, we've compiled three relevant aspects you should explore: Risks: For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign for Top Glove Corporation Bhd that you should be aware of before investing here. Future Earnings: How does TOPGLOV'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. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the KLSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here Unilever employees conscripted by the Russian army would not be paid their wages, it is understood - MOSCOW NEWS AGENCY/Reuters Unilever will allow its thousands of Russian workers to be conscripted into the Ukraine war as the row deepens over its decision to keep selling in the country. The food giant, which prides itself on its social purpose, confirmed it was aware of the Russian law requiring any company operating in Russia to permit the conscription of employees should they be called, in a letter to campaign group B4Ukraine. Reginaldo Ecclissato, Unilevers chief business operations and supply chain officer, added: We always comply with all the laws of the countries we operate in. It will fuel criticism over Unilevers decision to keep selling food and hygiene products in Russia, while rivals have exited in response to the war in Ukraine. The company, which owns Marmite and Dove soap said last year it would review its operations in Russia, but is still selling what it deems is everyday essential food in the country, including ice cream. Unilever was named as a sponsor of war by the Ukrainian government, after continuing to pay taxes in Russia, Executives from the company have argued exiting is not straightforward. In the letter, issued in response to questions submitted by B4Ukraine, a coalition of more than 80 nonprofits who are urging multinationals to leave Russia, Mr Ecclissato said none of the options it had were desirable. He said there was a risk that by selling the business, the Russian state could potentially gain further benefit. If it closed the business down, Unilever said its business and brands in the country would be appropriated - and then operated - by the Russian state. Mr Ecclissato wrote: The third option is to allow the business to run with those strict constraints that we put in place last March... We believe the third remains the best option, both to avoid the risk of our business ending up in the hands of the Russian state, either directly or indirectly, and to help protect our people. We will of course continue to keep this position under close review. Story continues It is understood that if Unilever employees were to be conscripted by the Russian army, their employment contracts would be suspended and wages would not be paid. Ukraine Solidarity Project named Unilever a sponsor of war in a billboard at its London headquarters - Chris J Ratcliffe Earlier this month, Unilever was named as a sponsor of war by the Ukrainian government, after continuing to pay taxes in Russia, totalling RUB 3.8bn (33m) last year. The accusations were made by the Ukraine Solidarity Project, a group of veterans and international activists, who installed a billboard outside of Unilevers London headquarters which depicted images of Ukrainian soldiers in the style of the companys Dove adverts. Valeriia Voshchevska, of the Ukraine Solidarity Project, described Unilevers stance as jaw-dropping. She said: When people see Unilever products in the shops like Hellmans Mayonnaise, Marmite, Magnum and Dove they now know that this company is prepared to conscript thousands of its workers for Russias war effort. Its hard to get your head around. Unilevers out of excuses. It needs to do the right thing and stop doing business in Russia now. Unilever has historically been known for positioning itself as a social purpose company, with its Ben & Jerrys brand in particular adopting hardline stances on social issues and geopolitics. Last year, the ice cream brand criticised Joe Biden for fanning the flames of war in Ukraine. On Twitter, Ben & Jerrys said: You cannot simultaneously prevent and prepare for war. We call on President Biden to de-escalate tensions and work for peace rather than prepare for war. Sending thousands more US troops to Europe in response to Russias threats against Ukraine only fans the flame of war. 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. Four student competitors and their teacher from Stafford High School attended the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in June. Matthew Meyer placed fourth of 44 competitors in Architectural Drafting. His project was to create the design and construction drawings of an auxiliary dwelling unit for an existing home given a list of client specifications and preliminary sketches. Joshua Goldsmith placed fourth of 44 competitors in Technical Drafting. His project was to create the 3D CAD models and 2D drawing views of the individual parts and assembly of a heavy-duty pipe cutter. The team of Enrique TorresMartinez and Tristen Schonteich placed 14th of 30 teams in Additive Manufacturing (3D printing). They completed two projects which they designed and 3D-printed: a claw type gripper assembly which could pick up and move three objects, and a custom signet ring. Meyer and Goldsmith earned Skill Point Certificates for scoring 75% of their possible total points. Instructor Bobby Jett accompanied his students to the conference. Would Joe Manchins third-party candidacy put Donald Trump back in the White House? There is a good chance it might. Manchin, West Virginias senior senator (and former governor), last week refused to rule out a bid for the presidency in 2024 as an independent. The 75-year-old Democrat stated that if he ran, he had every intention of winning. But could he win? After all, no one since Abraham Lincoln has won the presidency on a non-major party ticket and some high-powered candidates, including William Jennings Bryan, George Wallace and Ross Perot, have given it their best shot. If the time was ever right for a third-party candidate it would be 2024, especially if the Republicans nominate Trump, who is crazy and unpredictable, and the Democrats name Biden, who at times appears to be bordering on senility. In a column some months ago, I stated that I felt that Manchin and former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (a Republican) were both good presidential material. But my hope was that either man, if he chose to run, would be his partys standard bearer. In presidential elections, third-party and independent candidates almost never win. What they do is take votes away from one or the other major party candidates. That is likely what would happen in this case. A Manchin independent run could assure a Trump victory, assuming he gets the GOP nomination. That seems more and more likely every day. Recent reports indicate that Trumps biggest challenger, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, is floundering in the polls. His numbers are falling, and his campaign is having trouble raising money. Trumps numbers remain constant and money is no problem for him. Biden is the sitting president and it is almost unthinkable that Democrats wont nominate him again. Thus, we are faced with the strong possibility that it will be a Trump-Biden race again in 2024. Manchin, of course, could challenge Biden in the primary, but, as I said, sitting presidents seldom fail to get their partys nomination. So, the West Virginia senators best chance would be to run as an independent (he likely wont be part of a third-party movement). Manchin is a moderate who would appeal to both middle-of-the-road Democrats and Republicans who have had enough of Trump. But could he win enough states to claim the presidency? Remember, it is not the popular vote but the Electoral College that gets you into the White House. Black and Hispanic voters will undoubtably support Biden. Trump has his loyal legion that will vote for him even if he is a convicted felon on Election Day. Biden and Trump will control the Electoral College, which would leave Manchin out in the cold. Lets look back at the two biggest independent runs of the 20th century. In 1992 Ross Perot received 18.6 percent of the popular vote but did not win a single state or electoral vote. In 1968, George Wallace won 13.5 percent of the popular vote and the segregationist did carry five Deep South states Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi and collected 46 electoral votes. While Wallace took votes away from Democrat Hubert Humphrey, his third-party candidacy did not affect the outcome of the election. Nixon would have won even if Humphrey had received all of Wallaces electoral votes. But it could be different in a Biden-Trump-Manchin election, Wallace was popular only in the Deep South. Manchin is well respected all over the country and is seen as a man who will stand up for Americans on both sides of the political aisle. He is extremely popular in his home state and won both gubernatorial races with ease. He has won the respect of many in Congress because he is willing to put party aside for the good of the country. An independent run by Manchin would give moderates from both parties a viable alternative. It would be healthy for American politics, which are now in a shambles. Major parties dont last forever and maybe it is time for Republicans and Democrats to go the way of the dinosaur. Maybe an independent like Joe Manchin could help send them on their way. You never know. Still, the odds are very much against it and a Manchin run is likely only to benefit Donald Trump. In 2018, at age 76, Aretha Franklin died without a formal will. She had, however, created two handwritten documents dealing with the disposition of her assets, one in 2010 and one in 2014. This led to a lawsuit involving three of her four sons. (The fourth son is subject to a legal guardianship and apparently the guardian decided family litigation would not be in his wards best interests.) Two of the three sons wanted the 2014 document, found in a sofa beneath a pillow, to be controlling. The other son wanted the 2010 document, found in a locked drawer, to be controlling. A few weeks ago, this matter was presented to and decided by a Michigan jury. The jurys verdict was that the 2014 document should control the distribution of Aretha Franklins substantial estate. By way of background, a handwritten document not meeting the formal requirements of a will but nonetheless allowed to determine the distribution of an estate is called a holographic will. (Holographic means handwritten.) And thats what the Michigan litigation involving Aretha Franklins estate was all about. Each side in the litigation was claiming the right to inherit under a holographic will. As you might expect, states differ on what it takes to have an effective holographic will. In Colorado, the requirements are addressed in a section of the probate code. This section starts out by saying that a will needs to be in writing; needs to be signed by the testator (the person making the will) or someone acting at the testator's direction and in the testator's conscious presence; and needs to be signed either in front of a notary or two witnesses who saw the testator sign the will or who had the testator tell them he or she had signed the will. But, the Colorado probate code then goes on to say that a writing not meeting these requirements is nonetheless valid to determine the disposition of an estate if the "material portions" of the document, and the signature, are in the testator's own handwriting. In addition, court-made law makes it clear that a judge asked to accept such a document as controlling must be convinced of several essential facts: that the document in question was truly intended as a will (and wasn't just the ramblings of someone speculating about a disposition of assets at death); that the handwriting and signature are indeed those of the testator; and that the testator was of sound mind. This may seem simple enough but, in reality, rounding up witnesses to testify to these issues and convincing a judge on these points can be problematic. This is especially true of the sound mind requirement, which can be quite technical. Sign up for free: Gazette Business Receive a weekly roundup of business news around El Paso County. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. And then there's the matter of ambiguity. Writing a will is harder than you might think. That's because the document must deal with contingencies. Since you don't know when you're going to die, and you don't know who will still be around when you die, a will must include multiple backup plans. For example, let's assume your spouse is deceased and you have two children. One of your children has blessed you (or burdened you, depending on your point of view) with three grandchildren and your other child has authored one child. If your children are both alive when you die, you will likely want your property to go to them in equal shares. But what if they are both deceased when you check out? Do you want one of your grandchildren to get half of your estate and the other three to get one-sixth each? Or do you want them to be treated equally one-fourth each? Depending on how much wealth you leave behind, the difference between a one-half share and a one-sixth share can be worth fighting about. A lawyer-prepared will is going to hit this nail on the head. A holographic will, on the other hand, is likely to be silent on the matter, thereby inviting a lawsuit involving your grandchildren (who will then never speak to each other again). Bottom line, and for lots of reasons, although Colorado law allows for holographic wills, they are a bad idea and may end up transferring more of your wealth to members of the legal profession than to your intended recipients. Jim Flynn is a business columnist. He is of counsel with the Colorado Springs firm Flynn & Wright, LLC. He can be contacted at [email protected]. A 19-year-old man is in custody after allegedly firing multiple shots while driving through Canon City neighborhoods overnight Thursday, according to officials with the Canon City Police Department. Police said just after midnight Thursday, reports came in of a masked individual firing multiple rounds of gunfire while driving through the citys historic downtown area along Royal Gorge Boulevard, Main Street, Macon and Greenwood Avenue. Authorities arrested 19-year-old Ashton Bieker, who is facing charges of reckless endangerment and attempted assault. According to officials, no injuries have been reported, and police continue to survey the area for damage. We went down and made contact with some of the businesses the following day, Canon City Police Chief John W. Schick Jr. told Gazette news partner KKTV. We put out a social media request asking folks in those general areas of the course to let us know if they suffered any damages. KKTV contributed to this article. A teenage boy was grazed by a bullet from a passing vehicle Saturday afternoon as he rode his bicycle near Jackson Park on the citys South Side, according to Chicago police. The 13-year-old was hurt around 5 p.m. while riding in the 1900 block of East 67th Street, police said in a news notification. As the boy was riding, police said a gunman inside a passing red Hyundai fired a shot, grazing the boys knee. The teen was taken to Comer Childrens Hospital in good condition. Advertisement No arrests had been made in the shooting. Denvers new mayor, Mike Johnston, is off to an impressive start. He started his first week in office with an impressively short (yes!) inaugural speech that avoided a laundry list of promises in favor of a call to dream greatly, with a reminder that daunting problems can be overcome. He named Jenn Ridder as his chief of staff, and while she may not be well known outside national and Colorado-based political circles, she has an exceptional reputation for managing people effectively, ethically and without the taint of corrosive ego that one often finds in politics. When I learned that Id be cleaning out my office for her to move in, I was not only relieved, but joyous. In service to Mayor Johnston, she will do great things for Denver. Leading up to his inaugural, Johnston organized a large and broadly-based transition organization that engaged Denvers diverse neighborhoods and communities. The transition organization (Vitality Denver) also included people who were supporters of Johnstons election opponent, Kelly Brough. Another smart and inclusive move. Instead of rushing to replace experienced executive directors from the Hancock Administration, the new Mayor wisely extended the time frame for service from these individuals. That not only gives the new administration time to reflect on the talents and skills to name new leaders, it honors the depth of experience from people who have dedicated hours of service to Denver and have more to contribute. The new mayor has shown that he knows how to use the bully pulpit, not only to be highly visible, but to demonstrate intense focus on the issues he wants to address in particular, the issue of unsheltered homelessness. Spending time listening to people, including those experiencing homelessness, was an important way to inform himself and his team, but also to demonstrate the value of inclusivity. Above all, there was a theme of urgency. Mayor Johnston issued an emergency declaration and a stated goal of moving at least 1,000 people from life on the streets to housing by the end of the year. Activating emergency operations may help overcome some of the bureaucratic obstacles and NIMBY (Not-in-My-Backyard) resistance to siting tiny homes and micro-villages that were a central part of his campaign promises. Moreover, establishing a numerical goal or surge on housing people is something we have seen before, and is part of the toolbox left from the Hancock Administration. Building on that muscle memory is a great start. It was impressive that Johnston made these announcements with City Council standing beside him. Showing a united front linking the executive and legislative branches of city government on this issue was another very smart move. Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Marshaling a significant number of his appointees to make this housing surge a success and as I understand it, led by Cole Chandler (who knows the homelessness problem well), is another interesting operational move. Breaking internal and external silos was always a perennial frustration for former Mayor Hancock and many of us who worked for him. Mayor Johnston and his team have this firmly in focus and turning more of the new administrations personnel firepower to a singular audacious goal is a good move. Perhaps most significantly, Mayor Johnston signaled that he fully understands that the challenge of housing people is not just a question of housing affordability or economic dislocation. He made clear that a significant amount of collaborative work needs to be done to better organize services, intervention, and recovery for the increasing number of people living on the streets because of untreated mental illness and drug addiction. Ending homelessness in Denver, or any city, for that matter, is more than a Moonshot. Mayor Johnston seems to be making this an organizing principle of his administration, and there are no doubt political risks by doing so, but hes demonstrated that he means to keep a commitment to Denvers voters. My guess is that Denver residents will be wise enough to know that this challenge will require time, patience, resources and experimentation. Newly elected executives are often given a so-called honeymoon period of 100 days or so (thanks to FDR), to make good. After that the cynics, and naysayers will arguably start throwing rocks. Public patience with difficult issues is thought to be short-lived. In this case I hope it persists. The underlying causes and complexity of homelessness in our country will not be resolved in a few months. On this difficult issue, I hope the honeymoon period will be well extended for a new administration that is putting fresh eyes to an old problem. Alan Salazar was chief of staff for former Denver Mayor Michael Hancock. Salazar has served as chief strategy officer for Democratic former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper; as chief of staff to former U.S. Rep. and later U.S. Sen. Mark Udall; as deputy chief of staff and policy director for former Colorado Gov. Roy Romer, and in key staff posts for former Colorado U.S. Sens. Tim Wirth and Gary Hart. Attention. Attention. Now hear this. Denver is operating under a Declaration of Emergency! Mayor Michael Johnston has invoked his constitutional authority to declare a state of disaster emergency. In doing so, he has granted himself extraordinary officious authority to circumvent normal checks and balances of due process to address the crisis for the safety of the people of the city. The crisis? Thousands of homeless infesting our streets. The action hes taking? Doubling down on the policies that have created the problem in the first place. First, the usual disclaimer. Michael is a remarkably affable, likable individual whos starting a very difficult job. And I do wish him all the best in the many challenges in his new role. That said, declaring a state of emergency on your first day in office could have been a way to signal theres a new sheriff in town. Instead, Johnston used it to signal the same kind of sucker is in town but with a bigger wallet. Those of us who remember New York City in its big decline also remember a young mayor named Rudy Giuliani who fixed it. There are some lessons for Denvers young mayor there. Before Giuliani lost his status representing Trump post-Jan. 6, he earned the reputation as Americas mayor for his steadfast handling of the Sept. 11 attacks, and how he cleaned up a crime-infested city. He too wanted to do something on day one of his administration to show he took the crime situation seriously. Instead of creating more ways to give criminals even more goodies, as Johnston is doing right now, Giuliani decided to take them off the streets. His first small target was the squeegee men. These were the guys who would clean your car windshield at stop lights, and if you didnt give them a dollar, they might just break off your wiper blade. He started arresting them. And surprise, surprise nearly all of them had outstanding warrants for a variety of other crimes, which Giuliani was happy to see landed them in jail. This began the rapid cleanup of New York City, which changed it from a crime-ridden city to a revitalized, safe destination again. Johnstons emergency plan has nothing to do with fighting crime. It has nothing to do with arresting and jailing criminals. It has nothing to do with forcibly removing people who are injuring innocent Denverites. Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Mayor Johnstons emergency orders only gives more incentives and more services to people to be homeless just like Denver has been doing since Mayor John Hickenloopers 2005 foolish Road home project to end homelessness permanently by 2015. As Denver and Colorado have been doing with crime for nearly two decades, it is all carrot and no stick. Denvers problem is not that there arent enough beds for the homeless. Its that transients, addicts, and mentally unstable people dont want to stay in them. Yet Johnstons plan is all about providing more for them such as: Expedite permitting and construction timelines for homelessness and affordable housing projects; Develop city-owned and private land for supportive housing, microcommunities, and navigation centers; Take immediate action to improve life for those living on the streets, as well as the businesses and neighborhoods surrounding them, by deploying trash, hygiene, and care services to encampments. Johnstons action is another feeding frenzy for the homeless industrial complex and another slap in the face to Denverites who are tired of criminals being treated like hotel guests on our streets instead of guests in our jails. If the definition of insanity is doing more of the same and expecting a different result, then Mayor Johnston inaugural effort is insane. Michael is a smart man. On some level, I suspect he understands that throwing more money to provide more services will only entice more homeless and more crime to Denver. He has one eye on higher office, so hes scared to do what is necessary to clean up the streets of Denver because it will anger the identity-politics, victim-celebrating, police-hating, socialist progressives in his party whom he feels he needs for higher office. Hes made clear in his first week in office he cares more about appeasing them than the safety of his constituents. Jon Caldara is president of the Independence Institute in Denver and hosts The Devils Advocate with Jon Caldara on Colorado Public Television Channel 12. His column appears Sundays in Colorado Politics. News of a mass shooting on the other side of the globe last week hit home for Coloradans. A gunman had opened fire on construction workers in Auckland, New Zealand, killing two and wounding at least six. Our state knows the pain of such seemingly random madness, so the incident was all too relatable. But it also offered a reminder of the limits of gun-control laws repackaged nowadays in the U.S. as gun safety laws in curbing such violence. New Zealands crackdown on gun ownership in recent years obviously didnt prevent this tragedy. The 24-year-old Auckland assailant didnt have a gun license, which is required in New Zealand, so he was breaking the law. Ironically, he used an ordinary shotgun, a traditional, bird-hunting firearm which didnt even make it onto New Zealands extensive list of arms prohibited for civilians. Atop it all, shooter Matu Tangi Matua Reid, who was found dead after his rampage, had been serving a sentence of home detention for another crime and had a history of domestic violence. He also had an exemption from his home confinement to go to the construction site he attacked because he had worked there. In other words, he was in his countrys justice system but easily slipped through the cracks. All of which adds up to an object lesson for Colorados elected policymakers: Better control over known lawbreakers is likelier to forestall the next such tragedy than is another attempt to control guns. Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Ruling Democrats in Colorados Legislature were trading high-fives this year after passing their latest round of gun restrictions, which Gov. Jared Polis signed into law. Those included banning untraceable ghost guns made from components; requiring a three-day waiting period on firearms purchases; raising the age for firearms purchases to 21, and making it easier for gun-violence victims to sue gunmakers and dealers. If only such measures could make a difference in heading off mass murder. If anything, they create a false hope. Even New Zealands extensive gun-control laws likely unconstitutional in the U.S. cannot seem to stem diabolical impulses to carry out horrific acts. A 2019 mass shooting that killed 51 worshippers at two mosques in the city of Christchurch resulted in the enactment of a strict, nationwide ban on semiautomatic weapons in that country. The government offered to buy back the many banned weapons and purchased about 50,000 out of an estimated 1.5 million firearms in a land of only 4.6 million people. Not much of a compliance rate. Estimates peg the number of civilian-owned guns in the U.S. at up to 430 million 100 million more firearms than there are Americans. Never mind Colorados recent gun-control measures; even if the U.S. government could impose New Zealands semiauto-weapons ban without running afoul of the Constitution, it likely would meet with as little compliance. Meanwhile, a man with a criminal record who was supposed to be serving time at home was able to wreak havoc with a workaday pump shotgun. He even was permitted to access to his former work site. Why was he allowed out? Should he in fact have been in jail? Which suggests another lesson for Colorados policymakers whose soft-on-crime policies have triggered an epic crime wave in our state. Notably, instead of criminalizing more weapons, which doesnt work how about simply jailing more criminals? It is disconcerting to think that the possibilities for personal freedom and well-being intended by the founders at the birth of our republic have not been realized in the way or to the extent they envisioned. Their experiment in democracy became a work-in-progress for succeeding generations, and we still havent quite got it right. In fact, the tenor of our partisan politics at the moment suggests we have neither the political nor the moral will to complete the task of securing liberty and justice for all. As citizens who are the ultimate source of sovereignty in this nation, we have given up and given in to a factionalism that pits interest-group over against interest-group, majority against minorities, class against class, in ways that for some amount to a form of socioeconomic and political tyranny. One of the major issues debated by the founders was whether citizens were actually capable of self-government. On the one hand, Alexander Hamilton did not believe people had the requisite knowledge, sophistication, or attention span to exercise responsibility in governing. In his remarks to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, he said, All communities divide themselves into the few and the many. The first are the rich and well born; the other the mass of the people. The voice of the people has been said to be the voice of God; and however generally this maxim has been quoted and believed, it is not true in fact. The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge or determine right. Give therefore to the first class a distinct, permanent share in government. They will check the unsteadiness of the second; and as they cannot receive any advantage by change, they will therefore maintain good government. On the other hand, Thomas Jefferson also believed human beings were divided into two groups. In a letter to Henry Lee in 1824, Jefferson declared: Men by their constitution are naturally divided into two parties: 1. Those who fear and distrust the people, and wish to draw all powers from them into the hands of the higher classes. 2. Those who identify themselves with the people, have confidence in them, cherish and consider them as the most honest and safe, although not the most wise depositary of the public interests. Unlike Hamilton, Jefferson did not think that an oligarchy of the wealthy, even in a democratic form, held out the best way to realize the vision of personal and social liberty. In a letter to Dr. Richard Price in 1789, Jefferson noted that whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights. It is disconcerting now to think that Jeffersons confidence in the ability of the people to govern themselves has given way to Hamiltons vision of rule by a socioeconomic elite, but we have become unstable, fickle and unruly, just what Hamilton observed about the body politic of his day. Rather than being well-informed, we are, for the most part, woefully uninformed and easily led astray into deeper factionalism by the political elite who do our thinking for us. Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. In his article in a 2010 issue of The Hedgehog Review, Charles Taylor argued that for a democratic state in the modern world to thrive it is necessary that its people express a strong collective identity, greater solidarity, and a higher level of commitment to one another. If this is not possible or is diminished, the vacuum created by its absence will be filled with a variety of forms of tyranny, despotism, and authoritarianism, i.e., the forms of government the founding of our republic was intended to reject. Perhaps one reason we have failed to realize this communitarian vision is our socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious diversity; this should be our greatest strength, the multiple strands in a braided social-civil cord. Instead, these are the fault lines that demarcate our most important boundaries as groups and the varied and divergent interests we hold. Its not enough to believe in the principles on which this nation was founded, or even to be favorably predisposed to them, or to hold them in high regard. Believing in freedom, equality, individual responsibility, to say nothing of limited government and free-market capitalism, means nothing even if these are shared and accepted by all citizens and residents. What is important is that these principles be enacted in the structures and systems of our socioeconomic order so that all can benefit and thrive. At the moment, however, that is precisely what is not happening as these principles are held hostage to the machinations of the political elite to whom we as citizens have ceded our responsibility. In this continuing experiment, there can be no place for free-riders, those who accept the benefits without meeting any of the responsibilities of participatory democracy. Among other things, these responsibilities include becoming an informed citizen, one who is capable of examining and weighing alternatives in relation to goals more inclusive and communitarian than individualist- and group-centered. Douglas R. Sharp, Ph.D., is a retired professor of theology, religion and society. Assisted living facilities After reading the important assisted living article in the July 9 Gazette, I felt a need to add some additional information. After working as a health facilities surveillance nurse for the Illinois Department of Public Health for 17 years, I have seen it all. Several items need to be addressed regarding nursing home care in general. We know there is a shortage of nurses and certified nursing assistants available across the country. Low pay and the work it takes to care for our seniors require special people!! Lack of staff is a major reason for poor nursing care and even deaths. Evaluating the level of care for every resident should be done when changes in the residents health appears. Assisted living levels of care are important to their well-being. They might even need different care such as skilled care, memory care or an evaluation of their care level at a hospital. This activity can save lives. I believe Colorados low facility fine of $2,000 for inappropriate patient care leading to death in an assisted living facility needs to be increased. A proven death due to inappropriate care in a Medicare approved long-term care facility can result in fine of $10,000. My advice is for families with loved ones in assisted living facilities to check on and visit them frequently and to be aware of facilities that suddenly change their name, fire their director of nursing and appoint a new facility administrator. Good luck to Jessie Danielson in her efforts to improve the state laws for the treatment of our loved ones in assisted living facilities. Sue Slemmons Colorado Springs Highly disrespectful term I was shocked to read The Gazettes Viewpoint about school choice. I have no problem with the announcement that the Daniels Fund will provide an additional 100,000 school choice seats, especially since the money goes directly to the charter schools to expand classroom space. What I have a problem with is referring to neighborhood schools as attendance centers. A few years ago, you referred to them as government schools. It seems your terminology is highly prejudicial. Its important for the public to understand that some charter schools and private schools are excellent while some are definitely not, as the research shows. I, for one, get very tired of hearing the same slant, indicating that public schools are inferior. Public school teachers work very hard to help students in their educational journey. I think it is highly disrespectful to use the term attendance center, when referring to neighborhood public schools. Sandra L. Wickham Colorado Springs Valuable reports on Ukraine Colorado College students Zeke Lloyd and Michael Braithwaite have provided Colorado Springs with a valuable service through their reports on the war in Ukraines effect on Eastern European countries. They stepped into the cultures of those countries and got their information directly from the people of various viewpoints living through this critical event of our time. If these two young reporters are providing such an outstanding service while they are yet students, one can imagine what expeditions they might undertake to inform and educate America in the course of their adult lives. Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. James Sayler Colorado Springs Contradictions in the GOP Republicans say theyre pro-life. They also support the death penalty. The GOP say they dont want government interfering in peoples lives. They try to prevent women from having abortions. They also ban books and tell teachers what to teach. Republicans say they support the military and the family. They support a former president and presidential candidate who was a draft dodger and multiple times divorced. Republicans say they want small government. They believe in a government that ruthlessly controls its borders, provides tax cuts for the rich, spends billions on weapons (which often dont work), provides favors for selected (often lawbreaking) corporations, goes to war without Congressional approval. Republicans say they believe in thrift and fiscal conservatism. In President Donald Trumps four years, the deficit was higher than in President Barak Obamas and George W. Bushs combined. (16 years) David J. Baker Colorado Springs Tuesday never comes I have read a few articles on Prop HH (aka Hell Hole) and I still cant wrap my head around what it really means. Its legal/political gobbledygook. So, the state government wants to negotiate a trade to keep tax revenue for the next 10 years so they can generate $167M in revenue to spend on who knows what and in exchange property owners will get $873 tax refund, ($1746 for joint owners) for the next 8 years? If it passes, it is a foregone conclusion it will get challenged in the courts. Can you imagine the legal pretzels that will arise from these challenges? I dont think even the best judges will be able to unravel it. It reminds me of the grifter phrase cartoon character Wimpy kept offering: Ill gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today. Well guess what? Tuesday never comes its always next Tuesday. Dont be conned by Prop HH; vote NO! I am. Oh and my suggestion to the politicians who are writing this garbage take a class in business writing. Bob Canfield Colorado Springs Court packing and democracy I am writing to urge you to join me in supporting the Keep Nine Amendment and to express my concern about the many attempts to undermine the authority of the Supreme Court. As a fundamental part of our judicial system, one that protects our rights and upholds democracy, an independent judiciary system is crucial to our democracy. Court packing poses a serious threat to our democracy. By tampering with the composition of the court, it damages the credibility of the court, allowing for political opinions and interests to influence decisions. Such actions will have significant consequences that could undermine the integrity of the court. The Keep Nine Amendment aims to address this fundamental issue, and it has gained support from over 200 Members of Congress and 800 state legislators who are committed to preserving the current Supreme Court composition. I hope your audience will actively participate and show support for the effort to address this crucial issue. By supporting the Keep Nine Amendment, we can uphold the ideals of democracy, protect the rights of all Americans, and maintain the credibility of our cherished court system. Together, our combined efforts will make a vital impact on the future of our democracy. Thank you for your consideration, as your collective efforts will help protect the integrity and credibility of our democracy. Sarah Goudjil Parker Flawed parental alienation pieceIts no surprise your hit-piece on parental alienation (June 29, Colorado child custody cases roiled by CSU professors alienation theory) contains not a single quote from a psychologist or other family therapy authority opposed to alienation theory. The sole source quoted for the article is a law professor, not a psychologist, named Joan Meier, who leads the tiny group of activists opposed to alienation theory. With the exception of a handful of quacks, almost no professionals in family psychology deny the devastating effect of alienation on children. Scientific literature on parental alienation is cataloged by at least three sources: Vanderbilt University at https://ckm.vumc.org/pasg, emmm.org.au, and VictimToHero.com. I suggest two factual corrections. It cannot be true that Joan Meier has testified as a competing expert witness, as she is an attorney, not an expert, and no court would allow her to testify as one. It is not true that parental alienation is excluded from the DSM-5, as you stated. While the term alienation was omitted to placate critics, there are four codes in the DSM relevant to parental alienation: Child psychological abuse, parent-child relational problem, child affected by child relationship distress, and parental relationship discord. Josh Grant Denver Once funny; now tragic It was funny in the 1980s when Jamie Farr played Corporal Max Klinger on Mash--pretending to be a woman. Everyone knew it was a fraud and laughed along with the joke. Everyone knew that putting on a dress, high heels and lipstick did not make Corp. Klinger a woman. Something has changed since the 1980s. Drastically changed. Today, in the 2020s, if a man pretends to be a woman, everyone is required to bow down and say, yes sir. I mean, yes maam. Today, if a man pretends to be a woman, he can go in to girls locker rooms, compete on the womens swim team and even sell beer to burly men. What was a joke 40 years ago, has tragically become a trans-movement that is coming for our childrenjust as the gay marchers chanted during the New York City pride parade last month. The chant, Were here. Were queer. Were coming for your children, was widely covered in conservative news sites. Later the trans-activists tried to pretend it was harmless. At the time, Brian Griffin, the original organizer of the New York City drag queen parade, reportedly told NBC News. Its all just words. Its all presented to fulfill their worst stereotypes of us. People at the Drag March regularly sing God is a lesbian. Griffin said, Its all just words. Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. No. Its not. Its not just words when children undergo surgeries mutilating their bodies in an attempt to change something that cant be changed. No persons sex can be changed either by cross-dressing or having genitals and breasts surgically destroyed. Its not just words. Its evil. And its time men and women everywhere, said so. Mark W. Salley Arvada We all face obstacles We are facing a mental health crisis in the U.S. What is to be done? Based on the research that my co-author and I condcuted on how successful people face and surmount obstacles, I have a few recommendations. These recommendations relate to people with mental health issues, not those with mental illness. Individuals with mental illness should seek treatment from health care professionals. Everyone needs to understand that we all face obstacles in our lives. The only thing we can control is our attitude toward those obstacles. What if we reframed Why did this happen for me? instead of Why did this happen to me? This helps us problem solve and builds our resilience. Second, we need to remember that life is unfair. But with resilience and optimism we can take what happens in life in stride and we can progress forward. And speaking of resilience and optimism, what if we banished I cant from our lives? What if we used I can, I will, Im going to right away? What if we faced our fears? We can go over, under, around, or through the obstacles in our lives using skills we already have mental intelligence, emotional intelligence, social support, moral compass & spirituality, determination & perseverance & persistence, creativity, optimism, resilience, action-orientation and passion. Jill Tietjen Centenniel 2024 election and chaos The 24 election will be about chaos. Chaos in Afghanistan, borders, street crime, school failure, economics, Fed. Justice system, bureaucratic power, et. al.. Change will come in the form of a fresh face and ideology. The GOP nominee for president will come from those with low poll numbers or not yet entered. Prediction : The governor of So. Dakota will be on the ticket. Will R. Freeman Centennial A man who was shot in the head was found in a rolled-over vehicle in Little Village Sunday morning, according to Chicago police. Police said they responded to reports of a person shot in the 3000 block of West 21st Street around 1:25 a.m. Officers found a man, 29, inside the vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head. Advertisement He was transported in critical condition to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later, police said. Police said no one was in custody and that they are investigating. Advertisement rjohnson@chicagotribune.com The Biden administrations war on the ability of American Indians and tribal nations to develop their energy resources is finally receiving the probing attention it deserves, resulting in an aggressive pushback from American Indians and tribal leaders. The tipping point came last month when Bidens Department of the Interior announced a 20-year moratorium on new oil and gas leases on 350,000 acres of federal land within 10 miles of Chaco Culture National Historic Park in northwestern New Mexico. Navajo Nation, which earlier withdrew its support for a 5-mile park buffer due to the economic cost to tribal members, had lobbied against the closure, then condemned the decision by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, a member of New Mexicos Pueblo of Laguna and the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary, and watched as many of its members blocked access to the park where Haaland celebrated her edict. The response is no surprise. Bidens plan will cost Navajo allotteeswhose median annual income is only $20,000, but who receive an average annual royalty revenue from oil and gas production of $28,000 $194 million over 20 years! Meanwhile, oil and gas royalties lost to the federal treasury over the course of the withdrawal total $1.02 billion. Navajo Nation is not alone in its ownership of vast energy resources or as the target of the Biden administrations war on so-called fossil fuels. The Three Affiliated Tribes (Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation) on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in central North Dakota sit atop the famed and productive Bakken Formation and have been enriched by its development. The Southern Ute tribe in Colorado, Wind River Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes in Wyoming, Jicarilla Apache tribe in New Mexico, Navajo Nation in the Southwest, Ute Indian tribe in Utah, and the Osage Nation in Oklahoma possess significant oil reserves. In addition, Alaska Native corporations own subsurface mineral rights and prosper by providing oil support services throughout the Last Frontier. Bidens refusal to conduct quarterly federal oil and gas lease sales as required by federal statute and needed to complete units on some tribal lands as well as his closure of federal lands to oil and gas leasing; his Draconian regulations, especially those relating to methane gas, and his administrations efforts to deny financing to the oil and gas operators who will develop these energy resources all harm Indian nations. Tribes and Alaska Native corporations are denied the profits they might earn at a time of high and increasing energy prices while Indians, among the poorest Americans, are forced to choose between food and fuel. Meanwhile, American Indians watch in bewilderment as the Biden administration spends billions subsidizing electric vehicles, which are far beyond their ability to afford; are all but useless in the wide-open spaces they call home, and are decades away from having reliable access to electric charging stations. It is not just oil and gas. American Indians have benefited from the development of the nations coal resources for decades, including the Navajo and Hopi in Arizona and the Crow in Montana. In fact, coal in the latters Powder River Basin is some of the highest quality and cleanest-burning coal in the world, often called compliance coal because it meets air quality standards. These tribes are now suffering because of Bidens efforts to destroy the market for their coal by eliminating coal-fired electricity in the country and to prevent the transport of their coal for sale internationally, as well as by renewal of an Obama-Biden ban on coal leasing on federal lands, which affects the Crow whose coal is valued at $27 billion. Why Secretary Haaland would so besiege American Indian tribes and individual tribal members is a mystery given her well-known and incessantly proclaimed tribal bona fides. If there were a secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior most likely inclined to give special attention to the impacts of her decisions on American Indians, it would be Haaland. Born in Winslow, Ariz., daughter of two members of the U.S. armed forces, including a Marine father awarded the Silver Star for valor in Vietnam, she attended 13 public schools across the country before her family settled in Albuquerque, where she graduated from high school. After putting herself through college and law school, she led the second largest tribal gaming enterprise in New Mexico, where she pursued earth-friendly business practices. In 2012, she signed on with the Obama reelection effort in New Mexico, later chaired the New Mexico Democrat Party, and in 2018 ran for and was elected U.S. Representatives from central New Mexico, largely Albuquerque. Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. There she pushed aggressively for an end to oil and gas leasing, fracking, and use of fossil fuels, pledges later adopted by former Vice President Joe Biden in his run for president. What Secretary Haaland believes about fossil fuels and the impact of its abandonment on the country, let alone American Indians, might not matter; after all, Bidens energy policies are being decided in the White House, including by former Obama appointees, such as once head of the White House Office of Climate Policy, Gina McCarthy, as at least one of Haalands more embarrassing appearances on Capitol Hill demonstrates. That Secretary Haalands opposition to fossil fuel is heartfelt, however, became clear when in December, her daughter Somah Haaland, a media organizer for the Pueblo Action Alliance, a New Mexico-based cultural and environmental group, visited Washington, D.C., along with fellow climate activists demanding senators, representatives and federal officials block fossil fuel drilling near New Mexicos Chaco Culture National Historical Park. In addition to their lobbying efforts, daughter Haaland and her colleagues screened a film she narrated showcas[ing] the threats posed by oil and gas leasing throughout New Mexico for several representatives and Secretary Haalands agency officials. It was not Pueblo Action Alliances first controversial visit to Washington. In October 2021, several groups, in a planned protest violently stormed and attempted to breach Interior Department headquarters forcing deployment of Federal Protective Service and U.S. Park Police units and SWAT, during which several security personnel were injured and one was hospitalized. Meanwhile, inside, Pueblo Action Alliances Executive Director Julia Bernal bragged of her personal meeting with Auntie Deb to discuss her groups opposition to oil and gas leasing. Much about these two events remains unknown, including if daughter Haaland were in the meeting with her mother and the degree to which her daughters involvement presents a conflict of interest for Secretary Haaland. Not surprising therefore, two Freedom of Information Act lawsuit were filed recently. One thing is clear: Biden, Haaland, and Bureau of Land Management Director Tracy Stone-Manning are not listening to the voices of those American Indians harmed by the Biden administrations radical anti-energy policies, but to activists who support those courses of action. Although all Americans have been suffering and will continue to suffer the ill effects of President Bidens disastrous federal lands, energy, and minerals schemes since his first hours in office, Bidens war on the energy resources owned by American Indians and tribal nations is especially problematic. The United States and thus Biden, Haaland, and federal officials owe them a special trust responsibility. First enunciated by Chief Justice John Marshall in 1831 (The condition of the Indians in relation to the United States is perhaps unlike that of any other two people in existence. They look to our government for protection; rely upon its kindness and its power; appeal to it for relief to their wants; and address the President as their Great Father.), the Supreme Court fleshed it out in a landmark 1942 ruling (Under a humane and self-imposed policy which has found expression in many acts of Congress and numerous decisions of this Court, [the United States] has charged itself with moral obligations of the highest responsibility and trust [to] be judged by the most exacting fiduciary standards.). More recently, Justice Neil Gorsuch, the only Westerner on the court and the most knowledgeable jurist on American Indian issues, explained the special relationship between American Indians and the federal government. Our Constitution reserves for the tribes a place an enduring place in the structure of American life. Justice Gorsuch wrote in a concurring opinion. Later, dissenting, he acknowledged, The Constitutions text and two centuries of history and precedent establish that tribes enjoy a unique status in our law. It does not require a Westerner or a scholarly judge to understand the nature of that fiduciary obligation. One federal agency declared it requires the federal government to support tribal self-government and economic prosperity, by citing a 1977 U.S. Senate report, which affirmed that the purpose behind the trust doctrine is and always has been to ensure the survival and welfare of Indian tribes and people. It is difficult to imagine how, by his actions in New Mexico, Biden has not breached his fiduciary duty to American Indians there. Can a federal lawsuit be far away? What will Justice Gorsuch say? William Perry Pendley, a Wyoming attorney and Colorado-based, public-interest lawyer for three decades with victories before the Supreme Court of the United States, served in the Reagan administration and led the Bureau of Land Management for former President Donald Trump. One recent morning along 14,000-foot Culebra Peak in southern Colorado, a pair of hikers offered some assistance to another they met. They learned this young man named Jason had been backpacking around without a sleeping pad. It was like, Oh my goodness, youve been sleeping on the ground? recalled Mark Reis, who was taking unrelated photos for The Gazette. He and a partner offered their own sleeping pad. Jason politely declined. Previously, on the drive approaching the trailhead for Culebra, they saw him walking by the road and offered a ride up. Jason politely declined then, too. It was only later that Reis learned what the kid was up to. I was just so shocked to hear what he was doing, Reis said. Jason Heyn, 26, was walking to all of Colorados 54 fourteeners and climbing up them. Then he would be walking to Wyoming, where he would climb 36 peaks above 13,000 feet. Then he would be walking to Montana for that states 27 mountains above 12,000 feet. Since starting with Pikes Peak in June, Heyn has been quietly on his way to finishing in Colorado and continuing on the little-known challenge called the Rocky Mountains Grand Slam. The concept came to light in 2020, when one Eric Gilbertson reported the mission complete in 60 days. He was driving and had help from others. Thats the case this summer for Jason Hardrath, an athlete chasing a record time. Its believed no one has attempted the Grand Slam without a car, unsupported. People in Colorado are very nice, Heyn recently said between mountains near Leadville. Rides, gear, food no thank you, he has said over and over again. Only once has he accepted an offer, he said: After two days and six summits across the Collegiate Peaks with a torn shoe, he agreed to a friendly hikers donation. If all goes accordingly in Wyoming and Montana finishing by October is the goal and a big if, he knows Heyn estimates he will have walked something like 2,600 miles. Thats about the distance from Californias Venice Beach to the old battlefield in Gettysburg, Pa. Thats about 400 miles longer than the Appalachian Trail. Thats closer to the length of the Pacific Crest Trail. But none of those comparisons works when you consider 117 summits rising above treeline, many of them requiring careful navigation and technical, Class 5 skills. Gilbertsons log noted 432,500 feet of vertical gain across Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Heyns mileage on foot would be something new. Its ridiculous, said Andrew Hamilton, regarded as Colorados King of Fourteeners and well familiar with obscure pushes in the mountains. Hes familiar with athletes walking to all of Colorados fourteeners. The latest in 2021 finished with a reported average of 27 miles and 6,800 vertical feet per day for 43 days. But walking ahead to more peaks in Wyoming and Montana? I mean, who wants to do that? Hamilton remarked. Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Heyn has wanted to do it for more than a year now. Amid an early career in alpine ultra running proper preparation for calorie-counting and moving without sleep Heyn learned about the Grand Slam and thought about combining two new passions: long distances and big mountains. It kind of clicked for me, the Maryland native said. Like, can this be done as a thru hike, this epic list? Planning began in earnest. Heyn crafted spreadsheets detailing times and stations for resupplying on food and water and other essentials. To achieve as many as 18 hours of walking a day, he said he has traveled light, often little more than a rudimentary tent, an ice ax, crampons and hardly any more clothing. I made the mistake of not bringing a change of socks, he said from Leadville, where he was munching on fruit from Safeway. Now I have a change of socks. I have one more pair of shorts, a pair of wind pants, the same shirt Ive been wearing for 43 days. I think Im gonna get a new one today. Planning has been helped by previous records and data tracked on Colorados fourteeners, Wyomings thirteeners and Montanas twelvers. But when it comes to the rugged, glaciated collection in Wyoming in particular, available information does little to quell Heyns concerns. The big question mark for all of this is Wyoming, he said. The fearsome bunch includes Francs Peak, notorious for grizzly bears; one speedsters online post about carrying a rifle served as a warning. As if the jagged wilds of the Wind River Range and Grand Tetons werent enough, Heyn will have to walk hundreds of miles between them and thirteeners on the opposite corner of the state. Im taking a step into the unknown there, he said. Im taking it day by day. So Heyn has been taking life since graduating college in 2019. The partying from those days carried into the days after, he said. Ive done a lot of reflecting as far as the time I spent just consuming alcohol and things like that, he said. It felt like it was ruining my life more so than being a productive outlet. The outlet became backpacking and running. With a remote job in software, Heyn has bounced around Airbnbs, living for weeks in different bases with mountains. As hes explored, hes pondered the question of why. We always want to talk about the why, and its hard to identify, he said en route to his next fourteener. I just know Im supposed to be out here doing this. A GPS tracker posts infrequent progress online. He didnt sound interested in public attention and any calls for better data. I know verification has come to the forefront with these things, he said. Frankly, if people want to dispute this, Im fine with it. This is my experience. Im certainly not out for notoriety or to get sponsors or anything. And thank you, but he doesnt want any help, either. No thank you, he said to Reis, the photographer who cant get an image out of his head: Heyn walking alone by the road. I think about where hes at right now just on some road in Colorado, Reis said. Just walking down the road. UTAH Sailors rejoice after wet winter raises Great Salt Lake for now ON THE GREAT SALT LAKE After years of sailboats being hoisted out of the shrinking Great Salt Lake amid fears they might not return, sailors are back this summer. That's thanks to an abnormally wet winter that has raised the lake 6 feet from last November's historic low. Sailors are just one group whose enjoyment of the lake is imperiled by climate change, drought and diversion of water to cities and farms. Hundreds of sailboats were hoisted out of the shrinking Great Salt Lake as water levels plummeted in recent years, leaving docks along the lake's parched southern shore caked with dried mud. But it's not clear it will last. If the great lake resumes its decline, it could mean collapse of the ecosystem. Without enough water flowing to the lake, the reefs that nurture species such as brine fly and shrimp will be decimated, in turn affecting the larger species that feed on them, including pelicans and other migratory birds. And every bit of exposed lakebed means more arsenic-laced dust available for wind to pick up and carry to nearby homes, schools and office parks. Colorado free of 'abnormal dryness' for first time in 4 years For now, Derby and other sailors are relishing the opportunity to unfurl their sails and reconnect with friends over crisp breezes and corny jokes. "It's so nice, it's beautiful," said Atkin, looking up at the sails. "You feel the power of the wind a little bit, how bad can it be?" THE WEST Senators seek to expand nuclear fallout compensation program ALBUQUERQUE U.S. senators from New Mexico and Idaho are making another push to expand the federal government's compensation program for people exposed to radiation following uranium mining and nuclear testing carried out during the Cold War. Downwinders who live near the New Mexico site where the world's first atomic bomb was tested in 1945 as part of the top-secret Manhattan Project in World War II also would be among those added to the list. The legislation would amend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to include eligible residents in areas affected by fallout in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah and the territory of Guam. Converting Colorado coal plants to nuclear? Fed report shows benefits Democrat Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico and Republican Mike Crapo of Idaho announced on July 6 that they were reintroducing the bill in the Senate after previous attempts to expand the program stalled. Supporters say the clock is ticking as more people are diagnosed with cancers that they say are connected to exposure. Advocates have been trying for years to bring awareness to the lingering effects of nuclear fallout surrounding the Trinity Site in southern New Mexico and on the Navajo Nation, where millions of tons of uranium ore were extracted over decades to support U.S. nuclear activities. The reintroduction of the legislation preceded the 78th anniversary of the Trinity Test in New Mexico on July 16 and comes as the federal government prepares to ramp up production of the plutonium pits used to trigger nuclear weapons. An estimated $80 million is needed for the compensation trust fund for the 2024 fiscal year that began July 1, according to the U.S. Justice Department. MONTANA TikTok, content creators ask judge to block app ban TikTok Inc. and a group of five content creators who are suing the state of Montana over its first-in-the-nation law to ban the video sharing app are now asking a federal judge to block implementation of the law while the case moves through the courts and before it takes effect in January. The separate requests for preliminary injunctions were filed on July 5 in federal court in Missoula. The cases challenging the law were filed in May and have since been consolidated by U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy. Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen had the bill drafted over concerns shared by the FBI and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken that the app, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, could be used to allow the Chinese government to access information on U.S. citizens or push pro-Beijing misinformation that could influence the public. TikTok has said none of this has ever happened. Aurora bans TikTok on city-owned devices Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. The motions for injunctions argue that the ban is an unconstitutional violation of free speech rights and that the state has no authority to regulate foreign affairs. TikTok has safeguards to moderate content and protect minors, and would not share information with China, the company has argued. But critics have pointed to China's 2017 national intelligence law that compels companies to cooperate with the country's governments for state intelligence work. More than half the U.S. states, including Montana, and the federal government have banned TikTok from government-owned devices. As of June 1, Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte also prohibited the use of any social media apps tied to foreign adversaries on state equipment and for state businesses. Among the apps he listed are WeChat, whose parent company is headquartered in China; and Telegram Messenger, which was founded in Russia. WYOMING Suspect in abortion clinic burning reaches plea deal CHEYENNE A college student who authorities say admitted setting fire to a building slated to become Wyoming's only full-service abortion clinic has reached a plea agreement with prosecutors, federal court documents showed on July 10. Details of the proposed plea deal for Lorna Roxanne Green weren't available to the public pending a judge's approval of the agreement. Green, 22, pleaded not guilty to an arson charge in U.S. District Court in Cheyenne in June. Green faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The plea agreement means Green could avoid going to trial, set for July 24. Few US adults support full abortion bans, even in states that have them, an AP-NORC poll finds Reached by phone, Green's attorney, Ryan Semerad, declined to comment on the plea agreement. Federal prosecutors did not immediately return an email message seeking comment Monday. Green told investigators she opposed abortion and was experiencing anxiety and having nightmares over the Wellspring Health Access clinic that was to open in Casper, Wyoming, last year, so she decided to burn it, according to court documents. Investigators say Green broke a window at the clinic, filled aluminum baking pans with gasoline and set it ablaze on May 25, 2022. The clinic, which had drawn anti-abortion protesters, was scheduled to open a few weeks later but was not able to begin seeing patients until April because of the fire damage. The facility is Wyoming's only dedicated clinic in at least a decade to offer surgical abortions. It also offers abortion pills and women's health care, the clinic says. NEW MEXICO Virgin Galactic plans next commercial flight to edge of space ALBUQUERQUE Virgin Galactic is aiming for early August for its next flight to the edge of space, a trip that is expected to include the first of many ticket holders who have been waiting years for their chance at weightlessness aboard the company's rocket-powered plane. The company announced on July 13 that the window for the commercial flight from Spaceport America in southern New Mexico will open Aug. 10. Virgin Galactic confirmed that three private passengers will be on the flight. The plane has room for six two Virgin Galactic pilots and four passengers. Satellites, spacecrafts sent into orbit increase; investors hesitant to spend: Report The flight will mark Virgin Galactic's third this year. Virgin Galactic has been working for more than a decade to send paying passengers on short space hops and in 2021 finally won the federal government's approval. Founder Richard Branson joined Virgin Galactic employees for the first flight that summer. Once the plane reaches its highest point, passengers can unstrap from their seats, float around the cabin for a few minutes and take in views of the Earth. Then they strap in for the glide back down to the runway. 'Watermelon snow' piques curiosities in Utah after abnormally wet winter | OUT WEST ROUNDUP Work begins to clean up train derailment in Montana's Yellowstone River | OUT WEST ROUNDUP Mexican gray wolf released into wild in Arizona in move to help recovery | OUT WEST ROUNDUP A Woodland Park resident has been acquitted of three false reporting to police charges in a case the woman's attorney claims was pursued solely due to a prosecutor's abuse of power. On the evening of July 24, 2022, Woodland Park resident Samantha Peck went to check on her volunteer petitioners at the local Safeway where they were gathering signatures in an attempt to oust some Woodland Park School District RE-2's board members. While at the Safeway, Peck saw an interaction with a woman and a grocery store clerk and became concerned that the woman was intoxicated and potentially driving shortly after Peck learned that her volunteers had the same concerns. Peck said that after her volunteers asked her to do so, she called the Woodland Park police non-emergency line, something she said she was instructed to do by police earlier if they felt unsafe while gathering signatures. Peck, an Army veteran and West Point graduate, didn't know it at the time, but that phone call would go on to start a nearly yearlong criminal case and trial that ended last week. When speaking with The Gazette, Peck said that nearly two weeks after she made the call she was arrested at her Woodland Park home by police and hit with three counts of false reporting, two of which were felonies. Peck recalled being taken from her home near midnight in front of her three children, the oldest of whom was 14 at the time, and being forced to leave her children home alone. "It's awful to see the fear in your kid's faces," Peck said, recalling the night she was arrested and booked at the Teller County jail. "It's awful to be treated like you were a violent threat to the community for making a call. ... It's not what the foundation of our community should be." What Peck says she didn't know at the time was that the woman she and her volunteers had concerns about was Katie Illingworth, wife of David Illingworth II, one of three school board members subject to recall at the time and a deputy district attorney with Colorado's 4th Judicial District. "My issue with the school board was against David Illingworth's policies and procedures, not against the Illingworth family," Peck said. "You can dislike what's happening without disliking a person. The only time I had ever seen Ms. Illingworth in public was at a school board meeting with 300 people." When a Woodland Park officer arrived at the Safeway the night Peck made the call, he determined that Katie Illingworth didn't appear to be intoxicated, and appeared confused as to why police would ask if she was. That interaction can be seen in the body-worn camera footage from the responding officer that evening, previously acquired by The Gazette. Three charges against Peck would follow shortly after the incident: two felony counts of attempt to influence a public servant and one misdemeanor count of false reporting a fake crime. Had Peck been convicted at trial of all charges, she could have faced up to six years in prison. Peck's attorney David Lane, a civil rights attorney based in Denver, claimed when speaking with The Gazette that the charges against his client came only because of Illingworth's standing within the district attorney's office. "I was so taken aback by the abuse of power here that I agreed to represent Samantha pro bono, for free, in her criminal charge," Lane said last week. "David Illingworth is a powerful, well-connected person, and he used his position as a powerful, well-connected person to keep this case alive." Later on the same evening that Peck made the report, David Illingworth came to the Woodland Park Police Department and in a conversation that lasted over an hour, according to Lane, discussed what charges the department should file against Peck for making the call. "It's interesting, because there's a certain point where you cross the line from false reporting to attempt to influence a public official," Illingworth can be seen saying in a portion of the video, which was recorded by a Woodland Park police officer's body camera and provided to The Gazette by Lane. "The question would be if I was prosecuting it, I'd be wanting to listen to the tape, and if she (Peck) is pushing like 'you need to go get her, you need to arrest her, she's a danger' that's felony level." Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. In the clip, the police officer speaking with David Illingworth can also be heard openly suggesting that Peck made the call against Katie Illingworth exclusively because of David Illingworth's position with the school board. In a written statement to The Gazette, the Woodland Park Police Department denied that David Illingworth's position with the DA's office had anything to do with its choice to file charges against Peck. During the course of this investigation, which spanned several days, the officer who worked this case had established probable cause for the charges that were filed prior to any conversations between he and Mr. Illingworth," Woodland Park police spokesperson Chris Deisler said in the statement. "While we respect Mr. Illingworths standing as a member of the DAs Office, it is clear in this particular instance that given his association with the victim his position, regardless of context, is biased and did not factor into the way the case was handled. Suggestions to the contrary are simply without merit. Lane also expressed frustration that his request to have a special prosecutor appointed, because of a potential conflict of interest, was denied. Had that request been granted, prosecutors from a different judicial district would have presided over the case. Last week, after three days of trial, a 12-person jury came back with not guilty verdicts on all three charges in about 30 minutes, Lane said. Some moments of the trial that stood out to Peck and Lane included when it came out that Woodland Park police never interviewed the volunteers who had also expressed concerns over the behavior of Katie Illingworth and urged Peck to call the police to report the behavior. "He (the responding Woodland Park police officer) never bothered to even ask the volunteers. He never once in the space of a year ever interviewed these volunteers," Lane said. "But he has 75 minutes of David Illingworth coming into his office and advising him on how to up this misdemeanor charge of a false report into felony charges of attempting to influence a public servant by means of deceit. It's outrageous." David Illingworth declined to answer specific questions from The Gazette, and instead provided the following written statement: "Speaking for myself personally, my only connection to this case was that of a husband concerned about my wife being victimized by false statements. I naturally made myself available to truthfully answer police questions about any knowledge I had about the facts surrounding the incident, just as any potential witness would. I would have cooperated with the defense, too, but they never asked to speak with me or subpoena me for the trial. I had no involvement of any kind with the police investigation, charging decision, or prosecution of the case. At all times, my wife and I were only private citizens in this case, and we hired an attorney at our own expense to act as liaison between ourselves and the district attorney's office." Fourth Judicial spokesperson Howard Black provided a written statement to The Gazette regarding Peck's case: "The District Attorney's Office has not waded into the political issues surrounding the Woodland Park School Board and will not be drawn into that debate over a criminal case. Efforts to paint this as a politically motivated prosecution are false as evidenced by a strict adherence to constitutional provisions governing the criminal justice system. David Illingworth serves on the Woodland Park School Board as an independent citizen and not as a representative of the District Attorney's Office." For Peck, there was a sense of validation in the trial's outcome. "It was a relief, like this huge weight just lifted off your shoulders," Peck said through tears, describing the moment the jury returned a not guilty verdict. "I lived a whole year in embarrassment and fear," Peck said. Peck, however, said that she wouldn't let the experience deter her future efforts to push for positive change in her community and its schools. "If there's an opportunity to get involved, I will," Peck said. "I'm not going to allow this terrible experience to prevent me from getting involved." GREENSBORO To become fully licensed in North Carolina, most teachers must take and pass content tests specific to the grades or subjects they teach typically within three years of getting their initial license. That requirement can be reassuring for parents, but state department of instruction leaders have been discovering in recent years that theres a disconnect. Some teachers have proven themselves as effective teachers with how their students scores on state exams, they but cant pass their own required licensure tests, even with multiple attempts. One of the biggest tripwires has been the math test for elementary classroom teachers. Thomas Tomberlin, the states senior director for educator preparation, licensure and performance, said its become clear that requiring teachers to pass these tests, especially the elementary math test, is actually keeping some good teachers from continuing in the profession, and harming the states teacher pipeline. The department, however, isnt recommending that the state just scrap the tests, Tomberlin said. Everybody wants to know that their kids math teacher understands math, he said. Instead, theyd like to see the state offer additional, alternative ways that teachers could also use to demonstrate their competency to be fully licensed. One possibility, he said, could be using the teacher effectiveness ratings. Currently, the only option for teachers who do not pass their tests in three years is to get the school board that employs them to apply for a non-renewable limited license for them. That allows them to continue to teach but only in their current district for up to another three years. The NC Department of Public Instruction included the recommendation for alternate ways for teachers to demonstrate competency for licensure as part of a much broader package of reforms it has pitched to the General Assembly. Tomberlin said its looking unlikely that the General Assembly will act on the recommendations as part of the current budget, but NCDPI is are hopeful it will happen in a future session. In the meantime, the department announced that it is offering up to $500 per person in reimbursement to new and upcoming teachers for the costs of taking the tests. For the elementary math tests, teachers actually have a choice of which exam to take from those offered by two different testing companies. The Pearson test focuses mostly on ability to work math problems, including some problems more typical of middle and high school math than whats taught in elementary school. The Praxis test is more focused on questions about how to teach the subject. How to teach kids math is a different process than actually learning how to do math, said Kerri Richardson, the department chairwoman of teacher education and higher education at UNC Greensboro. You are having to learn how a child thinks about math. Richardson said the test questions are hard, but that preparing for the Praxis test can be useful for students preparation for teaching. UNCG, she said, holds review sessions to help students out. Most students, she said, can pass the test if they get the support to do so. Tomberlin said hes not sure why elementary math has stood out as difficult to pass, but his best theory is that some of the students who go into elementary education teaching didnt do much with math in their general education portion of college, prior to their teacher education training. Both tests, Tomberlin said, have some algebra on them. That may be difficult for people who havent been engaged in math for a while, he said. Prior to 2014, North Carolina required teachers to pass the tests before being issued any kind of license. The state didnt have clear data on the people who didnt pass their exams, because they never applied for the license. Since then, he said, theyve been able to compare pass rates for students who passed their content exams prior to starting teaching versus those who passed them later. The students who passed prior to starting teaching were somewhat more effective, he said, but there wasnt much difference. Today, he said, the pass rate for the Praxis elementary math test is about 65% and the pass rate for the Pearson elementary math test is about 47%. Thats the percent of tests that were passed, not people who passed. Perhaps surprisingly, the Pearson test was actually taken a bit more frequently than the Praxis. The percent of people who ultimately pass at least one of the tests, including those with multiple attempts, is more like 80%, Tomberlin said. But that still leaves a good-sized group unable to become fully licensed elementary school teachers in North Carolina. For some, its the end of their career. Thats where we are starting to hear much more pushback about it, he said, explaining theyve been hearing both from individual educators and school districts, pointing out the teachers with great efficacy ratings who just cant pass. Not allowing them to continue, thats a much different thing than not allowing them to start. Lets get our community ready to vote as if our lives depended on it. Lets get started now by helping others register to vote or update their registration because its going to be harder to vote in the next election. New laws affect how we can cast our ballots, from making it harder to register, harder to use early voting, harder to use mail-in absentee ballots, and less certain that every ballot will count. What if these restrictions inspired us to work harder to help every eligible voter get the opportunity to cast a ballot? While the new policies may be inconvenient and frustrating for many in our community, compare this to what happens if we cant vote: The North Carolina General Assembly and Congress, the county commissioners and the City Council could make decisions without us. Decisions such as: Guns in the hands of dangerous people, no questions asked, rather than sensible permitting. Polluted air and water, rather than environmental regulation. Exposure to infectious diseases rather than public health protections. Major choices in our personal medical care made by people who dont even know us. The General Assembly will draw district maps defining what geographic areas candidates will represent. We can speak up loudly about the mapping process, insisting that the voting districts minimize divisions of towns and cities. Rather than voters choosing their representatives, legislative mappers have often drawn district lines to choose which voters they want to include and which they want to exclude, based on assumptions of how they would vote. The N.C. Supreme Court decided that North Carolina maps were biased, requiring new maps. Then legislators argued that courts have no authority over elections, that the legislature is the ultimate authority. While a second decision by a newly elected N.C. Supreme Court allowed legislators to return to map-drawing, the U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that courts do have the authority to review legislative elections. Without the Moore v. Harper decision last month, legislatures all over the country could have asserted ultimate authority over elections without regard to constitutional safeguards. Gerrymandering or mapping voting districts for political purposes reduces competition so that candidates sometimes run unopposed, with no need to state their positions before the election and no need to be accountable to constituents after the election. In 2022, 20% of races for NC General Assembly had only one candidate. Election restrictions and mapping are based on assumptions of probable voting patterns. However, it is possible that relatively few unexpected votes could tip the balance in precincts designed to be 51%-49%. What if many more people exercised our right to vote, overcoming all of the obstacles put in our path? What if strong candidates with energetic support offered voters a different option? What if we voted as if our lives depended on it so that, rather than accepting predetermined outcomes, we had real democracy based on real voters choices? Consider running for office yourself or supporting the campaigns of new candidates, offering voters a real choice when voting districts change. Encourage candidates who have filed in city and town elections this fall. In March 2024, filing will begin for county, state and federal elections. Tell your legislators to put democracy above partisanship. Tell your congressional representatives to pass bipartisan voter protection policies. It wont be easy, but we can prepare now for successful voting next year, with new districts and requirements for identification and early mailing and preregistration. Who we vote for should be our choice, not the choice of map-drawers in the General Assembly. A Navigator carbon dioxide drilling operation on May 18, 2023 in downstate Nokomis. Over the spring, Navigator CO2 started drilling a monitoring well for a proposed underground carbon dioxide storage complex. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) For years, the carbon dioxide pipeline snaked through the fields and forests of Yazoo County, Mississippi, going largely unnoticed. But that changed forever on a winter evening in 2020. Advertisement Under pressure from heavy rains and a landslide, the pipeline split in two, roaring like a jet engine, carving a 40-foot crater into the ground, and sending an invisible cloud of dangerous carbon dioxide vapor toward the tiny village of Satartia. In a scene rescue workers would later compare to a zombie movie, cars died in the middle of the road, their engines starved of oxygen. Drivers fled, leaving their hazard lights blinking in the dust and darkness. Advertisement A sheriffs deputy working without an oxygen mask grew increasingly unsteady and short of breath, until he himself had to be rescued, according to Warren County fire coordinator Jerry Briggs. Closer to the deafening roar of the escaping gas, Briggs and his team spotted a stalled-out car that was still in drive, the drivers foot resting on the brake, the windows closed. All three of the men inside were unconscious. It was miraculous that they survived, Briggs said. While rare and up until now nonfatal, accidents such as the one that night in Satartia loom large as the Midwest considers the health and safety issues raised by proposals to build massive new carbon dioxide pipeline projects, including Omaha-based Navigator CO2s 1,350-mile network spanning Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota. [ A battle simmers in Illinois over plans to pipe in and store millions of tons of planet-warming carbon dioxide underground ] The projects aim to prevent planet-warming CO2 from entering the atmosphere by capturing it during industrial processes, compressing it into a fluid, transporting it in steel pipelines and injecting it deep underground into naturally occurring rock formations where it will be trapped ideally for thousands of years. Navigator says this can be done safely and points to thousands of miles of CO2 pipeline already in use in the United States, mostly by the oil industry, which uses carbon dioxide to boost production. But opponents, including environmentalists and landowners, say a new generation of massive, climate-oriented CO2 pipeline projects such as Navigators should be put on hold until government officials can address alarming gaps in health and safety regulations. Among the gaps: Advertisement There is no state or federal limit on how close pipelines carrying a potentially suffocating gas can be placed to a home, school or hospital. There is no requirement that an odorant be added to the CO2 to alert the public to a leak, as is done with natural gas. There is no limit on the impurities that are allowed in the carbon dioxide, despite the potential for pipeline corrosion and health hazards in the event of a leak. There is no requirement that pipeline companies use a specific method to map potential accident hazard zones, although one standard approach which failed in Mississippi doesnt take complex topography into account. Its like the Wild Wild West, said Pam Richart, co-director of the Champaign-based environmental group Eco-Justice Collaborative and lead organizer of the Coalition to Stop CO2 Pipelines, of the current state of regulation. Its whatever (the pipeline companies) say is going to go. Adding to Illinoisans health and safety concerns are the unknowns: No one has ever stored as much CO2 underground as Navigator proposes up to 15 million metric tons a year in central Illinois and while the risks are theoretically low, opponents say the stakes are high. Theyre worried about drinking water contamination due to CO2 leakage and the potential for tiny microearthquakes as subterranean pressures rise. In May, more than 150 environmental and advocacy groups including the Center for Biological Diversity, Eco-Justice Collaborative and Food & Water Watch signed a letter to President Joe Biden calling for a moratorium on new CO2 pipelines until federal regulators complete their work on new safety standards. Calls for state and federal moratoriums come at a time when the nation faces a potential tsunami of new CO2 pipelines, driven by billions of dollars in federal incentives aimed at combating climate change, according to a 2022 report from the nonprofit Pipeline Safety Trust. In the Midwest, proposed projects from other companies include the 260-mile Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline in Illinois and Iowa and the 2,000-mile Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Advertisement The United States, currently home to about 5,300 miles of CO2 pipeline, could have more than 68,000 miles by 2050, according to a Princeton University report. Navigator declined to do a phone interview but said in writing that current state and federal pipeline regulations are sufficient. The United States has thousands of miles of regulated, liquid CO2 pipelines that have been operating safely for years, the company wrote. There are many instances in which Navigator is exceeding the federal safety stipulations outlined in (CO2 pipeline) regulations. A potential bomb Eric and Karen Sanders on their front porch on May 18, 2023, in rural Nokomis. The Sanders have been a farming family since the 1960s. They are concerned about and opposed to a carbon dioxide pipeline running through their property. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Karen Sanders greeted a visitor from the wide porch of her three-bedroom home in rural Nokomis, 200 miles southwest of Chicago. Petunias dangled from hanging flower baskets, drawing the occasional hummingbird. A sign just inside the front door said Grateful, thankful, blessed. This is the forever home Sanders and her husband, Eric, a farmer, built 25 years ago on 5 acres of family land. Her late father, a carpenter, helped with construction, as did her father-in-law, a retired farmer who used a scoop tractor to lift shingles to the roof. Advertisement She and her husband raised their two grown children here. But Sanders, 54, a community college vice president, said she wont stay if Navigator succeeds in its plan to run a high-pressure carbon dioxide pipeline about 400 yards from her home in a farm field owned by her family. Its a huge decision, said Sanders. But we refuse to live next to what we consider a potential bomb. Of all the pipeline concerns facing Illinois landowners, none has caused more anguish than the prospect of a rupture. Ninety-nine percent of my family lives just miles from us, said Sabrina Jones, 35, of Nokomis, who has helped organize the local pipeline opposition, along with her husband, Ralph. If and when that pipeline ruptures, it would suffocate all of us. Opponents could be forced to allow pipelines to run under their properties if Navigators application for eminent domain is approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission. Under eminent domain, private property can be taken for public use against the owners wishes but with proper compensation. Advertisement At the very least, landowners want setbacks or required minimum distances from homes, schools and other places where people gather. But the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration doesnt require setbacks for CO2 pipelines. Nothing prevents them from putting (a pipeline) right next to your house, said pipeline safety consultant Richard Kuprewicz, author of an influential Pipeline Safety Trust report on regulatory gaps. The pipeline proposal still needs the approval of the Illinois Commerce Commission and permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, the project will need more buy-in from landowners along the proposed route; in June only about 13% had agreed to allow Navigator to run the underground pipes through their property, according to testimony before the commerce commission. [ The company that wants to build a controversial carbon dioxide pipeline in Illinois is seeking fast-tracked approval that would skip public input ] A spokesperson for Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a written statement saying the governor does not comment on proposals that are pending before the Illinois Commerce Commission. The governor has worked to appoint qualified individuals to the commission and believes in their work to ensure adequate, efficient, reliable, safe and least-cost public utility services, protect Illinois consumers and residents, and make the best decisions for the state based on current law, the statement said. In its last session, the Illinois legislature considered a bill supported by Navigator critics that would require that CO2 pipelines be placed at least a mile from homes, and at least 2 miles from hospitals and schools. Theres an exception for companies that use more sophisticated (and expensive) computer modeling to determine potential hazard zones and then route their pipelines accordingly. Advertisement A second bill, backed by industry, didnt include pipeline setbacks. Neither bill made it to a floor vote. Studies of existing U.S. CO2 pipelines have found that accidents leading to the release of significant amounts of CO2 are infrequent. Accidental leaks occur at a rate of 1 incident per 1,600 miles of pipeline per year, according to a 2022 study in the Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, and many of those accidents are leaks from holes and unintended releases from relief valves. The study, based on U.S. government data, found that only 3% of leaks were serious enough to be classified as ruptures. But the 2020 pipeline rupture in Mississippi served as a reminder that when larger accidents do occur, they can be serious. People were dropping like flies all over the place, said Kuprewicz, referring to those who passed out. Im not here to scare people. Its just the reality. I dont fear this stuff, but it demands great respect. Advertisement Two hundred people including those prevented from driving through the area were evacuated because of a rupture that occurred due to a landslide after heavy rains, according to a government report. The soil advanced downhill toward the pipeline, creating pressure and causing a weld to fail. Federal regulators fined the pipeline operator, Texas-based Denbury Gulf Coast Pipelines, nearly $2.9 million. Among the alleged violations listed in a March consent agreement: Denbury failed to review its procedures for monitoring and addressing geohazard risks to determine their effectiveness, and the company failed to correct deficiencies in its geohazard program. Geohazards include landslides. Denbury did not admit to any violations but agreed to pay the fine and address the alleged violations and risks. Denbury, which was recently acquired by ExxonMobil, did not respond to requests for comment. A federal database says there were no injuries in the Mississippi pipeline rupture, but thats based on a definition of injury that requires inpatient hospitalization. There were and are injuries, said Russell Serafin, an attorney at the Webster Law Firm in Houston, which is representing 104 Mississippi residents in a lawsuit against the pipeline operators parent company, Denbury Inc., alleging physical and emotional suffering and loss of income. Advertisement One plaintiff, Deemmeris Burns, spoke about his health during a recent public meeting hosted by federal pipeline regulators in Des Moines. Burns, who was found unconscious in a car during the CO2 release, said he was exposed to the gas for about three hours. Im still suffering from it today: headaches, memory loss, trouble breathing, thinking, concentrating, he said. It does so much to you. Alarming safety gaps The carbon dioxide rupture near Satartia, Mississippi, in 2020. (Yazoo County Office of Emergency Management) Satartia was supposed to be safe. Years before the accident, when Denbury did computer modeling to predict the area that would be potentially affected if a leak occurred a mile from Satartia, the news was good. The colorless, odorless gas wasnt expected to reach the village of 50. A company map, included in a government report, shows that the CO2 hazard zone was expected to stay within a half mile or so of the pipeline. Advertisement But, in reality, the gas would follow a very different path when it escaped. Heavier than air, the CO2 flowed downhill, rested in the bowl of a crater, and, then as the discharge volume increased, crested a hill and moved into Satartia. The gas, which started leaking at 7:06 p.m., appears to have reached the outskirts of Satartia by 7:18 p.m., according to a detailed account in HuffPost. How could Denburys predictions have been so wrong? Unlike natural gas, carbon dioxide migrates in fairly unpredictable ways, depending on the weather and terrain. It can continue on for miles in dangerous or even fatal concentrations, according to Pipeline Safety Trust executive director Bill Caram. Denbury used a standard method of calculating the potential impact on Satartia, according to a letter the company sent to federal regulators. But such modeling methods dont typically account for complex topography, such as hilly terrain. Some pipeline critics want the government to require a more sophisticated approach that can handle complex topography. But that approach is newer and by some accounts much more expensive, and it is still undergoing some testing. Advertisement That leaves a gap, in both knowledge and regulation. We dont have a simple formula, and we also dont yet have best practices, said Caram. Another gap is the lack of any requirement that an odorant be added to carbon dioxide, in the same manner as a rotten egg smell is added to natural gas. Thats critical, Caram said, and the search for the right candidate one that stays with the escaping gas and wont react with CO2 and corrode the pipeline is ongoing. Other concerns center around potential impurities in the CO2. The new climate-oriented pipelines will mostly draw their CO2 from multiple industrial plants, unlike the pipelines used by the oil industry, which tend to rely on a single natural source of CO2. Multiple industrial sources could increase the risk of impurities such as hydrogen sulfide, which can make leaks more hazardous to human health, according to Caram. Impurities including water can also corrode CO2 pipelines. Advertisement At a time when the new climate-oriented pipelines are poised to rapidly expand, there are still no maximum limits on the amount of impurities they can carry. There are a lot of alarming gaps in the safety regulations right now, Caram said. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is working on new CO2 pipeline safety regulations in the wake of Satartia, and deputy administrator Tristan Brown said the goal is to have the update completed and in place in 2024. Were operating at light speed because of the importance of this, Brown said. Officials arent allowed to comment on the content of new rules before they are made public, but Brown said that the update will be informed by a close look at what went wrong in Satartia. We share the sentiment of the public, that were not going to rely on our regulations simply being followed and take enforcement action if theyre not, Brown said. Were trying to foolproof the process. Advertisement Will stored CO2 leak? In 2011, a public-private research team began injecting thousands of metric tons of carbon dioxide more than a mile underground, into the porous rock below an Archer Daniels Midland ethanol facility in Decatur. [ Decatur plant at forefront of push to pipe carbon emissions underground, but costs raise questions ] At first, the earth below was quiet. But two months after the injections started, monitoring equipment detected a very low-intensity earthquake with a magnitude measured in negative numbers. Two days later, there was another microearthquake, and 10 days after that, another. Over the next three years, 4,700 microquakes would be detected and located, with an average magnitude of -0.9. Earthquakes caused by CO2 injection tend to be small, and those at Decatur were no exception. None reached even magnitude 2 itself still a level at which quakes are not commonly felt by people, according to a 2016 report in the International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control. A carbon storage well at the Archer Daniels Midland ethanol facility in Decatur, July 2, 2009. (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune) The Archer Daniels Midland Company ethanol plant in Decatur in 2009. (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune) That was good news, in part because of concerns that if the earthquakes triggered by CO2 injection were larger, they could have triggered carbon dioxide leaks. The Decatur project, one of the largest carbon storage projects in the world at the time, concluded with data showing there had been no CO2 leakage, according to a 2021 report to the U.S. Department of Energy. And a follow-up project at the same site has been storing about 500,000 metric tons of CO2 a year. Advertisement Those were big steps forward for Illinois, considered by some a prime location for the storage of liquid CO2, due to natural features such as vast deposits of sandstone, a rock prized for both porosity, or spaces to hold the CO2, and permeability, or channels between the spaces that allow the CO2 to spread. Still, Navigator opponents say the volume of CO2 injection that Navigator is proposing is, in itself, a concern. The company plans to inject up to 15 million metric tons of CO2 a year, or about 30 times more than Decatur. According to an international database, no existing underground storage project in the world has a maximum annual capacity as large Navigators, although there are several of that magnitude in the works. Will CO2 leak? I dont know, said Richart, the Champaign environmental advocate. What I know is theres no project of this scale that has been done before for us to look back on and say, Yeah, weve been doing it safely for decades. We cant say that. Researchers typically dont speak about the risk of CO2 leakage from underground storage in general terms because hazards are calculated based on a sites specific characteristics. But a recent report from the Prairie Research Institute did offer some ballpark risk figures, based on research conducted during a previous project in Illinois and east Texas. Advertisement The report estimated that the risk of a CO2 leak from an undocumented deep well perhaps abandoned during a previous wave of oil drilling was about 1 in 1,000 per well per year. Other kinds of leaks were deemed less likely. A slow leak through the caprock the layer of dense rock that forms a natural barrier to the upward movement of CO2 was considered less than half as likely. The risk of a leak through an induced fault or a fault created by the project was estimated to be 2 in 100 million per year. Stanford University professor of geophysics emeritus Mark Zoback, who has written about the CO2 storage potential of central Illinois, said that a storage project on the scale of Navigator would require three to five years of site study and testing by teams of people. That prep work would include drilling wells, collecting and analyzing data on seismic activity, and running computer models and the final result might be a finding that the proposed storage site couldnt handle the amount of CO2 proposed. 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 > Even if the site proved suitable, there would still be unknowns, due to the unprecedented amount of CO2 involved, Zoback said. More CO2 means larger areas of pressure on the basement rock below the storage area, and, in turn, a higher probability that larger faults will be reached and activated, causing larger earthquakes. Scientists cant predict exactly how the larger pressurized areas will affect earthquake size, Zoback said, although he thinks the most likely scenario for Navigator-scale projects in Illinois is that earthquakes of relatively small magnitude would increase in frequency. That would likely lead the operator of the project to try to reduce the size and number of earthquakes by decreasing CO2 injection rates. Advertisement Navigator noted that Environmental Protection Agency regulations require seismic monitoring during the injection of CO2 deep into the ground. Injection rate reduction and shutdown procedures are in place, in case seismic activity is observed, the company said. Navigator also cited decades of study of the geology of central Illinois where the Decatur project has captured international attention and said that Illinois injection wells have successfully reduced seismic activity. In Decatur, that was done by changing the depth of the injection. Zoback, in contrast, stressed that the amounts of CO2 injected in Decatur are still relatively small. You cant just extrapolate from a few hundred thousand tons to 15 million tons and assume everything is just going to be all right, he said. At least, thats my opinion. nschoenberg@chicagotribune.com Students collected fake evidence including spent bullet shells, a replica handgun and a tissue with drops of red food coloring to solve a pretend shooting during a crime scene exercise Wednesday morning. These students were participating in Hickory Police Departments Youth Leadership Academy. Students learn about police work through scenarios such as mock crime scenes, court hearings and traffic stops, Hickory High School Resource Officer Bryson Grier said. (The academy) allows them to see us (police) in a different light other than in a uniform helping somebody through their bad day, Grier said. They get to come and have a good time with us for two weeks. A lot of these kids will be in our schools. Grier added, Every kid that came through here that has become my student. Ive maintained that relationship throughout their high school career. This year the academy has 25 students, a larger than normal group. The academy has been running for 18 years and there is no fee for students that participate, Hickory Career and Arts Magnet School Resource Officer Michael Ollis said. The students, grades 6-9, are required to apply and write an essay. This years essay prompt was the importance of being a good citizen, Ollis said. Ollis said these interactions not only help the participants, but it allows them to encourage other students to talk to an officer by sharing their experience and trust. On Wednesday, the students were divided into five teams. Each student had assigned tasks within their group. The five roles included a technician to collect evidence, a photographer to document the crime scene, an entry log keeper to keep track of who enters the scene, an artist to sketch the layout of the crime scene and a person to write the incident report and document the evidence. The students then gathered to discuss their findings and prepare for a fake trial. In the afternoon, the students went to the Catawba County Courthouse to hold pretend trials in a real courtroom, Grier said. Magistrate Stephanie Roberts volunteered her time to serve as the judge. School resource officers portrayed the defendant, defense attorneys and prosecutors. The students presented the evidence, Grier said. Benjamin Vang, 14, is a ninth-grader at Hickory High School. This is the second year that Vang has attended the academy. He said he enjoyed the chance to meet new people. Some of his favorite experiences from last year were touring a state crime lab in Edneyville and visiting Lake James to hike, swim and meet park rangers. Vang said the academy taught him that there are pros and cons to being a police officer. He said the academy gave him a new perspective on the challenges police officers face. 2023 Hickory Police Department's Youth Leadership Academy 2023 Hickory Police Department's Youth Leadership Academy (1) 2023 Hickory Police Department's Youth Leadership Academy (2) 2023 Hickory Police Department's Youth Leadership Academy (3) 2023 Hickory Police Department's Youth Leadership Academy (4) 2023 Hickory Police Department's Youth Leadership Academy (5) 2023 Hickory Police Department's Youth Leadership Academy (6) " " The Dahomey warriors, or Agojie, were a frontline military unit who were fierce and valiant. However, their ties to the trans-Atlantic slave trade are difficult to dispute. Public Domain From the 1600s through the 19th century, West Africa was home to a succession of sophisticated and powerful kingdoms. As in Europe, Asia and the Americas during this time, rival powers in West Africa waged bloody wars for economic, political and cultural dominance. For centuries, the Kingdom of Dahomey was the wealthiest and most feared of these West African powers, and Dahomey became famous for its elite army of women warriors called the Agojie, whom wide-eyed European observers dubbed the "Dahomey Amazons" after their fictional counterparts in Greek myth. Advertisement The hit 2022 film "The Woman King" stars Oscar-winner Viola Davis as Nanisca, an Agojie general bravely defending her kingdom, led by King Ghezo, against an unholy alliance between Dahomey's archrival, the Oyo Kingdom and European slave traders. But while the real-life Agojie, the world's only all-female army, were immensely brave and skilled warriors, the film has been criticized for misrepresenting Dahomey and King Ghezo's true role in the Atlantic slave trade. The truth is that from 1640 to 1860, much of Dahomey's wealth came from raiding rival kingdoms and selling millions of captives to Portuguese slave traders. And as Dahomey's finest and fiercest warriors, the Agojie were critical to the success of those slave-capturing raids. After the slave trade ended in the mid-19th century, Dahomey's storyline changed and the Agojie were indeed able play the role of freedom fighters, as the filmmakers would like us to see them. The enemies at that time were French colonizers who wanted to seize control of West Africa. As always, the Agojie fought valiantly for their king, but their story didn't have a happy ending. 100 years ago, July 23, 1923 MATTOON A street car collided with an automobile belong to G.C. Kerns, 321 Richmond Avenue, on Saturday afternoon, denting the rear of the automobile and damaging a spare tire. Kerns' daughter, Miss Nora, riding in the rear seat, was shaken up by the collision but received no injuries. The automobile was parked on the south side of Broadway, near the Hotel Byers, and Kerns attempted to back out, thinking that the street car was a safe distance away. 50 years ago, 1973 MATTOON The Pine Acres drainage ditch struck back at one of its critics Friday night. Water in the controversial ditch reportedly cut the soil from the roots of a 30-foot tree. A high wind then sent the tree crashing onto the home of Richard Marshall of 508 Woodlawn, an opponent of the drainage ditch project. Marshall and his family are in California on vacation. Mrs. Delmar Marshall told the Journal that her son called her Sunday night to say that he had arrived safely in California. "We didn't tell him anything about the tree falling on his house," she told the JG. "We didn't want to ruin his vacation," she added...MATTOON Kay Dorner, 19, of 508 Crestmore, Miss Effingham County, was named one of the 10 finalists after three days of talent, bathing suit and formal gown judging at the Miss Illinois Pageant Saturday night. The Miss Illinois Title finally went to Colleen Metternich, 23, Miss Heart of Illinois, of Carthage. Mrs. Robert Dorner, her mother, said that Kay was pleased with her performance in all the categories and felt she did the best she could. Kay played the third movement of Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" in the talent competition. The pageant was held in Aurora...MATTOON Lela Fuller, 14, 1312 S. 2nd was found Saturday in Yuma, Ariz. According to Mrs. James Fuller, the girl's step-mother, she was being "harbored by a neighbor." Miss Fuller was visiting her brother in Yuma at the time of her disappearance last Wednesday. She returned to Mattoon Sunday. Charges of kidnapping may be pending against the neighbors who kept Lela, said Mrs. Fuller. 25 years ago, 1998 CHARLESTON A judge Wednesday refused to bar two codefendants and another potential witness from testifying at the trial of murder suspect Charles C. Drum. Circuit Judge Ashton Waller also said he would only consider allowing the jury at Drum's trial to see limited parts of transcripts, not entire transcripts, of earlier testimony if the witnesses refuse to testify. Defense attorney Steve Ryan sought to bar the testimony of two men already convicted of roles in the Jan. 4, 1997, killing of Mattoon resident and Lake Land College student Shane Ellison...SULLIVAN The Sullivan school board plans to have a new electronic sign installed between the middle and high schools, while taking into consideration some protests from Sullivan residents. The sign, costing about $41,000, will display a Coca-Cola advertisement and feature scrolling, lighted messages about school events and parent's messages. The occupants of two homes located near the Sullivan high school had previously voiced their protests against the new sign. Residents said that the sign would be a safety hazard for children, distracting to passing drivers and questioned the ethics of the Coke advertisement. "Coke is providing the sign in exchange for a contract to supply the school with Coke products," said Dale Crawford, a member of the Sullivan school board. Crawford also said that the sign's new location will be closer to the high school than its original proposed location, and the sign's display will be LED, which is a low-power wattage. Thursday night at Mattoon Bagelfest MATTOON The sound of Darth Vader's sinister mechanical breathing reverberated through the Demars Center before he strode into view Saturday morning. The Sith Lord then led a contingent of Imperial personnel into the midst of surprised Bagelfest attendees dining at the annual celebration's free bagel breakfast. This sight would terrify beings throughout the galaxy in the "Star Wars" films but stirred excitement among the festival-goers as they clambered for photos. "It was a lot of fun. I'm glad we got the reaction we did," said Darth Vader, also known as Aaron Brigman of Mattoon, part of the Midwest Garrison of The 501st Legion. He and four others from this Imperial costuming club visited with those at the breakfast and then rode on a parade float at Bagelfest, which had a "Star Wars" theme this year. Brigman said most Midwest Garrison events, which include children's hospital visits and fan conventions, are more than an hour away from Mattoon. He was glad to have an event close to home, even though the sunny weather made wearing the heavy black costume in the parade very hot. Darth Vader was joined by an Imperial officer and two TIE fighter pilots, plus bounty hunter Din Djarin from the spinoff series "The Mandalorian," at Bagelfest. "I am glad we got to see them. It was good timing," said April Karpus-Weddle of Mattoon after she and her family ran into the Midwest Garrison members at breakfast. "We are big 'Star Wars' fans." One of the Imperial TIE fighter pilots got down on a knee to greet 2-year-old Shiloh Miller, who gave a fist bump to this figure wearing a black helmet and flight suit. "That was unexpected. It was a great addition for the kids," said her great grandmother, Rebecca Cooper of Charleston. "(Shiloh) was a little hesitant at first, but then she wanted to go back and see them again." The Midwest Garrison rode on the parade float of Bimbo Bakeries USA, which purchased the Lender's Bagels bakery in Mattoon in 2020. When this plant opened in 1986, founding family member Murray Lender hosted a free bagel breakfast for the community. The breakfast evolved into the annual festival. Bimbo Bakeries USA's float was decorated with images of the company's bear mascot, Osito, dressed as a Jedi and a Sith Lord, plus a giant inflatable TIE fighter. Several other floats and vehicles were decorated for the "Star Wars" theme, with Jedi master Yoda and Grogu (often colloquially known as "Baby Yoda") being especially popular. The Rev. John Coin, a longtime "Star Wars" fan, dressed as a Sith Lord and Tim Crask dressed as a Jedi while they engaged in a lightsaber duel on the float from First Southern Baptist Church. As a member of the Indy Lightsaber Academy in Indianapolis, Coin said he was excited when he heard about Bagelfest having a "Star War" theme this year. "I was like, 'YES! I have stuff for that," Coin said. His 12-year-old daughter, Ziva, wore a Darth Vader costume and his 10-year-old son, George, wore a clone trooper uniform for the occasion. Sisters Anna Froescchle, vacation Bible school director at First Presbyterian Church, and Alicia Seng, the church's youth director, said "Stellar" was selected as the theme for their Aug. 11-13 program about a week before Bagelfest's theme was announced, so they felt the timing was fortuitous. For their parade entry, they picked two otherworldly cycles designed and built by their father, Steven Seng. The smaller one is controlled with handles by a cyclist sitting low to the ground. The other, a large tricycle, is controlled by two cyclists using foot pedals. The latter one can go forwards, backwards, sideways and in circles. "It's been in a lot of different parades, but this is the first time in a Mattoon parade," Alicia Seng said of this cycle, built in 1988. Close Volunteer Michelle Smith-Trevino Mattoon hands out bagels on Saturday during the the World's Largest Bagel Breakfast in Mattoon's Peterson Park. Miriam Lynch, 3, enjoys a bagel on Saturday during the the World's Largest Bagel Breakfast in Mattoon's Peterson Park. Lynch is from Charleston. Ethan Robertson, 8, enjoys a bagel on Saturday during the World's Largest Bagel Breakfast in Mattoon's Peterson Park. Robertson is from Charleston. Quinn Diliberti, Logan Popp, Mia Diliberti, Kevin Popp and Amelia Messere pose for a photo with members of the Midwest Garrison of The 501st Legion, a Star Wars Imperial costuming club, on Saturday in the Demars Center during the Mattoon Bagelfest's free bagel breakfast. Sweet and Salty Quartet performs in the Rotary Band Shell on Saturday during Bagelfest. The singers were performing a song about the ocean. Colin Vandeventer, left, helps decorates the truck with his children Elias Vandeventer, center, and Elleree Vandeventer on Saturday before the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. Elias won the 2-3 year old Beautiful Baby Bagel. Colin actually won the same contest in 1992. Ellayna Graham, 7, decorates a car with bagels on Saturday during the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. Graham is from Mattoon. Bimbo Bakeries USA float celebrates this year's "Star Wars" theme on Saturday during the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. Mattoon Middle and High School marching bands perform on Saturday during the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. Festival queens waves on Saturday during the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. First Presbyterian Church members ride a variety of unique bikes on Saturday during the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. First Presbyterian Church members ride a variety of unique bikes on Saturday during the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. First Presbyterian Church members ride a variety of unique bikes on Saturday during the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. Clara Birch, 3, enjoys the floats on Saturday during the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. Birch is from Mattoon. Aiden Patterson, 2, waves to floats on Saturday during the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. Graham's family is from originally from Mattoon and visits during the festival. Violet Weddle, 6, enjoys the cold flavored ice treat on Saturday during the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. Weddle is from Mattoon. Kennedy Triestram, 3, enjoys the cold flavored ice treat on Saturday during the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. Triestram is from Mattoon. 2023 Mattoon Bagelfest breakfast, parade photos Volunteer Michelle Smith-Trevino Mattoon hands out bagels on Saturday during the the World's Largest Bagel Breakfast in Mattoon's Peterson Park. Miriam Lynch, 3, enjoys a bagel on Saturday during the the World's Largest Bagel Breakfast in Mattoon's Peterson Park. Lynch is from Charleston. Ethan Robertson, 8, enjoys a bagel on Saturday during the World's Largest Bagel Breakfast in Mattoon's Peterson Park. Robertson is from Charleston. Quinn Diliberti, Logan Popp, Mia Diliberti, Kevin Popp and Amelia Messere pose for a photo with members of the Midwest Garrison of The 501st Legion, a Star Wars Imperial costuming club, on Saturday in the Demars Center during the Mattoon Bagelfest's free bagel breakfast. Sweet and Salty Quartet performs in the Rotary Band Shell on Saturday during Bagelfest. The singers were performing a song about the ocean. Colin Vandeventer, left, helps decorates the truck with his children Elias Vandeventer, center, and Elleree Vandeventer on Saturday before the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. Elias won the 2-3 year old Beautiful Baby Bagel. Colin actually won the same contest in 1992. Ellayna Graham, 7, decorates a car with bagels on Saturday during the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. Graham is from Mattoon. Bimbo Bakeries USA float celebrates this year's "Star Wars" theme on Saturday during the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. Mattoon Middle and High School marching bands perform on Saturday during the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. Festival queens waves on Saturday during the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. First Presbyterian Church members ride a variety of unique bikes on Saturday during the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. First Presbyterian Church members ride a variety of unique bikes on Saturday during the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. First Presbyterian Church members ride a variety of unique bikes on Saturday during the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. Clara Birch, 3, enjoys the floats on Saturday during the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. Birch is from Mattoon. Aiden Patterson, 2, waves to floats on Saturday during the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. Graham's family is from originally from Mattoon and visits during the festival. Violet Weddle, 6, enjoys the cold flavored ice treat on Saturday during the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. Weddle is from Mattoon. Kennedy Triestram, 3, enjoys the cold flavored ice treat on Saturday during the Mattoon Bagelfest Parade. Triestram is from Mattoon. ODESA, Ukraine Russia struck the Ukrainian Black Sea city of Odesa on Sunday, keeping up a barrage of attacks that has damaged critical port infrastructure in southern Ukraine in the past week. At least one person was killed and 22 others wounded in the early morning attack, officials said. Four children were among those wounded in the blasts, which severely damaged 25 landmarks across the city, including the historic Transfiguration Cathedral. Russia has been launching repeated attacks on Odesa, a key hub for exporting grain, since Moscow canceled a landmark grain deal last week amid Kyivs grinding efforts to retake its occupied territories. After the fires were put out at the Orthodox cathedral, volunteers donned hard hats, shovels and brooms to begin removing rubble and try to salvage any artifacts under the watchful gaze of the saints whose paintings remained intact. Local officials said the icon of the patroness of the city was retrieved from under the rubble. The destruction is enormous, half of the cathedral is now roofless, said Archdeacon Andrii Palchuk, as workers brought documents and valuables out of the building, its floor inundated with water used by firefighters to extinguish the blaze. Palchuk said the damage was caused by a direct hit from a Russian missile that penetrated the building down to the basement. Two people inside were wounded. But with Gods help, we will restore it, he said, bursting into tears. A woman who came to help with the cleanup said she loved the cathedral for its tranquility and grace. When you enter this church, you feel like youre beyond the world, said Liudmyla, who gave only her first name. I have a feeling that God, to protect apartments, took this pain, this explosion upon himself. Anna Fetchenko, who came to Odesa for a volunteer meeting, also pitched in to clear the debris. I wanted to go to the seaside, but last night was so frightening that I cried for the first time in 2023, she said. This is our Ukrainian heritage, and now its taken away from us." Later Sunday, Palchuk urged people to gather in front of the destroyed part of the cathedral for an outdoor service and to pray in front of a sacred icon that miraculously survived. We will pray that it protects us from the Russians, he said. The cathedral belongs to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which has been accused of links to Russia. The church has insisted that it is loyal to Ukraine, has denounced the Russian invasion from the start and even declared its independence from Moscow. But Ukrainian security agencies have claimed that some in the Ukrainian church maintain close ties with Moscow. Theyve raided numerous church holy sites and posted photos of rubles, Russian passports and leaflets with messages from the Moscow patriarch as proof some church officials are loyal to Russia. UNESCO strongly condemned the attack on the cathedral and other heritage sites and said it will send a mission in coming days to assess damage. Odesas historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site earlier this year, and the agency said the Russian attacks contradict Moscow's pledge to take precautious to spare World Heritage sites in Ukraine. This outrageous destruction marks an escalation of violence against the cultural heritage of Ukraine. I strongly condemn this attack against culture, and I urge the Russian Federation to take meaningful action to comply with its obligations under international law, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said in a statement. Regional Gov. Oleh Kiper said that six residential buildings were destroyed by the strikes. Some people were trapped in their apartments following the attack, which left rubble strewn in the street and partly blocking the road. Svitlana Molcharova, 85, was rescued by emergency workers. But after she received first aid, she refused to leave her destroyed apartment. I will stay here, she said. I woke up when the ceiling started to fall on me. I rushed into the corridor, said Ivan Kovalenko, a 19-year-old resident of the building. Thats how I lost my home in Mykolaiv, and here, I lost my rented apartment. His unit revealed a partially collapsed ceiling and a balcony that came off the side of the building. All the windows were blown out. Ukraines air force reported on the Telegram messaging app that Russia had launched 19 missiles in the Odesa region, including five high-precision winged Onyx missiles and four sea-to-shore Kalibr cruise missiles. It said that Ukrainian air defenses shot down nine. Russias Defense Ministry said Sunday its forces attacked sites in Odesa where terrorist acts against the Russian Federation were being prepared. In a later statement, the ministry denied that its attacks struck the Transfiguration Cathedral, claiming the destruction of the cathedral was likely due to the fall of a Ukrainian anti-aircraft guided missile. The attacks come days after President Vladimir Putin pulled Russia out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a wartime deal that enabled Ukraines exports to reach many countries facing the threat of hunger. Earlier Russian attacks have crippled significant parts of export facilities in Odesa and nearby Chornomorsk, and destroyed 60,000 tons of grain, according to Ukraines Agriculture Ministry. Putin vowed to retaliate against Kyiv for a recent attack on the crucial Kerch Bridge linking Russia with the Crimean Peninsula, which the Kremlin illegally annexed in 2014. Screeching tires. A flash of movement in the rearview mirror. A four-hour drive from Lincoln to Wichita, Kansas, cut to a sudden halt. In the span of 10 seconds, Lincoln native Josh Hicks day flipped upside down. Hicks was in just the right place at just the right time July 11 when a Ford van carrying five people veered off an Interstate-235 highway ramp just outside of Wichita and rolled into an adjacent lake, balancing precariously on its roof. Hed been on the way to the Kansas city for a softball tournament with his daughter when he saw the van tumble off the ramp. It was almost like a movie or 'The Dukes of Hazzard,' Hicks said. All of a sudden it hits the edge of the roadway and its bouncing down this hill. In the next few seconds that followed, Hicks acted without hesitation, throwing his daughters Subaru Impreza in reverse and rushing over to help as she called 911. Help would arrive sooner than they ever couldve expected. Sedgwick County Sheriffs Deputy Clinton Harris was conducting a traffic stop near the same ramp when he spotted Hicks getting out of his car. He called off the stop and was soon on the scene as well. I would say probably within 20 to 30 seconds of the van leaving the road, (Harris) and I were both on our way down to that vehicle, Hicks said. As they arrived, they found that four passengers had escaped the watery wreck, all young men in their 20s. One of them was unconscious on the shore while an older man was still stuck inside. I remember going around (to) the front of the van and I remember that instant of like, What do I do? Hicks said. It was literally a second, but it felt like I was standing there forever just twiddling my thumbs. Finding the man inside the vehicle was the toughest challenge. As Harris shattered windows using a special tool that hed thankfully been carrying, Hicks shouted back to the passengers to figure out where the fifth man might be inside the van, which was submerged in shoulder-high water. A second deputy, Nathan Kingery, arrived on the scene soon after and attended to the unresponsive passenger who is now recovering, Hicks said on the shore as the long-armed Hicks finally grasped hope inside the van. It feels like Im pulling up another sweatshirt because I pulled up a couple already, (then) up pops his head, he said. It took both deputies and the Nebraskan, an HVAC technician somewhat accustomed to heavy lifts, to get the man out of the van and onto the shore, where Harris and Kingery alternated performing CPR until paramedics arrived. The whole incident transpired in about six minutes, according to Harris and Hicks. That much time without oxygen can lead to severe brain damage, but just over a week after the ordeal, the man is on track to a near-full recovery. Harris said that fact is very fortunate, because help often arrives too late to make a difference in those situations. This is a unique experience for Josh, but also for most law enforcement, Harris said. Friends of mine that have worked for the sheriffs office for over a decade have never been around anything with this outcome. Asked if he felt like what hed helped accomplish was heroic, Hicks was indifferent. He was equally dismissive of any Nebraska Nice cliches about why he acted the way he did, attributing it to just being a decent human being. I had no idea who was in that van. Dont care. Dont know if theyre hurt, were just gonna go down there and check it out, make sure if anybody needs our help, were there, he said. There was no, Im gonna go out and be a hero and save some lives today. While Hicks downplayed his role, Harris said he deserves credit for preventing a much more dangerous rescue. Josh was needed 100%; there was no way I was going to do that by myself, Harris said. If I had to do this myself, I probably out of pride wouldve tried to force myself through the window, I probably wouldve fallen into the vehicle. Considering the end result, and the complex series of events that aligned to put each man in the right place at the right time, it was hard for Harris or Hicks to not speculate about a higher power at work. "It was the perfect outcome for the worst situation you can ever think of," Hicks said. Since the rescue, the victims family has been in touch with both Harris and Hicks, providing updates on his recovery and even insisting that the two attend a barbeque with them. Both men have visited with them at the hospital as well. Were family now, Hicks said. This is one of those events that brings (people) together. Top Journal Star photos for July 2023 A 13-year-old boy on Friday admitted to manslaughter and gun possession charges in connection with the September 2022 shooting death of another 13-year-old boy in Hanscom Park. Jonathan Salado-Lorenzo, one of two 13-year-olds initially charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of 13-year-old Lenny Rodriguez, accepted a plea deal Friday and admitted to reduced charges of manslaughter and unlawful possession of a handgun. The other child accused in the killing, Salado-Lorenzos cousin Erik Juarez-Salado, who was 13 at the time of the slaying, admitted to reduced charges of accessory to first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a handgun in May. Both boys will be under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court which could include probation or placement in a treatment or correctional facility until they turn 19. Children under the age of 14 cannot be charged as adults in Nebraska. Deputy Douglas County Attorney Laura Lemoine said police were dispatched to Hanscom Park, in midtown Omaha, to reports of shots fired at about 11:50 p.m. on Sept. 28, 2022. At the scene, police found Rodriguez with a single gunshot wound to the torso. Rodriguez, an eighth grader at Ralston Middle School, was taken to the hospital in extremely critical condition. The bullet tore through his chest and caused his lung to collapse. He died at the Nebraska Medical Center. Lemoine said that, before the shooting, Rodriguez had engaged in a gang feud on social media with Salado-Lorenzo. The boys did not know each other before the online feud, according to Salado-Lorenzos defense attorney, Denise Frost. According to both the defense and the prosecution, Rodriguez was a member of the Diamond Street gang, or DST. Salado-Lorenzo who had just turned 13 two weeks before the killing had recently been jumped in, or initiated, into the Vagos 13 street gang, Frost said. Rodriguez challenged Salado-Lorenzo to a fight at Hanscom Park via social media. Lemoine said phone data shows Salado-Lorenzo texted his older cousin, who was 14 at the time, to ask if he could borrow his handgun. The cousin agreed, and Salado-Lorenzo and Juarez-Salado went together to pick up the gun. Lemoine said Rodriguez was already at the park when Salado-Lorenzo and Juarez-Salado arrived. Gunshots rang out shortly after. If the case had gone to trial, the defense planned to offer testimony from Robert Maher, an expert witness in audio forensic analysis, who analyzed audio recordings from nearby cameras. Mahers findings suggested that two separate guns were fired during the approximately 6-second interaction. According to court documents filed by Frost, Maher found that seven gunshots were fired during the 6-second period. In his opinion, three of those gunshot sounds were attributable to one gun while four were attributable to a separate firearm. Frost said this indicates that Rodriguez also had a gun but that evidence was not considered as part of the plea deal. No shell casings related to the case were found at the scene, and no gun belonging to any of the three boys has ever been recovered. Southeast Community College officials told members of the Legislature a plan to replace local property taxes with a newly created state fund puts the college at a disadvantage when compared with other institutions across Nebraska. State senators scolded SCC last month for its plan to raise the colleges general fund property tax levy to the maximum 9.25 cents per $100 of valuation. SCC also plans to continue levying 2 cents per $100 of valuation to support the modernization of its campuses and facilities. College officials have said the increase will be necessary to ensure SCC is funded at an adequate level so as to remain accessible for students while also meeting the needs of communities and businesses in its 15-county service area. The dispute between state lawmakers and SCC stems from the passage of a property tax reform package (LB243) that will replace property taxes with a state-appropriated Community College Future Fund beginning in the 2024-25 school year. Under the language of LB243, the baseline amount of state funding community colleges will receive from the fund will be equal to the general fund levy set for the upcoming 2023-24 school year or an amount equal to 7.5 cents per $100 of valuation whichever is higher. Four community colleges are currently under that level SCC, Central Community College, Mid-Plains Community College and Northeast Community College but SCC President Paul Illich said the one size fits all approach ignores the nuanced financial situations of each. State statute sets a maximum levy rate colleges can use to generate revenue through property taxes, Illich said, and also puts in place a spending lid that grows marginally every year but which cannot be exceeded. According to Illich, SCC is currently operating at about 70% of its total spending authority, which he said gives the college room to hike its general fund property tax levy from its existing 7.37 cents to 9.25 cents per $100 of valuation. If the Board of Governors approves the increase to the maximum level, SCC would still be at about 90% of the state-mandated spending lid before property taxes are replaced by the Community College Future Fund next year. My board has been very careful and gone up gradually the last few years, Illich said, adding that the cautious approach has now put SCC at a potential disadvantage moving forward. Other community colleges, however, are already near or at their spending lid mostly the result of large property valuation increases in recent years which means they cannot raise their levy but will be fully funded when the provisions of LB243 take effect. In a July 14 letter responding to senators, SCC Board of Governors Chairman Neal Stenberg said LB243 automatically confers funding benefits to some of the colleges while requiring SCC to take specific action to be treated similarly. By raising SCCs general fund levy to the maximum allowed, the board will set its Community College Future Fund baseline at 144% of its existing general fund property tax requirements, Stenberg wrote to senators. Mid-Plains Community College, which has a current general fund levy of 5.8 cents, would see its funding increase automatically, setting a baseline of about 139% of its current general fund property tax requirements without its board taking any action. This college will get essentially the same increase to its baseline without an increase in its levy that SCC can only get with a levy increase, Stenberg said. Indeed, this other college will get exactly the same baseline even if it reduces its levy, which puts it in the enviable position of establishing a baseline without alarming property taxpayers. A representative of Mid-Plains said the college has operated at a deficit in recent years to spend down its cash reserve and was planning a 7-8% increase in property taxes to balance its budget this year. However, in anticipation of this increase in funding we plan to discuss with our board a minimal increase in property taxes this fall, said Daniel Stinman, director of marking and public information at Mid-Plains, adding the college was now considering a 2.5-3% hike in its property tax levy. When the new funding model takes effect, Stinman said a large portion of the funding will be used to offset its deficit budget and identify other areas of need that support students. Stenberg said increasing SCCs property tax levy was the only way to put it on a level playing field with other community colleges moving forward. Do SCCs income and sales taxpayers want to more fully support colleges outside of the SCC service area while the needs of our own students and our own business and industry go at least partially unmet? Stenberg asked. And Illich said that with property taxes now accounting for 51% of SCCs revenue, the move to the future fund, which will have capped growth, means SCC will be operating at a deficit moving forward. Property valuations, on average, were increasing by 5.3% per year, Illich said, meaning that revenue generated from property taxes also increased by that amount. The Community College Future Fund is set to grow by 3.5% per year, meaning SCC will see less revenue once the program starts. State lawmakers remain unmoved by SCCs explanation, however, remaining firm on the stated goal of LB243 to reduce property taxes paid in support of community colleges. Sen. Tom Briese of Albion, a member of the Legislatures Revenue Committee that crafted LB243, said the assumption of lawmakers was that community colleges would remain at their existing property tax levies or move to the mandatory minimum when the baseline year arrives. If their needs were met at a lower levy authority, then so be it, said Briese. Thats where they should start out, in my opinion. While the Community College Future Fund is set to grow annually, the separate state appropriation to community colleges can be increased or decreased by the Legislature each biennium. I think actions like this are going to make it more difficult for community colleges to sell future Legislatures on appropriation increases to the traditional state aid, Briese said. I would predict future bodies would remember this type of conduct. SCC's Board of Governors will meet at the Academic Excellence Center on the Beatrice campus Tuesday for a work session and a regular meeting. The work session, which will include a discussion of SCC's budget, is set to begin at 12:30 p.m., with the regular meeting to follow at 3 p.m. Top Journal Star photos for July 2023 Libby McKay is constantly on the lookout when traveling around Norfolk, hoping to solve a mystery. The questions bedeviling McKay: How did a Milton a two-story home ordered a century ago from a Sears & Roebuck Co. catalog end up in this northeast Nebraska city. Is it still standing? The Milton most certainly made it here. A 1916 Sears catalog said so. Theres a story here, and Id like to hear it, said McKay, director of Norfolks Elkhorn Valley Museum. I want to find it if its still here. From 1908 to 1940, Sears & Roebuck customers ordered as many as 70,000 homes. Other lesser-known companies also offered homes from catalogs and sold comparable numbers. The houses, often called kit homes, were delivered by train. An unknown number of the kit homes were constructed in Nebraska. But many of the ones that have been identified hold an added cachet. Sears homes in particular carry credibility among architectural historians and home buyers looking for a well-made house with history. Rebecca Hunter, an architectural historian from Elgin, Illinois, has spent decades researching catalog homes. The most intriguing oral history associated with a home, is perhaps, This house came on the train, Hunter wrote in her book, Mail-Order Homes: Sears Homes and other Kit Houses. Costs for Sears homes ranged from $146 in 1911 for a two-room cottage to $9,990 for a 10-room design in 1920, according to Hunters book. The cost of the lot, foundation and construction labor typically doubled the catalog price. Early Sears versions were known solely by their design number, but later ones carried names, such as the Greenview, the Rosita and the Princeville. No matter the version, Sears homes were well-designed and made to last, Hunter said. Jan Paulsen owns a Langston in Cedar Bluffs. She learned it was a catalog home shortly after she bought the house nearly 15 years ago. Its rock solid, she said of her home. I believe if the winds would blow, it would stand. Just how many have survived remains a mystery, Hunter said. Sears records have been lost to time, which also complicates the authentication process. The challenge for people looking to spot Sears homes in their communities is they dont stand out, said Ed Zimmer, an architectural historian in Lincoln. The Sears homes blended in so well with other homes during this period, they now are hard to spot and difficult to verify. Kellie Knop knows exactly what she has: a Sears Paloma design built in the 1920s in Lincoln. She learned about her homes history from its previous owner, Luann Wandsnider, who received the news from a newspaper reporter in the 1990s. I was pleasantly surprised. I had no idea, Wandsnider recalled. When it was time to sell, Wandsnider left a copy of the Lincoln Journal Star story with her real estate agent. Knop bought the house in the early 2000s because it was live-in ready, but she appreciates the fact it has history. Ben and Denise Benegas wanted something with a little age for their retirement home. Two years before their retirement in 2010 from the University of Iowa, the couple started hunting for an older home, with an eye on a kit one. They looked at 200 homes in Iowa and surrounding states. They found their home in Stromsburg, and discovered it was a Sears Design No. 160. On their first visit, Ben Benegas said, the couple realized just how much work it needed. We said, Oh my. It needed a roof, it needed a heating system. Some pipes had frozen. We called (the real estate agent) immediately. This is the one. Benegas said a neighbor told him it was a Sears catalog home and others in town confirmed it. The couple found a book of Sears homes and saw theirs was nearly a dead ringer. Their house later was included on a state-by-state list of Sears homes. Hunter and Zimmer caution those who believe they have a kit house: Matching your home with a design from a catalog page might not be enough. True proof often is found on the framing boards. Sears, for example, stamped solid numbers and letters near the ends of the boards usually a capital letter followed by one or more numbers. Hunters book offers additional tips for verifying a catalog home: * Blueprints with a mail-order model name, number or company logo. * Title searches or tax records listing a mail-order company as the architect, buyer, seller, owner or payer of real estate taxes. * Documents, including correspondence, guarantees, instruction manuals or parts lists. * Mortgage records, in the case of companies that offered financing. Hunter said testimonials from historians, previous owners and neighbors often pique a homeowners interest. Kelsey Shirk received a letter addressed to the current owner of her home on Garfield Street in Lincoln about a year after she moved in. The writer, a woman in her 90s living in Minnesota, wrote about how her parents had built the Sears Rodessa-design home that she lived in as a child. I hope you are still enjoying your first home. I think it is the perfect size for one, she wrote in a follow-up note. Shirk said she enjoys everything about her home, except possibly the front door, which is a bit off-center. Dan and Indi Goebel, who bought their home in Omahas Dundee district in 2021, were intrigued that their home looked strikingly similar to a Sears Preston design. Even the closets are the same, Indi Goebel said. But Hunter expressed some doubt and said shed need to see the stamping on framing boards. Dan Goebel said he was disappointed by the assessment but understands. Well keep looking (for a stamp), he said. Hunter has compiled a state-by-state list of verified Sears homes. Kelli Bacon with History Nebraska keeps her own list. Nebraskans with verified catalog homes can report them to Bacon. In some situations, Hunter said, homeowners think they have a particular kit home, only to find out its another. Sears had competitors, including Montgomery Ward, Gordon-Van Tine and Aladdin. Brad and Kim Spady heard the talk: Their home in Imperial was a Sears home. People were constantly saying it, Brad Spady said. Now they know it is a kit home but from Gordon-Van Tine, a company based in Davenport, Iowa, in the early 1900s. Kim Spady said she had her eye on the home. The couple pounced when it became available in 2005. Like others, they didnt buy the house because it was a catalog home. We bought it because we love it, Kim Spady said. I was just tickled to find out what it was. The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter. Top Journal Star photos for July 2023 RACINE The Racine Art Museum is featuring community artwork as part of its Futures Reimagined exhibition at the Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Arts, 2519 Northwestern Ave. For this exhibition, RAM partnered with Mahogany Gallery, a Racine art gallery owned by Wisconsin-based artist Scott Terry. Until Aug. 5, visitors will be able to view artists ideas about what might come to pass. Inspired by Mahogany Gallerys Black Art and Culture Expo, Black Futures, this exhibition also includes Black Futures 2 the second iteration of the expos theme, which features works from artists across the country who identify as Black or of the African diaspora. Its an exhibition for anybody who is part of RAMs community, said Lena Vigna, curator of exhibitions. For this unjuried community art show, the artists were invited to submit work, and anyone who wanted to be involved could participate. In addition to Terrys initial expo, Vigna explained the first inklings of Futures Reimagined stemmed from discussions about RAMs 20th anniversary, which is occurring this year. We were using that sort of framework of how an anniversary really is still sort of taking shape, like where you are, what youve done, where you might be going, she said. So thats where the futures thing really rolled into it. Terry invited artists both local and from other parts of the country to submit work, which then went through a curation process. He commended RAM for being intentional about working with more Black artists, and also helping to provide a platform for Black artists to be seen or heard or have their work sold, as well. Vigna said that in addition to Terrys help in finding artists, his input was crucial in solidifying the theme. I think with Scott the way I started to see what he was doing as well wasnt just about the content of the artists, but also that those artists that he invited sort of represent a future for Black art, she said. Vigna believes Terrys involvement in Futures Reimagined contributed to the success of the exhibition. With the work that Scott brought in, its frankly voices that we couldnt have encapsulated if he hadnt been a part of that conversation, she said. So it really, really enriches whats possible and what you see in the gallery. When reviewing the submitted works, Terry said he looked for pieces that were connected to the theme of the show, exemplifying the diversity and breadth of the style of work. One of my mantras is Black is not a monolith, so you have so many different versions and interpretations of what that means to people, he said. And I think thats an avenue to really communicate that to our collectors, our patrons and folks in the community. For Vigna, the work of the artists Terry invited helps create more discussions between the art in the exhibition. The neat thing, too, is that those artists dialogue with one another and then all the other work thats in the space, Vigna said. Theres now so many various viewpoints and perspectives that you can absorb as a visitor, and it reframes the work that they submitted and then everybody elses work, as well. Describing the Racine art scene as vibrant, Vigna said RAM provides a space for local artists to share their creativity. Ideally, you want the people that live in the community to also be proud of the community and to be able to feel like they have a voice in the things that are going on in the institutions that are in their community, she said. Offering opportunities to work with local artists and regional artists allows for that. Vigna also emphasized the importance of the Racine community to the museum, adding that RAM wants people to feel connected. We very much rely on people from the area to be a part of the dialogue as well, Vigna said. Terry said he hopes Futures Reimagined helps visitors understand that all artwork has a powerful impact and effect and can really help to educate people about culture, educate people about art history, educate folks about the contributions of Black creatives throughout the United States and the impact on society. Vigna believes Futures Reimagined offers visitors an opportunity to see the work of other community members as well as their perception of the future. It gives people a moment to think about the future, but also to sort of see area artists represented and how theres so many different approaches and perspectives, she said. Vigna added that she hopes Futures Reimagined instills pride in visitors for their community and believes the exhibition gives people the chance to engage. You have a lot of people from the area who have a lot of interesting things to say, she said. And then also with like I mentioned some of Scotts artists not being from the area, theyre giving you even more lenses to see ideas through. Kelly Witte Racine artist Kelly Witte said she has always traveled along the art route. From doing arts and crafts kits that her mom bought her as a child to pursuing a degree in art, Witte said that it was always art for her. For Futures Reimagined, Witte created Diamond Droid, a robot printed on sparkly paper in front of a pink background. Witte learned about the exhibition in May and spent a week creating her piece. With a background in printmaking and painting, she used a linocut print collaged over a silkscreen print that she had colored with acrylic ink. In the linocut print, Witte said used a metallic glitter paper she hadnt used before. Thinking the paper would look futuristic, she decided to use it in Diamond Droid. It was kind of a gamble, she said. Influenced by artists like Lisa Frank and Ashley Longshore, she said her work has a pop art feel to it, and she tries to go over the top in her work. I know a lot of people kind of like to have things a little more minimalist, so Im just like, Well, Ill have to make up for that, and just keep pushing the boundaries of my art, she said. The more color, the better; the more glitter, the better. I just love to have fun with my artwork. For Witte, Diamond Droid serves as her own interpretation of robots and AI. A lot of things are technology based, which is cool, she said. Were more connected than ever with technology, but at the same time, I feel like were losing touch with one another. Eileen Black Although Mount Pleasant resident Eileen Black works in health care, she makes art in her free time and is a frequent participant in community art shows. Theres so many opportunities, and theres so many interesting pieces that people contribute, she said. I just like to be a part of it. For Futures Reimagined, Black made Welcome Home, an acrylic painting that shows a bright yellow, dome-shaped dwelling among vibrant green trees. After learning about the exhibition, she made her piece specifically for the show: Black said she always makes a new piece to fit the theme of the exhibition. Though she typically uses oil paint, Black used acrylics for this piece because of the vibrancy and intensity of the colors. Acrylic paint, which is a thinner medium, dries quickly, allowing Black to layer the colors, specifically on the trees. For Black, Welcome Home represents her vision for the future: harmony and balance between people and nature. I immediately thought, Whats the most harmonious thing I can imagine? and that is a dwelling that lives among nature and doesnt hurt nature, she said. I just liked the whole coming together idea between people and our environment. Thomas Lockhart III With a background in graphic design, Thomas Lockhart III said he is mainly self-taught when it comes to drawing and painting. Lockhart, based in Colorado, is one of the artists who was invited to participate by Terry as a part of Futures Reimagined and Black Futures 2. For the exhibition, Lockhart submitted two pieces: Weve Come a Long Way and The Return. Unlike Witte and Black, Lockhart didnt make the works specifically for Futures Reimagined. Instead, he submitted pieces he had in his collection that represent history. I wanted to tell a story, Lockhart said. Weve Come a Long Way depicts a woman with a long neck coming out of water. To make the piece, Lockhart combined painting and collage: He painted the background, woman and water, but attached certain elements like the seashells and slave ships in the womans hair and the authentic chain going up her neck. Lockhart employed a similar technique when creating The Return, which shows a young boy on a stool holding a trumpet on top of the water. In the bottom left corner, Lockhart used the collaging technique with the ship: He printed articles from books and magazines as the sails of the ship. Lockhart said implementing collage and mediums other than paint expand the meaning of his works and give them more texture, believing it provides viewers with a different frame of mind. I like to say I make art that you can feel literally, that you can touch, he said. In line with the theme of the exhibition, Lockhart said both pieces represent moving forward. Drawing upon biblical themes, he said, The Return is a piece about changing your mind and accepting what has happened, but moving forward into the future and realizing that your future is greater than your past. Diane Hamlin Growing up in an artistic family, Diane Hamlin said she became interested in art during her childhood, often visiting the National Gallery in Washington, D.C., and The Art Institute of Chicago with her family. I had a mother who got her children to do art projects, and so we have a creative family, she said. Hamlin, a Racine-based artist, submitted Times Square, an acrylic painting from her collection depicting the New York landscape, for Futures Reimagined. The painting shows Times Square in the evening with wet pavement from rain. It reminds me of something very futuristics, like a futuristic city or something like that, she said. Hamlin said that people she talks to regard New York City as unsafe, adding that theyre afraid to go. But she believes her painting has a lot of color and a lot of joy. To be able to have something that inspires, encourages, shows people a way forward, she said. To me, that was what I would hope the message of my painting would be. Though Hamlin started by recreating paintings from artists like Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and Stuart Davis, Hamlin now bases her paintings off travel photos. For this piece, Hamlin painted a photo that her brother took when her family visited New York for her moms 88th birthday. Hamlin said that traveling is an opportunity to see what your life could become, what you could do differently. She added that travel has an effect on creativity. To try to capture that in a painting, its almost like youre capturing the moment of the experience in a photograph, Hamlin said. Close Atlas Brown, 7, uses a paint brush Saturday to add color to her creation of a winter wildlife scene during an art class for children at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts in Racine. Luca Melendez, 8, washes out a paint brush Saturday while working on his painting during a winter wildlife art class for children at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts in Racine. Instructor Veronica Averkamp, left, offers a few tips Saturday to student Olivia Cornelius, 9, during an art class in which children learn to draw and paint winter wildlife at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts in Racine. Quinn Harcarik, 7, refers to an image of a Wisconsin woodland animal as a guide for sketching out his drawing Saturday during art class for children at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts in Racine. Students work hard or do a little brainstorming Saturday during a winter wildlife painting class at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts in Racine, which offers a variety of classes for children and adults. Agnes Cairns, 10, sketches out her wildlife creation Saturday during a woodland animals art workshop for children at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts in Racine. A student dips her paint brush into color choices Saturday during a winter woodland animals painting class for children at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts in Racine. Emilia Valeriano, 7, is the picture of concentration as she sketches a winter wildlife scene Saturday during a painting class for children at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts in Racine. Inspired by a Harry Potter movie, Luca Melendez, 8, paints a snowy owl Saturday during a winter wildlife art class for children at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts in Racine. In photos: Kids create wildlife paintings in art class at Racine museum Children use their imaginations to create winter woodland animal scenes on canvas during a painting class inside Racine's Wustum Museum of Fine Arts. Atlas Brown, 7, uses a paint brush Saturday to add color to her creation of a winter wildlife scene during an art class for children at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts in Racine. Luca Melendez, 8, washes out a paint brush Saturday while working on his painting during a winter wildlife art class for children at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts in Racine. Instructor Veronica Averkamp, left, offers a few tips Saturday to student Olivia Cornelius, 9, during an art class in which children learn to draw and paint winter wildlife at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts in Racine. Quinn Harcarik, 7, refers to an image of a Wisconsin woodland animal as a guide for sketching out his drawing Saturday during art class for children at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts in Racine. Students work hard or do a little brainstorming Saturday during a winter wildlife painting class at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts in Racine, which offers a variety of classes for children and adults. Agnes Cairns, 10, sketches out her wildlife creation Saturday during a woodland animals art workshop for children at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts in Racine. A student dips her paint brush into color choices Saturday during a winter woodland animals painting class for children at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts in Racine. Emilia Valeriano, 7, is the picture of concentration as she sketches a winter wildlife scene Saturday during a painting class for children at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts in Racine. Inspired by a Harry Potter movie, Luca Melendez, 8, paints a snowy owl Saturday during a winter wildlife art class for children at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts in Racine. Brendan Taylor, among the first graduates of Chicago CRED, at his job at the Blommer Chocolate factory on July 20, 2023. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) Can a job stop a bullet? For a city struggling with gun violence, its an important question. There is no doubt much of our crime has its roots in economic distress. People without opportunity in the legal economy will resort to the illegal economy if only to eat, pay rent and feed their families. Advertisement For several years, Blommer Chocolate has been hiring from communities on the South and West sides of Chicago where gun violence is an everyday occurrence. Some of our employees have come to us through the violence prevention program Chicago CRED. We first learned about Chicago CRED at an event in the Englewood neighborhood where Arne Duncan, CREDs founder and a former U.S. secretary of education, was speaking. Duncan talked about growing up on the South Side and losing friends to gun violence in his teenage years. He talked about the pain of returning to Chicago after serving in Washington only to experience heartbreak at the level of gun violence. And he vowed to do something about it. Advertisement CRED works with young people at the highest risk of being gun violence victims or offenders. They get a lot of help from CRED, but the one thing CRED cant provide is a job. Thats where we come in. Over the years, weve hired more than a dozen Chicago CRED graduates. We are one of more than 40 companies in 17 industries that have hired CRED grads, and we will keep hiring them because they are hardworking, talented and hungry to succeed. They are desperate to do something with their lives. Its not without challenges. Most of the men we have hired have essentially grown up in war zones, suffering direct and indirect trauma from gun violence. We have had to deal with employees or their family members being shot. Some are derailed by challenges like a car breaking down or unstable housing. Sometimes, they need a little extra help. But we need them just as much as they need us. [ Opinion series: Turning the tide on Chicagos gun violence ] Blommers original and oldest operating factory is in downtown Chicago. Since it is not as fully automated or modernized as our other factories around the world, we can recruit and develop many of the young men coming out of Chicago CRED. On average, they earn $20 to $24 per hour, not including overtime. One of them is Brendan Taylor, who is among the first graduates of Chicago CRED. Brendan began working in the mailroom at Deloitte in 2018. He was a model employee and was training to become a paralegal when he was shot and wounded in a drive-by incident near his South Side home. Brendans co-workers supported him through his recovery, visited him in the hospital and extended the kind of love and support any one of us would need in a similar crisis. We got to know Brendan and offered him a job. Today, hes an environmental health specialist earning a respectable salary, plus health and retirement benefits. Some employers may justifiably ask why they would take on the challenge of hiring young people with limited work experience and troubled backgrounds. My answer is this: Advertisement This is our community. This is our city. Pretending that young men like Brendan dont exist will not make them go away. Just because most of the gun violence happens away from our homes or businesses does not mean we dont have a responsibility to help address it. We can all be part of the solution. Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Our company was founded in 1939 by three Blommer brothers. Most people know us by the rich chocolate smell emanating from our factory on Kinzie Street and our iconic sign visible to commuters. Until just a few years ago, Blommer was a family-owned business, and we still honor the values passed down to us through the generations, including responsibility to our community. Business leaders cannot sit back and hope that others will solve crime. Our hardworking police enforce the laws to the best of their ability. Organizations like Chicago CRED give young people at risk the guidance to choose a pathway out of danger. But we can give them a paycheck and a career. Its not just about altruism. Its also in our economic interest. We can either pay them to work or we will all pay in higher social costs. I was heartened to read recently that the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club will be asking business leaders across the region to start hiring from the South and West sides, including graduates of violence prevention organizations. Thats great news. It reflects Chicago at its best, in which everyone pitches in to meet a collective challenge. But I understand that some companies may have some concerns. So, if anyone wants to know what it looks and feels like to be part of the solution, we invite them to visit our factory. Just follow your nose. Advertisement Bob Karr is the senior vice president of administration and chief legal officer at Blommer Chocolate Co. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. BURLINGTON After Jill Oelslager gave a physics presentation in high school, a teacher told her she should consider becoming an educator. Up to that point, Oelslager had not seriously thought about a career in education, but the instructors belief made her consider it. More than two decades later, Oelslager is leading the Burlington Area School District. Since July 1, she has been the BASD interim superintendent. In June, the BASD Board chose Oelslager as interim superintendent, a title she will hold for the 2023-24 school year. Oelslager was anxious, yet eager, for the new challenge. I was excited, she said. Nervous but excited, of course. Its always scary to jump into a new role. BASD Board President Peter Turke said Oelslager is a great fit for the position because she has been heavily involved in district planning in recent years, and he is confident in her leadership ability. I know Jill cares deeply about the school district, Turke said. Crucial year Oelslager has been with the school district for about two decades and has held several roles, including science teacher, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent. In addition to interim superintendent, she will still have some assistant superintendent duties during the upcoming school year. Oelslager lives in Burlington and has two children who attend BASD. She replaced Stephen Plank as BASD superintendent after he took a job as principal at Wauwatosa East High School. Oelslager has the interim title for this school year but said she absolutely plans to apply for the permanent superintendent role. Oelslager said she supports a thorough superintendent search process that includes input from staff and community members about who they want in the position starting July 1, 2024. I think you should have to go through that process, and I just hope in the end that staff, the community and the board value my leadership and want me to continue in that role, Oelslager said. In June, Turke said the board felt it needed to name an interim leader because of the school districts ongoing challenges. Those include a looming financial crisis, strategic planning and another operational referendum next year. Because of those challenges, the upcoming school year likely will be a crucial one in the direction of the school district. Oelslager, a former college track and field athlete, appears unphased by that pressure. Not a lot flusters me, she said. The more stressed I am, almost the better Ill perform More on my plate doesnt stress me out. Background That work ethic may stem from Oelslagers childhood on a vegetable farm in Palmyra, about 30 miles northwest of Burlington. After attending the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, her first job was as a science teacher at Burlington High School, a position she had for six years. The high school principal at the time said Oelslager would be a good administrator. Spurred by that encouragement, she earned a masters degree and was BHS assistant principal for four years before being principal at Karcher Middle School for six years and assistant superintendent for two years. In 2020-21, she led Karcher to a five-star rating from the state Department of Public Instruction, the highest possible grade. Oelslager misses working directly with teenagers, but said administrative roles can affect more students. Though I dont feel as connected in the classroom with kids, I do know that Im able to assist with creating more of a ripple for more students, she said. Being able to make decisions and impact 3,100 kids thats intriguing and keeps me going. Oelslagers last year as Karcher principal was in 2020-21, the first full school year impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. She felt the associated challenges resulted in staff becoming closer. It really, to me, brought our school district together, Oelslager said. It just created more of that bond, because you had to do so much heavy lifting together We can be more agile and flexible and innovative than we perhaps imagined we could be. Keep imagining and reinventing Innovation is part of Oelslagers hobby of remodeling homes and vehicles. Oelslager believes her forward-thinking ability will be helpful as superintendent. Similar to envisioning the potential of a home, she can picture where BASD can be and work to make that a reality. This might be where we are now, but I can see five, 10 steps down the road of where were trying to go, what were trying to do and how we can accomplish getting there, Oelslager said. Im not afraid to build the airplane while its in the air. We know our destination, and lets work out the kinks, and well be OK. Lets keep imagining and reinventing and creating as we move forward. In the future, Oelslager hopes to see more emphasis on career and technical education for high school students. She wants to develop more business relationships so the school district can be a conduit between companies and students. Its a symbiotic relationship, Oelslager said. We need businesses, and businesses need education, so how do we make sure that we really push on that and really start to build on that partnership? Financial challenges Oelslagers first few weeks in the new role have focused on developing relationships with School Board members, area officials and businesspeople. On her first day as interim superintendent, Oelslager got down to work. Her mindset was giddy up, lets go, Oelslager said. Theres so much work to do Its just more on the plate and trying to balance all of it. The main work challenge involves the finances of the school district, as BASD is facing projected seven-figure deficits in coming years. The district will have an estimated deficit of $4.77 million in 2024-25. The school districts 2025-26 projected deficit is $6.1 million. The 2026-27 projected deficit is $7.8 million. The 2027-28 estimated deficit is $9.7 million. In April, Turke said the school districts impending financial crisis is by far the most challenging thing he has faced during his time on the board. In the short term, the main way to address the deficit is through an operational referendum. This spring, community members voted down a non-recurring operational referendum that would have authorized the Burlington school board to exceed the state revenue limit by up to $8 million per year for the next three school years. Another operational referendum question almost certainly will be on ballots next spring. Oelslager said public education is intertwined with the present and future of Burlington. If we want to have a community that thrives economically, then we need to support our public school system, Oelslager said. Its the school system that will bring new families, new businesses into the community. Your public school system can really hinder and/or support what the economic stability of the community actually looks like years down the road The community will have to really decide if they believe in supporting the public school system or not. Do they see the value in educating kids? Oelslager said the school district did not impose the maximum tax levy on residents from 2005-15 because it wanted to be fiscally responsible, but now BASD needs the communitys assistance. Were saying, We need help, and were hoping the community responds to that, Oelslager said. Moving forward In order to reach community members and hear their priorities, the district has set up focus groups with staff, families and business members in August and September. As interim superintendent, Oelslager plans to be a hard-working, collaborative leader who does what she says and values everyones opinions. By doing so, she aims to lead BASD through a critical year for the district. Twelve photos of Burlington HS seniors returning to Waller Elementary Class of 2023 Students walking into school Lisa Schue and Utopia Pasika High-five Lucy Busse and Angela Bies Easton Schue hugs Angela Bies Adalie Rauch smiles Reese Schuls Lucy Busse High-fives from elementary schoolers Students in gym Lucy high-fives BELOIT Barbie isnt the only Wisconsinite making movie headlines this summer. Only Roy Chapman Andrews is a real person from a real city who survived near drownings, wild packs of dogs and pillaging bandits. For Andrews, who was born, raised and educated in Beloit, there was no Malibu Dreamhouse. Instead, there were treks to some of the most remote places on Earth. The most notable was in 1923 when, during a remarkable expedition to the Gobi Desert in Mongolia, he used automobiles and a caravan of camels to discover the first nests of fossilized dinosaur eggs recognized by science in the world. The Ark of the Covenant was not among Andrews finds during a heralded career that landed him on the cover of Time magazine and won him fame for his research of whales. But his work is believed to be the inspiration for the lead character in the five Indiana Jones movies. The first, Raiders of the Lost Ark, came out in 1981. The latest flick, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, was released last month. This is one of Beloits most, if not arguably the most, remarkable graduates, I think in part because he managed to come back alive from all of his expeditions, said Ann Bausum, who wrote in 2000 the Andrews photobiography Dragon Bones and Dinosaur Eggs. He didnt become famous the way some explorers did by screwing up. Beloit College and the Beloit Historical Society recently received from Sara Appelbee a variety of papers and objects from her globe-trotting grandfather. They include Andrews hunting and fishing journal, manuscripts of books, photographs, newspaper clippings, magazines in which he is featured and copies of many of the 22 books he authored, two of which are written in Mongolian. Theres also a proclamation from his employer, the American Museum of Natural History, honoring his work and a passport from when he traveled to Rangoon, Burma, now known as Yangon, Myanmar. Most of the paper documents will be housed in the archives of the Logan Museum of Anthropology at Beloit College. But other items, like a pair of porcelain pigeons, a dress adorned with peacock feathers, a decorative wooden box and a chair, will be stored at the Beloit Historical Society. Little information is known about the objects, including what appears to be a robe from Asia acquired by Andrews during his career. He brought it back so it must have been special to him, said Donna Langford, the historical societys executive director, as she pulled the colorful piece from a flat, white box. It illustrates Roy Chapman Andrews story and life. Hes an inspiration to working in science and he still serves as an inspiration today. The things he did are amazing. Andrews was born in 1884 at a home on Beloits western edge, adjacent to fields and woods. Thats where he developed his skills as a naturalist and marksman. He taught himself taxidermy and used the money earned from the hobby to help pay for his education at Beloit College, where he majored in English and took courses in archaeology and evolution. After graduation, Andrews headed to New York City where he begged for a job at the American Museum of Natural History. He began by sweeping floors and assisting with taxidermy. Two years later, he joined an expedition to Alaska to study whales and spent another two years as a naturalist on the USS Albatross voyaging to the Dutch East Indies, Borneo and Celebes, an Indonesian island east of Borneo. Andrews explored North Korea in 1911 and 1912 and in 1916 led the first Asiatic expedition through Tibet, Burma and southwestern China, which helped set the stage for a series of expeditions to the Gobi Desert between 1922 and 1930 in an effort to discover the remains of early humans. In 1934, he was named the museums director, a position he held until his retirement in 1942. He died in 1960 in California. In the [first] fifteen years [of fieldwork] I can remember just ten times when I had really narrow escapes from death, Andrews said in his 1926 book On the Trail of Ancient Man. Two were from drowning in typhoons, one was when our boat was charged by a wounded whale; once my wife and I were nearly eaten by wild dogs, once we were in great danger from fanatical lama priests; two were close calls when I fell over cliffs, once I was nearly caught by a huge python, and twice I might have been killed by bandits. Andrews was actually one of two Beloit College alums in search of the human origin story. While Andrews work was focused primarily in Asia, Alonzo Pond, who graduated in 1918 and served as the assistant curator at the Logan Museum of Anthropology, led several expeditions with students in the 1920s to the Sahara Desert and other parts of North Africa and later took part in other expeditions to France, Algeria and Asia. In many ways, (Pond) also made some pretty important contributions to archaeology in general but Andrews really stands out for the scope of his interests, said Shannon Fie, professor and co-chair of anthropology at Beloit College. Just the way he compiled an interdisciplinary team. He was a zoologist but he also had paleontologists and geologists and archaeologists all on the team and a photographer, which was key. There are portraits of Andrews in the field wearing knee-high boots, a wide brimmed hat on his head and a revolver strapped to his side. One shows a caravan of camels in the Gobi Desert, theres a shot of him on the deck of a ship while another pictures Andrews sitting in a chair in the doorway of a tent reading a copy of the Saturday Evening Post. His many books include adult titles like Ends of the Earth, Under Lucky Star: A Lifetime of Adventure and The Business of Exploring. But he also wrote several childrens books. They include Quest in the Desert, Meet Your Ancestors and All About Dinosaurs, which includes drawings of the tyrannosaurus rex and pterodactyl. The book also includes a chapter on hunting for dinosaur eggs. When Andrews first discovered the fossilized nest in 1923, there was a skeleton of an Oviraptor philoceratops on top of the nest that was thought to be stealing the eggs. But in 1993, additional eggs were found in the Gobi that closely resembled those of 70 years earlier, according to the American Museum of Natural History. One of the eggs contained a fossilized embryo, which researchers identified as a developing oviraptorid a member of the group that includes Oviraptor. Later discoveries of two adult oviraptorids sitting on groups of eggs confirmed that they nested in the manner of modern birds, which transformed the image of Oviraptor from that of egg thief to protective parent. In 1999, college and community members in Beloit created the Roy Chapman Andrews Society, an organization designed to inspire scientific discovery and which recognizes each year a contemporary explorer who exemplifies Andrews legacy. His fame was considerable during his lifetime, Bausum said. The movies help to remind us that Indiana Jones may be a conception of Hollywood, but there are people who lived that life. Photos: The real Indiana Jones who grew up in Beloit Roy Chapman Andrews Roy Chapman Andrews Roy Chapman Andrews Roy Chapman Andrews Roy Chapman Andrews Roy Chapman Andrews Roy Chapman Andrews Roy Chapman Andrews Roy Chapman Andrews Roy Chapman Andrews Roy Chapman Andrews Roy Chapman Andrews Roy Chapman Andrews Roy Chapman Andrews Roy Chapman Andrews Yes. Killeen has already committed $100,000; if funding is halted, it will all be for nothing. Yes. It's important for the city to follow through on its obligation to voters on this issue. No. The city has already spent too much taxpayer money on this. Cut off the funding. No. The ordinance is illegal. The city should have repealed it and adjusted city policy instead. Unsure. It's hard to say. There are some valid points on both sides of the argument. Vote View Results People play basketball during a weekly Light in the Night event held by Breakthrough Urban Ministries at St. Louis Park in the Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago on July 21, 2023. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) Chicago is made up of 77 neighborhoods. The most violence is happening in only about 22 of them, which means that this is a problem that we can solve together. It also means that violence is localized, so an effective approach to violence reduction must be localized with efforts intentionally focused on the strengths and challenges of each of Chicagos neighborhoods. Advertisement Our organization Breakthrough focuses on Garfield Park on the West Side to develop partnerships and bring resources to create deep, holistic change in the neighborhood. Violence has touched nearly every person in this area, directly or indirectly, and over the years, there has been talk from people on the outside looking in about how to address this. We believe our community has the expertise and can lead in addressing these challenges. Garfield Park is a beautiful community filled with strengths and challenges. Our hyperlocal efforts are led by individuals with lived experience who can relate to the issues and barriers that men and women face in the community. A community-based approach to violence reduction is effective because of its trustworthy messengers who ultimately believe in the resiliency of Garfield Park. Advertisement Our approach includes street outreach men and women from the area who are on call 24 hours a day to reduce violence through conflict mediation and connections to support services. Breakthrough employs nearly 50 youths who are effective agents of peace as part of a program called Flatlining Violence Inspires Peace, or FLIP. Breakthrough also hosts Light in the Night events throughout the year that grow community spirit and empower residents to reclaim spaces where violence previously dominated. [ Opinion series: Turning the tide on Chicagos gun violence ] However, we recognize that violence is part of a larger ecosystem that requires us to respond holistically. Breakthrough provides services across five areas: housing, health and wellness, economic opportunity, education and youth development, and violence prevention. The solution to violence in Chicago begins with quality early childhood education and after-school programs that set students up for success. The ability of residents to earn enough money to pay for food and housing, access safe community spaces to play and receive quality health care are all necessary components of a safe and thriving community. Breakthrough is engaging in all of these areas through our programs geographically focused in Garfield Park. Were here and were committed. Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Our efforts are only effective if our partnership with residents is relentless and puts people first. The dignity of every person requires us to care deeply about everyone who walks through our doors, offering them the resources and encouragement to overcome the barriers in their lives. We never give up. One way we do this is our recruitment method for FLIP workers, young community influencers who partner with our team to serve as ambassadors of peace. We go out into the community and seek out the individuals who we believe can help us in reducing violence. Its not just a single conversation but relentless engagement with those individuals to shape their mindset on how they can assist in reducing the violence in their community. This people-first focus is central to Breakthroughs story. Breakthrough did not start as a violence prevention organization; initially, it responded to adults experiencing homelessness by first sharing hospitality. Our work expanded as we built genuine relationships and responded to the expressed needs and hopes of our neighbors. Our program leaders are experts in their respective fields, and many are local residents themselves. As a part of the Garfield Park community since 2000, we recognize the need to have the expertise and credibility of local leaders who believe in the hope and resiliency that already exists in our community. Success in our work looks like a reduction in shootings. According to Chicago city data, East Garfield Park experienced a significant 29% reduction in shooting victimizations last year. But success also looks like incremental, positive changes: a resident formally involved in a street organization showing up to work everyday, successful efforts to stop a conflict from escalating into a shooting, a parent building a stable career and wealth, and a family enrolling a child in our preschool program. We know that hope is a long game. With each positive action, the trajectory of a life is changed and we move closer to our vision of a safe, stable and engaged Garfield Park in which success is the norm and everyone thrives. We need to address violence with relentless, hyperlocal engagement to see this vision fully realized in our neighborhood and across Chicago. Yolanda Fields is the executive director and Damien Morris the chief program officer of violence prevention for Breakthrough, a nonprofit organization. Advertisement Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. PLEASANT PRAIRIE Officers arrested three teens involved in a reported carjacking incident that later turned into a vehicle pursuit and ended in a foot chase just beyond the 9300 block of Sheridan Road in the village. A 17-year-old and two 16-year-old boys were apprehended following the 6:42 p.m. incident Saturday night. Officers were initially alerted to a report of a stolen red Kia wanted in conjunction with an armed carjacking from Illinois. PPD officers observed the car traveling northbound in the 9700 block of 39th Avenue, according to Sgt. Chad Brown of the Pleasant Prairie Police Department. Police pursued the vehicle, which traveled northbound to 88th Street, at which point Kenosha Police assisted with the pursuit, he said. The vehicle eventually drove back into Pleasant Prairie traveling south onto Sheridan Road, where road construction is currently taking place. Stationing themselves at 93rd Street and Sheridan Road, village police deployed stop sticks, successfully deflating the suspect vehicles tires, he said. Brown said the vehicle entering the construction zone on Sheridan Road struck a pair of traffic barriers and a pile of gravel before coming to a stop. At that point, officers arrested one of the teens who was attempting to flee. Two others were pursued on foot and eventually apprehended, Brown said. Two of the officers had minor injuries, following the foot chase. The 17-year-old and one of the 16-year-olds were from Waukegan, Ill. The other 16-year-old boy was from Carpentersville, Ill., according to Brown. One teen is expected to face a charge of operating a motor vehicle without owners consent and reckless endangering safety. The other two are expected to face charges of knowingly being in the reported stolen vehicle. Police are also recommending charges of obstruction for all three boys, Brown said. The incident is the second in a week involving the arrest of individuals involved in reported carjackings originating in Illinois. On July 15, Kenosha County Sheriffs Department personnel, along Pleasant Prairie police and the Wisconsin State Patrol arrested an Illinois man driving a stolen vehicle in a report from Park Ridge, Ill. Authorities said the man had escaped law enforcement custody and carjacked two separate vehicles while in Illinois. The second vehicle stolen, however, was equipped with OnStar, which automatically contacted law enforcement. Authorities located the vehicle in Kenosha County and as the driver turned into an on-ramp to Interstate 94, OnStar disabled the vehicle and the driver was taken into custody. Mugshots: Kenosha County criminal complaints from July 13-14 Onwar D. Albright NO PHOTO AVAILABLE Onwar D. Albright, 30, of Kenosha, faces chares of contempt of court (disobey order), disorderly conduct, stalking resulting in bodily harm, second degree sexual assault/use of force, criminal damage to property, and second degree recklessly endangering safety. Billie James Chomicki III Billie James Chomicki III, 30, of Pleasant Prairie, faces charges of possession with intent to deliver cocaine (between 1-5 grams), and bail jumping. Rebecca A. Farrar Rebecca A. Farrar, 43, of New Auburn, faces charges of harboring or aiding a felon, and resisting or obstructing an officer. Amir Chakafrancis Furlow Amir Chakafrancis Furlow, 34, of Kenosha, faces charges of probation and parole, vehicle operator flee or elude an officer, possession with intent to deliver narcotic, possession with intent to deliver heroin (less than 3 grams), possession with intent to deliver designer drugs (between 3-10 grams), and resisting or obstructing an officer. Sam Tomas Jimenez Sam Tomas Jimenez, 34, of Kenosha, faces charges of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence (4th offense), and bail jumping. Terence Quintell Majors Terence Quintell Majors, 37, of Kenosha, faces charges of probation and parole. Dionia O. Scott Jr. Dionia O. Scott Jr., 28, of Racine, faces charges of probation and parole, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of THC (2nd+), and resisting or obstructing an officer. Jonathan Allen Stinnette Jr. Jonathan Allen Stinnette Jr., 18, of Winthrop, Illinois, faces charges of probation and parole. Tymant Robert Travis Tymant Robert Travis, 22, of Wisconsin, faces charges of battery or threat to judge/prosecutor/officer (aggravated assault). Chaylen Terrell Wright Chaylen Terrell Wright, 25, of Chicago, Illinois, faces charges of probation and parole, and resisting or obstructing an officer. Fort Worth police to release bodycam footage from fatal Stockyards shooting Victor Wembanyama responds to Britney Spears' police report There was plenty of food and fun at St. Therese Catholic Churchs annual parish festival Saturday evening. The event, held on the lush Father Becker Festival Grounds at 2020 91st St., included live music, food vendors, a meet raffle and childrens games. Thousands turned out throughout the weekend for the churchs three-day fundraiser. Organizer Adam Kavalauskas has managed the event for the last four years. He said this years event was another success. We had people waiting before the festival and this is a great crowd to kick off the night, Kavalauskas said Saturday evening. This is by far the biggest event and effort of the year. We also had a record night Friday. Everyone is in a good mood. Everybodys happy. Kavalauskas said it takes months of diligent planning to properly host such a large scale event. He also thanked the dozens of volunteers who helped out. Its nice that the church raises funds so we can help the community in a number of different ways. It brings fulfillment, Kavalauskas said. The Catholic churches in Kenosha have been doing festivals for a long time. Some of them arent doing it anymore due to lack of help. Were very blessed to at least put something on once a year. We appreciate all the people who come out and support us. We want to thank both the festival goers and volunteers. Mary Magdalen Moser was busy selling tickets for a meat raffle that included a grill and over 100 pounds of meat from Hometown Meats Deli & Catering. Its always really fun and we have the best grounds. We have the absolute best grounds for this, Moser said. Something about southeast Wisconsin in general is that everybody goes to the festivals. ... Its fun for the whole family. Rita VanGuyse was busy serving fried foods including Philly cheesesteak egg rolls with her family. We love the comradery here. We love the parish. We love the people here. Were happy to do it. We reserve the whole weekend to help raise money for the church, VanGuyse said. Kristine Gilson was working as a personal trainer, helping her clients find better health through exercise. She liked her work, but it was different than she initially expected after earning a four-year degree from a Wisconsin state university. When there were too few jobs available in her initial career field of corporate health promotion, she turned to personal training. As a trainer, I was already in the physical aspect, corrective exercise and injury prevention, said Kristine. A lot of my clients told me I should go into physical therapy. I started looking into it I was living in Chicago at the time and found out none of my credits would transfer. I found out I would have to start over and realized it was ridiculously expensive. So, I didnt apply to college. Life events happened, I moved back to Wisconsin, and I said, I wonder if my credits will transfer now? I applied to Gateways program, got accepted, and a decade later, I was back at college. Back in the classroom, Kristine earned a Gateway Physical Therapist Assistant degree, and she will soon enter into a career field she loves. She gained real-world experience through Gateways clinical immersion at Froedtert South, helping bring strength, health, and, for some, normalcy back into her patients lives. I like working with patients to help them physically get back to where they want to be, where they need to be, says Kristine. For some people, it can be scary. Maybe they had an injury or a recent diagnosis like Parkinsons. To help them is very rewarding. Reputation helped grad choose Gateway Kristine says she chose Gateway because of its strong reputation, strong curriculum and its nationally certified program. There arent a lot of universities or technical colleges that have a certified program for physical therapists, said Kristine. Gateway does. There are some businesses that require applicants to have gone to a program with that certification. I felt that if I was going to put in the time and money to go back to college, I wanted to attend a certified program. Otherwise, it would have been a waste. And how was Gateways training? Gateway prepared me well for my career. You try to get as much information as you can during the classwork, but I think the best thing was the clinicals, says Kristine. Technically, you are in the real world, able to practice all those skills youve learned. Youre learning from each of your patients. Clinical site taught new skills Kristine, who was previously a competitive swimmer, took part in hydrotherapy, a water-based physical therapy technique, at her Froedtert South clinical site, giving her the opportunity to gain skills in a different approach to therapy. Sometimes with a patients condition, you might have to do both therapies (in and out of the water), she said. I think being able to do this does open some doors for me, too, and adds another way for me to treat patients. Kristine says one aspect she liked about Gateway is its diverse student population. We had a lot of people in different age brackets, says Kristine. In my class, we had students ages 19 to 46. It really gives you a different perspective on things. Each person learns in a different way, has a different way of expressing themselves and has different life experiences. When you get out in the field, you will work with people of all ages. Each body is different, the mechanics of an injury are all different, and being able to relate to many different people at Gateway is a benefit to my career now. Voluntary carbon market expected to reach $50 billion in size by 2030 By Lee Yeon-woo Some corporations in Korea have been promoting their products for almost two years as being powered by "carbon neutral gas" or "carbon neutral LNG." It's common knowledge that fossil fuels contribute significantly to the climate crisis by releasing large amounts of carbon emissions into the atmosphere. So how is it possible for these carbon neutrality claims to be true? The answer lies within the carbon market. In this market, companies or individuals can use carbon credits to offset their greenhouse gas emissions that exceed set limits. These credits are issued by the government in recognition of a firm's greenhouse gas reduction efforts. For example, a manufacturing firm can effectively reduce its emissions to zero using carbon credits, derived either from its own reduction efforts or by purchasing credits from another firm that has made such efforts. As global efforts to reduce carbon emissions intensify, a new market is emerging in Korea, presenting a blue ocean opportunity for financial firms seeking fresh sources of revenue. This market, known as the voluntary carbon market (VCM), plays a similar role as the existing compliance carbon market (CCM). But the VCM operates independently from government intervention. So far, Korea has only implemented the CCM. It has limitations since only companies authorized by the government can participate. Moreover, with the tightening of greenhouse gas emission regulations around the world, this model struggles to meet the growing demand for carbon emission allowances within the industrial sector. The trade volume of carbon credit surged nearly 3.8 times year-on-year in 2021. In contrast, the VCM allows numerous firms to earn carbon credits through voluntary carbon reduction projects and to engage in transactions freely. Nongovernmental organizations operating this market review the carbon reduction efforts of participating companies and issue credits accordingly. The VCM is experiencing rapid growth, notably in Europe, Singapore and Japan. For instance, Japan has been operating a carbon emissions trading platform certification system incorporating blockchain technology since 2018. According to a 2021 report by McKinsey, the scale of the VCM is expected to reach $50 billion by 2030. The market is also gaining momentum in Korea. The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) plans to launch the country's first VCM as early as the second half of this year. "The KCCI has established a carbon reduction certification center this year to quantitatively assess the carbon reduction efforts of companies," KCCI Chairman Chey Tae-won said during an MOU signing ceremony with the Ministry of Environment in May. "In the second half of the year, we will begin officially certifying companies' carbon reductions, contributing to the early adoption and activation of the VCM." Minister of Environment Han Wha-jin, left, and Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Chairman Chey Tae-won pose during the signing ceremony for a memorandum of understanding aimed to bolster efforts to establish a voluntary carbon market in Korea, in a hotel on Jeju Island, July 13. Courtesy of KCCI At the rededication of the Col. Hans Christian Heg statue on Capitol Square last May, one question surrounding the toppling of the Union Army officers likeness, amid the social unrest in the summer of 2020, remained unanswered. Where was the original head? The sculpture unveiled that day, on the pedestal where it had presided over the King Street side of the Capitol Square since 1926, bore not the head it originally came with but a replacement head, cast by artisans after protesters hauled down the statue and drove off with the head at the peak of protests against the police killing of George Floyd. But to little public fanfare, the original head has since been recovered and is now being kept at the State Archive Preservation Facility on Madisons Near East Side. Theres some discoloration of gold and dark red on the head, possibly from paint, according to photos provided by the state Department of Administration, which maintains artifacts from the state Capitol. The responsibility to preserve this gift to the state remains in full effect, said Tatyana Warrick, a spokesperson for the Department of Administration. Last October, 37-year-old Rodney Clendening pled guilty to taking the head. As part of a plea deal that netted him probation for the theft, Clendening gave the head to his attorney, Kathleen Chung, who gave it to the Wisconsin State Capitol Police. Its not known where the head had been or why it wasnt returned sooner. Efforts to reach Clendening were unsuccessful, and Chung did not respond to multiple requests for comment through the State Public Defenders Office. For nearly 100 years, the statue of Heg served as an anchor on Capitol Square and historic memory of the Civil War and his role in it. Heg, an abolitionist who organized against slave catchers, led the 15th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, a unit of mostly Norwegian soldiers. Heg had also served as the states prison commissioner before the war. But Heg was mortally wounded at the Battle of Chickamauga in September 1863. The Norwegian Society of America donated the statue to the state in 1926. While the statue has been restored, complete with a new head, the old head remains sealed away in the state archive. To Hans Stuiber, president of the Hans Christian Heg Society, thats an outrage. Stuiber wants the artifact placed in a museum, where it can be used to teach about the states history, Hegs life and the Norwegian immigrants who settled in Wisconsin. He made the place welcoming for a lot more Norwegians to come over here, Stuiber said. He was a beacon of what you can accomplish, what freedom you have here in America. It shouldnt be put in a box, Stuiber said of the head. Warrick did not respond to a request for comment about what the DOA intends to do with the head. In a phone call recorded by Stuiber and shared with the Wisconsin State Journal, DOA facilities manager Megan Wolf told Stuiber the state intends to keep the head at the state archive. But Stuiber wants the object to go to a Norwegian museum or cultural center instead, citing Livsreise, a Norwegian Heritage Center in Stoughton, as an option. June Buntig, executive director of the Bryant Foundation, which built and funds the center, said the Livreise would be an appropriate place to display the head but isnt formally requesting it. Stuiber remains frustrated by the DOAs reluctance to put the head back on public display. In recent weeks, hes been contacting state officials to support him in the endeavor. Are the citizens of Wisconsin better served by having the head hidden in a basement or returned to the loving arms of his (Hegs) community where it can be displayed for all to see and learn from his example? Stuiber said in a letter to Gov. Tony Evers, state Sen. Devin LeMahieu and state Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. This is the debate that the state owes the people of Wisconsin to have in a free and public forum. Remembering the State Street murals from 2020 Lake Geneva aldermen have taken a step back on whether to continue with a proposed trail extension project and grant application. Members of the Lake Geneva City Councils Public Works Committee approved, June 26, to submit revised plans and grant application for a trail extension project to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation by a 3-2 vote. The full city council still has to approve whether to submit the revised plans and grant application to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Members of the city councils finance, licensing and regulation committee approved, July 5, to send the item back to the public works committee for further review and discussion. The motion to send the item back to the public works committee was approved by a 3-2 vote with alderwomen Mary Jo Fesenmaier and Cindy Yager voting no. The City of Lake Geneva received a $835,316 transportation alternatives program grant from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in 2020 to help fund the proposed trail extension project with the city paying about 20% of the cost. Plans for the project include extending the South Street bicycle trail, which runs near Badger High School and Lake Geneva Middle School, by about 1.5 miles. The extended trail would lead to the site of a proposed future Geneva Lakes Family YMCA campus located near the the intersection of Highway H and Highway 120. The trail also is set to be extended west along South Street and at Lake Shore Drive leading to Big Foot State Beach Park. Several residents who live near South Street had expressed concerns related to the project including tree removal, potential water runoff, possible traffic concerns and the width of the trail, which is set to be about 10 feet. City aldermen approved several revisions to the plan last September to help address some of the residents concerns. Some of the revisions that were approved include removing a proposed trail on the north side of South Street; removing and repaving a trail east of Big Foot Beach State Park to the west driveway of and Badger High School; removing and repaving an asphalt area on South Street in front of Badger High School; and removing a proposal to tear out and repave an asphalt area parallel to the high school auditorium. City aldermen approved last September to halt outside spending on the trail extension project until the revised plan and grant application were approved by state officials. The city council members also approved last September to have City Administrator Dave Nord discuss the proposed changes to the project and grant application with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Nord announced during the June 26 public works committee meeting that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation wants the city to submit the revised plans for the trail extension project to determine whether they are going to approved the revised plans and grant application. He said submitting the revised plans and grant application to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation could cost the city between $20,000 and $30,000. Nord said the cost to submit the revised plans and grant application would be a part of the 2020 grant award, but the city would have to pay the cost upfront. After some discussing during that meeting, the public works committee narrowly approved to submit the revised plans and grant application to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. During the July 5 finance, licensing and regulation committee meeting, Fesenmaier proposed instead of using a portion of the grant money on existing trails, the city could use the funding for other much needed projects including installing a new continuous path along South Street near the Family Apartments; installing a new 10-foot bike path along Bloomfield Road near the Family Apartments; and installing a new 10-foot bike path along Wells Street near Badger High School. Fesemaier said the city also could use the grant money to make intersections on Bloomfield Road, Wells Street and South Street more accessible to residents with disabilities. The priorities for the grant is to improve safety, Fesenmaier said. That is why we submitted it. Fesemaier said the city could either use the grant money to work on the new projects that she proposed; use the grant money to work on existing trails; or not spend money from the grant and work on the new projects that she proposed. We can stop the TAP grant and just say, No, things changed. The money changed. The path changed. Were not interested in it at this point, Fesenmaier said. We can go with the current idea of ripping of paths just to spend money or we can put some paths in at intersections that are in need of improvements with the money. Naomi Rauch, project engineer for Kapur & Associates, said the purpose of the grant funding is to connect the South Street trail from the middle school and high school to Big Foot Beach State Park. Removing any work from the state park is probably not an option because it wouldnt make that connection, Rauch said. After some discussion, Alderman Ken Howell made a motion to submit the revised plans and grant application to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. However, Howells motion failed because of a lack of a second motion. Alderwoman Joan Yunker later made a motion to stop the trail project and grant application and work on other needed projects. Yunkers motion also failed because of a lack of a second motion. It doesnt sound to me that this is settled yet, Howell said. If we say no, were giving up the grant. If we say yes were spending approximately $30,000 to keep going on this thing and settling it. Nord advised the finance committee members to send the item back to the public works committee for further discussion, which they narrowly approved. If theres changes to be had my only recommendation would be, once again, to take it back to the public works committee and see if you can get consensus, Nord said. Because at this point, we cant make things up as we go along and say I like this here but I dont like that. Thats not going to cut it. There needs to be a unified council decision saying, This is what were going to do. Will the state accept it? Anything else is just wasting time. Nord said he is not certain how much time the city as to submit the revised plans and grant application. Youre running the clock out, Nord said. Youre going to look up eventually and the time will be up. Dear W.C., I have driven past a camper for the past few weeks that is parked on the side of a dilapidated home. I have seen lights on inside of it at night even. Yesterday I noticed a woman outside hanging laundry on a line by the camper while two children were playing nearby. I am worried that they might be living in the camper. It is one of those pop-up kinds that has a tent on top and it cannot be very safe to live in. I am worried she may feel frightened if I stop by to ask questions. Is there any way you could check on them to see if they need some help? Dear Readers, I drove to the address the letter writer had shared. As I drove by slowly, it seemed no one was there at the time. I noticed the old chairs and table outside and a grill. Also, there were a few childrens toys lined up neatly alongside the camper. I would go on another visit I had planned that day and return later. When I returned a few hours later I knew someone was now there as I saw the woman and children go inside the camper when I pulled up to the house and stopped. It was quiet when I approached. When no one answered my first knock on the camper door I asked through the canvas side, Is anyone home? This is Sal from The Time is Now to Help. A neighbor has been worried about you and asked me to check in. With that the woman replied, without opening the camper door, How do I know you are who you say you are? I held up my identification and a copy of the newspaper showing my picture by our column. She looked through the screen opening and confirmed I was who I said. With that she opened the door and went outside. She firmly told the children to stay inside while we talked. After introducing ourselves, I learned her name and the ages of her children. I asked if she was in fact living in the camper as the neighbor had thought. I could see the womans discomfort as she finally admitted they were living in the camper. I asked about the living arrangements and learned the old rundown house belonged to a family member who was letting them live there if they paid the utility bills. The house was full of mold and rodents so she could not live there with her children. The camper had been in the garage and since they had nowhere else to go it had become their temporary shelter. The mother put the emphasis on temporary, but I knew she was in a financial situation that would make it impossible to ever save up enough for a security deposit elsewhere. I asked how they cooked and took care of their personal hygiene. The mother showed me the back entrance of the home that had a laundry room/bathroom combination. It was the only room she allowed the children to go in but even that held the smell of mold and rodents. I felt sick inside knowing these fellow creations were living this way. We immediately went back outside to welcome fresh air and she showed me the small refrigerator in the garage that held very little food. Everything was cooked on the grill or in a microwave that sat on a work bench next to the refrigerator. We sat down to talk at the table I had seen earlier, and she told me how they had ended up living in these conditions. I listened as she told me about a relationship that had turned violent. She had nowhere else to go and lived in fear that they would be found while living in the unsafe camper. I provided referrals to several organizations for women but also knew we would need to get them into safe shelter immediately. The mother finally had the children come outside and meet me. They looked clean and healthy and were curious about why I was there. I explained I had come to help them find a new place to live. They said, It was fun living in the camper for a few days, but we would really like to have a real bed and a bathroom again. Its scary at night and during storms. I assured them we would find a place to live that was safe and where they would have their own beds. That evening they moved into a motel room while the mother and a volunteer searched for rentals. After several weeks, a safe and affordable rental was found. In that time the mother also found a job and applied for other assistance that would help them get on their feet. We provided the first months rent and security deposit, gift cards for food, toiletries and household necessities, new beds, and gas for her commute to her new job. Thanks to the observant and caring neighbor this mother and children no longer are living in fear and in poverty. The mother has been consistently working and supporting her family. Thank you and God Bless you for making our good works possible. Health & Happiness, Love & GOD Bless Everyone, Sal Please Help: There are many coming to us in desperation. Our good fellow creations need our compassion. Together we make a big difference. Make checks payable to: The Time Is Now to Help, P.O. Box 1, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. The Time Is Now to Help is a federally recognized 5013 charitable organization. You will receive a tax deductible, itemized thank you receipt showing how 100% of your donation was used for providing poverty relief. Please visit our website for more information, to read more of our past and current columns and/or to make a donation: www.timeisnowtohelp.org. A Very Special Thank You: Carolyn J. Gable Foundation, Kunes Family Foundation, The Clarence W. and Marilyn Schawk Donor Fund, Rita OBrien, Lake Geneva Area Realty, Thomas Getzen, Paper Dolls, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schuberth, Kunes Country Auto Group, Martin Group, John Stensland and family, Paul Ziegler, Ziegler Charitable Foundation, Albert Burnell, George and Leah Rozhon, Schrab and Deborah Irani, Beth and Jody Rendall, Peter and Pamela Russell, John and Marian McClellan, J.N. Hackman, St. Johns Lutheran Church, William and Jean Isaacson, James and Susan Kandler, Charles and Kathleen Heinz, Judith Caputo, Stanley Roelker, Nancy Ferguson, Denise Hubbard, Bob and Millie McCormick, all of our anonymous donors and ALL of you who support The Time Is Now to Help donation boxes. Anyone who would like a Time Is Now donation box in your business, please call (262) 249-7000. Memorials: The Dimiceli Family and Lake Geneva Area Realty in loving memory of Elmer Deda Lee Hayles. Prayer Chain: The power of prayer and positive thoughts comes from the true healer, our Lord answering our prayers. Please pray for healing for the following people: Brian, Mike, Sylvia, Megan, Kayla, Maria C., Betty, Scott, Annie, Marilyn, Brandon, Helen, Dennis, Mary, Joseph, Jordan, Jean, Tom L., Dr. Peter, Alyce, Matthew, Pam E., Jenene B., John S., Patricia H., Darlene, Ron K., Marian K., Judy, Wendy, Eric, Anthony, Mary, Charlie, Tom P., Christina, Billy, Mike, Cheryl, Bryan E., and Ellie. Best Resorter covers of 2022 show Lake Geneva area at its best Resorter cover: Jan. 5, 2022 Resorter cover: March 30, 2022 Resorter cover: May 4, 2022 Resorter cover: July 6, 2022 Resorter cover: July 27, 2022 Resorter cover: Aug. 3, 2022 Resorter cover: Aug. 31, 2022 Resorter cover: Sept. 14, 2022 Resorter cover: Nov. 2, 2022 Resorter cover: Dec. 7, 2022 A Chicago police officer directs people around a crime scene in the Parkway Gardens apartments on South King Drive, where several people were shot on May 3, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) Violence cannot be stopped until we address root causes, and I rank untreated trauma very high on the list. Hurt people hurt people in a never-ending cycle that can be broken only with comprehensive mental health treatment and an open dialogue that respects those who suffer the violent loss of a loved one. The complex trauma experienced by parents, sons and daughters, siblings and other relatives of homicide victims can cause irreparable mental, physical and emotional damage. Science shows us that trauma changes a persons brain by altering how they process information, for example as well as their perspective on life, and it has ripple effects on their overall health, most often resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder, better known as PTSD. Advertisement The organization that I lead, Chicago Survivors, focuses on treating individuals who have suffered from senseless acts of violence by providing free therapy and crime victim services and giving a voice to the unheard. We navigate through the complexities of supporting adults and children in a time when they dont always see justice and are not able to reconcile their losses. Through various forms of therapy, we are able to guide survivors and give them an outlet to find peace. Assessments of our participants show an 80% reduction in PTSD symptoms. Advertisement Studies show us that there is a 30- to 45-day window best suited to treat trauma, but for us, approaching the family in the immediate hours after the incident is key. We respond to nearly every homicide in Chicago, day or night. Connecting in the critical hours after a homicide allows us to show that we are here for survivors and that someone in the city cares about them. We know not everyone will want to speak with us immediately, but we assure them that we are here to talk when they are ready. [ Opinion series: Turning the tide on Chicagos gun violence ] This work is a type of violence interruption. We can effectively de-escalate a volatile situation and can prevent more violence by consoling a family member who is grief-stricken and unsure how to react and allowing them to let out all of their emotions. Our crisis responders and family support workers evaluate and assess retaliation language and work with survivors to redirect their pain. We are able to help survivors realize that people depend on and look to them for stability. Our role at that time is to give them someone to lean on. The truth is its what we do every day throughout this great city in hospitals, morgues, clinics and even schools. Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > A child who experiences gun violence is more prone to PTSD since their brains are still developing. We have long provided counseling, grief groups and camps for youths. Last year, we launched a pilot program in three schools in Chicago Public Schools to work with students who had lost someone to gun violence. By offering counseling services in their safe space school we can help both students and teachers learn to cope with trauma. Sometimes we place students into grief groups that allow them to sit and speak with their peers who have similar lived experience but may be at a different stage in their grief. Some students have had therapy, some havent, and some have found ways to be resilient following the situation, but it opens the door for all of them to share their stories with someone who can relate to what theyre feeling. Our work with students using narrative storytelling, one-on-one counseling and other evidence-based methods has been uplifting. Children who have PTSD related to gun violence are remarkably resilient. They want to move past their grief by talking through it and finding a way to express their emotions. Retaliation is a sign of grief. By walking our youngest survivors through their complex emotions, we give them an outlet and close the door on perpetrating violence in a misguided attempt to seek the justice they feel they havent received. Our form of intervening and disrupting gun violence in Chicago is a therapeutic practice that produces results. Weve seen the benefits and we continue to grow. This year, well be expanding our partnership with CPS to include 16 schools and we have a waiting list of more than 50. These methods can and have made a difference. Ive dedicated the last 15 years to helping fight the senseless violence and bringing peace to those affected because, like many in Chicago, I am a survivor. Chicago Survivors was started by survivors, for survivors, and we know it works. The research proves it, weve lived it, weve seen it and others have begun to recognize the importance of therapy as a way to end the violence plaguing our most vulnerable communities and our city as a whole. Advertisement JaShawn Hill is a licensed clinical social worker and executive director of Chicago Survivors, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing crime victim services to families of homicide victims. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. From left, Patricia and Manuel Oliver, the parents of Joaquin "Guac" Oliver who was killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, in 2018, get hugs as they arrive at the memorial for the 2016 mass shooting at the Pulse night club in Orlando, Florida, on July 3. The parents are part of a 24-city summer school bus tour across the country to advocate for gun violence prevention. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/TNS) Escalating levels of physical violence against older Americans have eroded optimism for a safer America. Unfortunately, some seniors are taking unprecedented measures to protect themselves, like refraining from gathering in public spaces. Theyre not overreacting; this is more than older Americans targeted by scammers. Advertisement Recently, We, The People set a record for the most mass killings in American history, and all but one incident involved guns. What exactly does the milestone say about the good old U.S.A.? The violence evokes thoughts of Leslie van Houten, an ex-member of the Manson Family, a cult headed by Charles Manson, responsible for a string of gruesome murders in 1969 categorized by law enforcement as a horrifying bloodbath. Given the level of racial conflict, violence and murder in contemporary American society, Leslie Van Houten, recently paroled after serving 53 years in prison, may have thought that Helter Skelter had begun. Advertisement With summer approaching the halfway mark, the thought of myself, a loved one or a friend falling victim to random violence is troubling. And while the thought of isolating ourselves from others is concerning, it seems that the more pressing issue is watching as our freedoms lessen in the name of public safety. According to a poll by the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs, researchers found that 54% of Black Americans and 27% of Hispanic Americans report that they or a close friend or family member experienced gun violence in the last five years, compared with 13% of white Americans. Overall, 21% of U.S. adults reported a personal tie to gun violence, such as being threatened with a gun or being a shooting victim. Anthony Stanford. (Anthony Stanford / HANDOUT) Gun violence on this scale is uniquely American - from mass shootings in schools, churches and random public spaces to the violence seen throughout our big cities, gun violence is wreaking havoc on the nations collective consciousness. The Beacon-News Twice-weekly News updates from the Aurora area delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > According to the Gun Violence Archive, there were 43,549 incidents of gun violence in the United States in 2021, resulting in 23,187 deaths and 20,362 injuries. These numbers represent a significant increase from previous years and highlight the urgent need for action. There is more bad news: The U.S. has the undesirable distinction of holding the top position for gun ownership globally, boasting an estimated 393 million firearms in circulation among its approximately 330 million residents. Unfortunately, the accessibility of firearms, coupled with inadequate background checks and a shortage of comprehensive regulations, facilitates the acquisition of weapons by potentially harmful individuals with alarming ease. Of course, gun ownership exacerbates societal factors like poverty, lack of education, unemployment, substance abuse and gang activity. Moreover, the interconnected nature of these issues perpetuates the problem, creating a vicious cycle. Still, the fight over implementing universal background checks, strengthening laws around gun trafficking, instituting red flag laws and improving mental health services rages on. Ultimately, addressing the issue of gun violence will require a comprehensive approach that considers the underlying social, cultural and political factors contributing to the problem. Whats incredibly clear is that the gun violence problem is uniquely American and will require drastic changes to bring our society on par with many other countries. Advertisement As the elderly population, and the nation overall, confronts challenges posed by the prevalence of violence, the reality is that bringing about change will require a commitment from divided partisans with their political ambitions. Anthony Stanford is a columnist, political advisor and author of the book Revaluing the Federal Workforce: Defending Americas Civil Servants. Russia Plans BRICS-Plus Expansion, Discussion of Non-Dollar Trade July 22, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)London and Washington may think that they scored a victory by creating security threats that have prevented Russian President Vladimir Putin from participating in person in the Aug. 22-24 BRICS summit in South Africa, but Russias policy related to the BRICS has not been diminished nor derailed. Russian spokesmen stated over the last 48 hours that the issue of non-dollar trade settlement mechanisms will be on the agenda for the upcoming summit, and that they expect the 2024 BRICS summithosted by Russia in Kazanto see the number of participants grow beyond the current five members. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told reporters today: Next year the Russian Federation will chair BRICS, the summit will be held in Kazan. Lets see what the coming months will bring in terms of defining the parameters of BRICS expansion and how many heads of state will come to Kazan, its an open question. I think it will be more than the current five, he said. Ryabkov also emphasized that Putins participation in the Johannesburg summit in video format does not signal a decrease in attention to BRICS. On the contrary, it is a reflection that our leadership is fully focused on the format. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded similarly in her July 20 press briefing: This decision [for Putin to participate by videoconference] has been adopted. This formula has been in use many times... Im convinced theres no need to read too much into it, to look for some intrigues and so on... I think we can expect others to understand and respect our decisions as well. As for the agenda of the 2023 Johannesburg summit, on July 21 a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman told RT that establishing sustainable payments mechanisms for mutual trade is among the key issues for the BRICS group of nations to discuss at their summit next month, RT reported. Given the current international situation, this issue will be addressed during the upcoming meeting of the blocs leaders, the ministry said. RT added: According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the use of national currencies in mutual trade is complicated by factors such as their limited convertibility and higher volatility compared to the U.S. dollar. The ministry also acknowledged that the potential creation of a new BRICS single currency would be a delicate process.... Numerous developing nationsincluding Russias fellow BRICS members China, India, Brazil and South Africahave started to move toward alternative currencies in trade. Russia floated the idea of introducing a BRICS currency last year. President Vladimir Putin said last June that member states were working on developing a new reserve currency based on a basket of the national currencies used by the five-nation bloc, RT reported. Moscow Sees Little Chance of Resuming Strategic Stability Talks with U.S. July 22, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)Comments from top Russian officials over the past day indicate that Moscow sees little possibility of the early resumption of strategic stability talks with the U.S. Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Anatoly Antonov, in an interview with Rossiya 24 TV yesterday, said that a conversation on strategic security between Russia and the United States will ultimately be resumed but it wont happen soon. If you ask me whether it is possible to resume such a dialogue tomorrow, I will tell you no, he said, reported TASS. But such a dialogue will take place sooner or later. No conversation on strategic stability is possible until the Americans change their anti-Russian policy, he continued. They keep on hinting and conveying these thoughts to the embassy: We are ready to cooperate but only on problems of the New START Treaty. ... They want only one thingto peek inside our launching systems to see how many nuclear warheads we have. They dont want to speak about anything else. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, after attending the annual meeting of friends of the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund on July 21, said that Russia is not ready to engage in arms control talks in the manner offered by the United States, reported TASS. No, we have not received a written proposal in the form you may mean, a non-paper or a note or a personal letter. However, we have certainly studied the U.S. national security advisers statement on this issue. And we have also made our corresponding comments, Ryabkov pointed out in response to a question. I would like to say that we are not ready to and will not conduct this dialogue based on what the Americans are now proposing, as they ignore several key points in this entire configuration, Ryabkov said. Ryabkov was not clear as to what statement by Jake Sullivan that he was referring to. Sullivan did speak at the Aspen Security Forum yesterday. According to the Washington Times, Sullivan claimed that the U.S. is not seeking regime change in Moscow but that the Wagner rebellion did put Putin on the defensive. Sullivan did speak to strategic stability with respect to China, where he claimed, as summarized by the Times, that Chinas buildup of nuclear missiles and other strategic weapons requires that Beijing begin nuclear talks with the United States. He said President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on a recent phone call to hold strategic stability talks on nuclear weapons, something he said is vital based on Chinas rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal. If you look right now at what China is doing with respect to the buildup of its nuclear capabilities, as well as a series of quite exotic forms of weaponry that have themselves nuclear capabilities, the need for basic risk reduction, for an understanding of one anothers doctrines, intentions, modes of operation is acute, Sullivan said. He said he warned his Chinese counterparts over the last two years that Russian nuclear saber-rattling over Ukraine has been reduced by communications. We do not have that with China, and that is inherently destabilizing, he said. That is something that we need to generate, through intensive dialogue between the U.S. and China. Putin Demonstrates Polish Ambitions in Ukraine Rooted in History July 22, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)Russian President Vladimir Putin, during the public portion of a meeting of the Russian Security Council ostensibly dedicated to Russian-African relations, delivered yet another history lesson yesterday, demonstrating that the roots of todays crisis, did not begin on Feb. 24, 2022, but rather go back to at least the time period of World War I. I believe it would be suitable in this context to also remind everyone about several history lessons from the 20th century, Putin said in response to a briefing to the council on Polish ambitions in western Ukraine that had just been delivered by Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Director Sergei Naryshkin. Putin noted that the Kiev regimes offensive has gone nowhere despite the colossal resources that Global NATO has pumped into it. He went on to declare that in addition to the depletion of Western resources, Ukrainian manpower is also being depleted and that public opinion in both Ukraine and in Europe is beginning to question the logic of the war. Both the Europeans and European elites see that support for Ukraine is, in fact, a dead end, an empty, endless waste of money and effort, and in fact, serving someone elses interests, which are far from European: the interests of the overseas global hegemon, which benefits from the weakening of Europe. The endless prolongation of the Ukrainian conflict is also beneficial to it, Putin said. Despite the actual state of affairs, massive efforts are being taken to stoke the fire of warincluding by exploiting the ambitions of certain East European leaders, who have long turned their hatred for Russia and Russophobia into their key export commodity and a tool of their domestic policy, Putin continued. And now they want to capitalize on the Ukrainian tragedy. The outlook is clear: In the event Polish forces enter, say, Lvov or other Ukrainian territories, they will stay there, and they will stay there for good, he said. And heres where the history lesson came in. And we will actually see nothing new, Putin continued. Just to remind you, following World War I, after the defeat of Germany and its allies, Polish units occupied Lvov and adjacent territories that had been part of Austria-Hungary. With its actions incited by the West, Poland took advantage of the tragedy of the Civil War in Russia and annexed certain historical Russian provinces. In dire straits, our country had to sign the Treaty of Riga in 1921 and recognize the annexation of its territories. Even earlier, back in 1920, Poland captured part of Lithuaniathe Vilnius region, a territory surrounding the present-day Vilnius. So they claimed that they fought together with the Lithuanians against so-called Russian imperialism, but then immediately snatched a piece of land from their neighbor as soon as the opportunity presented itself. As is well known, Poland also took part in the partition of Czechoslovakia following the Munich Agreement with Adolf Hitler in 1938, by fully occupying Cieszyn, Silesia. In the 1920-1930s, Polands Eastern Borderlands (Kresy)a territory that comprises present-day Western Ukraine, Western Belarus and part of Lithuaniawitnessed a tough policy of Polonization and assimilation of local residents, with efforts to suppress local culture and Orthodoxy. I would also like to remind you what Polands aggressive policy led to. It led to the national tragedy of 1939, when Polands Western allies threw it to the German wolf, the German military machine. Poland actually lost its independence and statehood, which were only restored thanks in a large measure to the Soviet Union. It was also thanks to the Soviet Union and thanks to Stalins position that Poland acquired substantial territory in the west, German territory. It is a fact that Polands western lands are a gift from Stalin. As for the Polish leaders, they probably hope to form a coalition under the NATO umbrella in order to directly intervene in the conflict in Ukraine and to bite off as much as possible, to regain, as they see it, their historical territories, that is, modern-day Western Ukraine. It is also common knowledge that they dream about Belarusian land, Putin said, coming back to the present. What the Kiev regime does, Putin said, is none of our business, but Belarus is part of the Union State, and launching an aggression against Belarus would mean launching an aggression against the Russian Federation. We will respond to that with all the resources available to us. The Polish authorities, who are nurturing their revanchist ambitions, hide the truth from their people. The truth is that the Ukrainian cannon fodder is no longer enough for the West. That is why it is planning to use other expendablesPoles, Lithuanians and everyone else they do not care about, Putin concluded. I can tell you that this is an extremely dangerous game, and the authors of such plans should think about the consequences. VOA Learning English presents Americas Presidents. Today we are talking about Chester A. Arthur. (The letter A is for Alan, his middle name.) Arthur took office because of an unexpected event. He was sworn in as Vice President in March 1881 under James Garfield. But only 100 days into Garfields term, the president was shot. He suffered for months. Arthur was not close to Garfield. The two men belonged to the same party, but they had different ideas on the issues of the day. They publicly disagreed on a number of subjects. If Garfield lived, Arthur would probably not have much power in his administration. But Garfield eventually died. By this time, it was well-established that if the president of the United States dies in office, the vice president becomes the president. So, in September 1881, Arthur became the countrys chief executive. He served the remaining three and a half years of Garfields term. Historians say that, for the most part, Arthur performed ably and well. Early life Chester Arthur was raised in the northeastern states of Vermont and New York. He was one of eight children in his family. Their father was a religious leader and anti-slavery activist. Arthur attended college in New York, then taught school and studied law. But he never wanted to stay in a small town and live modestly. He wanted to live in New York City, work as a lawyer and public official, become wealthy, and enjoy the lifestyle of a gentleman. And that is what he did. Arthur advanced from an entry-level job in a law office, to a leadership position in the military during the Civil War. After the fighting stopped, he worked in a good-paying job as a lawyer, and then accepted a top position in the government. For seven years, Arthur served as the collector of the port of New York. His job involved supervising 1,300 people. They collected large amounts of money that came from taxes on imported goods. The job had a political element, too. It was under the control of a U.S. senator from New York, Roscoe Conkling. Conkling was known as a Republican Party chief, who traded political support for financial and other benefits. Arthur was never found guilty of accepting money or gifts in exchange for the help of his office. But he was closely linked to Conklings political machine. When Rutherford B. Hayes became president in 1878, he tried to fight corruption in government jobs. He targeted Conkling and Arthur. Election of 1880 Arthurs position as the collector of the port of New York was one of the issues in the election of 1880. President Hayes had suspended Arthur from the job. To get it back, Arthur and Conkling supported an effort to re-elect former president Ulysses S. Grant. But another candidate won the Republican Partys presidential nomination: James Garfield. Garfield and Arthur were not natural allies. Although they were both Republicans, they represented different points of view. Political leaders hoped to unite the party. So, when Garfield was chosen as the presidential candidate, they added Arthur as the vice presidential nominee. The effort to unite the party worked well enough to win the election. But relations between the two men were uneasy. One of Garfields first acts was to appoint someone for Arthurs old job in New York. The new president wanted someone who was not loyal to Conkling. So he gave the position to one of his supporters, instead. In protest, Conkling resigned from the Senate. But then events took an unexpected turn. Garfield was shot by a mentally unbalanced man who believed the president owed him a government job. And Chester A. Arthur became president. Presidency When Arthur took office, he had the public image of being an experienced political operator. Most people believed he cared only about supporting the aims of a small part of the Republican Party. Instead, President Arthur took an independent position on several issues. In opposition to most of his party, Arthur supported legislation to reform the countrys civil service. It aimed to clean up corruption in government and took away some of the ability of politicians to give government jobs to their supporters. (To be fair, in the short term, the act helped Arthurs party.) Arthur also broke with the Republican Party leadership to support a reduction in tariffs. And he strongly argued to limit spending federal money on projects that helped only a few areas or businesses. Instead, he wanted to cut taxes so more people would profit from the governments surplus. Finally, Arthur vetoed an anti-immigration act from Congress. The measure proposed banning Chinese immigrants for 20 years. Arthur argued that the Chinese had improved the American economy by helping build a railroad across the country. He also did not want to hurt potential trade with China. However, when Congress offered to ban Chinese immigrants for only 10 years, Arthur agreed. In addition, his administration banned immigrants who were considered poor, criminal, or mentally insane. Perhaps Arthurs most memorable act as president, however, was to re-decorate the White House. He did not like its appearance inside. So he asked one of New Yorks top designers, Louis Tiffany, to make the home brighter and more stylish. In the newly remodeled rooms, Arthur held parties, with fine food and drink, for elite guests. He was known as The Gentleman Boss. Legacy Observers then and now say that Arthur served well as president. He was a solid leader after the difficult years of the Civil War and Reconstruction. But Arthur did not live much beyond his presidency. Shortly into his term, he learned he had a serious kidney disease that would likely kill him. As a result, he did not try hard to get re-elected. Instead, after finishing his term he returned to his home in New York. Arthur tried to work as a lawyer, but he soon became too sick. His wife had died of malaria before he became president. And he liked to spend his free time fishing or with friends instead of with his children. But, in his last months, he could not enjoy those activities either. He died at home at the age of 57. Im Kelly Jean Kelly. Kelly Jean Kelly wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Listening Quiz See how well you understand this story by taking a listening quiz. Play each video clip and then choose the best answer. Quiz - America's Presidents: Chester Alan Arthur Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story chief executive - n. the president of a country modestly - adv. not very large in size or amount advanced - v. moved forward element - n. a particular part of something benefits - n. a good or helpful result or effect tariffs - n. taxes on goods coming into or leaving a country stylish - adj. following the popular style: fashionable elite - adj. the people who have the most wealth and status in a society Reconstruction - n. the period from 1867 to 1877 when the southern states joined the northern states again after the American Civil War We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. The United States and North Korea do not have diplomatic ties. But they still have ways to communicate. An American official said that the U.S. government had reached out to the North to discuss a U.S. soldier who went into North Korea and was detained last Tuesday. The Associated Press reported on some ways the nations could discuss Private Travis King. King is the first American held in North Korea in nearly five years. Pink Phone One of the most trusted ways for the U.S. to reach North Korea is through a light, pink-colored phone. The phone is at the U.S.-led U.N. Command at the Korean border village of Panmunjom. That is where King went into North Korea on Tuesday. The telephone line connects the officers on each side. The offices are reportedly only 40 meters apart. Matthew Miller is a State Department spokesperson. He said Wednesday that the U.S. Defense Department tried to reach the Norths army but those communications have not yet been answered. Observers say the U.S. likely used the pink phone. In January, the U.N. Command said on social media that it had remained in contact with the North's army throughout 2022. Moon Seong Mook is a retired South Korean military officer. He said North Korean officers appeared to be ignoring the calls made by the U.N. Command on orders from higher-level officers. The reason for Kings border crossing is unclear. He was found guilty of assault in South Korea and could be discharged from the military and face other punishments. New York mission Miller said the U.S. maintains a number of channels to send messages to North Korea. One of those is North Koreas mission to the United Nations in New York. That mission has provided a way to have negotiations between the countries. It serves as a substitute embassy because the U.S. and North Korea do not have embassies in the others capital. The mission played an important part in negotiating details for the meetings between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and then-U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019. At the start of their second meeting in Vietnam, both Kim and Trump said they supported the opening of a U.S. office in Pyongyang. But the idea was cancelled after negotiations broke down. Swedish Embassy Sweden does have relations with the North and an embassy in Pyongyang. It has offered consular services for U.S. citizens. That includes citizens who had been detained in North Korea on charges of illegally entering the country or spying. Miller said State Department officials have reached out to Sweden about King. But Swedens diplomats based in Pyongyang have not returned to the North since leaving the country because of COVID-19 restrictions in 2020. Still, experts say North Koreas Embassy in Sweden could be a place for communications. Other channels North and South Korea have a set of phone and fax lines of their own to set up meetings, plan border crossings and avoid accidental problems. But North Korea has not answered South Korean attempts to exchange messages using those methods since April. That was a time of high tensions over the Norths nuclear program. Kim Yeol Soo is an expert at the Korea Institute for Military Affairs in South Korea. He said communication could happen through a hotline between the two Koreas spy agencies. South Korea's Foreign Ministry said Thursday that South Korea and the U.S. were in contact, without going into more details. Kim Yeol Soo said North Korea will not answer the U.S. until it completes its investigation of King. After that, he expects negotiations between the U.S. State Department and the North Korean Foreign Ministry. In the past, North Korea released U.S. civilian detainees after well-known Americans, including former presidents, travelled to Pyongyang to gain their freedoms. Kim said similar measures could be required in King's case. Im Anna Matteo. Dan Novak adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on reporting from The Associated Press. _______________________________________ Words in This Story assault n. (law) the crime of trying or threatening to physically attack someone else discharge v. to end someones service in the military channel n. a system used for sending information to another group CAPITOL SQUARE HEG STATUE At the rededication of the Col. Hans Christian Heg statue on Capitol Square last May, one question surrounding the toppling of the Union Army officer's likeness, amid the social unrest in the summer of 2020, remained unanswered. Where was the original head? The sculpture unveiled that day, on the pedestal where it had presided over the King Street side of the Capitol Square since 1926, bore not the head it originally came with but a replacement head, cast by artisans after protesters hauled down the statue and drove off with the head at the peak of protests against the police killing of George Floyd. But to little public fanfare, the original head has since been recovered and is now being kept at the State Archive Preservation Facility on Madison's Near East Side. The prospective developer is poised to lobby the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners for the change at an Aug. 21 meeting the next step for the applicant since the Rockingham County Planning Board voted 5-2 during a recent hearing against recommending the change to commissioners.Commissioners hold the power to greenlight rezoning, despite the planning board's vote against it. The developer's representative, Will Quick, an attorney with the Brooks Pierce law firm in Raleigh, appeared at a July 10 planning board hearing but shared no details about how his client plans to develop the massive parcel, located about 25 miles north of Greensboro. The meeting was packed with Huntsville residents who live near the land and who disagree strongly with rezoning the bucolic span of farmland that is adjacent on its south side to Camp Carefree, a nonprofit facility that draws volunteer medical personnel from across the state to care for chronically ill kids, ages 6 to 16. The camp also is one of the state's only cost-free facilities with medical care for children suffering from complex diseases, such as spina bifida, cancers, hemophilia and epilepsy. Opponents of the rezoning have garnered nearly 1,500 petition signatures against the move at change.org. Meanwhile, Senate leader Phil Berger, a Republican and the county's powerful representative in the General Assembly, is in discussions with other state GOP leaders about "options for expanding gaming in North Carolina,'' spokeswoman Lauren Horsch said. A draft bill, detailing how three casinos would be built with a $1.5 billion investment by one casino development company, was circulating between the state's legislative chambers on Thursday and Friday. If attached to the state budget and approved, casino gambling could become legal in Rockingham, Anson and Nash counties. Berger recently told The Associated Press he is optimistic that a change in the law to allow casinos on non-tribal land in the three counties stands better than a "50-50 chance" of making it to the desk of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper before summer's end. North Carolina is already home to three casinos two Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian casinos located in the far western part of the state and a Catawba Indian casino on Interstate 85 near the South Carolina border. The discussions about gaming expansion in North Carolina come as slot machines chime some 30 miles north of Rockingham County in bordering Danville, Va., at the new Caesars Virginia casino, which opened doors to its temporary facility to overflow crowds in mid-May. Since then, the casino has generated $31 million in gaming revenue and roughly $2.5 million in tax relief for the city of Danville, according to a Virginia Lottery gaming activity report. Berger, who maintains a home in Eden, has said that he recently traveled to the Danville casino where he estimated 80% of cars in the parking lot bore North Carolina license plates. Berger's observation dovetails with findings of a conservative Mooresville-based group called Greater Carolina, which commissioned a January study that looked at the economic impact of launching three free-standing resort casinos in Rockingham, Anson and Nash counties. The study, released in March, concluded that casinos in the three counties would annually generate gross gaming revenue in excess of $1.6 billion. Without new casinos, North Carolina could lose money to the casinos of neighboring states to the tune of $259 million in gaming revenue annually, the study concluded. The proposed broadening of state gaming law has come as a surprise to many in the county of 91,000. An informal poll of 100 adult residents recently found that just two had heard about plans to change casino legislation. The lack of information is frustrating to residents and to those wanting to protect Camp Carefree. "Nobody knows who's involved (in N.C. Development Holdings, Inc.),'' said Madison resident Kitty Williams, who argued before the planning board that the land along U.S. 220 should remain untouched. Williams said sick children who find respite annually at the camp need their sanctuary to remain unsullied by large commercial development, noise and traffic next door. "This is very suspicious,'' she said of the rezoning request, which does not propose any specific commercial project. "This is a huge piece of property. ... This is weird, and not knowing what it's to be used for .... very strange.'' While Quick did not disclose to the board what type of business N.C. Development Holdings seeks to launch at the site, he did tell members his client has plenty of experience developing such large commercial properties. Such projects are "not new to me or the client I represent,'' Quick said. A veteran nurse and sister of Camp Carefree's former executive director said she is "disappointed" in legislators' interest in introducing casinos to the county. "Sen. Berger may have served this county when originally elected, but to me, he and his colleagues have stopped serving the voters,'' said Anne Tuttle, whose late sister Lynn Tuttle headed the 38-year-old camp for nearly a decade. "They have prostituted their offices for out-ofstate monies, proven the need for term limits and shown their lack of integrity. "The county commissioners one of whom is Sen. Berger's son, Kevin Berger have pushed for a casino in front of a camp that has been supported by churches and local businesses for years,'' Tuttle said. "I am sure commissioners will shrug and say it isn't against the law, but that reveals their lack of commitment to community and their lack of personal ethics. Someone should see where the money trail leads.'' Camp Carefree board member Rhonda Rodenbough, who lives on the campgrounds, told the planning board that commercial development near the serene camp would kill its charm and purpose. Each year she sees hundreds of kids with debilitating chronic diseases get the chance to enjoy a rustic experience with other sick youngsters, shifting attention away from their pain and disabilities. Rezoning would be "very damaging to Camp Carefree and allowing it would be like writing developers a blank check,'' Rodenbough said. "We're asking you to protect a sanctuary that hundreds of kids have for one week to just be a kid.'' Wendy Forbes, a resident of Dogwood Acres Lane, less than a mile from the camp, echoed Rierson's concerns, saying she moved to the area from Greensboro to "get away from all the city life." Campers "really deserve to keep the serenity they've got over there for the kids,'' Forbes told the planning board. As Rockingham County residents prepare their response to the specter of big development, the state's faith community is speaking out against allowing more casinos. The Rev. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League of North Carolina, said on the organization's website that legalizing casinos was predatory and could devastate the vulnerable poor in rural communities. "Plus, I would suggest the enterprise violates the rights and freedoms of two-thirds of the public who almost never gamble yet are forced to foot the bill for the lower standard of living that gambling always leaves in its wake," he said. Also, a Mississippi-based group called the American Family Association fired off emails to Tar Heel constituents to say that more casinos can "exacerbate economic inequality,'' by enticing low-income people who cannot afford to gamble. Perhaps the most troubling thing to a number of Rockingham County residents is the feeling they've been excluded from the decision-making process. "Why are we just hearing about this now as it's getting ready to go into the state budget and possibly be drafted into law?'' Tuttle asked. "Our legislators should have asked for our input.'' There's some discoloration of gold and dark red on the head, possibly from paint, according to photos provided by the state Department of Administration, which maintains artifacts from the state Capitol. "The responsibility to preserve this gift to the state remains in full effect," said Tatyana Warrick, a spokesperson for the Department of Administration. Last October, 37-year-old Rodney Clendening pled guilty to taking the head. As part of a plea deal that netted him probation for the theft, Clendening gave the head to his attorney, Kathleen Chung, who gave it to the Wisconsin State Capitol Police. It's not known where the head had been or why it wasn't returned sooner. Efforts to reach Clendening were unsuccessful, and Chung did not respond to multiple requests for comment through the State Public Defender's Office. For nearly 100 years, the statue of Heg served as an anchor on Capitol Square and historic memory of the Civil War and his role in it. Heg, an abolitionist who organized against slave catchers, led the 15th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, a unit of mostly Norwegian soldiers. Heg had also served as the state's prison commissioner before the war. But Heg was mortally wounded at the Battle of Chickamauga in September 1863. The Norwegian Society of America donated the statue to the state in 1926. While the statue has been restored, complete with a new head, the old head remains sealed away in the state archive. To Hans Stuiber, president of the Hans Christian Heg Society, that's an outrage. Stuiber wants the artifact placed in a museum, where it can be used to teach about the state's history, Heg's life and the Norwegian immigrants who settled in Wisconsin. "He made the place welcoming for a lot more Norwegians to come over here," Stuiber said. "He was a beacon of what you can accomplish, what freedom you have here in America." "It shouldn't be put in a box," Stuiber said of the head. Warrick did not respond to a request for comment about what the DOA intends to do with the head. In a phone call recorded by Stuiber and shared with the Wisconsin State Journal, DOA facilities manager Megan Wolf told Stuiber the state intends to keep the head at the state archive. But Stuiber wants the object to go to a Norwegian museum or cultural center instead, citing Livsreise, a Norwegian Heritage Center in Stoughton, as an option. June Buntig, executive director of the Bryant Foundation, which built and funds the center, said the Livreise "would be an appropriate place to display" the head but isn't formally requesting it. Stuiber remains frustrated by the DOA's reluctance to put the head back on public display. In recent weeks, he's been contacting state officials to support him in the endeavor. "Are the citizens of Wisconsin better served by having the head hidden in a basement or returned to the loving arms of his (Heg's) community where it can be displayed for all to see and learn from his example?" Stuiber said in a letter to Gov. Tony Evers, state Sen. Devin LeMahieu and state Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. "This is the debate that the state owes the people of Wisconsin to have in a free and public forum." A 17-year-old was arrested after police say she evaded them in a stolen vehicle before crashing into a house Saturday morning in Dane County. At 7:10 a.m., a car in the town of Windsor was reported stolen to the Dane County Sheriffs Office. A Shorewood Hills police officer looking for the vehicle off University Avenue saw it speeding on Mineral Point Road in Madison.The officer waited for further aid before stopping the car but was forced to intervene because of the drivers reckless maneuvers, according to the Shorewood Hills Police Department. Roads and highways in the south and southwest suburbs will be improved over the next six years under an Illinois Department of Transportation multiyear improvement program. From 2024 through 2029, IDOT will spend $40 billion on construction projects that affect all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, and waterways, according to an overview of the program divided into the states Senate and House districts. Advertisement IDOT will spend $291.5 million on 58 roadway projects in Sen. Michael Hastings 19th District. Matteson will receive $26.6 million in spending as part of the program, said Hastings, a Democrat from Frankfort. Of that, more than $22 million will go toward work on Interstate 57, nearly $3.5 million will fund projects along U.S. Route 30, $2.3 million will fund reconstruction of Central Avenue and $364,000 will go to traffic signal installation on Matteson Avenue, according to Hastings office. Advertisement Our highways and roads serve as a lifeline, Hastings said in the release. These improvements to I-57, US 30 and Central Avenue will connect residents with economic opportunities, education and health services and improve our quality of life. Matteson Village Administrator Anthony Burton said the road work in the village and other suburbs will benefit everyone by increasing tourism and retail. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > In Senate District 15, represented by Napoleon B. Harris III, about $363.7 million will go toward 55 projects, which include $45.2 million in rehabilitation along Interstate 94 west of Martin Luther King Drive to 159th Street, which includes Chicago, Calumet City, Dolton and South Holland, according to IDOT. The same I-94 project affects House District 29 and House District 34, which are the top two House districts in the region to receive funding, according to IDOT. Rep. Thaddeus Jones 29th House District 29 will receive about $313.7 million for 40 projects, including $3.8 million to go toward smart overlay of U.S. Route 6 from Harding Avenue to 173rd Street in Calumet City and Lansing, according to IDOT. Rep. Nicholas Smiths District 34 will receive about $286.5 million for 43 projects, which includes $4.8 million for smart overlay of 159th Street from Carol Avenue to Torrence Avenue in Calumet City, South Holland and Harvey. In House District 27, Rep. Justin Slaughters district, about $95.9 million will go toward 27 projects, about $41 million in Blue Island. Of that, $30 million is for bridge replacement on Kedzie Avenue, according to IDOT. In Will County, $272.9 million will be invested in 19 construction projects in Sen. Loughran Cappels 49th District, including $99.7 million for land acquisition, reconstruction and construction phases at Airport and Lockport roads in Romeoville. Advertisement We made the commitment to improve our states aging infrastructure and we are seeing the benefits these investments are making that will have a lasting effect for residents here in Will County, Cappel said in a news release. A Madison man was arrested on a tentative charge of first-degree intentional homicide in the death of another man on Madisons South Side Saturday, police said. John C. Shively, 64, was booked into the Dane County Jail after officers responded to a weapons offense at 6:38 p.m. at a residence in the 2800 block of Warner Street, where a man was found dead, Madison police said. A firearm was recovered at the scene, Sgt. Bernard Gonzalez said in a statement. The death appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no threat to the community, Gonzalez said. The Madison Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit is investigating. This State Journal editorial ran on July 23, 1853: There is perhaps no one thing about which so much is said in the legislative body as about the economy and retrenchment. A person unacquainted with the habits of legislators would suppose that the great object of their lives was to diminish the burden of taxation under which the people suffer. They always have a proper appreciation of the extravagance of their predecessors and, to hear them, would suppose that the people had at last found men to look after their interests. Much was said about economy last winter. Several thousand dollars, however, were expended on stationary. Knives and gold pens were furnished the members, and paper enough to last them several years. The supply was so large that one or two members objected to the last distribution and said if other members were out of paper, they had more than they should want to use in five years and would furnish them from their own desks. Another distribution was made. Men a little verdant in legislative affairs would have imagined that this additional supply would have sufficed for the short extra session. But such was not the case. Among the expenditures of this economical body during the June session we find the following items: for stationary, $1,473; this besides paper and comprises another supply of gold pens, one to each member. Then we have another item for some extra pens of $28.50, and another for knives amounting to $62.50. So much for legislative economy. The Madison School District has done a 180 in recent weeks in how it communicates with the public. Instead of deflecting if not ignoring requests for information about the citys public schools from the State Journal and others, it has been much more responsive and helpful in allowing our journalists to keep parents and taxpayers informed. The departure of combative and tight-lipped district spokesman Tim LeMonds last week was a good sign. Staff had accused him of hostile, obnoxious and sexist behavior. He also seemed more concerned with preventing than providing details about what was happening in local classrooms even suing the district he worked for to try to stop it from releasing complaints against him. Longtime Madison School District educator and administrator Lisa Kvistad has had a positive impact so far. She quickly granted interviews after becoming interim superintendent June 12, and has been more forthright about the districts challenges, including falling enrollment, low reading scores and disparities in learning. Her predecessor, departing Superintendent Carlton Jenkins, said he was retiring in February only to be named as a finalist for a similar job in Memphis two months later. That made clear his exit, announced just 2 years into the job, wasnt about spending more time with his family, as he suggested. Whether he was pushed or jumped may not be clear. But losing a leader so quickly hurts the districts ability to follow through on plans to improve. Ultimately, the School Board is in charge of the superintendent and the district. We hope some of the positive change in communication in recent weeks has been at the boards insistence. The district has a lot of positive things to tout, including $300 million of renovations to its high schools, experienced teachers and a wide range of courses and activities. But shunning the media that tells those stories to the public wont help. Neither will long waits for basic public information. The districts stonewalling in recent years has triggered expensive lawsuits and suspicion. The School Board promised last week to prioritize community outreach in its search for a permanent superintendent. That was good to hear. The district is facing a potential budget crunch in the coming years, some of it of the districts own making. It is handing out raises that average 10%, for example, when longevity and other incentives are included. Though Gov. Tony Evers has apparently secured increases in state aid to schools for several years, some of that money could be stopped if the courts strike down a questionable veto he recently issued. One thing that will make the public more supportive of its schools is transparency. That should include whats happening in classrooms and how public money is being spent. The district was dishonored last year by earning a No Friend of Openness Award from the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council. With LeMonds gone and a healthy dialogue between district officials and the press in recent weeks, the Madison School District appears serious about improving public trust, which is key to improving public education. PERSONAL FINANCE | ADVICE Sure, you're probably not using paper checks for most things. But are you re-turning payments to medical providers and insurance companies in the mail? Paying by check for the random parking ticket or your child's piano lessons? Now is a good time to stop: Check fraud tied to mail theft is up nationwide, according to a February alert from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. And letter carrier robberies are also on the rise. This is partially due to the effects of the pandemic, when thieves targeted government relief checks in the mail. "Fraudsters just went back to tried-and-true potential attack factors that seemed to be working," says Michael Bruemmer, head of global data breach resolution for Experian. The U.S. Postal Service is vulnerable, and thieves who can access your checks can change the amount and ferret those funds right out of your bank account. And then it can take weeks to get the money back. "It's absolutely a life disruption event when you mail a check and it's been intercepted," says Mary Ann Miller, fraud and cybercrime executive adviser and vice president of client experience at consumer identity company Prove. "That can take all the money out of your account at once." Here are some steps to keep yourself safe from check fraud and what to do if you're a victim. Use payment alternatives Look for ways to pay your bills that don't require using the mail. Check your statement for online payment instructions, for example. "We are beginning to see more online options," Miller says. "In fact, some medical providers, like One Medical, have a very nice option to pay from a mobile app along with all of your medical information. I find it super helpful and modern." If you're paying individuals, ask if they'll accept electronic payment through PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or another cash app. "There's really no need to be writing checks today," Bruemmer says. Working with a vendor that doesn't offer an easy way to pay online? Call and ask if you can pay over the phone. "Paying by phone via the IVR interactive voice response or a live customer service representative is definitely a preferred option," Miller says. "Just make sure you are calling the correct number for the utility or medical provider." And in general, experts recommend using credit cards to transact, whenever possible. "You have a lot more protection globally with a credit card, if you're traveling internationally, or if you're buying things online," says Derek Miser, an investment adviser and CEO at Miser Wealth Partners in Knoxville, Tennessee. Send checks safely If you must send a check, take steps to lower the chances of financial mayhem. If it's a big payment, consider using a shipper like UPS or FedEx. "They do accept checks and provide a tracking number," Miller says. If you're using the U.S. Postal Service, send your payment in a security envelope and take it directly to the post office, bypassing mailboxes and mail carriers. You can also write your checks using a black gel ink pen to make it harder for criminals to wash your checks (the ink soaks into the paper). If you're sending a check to someone, ask them to let you know once they receive it. That way, if too much time has passed and the recipient hasn't gotten the check, you can place a stop payment, Miller suggests. One last safeguard: Keep enough money in your checking account to pay the bills, but put the rest elsewhere, such as a linked savings account. The smaller your checking account balance, the less money that can be accessed by someone forging a check against your account. Take action if a check goes awry If you suspect a check has fallen into the wrong hands, call your bank right away. Then file a police report and contact the person or business that was meant to receive the check. If you were making a payment, you may have to make arrangements to make another payment to prevent late fees or interest. Be warned: Processes for returning fraudulently lost money to bank accounts vary by institution, and some timelines are lengthy. "The customer generally is made whole, but that could be months," Miller says. In the meantime, consider putting a fraud alert on your credit reports in case someone tries to open credit in your name, and go over your bank statements and credit reports with an eagle eye. Note that you're eligible for a free credit report from each of the three major reporting agencies each year at AnnualCreditReport.com. You can also set up check monitoring at some banks, from which you'll receive text messages or alerts when transactions over a certain amount are cashed. "I would say now that just about every bank has some sort of monitoring," Bruemmer says, "take advantage of that free alerting that comes from being a member of a financial institution." BELOIT Barbie isn't the only Wisconsinite making movie headlines this summer. Only Roy Chapman Andrews is a real person from a real city who survived near drownings, wild packs of dogs and pillaging bandits. For Andrews, who was born, raised and educated in Beloit, there was no Malibu Dreamhouse. Instead, there were treks to some of the most remote places on Earth. The most notable was in 1923 when, during a remarkable expedition to the Gobi Desert in Mongolia, he used automobiles and a caravan of camels to discover the first nests of fossilized dinosaur eggs recognized by science in the world. The Ark of the Covenant was not among Andrews' finds during a heralded career that landed him on the cover of Time magazine and won him fame for his research of whales. But his work is believed to be the inspiration for the lead character in the five Indiana Jones movies. The first, "Raiders of the Lost Ark," came out in 1981. The latest flick, "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," was released last month. "This is one of Beloit's most, if not arguably the most, remarkable graduates, I think in part because he managed to come back alive from all of his expeditions," said Ann Bausum, who wrote in 2000 the Andrews photobiography "Dragon Bones and Dinosaur Eggs." "He didn't become famous the way some explorers did by screwing up." Beloit College and the Beloit Historical Society recently received from Sara Appelbee a variety of papers and objects from her globe-trotting grandfather. They include Andrews' hunting and fishing journal, manuscripts of books, photographs, newspaper clippings, magazines in which he is featured and copies of many of the 22 books he authored, two of which are written in Mongolian. There's also a proclamation from his employer, the American Museum of Natural History, honoring his work and a passport from when he traveled to Rangoon, Burma, now known as Yangon, Myanmar. Most of the paper documents will be housed in the archives of the Logan Museum of Anthropology at Beloit College. But other items, like a pair of porcelain pigeons, a dress adorned with peacock feathers, a decorative wooden box and a chair, will be stored at the Beloit Historical Society. Little information is known about the objects, including what appears to be a robe from Asia acquired by Andrews during his career. "He brought it back so it must have been special to him," said Donna Langford, the historical society's executive director, as she pulled the colorful piece from a flat, white box. "It illustrates Roy Chapman Andrews' story and life. He's an inspiration to working in science and he still serves as an inspiration today. The things he did are amazing." Andrews was born in 1884 at a home on Beloit's western edge, adjacent to fields and woods. That's where he developed his skills as a naturalist and marksman. He taught himself taxidermy and used the money earned from the hobby to help pay for his education at Beloit College, where he majored in English and took courses in archaeology and evolution. After graduation, Andrews headed to New York City where he begged for a job at the American Museum of Natural History. He began by sweeping floors and assisting with taxidermy. Two years later, he joined an expedition to Alaska to study whales and spent another two years as a naturalist on the USS Albatross voyaging to the Dutch East Indies, Borneo and Celebes, an Indonesian island east of Borneo. Andrews explored North Korea in 1911 and 1912 and in 1916 led the first Asiatic expedition through Tibet, Burma and southwestern China, which helped set the stage for a series of expeditions to the Gobi Desert between 1922 and 1930 in an effort to discover the remains of early humans. In 1934, he was named the museum's director, a position he held until his retirement in 1942. He died in 1960 in California. "In the [first] fifteen years [of fieldwork] I can remember just ten times when I had really narrow escapes from death," Andrews said in his 1926 book "On the Trail of Ancient Man." "Two were from drowning in typhoons, one was when our boat was charged by a wounded whale; once my wife and I were nearly eaten by wild dogs, once we were in great danger from fanatical lama priests; two were close calls when I fell over cliffs, once I was nearly caught by a huge python, and twice I might have been killed by bandits." Andrews was actually one of two Beloit College alums in search of the human origin story. While Andrews' work was focused primarily in Asia, Alonzo Pond, who graduated in 1918 and served as the assistant curator at the Logan Museum of Anthropology, led several expeditions with students in the 1920s to the Sahara Desert and other parts of North Africa and later took part in other expeditions to France, Algeria and Asia. "In many ways, (Pond) also made some pretty important contributions to archaeology in general but Andrews really stands out for the scope of his interests," said Shannon Fie, professor and co-chair of anthropology at Beloit College. "Just the way he compiled an interdisciplinary team. He was a zoologist but he also had paleontologists and geologists and archaeologists all on the team and a photographer, which was key." There are portraits of Andrews in the field wearing kneehigh boots, a wide brimmed hat on his head and a revolver strapped to his side. One shows a caravan of camels in the Gobi Desert, there's a shot of him on the deck of a ship while another pictures Andrews sitting in a chair in the doorway of a tent reading a copy of the Saturday Evening Post. His many books include adult titles like "Ends of the Earth," "Under Lucky Star: A Lifetime of Adventure" and "The Business of Exploring." But he also wrote several children's books. They include "Quest in the Desert," "Meet Your Ancestors" and "All About Dinosaurs," which includes drawings of the tyrannosaurus rex and pterodactyl. The book also includes a chapter on hunting for dinosaur eggs. When Andrews first discovered the fossilized nest in 1923, there was a skeleton of an Oviraptor philoceratops on top of the nest that was thought to be stealing the eggs. But in 1993, additional eggs were found in the Gobi that closely resembled those of 70 years earlier, ccording to the American Museum of Natural History. One of the eggs contained a fossilized embryo, which researchers identified as a developing oviraptorid a member of the group that includes Oviraptor. Later discoveries of two adult oviraptorids sitting on groups of eggs confirmed that they nested in the manner of modern birds, which transformed the image of Oviraptor from that of egg thief to protective parent. In 1999, college and community members in Beloit created the Roy Chapman Andrews Society, an organization designed to inspire scientific discovery and which recognizes each year a contemporary explorer who exemplifies Andrews' legacy. "His fame was considerable during his lifetime," Bausum said. "The movies help to remind us that Indiana Jones may be a conception of Hollywood, but there are people who lived that life." Barry Adams covers regional news for the Wisconsin State Journal. Send him ideas for on Wisconsin at 608-252-6148 or by email at badams@madison.com. "This is one of Beloit's most, if not arguably the most, remarkable graduates, I think in part because he managed to come back alive from all of his expeditions." Ann Bausum, author of photobiography on Roy chapman Andrews Wisconsin has all the makings to be an inter-national hub for fusion. No, I don't mean fusion cuisine, although that's on the calendar now that Bravo TV's headline series "Top Chef" has selected Wisconsin as a destination for its upcoming season. That's big news, too, as it puts the state's best culinary artists in front of a million viewers per episode in 175 countries. The kind of fusion I'm referring to is a lot more technical, much harder to commercialize but well within the bounds of expertise and infrastructure on hand in Wisconsin: fusion energy. The prospects for fusion energy breakthroughs in Wisconsin and how it may transform the national and global energy outlook was the topic of a July 18 luncheon in Madison, where leaders of three emerging companies talked about what's on the horizon and not multiple decades away. First, some definitions: Fusion energy is the same atomic reaction that powers the sun. It's an emissions-free form of energy generation that could transform the world if properly harnessed. Unlike fission, which is the splitting of atoms for energy in a controlled manner, fusion is a melding of lightweight atoms (deuterium and tritium) to produce subatomic particle neutrons, helium and energy mostly in the form of heat. The fuel source is infinite, the energy "density" is at least 10 million times that of fossil fuels, there are no carbon emissions and the neutrons produced by the reaction are far more useful and valuable than the energy it takes to launch a reaction. There has been renewed excitement about fusion energy since late 2022 when the National Ignition Laboratory within the Lawrence Livermore federal lab announced it had a created a fusion reaction that produced more energy than it took to produce. Not quite the "Holy Grail" of fusion yet, but a breakthrough that encouraged physical scientists everywhere. What followed was at least as important as the Livermore "ignition" itself. Major venture capitalists started putting money into fusion companies, because fusion was no longer the perpetual "20 years away" but on a schedule that could make a difference and money much sooner. In fact, about $117 million was invested by the federal government in fusion energy in 2022, but private investors contributed $4.7 billion. That private number has increased in 2023. That's not exclusively because investors see fusion as limited to energy production, but because they see potential in industrial processes, hydrogen production, desalination of sea water, health care imaging and security inspections. Wisconsin's edge in the fusion race stems from the fact that three of the nation's 25 fusion companies are in south-central Wisconsin. There are only 44 such companies in the world. Why Wisconsin? UW-Madison has produced at least 485 doctoral degree graduates with research related to plasma physics (a fundamental study) and fusion energy since 1965. The nuclear engineering department within the College of Engineering is one of the nation's best. Here is another reason that may surprise people accustomed to believing Wisconsin state regulators are conditioned to say "no" to every innovation they don't necessarily understand: The state has a head start on regulating fusion technology, thanks in large part to SHINE Technologies in Janesville and Madison. Representatives of SHINE, Realta Fusion and Type One Energy Group were unanimous in the July 18 discussion in their belief that Wisconsin has a head start most states don't enjoy when it comes to fusion. Each company has raised significant private money. They also discussed the possibility of a fusion production "triangle" that could extend into Illinois and elsewhere in Wisconsin. The potential for clean energy, and even the destruction of elements such as carbon dioxide and nuclear fission waste, makes fusion energy a potential growth area for Wisconsin over time. The fusion cuisine scene is a bit closer, so we can all tune in to Bravo to learn more about that in the meantime. Tom Still is the president of the Wisconsin technology council. email: tstill@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com. The Philippine offshore gaming operations are expected to deliver a robust performance this year despite their declining presence, buoyed by positive numbers reported by tax and gaming regulators last year. Data from the Department of Finance showed that tax payments made by POGOs to the Bureau of Internal Revenue surged 127 percent in 2022 to P8.88 billion from P3.91 billion in 2021. The bulk of payments to the BIR consisted of withholding taxes amounting to P4.35 billion, followed by gaming taxes at P3.65 billion. POGO companies contributed P805.99 million in income taxes, P43.2 million in business taxes, P19.42 million in documentary tax stamps and P9 million in other taxes. Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chairman and chief executive Alejandro Tengco predicted that the gross gaming revenue generated from POGOs would reach P24 billion by end-2023, more than double the P11 billion achieved in 2022. PAGCOR made the projection despite the steady decline in the number of registered POGOs to 32 as of July 18 from its pre-pandemic peak of 281 in 2019. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. A Ukrainian drone attack on Crimea Saturday blew up an ammunition depot, sparking evacuations on the Moscow-annexed peninsula just five days after drones damaged Russias symbolic bridge across the Kerch Strait. Late on Saturday, Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko arrived in Saint Petersburg, where he is due to meet the Russian president for the first time since he helped end a dramatic mutiny by Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group. Putin and his closest ally plan to discuss the strategic partnership and alliance between their two countries on Sunday, according to the Kremlin. Moscow meanwhile blamed the West and Kyiv for the death of a Russian war correspondent, saying he was killed by cluster munitions. Crimea attack Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, has been targeted by Kyiv throughout Moscows 17-month Ukraine offensive but has come under more intense, increased attacks in recent weeks. In a counteroffensive launched to retake territory lost to Moscow, Kyiv has increasingly made clear despite some Western unease that it also aims to take back the annexed Black Sea peninsula. The goal is to return Crimea, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky said, according to a transcript published by his office Saturday of a speech on Friday. He said Kyiv considers the Crimea bridge opened by Russian leader Vladimir Putin in 2018 as an enemy object and wants it to be neutralised. Less than 24 hours later, the Moscow-installed head of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, said an enemy drone had detonated an ammunition depot. As a result of an attack by an enemy drone on the Krasnogvardeisky district, an ammunition depot detonated, Aksyonov said on Telegram, referring to an area that lies inland at the centre of Crimea. He ordered the evacuation of people living within five kilometres of the zone. Aksyonov claimed there was little damage, but unverified videos on social media showed billowing smoke rising into the air. The Moscow-installed health ministry later said four people were taken to hospital, without providing further details. A Ukrainian army source confirmed Kyiv was behind the attack, saying: The strike on military installations in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea was carried out by Ukrainian forces. Rail traffic resumed late on Saturday after being halted to minimise risks. Road traffic across the bridge one of the few ways to get out of Crimea as flights have been cancelled during the conflict was briefly suspended, pro-Russian authorities said. It had only just restarted after a Ukrainian attack damaged the bridge Tuesday, killing two people. Russian journalist killed Russia alleged that Kyiv had used cluster munitions on the Russian border village of Zhuravlevka and that the controversial weapon had killed one of its journalists in a frontline village. The allegations came two weeks after US President Joe Biden faced fierce criticism from his own allies for sending the munitions, which pose a long-term risk to civilians. The Russian army announced that Rostislav Zhuravlev, a war correspondent working for the state RIA Novosti news agency, died from his wounds after coming under fire from cluster munitions in occupied southern Ukraine. Moscow blamed the West and Kyiv, vowing to respond after what the foreign ministry called a heinous, premeditated crime. Three other journalists were said to be stable in hospital after the attack. Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, meanwhile, said three cluster munitions from a multiple rocket launcher were fired (by the Ukrainian army) at the village of Zhuravlevka on Friday. The region has seen near daily cross-border attacks for months. It was the first time Russia reported the weapons were used on its territory. Putin has said Moscow had enough cluster munitions to answer if Ukraine was to use the weapons. Black Sea escalation The attacks on Crimea have come as many of Kyivs Western allies feel uncomfortable about Ukrainian ambitions to take back the annexed land, fearing a larger scale conflict with Russia. They have also signified a sharp escalation in the Black Sea area. Ukraine has said it is looking for ways to keep a grain corridor in the Black Sea. Zelensky said he discussed the unblocking of the corridor with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Saturday. The pair had spoken about future steps necessary for unblocking and (the) sustainable operation of the Black Sea grain corridor, he said, without giving further details. Kyiv has called on the United Nations and neighbouring countries to secure safe passage for cargoes through joint patrols. In a speech on Friday, Zelensky warned that Moscow believes that the Black Sea is purely Russian. The Russian army on Friday carried out live-fire exercises in the Black Sea, with the UN warning against escalation. On the battlefield, Moscows forces said Saturday that they had pushed back three Ukrainian attacks in the eastern villages of Urozhayniy and Priyutniy. Ukraine also said Russia shelled Kupyansk in the northeastern Kharkiv region where Russia has gone on a limited offensive this week Saturday, killing a 57-year-old woman. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. The administration will present the Maharlika Investment Fund to Malaysian investors during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s three-day state visit to Malaysia starting July 25, a day after his second State of the Nation Address (SONA). [MIF] will be a very, very important vehicle to attract more resources and investments into the country, to supplement our resources that are provided for in the national budget for developmental initiatives, infrastructure, in the power and agriculture sectors, Speaker Martin Romualdez said on Sunday. Romualdez said the sovereign wealth fund is not only beneficial but [also] necessary. [We have a] growing economy that needs to entice foreign investors to ramp up the improving and recovering local economy, the Speaker added. Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., for his part, said he is optimistic about the operations of Maharlika. Just give it a chance because at the end of the day, when it becomes successful, it is the success of the country. When we criticize it immediately, this can hinder its success. Because you know local and foreign investors will not invest their money if they see that we ourselves dont believe in it. I think lets give the benefit of the doubt, Ortiz-Luis said. He said there are many countries that have successfully established sovereign wealth funds. Ortiz-Luis, who is also the president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), said many local firms are keen on putting their money in the MIF while several tycoons are also willing to invest in it. The fund is envisioned to be invested in a wide range of assets, including foreign currencies, fixed-income instruments, domestic and foreign corporate bonds, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, real estate and high-impact infrastructure projects, and projects that contribute to the attainment of sustainable development. Unlike other government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), the MIF will be able to maximize government assets through its investments in projects that generate bigger returns. Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said he expects the MIF to be operational before the end of the year. The Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC) will be created to serve as the investment body responsible for the overall governance and management of the fund. It will be governed by a Board of Directors with nine members chaired by the Secretary of Finance. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Eight Tekkies were recently graduated from a class sponsored by the Urban League of Northwest Indiana and taught by Chelsea Whittington, of C WHITT PR. On hand were, back row from left, Maggie Nichols, Vanessa Allen-McCloud, Urban League CEO and president, Alisa Spencer and Tersina Jones. Front row, from left, Amber McKinstry, Ella Carr, Kathleen Bowen, Gloria Green and Whittington. - Original Credit: Photo courtesy of C WHITT PR (Photo courtesy of C WHITT PR/HANDOUT) Dual credit instructor honored at Ivy Tech Ivy Tech Community Colleges Lake County campus has selected a Lake Central High School teacher as its Dual Credit Instructor of the Year for 2022-23, according to a release. Dawn Combis, who teaches Entrepreneurship classes for the college, was one of 19 individuals across the state honored recently by Ivy Tech campuses to receive the second annual Excellence in Dual Credit Instruction Presidents Awards, the highest honor for Ivy Tech dual credit faculty, the release said. Advertisement I like being able to provide a college classroom feel in the comfort of a high school setting so that students build the skills needed for college without all of the pressures behind it, Combis said. The Excellence in Dual Credit Instruction Presidents Award is modeled after the Colleges Presidents Award to recognize college faculty and adjunct faculty members from Ivy Tech locations throughout the state, the release said. Advertisement Lake Central High School teacher Dawn Combis, who teaches Entrepreneurship classes for the college, was one of 19 individuals across the state honored recently by Ivy Tech campuses to receive the second annual Excellence in Dual Credit Instruction Presidents Awards, the highest honor for Ivy Tech dual credit faculty, the release said. - Original Credit: Photo courtesy of Ivy Tech (Photo courtesy of Ivy Tech/HANDOUT) Urban League of Northwest Indiana graduates Tekkies The Urban League of Northwest Indiana graduated eight senior Tekkies, who completed a two-month series of learning basic digital literacy skills recently, according to a release. The workshops were taught by Chelsea Whittington, CEO of C WHITT PR and a graduation ceremony was held at the Urban League of Northwest Indiana. At the graduation, Urban League President and CEO Vanessa Allen McCloud spoke. Not only is there a digital divide in disparaged communities, but age is a factor when it comes to the technology learning curve. We are working to close both, she said in the release. The event was broadcast live on the Urban League of Northwest Indiana Facebook page and remains available for viewing online. For more information regarding the services and resources offered by the Urban League of NWI, call 219-887-9621 or visit http://www.ulofnwi.org. Two-day conference set for business networking Northwest Indiana Black business owners will gather to network, attend business workshops and share their business experience with other entrepreneurs in a two-day event Aug. 11 and 12, according to a release. Sponsored by Ivan-Cord Consulting, the goal of the Share Your Vision Conference is to help entrepreneurs take their business to the next level, a release said. The Aug. 11 portion of the event takes place from 1-9 p.m. at Indiana Wesleyan University, 8415 Georgia St., Merrillville. Scheduled that day will be discussions about business fundamentals, building sustainable financial practices, small business development and resources, work-life balance, development and resources and social media marketing, the release said. From 3-9 p.m. Aug. 12, a business networking mixer is planned for those 21 and older at the Spotlight Lounge, 4774 Broadway, Gary. For more information about ticket prices, sponsorships or donations email info@ivancordconsulting.com. VU, Ivy Tech work together to solve fungus problem Valparaiso University has received a $19,573 grant from the NASA-funded Indiana Space Grant Consortium to continue studying the fungus Candida albicans, which will allow for VU and Ivy Tech student researchers to investigate environmental conditions that cause the fungus to become potentially harmful to humans, a release said. VU has received the funding for six consecutive years, the release said. According to Patrice Bouyer, VU associate professor of biology, the fungus is most often found inside the human body: on the skin and various other places. Undefined factors can cause the fungus to change, leading to infections, the release said. Partnering with institutions like Ivy Tech is part of Valparaiso Universitys dedication to opening up educational opportunities for a wider range of students and is part of the Uplift Valpo: Our Beacon for the Journey Forward five-year plan, a release said. Ahead of the 2023 State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco revealed the key contributions to the 10-point agenda for economic renewal and growth under the current administration, and the strides made towards the countrys transformation into a tourism powerhouse in Asia. We thank our President Marcos, Jr. for identifying tourism as a priority, which provided the impetus for the Department of Tourisms aggressive efforts to reintroduce the Philippines on the strength of its greatest assets, and to improve the essential pillars of tourism development, laid down in the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023 2028 crafted and approved under his administration, Frasco said. One of the highlights of the Tourism report was the recovery of tourism numbers. As of July 21, 2023, the DOT has recorded 3,017, 224 foreign visitor arrivals, almost 60 percent of the 4.8 million arrival target for the entire 2023. From February 2022, upon reopening Philippines border to all types of travelers, up until December, the Philippines welcomed 2.65 million international tourist arrivals, surpassing the 1.7 million year-end projections by nearly 1 million visitors. Of this number, 1.8 million or 69.32 percent arrived between July1 to Dec. 31. Domestic tourism also proved its pivotal role in the post-pandemic resurgence of Philippine tourism recording over 102 million domestic trips in 2022, up by 176.18 percent from the 37.28 million domestic trips in 2021. As reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority in the 2022, the Philippine tourism satellite accounts (PTSA), internal tourism expenditure reached P1.87 trillion, a 131.2 percent increase from P810.20 billion in 2021. Internal tourism expenditure combines domestic tourism expenditure of resident visitors within the country either as part of their domestic or international travel, and inbound tourism expenditure of non-resident visitors including foreign nationals or Filipinos permanently residing abroad. Domestic tourism expenditure took the lions share with P1.5 trillion, while inbound tourism expenditure totaled P368.67 billion. Meanwhile, the tourism direct gross value added (TDGVA) share of the sector to the Philippine economy as measured by the gross domestic product (GDP) last year was estimated at 6.2 percent with a value of P1.38 trillion, 36.9 percent higher compared with the P1 trillion in 2021. The DOT has also actively pushed for the liberalization of COVID-19 protocols in 2022, including the removal of the COVID-19 test requirements and mask-wearing mandate which was instrumental to the recovery of inbound travels. Aligning with the priorities of the Marcos administration, the DOT placed on top of its agenda infrastructure and digitalization initiatives that would boost the connectivity of tourism destinations and improve traveler convenience. The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) of the DOT broke ground on Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs) in 10 strategic locations nationwide. With its partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the DOT works on bringing improvements to the countrys gateways, starting with the NAIA Terminal 2, Cebu City Pier One, and the Davao International Airport and the improvement of roads, international airports, and seaports in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), under the existing Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP) with investments hitting P16 billion for tourism roads in 2023. With the help of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the DOT announced that internet connectivity in 94 tourist destinations will be improved, with 46 destinations already powered up. The Department is also set to launch a Tourist Lifecycle App with the Tourism Promotions Board that will cater to domestic and foreign tourists. The DOT also introduced an enhanced tourism slogan Love the Philippines anchored on the countrys mega biodiversity, heritage, culture, history, and people. The DOT also embarked on a mission to train 100,000 individuals on the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) by year-end by capitalizing on world-renowned Filipino hospitality. Through the enhanced tourism branding campaign, Love The Philippines, the DOT will continue to highlight our tourism offeringsour diverse culture, gastronomy, the unparalleled beauty of our destinations, and most especially, the warmth of our people. There is a plethora of reasons to love The Philippines and we are determined to ensure that the world is reminded of what we can offer, Frasco said. Further, putting a premium on tourist safety, the Department also strengthened its Tourist-oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) program, successfully training a total of 7,575 police officers. The DOT has also accredited a total of 13,462 tourism-related enterprises as of July 15, 2023, an 11.92 percent growth from 2022. The DOT accreditation certifies that a tourism enterprise complies with the minimum standards for the operation of tourism facilities and services. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. A Martinsville police officer fired multiple shots into the cab of a truck Saturday after its driver had rammed the officers patrol car on a private road, city police said. Jonathan Michael Easter, 38, of Ridgeway, is in custody and the officer walked away with a few scratches according to another officer who radioed the information to a dispatcher at the 911 Communications Center. Shortly after 2 p.m. Saturday a Martinsville police officer stopped a vehicle on Evening Star Lane for a traffic violation and Easter was a front seat passenger in that vehicle, a police news release stated. Police say Easter got out of the vehicle with an AR-15 style rifle and the officer ordered Easter to drop the rifle, so Easter did as the officer commanded and then ran away. The officer recognized Easter and knew he was wanted on several felony charges, so the officer radioed for assistance, detained the driver and other passengers in the vehicle, and secured the rifle. Backup arrived and additional officers began searching the area for Easter. Meanwhile, a Freightliner truck was stolen from a parking lot nearby and was moving on a private drive off of Veteran Drive. The narrow road was only wide enough for one vehicle and when the driver of the Freightliner encountered an officer in his patrol car coming toward him, the driver rammed the police car head on and attempted to push the vehicle out of the way with the truck, the release stated. Easter was driving the truck, police said. The patrol vehicle was pushed backward more than 50 yards and nearing a steep embankment when the officer fired several shots through the windshield of his vehicle and into the cab of the truck. Easter was not hit by the gunfire, but did stop the truck, allowing the officer to take him into custody without further incident, the release said. Easter was jailed in the Henry County Adult Detention Center without bond on prior outstanding warrants of eluding police, and possession of a firearm by a felon. The Virginia State Police were asked by the Martinsville Police Department to investigate the incident, the release stated. The officer who was struck by the truck was treated and released for minor injuries at Sovah Health in Martinsville, and additional charges against Easter will be filed after the State Police finish their investigation and the results are reviewed by the Henry County commonwealths attorney, the release said. We are all very thankful that no one was seriously injured, said Martinsville Police Chief Robert Fincher in the release. This incident is a good example of how our brave law enforcement officers are willing to risk their own lives to help protect the safety of our community. Henry County sheriffs deputies were on the scene Saturday afternoon along with Martinsville police officers and investigators with the Virginia State Police. The incident occurred beyond Veteran Road on a private drive and beyond the site of a posted no trespassing sign. Dubbed the most popular event that the museum hosts, another Dino Festival is in the books after a two-day event was held at the Virginia Museum of Natural History Friday and Saturday. This years festival featured life-sized casts of iconic creatures, dinosaur fossils, interactive displays, dinosaur-themed activities and crafts and food trucks with plenty of food. The event, held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day enabled guests to interact with a variety of dino-themed encounters. From the moment visitors set foot on museum grounds, they were greeted with a festive atmosphere full of amazing dino-themed activities and dinosaur displays and cast skeletons of some of the most incredible dinosaurs to have ever roamed the earth, such as Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Acrocanthosaurus, and Allosaurus, said VMNH Visitor Services and Events Manager Robbie Hendrix-Wirt. This year, for the first time, the museum offered a Reduced Sensory Impact Time from 9-9:45 a.m. for a limited number of visitors challenged with sensory processing. The capacity for this special time was reached before the event opened, according to the museums website sign-up form. Original dinosaur bones from the collections of VMNH collected by research teams who have been digging for 150-million-year-old dinosaur bones in Wyoming were on display, including parts of the long-necked sauropods, the plated Stegosaurus, and the predatory giant Allosaurus. Dinosaur footprints have been found in the hundreds across Virginia from the far north to the southern border near Danville and the tracks of three-toed carnivorous dinosaurs over 200 million years old were displayed at the event. Face painting, balloon animals and food trucks were in abundance creating the festive atmosphere while experts were on hand hosting activity stations that included the museums scientists, as well as colleagues from partnering institutions from Appalachian State University, Danville Science Center, University of Lynchburg, Science Museum of Western Virginia, and The Schiele Museum. This years event was made possible through the financial support from Bassett Furniture, Carter Bank & Trust, Sovah Health, Martinsville First Savings Bank, Boxley, and The Helen S. & Charles G. Patterson Jr. Charitable Foundation Trust. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Public health has had its day in court lately. And another day. And another day. Over the course of the pandemic, lawsuits came from every direction, questioning public health policies and hospitals' authority. Petitioners argued for care to be provided in a different way, they questioned mandates on mask and vaccine use, and they attacked restrictions on gatherings. Historically, "there's been nothing but a cascade of supportive deference to public health," said Lawrence Gostin, a professor specializing in public health law at Georgetown University. That changed during the pandemic. "It's the opposite. It's been a torrent." Even as COVID-19 wanes, lawyers representing the health care sector predict their days in court aren't about to end soon. A group of litigators and media companies, among others, are eyeing policy changes and even some profits from yet more lawsuits. Because such groups can reach millions of people, public health advocates like Gostin and Brian Castrucci, president of the de Beaumont Foundation, a public health nonprofit, suggest that the result, beyond creating legal setbacks, could spread more misinformation about their work. The imprimatur of a lawsuit, they think, can help spread vaccine skepticism or other anti-public health beliefs, if only through news coverage. "You know, lawsuits have a galvanizing effect," Gostin said. "They tend to shape public opinion." Lawyers are organizing to promote their theories. Late in March, a group of them gathered in Atlanta for a debut COVID Litigation Conference to swap tips on how to build such cases. "Attention, Atlanta lawyers!" proclaimed an ad promoting the event. "Are you ready to be a part of the fastest-growing field of litigation?" The conference was sponsored in part by the Vaccine Safety Research Foundation, which was established on vaccine-skeptical views. The gathering promised to share legal strategies for suing federal and state public health agencies over COVID policies, as well as hospitals and pharmaceutical firms for alleged malfeasance. It's the sort of thing that has people like Gostin paying attention. "It's very worrisome," he said. Even if lawsuits don't succeed, it could make hospitals and public health officials gun-shy, he said. At the height of the pandemic, lawyers were successfully forcing hospitals to administer ivermectin to treat COVIDdespite many gold-standard, randomized, controlled trials demonstrating it wasn't particularly useful. The conference was a good way to meet like-minded advocates, explained Steven Warshawsky, a New York lawyer who attended. "There's networking and an effort to create a legal community that's knowledgeable," he said. And colleagues can also "spread the word about different legal angles." Indeed, panels covered subjects ranging from licensure to hospital negligence, and allegations of vaccine injuries. The conference was organized by Steve Kirsch, a wealthy San Francisco Bay Area tech executive, who describes himself as a "truth teller" regarding COVID vaccines and policies. He has persistently raised questions about masks and vaccines and other standard public health measures. The conference, he said, is meant to help encourage lawyers to further that stance. He said he hopes that "the lawyers are successful in getting large settlements" because "it will incentivize other lawyers" to bring their own suits against pharmaceutical firms and government agencies alike. He's been known to tweet about situations in which he, an unmasked person, encountered masked counterparts. For example, during a flight, he offered $100,000 to an airplane seatmate to remove her mask. (He said he did it to test the leveland potential hypocrisyof people's attachment to masks.) Kirsch's legal entrepreneurism is on full display in his newsletter: Individuals seeking his comments can check boxes if they are lawyers who would represent him in various lawsuits against the federal government on vaccine-related issues. Visitors can also book his time in 15-minute increments, at $500 a pop; subscriptions to his newsletterof which he claims "tens of thousands"are $50 a year. (He says he donates the subscription income.) The lawyers' conference attracted speakers well known in the COVID litigation world. One, Robert Malone, did early work on messenger RNA and has now grown skeptical over alleged defects in COVID vaccines. (They've been approved by the FDA after large trials.) Malone and other plaintiffs threatened Twitter last year with a lawsuit seeking to reverse a ban on spreading misinformation. After taking a media tour, he's now back on the social media network. For public health officials, it's not merely the potential outcome of the courts' rulings but also the publicizing of the theories that poses a risk. "Even one win, despite countless losses, for some will provide supposed evidence and vindication that questions need to be answered, liability needs to be assigned, or a wrong needs to be righted," Castrucci told KFF Health News. "But the decision of any one trial can't and shouldn't supplant the findings of clinical trials enrolling nearly 70,000 Americans." "I think this is part of a grander destabilization of public health, through the judicial system," Castrucci said. Readers wanting to connect favored theories to courtroom drama through the media have no lack of opportunity. Take The Daily Wire, an online publication featuring conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro. The company was a plaintiff in one federal lawsuit, part of a barrage of successful litigation, challenging the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's policy of giving large businesses an option of either requiring their employees to get vaccinated or test weekly for COVID. The regulation was stymied by the Supreme Court and later withdrawn by the agency. The lawsuit served a second purpose. It provided a continual, evolving theme for Facebook ads promoting the outlet's fightand asking viewers to subscribe, sign petitions, or purchase merchandise. In a November 2021 ad, Shapiro asserted there was "no bigger fan" of vaccines than he. But any pro-vaccine claim was not a centerpiece of future ads, which inveighed against mandates, vaccine passports, and the like. The Daily Wire claimed in February 2022 that it was bringing in $100 million in annual revenue. The publication made COVID messaging, particularly around lawsuits or legal matters, a frequent theme of its advertising. One ad, for example, mentioned how police were enforcing vaccine passports in "certain cities"it didn't specify which cities. But The Daily Wire published an article about police checking such passports in Paris, not the United States. The media outlet didn't respond to multiple requests for comment. In all, KFF Health News found the publication had at least 10 million ad impressions on Meta platformsFacebook and Instagramfrom October 2021 to February 2023 concerning lawsuits, mandates, lab leaks, and other COVID-related topics. Earlier, conservative media groups were happy to contribute by writing amicus briefs in support of certain cases. But there's now plenty of right-wing voices trying to seize an audience, said A.J. Bauer, an assistant professor of journalism studying conservative media at the University of Alabama. "We're seeing an oversaturated media space, with a lot of competition," especially on the right, Bauer said. As such, he said, they need to stand outeven if it means embracing "stunts," like participating directly in lawsuits. 2023 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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 Canadian wildfires this summer exposed people to secondhand smoke at levels not seen since smoking was banned indoors in 2006, according to preliminary findings from Rutgers University researchers. Since the worst of the pollution from June 6 to 8, Philadelphia and other East Coast cities have continued to experience periodic dips in air quality. Parts of Philadelphia were under a "code orange" alert at least two days this week, again due to wildfire smoke. (A "code orange" indicates that the air outside may be unhealthy for the elderly, children, and those with preexisting health conditions.) The researchers in the ongoing study sought to understand the fires' impact on air quality in the Northeast United States and give insight to how this pollution could affect people's health, as such fires become more common with climate change, according to a statement Tuesday. "The wildfires in Canada gave us a sobering demonstration of the climate change impacts on air quality," Memo Cedeno Laurent, an assistant professor at the Rutgers School of Public Health who is working on the study, said in the statement. The average levels of pollution measured in New Jersey and New York on the afternoon of June 7 reached nearly 10 times the maximum level that federal standards say is safe for people to consume over 24 hours. New York City was the world's most polluted city that day. Researchers found that this was similar to the level of secondhand smoke in bars before the passing of a 2006 New Jersey law that banned smoking in almost all public spaces. Pennsylvania passed a similar law in 2008 following nationwide recognition that secondhand smoke causes lung cancer, heart disease, and other conditions. Philadelphia residents began feeling the consequences soon after the smoke arrived, with people experiencing discomfort, reporting a smoky odor, and contending with the cancelation or postponement of outdoor events due to the poor air quality. Emergency room visits did not surge as feared, but experts are still concerned about longer-term effects. Wildfires are a leading pollution-related cause of hospitalization. A 2021 study discovered that the rise in hospitalizations due to wildfire smoke in Southern California far outpaced those caused by other sources of pollution. In the next several months, the researchers said they will look more closely at chemicals that made up the smoke to study how exactly they can make people sick, as well as how they can contribute to climate change. The particles from the wildfire smoke can cool and warm the atmosphere, similar to the effects of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. The number of wildfires is increasing across North America. This year's wildfires marked a significantly earlier start to Canada's fire season. This year's fires have burned more than 2 million acres to date, an area of land equivalent to the size of Kentucky and double the average burned in previous years. A 2023 national report also found that New Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania were gaining more dry, hot, and windy days that can contribute to wildfires. New Jersey has already experienced multiple wildfires in the past few months after another early start to its fire season. On days with poor air quality, experts recommend staying indoors when possible and wearing an appropriate maskone that can filter out the small particles in wildfire smoke, like an N95. Buying an air purifier can also help, as well as inspecting home air filtration systems for those at greater risk. 2023 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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 Millions of American workers have breathed in dangerous levels of air pollution this year as smoke from Canada's record wildfire season blankets cities across the Northeast. Now experts are calling on federal regulators to adopt standards protecting outdoor workers from worsening air quality, potentially modeled after the few states that have such standards, including California and Oregon. Rules could require employers to monitor air pollution and provide protective equipment such as N95 masks on days when air quality levels fall below certain thresholds. But regulations are not common in much of the country, where wildfire smoke and the health damage it wreaks are both relatively new concerns. And even supporters of regulations say states with rules have had some difficulty with implementation. Cities across the Northeast and Midwest broke longtime records for air pollution last month, prompting a wide range of employer reactions. In Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the U.S. Postal Service pulled some mail carriers from their routes as conditions worsened. In Minneapolis, construction workers finished out their shifts even after reporting fatigue and asthma symptoms. In New York City, William Medinaa delivery worker for Uber and several other appsdonned his own mask and drove his moped through a thick gray haze that made it difficult to breathe. The state labor department had encouraged employers to limit or suspend outdoor work, but compliance was voluntary. "They alert us when there are storms," Medina said, of the apps he works for. "But there was no notification about the air quality and no preparations for it." Such incidents will grow more common in a changing climate, labor and workplace safety advocates say. Wildfires are growing larger, and wildfire smoke increasingly clouds a wider swath of U.S. states. Last year, a report by the National Academy of Sciences concluded that "too many workers are left unprotected" from wildfire smoke. "Workplace hazards are becoming suddenly and rapidly more threatening because of the very alarming growth in the climate crisis," David Michaels, the former assistant secretary of labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, said in an interview with Stateline. "At the mercy' of the outdoors North American wildfires have grown steadily larger and more intense since at least the 1980s, worsened by drought, early snowmelt, extreme heat and other effects of climate change. For decades, they were seen as a regional problem. But wildfire smoke is increasing in much of the country. According to a study published this year in the American Journal of Public Health, 87% of Americans experienced more days of heavy smoke in 2021 than they did in 2011. The change was starkest east of the Mississippi River, in states including New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania, as well as in Western states including Arizona, California, Colorado and Washington. The increase poses significant risks to public health, as wildfire smoke contains an unpredictable cocktail of vaporized chemicals and microscopic particles that can enter the bloodstream when inhaled. At low levels, pollution from wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes and respiratory tracts of particularly sensitive people, such as children, older adults and those with preexisting respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. At higher levels, it can prompt heart attacks and damage lung function. Breathing wildfire smoke also can expose people to assorted microbes and carcinogens, depending on the materials that burned, said Nellie Brown, an industrial hygienist and the director of Workplace Health and Safety Programs at Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations. That can pose serious dangers to construction workers, farmhands, first responders and many of the other 11 million Americans whose job requirements put them outside for much or all of their workday, according to 2022 figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. "We sometimes say to people, "Adjust the hours you're working, don't do outside labor when it's really bad'but not everybody's job can be addressed like that," Brown said. "When you work outdoors, you're at the mercy of the outdoor environment." To help employers and workers navigate these growing hazards, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Healtha division of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventionrecommends that workplaces monitor local air quality and take steps to limit employees' exposure to wildfire smoke. Employers can, for instance, reschedule or relocate outdoor work, require more frequent breaks and provide personal protective equipment such as N95 respirators. (Surgical and cloth masks don't screen out the tiny particles in wildfire smoke pollution.) Those recommendations are advisory, however: Employers do not have to follow them. In fact, there is no specific federal standard to protect outdoor workers from wildfire smoke, said Arden Rowell, a professor at the University of Illinois College of Law who has studied respiratory safety regulations. Only three statesCalifornia, Oregon and Washington, which is in the process of finalizing its ruleshave developed their own enforceable standards on worker safety and wildfire smoke. "The guarantee of worker protections that so many of us presume we have seems like it's falling down here," Rowell said. "As we see more fires, we're going to see more risks. Does every single state then need to fill this gap?" Existing state rules provide one potential model for protecting workers from wildfire smoke. While their specific details differ, California's and Oregon's regulations both generally require employers to train workers on health and safety risks and provide schedule changes, relocations or other interventions to reduce exposure on days when air quality is low. In jobs where employees cannot be rescheduled or moved indoors, state rules mandate that employers provide high-quality masks, such as N95 respiratorsand then, at higher pollution levels, require employees to wear them. Debates over enforcement, risk Like all worker protections, these rules aren't foolproof: Both labor and business groups have criticized aspects of their implementation. Neither California nor Oregon requires employers to offer more paid breaks on smoky days, a provision unions had requested, said Marcy Goldstein-Gelb, the co-executive director of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, which advocates for workers' rights. Labor advocates in California also have faulted the state for relying on workers to report violations, arguing that many Californiansparticularly people who don't speak Englishwill hesitate to complain out of fear of retaliation. Setting the exact thresholds for employer action also has challenged state regulators. California requires that employers offer respirators when pollution reaches "unhealthy" levels on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality Index, for instance. Oregon's rule, and Washington's proposed rule, both kick in at a lower level: "unhealthy for sensitive groups." A spokesperson for Washington's Department of Labor & Industries said the state chose that threshold based on guidance from the World Health Organization and state Department of Health, following the January announcement that the EPA would soon lower its own thresholds. But adopting the lower standard forces businesses to spend money on masks for workers who don't need them, said Jan Himebaugh, the managing director of external affairs at the Building Industry Association of Washington, which has asked the state to adopt a higher standard. It also risks alienating the employees the rule is meant to protect, said Adam Airoldi, who supervises the arboriculture program for Washington's State Parks and Recreation Commission. Airoldi's division already provides wildfire smoke training and N95 masks to its arborists, who maintain the trees and shrubs in Washington's public parks. But mask use is not necessarily widespread. Many workers are accustomed to working in air quality conditions that are "unhealthy for sensitive groups," particularly east of the Cascade Mountains, he said. "There's this issue of perceived risk," Airoldi said. "I want the people who work for me to be safe and do their job well. But if regulations are put in place that they feel aren't necessary, then they're not going to follow them." Some experts argue these types of debates underscore the need for further action by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHAthe federal agency charged with regulating and enforcing workplace safety. Most states defer to OSHA rules, though 22 states and territories operate separate health and safety plans that can be stricter or wider-reaching than OSHA's. In 2022, the National Academy of Sciences recommended that OSHA create a new workplace exposure standard for particulate matter, including that commonly found in wildfire smoke, and mandate that employers take precautions, such as providing high-quality masks, at certain pollution levels. But such a standard would take years to complete, said Goldstein-Gelb, of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, thanks to chronic understaffing at the agency and a lengthy rulemaking process. OSHA has yet to release a number of standards that have been in the works for several years, including rules on extreme heat, infectious disease and workplace violence. OSHA has not included a standard for ambient air quality on its current regulatory agenda, a spokesperson for the agency told Stateline by email. "The likelihood of the federal government creating a wildfire smoke protection standard is not only lowit would take four to seven years at the minimum," said Goldstein-Gelb, who recommends that workers advocate for safety measures in their own workplaces. "We can't wait that long for action." Importantly, even if OSHA did adopt wildfire smoke protections more quicklyvia an emergency temporary standard, for instancethey would still not cover millions of outdoor workers. By statute, OSHA rules do not extend to many public-sector, small-farm or gig-economy workers, including Medina, the New York City delivery worker. As air quality conditions deteriorated last month, Medina stopped his moped on a busy bridge mid-delivery to take pictures of the smoke. A leader in the labor group Los Deliveristas Unidos, which advocates for delivery workers' rights in New York, Medina said he wanted to document the conditions that many gig workers face without the benefit of a minimum salary, insurance or basic health protections. When he finished riding for the day, he and a colleague headed back outdoors to distribute masks to other delivery workers. "Individual people are being required to make decisions about very complex risks," said Rowell, the University of Illinois law professor. "And they're making those decisions without the support, research and expertise they might usually hope to get from the federal government." Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a national nonprofit news organization focused on state policy. 2023 States Newsroom. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Toward the end of 2021, when it appeared that the pandemic would drag on longer, musician Chris Sand thought he and his daughter, Stevie, now 11, could use a project. Were like, What can we do to just still connect with people, and still keep the creative juices flowing? he said recently. If you go Sand has a short Montana tour lined out now. Go to rappincowboy.com/shows. In Missoula, hell have a reading and singing at Fact & Fiction on July 28 at 4 p.m., and play at the Montana Natural History Center block party on July 29 at 1 p.m. He'll have backing from keyboardist Ian Smith of Cowboy Andy and the Salamanders and fiddler Grace Decker of Cash for Junkers. Sand, who goes by Sandman, Montanas Rappin Cowboy, grew up in Ronan. For more than 20 years, hes been splitting the difference between folk and country and hip-hop and cowboy poetry, where the cadence, delivered now in a more subdued fashion than before, could fit in over country strumming or a hip-hop beat. He also had a repertoire of kids songs that hed been recording. The Magic Bean Club, an entrepreneurial project, was born. For 16 months, theyd send out a new tune, a sticker, coloring page and some trinkets they put together. A local artist, Cooper Malin, drew the stickers and coloring page. Fifty people signed up, which ended up being a decent amount of work to keep up for that long. Now, theyre releasing the CD along with a full-size coloring book, complete with lyrics. Magic Beans: 16 Songs for Sprouting Children and Other Human Beans represents his first venture into a genre with vocal critics of all ages: childrens music. Some of the songs, however, are older. He says that hed write any kind of song that comes to him. Even in bars, Id sing these kind of kid-like songs. I found they would sometimes be the most popular, he said. Some Magic Beans tunes date back 10 years. Some of them work either way, like Miss Rodeo Montana, the story of a 7-year-old kid who has a crush on his uncles fiancee. Its a quirky rodeo song, he said, that happens to appeal to children. And so he decided to try his hand at writing ones that were directly for younger listeners, especially after Stevie was born. He suspects the ideal audience for the songs is kids ages 3 to 7 or anyone over age 25. Like all creators of kid-focused content, his goal was to make work that can read on two levels. One song, Huckleberries for the Bears, is appropriately child-like in its verses, co-written with a friends kid. In part, he felt the childrens conceit freed him up. He thought his more pointed lyrics had become too jaded and snarky. It feels like you gotta take one side or the other, but when you tap into kids music, you can say the same things but in a really open-hearted way, he said, whereas a country song might require a firmer stand. He recorded the album before the pandemic in Vancouver, British Columbia, with a multi-instrumentalist friend, Corwin Fox, as his producer. We were going to actually do the third round a week before COVID hit, and then I couldnt get across the border, so in some ways, some of the songs that we were going to do couldnt get finished, he said. Hes planning on bringing a fresh batch of songs back to record, building on what hes learned from the first round and also getting to perform them. (For adult fans, hes also been working on a new album with producer Shadow Devereaux and his Nu Wav studio.) Fox adds flourishes like a hip-hop backing on the opener, Children of the World, and folksier ones, like spoons and accordion on Huckleberries for the Bears. Fox also recruited a childrens choir to sing back-up on several tunes, those two included. Sand performed up at the Dixon Mercantile when it was owned by Malin and his partner. He was a fan of Malins artwork, which was featured in the Montana Kaimin regularly when he was in school. Malin said hed never collaborated with a musician anything of this scope, although hed designed posters, album covers and merchandise in the Billings punk and metal scene as high-schooler. Meanwhile, this project was much grander and more intimate than anything Ive previously worked on. For one, he produced illustrations for each of the songs, in addition to all those full-color stickers and other artwork. Each one told a story with unique characters and mood and theme, and all the big, important things Id ever want to give direction to my doodles, he said. He says one of Sands strengths is writing tunes in which a listener can imagine those worlds themselves, which left room for his interpretations. For this project, Sand thought Malins aesthetic was a welcome fit: Its accessible to kids, but if you look at it through adult eyes, the rendering and some of the touches feel a little off-beat, in a friendly Keep Missoula weird sort of way. That lends itself to the spirit of the music, too. In a lot of ways, this album is deconstructing Old MacDonald Had a Farm, Sand said. Its a classic tune, but we need to update it for the new millennium. And so now I do this whole rap version of all the animals. Wildfires both north and south of Missoula heralded the end of a relaxed summer this weekend as hot temperatures drove firefighters off their own lines. The Colt fire north of Seeley Lake expanded to nearly 1,500 acres on Saturday after a day of active burning near Lindbergh Lake. The Missoula County Sheriff ordered evacuations of homes and campsites between Rainy Lake and Summit Lake on Friday, and added an evacuation warning for residences on the east side of Lake Inez on Saturday. At times, the fire has burned so intensely and spread so rapidly that firefighters had to disengage the blaze for safety reasons. According to the Montana Department of Resources and Conservation, which oversaw firefighting operations during the fires first week, fire activity Thursday afternoon caused crews to disengage. Firefighters working the fire at the time reported extreme fire behavior and rapid spread in particularly hot and dry conditions. The DNRC said no injuries were reported among firefighters after fire activity forced them to disengage. The fire has drawn the full aerial defense force from single-engine air tankers to Very Large Air Tankers (DC-10 jets) along with helicopters and heavy equipment on the ground to contain its spread. A complex incident management team is scheduled take command of the situation on Sunday. It will oversee the efforts of two 20-person Hotshot crews, three Type II hand crews, three engine crews, and additional personnel provided by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and the U.S. Forest Service. On Friday, someone with a private drone interfered with the airspace around the fire, forcing firefighting aircraft to break off operations until the private craft was gone. Private drones pose an extreme safety hazard to helicopters and other aircraft operating in wildfire zones. The Red Cross has set up a temporary shelter for campers and residents displaced by the fire in Ovando at the Blackfoot Community Bible Church. The summer weather may exacerbate threat conditions on Sunday and through the coming week as forecasts of high temperatures and gusty winds persist in the near future. Winds of up to 20 mph are expected in the next several days, along with humidity levels in the 13-18% levels. Bitterroot fires Near Hamilton, the Bowles Creek fire jumped from 50 acres to more than 1,300 acres between Friday and Saturday. It's burning about 3 miles from Skalkaho Pass in the Sapphire Wilderness Study Area. It has encroached on the scar of the 2022 Hog Trough fire, which firefighters are using to develop defensive lines around the fire perimeter. A Type III incident command team is expected to oversee 85 personnel on Sunday. SEELEY LAKE Firefighting resources rushed to the Seeley-Swan Valley over the weekend as the Colt fire gave every indication of becoming an all-summer challenge. After a couple days of smoldering in the old industrial logging lands just west of the Summit Divide between the Swan and Clearwater river drainages, the wildfire grew erratic on Thursday. A team of Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation firefighters had to pull back Thursday afternoon as the fire jumped from 15 to nearly 100 acres. The crews returned on Friday, reinforced with interagency Hotshot teams, engine crews and lots of aircraft. Before the day was out, they ranged from large air tankers dropping retardant, to scooper planes drawing water from Lindbergh Lake, to helicopters with Bambi buckets and single-engine air tankers (SEATs). A Type I incident command team was expected to take over management on Saturday. Regardless, the fire more than doubled to 250 acres by early Friday afternoon, prompting the Missoula County Sheriffs office to order evacuations of cabins between Rainy and Summit lakes. Around dinner time, dispatchers were estimating the Colt fire at more than 500 acres. Lake Alva Campground host Chris Berthoud first noticed the Colt fire Tuesday morning. It looked like nothing at first, he said, but gradually grew larger. The popular U.S. Forest Service campground was full of visitors paddling watercraft around the lake as smoke plumed on the mountains just to their north. By Friday, Berthoud said he could watch some of the planes work the fire one ridge away from his location. Hes just coming straight at me and you can barely see him as hes letting go, Berthoud said on Friday afternoon. The fire came over the mountain just an hour ago and Im amazed at how far down its come. The SEATs had it boxed in, but it spotted out. Julys abrupt shift to hot summer portended tougher firefighting circumstances to come. A National Weather Service forecast for the week called for temperatures in the 100-degree range for the Missoula area. More concerning fire-wise is the expected breakdown of a high-pressure ridge over the area, which could bring windy conditions on Monday and Tuesday. However, the Seeley Lake area was forecast to be slightly cooler, with highs in the low 90s expected through the weekend and dropping to the low 80s Monday and Tuesday. A surge of moisture from the southwest late Sunday is not likely to bring rain but could drive convection winds along the I-90 corridor. Gusts could reach 25mph on Monday and Tuesday across most of western Montana. Joshua Murdock covers the outdoors and natural resources for the Missoulian. Jake Soberal and Irma Olguin Jr., the former co-CEOs of Fresno-based Bitwise Industries, are being accused of committing fraud on a massive scale and repeatedly misrepresenting the companys financial situation to its board before they were fired June 2, two former Bitwise board members allege in a bankruptcy court filing. Joseph Proietti and interim Bitwise President Ollen Douglass filed the motion Thursday in the U.S. District Bankruptcy Court in Delaware asking for permission to pursue a civil lawsuit against Soberal and Olguin, as well as Scottsdale Insurance Co., which could cover some legal bills for former Bitwise employees under an existing policy. Typically, a bankruptcy case creates an automatic stay of lawsuits by creditors against a debtor. But the two former board members want to persuade the bankruptcy court that Soberal and Olguin committed a massive fraud and should not be entitled to bankruptcy protection from lawsuits or any part of $5 million of insurance coverage that might go toward paying legal bills for former employees and board members. Because the damages ... are likely to total in the hundreds of millions of dollars, and there are a number of lawsuits already filed it is extremely likely that the total amount of the policy will be exhausted defending the fraudsters, the bankruptcy filing states. A civil lawsuit, if allowed by the bankruptcy judge, would be filed in Fresno County Superior Court. It would ask a court to declare that Soberal and Olguin are not entitled to the insurance coverage and that the policy can cover legal fees for board members facing a recently filed state class-action lawsuit against Bitwise on behalf of former employees. The Bee attempted to contact Soberal and Olguin on Friday evening for comment about the recent filing and allegations. They did not respond to text messages, and for several weeks have declined comment for several Bee stories about the bankruptcy and the companys demise. Story continues Bitwise was founded in 2013 as a hub for training students in software coding and website design, technology services for local companies, and providing leased space to budding technology entrepreneurs and other businesses. From those beginnings, the company embarked on a program of expanding its geographic footprint across California and, in recent years, to out-of-state communities in Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, New York, Ohio and Texas. Bitwises umbrella company, BW Industries, and four of its associated entities, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection on June 28, less than a month after Soberal and Olguin announced May 29 that the companys entire workforce of more than 900 workers including about 400 in the Fresno area were being immediately furloughed. Bankruptcy court documents indicate Bitwise Industries and associated companies owe creditors at least $511 million a figure that is growing as more employees file claims for unpaid wages and expenses. Fraud on a massive scope alleged In one of the court filings, Proietti and Douglass say Soberal and Olguin were concealing material information and actively misleading investors, lenders, employees and partners, as well as their own board, for years. Over the course of the last few years (Soberal and Olguin) engaged in numerous acts of fraud to the point that they ultimately destroyed the company they were charged with running, leaving hundreds of others to suffer the consequences of their misdeeds, the court filing alleges. In an attempt to enrich themselves and avoid responsibility for their unethical, self-dealing actions for as long as possible, (Soberal and Olguin) told lie after lie to cover up previous lies, Proietti and Douglass allege. They borrowed millions upon millions of dollars without Board knowledge or authorization, often using funds from one defrauded party to pay themselves or another defrauded party. Because of the massive scope of the fraud, the true extent of the financial loss is not yet fully clear, the former directors stated in the court filing. Proietti and Douglass cite a provision of the insurance policy that addresses misrepresentations in an application for the policy a provision that they say disqualifies Soberal and Olguin from being covered. But, they added, it is their belief that Scottsdale Insurance, has agreed to provide coverage for the former CEO defendants not only for the civil lawsuits, but also in defending criminal and/or governmental investigations. Multiple sources confirmed to The Fresno Bee in late June that federal agents have launched a criminal probe of Bitwise and its leadership in the wake of the companys financial collapse. In a proposed lawsuit against Soberal, Olguin and the insurance company, Proietti and Douglass allege that for a lengthy period of time prior to April 30 (Soberal and Olguin) used falsified financial records and lies to solicit loans, insurance coverage and investments in Bitwise. During this time, (Soberal and Olguin) paid themselves lavish salaries and perks such as company cars, the proposed complaint adds. Company, board face multiple lawsuits Bitwise, its board and officers, including Soberal and Olguin, face a slew of lawsuits from investors and other creditors, as well as a pair of class-action lawsuits by employees, stemming from allegations of bad-faith dealing, fraud and misrepresentations. Those lawsuits include a staggering array of financial losses suffered by innocent third parties as the result of dealings by (Soberal and Olguin), the court filing states. Proietti and Douglass allege that they were never made aware of many of the underlying transactions on behalf of Bitwise, let alone the financial ramifications on various substantial investments into Bitwise made and/or authorized by Proietti and Douglass. It is not yet clear exactly when the Former CEO defendants began to mislead others, but given the massive scope of the fraud, it is apparent that these misrepresentations began well in advance of April 30, 2023, the court filing states. The filing by Proietti and Douglass adds that Soberal and Olguin failed to disclose to the board the various dealings related to six of the lawsuits against the company, including a $6.4 million settlement of a New York fraud lawsuit. In another lawsuit, Bitwise is being sued for allegedly taking out at least $30 million in loans against buildings in which Bitwise did not hold a majority ownership stake. Not only do Proietti and Douglass assert in their motion that the Bitwise board never authorized Soberal and Olguin to solicit the loans or to list the properties for sale, but they also allege that a written consent provided by Soberal and Olguin for at least one of those loans appears to bear forged electronic signatures of Bitwise board members. Most, if not all, of the representations allegedly made by Soberal in connection with the loans were false, misleading, or both, Proietti and Douglass state in the filing. The Board of Directors of Bitwise and specifically both Proietti and Douglass had no knowledge that either (Soberal or Olguin) was soliciting these loans or investments, or that they were making these representations. None of the acts of (Soberal and Olguin) in furtherance of their fraudulent scheme were authorized by the Board, the filing states. An Illinois-based food company has purchased vacant Dunbar-Pulaski Middle School in Gary and hopes to turn it into its first operation in Indiana, if the property is rezoned by the city. (Carole Carlson / Post-Tribune) Nearly a year after an Illinois-based food company purchased the disused Dunbar-Pulaski Middle School in Gary, new construction is still a ways away. After facing pushback from nearby residents, the propertys owners hope to proceed with a revised mixed-use plan for the site. Dunbar-Pulaski, located on East 19th Avenue in the citys 4th District, has laid vacant since 2015, when the Indiana State Board of Education voted to shutter it. Amazing American Food Inc., bought the vacant school from the Gary Community School Corporation for $35,000 in August of 2022 with plans to turn the building into a plant that cooks and packages food for distributors and supermarkets. The company announced plans to hire up to 200 workers at the facility. Advertisement News of the plan, which would require the property to be rezoned, prompted a strong backlash from some of the projects neighbors that fall, some of whom erected lawn signs proclaiming NO commercial zoning 4th District. Gary City Councilwoman Tai Adkins, D-4th, held a series of public meetings to gather public input about the issue. At a June 12 special meeting of the Gary Common Council during which the body heard testimony from prospective appointees to the newly reconstituted school board, Adkins pointed to the sale of Dunbar-Pulaski and subsequent public outcry as evidence of a need for better communication between the council and the school district. Advertisement Unfortunately, the council was blamed specifically me for supporting or knowing of that particular transfer or purchase of property, she said. That is not the case. Homes along Rhode Island Street, south of the vacant Dunbar-Pulaski school in Gary, oppose a proposed rezone attempt that could turn the school into a plant that makes prepared food products. (Carole Carlson / Post-Tribune) Community pushback prompted Amazing American Foods to revise its plans for the site, company vice president of operations Dwayne Carter told the Post-Tribune. The buildings owners now plan to remodel the school building to include a minimum of six apartment units alongside a smaller commercial kitchen. They didnt want a full-fledged manufacturing plant there, he said. So what we did was we changed the business model up, to some affordable housing, a community resource center, and we downscale the manufacturing by 50%. A smaller facility means fewer jobs, Carter said. The company now plans to hire only around 50 employees. We didnt want to get into no ... match with the neighborhood, he said. Carter estimated that Amazing American Food has spent an additional $40,000 on securing and upkeep for the 37.5-acre plot since acquiring the property, and said he is eager to move ahead with development. The company submitted an application for a rezone to the city shortly after purchasing the property, but the document didnt have all of the necessary components, according to Wendy Vachet, Garys Executive Director of Redevelopment and Community Investment. Gaps in the application prevented the city from moving ahead with the rezone at the time, Vachet said, and the matter never went before the Board of Zoning Appeals. Because the new plan involves a residential complex, Amazing American Food will need to go through the citys planned unit development process and be considered by the city Plan Commission before a final vote by the Gary Common Council. Carter met with Vachet on Thursday to discuss requirements for the process, which include submitting a detailed site plan. Advertisement He has everything he needs now process-wise to understand how to move forward, Vachet told the Post-Tribune. adalton@chicagotribune.com Mooresville Police Departments Chief Ron Campurciani was recently selected by the North Carolina Police Executives Association (NCPEA) to receive the Keith Bulla Police Executive of the Year Award. Campurciani was presented the award at the NCPEA annual awards banquet in Wilmington on July 18. The Keith Bulla Police Executive of the Year Award is given to a well-rounded law enforcement officer who has exceeded the duty requirements expected of the position and has demonstrated a distinct pattern of community service coupled with professional achievement. Campurciani has spent more than 35 years in law enforcement across the country. He joined the Mooresville Police Department in 2019, previously serving as the chief of police in West Springfield, Massachusetts, and the executive director of the Western Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association. During his career, Campurciani has held many roles, serving as a DEA Task Force agent, an SRT commander, officer in charge of a narcotics unit, the commandant of a regional police academy, and the head of internal affairs, among other specialties. He is a graduate of the 195th Session of the FBI National Academy, where was named the honor graduate and class spokesperson. Along with his roles in law enforcement, Campurciani has also served as adjunct professor at many colleges and universities in Massachusetts and Connecticut. I am proud of Mooresville Police Department and the level of compassionate service they provide to our residents and visitors, said Town Manager Randy Hemann. Chief Campurciani has done a great job of embracing new technology and new tools for policing while continuing to maintain emphasis on the connections officers have with those we serve. President sends urgent appeal to international community to take immediate action to prevent genocide of NKR people Turkey army General Staff head of intelligence visits Azerbaijan Poland new envoy expresses readiness to assist reforms within Armenia internal affairs ministry (PHOTOS) Estonia ambassador to Armenia joins EU civilian monitoring mission patrol Congressman Adam Schiff: We must recognize Artsakh Republic independence if we truly stand for democracy, human rights Robert Khachatryan, Andrea Wiktorin discuss EU-assisted high-tech projects in Armenia Who are included in ex-mayor Hayk Marutyan's political team for Yerevan Council of Elders election? Armenia PM congratulates newly appointed Tunis colleague Armenia wins 1 gold, 4 silver medals at International Mathematics Competition for University Students US State Department spox.: Turkey can play productive role in Armenia-Azerbaijan relations normalization Crusaders detachment members reopen avenue nearby Armenia government building Armenia national opera and ballet theater has new director Karabakh war-participating detachment members block avenue near Armenia government building Delegation visiting Armenia on US Senator Robert Menendezs instruction is in Syunik Province (PHOTOS) Protesters give Armenia government time until 6pm to have Lachin corridor reopened Red Cross transports 11 medical patients from Karabakh to Armenia after 11 days of complete blockade by Azerbaijan Karabakh war-participating detachment members protest outside Armenia government building Red Cross representatives visit 2 Azerbaijani soldiers who illegally entered Armenia With which party ex-mayor Hayk Marutyan will run in Yerevan municipal elections? Armenia responds to Azerbaijan letter regarding plant under construction in Yeraskh village Tasnim: Iran, Armenia security councils heads discuss regional situation Armenia Security Council chief briefs Iran diplomat on humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh Tesla CFO unexpectedly resigns Ex-mayor Hayk Marutyan to run in Yerevan election Health ministry: Comprehensive siege of Karabakh leads to considerable increase in mortality, morbidity rates Azerbaijan ombudsperson representatives visit detained Karabakh resident Rashid Beglaryan UN experts call on Azerbaijan to immediately restore free movement through Lachin corridor Karabakh state minister: Even in these conditions there are still people who are engaged in idle talk Worlds largest Nissan to go out of production Aram I, Vatican bishop discuss current situation in Nagorno-Karabakh Andranik Tevanyan: Mother Armenia movement will run in Yerevan municipal elections Newspaper: Armenia parliament new session to be heated, ruling force already has decision Azerbaijan slams UN experts for their objective assessments of situation in Karabakh US State Department: Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement remains within reach Vardan Sargsyan: Humanitarian crisis in Karabakh is deepening, with widespread malnutrition Turkey ministers council discusses Armenia-Azerbaijan relations Armenia internal affairs minister, China ambassador confer on bilateral cooperation About 256,000 tourists visit Armenia in July Armenian Tourism Federation president: Whoever happens should not represent our country Karabakh legislature new head: We will continue fight for preservation, strengthening of Artsakh statehood at any cost Armenia Security Council chief has telephone conversation with newly appointed Iran counterpart UNICEF urges to place Karabakh childrens safety, survival above all other considerations Red Cross visits Karabakh resident Vagif Khachatryan, abducted by Azerbaijan Yerevan murder circumstances being ascertained, criminal proceedings launched (PHOTOS) Newly appointed UAE envoy ready to assist in Armenia justice sector reforms (PHOTOS) Hurriyet: Putin-Erdogan talks will discuss Turkey relations with Azerbaijan, Armenia What are most popular names given to Armenia newborns in first 6 months of 2023? European Parliament member considers Lachin corridor blocking a war crime Artur Osipyan: Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh turned down petition to escort motorcade to Hakari bridge Hakan Fidan: Turkey-Armenia, Azerbaijan-Armenia relations normalization process should proceed in parallel Karabakh residents protest in front of Armenia MFA American Armenians start sit-in, in support of Karabakh, outside Congressman Adam Schiffs office shamshyan.com: Shootings in Yerevan, man with gunshot wound in the head dies in hospital Person, 35, found dead in Armenias Lake Sevan Armenia MFA spox: Clear steps needed to implement all international calls, decisions regarding Karabakh Malta Armenians hold peaceful demonstration in support of Karabakh Karabakh has a cash problem World Council of Churches, Conference of European Churches call on Borrell to have Karabakh blockade lifted Karabakh National Assembly has new speaker Armenia-Azerbaijan relations to be discussed at Turkey government Cabinet session Karabakh legislature ruling faction nominates opposition ARF MP Davit Ishkhanyan for post of parliament speaker Military junta closes Niger airspace Azerbaijan fires at Armenia positions, also uses mortars President of Karabakh: Its as result of government activities that we have chance not to starve yet Arayik Harutyunyan: The West made effort to organize a Baku-Stepanakert meeting in 3rd country President of Karabakh: There seems to be tacit agreement to leave us all alone with Azerbaijan Arayik Harutyunyan: Azerbaijan wants to abandon tripartite statement, to continue the war Karabakh President: Humanitarian disaster border is crossed, now we are witnessing Azerbaijans genocidal policy Artur Abraham calls on the UN and the civilized world to intervene in the situation around the Lachin corridor Ruben Vardanyan: What is needed now is pressure on Aliyev China hit by torrential rains: 10 people killed, 18 others missing Turkish opposition leader Kemal Klcdaroglu's motorcade has been caught up in a chain accident: there are casualties Artsakh citizens faint in lines for bread Henrikh Mkhitaryan: Humanitarian access should be ensured across the Lachin corridor Czech Ambassador to Armenia visits Lachin Urgent international action needed to halt Azerbaijan's genocidal intent Day 11 of Baku blocking humanitarian cargo for Artsakh Armenia MIA Head, Indian Ambassador discuss further cooperation Stockholm suburbs shooting kills one, injures another Russia starts Gastello kamikaze UAV production Hayaqve legislative initiative enters decisive phase ACT Alliance urges Baku to immediately unblock Lachin corridor Erdogan plans second Persian Gulf tour Ukraine unofficially takes blame for Russian tanker attack near Kerch Strait Armenia Economy Minister, Uzbekistan Agriculture Minister discuss cooperation Landslide at Indian Hindu temple camp kills three US halts some foreign aid for Niger government Russia reports tanker hit near Kerch Strait Azerbaijani positions fired at a resident of the Khnapat community. Artsakh MIA Karabakh presidential advisor: We know what opening of Lachin corridor by means of weapons will lead to Karabakh residents plan to hold peaceful march towards Hakari bridge to unblock Lachin corridor Representatives of 15 international, non-governmental organizations working in Armenia visit Kornidzor village border NATO official: Key to ensure freedom of movement through Lachin corridor, to address pressing humanitarian needs Catholicos of All Armenians receives EU ambassador to Armenia Armenia signs memorandum of cooperation with UN World Food Programme Fitch Upgrades Ardshinbank's rating Dollar, euro gain value in Armenia Armenia FM extends condolences to Georgia people, authorities We will have 2 options left: armed resistance with great bloodshed, or exit from Karabakh, presidential advisor says Canada calls on Azerbaijan to stop Lachin corridor blockage The third president of the Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, addressed US President Joe Biden, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and French President Emmanuel Macron with an open letter. Open letter H.E. Joseph R. Biden Jr, President of the United States of America H.E. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation H.E. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic Your Excellencies: A few days ago three-year-old Leo and six-year-old Ghita died of suffocation in one of the villages of Mardakert region, Republic of Artsakh. They went out of home in search of their mother, who had earlier left for the city on foot in search for food. The siege of Artsakh has been ongoing for seven months. Now it started claiming lives of both the elderly and children, of common people, whose only guilt is being born on the land of their ancestors and the love for life. We appreciate all those influential states and international organisations who have so far spoken out without ambiguities of the present situation. Such statements are crucial for the people of Artsakh who are fighting for life. However, unfortunately, such statements alone did not save the lives of little Leo and Ghita. Its most appalling that words alone may fail to save the lives of many more children and the elderly not in the virtual future, but literally next morning. Today the physical survival of 120.000 Armenians in Artsakh is very literally endangered. With each of you we have had many opportunities in the past to talk about what happened to Armenians in 1915, as well as the very consequences of the Armenian Genocide. Now, 108 years later, we are facing the immediate danger of the repetition of the same gruesome events, albeit carried out in modern methods. Your Excellencies, Presidents: I appeal to you first and foremost as Presidents of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing countries, as leaders who have first-hand knowledge of where the Nagorno Karabakh peace process has taken us by 2018. It's in that year that our society has made an emotional choice and transferred reins of power to a politician who had no idea of what statehood was. I fully realize that many considered that as opportunity to try and resolve the issue of Artsakh by leveraging on that individual's unreasonable steps that had nothing to do with the real interests of our country. Yet, as a matter of fact, the conflict has not been resolved, while the associated problems have deepened, whereas that very individual no more has the vote of confidence of our people to recognise Artsakh as part of another state. Neither he has any vote of confidence on behalf of the people of Artsakh to singlehandedly decide their destiny. I am appealing to you as leaders of countries where you have unquestionable institutional memory pertaining to the issue of Artsakh. Today, in contrast to the incumbent Armenian authorities, there are serious professionals and experts about the Nagorno Karabakh peace process in various institutions of your respective countries, who have knowledge about all nuances and are well aware of all prior phases of conflict resolution. I am appealing to you as your former counterpart, as someone whose objectives and principles are well known to you. I resorted to this genre given my lack of direct access to you. We exchange no official visits or one-on-one formats, channels of communications through political party formats are either weak or missing, since the relevant opposition party officials have been either persecuted or simply jailed in our country. I am appealing to tell you what has been happening in Artsakh is a direct route to a terrible catastrophe. I am appealing to ask you to give a chance to life to the people in Artsakh. It's a great personal tragedy for me that years ago we used to negotiate settlements by which the people of Artsakh would live in their own country in dignity, yet now we are talking about merely giving them a chance to life, asking for their right to live. We have taken note with sense of appreciation all your efforts aimed at resolving this issue. Yet what is happening these days will not lead to any such settlement that you may quite diligently have envisioned. Direct negotiations between an experienced dictator and someone silly and incapable will simply not reach any reasonable point. Every satisfied demand by the dictating party will lead to new ones, much more difficult to satisfy. This will continue forever and will bring large-scale catastrophes. Keeping silence or failing to devote more time to the issue of Artsakh now means that very soon your countries will be forced to take time to address the "the question of Armenia". This is a very real scenario given the incompetent negotiator we have, moreover having a sizeable portion of the sovereign territories of the Republic of Armenia under occupation for some time. I am hereby asking you - before anything else - stop the humanitarian catastrophe in Artsakh. I believe you can do that. Force the dictator to open the "road of life". The fascist, who has made annihilating Armenians his lifestyle, cannot be allowed to continuously disregard clear messages by most serious international organisations and states. Stop the calamity. Please, secure the most basic life conditions for the people of Artsakh. I am asking you to ensure guarantees for this, and only then transition to efforts of finding diplomatic solutions. Or else it may be late tomorrow. Respectfully, Serzh Sargsyan Third President of the Republic of Armenia. Pope Francis calls for urgent action on climate change The pontiff on Sunday expressed solidarity with those who were suffering from the climate crisis and those helping them. Photo: AP Pope Francis said on Sunday that recent heatwaves across many parts of the world and flooding in countries such as South Korea showed that more urgent action was needed to tackle climate change. "Please, I renew my appeal to world leaders to do something more concrete to limit polluting emissions," the Pope said at the end of his Angelus message to crowds in St. Peter's Square. "It is an urgent challenge, it cannot be postponed, it concerns everyone. Let us protect our common home," the pope added. Francis has called on the world to rapidly ditch fossil fuels and made the protection of the environment a cornerstone of his pontificate. He noted in his landmark 2015 "Laudato Si" (Praised Be) encyclical that the planet was "beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth." On Sunday, the pope expressed solidarity with those who were suffering from the climate crisis and those helping them. Parts of the southern United States have baked in a record-breaking heatwave, while extreme temperatures have also been recorded in China and southern Europe, including Italy and Greece. A wildfire raging on the Greek island of Rhodes forced thousands of tourists and island residents to shelter in schools and indoor stadiums on Sunday after they were evacuated from coastal villages and resorts. (Reuters) Actor Shilpa Shetty on Sunday expressed her love and gratitude for her parents with a lovely post and a throwback picture of her with them on the occasion of Parents Day. She took to her Instagram to write an emotional caption along with the picture. She mentioned, For being the BESTest parents... Happy Parents Day! Miss you, Dad! Love you, MomEternally grateful we are! @sunandashetty2 @ShamitaShetty #PricelessMemories #ParentsDay #family #love #parents #grateful #blessed https://www.instagram.com/p/CvBuRhSIQyt/ She also tagged her sister Shamita Shetty in her post. Fans took no time to react to her post and dropped heart emojis. One of them wrote, Happy parents day Another mentioned, Beautiful family While the other commented, Parents bring and raise a daughter in the world with all their best abilities so that she can shine and show her abilities proudly to the world Parents Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday in July and this year it is celebrated on July 23. This day is the best opportunity to show respect and love to our parents. Meanwhile, Shilpa will act in 'KD-The Devil' as Satyavati alongside V Ravichandran, and Sanjay Dutt.The pan-India multilingual will be released in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi. She will also be seen among the panel of judges along with Kirron Kher, and Badshah on Indias Got Talent'. (ANI) Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong on Saturday said that the Meghalaya government and its Assam counterpart have taken a decision relating to three areas of differences amid the border issue between the two states. "We had a joint regional committee meeting of Assam and Meghalaya. We took a decision relating to three areas of differences. One is Deshdemoreah, and the other ones are Matamur and Borduar. Both sides gave presentations and we discussed all the details. We instructed both the Deputy Commissioners from the Assam side and Meghalaya side to go for the detailed works. We have decided that on August 25, we will meet again, and on August 26, we will go for a site inspection of Deshdemoreah. For the other two spots, we will decide the date later", said the Meghalaya Deputy CM. On being asked about the agreement on six remaining areas of dispute among 12 ones, Tynsong said, "In the meeting held between the Assam and Meghalaya CM's on May 23, we had agreed that we would decide on the six areas in the second phase of the meeting which was held today. That is why, we have decided that we will conduct an on-spot inspection of Deshdemoreah first and we will take up other areas later". The regional committee meeting, held at State Guest House, Koinadhora in Guwahati, featured Assam's Agriculture Minister Atul Bora and Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong. Significantly, Assam and Meghalaya had 12 areas of disputes with regard to their interstate boundaries. However, issues of contention in six areas have already been resolved. On May 24, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Meghalaya counterpart Conrad Sangma held a high-level meeting in Guwahati. In the meeting, the two leaders discussed the border issues in six areas threadbare. Atul Bora, who is the chairman of the regional committee from Assam, told ANI that in May 24 meeting, the Assam CM and his Meghalaya counterpart decided that the regional committees will jointly visit the border area and study the ground reality while suggesting measures to resolve all contentious issues. "Accordingly, today, we discussed contentious issues in three areas. We had a good and constructive meeting. We have decided to sit together on August 25 again. However, before that, the deputy commissioners of both states will visit the disputed areas. We will jointly visit the Dimoria site on August 26. Today, the deputy commissioners gave Powerpoint presentations. The chairman and members of the regional committees were present in the meeting," Bora said. The two CMs on May 24 further decided to make the border talks productive and keep laying the groundwork for resolving the decade-old border issues. The regional committees will also take different stakeholders into confidence in a bid to reach a mutually agreeable solution to border disputes. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 24 different development projects worth Rs 28.63 crore in Kashipur on Saturday. The Chief Minister symbolically handed over the keys of houses to five beneficiaries by inaugurating beneficiary-based 335 newly constructed houses of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban. The Chief Minister handed over the first instalment amount and house allotment letters to five people, under the amount given as the first instalment to 1061 beneficiaries under this scheme. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also gave checks of Rs 50,000 each to five people under Pradhan Mantri Swanidhi Yojana. During the programme, the Chief Minister also observed the products displayed at the stalls set up by women self-help groups of Municipal Corporation Kashipur. The Chief Minister said that the development projects for which the foundation stone has been inaugurated and laid today will benefit the people of the region. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are moving forward to fulfil our 'Victal Rehit Sankalp' to make Uttarakhand the best and these projects will prove helpful in fulfilling that resolution", said CM Dhami. The Chief Minister said that today's program is also special because, on the one hand, where 335 houses have been dedicated today under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, on the other hand, the first instalment has also been released to 1061 beneficiaries. He described it as an act of virtue to hand over the house to the women who became the mistress of their own house.The Chief Minister said, "When a poor gets a house, there is stability in his life and he moves forward in his life with a new hope. That is why this campaign of ours to provide 'pucca' houses to the poor is not just a government scheme, it is a commitment to give confidence to each and every underprivileged of the state that the government is determined to empower them". He further stated, "Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, our government is working to reach every poor. While helping the development workers and the beneficiaries, our government neither sees the caste of the poor nor the religion of the poor. Our government is dedicated to the poor, so it understands the needs of the poor very well". Praising the Modi government, CM Dhami further added, "Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, poor families have got more than 4 crore pucca houses in the country in the last 9 years, about 70 per cent of these houses are in the name of women. Before 2014, only 13 lakh houses were sanctioned under the urban housing schemes in the country and out of this only 8 lakh houses were built. This is proof that when a government works with 'Antyodaya' as its goal, the results are so different". "Work has been done to write a new definition of development in the country on the basis of service and good governance. The level at which the oppressed and the deprived are being empowered in the country has never happened before. Taking inspiration from the Prime Minister and under his guidance, a new era of development has started in Uttarakhand as well. Today, many works are being done in the direction of strengthening the infrastructure of the state and making the state self-reliant. Connectivity is being improved at every level in the state, emphasis is being laid on the development of industries and policies are being formulated keeping in mind the needs of the future. Our cities are fast becoming centres of economic activity and keeping this in view we are constantly preparing our cities for the future", CM Dhami said. The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Modi has described the third decade of the 21st century as the decade of Uttarakhand and now we have to prove his statement true by using our full potential. "By adopting the basic mantra of 'Charaiveti Charaiveti', we have to prove the "choiceless resolution" of the best Uttarakhand while speeding up the development. In this Amritkal of India, this resolution of ours cannot be proved without the dedicated efforts of yours", added the Uttarakhand CM. "Let us all unite, unite and move forward together, only then we will be successful in making Uttarakhand a developed and leading state of the country", the Uttarakhand CM said. (ANI) A man was allegedly killed by Naxalites on suspicion of being a police informer in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district, police said on Sunday. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Narayanpur Hemsagar Sidar, the Naxals killed a village man after suspecting him to be a police informer in Village Rohtad of the Narayanpur district. The ASP further informed that the information about the incident was received by the police at the Chhotedongar police station limits in Narayanpur district. "Information was received in Chhotedongar under district Narayanpur, that Naxals killed a person named Sukka Singh Kachalam in village Rohtad yesterday late night. In this regard, the police verified the information, and after the verification, it was verified that Sukka Singh Kachalam was killed by Naxalites after they took him to Rohtad forest late at night," said the ASP. The Official further said that in this matter, a pamphlet issued by the Naxals of Amdai Area Committee of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) was also recovered near the incident site in which the Naxals accused Sukka Singh of acting as an agent to send the villagers out and alleged him of being a police informant. The Official also said that the post-mortem proceedings of the deceased have been completed and a case has been registered against the Naxals in the Chhotedongar police station. ASP stated, "The post-mortem of the deceased have been completed and a case has been registered against the Naxals in the Chhotedongar police station under various sections of the Arms Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act." The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested two Naxal cadres, including a woman, in connection with an encounter that took place in 2019 near Tiriya village in Chhattisgarh claiming the lives of six Naxals and one civilian, the agency said on Saturday. The arrested accused, identified as Kandula Sirisha alias Sirisha alias Padmakka and Duddu Prabhakar alias Duddu alias Ajay were working for different frontal organisations of CPI (Maoist) or Naxal, said the NIA. The duo were arrested on Friday after extensive investigations and search operations, taking the total number of arrests in the Tiriya encounter case (also known as the RK Dairy case) to six. (ANI) The Science-20 Summit meeting of the G20 was held at Isha Yoga Centre, Coimbatore. 100 delegates from across the 20 member countries visited the Centre. The delegates were offered a display of Indian culture and yogic tradition. The event which was conducted from July 21 to July 22, 2023, around 35 foreign delegates and 65 Indian delegates from reputed institutes around the world gathered to discuss the themes of Clean Energy for a Greener Future, Universal Holistic Health, and Connecting Science to Society & Culture. The delegates included experts from The Royal Society, United Kingdom; National Academy of Sciences, USA; International Science Council, France; CERN, Switzerland; Indian National Science Academy amongst others. Engineering ourselves into joyful, inclusive human beings is a vital step in our commitment to scientific progress and technological advancement. This is what it takes to change the trajectory of our planet, said Sadhguru in an interactive session with over 100 delegates including scientists, academicians, experts and policymakers from around the world who converged at the Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, for the Science20 (S20) Summit of the G20. Commenting on a spiritual centre hosting the meet, Shri Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India, observed, I think there's a better appreciation these days that dry science in the old way has its limits, and certainly, thinking about life in general, not just narrowly about science, requires an understanding of a more wider set of things. So, it's an interesting place consequently to hold the Science20 meeting here at the Isha Ashram where a somewhat more holistic view can be taken. Beginning with a traditional welcome with garlands, drums and flower petals, understanding the technologies of well-being at the iconic 112-feet Adiyogi to immersing themselves in yogic sessions, the delegates got a deeper insight into Indian culture and spirituality. Enthralling performance of classical Indian martial arts - Kalaripayattu - and classical Indian dance - Bharatanatyam - by the Isha Samskriti students, a ride in traditional bullock carts and visit to the consecrated spaces at the center, all blended to etch a lasting memory among the delegates. Dr. Munir Desouki, President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia, expressed, The theme of the Indian presidency is One Family. So coming together and thinking about how to address the challenges in a place like this was an eye-opener. Describing the unique experience of delegates during their stay at Isha, Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Co-Chair, S20 remembered a foreign delegate sharing with him: If you do a conference at a New York Five Star hotel or a Five-Star hotel in Delhi/Mumbai- there would be no difference. But a place like this would bring new memories and new impressions about India. Echoing similar sentiments, Shri Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur, Joint Secretary (G20), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, opined, The aim of both (Science and Spirituality) happens to unravel the question that we all have. I think Science is aiming at deciphering the world, spirituality is also to a large extent aiming at deciphering the truth. So in some sense both kind of follow the same approach, though the usages and the applications can be slightly different. But at the end of the day, I think both work for the betterment of humanity. The summit also included a session on the Science of Yoga. Leading the session, Dr. Bala Subramaniam, Professor of Anesthesiology, Harvard Medical School and Director, Sadhguru Center for a Conscious Planet, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA drew out scientific research establishing the benefits of Isha Kriya, Shoonya and Samyama Meditation offered by Sadhguru in alleviating stress and anxiety levels and improving overall well-being. Established by Sadhguru, a world-renowned Yogi, mystic and visionary, Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, is a sacred space for self-transformation, drawing people from around the world to dedicate their time towards their inner growth. The center offers all four major paths of yoga kriya (energy), gnana (knowledge), karma (action), and bhakti (devotion), fostering inner transformation and creating an established state of well-being in individuals. (ANI) A new book featuring 10 short stories from established and emerging writers in Beijing captures the essence of both old and new aspects of the city. Released worldwide on July 21, the book showcases Beijing's literature for a global audience. The cover art of "The Book of Beijing." [Image courtesy of Comma Press] The book, titled "The Book of Beijing," is part of Comma Press' acclaimed "Reading the City" series. It features 10 captivating stories that were originally published in various Chinese magazines and on social media platforms. It is translated into English by renowned translators such as Eric Abrahamsen, Jack Hargreaves, and Helen Wang. The press release from Comma highlights the unique way that Beijing is perceived by the characters in these stories. Rather than being seen solely as a political powerhouse, the city is portrayed as protean and enigmatic, capable of transforming relationships, disrupting plans, and concealing true identities. The anthology features diverse individuals who are determined to make their mark on the city despite its constant surprises. The project is supported by the Confucius Institute at the University of Manchester. The book is edited by Shi Bingbing, a PhD student in the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Cambridge. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Chinese literature from Beijing Normal University, specializing in literature-to-screen adaptations. Her fiction has been published in People's Literature and Youth Literature. Her expertise, profile, and experience are precisely what the publisher required of this book. "When they began working on this project, they sought help from me through my mentor at Beijing Normal University," Shi told China.org.cn. "The British publishing house was not so familiar with Chinese language and Chinese literature, so my main role was to read a large number of Chinese stories and then select from them." Shi went on to describe the process of choosing the 10 short stories: "We first considered their literary quality and readability, as well as whether the content and themes resonated with contemporary life in Beijing. It was essential to reflect the city accurately." During the selection process, Shi said they also paid special attention to the diversity of authors so as to include different age groups and genders. "We aimed to highlight female writers, so we maintained a one-to-one ratio of male and female authors," she added. In the book's introduction, the editor writes that "The Book of Beijing" takes readers on a fictional journey through the city's diverse phases and identities, revealing their influence on the lives of its residents. This book not only explores historical transformations but also provides a contemporary spatial map of Beijing. It invites readers to engage with the city's vibrant blend of tradition and modernity, experiencing its parks, subway stations, and hutongs, which attract both locals and newcomers. Through capturing these details and the warmth of everyday life, this book offers a chance to immerse oneself in Beijing's distinct yet relatable culture. One of the stories in the book is "Magic Mirror Algorithm" by Gu Shi, a speculative sci-fi writer and a senior urban planner. The story explores how technology might affect people's social interactions. Gu has won two Galaxy Awards for Chinese Science Fiction and three Chinese Nebula Awards for her short fiction. "I am so happy my writing was selected for 'The Book of Beijing,'" Gu told China.org.cn. "This book has chosen short works from different writers and perspectives to showcase the great city of Beijing from a literary standpoint. I believe this book will further promote Chinese literature and culture on the world stage." The BJP on Sunday opened its new Election Management office in Bhopal. The inauguration event was presided over by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, senior BJP leader Kailash Vijavargiya, and BJP's state president BD Sharma, among others. Addressing party supporters at the inauguration event, BD Sharma said, "Our Election Management Office in Madhya Pradesh has embarked on its journey today with God's blessings. Our election campaign has already begun and the office launched today will take care of election management." Taking a jibe at former chief minister and current Congress state chief, Kamal Nath's participation at a backward classes convention, the BJP state president said, "Our OBC brothers and sisters know how the Congress lied to them. They were cheated by the Congress." Also responding to Kamal Nath's statement 'vote for the truth and not me', Sharma said, "The people of Madhya Pradesh know what the truth is." "Every single citizen of Madhya Pradesh is aware of the reality before2003," he added. Also taking a dig at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the BJP leader said, "Everyone knows how the AAP lied to the people to come to power. Under its governance (in Delhi and Punjab), the poor have been robbed of their rights." Meanwhile, the BJP on Sunday also announced theelection in-charges for four poll-bound states Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi was appointed the BJP's election in-charge for Rajasthan while former Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel and BJP leader Kuldeep Bishnoi were named co-in-charges. Om Prakash Mathur was appointed as the party's poll in-charge for Chhattisgarh and Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya was named his co-incharge. Union Environment Minister, Bhupendra Yadav was named the party's poll in-charge for Madhya Pradesh, withRailway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw being made his co-in-charge. BJP MP and former Union minister, Prakash Javadekar, was appointed as the BJP's Telangana election in-charge while Sunil Bansal was named his co-in-charge. (ANI) "A Dubai-bound Air India Express flight returned to the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after a malfunction in the AC. The flight took off at 1:19 pm and returned at 3:52 pm," Thiruvananthapuram International Airport stated. Meanwhile, all 174 passengers were safe and will soon be taken to Dubai on another flight. According to Air India Express spokesperson,"IX-539 operating from Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai, experienced a technical issue with the air conditioning system after take-off. The operating crew elected to carry out a precautionary landing at Thiruvananthapuram." "The airline promptly arranged for another aircraft to ensure a comfortable journey, accommodating all the guests for the rescheduled departure at 18:00 hours," they added. Air India Express is committed to providing a safe, reliable, and comfortable travel experience for all guests and apologises for the inconvenience caused on account of the delay, it further added. (ANI) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday filed a chargesheet against nine, including three notorious listed terrorists associated with banned terror outfits, Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) in the gangsters-terrorists nexus case. The three are Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda of BKI, Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dala of KTF and Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa of BKI, (all based abroad), for creating their own networks of operatives to carry out terror activities in India. The NIA said that they have close contacts with drug smugglers and Khalistani operatives in Pakistan and other countries. "Through this complex network of operatives based abroad, they have been recruiting, motivating and handling their associates in India to carry out terrorist activities, extortion and cross-border smuggling of weapons and drugs into India. They also have linkages with major gangs operating in North India, including local gangsters, organized criminal syndicates and networks," NIA said. The official said that their investigations have also revealed a complex mechanism of fund raising for the BKI and KTF. The funds were being routed to India-based associates through both, informal channels as well as formal channels with layering and fund provisioning. MTSS or other means were being used in a way that the identity of the real sender or receiver of funds was completely masked. NIA is also investigating the links of 16 other absconding and arrested accused associated with the BKI and KTF. A former gangster, Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda is now a key BKI member and Khalistani operative. In the year 2018/19, he fled to Pakistan illegally and is currently living there under the patronage of ISI, and is involved in commission of terrorist activities against India, the release said. The release further stated that Rinda is involved in various offences like smuggling of arms, ammunition explosives and drugs into Indian territory from Pakistan, recruitment of BKI operatives, murders, raising funds for BKI through extortion in the states of Punjab and Maharashtra. He has been involved in many terrorist activities, including the RPG attack on Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters in May 2022, and was declared as an individual terrorist in 2023 by the Government of India. "Accused Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dala, was an infamous gangster in India who left for Canada. In Canada, Dala came in contact with Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was the chief of proscribed terrorist organisation KTF," NIA said. The duo engaged in recruitment of youth and formation of terrorist gangs to carry out extortion for raising funds for KTF and for carrying out targeted killing of businessmen and leaders of particular communities in Punjab. Dala has been declared an individual terrorist in 2023 by the Government of India. Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa, was initially involved in criminal and gangster related activities. In 2017, he left for Canada and continued his activities from there. He came in contact with BKI terrorist Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda and started working for the latter and BKI, the release mentioned. Landa has been main accused in a number of terrorist incidents, including RPG attack on Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters in May 2022 and RPG attack on Sarhali Police station in Tarn Taran in December, 2022. He was also the mastermind of the conspiracy to kill Punjab Police S-I Dilbagh Singh in August, 2022, it said. Other foreign based BKI nodes charge-sheeted by the NIA are Harjot Singh, based in the US; Kashmir Singh Galwaddi, an absconding accused of Nabha Jailbreak case and suspected to be presently in Nepal; and Tarsem Singh, brother of Landa, currently living in Dubai, it release said. Gurjant Singh is presently living in Australia and is one among the foreign based nodes of KTF who has been chargesheeted. Other accused charge-sheeted by NIA are Deepak Ranga and Lucky Khokhar alias Denis, who were recruited by foreign based handlers for carrying out terror activities in India. Accused Deepak Ranga was handled by accused Harwinder Rinda and Landa for carrying out the RPG attack on Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters, Mohali, Punjab in May 2022. (ANI) Manipur Police Housing Corporation Superintending Engineer on Sunday informed that the temporary shelter houses being constructed for displaced families in Manipurs Yaithibi Loukon and Thoubal districts have made 30-35 per cent progress so far, adding that the work started on July 4. Superintending Engineer, Manipur Police Housing Corporation, P Brojendra Singh said, I am in charge of these temporary shelter houses being constructed for displaced families...This work started on July 4. We've made 30-35 per cent progress till now. A total of 800 families may be accommodated here...We will provide an attached toilet for 50 families and one combined kitchen will also be given...", he added. Earlier in June this year, the Manipur Government in a statement said that it is making efforts to reissue lost or destroyed documents and cards of people who were displaced from their native villages and are now in relief camps. Such documents include Bank Passbooks, CMHT cards, Ayushman Bharat Cards, Ration Cards, Old age pension cards, and Aadhaar cards. The Additional Chief Secretary (RD&PR) of the Manipur government informed that there is a provision under MGNREGA that special MGNREGA job cards can be prepared for those persons who are presently in relief camps across the State. These job cards will be of temporary nature until the beneficiaries could return to their native villages. The Deputy Commissioners through the BDOs will start the preparation of the cards and identification of works which can be taken up. For those persons in relief camps in urban areas, work under the MGNREGA job cards could be taken up in the nearest rural area. As instructed by the Commissioner (Health), CMOs and staff are visiting the relief camps and are collecting the necessary details for the reconstruction/regeneration of CMHT and Ayushman Bharat cards. (ANI) Emphasising that democracy is all about dialogue, discussion, deliberation and debate, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar on Sunday expressed anguished that disruption and disturbance have been weaponised as strategic means to taint the temples of Democracy. Calling upon everyone to act to preserve and sustain the essence of democratic values, Dhankhar underlined that there can be no alibi for not making Parliament functional every second. While addressing a convocation of the Jamia Millia Islamia VP Dhankar said "Democracy is about dialogue, discussion, deliberation and debate to secure the public good. Surely, Democracy cannot be disturbance and disruption." Earlier on Friday, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar announced the adjournment of the House proceedings till 11 am on July 24 as the Opposition party members raised their demands soon after the House reassembled at 2.30 pm after the first adjournment. "I am pained and anguished to indicate to you that disruption and disturbance have been weaponised as strategic means to taint the temples of Democracy," Dhankhar added. Stating that the people of this country are paying a huge price for it, he highlighted, When there is disruption in parliament on a particular day, there cant be Question Hour. Question Hour is a mechanism to generate accountability and transparency in governance. The Government is obligated to respond to every question. This goes to enormous benefit of the government. Not having question hour can never be rationalized when you think in terms of democratic values and good governance. Vice President further said that the Parliament should be functional to secure justice for the people at large. "There cannot be an alibi for not making Parliament functional every second. People of the country are paying a huge price for it...When there is a disruption of Parliament on a particular day, there can't be a question hour. Question hour is a mechanism to generate accountability and transparency in governance," he said. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Friday faced adjournment for the day on the Manipur issue on Friday. Both Houses could not conduct any substantial business on Thursday and Friday as the Opposition MPs rejected the government's proposal to have a short-duration discussion. (ANI) Amidst an ongoing investigation into Pakistani national Seema Haiders case of entering India illegally, two Chinese nationals were arrested at the Indo-Nepal border in Bihar's East Champaran district in Motihari for attempting to enter India without a visa, informed the officials on Sunday. The Chinese nationals have been identified as Fu Kang and Zhao Jing, residents of Chinas Jiangxi. The name of one of the two Chinese nationals caught from the Indo-Nepal border is Fu Kang. Fu Kang's passport was issued on May 31, 2023, and his passport is valid till May 30, 2033. He is a resident of Jiangxi, China. The name of the other Chinese national is Zhao Jing. His passport is valid till February 27, 2033. Zhou is also a resident of Jiangxi, China, the officials added. Talking to ANI, Motihari Superintendent of Police (SP), Kantesh Mishra said, Two Chinese nationals have been caught under suspicious circumstances, both of them have been interrogated, and a case has been registered in Hariya police station. They are being sent to jail, we will inquire further after taking them on remand. According to the information received from the immigration officials, this is the second attempt by the two Chinese nationals to enter the Indian border. On June 22, two Chinese nationals came to Nepals Birganj and were seen roaming in the area. After that, on July 2, both Chinese nationals were caught near the customs office located at the Indo-Nepal border in Raxaul. They had passports. During their attempt to enter, they were sent back to Nepal with a warning after refusing entry based on their passports. But these two Chinese nationals were caught again last evening by the immigration officials while attempting to re-enter the Indian border from Nepal. They were handed over to Raxauls Haraiya OP police after questioning, the officials said. (ANI) A team of Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) led by Reena Tripathy, advisor, Disaster Management and Dr Ashok Kumar Singh, member, managing committee along with Narendra Ningomba, chairman, IRCS, Manipur and two other members called on Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey at Raj Bhavan in Imphal on Sunday and apprised her the prevailing condition of relief camps and problems faced by the internally displaced people staying in relief camps. The team informed the Governor that they have visited various relief camps in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Kakching and Thoubal districts and met people and inquired about the facilities that are being provided to them. They further informed that in most of the camps, sanitation needs improvement and in some of the camps people are congested and shortage of essential medicines was also seen especially in Churachandpur district. "Patients with diseases like cancer, diabetes and renal problems which need special attention are also present in the relief camps," they added. Meanwhile, the team submitted a detailed report to the Governor and requested to look into the difficulties faced by affected people and to take up necessary measures to assist them. The team also recommended for initiating psychosocial support through trained volunteers, cleanliness drives in and around relief camps and wellness programs for school going students. Moreover, the Governor assured them that all possible help will be extended to the violence affected people staying in the relief camps. The Governor said, "She herself visited many relief camps in hill and valley districts and interacted with people from time to time." She continued that she had instructed Chief Secretary to take up special measures to provide all essential requirements to the needy people staying in relief camps. The Manipur Governor advised the IRCS delegation for arranging tents to minimize congestion in relief camps and further stated that priority should be given to those who are in need of assistance. The Governor asked the team to distribute items in consultation with the concerned district administrations. Henceforth, she thanked the team for their efforts to extend all possible help as a philanthropic organisation for the sake of humanity. The violence in Manipur erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3 in protest against the proposed inclusion of people belonging to the Meitei community in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs). (ANI) The Serchhip Battalion of 23 Sector Assam Rifles, under Inspector General Assam Rifles (East), made a recovery on July 22. The operation was carried out by a combined team of Assam Rifles, the Customs Department, and other sister agencies based on specific information. "In yet another success in its crusade against smuggling activities, the Battalion of Mizoram Range Assam Rifles, under the aegis of Inspector General Assam Rifles (East), recovered 26 cases of cigarettes of foreign origin worth Rs 33.8 Lakh in the general area of Chhungte, Champhai, on July 22," read the official statement. The operation was carried out by a combined team of COB Champhai, Serchhip Battalion, and Customs Department Champhai based on specific information. "During the operation, 26 cases of foreign-origin cigarettes were recovered, which were hidden off the track in Gen Area Chhungte. The entire consignment of foreign origin cigarettes worth Rs 33,80,000. The recovered consignment has been handed over to Custom Preventive Force Champhai for further legal proceedings," read the official statement. Ongoing smuggling of Heroin and illegal smuggling of foreign cigarettes is a significant cause of concern for the state of Mizoram and India. Assam Rifles, rightly christened as the 'Sentinels of Northeast' have continued their efforts against illegal smuggling and doubled their efforts to nab the kingpins of the smuggling activities in Mizoram. (ANI) The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which is responsible for securing public installations across the country, is in talks with its ministry (Ministry of Home Affairs) to increase the number of security personnel posted at Manipur's Imphal airport amid the ongoing unrest in the state. A top airport official told ANI, "The CISF is in talks with the Home Ministry to increase the number of personnel at the (Imphal) airport in view of the ongoing violence and unrest." Senior CISF officers are undertaking regular visits to the Imphal airport to take stock of the prevailing situation and assess the Sandard Operating Procedures (SOP) and other activities. On the present strength of CISF personnel at the airport and how many more are required, should the situation so demand, a senior CISF official said, "We generally do not share our personnel numbers due to security reasons and it is better to contact the headquarters." Earlier, on Saturday, a massive protest against the Manipur violence was held near Imphal airport, prompting the security personnel to fire tear gas shells at protesters. In view of the protest, personnel from the Manipur Armed Police and Rapid Action Battalion have been deployed to maintain peace near the airport. The Imphal airport comes under the Airport Authority of India (AAI). According to the authority, A total of 108 flight activities have been handled till May 6. This includes 50 defence activities and six additional sorties. Till May 6, 10,531 flight passengers were handled.As per the data of Imphal airport it reports about 30 flights a day and about three thousand passengers a day. Further, according to an airport official, with relatives of scores of Haj pilgrims visiting the airport to pick them up or drop them off, there was a need for a better security presence there.According to officials, CISF personnel, AAI officials and defence personnel are doing the best they can to ward off similar incidents near the airport and ensure hassle-free services to flight passengers at Imphal airport. The violence in Manipur erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3 in protest against the proposed inclusion of people belonging to the Meitei community in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs). (ANI) Punjab's Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Partap Singh Bajwa, on Sunday challenged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to take appropriate action against the 48 revenue officials, who were found to be "tainted" in the Vigilance Bureau's report. Senior Congress Leader Bajwa said that around a month ago, Punjab's vigilance bureau submitted a report to the chief secretary of Punjab that identified 48 revenue officials, including 28 tehsildars, 19 naib tehsildars, and one sub-registrar from 17 districts of the state accused of indulging in corrupt practises. Questioning Punjab CM as to why he failed to take appropriate action against the 48 revenue officials, he said, "The report seems to have been put on the back burner. Nothing has been said or done by the Aam Aadmi Party government ever since the VB submitted the report to the Chief Secretary." He said that CM Mann owes an explanation to the people of Punjab on the matter and reveal the name(s) of whoever is forcing him not to take further action on the report. "Is the AAP government attempting to shield one of its cabinet ministers, by not taking action?", Bajwa added. The opposition leader said that now, the Punjab Revenue Officers Association has accused the AAP legislators of unnecessarily humiliating the officials of the Revenue Department. They have also threatened to observe an indefinite strike from Monday. "The Punjab Revenue Officers Association has termed the VB report, in which 48 revenue officials were pronounced "corrupt", as baseless and demanded action against the VB DGP and Secretary. Meanwhile, the onus is on Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to go public with the reality on the issue", Bajwa added. In a statement, Bajwa said, "The AAP government's tall claims about zero-tolerance corruption were nothing but theatricals to gain publicity. As a matter of fact, this government doesn't intend to rein in corruption. It has yet to take action against its own leaders, legislators, and cabinet ministers who indulged in corrupt practises, including Lal Chand Kataruchak, Vijay Singla, Fauja Singh Srari, Amit Ratan Kotfatta, Sarbjit Kaur Manuke, and Surinder Kamboj (the father of AAP MLA Goldy Kamboj). (ANI) You are here: Business This photo taken on March 1, 2023 shows an intelligent production base of the Great Wall Motors (GWM) in Yongchuan District of Chongqing, southwest China. (Xinhua/Huang Wei) China will conduct its fifth national economic census in August 2023, Kang Yi, head of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) told Xinhua in a recent interview. The State Council held a teleconference on July 7 concerning the fifth national economic census for full mobilization and deployment regarding the relevant work, according to Kang, who is also deputy head of the leading group for China's 5th national economic census. The census takes place every five years. It will help obtain scientific and accurate statistical information for improving macroeconomic governance and scientifically formulating medium and long-term development plans. PROGRESS UNDERWAY The fifth national economic census plan will be issued and implemented soon, Kang said. According to the work schedule, a comprehensive and thorough indoor survey will be carried out from August to October. This survey aims to figure out the basic situation and distribution of all legal entities, industrial activity units and self-employed households engaged in secondary and tertiary industry activities in China. IMPLEMENTATION WORK The State Council has established a leading group for the economic census, responsible for organizing and implementing the fifth national economic census, coordinating, and solving major issues during the census. The NBS is leading the establishment of an economic census office composed of 33 departments, responsible for the specific work in the census, according to Kang. The main content of the census includes the basic information, organizational structure, personnel wages, production capacity, financial status, production management, energy production and consumption, R&D, IT development, and e-commerce transactions, as well as the structure of the input, the use of products and the composition of fixed asset investments. KILL TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE Unlike previous censuses, the upcoming national economic census will simultaneously carry out an input-output survey, according to Kang. The concurrent surveys will improve statistical coordination and cut content overlaps to achieve a better result. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated four schemes worth Rs 2435.11 lakh on Sunday while participating in a program organized at Municipal Corporation Rudrapur in Udham Singh Nagar district. The Chief Minister also announced an amount of Rs 2 crore for the improvement of roads in the Rudrapur Municipal Corporation limits. According to an official statement of the CMO, in the schemes inaugurated by CM Dhami, construction work of Rs 355.28 lakh CC road including a 660-meter divider from Sidkul Road towards Transit Camp Police Station in Transit Camp. "Road construction work from Nagar Nigam Ward 1 JC School to Shimla Bahadur Main Road and Nayi Basti Main Road Sidkul at a cost of Rs 363.93 lakh, self in Nagar Nigam Rudrapur at a cost of Rs 215.90 lakh. Subhash Chaturvedi Memorial Auditorium work and Rs 1500.00 lakh Compressed Bio Gas Plant work from organic waste was included", it added. During the event, the Chief Minister also offered prayers at the Maharishi Valmiki temple located in the Municipal Corporation. He also participated in the Havan Yagya organized by Paryavaran Mitras. In his address, CM Dhami said that the inauguration of development schemes worth more than 24 crores in the Rudrapur area is very important for the development of this area. In the coming time, Rudrapur will get freedom from the mountain of garbage. He said that under the Swachh Bharat Mission launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government aims to make the cities free from garbage piles in the next two-three years and convert them into green zones. "Plantation work is going on for a month on the occasion of the Harela festival across the state. There is a resolution to make every city clean", he added. Appealing to the public, he said that everyone should start disposal of garbage from their homes. Reuse the garbage and make some creative things out of it, the CM said. The Chief Minister said that the state government has resolved to develop every city of Uttarakhand as a "Green City-Clean City". "The state government is determined for the all-round development of Rudrapur along with Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand will be taken to new heights of development with new enthusiasm. Our aim is to reach the stream of development to the last person in society, and for this, we are working day and night", he said. He further said that by imbibing the spirit of Antyodaya with the help of the Central Government, the state is also moving forward at a fast pace in the race to become the best state. "The development of the Rudrapur region is one of our priorities. Fulfilling the long-standing demand, the work of Rudrapur Ring Road is being done. To get rid of the problem of jams, construction work of multi-storage parking is being done. A network of 4-lane roads has been laid from Rudrapur Khatima Tanakpur, and Rudrapur to Dehradun including Gadarpur-Jaspur. Soon, the distance between Dehradun and Rudrapur will be further reduced due to the construction of a highway between Afzalgarh and Najibabad. To improve the situation of water logging in the Rudrapur area, construction work has been started in a phased manner", he added. CM Dhami said that a new era of development has started in Uttarakhand under the leadership and guidance of PM Modi. "The government is continuously working with full dedication. The state government has implemented a stringent anti-copying law. Work is on to implement the Uniform Civil Code. The work is going on even after the removal of encroachments that have been taking place in Devbhoomi for years", the CM said. He said that many works are being done in the direction of strengthening the infrastructure of the state and making the state self-reliant. "Connectivity is being improved at every level in the state, emphasis is being laid on the development of industries and policies are being formulated keeping in mind the needs of the future. Our cities are now fast becoming centres of economic activity and in view of this, we are constantly trying to prepare our cities for the future", he added. Praising CM Dhami, Union Minister of State for Tourism and Defense Ajay Bhatt said that the Chief Minister of the state is young, intelligent and far-sighted. He said that the all-round development of Uttarakhand is taking place under the leadership of CM Dhami. He further said that the country is progressing continuously under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Further, Rudrapur Mayor Rampal Singh said that under the able leadership of CM Dhami, Uttarakhand is the first state in the country which has completed the preparation of the Uniform Civil Code. "The state government has opened the way to provide a house and roof to everyone by bringing Nazul policy", he said adding that the Chief Minister is always ready and present to solve the problems related to the Municipal Corporation. (ANI) Taliban rejected Iran's claim that Daesh leaders have moved to Afghanistan from Iraq, Syria and Libya, Khaama Press reported. We reject the claim made by Irans foreign minister that ISIS commanders had relocated from Iraq, Syria, and Libya to Afghanistan," a statement released by the Taliban-led Foreign minister of Afghanistan on Friday. According to the statement, both during and after the occupation, the security forces of the Taliban engaged Daesh in significant and ongoing combat, which reduced the groups ability to cause destruction. It further stated that he hoped to receive more information on Daesh if Iran has information about the movement of Daesh to Afghanistan, according to Khaama Press. Earlier, in an interview with the Iranian Students' News Agency,Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said, It is not a secret to anyone that the leaders of Daesh and the trained forces of Daesh have moved from Iraq, Syria, and parts of Libya to Afghanistan in recent months. This is one of the challenges facing the current ruling body and the Taliban in Afghanistan. Afghanistan further added that none of the named Arab nations and Afghanistan do not share a border. It is better that countries fulfil their international obligations in terms of securing their borders rather than shifting the responsibility onto others. The Islamic Emirate will not allow anyone to threaten Afghanistans national security or our soil to be used against others. Instead of making concerning remarks, Iranian authorities should focus on good economic, political and social relations between the two neighbouring and friendly nations, the statement added. Meanwhile, the Taliban-appointed Governor of Kabul, Mohammad Qassim Khalid has said that the US is behind Daesh (ISIS) and that the group is an American phenomenon, according to TOLO News. TOLO News is an Afghan news channel broadcasting from Kabul. Khalid in a special interview with TOLO News said that he has the documents that show the US has trained Daesh. He said: The enemies do not want Afghanistan to be calm and so they create bias through various ways. Daesh is ... produced by the US. It is a fact that Daesh is an American phenomenon. Khalid also denied the killing of the co-founder and second leader of al-Qaeda in the capital city of Kabul, Ayman al-Zawahiri, saying that there is no evidence to prove Zawahiri was killed in Kabul. The US claims that they eliminated Daesh in Afghanistan. The documents and evidence that would be valid for the media or between countries have not been provided by them, he said, as per TOLO News. (ANI) Following the second day of floods in the Chitral district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, hundreds of residents in low-lying areas were forced to evacuate, leaving behind their belongings and seek shelters on Saturday, The Express Tribune reported. The overflowing river water damaged at least eight more houses and four commercial properties while the current swept away four motorcycles and several farm animals, among other possessions. Additionally, Koghuzi Valley and Kari village were damaged and rendered inaccessible by the flood water, causing delays in rescue efforts. Moreover, astretch of the Chitral-Booni Road at Nirdeth Gol near Chitral Town was also washed away, cutting off access to affected areas. The inundation uprooted four giant poplar trees that had stood tall in the Chitral Fort for centuries and further caused damage to the fort as well, reported The Express Tribune. Chitral district witnessed flash floods for the second consecutive day on Saturday with villages Danin, Kari and Ayun besides Koghuzi Valley inundated as the Yarkhun River swelled due to melting glaciers and snow. Yesterday, Government Primary School Pewar and 18 other houses were submerged in the flood. Moreover, as the flood caused infrastructural damage, thousands of acres of land, meadows and standing crops were crushed to mush while the canal system and roads were affected. Amid the devastating situation, the local residents urged the district administration and provincial government to step in and provide emergency assistance, including tents and food supplies, to those stranded and affected by the disaster, The Express Tribune reported. However, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued alerts following forecasts from Pakistan's Meteorological Department of heavy rains between July 13 and 17 across most parts of the province. Areas like Abbottabad, Chitral Upper and Lower, Dir Upper and Lower, Kohistan, and Torghar are expected to receive significant downpours and need proactive preparations. These measures still fell short when it came to protecting the lives and property of local residents as the economic and infrastructural impact of the devastation is likely to be felt acutely in the following days, according to The Express Tribune. (ANI) Shahid Ahmed Khan, adviser to the US President on Arts, has said that America has nothing to do with internal Pakistan's internal politics and that the US senators wrote a general letter regarding human rights and not for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan, according to The News International. The US president's adviser on a Geo News programme said that America has nothing to do with Pakistan's internal politics and that Imran Khan's cypher drama had turned Pakistan into a laughingstock around the globe. He said that Pakistan remains a crucial nation for the US. It is not true that Pakistan's relations with China caused President Biden to ignore them, The News International reported. Shahid Ahmed Khan also said that if the letter of the American senators was so important, Pakistan would not have received the International Monetary Fund (IMF) assistance, according to The News International. The CPEC and Pakistans problems are very important to America. If infrastructure is built in Pakistan, American companies will come to invest. If China builds infrastructure in Pakistan, the US will also benefit from it. The US has created a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) cell here to help Pakistan on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Shahid wondered why Pakistan spoils relations with the countries and institutions where its interests are connected, adding that the IMF was not happy with the local leadership of Pakistan. He said that the IMF was also upset that the agreement made in the previous government tenure was not implemented, The News International reported. A cypher is a secret document that ambassadors in another country send to their country, if they speak wrongly about a country or a person, they have the right to ask for reasons. American diplomats did not even talk to the Pakistani government about this, he said. Shahid said that most of the Pakistanis living in the US are not interested in the politics there. The Cypher controversy pertains to the allegations levelled by Imran Khan, who was ousted via a parliamentary vote in April last year. On March 27, 2022, Khan alleged that Washington orchestrated a plan to remove him from office and brandished the cypher at a public rally to back his claims. The US has time and again denied such allegations, terming them "categorically false", Geo News reported. In his confession, Azam claimed that when he shared the cypher with Imran, the former premier was "euphoric" and termed the language as a "US blunder". There can be no bigger betrayal than this, Asif said while referring to the confessional statement that purportedly validated the ruling coalitions claims that the PTI chief jeopardised the countrys national security by using the classified document for political purposes. National security was compromised and the official secrets act was violated, Geo News quoted Asif as saying. Earlier on Thursday, Imran termed the revival of the cypher controversy an attempt to disqualify him from contesting elections by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government. Addressing his supporters via video link, the PTI chief accused Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari, and others of hatching a plot to remove him from the political arena, Geo News reported. (ANI) The all party conference is slated to take place on July 26, where a decision on the 13th Amendment to the Constitution will be taking place. A delegation led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe reviewed issues affecting the upcountry Tamil minority, including the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, the Sri Lankan minister informed reporters after his return from India, and the deliberations ended on a positive note, Dailymirror reported. "I was a part of the delegation to India headed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. During the bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, implementation of the 13th Amendment, MoUs on energy and economic development, and development of the Indian-origin Tamil community in Sri Lanka were discussed," he said. The Minister, who was a part of the delegation to India headed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe added that the Indian funds would speed up construction on the proposed institution in the Nuwara Eliya district, according to Dailymirror. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said various projects worth Rs 75 crore have been announced for Indian-origin Tamils residing in the Island nation. The Prime Minister while expressing confidence inSri Lanka, said: I am confidentSri Lankawill keep working to fulfil aspirations of theTamil community. Meanwhile,PM Modiin a joint statement withSri Lankan President Wickremesinghe on Friday said: "We hope that theSri Lankan Government will fulfil the aspirations ofTamilsand take forward the process for equality, justice and peace. We hope it will fulfil its commitment to the implementation of the 13th Amendment and Provincial Council Elections... Sri Lankan PresidentRanil Wickremesingheon Thursday arrived in Delhi on a two-day official visit toIndia. Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs V Muraleedharan welcomed Wickremesinghe at the airport. India,Sri Lankaon Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of renewable energy. Another MoU was signed on cooperation for economic development projects in the Trincomalee district ofSri Lanka. (ANI) At least 16 people were reportedly killed in an exchange of rocket fire between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Darfur region, Al Jazeera reported. According to the local lawyers' union, it happened in the capital of the state of South Darfur, Nyala. Besides, there were reports of snipers targeting people in West Darfur, including its capital of el-Geneina, near Chad, and tens of thousands of residents fleeing across the border, reported Al Jazeera. The Darfur Bar Association added that at least one man was killed by a sniper. Thousands of people continue to flee from the region of West Darfur and try to make it to the border into neighbouring Chad. Thats in West Darfur where weve seen a high increase in violence with refugees who arrived in Chad, saying that theyve been targeted by militias allied with the RSF based on their ethnicities,Al Jazeera reported citing Hiba Morgan. The war broke out in Khartoum on April 15 and according to a conservative estimate, it spread to Darfur later that month which got nearly 3,000 people killed across Sudan. Morgan added, The Darfur Bar Association is also worried that the fighting will expand and include other parts of south Darfur. There has been fighting there before. Civilians have been caught in the crossfire but this time, the association said that even those refugees or displaced people who are in camps as a result of 20 years in Darfur may be targeted as violence continues." Furthermore, residents also reported the first army air raids on villages in the Gezira states north. If fighting expands into Gezira, they may be forced to flee again, reported Al Jazeera. A couple of weeks back, the United Nations warned that Sudan could be on the verge of an all-out war after a weekend airstrike killed dozens in a residential area in the Sudanese city of Omdurman, CNN reported. On July 8, at least 22 people were killed and many injured in a shelling attack, the country's health ministry said, as months of infighting between Sudan's rival military forces continue to rage on across the country. According to a statement from the health ministry, the assault took place in a residential area of Omdurman, the city next to the capital Khartoum and unknown numbers of individuals were injured in the attack. Moreover, truce talks have been taking place in Saudi Arabia as both Burhan and Daglo representatives are present there. However, on Friday, the Khartoum government denied any information concerning a near truce." (ANI) Three people were injured in a stabbing incident on a train in Japan's Osaka on Sunday. The male perpetrator has been arrested on the spot, Japan-based Kyodo News reported citing local authorities. A staff member of the Rinku-Town Station made an emergency call to police to inform about the stabbing incident. The incident is believed to have happened when the train was moving, Kyodo News reported. The three injured people have been taken to the hospital for treatment. The injured include a male passenger in his 20s, another in his 70s and a male train conductor in his 20s. According to the authorities, none of them have suffered life-threatening injuries. The police have arrested the man on the spot on suspicion of attempted murder. The person who has been arrested has been identified asKazuya Shimizu. Later, the 37-year-old man admitted to stabbing the victims, Kyodo News reported. Kazuya Shimizu was having three knives when he was taken into the custody on the station platform, Kyodo News reported citing police. Earlier on May 25, four people were killed after a stabbing and shooting attack in Nakano, Nagano Prefecture of Japan, Kyodo News reported. The son of a city assembly chief in central Japan was arrested after he surrendered to the police.Masanori Aoki is being investigated in relation to the death of two local women and the fatal shooting of two police officers in Nakano.(ANI) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan was granted a one-day exemption from appearing in the Toshakhana case by an Islamabad District and Sessions court, reported ARY News. Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Humayun Dilawar heard the case while Barrister Gohar Ali served as Imran's attorney and Advocate Amjad Pervaiz represented the ECP. Imran's attorney submitted a plea during the hearing asking for an exemption for his client from attending hearing and its postponement until Monday (July 24), as per ARY News. ARY News brings updates of current affairs and happenings from Pakistan and all around the world. The ECP attorney objected, saying that the exemption claim had not provided "any compelling justifications." When one of Imran's attorneys protested the case's daily sessions, the judge voiced his anger with the PTI leader's frequent absences. Advocate Pervaiz, attorney for ECP, asked the court to issue instructions to secure Imran's attendance at court. The judge inquired of the PTI Chief Attorney, "Will the suspect appear in court on Monday?" In response, Barrister Ali stated that Imran would be appearing in the lawyer murder case before the Supreme Court on Monday. The former premier could then come in this court after appearing in the supreme court, ADSJ Dilawal responded. Imran's request was then allowed by the court, which mandated that the PTI leader's attendance on Monday, July 24, must be guaranteed. Toshakhana reference Legislators from the ruling coalition filed the reference, which claims Imran failed to disclose information about the gifts he received from the Toshaskhana (during his tenure as prime minister), last year. After the Election Commission of Pakistan disqualified the PTI chief for making "false statements and incorrect declarations" last month, the Toshakhana issue became a significant source of contention in national politics. According to provisions 167 and 173 of the constitution, the former premier was deemed to have engaged in corrupt practices, according to the ruling. A criminal proceeding will be initiated against him over filing a false statement, as per ARY News. His disqualification under Article 63, 1(P) has been for his current parliament membership, the ECP said in its 36-page detailed judgment of the reference. The amount in his bank account was around half of the value of the state gifts. PTI chief was bound to declare the cash and bank details in his returns but he didnt declare it, ECP decision read. Imran Khan being declared disqualified and unseated from his National Assembly seat, the ECP said, adding: He has been disqualified under Article 63, 1(P), over submitting a false statement and declaration. After this, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had launched probe against former prime minister Imran Khan in Toshakhana case on March 9, ARY News reported. (ANI) Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is mulling proposing the name of Pakistan Finance Minister Ishaq Dar for the post of caretaker Prime Minister, The Express Tribune reported, citing sources. Ishaq Dar's name gained traction as Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government was considering amending the Elections Act 2017 to empower the upcoming caretaker set-up to take decisions beyond its constitutional mandate with a view to ensure continuity of the recently announced economic plan and expedite the procedure aimed at receiving foreign investment in state-owned entities, The Express Tribune reported. According to PML-N sources, the Pakistan government was mulling amending Section 230 of the Elections Act 2017, enabling the caretaker set-up to take economic decisions. They said the amendments to the elections might be rolled out in the National Assembly next week, according to The Express Tribune. The amendments will enable Pakistan'scaretaker government to take the decisions required to revive the economy. According to Section 230, the caretaker government shall only perform its functions to address day-to-day matters, which are required to run the affairs of the government. The caretaker government will assist the Election Commission of Pakistan in conducting the general elections according to the law and restrict itself to activities that are of routine, non-controversial and urgent nature in the public interest and can be reversed by a future elected government. The present law bans the caretaker government from making major policy decisions, except on urgent matters, the report said. The caretaker government cannot sign a major contract or undertaking if it is detrimental to public interest, it also cannot enter into major international negotiation with any foreign country or an international agency or sign any international binding instrument, except in an exceptional case. According to sources, the proposal was to amend both the sub-sections of Section 230 that deal with the authority given under the interim setup. Earlier, in July 2018, Pakistan's then-caretaker government wanted to enter into programme negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), The Express Tribune reported. However, Pakistan's then-law minister did not agree to the decision on the grounds that the interim setup did not have such powers. According to sources, the implementation of all the steps will require continuation of the current economic team. It was because of this reason, the PML-N top leadership intended to appoint Ishaq Dar as Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister, The Express Tribune reported. Special assistant to Pakistan PM on Finance, Tariq Bajwa, might continue working on his current post. However, the Pakistan Peoples Party's (PPP) support was required for the arrangement. There could be objections on the political affiliation of Ishaq Dar, the report stated. If Dar takes up the position of Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister, he might not return in the next government as finance minister provided the current political setup returns to power, the report said. Pakistan's former Finance Minister Hafeez Shaikh's name has also been coming up for the post of caretaker PM. (ANI) You are here: China This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on July 20, 2023 shows Shenzhou-16 astronaut Gui Haichao giving a thumb-up for his crewmates Jing Haipeng and Zhu Yangzhu upon completion of the spacewalk.(Xinhua/Guo Zhongzheng) The application system for space science projects in China's space station is now open to scientists and engineers, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). The CMSA will solicit projects covering space science and human research, physics in microgravity, space astronomy and Earth science, as well as new space technologies and applications. According to the CMSA, China's space station is also a national space laboratory. It is equipped with scientific experiment cabinets, technological test cabinets and supporting systems inside its modules. The space station also has exposure experiment platforms, standard payload interfaces and large payload hanging points outside the modules to support scientific research, technological experiments and applications in various fields. The application details are available at www.cmse.gov.cn. At least nine people were killed in rain-related incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the past 48 hours due to heavy rainfall, reported Dawn. A rain emergency has been declared in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Lower and Upper Chitral districts till August 15. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in its latest report said nine people had died over the last 24 hours, including two in Swat, two in Battagram, four in Mansehra and one in Buner. The report further said that seven people had been injured, including three in Swat, three in Battagram and one in Mansehra. According to PDMA, nine houses had been fully damaged while 67 were partially damaged. Heavy rains with strong winds and thunderstorms lashed parts of the province on Saturday, resulting in landslides and destroying infrastructure The rain continued intermittently through the day, resulting in a large-scale devastation in the district. The deluge also triggered flash floods in Chitral, which washed away bridges, roads, and livestock, Dawn reported. The rain continued intermittently through the day, causing "large-scale devastation" in the district. The rain also resulted in flash floods in Chitral, which washed away bridges, roads, and livestock, according to Dawn. Pakistan Meteorological Department said several parts of Pakistan are likely to receive rain until July 26. Meanwhile, Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement Department in a notification on Sunday said that the deputy commissioners of both districts had requested for an "emergency" to be declared in order to allow them to "launch immediate rescue and relief activities," according to Dawn. The provincial government declared a rain emergency in the two districts with immediate effect. The government further said that the emergency will remain in place until August 15 for "provision of relief and restoration of damaged communication network and water supply." Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa interim Chief Minister Mohammad Azam Khan ordered the relief department and the district administration to remain on "high alert," according to Dawn. He ordered the authorties to immediately begin relief and rescue activities and to ensure that aid was provided to the impacted people. He directed the officials to move impacted people to safer locations. He assured that the provincial government will help them in "every possible way." After heavy rainfall in several regions of Balochistan, the PDMA provided relief material to people in Basima and Patak regions of the provinces Washuk district. Speaking to Dawn, Balochistan PDMA Director General (DG) Jahanzeb Khan said that the authority had started relief efforts immediately after receiving orders from Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo and provincial Interior Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove. Jahanzeb Khan said that the relief items contained food, tents, blankets, utensils and other items of need. He further said all the items were handed over to the deputy commissioner of the impacted region. Khan further said that the authority's rescue centre was in "contact" with the administration of the impacted region. Jahanzeb Khan said that the authorities were assessing the situation in a timely manner. He further said that the PDMA's officials and machinery were ready if required.Meanwhile, rainfall in Balochistans Kacchi district had triggered very high flood waters on the Pinjira Causeway, affecting traffic in both directions, Dawn reported citing National Highway Authority (NHA) General Manager Agha Inayat. He said that NHA machinery and staff were on stand-by and the traffic will be restored once the water level reduces.Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) urged the relevant departments to ensure preemptive measures to deal with land sliding, urban and flash flooding incidents that might occur due to heavy floods. (ANI) Tel Aviv [Israel], July 23 (ANI/TPS): Israels Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) a statement Sunday on how the day marks nine years since IDF Lt Hadar Goldin was killed in combat in Gaza and his body was taken hostage by the Hamas terrorist group. Hamas took advantage of a ceasefire brokered by the international community to go out and take the soldiers remains. Hamas has used his body ever since as a bargaining chip. Lt Goldin an another soldier, First Sergeant Oron Shaul, both fell Operation Protective Edge in July of 2014. For nine years, the terrorist organization has held Lt Goldin and First Sergeant Oron Shauls (another fallen IDF soldier) bodies captive, said the ministry in a statement. The international community must act to end this humanitarian travesty and return both boys to their families so that they can be laid to rest. This is a religious and moral duty. The Foreign Ministry also called on the international community to act to free Israeli citizens, Avera Mengistu and Hisham al- Sayed who are also being held captive by the terrorist organization Hamas in Gaza. (ANI/TPS) Taliban-appointed defence minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid said that he considered the United States as an obstacle to the international recognition of Afghanistan, ToloNews reported. In an interview with an Arabic news television channel, Mujahid said that the Taliban has met the requirements for recognition but that some countries, under pressure from the United States, don't recognise Afghanistan. "We've completed the requirements that a government should have. There aren't any requirements left to be met so that the world won't recognize us as a result. It might take some time for them to be ready to recognize us, but we ask countries that are not under the pressure of America and can recognize us, to recognize the government of Afghanistan. In particular, we ask the world's powerful Islamic countries to recognize us, and this is in the interest of all the countries, Mujahid noted. In the interview, Yaqoob Mujahid denied the cooperation of the Taliban with the US in destroying the Al-Qaeda network and emphasized that Al-Qaeda is not present in Afghanistan, as per ToloNews. "Al-Qaeda doesn't exist in Afghanistan. How can we fight against those who do not exist, do not control any area of Afghanistan, and do not even have a strategy for our country? In my view, what Joe Biden said was in some way an acknowledgement of this truth, but this doesn't show our cooperation with America. We do not need the cooperation of any country, he said. The acting defence minister once again accused the US of violating the airspace of the country and asked Washington to end the violation of the airspace of Afghanistan. "It has also been stressed that Afghanistan's independence should be respected and that no country's land should be used against Afghanistan, yet the US violates this principle. We ask the US to halt it because we lack the capability to respond to it and lack the equipment to fight against these drones. We not only condemn this act but also consider it as the occupation of Afghan airspace," Mujahid added. He stressed that the Islamic Emirate is prepared to communicate with the international community to address its concerns, reported ToloNews. "The recognition will keep us from being internationally isolated. Both for security and other purposes, it will be helpful to Afghanistan. 58 Muslim nations will be persuaded to recognize Afghanistan if Saudi Arabia recognizes Afghanistan, said Aziz Marij, a political analyst. "What is the purpose of the economic-political pressure, when the spokesman of the Islamic Emirate officially emphasizes the lack of terrorist groups in Afghanistan and the president of the US admits that these groups are not in Afghanistan? said Zalmay Afghanyar, a military analyst. (ANI) The latest Russian attack on Odesa, Ukraine left at least one person dead, 22 others injured and a historic Orthodox cathedral severely damaged. Regional Gov. Oleh Kiper said Sunday that four children were among the injured, adding that other residents of the southern Ukrainian city were trapped in their apartments. Six residential buildings, including apartment buildings, were also destroyed in the latest attack, which left much of the city covered in rubble and damaged the power lines, Kiper added. The strike on the Black Sea port city, which comes days after Russia pulled out of the grain export deal with Kyiv, is the latest in a series of attacks this past week that caused severe damage to its infrastructure. The damage to the historical cathedral, meanwhile, marks a severe blow to the community of Odesa. The Transfiguration Cathedral is one of the most important and largest in Odesa. Volunteers tried to salvage as many church artifacts as they could after the fires were extinguished. Paintings of the saints remained largely intact. Archdeacon Andrii Palchuk said the cathedral took a direct hit from a Russian missile., adding that two people inside the structure at the time of the attack were wounded. The destruction is enormous, half of the cathedral is now roofless, he said, later saying through tears, But with Gods help, we will restore it. Russias defense ministry took credit for the attacks and said in a statement the strikes were carried out with sea- and air-based long-range high-precision weapons. In a later statement, the ministry denied that the attacks struck the cathedral and said its destruction was likely a result of the fall of a Ukrainian anti-aircraft guided missile. Russias defense ministry said it attacked places in Odesa, where terrorist acts against the Russian Federation were being prepared. It also claimed in the initial statement there were foreign mercenaries at the targeted sites. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church, to which the cathedral belongs, has been accused of maintaining links to Russia. Ukrainian security agencies have raided some holy sites and discovered some Russian leaflets and passports, which they claim to be evidence of a link to Russia. Story continues Leaders have insisted, however, that the church is loyal to Ukraine and have denounced the Russian invasion from the start. The Associated Press contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. British band The 1975 have cancelled planned shows in Taiwan and Indonesia, calling it impossible to proceed with the Asia tour dates a day after being banned from performing in Malaysia. Malaysias government called the band extremely rude after frontman Matt Healy kissed a male bandmate on stage and criticised the countrys anti-LGBT+ laws, under which homosexual acts are illegal. Unfortunately, due to current circumstances, it is impossible to proceed with the scheduled shows, the pop rock group said in a statement. The 1975 were among the international headline acts at a three-day music festival in Kuala Lumpur, but their performance was cut short on Friday, and the entire festival was later cancelled. A Malaysian government committee said that the band would never again be permitted to perform in the country, where homosexuality is a crime. I have called the organisers of Good Vibes Festival 2023, which is Future Sound Asia, following the very rude actions and statements displayed by UK artist The 1975 in Sepang last night, Malaysias communications minister Fahmi Fadzil tweeted on Saturday. Screengrab of the moment Matt Healy kissed a male bandmate during the concert in Malaysia (Instagram) The band has now announced that they will cancel their performance at the We The Fest event in Indonesias capital Jakarta, as well as a show in Taiwan. The 1975 regret to announce that their forthcoming shows in Jakarta and Taipei will no longer be going ahead as planned, the band said on Sunday in a statement on the We The Fest Instagram page. The band never take the decision to cancel a show lightly and had been eagerly looking forward to playing for fans in Jakarta and Taipei but unfortunately, due to current circumstances, it is impossible to proceed with the scheduled shows, it said. Fridays events sparked an uproar among Malaysians, including members of the countrys LGBT+ community, who said Healys actions could end up exposing them to more stigma in the Muslim-majority country. Unlike in Malaysia where homosexuality is a crime, Indonesias national laws do not view it as a criminal offence although local laws discriminate against LGBT+ individuals. But there have been other LGBT+-related events cancelled in Indonesia in recent months due to objections from Islamic groups, such as a planned visit last December by a US LGBT+ special envoy. It remains unclear why the band also cancelled their Taiwan show, as the island has a proud reputation as a bastion of LGBT+ rights and liberalism in east Asia. Two men were stabbed early Sunday during a fight at a trailer park in south Thurston County, according to the Thurston County Sheriffs Office. Just after midnight, several law enforcement agencies, including the Sheriffs Office, were dispatched to the fight in the 6400 block of 201st Avenue in Grand Mound. About 20 people were involved in the brawl, Sheriffs Lt. Mike Brooks said Sunday. Two men were stabbed in the abdomen, he said, and were taken to Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. He said it appears the victims and suspects know each other. No one is in custody, Brooks added, partly because witnesses were not cooperative with law enforcement. Detectives plan to investigate the incident this week, he said. The Sheriffs Office received assistance from the Chehalis Tribal and Tenino police. A crew with West Thurston Fire also was dispatched to the incident. A total of 25 architectural monuments in the historic centre of Odesa, which is under UNESCO protection, were damaged by Russian occupation forces on the night of 22-23 July. Source: Odesa Oblast Military Administration Quote: "The Russians deliberately aimed their missiles at the historic centre of Odesa, which is under UNESCO protection! Everything that was created through hard work by great architects is now being destroyed by cynical bastards!" Details: The authorities noted that among the damaged buildings were those of the 19th-20th centuries: Chyzhevychs house; Papudovas house; Zabludovskys house; Gagarins house; Yanushs house; Zhdanovas house; Russell del Turcos house; Massas house; Manuk-Beys house; Kovalevskyis house; Porros house; Mashevskyi house and others. Background: The Air Force of Ukraine reported that Russians had fired 19 missiles of various types, including five Oniks missiles, at Odesa Oblast overnight. Air defence forces shot down nine missiles. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! A 26-year-old man posed as a 17-year-old and attended Southeast High School in Lincoln, Nebraska, authorities said. Google Maps A 26-year-old Nebraska man posed as a high-school student and now faces sex-trafficking charges, authorities said. The man "appears to have blended in with other students" and attended 54 days of class, police said. He's one of several adults arrested this year for posing as teenagers to attend high-school classes. A 26-year-old Nebraska man is facing sex-trafficking charges after impersonating a 17-year-old high school student and attended classes. The Lincoln Police Department said in a statement Thursday that Zachary Scheich attended 54 days of class at two local high schools. Being just 5-foot-4 and 120 pounds, Scheich "appears to have blended in with other students." Police said the school district had been alerted about an individual enrolled under the name "Zak Hess" and authorities later determined he had actually graduated from that same school district in 2015. The police investigation also found that Scheich had been interacting with multiple students, and those interactions "generated information sufficient for an arrest warrant," the statement said. Police did not release any further details on the nature of Scheich's interactions with students. Jail records show Scheich has been charged with sex trafficking of a minor, as well as two counts of child enticement with an electronic communications device. He is being held in jail on a $250,000 bond. Court records did not name an attorney for Scheich. Scheich is far from the only adult who's been caught pretending to be a teenager and enrolling in high school. Just last month, a 28-year-old Louisiana woman was arrested and accused of attending a local high school for the 2022-2023 school year using a fake passport and birth certificate. The St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office said the woman had enrolled in the high school to learn English, and had not committed any crimes or inappropriate conduct. Both the woman and her mother were charged with one count of injuring public records. Story continues In March 2023, a 29-year-old woman similarly deceived school administrators with a fake birth certificate so she could enroll in a New Jersey high school. The woman attended classes for four days, and raised suspicions among students when she sought to meet up with them outside of school. Her attorney later told The New York Times the woman, Hyejong Shin, had been lonely and missed the sense of security she felt when she was a student at a Massachusetts boarding school. Shin had been recently divorced and missed her family in South Korea, her attorney said. "It's very bizarre," Darren Gelber told The Times. "And it may be difficult for people to understand." Read the original article on Insider China will begin a three-year action plan on Saturday to prevent invasive alien species from entering border ports across the country, as part of efforts to safeguard the country's ecological security and biodiversity. The country faces increasing risks of invasive alien species due to the rapid development of international trade and frequent cross-border personnel exchanges in recent years, according to the General Administration of Customs. A total of 1,405 live animal and plant species that were banned from entering the country were intercepted in the first half of this year, and a number of criminal gangs that illegally imported exotic pets were dismantled, the administration said. The application of advanced technology and smart equipment will be strengthened to allow for early warnings of alien species entering the country, and risk analysis and quarantine inspection procedures should be stepped up, according to the plan. The administration will also work with other government departments to effectively prevent the arrival of alien species, it said. Heavy fighting continues on Kupiansk, Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Marinka fronts; 27 combat engagements have occurred during the day. Source: report by the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces Details: During the day, Russian invaders launched a missile strike on the territory of Ukraine, using 17 cruise and two ballistic missiles. As a result of combat work by the air defence forces and means of the Air Forces, nine cruise missiles were destroyed. In addition, Russia launched 26 air strikes and carried out 35 attacks from multiple launch rocket systems at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. There are civilian casualties; residential buildings, religious buildings and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed. Russia continues concentrating its main efforts on Kupiansk, Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Marinka fronts; heavy fighting continues. During the day, 27 combat engagements have taken place. On the Volyn and Polissia fronts, the operational situation has not changed significantly. There were no signs of forming any offensive groups. Certain units of the Belarusian Armed Forces perform tasks in the areas bordering Ukraine. On Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna fronts, Russia maintains a military presence. Russia launched an airstrike near Pavlivka, Sumy Oblast. Russia carried out mortar and artillery attacks on more than 15 settlements, in particular Tymonovychi, Chernihiv Oblast; Seredyna-Buda, Uhroidy, Yunakivka, Sumy Oblast and Kozacha Lopan, Budarky, Veterynarne, Kharkiv Oblast. On the Kupiansk front, Ukrainian soldiers are steadfastly holding the defence. Russia launched an airstrike near Kucherivka, Kharkiv Oblast. Artillery and mortar attacks were carried out in Fyholivka, Novomlynsk, Dvorichna and Kyslivka, Kharkiv Oblast. On the Lyman front, Russia conducted unsuccessful offensive operations in the area of Torske, Donetsk Oblast. Russia launched an air strike near the Serebrianka Forest in Donetsk Oblast. The settlements of Nevske, Bilohorivka, Luhansk Oblast and Torske, Verkhnokamianske, Spirne and Rozdolivka, Donetsk Oblast, were attacked by artillery. Story continues On the Bakhmut front, under heavy Russian artillery fire, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled attacks in the areas of Bohdanivka, Klishchiivka and north-east of Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Donetsk Oblast. More than 10 settlements were affected by Russian artillery attacks, including Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Druzhba and New-York in Donetsk Oblast. On the Avdiivka front, under heavy Russian air and artillery fire, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled attacks by Russian troops near Avdiivka and Nevelske. At the same time, Russia carried out artillery attacks on more than 10 settlements, particularly Avdiivka, Karlivka and Nevelske in Donetsk Oblast. On the Marinka front, the Defence Forces continue to restrain the offensive of Russian troops in the areas of Krasnohorivka and Marinka. Russia attacked more than 10 settlements, including Krasnohorivka, Katerynivka, Marinka, and Pobieda, Donetsk Oblast. On the Shakhtarsk front, Russia conducted unsuccessful offensive operations in the area of Novomykhailivka and launched an air strike near Blahodatne, Donetsk Oblast. Russia attacked more than 15 settlements, including Zolota Nyva, Prechystivka, Vyhledar, and Blahodatne, in Donetsk Oblast. On the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson fronts, Russia focuses its main efforts on preventing further advance of Ukrainian troops. Russia failed to restore its lost position in the Pryiutne district, Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Russia carried out air strikes in the areas of Mala Tokmachka and Novodanylivka, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and Antonivka, Kherson Oblast. More than 25 settlements were subjected to artillery attacks, including Novodariivka, Huliaipole, Huliaipilske, Novoandriivka, and Stepove, Zaporizhzhia Oblast; Illinka and Kamianske, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast; Antonivka, Havrylivka, Novoberyslav, and Respublikanets, Kherson Oblast, the city of Kherson; and Yaselka, Mykolaiv Oblast. At the same time, the Defence Forces of Ukraine continue to conduct an offensive operation on the Melitopol and Berdiansk fronts, gaining a foothold on the reclaimed territories, inflicting fire damage with artillery on detected Russian targets, and carrying out counter-battery warfare measures. Russian invaders continue to rob civilians, appropriating the grain harvest of Ukrainian civilians. Thus, in the village of Pryshyb, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Russian invaders used diesel locomotives to export many freight cars with various types of grain crops from the territory of an agricultural business. Aviation of the defene forces carried out three strikes on the areas of concentration of Russian personnel, weapons and military equipment during the day. Additionally, the Ukrainian defenders destroyed four tactical reconnaissance UAVs. Units of Rocket Forces and Artillery hit one area of concentration of Russian manpower, weapons and military equipment, five artillery systems in firing positions, one command post, one air defence system and one enemy electronic warfare station during the day. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! BATON ROUGE--Beverly Shabazz did not have a job and was seven months pregnant with her second child when her husband, Milton X Scott, was shot and killed outside their home in 1973 by FBI agents attempting to arrest him. I was thinking I have these two kids to raise, she said. I dont have any help from their father, and it was a while before I could adjust to the situation. Shabazz depended on Social Security benefits for their children and then went back to school so she could work as both a cosmetologist and an elementary school teacher. As they grew up, the children hardly saw her, and they missed the emotional support and stability that their father could have provided. It was a loss compounded by the fact that the shooting arose from a case of mistaken identity. The FBI agents had thought Scott was an Army deserter, and the fatal battle outside his door would not have happened if they had known he had never been in the Army. The toughest day of my life happened before I was even born, his son, Milton Scott Jr., said recently. When he was little, Scott said, none of the other children believed him when he said that his father was killed by the FBI before he was born. The mockery so traumatized him that he kept quiet about it until George Floyd was murdered in police custody in 2020, intensifying concerns about Black men killed by law-enforcement officers and the impact on their families. Andrea Grant, left, and Milton Scott Jr., right, continue to experience the trauma of not having their father, Milton Scott. I didnt get to grow up with either parent because my mom always had two jobs, and she was in college, Shabazzs daughter, Andrea Grant, said. Grant, now 52 and a college admissions coordinator, said she and her brother, a businessman in Atlanta, were largely raised by their grandparents. I regret that my father never got to meet his grandkids, Grant said, and the fact that he will never be able to see all that Milton and I have accomplished. Floyd's death, along with the deaths of others like Tamir Rice, Michael Brown, Alton Sterling and Daunte Wright, show how in the years since Scotts death, officer-involved shootings have continued to haunt Black communities and rupture families. Story continues While some of these cases resulted in discipline or convictions for officers, otherslike Scottsended in the officers actions being deemed justifiable. Experts say that regardless of the legal outcome, families have to deal with the agony of losing a loved one and often a loss of income, which can compound the pain. According to Russell Jones, an emeritus professor at Southern University Law Center, these incidents also escalate a distrust of law enforcement and induce resentment. "The common thread within all of these incidents is that we don't have that same right that the white society has to protect our homes, Jones said. Former FBI agents Delbert Hahn and William Wood also struggled with the aftermath of Scotts death. They had been sent to arrest Scott, a Black Muslim, who charged the officers after they kicked in the front door of his home. During the struggle, Hahn shot Scott twice when he thought Scott had taken Woods gun only to learn afterward that Scott had picked up Hahns blackjack. Former FBI Agent Delbert Hahn, 89, sat down with the LSU Cold Case team to explain his perspective on Milton Scott's case. Wood recently said that Scotts shooting caused him to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Twenty years after the shooting, Wood taught a PTSD class at the FBIs training academy in Quantico, Virginia, and invited Hahn, believing he would benefit from it. It became personal for me, Hahn said in an interview with the LSU Cold Case Project. He said the FBI stuck me in a position where something awful happened, and they didnt have to do that. Hahn said the workshop helped him because he and Wood had never had an in-depth conversation with each other about the incident. More: A look back at how a routine arrest in 1973 turned deadly Multiple investigations Hours after the shooting, the FBI realized that Scotts identity had been stolen and found the thief, Calvin Wallace, in prison in California. Wallace had juggled at least five stolen aliases in committing various misdemeanors and felonies. Wallace told the FBI that he had met Scott when Scott was on a trip to California in the early 1970s. Wallace pried into Scotts background and learned his date of birth, the name of his parents and his Social Security number. Wallace was able to recite the number to agents, missing only one digit. Wallace lived a transient life. When a childhood acquaintance, Robert King, saw him more than 20 years ago in San Diego, he said Wallace showed signs of heroin addiction. Wallace, then 82, died last October in a San Diego nursing home. Black leaders demanded investigations into Scott's death, which came just eight months after an East Baton Rouge sheriffs deputy had killed two Black students at Southern University. Emmett Douglas, then the president of the Louisiana NAACP, questioned how two trained FBI agents could not subdue a man weighing less than 180 pounds without shooting him. Neither of the agents was suspended as federal and state authorities looked into what happened. J. Stanley Pottinger, then the assistant U.S. general attorney for civil rights, instructed the FBI to conduct a preliminary civil rights investigation. FBI documents say that the bureau did not request an interview with Shabazz shortly after the shooting because she had seemed hostile. Well, I was upset because of the way they treated him. I wanted to tell my story, but I never got the chance to, Shabazz said recently. Milton Scott poses at his parents' home in Baton Rouge, where he was born and reared. The FBI chose not to talk to many neighbors since the area, bureau documents said, was frequented by Nation of Islam members. Authorities feared that would worsen racial tensions and lead to more confrontations like one on North Boulevard 19 months earlier that led to the death of two police officers and two Black men. A city sanitation worker gave the FBI a signed statement saying he saw a Black man pushing two white men off the porch of Scotts house before a car blocked his vision of the fight. Seconds later he heard two shots fired. Two other sanitation workers and one of Scotts neighbors only noticed what was happening after the shots rang out, and bureau investigators determined that the agents had shot Scott in self-defense. On Nov. 19, 1973, an East Baton Rouge Parish grand jury also chose not to bring charges against the agents. One of the jurors, Baton Rouge native George Kilcrease, still believes the agents acted in good faith. In hindsight, maybe they could have approached it a little differently, he said, but all the facts of the case led the jury to conclude that they acted reasonably. If Mr. Scott wouldve been white or Black, I dont think that played into the FBIs actions of that day. Read: Shreveport councilman hosts prayer meeting, announces 'Now Peace' movement to combat crime Shabazzs legal struggles Shabazz also sought redress in a civil case. In May 1974, she hired Baton Rouge attorney Walter Dumas, who filed a $1 million lawsuit against the FBI under the Federal Tort Claims Act, claiming that Scotts death was a direct and proximate result of the negligence, carelessness, and unlawful conduct. Dumas did not respond to a request for comment. Shabazz also hired other lawyers, but the case was eventually dismissed by U.S. District Judge Gordon West, who noted that her complaints continually gave the impression that the FBI agents shot and killed the wrong man. This is not so, he wrote. They shot and killed the man they intended to shoot and kill. They did not shoot the man because he was a deserter from the Army but because he physically attacked and attempted to destroy the two FBI agents. Justice Department officials spoke with Scotts family in 2020 after Congress encouraged the department to investigate a wider range of cold cases from the civil rights era. But the case was closed again in September 2021. Former FBI Agent William Wood said he suffered from post-traumatic stress syndrome after being involved in the confrontation with Milton Scott. With the grand jurys decision not to indict, the failure of Shabazzs lawsuits in civil court and the FBIs decision to close its new investigation, the family finds memories of Scott and the opportunity to tell his story as the best way to honor him today. Shabazz later remarried and still lives in Baton Rouge. Now 75, she said Scott had made her proud to be Black and proud to be a Black woman. I was proud of my Black husband. Im sorry for her and her family Beverly Scott Shabazz, 75, discusses life in the aftermath of her late husband Milton Scotts shooting 50 years ago. On the day of Scotts death, FBI agents Hahn and Wood were treated at the hospital for minor injuries. When Hahn returned home, he did not tell his wife anything. I remember I had blood on the suit, mostly mine, he said. I took it off and stuffed it under the bed. It was there for a year. Retired FBI agent Theodore Ted Jackson, a Black agent who had investigated the shooting at Southern University months before the Scott shooting, said it is important for law-enforcement officers to talk things out after troubling events, especially a fatal shooting. They never know what the day will bring, but they all want to go home to their families after work, Jackson said. Hahn, now 89, said he believes the bureau should have performed a thorough background check before assigning the deserter case to him. In fact, the FBI, which had earlier quit checking fingerprints of deserters, quickly returned to that practice after Scott was killed. Hahn said that the force used on Scott was justified. But he does wish there had been more time for negotiation. In a recent interview, Wood, Hahns partner that day, said: I still have PTSD from a number of incidents. This is one of the main ones. Hahn still lives in Baton Rouge. But he said he is not interested in a sit-down or attempt at reconciliation with the Scott family since it would not change what happened. He also doubts that it would bring Shabazz peace. I wasnt happy that Milton Leon Scott was dead, Hahn said. Im sorry for her and her family. I understand they probably dont like me. That doesnt bother me; I dont expect them to. Id feel the same way if somebody shot my husband or my father. Check this out: Where is Dottie Mccathran? Parents still searching for Louisiana woman missing for two years This story was written by Myracle Lewis and reported by Lewis, Amelia Gabor, Birdie OConnell, McKinley Cobb, Brooke Couvillon, Hannah Rehm and MacKenzie Wallace. A companion video by Maria Pham is available here. This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: 50 years after fatal shooting: Milton Scotts family, FBI agents talk about the emotional toll Seven Republican presidential candidates have, as of Sunday, met the polling requirements to appear on the August debate stage following new polling from Fox Business in Iowa and South Carolina. Former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former Vice President Mike Pence, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie have each reached 1% or higher in at least two qualifying national polls and two qualifying state polls from separate states, which is a requirement set by the Republican National Committee. Candidates must also meet fundraising criteria and sign a pledge to support the eventual Republican nominee in order to qualify for the August 23 debate in Milwaukee. Several candidates and their aides say they have already met that donor threshold, including Trump, DeSantis, Scott, Haley, Christie, Ramaswamy and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. Ramaswamy announced Saturday that he had also met the RNCs fundraising criteria of 40,000 unique donors, with at least 200 unique contributors from 20 or more states and territories. He also said he intends to sign the candidate pledge. The RNCs debate stage criteria are stringent but fair, Ramaswamy said in a statement. If an outsider can clear the bar, politically experienced candidates should be able to as well: if you cant hit these metrics by late August, you have absolutely no chance of defeating Joe Biden in the general election. Pence is the only candidate who has met the polling threshold but says he has not reached the fundraising threshold. Were making incredible progress toward that goal. Were not there yet, the former vice president told CNNs Dana Bash on State of the Union in an interview that aired Sunday. We will make it. I will see you at that debate stage. Of the remaining GOP candidates who have not yet met the polling criteria, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson is one national poll away from doing so, Burgum needs two national polls, and former Texas Rep. Will Hurd and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez each need one state and two national polls to qualify. No other candidate has hit 1% in a qualifying poll so far. Story continues The new Fox Business polls from Iowa and South Carolina show Trump with a commanding lead over the rest of the field in both states. In the Hawkeye State, 46% of likely GOP caucusgoers backed the former president, compared with 16% for DeSantis and 11% for Scott. In South Carolina, 48% of likely GOP primary voters picked Trump in the Fox Business poll, compared with 14% for Haley, 13% for DeSantis and 10% for Scott. The surveys were conducted July 15-19 among 806 likely Republican caucusgoers in Iowa and 808 likely Republican primary voters in South Carolina, and each had a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. Their overall methodology appears to meet the RNCs standards for recognized polling. CNNs Veronica Stracqualursi and Kim Berryman contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Erik Menendez, left, and Lyle Menendez. (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation via AP) I have not thought much about the Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, since they were convicted in 1996 of murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty, in their Beverly Hills mansion. At the time of the killings, Lyle was 21 and Erik was 18. The prosecution contended they were greedy, spoiled brats trying to get their hands on their parents fortune. The defense argued that they were severely abused by their father, who was enabled by their mother, and they were in fear for their lives. The familys awful story was one chapter of a particularly traumatic era in Los Angeles, where the criminal justice system seemed strained to its limits, where controversies about systemic racism, privilege, domestic violence and fairness raged over the airwaves, at dinner tables and around water coolers. I would go so far as to say that the 1990s in L.A. essentially began on the August night in 1989 when the Menendez brothers sneaked up on their parents and blew them away with shotguns as the couple watched TV and ate ice cream. Six months later, the brothers, who had managed to spend more than $1 million of their parents' money in the interim, were under arrest. A year later, George Holliday videotaped the savage beating of motorist Rodney King by LAPD officers, and the officers acquittals sparked days of fires, looting and convulsive violence. In 1994 the same year two Menendez juries, one for each young man, deadlocked between manslaughter and murder convictions Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman were slashed to death in Brentwood. After a volatile trial, Simpsons ex-husband, O.J. Simpson was acquitted of the slayings in 1995. The second Menendez trial, this time with one jury, also began in 1995. The same judge who had earlier allowed the defense to call 50 witnesses and present evidence of abuse, restricted testimony that would have supported an "abuse excuse" in the second trial. That sealed the brothers fate. They were convicted of first-degree murder in March 1996 and have been in prison for 33 years. Story continues Read more: From the Archives: Claims of Hatred, Abuse Traded in Menendez Case I would maintain that this convulsive era came to an end the following year, when a civil jury in Santa Monica found Simpson liable for the deaths of his ex-wife and her friend. I am telling you, it was an emotional and exhausting time in this city. Nothing any of us would want to relive. But attitudes toward domestic violence and sex abuse have changed. New evidence about the Menendez family has come to light, and now, after resigning themselves to dying in prison, the brothers are hoping the case will be reopened. A petition filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court in May describes two new pieces of relevant evidence that corroborate Lyle and Eriks claims that their father was an abusive monster and their mother did nothing to stop him. One is a letter written by 17-year-old Erik to his cousin discussing his fathers abuse. I never know when its going to happen and its driving me crazy, Erik wrote to his cousin, Andy Cano. Every night I stay up thinking he might come in. Read more: New evidence may back Menendez brothers' sexual abuse claims. But can it free them? The second is a claim by Roy Rossello, a former member of the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo, that Jose Menendez, who was chief executive of RCA Records at the time, raped him when he was 13. A judge has yet to rule on the brothers' petition, which asks for either an evidentiary hearing or that the convictions and sentences be vacated. (Rossello has also alleged that Menudos founder, Edgardo Diaz, repeatedly raped him between 1983 and 1986, when he was a member of the group. The LAPD confirmed to my colleague Salvador Hernandez that Diaz is under investigation for an incident that Rossello says took place at the Biltmore Hotel, where he says Diaz attacked him. Rossellos sordid story and Menudo's connection to Jose Menendez is explored in a powerful new three-part docuseries Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed by veteran journalists Robert Rand, author of The Menendez Murders, and Nery Ynclan. ) Rand has been writing about the Menendez case since the day after the murders, and has developed close ties with the brothers' extended family, most of whom believe that Lyle and Erik have served long enough. It was Rand who discovered the letter, written by Erik, that may play a role in reopening the case. Read more: Menendez brothers cite documentary as evidence it's time they were freed; petition filed They would have been out a long time ago if theyd had a fair trial, said Kitty Menendezs older sister, Joan VanderMolen, 91, who lives in Ventura. In Menendez + Menudo, she and her daughter Diane discuss why Erik seemed bereft as a child when there were no lemons in the house. It was to get the taste of semen out of his mouth, Joan says, in one of the docuseries more shocking moments. I loved my sister dearly, VanderMolen told me last week, and it's difficult to talk about her, but somehow she managed to let this husband of hers rule the roost and beat the kids. She had to know. She speaks to her nephews regularly by phone at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility near San Diego, where they were allowed to be together after 22 years apart. They had a terrible childhood, she said. Money had nothing to do with it. Who wants to dip back into the malaise of L.A. in the 1990s? Not me. But all these years later, with insights from the #MeToo movement too fresh to ignore and new evidence at hand, reopening the case against Erik and Lyle Menendez seems like the right thing to do. @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. Ukraine downed four Russian Kalibr cruise missiles and five Iskander short-range missiles fired at Odesa Oblast overnight on July 23, the countrys Air Force reported. According to the Air Force, Russia launched a total of 19 missiles from the Black Sea and occupied Crimea, killing one person and injuring 19, including four children. In its deadly strike on Ukraine's southern region, Russia used, according to Ukraine's Air Force: five Oniks cruise missiles; three Kh-22 cruise missiles; four Kalibr cruise missiles; five Iskander-K; two Iskander-M ballistic missiles. As per usual, the Air Force didn't specify where the 10 missiles that weren't taken down hit. Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper said the attack destroyed or damaged six residential buildings, two architectural landmarks and dozens of cars. The aftermath of the Russian latest missile attack on Odesa on July 23. (Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper/Telegram) The attack also caused significant damage to Odesa's historic Transfiguration Cathedral. The cathedral was founded in 1794. The original building was destroyed by Soviet forces in 1936, and the new cathedral was established in 2003. This is the latest in a series of attacks on Odesa that Russian forces have launched this week, targeting critical port and grain infrastructure following Moscow's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Most people are well aware of how the burning of fossil fuels contributes to our planets warming temperatures, but for many of us, contrails are more of a mystery. But that may soon change, thanks to a recently formed task force designed specifically to tackle contrails. Contrails are long, white, whispy clouds that shoot out of an airplane as the result of moisture condensing and freezing as it leaves an engine flying at high altitudes. Now, airlines are coming together to figure out how to reduce their impact. The new task force was informed by a 2020 study, which found that contrails almost double the aviation industrys contributions to climate change. Contrails have been the elephant in the room for the aviation sector for decades, Andrew Chen, who leads aviation decarbonization effort at the non-profit RMI, told Canary Media. Were now at a place where we know the impact, he added. That means we have to do something about it. During the day, contrails pose little risk to our planets overheating. But at night, they can hang around for extended periods. Its those persistent nighttime contrails that are most important, in terms of the climate effects, Marc Stettler, who leads the Transport and Environment Laboratory at Imperial College London, told Canary Media. At night, water vapor can attach itself to soot particles and form ice crystals. These crystals become cirrus clouds that expand, blanketing an area of the sky and trapping a significant amount of heat inside the atmosphere. The anti-contrail task force includes five major airlines Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic plus airplane manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing. The group plans to tackle this problem on two fronts. First, it seeks to improve the scientific understanding of which regions of airspace are more likely to create contrails. From there, it will help create flight plans that can adapt to avoid these areas. If these strategies can be developed and implemented quickly, it could mean a drastic reduction in the impact that airplanes have on our Earth. Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. Michal Ingraham worked for American Airlines at Austin airport. Daniel Slim/Getty Images Austin police ruled an AA worker was killed in April by accident, per the Austin American-Statesman. The tug that killed Michal Ingraham was in an incident 10 days before his death, per the report. An AA investigator had argued that Ingraham's death was a suicide, according to the newspaper. An American Airlines employee who died in April when he was involved in a crash on the airport tarmac was found to have been killed by accident, after a corporate investigator for the airline suggested it may have been a suicide, a report says. Michal Ingraham died at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on April 20 from injuries sustained when the aircraft-towing vehicle he was driving accelerated more than expected and crashed into a jet bridge. According to a police report obtained by the Austin American-Statesman, the tug he was operating was known by some staff to have "several mechanical issues." This included a brake failure that caused a collision 10 days before Ingraham's death. The report also states that Lynn Fast, a corporate investigator for American Airlines, contacted police a day after the incident telling them he had been led to believe that the incident may have been a suicide rather than an accident. He came to this conclusion after calling Ingraham's father, who apologized to Fast for the incident, as well as from Facebook posts found on Ingraham's profile, according to the newspaper. However, according to the police report seen by the Statesman, Austin police rebuffed that claim following interviews with Ingraham's colleagues and a lack of clarity from Fast about some of his claims. Austin police were also tipped off by an anonymous employee who said that despite being "marked 'out of service' numerous times for failed brakes," the vehicle wasn't repaired and continued to be operated by staff. Both the Travis County medical examiner and police concluded that the worker had been killed by accident, per the report. Story continues Police will defer to an ongoing investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), according to the police report seen by the newspaper. The agency is understood to be examining Menzies, the company responsible for maintenance of the tug. American Airlines, Austin Police Department, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, OSHA and Menzies didn't immediately respond to requests for comment from Insider, made outside normal working hours. Read the original article on Business Insider Its been a lot hotter than normal in South Florida lately. It seems like soaring temperatures have become the theme of this summer. After a week of heat advisories, the National Weather Service in Miami issued a excessive heat warning for Miami-Dade and Broward counties through 8 p.m. Sunday. 7/23: New - An Excessive Heat Warning has now been issued for Miami-Dade and Broward counties through 8pm this evening. Feels-like temperatures could reach the 110-113+F range at times while high temperatures reach the upper 90s. pic.twitter.com/cGkGkVa7Ur NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) July 23, 2023 While temperatures are in the upper 90s, it may feel about 110 to 113 degrees outside. Sunday also broke heat records in Miami, with the temperature hitting 98 degrees. While another scorching week is expected, a heat advisory hasnt yet been declared for the days ahead. Another day of record-breaking temperatures! Miami International Airport just hit a sizzling 98F, leaving the old record of 95F in the dust! But wait, there's more! Fort Lauderdale International Airport is also feeling the heat, tying the old daily record at 95F. pic.twitter.com/PjQT8CG3mx NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) July 23, 2023 Lots of sun ahead The sun will continue roasting Miami Monday, with a high of 94 degrees expected. Tuesday should be just as hot, with a high of 92 degrees. The NWS also predicts a 40% chance for thunderstorms through Tuesday night. Miami really is hotter this summer than last summer. And any other year on record Wednesday, the high will likely drop to 90 degrees, though showers are likely. How to stay safe Avoid direct sunlight. If outside, find shady areas and reduce physical activity. Story continues Wait until morning or evening to do outdoor activities. Drink plenty of water or drinks with electrolytes. Dont wait until youre thirsty. Use sunscreen to protect against skin damage and stave off dehydration. Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open. MIAMI (AP) Luis Arraez singled home the winning run with the bases loaded in the 10th inning and the Miami Marlins ended an eight-game losing streak with a 3-2 win over the Colorado Rockies on Sunday. With the Rockies playing five infielders, Arraez hit a line drive to an empty right field off Pierce Johnson (1-5), scoring Joey Wendle from third. I saw the five infielders and that there was no right fielder, Arraez said, so Im just thinking if he throws one there inside, Im going to pull it. The good thing is we win the game. Its been a long time since we won. Arraez connected on a 1-1 curveball for his first career walk-off hit. He looked to the one place they werent and was just like Im gonna hit it there. Thats just who he is, Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. Its an incredible bat-to-ball skill, nothing like Ive seen in my playing days or coaching days. Arraez went 3-for-4, raising his league-leading batting average to .379. Hes the leading hitter in the National League, he gets base hits, Rockies manager Bud Black said. You know, it was a scenario that obviously we didnt want to get to. He dug it out for a line drive. Huascar Brazoban (4-2) was the winning pitcher for Miami, which earned its first victory since the All-Star break. Marlins starter Jesus Luzardo pitched seven strong innings, allowing one run and striking out a career-high 13. Luzardos previous high of 12 strikeouts was done twice last year (April 12, 2022, at the Angels and Oct. 3, 2022, vs Atlanta). It also tied the club record for the most strikeouts by a left-handed starter, tying Braxton Garrett, who struck out 13 on June 22, 2023, against Pittsburgh. His final strikeout was against Brenton Doyle, who homered off him in the fifth, and stranded two runners in the seventh. We needed an outing like that, Marlins catcher Nick Fortes said. When things are going bad, you kind of need a dominant pitcher to put their foot in the ground and take the lead. He definitely did that for us today. Story continues Luzardo finished with double-digit strikeouts for the sixth time in his career and second time this season. That guys got a really good fastball but the secondary pitches came into play today, the change-up, the slider. Black said. We couldnt get the bat to the ball enough times. Colorados Randal Grichuk homered on a 3-2 pitch with one out in the ninth off closer A.J. Puk to tie the score at 2-2. Trailing 1-0, the Marlins broke through in the sixth when Arraez doubled to score Fortes from second to tie the score at 1. Fortes had singled to open the inning and took second on a wild pitch by Connor Seabold. After Jorge Soler singled and Arraez advanced to third, Seabold was replaced by Brent Suter. Arraez scored on a sacrifice fly to center by Yuli Gurriel to give the Marlins a 2-1 lead. Doyle gave the Rockies a 1-0 lead on his two-out solo homer to right field in the fifth off Luzardo. Ty Blach, making his first start for the Rockies this season, allowed two hits and struck out two over three scoreless innings. Blach was replaced by Seabold to start the fourth inning. It was good to be able to get out there and just be able to go out execute pitches, Blach said. TRAINER'S ROOM Rockies: Kris Bryant is day to day after being hit on the hand with a pitch in Saturdays game. ... CJ Cron is day to day with a back injury. UP NEXT RHP Edward Cabrera (5-5, 4.50) will start for the Marlins in Tuesdays game at Tampa Bay. The Rockies havent announced a starter for Mondays game at Washington. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports Col Assimi Goita now has the power to dictate government policy and dissolve parliament The military government in Mali has adopted a new constitution that enhances the powers of the president and the armed forces. It also creates a senate and demotes French from an official to a working language. Mali has been ruled by a junta since 2020. The opposition movement has denounced the reforms, which the electoral commission says were backed by 97% of votes cast in last month's referendum. The official body said turnout was 38%. Critics fear these changes make it easier for generals to break their promise of handing power back to civilian leaders after a presidential election in February 2024. The new constitution means Interim President Col Assimi Goita can now dictate government policy and has the power to dissolve parliament. A legal case to have the referendum results annulled, because the vote was not held in all parts of Mali, was rejected by the constitutional court. "Numerous irregularities" and "violations of the law" also meant the referendum result should be thrown out, according to Mali's opposition movement - made up of political parties and civil society organisations. It has been labelled "a plot on democracy" by Ismael Sacko - the leader of the Social Democratic Party which was last month dissolved by the junta. He told Mali's judiciary "to get its act together", AFP reports. There was huge popular support for the military junta when it seized power after mass protests against then-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita three years ago. People were fed up with economic uncertainty, a disputed election and chronic insecurity. Since then, data suggests Mali's military government has made little progress in its fightback against Islamists who control parts of the country. But the government says the new constitution will stop the spread of the 11-year jihadist insurgency. Mali recently decided to kick out all 12,000 UN peacekeepers in the country and is thought to employ 1,000 Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group for security back-up. France's soldiers were ordered to leave last year and there has been rising resentment of the former colonial power and its present-day relationship with Mali, and West Africa more broadly. By Nia Williams (Reuters) - Canada's East Coast province of Nova Scotia began cleaning up on Sunday after torrential rainfall caused devastating floods, while the search continued for four people including two children who went missing during the deluge. The storm, which started on Friday, in some places dumped more than 25 cm (10 inches) in just 24 hours - as much as normally falls in three months. CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon said it was the most rain to hit the provincial capital Halifax since Hurricane Beth in 1971. The floods washed away roads, swamped buildings and damaged bridges and a Canadian National Railway track used to access Canada's fourth-largest port. Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston described the damage as unimaginable and said the cost would likely be in the "hundreds of millions" of dollars. Nova Scotia declared a province-wide state of emergency late on Saturday night that will last until Aug. 5. Two children were missing near Halifax after the car they were in was submerged. In another incident, a man and a youth were missing after their car drove into deep water. Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on Sunday said police divers had located an empty pick-up truck in a flooded field in the West Hants area near Halifax in an underwater search and believed it was the vehicle in which the two children were travelling. Search efforts continued in the same area for the other vehicle and all four people. Crews used industrial pumping equipment to try and lower the water level in the search area. "There's zero visibility in that field. Our dive team located the truck by feel," said Corporal Guillaume Tremblay, public information officer with the RCMP. At a press conference on Sunday afternoon, Houston urged people to stay away from the search area given the treacherous conditions. Across the province, 19 bridges were damaged, another six were completely destroyed and many roads remained closed. Up to 600 people were still under evacuation orders. Story continues "Water levels are still high in many impacted areas but they're starting to recede. The main risks at this point are our transportation challenges," Houston said. "It's incredible to see the force of the water and the impact it's had." Houston also said there was "extensive damage" to a section of CN Rail track used by freight trains heading for the Port of Halifax, which contributes around C$4.4 billion ($3.33 billion) to Nova Scotia's annual economic output. A CN spokesman said some repairs would be delayed until water levels subsided. "Once crews can safely complete their work, the track will be reopened," spokesman Jonathan Abecassis said in a statement. Nova Scotia Power's outage map showed just over 2,000 customers were without electricity on Sunday, down from around 80,000 at the height of the storms. The flooding was the latest weather-related calamity to pound Canada this year. Wildfires have set a size record and sent clouds of smoke into the United States. Earlier this month, heavy rains caused floods in several eastern U.S. states. ($1 = 1.3222 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Nia Williams in British Columbia; Editing by Andrea Ricci and Cynthia Osterman) Six residential buildings, two architectural monuments and a church have been destroyed as a result of a Russian missile attack on Odesa. Source: Oleh Kiper, Head of Odesa Oblast Military Administration Quote: "Another Russian missile attack on peaceful Odesa. 19 wounded, one killed." Details: Kiper reported that six residential buildings, including apartment blocks, had been destroyed. In addition, two architectural monuments and a church have been damaged. Dozens of cars have been damaged as well. Windows have been smashed in many buildings, and roofs and facades have also been damaged. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! FARMINGTON Aztec Ruins National Monument may be the subject of a centennial celebration this year marking its establishment in 1923, but the 318-acre, ancestral Puebloan site still possesses the ability to surprise those who have spent years documenting Chacoan culture, as a new study reveals. A team led by Fred Blackburn a Cortez, Colorado, historian, author and researcher who has dedicated much of his life to unlocking the mysteries of the Colorado Plateau and the people who lived here before the arrival of Europeans has released a 270-page report outlining its findings from a three-year study of historic inscriptions found at the 900-year-old ruins. The project was funded by a federal Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit grant awarded to the firm Archaeology Southwest in Tucson, Arizona. Blackburn served as an independent contractor working through the firm, and the Aztec Ruins staff cooperated with him on the project. Its clear the experience of the past few years has left its mark on him. Fred Blackburn holds a copy of the 270-page report he and his research team put together outlining their three-year study of historic inscriptions at Aztec Ruins National Monument. I believe that history and archaeology are both an ongoing discovery and that a detailed interdisciplinary look at all aspects of Aztec Ruins National Monument will continue to surprise us both historically and prehistorically, he said. The inscriptions include approximately 500 names that were found written or etched into structures across more than 1,800 locations at the park over a roughly 60-year period from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Each of those inscriptions essentially antique graffiti rendered with a lead pencil, quill pen, knife or other carving tool has been photographed, measured, documented and interpreted. But the most significant, and unexpected, finding from the survey extends from another, previously unknown, chapter in the history of Aztec Ruins. Blackburns team identified 300 examples of what it is calling ancient Puebloan stealth art created by a variety of processes and found on wood beams and masonry walls or stones in the ruins. Story continues Moriah Sonnenberg and Fred Blackburn document their findings during a survey of historic inscriptions at Aztec Ruins National Monument in 2019. The biggest thrill and surprise is finding that prehistoric art, Blackburn said. And wed never have found it if not for us dealing with this at a microscopic level and using digital cameras. Thats why everybody missed it. Blackburn, a former Bureau of Land Management ranger, worked in the Natural Bridges National Monument in southeast Utah before helping establish the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center near Cortez and the White Mesa Institute at the College of Eastern Utah. He and his team began their physical examination of the Aztec Ruins inscriptions in May 2019 and continued the work through the fall of 2022. Since then, his attention has been focused on organizing those findings, and writing and editing the teams final report the culmination of an effort that has dominated his life for the last four years. Its a huge relief, Blackburn said of being able to hold the hefty report in his hands, though he noted there are still many photographs to integrate into the document. The grant funding for the project ran out last fall, but Blackburn and his wife Victoria Atkins, an archaeologist and an important member of his team, continued their work anyway, spending an additional couple of hundred hours preparing the report, which was authored by the two of them, along with Paul F. Reed. Blackburn said the experience has been the most compelling of his career. This one beat everything for interesting, he said. And it was complicated, very complicated. No simple process As he notes in the final chapter of the report, Blackburn initially believed he could complete all the work for the project in 2019. But once he and Atkins began surveying the ruins, he quickly was disabused of that notion. Fred Blackburn sits under a viga in a room at Aztec Ruins National Monument that was inscribed with the signatures of several early-day visitors to the site. The number of inscriptions and the number of rooms that featured inscriptions were much higher than he anticipated, he said, and that realization came to him even before the COVID-19 pandemic struck in the spring of 2020, further pushing back the completion date. All of us thought wed be done in a couple of months, Blackburn said, scoffing at the folly of that assumption. Eventually, Blackburn and his core team which consisted of Atkins, Zoe Matney, Moriah Sonnenberg, Logan Dean and Chuck Haspels would survey five rooms in the original Earl Morris house that now forms the core of the parks visitor center, named for the famed archaeologist who led the first dig at the ruins with the goal of understanding the past, and 13 rooms at Aztec West. The rooms were chosen, Blackburn writes in the final chapter of the report, because of heavy visitation by thousands of people each year. Surveyors examined every square inch, and every nook and cranny, of the walls and ceiling of each room with the assistance of portable lighting, ladders, scaffolding and magnifying glasses. They battled dust, heat, cold, insects, even the occasional bat. It was a painstaking process that they refined through trial and error until they had developed the most efficient methodology that assured a uniform examination of each room. The field methodology for this project improved as our work proceeded from 2019 through 2022, Atkins and Blackburn write in chapter two of the report. After initial efforts, the team found the right mix of team members, division of labor, cross-checking procedures, and workflow. The methods outlined here evolved along with our work. Eventually, their work would identify 1,804 locations in those 18 rooms where someone had scratched or written a name or left some other message denoting their presence. The earliest date the team found was February 1861, and although there appears to be more to that entry additional writing of similar style and placement was found adjacent to that date it is illegible, Blackburn said, meaning it reveals almost no specific information about its author. Nevertheless, Blackburn believes he can determine some biographical details about the writer simply by placing it in a historic context and examining the inscription itself. It looks military and it feels military, he said. And whoever it was was seeking immediate shelter. Its only one date in one room, so they were likely passing through. Blackburn said many of the inscriptions his team found at the ruins were similar to that one a date that could be read relatively easily and other writing that was illegible. Dates are easier to read because theyre just numbers, he said, noting that most of the inscriptions were found on vigas supporting the ceiling, meaning the folks who left them often were reaching overhead to write not a position that promoted excellent penmanship. The next inscriptions at the ruins dont come until later in the 1800s. An Aztec schoolteacher named John Johnson led several of his students on an exploration of the site in 1881, but Blackburn said nearly all the inscriptions date from between 1878 and 1915, long before the site had any federal protection. Most of the inscriptions are found on vigas, he said, because those early explorers often gained access to the sealed rooms by knocking a hole in a wall and standing on the rubble to write, typically leaving their name, the date and their hometown. The origin of the folks who left those inscriptions changed considerably in the early 1900s, Blackburn said, because of the arrival of the railroad in the City of Aztec, which was established in 1887. For the first time, visitors from far-flung locations had relatively easy access to the ruins, and many of them took advantage of that fact, leaving behind inscriptions that showed they hailed not just from places across North America, but overseas, as well. One such message consists of Edward Prince of Wales, London England. Blackburn dismissed the idea that the inscription was made by the prince. Rather, he said, it likely represents a memorial to the duke of Windsor and eventual king of England crafted by one of his subjects. An inscription bearing the name of Woodrow Wilson on a viga at Aztec Ruins National Monument most likely was intended as a tribute to America's 28th president, Fred Blackburn says. Another inscription in Aztec West is equally curious, consisting solely of, Woodrow Wilson, Washington, D.C. with no date. Blackburn said an examination of Wilsons recorded signature allowed him to quickly rule out the slight possibility that the 28th president actually had visited the ruins and signed a latilla. He believes it is more likely the inscription was intended to honor Wilson, and he discounts the possibility that the signature was intended as a prank or practical joke. Blackburn refers to the Prince of Wales and Wilson inscriptions as memorial signatures. A slogan found on one of the walls at Aztec Ruins National Monument states, "A Socialist is your best friend." The ruins apparently even attracted some local rabble rousers, as evidenced by the discovery of two inscriptions left behind in an Aztec West room by local socialists one that urges, Workers Unite and another that proclaims, A Socialist is your best friend. Blackburn has speculated that members of the local socialist movement accustomed to being harassed by law enforcement officials or local residents who did not take kindly to the political message used the room as a clandestine meeting place. Others left more detailed signings, such as an 1894 inscription by a woman named Phila Bliven, who left behind a 105-word message in which she compared the ruins to those of ancient Babylon. A lengthy inscription by a woman named Phila Bliven found at Aztec Ruins National Monument compares the ruins to those of ancient Babylon. Surely the people who built these might temples and palaces were a very ancient race possessed of a degree of civilization equal to the ancient Egyptian civilization, she wrote. The people behind the inscriptions Such lengthy inscriptions provided Blackburn with plenty of material from which to work when he set about engaging in another important aspect of the project researching the lives of many of those authors and writing short biographies of them. Bliven was one of those folks, 25 in all, who have been commemorated in the report. Born in Illinois in 1853, Bliven made her way west, marrying twice, according to her bio. She lived first in Colorado, then in Wyoming, where she appeared to reside at the time she left her inscription at the ruins. That fact turned out to be significant, as years earlier, it had become the first American state or territory to grant women the right to vote. In October 1893, Bliven wrote an article for The Great Divide describing her experience as female voter in Wyoming the first and last time she would cast a ballot, she said. I am now, and always have been, opposed to woman suffrage , she wrote. Later that month, she turned up in Durango, Colorado, to deliver an address opposing womens suffrage during a meeting at the courthouse. As reported by the Durango Herald, Bliven described her belief that womens suffrage would bring about nothing less than the downfall of the republic. Her message was not well received by at least one party. A subsequent review of her address in the Herald was, as the bio notes, scathing. Mrs. Phila Bliven may be a success as a newspaper writer, but she certainly is a failure on the rostrum when discussing women suffrage, the reporter wrote. She did not advance a single argument for her side of the cause. Another biography chronicles the lives of members of the Gearheart family pioneer homesteaders who ultimately abandoned their claim in San Juan County, but not before numerous members of the family left behind inscriptions at Aztec Ruins. This inscription by Willie Gearheart, a member of a homesteading family, is just one of several the then-17-year-old left behind at Aztec Ruins National Monument on the same day in 1909. The group included William Vernon Willie Gearheart, who relocated to Lamesa, Texas, in 1919 and ran an auto repair business for 36 years. Gearheart was well known in Lamesa for manufacturing small cars, often finding himself the subject of flattering newspaper profiles extolling his ingenuity. According to his bio, the 17-year-old Gearheart appears to have left behind several inscriptions at the ruins on the same day in 1909 when he was just 17 years old. Blackburn said his research into the Gearheart family, which revealed just how difficult it was for a homesteading family to make a go of things in San Juan County in the early 20th century, was particularly meaningful for him. This inscription by Boyd Abrams is one of three made by members of the Abrams family, the original owners of the land that included Aztec Ruins National Monument. Also included are bios of members of the Abrams family, the first owners of the ruins site. That chapter includes correspondence over a several-month period in 1919 between H.D. Abrams, the family patriarch, and Clark Wissler, the curator of ethnology at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, concerning the proposed sale of the ruins site to the museum and its eventual transfer to the National Park Service as a national monument on Jan. 24, 1923. Blackburns team identified three inscriptions in the ruins that were signed by members of the Abrams family. Nearly every room that the members of Blackburn and his team surveyed at the ruins were found to have inscriptions. He acknowledged the job of surveying the entire site is nowhere close to being done, explaining that six rooms still need to be examined in the West Ruin, and the East Ruin hasnt been surveyed at all. But by the fall of 2022, with the grant funding gone and a wealth of material already having been accumulated, Blackburn said he knew it was time to abandon the physical surveys and start compiling the report. It took writing it up to understand it, he said of what he and his surveyors had discovered. 'This just isn't right' As he settled into a recliner in the living room of his Cortez home one afternoon in the middle of July, Blackburn recalled that he and his team were only two to three weeks into their surveys of the Aztec West rooms when he realized they had stumbled across something even more extraordinary than the inscriptions they were seeking. While he and Sonnenberg were conducting a microscopic examination of one of the walls under the glare of a portable light, they both saw not handwriting, as they expected, but what they believed to be badly faded abstract figures something they never would have noticed as casual observers. Moriah Sonnenberg celebrates after the first discovery of ancient Puebloan stealth art in one of the rooms at Aztec Ruins National Monument in 2019. I was looking at it, and I said, This just isnt right, Blackburn said. Then Moriah spotted another one above it, and we realized we were not looking at the same thing. Blackburn understood immediately the discovery was on questionable scientific ground, as rock art had never been thought to be part of the history of the site. He also realized the figures were so faint that many observers likely would dismiss them as nonexistent. Some people see it immediately, other people dont see it at all, he said. Over the course of its surveys, the team would come to identify 300 such renderings. Blackburn took to calling them ancient Puebloan stealth art, as the renderings were described by his friend Winston Hurst, an archaeologist brought in by Blackburn to examine them. The renderings were created through three techniques, Blackburn said he believes incising, painting and stippling, a process by which an image is created by an artist using small dots or specks. This painting or negative image produced on red patina faced masonry stone, possibly of turkeys, is one of the more easily seen examples of ancient Puebloan stealth art discovered at Aztec Ruins National Monument. As Blackburn writes in chapter four, his team then brought in archaeologist and rock imagery expert Larry Loendorf to provide an initial assessment of those findings. Blackburn said Loendorf chosen to focus on the painted elements, with pigments as they were most clearly not EuroAmerican and had the possibility of being dated. Blackburn said Loendorf was intrigued by the findings, and discussions ensued about the possibility of his leading a team to come back to Aztec Ruins to do more detailed work on the renderings. That work would include the use of a program to digitally enhance some of the images to gain a better understanding of their nature. This zoomorphic animal form stippled in masonry stone is one of the 300 ancient Puebloan stealth art renderings identified at Aztec Ruins National Monument. While the renderings have not been officially recognized, Blackburn maintained they could not be random. What convinced me was the intentional incise placement before they stippled, he said, describing the techniques used by the artists. It was planned, down to the stones they brought in to do it. Fred Blackburn says he welcomes a rigorous scientific examination of his team's discovery of what it believes to be ancient Puebloan stealth art at Aztec Ruins National Monument. Blackburn said he welcomes a rigorous scientific examination of his teams findings and conclusions, believing they will hold up under scrutiny. Thats part of science, he said of those who might cast doubt on the discovery. The doubters are good because then you can go into the whole thing, and theyll have to disprove it. What I didnt want to happen was for the park to cover it over. He said hes prepared to defend his position that the renderings are what he believes they are. There are going to be a lot of doubters, people who say, Well, youre just making this up, like its some kind of Anasazi Rorschach kind of thing, Blackburn said. But theres been documented abstract art found at other ruins. The work continues What began as a one-year project has turned into something that Blackburn said he likely will spend the rest of his life working on, at least part time. In addition to the pioneering discoveries his team made, he said, the greatest contribution he and his surveyors made is the development of a sound road map to guide further exploration of historic inscriptions in rooms at Aztec Ruins, as well as at other locations. That, he said, was the most enjoyable part of the experience for him. Fred Blackburn says the methodology his team developed for surveying the historic inscriptions at Aztec Ruins National Monument is one of its more important contributions to the project. Our methodology will undoubtedly require some adjustments in the future but we feel that the big part of the learning curve is complete, he wrote in the reports final chapter, recommending that an additional eight rooms in Aztec West and an unknown number of rooms in Aztec East be surveyed. Those interested in learning more about the project will have a couple of opportunities to hear Blackburn discuss the teams work in the months ahead. He will deliver a presentation at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26 at the Animas Museum, 3065 W. 2nd Ave. in Durango, Colorado, and another one at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15 at the Farmington Civic Center, 200 W. Arrington St. Blackburn said he already is pondering who might assume his role of leading additional surveys at the ruins should additional funding for that purpose become available. But for now, he is allowing himself the luxury of feeling a sense of satisfaction over his role in contributing a significant new chapter or two to the history of Aztec Ruins. I dont know how I got started in all this, but Im sure lucky to have done it, he said. In the preface she wrote for the report, his wife, Atkins, puts the experience she shared with Blackburn and others in further perspective. Archaeolgist Virginia Atkins, pictured here with fellow team member Moriah Sonnenberg at Aztec Ruins National Monument, describes the site "not as a dead ruin stuck in time, but with a continuing spectrum of stories to be shared of timeless farmers, children, neighbors, and visitors. Undeniably, the main story of the Aztec West great house focuses on the Pueblo people who built it and flourished here in the 11th and 12th centuries, and their descendant families, she writes. Aztec West lives on, not as a dead ruin stuck in time, but with a continuing spectrum of stories to be shared of timeless farmers, children, neighbors, and visitors. Mike Easterling can be reached at 505-564-4610 or measterling@daily-times.com. Support local journalism with a digital subscription: http://bit.ly/2I6TU0e. This article originally appeared on Farmington Daily Times: Aztec Ruins historical inscriptions survey team issues 270-page report Three golden retriever puppies. Ron Levine Nearly 500 golden retrievers gathered in the Scottish Highlands to celebrate the breed's 155th year. Sir Dudley Marjoribanks is credited with breeding the first golden retriever in 1868. Since then, the breed has grown in popularity, consistently ranked in the top five breeds worldwide. The golden retriever is one of the world's most beloved dog breeds and his year, the breed turned 155 or nearly 800 years old in dog years, according to a dog age calculator from the American Kennel Club. The celebration was commemorated in the Highlands of Scotland, The New York Times reported, and included nearly 500 golden retrievers gathered for one photograph with their enthusiastic owners. According to the Times, about every five years since 2001, the owners gather with as many dogs as possible and convene with other owners, breeders, and pet lovers. "I'm an addict, and this is where I come to get me fix," one attendee told the Times. Another described the event to the Times as a groupie gathering for the dogs, comparing them to "Deadheads." The meeting is held in front of the remains of Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks' house in Invernessshire, according to the Clan Marjoribanks Society. Marjoribanks established the breed by breeding a wavy-coated retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel to create the first three golden puppies Crocus, Cowslip, and Primrose. The modern meetings draw attendees from across the globe, but many events celebrate the dogs in other countries, too. February 4 the day after National Golden Retriever Day Golden, Colorado, hosted their annual "Goldens in Golden" gathering on Washington Avenue, according to 9News. The event included vendors, treats for the dogs, and, naturally, dozens of photos of dogs and owners. Over 1,000 golden retrievers attended the event's third year. The dogs are also ranked exceptionally highly by the AKC, which tracks the popularity and traits of purebred dogs across the world. According to the AKC, it's no surprise that so many people want to celebrate their goldens. The dogs are affectionate, good with young children and other dogs, extremely social, and highly trainable. In 2022, goldens were third worldwide in popularity, ranked only behind the French Bulldog and the Labrador Retriever. Read the original article on Insider In a concerning development reported in South Florida, scammers have been resorting to impersonating police officers over the phone to defraud unsuspecting victims, specifically in the Miami area. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Over the past six months to a year, there has been an increasing number of incidents where these scammers have taken advantage of peoples trust in law enforcement to con them out of money. The authorities have issued a stern warning to all residents of South Florida to remain vigilant and educate their friends and family about the modus operandi of these criminals. The scammers have been acquiring police officers last names through social media and other sources, using this information to gain the trust of their targets. The Orange Park Police Department released a statement on Facebook condemning the actions. To anyone who has South Floridian friends and family, please pass the word. Over the last 6 months to a year, people grabbing our officers last names from social media or other places have impersonated our officers (over the phone) in efforts to scam people out of money - specifically the Miami area, a police spokesperson stated. If residents receive such calls and doubt their legitimacy, they are advised to hang up immediately and independently verify the authenticity of the call. Call the actual business or agency (dont call the number back which called you, give it a Google and find the actual number), the spokesperson added, urging residents to refrain from redialing the number that contacted them initially, as it might lead them back to the scammers. It has been observed that these unscrupulous individuals often target older victims, who might be more susceptible to such scams due to their unfamiliarity with modern communication technologies and tactics. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Three months worth of rain over the course of one day has flooded the Canadian province of Nova Scotia since Friday night, inundating streets, forcing evacuations and leaving at least four people missing including two children. A provincewide state of emergency has been declared, including for the Halifax regional municipality as well as nearby East Hants, West Hants, Lunenburg and Queens. We have had biblical proportions of rain over the night and into the day, Halifax Mayor Mike Savage said Saturday. On Sunday, Canadian police said they were continuing to search for two children, a youth and a man who had gone missing after the vehicles they were traveling in were submerged in two separate incidents early Saturday. Last evening, the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team conducted an underwater search of a flooded field and located an unoccupied pick-up truck believed to have been the vehicle that the children were traveling in, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said in a statement. Search efforts continue in the same area for the four people and the second vehicle. A man wearing chest waders walks past cars abandoned in floodwaters in a mall parking lot in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Saturday. - Darren Calabrese/The Canadian Press/AP Premier Tim Houston said on Twitter Sunday: Thank you to Nova Scotias first responders for their incredible work in response to the floods. Houston told a news conference Saturday that three people traveling with the missing children had managed to escape their vehicle and two people had been rescued from the other car. I cannot stop thinking about these families and these four individuals, Houston told reporters. I want them to know that everything that can be done is being done. I know the entire province joins me in praying for their safe return. An estimated 250 millimeters of rain battered the province in one day, Houston said. We got three months worth of rain in less than 24 hours, he said. It came fast and it came furious. A washed-out bridge near Newport Corner, Nova Scotia on Sunday. - Darren Calabrese/The Canadian Press/AP On Sunday, Houston told reporters authorities were working to repair closed roads and compromised infrastructure systems. We have approximately 25 bridges impacted across the province, 19 have been damaged, investigations continue on that but six six of those bridges were just completely destroyed, he said during a news conference Sunday. Its incredible to see the force of the water and the impact its had. Were working as quickly as possible to get our roads open. Story continues A temporary bridge is also expected to be completed Sunday night so the nearly 400 people isolated at a motocross track in East Hans can return to their destinations, according to Nova Scotias Department of Public Works. Extensive flooding covers an area of Bedford, Nova Scotia, on Saturday. - Tyler Ford/Handout/Reuters As hundreds make their returns home following evacuations, others are still displaced and are receiving assistance from the Red Cross, Nova Scotia officials said. About 750 people were ordered to flee the Halifax area overnight Friday, while more than 400 homes were evacuated in Lunenburg, authorities said Saturday. Water levels remain high in many impacted areas of the province, so residents are urged to shelter in place and only return home if they are advised that it is safe to do so. The state of emergency declaration remains in effect until August 5 unless officials terminate or extend it, according to the Nova Scotia government. Once again, our community is facing the awful force and unpredictability, nature and a changing climate, Mayor Savage said on Saturday. This has been an extraordinary event and I know that it follows on the heels of wildfires of not very long ago and even Hurricane Fiona of last fall, the Halifax mayor added. Some communities in the Halifax area are still recovering from a large wildlife that started in late May, which led to evacuation orders for about 16,400 residents and destroyed 151 homes, CNN Canadian partner CBC reported. An abandoned car in a mall parking lot in Halifax on Saturday. - Darren Calabrese/The Canadian Press/AP Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered support to Nova Scotia residents in a post on Twitter Saturday afternoon, saying that with air and marine assistance were providing resources to help with evacuations and we stand ready to provide any additional federal resources needed. Please stay safe, everyone. Trudeau also spoke with Houston Saturday and emphasized federal and local collaboration on search and rescue efforts, Trudeaus office said in a news release. The Prime Minister reiterated the Government of Canadas commitment to supporting Nova Scotians in the days and weeks ahead to respond to the flooding, the release said. He also acknowledged the strength of Nova Scotians, who are coming together in hard times and showing up for each other. CNNs Paula Newton, Samantha Beech, Colin Jeffery and Susannah Cullinane contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President Joe Biden will establish a monument to honor Emmett Till, a Black teenager who was tortured and killed in 1955, and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley. Biden will sign a proclamation on Tuesday approving the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument. The date marks the 82nd anniversary of Tills birth. Till was 14 when he traveled from his hometown of Chicago to Mississippi to visit relatives in 1955. Till was accused of flirting or whistling at Carolyn Bryant, a white woman working at a store. Days later, two men abducted Till from his relatives home. Roy Bryant, Carolyn Bryant's husband, and Roys half-brother, J.W. Milam, brutally tortured and killed Till before his body was dumped into the Tallahatchie River. Washington: Biden signed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act. Who was Emmett Till and what happened to him? The monument will take shape at three different sites. One of those sites will include Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicagos Bronzeville neighborhood, where thousands of people gathered to mourn Till in 1955. The other sites will be located in Mississippi. Those include Graball Landing, where Tills body was likely pulled from the Tallahatchie River, and the Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse, where his killers were acquitted by an all-white jury. Roy Bryant and Milam later confessed to killing Till in a paid interview. Following her sons death, Till-Mobley organized a large funeral that was attended by thousands of mourners. Tills face was left completely unrecognizable, but she allowed the media to publish images of her sons open casket. The coverage helped shine a light on the violent white supremacy Black people in America faced in the Jim Crow era and fuel the nations Civil Rights movement. Biden last year signed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act. Although he was one of thousands who were lynched his mothers courage to show the world what was done to him energized the Civil Rights Movement, Biden said at the legislations signing last year. Contributing: Joey Garrison and Orlando Mayorquin, USA TODAY; Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden to approve monument for Emmett Till in Chicago and Mississippi Emmett Till was murdered in Mississippi in August 1955 after being accused of making improper advances toward a white woman, Carolyn Bryant Donham. Associated Press President Biden created a national monument in honor of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley. Till's murder in Mississippi helped spark the civil-rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. The monument locations will consist of a site in Chicago and two sites in rural Mississippi. President Joe Biden on Tuesday established a national monument in honor of Emmett Till, the Black teenager from Chicago whose 1955 kidnapping and murder in Mississippi was a defining spark in the emerging civil-rights movement. Biden made the announcement on what would have been Till's 82nd birthday. The president signed a proclamation forming the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument, which is also reflective of the decadeslong civil rights work of Till's mother, who fought valiantly for equality for Black Americans after her son's murder. The monument will consist of a site in Chicago, the city where Emmett Till was born, and two sites in Mississippi, where the 14-year-old traveled during that fateful 1955 summer to spend time with his cousins. "I know no matter how much time has passed, how many birthdays, how many events, how many anniversaries, it's hard to relive this. It brings it all back like it happened yesterday," Biden said as he recounted how he was 12 years old when Till was murdered. The president speaking at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the White House then pushed back against any attempts to minimize or rewrite history, especially as it relates to some of the most traumatic incidents in the nation's history. "At a time when there are those who seek to ban books and bury history, we're making it clear. Crystal, crystal clear," he said. "We can't just chose to learn what we want to know. We have to learn what we should know. We should know about our country. We should know everything, the good, the bad, the truth. It's who we are as a nation." Story continues "For only with truth comes healing, justice, repair, and forming a more perfect union," he continued. "That's what's going to happen when visitors of all backgrounds learn the history of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley. Telling the truth and the full history of our nation is important." In August 1955, Emmett Till was accused by Carolyn Bryant Donham of making advances toward her while he was inside the Bryant's Grocery and Meat Market in Money, Miss., which at the time was run by Donham and her then-husband, Roy Bryant. The accusation prompted Bryant and his half-brother, J. W. Milam, to abduct Till at gunpoint from the home of his great-uncle, Moses Wright. Bryant and Milam then tortured and lynched the teenager before throwing his body into the Tallahatchie River. Till's battered body was weighed down by a cotton-gin fan and was found several days later. His face was unrecognizable. But, at his funeral service in Chicago, Mamie Till-Mobley insisted that her son would have an open casket funeral so the world could see the brutality and horror of what her son endured in the segregated South. President Joe Biden signs a proclamation to establish the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument on July 25, 2023. MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images 'A story of determination' Biden during his remarks also praised the Black press specifically citing Jet magazine and The Chicago Defender for their unyielding pursuit in revealing Till's case, calling them "another hero in this story." The Illinois monument site will be the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago, on the city's South Side, where Emmett Till's funeral was held in 1955. The Mississippi sites include Graball Landing, where it is believed that Till's body was recovered from the Tallahatchie River, and the Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse in Sumner, where Bryant and Milam were tried and acquitted by an all-white jury. Theresa Pierno, the president and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association, said that "there are few stories as heart wrenching" as Till's murder, but also remarked that "it is also a story of determination." "This is a story of a brave young mother who experienced a parent's worst nightmare, but found the strength and power to rise up and shine a light on injustice as a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. Mamie Till-Mobley galvanized a movement and inspired a nation," she said in a statement. In a 1956 article in Look magazine, Bryant and Milam confessed to the murder. Both men have since died. Donham died in April. She was 88 years old. Last December, Congress voted to award the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to Till and his mother. In March 2022, Biden signed into law the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act, which made lynching a federal hate crime for the first time in US history. The president's push to elevate civil rights leaders and acknowledge the full scope of Black history comes as Republicans in recent years have sought to limit how race can be taught in classrooms, with conservatives also targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and hailing the Supreme Court's recent decision to end affirmative action in college admissions. Biden's original student debt relief plan, which was invalidated by the Supreme Court, was also intended to be one that had a significant racial equity element, as the administration sought to narrow the racial wealth gap by forgiving $10,000 in loans for individuals and $20,000 in loans for individuals who received the Pell Grants given to low-income students. Vice President Kamala Harris who last week sharply criticized Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida over revised state education guidelines for middle schoolers that mandate teachers include instruction about "how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit" made reference to the issue again during her remarks at the ceremony. "Today there are those in our nation who would prefer to erase or even rewrite the ugly parts of our past," she said. "Those who attempt to teach that enslaved people benefited from slavery. Those who insult us in an attempt to gaslight us, who try to divide our nation with unnecessary debates." DeSantis last week pushed back against Harris, accusing her of seeking to "demagogue" the curriculum issue, while also stating that he "wasn't involved" in the changes made by state education officials. Read the original article on Business Insider President Joe Biden plans to name a new national monument next week after Emmett Till, a White House official told CNN, honoring the Black teenager whose murder in 1955 helped galvanize the civil rights movement. Biden will designate the monument on Tuesday, which would have been Tills 82nd birthday. The new monument will protect places that tell the story of Emmett Tills too-short life and racially-motivated murder, the unjust acquittal of his murderers, and the activism of his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, who courageously brought the worlds attention to the brutal injustices and racism of the time, catalyzing the civil rights movement, a White House official said. The Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument will be centered in Illinois and Mississippi, the states where Till was from and killed, respectively. A 14-year-old from Chicago, Till was visiting family in Mississippi, when he was beaten and shot to death for allegedly whistling at a White woman. Tills mother had insisted on an open-casket funeral so visitors could see her sons body, mangled beyond recognition a decision that helped fuel the civil rights movement. The designation will come amid a national debate over how to teach painful facts about American history in public schools. Some Republican-led states have enacted new standards that critics say sanitize history, including the realities of slavery and of racist violence. The Biden administration has demonstrated new willingness to push back on those new policies. Vice President Kamala Harris made a last minute trip to Florida on Friday to respond to new state education guidelines that, in part, require instruction for middle schoolers to include how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit. The guidelines also mention acts of violence against and by African Americans. The new monument will encompass three separate sites, the official said, including the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ on Chicagos South Side, the site of Tills funeral. Story continues Two additional sites will be in Mississippi: Graball Landing, which is believed to be where Tills body was pulled from the Tallahatchie River, and the Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse in Sumner, where an all-White jury acquitted Tills murderers. The designation reflects the Biden-Harris Administrations work to advance civil rights and commitment to protecting places that help tell a more complete story of our nations history, the official said. CNNs Sara Sidner, Tina Burnside and Dakin Andone contributed to this reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden will establish a national monument honoring Emmett Till, the Black teenager from Chicago who was abducted, tortured and killed in 1955 after he was accused of whistling at a white woman in Mississippi, and his mother, a White House official said Saturday. Biden will sign a proclamation on Tuesday to create the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument across three sites in Illinois and Mississippi, according to the official. The individual spoke on condition of anonymity because the White House had not formally announced the president's plans. Tuesday is the anniversary of Emmett Till's birth in 1941. The monument will protect places that are central to the story of Till's life and death at age 14, the acquittal of his white killers and his mother's activism. Till's mother's insistence on an open casket to show the world how her son had been brutalized and Jet's magazine's decision to publish photos of his mutilated body helped galvanize the Civil Rights Movement. Biden's decision also comes at a fraught time in the United States over matters concerning race. Conservative leaders are pushing back against the teaching of slavery and Black history in public schools, as well as the incorporation of diversity, equity and inclusion programs from college classrooms to corporate boardrooms. On Friday, Vice President Kamala Harris criticized a revised Black history curriculum in Florida that includes teaching that enslaved people benefited from the skills they learned at the hands of the people who denied them freedom. The Florida Board of Education approved the curriculum to satisfy legislation signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican presidential candidate who has accused public schools of liberal indoctrination. How is it that anyone could suggest that in the midst of these atrocities that there was any benefit to being subjected to this level of dehumanization? Harris asked in a speech delivered from Jacksonville, Florida. Story continues DeSantis said he had no role in devising his states new education standards but defended the components on how enslaved people benefited. All of that is rooted in whatever is factual, he said in response. The monument to Till and his mother will include three sites in the two states. The Illinois site is Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Bronzeville, a historically Black neighborhood on Chicagos South Side. Thousands of people gathered at the church to mourn Emmett Till in September 1955. The Mississippi locations are Graball Landing, believed to be where Tills mutilated body was pulled from the Tallahatchie River, and the Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse in Sumner, Mississippi, where Tills killers were tried and acquitted by an all-white jury. Till was visiting relatives in Mississippi when Carolyn Bryant Donham said the 14-year-old Till whistled and made sexual advances at her while she worked in a store in the small community of Money. Till was later abducted and his body eventually pulled from the Tallahatchie River, where he had been tossed after he was shot and weighted down with a cotton gin fan. Two white men, Roy Bryant and his half-brother J.W. Milam, were tried on murder charges about a month after Till was killed, but an all-white Mississippi jury acquitted them. Months later, they confessed to killing Till in a paid interview with Look magazine. Bryant was married to Donham in 1955. She died earlier this year. The monument will be the fourth Biden has created since taking office in 2021, and just his latest tribute to the younger Till. For Black History Month this year, Biden hosted a screening of the movie Till, a drama about his lynching. In March 2022, Biden signed the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act into law. Congress had first considered such legislation more than 120 years ago. The Justice Department announced in December 2021 that it was closing its investigation into Till's killing. President Biden will reportedly sign a proclamation on Tuesday to establish a national monument honoring Emmett Till, the 14-year-old Black teenager whose lynching in 1955 galvanized the Civil Rights Movement. The Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument will span three sites in Illinois and Mississippi, marking locations that are central to Tills story, according to The Associated Press. The new monument will protect places that tell the story of Emmett Tills too-short life and racially-motivated murder, the unjust acquittal of his murderers, and the activism of his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, who courageously brought the worlds attention to the brutal injustices and racism of the time, catalyzing the civil rights movement, a White House official told CNN. It will include the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago, where Tills mother held an open-casket funeral to display her sons brutalized body. Graball Landing in Tallahatchie County, Miss., where Tills body is believed to have been pulled from the Tallahatchie River, and the Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse in Sumner, Miss., where Tills murderers were acquitted, will also be part of the monument. Till was visiting relatives in Mississippi in August 1955, when he was kidnapped, beaten and shot for allegedly whistling at a white woman. Two white men, Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam, were found not guilty of Tills murder by an all-white jury in September 1955. However, they later admitted to the killing in an interview with Look Magazine, notes the AP. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Biden will reportedly establish a national monument this week to honor Emmett Till, the Black teen from Chicago whose 1955 lynching while on vacation in Mississippi helped galvanize the civil rights movement. A White House official, who spoke on condition on anonymity, reportedly told the Associated Press that Biden will sign a proclamation on Tuesday to create the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument across three sites in Illinois and Mississippi. Tuesday is the anniversary of Emmett Till's birth in 1941. CBS News also reported Saturday it had learned in advance of Biden's planned announcement Tuesday. Till's mother's insistence on an open casket to reveal how her 14-year-old son had been brutalized and Jet magazine's decision to publish photos of his mutilated body contributed to the rousing of the civil rights movement. CAROLYN BRYANT DONHAM, WOMAN WHO ACCUSED EMMETT TILL BEFORE HE WAS LYNCHED IN 1955, DEAD AT 88 Emmett Till see wearing a hat. The Chicago boy was murdered in Mississippi after being accused of making sexual advances toward a White woman. The Illinois site is Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Bronzeville, a historically Black neighborhood on Chicagos South Side. Thousands of people gathered at the church to mourn Emmett Till in September 1955. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The Mississippi locations are Graball Landing, believed to be where Tills mutilated body was pulled from the Tallahatchie River, and the Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse in Sumner, Mississippi, where Tills accused killers were tried and acquitted. Till was visiting relatives in Mississippi when Carolyn Bryant Donham said the 14-year-old Till whistled and made sexual advances at her while she worked in a store in the small community of Money. NEWSOM INVOKES DEATH OF EMMETT TILL AFTER MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE SAID SHE FELT THREATENED BY 'SQUAD' DEMOCRAT Till was later abducted, and his body eventually pulled from the Tallahatchie River, where he had been tossed after he was shot and weighted down with a cotton gin fan. Story continues Mamie Bradley, mother of Emmett Till, 14, who was found slain in Mississippi where he was on vacation, is seen distraught as she attends his funeral services. Two White men, Roy Bryant and his half-brother J.W. Milam, were tried on murder charges about a month after Till was killed, but an all-White Mississippi jury acquitted them. Months later, they confessed to killing Till in a paid interview with Look magazine. Bryant was married to Donham in 1955. She died earlier this year. The Justice Department announced in December 2021 that it was closing its investigation into Till's killing. In 2022, a grand jury in Mississippi had declined to indict Donham, ruling there was insufficient evidence to bring charges of kidnapping and manslaughter against the woman by then in her 80s. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Consequences of enemy shelling of Odesa In its most massive missile attack on the center of Odesa since the full-scale war began, Russian forces showered the city with at least five types of missiles in the early hours of July 23, including Kalibr, Oniks, Kh-22, Iskander-K, and ballistic Iskander-M missiles, the South Operational Command reported on Facebook. Ukrainian air defense intercepted a significant number. As of 5:25 a.m., one person has been reported dead. Rescuers pulled a woman from underneath the rubble who miraculously survived. Another 19 people are injured, including four children. Of the 19 injured, 11 adults and three children have been hospitalized. That attack destroyed the Transfiguration Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in Odesa. They also damaged port infrastructure and at least six residential buildings, including apartments. The facades and roofs of many buildings were damaged, cars were destroyed, and windows were smashed. The attack resulted in several craters in the city, as well as power outages. The effect will likely affect traffic and public transport routes will likely be changed. Consequences of the missile attack in Odesa /. /Telegram The effects of the attack are still being analyzed. Utility companies will begin to restore services following the investigations. Russia has been attacking Odesa throughout the week following its unilateral withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. In a July 20 attack, four people were injured and 120 tons of grain were destroyed. Read also: Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A bipartisan pair of governors is pushing for Americans to disagree better when it comes to politics. We know that politics is downstream of culture. And so this is not something thats going to change overnight, but we do believe its absolutely critical, said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) in an interview with CNNs Dana Bash on State of the Union. The good news is that there are some numbers that show that there is a growing majority of Americans that are tired of toxic disagreement, the divisiveness of tearing each other down, but theyre actually looking for something better. Cox, the new chair of the National Governors Association, said governors are uniquely positioned to take on the initiative. He and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D), who serves as vice chair of the National Governors Association and appeared with Cox on CNN, said they are working with universities to understand the science behind depolarization. When asked what the Democratic Party should do better in terms of political disagreement, Polis said the party needs to have authentic conversations when disagreements arise. What does that mean? It means, dont question the motives. Republicans, Democrats, independents are good Americans, right? Polis said. But, go ahead, put the issues on the table, talk about what works, what doesnt work. Bash asked Cox how he plans to change discourse with former President Trump as a dominant force, in the Republican Party. According to every poll, he is someone [who] routinely spreads lies and demonizes those who disagree with him, Bash said. The polling shows that 60 percent of Republicans arent crazy about their front-runner, and 70 percent of Democrats arent crazy about their front-runner, Cox said. Were kind of sleepwalking into this election that nobody is excited about, and nobody wants, he added, noting that he hopes to provide counterprogramming to the national discourse. Cox also said he believes most Americans think of the upcoming election as the most divisive election of our lifetimes. Story continues The calls for more centrist political discussion can be heard on Capitol Hill too, with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) pushing for centrist candidates in 2024. In an interview with radio talk show host John Catsimatidis on WABC 770 AMs The Cats Roundtable, Manchin argued the country was not designed to be this divided. Manchin said those the average common-sense people, are left poltically homeless, as both parties lean towards the extreme sides of the political spectrum. Speculation over a third-party presidential bid for Manchin was further fueled last week when he headlined a town hall sponsored by No Labels, an organization advocating for a third-party candidate. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Florida Highway Patrol is looking for the publics support, and vote, for the best-looking cruiser in the nation. On Monday, the American Association of Troopers annual Best Looking Cruiser contest kicked off and runs through July 31. Competitors from across the country submitted pictures that represent their state and vie for the chance to be named best-looking cruiser. Along with bragging rights, the winner is presented with the Best Looking Cruiser Award and will be featured on the cover of Americas Best Looking Trooper Cruisers 2024 wall calendar. Read: Daytona Beachs iconic pier reopens after 300-day closure due to hurricane damage Proceeds benefit the AAST Foundation, which provides educational scholarships to dependents of member troopers. This years submission, photographed by retired FHP Lieutenant Jeff Frost at Gatorland in Orlando, features a 2019 Dodge Charger in FHPs traditional colors of black and tan. Entering Americas Best Looking Cruiser Contest is an opportunity for FHP and the community we protect to stand proudly behind our public safety mission and Floridas reputation as a law-and-order state, said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. The FHP Black and Tan, as its known, is widely recognized as a symbol of our core values: Courtesy, Service Protection. When people see a Florida State Trooper, they know that they are there for protection and can expect professional and competent service. A vote for FHP is a vote for Florida. Read: Fireflies in Florida? Heres where you can find them This year, to include our junior troopers, FHP is hosting coloring contests within each troop. To participate you can print out the coloring page available on our Vote FHP then scan and e-mail the page to your local PAO or drop it off at your local Troop. Share your coloring page on social media with the hashtag #VoteFHP for a chance to be featured on our statewide social media accounts. Story continues The iconic Florida Highway Patrol black & tan is recognized nationwide, said Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze II. Show your support for your Troopers by voting for Florida in the 2023 Americans Best Looking Cruiser Contest hosted by the American Association of State Troopers. Read: Federal judges rules injunction blocking Floridas anti-drag law extends to all state venues For information about the competition, the coloring contest and to place your vote, CLICK HERE. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, when asked Sunday about reviving the Iran nuclear deal, said that U.S. officials are currently not talking about an agreement with their counterparts in Tehran. During an appearance on CNNs GPS with Fareed Zakaria, Blinken said that it was a terrible mistake for the Trump administration to pull out of the nuclear deal reached with Iran in 2015. There have been some developments and some changes since the time we got out of the deal and the time we were trying to get back in it. But fundamentally what we tried to do was to get back into the existing agreement with some modest modifications, Blinken said. An agreement was on the table. Iran either couldnt or wouldnt say yes. Were not about to take any deal. Of course, it has to meet our security objectives. It has to meet our interests. So, we made a very good faith effort to get back into compliance with them. They couldnt or wouldnt do it. Were now in a place where were not talking about a nuclear agreement, Blinken added, noting that administration officials want their Iranian counterparts to take actions to de-escalate the ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington, D.C. Maybe well have an environment where we can get back into a conversation about their nuclear program. Right now, were not in it. Blinken also said that U.S. officials are working across a whole series of lines of effort to push back on them, to make sure we have a strong deterrent, to make sure we have the appropriate pressure, and then to see if we get back to an opportunity where we can work on a nuclear deal. We continue to believe strongly that diplomacy is the best way to resolve this problem. That compared to all the other options, its the one that can produce the most sustainable, effective result, Blinken added. But that doesnt mean that the other options arent there and if necessary we wont resort to them. Republican lawmakers recently warned the Biden administration about pursuing an agreement with Iran that would provide sanctions relief without approval from Congress. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Boise police remain tight-lipped amid growing calls from the public for transparency a month after an officer fatally shot a 22-year-old man downtown. In response to requests, the department has refused to release basic details about the incident. Law enforcement officials, for example, still wont say how many times the officer fired his gun, where the man was shot and how many of the shots struck the suspect. Whether the officer was previously involved in any police shootings and whether he has since returned from paid administrative leave to regular duty also are unclear. In the early morning hours of June 24, Officer Chance Feldner was the lone member of Boises police force to shoot at Payton Wasson, who fled on foot when officers approached him, the Boise Police Department said in news releases. Wasson disregarded commands to stop and was seen by officers with a firearm in his hand near 5th and Idaho streets, and a firearm was found next to Wasson after he was shot and injured, police said. The day following the incident, Wasson died at an area hospital from a gunshot wound to the head, according to the Ada County Coroners Office. The shooting has produced more questions than answers, and sparked a crowd of 100 or so protesters to gather downtown the week after. The American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho is among those asking Boise police to offer more information sooner than later, at the risk of threatening to erode public trust. This incident raises disturbing questions about the specific protocols used by BPD when an officer discharges their weapon in the line of duty, Leo Morales, the nonprofits executive director, told the Idaho Statesman by email. Unfortunately, we cant always count on law enforcement to provide answers without pressure from the media and the public. The Ada County Sheriffs Office is leading the outside investigation into the shooting Boise polices fourth this year. Declining to answer a variety of questions about the shooting from the Statesman, Boise police cited the forthcoming report from the Critical Incident Task Force (CITF), which takes several months to complete. Story continues Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar called the incident a tragedy and committed to releasing more information, including through a separate internal department investigation. Still, members of the public, including Wassons family, continue to demand and wait for more information. I have never been so lost in my life, Wassons mother, Marah Wasson, said in a Facebook post after her sons death. I want justice for Payton. I want this police department and officer held accountable. Feldner, an officer with Boise police for 8 1/2 years, remains employed by the department, BPD spokesperson Haley Williams said. We do not provide ongoing updates on personnel status, she added. Boise police this week also denied public records requests from the Statesman, including for officer body camera footage from the shooting. The department typically releases a curated portion of the body-cam footage after the CITF investigation is finished, despite pushback in recent years to release footage sooner. In August 2021, former Boise Police Chief Ryan Lee said the department was having conversations about releasing officer body-cam footage sooner after the high-profile shooting of Mohamud Hassan Mkoma, the Statesman previously reported. The Ada County Sheriffs Office, which oversees the 911 dispatch center, also denied a public records request from the Statesman seeking any 911 calls related to the shooting, and redacted all identifying information in the printed dispatch log for June 24. The department cited exemptions pertaining to an ongoing investigation, unwarranted invasions of personal privacy and the potential to interfere with enforcement proceedings. Former OPA director: Body-cam footage should be released Pierce Murphy, who directed Boises police oversight office for 14 years before taking a similar position in Seattle, told the Statesman that its good practice for law enforcement agencies to release body-cam footage early into an investigation. Theres really no question about who did it and what they did, Murphy said. The real question is whether what they did, was it lawful? And was it within policy and training? The video is not going to hurt the (investigation). Murphy said the only reason a law enforcement agency or prosecutors office might prolong the release of body-cam footage would be so the agency can control the narrative. Its a public record, and the public has a right to have it, Murphy said. Why are you withholding it? While the department typically releases a snippet of the body-cam video, obtaining the entirety of the footage can come with a high price tag. The Statesman has previously requested investigative reports, which include body-cam footage, from several Boise police shootings, but was informed it would cost nearly $1,000 sometimes more for a single report. Thats just being obstructive, Murphy said regarding the price of the records. Theres absolutely no reason to do that. Janne Gaub, an assistant professor within the University of North Carolinas Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, told the Statesman by phone that if the footage isnt accessible to the public, then it cant be used as a tool for accountability which, she said, is what the public expects from body-cam footage. The reason that people bought into it and said, Yeah, this is really important, was not so that it could protect the police, Gaub said. The reason was to shed light on the things that were kept in the dark. As investigation delays, family seeks answers Police said the shooting unfolded out of an ongoing investigation related to a suspicious vehicle near 5th and Main streets, about a block from where Wasson was shot. Nearly a week later, they specified that the investigation involved what officers believed was gang activity or narcotics sales. A second man involved in the incident, Mario Garza, 26, was arrested and charged with felony possession of a controlled substance. Garza was sentenced to at least six years in prison for three felony convictions after he and another man began shooting at each other in a Nampa Walmart parking lot in 2016. One of the bullets struck and injured a 10-year-old girl. Garza remains in custody at the Ada County Jail and isnt able to bail out because of a hold from the Idaho Department of Correction, online jail records showed. He was on probation for the 2016 incident when he was arrested last month. In a video interview from the jail, Garza told the Statesman that police ultimately stopped him and Wasson because of their clothing, adding that he felt like Wasson had been discriminated against because of his clothing choice. Thats not right, for anybody to judge anybody without actually knowing them, because he was a good person, Garza said. Boise police declined to provide additional details about what led to the downtown operation and ultimately the shooting, and Garzas arrest. A third person was released at the scene, Williams previously told the Statesman. Former Ada sheriff: Length of investigations can be frustrating Former Ada County Sheriff Gary Raney told the Statesman that he understands the family and communitys desire for information after a police shooting especially when a suspect is killed. Those demands must also be balanced with the need to maintain the integrity and completeness of the investigation to ensure the officers involved in a shooting followed proper procedures, he said. Raney, who today works as a national law enforcement consultant, said its a legitimate criticism how long CITF investigations take to finish. But that length of time is with an eye trained on accuracy, he said. CITF investigations are very thorough now some argue too thorough and thats why they take so long, Raney said by phone. You can never say the investigation is too thorough when someone has lost their life. But at the same time, that thoroughness delays family from getting the answers they deserve. While Raney noted each case is different, he said he leans toward providing as much information as possible without jeopardizing the investigation at the outset and also tried to do so during his more than 30 years with the Ada County Sheriffs Office, including a decade as the elected sheriff. He retired from the position in June 2015. But those decisions also vary by the agency and jurisdiction, he said. A number of factors impact decisions about when to release information and when not to, Raney said. Different agencies have different approaches to when and how much information they release to the family or the community about these events, and those are driven by organizational culture and the head of the law enforcement agency. Meanwhile, the ACLU and others continue to press Boise police to keep the community up to date throughout its investigation into the shooting. We believe that BPD must fully investigate this incident and provide meaningful answers to the public and the young mans family, said Morales, the ACLUs executive director. We ask that BPD keeps the public updated regularly and with full transparency on the status of the internal investigation and what happened to cause the death of a 22-year-old in our community. FOX Weather is your Hurricane HQ, streaming free 24/7. Updated 10:30 a.m. EDT Sunday The small Tropical Disturbance weve been following across the tropical Atlantic has a defined circulation, but the dry, dusty atmosphere and the systems quick forward speed are not letting it consolidate. The disturbance is producing a cluster of thunderstorms, but only on its leading side, and there are no signs they are trying to wrap around the center. A large plume of Saharan Dust covers much of the tropical Atlantic and extends to South Florida and the southern Gulf of Mexico. The dry air absorbs moisture in the mid-levels of the atmosphere and inhibits the growth of thunderstorm cells in a tropical systems circulation. It takes a strong and usually large disturbance to pull enough moisture along with it to counter the dust. The latest information on Invest 95L on July 23, 2023. This disturbance is quite small, which means it has to find a moist enough patch of atmosphere to operate. Small systems can spin up in a hurry if the atmospheric environment is otherwise conducive. The atmosphere ahead of this disturbance and the swift flow across the Atlantic would seem to be negative factors, however. On the current schedule, the disturbance, or whatever it becomes, will arrive in the southeastern Caribbean islands about Tuesday. It looks unlikely that theres time or opportunity for the system to develop into a significant storm. But everyone in the islands should stay well-informed just to be sure nothing unexpected happens. The upper winds over the Caribbean Sea are forecast to become hostile, so the system doesnt appear to be a threat in the long term. The latest information on Tropical Storm Don on July 23, 2023. Far to the north, Tropical Storm Don perked up yesterday and briefly reached hurricane strength the first of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Its now weakening and will die out soon in the cold North Atlantic. There are no other threats on the horizon for this week. Well watch systems coming off Africa next week as we move closer to August and the real beginning of the hurricane season. The Bibby Stockholm. Andrew Matthews/Getty Images The UK is set to start housing hundreds of asylum seekers in a barge moored on the Dorset coast. The barge looks eerily like a floating prison, with bleak, narrow corridors and cramped rooms. Immigration minister Robert Jenrick said it offered "basic and appropriate standards." This is the Bibby Stockholm, a bleak floating accommodation block that the British government is renting to house hundreds of asylum seekers. The 222-cabin barge is moored on the southern coast of England and will soon hold an estimated 500 men while their applications to remain in the UK are processed. A courtyard area on the barge. Andrew Matthews/Getty Images The barge has been the source of much controversy, with critics labeling it an inhumane way to treat vulnerable people. Local residents have also claimed it will hurt tourism and strain health services in the area, ITV News reported. The government says it's using the barge to reduce the number of asylum seekers put up in hotels. The government had been "clear that those who arrive in the UK illegally should not be housed in expensive hotels," immigration minister Robert Jenrick said, according to a BBC News report. Such vessels "provide basic and appropriate standards for small boats arrivals while their claims are determined," he added. About 45,000 people were detected arriving by small boats in the UK in the 12 months to March, per official figures. The government spends around 6 million a day housing asylum seekers in hotels, according to The Telegraph. But two NGOs Reclaim the Seas and One Life to Live estimated that the barge was "extremely unlikely to reduce the cost of hotels" and would "in fact be an additional cost." Reporters were recently allowed on the barge to see what conditions will be like. According to The Guardian, the cabins which will each hold two men are only slightly larger than prison cells. A cabin with bunk beds on the Bibby. Andrew Matthews/Getty Images What were single rooms have had bunk beds added, and contain very basic furniture including a desk, mirror, and cupboard. Each room has an en-suite shower and toilet, and a television that may not work. Story continues Residents will enter by passing through airport-style security after first crossing a gangplank to get on to the barge. Some of the security measures on the barge. Andrew Matthews/Getty Images They will then be greeted by narrow, windowless corridors, The Guardian reported, adding that the space felt cramped but "clean and cool." Every room at least has a window, however. "You won't feel claustrophobic. The windows open, unlike in some hotels. There's enough public space to have a sense of freedom and openness," a staff member from Landry & Kling, the company operating the barge, told the newspaper. The view from a cabin. Andrew Matthews/Getty Images There is a restaurant, gym and outdoor exercise area, and residents will have access to healthcare, per BBC News. The report also noted that the barge did appear to be relatively comfortable at the time, but that could change when hundreds of people are on board. A medical area on the barge. Andrew Matthews/Getty Images A 2008 Amnesty International report detailed the psychological trauma faced by some of the people who had stayed on the barge. One 32-year-old asylum seeker described "frequent fights," overcrowding, and "little daylight," per The Independent. "The conditions force you into submission; they kill you psychologically," he said. The Bibby Stockholm was also previously used by the Netherlands for asylum seekers. Bibby Marine describes it as offering "luxury living" with "natural ventilation". Read the original article on Business Insider Update: Missouri State Highway Patrol records show 13 people have been seriously hurt and three killed in boating and drowning incidents at Lake of the Ozarks since April. That story is posted here. A California man was charged with boating while intoxicated after a crash injured several people Saturday at Lake of the Ozarks, authorities said. The crash was reported at about 11:55 p.m. at the 1.5 mile mark of the lakes main channel, according to a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. A 2014 Nor-Tech boat with eight people aboard ran aground, crashed into a home and then overturned, throwing everyone from the vessel, highway patrol said. The driver, Adam Ramirez, of Huntington Beach, California, has since been charged with boating while intoxicated leading to injury and boating while intoxicated leading to serious injury, according to the highway patrol arrest report. Ramirez, who is in his mid-40s, was also seriously injured, according to the report. He was released from the hospital early Sunday. Two people aboard sustained moderate injuries, and the other six were seriously injured, police said. These are additional pictures from the boat crash last night, which resulted in eight injured and the driver being arrested for BWI. Troopers are currently reconstructing the crash scene using a drone. Arrest information can be found at the link below:https://t.co/CjJ72vzyFb pic.twitter.com/QWvAvUHFDi MSHP Troop F (@MSHPTrooperF) July 23, 2023 The victims, both men and women, ranged in age from 21 to 51. They were from California, Illinois, Michigan and Mississippi, according to the crash report. The boat was totaled and the house had extensive damage, highway patrol reported. The investigation continued Sunday afternoon. California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a news conference on June 24, 2022. Rich Pedroncelli/AP A California school district rejected the state's social studies curriculum over the inclusion of Harvey Milk. On Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom threatened the district with a $1.5 million fine. The school board voted in an emergency meeting to accept the curriculum on Friday. A California school district that rejected the state's social studies curriculum over the inclusion of an LGBTQ+ leader reversed its decision on Friday after Gov. Gavin Newsom threatened the district with a $1.5 million fine. The Temecula Unified School District board called an emergency meeting on Friday night where it voted to adopt the curriculum, the local TV news station KCAT reported. On Wednesday, the board had voted 3-2 in favor of rejecting the state's curriculum over the inclusion of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to public office in the state. Board members were focused on allegations that Milk was a pedophile related to his romantic relationship with Jack McKinley, which began when McKinley was 16 years old, according to KCAT. Newsom said in a video statement that the state would purchase the social studies books that the school district rejected for the parents in the district. "If these extremist school board members won't do their job, we will and fine them for their incompetence," Newsom said. Newsom said in an accompanying statement on Thursday that the state would "deliver the bill along with a $1.5 million fine to the school board for its decision to willfully violate the law." After the school board reversed its decision on Friday, Newsom said the students will now have the "materials needed to learn" and said the board will have a "civil rights investigation to answer for." "This debate in Temecula is not about local control," Newsom said in a statement. "It is about a national ideological crusade that remains hellbent on silencing diverse communities and erasing our history." Read the original article on Business Insider A school district in southern California has adopted a social studies textbook the school board previously rejected for including the history of LGBTQ+ figures like Harvey Milk. Photo courtesy of Temecula Valley Unified School District July 23 (UPI) -- A school district in southern California has adopted a social studies textbook the school board previously rejected for including the history of LGBTQ+ figures like Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to public office in California who was assassinated in 1978. The Temecula Valley Unified School District had described the vote to approve the project in a board meeting agenda packet as a "short-term solution" to comply with requirements of the state's 2011 Fair Education Act, after threats from Gov. Gavin Newsom of a $1.5 million fine. The school board approved the curriculum at a Friday meeting, which was streamed on YouTube, but said it may replace the paragraphs referencing Milk with the biography of another gay rights leader, accusing the dead gay rights icon of being a pedophile. The claim Milk was a pedophile stems from a biography by Randy Shilts that said the gay rights icon was in his early 30s when he met Jack Galen McKinley in New York in 1964. McKinley was 16 years old when they began their relationship. UPI could not find what the age of consent was in New York and California in 1964 by press time. However, Shilts wrote that Milk once dismissed claims that members of the LGBTQ+ community were largely pedophiles by shooting back that children needed protection from "incest and child beatings pandemic in the heterosexual family." Before the vote to approve the curriculum, the board members first voted on whether to keep the district's textbooks from 2006. "Fortunately, now Temecula's students will receive the basic materials needed to learn," Newsom's office said in a statement. "This vote lays bare the school board majority's true motives. This has never been about parents' rights. This is about extremists' desire to control information." Russias Putin must be defeated Hugh Hewitt got it right in his column What if a cruel, vengeful, Putin wins in Ukraine? (July 14, 15A) The bloodshed among civilians would be incalculable. How do we know? Vladimir Putins history tells us so. Yes, President Joe Biden has been a disaster in most policy matters. But he has gotten Ukraine mostly right. And I will not support any Republican who wants to pull our support for Ukraine. For all you libertarians pretending to be Republicans, call me a RINO, or Republican In Name Only, as much as you want. That term has no meaning coming from you. - Clete McAlister, Arlington Texas has to work for all As a native Texan Democrat, I understand that one thing that will hurt Texas, if it does not already, is doctors and other health providers leaving the state for bluer ones over abortion laws. This will continue to imperil our health. Ive lived here for more than 50 years and loved growing up here, but the political climate in Texas is crazy, and I will caution Republicans that President Joe Biden lost the state in 2020 by only about 630,000 votes. This state was blue before, and if the people want a Texas that will actually work for all its residents, it will become blue again and not too far off, I hope. - Bill McGuire, Bryan Whose wallet being opened? Lets be clear: Student loan debt is not being eliminated. It is simply being transferred to those who do not owe it. - Frank M. Wagnon, Southlake Super Bowl rings meaning Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones actually gave Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas a Super Bowl ring. (July 12, 1B, Why Clarence Thomas has a Cowboys Super Bowl ring) Why? I thought the ring was for someone who actually helped the Cowboys win a Super Bowl. How many other people has Jones given rings to? How can one be expected to support a team whose owner so disrespects its accomplishments? - Cinda Alloway, Grapevine The future of electricity The Electric Reliability Council of Texas is telling everyone to cut back on electricity because of the hot weather. The federal government is telling everyone to start buying electric cars. Soon, you may have to choose: Do you charge your electric car and go to work or stay home in the air conditioning? Story continues - Randy Geisel, Arlington School choice works there I dont understand why Democrats are against school choice when several liberal countries have it, including Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and more. We are actually the laggards among the largest economies. - Anne Ward, Cypress No public money for religion Public taxes go to public schools. All parents can choose where to educate their kids. Its called private school. Sending tax dollars to religious schools is a clear violation of the Constitution. - Bill Moore, Houston Right-sizing jail population The Tarrant County government is spending $18 million to house inmates who are ready for transfer to the state in a private prison because of staffing shortages. (Aug. 30, 2022, Star-Telegram.com, Citing staffing shortage, Tarrant County is sending 432 inmates to private jail near Lubbock) Tarrant County must move into the 21 century. If it is efficiently saving jail space for dangerous inmates, there is no reason for a jail population to be higher than 75% capacity under any circumstances even if the state is not picking up its prisoners. - Leslie J. Smith, Grapevine Hun Sen has ensured that his party faces no strong challenge in the polls Voting is under way in Cambodia, where the country's long-term leader is virtually certain to extend his party's rule in an election where there are no serious challengers. People turning up to the polls in Phnom Penh told the BBC they expected the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) to sweep all 125 seats in parliament again. Hun Sen, who has been in power for 38 years, faces no real challenge after the only credible opposition party was disqualified in May. Critics have called the vote a sham. "It's a rigged election because there are no real strong opposition parties," one voter, an aid worker in Phnom Penh, told the BBC earlier this week. Western nations, including the US, have also expressed concerns about the integrity of the vote. To ensure the highest possible turnout when people are being offered no real choice, the government has criminalised any attempt to boycott the election or spoil the ballot papers. Opposition lawmakers this year have reported violent attacks, with Human Rights Watch reporting the government stepped up intimidation and arbitrary arrests of political opposition in the run-up to the poll. In May, the government barred the country's main opposition party, the Candlelight Party, on a technicality. The National Election Commission said the party was missing paperwork, which it had not needed for the local elections last year. Candlelight had won 22% of the vote in local elections last year - and analysts say Hun Sen saw them as a potential threat to his rule. But the poll comes as Hun Sen, who cast his vote in the capital early on Sunday morning, shows the clearest signals yet that he's planning to hand power to his eldest son, Hun Manet - possibly within weeks. The military chief has led the CPP's campaign alongside his father. Hun Sen has become increasingly authoritarian in his rule, political analysts say. Earlier this year, leading opposition figure Kem Sokha was sentenced to 27 years prison on alleged treason charges, and key news outlet Voice of Democracy shut down. Story continues It is the second election in a row where Hun Sen has targeted democratic institutions and crippled the opposition before voting day, analysts say. In 2018, his Cambodian People's Party won every single seat in the 125-seat National Assembly after the main opposition alliance was dissolved by the politically controlled courts. Seventeen other parties are participating in this year's election, but almost all are too small, new or are aligned with the ruling party to be considered credible challengers. The vote comes at an uncertain time for Cambodia's economy - with locals reporting struggles with rising fuel prices, stagnant wages and growing debts. Hun Manet is expected to take over from his father While Hun Sen is campaigning for re-election, he has flagged that this may be his last term. In 2021, he said would hand over control to his eldest son who currently commands the Royal Cambodian Army. Han Manet is a first-time candidate for a parliament seat this election and led the final day of party rallies in Phnom Penh on Friday. No timeframe had been given for the transition of power until Thursday, when Hun Sen signalled his son "could be" prime minister in three or four weeks. Hun Sen's party has won all six of the national elections held every five years since the 1990s, when the UN helped the Southeast Asian nation of 16 million people become a functioning democracy post decades of civil war and the murderous Khmer Rouge regime. Over four decades, he has consolidated power through control of the military, police and moneyed interests. Observers say he has dispatched opponents through co-opting, jailing or exiling them. More than 9.7 million people are registered to vote in the seventh election since the United Nations first sponsored polls in 1993 (TANG CHHIN SOTHY) Cambodia's ruling party declared on Sunday it was on course for a "landslide" victory in an election where all meaningful opposition to long-time ruler Hun Sen was eliminated before polling day. The 70-year-old former Khmer Rouge cadre has ruled since 1985 and faced no real contest in the vote, with opposition parties banned, challengers forced to flee and freedom of expression stifled. His Cambodian People's Party (CPP) is expected to retain all 125 seats in the lower house, prolonging his grip on power and paving the way for him to hand the reins to his son in a dynastic succession some critics have compared to North Korean politics. The only serious opposition party was disqualified on a technicality in the run-up to the polls and it will be a surprise if any of the 17 other small, poorly funded parties win seats. "We are winning a landslide," CPP spokesman Sok Eysan told AFP around two hours after polls closed, with counting underway. He later told AFP the party had won "between 78 and 80 percent of the votes" according to its own count. Some provincial results are expected to trickle in overnight, though the final tally of seats will not be officially confirmed for several weeks. More than 9.7 million people were registered to vote in Cambodia's seventh election since the United Nations first sponsored polls in 1993 after years of conflict, including the era of the genocidal Khmer Rouge, devastated the country. Whatever hopes the international community might have had for a vibrant, multi-party democracy in Cambodia over the past 30 years have been flattened by the juggernaut of Hun Sen's rule. Voter turnout recorded at around 9:00 pm (1500 GMT) was 85 percent and Hun Sen said this showed support for opposition groups had collapsed. "The Cambodian people won't let the cheating groups destroy the country," he wrote on his official Telegram channel. - Dynastic rule - Story continues With victory for Hun Sen all but assured, eyes will turn to Hun Manet, his son and anointed successor, after the veteran PM said he could hand over power within a few weeks. "We have exercised our civil right and responsibility and right... of citizens to vote to choose the party we love to lead the country," the 45-year-old scion told reporters after casting his ballot. Many wonder whether Hun Manet, educated in the United States and Britain, might bring change to the country -- though Hun Sen has made it clear that he intends to keep pulling strings even after his son takes over. Asked by AFP what he planned to do for Cambodia when he became prime minister, Hun Manet replied: "I have no comment on that." Rights groups have condemned the election, with a 17-strong coalition saying on the eve of polling that the ballot was of "profound concern". - Parties dissolved - The only real challenge to the CPP had come from the Candlelight Party, but Cambodia's electoral body refused to register it in May, rendering it ineligible to compete. With no meaningful challengers in the race, Hun Sen's arch-opponent Sam Rainsy said a key measure will be the number of voided ballot papers. "Of course the ruling party will get (nearly) 100 percent of the 'valid' ballots," Rainsy, now an opposition figurehead exiled in France, told AFP by email. "The surprise of the day will be the number and the percentage of 'spoiled' ballots." A CPP spokesman said voided votes accounted for three percent, as of late Sunday. Earlier, there was despondency among some people voting under a heavy police presence in Phnom Penh. "I don't feel excited or anything because there are no opposition parties left," Oum Sokum, 51, told AFP. But in a country that was torn apart by genocide and war within living memory, others said they were happy to vote for stability. "I want to vote for the person who can help the country become more developed. I want to live in peace and have harmony," Chea Phearak, 36, told AFP. Freedom of speech had been heavily stifled ahead of the election, with one of the few remaining independent news outlets closed this year. And Hun Sen ordered election laws changed last month, banning anyone who fails to vote in the poll from ever running for office -- a move that will affect exiled rivals such as Sam Rainsy. suy-thi-rbu/pdw/dhw Image: Tor Nightfire Chuck Tingle is famously (and infamously) known for self-publishing absurdist erotica that almost always skews queer. Despite ridiculous titles like Handsome Sentient Food Pounds My Butt And Turns Me Gay: Eight Tales Of Hot Food and Not Pounded By Bi Erasure Because My Current Hetero-Presenting Relationship Does Not Invalidate My Queerness, Tingles work remains steadfastly earnest, which continues with his newly-written horror story. Camp Damascus is Tingles first full-length, traditionally published novel, and it expands on the tongue-in-cheek themes of queerness and survival he first wrote about with 2021s Straight. Up in the mountains and nestled in the pastoral forests of Montana, Camp Damascus, the evangelical conversion camp, looms over the town of Neverton. Rose Darling, a young woman who is just stepping into self-awareness and womanhood, has never been to Camp Damascus, but she knows people whove spent time there. She picks out faces from her church group in the cheerful ads that play on the television. But nobody, not even her friends, seem to want to talk about what happens at Camp Damascus. Read more What Tingle does throughout this book is set up expectations and then within the very same chapter (sometimes on the same page), rips them to shreds, leaving the bodies bloody and gasping in the wreckage. Camp Damascus is a sometimes-violent, often-thrilling book that plunges its entire arm into the open chest cavities of church-blessed corpses, searching around for hearts and squeezing. Within the recognizable trauma of religious expectation, familial rejection, and meeting someone at the wrong time, there is an underlying supernatural strangeness that feels right at home within Tingles absurdist sensibilities. He never pushes the envelope of either horror or queerness too much, but the premise and execution are fast-paced, inventive, and evocative. Story continues Image: Tor Nightfire As Rose tries to figure out why shes suddenly coughing up mayflies, her father tells her that shes never had a bedroom door, her mother continues to play judgmental evangelical-themed redemption games as they walk through neighborhoods, and the church-appointed therapist doesnt seem to know much at all. Through the first act, the Darling family trades scripture for sentiment as Rose is haunted by a demon who only seems to appear when she has impure thoughtswhen she thinks about a girls laugh or spends a little too long staring at the pretty stranger sitting on the field. When she realizes that some of her memories are missing, she breaks into Dr. Smiths records and finds her name on the list of kids who attended Camp Damascus, Rose becomes obsessed with finding the truth. Rose is an incredibly compelling narrator who surrounds herself with found family and freedom fighters. She is deliberately written as autistic in a way that feels immediately recognizable and understandable, even for folks who are not on the spectrum. Her constant refrains, her curiosity, her obsessions, all of these little hallmarks of her personality make her very sympathetic. She is, however, a relatively straightforward protagonist. While she is pulled along by the plot (mainly driven by homophobic persecution, gaslighting, and literal embodiments of evil), there is very little gray area to her story. She is an abused, queer autistic girl, and there is not much done to complicate her good guy status. Tingle is incredibly precise when depicting real-world horrors; the use of religion as a cudgel for obedience, the emotional manipulation of a family who does not want you to be queer, the struggle to reconcile the truth of yourself with the image that people have of you. These scenes resonate in a reader, deftly turning the mundane horrific, and undermining the status quo that everyone around Rose seems to strive for. It is a fantastic sabotage, and allows us to fully support Roses decisions to change, even when theres a cost. While there are many moments that feel designed to pull at your heartstrings especially if youre queer and have lived experience that aligns with the kind of religious abuse and familial gaslighting that this book depictsthere is an underlying restraint to Camp Damascus. Its clever and terrifying, but with Tingles earnest dedication to happy endings, even if theres a cost, Camp Damascus is a very light kind of horror that refuses to let the bad guys win in any significant capacity. The horror and pain exist here, but neither push the boundaries of queer horror. It also lacks the nimble and frenetic mania of Tingles Straight, a novella that was very much without the kind of hesitation that traditional publishing might have imposed on Camp Damascus. The book is tame and its teeth filed down, if it had any to begin with. The sincerity, almost saccharine in its ending, is also Camp Damascus greatest strength. Tingle has crafted a book that is easy to enjoy because its direct, single-minded, and deeply reflects the queer experiences of its author and main character. It is neat and tidy, and not at all what I expected from Tingle. While there is some messiness, I greatly enjoyed the whole book and would happily recommend the novel. Camp Damascus exemplifies a horror story with an uncomplicated moral compass, making it easy to devour, and a clear extension of the positivity and wonder that Tingle himself radiates online. While Camp Damascus loses some of the weird in the process, it is a delightfully tingly book: just scary enough to be horror, but not so stomach-churning that it would turn people off the writing. Turning people on is, in fact, what its author does best. Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle is available for purchase now at Macmillan and Amazon. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. DETROIT (AP) Luis Campusano had four hits, including a home run, and the San Diego Padres routed the Detroit Tigers 14-3 on Saturday night for the 4,000th victory in franchise history. Manny Machado and Ha-Seong Kim also homered for the Padres, who trailed 3-0 after two innings. Jackson Wolf (1-0) won his big league debut, waiting out an 84-minute rain delay in the second. He gave up three runs on six hits and a walk in five innings. You're talking about your first major league start and you have to wait out a rain delay before you can go five innings and get the win, Padres manager Bob Melvin said. He threw about 75 pitches, and it must have felt like 125. That's more than most guys deal with in their first start, and he got the win. Mason Englert (4-3), who replaced Detroit starter Matt Manning after the delay, allowed nine runs and 10 hits in 2 1/3 innings. An hour and a half is just too long for Matt, especially since he just came back from an injury, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. We weren't in great shape with our bullpen, so we knew we were going to need to get as much from Englert as possible, and that's a tough lineup for that situation, because they just feast on mistakes. The Tigers took the lead just as heavy rain began to fall in the second. With two outs and fans being moved to the concourses because of lightning in the area, Zach McKinstry walked and went to third on Miguel Cabrera's single. Jake Rogers hit an RBI double just before the grounds crew covered the infield. When play resumed, Zack Short delivered a two-run single to make it 3-0, but Wolf didn't allow another run. (Padres pitching coach) Ruben (Niebla) was with me the whole time, telling me how other guys stay loose in that situation, and he made it easy, Wolf said. San Diego scored four runs in the third off Englert. Juan Soto, who homered twice on Friday, hit an RBI double and Machado followed with a three-run homer to left field. Story continues Fernando Tatis Jr. made it 5-3 with an RBI double in the fourth, and the Padres scored five more runs in the fifth. Brendan White replaced Englert and walked two of the first three batters he faced both on quick-pitch violations. Soto made it 10-3 with a two-run single. The umpires want to make sure both guys are engaged and ready, and they thought Brendan was going a little too early, Hinch said. Unfortunately, it was with three balls both times. San Diego scored once in the seventh and three times in the eighth including Campusano's homer before Short pitched a scoreless ninth inning. It has seemed like we've had to get everything from our big guys lately, and that's not how winning teams play, Melvin said. We need to get more contributions like we're getting from Kim at the top of the lineup and like we got tonight from the bottom of the lineup. ROSTER MOVE The Tigers optioned White to Triple-A Toledo after the game and will activate RHP Alex Faedo in time for Sunday's series finale. LONG WAIT With the victory, the Padres ensured their first series win in Detroit. San Diego entered the weekend with a 1-8 record in Michigan, including three losses in the 1984 World Series. ROUGH NIGHT Englert became the first Tigers reliever to allow 10 hits in an outing since Greg Gohr in Seattle on July 27, 1996. Gohr gave up eight runs, one fewer than Englert. UP NEXT The teams conclude their series Sunday, with RHP Joe Musgrove (9-2, 3.16 ERA) starting for San Diego against Faedo (1-4, 6.98). ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports Ron DeSantis has bragged about his time as a Navy lawyer at Guantanamo Bay, but in a canceled Vice documentary originally scheduled to air on Showtime, former detainees allege that he oversaw incidents they describe as torture and mistreatment. Officer DeSantis was one of the officers who oversaw the force-feeding and torture we were subjected to in 2006, an unidentified former prisoner said according to a transcript of the documentary, The Guantanamo Candidate, obtained by The Daily Beast. Another former detainee said in the documentary that DeSantis was one of the officers who mistreated us and called DeSantis a bad person and a very bad officer. The documentary has stirred up controversy recently after news broke that Showtimes parent company Paramount canceled its May 28 scheduled air date, possibly for political reasons. According to a Semafor report, Paramount lobbyist DeDe Lea expressed concerns about the documentary. The decision to cancel came just one day after DeSantis officially announced his presidential campaign, per The Daily Beast. DeSantis came to Guantanamo as a 27-year-old. In the past, he has discussed the forced feedings as a response to detainees going on hunger strike. In a 2006 interview on a local CBS television station, DeSantis said a commanding officer asked him during the hunger strike, How do I combat this? Hey, you can actually force-feed, DeSantis recalled responding. Heres what you can do. Heres kind of the rules for that. As part of my one-on-one interview with @RonDeSantisFL airing this Sunday on @CBSMiami's Facing South Florida, I spoke to him about his time as a JAG officer in Gitmo. (FYI @mahoneysthename and @haltman from @TB_Times ) pic.twitter.com/5Z4eqE9qFJ Jim DeFede (@DeFede) August 17, 2018 The Pentagon authorized the force feeding, in which detainees were bound to a chair while a nurse inserted a lubricated tube down their nose and then forced the detainees to ingest nutritional supplements that were poured down the tube. Lawyers for those detained at Guantanamo argued that this practice amounted to torture. Force feeding is banned by the United Nations Convention Against Torture. Story continues Mansoor Adayfi is another former detainee appearing in the doc. In an Al-Jazeera oped published in April, Adayfi described a time in 2006 when he was force-fed, and he saw DeSantis watching it happen. As I tried to break free, I noticed DeSantiss handsome face among the crowd at the other side of the chain link. He was watching me struggle. He was smiling and laughing with other officers as I screamed in pain, Adayfi wrote. DeSantis denies that any detainee could recall him specifically. Do you honestly believe thats credible? This is 2006. Im a junior officer. Do you honestly think they would have remembered me from Adam? Of course not, DeSantis said at a press conference this past April when the documentarys anchor, Seb Walker, inquired about his time at Guantanamo and the allegations. They are just trying to get into the news because they know people like you will consume it because it fits your pre-ordained narrative that youre trying to spin. Focus on the facts and stop worrying about the narrative. But according to the transcript of the Vice documentary obtained by The Daily Beast, Adayfi said of that moment, I cannot forget when he was there watching us with the force-feeding. You cannot forget that because those people left really bad scars in your soul. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Click here to read the full article. Hoover Police Department The boyfriend of Carlee Russell, an Alabama woman facing backlash after police cast doubt on her claims of a dramatic roadside abduction, is calling on those who accuse her of a hoax to lay off. The only thing I can say is, I want everyone to stop bullying her, Thomas Latrell Simmons was quoted telling the New York Post late Saturday. I know what it seems like what she did. Just stop bullying on social media, he said. Think about her mental health. She doesnt deserve that. She doesnt. Nobody deserves to be cyberbullied, he said. His comments come after Russell, a 25-year-old nursing student, sees increasing fallout over her alleged abduction, which police in Hoover say they have been unable to confirm. Russell was reportedly fired from her job at a spa in Birmingham this week after police announced to the public on Wednesday that they had been unable to confirm most of her account. Russell set off frantic search efforts when she vanished on July 13 after telling a 911 dispatcher shed stopped to help a young child wandering alone near the interstate. After mysteriously returning home on foot two days later, Russell told investigators shed been snatched by a man and then held in the trailer of an 18-wheeler, Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis said at a press conference earlier this week. According to Derzis, she had searched online for information on Amber Alerts and the abduction-themed movie Taken before her disappearance. Derzis also said that her claims of a toddler walking along the side of the interstatea claim that initially sparked fears she may have been lured out of her vehiclecould not be corroborated, and there was no evidence of a child being in the area at that time. Russells family has maintained that she was fighting for her life in the 49 hours shed been missing, and Simmons initially did, toobut by Thursday he had quietly deleted dozens of photos of Russell from social media, along with his comments about what happened. Story continues Russell has not yet commented publicly on the situation herself, and in their last update, police said they had not yet been able to secure a second interview with her after they first spoke with her following her return. An investigation into her high-profile disappearance and return is ongoing, with the Hoover Police Departments public information officer Keith Czeskleba telling USA Today investigators are confident they will be able to figure out what exactly happened while Russell was missing. We have not begun to count the number of hours and resources dedicated to this caseboth from our agency and partner agencies as well," Czeskleba was quoted saying. I cannot recall a missing person case like this in my time here certainly not of this magnitude. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Russian occupiers have destroyed the Palace of Culture in Chasiv Yar, Donetsk Oblast, which was being used as the city's humanitarian aid headquarters and a place for providing medical care. Source: Pavlo Kyrylenko, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, on Facebook Quote: "The occupiers started their attack on the city at dawn; [they fired ed.] cluster munitions. A fire broke out. Workers from the State Emergency Service rushed to the scene but were forced to stop their work because the Ruscists did not stop attacking. The Palace of Culture burned down." Details: Kyrylenko said a small supply of humanitarian aid and medical equipment was destroyed. There were no casualties. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Flash Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday condemned the recent desecration of the Quran in Sweden and Denmark in a phone talk. The two ministers said such "sacrilegious" acts contradicted human dignity and rights, according to a statement published on the Iranian Foreign Ministry's website. Amir-Abdollahian said the recent "insults" to the Quran in Sweden and Denmark have harmed the feelings of Muslims across the world. The Iranian top diplomat noted that he has proposed holding an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to convey a "strong message" from Islamic countries in response to such acts. Zardari, for his part, pointed to his participation in a meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council earlier in July, during which the council adopted a resolution that condemned and strongly rejected any advocacy of religious hatred, including the desecration of the holy Quran. The Pakistani top diplomat voiced his country's readiness for cooperation with Iran in countering such acts, stressing that Muslim states should place on the agenda criminalizing such actions and publishing the perpetrators through law enforcement. A copy of the Quran was burned by a group called Danske Patrioter in front of Iraq's embassy in the Danish capital of Copenhagen. The group's members also carried a banner with insulting slogans against Islam, before stomping on the Iraqi flag and a copy of the Quran. They said they made the move to protest against the Iraqis' attack on the Swedish embassy in Baghdad on Thursday. Hundreds of angry protesters stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad on Thursday and set fire to the building in protest against the desecration of the Quran and the Iraqi flag in the Swedish capital of Stockholm. From chef-driven fine dining to walk-up eats, several new restaurants are now open in Macon, Warner Robins and Byron. Most are family-owned and operated. All are independently owned. Four serve up authentic food from the native countries of their owners. Three offer carefully selected and prepared steaks and other choice dishes. One is a chicken joint. Two are pizza places. The newest in downtown Macon offers sharables, salads, dips and a couple of flatbeds. Heres thumbnail sketch of each these new stops that opened over the last couple of months. Cast iron ribeye steak at 3rd & Cherry in downtown Macon. Sophias on Second This new restaurant and cocktail bar can be found at at 428 Second St. in downtown Macon. The new spot offers shareables, including classic and spicy charcuterie boards, ahi tuna and Hawaiian skewers, as well as salads, including a summer salad and a caprese salad. Also on the menu are dips such as beer cheese and chorizo sausage and two flatbreads, Mexican and margherita. The new venture is brought to you by Ron Whidby and his business partners in the former spot of Lazy Susans Tapas Bar. The restaurant and cocktail bar is named after Whidbys daughter. He also co-owns Cashmans Pub at 370 Cherry St. in downtown Macon and The Library Tap House and Kitchen at 1530 Mercer University Drive. Sophias on Second is open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, 4 pm. to 10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. 3rd & Cherry This steak and seafood restaurant with a touch of Caribbean flair is nestled in downtown Macon at 379 Cherry St. Named after the corner where its located, 3rd & Cherry is the first restaurant for 45-year-old Heriberto Eddy Lopez, whos been working in restaurants since he was a teenager. Entrees include a 14 ounce ribeye, salmon with white wine sauce, lamb chops with mint jelly, Eidson shrimp, Liams chicken breasts and sesame crusted ahi tuna. Edison shrimp and Liams chicken are named after his two boys. For a taste of the Caribbean, try Caribbean Shrimp Mofongo. Story continues The restaurant currently is open only for dinner but is expected to add lunch hours in August. Hours now are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. The number is 478-216-5200. Liams chicken breast at 3rd & Cherry in downtown Macon. ZAAP Thai Street Food True to its name, which means delicious or spicy in Thai, ZAAP can be found at 670 Lake Joy Road, Suite 400, in Warner Robins. The restaurant is owned and operated by sisters Kai Patacharee Sintuwong and Kook Supranee Sritan and their cousin Annie Porntip Ngernngok. Among the variety of appetizers are crispy pork belly, garlic chives dumpling and bang bang shrimp. The six noodle dishes include Pad Thai, Pad Ma Ma Tom Yum Noodle Soup. Among the main course offerings are Pad Kana Moo Krop, barbecue duck and Thai fried rice with choice of protein. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. The number is 478-287-2080. Pad Thai with jumbo shrimp at ZAAP Thai Street Food in Warner Robins. Prominent Bar & Restaurant Owned by Mondrika and Thomas Tomlin, this bar and restaurant is just off Interstate 75 at 315 Ga. 49, Suite B, in Byron. The restaurant offers a weekly menu and rotates the Sunday menu to offer either a breakfast brunch or Southern dinner options. Some choices from the weekly menu include Prominent wings, Key house dip, batter fried conch, chef loaded potato, Prominent savory chicken and seasoned Sazon rice. Among the bar offers are signature cocktails and daiquiris. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 12:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The number is 478-654-5000. Royaltee seafood rice at Prominent Bar and Restaurant in Byron. The entree is described on the menu as seasoned Sazon rice with a combination of shrimp and crabmeat served with one snow crab cluster. Chevos Mexican Restaurant A family-owned restaurant, this Mexican spot is among a string of restaurants in a small plaza at 4921 Riverside Drive, Suite 2, in Macon. The Alaniz family a mother, father and their daughters serve up authentic Mexican food. Their restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring appetizers, nachos, soups and salads, specialties of the house, meatless options, fajitas, quesadillas, steaks and seafood. They recommend trying the Molcajete Mexicano, Mojarra Frita a la Diabla, the Alaniz steak and the Birria nachos. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. The number is 478-254-3476. Alaniz steak at Chevos Mexican Restaurant at 4921 Riverside Drive, Suite 2, in Macon. This dish is a 12 ounce grilled steak marinated with spices and soy sauce with steamed broccoli, carrots, cauliflower and half-dozen shrimp. Pig on a Pie While not new to Macon, this pizza and BBQ spot relocated next to Chevos. The restaurant offers a variety of pies from a classic cheese to various specialties such as a taco pizza to build your own. Also on the menu are fresh salads, breadsticks, pecan smoked wings, pizza sandwiches, pork by the pound and ribs. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and closed Saturday and Sunday. The number is 478-781-3430. The barbecue chicken pizza and chicken bacon ranch pizza at Pig on a Pie in Macon. Delicias Salvadorenas Mercedes Martinez Perez, and her daughter, Christina Estrada Martinez, natives of El Salvador, own and operate this walk-up restaurant in a yellow and orange building with red trim at 415 Green St. in Warner Robins. The spot also lives up to its name, which translates to Salvadoran Delights. Offering authentic Salvadoran street food, the simple menu includes a variety of tacos, pupusas and tortas. Hours are now 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Stop by to place and pick up an order. Everything is made fresh on site. Asada tacos at Delicias Salvadorenas, a new walk-up restaurant at 415 Green St. in Warner Robins. The Cotton Ranch This new high-end steak restaurant in downtown Macon is open only for dinner at 347 Cotton Ave. in downtown Macon. Executive chef Michael Galloway, of the former Tic Toc Room, oversees the back of the house, while his wife, Eve Wise, the head bartender, runs the front of the house. Entrees include rack of lamb, bone-in ribeye, blackened New York strip, an 8-ounce filet, Wagyu pot roast and bourbon glazed salmon. Hours are 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The number is 478-216-5011. An 8 ounce filet topped with mushroom red wine sauce and served with choice of baked or sweet potato and collard greens or vegetable of the day. No Name Chicken This popular chicken joint now has a second location in Warner Robins at 2706 Watson Blvd., Suite 1, with plans to expand into Macon. The first No Name Chicken is at 778 Ga. 96 in the Kroger shopping plaza. With a catchphrase of our food is so good we couldnt name it, No Name Chicken is known for crispy wings with homemade sauces, sliders with chicken tenderloins on a Hawaiian bun, also with sauce choices, and street fried rice. The same people behind the popular Fried Green Tomatoes restaurants in Middle Georgia are also behind No Name Chicken. Watson Blvd. store hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and the number is 478-333-1335. The Ga. 96 store is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and the number is 478-313-5422. A No. 2 wings combo at No Name Chicken with Honey BBQ and Louis Louis sauces, crinkle fries and corn slaw. CowPies Pizza Co. Known for its clever name and specialty pies, this popular pizza joint can be found in a shopping strip at 3955 Arkwright Road in Macon. Co-owners Josh Walsh, John Wright and J.P. Williams opened their first CowPies Pizza Co. late last year at 6001 Watson Blvd. in Warner Robins. Specialty pizzas include the cowboy and cheeseburger pizza. Hours at both locations are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Contact the Macon store at 478-259-1855 and the Warner Robins store at 478-333-5030. A CowPie Deluxe small pizza with pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushroom, green peppers, onions, black olives from CowPies Pizza Co. KJK Jamaican Kitchen Owner and Chef Kirk Henry, a native of Jamaica, offers authentic island cuisine with a flair of Southern soul at 3348 Vineville Ave. in Macon. Henry offers traditional Jamaican food such as oxtails, curry goat and ackee and salt fish. He also weaves in a little Southern comfort with his jerk pork ribs, cornbread, mac-n-cheese and potato salad. His Jamaican specialties include red snapper, rum fire shrimp, brown-stew chicken, chicken curry and roti. Other offerings include curry chicken, veggie patties, festival bread, conch soup (based on the availability of the conch meat), plantains and potato pudding. Hours are 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The number is 478- 259-2398. A child in a pull-up diaper was found wandering a Charlotte street on Saturday morning before his parent was finally located later in the evening, police said. The child told police his name is Cane, spelling unknown, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said on Twitter. At 6:30 p.m., CMPD said on Twitter that the childs parent had been found and that any additional information will come from CMPD Public Affairs. Hours earlier, police had released a photo of the smiling 3- or 4-year-old in hopes someone recognized him and knows why he was alone near the 5100 block of Brooktree Drive, off Freedom Drive in west Charlotte. The block of Brooktree dead-ends into woods, Google Maps shows. The child was walking toward Toddville Road when a concerned citizen spotted him around 10 a.m., police said. The toddler had a white T-shirt on, is Black, 3 feet tall and weighs 40 pounds, according to CMPD. The boy has shorter-than-collar length corn rows. A brain-eating amoeba killed a Nevada child possibly exposed during a visit to a hot spring, state health officials reported. The child died following a trip to Ash Springs, a natural hot spring on federal land in Lincoln County, the state Division of Public and Behavioral Health said in a July 20 news release. Testing by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed Naegleria fowleri, commonly called a brain-eating amoeba, as the cause of death, officials said. A Facebook post by the childs family identified him as 2-year-old Woodrow Turner Bundy, who died after seven days of illness. Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic single-cell amoeba that occurs naturally in the environment, health officials said. It can cause brain infections leading to death. Naegleria fowleri lives in soil and warm fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs, the release said. The ameba infects people by entering the body through the nose and traveling to the brain. It is not spread from person to person. Symptoms of an infection include severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting and progress to stiff neck, seizures, and coma that can lead to death. There is no way to eliminate the amoeba from water, officials said. Naegleria fowleri infections in the U.S. are rare, according to the CDC. Between 2013 and 2022, a total of 29 cases were reported. Infections occur mostly during the months of July, August and September. The CDC advises you to avoid jumping into warm fresh water, especially in summer, avoid putting your head underwater in hot springs and avoid digging or stirring up sediment in warm, fresh water. Lincoln County is about 160 miles northeast of Las Vegas, near the Utah border. Boy dies after contracting brain-eating amoeba possibly from Lake Mead, officials say Child likely died of brain-eating amoeba after swim in Nebraska river, officials say Rare brain-eating amoeba infects child swimming in California lake, officials say In Duval County, where the City of Jacksonville Emergency Preparedness wants to help kids find fun in being prepared. Parents can download coloring books with lots of pages to color and fun activities. Here is the link to download it. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Read: Wheelchairs 4 kids hit their goal this year for new accessibility equipment Read: Clay County is revealing the possible names for a new road [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Authorities have suspended the search for a missing 18-year-old Down East Maine lobsterman whose unoccupied boat was found adrift. The Coast Guard said in a tweet Sunday afternoon that the search for Tylar Michaud, of Steuben, which involved vessels and aircraft, was suspended after 40 hours pending further developments. Michaud was reported missing at 5 p.m. Friday when he did not return from a day of hauling and setting his traps near Petit Manan Point, the state Department of Marine Resources said in a statement. Petit Manan Point is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) east of Mount Desert Island. #UPDATE : @uscg has suspended the search after 40 hours. Crews from Station Jonesport & Station Southwest Harbor, CGC Sturgeon and Maine Marine Patrol & Air assets from Maine @NationalGuard, @MaineRangers & AirSta #capecod . The search is suspended pending further developments. USCGNortheast (@USCGNortheast) July 23, 2023 His boat, Top Gun, was found at Friday by a local fisherman. The Maine Army National Guard, the Maine Forest Service and many good Samaritan boat operators and community members have helped with the search. The search was hampered Saturday by fog that limited visibility, the Marine Patrol said. Michaud was a 2023 graduate of Sumner Memorial High School, according to a statement release by Principal Jackson Green. Michaud was not only an exceptional student but also a compassionate, kind-hearted individual who always went above and beyond to lend a helping hand to others. His smile and unwavering positivity brightened the lives of everyone he encountered, leaving a lasting impression on the hearts of teachers, staff, and fellow students alike, Green said. Story continues The school is making mental health professionals available on campus on Monday to provide support for students, staff members, and community members, he said. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Columbus P\police officers on bikes patrol Downtown prior to Red, White & Boom. Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and other top Columbus officials such as the city attorney, auditor, public safety director and health commissioner failed to make the list of highest-compensated city employees for 2022. In fact, they didn't even come close largely, but not entirely, due to a $20 million police retirement buyout that paid $200,000 each to 100 longtime police officers who agreed to leave their civil service jobs. Including overtime, buyouts, other severance payments, court settlements, payouts of accumulated sick and vacation time upon termination and other forms of city financial compensation, Ginther's total pay of $205,463 put him 129th on the list of top paid city employees last year. But even taking out the $200,000 one-time retirement bonuses to 100 police officers, Ginther still ranked only 30th among the total highest-paid city employees in 2022. Ginther introduced the buyout in the wake of allegations of police brutality during social justice protests in Columbus following the May 2020 murder of George Floyd Jr. in Minneapolis and subsequent police shootings of Black residents in Columbus, including Ma'Khia Bryant and Andre Hill, who was unarmed. Ginther said at the time he introduced the buyout plan that some officers might be resistant to changes the city was making in response and that the buyout would help reform the Division of Police. The top 100 on the list of Columbus' highest-compensated city employees were all sworn Division of Police personnel: 66 officers; 21 sergeants; nine lieutenants; and four captains. All but one of the top 100 took the buyout, and the lone employee who didn't was also a police officer. The list does not include four deputy police chiefs whom the city agreed to pay $500,000 buyouts each as those payments didn't occur until after the close of the year. All of the top 100 last year were paid more than $262,900, even though most apparently didn't work a full year. On average, the top 100 received: $37,767 in regular pay; $4,031 in overtime; and $264,958 in "other" compensation. Story continues Columbus police on the scene of a fatal police shooting and a Franklin County Sheriff's deputy on, July 8 in an apartment building on East Livingston Avenue near South James Road on the city's East Side. In fact, the city paid a total of $224.54 million in "other" compensation, about 42% of what it paid in salaries and almost four times what it paid in overtime. Almost nine out of 10 city employees received "other" pay, with the median employee taking home $15,578, The Dispatch review found. On top of that, it paid out over $57 million in overtime pay, tacking on another 11% to the budget for regular salaries. While the median regular salary for the city's roughly 11,000 total employees was $50,464, almost a third of them, or 3,441, had taxable income of almost double that, collecting $100,000 or more. The median city employee took home 32% more than their regular salary last year, and 921 employees at least doubled their regular pay, The Dispatch review found. What does 'other' pay include? The other pay column also can include "sick, personal and vacation leave" payments as well as "short-term disability pay, service credit payment (an annual longevity payment that is tiered based on years of service), car allowance, taxable tuition reimbursement ... safety forces residential incentive plan, sick leave reciprocity, sick pay at termination, vacation pay at termination, uniform allowance, hero pay, sick pay, annual holiday payout, plus any other earnings outside of regular worked hours and overtime," according to Amber Epling, a spokesperson for the City Auditor's Office. "In a nutshell, 'other' earnings are those received outside of ones regular pay" and overtime, Epling said in an email. For example, Dr. Mysheika Roberts, the city health commissioner, received $65,465 in "other pay on top of her $180,292 salary last year, which "includes all paid leave taken as time away from work, service credit payment, sick leave reciprocity, car allowance, and a lump sum payment due to a percentage pay increase," Epling said. Almost 1,800 Columbus Division of Fire firefighters and civilian employees collected $23.4 million in overtime pay in 2022, and another $54.6 million in "other" compensation, on top of their total $116.2 million in regular pay. Including the buyouts, the top 10 highest-paid were police officers, sergeants, commanders and lieutenants who received hundreds of thousands of dollars each in "other" compensation besides regular and overtime pay, ending the year with each having received a total of more than $350,000. That's more than double the about $160,000 a year what Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is paid. The highest-compensated city employee in 2022 was Columbus police Lt. Jimmie D. Barnes, who was paid a total $411,514, including $319,582 in "other" compensation, which the City Auditor's Office says could include an early-retirement buyout, a lump-sum sick and vacation settlement or other compensation. The bulk of that "other" pay, almost $95 million, went to employees in the Police Division. Over 3,300 out of almost 11,000 city employees received "other" compensation last year of $25,000 or greater, a Dispatch analysis of city payroll data shows. Of those, 1,690 worked for the Division of Police and another 1,168 for the Division of Fire, with the remaining 449 spread across 37 other departments. Of all 128 city workers who made more than Ginther, 114 worked for the Division of Police and nine for the Division of Fire. The five others are: a Development Department housing rehab technician who won an out-of-court settlement with the city concerning his termination (total pay: $251,475); city Health Commissioner Mysheika Roberts (total pay: $245,757, including $65,465 in "other" compensation); former Public Safety Director Robert Clark ($240,092, all in regular salary); Ginther's chief of staff Ken Paul ($213,311, including $1,000 in "other" pay); and a Utilities Department wastewater plant supervisor (who netted $206,839, including $112,049 in overtime pay and $50,752 in "other" pay, while earning only $44,038 in regular pay). City taxpayers paid for more than $57 million in overtime last year, spread across 5,657 city employees who collected an average of $5,189, The Dispatch found. Of them, 37% worked for the Division of Police, 26% for the Division of Fire, 5% for Public Utilities' Division of Sewage and Drainage and 4% for its Division of Water. The other 28% of employees were spread across 31 other departments. Three police officers were the top three in overtime pay, each netting between $139,795 and $143,876 in OT in addition to their regular salaries and "other" compensation. All of them made $250,000 or more last year about 14% more than the average family physician makes in Columbus, according to Salary.com. Next, beyond those three among the top OT recipients, was a city 911 dispatcher, who collected $135,182 in OT, about 2 times her $54,332 regular salary. She also netted another $15,074 in "other" pay. In all, 746 city employees took home more than $25,000 in overtime. That's about 43% of the median household income for Columbus, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Is this an efficient use of tax dollars? Ginther declined through a spokesperson to answer any questions directly for this story, including whether these compensation numbers show an efficient use of tax dollars to provide city services. The following prepared statement was issued on Ginther's behalf: The city is committed to a living wage for every city employee. Every full-time employee makes at least $20/hour, which is well over the average income in Columbus. Even so, we are finding it difficult to recruit and retain employees in a highly competitive job market, as are other employers. The vast majority of our highest-income workers fall under Public Safety, and I would argue that the work they provide is vital. Ginther's opponent in the November election, Joe Motil, said the city would be better off if it hired more employees and stopped paying them large sums to quit. "When does it end?" Motil said in an email. "And what did this buyout accomplish? I have yet to hear Ginther or any other public official explain this." Motil wondered aloud if the city is going to repeat the expensive buyout again five years from now, when more city police officers reach retirement age. "Mandatory overtime can result in fatigue and burnout, which can lead to a lapse in judgment for fire and police," Motil said. "Poor decisions due to burnout may cause unintended injuries to not only public safety employees, but citizens, too. In my opinion, both (police and fire) departments are understaffed, and overtime needs to be reduced." Top 10 Columbus city employees in total 2022 compensation Employee name Job class YTD total Jimmie Barnes Police lieutenant $411,514 Robert Strausbaugh Police commander $400,322 John Gagnon Police officer $397,658 Brenton Mull Police lieutenant $376,360 Larry Yates Police lieutenant $371,126 David Griffith Police commander $369,029 Dennis Kline Police sergeant $357,364 Terry Moore Police commander $357,023 Scott Hyland Police commander $351,877 Dennis Prestel Police officer $350,469 Top 10 overtime recipients in 2022 Employee name Job class OT YTD Adam Banks Police officer $143,876 Michael Exline Police officer $141,808 Troy Hammel Police officer $139,795 Patricia Todhunter 911 emergency dispatcher $135,182 Bruce Tyo Wastewater plant supervisor $112,049 Stephen Banks Police officer $95,693 Brian Steel Police sergeant $86,338 William Parry-Dillen 911 emergency dispatcher $85,422 Richard Arrowsmith Jr. Firefighter $82,875 Roderrick Stewart Firefighter $81,235 Top 10 highest salary city employees in 2022 Highest regular salary Employee name Job class Reg YTD Clark, Robert Public safety director $240,092 Bryant, Elaine Police chief $213,040 Kenneth Paul Chief of staff to mayor $212,311 Andrew J. Ginther Mayor $204,683 Michael Stevens Development director $202,591 Megan Kilgore City auditor $200,339 Zachary Klein City attorney $200,339 Jennifer Gallagher Public service director $196,636 Kathy Owens Finance director $195,194 Scott Messer Building and zoning service director $187,953 wbush@gannett.com @ReporterBush Get more political analysis by listening to the Ohio Politics Explained podcast This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Mayor Andrew Ginther 129th among city's highest-paid employees in 2022 Special counsel Jack Smith arrives to speak to reporters on June 9 in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP) We dont know what specific charges special counsel Jack Smith will pursue if former President Trump is indicted on allegations of attempting to overturn the 2020 election. We cant even be certain that there will be an indictment, although it looks imminent after Smith sent Trump a target letter last week. But thanks to persons briefed on the matter, presumably Trumps leaky lawyers, we know which federal statutes are likely to form the basis of Smiths case, and they suggest what some of his charges will be. According to several news organizations, the target letter mentions three laws that would enable Smith to charge Trump with directing a vast conspiracy to undo President Bidens election by fraudulent means. Alternatively, they would allow Smith to charge the former president with a limited number of improper acts aimed at the same purpose. I talked with former prosecutors and defense lawyers last week, and they all had similar advice for Smith: Make the case streamlined, focused and clear. Go for the simplest charges you can, former federal prosecutor Paul Rosenzweig said. Focus on actions that are readily and directly tied to Donald Trump. Read more: The newest third-party mirage Keep it simple, stupid, echoed Norman Eisen, a former defense lawyer who is a fellow at the Brookings Institution. Dont try to jam everything in. You dont want to run the risk of confusing a judge or a jury. Trumps effort to block Bidens victory included a long list of potentially illegal acts. The then-president jawboned officials in states he lost to declare him the winner anyway. He asked Georgias secretary of state to find 11,780 votes, the number he needed to win. Trump and his allies developed a scheme to submit phony electoral vote certificates to Congress to replace Bidens real electoral votes. And he encouraged his supporters to march to the Capitol and fight like hell on Jan. 6, 2021, the day Congress was scheduled to certify Bidens victory. Story continues Thats a lot of potential charges too many, possibly, for a jury to focus on. Smiths target letter suggests that hell probably settle on a shorter list. Lets take the three statutes in turn, beginning with conspiracy to defraud the United States, which basically means attempting to interfere with government functions by dishonest means. Case in point: the bizarre fake elector scheme, in which GOP activists in eight states represented themselves as legitimate electors even though Biden had won the most votes. The plot failed, but it was central to Trumps larger attempt to invalidate Bidens victory. It shouldnt be too hard to convince a jury that the scheme qualified as deliberate fraud. The activists declared they were their states true electors in official-looking statements sent to then-Vice President Mike Pence in his role as presiding officer of the Senate. Those documents may now serve as damning evidence of an attempt to defraud the United States. Moreover, the chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, Ronna McDaniel, told the House Jan. 6 investigators that Trump had personally asked her to recruit alternative electors evidence that the president was directly involved. The second statute on Smiths list prohibits obstructing federal proceedings. That would probably produce charges focusing on Trumps efforts to block Congress from certifying Bidens election on Jan. 6, including his relentless pressure on Pence to halt or delay the process. The Justice Department has charged more than 300 of the Jan. 6 rioters with this offense. Many of the defendants said they invaded the Capitol to try to disrupt the certification; some believed they were acting at Trumps behest. It only seems fair to subject Trump to the same scrutiny. Its probably a stronger charge against Trump than it is against the rioters, said Donald B. Ayer, a former top Justice Department official in the George H.W. Bush administration. The third statute prohibits any conspiracy to deprive people of their constitutional rights, including the right to vote and have their votes counted. It has been used to prosecute officials who tried to rig elections or interfere with vote counting. In the view of some lawyers, this statute could apply to almost any illegitimate action Trump took to change the outcome of the election. The challenge for Smith will be to confine it to a few easily provable counts. Whats missing from this list? Inciting to riot or abetting an insurrection. Thats probably because those charges could be difficult to prove and become distractions in a trial. An incitement charge raises 1st Amendment problems, Ayer said. And an insurrection charge comes with a lot of complexities, beginning with the definition of insurrection. That suggests that Smith is already doing what the former prosecutors hoped: keeping the case focused on a few charges that could be relatively easy to prove. Theres also time pressure at work, Rosenzweig added. Part of the incentive to keep it simple is to get it done before the presidential election. If the case lands before a judge who wants to move quickly, he said, he could see this coming to trial next May or June. That will be the tail end of next years primary election season and about the same time Trump will be tried over hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Its going to be a busy spring. Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Daniel Rossi-Keen Over the past six weeks, 16 Beaver County stakeholders have been working closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to determine how best to manage the $5 million Environmental Mitigation Community Fund established due to Shells repeated air pollution violations at its Monaca facility. As a member of this newly formed steering committee, I have had a front row seat to this unfolding story. And, as a vocal and ongoing proponent of increased transparency surrounding community decision making, I thought it would be important to reflect publicly here on what I have been observing throughout this important process. To begin, let me offer a quick overview of what got us to this point. On May 24, Shell and PA DEP entered into a legally binding agreement called a consent order and agreement. This document outlined various violations committed by Shell in recent months. As a result of such extensive and ongoing violations, Shell is now obligated to provide nearly $10 million in payments of various sorts. Roughly half of these payments will go to DEP, in the form of a fine. Up to a quarter of that $4,935,023 fine will be available to Potter Township, with the remaining three quarters of the fine going directly to PA DEP. More: Shell to pay $10 million for air violations and restart cracker plant production What I have described to this point is standard practice in the face of corporate violations of the sort we are considering. When a company violates the law and a penalty is assessed, those funds are split between the affected municipality and PA DEP. Often, that is where the story ends. However, in this recently signed agreement with Shell, something new and unusual was included. Beyond the standard fine levied against Shell, provisions were made in the consent order and agreement to establish a $5 million Environmental Mitigation Community Fund to be used to fund or implement projects that benefit the environment, health, and quality of life of the community near Shells facility. The details of the agreement about the community fund were intentionally vague, ceding the authority and responsibility for allocating such funds to a group and process to be determined by representatives from the community. Story continues Throughout the months of June and July, Fernando Trevino, PA DEPs Special Deputy Secretary for the Office of Environmental Justice, has been meeting with as many community members as possible. At this stage of the process, the goal was to meet with visible, engaged, and informed leaders, with a particular focus on stakeholders who have been publicly addressing Shells presence in our community all along. Along the way, dozens of meetings have been held. Considerable consultation and fact-finding occurred. And, as the result of that process, 34 potential names were brought forward for consideration. From that initial list, 16 committee members were selected, with an eye toward as wide a representation on the committee as possible. More: Community panel to make plan for Shells $5 million air quality settlement fund The steering committee has been meeting regularly for several weeks and has now released a protocol that outlines who will be eligible to apply for funds and what kinds of criteria and processes will be in place to adjudicate the suitability and strength of submitted proposals. Over the next weeks, further details will be made public, outlining how and where to apply for funds. Once the steering committee has concluded the work of sorting out how, to whom, when, and under what circumstances funds can be distributed, a selection committee will be formed to receive and review submitted proposals. The process of generating this committee will unfold much like described above, with feedback about who should serve on this selection committee being solicited from as many visible, engaged, and informed community leaders as possible. Once the submission process is outlined in greater detail and after a selection committee is empaneled, submissions from the public will be received and reviewed. Tentatively, the thinking is that this process may be complete in the fall of this year, with funds being disbursed by years end. All of what I have described above was covered in extensive detail at a July 13 public meeting held at the Community College of Beaver County. RiverWise and BCMAC both of whom are represented on the steering committee streamed the event live. Should you be interested in learning more, you can find a recording of that event on the Facebook pages of both organizations. I will have much more to say about this unfolding process in future columns. But, let me just wrap up by reiterating a few things that I and others said at last weeks public meeting about the matter. First, let me transparently say that none of what is happening is ideal. The fact that a community fund is needed because of such violations is tragic. The need for this process to proceed under considerable time constraints is unfortunate. And the number of people who have been included in the process could undoubtedly be larger and more inclusive. Each of these observations and many more could justifiably be raised against the process I have described above. But and this is the most important point for me for all its admitted flaws, this process has nevertheless been both noble and healthy for our community. Second, it is important to note that the establishment of such a community fund represents a critical step forward in leadership and accountability. Gov. Shapiro, Secretary Negrin, and Special Deputy Secretary Trevino should each be commended for their commitment to this process. Our communities, and those around the Commonwealth, should be encouraged that something new is possible as it relates to corporate accountability and community agency. Finally, if we get this process right and I believe that so far we have been doing just that this undertaking can significantly grow Beaver Countys capacity and maturity in advocating for itself and its interests. Already, I have been hearing from multiple community members and organizations who are thinking creatively and strategically about how such funds might be put to best use to mitigate the effect of Shells ongoing violations. Collaborations are beginning to form or are deepening in preparation for submitting a proposal. And imagination is being exercised at various levels about how such a fund might help to push back against the underlying realities that necessitated its formation in the first place. Each of these things are good in their own right and will undoubtedly benefit communities around Beaver County in various ways. As I often tell organizations with whom I work, the challenges and opportunities we are facing as a region are growing with every passing day. My desperate hope is that our communities will continue to rise to the challenge of responding to both. If and until there is good reason to think otherwise, I remain optimistic that the processes described above are benefiting our community in many ways. Much work remains to be accomplished by each of us to ensure that continues to happen. For my part, I promise to be engaged as much as possible in helping to shed light on this unfolding process in the weeks and months to come. Daniel Rossi-Keen, Ph.D., is the co-owner of eQuip Books, a community bookstore in Aliquippa and the executive director of RiverWise, a nonprofit employing sustainable development practices to create a regional identity around the rivers of Beaver County. You can reach Daniel at daniel@getriverwise.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY NETWORK: Community Matters: Heres whats happening as the result of Shells recent fine Two Dorchester men were held without bail and a Roxbury woman is also charged in connection with a triple stabbing that happened near a shelter on Southampton Street last week, after which police recovered a knife, a machete and two firearms loaded with live rounds, the district attorney said Sunday. Juan Shanks, 33, of Dorchester was deemed dangerous and ordered held without bail by Judge David Poole during his arraignment Wednesday. He is charged with armed assault to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, a knife, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in a statement. Shanks has long criminal history including a lengthy juvenile record. Shanks has served time for resisting arrest, making threats, possession of a firearm without an FID card, assault with a dangerous weapon, defacing a firearms serial number and assault and battery of a police officer, Hayden said. Jaden Mathieu, 20, of Dorchester was ordered held without bail by Judge David Poole pending a dangerousness hearing on Wednesday. He is charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, a firearm; carrying a firearm without a license, and possessing ammunition without an FID card, Hayden said. Mathieu has a history of gun related offenses and an additional open firearm case in Roxbury, Hayden said. Mikia Steed, 38, of Roxbury was charged with two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, a shod foot and milk crate. Judge Debra DelVecchio set bail at $2,500 and issued a stay away and no-contact order between Steed and Mathieu and Shanks, Hayden said. Steed has an open warrant in Suffolk Superior Court for a masked armed robbery that occurred in December 2022. Around 11:37 a.m. on July 15, officers were patrolling the area of Bradston and Atkinson streets when they were alerted by staff from the Southhampton Street Shelter of two victims suffering from stab wounds to the back, Hayden said. Officers were directed to the first victim, later identified as Shanks, laying on the street in front of the shelter, being treated by nursing staff. The second victim, later identified as Steed, was found in the shelters lobby, also being treated by staff. Story continues While administering first aid, responding officers were instructed to be cognizant of the hundreds of open, uncapped hypodermic needles in the area, Hayden said. Both Shanks and Steed were taken by ambulance to local hospitals. A third victim, later identified as Mathieu, went by himself to Boston Medical Center, with a stab wound to the back, Hayden said. Video surveillance captured the stabbing incidents, authorities said. The video shows Shanks being approached by a man, later identified as Mathieu, who appears to be holding a firearm, Hayden said. Mathieu strikes Shanks in the head with the butt end of the firearm before losing control of the weapon and letting it fall to the ground. The firearm is picked up by another man in a purple T-shirt, later identified as Jose Alicea, who appears to place it in his waistband. Alicea then walks under a canopy connected to a green tent on the corner of Atkinson and Southampton streets. Police later secured the tent and recovered two firearms. Alicea has not been charged. Shanks and Mathieu are seen on video wrestling on the ground, when an unknown suspect wearing a dark- colored hooded shirt and red pants approaches Shanks and stabs him in the back. Shanks is then attacked by multiple people including Steed. Steed, who is wearing heavy footwear, then punches, kicks, and hits Shanks with a milk crate. Shanks then gets up and chases Steed, stabbing her several times in the lower back. The video shows several security guards nearby trying to intervene and stop the fight, and while doing so, Shanks tosses an object that is later identified as a knife. Steed then walks into the lobby of the shelter and collapses next to the security checkpoint. Then, the video captures an unknown suspect, wearing a green T-shirt and blue jean shorts, approach the scene wielding a machete, which was quickly confiscated by a security guard. This person and the suspect wearing the dark-colored hoodie and red pants have not yet been identified. Shanks, Steed and Mathieu all suffered non-life threatening injuries. Investigators found a folding knife in Shanks pants pocket. Hayden praised police and the shelters security and treatment staff for their actions during the incident, which occurred in an area that is known for its high homeless population and illicit street activity. Whats happening at Mass and Cass is a human tragedy and a community nightmare. This alarming violence illustrates, yet again, the urgent need for a collaborative approach combining all our resourceslocal, regional and state, Hayden said. Police and prosecutors continue to target serious offenders and we are seeking additional funding for our Services over Sentences program, which helps low-level offenders escape the area. But without a comprehensive approach a solution will never be adequately addressed. Mathieu, Steed and Shanks were all arraigned in the Boston Municipal Court in Roxbury on Wednesday. Mathieu is due back in court for a dangerousness hearing on July 26. Steed will return to court on Aug. 18 for a pre-trial hearing. Shanks will return to court for a probable cause hearing on Aug. 25. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW FIRST ON FOX: Rep. Cori Bush's campaign has funneled tens of thousands of dollars to her new husband, Courtney Merritts, for private security and other expenses during the first half of 2023, filings reviewed by Fox News Digital show. The Missouri Democrat's campaign, which blew past the second quarter filing deadline and could face potential fines, finally submitted her committee report on Saturday, a week after it was due. The new filing shows Merritts pocketed $17,500 for security services and "wage expenses" between April and June. These payments follow the $12,500 that went to him during the first quarter for private security services, bringing his total to $30,000 for the year. During this time, the "Squad" member also moved $62,000 to the St. Louis-based PEACE Security, which hires several "security operators" with military or law enforcement experience, despite her opposition to them, their website states. The campaign also paid Nathaniel Davis, who has claimed he's 109 trillion years old and can summon tornadoes, $27,500 for security services during the first half of the year. CORI BUSH'S CAMPAIGN TOPS HALF MILLION DOLLARS TOWARDS PRIVATE SECURITY AFTER CALLING TO DEFUND POLICE Bush has said she requires protection due to previous attempts on her life. Since 2019, she's dropped over a half million dollars into such expenses, which mainly has gone to PEACE Security. Bush has paid thousands to her husband for personal security services. Shortly after Bush and Merritts married in February, her office announced they had been together before she entered Congress in 2021 more than a year before she added him to her campaign's payroll in January 2022. Her campaign sent Merritts bi-monthly $2,500 checks totaling $60,000 last year while disbursing hundreds of thousands to the protection firm. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Merritts, meanwhile, did not have a private security license as of late February, Fox News Digital reported. Individuals must have a permit to perform security functions in St. Louis and its neighboring St. Louis County, which encompasses Bush's entire congressional district, a local official said at the time. Story continues Bush has paid her husband while dishing out hundreds of thousands to a security firm. Merritts also did not appear in a Washington, D.C., database of licensed security specialists, and Bush's campaign did not respond to several prior emails on the matter. The payments have subsequently triggered at least two FEC complaints from watchdog groups. Even before adding Merritts to her payroll, Bush faced criticism for using private security. In July 2021, Fox News Digital first reported on Bush's security payments while pushing to defund police, prompting CBS News inquiries about the cash and whether it was hypocritical to hire a security detail while pushing to strip money from law enforcement. 'SQUAD' REP CORI BUSH HIT WITH FEC COMPLAINT OVER PRIVATE SECURITY PAYMENTS TO HUSBAND "They would rather I die?" Bush asked. "You would rather me die? Is that what you want to see? You want to see me die? You know, because that could be the alternative." The progressive lawmaker said she would ensure she has security because she has had attempts on her life and has "too much work to do." "So suck it up, and defunding the police has to happen," she added. Rep. Ilhan Omar's, D-Minn., husband, Tim Mynett, tweeted out a picture of him and Merritts last summer celebrating Bush's 40th birthday party. Local St. Louis' KMOV4 subsequently found that Bush had hired two sheriff's deputies as part of her security. The discovery of their unapproved side gig led to their termination. Bush's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on her husband's payments. Flash Kenyan President William Ruto meets with Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, in Nairobi, Kenya, July 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) Kenyan President William Ruto on Saturday met in Nairobi with Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, with both sides pledging to deepen Belt and Road cooperation. Ruto asked Wang, also director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, to convey his cordial greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping. Noting that Kenya-China relations have been developing smoothly since the establishment of diplomatic ties 60 years ago, Ruto said strengthening friendly cooperation with China has become a consensus shared by all sectors in the country. Ruto highly praised China's efforts in growing relations with Kenya based on the principle of mutual respect. Kenya is firmly committed to deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with China, and is willing to strengthen inter-party exchanges, deepen cooperation in such fields as railway, highway, water conservancy, aviation and renewable energy under the frameworks of Belt and Road cooperation and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, in order to promote connectivity and regional integration in Africa and achieve win-win results, Ruto said. The Kenya president said that his country supports and will actively participate in the Global Development Initiative proposed by China. For his part, Wang conveyed Xi's sincere regards to Ruto. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 60 years ago, China and Kenya have treated each other as equals, supported each other and jointly strived for revitalization, Wang said, noting that the two countries have become good friends sharing political mutual trust and good partners engaged in win-win cooperation. China approaches relations with Kenya from a strategic perspective, and is willing to work with Kenya to take the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as a new starting point to align their strategies for revitalization with a focus on development and cooperation, and push their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to a new level in the new era, Wang said. The two sides should strengthen the strategic guidance of their leaders, enhance political mutual trust and increase exchanges between governments and political parties in various fields, Wang said. China firmly supports Kenya in safeguarding its sovereign independence and national dignity, fighting terrorism and taking a development path in line with its own national conditions, he added. China is willing to actively promote cooperation with Kenya in railway, highway, aviation, information and other fields while jointly advancing Belt and Road cooperation, the Global Development Initiative and the "nine programs" of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, so as to help Kenya advance its economic and social development and promote regional integration in Africa, Wang said. China stands ready to work with Kenya to practice multilateralism, preserve the central role of the United Nations in international affairs and the common interests of developing countries, promote the implementation of the Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa and safeguard regional peace and development, Wang said. On the same day, Wang also met with Alfred Mutua, cabinet secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of Kenya. Chris Heslop of the Canton Police Department, left, trains attack dog handlers at an abandoned school outside Canton, Ohio. Hannah Fowler for Insider Insider documented more than a dozen incidents where patrol dogs bit prison staff. One handler said it was 'the best job I ever had.' It was an early Sunday morning in October 2020 when corrections officer Iliana Velazquez "heard and felt a bone in her hand snap." As an incident report recounted, she'd been moving an attack-trained patrol dog between kennels in an Arizona State Prison Complex just outside Tucson, Arizona, when the dog clamped down on her left hand. In Iowa, an attack-trained patrol dog named Maverick bit a corrections officer on the right buttock in May 2020 while responding to a fight at the state penitentiary. The following September, a patrol dog named Oscar attacked Ryan Edwards, a Virginia Department of Corrections canine-officer trainee, during obedience training. The dog bit both of Edwards' forearms and his right hand, according to an incident report; he was immediately transported to a nearby medical clinic for treatment. Ryan Edwards was attacked on his forearms and hand by Oscar, a Virginia patrol dog, during training, according to this September 2021 internal incident report. Virginia Department of Corrections Insider identified at least eight state prison systems that have in recent years deployed dogs to attack people in state custody or as a show of force. The departments of corrections that deploy these dogs say the animals make prison facilities safer for corrections officers and prison staff members. Some departments argue that the presence of the dogs alone their barking and snarling is so intimidating that it deters many violent incidents before they take place. When employed as a use of force, prison administrators say, the dogs are a manpower multiplier that replace corrections officers in dangerous situations where they'd risk injury like breaking up a violent fight or forcibly removing someone from a cell, a tactic known as a "cell extraction." Records obtained by Insider reveal that from 2017 to 2022, patrol dogs employed by state prisons were commanded to attack incarcerated people at least 295 times. The dogs also went rogue and bit corrections officers or other prison staff members at least 13 times: three times in Iowa, four in Arizona, and six times in Virginia. The bites were sometimes severe, requiring emergency medical attention, even surgery. Story continues In 2018, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined the Iowa Department of Corrections $5,000 for dangerous working conditions including the use of patrol dogs, which had indiscriminately bitten prisoners, corrections officers, and canine handlers. In an unredacted OSHA report obtained by Insider through a public-records request, the OSHA inspector found that the Iowa prison system had failed to provide sufficient time for training the dogs; as a consequence, the report said, "the likelihood of officer injury from security animals is significantly increased." Jordan Doughty, a police officer with the Dover Police Department, gets trained as a dog handler by Tri-State Canine Services, based in Warren, Ohio. Hannah Fowler for Insider The labor union representing Iowa corrections employees did not respond to Insider's requests for an interview about the threat that patrol dogs present to workplace safety. Nor did the Virginia labor union that represents corrections officers, including canine handlers. Carlos Garcia is the executive director of the Arizona Correctional Peace Officers Association, the union that represents corrections officers. He's also a former canine officer in the Arizona prison system, and he agreed to review Insider's findings. He noted that nearly all of the recent bites on staffers in Arizona occurred in the dog kennels that employ people, like Velazquez, without specialized canine training. She was cleaning the dog kennels when a dog bit her hand so severely that she required emergency surgery. He said accidental bites incurred in routine training or during the chaos of a cell extraction were to be expected. "A dog is a loaded pistol," Garcia said. Read more of Insider's coverage of prison dogs: The secret terror inside US prisons Belgian Malinois are used to attack and terrify prisoners. I volunteered to let one bite me. Garcia said one of his dogs an animal named Duco bit him many times during training before becoming compliant. But some dogs, even after weeks of mandatory training, can still become indiscriminately aggressive, Garcia said. If a dog went "rogue" and routinely bit handlers or other staff, it's likely the dog would need to be euthanized, he said. The Virginia Department of Corrections argued in a 2022 court filing that patrol dogs protect the safety of the prison staff. But a former Virginia prison warden, Jeffrey Kiser, acknowledged in a June 2022 deposition that the department lacked data to substantiate its claims. Rick White, the current warden at Red Onion State Prison in Wise County, Virginia, told Insider that he, too, was unaware of any studies that establish the usefulness of the dogs. He said his own professional observations have taught him their efficacy in quelling conflict. Kathleen Dennehy, a corrections consultant who previously served as corrections commissioner for Massachusetts, said that despite the documented risk attack-trained dogs pose to staff and prisoner safety, some rank-and-file officers and the unions representing them were reluctant to give up any use-of-force options. She said many prison administrators felt the same way. Yet the toll on corrections officers can be extreme, particularly in Virginia, which uses the dogs more heavily than any other state. Matthew Johnson, a former canine officer at Wallens Ridge State Prison in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, told Insider that his last dog bit his forearm severely, leaving a 4-inch gash that required stitches. Records show that another dog, a 93-pound German shepherd called Oscar, bit at least two canine officers in 2021 and 2022. He was the dog who bit Ryan Edwards on both forearms and the right hand during training. Seven months later, according to an internal incident report, he bit another canine officer's hand, causing "serious injury," as the officer was trying to move Oscar to a new kennel. Oscar was eventually labeled by a training official as a "very concerning liability" and euthanized. Oscar, a Virginia patrol dog, attacked handlers at three prisons before a Virginia Department of Corrections administrator issued this May 2022 internal email requesting he be euthanized. Virginia Department of Corrections Getting bit by your own patrol dog is an expected even routine part of being a prison canine officer, Johnson told Insider. But he still describes it as "the best job I ever had." In Virginia prisons, patrol dogs and their handlers are expected to arrive first on the scene to any incident that may require force, such as a violent fight, and assume command, according to Johnson and two other former department employees. It's a high-pressure and high-risk mandate that puts canine handlers and their dogs at the front lines of some of the most violent episodes in Virginia's high-security prisons. Insider spoke with two former Virginia canine handlers, Johnson and Daniel Clinton, as well as Brian Mitchell, a former Red Onion corrections officer who went on to become a sergeant, lieutenant, and investigator at Keen Mountain Correctional Center, a high-security prison in western Virginia. All three said the department's overdependence on dogs could endanger staff members. "The challenge is, in the facilities, especially in the stairwells, it's a very tight place," Mitchell said. "Everybody's packed in there. The chances of someone getting bit are really high." Mitchell said he investigated an incident at Keen Mountain in which a canine officer did not have proper control over his dog as they came through a door and surprised a mental-health counselor just on the other side. The dog bit the counselor on her thigh. When Mitchell went to take photos for the internal investigation, he found a pool of blood on the boulevard between buildings. Brian Mitchell served as a corrections officer at Red Onion State Prison in Virginia, where attack-trained dogs are frequently deployed. Jeffrey Moustache for Insider "It was a pretty bad bite," Mitchell said. Officers responding to potentially dangerous situations risk more than just a bite when relying on a patrol dog. The requirement that handlers respond to violent incidents first puts them at heightened risk, the former staffers said, because if the dog fails to stop the violence, their handler is stuck defending themselves alone while tethered to the animal. Johnson said he was once caught responding to a fight without backup when his dog, Fuga, failed to effectively bite the prisoners involved. Fuga had previously cracked or lost all four of his canine teeth, but this was the first time he'd failed to latch on. Johnson said he was left to fight the prisoners alone, one-handed, while gripping Fuga's lead. Johnson said that immediately afterward, he requested a new dog and retired Fuga. In January 2021, an internal log report documents that a group of incarcerated people stabbed a sergeant at Sussex I State Prison and then attacked the responding canine officer. A VADOC press release issued the next day said the dog was also injured, stabbed multiple times. The dog required emergency surgery but survived. The constant vigilance the canine-officer role demands took a toll on Clinton, who was a canine handler for 12 years at Sussex I State Prison. His wife has told him he still shouts canine commands in his sleep, he said, nearly three years after he left the department. Mitchell, the former investigator, said that just witnessing a dog attack could be traumatizing for corrections officers. "The screaming, the fighting, the blood," Mitchell said. "It's just not something you forget." In an internal email, a Virginia Department of Corrections administrator acknowledges concerns about staff safety but says the "security of the institutions are far more important." Virginia Department of Corrections The vast majority of state systems do not use dogs even in high-security prisons in some cases because of the extreme risk of harm. A representative for the Arkansas Department of Corrections told Insider that the department had one patrol dog in 2012 but officers decided the dog was incapable of "discernment" and were worried he would attack indiscriminately. The program was scrapped not long after it started. Other prison administrators have consciously decided to shoulder that risk. In a 2017 email obtained by Insider, the administrator of a Virginia patrol-dog program acknowledged concerns following an accidental patrol-dog bite there. Using dogs in the stairways, the administrator wrote, put staff members and prisoners at risk of unnecessary contact, given the close proximity to the animals. The administration," the email concluded, "has indicated that the security of the institutions are far more important than the risks of these incidents." Read the original article on Insider The UK Costco offers several menu items not available in the US. Emma Kershaw I visited Costco in Manchester, England, to see which food-court items were the tastiest. The UK Costco's food court offered British staples, like baked beans and Aberdeen Angus cottage pie. It's worth a visit for a no-frills, quick bite to eat, though the whole experience was very chaotic. Before I moved to the US from England earlier this year, I paid my local UK Costco a visit for the very first time. I'd heard plenty about the warehouse's bulk offerings and large quantities of products but I was most curious to see what the food court had to offer. Costco has locations in several countries around the world and the store's food-court menu varies from place to place. In the UK, for example, customers can get BBQ-chicken pizza and enjoy England-specific comfort foods, like a cottage pie. In an effort to find the tastiest items at Costco in Manchester, England, I ordered every item off the menu to see which food would be my favorite. Before trying any food, I learned it was harder to get a membership than I thought. Getting into Costco was the hardest part of the experience. Emma Kershaw The first thing that surprised me before even stepping foot in the store was that I didn't qualify for a Costco membership. According to Costco's website, only members of qualifying employment groups can get a membership. Some of those groups include those who work in local government, education, insurance, and health services. I don't fall into any of those categories but Costco members are allowed to bring at least one guest during a trip, so I went along with my mom. She works for the National Health Service and is a Costco member. Once we arrived, I successfully tried the UK Costco food-court offerings. The food court was much smaller than I expected. The food-court area wasn't that big. Emma Kershaw When I arrived at the food court, my first impression was that the space felt cramped, closed-in, and chaotic. Standing in line to place a food order, it was hard to tell who was waiting their turn and who wasn't. The line surpassed the winding ropes that were meant to form an orderly snake of customers, and there were loads of shopping carts taking up space. Story continues Customers had to wait in line to order food. I waited in a long line. Emma Kershaw There were no contactless ordering options at this Costco so I had to place my order with one of the three team members manning the food court. Ordering itself was also challenging, as the area was so full of people and very loud. The staff members acting as cashiers were also preparing orders so service was slower than I thought it would be. I thought the tables were placed pretty close together. The tables in the food court didn't seem that far apart. Emma Kershaw I saw other customers struggling to squeeze past one another as they tried and failed to find a place to sit. I ordered an array of food from the UK Costco's menu. I got pizza, jacket potatoes with baked beans, and more. Emma Kershaw I didn't sit down to try the goods from the food court but I quickly got a snap of the meal before taking it to-go. I ordered the double chicken burger, chicken bake with bacon, Aberdeen Angus cottage pie, jacket potatoes with baked beans, slices of five-cheese, pepperoni, and BBQ-chicken pizza, ice cream, and a mango smoothie. Out of the items I ordered, the chicken sandwich, Aberdeen Angus cottage pie, jacket potatoes with baked beans, and BBQ-chicken pizza are exclusive to the UK. In total, my order came out to 25, or about $32. I started with the jacket potatoes with baked beans. The baked beans themselves were just OK. Emma Kershaw The jacket potatoes came loaded with baked beans, an English staple made from beans steeped in tomato sauce good for pairing with anything from potatoes to toast. The baked potato itself was pretty plain, as the star of the show was the baked beans on top. Though they weren't on par with my favorite brand Heinz Beanz they still had all of the components of traditional baked beans. They were soft, pretty tasty, and nicely coated in a rich and slightly sweet tomato sauce. The jacket potatoes with baked beans cost 2.50. I had high expectations for the Aberdeen Angus cottage pie. The golden-brown crust on the cottage pie looked appealing. Emma Kershaw My grandparents often cooked cottage pie for my brother and me whenever we visited so the bar was high when it came to Costco's version. Though it certainly was a hearty, warm dish that had all of the components of a traditional cottage pie minced beef, diced vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes it didn't live up to Grandma and Grandpa's version. I found some of the meat to be a little tough and the gravy to have a strong, unsavory aftertaste that I didn't like. Overall, I wouldn't reorder this dish. The Aberdeen Angus cottage pie was 3.50. There were three flavors of pizza to choose from. The BBQ-chicken pizza slice was huge. Emma Kershaw I ordered five-cheese, pepperoni, and BBQ-chicken pizza slices, splitting them and even bringing some home for my family to try. I thought the slices were massive and rivaled those of the classic New York City pizza parlors known for cooking up slices the size of your head. Out of the three flavors, my favorite was the five-cheese, which included mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan. I thought the pepperoni and BBQ-chicken slices were also pretty tasty but they weren't my favorite. I really enjoyed all of the slices' tomato sauce which was rich, flavorsome, and had a delicious tanginess to it. However, these slices were quite greasy, and I was very grateful for the abundance of napkins that were on hand. Overall, I'd try the five-cheese slice again, especially if I was after a quick, no-frills bite to eat. Each slice was 2. The chicken bake was a curveball. I thought Costco's chicken bake was doughy. Emma Kershaw Costco's chicken bake with bacon surprised me the most. I assumed that the item would be somewhat similar to a Greggs chicken bake, which is made with chicken pieces in a creamy sauce enclosed in a flaky puff pastry. In Costco's version, the filling contained pieces of chicken, bacon, and some vegetables in a creamy sauce but the bread threw me off. To me, the bread containing the filling was too doughy and overpowered some bites. I wasn't expecting to basically bite into a bread roll and wasn't fond of the textures of the doughy exterior and filling together. The chicken bake cost me 3.80. The double chicken burger was another UK-specific menu item. The double chicken burger was a hearty choice. Emma Kershaw I also grabbed the double chicken burger, which contained two fried fillets, lettuce, tomato, two cheese slices, and mayonnaise. The burger was a simple but tasty dish that I'd reorder if I had a craving for a meaty, savory sandwich. The chicken was tender, the bun was soft and warm, and the cheese added a welcomed change, as it's not something I usually see on other chicken burgers. The chicken burger cost 4.30. Proving its popularity, the hot dog had sold out. I wish I was able to try the Costco classic. Emma Kershaw I was really excited to try the fan-favorite all-beef hot dog, which came with a fountain drink. I also noticed huge vats of ketchup and mustard available. Unfortunately, the 1.50 hot dog was sold out so I couldn't enjoy the American classic this time around. The ice cream and mango smoothie were my favorite parts of the menu. The ice cream and mango smoothie were really tasty. Emma Kershaw Rather unexpectedly, Costco's mango smoothie was by far my favorite item from the food court. I thought the drink, which cost 2.50, was refreshingly fruity with no artificial aftertaste. Costco also offered a strawberry and white-chocolate sundae but I opted to keep things simple with a 2 vanilla ice-cream cup. It was soft, light, and not overly sweet. It reminded me of a McFlurry and I'd definitely order it again. I'd visit the UK Costco food court again, but only for some specific items. Some foods, like the chicken bake, were just OK. Emma Kershaw If the opportunity arose, I'd revisit the UK Costco food court just for the ice cream and the mango smoothie. If I was hungry and in a rush, I'd also grab a slice of the five-cheese pizza but it wouldn't be my first choice. Overall, the UK-specific food items, like the Aberdeen Angus cottage pie, were just OK. Most of the food I tried would be good in a pinch but I'd rather grab a bite from another chain. I think it'd also be interesting to see if any other UK Costco food courts are set up differently, as this one felt too small and disorganized to be an enjoyable experience. Next time I'm at a UK Costco, I'll prepare myself to wait in line if I want to order a dessert again. Read the original article on Insider Ukraine's counteroffensive may stall due to the lack of sufficient weapons and training of the Ukrainian military. Source: The Wall Street Journal Details: When Ukraine launched a counteroffensive in the spring of this year, the Western military knew that Kyiv did not have enough training and weapons from shells to combat aircraft to dislodge Russian troops. However, they hoped that Ukrainian courage and ingenuity would win. "They havent. Deep and deadly minefields, extensive fortifications and Russian air power have combined to largely block significant advances by Ukrainian troops. Instead, the campaign risks descending into a stalemate with the potential to burn through lives and equipment without a major shift in momentum." the WSJ says. As the likelihood of any large-scale Ukrainian breakthrough decreases this year, Washington and its allies face the disturbing prospect of a longer war requiring huge new investments in modern weapons and more training to give Kyiv a chance to win. The publication recalls that US President Joe Biden will participate in the elections in the fall of 2024. According to many people in Washington, the White House's concern about the impact of the war on the election campaign is prompting increasing caution about the amount of support that can be offered to Kyiv. At the same time, it is noted that American indecision contrasts with a change of views in Europe, where in recent months, more and more leaders have been inclined to believe that Ukraine must win the conflict and Russia must lose to ensure the security of the continent. But the European military does not have enough resources to provide Ukraine with everything it needs to dislodge the occupation forces from about 20% of the country's territory they control. Western diplomats say that European leaders are likely to significantly increase support for Kyiv if they feel the reluctance of the United States. Story continues At the same time, Ukrainian and Western intelligence says the Russian military has low morale due to exhaustion, poor supplies and civil infightings among Russian leaders. "Russia appears unable to seize the initiative and attack Ukrainian positions, but its forces remain robust enough to man hundreds of miles of fortifications and large numbers of aircraft, which are keeping Kyivs troops at bay", the WSJ said. The publication also reminds that no Western army would try to break through the established Russian defences without controlling the sky. Ukraine's lack of air defence and anti-aircraft weapons has allowed Russia to dominate in the skies over most of the front. If Ukraine receives the F-16 fighter jets, their impact on combat operations will depend on many factors, including the number of aircraft delivered, the complexity of their onboard equipment and the weapons systems they will be equipped with. The WSJ writes that employing modern fighters in combat will be also challenging, requiring a different level of synchronisation of Ukrainian operations. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Avery Perkins and John Weakley are getting married in November 2023. Avery Perkins and John Weakley High school sweethearts Avery Perkins and John Weakley are getting married this November. Perkins revealed she and Weakley saved $1,000 on their honeymoon by booking through Costco Travel. They told Insider they received a $300 gift card for booking through the travel agency. Honeymoons can be pricey, but one couple found a money-saving hack that slashed their resort package by $1,000. On May 16, Avery Perkins told her nearly 100,000 TikTok followers that she and her fiance, John Weakley, secured big savings using Costco Travel. "But besties, I've said it before and I'll say it again, y'all are not giving Miss Costco Travel the attention she deserves," the video read. Perkins, 25, and Weakley, 24, told Insider that they spent $7,700 to honeymoon on the island of St. Lucia, which will take place in November, two days after their wedding. The couple, based in Dallas, Texas, began dating as teenagers and remained together while attending Baylor University. "We don't travel that much unless we're traveling with family, so this will be our first solo trip," Weakley said. According to John, he and Perkins heard of Costco Travel but didn't consider the agency until a pastor mentioned it during a young adult ministry meeting. Some of Costco Travel's all-inclusive packages featured on its website. Costco Travel "The pastor was talking about how he'd gotten back from traveling to Italy and he recommended the entire congregation check out Costco Travel," Weakley said. "And I was like, 'Huh, a weird recommendation, but sure.' Sure enough, I looked at it and we started having discussions. Then all of a sudden, we're not even looking anywhere else but Costco Travel." At that point, Perkins and Weakley began comparing the Costco Travel packages to previous ones they'd considered. Eventually, they found a Costco Travel resort package identical to a $8,700 package they'd seen elsewhere, except the Costco Travel version was much cheaper. Story continues When Weakley called the St. Lucia resort to confirm the package, a representative told him that Costco Travel's prices are typically unmatched. "I called the resort itself and I said, 'Hey, is this legit? Is there some caveat or do I need to listen to some presentation or something to save this money?'" Weakley said. "They're like, 'No, not at all. Actually, we can't beat it. The moment you bring up Costco, we just bow out and say, look, we can't price match it, so just go ahead and book through Costco." An image of St. Lucia Buena Vista Images/Getty Images Additionally, the agency awarded Perkins and Weakley a $300 gift card for booking through their services. "We are balling on a budget, so we felt really good about it," Perkins said. "It's not the sexiest option, but when you're on a budget, it's a really good option for us." According to the Costco Travel website, the agency doesn't charge cancellation fees but must abide by the cancellation policies of their travel partners, including airlines and cruise lines. Costco Travel is exclusively for Costco members. Read the original article on Insider Extreme heat appears to be killing people in Americas national parks at an alarming pace this year, highlighting both its severity and the changing calculus of personal risk in the countrys natural places as climate change fuels more weather extremes. More people are suspected to have died since June 1 from heat-related causes in national parks than an average entire year, according to park service press releases and preliminary National Park Service data provided to CNN. No other year had five heat-related deaths by July 23, park mortality data that dates to 2007 shows, and the deadliest month for heat in parks August is yet to come. The deaths reported so far are still under investigation, but all five died in temperatures that hit 100 degrees, a searing microcosm of a much more widespread pattern of extreme heat that has broken more than 3,000 high temperature records across the US since early June. That kind of heat has proven an indiscriminate killer in the nations parks: A 14-year-old boy died on a trail in southwest Texas Big Bend National Park in 119-degree heat, his 31-year-old father died seeking help to save him. A 65 year-or-older man died hiking on June 1 in Big Bend. A 57-year-old woman died hiking a trail in Arizonas Grand Canyon National Park. A 71-year-old man collapsed and died outside a restroom in Californias Death Valley National Park after park rangers believe he hiked a nearby trail. A 65-year-old man was found dead in his disabled vehicle on the side of the road in Death Valley National Park, with park rangers suspecting he succumbed to heat illness while driving and then baked in temperatures as high as 126 degrees. Heat is the deadliest type of weather, killing on average more than twice as many people each year as hurricanes and tornadoes combined. But heat deaths are notoriously difficult to track in the US, with one 2020 study estimating that they were undercounted in some of the most populous counties. Story continues The National Park Service faces the same challenges, and told CNN that the true toll of this years extreme heat and recent past heat may be even higher. They need to collect and corroborate death reports with hundreds of individual parks and the equally vast and complex web of local and state officials that medically determine cause of death. As a result, some of the most recent death statistics from 2020 to 2023 could change significantly, park spokespeople said. Thats already proven true. Two of this years five deaths happened after the park service provided the data to CNN in early July. Still, the current statistics offer a glimpse into the deadly potential of this unrelenting heat, especially in its epicenter: the Southwest. Ground zero for extreme heat deaths All of this years suspected heat-related deaths took place in just three national parks: Grand Canyon, Death Valley and Big Bend. These three parks are also responsible for more than half of the 68 heat-related deaths reported by the park service since 2007. And thats no surprise all three parks are located in the nations oven, the Southwest, and all but one of the deaths happened west of the Mississippi River. Its normal for the Southwest to be hot. But the heat this year, especially the longevity of it, is far from normal. Phoenix, just a few hours south of the Grand Canyon, shattered its record for consecutive days at 110 degrees-plus and only dropped to 97 degrees overnight at times during the streak, a record warm low temperature. A recent report from Climate Central, a non-profit research group, found that the Southwest heat wave in the first half of July was made at least five times more likely by human-caused climate change. Average annual temperatures across the Southwest increased by 1.6 degrees Fahrenheit between 1901 and 2016, according to the Fourth National Climate Assessment, the federal governments periodic climate change report. The climate crisis has also worsened the regions most severe drought in centuries, which created an ongoing crisis over water supplies from the river that etched the Grand Canyon into the earth. And projections show that temperatures will continue to rise to the tune of 8.6 degrees resulting in 45 more days over 90 degrees each year for parts of the region by 2100 under the worst-case scenarios. The countrys national parks are ground zero for this warming. A 2018 study found that they had warmed twice as fast as the rest of the US from 1895 to 2010 due to human-caused climate change. National parks in the Southwest and in Alaska were the most severely damaged by human-caused climate change and experienced the most pronounced warming, said Patrick Gonzalez, climate scientist at the University of California at Berkeley and the studys author. But he also said that damage was happening all across America and all across our national parks. Carbon pollution from cars, power plants and deforestation human sources has already damaged our national parks, and in years like this we see the potential acute damage, severe one year damage, Gonzalez told CNN. Heat risk and damage to national parks will only increase if unabated carbon pollution continues, Gonzalez said. Thats changing the personal risk calculus for summer recreation now and in the future in increasingly hotter national parks. The deadliest activity you can do in heat A dramatic sunset over the Grand Canyon. - Nicolo Sertorio/Digital Vision/Getty Images The 300 million-plus people who visit the parks each year are already encountering warmer temperatures and are at a greater risk for heat illness as a result. Park visitation also peaks during the summer, furthering that risk. The park service doesnt universally keep track of heat-related illnesses that dont result in death, but multiple park representatives said the number of heat illnesses was much greater than heat mortality. Multiple medical responses a week that are probably heat-related happen during the summer at Death Valley National Park, park spokesperson Abby Wines told CNN. Grand Canyon National Park doesnt track heat-specific illness, but carries out hundreds of rescues and so-called hiker assists for less-severe issues most commonly because of lack of physical conditioning, park spokesperson Joelle Baird told CNN. Baird said they see a spike in ranger responses to heat-related illnesses when temperatures reach 95 degrees on trails at the midway point between the top and the bottom of the canyon. Extreme heat can trigger heat illness in as little as 20 to 30 minutes for people doing anything strenuous outdoors, like hiking, because heat acts as a perfect storm, which overloads the body until it eventually short-circuits and shuts down, Dr. Matthew Levy, a professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, told CNN. Hiking was the most common cause of heat-related death in the national parks data, representing more than 60% of all deaths. Park spokespeople said that typically, less-experienced hikers find themselves in compromising situations by overestimating their abilities or underpreparing for the heat, but heat illness and death can and has happened in experienced hikers, too. Maggie Peikon is a self-proclaimed avid hiker who has climbed some of the countrys highest mountains and even scaled an active volcano in Indonesia. She said part of the allure of hiking for experienced hikers is to challenge my will. But even so, she said, hiking in this kind of heat isnt worth it. Most of the challenges Ive pushed myself to do, theres a level of enjoyment there, and it just feels like a punishment to go out when its that hot, said Peikon, who works as the manager of communications at the American Hiking Society. I think Ive just learned what Im capable of, and thats not just from a physical standpoint, hiking is very mental as well, Peikon told CNN. That was something that has stuck with me on every single hike that I do, especially the challenging ones: What youre capable of is entirely up to you. Too hot to rescue Tourists stand next to an unofficial heat reading at Furnace Creek Visitor Center during a heat wave in Death Valley National Park. - Ronda Churchill/AFP/Getty Images Personal responsibility weighs heavily in the policy direction the individual national parks take when dealing with the heat. Parks proactively message visitors about the heat online and in signage posted at the trails that warns of the dangerous and tragic consequences of high temperatures. Death Valley posts bright red STOP Extreme Heat Danger signs at low elevation trailheads, which urge people to stay off trails after 10 a.m. and to hike only at high elevations, where temperatures are lowest. People are responsible for their own safety, Death Valley spokesperson Abby Wines told CNN. We try to get information out to people so theyre aware, but one of the problems with heat, I think, is that often people think its a matter of being tough enough. They think oh, I might be uncomfortable, but thats all and I can push through it. But heat is deadly. Its so hot in Death Valley that the park warns visitors that it cant and wont rescue people. We dont want to put our own staff at risk of heat fatality by doing a physical carry out in extreme heat conditions, Wines said, adding that the medical helicopter cant get enough lift to take off because temperatures are so hot. That was the case in the most recent death in Death Valley on July 19 when the temperature was 117 degrees, a park release notes. What parks seem to rarely do is close trails because of the heat. The park representatives CNN spoke to said there is no national policy or guidance to close if temperatures reach a certain level. Trails do close because of other kinds of extreme weather, including winter storms and tropical systems. Park officials said those decisions are made at the individual park level based on the hazards there and that it was technically possible individual parks could choose to close trails or limit access if the heat got too extreme. Trails in Lake Mead National Recreational area in Arizona and Nevada do close seasonally because of the heat, and Grand Canyon National Park has at least entertained the idea to close trails. It is something that Ive heard come up every single year, this time of year, so I dont think its beyond the National Park Service or Grand Canyon, Baird, Grand Canyon National Parks spokesperson, told CNN. I think the thought and stance has always been to push out more hiker education to try to change and influence peoples behavior rather than having a reactionary decision to close trails, because people can hike successfully. We just have to provide enough information and tools for them to be successful. Grand Canyon is the deadliest park for extreme heat with 16 deaths since 2007, the preliminary data from the National Park Service would suggest, a toll Baird said would be much higher if the park didnt also have one of the most robust and proactive responses to heat. Grand Canyon pioneered a Preventative Search and Rescue team after a particularly dangerous and taxing year for rescue teams in 1996. Emergency Services Coordinator James Thompson observes and directs operations during a search and rescue training exercise at the Grand Canyon. - Grand Canyon National Park The teams are medically trained and meet hikers at the start of trails to make sure they are adequately prepared for the journey, provide assistance with water or snacks and even contact and check in with hikers once theyre on the trails. This preventative approach has decreased the number of expensive, last resort search and rescues that are typically done via helicopter. But despite these efforts, there are still between 300 and 350 search and rescues each year at Grand Canyon and there have been 172 so far this year, with around 70 coming since Memorial Day. Grand Canyon is an amazing place, everyone should hike into the canyon if they have the ability to do so, Baird said. However, this time of year is not optimal. Park officials and hiking experts recommended checking the weather and park alerts before going out on the trail, to get acclimated to heat before your trip and know your personal limits, to shorten activities outdoors, carry more water than you think you might need, find shadier trails, tour the park by air-conditioned car or even just skip the hike altogether to reduce the chance that heat continues to turn deadly. Its not worth the risk of experiencing heat illness because of the outcomes, Andrea Walton, Southeast Region Public Affairs Specialist for the park service, told CNN. At minimum youre going to feel really bad the next day or worse, potentially ending up in the hospital, or worst case, experiencing a fatal incident. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Extreme heat fuelled by the climate crisis is believed to have killed at least five people in Americas national parks since 1 June, according to figures from the National Park Service. The fatalities exceed the average number of heat-related deaths over an entire summer in a typical year, and August, the deadliest month for parks is still to come, mortality data provided to CNN revealed. The deaths occurred in temperatures exceeding 100F (38C) across three national parks Death Valley in California, Texas Big Bend, and the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. On Saturday 22 July, two female hikers were found dead in Nevadas Valley of Fire State Park after they were reported missing in 114F (45C) temperatures, officials said. On 18 July, avid hiker Steve Curry, 71, was pronounced dead after collapsing outside of a restroom on the Golden Canyon trailhead in Death Valley. Curry had been asked by a Los Angeles Times reporter hours before his death why he was hiking in the blistering 121F (49C) heat. Why do I do it? Why not, he replied. A 14-year-old Orlando boy died in Big Bend after hiking in 119F (48C) conditions on 23 June, while his stepfather died in a car crash while seeking help. A 65-year-old man died in the same park on 1 June. On 2 July, a 57-year-old female hiker was pronounced in Grand Canyon after rangers received reports that a distressed hiker was lost in 114F (46C) heat. And a 65-year-old man was found dead in his vehicle on the side of the road in Death Valley National Park on 5 July. A National Park Service spokesperson told CNN that heat-related deaths were difficult to track, and that the true death toll in recent years could be revised upwards once they had corroborated death reports with local and state agencies. A sign warns hikers of the dangers of heading out in Death Valley (Associated Press) There have been 68 reported heat-related deaths in parks since 2007, but statistics from recent years could be revised significantly higher, the spokesperson said. Across the planet, heatwaves stoked by the climate crisis, combined with a warming El Nino pattern, have set thousands of new temperature records this summer. Story continues This been especially apparent in the southwestern US. Phoenix, Arizonas largest city, shattered its record for the most consecutive days of 110F-plus temperatures. A recent report from Climate Central found that the climate crisis, caused by humans burning fossil fuels, was making persistent, dangerous heat five times more likely. Temperatures in Americas 417 national parks have increased at twice the rate of the rest of the country in the past century, due to the climate crisis, according to a 2018 study. This weekend, temperatures are expected to climb past 130F in Death Valley. Signs warned hikers not to venture out after 10am but many still choose to head out to experience the iconic desert landscape in sweltering conditions. According to the The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the most serious heat-related illness is heat stroke, which can occur within 20-30 minutes when the body is unable to control its temperature. The bodys temperature can rise to 106F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes, causing its sweating mechanism to fail. The National Park Service recommends hikers pack plenty of water, salty snacks, sun protection and lightweight, light-coloured before heading out. Hikers should start their walks before 10am or after 4pm. If experiencing heat-related illness, the NPS recommends moving to cool or shaded areas, calling 911 or flagging down a ranger, soaking yourself in water and fanning yourself vigorously. In this week's "It's Debatable" segment, Rick Rosen and Charles Moster debate whether the U.S. Supreme Court, in Biden v. Nebraska, misinterpreted the Constitution in striking down President Bidens student-loan cancellation plan. Rosen is the Glenn D. West Endowed Research Professor of Law at the Texas Tech University School of Law and a retired U.S. Army colonel. Moster is founder of the Moster Law Firm based in Lubbock with seven offices including Austin, Dallas, and Houston. Whether the Supreme Court, in Biden v. Nebraska, Misinterpreted the Constitution in Striking Down President Bidens Student-Loan Cancellation Plan Rosen ROSEN # 1 Last August, President Biden and his Secretary of Education cancelled $430 billion of student debt, invoking as authority the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003 (HEROES Act). Primarily intended to shelter military personnel unable to pay their student loans, the Act affords limited protection to others who suffer direct economic hardship as a direct result of national emergency. Biden asserted the COVID-19 pandemic as the national emergency, although he declared the emergency over just weeks later. On June 30, in Biden v. Nebraska, the Supreme Court correctly held the President and his Education Secretary exceeded their power under the Act. The Court stated that [t]he question here is not whether something should be done; it is who has the authority to do it. The Court relied upon the major question doctrine, a statutory interpretive tool reflecting common sense as to the manner in which Congress is likely to delegate a policy decision of such economic and political magnitude to an administrative agency. The Secretary assert[ed] that the HEROES Act grants him the authority to cancel $430 billion of student loan principal, but the Court ruled that it does not. It decided that the Act allows the Secretary to waive or modify existing statutory or regulatory provisions applicable to [federal] financial assistance programs , not to rewrite that statute from the ground up. The Court found that [t]he Secretarys plan has modified the provisions only in the same sense that the French Revolution modified the status of the French nobilityit abolished them and supplanted them with a new regime entirely. Story continues Key evidence of Congress intent is its unswerving rejection of student-loan forgiveness proposals. Under the Constitutions Appropriations Clause the nations spending power is Congresss alone. The President does not share the authority. The appropriations power is the cornerstone of representative democracy. The English Parliament employed the power of the purse to subdue the monarchy, and our Founders uniformly recognized congressional primacy over the nations purse. In this case, the Court found that the Executive was seizing the power of the Legislature. The assertion of administrative authority conveniently enabled the Administration to enact a program that Congress has chosen not to enact itself. In early June, Congress passed a resolution blocking the Presidents cancellation of student loans, which the President promptly vetoed. The veto turned the Appropriations Clause on its head. Congress flatly disapproved wholesale loan forgiveness; however, by the Administrations reasoning, any presidentrelying on the flimsiest statutory authority and ignoring the absence of a congressional appropriationcan expend federal funds and shield the unlawful expenditure by retaining the support of just over one-third of the members of either congressional house. Fortunately, the Supreme Court foreclosed this possibility in Biden v. Nebraska. Moster MOSTER # 1 I have every reason to applaud the decision of the US Supreme Court in rejecting President Biden's loan forgiveness program. After all, I had to pay back tens of thousands of dollars to lenders to finance my graduate and law degree which impaired my standard of living for many years. For the record, I paid back every penny with interest. I understood when I took out these loans that it was my obligation to repay the opportunity presented to me as I would not have been able to pursue my current profession without financial assistance. Similarly, I have occasional displeasure with millennials who think they can get something for nothing. Emblematic of that, of course, is what Biden and the Secretary of Education attempted to do with loan forgiveness. That said, as a lawyer practicing in the area of constitutional law among others, I am again horrified by what this runaway Supreme Court is doing to our established precedent in the United States. It has pursued a partisan agenda which in large measure I agree with but cannot countenance as it upends the fundamental principle of stare decisis which means that precedent must be followed in addition to a proper contractual analysis which is mindful of the separation of powers between the judicial branch and the legislative/executive. Justice Kagan in her dissent sets forth the sound constitutional and statutory basis for negating the majority decision which simply pursues a parochial agenda. Contrary to what Rick is suggesting, any reading of contractual interpretation in litigation buttresses what the Secretary of Education did in justifying the decision to extend the Covid national emergency to loan forgiveness. A reasonable reading of the statute endorses that, in my opinion, and that of Justice Kagan. As President Biden has suggested on more than one occasion, this is not a "normal Court". As our readers know, I am not a fan of President Biden, but I agree with him on this. My concern is that if we allow this Supreme Court to overturn precedent willy-nilly based on a conservative agenda, what will happen when the pendulum ultimately swings to a liberal majority that will do exactly the same thing? The Supreme Court must provide reasoned decisions based on sound judgment and precedent. In the absence of that, our highest tribunal becomes simply a kangaroo court with no public support or legitimization. That's with this decision accomplishes and I am adamantly opposed to it. ROSEN # 2 In 2021, both President Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi recognized that the President did not have the authority to cancel student loans. In February, President Biden spoke about writing off $10,000 of student loans. White House officials interpreted Bidens remarks to mean that they were not a descriptor for executive action but to reflect his endorsement of achieving that goal through legislation. In July, Pelosi emphasized the need for congressional action: People think that the President of the United States has the power for debt forgiveness. He does not. He can postpone. He can delay. But he does not have that power. That has to be an act of Congress. In August 2022, the President announced his plan to forgive up to $20,000 of student debt under the HEROES Act. The Act limits relief to those suffering direct economic hardship as a direct result of a national emergency. Just weeks later, however, Biden declared the national emergencythe COVID pandemicto be over, and he steadfastly touted the strength of the nations economy, particularly its low unemployment. Thus, there was neither a national emergency nor an economy that adversely affected the ability to repay student loans. Biden blamed Republicans for upsetting his loan-repayment program. Really? Until January 2023, Democrats controlled Congress. They could have enacted debt-relief. They failed to do so. Its not as if the Democrats were reluctant to spend money: they appropriated trillions for all sorts of programs, but not student-debt relief. President Biden and Charles refer to the Court as not normal. Charles accuses the Court of overturning precedent willy-nilly based on a conservative agenda. But there is no precedent supporting Bidens debt-cancellation plan. The decision is analogous to Youngstown Sheet & Tube v. Sawyer, in which the Court enjoined President Trumans seizure of the nations steel plants during the Korean War. Truman believed an impending labor strike might imperil the nations ability to sustain its military operations in Korea; however, Congress refused to give Truman the power he exercised. In his influential concurring opinion, Justice Robert Jackson categorized presidential power noting that [w]hen the President takes measures incompatible with the expressed or implied will of Congress, his power is at its lowest ebb, for he can rely only upon his own constitutional powers minus any constitutional powers of Congress. In this case, the President had no independent constitutional authority to forgive $430 billion in federal student loansonly Congress had such power, and it refused to exercise it. MOSTER # 2 Once again, I am in the unenviable position of defending a presidential directive and agency action which does not comport with my personal values. Although I find it reprehensible that students were given a free ride by Mr. Biden and the Secretary of Education, such action is permissible under our separation of powers doctrine. As Justice Kagan made clear in her dissent, it is not the job of the Supreme Court to act as an arbiter of public disputes which are delegated to the peoples representatives in our Congress and the executive branch. They are held accountable for their decisions, right or wrong, by the voters on election day. Conversely, the Justices of the Supreme Court are appointed and serve a life tenure without any public accountability. Consequently, it is proper for the Court to refrain from making public policy decisions. As Justice Kagan framed the issue, The Majority overrides the combined judgment of the legislative and executive branches with the consequences of eliminating loan forgiveness for 43 million Americans. Ricks comparison of the broad authority delegated to the Secretary of Education under the HEROES Act to Trumans seizure of the steel industry to avert a nationwide strike is inapposite. The Supreme Court in the decision, Youngstown Sheet & Tube v. Sawyer (1952), correctly struck down Trumans abuse of executive authority as violative of the separation of powers doctrine of the Constitution. Such was not the case with regard to the forgiveness of student loans under the broad statutory authority conferred by Congress to the Department of Education in dealing with national emergencies. Although one could quibble with the legislative intent behind the meanings of the terms modify and waiver as utilized in the legislation, it pales in comparison to the abuse of executive power employed by Truman. Justice Kagan also correctly determined that the Courts decision upended decades of precedent which upheld and expanded the discretion of agencies to broadly administer legislative mandates such as the HEROES Act. Heretofore, the Court has refused to micromanage the executive branch in carrying out its responsibilities in that agency decision makers are in the best position to understand the myriad of factors which influence the implementation of public policy. It is wholly improper, irrational, and unconstitutional to delegate that power to an unaccountable judiciary. As stated in the dissent, The statutegives the Secretary broad authority to relieve a national emergencys effect on borrowers ability to repay their student loans. The Secretary did no more than use that lawfully delegated authority. So, the Majority applies a rule specifically crafted to kill significant regulatory action by requiring Congress to delegate not just clearly but microscopically. Although I am personally opposed to the forgiveness of a single dime owed by a mostly entitled generation, I stand by a proper interpretation of the Constitution and its separation of powers. This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: It's Debatable was SCOTUS right to strike down Biden student loan plan The Beaufort County family of a 67-year-old dementia patient is still reeling after the man managed to leave a Ridgeland hospice facility and drive the company owners unlocked car miles down the highway Tuesday afternoon, arriving at his families neighborhood confused and disoriented. It was the best case scenario, said Olivia Shultz, the patients daughter. Her father, who stopped driving after being diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2021, was uninjured in the incident, she said, and the car did not appear to have crashed on the nearly five-mile route to Sun City. Even still, Shultz says the situation reflects a security issue at Friends of Caroline Hospice, located off S.C. 170 in Jasper County. Although the family cannot pursue legal action against the facility due to a lack of monetary losses, she says her fathers escape and the amount of time his absence went unnoticed among staff is troubling. If you know someone has dementia, why wouldnt you be more on guard? Shultz told The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette. She said Tuesday was the first time her father had wandered away from anywhere since his dementia diagnosis more than two years ago. Lindsay Roberg, the president and CEO of Friends of Caroline Hospice, did not respond to multiple requests for comment. He wanted to go home Shultz dropped her father off at Friends of Caroline just before 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, planning to go shopping on Hilton Head with family before picking him up that evening. They had entrusted him to the facility once before in June, she said. But around 2:30 that afternoon, Shultz got a call from Bluffton firefighters. Her father was at the Tidewatch Drive gate of Sun City, where the family lives, and appeared not to remember where he was or how he got there. Sun City security initially flagged down the mans vehicle after noticing his car did not have an entrance decal. He wanted to go home, so he walked out the door, Shultz said. Story continues The car her father used in the attempt to drive home was registered to Roberg, the family soon discovered. The owners Forerunner had been left unlocked outside the Friends of Caroline facility with a spare set of keys inside, Shultz said, allowing her father to get inside and drive off. Roberg later arrived to the scene, claiming her car and apologizing to the family, Shultz said. The bulk of the familys questions about Tuesdays incident remain unanswered how often their father had been checked on that afternoon, which door of the facility he walked out of, how long he was gone before staff noticed but Shultz says the incident has damaged their trust in the company. Theyve now started the long process of updating their hospice and respite plans to find new caretakers for her father, she said. It was a traumatic experience for us all, Shultz said. I woudnt want anyone else to have that same experience. FIRST ON FOX: The campaign for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis released a six-minute video showing liberal media personalities repeatedly labeling the Republican presidential candidate as "more dangerous" than former President Donald Trump. The DeSantis War Room on Sunday posted the video, "6 MINUTES Of The Left Admitting They Fear DeSantis More Than Trump," which features commentary from an array of left-wing commentators including Van Jones, David Pakman and Olayemi Olurin. "This guy is worse than Trump," Jones says in the video. "I honestly believe DeSantis was forged in Hell. Theres no doubt in my mind," Olurin says in the video. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (L) and former President Donald Trump (R) DESANTIS SAYS TRUMP NOT ONLY DIDN'T FULFILL MAJOR PROMISE, IT GOT WORSE "If you thought Donald Trump was bad, you got another thing coming," says Maxwell Frost. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The commentators in the clip make their point by arguing DeSantis is more "savvy," "disciplined" and "competent" than Trump and would be more capable of executing the Republican agenda. "The Trump agenda would be far more likely to be carried on by people less cartoonishly problematic, and Ron Desantis is a perfect example of such an individual," Pakman argues in the video. "Hes honestly more sinister, you know why? Because theres less buffoonery to it," Olurin says. "Based on what hes done in five years in Florida, what would he do with all the levers of power in the White House?" former Rep. David Jolly, D-Fla., says in the video. Republican presidential candidate Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (C) and U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn (R) listen to the National Anthem at Nunns "Operation Top Nunn: Salute to Our Troops" fundraiser on July 15, 2023, in Ankeny, Iowa. The Trump campaign issued a statement to Fox News Digital on Sunday saying the liberal talking points are irrelevant. "President Trump has been dominating in poll after poll both nationally and statewide," the campaign said. "It's not what commentators or pundits think, it's about what the voters think, and they are clearly behind President Trump in a big way." Story continues "The fact is that President Trump will be the nominee and will beat Crooked Joe Biden because he's the only person who can supercharge the economy, secure our border, safeguard communities, and put an end to unnecessary wars," the statement added. "Americans want to return to a prosperous nation and theres only one person who can do that President Trump." Former President Donald Trump speaks during the Turning Point Action Conference at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday, July 15, 2023. On the campaign trail, DeSantis repeatedly points to his overwhelming gubernatorial re-election last November in the once-purple Sunshine State. "What we did was not just a big victory. It was really a fundamental realignment of Florida from being a swing state to being a red state," DeSantis recently touted on the campaign trail. According to a University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll released last week, Trumps lead over DeSantis is shrinking. Trump leads DeSantis by 37% to 23% in the poll, which is five percentage points down from the previous UNH survey in April. Fox News Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report. Igor Strelkov (Girkin), former leader of terrorists from the "DPR" [self-proclaimed and non-recognised Donetsk Peoples Republic ed.], who was arrested in Russia in a case of calls for extremism is being held in a two-man cell in the Lefortovo detention centre in Moscow. Source: Alexey Melnikov, Executive Secretary of the Moscow Public Monitoring Commission, quoted by Interfax, a Russian news outlet Quote: "Yesterday, we visited Detention Centre 2 of the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service, better known as Lefortovo, and entered Igor Girkin's cell." Details: Melnikov said Strelkov was in a two-man cell, he had a TV and a fridge, and had already used the library. Melnikov added that Strelkov refused to comment on the conditions of detention in the pre-trial detention centre, but "there were no signs of moral or physical pressure". Background: On 21 July, the Russian Meshchansky district court arrested Girkin on charges of "calls for extremism", putting him in custody until 18 September. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Flash People participate in a peace rally in Seoul, South Korea, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Yang Chang/Xinhua) South Korean civic activists on Saturday shouted for peace on the Korean Peninsula and in the world ahead of the 70th anniversary of the armistice agreement that ended the 1950-53 Korean War. Peace activists and ordinary people marched hundreds of meters from the Seoul plaza to the Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul to demand eased tensions on the peninsula and settlement of the peninsula issues through dialogue. The participants chanted slogans and held placards saying "Stop hostilities and go for peace now," "Let's open the door to dialogue by stopping combined South Korea-U.S. military exercises," and "Oppose South Korea-U.S.-Japan military cooperation." The march opened a peace rally, organized by the Korea Peace Appeal which is composed of hundreds of civic and religious groups in South Korea as well as tens of overseas anti-war groups. The association was launched to actively stage a peace movement marking the 70th anniversary of the armistice treaty that falls on July 27. The festive demonstration continued with performances by traditional and contemporary music bands. Between the performances, politicians and activists made pro-peace remarks. The Korea Peace Appeal said in a statement that the participants marched and shouted the slogans to remove the dark clouds of war, which shrouded the peninsula, and create a new history of peace in the world. The peace association urged every party concerned to stop hostilities, which only brought about a vicious cycle of endless arms races and military threats, stressing that unilateral sanctions and military pressure led to a new level of military crisis. It noted that the South Korea-U.S. military exercises, which are an aggressive war game, should be stopped for the resumption of dialogue, emphasizing its stern opposition to the South Korea-U.S.-Japan military cooperation triggering a possible confrontation with other neighboring countries. Separately, civic activists from South Korea and Japan held a joint press conference in central Seoul to call for peace on the Korean Peninsula and in the region. The activists said in a statement that South Korea and the United States had recently conducted the maximum scale of combined military drills by mobilizing nuclear-capable strategic bombers and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. They pointed out a U.S. strategic nuclear submarine docked earlier this week at South Korea's southeast port of Busan for the first time in over four decades, saying the military escalation was made routine around the peninsula. Another factor threatening peace in the region was Japan's stronger push for increased military power, such as a plan to raise the proportion of its defense budget to GDP from 1 percent to 2 percent, the activists noted. They demanded South Korea should immediately withdraw its policy of integrating with the U.S. nuclear policy and Japan should stop its arms buildup to defend article 9 of its constitution, the core of Japan's peace policy after World War II. LOS ANGELES (AP) A real estate developer was sentenced Friday to six years in federal prison for paying $500,000 in bribes to a Los Angeles city councilman for help with a downtown project. Dae Yong Lee, also known as David Lee, also was fined $750,000 and a company that he controlled was fined $1.5 million plus prosecution costs, the U.S. attorney's office said in a statement. Prosecutors said that in 2017, Lee bribed Jose Huizar and the councilman's special assistant to help resolve a labor organization's appeal that was blocking approval of a planned development that was to include more than 200 residences and some 14,000 square feet (1,300 square meters) of commercial space. At the time, Huizar chaired the city's powerful Planning and Land Use Management Committee. In 2017, Lee made three cash payments totaling $500,000 to Huizar's assistant, George Esparza, prosecutors said. Last year, Lee and the company were convicted of bribery, honest services wire fraud and falsifying records in federal investigations to conceal the bribes. The sentence was the latest in a sweeping corruption case swirling around Huizar, whom authorities said ran a pay-to-play bribery scheme from 2013 to 2017 tied to the approval of downtown high-rise developments. Huizar pleaded guilty in January to racketeering conspiracy and tax evasion. Hes scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 25. Under a plea agreement, Huizar agreed to seek a sentence of at least nine years in prison, prosecutors said. In addition to Huizar, more than a half-dozen other people have been convicted or pleaded guilty to federal charges in the scheme, including Huizars brother, Salvador Huizar. Esparza pleaded guilty in July 2020 to one count of racketeering conspiracy and testified against Lee at his trial. Former Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan is awaiting retrial next year on federal charges of racketeering conspiracy. Prosecutors allege that he accepted more than $100,000 to help a Chinese real estate developer. The proposed Dana Reserve housing development needs to be re-designed to align with the existing South County General Plan to preserve the existing oak woodlands. In the upcoming public process, the communitys voice will be loud and clear on this issue, refuting John Fowlers recent sales pitch that ran in this paper: The Dana Reserve project in Nipomo deserves community support. Heres why. Its not just 3,000 mature oak trees that would be bulldozed in the developers plan, it would be permanent and irreplaceable loss of the largest remaining oak woodland on the Nipomo Mesa. Opinion The plan also dictates that the habitat around the remaining trees will be scraped bare of the unique white sage, local manzanita and rare and delicate endangered Pismo Clarkia flower. From the fungi in the soil that helps trees nourish and communicate with each other, to the insects in the acorns that feed the acorn woodpecker to the burrows that host small mammals, the oak woodlands host more species than any other terrestrial ecosystem in North America. The oak woodlands were central to the lives of the Chumash people for thousands of years and remain an iconic part of our California identity today. Approximately two-thirds of Californias oak woodlands have been lost. Poorly designed urban development, as well as disease accelerated by climate change, are the biggest culprits today. About 1,000 oak trees were removed adjacent to this project to build the Willow Road extension a decade ago, and the offsite mitigation is widely seen as a failure. Mitigation site is not under threat of development If there is one thing to learn from this project, its that better planning avoids unnecessary removal in the first place. For example, lets dispel the deception in the developers proposal to remove just 3,000 oaks but preserve 17,000 oaks elsewhere. The developer, Nick Tompkins, bought a property on the hill across the freeway to use as a proposed mitigation site, speculating that this would give him a pass. That property is not under any threat for development now or in the future, and it hosts a different plant community on different soil. Story continues This proposal provides no replacement for the losses. If this were approved, it would set a terrible precedent in the county, discouraging community-focused conservation planning and encouraging developers to twist the mitigation program in service to their own designs. Preserving forests is critical to slowing climate change. Recent independent calculations suggest that, each year, 3,000 trees (the very number proposed for removal) capture and store 596,220 lbs. of carbon from the atmosphere. Oak habitat absorbs heat, helps to percolate water which replenishes aquifers and provides cool micro-climates for species including humans for climate resilience. Affordable housing and habitat protection are not mutually exclusive, but we must challenge the developers narrative that clear-cutting oaks and building million-dollar homes is a requirement to fund the rest of the project. Generational Segregation According to the developer, 417 homes that will cost between $1-$1.2 million are reserved exclusively for seniors, a generational segregation within the development. This significant design change from the draft Environmental Impact Report correlated with a Lucia Mar Unified School District letter stating that impact fees would not come close to covering the cost of new classrooms for the additional students generated by the development. Taxpayers must not be saddled with subsidizing the developers project. Currently, 290 homes are in the $750,000-$800,000 market range. Another 124 homes on 3,600-square-foot lots are reported by the developer to be in the mid $500,000-$600,000 range. The approximate 160 acres of open space without oak trees is enough to significantly contribute to the need for true affordable housing in our county. This could help meet the countys own Regional Housing Needs Allocation production goals for housing for low-income and very low-income homes. As of now, the need for above-moderate-income homes has already been surpassed by over 1,500 homes. Only 104 units would be in the very low-income category, with additional units in multi-family. That means that only about a third of the project addresses the target affordable housing needs. Furthermore the proposed affordable housing is price-restricted only the first time the house is sold, providing no long-term solution for affordable workforce housing in SLO County. UCLA Professor Stephanie Pincentl, a leading authority on urban planning, summarized problems in the project when she spoke at Nipomo High School two weeks ago: The proposal will generate absolute vehicle miles traveled, destroy oak habitat that is not substitutable or mitigatable and perpetuate segregation and exposure of lower-income populations to higher sources of emissions. Lets not subscribe to the false narrative pitting precious natural habit against critical affordable housing. Lets insist that this project be redesigned to keep climate-stabilizing habitat in place and build a better project one the community can fully support. Herb Kandel, a volunteer with the Nipomo Action Committee, has followed various development proposals for the 288-acre property now known as the Dana Reserve for over 30 years. Relaxing woman enjoying her vacation at the beach illustration concept shows a beautiful woman who has dark skin tone sitting on the beach chair when the sunset time for relaxing her mood. TikTok travel creators are on the rise, as is vacationers using the app to help plan their trips. Credit - Namthip Muanthongthae Getty Images. Before scrolling on TikTok, Caroline Berdugo, a 23-year-old program coordinator at a childrens hospital in Rhode Island, had never thought to take a trip to Thailand. It wasnt a destination that was on my radar. But Ive seen so many [TikTok] videos and posts about it that made me really curious, Berdugo says. I love seeing videos of people going to the food market, which is really cool and definitely something that I want to do. Berdugo plans on visiting the country in December. And it wont be the first time Berdugo has gotten travel ideas from the social media app. She also plans on traveling alone to Peru this Septemberwhich shed usually find dauntingbut after seeing TikTok posts about women traveling alone on the app, she decided to take the plunge. Berdugos story is not uncommon among a generation that uses TikTok as a search engine for news, events, and other trends. Despite dips in international travel and spending due to the pandemic, the U.S. Travel Association says that travel is up 5.5% since last year. Travel is particularly popular among Gen Z, the most prominent demographic on TikTok. And many people are now using the app for travel tips and an eye into the travel experiences of other users. TikTok videos tagged with #travel (and its multiple counterparts) have garnered more than 230 billion views on the app. Travel-related content ranges from displays of luxurious getaways to accounts dedicated to sharing affordable flights. But, creators warn that while many videos on the app can serve as inspiration for travel destinations, users should always do their own research. With everything on the internet, but especially on TikTok, things go viral so quickly. I always like to use the word discernmentYou need to have a filter for all the content that you watch, says Jo Franco, a Netflix travel show host and CEO of her journaling company JoClub. The 31-year-old created travel-related Youtube content for more than a decade. Story continues Heres what influencers told TIME about the dos and donts of using TikTok for travel tips. Use TikTok as an entry point of discovery TikTok is a great way to learn more about traveling in a way that may be more comforting for anxious travelers who do have limited travel experience and do not know what to expect. That was especially comforting for people like Berdugo, who did not have the chance to travel much before graduating from college. Before TikTok I never really knew what hostels were, Berdugo says. One of my anxieties has been Oh, I dont know how it would feel like to do things by myself, and How do you meet people if you are solo traveling, but like, maybe, you know, staying at a hostel, and meeting other people that are traveling by themselves. Like that was something that I would say was like, introduced to me via TikTok. Franco adds that TikTok is a great tool for learning about different places. For example, Italyarguably one of the most popular summer destinations and #italytravel on TikTok has nearly 846 million views, with videos on everything from what to wear, see and avoid while abroad. Users who are looking for a place to visit can also lookup travel destinations in the search bar and the app will suggest other popular searches like affordable travel places, luxury places to travel, or best travel destination in the U.S., so that users can narrow down their search. TikTok is also a great place to find suggestions for the best restaurants or tourist attractions in a particular country or city. Users can get advice from locals or other international travelers online. If your goal is to learn more about the world, languages and to understand people in places, [TikTok is] a great beginning place, Franco says. It will serve you things that you didnt even know you wanted about places you maybe didnt even know existed. Dont fall for the viral clickbait While much of TikToks popularity and greater appeal stems from the apps short-form content and quick virality, Franco warns users that the app can create a space where posts dont give a balanced view of a destination or experience. When you see a video with [a high] level of virality, youre going to take what is being said in the video with more weight than something talking about the pros and cons of [a destination] that only has 100 likes, Franco tells TIME. The latter video may be more well-rounded, but many people associate greater likes with accuracy or better content, which can be problematic, Franco adds. The oversaturation of content on the app can also make it difficult for creators to build a loyal fanbase and to know which creators content they can trust. A Youtuber, for example, may build a loyal fanbase that follows them and trusts their advice. But TikTok users dont always build that sort of relationship with their followers because people are inundated with a plethora of content, Franco says. Franco specifically warns against believing TikTok videos that seem too good to be true when it comes to travel, like viral videos that say a local government will pay a young person to move to a particular isolated area or region. Videos about moving to Calabria in Italy, for instance, went viral on TikTok last year. I think those tips I find fascinating, because were able to now connect real-time news to what that means for our travel. And to the same degree, a lot of those posts could over exaggerate, Franco says. Like, live here for free. And actually, you need to have an investment [of a certain amount] Theres always a loophole so all things come with the caveat of doing your own research. Thats true in the case of moving to the Italian island of Sardinia. Applicants were guaranteed about $15,000 if they moved there, but they also had to live in a town with a population of less than 3,000 and had to put their grant towards renovating into a home, CNBC reports. Get advice from a diverse set of TikTokers As the most racially and ethnically diverse generation, creators advise Gen Z to be aware that traveling is a unique, personal experience. Your identity, for that matter, will always play a vital role in travel. Travel content creator Lena Sow tells TIME that it was when she recognized there was a gap in the market for a Black female travel content creator, who also traveled solo, that she decided to start her TikTok account. She advises people to look for creators who match your race, gender or even sexuality, to get a grasp on what it would be like traveling to the places they feature. But she also mentions that people should take all of that advice with a grain of salt. I do post a series where I post how I felt traveling solo, but I dont want people to use that as like the end all be all, Sow tells TIME, emphasizing that people will have different experiences. But overall, Franco adds that TikTok represents a diverse set of travel options. What I love about TikTok is that theres something there for everyone in the travel space, Franco says. The availability of inspiration is abundant. A map of Cameroon showing the biggest city Douala, and the capital city Yaounde. A building has collapsed in Cameroon's biggest city, Douala, killing at least 12 people and injuring five others. It is not known how many people were inside the four-storey building when it fell onto another residential block in the early hours of Sunday morning. The rubble is being searched for survivors. Distressed neighbours have described hearing screams and frantically trying to dig people out. Teams from Cameroon's fire brigade, the Red Cross and others rescue services are still working at the scene. The regional governor, Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua, has sought to reassure people - saying the situation is under control and rescue teams will make sure nobody is left beneath the wreckage. Three children and 10 adults are receiving emergency care at nearby Laquintinie Hospital, reports AFP. Staff there say a three-year-old girl who was brought in has died. It is not known what caused the building in Douala's Ange Raphael neighbourhood to collapse, but residents have told journalists it looked dilapidated. City authorities have been demolishing homes deemed at risk from flooding or landslides, but this particular block was not earmarked for demolition. Building collapses are not uncommon in Cameroon. Back in 2016 a dilapidated building in Douala that flouted construction rules collapsed, killing five people. A 17-year-old Dover-Sherborn High School student was killed Friday night after a boat crashed into a jetty in Sesuit Harbor in East Dennis. Principal John Smith announced rising senior and lacrosse star Sadie Mauro's death in an email to the community, calling the school "devastated and heartbroken." "Sadies smile could light up a room, she had a heart of gold and the sweetest spirit," wrote Smith. "She had such a strong sense of self and had a love for adventure and anything outdoors. A hardworking student and great athlete, Sadie was genuine and effortlessly kind." Mauro was committed to play lacrosse at Gettysburg College, according to her LinkedIn page. Dover-Sherborn rising senior Sadie Mauro, left, seen here in the Division 4 state championship game against Manchester-Essex in 2022, was killed Friday night after the boat she was riding in crashed into a jetty at Sesuit Harbor in East Dennis. State police continue search for debris to find the cause of the crash In a written statement, Massachusetts State Police spokesman Dave Procopio said the victim's body was pulled from the water by a regional dive team with assistance from Dennis Fire-Rescue at about 11:30 p.m. Friday during a joint-agency search off Cold Storage Beach. Procopio said Saturday morning that six people, including the girl who sustained fatal injuries, were on the boat. At least one other boat passenger, a teenage boy, was taken to Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis with a cut on his head, he said. A pair of jetties mark the entrance to Sesuit Harbor in East Dennis Saturday with Cold Storage Beach at right. A boat struck the jetty Friday night killing Sadie Mauro, 17, whose body was recovered off the beach after an extensive water search. On Saturday, the Massachusetts State Police Marine Unit and the state police's Underwater Recovery Unit, along with Massachusetts Environmental Police marine resources, were conducting dive operations at the crash site to search for debris from the boat for the ongoing investigation into what caused the boat to hit the stone jetty. A statement from the Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert J. Galibois's office said the crash was into the jetty by the channel leading to the Northside Marina in Sesuit Harbor. It also identified the boat as "a Regulator equipped with two outboard 250 horsepower engines bearing an Alabama registration." A search with boats, helicopters and divers started off Cold Storage Beach in Dennis Friday after a boat hit a stone jetty. One teen was killed and five others rescued. The crash is being investigated by Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Cape & Islands District Attorneys Office, the Massachusetts Environmental Police, Dennis Police Department, and the Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Section. Story continues At Dover-Sherborn High School a gathering is planned for Monday Dover-Sherborn High School's library will be open from 10 a.m. to noon Monday for all middle and high school students and staff to gather, Smith said. Members of the counseling team will be on hand along with a crisis counselor from the Riverside Trauma Center and service dogs from both the Dover and Sherborn police departments. Superintendent Elizabeth McCoy said Sadie Mauro lived in Sherborn with her parents and younger brother, who is a rising ninth grader. She called the district community "strong and known for its strength and resiliency in the face of unimaginable tragedy." "I will be hugging my children extra tight this evening - I am sure you will do the same," wrote McCoy in her own statement. Zane Razzaq writes about housing and real estate. Reach her at zrazzaq@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @zanerazz. Gain access to premium Cape Cod Times content by subscribing. This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Dover-Sherborn lacrosse star killed in boat crash in Dennis Eastland County sheriff's Deputy David Bosecker who was killed in the line of duty Friday while responding to a domestic disturbance July 21, 2023. An Eastland County sheriff's deputy was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic dispute Friday evening, and a suspect was taken into custody, according to details in a media release. Deputy David Bosecker was killed by gunfire, and a suspect has been charged with capital murder. Deputies with the Eastland County Sheriff's Office responded to a domestic fight in progress about 9 p.m. Friday at a home on State Highway 183 between Cisco and Rising Star. Bosecker was first on scene and immediately came under fire from the suspect. He was struck and fatally wounded. Other units arriving apprehended the suspect. No one else was injured. The suspect was taken to Stephens County Jail and charged. The Texas Rangers are leading this active investigation, according to the media release from the Eastland County Sheriff's Office. The name of the suspect was not listed in the press release. A blue ribbon is tied around a pecan tree outside the Eastland County Courthouse in memory of slain Eastland County Sheriffs Deputy David Bosecker Saturday July 22, 2023. However, Cody Douglas Pritchard, 42, was booked into Stephens County Jail on Saturday and charged with capital murder of a peace officer, according to online jail records. No bond amount was showing as set. Capital murder is punishable by life in prison without parole or the maximum punishment the death penalty. Anyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Bosecker is the second Eastland County deputy to die in the line of duty since March last year. Deputy Barbara Fenley died in March 2022 trying to save lives from the Eastland Complex of wildfires that hit the Big Country, according to a previous Abilene Reporter-News story. . Bosecker was in law enforcement over 21 years and was a master peace officer. He began his law enforcement career in the Wise County Sheriff's Office as a deputy and then transitioned to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. He would later become a game warden for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and an officer for the Comanche Police Department. Bosecker finally ended up at Eastland County SO as a deputy in 2021, and he also worked part time for the Cisco Police Department as a marine enforcement officer. Story continues Check back with www.reporternews.com for more on this developing story. More: Aggravated assaults dominate Taylor County grand jury indictments Trish Choate, enterprise watchdog reporter for the Times Record News in Wichita Falls, covers education, courts, breaking news, investigative projects and more. Contact Trish with news tips at tchoate@gannett.com. Her Twitter handle is @Trishapedia. This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Eastland County sheriff's deputy killed, suspect charged Eastland County sheriff's Deputy David Bosecker who was killed in the line of duty Friday while responding to a domestic disturbance July 21, 2023. An Eastland County sheriff's deputy was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic dispute Friday evening, and a suspect was taken into custody, according to details in a media release. Deputy David Bosecker was killed by gunfire, and a suspect has been charged with capital murder in connection with the incident about 150 miles northeast of San Angelo. Deputies with the Eastland County Sheriff's Office responded to a domestic fight in progress about 9 p.m. Friday at a home on State Highway 183 between Cisco and Rising Star. Bosecker was first on scene and immediately came under fire from the suspect. He was struck and fatally wounded. Other units arriving apprehended the suspect. No one else was injured. The suspect was taken to Stephens County Jail and charged. The Texas Rangers are leading this active investigation, according to the media release from the Eastland County Sheriff's Office. The name of the suspect was not listed in the press release. A blue ribbon is tied around a pecan tree outside the Eastland County Courthouse in memory of slain Eastland County Sheriffs Deputy David Bosecker Saturday July 22, 2023. However, Cody Douglas Pritchard, 42, was booked into Stephens County Jail on Saturday and charged with capital murder of a peace officer, according to online jail records. No bond amount was showing as set. Capital murder is punishable by life in prison without parole or the maximum punishment the death penalty. Anyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Bosecker is the second Eastland County deputy to die in the line of duty since March last year. Deputy Barbara Fenley died in March 2022 trying to save lives from the Eastland Complex of wildfires that hit the Big Country, according to a previous Abilene Reporter-News story. . Bosecker was in law enforcement over 21 years and was a master peace officer. He began his law enforcement career in the Wise County Sheriff's Office as a deputy and then transitioned to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. He would later become a game warden for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and an officer for the Comanche Police Department. Story continues Bosecker finally ended up at Eastland County SO as a deputy in 2021, and he also worked part time for the Cisco Police Department as a marine enforcement officer. More: San Angelo continues to break heat records this summer Trish Choate, enterprise watchdog reporter for the Times Record News in Wichita Falls, covers education, courts, breaking news, investigative projects and more. Contact Trish with news tips at tchoate@gannett.com. Her Twitter handle is @Trishapedia. This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Eastland County sheriff's deputy killed in line of duty Elon Musk and X logo Twitter has changed its brand and logo from its famous blue bird to "X". The new white X on a black background has replaced the blue bird on the desktop version of the social network, although is yet to appear on the mobile app. "Tweets" will also be replaced, according to Twitter's owner Elon Musk, and posts will be called "x's". The billionaire changed his profile picture to the new logo and added "X.com" to his Twitter bio. Mr Musk wants to create a "super app" called X - his vision for a new kind of social media platform that he has been talking about creating for months. On Sunday, the billionaire said he was looking to change Twitter's logo, tweeting: "And soon we shall bid adieu to the Twitter brand and, gradually, all the birds." He then shared a picture of the new X branding projected onto the side of Twitter headquarters in San Francisco. Our headquarters tonight pic.twitter.com/GO6yY8R7fO Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 24, 2023 Mr Musk, who has changed the name of the business to X Corp, said the replacement "should have been done a long time ago". He posted an image of a flickering X on Twitter, and later in a Twitter Spaces audio chat, replied "Yes" when asked if the Twitter logo would change. Linda Yaccarino, Twitter's new chief executive, wrote on the platform that the rebrand was an exciting new opportunity. "Twitter made one massive impression and changed the way we communicate," she said. "Now, X will go further, transforming the global town square." The bird is called Larry which Twitter's co-founder Biz Stone said, in 2011, is a tribute to basketball star and Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird. People took to Twitter to mourn the loss of the logo, including Martin Grasser who designed it in 2012. Story continues "Today we say goodbye to this great blue bird," he said. Later the tweet was shared by Jack Dorsey, Twitter's best-known co-founder with a goat emoji, which means 'greatest of all time'. The everything app For some people in Asia, super-apps including India's PayTM and Indonesia's GoJek have been a vital part of everyday lives for the past few years. The apps let users pay for services through a finance system. WeChat is a messaging and social media platform that has evolved into one of the region's biggest apps in terms of its range of services and number of users. Last year, it was estimated to have 1.29 billion users in China alone. Drew Benvie, social media commentator and founder of digital agency, Battenhall said, "Musk is going full throttle for the everything app space, leaving old Twitter in his wake, and eyeing the successes of Asia's trailblazers like WeChat and Moj. "Succeeding in just a couple of additional services, such as shopping or payments, could be all that's needed to make X better than Twitter was. But there are already so many alternatives, so Musk and co are playing an enormous game of catch-up." Twitter's website says its logo, depicting a blue bird, is "our most recognisable asset". "That's why we're so protective of it," it added. The firm temporarily replaced the logo in April with Dogecoin's Shiba Inu dog, helping drive a surge in the meme coin's market value. Mr Musk was later accused of insider trading by a group of Dogecoin investors, who claimed he had profited from driving up Dogecoin's value. Rapid rebrand Business commentator Justin Urquhart Stewart said Twitter's "loyal but aging base" would not like the changes. "The younger generations have moved onto other apps and Twitter does look at bit old-fashioned." "Elon Musk has got to be careful as you are almost starting from scratch with an older audience meanwhile damaging the original brand," he said. The very rapid rebranding of Twitter has also caused some security concerns. Jake Moore, global cyber adviser at security firm ESET, said the transition from one company name to another could encourage phishing, where criminals impersonate people or organisations to steal users' data. "A rebrand is the perfect opportunity to send phishing emails requesting users to sign in via a new URL from a link within that email - but of course that link wouldn't be genuine and that's where people could be tricked into handing over their genuine Twitter credentials without their usual level of caution," he told the BBC. "Cyber-criminals can easily prey on this, especially those searching for that new URL." X obsession Mr Musk has long had a fascination with the letter X - although no-one really knows why. One of his first business ventures in 1999 was known as X.com, which was an online banking platform. Just three years later, Mr Musk made $165m when X.com - by then merged with PayPal - was bought by eBay. Elon Musk and Grimes' first child is named X A-12 He also owns the X.com domain name, which now redirects to Twitter. Mr Musk is also chief executive of SpaceX, the commercial American aerospace company founded in 2002. There is also the name of his first child with musician Grimes - X A-12 Musk. Mr Musk also recently launched his long-awaited artificial intelligence start-up - xAI - in a bid to build an alternative to ChatGPT. Initial reporting by Tom Espiner & Noor Nanji Three days is all it took for a Broward jury to reach an immovable stalemate on deciding unanimously if rapper YNW Melly murdered his two childhood friends more than four years ago. That may appear to be a quick turnaround but Craig Trocino, director of the University of Miami Laws Innocence Clinic, tells the Miami Herald that really isnt the case. On Saturday, Broward Circuit Judge John Murphy declared Mellys case a mistrial after it was confirmed there was a hung jury meaning the jurors were unable to reach a verdict. The jury started deliberations on Thursday and while that may seem a short amount of time compared to the length of the case, which took more than fours years to get to this outcome, Trocino says the jury did their job to the fullest. They considered [the case], they weighed all the evidence and they argued back and forth among themselves, he said. [They] kept voting and voting and kept having a split. Thats generally what happens in a hung jury. Before running the Innocence Clinic, which works to exonerate the wrongfully convicted in Florida, Trocino has worked with death sentenced inmates and was the counsel of record on more than 200 direct appeals, UMs website said. Trocino warns that comparing hung juries is difficult especially with defendants who are famous. These high-profile publicity cases are usually pretty bad cases to use as a bellwether of how the normal day-to-day criminal justice system works, he said. This case had its quirks. Noting that, hung juries in Florida death penalty cases isnt generally seen very frequently, he said. Juries, they end up taking on a life of their own. So whats common in one jury is not common in other juries, Trocino said. Certainly there were members of this jury who didnt believe the state proved its case. Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons, is accused of shooting to death his childhood friends Anthony Williams and Christopher Thomas Jr. in an alleged drive-by cover-up after spending the night of Oct. 26, 2018, at a Fort Lauderdale recording studio. Williams and Thomas, both aspiring rappers with the YNW collective, were known as YNW Sakchaser and YNW Juvy, respectively. Story continues What does a mistrial mean for YNW Melly? A mistrial does not mean Melly is free or innocent of the charges, in fact he is still facing them. The Broward County State Attorneys Office said it will be retrying Melly on the double murder charges. This new trial will be a little bit more interesting and less pins and needles, Trocino said. One of the things about a hung jury and a retrial is now everybody on both sides has seen the other sides cards so strategies can be modified now, he said. ...You already got a sort of dress rehearsal, so to speak. Apart from how different the litigators may attack the case, Melly would be dealing with an entirely new jury. On the new trial its going to be completely different because were gonna have 12 different personalities hearing slightly different evidence in a different order in a different way. Trocino emphasizes that just because Mellys case ended in a mistrial doesnt guarantee anything in a retrial. I dont think you can say anything beyond this particular jury was a hung jury because a different group of 12 people might have been a not guilty or might have been guilty, he said. Farmers Insurance is the latest insurer to completely pull out of Florida, citing concerns about natural disasters made worse by Earths rising temperature, CBS News reports. Farmers announced the change on July 11, following a notice to the states regulatory agency. The insurer is required to give the state three months notice before it begins to discontinue policies. According to its announcement, the company will no longer offer company-branded homeowners, auto, or umbrella policies in Florida, CBS News reports. This decision affects around 100,000 existing policies and any future customers. Policies sold under subsidiaries, which make up about 70% of Farmers business in the state, will not be affected at this time. Unfortunately for Florida residents, Farmers is the fourth insurance company to leave the state in the past year. Pensacola News Journal lists the other departing companies as Bankers Insurance, Centauri Insurance, and Lexington Insurance. The state experiences so many destructive hurricanes and storms that even charging homeowners three times the national average for insurance according to CBS News has become expensive and risky. This business decision was necessary to effectively manage risk exposure, Farmers spokesman Trevor Chapman told CBS News in a statement. Air pollution created by humanity raises the temperature worldwide, leading to more unstable, extreme weather. In addition to heat waves, different locations throughout the globe have experienced severe storms, droughts, wildfires, and floods. For insurance companies that gamble that theyll receive more money in insurance fees than they pay out in claims, all this heavy weather is bad for business. Insurers are also leaving California for similar reasons. Insurance policies will be harder to find and more expensive for residents of these states. CBS News says a 40% jump in Floridas insurance prices this year is expected. Some homeowners may even have to go without insurance and risk losing their homes if there is a disaster. Story continues Prior to Farmers announcement, Floridas chief financial officer, Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis), tweeted that he had heard rumors about the possibility the company might withdraw. If thats true my office is going to explore every avenue possible for holding them accountable, he said. Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. Flash Traffic across the Crimean bridge has been restored after a temporary suspension due to "an unspecified reason" on Saturday morning, said authorities. Those on the bridge and within the inspection area were requested to remain calm and follow the instructions of transport security staff, according to an official post on Telegram. Road traffic on the bridge has been restored shortly after the suspension, it updated later. Moreover, head of the Crimean Republic Sergei Aksyonov said Saturday that Ukraine had attempted to attack infrastructure facilities on the Crimean Peninsula with drones. "The enemy attempted to launch a raid with the use of UAVs targeting infrastructure facilities in the Krasnogvardeysky district of the Republic of Crimea," Aksyonov said in a Telegram post. He added that personnel from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations were working at the site to eliminate any possible consequences. Florida Highway Patrol said a 36-year-old Winter Haven woman has died of her injuries after an accused DUI driver slammed into her vehicle early Sunday morning. Troopers said at 4:10a.m, Quarpaesha Raquel Prather, 31, of Lakeland was traveling eastbound on State Route 400 in the outside lane approaching Galloway Road. Read: one person killed in Orlando shooting According to the news release, the victim was also traveling eastbound. Investigators said Prather collided with the rear end of the female victims car. Read: Back to school: Hispanic organization giving away school supplies in Central Florida The impact caused the victims car to rotate and overturn into the south shoulder of the highway, troopers said. The Florida Highway Patrol said the victim was ejected from her car and suffered fatal injuries. Prather was arrested and brought to the Polk County Jail. FHP: Woman dies after a DUI driver slammed into her car. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Earlier this month, this group of migrants arrive in Los Angeles from Brownsville, Texas. Another bus arrived in L.A. on Saturday. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) A bus carrying 44 migrants from Texas arrived at Union Station on Saturday morning, the fifth such busload sent by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in just over a month, according to Los Angeles officials. The migrants arrived in downtown Los Angeles from Brownsville, Texas, around 11: 30 a.m. and were met by members of the L.A. Welcome Collective, which includes the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the Central American Resource Center-Los Angeles, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights and others. The move by the Texas governor comes just four days after another bus he sent carrying 44 migrants from Venezuela, China, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Chile and Brazil arrived at Union Station from Brownsville. "The City has continued to work with City Departments, the County, and a coalition of nonprofit organizations, in addition to our faith partners, to execute a plan set in place earlier this year," Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement. "As we have before, when we became aware of the bus yesterday, we activated our plan." The three other buses arrived on June 12, July 1 and July 13 carrying, respectively, 42, 41 and 30 migrants. Texas has funded the transport of more than 22,000 migrants to Democratic-run cities across the U.S., including New York, Washington, Chicago, Denver and Philadelphia, as part of Abbotts protest against federal immigration policies. So far, he's raised $415,397 in donations to help pay for the transfer of migrants, according to the governor's website. 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. Leonard Leo, a longtime Federalist Society executive, has spent decades moving the Supreme Court to the right. Carolyn Kaster/AP Leonard Leo, a conservative activist, has spent decades moving federal courts to the right He oversees a large network of groups that back advocacy campaigns for conservative judges. But one recent PR campaign has centered on Justice Clarence Thomas, The Washington Post reported. A yearslong public relations campaign praising and defending Supreme Court Judge Clarence Thomas can be traced to a network of nonprofit groups tied to a prominent conservative activist, The Washington Post reported. Leonard Leo, co-chairman of The Federalist Society, has spent several decades pushing federal courts to the right by leveraging a large network of nonprofit organizations in which he holds formal or informal roles. According to the Post, Leo has also used that network to support the confirmation of every conservative Supreme Court justice in the past two decades. But one more recent campaign was directed at Justice Thomas, who had already spent about three decades on the Court's bench. The initiative includes a two-hour movie, "Created Equal," released in 2020, that followed Thomas' upbringing; websites that praise Thomas's life or dispute the sexual harassment allegations made by Anita Hill; and even a Twitter fan account with close to 30,000 followers. The Post found that the effort cost at least $1.8 million from conservative nonprofits tied to Leo. The campaign began in early 2016, the Post reported, when HBO was set to release "Confirmation," a film that centers on Hill's explosive allegations during Thomas' 1991 nomination hearings. The movie starred Kerry Washington as Hill and Wendell Pierce as Thomas. One person who was tapped to lead the elaborate public relations campaign was Mark Paoletta a former Trump White House aide, attorney, and close friend of Thomas. According to the Post, a nonprofit called the Judicial Education Project paid the lawyer about $300,000 in 2016 for "media projects." Story continues Leo does not have a formal role in the Judicial Education Project nonprofit, according to the Post. Still, he previously told the newspaper he is an advisor to the organization. Paoletta did not return a request for comment sent outside of business hours and during the weekend. Paoletta denounced the HBO film after reviewing the script and sent a letter to HBO's then-president on March 7, 2016, claiming the movie contained "numerous distortions, omissions and fabrications" in an attempt to bolster Hill's "credibility and smearing." Len Amato, HBO's president at the time, disputed the assertion to Politico and said there was "no agenda" behind the film and that it's "quite evenhanded." In the time surrounding the film's release, the attorney began submitting op-eds to conservative outlets such as the Daily Caller, National Review, and Washington Examiner, defending Thomas and attacking the film. Paoletta also sought help from Javelin, a Virginia-based PR firm, to launch a website, confirmationbiased.com, to dispute or "fact check" the film. "I was determined to not let these lies go unanswered, so I reached out to Javelin to help me develop a media presence to push back," Paoletta told The Post. Records obtained and interviews conducted by the Post show Paoletta worked with another public relations firm called CRC Public Relations now CRC Advisors, which Leo chairs to drum up websites and a social media account. According to the Post, CRC helped create a Twitter fan account around September 2016 to post quotes from Thomas or video clips of the justice. The account's bio now shows that it's run by Judicial Crisis Network, a nonprofit also led by Leo, although his name does not appear in the group's tax filings. The New York Times has previously reported how Leo has worked closely with the group during confirmation hearings. The firm also helped create anitahillcase.com, dedicated to disputing Hill's allegations, and justicethomas.com, which praises Thomas. "This site is dedicated to Justice Clarence Thomas and his three decades of jurisprudence on the Supreme Court of the United States," the website states. "Since his confirmation on October 15, 1991, Justice Thomas has been a stalwart defender of the original meaning of the Constitution." According to the Post, Paoletta would also seek help from conservative filmmaker Michael Pack to make "Created Equal," which only features interviews from Thomas and his wife, Ginni Thomas. The film's financial backers included the Judicial Education Project and the Crow family. Harlan Crow was recently the subject of a ProPublica investigation that revealed how the GOP donor poured lavish gifts onto Thomas. The Judicial Crisis Network (JCN) also spent $1.5 million to promote the film in 2022 during Kentanji Brown Jackson's confirmation hearings. One ad took a dig at Jackson for saying she doesn't "understand" how Thomas grew to hold his conservative views as a Black man. The comment was made years ago in a 2007 biography of Thomas, "Supreme Discomfort: The Divided Soul of Clarence Thomas." A spokesperson for JCN did not respond to a request for comment sent during the weekend. The film later spawned a book of the same name, in which Pack said that Paoletta was "an unsung, uncredited executive producer" of "Created Equal," the Post reported. In a statement to the Post, Paoletta confirmed that the work he paid to do for the Judicial Education Project was related to Thomas and that "my good friend Leonard Leo's group provided funding for this work." A spokesperson for The Federalist Society did not respond to a request for comment sent during the weekend. Read the original article on Business Insider Several firefighters responded to an attic fire in Dayton Sunday afternoon. >>1 flown to hospital after crash in Clark County Dayton Firefighters were dispatched to the 1700 block of Radcliffe Road at around 3:50 p.m. on initial reports of a structure fire, Dayton Police & Fire wrote on its Facebook page. Heavy fire was reported in the attic, according to initial scanner traffic. The fire is under control and no injuries are reported, dispatchers told NewsCenter 7. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The view of the cathedral after the enemy attack For the second time in history, a Russian dictator has ordered the destruction of Odesas historic Transfiguration Cathedral. A massive missile strike by Russian forces targeted the center of Odesa in the early hours of July 23, resulting in the ruin of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine (ROC) church. The cathedral was first demolished during the reign of Russian dictator Josef Stalin, only being rebuilt in 2005. Disturbing footage capturing the immediate aftermath of the attack has surfaced on a local Telegram channel. The video captures a heart-wrenching scene with one of the priests lamenting, Fathers, we no longer have the Transfiguration Cathedral with us, as flames engulf the interior of the sacred site. Read also: Ukrainian Defense Ministry vows to repel Russian fleet in Crimean Black Sea waters Predictably, Russian authorities swiftly pointed fingers at Ukraine, accusing them of causing the cathedrals destruction with a Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile. The Transfiguration Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in Odesa with a storied history dating back to its foundation in 1794, suffered colossal devastation, said the ROC. Tragically, the nighttime strike has killed at least one civilian and injured 22 others, while destroying six nearby buildings and causing widespread damage in the city. Read also: Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The Florida Blue tower soars as the tallest building in the fast-growing Brooklyn neighborhood of downtown along Riverside Avenue. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is considering the Florida Blue tower on Riverside Avenue as a possible place to lease space for a portion of its workforce because a building that houses those police units now is rat-infested and outdated. The interest by the Sheriff's Office in the Florida Blue building in the Brooklyn neighborhood of downtown marks the second government agency eyeing it as a possible place to lease floor space. The Duval County School Board also has been evaluating it for relocating its headquarters from the downtown Southbank. The headquarters for the Sheriff's Office is the Police Memorial Building along Bay Street, but the department has outgrown the capacity of that facility and has put units in other buildings in the downtown area. Town hall: You're invited: Jacksonville sheriff says 'Change Is Coming: Let's Talk!' at town hall Video eyes: Jacksonville Sheriff's Office joins move to use private security cameras in crime fighting Deegan's first budget: Mayor Donna Deegan makes first $1.75 billion budget proposal Sheriff T.K. Waters said one of those buildings is not a suitable location any longer so he is looking for leased space elsewhere. "That building has outlived its usefulness," Waters said. "There are rats in there that are horrible. We see new fire stations commissioned all the time, but I'm struggling to find space for our police officers." The Sheriff's Office does not have a timeline for moving the officers and still is exploring the options. The possibility of using space at the Florida Blue tower has not advanced to an actual lease agreement. The office tower also is in the running to be a future location of the Duval County School Board's headquarters if the School Board decides to move out of its long-time center at 1701 Prudential Drive on the Southbank riverfront. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is interested in moving some of its staff to the Florida Blue tower at 532 Riverside Ave. A report given in June to the School Board recommended two options: leasing space from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Florida at its Riverside Avenue building or at a new building that would be constructed by a partnership of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority and Preston Hollow Community Capital. Story continues If the School Board were to choose the Florida Blue building, it would lease four floors, according to the presentation to the board. Waters announced a revamp Wednesday of how the Sheriff's Office deploys patrol officers across the county. He said the consideration of leasing space at the Florida Blue tower has no connection to the change in the patrol areas. He said it's being driven by a need to have more space beyond what's in the Police Memorial Building. Waters said that State Attorney Melissa Nelson helped the Sheriff's Office by providing some space in her building for police officers. The Sheriff's Office declined to provide the address of the building Waters is trying to get out of that has the rats. City Council President Ron Salem also plans to convene a special council committee that will examine relocating the jail, which is behind the Police Memorial Building, out of downtown. Waters said the construction of a new jail could be accompanied by a new, larger headquarters building. "The ultimate goal is to put everybody together in a justice type system area along with a new jail facility," he said. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville sheriff considers Florida Blue tower for office space The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office resports that 16-year-old Jonae Elizabeth Seaborn has been located. She was the subject of a statewide Missing Child Alert on Sunday after her family reported her missing under suspicious circumstances. A 16-year-old Jacksonville girl who was the subject of a statewide Missing Child Alert and police search was found as the investigation into the circumstances of her disappearance continues. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office announced early Sunday night that Jonae Elizabeth Seaborn had been found but released no information about where or how she was located. The Sheriff's Office also didn't release any information about the 33-year-old man who police earlier said might have been traveling with her. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has canceled a statewide Florida Missing Child Alert it activated Sunday for 16-year-old Jonae Elizabeth Seaborn of Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said Seaborn has been located. Earlier in the day, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement had activated a statewide Missing Child Alert for Seaborn based on information from the Sheriff's Office during the search. Florida Amber Alert update: Jacksonville police say missing 12-year-old girl found safe Child shot in throat: Gunfire into Jacksonville home wounds 9-year-old girl JSO moving?: Florida Blue gets interest from sheriff on top of School Board for office space At that time, the Sheriff's Office said that Seaborn might be with Georges Jerome and they may have been traveling in a red sport utility vehicle. "Per the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Jonae is considered in danger as of July 22, 2023," FDLE said in a 4:06 p.m. updated news release regarding the Missing Child Alert. FDLE also said that Seaborn had been last seen in the area of 1370 Shearwater Drive in North Jacksonville. The Jacksonville SHeriff's Office during its Sunday search for 16-year-old Jonae Elizabeth Seaborn, said that she might have been traveling with Georges Jerome, 33. Seaborn subsequently was located, the Sheriff's Office said. Family members had reportedSeaborn missing "under suspicious circumstances" from the Dunn Avenue and Biscayne Boulevard area of the Northside, the Sheriff's Office said in a news release about 8 a.m. Sunday. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville teen found as police investigate her disappearance Sunday A hillside continues to collapse as homes along Peartree Lane fall along with it in Rolling Hills Estates. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) It's been nearly two weeks since Jooyun Lee and her family were evacuated from their Rolling Hills Estates home as their neighbors' townhouses slid toward the bottom of the canyon, carried away by a collapsing hillside. Every day, she wonders: "When are they going to call us and tell us we can move back? Lee and her family are among the residents of five units evacuated days after a major landslide collapsed many of her Peartree Lane neighbors' homes, forced out when officials found a broken sewer line caused by the land movement. Her property wasn't directly damaged, but it's been deemed unlivable in the near term until the sewer is fixed. "Were just waiting, Lee said Friday. We need more information." Two weeks since the first set of residents were evacuated July 8, little is known about what caused the slide that destroyed at least eight homes collapsing roofs, cracking driveways and splitting open walls and left others nearby feeling like they're living on the edge. And now, officials are warning that it could be up to two months before the geological experts evaluating the landslide will have any preliminary results, leaving residents to wait for answers about the landslide's cause, the street's future stability, any necessary mitigation and for some, whether they can ever return home. Read more: Rolling Hills Estates landslide slows, but broken sewer line prompts more evacuations "Oh my goodness, Lee said, surprised by that timeline. I thought it would maybe take a week, maybe. Lee is staying with her family of four in a Torrance hotel paid for with emergency funds from the city of Rolling Hills Estates, which she said has been fine for the last few days. But she wasn't prepared for months. "I didn't think it was going to be this bad," Lee said. She acknowledged that she's among the most fortunate neighbors, with her home still standing, but said it's still hard not knowing what will come next. Story continues In total, 17 homes on Peartree Lane remain evacuated as officials still call the major landslide an "active situation." On July 8, the first 12 homes on the block most of which lined a canyon wall and are now completely ruined were evacuated and red-tagged. The last five evacuations, including Lee's home, were ordered July 11 after the broken sewer line was discovered. Many homeowners and residents had been hanging their hopes on finally getting answers from a geologist hired by the homeowners association to investigate the land movement, but now they feel further in limbo. "It just makes our emotions toggle between optimistic and taking steps back," said David Zee, whose home was deemed unsafe to enter July 8 because of foundation concerns but remains standing. We're "just trying to put together a mosaic of how long it could potentially take. When I heard potentially eight weeks of monitoring [by the geologist] thats going to take us to middle of September." He's said he's been trying to stay positive, but realizing how long this process could take was tough to hear. Read more: Rolling Hills Estates residents watch their world sink, hope to salvage memories after landslide I kind of walked away somewhat disappointed," Zee said. "But it was good information more information is always a good thing. City officials said Thursday that the community's homeowners association had hired GMU Geotechnical, an Orange County firm that specializes in geotechnical, structural, pavement and related engineering services, to investigate the landslide on Peartree Lane. The firm began work Wednesday, city officials said, and that "work will be ongoing and a specific timeline for completion is unknown," according to the city's update late Thursday. But multiple residents who attended a virtual meeting with GMU representatives this week told The Times that the experts warned them it could be two months before they get preliminary results. And even then, additional testing or analysis might be necessary to draw conclusions. The management company for the neighborhood's two homeowners associations, Scott Management, declined to comment or respond to questions from The Times on the contract. A geologist with GMU deferred questions to attorney Michael Rabkin, who also did not respond to multiple requests for comment from The Times. Read more: 'Lowest point': First their houses slid off the hill, then suspected burglars came Zee said he's glad the geological work is getting started, but worries about how long it will take to get any hillside supports in place, if needed. I get the order of operations, but at the same time how can we speed this up?" Zee said. "Our main objective is to be able to move back. What does that look like and how long does that take?" "Theres still a lot of uncertainty and unknowns," he said. Lee said she and her family haven't found any cracks in their home, which sits on the opposite side of the street from the collapsing hillside, so they are still planning to return once the sewer is fixed. But she said there's no indication when that will be. She and her neighbors also have concerns about the stability of the street, after finding new cracks in the asphalt. We are very concerned about the road," Lee said, noting it's the only way in and out of their cul-de-sac. We're "just taking it day at a time and trying to adjust." Read more: Does your home insurance cover a landslide? Here's what you need to know Geological experts have said that thorough landslide evacuations take time. El Hachemi Bouali, an assistant professor of geosciences at Nevada State University, who has studied land movement in the Palos Verdes peninsula, said the eight-week timeline given to residents is understandable. "There is a lot of work to be done to determine exactly how a landslide occurred," Bouali said. "Landslides are complicated because there are many factors at play." He said the logical first step in the investigation would be boring into the earth, to see how the ground's layers are distributed and if any are saturated with water. Multiple residents said this was how GMU's team planned to begin work on their street. "Boring far enough down will allow geologists to find the slip surface, or the surface where everything above it has moved and everything below it has not moved," Bouali said. "This can help determine the landslide cause." He couldn't give a more specific estimate of when that might be determined, but said he wouldn't be surprised if water was a factor in the land movement, something city officials have also mentioned. California officials had also warned about the threat of deep-seated landslides this spring and summer for those living on hillsides, after the particularly wet winter and early spring. Read more: Residents raised construction concerns decades before Rolling Hills Estates landslide "The Palos Verdes peninsula has been known to be landslide-prone due to the combination of three main factors: relatively steep slopes composed of weak geologic material and seasonal precipitation events," Bouali said. He said water can further weaken the region's weak ground, which is particularly an issue on steep slopes. Although landslides would exist on the Palos Verdes Peninsula with or without development and construction, Bouali said "humans can exacerbate the situation," as over-steepening slopes, removing earthen material along hills or adding water from leaky pipes or irrigation can destabilize land. While Peartree Lane residents await the experts' analysis, many have wondered whether the landslide could have been prevented. The Times recently reported that during the neighborhood's construction, residents worried about potential drainage issues, and some in recent years have said they remembered some leaking pipes or unaddressed land movement. Randy Troy, whose home has now mostly collapsed down the canyon wall, said he's no geological expert but worries something could have been done before this slide. This issue didnt happen in a vacuum on July 8, Troy said. There were events leading up to this." He remains hopeful the geotechnical firm can help pinpoint exactly what went wrong. 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. Alexander Borodai, a former Alexander Borodai, a former "member" of the Russia-controlled Donetsk puppet authorities and current member of Russias State Duma from Russian dictator Vladimir Putins party, United Russia, came under fire on the Donbas frontline on July 21, the Borodai-led "Donbas Volunteer Union" reported on July 22. Two Russian officers were wounded, while Borodai was unharmed as the organization's vehicle came under fire while leaving the frontline position of a battalion, the outlet claimed. Borodai can be seen standing with his head bandaged and his clothes covered in blood in images shared on Telegram. Specific details about the incident were not provided and it is unclear where and when the images were taken. Deputy Speaker of the State Duma Pyotr Tolstoy proposed awarding Borodai the Order of Courage for his "many years of service, bravery, and principled position on defending Russias interests and contribution to the liberation of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts." Borodai, 50, is a Russian terrorist, journalist, political scientist, "Russian world" ideologist. Born in Moscow, he previously worked as a journalist, including as a correspondent for the Russian propaganda agency RIA Novosti, covering the First Chechen War, and for the newspaper Zavtra, where he worked alongside fellow terrorist Igor Girkin (AKA Strelkov) and contributed to publications advocating Eurasianism. Read also: Moscow court set to choose preventive measure against terrorist Girkin He was mentioned as an FSB Major General in a 2002 publication in Russian media, a claim he personally denied. From May 16 to Aug. 7, 2014, Borodai acted as "Prime Minister" of the Russia-controlled Donetsk puppet authorities. From Aug. 8 to Oct. 20, 2014, he served as chief advisor to Alexander Zakharchenko, the "Representative of the Council of Ministers" in Donetsk. Since 2015, he has headed the "Donbas Volunteer Union." Story continues Since 2014, he has been wanted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and is considered a threat to Ukraines national security. In 2021, he was elected as a member of the State Duma of Russia from Putins party, United Russia. Read also: Russia detains terrorist Girkin following Wagner mercenarys statement 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 TITUSVILLE A former Mims resident who originally was named a "person of interest" in a 2011 Titusville double homicide is now facing two murder charges in court after a police investigation that lasted more than a decade. Larry Lee Jr., 52, who now has an Orlando address, was arrested Wednesday, days after his release from federal prison after serving a cocaine-related sentence. Titusville police have charged him with two counts of second-degree murder. Each charge is punishable by up to life in prison. Lee entered a not guilty plea Friday, and he has requested a jury trial. He remains incarcerated without bail in the Brevard County Jail Complex. A court hearing will take place Aug. 18 at the Titusville Historic Courthouse. Messages seeking comment were left Sunday for his attorneys, Michael Cook and Patrick Landy of West Melbourne. A judge's gavel. A decade-long investigation has afforded our department the opportunity to provide justice for these two victims and their families, who still suffer the consequences of these heinous crimes," Titusville Police Criminal Investigations Sgt. Tim Werring said in an April 2022 news release on Lee's case. We never gave up on our pursuit for justice in this case," Werring said. Titusville police discovered the bodies of city residents Anquanette Skanes, 23, and Lapriet Jordan, 35, in May 2011 in an apartment at the River Breeze Apartments on Court Street. More: Titusville bank robber still on the loose after stealing cash from Chase branch Crime scene investigators determined Skanes had been fatally shot multiple times, while Jordan died of multiple stab wounds, an arrest warrant affidavit said. Police named Lee who had fathered a child with Skanes as a person of interest. In July 2015, Lee was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Orlando to 10 years in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release for attempted possession with attempt to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. Story continues The day after the two victims were discovered, Titusville police seized a gray Pontiac Grand Prix that was registered to Lee's parents. Five years later, in 2016, advanced-technology DNA testing revealed that two bloodstains found inside the car matched Jordan's DNA, the affidavit said. Lee was released from federal prison July 7, records show. Rick Neale is the South Brevard Watchdog Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY (for more of his stories, click here.) Contact Neale at 321-242-3638 or rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @RickNeale1 Support local journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Ex-Mims resident facing charges from 2011 Titusville double-homicide Five people died in three Saturday crashes, including one man on a motorcycle in Eureka Springs, three people in vehicles in Madison County, and a woman near Spiro, Okla. authorities report. In Madison County, Ark., three people were killed Saturday night and three others injured when a vehicle tried to pass another vehicle, Arkansas State Police reported. Chasitie Vandroof, 36, of Springdale, a juvenile whose age and name were not released, and Jacob Doss, 38, of Green Forest, were killed as a result of the three-vehicle accident about 9:20 p.m. Saturday on U.S. 412 in rural Madison County, the police reported. Vandroof, the driver of a Honda, and a juvenile were westbound on U.S. 412 when Vandroof crossed the center line as she tried to pass a Chevrolet driven west by Aaron Vasquez Figueroa, 18, with passenger Fernando A. Montario, 32, both of Rogers, police reported. A Toyota was driven east by Tiffany Darity, 40, of Berryville, as the Honda driven by Vandroof approached, and both vehicles left the southside of the highway, overturning multiple times, police reported. The Chevrolet driven by Figueroa hit an embankment, the patrol reported. Figueroa, Montario, and Darity were taken to Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, police report. In a separate fatal crash Saturday afternoon that happened in Eureka Springs in Carroll County, a Fayetteville man died and a Rogers man was injured when two motorcycles collided, the police report. Raymond Scott Kinnunen, 58, of Fayetteville, was driving a Harley-Davidson east on U.S. 62 at County Road 207 in Eureka Springs about 12:30 p.m. Saturday when he approached a Harley-Davidson motorcycle driven east by Rendell S. Whitehead, 54, of Rogers. Whitehead was slowing down to turn left when Kinnunen lost control and was thrown from the motorcycle that hit Whitehead, police reported. Kinnunen was pronounced dead at the scene, and Whitehead was taken to a Eureka Springs hospital. Conditions were dry and sunny at the time of the accident, police reported. Story continues In LeFlore County, Oklahoma Saturday night, a 17-year-old boy driving a pickup about 10:30 p.m. Saturday veered left of center on State Highway 9, about 9 miles west of Spiro, east of Twilight Road, and then hit a car driven east by Hailey Johnson, 20, from Keota, according to the patrol. The boy, from Poteau, was flown to a Tulsa hospital where he was treated for a leg injury, the patrol reports. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene. This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Five people killed Saturday crashes in region Senior lawmakers are increasingly demanding that military and other government officials provide them with information about intelligence on unidentified flying objects (UFOs) or unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs). The demands reflect frustrations on the part of some lawmakers that they are being kept in the dark about whats known about UFOs and UAPs. The lawmakers do not necessarily believe the government is hiding signs of extraterrestrial life from the public and congressional oversight. But they are frustrated they are not learning more about unknown objects flying in restricted U.S. air space. My primary interest in this topic is if there are object[s] operating over restricted air space, its not ours and we dont know whose it is, thats a problem that we need to get to the bottom of, said Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. If theres an explanation for it thats being kept from Congress, then we need to force the issue. Were not getting answers, Rubio told The Hill. The Senate has adopted an amendment to an annual defense bill that would require the federal government to collect and disclose all records related to UFOs and UAPs unless a special review board determines they must be kept classified. The amendment was sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence committees, and is backed by Rubio and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), the chairwoman of the Armed Services subcommittee on emerging threats, as well as Sens. Todd Young (R-Ind.), a former Marine intelligence officer, and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). Rubio, the top-ranking Republican on the intelligence committee, has more access to classified information than the vast majority of lawmakers on Capitol Hill. He said he suspects there are records related to unidentified aerial phenomena that are being kept secret from congressional oversight. Story continues Right now, what I know is reliable people tell us that and weve seen objects operating over restricted military and national security airspace. They claim its not ours. They claim they dont know whose it is. Thats like the definition of a national security threat, he said. Either theres an answer that exists and is not being provided, or there is no answer. Beyond that, I dont want to speculate anything, he added. Rubio said he was familiar with the claims of David Grusch, a career intelligence officer who worked for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. He claims the federal government has retrieved non-human origin technical vehicles that have landed or crashed on Earth. We have a number of people including that gentleman who have come forward both publicly and privately to make claims, Rubio said. One of two things are true. Either A, theyre telling the truth or some version of the truth or B, we have a bunch of people with high clearances and really important jobs in our government are nuts. Both are a problem. And Im not accusing these people of being nuts. That said, thats something well look at and continue to look at seriously, he said. Interest in the subject is also reflected by this weeks House Oversight Committee hearing Thursday on UAPs and UFOs. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), who is chairing the hearing, says lawmakers will hear testimony from Grusch, as well as former Navy Cmdr. David Fravor and former Navy pilot Ryan Graves. Burchett claimed on a podcast this month that the federal government has known about UFOs for decades and they can fly underwater and dont show a heat trail, appearing to defy the laws of physics. Congressional sources familiar with efforts to gain more information from the Defense Department and intelligence agencies say UAPs and UFOs are being detected more frequently because of improvements in military sensor technology. The Department of Defense released three Navy videos in 2020 that show objects flying in extraordinary ways and capturing confused and awe-struck comments of Naval aviators who witnessed the phenomena. Grusch, who describes himself as a whistleblower, says senior intelligence officers have told him they participated in a secret UAP task force, though he says he has not personally witnessed nonhuman intelligence. He says he was retaliated against when he tried to gain more information about the program. Rubio said we dont know if such a program exists and what evidence it might have collected. Without speculating or adding to intrigue about this whole topic, theres no doubt that in this field, generally, theres more than what we know, he said. Were trying to get to a process where at least some people in Congress do know. Asked why he suspects theres more for Congress to know about UAPs, Rubio said theres pieces of puzzles that dont fit. Most certainly there are elements of things, whether historic or current, that potentially Congress has not been kept fully informed of and that would be a problem, he said. Theres really no function of the executive that shouldnt require congressional oversight at some level. The language in the Senate defense bill would require the National Archives and Records Administration to create a collection of records related to UAPs across government agencies that would be declassified for public use. UAPs generate a lot of curiosity for many Americans, and with that curiosity sometimes comes misinformation, Schumer said Tuesday on the Senate floor. Most lawmakers are extremely reluctant to say they suspect aliens from other solar systems are visiting Earth because there isnt any undisputable evidence of such visits in the public domain. Also, the nearest star to planet Earth is 40,000 billion kilometers away, making it seem impossible that any alien craft could travel the distance necessary to span solar systems. The nearest star, Proxima Centauri, is so far away that it would take the Voyager 1 spacecraft, which travels at 17.3 km per second, 73,000 years to reach it, according to NASA. Its also hard to fathom that a foreign adversary such as China possesses such advanced technology that it can fly aerial vehicles in ways that appear to defy the laws of physics, as U.S. military personnel have observed of UFOs or UAPs. Rounds said he has seen no evidence personally that extraterrestrial craft are visiting the planet but said, I know that theres a lot of people that have questions about it. Its just like with JFK and the [1963] assassination. We set up separate archive for that or central collection place for all that data, which I think gave the American people a sense of security that there was a location where it was being held. This is following that same approach, he said. The White House announced late last month that the National Archives had concluded its review of documents related to the assassination of former President Kennedy and that 99 percent of the relevant records had been made publicly available. Asked about whether he personally believes military personnel and sensors are encountering extraterrestrial visitors, Rounds said: I dont think you can discount the possibility just simply because of the size of the universe. I dont think anybody should say that they know for certain either way, he said. If we simply refuse to acknowledge theres even a remote possibility, then were probably not being honest. Some of the items we simply cant explain, he said of the Naval videos of UAPs. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. What began as a normal traffic stop for a Georgia state trooper, turned into something more heartbreaking. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] About three months ago, Georgia Trooper Clark initiated a traffic stop on a car for a window tint violation. According to Georgia State Patrol, when Clark approached the car, the driver immediately asked him if she was being stopped due to the tint on her car. Clark said yes, but when the driver rolled the back window to reveal why, Clark was shocked. TRENDING STORIES: The driver revealed that her young daughter SJ, who was in the back seat is fighting a tough battle with Leukemia. She reportedly told Clark that in an effort to give her comfort during their car rides during the day, they had the windows tinted since they reside in Florida. Officials said during the stop, Clark gave SJ one of the teddy bears he keeps in his patrol car and gave her a tour of his patrol car. In April, Trooper Clark conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for window tint violation. When he approached the vehicle... Posted by Georgia Department of Public Safety on Sunday, July 23, 2023 [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] This past week, GSP said Clark got a call from SJ stating that she wanted to see him and give him a gift which included a huge bag of teddy bears for his patrol car. SJ also celebrated a birthday recently and Clark gifted her Barbie Dolls to celebrate another year of life, authorities said. The department thanked SJ for allowing them to be a part of her journey. She wants to be a trooper when she grows up now and we cant wait to see her life bloom, the department wrote on Facebook. IN OTHER NEWS: The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on July 23 that 27 military engagements with Russian troops had taken place over the past day. In total, Russia attacked Ukraine with 17 cruise missiles and 2 ballistic missiles, of which 9 missiles were destroyed by Ukrainian air defense, the General Staff said. It also carried out 26 air strikes and hit Ukraine 35 times with multiple rocket launchers, injuring civilians, according to the General Staff. On the night of July 22-23, a Russian missile attack significantly damaged the historic Transfiguration Cathedral in the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa. The heaviest fighting with Russian troops took place near Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Marinka in Donetsk Oblast, as well as in the Kupiansk direction in Kharkiv Oblast. During the day, Russia shelled 25 settlements in the Kherson, Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts. At the same time, Ukraine's air defense hit 3 Russian manpower concentration areas and shot down 4 reconnaissance drones. (Bloomberg) -- German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius canceled a trip to Iraq at the last minute, citing security risks in the country after unrest over perceived anti-Muslim demonstrations in Sweden intensified. Most Read from Bloomberg The highly unusual move came on Sunday with the plane carrying the minister and his delegation ready to take off from Berlin. The trip was part of the process to extend the parliamentary mandate for a small contingent of German military personnel who are training Iraqi troops. The background for the decision is the current developments in Iraq, where there have been violent riots against the Embassy of Sweden and an NGO from Denmark in recent days, Kevin Huuk, a spokesman for the defense ministry, said via e-mail. Further security-related protests and an aggravation of the situation cant be ruled out at this point in time. Read More: Protesters Storm Swedish Embassy in Iraq Over Koran Burning Protesters had stormed and set fire to the Swedish embassy in Baghdad last week, responding to an upcoming demonstration in Stockholm that was expected to include the burning of a Koran, the holy book of Islam. Amid the uproar, Iraq severed diplomatic ties with Sweden and suspended the license of Ericsson AB. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. By Nadja Wohlleben BERLIN (Reuters) - Prominent German LGBTQ+ rights activist Anastasia Biefang has expressed concerns about an increase in homophobic and anti-transgender violence and abuse in the country, comparing it to rhetoric used by the Nazis. Biefang, who made headlines as the first trans person to serve as a commander in the German military, spoke this weekend as hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Berlin to celebrate Christopher Street Day and demand LGBTQ+ equality. "I hear narratives that I thought we had overcome since 1945," said Biefang, 49, a former battalion leader who still serves in a leading capacity in the army's cyber and information department. The number of hate crimes targeting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community is rising in Germany, with officially registered cases increasing by 15.5% last year to reach 1,005, according to Interior Ministry data. Biefang said that while there had been positive achievements in recent years, there was a "feeling of exclusion, stigmatisation, division" that was sowing anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment. "That's a great shame. It's not only a shame, it's also worrying," she told Reuters in an interview on Saturday, adding that "transphobic, queerphobic, homophobic violence is also increasing significantly" in Berlin. In recent decades, the German capital has been known for having an accepting culture towards gender and sexual minorities. Biefang said it was of particular concern that the growing backlash against LGBTQ+ rights was being fuelled by supporters of far-right parties. Her comments coincide with a fresh poll by Insa for the Bild am Sonntag weekly newspaper, which puts the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), a party that has drawn criticism for taking swipes at LGBTQ+ rights, at a record 22%. There has been a pushback against gay and trans rights in other parts of Europe, too. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose government in 2021 passed a law banning the use of materials seen as promoting homosexuality and gender change at schools, on Saturday renewedhis criticism of the European Union for conducting what he called an "LGBTQ offensive". (This story has been refiled to say 'concerns' not 'concerned' in paragraph 1) (Reporting by Nadja Wohlleben; Writing by Christoph Steitz; Editing by Helen Popper) Authorities search the home of suspect Rex Heuermann, in Massapequa Park, N.Y. John Minchillo/Getty Images A task force to solve the Gilgo Beach cold case murders was launched in early 2022. It took investigators just six weeks to resurface a crucial witness tip that ultimately helped crack the case. It's prompted speculation over whether the case could've been solved years ago. When authorities launched a task force early last year to solve the decade-old Gilgo Beach serial killings case, investigators took just six weeks to resurface a vital clue that would eventually help pinpoint a suspect in four of the 11 killings that have haunted Long Island's South Shore. The witness who last saw victim Amber Costello in September 2010 described the suspect and his vehicle to police: A dark, first-generation Chevrolet Avalanche driven by a tall, dark-haired, heavyset man. According to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, that tip went uninvestigated over the years. "There are piles of evidence," Tierney told reporters at a press conference earlier this month. "What is credible, what's not, what seems likely, what's not it's not as simple as it seems." But when that witness' tip was rediscovered in 2022, investigators used the vehicle's description and cellphone location data to identify architect Rex Heuermann of Massapequa Park as a suspect. Authorities arrested Heuermann on July 13 and charged him with the murders of three women. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The speed at which the investigation proceeded, some 13 years after the bodies were found, has raised speculation about whether the murders could have been solved long before now. Multiple law enforcement agencies famously bungled their investigation over the years while a corruption scandal ensnared Suffolk County's police department and district attorney's office. Several key figures involved in the Gilgo Beach investigation were ultimately convicted of crimes they committed while in office. The top two lawmen in charge of the Gilgo Beach investigation spurned the help of the FBI and sought to cover up their own crimes Law enforcement and emergency personnel examine an object on the side of the road, center, near Jones Beach on April 11, 2011, in Wantagh, N.Y. Seth Wenig/Associated Press The first Gilgo Beach victim, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, first disappeared in 2007. Her body, and the bodies of 10 other people, weren't discovered until December of 2010 when a police officer's K9 partner inadvertently stumbled upon human remains during a training exercise, according to court documents. Story continues The case quickly went cold from there. The Suffolk County police chief at the time, James Burke, reportedly refused to share information with the FBI, hamstringing the federal investigation until Burke was eventually indicted for attacking a criminal suspect who had stolen Burke's bag of sex toys and pornography. "This case was bungled and polluted from the beginning," John Ray, an attorney for several families of Gilgo Beach victims, told The New York Post. Burke was ultimately convicted of violating the civil rights of the man he assaulted and of conspiring to obstruct justice when the feds investigated him. He was sentenced to nearly four years in prison. Suffolk County's former district attorney, Thomas Spota, was also given prison time after he helped cover for Burke. Spota was convicted of witness tampering, obstruction of justice, and being an accessory after-the-fact to Burke's civil rights violation. He is currently serving a five-year prison sentence. The newfound focus on the investigation, plus technological advancements, helped crack the case After Burke and Spota were arrested, the Suffolk County Police Department's new chief refocused the department on solving the Gilgo Beach murders, homing in on data the FBI had compiled on the burner phones the killer had used. According to Tierney, the killer had used burner phones to communicate with four victims, then discarded the phones shortly after they were killed. The FBI used cellphone tower data from the burners and victims' phones, eventually finding an "area of confluence" of four cell towers in the Massapequa Park area. As the years went by and technology advanced, investigators were slowly able to narrow down the size of that area to cover a group of several hundred homes in Massapequa Park, The New York Times reported. When the new Gilgo Beach task force began their work in 2022 and discovered the tip about the suspect's Chevrolet Avalanche, they searched a vehicle database for a car of that description owned by someone in the Massapequa Park area. They quickly landed on Heuermann's name and realized he fit the physical description the witness who last saw Costello alive had provided. This booking image provided by Suffolk County Sheriffs Office, shows Rex Heuermann, a Long Island architect who was charged Friday, July 14, 2023, with murder in the deaths of three of the 11 victims in a long-unsolved string of killings known as the Gilgo Beach murders. Suffolk County District Attorney via Associated Press Tierney said investigators followed Heuermann, who worked in midtown Manhattan, and obtained samples of his and his relatives' DNA and compared it to samples found on the victims' bodies. One sample came from pizza crusts Heuermann discarded in a public garbage can. Though DNA had previously been a dead end in the Gilgo Beach case due to the degraded quality of the hairs found on the victims' bodies, new mitochondrial DNA technology was able to match the samples to the DNA of Heuermann and his wife, Asa Ellerup. Tierney said he learned of those DNA results in June. Though investigators are still working to link Heuermann to more of the Gilgo Beach killings, Tierney said they decided to arrest Heuermann in July in the interests of public safety. "One of the reasons we had to take the case down was we learned the defendant was using these alternate identities and alternate instruments to continue to patronize sex workers, which, of course, made us very nervous," Tierney said. Read the original article on Insider Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) said Sunday the lower number of border crossings into the United States is partly due to the migrants waiting until the cooler part of the year to cross. When asked by CBSs Margaret Brennan on Face The Nation if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its secretary deserve some credit for low numbers, Gonzales said, They do deserve some credit for the numbers being down. But theres a lot of reasons for that. Its also 115 degrees in Texas right now. Soa lot of people are waiting until a cooler part of the year to come over. DHS said border encounters dropped 30 percent in June from the month prior, marking the lowest number of border encounters since President Bidens first full month in office. The administration is doing very little, nothing to focus on legal immigration, Gonzales said on Sunday when asked about if the Biden administration deserves any credit for the numbers. Thats why I saw we got to stop waiting on the president. It has to be Congress that leads and it has to be the rank and file that come together. Gonzales, who represents a large border district in Texas, has been very vocal on the need for immigration reform. Theres no talk of legal immigration, he said. Theres no talk of increasing legal pathways. Its only what happens when people are here illegally. Do we push them in the river? Do we let them through? Do we give them this one app where they go straight to it? Id much rather see the administration, instead of focusing on illegal immigration, because right now nine out of 10 people that claim asylum arent going to get asylum, Gonzales added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy on Sunday defended former President Donald Trump, who faces a special counsel investigation regarding the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol protests. The biotech entrepreneur, during an appearance on "Fox News Sunday," responded to being slammed for not criticizing Trump a month before the first GOP presidential debate in Milwaukee. "Ive been consistent all along,"he said, "that I would have made different judgments than Donald Trump made that is why Im running in this race for the presidency the same race that hes in. Because I would have made different and, I believe, better judgments for the country." "But a bad judgment is not the same thing as a crime," Ramaswamy continued. "And when we conflate the two, that sets a dangerous precedent for this country. I dont want to see us become some banana republic where the party in power uses police force to arrest its political opponents." "Now that Im third in the national polls, self-interestedly it would be much easier for me to win this election if Trump were not the front-runner if Trump were eliminated by the federal administrative police state. But thats not the right thing for the country," he added. VIVEK RAMASWAMY VOWS TO GUT SEVERAL AGENCIES INCLUDING FBI, IRS, CDC: SHUTTING DOWN 'THE ADMINISTRATIVE STATE' READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Vivek Ramaswamy speaks at the Turning Point Action conference on July 15, 2023. Ramaswamy argued Sunday for U.S. economic independence from China, putting him at odds with former President Trump. In a recent Fox News survey of Iowa Republicans, Trump received 46% support among likely Iowa GOP caucus goers, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis received 16% and Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., received 11%. Ramaswamy came in fourth, polling at 6%. In South Carolina, another recent Fox News poll found Trump leading by more than 30 points. Ramaswamy came in sixth place in that poll at just 3%. Ramaswamy contended that he was "not running against anyone," including rival GOP presidential candidates and Democrat President Biden, stressing that he was running for the "vision of what it means to be American." Story continues "We dont want a super PAC puppet," Ramaswamy said. "We want an independent voice, and a patriot who actually speaks the truth. Thats what Im bringing to the race." Donald Trump speaks during the Turning Point Action Conference in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday, July 15, 2023. Trump is the current GOP front-runner. VIVEK RAMASWAMY PROMOTES ANTI-WOKENESS ON CAPITOL HILL BUT LEAVES WITH NO ENDORSEMENTS In a past book, Ramaswamy argued that Trump wrongfully claimed he did not lose the 2020 election and raised millions of dollars off his supporters, "Fox News Sunday" host Shannon Bream noted. "What Trump did last week was wrong. Downright abhorrent. Plain and simple," Ramaswamy previously tweeted on Jan. 12, 2021. "Ive said it before and did so in my piece." During the appearance, Ramaswamy responded to Trumps recent comments describing Chinese President Xi Jinping as "brilliant" and "an iron fist." Ramaswamy said Xi "is a dictator, and China is the top threat that the United States faces," arguing that he stands apart from other 2024 candidates, including Trump, in campaigning for "economic independence" from China. Vivek Ramaswamy speaks during a SiriusXM town hall on June 20, 2023, in Philadelphia. Ramaswamy said he also has laid out a foreign policy plan based on pulling apart the China-Russian alliance. "NATO was created to deter the USSR. The USSR does not exist anymore, yet NATO has expanded more after the fall of the USSR than it ever did during the USSRs existence. So I think we have to ask the question of, What advances American interests?" Ramaswamy said. "And to me, the top American interest is pulling apart the China-Russia alliance that ends the Ukraine war, that stops us from having to fund another hundreds of billions of dollars to protect somebody elses border that we could be using to protect our own border. And more importantly, this is also how we deter Xi Jinping from going after Taiwan." The mesh trucker hats, Bud Right koozies and Abolish the FBI yard signs Republican presidential candidates are feverishly hawking are, on the surface, all about amassing enough small-dollar donors to qualify for the first debate. But theres something else revealing about the candidates emporiums of red meat. In the modern GOP, owning the libs is what sells. Forty years ago, it wouldve been Free Ukraine, next to Reagans picture, said Rob Stutzman, a Republican strategist. Freedom and liberty for all is not the incentive structure in our politics, unfortunately. In the merchandising arms race of today, its not the economy, stupid. Its Ron DeSantis $37.47 Build the Wall trucker hat, Nikki Haleys Strong & Proud, Not Weak & Woke t-shirt or a Perry Johnson I identify as non-Bidenary sticker. Once the party of new ideas, the culture wars are the new platform, not simply a plank. Were kind of anti-woke, said Johnson, the businessperson and longshot presidential contender from Michigan who is selling a mug with the promise to keep kids off socialism. In fact, I think the whole party is pretty much anti-woke. Its not hard to understand why Republicans are emphasizing cultural issues not Reagans image in their sales. Theyre following the example of a more recent president, who seven years ago turned his red MAGA hat into a ubiquitous symbol of the right. Whole wardrobes materialized in homage to his Hillary Clinton-inspired chants of Lock her up! Then, following his loss in 2020, the GOP was reduced to its status as an opposition party, with branding coming to match. Trump, the twice-indicted former president with a third investigation looming, is selling Not Guilty shirts and mugs, while other Republicans are left to capitalize on other perceived offenses of the left. Vivek Ramaswamy, the biotech entrepreneur, is pushing T-shirts and coffee mugs with the words transgenderism, climatism and wokeism crossed out. And in the era of Barstool politics, you can buy a Biden, one term everyone knows the rules sticker a play on the macho comedy publisher Barstool's popular pizza review series for $12, courtesy of the DeSantis camp. Or an I stand with Tucker, hat from Johnson. Story continues Trumps rivals arent going to replace Trumps appeal to small-dollar donors with a koozie or a clever pin. The former president is the king of small-dollar fundraising in the GOP, as he proved again in the years second fundraising quarter. As Stutzman put it, Those little red hats wouldn't have meant anything without Trump, and no one in the field has demonstrated they can be that same type of brand that really creates a passionate movement. But its imperative for Trumps opponents to at least cut into the market with small-dollar donors. They need at least 40,000 unique donors to qualify for the first debate. The donor threshold was at the root of an explosion of fundraising gimmicks in recent weeks. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgums presidential campaign offered donors a $20 gift card for a $1 donation, while the super PAC backing Miami Mayor Francis Suarezs campaign promised a chance to win a year of college tuition for a donation of the same, tiny amount. Like those fundraising schemes, campaign merchandise typically is not a moneymaker. Nor is it likely to account for significant swings in voter support. And plenty of Republicans offer more traditional gear. Former Vice President Mike Pence has taken a page out of the Eisenhower playbook with I like Mike hoodies, t-shirts and hats, while South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, who is pitching himself as a cheery, baggage-free Trump alternative, is peddling opTIMism, T-shirts. What theyre selling is very telling because it speaks to a certain audience, said Mike Madrid, a Republican strategist and co-founder of the anti-Trump Lincoln Project. You're not convincing anybody with a bobblehead but what you do want is you want your most perfect support groups to feel engaged with the campaign, to feel a part of it, and to kind of show their support. Or their disdain which is why candidates are spinning the things todays GOP loves to hate into wearable symbols of support. Theres always a chance, after all, that something like Trumps new Crooked Joe swag or DeSantis Joe Biden makes me cry onesie will go viral. They have to think of, what gets somebody in Alaska chuckling about this thing, I gotta get that koozie, said Dave Carney, a New Hampshire-based GOP strategist. They may not give $25 to somebody, but maybe they give $25 to get a cool hat or a t-shirt or some clever political memorabilia. (Bloomberg) -- A wavering group of Latino voters is up for grabs as the 2024 election nears, signaling a warning flare for the Democratic Party. Most Read from Bloomberg Latinos, especially first-time voters, have been loosening their traditional ties to Democrats, even though polls suggest that doesnt automatically translate into Republican gains. As a tight presidential race in 2024 and another close battle for control of Congress look likely, Latino voters one of the fastest-growing blocs at over 34 million are increasingly viewed as a potentially decisive group. The Latino vote is probably the most persuadable universe of voters in the 2024 election, said Chuck Rocha, senior Democratic strategist and president of political consulting firm Solidarity Strategies. Polls suggest many undecided Latino voters view both parties as falling flat in delivering on key values such as the economy and crime. And their often relatively short lineage in the US means political allegiances are more fluid, Rocha said. The parties have been very transactional, said Hector Sanchez Barba, CEO of civic engagement group Mi Familia Vota. They just come the year of the election, especially in the swing states. We know that this requires long term investment, so its an opportunity for both parties. Those battleground states include Arizona and Nevada, both of which have significant Latino populations. About a third of Latinos identify as Democrats compared to less than 20% as Republicans, according to an Ipsos poll. Even those Republican ties are somewhat shaky, according to Pew Research. But Pew also found that Latino support for Democratic candidates dropped to a 21 percentage-point margin in the 2022 US midterms from a 47-point margin in 2018, mostly due to changes in turnout among Latino Republicans. Story continues The ties of the Latino community to the Democratic Party are relatively weak compared to what you see with the Black community or urban, highly educated whites, said Chris Jackson, senior vice president of Ipsos. Yet GOP efforts to deepen inroads face challenges such as the Supreme Courts recent decisions. That includes the courts rejection of President Joe Bidens proposal to forgive student loan debt, which was popular among young Black and Latino Americans. Last years Supreme Court decision striking down the constitutional right to an abortion also resonated for Latinos. While Latino voter turnout increased in 2020 by more than 30% from the 2016 election, a majority of them voted for Biden in key swing states, though former president Donald Trump gained in southern Florida, according to a report by the University of California Los Angeles. Read more: The Supreme Court Just Gave Democrats a New 2024 Rallying Cry Latinos from all backgrounds, but particularly Mexican Americans, tend to care more about kitchen-table issues like the economy and crime and less about culture-war rhetoric promoted by leading GOP candidates, Ipsos Jackson said. The party that is able to start building a lasting relationship with the emerging Latino vote is going to be the party that articulates an aspirational working-class agenda, said Republican political consultant Mike Madrid. Outreach Woes Both Biden and Trump stepped up their reach toward Latino voters ahead of the 2020 election, though the Biden campaign outspent Trump roughly two-to-one on Spanish-language ads. Combined, their parties invested over $20 million on Spanish-language television ads. Still, thats a small fraction of the roughly $1 billion in ad spending on the 2020 presidential election in just 13 key states, according to an NPR analysis. Coupled with a broader trend among younger, undecided voters to stray from cable news, a similar strategy for 2024 may overlook a critical mass of Latino voters with campaign pitches. Nuestro PAC, a Democratic political action committee that focuses on Latino voters, will invest $37 million in Bidens campaign ahead of 2024. The group, which was founded by Rocha, said in a tweet they will launch television ads in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. Nuestro PAC spent roughly $5 million in 2020, according to data compiled by OpenSecrets. The sole Latino running for president is Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, a Republican, though hes polling in the single digits. Its unclear whether hell meet the 40,000-donor threshold to qualify for the first Republican debate on Aug. 23 even after he turned Lionel Messis Inter Miami CF debut into a campaign opportunity. On the other side, Bidens decision to hire a Latina manager to run his reelection campaign prompted mixed reactions. Democrats and advocacy groups praised Julie Chavez Rodriguez and said her role could be a leg up for rallying undecided Latinos, while critics say her lack of campaign experience is a concern. Communities of color remain strong supporters of President Biden and Vice President Harris and will be central to our victory in 2024, Rodriguez said in a memo obtained by Bloomberg News in May. Support among Latino voters showed real stability across the country in 2022. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. ATHENS, Greece (AP) Firefighters struggled through the night to contain 82 wildfires across Greece, 64 of which started Sunday, the hottest day of the summer so far. Their efforts were without the help of firefighting planes and helicopters, which do not operate at night. The most serious fire was on the island of Rhodes. Some 19,000 people had been evacuated from several locations on the island as wildfires burned for a sixth day, Greek authorities said. No further evacuations had been ordered as of Sunday night. The Ministry of Climate Change and Civil Protection said it was the largest evacuation from a wildfire in the country. Local police said 16,000 people were evacuated by land and 3,000 by sea from 12 villages and several hotels. Six people were briefly treated at a hospital for respiratory problems. A person who fell and broke a leg during a hotel evacuation and a pregnant woman remained hospitalized, the latter in good condition, authorities said. A number of tourists were waiting to fly back home from Rhodes International Airport. The package holiday companies TUI and Jet2 canceled flights to Rhodes. But the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport later announced that 14 TUI and Jet2 flights carrying 2,700 passengers would depart from Rhodes airport by 3 a.m. Monday (0000 GMT). On Saturday and early Sunday, 70,000 passengers traveled through the airport, with some being arrivals, the ministry said. The announcement did not break down the figures by arrivals and departures. British tourist Kevin Evans was evacuated twice Saturday with his wife and three young children first from Kiotari to Gennadi, then as the fire approached the islands capital in the northeast, he told Britains PA news agency. There were lots of people in Gennadi sent from the hotels many in just swimsuits having been told to leave everything in the hotel, he told PA. As night fell, we could see the fire on the top of the hills in Kiotari. They said all the hotels were on fire. Story continues Rhodes travel agent Stelios Kotiadis confirmed to the Associated Press that the evacuation was hasty. There was panic. ... The authorities were overwhelmed, he said. But, he said, the abandoned hotels are in much better condition than reported in social media. ... They will be ready to reopen very soon if Civil Protection gives the go-ahead. Kotiadis said he and other travel agents sent buses to the islands southeast to pick up evacuated tourists. They had to go the long way around, since the road running down Rhodes eastern side was blocked in places. There were 80-90 people cramming into 50-seater buses, he said. He added that 90% of the evacuated tourists are from European countries. The British ambassador to Greece, Matthew Lodge, said the U.K. government was sending a rapid deployment team to support British nationals on Rhodes. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that personnel had set up a help desk at Rhodes International Airport for visitors who have lost their travel documents. There are substantial reinforcements from the European Union. Over 450 firefighters and seven airplanes from the EU have been operating in Greece as fires sprout across the country, EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic tweeted early Sunday afternoon. I called (Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis ) to express our full support for Greece, which is confronted with devastating forest fires and a heavy heat wave due to climate change. Greece is handling this difficult situation with professionalism, putting emphasis on safely evacuating thousands of tourists, and can always count on European solidarity, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted Sunday evening. The weather remained hot in the Mediterranean country on Sunday. A total of 180 locations experienced temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius (104 F) and above. The highest reading, 46.4 C (115.5 F), was reached at the seaside town of Gytheio in southern Greece. Of the 64 wildfires that broke out elsewhere in the country Sunday, the most serious was on Evia, Greece's second- largest island, where authorities told residents of four southern villages to evacuate to the town of Karystos, west of where the fire was advancing. Central Greece Vice Governor Giorgos Kelaiditis, who was near one of the villages, told state agency ANA-MPA that the situation is difficult: The fire may be 2 kilometers (1 1/4 miles) away, but the wind is strong, the growth is low, the smoke thick and the air is hard to breathe, he said. Northern Evia was devastated by wildfires in August 2021. Other fires requiring evacuations broke out on the northeast side of the island of Corfu and in the northern Peloponnese, near the town of Aigio. Traffic on the old Athens-Patras national road, running across the coast, has been cut off. Just before midnight, authorities called for more evacuations from Corfu and the northern Peloponnese. In the case of Corfu, they said the fire was moving southeast on a broad front and added that private vessels were on standby to pick up evacuees. A fire that broke out west of the important archaeological site of Epidaurus, including a famous ancient theater, has been partly contained, the Fire Service said. A relative respite from the heat Monday, with highs of 38 C (100 F) forecast, will be followed by yet more high temperatures starting Tuesday. However, it should get significantly cooler on Thursday, with temperatures in the low- to mid-30s Celsius, the country's Meteorological Service said Sunday evening. ___ Associated Press writers Jill Lawless in London and Cinar Kiper in Istanbul contributed to this report. A woman and her three daughters recently made the harrowing trek from Colombia to El Paso braving the nightmarish jungles of the Darien Gap, traveling more than 3,000 miles across a half-dozen countries, facing the constant danger of assault and robbery, all to flee a homeland torn by militias that rape and traffic women at will. When the family reached the outskirts of El Paso, behind them stood suffering, starvation and death. Ahead of them stood our border wall. They scaled the wall. That razor wire and that (border) wall, at that point, is not much of a deterrent, said Fraser Mooney, executive director of Doctors of the World USA, which runs an El Paso clinic that treated the woman for a fractured foot. Mooney said the woman and her daughters applied for asylum and are awaiting their court date. People tell us their stories, he said, and they're fleeing desperate conditions. I kept thinking about that amid the Houston Chronicles horrifying revelations last week about the brutality of Gov. Greg Abbotts Operation Lone Star. In a state where politicians tout family values and the sanctity of life, troopers near Eagle Pass were told to push a group of exhausted migrants, including children and nursing babies, back into the river toward Mexico (thankfully, the troopers refused to do so). A father suffered a deep gash on his leg while extricating his son from a barrel in the river wrapped in barbed wire. Troopers found a woman doubled over in pain, suffering a miscarriage while tangled in the razor wire that Abbott proudly ordered across mile after mile after mile of Texas southern border. At Mission: Border Hope in Eagle Pass on Friday, 5-year-old Venezuelan Jesus Tortua shows a 2-inch laceration caused by razor wire in the Rio Grande. These injuries were inflicted on our turf, with our tax dollars, because ruthless bravado at the border is a winning formula for Texas Republicans. We want Chuck Norris solutions to intractable problems. Yet, to our shame, we have compounded the suffering of deeply desperate people, and Texans are no safer for it. Surely migrants expect to find walls and barbed wire and armed soldiers on the U.S. side of the border. They come anyway. Those threats pale in comparison to the horrors theyre fleeing. Story continues Abbotts office issued a lengthy statement defending his signature border security mission. "No orders or directions have been given under Operation Lone Star that would compromise the lives of those attempting to cross the border illegally, he said. Yet thats impossible to square with the very tools Abbott has deployed at our border. Razor wire is designed to tear flesh, not merely snag clothing, as the governors statement incredibly suggested. The Department of Public Safety medic who raised concerns about migrants injuries noted that the razor wire stretches across vast unlit areas, so at night, people stumble into it as a trap. He also noted that five people had drowned near Eagle Pass in one week, as the razor wire barriers sent migrants toward more dangerous places to cross. Meanwhile, the wall of bright orange buoys strung across the Rio Grande at Eagle Pass blocks a more passable stretch of the river, which could push the most desperate migrants into more treacherous waters. By design, it endangers lives. A man takes cellphone footage of buoys used in the Rio Grande to stop unauthorized border crossings on Thursday in Eagle Pass. That is not to say we should be a nation of open borders. But for far too long, we have deployed militaristic tools to address a humanitarian crisis. Rather than hoist more dangerous barriers against people determined to make risky crossings, we need a comprehensive overhaul of our immigration system. Yes, we need officers at the border to turn away people not authorized to be here, especially criminals trafficking drugs or weapons. But we also need for the federal government to create a viable, timely path for people to request asylum, seek temporary work or aspire to U.S. citizenship. Ideally, we need a state government that looks for ways to cooperate with the feds on a challenge this massive, mindful of the fact that border security is a federal responsibility, and both layers of government serve the same taxpayers. I know that sounds hopelessly idealistic, given Abbotts blasting of President Joe Bidens border chaos and Texas installation of buoy barriers without federal approval (the feds are now threatening to sue). But at some point, I hope voters stop asking themselves whos tougher on the border and start considering whos working to make things better. Unrolling razor wire by the mile is plenty tough but clearly ineffective and worse, inhumane. When I asked Mooney at Doctors of the World what advice he would have for policymakers, he went straight to the Golden Rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated. We need to treat people as human beings, regardless of what their status is, he added. We saw that compassion in the now-famous email from the DPS medic. "I truly believe in the mission of Operation Lone Star; I believe we have stepped over a line into the inhumane," trooper Nicholas Wingate wrote to a DPS sergeant. "We need to operate it correctly in the eyes of God. We need to recognize that these are people who are made in the image of God and need to be treated as such." I pray our governor is listening. Grumet is the Statesmans Metro columnist. Her column, ATX in Context, contains her opinions. Share yours via email at bgrumet@statesman.com or via Twitter at @bgrumet. Find her previous work at statesman.com/news/columns. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Grumet: Abbott's razor wire tears into migrants and Texas values Bacteria at a Boise gym is believed to have sickened three people in June. Central District Health, the local public health agency serving Boise, has linked three cases of Legionnaires disease in June to a hot tub at Crunch Fitness at 2999 N. Lakeharbor Lane, along West State Street. The disease can be fatal. What happened? Three cases were reported to the health district on June 5, June 7 and June 9, Curtis Loveless, the agencys community and environmental health division administrator, told the Idaho Statesman by phone. Loveless said an environmental health specialist went to the gym on June 7, two days after the first case was identified, after which the gym voluntarily closed its hot tub and began to work on resolving any issues that our inspectors had identified. Later that day, the second case was identified. The health agency returned the following day to collect water samples, which came back negative for Legionella. We believe this is due to the mitigation steps that the gym had taken to resolve the issue, Loveless said. The health department linked the cases to the gym after interviewing the three patients who tested positive and finding that gym attendance was what they had in common. News of the outbreak was first reported by KTVB. Cases of Legionnaires Disease have been reported by patrons at the Crunch Fitness along State Street in Boise. What is Legionnaires disease? A type of pneumonia, the disease is caused by Legionella bacteria. It commonly causes coughing, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About one in 10 people who contract it will die, the CDC says. People over 50, smokers, and people with chronic lung disease, weak immune systems or cancer are at increased risk. How did it get into a gym? Legionella bacteria are found naturally in freshwater, and they can get into plumbing. Outbreaks are commonly associated with buildings or structures that have complex water systems, like hotels and resorts, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and cruise ships, according to the CDC. The most likely sources of infection include water used for showering, hot tubs, decorative fountains, and cooling towers. Story continues The bacteria usually get into the body when people breathe in small droplets of water that contain the pathogen. Are Boiseans at risk? At this point in time, Central District Health does not believe there is any ongoing risk to the public or any of the members using the gym, Loveless said in a statement Monday. He said the investigation has been closed. What does Crunch Fitness say? A Crunch Fitness employee who declined to give their name told the Statesman by phone that Theres nothing in our facility thats been proven. Its all accusations, the employee said. Crunch Fitnesss corporate headquarters did not respond to a request for comment. Is the Crunch Fitness staying open? Loveless said no existing threats or concerns are present, and that the gym remains open. Are pools at gyms regulated? Generally, public pools meaning municipally operated pools or pools at hotels or gyms that are open to the public are regulated by local health agencies in the U.S. In Washington state, for instance, all pools other than private ones limited to use by up to two-unit dwellings are regulated by the state, whose rules include design and water-quality standards. But in Idaho, pools have been deregulated since 2002, when the Legislature excluded pools at hotels and health clubs from the definition of a public swimming pool to exempt them from mandatory testing and inspections, according to previous Statesman reporting. That means that most pools are not inspected by officials. Why is it called Legionnaires disease? An outbreak of the disease was discovered in 1976 among people who went to an American Legion convention in Philadelphia, according to the CDC. The Legion is a veterans nonprofit, and thats where the disease got its name. A milder version of the disease, still caused by the same bacteria, is known as Pontiac Fever and causes fever and muscle aches, according to the CDC. A 1968 epidemic in the city of Pontiac, Michigan, is where it got its name. Have there been other recent outbreaks? Legionella bacteria were discovered July 11 at a hotel in Walla Walla, Washington. In June, the New York City Health Department opened an investigation into a Midtown hotel after three cases were discovered there over 12 months. Last year, an outbreak linked to a Bronx cooling tower killed two people and hospitalized 28. Climate change means more schools will need to install or upgrade cooling systems. Bill Uhrich/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images Rising temperatures due to climate change are causing more than just uncomfortably hot days across the United States. These high temperatures are placing serious stress on critical infrastructure such as water supplies, airports, roads and bridges. One category of critical infrastructure being severely affected is the nations K-12 schools. Ideally, the nations more than 90,000 public K-12 schools, which serve over 50 million students, should protect children from the sometimes dangerous elements of the outdoors such as severe storms or extreme temperatures. But since so many of Americas schools are old and dilapidated, its the school buildings themselves that need protection or at least to be updated for the 21st century. Twenty-eight percent of the nations public schools were built from 1950 through 1969, federal data shows, while just 10% were built in 1985 or later. As a researcher who studies the impact of climate change, I have measured its effects on infrastructure and health for over a decade. During that time, Ive seen little attention focused on the effects of climate change on public schools. Since 2019, climate scientist Sverre LeRoy, at the Center for Climate Integrity, and I have worked to determine if the nations schools are prepared for the heat waves on the approaching horizon. Comparing the climate conditions under which U.S. schools were built with the projected conditions over the next two decades, we looked at the vulnerability of all K-12 schools to increasing temperatures. We determined whether current schools have air conditioning or not and whether they would be required to add air conditioning in the future. The results of our study, Hotter Days, Higher Costs: The Cooling Crisis in Americas Classrooms, show that by 2025, more than 13,700 schools will need to install air conditioning, and another 13,500 will need to upgrade their existing systems. Excessively hot days are occurring more regularly during the school year than in previous decades. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images Hot classrooms Research has shown that high classroom temperatures can make it harder to learn. Hot school days cause difficulty in concentrating, sleepiness, a decrease in energy and even reduced memory capacity. Story continues Local school districts have policies for extreme heat events. However, rising temperatures mean these guidelines are no longer limited to rare occurrences. Over the past several years, schools across the U.S. are increasingly forced to take heat days, cutting school days short because of classrooms that are too hot for students to effectively learn. This is happening in places that range from Denver to Baltimore and Cleveland. Compounding the increase in temperatures is the national trend that seasonal temperatures are rising in both the spring and the fall. For example, both Rhode Island and New Jersey have seen average spring and fall temperatures rise over 3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 Celsius). Rather than high temperatures only occurring when students are on summer break, these heat events now occur regularly during the school year too. Students today in a greater number of cities are beginning and ending the school year in classrooms that often exceed 80 F (27 C). Expensive upgrades The problem of more hot days is due to average temperatures increasing over the past 40 years. The number of days with high temperatures has risen across the country, with notable increases in large northern cities. For example, Chicago has seen the number of days over 80 degrees during the school year increase from 27 in 1970 to 32 in 2020 and a projected 38 by 2025. These increases affect schools in two distinct ways. Schools in the traditionally cooler north especially older schools will need to be retrofitted with new air conditioning systems at an accumulated cost of US billion by 2025. For schools in the traditionally warmer South and West, many existing systems will need to be upgraded at a projected cost exceeding 0 million. Temperature increases are especially costly in large cities such as Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles, where existing efforts and continued needs will result in outlays exceeding 0 million, 2023 hurricane forecast: Get ready for a busy Pacific storm season, quieter Atlantic than recent years thanks to El Nino https://theconversation.com/2023-hurricane-forecast-get-ready-for-a-busy-pacific-storm-season-quieter-atlantic-than-recent-years-thanks-to-el-nino-204526 Sun, 06 Aug 2023 15:52:01 +0000 tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/204526 El Nino years put Hawaii and the Mexican Riviera on alert for destructive tropical storms and hurricanes. Kelsey Ellis, Associate Professor of Geography, University of Tennessee and Nicholas Grondin, Recent PhD Graduate in Geography, University of Tennessee, Knoxville | Future Assistant Professor, University of Tampa, University of Tampa The official 2023 hurricane season forecasts were just released, and while the Atlantic may see an average storm season this year, a busier-than-normal season is forecast in the eastern Pacific, meaning heightened risks for Mexico and Hawaii. A big reason is El Nino. El Nino typically means trouble for the Pacific and a break for the Atlantic coast and Caribbean. But while this climate phenomenon is highly likely to form this year, it isnt a certainty before hurricane season ramps up this summer, and that makes it harder to know what might happen. Its also important to remember that even in quiet years, a single storm can cause enormous destruction. As climate scientists, we study how climate patterns related to the frequency and intensity of hurricanes information that is used to develop seasonal forecasts. Here is a quick look at how El Nino affects storms and why it tends to cause opposite effects in two basins separated only by a narrow stretch of land. A tale of two basins Its helpful to start by visualizing where tropical storms develop in each ocean. In the North Atlantic, tropical storms typically form over the warm waters west of Africa. As they move westward, they often hit Caribbean islands before making landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast and Eastern Seaboard, or they curve off into the Atlantic. Those tropical storms and hurricanes have caused over a trillion dollars in damage in the U.S. since 1981. That damage is expected to continue to increase, both because warming global temperatures fuel stronger storms and because more people are building homes and businesses in harms way. Where tropical storms form in each basin. National Weather Service In the eastern North Pacific, tropical storms tend to form closer to land, between Mexico and Clipperton Island off Central America. They typically move to the northwest before turning westward out to sea, sometimes inundating the Mexican coast known as the Mexican Riviera. Longer-tracked Pacific storms that move into the central Pacific can affect shipping and hit Hawaii, as Hurricane Lane did in 2018. While the Atlantic gets the most attention, largely because it gets more damage with more people and property in the way, the Pacific tends to get more storms, especially during El Nino years. Its often a seesaw pattern, with a busy year in one basin and a quieter season in the other. El Nino creates a seesaw pattern That seesaw pattern is largely driven by the El Nino-Southern Oscillation, or ENSO, which includes varying strengths of El Nino and its opposite, La Nina. During El Nino, the trade winds that blow from east to west weaken, allowing warm ocean water to build up at the equator, west of South America. This causes a shift in the jet streams strong upper-level winds which affects rainfall and temperature patterns. In the Atlantic Ocean, El Nino causes an area of low pressure in the upper atmosphere known as a trough and stronger upper-level winds, resulting in increased vertical wind shear a change in wind speed or direction with height in the atmosphere. Wind shear can tilt and stabilize storms, allowing fewer hurricanes to form. Conversely, El Nino typically causes an upper-level ridge, or area of high pressure, and decreased vertical wind shear in the eastern North Pacific basin, and often results in an active hurricane season. Impacts of El Nino. NOAA Climate.gov La Nina El Ninos opposite, with cooler water in the tropical Pacific reverses this pattern. The record 2020 and destructive 2021 Atlantic hurricane seasons were both during strong La Nina years. On longer time scales, the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, a fluctuation of North Atlantic sea surface temperatures, affects hurricane activity in cycles that span several decades. The AMOs current warm phase, which began in 1995, has hosted seven of the 10 busiest Atlantic hurricane seasons. Hurricane activity often lessens in a cool phase of the AMO, during which the Atlantic is on average about 1 degree Fahrenheit (0.6 Celsius) cooler. Who faces the greatest risk in the Pacific? El Nino also changes who is at risk in the Pacific. During El Nino events, storms in the eastern North Pacific tend to form farther to the west. With these events, the environmental conditions in the western portion of the basin tend to become more conducive than normal to tropical cyclones, such as having reduced environmental vertical wind shear and warmer ocean temperatures. That places Hawaii and the central Pacific at greater risk from damaging storms than normal. Hurricane Lane brought more than a foot of rain and flash flooding to Hawaii in 2018. Mario Tama/Getty Images The highly destructive Hurricanes Manuel in 2013 and Willa in 2018 show the immense impact Pacific storms can have in the region. Both triggered widespread flooding and mudslides in Mexico, and together led to over 125 deaths. In Hawaii, Hurricane Inikis storm surge and winds in 1992 destroyed over 1,400 homes on Kauai and damaged thousands more. El Nino years also increase the viability of storms affecting the southwestern U.S. In 1997, multiple storms affected California and Arizona, including some that moved into the region after landfall in Mexico. Famously, in 2014, rough surf and swells associated with Hurricane Marie caused over US million in damage at the Port of Long Beach. Why 2023 hurricane forecasts are so uncertain Forecasting the 2023 hurricane seasons is proving to be challenging for another reason: The Atlantic has abnormally warm sea surface temperatures this year, and that can power hurricanes if storms are able to form. Will the warm waters of the Atlantic overcome the unfavorable conditions brought by the El Nino? Well soon know. The eastern Pacific hurricane season started May 15, and the Atlantic season starts June 1, with both running through Nov. 30. In its 2023 Atlantic hurricane outlook released in late May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast 12 to 17 named storms, five to nine hurricanes and one to four major hurricanes. In the eastern Pacific, NOAA forecasts 14 to 20 named storms, seven to 11 hurricanes and four to eight major hurricanes. For the central Pacific, including Hawaii, NOAAs forecast includes four to seven cyclones, also above or close to average. Surprisingly, the Atlantic has already seen its first storm of the year a storm in January was recently classified as a subtropical cyclone. This is rare. Our research shows the median date of the first named tropical cyclone is May 30 in the Pacific and June 20 in the Atlantic, though Atlantic storms have been occurring, on average, earlier each year. We should expect the next named Atlantic and Pacific storms Arlene and Adrian, respectively in the coming weeks. This article was updated May 30, 2023, to corrects reference to storms forming off Africa. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. If you found it interesting, you could subscribe to our weekly newsletter. It was written by: Kelsey Ellis, University of Tennessee and Nicholas Grondin, University of Tennessee. Read more: Kelsey Ellis receives funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Science Foundation. Nicholas Grondin 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. BOSTON A Quincy man has pleaded guilty to a child pornography charge, federal authorities said. Matthew Ormon, 51, pleaded guilty in Boston federal court to one count of receipt of child pornography, the U.S. attorney's office said in a news release Thursday. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Oct. 18. During a search of Ormons home on April 5, 2022, authorities seized electronic devices, including two custom-built computers and a network drive device, said U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Christopher DiMenna, acting special agent in charge of the FBI's Boston office. At least one device contained a folder with videos depicting child pornography, they said in the news release. Ormon was indicted June 7, 2022. He faces at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Quincy police assisted federal authorities in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles DellAnno and Meghan C. Cleary are prosecuting the case. The case was brought as part of the Justice Department's Project Safe Childhood. For more information, visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Quincy man pleads guilty to federal child pornography charge Brazilian couple Sebastiao and Lelia Salgado have planted more than two million trees over 20 years in an effort to resurrect the subtropical paradise that once existed on Sebastiaos family property when he was a child. The results couldnt be more stunning. Photos taken of the land in 2001 show acres of brown desolation. Sebastiao, a professional photographer, discovered the devastation in the late 1990s when he returned from a troubling assignment covering genocide in Rwanda, The Guardian reported. The land was as sick as I was everything was destroyed, he said to The Guardian. Fast-forward to 2019, and the same aerial view shows lush trees of 290 different species a forest that was destroyed when the property was clear-cut. The before-and-after images are completely remarkable. It was Lelia who first had the idea to start replanting the trees, BRIGHTVIBES reported. It was like hanging out the welcome sign for insects, birds, and other animals that started returning to the land once the trees started to grow again. Their work highlights the positive impact trees have on the planet and for people. And aiding the green growth is something mostly anyone can do by planting a tree or finding unique projects that put seeds in the ground. The planet has about three trillion trees, part of natures system for cleaning dirty air something humans have been making in abundance during the last couple hundred years. In 2015, the news site Science reported that Earth loses about 15 billion trees a year for paper products, farming, and other human-related activities. So, the couples success in Brazil has broader implications. One mature tree absorbs more than 48 pounds of air pollution a year, according to the Arbor Day Foundation. It will provide clean, breathable air for up to four people. The Salgados have multiplied that impact by millions. There is a single being that can transform CO2 to oxygen, which is the tree. We need to replant the forest, Sebastiao said to BRIGHTVIBES. Story continues Trees are now thriving on Sebastiaos 1,740 acres, a former cattle ranch. Tens of thousands of people have taken part in more than 700 educational projects on the land. As part of the restoration, eight natural springs on the property have come alive while temperatures have cooled. Hundreds of plant, animal, and reptile species have come home, a video on BRIGHTVIBES notes. [W]hen we began to [plant trees], then all the insects and birds and fish returned and, thanks to this increase of the trees, I, too, was reborn, Sebastiao told The Guardian. Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. James M. Howard served as Lincoln Land Community College president from 1999 to 2002. James M. Howard, remembered as "a calming hand" at Lincoln Land Community College where he served as president from 1999 to 2002, died July 10. He was 88. Howard spent four and a half decades in public education and administration, culminating in the LLCC presidency. County board searches for new circuit clerk after Palazzolo steps down Howard was LLCC's vice president for finance and administration before he was tabbed to succeed Norm Stephens, who was removed as president by the board of trustees over philosophical differences. A July 2, 2002, editorial in The State Journal-Register called Howard "a perfect example of an excellent, but unassuming leader. LLCC and the Springfield-area community certainly have him to thank for his nearly three years of competent, dependable leadership of our community college. "LLCC was in desperate need of a calming hand at that time, and Howard certainly provided it." Howard also held administrative positions at Illinois State University, the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Community College Board before coming to LLCC. Howard graduated from Hartsburg-Emden High School and attended Anderson University and ISU, where he also received his doctoral degree in education administration. Howard was an active member of Cherry Hills Church in Springfield. He is survived by four children. There will be a celebration of life service at Cherry Hills Church at 2 p.m. Saturday. That will be preceded by a visitation at 1 p.m. Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788, sspearie@sj-r.com, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie. This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: James Howard the former Lincoln Land Community College president dies Kevin Morris, an attorney and adviser for Hunter Biden, was spotted Thursday smoking a bong on the balcony of his Malibu, California, home while the president's son was visiting. Morris appeared to be puffing on the white bong in plain view of the public street outside the home. Hunter Biden was at the Malibu home at the time of the bong rip but was not present on the balcony when the photos were snapped, according to photos obtained by Fox News Digital. It's unclear what substance Morris appeared to be smoking, but recreational marijuana is legal in California. Hunter's visit to Morris' house, which was first reported by the Daily Mail, comes as the House Oversight Committee's investigation into the Biden family finances took a sharp turn this past week with the Thursday release of an FBI document that detailed how he, along with his father, President Biden, allegedly "coerced" Burisma CEO Mykola Zlochevsky to pay them millions of dollars in exchange for their help in getting the Ukrainian prosecutor who was investigating the company fired. HUNTER BIDEN'S SUGAR BROTHER KEEPS THE FIRST SON AFLOAT AMID MULTIPLE SCANDALS Hunter Biden visits his lawyer's Malibu house. Morris, a prominent Hollywood attorney, has assumed an increasingly big role in Biden's life, to the point that the wealthy lawyer has been dubbed Hunter's "sugar brother." That role has involved a wide range of areas from financial support, to helping write a book, to lending a private jet. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Indeed, Biden, 53, flew to and from the Arkansas courthouse for his May child-support hearing aboard a luxury private jet owned by Morris, according to the New York Post, which cited flight and business records. The jet took off from Los Angeles on April 30 just after 7 a.m., flew cross-country to Washington, D.C., where it landed, and then went to Arkansas for the hearing the next morning. Afterward, the jet left around 11:30 a.m. to return to D.C. The 7,326-mile round trip likely cost between $55,000 to $117,000, the Post reported, noting the total was the equivalent value of up to six months of Biden's child-support payments. Story continues Beyond the child-support hearing, the Post cited flight records that showed Morris' plane landing in or taking off from Fayetteville, Arkansas, at least nine times between February 2022 and April 2023. Fayetteville is the home of Biden's financial adviser, Edward Prewitt. BIDENS ALLEGEDLY 'COERCED' BURISMA CEO TO PAY THEM MILLIONS TO HELP GET UKRAINE PROSECUTOR FIRED: FBI FORM Morris has helped Biden maintain his allegedly lavish lifestyle, according to several reports, covering at least some of the first son's rent and living expenses. Perhaps most famously, Morris loaned more than $2 million to Biden to help pay off the first son's overdue taxes, which are in part the subject of a years-long Justice Department investigation into possible tax evasion and other potential crimes. Morris has additionally advised Biden on a host of legal, personal and financial matters, ranging from his child-support lawsuit to how to respond to ongoing federal probes in his taxes and business affairs. Biden lawyer Chris Clark told CBS News last year that Morris is serving as an "attorney and trusted adviser" to the first son. Hunter Biden said in a 2014 email that he would be happy to introduce his business associates to a top Chinese Communist Party official to discuss potential investments. Emails and business records indicate Morris also controls Biden's valuable assets. Indeed, Biden's stake in a Chinese private equity firm called BHR Partners is now controlled by Morris, the Washington Free Beacon recently reported. Specifically, Morris controls Skaneateles LLC, which holds Biden's 10% stake in BHR. An amended joint venture contract for BHR, which was first obtained by the nonprofit investigative group Marco Polo, identifies Morris as the managing member of Biden's LLC. BHR Partners is co-owned by the Beijing-controlled Bank of China and manages $2.1 billion in assets. Biden initially invested $420,000 in BHR Partners in October 2017 through his personal company, Skaneateles LLC. His interest in the company spiked to an estimated $894,000, according to a March 2019 email from his former business partner, Eric Schwerin. Additionally, amid the ongoing investigations into Hunter Biden's business dealings, Morris assisted him in finishing his 2021 memoir, "Beautiful Things," which chronicled his drug and alcohol addictions. Biden included Morris who reportedly found a high-powered literary agent for the first son as part of "the outstanding team behind this book" on the acknowledgments page of his memoir. Morris has also worked on a documentary project that's expected to build on the memoir's story of redemption while portraying Biden as the victim of attacks from conservatives and Republicans in recent years. Hunter Biden, left, and Burisma founder Mykola Zlochevsky Morris allegedly lied to get on to the film set of "My Son Hunter," an independent movie that presents a fictionalized and unflattering account of Biden's drug use and foreign business dealings. According to several reports, Morris flew to Serbia with two colleagues, identified himself by name to the film crew, and said he was making a documentary about Biden's alleged "corruption" without revealing their relationship. Morris and his two colleagues were given full access to the set for several days, taping hours of footage for the supposed documentary. However, when revelations about Morris' connection to Biden first came to light last year, Phelim McAleer, a producer of the film, called the lawyer's behavior "unethical," adding that "if I had known that he was providing legal and media consult to Hunter Biden, I would have treated him rather differently." Morris didn't immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Fox News' Brooke Singman and Matteo Cina contributed to this report. Hydropower is an important source of reliable and clean energy for everyone in the Northwest, especially Idahoans. However, with the recent debate surrounding the Snake River dams concentrated on the benefits for and support in Washington state, we want to emphasize just how significant an effect these dams have on Idaho and why we must continue to protect them. As a U.S. senator and the leader of an independent free-market research organization, we are unified in our effort to protect the Snake River dams and maintain their economic and environmental benefits for our region. Beyond us, there is strong, widespread support for the dams, including from Idaho officials and trade groups. The Idaho Farm Bureau Federation is on record, having written that the dams produce a significant amount of affordable and environmentally friendly hydroelectric power to the region while allowing farmers to export their product to the world. Additionally, the Idaho Legislature passed a resolution in 2021, stating it supports the international competitiveness, multi-modal transportation, and economic development benefits provided by the Port of Lewiston and the Columbia-Snake River System. But Scott Corbitt, general manager of the Port of Lewiston, perhaps demonstrates the importance of the dams to Idahoans best. The culture, business, and lifestyle of Lewiston revolve around the Clearwater and Snake rivers and the slack water, or pool created by the Lower Snake River Dams, Corbitt testified. That Pool has developed opportunities for the Lewis Clark Valley that now serve as the lifeblood and supports an economy for around 65,000 people. During a congressional field hearing last month, the environmental director for the Washington Policy Center, Todd Myers, summarized the severe damage that would result from eliminating the dams: Spending $35 billion or more to destroy the four Lower Snake River dams would be counterproductive, not just for the climate, energy reliability, and the economy, but for salmon by misallocating resources that could do so much good across the region. Story continues We could not agree more. But dont just take our word for it. Look at the result of the only comprehensive, scientific, and public process: the Columbia River System Operations Record of Decision. This multi-year process, which was undertaken by both a Democrat and Republican administration, made one thing abundantly clear: dam breaching on the lower Snake River is completely unnecessary and unwarranted. Moreover, there is one salient point that is often overlooked in the debate about the Snake River dams: Congress authorized these dams, and only Congress has the power to remove them. Thankfully, many of the congressional members elected to the areas surrounding the Snake River dams are working to protect the economic and environmental benefits they provide. The Northwest Energy Security Act, which I, Sen. Risch, introduced with Sens. Steve Daines, R-Montana, and Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and U.S. Reps. Dan Newhouse, R-Washington, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Washington, and Russ Fulcher, R-Idaho, is a key part of this effort. While the lower Snake River dams are congressionally protected, our bill goes one step further by explicitly securing the energy, transportation, agriculture and irrigation benefits the dams provide. Protecting the Snake River dams and other federal water infrastructure is pivotal to both Washington and Idaho. Together well remain dam strong for the benefit of our region. U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, is serving his third term as Idahos 28th senator and previously served as Idahos 31st governor. Risch represents Idahos interests on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Jason Mercier is vice president and director of research for the Mountain States Policy Center, an independent free-market research organization based in Idaho. The Springfield Police Department has suspended four investigations involving alleged spiked drinks at Inner Circle Vodka Bar. Between the start of the year and March 7, the police department received four reports involving alleged spiked drinks at the downtown bar. As of July 18, all four investigations have been suspended because of lack of evidence, the department's inability to re-connect with a reportee, or a reportee's disinterest in prosecution of the bar. "While this outcome is certainly reassuring, we understand that the issue of drink spiking remains a legitimate concern for our patrons, our establishment and downtown Springfield," Inner Circle management said in a statement sent to the News-Leader via email. "We acknowledge the concern this raises and want to reassure you that we take this matter seriously and are continuously implementing measures to help ensure a safe and inclusive environment." Earlier this year, the News-Leader spoke with five women who said they consumed spiked drinks at Inner Circle between 2021 and March of this year. The News-Leader re-contacted these women to pursue follow-up interviews. Of the three women who responded, two were interested in following up. Conversations about spiked drinks at Inner Circle began to circulate in the private Facebook Group, "Missouri State Gals Advice/Recommendations" in March, when a 21-year-old Missouri State University student shared her experience. She wished to remain anonymous for the protection of her privacy. The investigation of the student's report was suspended because the police determined there was a "lack of proof" her drinks were drugged at the bar, according to a police incident report. This determination was made after an officer reviewed security camera footage provided by the bar of the night the student reported the drugging. The student reported that she was drugged at Inner Circle on the evening of Friday, March 3. She told the News-Leader previously that she was "basically sober" when she arrived to the bar, after having only a "sip" of a mixed drink before. At the bar, the student consumed two Pink Whitney shots, one small vodka lemonade and one Tito's shot, which was confirmed by the Inner Circle security camera footage in a police incident report. Story continues After drinking the shot of Tito's, the student reported feeling "disoriented," losing track of the two friends she had arrived at the bar with, according to a police incident report. Later that night, the student was driven home by two friends who picked her up from the bar. She described to the police that she felt "paralyzed," aware of what was going on around her but unable to control her body. More: SPS says failed diversity training lawsuit made it 'posterchild' for awarding legal fees Per security camera footage provided by the bar, the student was also seen sharing a "joint/cigarette" with a friend on the bar's patio, according to a police incident report. When asked by the News-Leader, the student said she did not consume any marijuana throughout the night. The security camera footage, according to a police incident report, also showed the student sharing a drink with a man and taking a sip of another man's drink at the bar. The student told the News-Leader that one of the men was a guy she was "dating" at the time and the other was her cousin. She said she was not concerned that either of these men would drug her drink. Since last speaking with the News-Leader, the student said she is doing well, but she doesn't go to bars or drink as much as she used to. "If I do go out, I only really drink before," she said. "I do watch my drink like a hawk now and I do make sure that I watch the bartenders making my drinks at all times." Although the investigation related to her report has been suspended, the student told the News-Leader she is glad she made the report and shared her story with others. "I just hope that this really kind of opened everybody's eyes and especially the bars in town," she said. After reading the 21-year-old student's post in the "Missouri State Gals Advice/Recommendations" Facebook Group, Nicole Harris, 24, came forward to share her story on social media and with the News-Leader. Harris told the News-Leader earlier this year that she visited Inner Circle on Jan. 27 with a group of friends and her sister. Before going to the bar, Harris drank one glass of white wine and at the bar she drank two vodka cranberry mixed drinks and four green tea shots over the course of about two hours. She said the type and amount of alcohol she drank was typical for her. The last thing she remembers, Harris said, was walking to the bar's dance floor with her second mixed drink in hand. The next thing she remembered is waking up in her bedroom. Her sister had told her that she had been "violently vomiting" in her bathroom after returning home from the bar. Harris said two days afterward, she felt nauseated with a headache and was unable to eat. Harris said she was too scared to file a police report at the time. For the first two months after the incident, Harris said she was unable to drink alcohol because she was too scared. Harris added that she has been back to the bar since updated, heightened security measures have been implemented. Heightened security Inner Circle Vodka Bar on Monday, March 13, 2023. "As soon as concerns were raised, our Inner Circle management team addressed the matter quickly and with transparency," the bar's statement said. Added security measures included the introduction of drinks lids to "prevent any unauthorized access to drinks." Harris said when the bar implemented the safety drink lids, she felt safe to return to the bar. According to Inner Circle's statement, the bar also increased its surveillance system with "increased camera coverage and extended storage capacity for footage." Previously, the bar's security camera footage was only saved for two weeks. The bar also added a "new screening machine" at its entrance, which "helps identify everyone entering Inner Circle." If an incident were to arise at the bar, all patrons who were in attendance could be identified. Suspended for lack of evidence, contact As for the other three suspended investigations, the News-Leader contacted two of the reportees individuals who had connected with the News-Leader previously, but was unable to make contact by press deadline. Two of the investigations were suspended due to the police department's inability to get in contact with the reportees. The other investigation was suspended because the police department determined there was a "lack of proof" the reportee was drugged at the bar based on security camera footage and the results of a blood test, according to a police incident report. More: Learn about cannabis mindfulness with a hot marijuana-infused tea, guided yoga session The woman reported she was drugged at Inner Circle on March 4. The woman told the police that before arriving to the bar she consumed marijuana. After two drinks at the bar, the woman became pale, sweaty and was unable to control her body without assistance. The woman was transported to Cox South, where she had a blood test completed. The woman informed the police that her blood test came back negative for GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), a depressant known as a "designer drug," because it is traditionally made for getting high. Per security camera footage provided by the bar, the woman was seen chugging a water bottle full of liquid before entering the bar. Once in the bar, she takes a cup of beer from a man on the patio, drinks a shot at the inside bar and sips on a drink a friend shares with her. The woman also shares a "joint/cigarettes" with a friend outside. "I concluded that the footage did now show anything conclusive that would lead me to believe any of (the woman's) drinks were drugged," an officer stated in a police incident report. "It should be noted that the bar was very busy and at many times during the video footage, it was difficult to track (the woman) throughout the bar." Effects of marijuana, alcohol dual consumption Of the four investigations involving alleged spiked drinks at Inner Circle, one woman confirmed she consumed marijuana beforehand. Although research on the mixing of marijuana and alcohol is still developing, the American Addiction Centers does provide a list of common symptoms one may experience after dual consumption. One of the most common symptoms is the enhancement of the consumed THC. Mixing alcohol with any drug results in that drug remaining in a person's system longer than usual, the American Addiction Centers states. This is because alcohol is metabolized first by the liver and the liver prioritizes metabolizing alcohol before any other substances. If in the system longer, marijuana, an antiemetic, can make it more difficult for an individual to vomit. While marijuana is used to hinder vomiting in chemotherapy patients, it can be serious when combined with alcohol, developing into alcohol poisoning or even an alcohol overdose, according to the American Addiction Centers. Decreased judgement, increased dehydration and complicated physical dependence are other common symptoms of dual consumption. What are common symptoms of date rape drugs? Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterson said folks going to bars and clubs should be aware of common symptoms of date rape drugs and fentanyl, which can have harmful side effects. Common symptoms include: Feeling dizzy, faint or sleepy Experiencing nausea Speech difficulties, like slurred words Feeling more intoxicated than expected based on alcohol consumption Passing out or experiencing blackouts What should you do if you suspect someone has consumed a spiked drink? If you suspect that someone has consumed a spiked drink, ensuring they are in a safe space and enlisting trusted help are the two most important first steps, Patterson said. If the person is still at the place where their drink was spiked, get the person away from the situation and people there so the person is no longer at risk of consuming more drugs. Ideally, get them in a space where they feel most comfortable, like at home. This could prevent further crimes or sexual assault. If the person reports symptoms later in the day or the following day, make sure the person is not in harm's way. For example, do not allow someone who believes they are still impacted by date rape drugs to drive a car. Once the person is in a safe, comfortable space, seek support from trusted family members, friends or establishment management for further protection. Then, get the person to an emergency room or doctor. Medical professionals can help manage potential harm, conduct drug testing, determine if assault occurred and help the person file a report with the police, Patterson said. If you suspect that your drink has been spiked while in a public place and you are alone, call 911 for help. The Victim Center also has advocates available 24-7 to assist those in need. The Victim Center can be reached at 417-863-7273. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Inner Circle investigations of alleged spiked drinks suspended Guest Opinion. Cherokee artists share the Cherokee story and culture with the world. They are essential to our identity as a people. Sadly, the pandemic led to many canceled art shows and festivals and temporarily closed galleries. It hurt so many of our artists financially. We treasure Cherokee artists, but they have struggled in this hard time. Thats why Deputy Chief Bryan Warner and I were honored to develop and propose the Cherokee Artist Recovery Act (ARA). This landmark legislation makes an unprecedented investment of $3 million in the Cherokee artist community. It offers hope and support for our artisans, helping them recover and make up for lost sales. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. By supporting artists, this act is an investment in the preservation and promotion of Cherokee culture. ARA includes the acquisition of $1.5 million worth of original artwork from Cherokee artists through a public bid process over the next two years. This not only provides artists with immediate financial relief but also showcases their incredible talent. Additionally, the act funds programs such as cultural classes, market access support, marketing assistance, facility enhancements and the development of the Cherokee Artist Resource Collection. These efforts ensure that our artists have support to continue creating and promoting their art. Whether it's employing artists to teach classes, hosting art shows or helping with marketing, more than ever we are committed to empowering our artists to succeed. The Cherokee ARA draws its inspiration from the historic Works Progress Administration Federal Art Project, which supported artists during the Great Depression. Just as that program maintained the arts community during a trying chapter of history, the ARA will be a catalyst for the current generation of Cherokee artists. Story continues We understand the transformative power art can have for whole families and communities. Whether artists carry on the traditions of ancient Cherokee crafts, or they translate Cherokee stories and values into new artistic mediums, they bring to vivid life what it means to be Cherokee. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. The pandemic was a hard time for all of us, but by coming together in response, we emerge from it stronger than ever. I encourage all Cherokee artists to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the ARA. Visit https://anadisgoi.com/index.php/artist-recovery-act to access additional information and application forms. Cherokee artists are pillars of local communities and cultural ambassadors to the world. We support them as a nation so that Cherokee art will continue to inspire for generations to come. Chuck Hoskin, Jr. is the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. An iPhone alerted rescuers after a vehicle plunged 400 feet off a cliff on Mount Wilson near Los Angeles, California officials say. The alert notified rescuers to the crash at 10:51 p.m. Friday, July 21, rescuer Mike Leum wrote on Twitter. I believe that if we didnt have that good location information in a timely manner, he probably wouldve bled out, Leum told KCAL. I kept telling him how lucky he was. Deputies heard the man shouting after following the alert, according to the station. The rescue team guided a Los Angeles County Fire Department helicopter to the injured man, Leum wrote. The helicopter airlifted the man, who suffered head injuries, to safety. The posts did not provide the drivers medical condition. Videos posted by Leum showed the helicopter hoisting the injured driver and the mans smashed vehicle on the ground. RESCUE: At 10:51pm on Fri we were alerted to a car 400 over a cliff by the drivers iPhone 14 crash detection. Location was Mt Wilson Rd. After locating him we guided in an @LACoFireAirOps copter. Suffered head trauma. @LASDHQ @CVLASD @KCBSKCALDesk @NBCLA @ABC7 @FOXLA @cnnbrk pic.twitter.com/jXdpuDL7Hk Mike Leum (@Resqman) July 22, 2023 A view of the car where it landed. pic.twitter.com/w2WwQkdkn1 Mike Leum (@Resqman) July 22, 2023 He was 400 feet down in a canyon with virtually no way out, Steve Goldsworthy of Montrose Search and Rescue told KCAL. So, who knows when, or if, we wouldve located him. Story continues The Montrose Search and Rescue Team of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department retweeted Leums posts. The iPhone 14 comes equipped with crash detection technology that detects severe vehicle crashes and displays an alert that can be tapped to notify authorities, Apple said. If youre unable to respond, your device automatically calls emergency services after a 20-second delay, Apple said. If youve added emergency contacts, your device sends a message to share your location and let them know that youve been in a severe car crash. Mount Wilson is about 30 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. Climber dies in 40-foot fall while on trip to Grand Teton from Idaho, park rangers say Missing kayaker filmed his own drowning on helmet cam, Alaska troopers say Mountain biker dies after helping save dehydrated hikers, California officials say TEHRAN, Iran (AP) Iran on Sunday began an annual air force drill in the central part of country, state media reported, as the U.S. sends more fighter planes to the region to deter the Islamic Republic from seizing commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf area. The official IRNA news agency said 11 Iranian air force bases participated in the drill, dubbed Fadaeian Velyat-11, or Devotees of the Supreme Leader-11. It said an air base at the southern port of Bandar Abbas at the mouth of the strategic Strait of Hormuz is active in the drill. The Strait of Hormuz is the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of all crude oil passes. The report said more than 90 fighter planes, bombers and drones would participate in the drill. Air Force Chief Gen. Hamid Vahedi said the drill's message is one of friendship, peace and security in the region. Sustainable security, improving and fostering regional ties, peaceful coexistence and defending air borders are on the agenda, he said. From time to time Iran holds such drills and says they are designed to assess force's combat readiness and demonstrate the nations military capabilities. The U.S. said last week it is sending additional fighter jets and a warship to the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman to increase security in the wake of Iranian attempts to seize commercial ships there. The Pentagon said the USS Thomas Hudner, a destroyer, and a number of F-35 fighter jets will be heading to the area. The Hudner had been in the Red Sea. The U.S. move comes after Iran earlier in July tried to seize two oil tankers, the Marshall Islands-flagged TRF Moss and the Bahamian-flagged Richmond Voyager, near the strait last week, opening fire on one of them. The U.S. Navy said in both instances the Iranian naval vessels backed off when the USS McFaul, a guided-missile destroyer, arrived on the scene. The U.S. Navy says Iran has seized at least five commercial vessels in the last two years and has harassed more than a dozen others. Many of the confrontations have happened in and around the Strait of Hormuz. The West accuses Iran of using seized commercial vessels as bargaining chips. Iran denies the charge saying it seized the vessels after they collided with local vessels and polluted the waterway. Tensions have steadily risen since the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from Irans 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers and restored crippling sanctions. Iran has responded by ramping up its nuclear activities which it says are purely peaceful and also provided drones to Russia for its war against Ukraine. A Zoroastrian priest adds wood to the Atash Bahram ("Fire of Victory" or Eternal Flame) in the sanctum at the Fire Temple of Yazd in central Iran (ATTA KENARE) A Zoroastrian priest dressed in white carefully added wood to a fire that has burned for centuries inside an Iranian temple, sacred to one of the world's oldest religions. The fragrant holy fire, kept in a large bronze goblet, "has been burning for more than 1,500 years", said Simin, a tour guide welcoming visitors to the Zoroastrian fire temple in Iran's central Yazd province. Zoroastrianism dates back some 3,500 years, but centuries of persecution have dwindled its numbers and a fast-changing modern world has left it struggling to adjust. Founded by the prophet Zarathustra, it was the predominant religion of the ancient Persian empire, until the rise of Islam with the Arab conquests of the seventh century. Today, the Zoroastrian community is estimated at around 200,000 people who live mainly in Iran and India. They venerate fire as a supreme form of purity. Alongside water, air and earth, the elements must not be contaminated by human activity, according to their faith. Only Zoroastrian priests are allowed in the Yazd sanctum, covering their faces to prevent vapour and breath from contaminating the sacred fire, as they take turns during the day to keep the flame burning. The fire "can never die out", said the tour guide. Visitors can only observe the rituals from behind tinted glass. In Iran, Zoroastrian leaders say the community nowadays counts about 50,000 members. The latest national census, conducted in 2016 and excluding converts, put their number at 24,000. Over the centuries, faithful have undergone forced conversions, with many of their temples destroyed, libraries set ablaze, and much of their cultural heritage lost. But "our religion still occupies a place in the history of the world, and it will continue to exist", said Bahram Demehri, a 76-year-old faithful from Yazd. "The essence of Zoroastrianism, like other religions, is based on monotheism, prophecy, belief in the afterlife and benevolence," he told AFP. Story continues - 'Joy' at the core - Zoroastrians believe that "good thoughts, good words, good deeds" are the key to happiness and spirituality. A messiah called Saoshyant will one day return and save the world by fighting wrongs, they believe. Their teachings are embodied in Faravahar, an ancient symbol of a man emerging from a winged disc while holding a ring, which is carved on the pediments of ancient Persian temples. "Joy is essential in the practice of our religion," Simin, the tour guide, noted, mentioning multiple religious celebrations. One of those festivals, Nowruz, marks the new Persian year and is celebrated to this day by Iran's overwhelmingly Shiite Muslim majority. Tehran recognises Zoroastrians as a religious minority, granting them freedom of worship and representation in parliament, which also reserves seats for other minorities including Armenians, Assyrians and Jews. Some other religious minorities, like followers of the Bahai faith -- Iran's largest non-Muslim group -- are not recognised by the state. But for Zoroastrians like Demehri, "the laws protect us", he said. "Zoroastrians are active members of Iranian society," and include "university professors and government employees", Demehri added. They are, however, barred from careers in Iran's armed forces and cannot run for president. - Waning traditions - Some Zoroastrian rituals were lost as followers were forced to practise their faith discreetly. A funerary rite known as "dakhma" was banned in Iran since the late 1960s for sanitary reasons. It involves exposing the dead bodies atop a platform known as "the tower of silence" to be devoured by scavenging birds. Instead, Zoroastrians have opted to lay their deceased to rest in cemeteries. Other traditions are challenged by modernity, with many followers scattered around the world. Among the community's most famous exiles is legendary Queen lead vocalist Freddie Mercury, born to a Zoroastrian family originally from India. Zoroastrian priests have sought to open centres abroad, including in California in the United States, where a sizeable diaspora community lives. Demehri noted efforts to "modernise the rites" and simplify them for younger generations. "It is difficult to ask young people who love pizza to eat our traditional tasteless bread during celebrations," he said. ap-jri/rkh/mz/ami/smw Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was fitted with a pacemaker early Sunday morning a surgery performed just before the Knesset is set to vote on a controversial judicial reform bill, according to a statement from his office. The procedure happened at Tel Hashomer Hospital, says the statement. The prime minister was sedated during the surgery. During the procedure, the Minister of Justice and Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin will take his place, the statement added. Netanyahus operation was triggered by a warning from a heart monitor that he had transient heart block, said Eyal Nof, head of Invasive Electrophysiology Service at the Sheba Medical Center on Sunday. He was admitted urgently to Sheba Medical Center where the operation was carried out, the doctor said in a video statement. During the night we implanted a pacemaker. All went well. The prime minister is feeling very well this morning, he said. The Cleveland Clinic, a top American medical center, says transient heart block is when the electrical signal that controls your heartbeat is partially or completely blocked. This makes your heart beat slowly or skip beats and your heart cant pump blood effectively. Symptoms include dizziness, fainting, tiredness and shortness of breath. Pacemaker implantation is a common treatment. Netanyahu was admitted to Sheba Medical Center a week ago. He was diagnosed with dehydration at the time but also fitted with a subcutaneous heart monitor, the hospital added. At the time his office said he had been experiencing dizziness. But Netanyahu did faint last Saturday before his previous hospital admission, one of the doctors at Sheba Medical Center said Sunday. He was admitted last week because he had a fainting episode, said Roy Beinart, director of the Davidai Center for Rhythm Disturbances and Pacing at Sheba Medical Center. Israeli media reported at the time that the prime minister had fainted, but his office said only that he had experienced dizziness. Story continues Netanyahu, 73, earlier announced on Twitter he would be fitted with the device, which sends electrical pulses to the heart. I want to update you on whats going to happen, Netanyahu said in the video. Last week they gave me a monitoring device. The device beeped and said I need a pacemaker, and I need to do that already tonight. I feel great, but I listen to my doctors, he added. The doctors tell me that I will be free tomorrow afternoon already, said the prime minister. I will be discharged from the hospital ready to arrive at the Knesset for the vote. The Knesset is scheduled to begin voting on a bill that would strip the Supreme Court of the power to declare government decisions unreasonable, removing one of the few checks on the government in a country that has no written Constitution. The controversial judicial overhaul plan has drawn thousands-wide protests in Israel over the past few weeks. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (Bloomberg) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be fitted with a pacemaker after he was hospitalized a week ago for what his office said was dehydration. Most Read from Bloomberg Netanyahu, 73, who complained of dizziness, was released from the Sheba Medical Center hospital last Sunday after having a heart monitoring device implanted. He will now undergo a pacemaker implantation procedure, the Haaretz newspaper reported. Justice Minister Yariv Levin will take the prime ministers place during his operation, the newspaper said, adding that Netanyahu expects to be released from hospital Sunday. The prime minister is undergoing the procedure a day before the countrys parliament is expected to vote on his contentious judicial reform. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets Saturday in protest against the legislation that would reduce the oversight power of the judicial system. Read more: Why Israel Is Bitterly Split by a Judiciary Overhaul: QuickTake (Updates with Haaretz report, background throughout) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Sixteen members of a roving paid workforce. A volunteer steering committee of former military chiefs of staff, public-relations gurus and top-tier lawyers who speak daily. A budget in the tens of millions of dollars. Most Read from Bloomberg Israels anti-government protest movement, the largest in the nations history, has taken over the streets for seven months since plans emerged to weaken the power of the courts. On Saturday night, they again brought hundreds of thousands out. But they are not radicals neglected by the establishment they are the establishment. And they are using traditional symbols like the flag to fight the populist policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This is the backbone of Israeli society people whove founded companies and headed large organizations, says Shikma Bressler, a physicist and protest leader. Some have carried out special military operations. Listen: Bloomberg reporters discuss the protests and what the judicial overhaul would mean for Israel People arrested on the streets include CEOs of unicorns, she adds, referring to the term for a startup valued at more than $1 billion. Five other activists with inside knowledge gave behind-the-scenes details on condition of anonymity. They estimate that 270 groups are active, involving some 800,000 individuals. Theyve deployed scores of photography drones, mobilized late-night operations to wrap monuments with slogan-filled banners, and sent out thousands of women dressed in the red capes and white bonnets of the Margaret Atwood novel The Handmaids Tale. They succeeded in stopping Netanyahus right-wing religious government from rushing the entire judicial overhaul through the Knesset, as the parliament is known. With the government preparing to pass at least one key change, the movement is calculating its next steps. Story continues Netanyahus plans have unnerved global investors, with Israels stocks, bonds and currency performing badly this year relative to similar assets in other countries. The US has also criticized the overhaul. We will have to direct our efforts against actions that will become possible under the new law, says Bressler. Her grassroots group, known as the Kaplan Force, after a street in central Tel Aviv that has hosted the weekly Saturday night demonstrations, is the largest. And shes become the face of the movement. Shes not new to the demonstration business. She led anti-corruption protests against Netanyahu starting in 2019. That meant that when the judicial overhaul arose seven months ago, the group had a solid infrastructure for getting people onto the streets. There are 140 sectoral or professional groups of military reservists, high-tech executives, womens-rights activists, doctors and lawyers. At the Saturday night protests, they occupy the same spot, like at a farmers market. Some 130 additional groups organize local demonstrations across the country. The groups are independent, with their own WhatsApp groups and agendas, but they quickly realized they needed funding and collaboration. This is how protest headquarters came about. Free in Our Country The oversight group goes by the name Hofshi bartzenu, a Hebrew quote from Israels national anthem meaning Free in our country. Its 16 employees are full and part time and rotate among donated workspaces in different high-tech offices. The chief executive officer is Eran Schwartz, a former air force pilot and deputy general manager at the Ministry for Social Equality. Another employee is Daria Shaked Henig, a former venture investor dedicated to promoting women in Silicon Valley. The team is overseen by a steering committee. Some are household names in Israel: Dan Halutz and Moshe Yaalon, both former military chiefs of staff; Dina Zilber, aformer deputy to the attorney general; Gilead Sher, a top lawyer; and Yossi Kucik, a business consultant. Sher and Kucik both worked for former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, whos attended some of the protests. Others include top business leaders such as Orni Petrushka, one of Israeli high techs founding fathers; Zohar Levkovitz, a tech entrepreneur and venture investor; Ilan Shiloah, former CEO and chairman of Israels largest advertising firm; and Itay Ben Horin, owner and CEO of a major public relations firm. Hedge Funders Drive Protests in Battle Over Israeli High Court They hold weekly meetings to discuss trends and provide the organizations back-office services that mainly involve funding allocations, strategic planning and legal assistance so far, they say, 800 protesters have been arrested. The high-powered nature of the protesters can cause friction. There are frequent disagreements on tone or direction. One of the steering committees main roles is to make peace and keep the movement united. The operations funding, estimated in the low tens of millions of dollars, is provided by private donors and crowd sourcing. Committee members say 90% of donors are Israeli, and they dont accept money from governments or politically affiliated organizations. The money is channeled through a nonprofit called Future Blue and White, established by Sher and Petrushka in 2009 to promote Israeli democracy and the two-state solution with Palestinians. Elite Reservists The street protests rely heavily on elite military reservists. Last spring, what stopped the overhaul in its tracks was an increasing number of combat-pilot reservists threatening to stop volunteering. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said security was at risk and called for the legislation to stop. Now that a law barring judges from declaring government action unreasonable is headed for final passage in the Knesset, reservists who play a key part in military operations are once again vowing to get involved. On Friday, 1,142 Air Force reservists, including 422 pilots, signed a letter saying theyd abstain from volunteering if the bill becomes law. Ten thousand other reservists issued a similar threat on Saturday. Gallant hasnt backed them but there have been last-minute talks on a possible compromise. Its a game of intense brinkmanship. If the current bill does pass, attention will turn to whether the government advances a second part of the judicial overhaul, to ensure judge selections are driven more by political parties. Bressler, the physicist, says, if so, the protests will adjust but not stop. No one knows in what way this will manifest itself in Israel, she said. Its unfathomable, but the whole reality now is unfathomable. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Netanyahu speaks to university students from behind a security screen during a campaign rally in the central West Bank settlement of Ariel, on October 26, 2022 (Menahem KAHANA) Israel's hawkish right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dominated his country's politics since the 1990s but has now left its society more bitterly divided than it has been in decades. The silver-haired and gravel-voiced 73-year-old is known by his nickname "Bibi" to his loyal Likud party followers who revere him for his stated mission to defend the Jewish people against all threats, from Arab militants to arch-foe Iran. To his opponents, Netanyahu is the "crime minister" who, while fighting corruption charges in court, is also leading a push to curb the powers of the judiciary in a way they fear will weaken democracy itself. A wily strategist and political survivor, Netanyahu has spent a total of 15 years in the prime minister's office, making him Israel's longest serving leader. He has also outlived multiple US presidential administrations. Under his rule, the Israeli-Palestinian peace process of the 1990s all but stalled while Jewish settlements have been rapidly expanded in the occupied West Bank, eroding hopes for Palestinian statehood. Netanyahu's most recent comeback saw him take the reins again in December, after a string of elections and a short-lived multi-party government chiefly united in their strong opposition to him. This time around, however, Netanyahu's deepening isolation forced him to team up for the first time with far-right nationalist parties previously considered fringe groups, and ultra-Orthodox lawmakers. Under Israel's most hard-right government to date, the conflict with the Palestinians has turned more deadly in recent months, leading to major West Bank military raids and rocket exchanges with Gaza. Israeli society itself has been convulsed, marked by weekly mass street protests against Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan that have sparked warnings of a looming "civil war" within the 75-year-old state. Netanyahu's policies have strained relations with Washington, the country's traditional bedrock ally, and seen US President Joe Biden repeatedly criticise the judicial overhaul and settlements expansion. Story continues On Sunday, Netanyahu underwent surgery to be fitted with a pacemaker. But, ever the fighter, he left little doubt that he would hurl himself straight back into the rough and tumble of politics, as the months-old judicial reform battle looked set to near its peak. - Brother's death - Born in Tel Aviv on October 21, 1949, Netanyahu is the son of a historian who was active in right-wing Zionist groups, an ideological inheritance that helped shape his political career. Netanyahu has two sons with his wife Sara and a daughter from a previous marriage. As a young man in the late 1960s, Netanyahu served in an army commando unit, seeing combat in multiple engagements and reaching the rank of captain. He was marked strongly by the death of his elder brother Yonatan, in a daring 1976 special forces raid to free hostages at Uganda's Entebbe airport. In his memoir, Netanyahu recalled that he thought he may "never recover" from the loss: "When the news reached me that Yoni had died in Entebbe, I felt as if my life had ended." Raised partly in the United States, Netanyahu graduated from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology, later working as a business consultant and then as an Israeli diplomat. He regularly appeared on US television from the late 1980s, defending Israel and raising his profile both at home and abroad. Back in Israel, Netanyahu became Likud's leader in 1993 and led the party to victory in 1996 as Israel's youngest-ever prime minister, aged just 46. He lost power in 1999, but regained it 10 years later and stayed at the helm for more than a decade. - 'My ancient people' - Netanyahu has never engaged in substantive peace talks with the Palestinians, but has overseen a rapid expansion of West Bank settlements that are considered illegal under international law. His government, which includes hardline pro-settlement groups, has overseen a rise in armed raids against West Bank militant strongholds such as Jenin, which Netanyahu recently labelled a "nest of terrorists". Netanyahu's other major focus has been fighting arch-foe Iran and limiting its nuclear ambitions, both on the political stage and in a shadow war that has included sabotage and assassinations. Close to former US president Donald Trump, Netanyahu clinched a diplomatic triumph by normalising relations with several Arab states under the Washington-brokered Abraham Accords. After establishing ties with the United Arab Emirates and other states, a similar breakthrough with Saudi Arabia would be a "quantum leap for peace", Netanyahu has told Dubai-based Al Arabiya. He reflected on his achievements in his autobiography, writing that "as a soldier, I fought to defend Israel on battlefields. "As a diplomat, I fended off attacks against its legitimacy in world forums, as finance minister and prime minister I sought to multiply its economic and political power". Throughout it all, Netanyahu wrote, his aim had been to help "secure the future of my ancient people". bur/fz/jkb Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says she is seeking "a model for building new relations with our North African neighbours" (Gints Ivuskans) Italy has invited Mediterranean countries to Rome on Sunday for an "international conference" aimed at extending an EU-backed deal with Tunisia to curb the arrival of migrants to European shores. Italy's far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is expecting leaders from the region, the European Union and international financial institutions to meet in the capital, according to a government press release. The full list of participants is unknown, but Meloni has confirmed the presence of Tunisian President Kais Saied, while the prime ministers of Egypt and Malta, Mostafa Madbouli and Robert Abela, respectively, have both said they will attend. During the 2022 election campaign that brought her to power, Meloni vowed to "stop the disembarkation" of migrants in Italy, which the government puts at nearly 80,000 coastal arrivals since January, compared to 33,000 in the same period last year. But while the government has put obstacles in the path of humanitarian ships rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean, it has failed to stop the departures themselves, which mostly originate in Tunisia and Libya. Italy and the European Commission have sought to step up engagement with Tunisia, promising funding if the country undertakes to stem emigration from its territory. Meloni has also sought to act as an intermediary between Tunisia -- cash-strapped and on the cusp of a major debt crisis -- and the International Monetary Fund, where a nearly $2 billion bailout package for the North African country has stalled amid an IMF demand for structural reforms. Last week, the EU signed a memorandum of understanding with Tunisia that provides for 105 million euros in direct European aid to prevent the departure of migrant boats and combat smugglers. The deal also provides for more illegal Tunisians to be repatriated, and for sub-Saharan African migrants in Tunisia to be sent back to their countries of origin. A much larger EU package to Tunisia, a long-term loan of around 900 million euros proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in June, is conditional on approval of the IMF loan. Story continues "This partnership with Tunisia must be a model for building new relations with our North African neighbours", Meloni said last week during a visit to Tunis, where she accompanied von der Leyen and Dutch premier Mark Rutte. - 'Not perfect democracies' - A senior European diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed that the EU is hoping for similar partnerships with Egypt and Morocco. "We must cooperate with the countries of North Africa, even if to do so we have to accept that they are not perfect democracies," a Rome-based ambassador who requested anonymity told AFP. "There is unity in the EU on this principle." But Federica Infantino, a researcher at the Migration Policy Centre of the European University Institute in Florence, argued that the new deal with Tunis will change little. "You can't think of migration as the water that comes out of the tap, to be turned on and off as certain politicians see fit", Infantino said. But for Meloni's political needs, even if the deal's objectives are never met, there are "strong symbolic stakes", she added. - 'Crime scene' - Human rights groups and charities that rescue migrants attempting the dangerous Mediterranean crossing are up in arms. Human Rights Watch called the deal "a new low in the European Union's efforts to curb migrants' arrivals at any cost" that "pays only lip service to human rights". "It shows that Europe has learned nothing from its complicity in the horrendous abuses of migrants in Libya, the group said Thursday. "The Mediterranean is not only a graveyard. It is a crime scene", tweeted German NGO Sea-Watch. For independent researcher Yves Pascouau, dialogue between Europe and the countries of migrants' departure is a positive, as are attempts to boost trade and investments in green energy. But as long as migration policy depends on European interior ministers, the issue will only be tackled from a security point of view, Pascouau noted. "What is lacking in the relationship between the EU and third countries is any long-term thinking," he said. According to the UN, more than 100,000 migrants arrived by sea to Europe -- most to Italy -- in the first six months of 2023, from the coasts of North Africa, Turkey and Lebanon. There were just over 189,000 such arrivals last year. With fewer than 80,000 asylum applications registered last year, Italy lags behind Germany, France, Spain and Austria. bur-gab/ams/cw By Angelo Amante and Keith Weir ROME (Reuters) -Nations from the Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa agreed steps on Sunday to try to slow unauthorised migration and to tackle some of the pressures driving people to leave their homes and attempt to reach Europe. After a one-day meeting led by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the new alliance committed to crack down on people smuggling, but also to improve cooperation in areas such as renewable energy to fight climate change and improve the prospects of poorer nations. Participants from more than 20 countries agreed to make funding available to support development projects in what Meloni said would be a "Rome Process" that would last for several years. She welcomed a pledge by the United Arab Emirates to provide $100 million and said the next step would be to organise a donors conference. Softening her past hard-line rhetoric, Meloni said that her government was open to taking in more people through legal routes as "Europe and Italy needed immigration." But she said more needed to be done to prevent migrants trying to make the perilous Mediterranean crossing via unauthorised means. "Halting the people-trafficking networks is an objective we all share," she said. The European Union and Tunisia, a major departure point for migrants, last week signed a "strategic partnership" deal that includes cracking down on human traffickers and tightening borders. "We want our agreement with Tunisia to be a template. A blueprint for the future. For partnerships with other countries in the region," European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen told the conference. Tunisian President Kais Saied was among those attending. POPE SPEAKS OUT Speaking to crowds in nearby St. Peter's Square earlier on Sunday, Pope Francis called on European and African governments to help migrants trapped in desert areas in north Africa and to ensure that the Mediterranean was never again "a theatre of death" for those attempting to cross. Story continues Conference host Italy is struggling to cope with the number of unauthorised migrants arriving in centres such as its far southern island of Lampedusa. However, it also has an ageing and declining population and needs additional workers to support its economy. Earlier this month, Italy pledged to issue 452,000 new work visas for non-EU nationals from 2023 to 2025, increasing the number of permits available each year to a high of 165,000 in 2025. In 2019, before COVID struck, Italy issued just 30,850 visas. Arrivals in Italy are surging this year with over 83,000 people coming ashore so far compared with around 34,000 in the same period in 2022. (Additional reporting by Ahmed Elumami in Tripoli and Foo Yun Chee in Brussels; Editing by Conor Humphries) ROME (AP) Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni on Sunday called for new, more equal relationships between Europe and migrants countries of origin and transit as she convened a summit of some 20 nations, EU officials and international organizations aimed at stanching flows of illegal migration. The one-day conference is a Meloni initiative that aims to make Italy a leader in resolving issues impacting Mediterranean nations. Chief among them is migration, as Italy sustains hundreds of new arrivals daily on Europe's southern border, but also energy as Europe looks to Africa and the Middle East to permanently replace Russian supplies. Human rights groups see the meeting, which includes nations from both northern and sub-Saharan Africa as well as the Middle East, as creating a future roadmap, and worry it will amount to anti-migrant policies that put the onus on Africa to keep Africans out of Europe. Meloni told the opening meeting that Western arrogance had likely stood in the way of solutions to the migrant issue. She proposed four main prongs for future cooperation: fighting criminal organizations trafficking migrants, better managing flows of migrants, supporting refugees and helping countries of origin. The West too often has given the impression of being more interested in giving lessons rather than lending a hand, Meloni said. It is probably this diffidence that has made it difficult to make progress on solutions. She said if flows were better managed there would be more room for legal migration. In her closing press conference, Meloni emphasized that there were no legal means of entry for many people who might have a case for refugee status, because quotas are filled by those who arrive illegally. "Until yesterday, we had the mentality that said migration cannot be limited, it is a right, borders don't exist. That is not my approach because borders exist, migration must be managed,'' Meloni said. She said the participants welcomed the conference's concrete, goal-oriented approach, and noted that the United Arab Emirates had pledged 100 million euros to help improve conditions in countries where poverty and a lack of services is pushing emigration. Story continues In an era where so much attention is given to the right to migrate, we are not paying sufficient attention to the right to not be forced to emigrate, to not be forced to flee their own homes, to not be forced to abandon their land and leave family members in search of a new life," Meloni said during opening remarks. The conference comes against the backdrop of migrants being pushed back from Tunisia into Libya, where they are stuck in the desert, many exposed to the harsh elements. Pope Francis, in his traditional Sunday blessing, called on leaders in Europe and Africa to find a solution to the thousands of people who are blocked at borders in North Africa. Thousands of them have been experiencing indescribable suffering for weeks, and have been trapped and abandoned in deserts,'' the pontiff said. May the Mediterranean no longer be a theater of death and inhumanity, the pope said, calling for a sense of fraternity, solidarity and welcoming. The Rome summit comes a week after one of the key participants, Tunisian President Kais Saied, signed a memorandum of understanding for a comprehensive strategic partnership in a meeting that included Meloni and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Financial details werent released, but the EU has held out the promise of nearly 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) to help restart Tunisias hobbled economy, and 100 million euros ($111 million) for border control as well as search and rescue missions at sea and repatriating immigrants without residence permits. Saied told the conference said that Tunisia would not allow Europe-bound migrants to settle in the country and that Tunisia will not be a corridor for outlaws. He called for the establishment of a new global financial institution to tackle the root causes of migration and create prosperity and hope in poor countries. Migrants pay traffickers thousands to make the perilous journey across Africas deserts. Many report suffering torture and other abuse along the way. And hundreds drown each year at sea trying to reach Europe in fragile boats. More than 1,900 migrants have died or gone missing and are presumed missing in the Mediterranean so far this year, bringing the total of dead and missing since 2014 to 27,675, according to the International Organization for Migration. A further 483 are dead or missing in Africa this year. ___ Follow APs coverage of global migration and hub link at https://apnews.com/hub/migration. ROME (Reuters) - Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who will visit the White House on Thursday, said that U.S. President Joe Biden had never challenged her on the issue of Rome being part of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Meloni leads the only major Western country to have joined China's BRI scheme, which envisions rebuilding the old Silk Road to connect China with Asia, Europe and beyond with large infrastructure spending. "The president of the United States has never directly raised the question with me," she told a news conference following an international meeting on migration in Rome. The deal was signed in 2019 under the administration of Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, drawing criticism from Washington and Brussels, and Italy is highly unlikely to renew it when it expires early next year. It has produced little benefit for Italy over the past four years, with exports to China totalling 16.4 billion euros ($18.1 billion) last year from 13 billion euros in 2019. (Reporting by Angelo Amante; Editing by Keith Weir) Update: The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office announced that 16-year-old Jonae Seaborn has been located. Circumstances surrounding her disappearance continue to be investigated at this time. Update #2: #JSO is pleased to announce that Jonae has been located. Thanks to all for the assistance in the search and helping to spread the word, bringing this incident to a positive result. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance continue to be investigated at this https://t.co/ouPseeASgg Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) July 23, 2023 Original: The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office is currently looking for a missing endangered teen from the Dunn Avenue and Biscayne Boulevard area of Northside. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has activated the missing child alert for Jonae Seaborn as well. The 16-year-old, Jonae Seaborn, has been reported missing by family members under suspicious circumstances. Efforts to locate Jonae have been unsuccessful at this point and JSO continues the search in an effort to ascertain her safety. Read: Loved ones seeking answers after local mom found dead inside Northside smoke shop Here is the description of the missing girl: Name: Jonae Elizabeth Seaborn Age: 16 Height/Weight: 55/130 lbs. Eyes/Hair: Brown/Black Clothing: Unknown As this investigation has progressed, it has been learned that Jonae may be in the company of Georges Jerome (Black/Male 33, 57, 180 lbs.) Anyone having seen or who may know the whereabouts of Jonae Seaborn or Georges Jerome is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office immediately at 904-630-0500. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is also looking for the missing child and adult. Story continues [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Read: Neptune Beach Police report large amount of marijuana washed ashore [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Still image from security camera footage shows Lincoln County District Judge Traci Soderstrom looking at her cellphone during a murder trial on June 12, 2023. Lincoln County District Court/The Oklahoman via AP An Oklahoma judge was overseeing a trial for a man accused of beating his girlfriend's son to death. Security footage viewed by The Oklahoman shows the judge looking at her phone during the trial. A district attorney said the judge "spent hours of the trial on her cellphone," per The Oklahoman. A Lincoln County District judge is under investigation after security footage showed the jurist scrolling through her phone throughout a seven-day murder trial, The Associated Press reported. Judge Traci Soderstrom, a new state judge elected in November, oversaw a brutal murder trial that began last month. The case involved 32-year-old Khristian Tyler Martzall, who was accused of beating his then-girlfriend's 2-year-old son, Braxton Danker, to death, according to The Oklahoman, which first reported on Soderstrom's courtroom conduct. According to the local paper, this was Soderstrom's first case. She began the trial by instructing the jury members to turn off all electronic devices a common courtroom protocol so that they could "concentrate on the evidence without interruption," The Oklahoman reported. Soon, Soderstrom proceeded to check her phone. Footage from a ceiling security camera pointed above the judge's bench showed Sodestrom repeatedly checking her device, The Oklahoman reported. According to the newspaper, the judge used her phone throughout jury selection, opening statements, and witness testimony. At one point, Soderstrom checked her cellphone during a tearful testimony from the victim's mother, Judith Danker. The footage also shows Soderstrom checking Facebook and, once, searching and sending a GIF, The Oklahoman reported. Throughout the trial, the judge held her phone in her lap or sometimes set it down in a drawer at her desk, which can be seen in the security footage, according to the report. A Lincoln County District Court spokesperson was unavailable for comment during the weekend. Story continues District Attorney Adam Panter, who reviewed the footage after receiving a tip from a courthouse employee, told The Oklahoman that the judge "spent hours of the trial on her cellphone both texting and scrolling through social media." "It is both shocking and disappointing," Panter told the newspaper. "Jurors are banned from using cellphones in the courtroom during trials because we expect them to give their full time and attention to the evidence being presented. I would expect and hope the Court would hold itself to the same standard required of the jurors, regardless of the type of case." Panter did not immediately return a request for comment sent during the weekend. The Oklahoma Council on Judicial Complaints is investigating Soderstrom's conduct, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office told Associated Press. According to The Oklahoman, Soderstrom moved the position of the ceiling security camera on Monday. Panter told the newspaper that he was concerned the judge did so instead of trying to address her behavior. Soderstrom was elected in November and sworn in on January 9. According to The Oklahoman, Soderstrom became a layer in 2003. The judge told Countywide & Sun last year that she had an extensive legal background, practicing everything from administrative court issues to criminal and juvenile law. Martzall was convicted of second-degree manslaughter at the end of the trial. Prosecutors were seeking first-degree murder charges. Martzall was arrested and placed in jail since his arrest in 2018, Panter told The Lincoln County News. The jury recommended time served for his punishment. Read the original article on Insider The annual Kecksburg UFO Festival is underway. Fans of all things alien, bizarre and unexplained made their way to Westmoreland County to enjoy the festival. Stan Gordon, a UFO investigator said the festival commemorates the events of Dec. 9, 1965, when a large fireball was seen in the sky. People in Kecksburg reported that something had cashed in the woods, but it was not found by officials. Large crowds already, lot of people sharing their experiences about what theyve seen in the past and even some people here who were involved in the Kecksburg incident in 1965 and telling us what they remember from that day that it occurred, Stan Gordon said. Gordon has written several books on paranormal events that allegedly happened throughout Western Pennsylvania. Festival attendees posed for photos with a model of the crashed object that is on display near the Kecksburg Fire Station. The festival continues Sunday and runs from noon until 5 p.m. Proceeds from the event are given to the fire department. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Man in custody after SWAT situation in Pittsburghs Carrick neighborhood Pittsburgh public pools to close early Saturday Man uses social media to identify people who attacked him during concert VIDEO: Teen girl becomes pinned underneath car after woman crashes into front of McCandless restaurant DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Former Gov. Larry Hogan isnt running for president at least not as a Republican. But on a third-party ticket? The moderate Marylander has left the door cracked open. Its something hes said could be worth trying. And on Sunday, he said thinks that youve gotta run the race to see what it would look like. Right now, the co-chair of the centrist political organization No Labels is focused on getting the Republican Party on track and trying to nominate a good Republican that can do a better job and that can potentially win a race in November, he told MSNBCs Jen Psaki during an interview on Sunday. But he didnt shut down questions about the possibility that he might eventually join the race. I said that if no one wants the Candidate A or Candidate B, maybe there will be a Candidate C, he said. Hogan also touted his popularity among voters across the political spectrum. I finished my eight years as governor with a 77 percent approval rating. Highest in the country. It was over 70 with Democrats, independents, and Republicans, Hogan said. Of course, Im not well known across the country. But youve got to run a race to see what its gonna look like. Right now, he said, more voters are open to backing a third-party ticket than in previous years. A recent Quinnipiac poll found that 47 percent of voters would consider supporting a third-party candidate. The potential for a strong third-party ticket has shaken Democrats, who worry that a No Labels-backed bid would hurt President Joe Bidens reelection chances, and potentially send the current Republican frontrunner, former President Donald Trump, back to the White House. But Hogan pushed back against that concern on Sunday. We have a third party-candidate now, he said. The Green Party candidate is pulling about 4 or 5 percent completely away from Biden. So if you want to talk about a spoiler, they should focus in on Cornel West, or they should focus in on the people that are pulling 30 percent of the people away in a primary. No Labels just has an idea that maybe, if we get to this point where nobody in America wants the Republican or Democrat, they might run a ticket. We dont know who they are. And we dont know who they would pull from, or whether it would be a Republican or Democrat. At least six people died and as many as 26 others were injured in gun violence that sprawled across Chicago over the last 48 hours. The identified victims were ages 13 to 64. Early Friday, a 41-year-old man was found in a vehicle in an alley in the Lower West Side. He had been fatally shot during an armed robbery. Later in the day, a 16-year-old boy was discovered on the sidewalk around the 1200 block of W. 81st Street with gunshot wounds to the chest. After being taken to a local hospital, he was pronounced dead. A 13-year-old boy was riding his bicycle Saturday when a car drove by and an occupant shot him, grazing him in a knee. He was taken to a local hospital in good condition. A group of people were standing on the sidewalk early Sunday when an unknown assailant fired shots from the west alley of the street, striking two women and a man. Officers discovered a 29-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the head in a flipped-over vehicle near the 3000 block of W. 21st Street on Sunday morning. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition and pronounced dead later. CORRECTION (July 24, 2023, 1 a.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated when six people were killed and 47 others were injured in a mass shooting in a Chicago suburb. It was over the Fourth of July weekend last year, not this month. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com When she first walked into the Pro Deo youth center in Lees Summit, Chawntale Bushnell said the staff wouldnt leave her be, always urging her to speak up, and constantly wanting to know what she was doing. Eventually, that constant push for engagement is what helped Bushnell, 20, break out of her shell. Now, she works on a social media team for a youth advisory board, engaging with youth to help them access preventative resources, and speaks to the Lees Summit community about Pro Deo. Since first opening in 2009, the Pro Deo youth center has worked to provide a space for youth to grow and feel accepted. Now, the center has plans to expand their outreach to area youth, thanks to $1.7 million in new funding. On June 27, Pro Deo announced the funding from the Missouri Department of Economic Development Community Revitalization grant, plus funds from Lees Summit residents Bob and Jane Rutherford. This funding will help fuel the centers plans to expand; first, in capacity with the opening of a new center with more space for students to come and participate in after-school activities, tutoring sessions, and counseling. But the impact of the old center remains strong for student alumni who spent their early teen years at the youth center, who all said Pro Deos presence in the community is vital for youth. A home away from home Pro Deo is centered around trust. While making the youth center a safe zone is a priority, they also want their students to grow in their relationships and connections with peers and staff. Thats part of that acceptance policy that makes them feel like they belong at Pro Deo, Dr. Elaine Metcalf, executive director said. Building a safe space for students, Metcalf said, is the job of the ambassadors and staff to work to help students find others who they can connect and feel comfortable with, along with planning activities to help further their growth. Chawntale Bushnell and her twin sister Ashanti Bushnell, 20, came to the Pro Deo youth center at the age of 14, and continued throughout their teen years as active members. Story continues Coming from a single parent home in Lees Summit, the sisters said before coming to the center they struggled to speak with and make connections with other youth, and that fact combined with their family struggles made the youth center a refuge. Ashanti Bushnell said before coming to the center she dealt with high anxiety and struggled with opening up and expressing herself, but after years of involvement at the center, she was able to open up more. By working as a ambassador, she was able to connect and help other students, which she said helped her find her purpose at the center. Its important for kids like me who started off not being very interactive because when you get into high school, all the kids can be overwhelming and you dont know where to start off, Bushnell said. Pro Deo became a good space for Bushnell to engage and meet other kids, and have someplace comforting to go after school. Chawntale Bushnell said similar to her sister, she was shy and struggled with communicating. She said her time at the youth center allowed her to grow in her ability to communicate, and to learn to be open-minded when getting to know others. If I hadnt been able to find Pro Deo I think that my communication and outreach skills would not be as strong. Most of the activities we did involved us taking the initiative to ask questions and participate, Bushnell said. Making personal connections while working on those behavioral exercises with staff is another takeaway Bushnell said she gained from her time at the youth center. In group circle conversations, she was able to learn and connect with others on a deeper level, and learned not to judge from the surface level. The sisters said Pro Deo also became a safe space because of the sense of family and love they fostered. They said whenever someone talked, they always listened. Whenever I walked in the door it always reminded me that I was never alone, they have access to resources that could help us if we ever needed, Busnell said. It has to be about acceptance Pro Deo staff said that while creating a safe space for their youth is a main goal, being an inclusive space for all students to share their stories and struggles is another. Making preventive services available to kids is one of those ways the youth center tries to show their support to their students. Metcalf said the schools in the area give students access to mental health services, however, some students still have the struggle of accessing these resources, and thats where Pro Deo comes in to help. We eliminate that barrier by going and picking them up at the schools and we take them home at the end of the night if they are needed, Metcalf said. Theyre also looking to combine resources with Lees Summit CARES, which allows students access to preventative services and resources to assist both their physical and mental health. Vanessa Hickman works for the Lees Summit CARES Youth Advisory Board, which provides prevention programs to target suicide, bullying and substance misuse and underage drinking. She says, this year, their main focus has been mental health. Currently, Hickmans program is working on how to combine services with Pro Deo to provide drop-in services for teens. This program would allow students whove made counseling appointments months ahead to have access to counseling in between those sessions. Our high schools do an awesome job of providing therapists on staff, but its so many youth they dont have time, or even after school, where can they go to provide those services,Hickman said. Hickman wants the Lees Summit youth to become advocates for their own mental health by fighting for outlets like Pro Deo and Lees Summit CARES in their community. Pro Deo recent student alumni who all joined the center in their early teen years are working to spread awareness and importance of having a youth center like Pro Deo. Pictured above left to right Jarquez Brinkley, Ashanti Bushnell and Chawntale Bushnell. via Pro Deo and Creative Center of America In our community, youth mental health is growing and some of that is COVID and some is I think our youth now are awesome with identifying things and saying no, Hickman said. In 2017, the Star reported on two students in Lee Summits who committed suicide days apart of each other. After the loss, Lees Summit CARES sponsored a community conversation about mental health focused on youth and teens. Hickman said they dont want a repeat of that tragedy, and that having safe places for teens to go is vital. Lowering the numbers of youth struggling with mental health issues and providing resources to youth in Lees Summit is a goal Metcalf and Hickman share, and hope to work towards achieving in their programs. Theres not a zip code thats exempt from youth mental health issues, and so its on our communities to own that and to give generously of their time, talent and even their resources to make a place like Pro Deo, Metcalf said. However, it can be hard for teens to seek out resources to get help, Metcalf said, noting its a brave step to even just come in the door. Another challenge for some Lees Summit youth is being a minority in a predominately white space. Hickman said she has shared some of those same struggles. According to 2022 U.S Census Bureau numbers, the Lees Summit population totals over 101,000; of that, 8.6% is Black, 4.8% is Hispanic or Latino, and 2.1% is Asian. The other 82% of Lees Summit residents are white. Jarquez Brinkley, 22 a former Pro Deo student, said in his opinion Pro Deo has provided more of a sufficient space for equal opportunity in Lees Summit for him and his peers than any other place in the city. Theres a lot of stuff you can get here that you will not be able to get in school or out anywhere else, Brinkley said Brinkley found Pro Deo at 17 by accident when picking up his younger brother, and decided to stay out of curiosity. He said he was already outgoing, but the youth center helped him grow up and step into leadership positions. It made me want to lead people and try to be a good role model for others older or younger than me. Chawntale Bushnell said Lees Summit isnt the most diverse place, noting that at her school there were a few other minority students, but not many. But when she came to Pro Deo, she found more teens like her to connect with. When I came here it felt safe and comfortable to discuss other topics like race and whatnot, because I had other people like me, and those not sat and listened and were willing to educate themselves, Bushnell said Ashanti Bushnell shared the same sentiment and said the staff dont judge when coming in, no matter your background. After spending several years in the program at Pro Deo, Brinkley and the Bushnell sisters all said their biggest advice for those interested in coming to the center for the first time is to keep an open mind. Ashanti Bushnell said while she was in the center she went through several twists and turns, but having a connection with a staff member helped her navigate those times. The Pro Deo alumni and centers director Dr. Elaine Metcalf are currently working together to create a student made documentary about the center, and the experience of growing up in Lee Summit as a teen. via Pro Deo and Creative Center of America I know the first few times can be intimidating and can be scary Ive seen a lot of kids come in and theyre quiet as a mouse and over the course of time I see them open up. Even just a little bit its still progress, Brinkley said. With a new center soon on the way, Brinkley hopes to continue to speak to those interesting in the program, both youth and adults, about Pro Deos importance. Chawntale Bushnell said coming into the center opens up opportunities for students to bond with each other in both large and small ways, and she credits the relationships shes built and skills shes gained to her time there. The future of Pro Deo Ashanti Bushnell said shes looking forward to the expansion of Pro Deo, because she believes having more space will open up more opportunities for the youth in Lees Summit. Metcalf shared her excitement, and said shes glad the city is willing to fund programs like the youth center for local teens. Were most excited about a bigger space, the capacity to serve more families and be that go to place for even other communities, thats our long range goal. According to a press release the city sent out June 27, the center is also looking to expand behavioral health counseling services for youth in the area. The youth center currently partners with ReDiscover Behavioral Health, which provides a mental health professional or counselor to come in as part of Pro Deos prevention programs for teens. Chawntale Bushnell said many of the activities she participated incorporated some exercise to help build on conversational skills and relationships. Without those activities and those lessons built within them, I would be struggling a bit having my voice heard in a healthy manner, Bushnell said. In addition to the behavioral services expanding, Hickman from Lees Summit CARES is looking forward to more collaborations in the near future with Pro Deo in the new center. Currently, Lees Summit CARES has 25 students in their program, and Hickman said they would like to continue to grow the program and have students from Pro Deo also join. She believes the collaboration with Pro Deo will bring together teens who would have never thought to come together to help support one another. The Pro Deo youth centers recent funding will allow for the center to expand in space and begin the steps to grow in their prevention programs. via Pro Deo and Creative Center of America I just want our students to get together and see different lifestyles and the way people think so lets step outside our circles and look at how other people are living or figuring out things,Hickman said. Brinkley said the expansion of Pro Deo in the community is great because of the importance of the centers message and mission preparing youth for their future and giving them hope. Hopefully, ideally, I would want it to be more so the message to be growing in your character, and setting yourself up for the future and then like making friends and mental health be in there too, Brinkley said. Students are welcomed back to class on the first day of the school year in Laguna Beach on Aug. 22, 2022. (Andrew Turner / Los Angeles Times) To the editor: I'm against year-round school kids need a break from school as much as adults need a yearly vacation break from their jobs. ("How we got interminable summer breaks from school and what we can do about it," Opinion, July 18) Has op-ed article writer Jonathan Zimmerman forgotten the joy of leaving school and required studies behind for the freedom to do whatever you and your family wanted for three months? Most of my childhood years were spent in Southern California. As soon as school let out for summer, my parents and I would leave town and drive to and through other parts of the state or the western U.S. Seeing new scenery and visiting historical places, I learned a lot more about our region's history and geography than I ever did in my school classes. And I had a lot more fun doing it. Gail Noon, Rossville, Ga. .. To the editor: Zimmermans history may be right, but his unflattering description of summer school does not match with my experience growing up in Ladera Heights, part of the Inglewood Unified School District in the 1960s and 70s. In elementary school and junior high, I took fun classes in arts and crafts and journalism, to name a few. In high school, I took an immersion course in world history over the summer to make room for more academic classes in the regular school year. My summer experience was definitely not an extension of regular school; it was enrichment. Jill Smith, Pacific Palisades .. To the editor: Do the math. There are 365 days in a year. Americans typically attend public school 180 days a year, among the fewest of our peer countries. Counting weekends, summer and holiday breaks, our students are home 185 days. No surprise our students do not test as well as those in other countries. Karen Marks, Los Angeles This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A British family taken in by a local family when their hotel in Rhodes was evacuated say it has "restored their faith in human kindness". Caryn Savazzi from South Wales arrived on the island with her husband and sons on Saturday, unaware their hotel had already been evacuated amid wildfires. They were taken to a school, where a local family offered them shelter. But other Britons remain without a bed. Many were forced to flee their hotels as the wildfires continued to spread from the centre of Greek island towards its eastern coast where many of the beaches and resort hotels are situated. Rhodes has been battling wildfires fanned by strong winds since Tuesday and after smoke started enveloping tourist areas, roughly 19,000 people were evacuated from the zone in the path of the fire. Officials estimate 19,000 have been evacuated by land and sea with more people due to be evacuated from three villages - Pefki, Lindos, Kalathos Some holidaymakers ended up at hotels in other parts of the island, but with many hotels at capacity, other people had to source emergency accommodation, sleeping on mattresses on the floors of sports halls, basketball courts and conference rooms. And the situation worsened on Saturday evening as planes brought in even more tourists - including like Ms Savazzi, whose hotel had already been evacuated before the family had even arrived. Holiday company Jet2 has now cancelled five flights to Rhodes, while Tui cancelled all flights there until Wednesday. Thomas Cook has taken a different approach, and said customers booked to travel in Rhodes on Sunday and Monday "have still been keen to enjoy their holiday" as most areas of the island remain open. But for customers due to travel to other parts of Rhodes on Tuesday 25 July it is offering to cancel and issue a full and swift refund should they no longer wish to travel. Meanwhile, EasyJet says it will operate extra flights to bring British holidaymakers home. Two flights will leave on Monday, with 421 seats available in total, and a third on Tuesday in addition to its nine scheduled flights. Story continues Ms Savazzi, from South Wales, said some volunteers were even offering cuddles to distressed tourists as they arrived through Saturday night, as well as supplying them with food, shelter and water. She said she, her husband and two young sons were preparing to sleep on a school floor when a volunteer came in to ask if there was any family of four among those sheltering in the school. She told the BBC: "My husband put his hand up. We were the only family of four there. "The volunteer said a local family had space for us in their home. Now we are staying with them near Rhodes. "A man took us back to his house, where his wife was still up at 2.30am, making up the sofa for us so we could sleep. "The couple are in their early 50s and their two daughters are travelling at the moment. They thought 'we've got space, let's help out'. They're clearly incredibly kind people," she added. Ms Savazzi and her family are sharing the home with two other stranded families the couple have taken in from Germany and Poland. "An English family have also been taken in by the family's cousins, who live next door," Ms Savazzi said. "We are all mucking in, and we made breakfast together this morning. I love how five nationalities have come together to help each other out. "It's just sheer luck we have got the room, and this family have been just wonderful with us." She added: "Families were being evacuated yesterday so our plane should never have taken off to come into a disaster zone. "Instead there should have been empty planes taking people out of there, not plane loads arriving." One of the sports halls in Rhodes was cleared to accommodate stranded holidaymakers on Saturday night "It's absolutely awful, but we consider ourselves to be the lucky ones." The family are among a number taken in by locals after they were evacuated from hotels destroyed - or at risk of being destroyed - by the wildfires. At least three hotels have been destroyed in the dense forest area of Kiotari on the east of the island. Leigh Mitchell and his family were taken in by a local Greek man after they were told they was no space at a nearby hostel after their hotel was evacuated. Mr Mitchell, from Birmingham, told the BBC: "Luckily we met a local Greek man and we are now at his house about to eat octopus and rice. "If it wasn't for him I really don't know what we would have done." While tourists stuck on the island are getting by on makeshift mattresses in conference rooms, and in some cases, on the streets, travel operators have made the decision to cancel incoming flights to Rhodes over the next few days. The deputy mayor of Rhodes, Athanasios Vyrinis said some people had slept in cardboard boxes overnight and warned that there were not enough essentials. Greece's fire service has warned the situation could worsen as further villages require evacuation. The Foreign Office, which has flown a five-strong rapid deployment team and four British Red Cross workers to Rhodes Airport to assist British nationals, advises travellers affected by the wildfires to follow the guidance from emergency services and to call 112 if there is immediate danger. The British ambassador to Greece said a "rapid deployment team" had been sent by the Foreign Office to help British tourists. Some British holidaymakers will endure another night in makeshift shelters in the absence of any communication from their holiday providers. Connie Woods said there has been no communication from Tui Connie Woods, 18, from Newry, Northern Ireland, said she will be sheltering in a school for a second night. She was previously staying at the Pefki Island hotel before it was evacuated on Saturday. A Tui rep visited the school earlier but when Ms Woods asked some questions, their response was that "they have no information at this time". Ms Woods said there were already hundreds staying at the school and more would be arriving tonight. "It's getting quite crowded," she said. "So many young children, families with no luggage, newborn babies. It's awful". Nicola McCullen, 46, from Kilmarnock, slept on a mattress in the street after arriving late on Saturday night on a Tui flight from Glasgow to Rhodes. She said that tonight she will be sleeping in an empty school as she has not heard from the holiday company Tui. Ms McCullen's partner had taken her away on holiday to celebrate her getting a new job. "We haven't had a proper meal, the locals bring around water. Tui has said nothing," she told the BBC. "The ants are crawling all over my mattress," she said, still waiting to hear what will happen next. A Tui spokesperson said its teams were "following advice from the local authorities". "A small number of hotels have been impacted and as a precaution we're relocating affected customers and providing them with alternative accommodation. "Our main priority is always the safety of our customers and we'll continue to keep a close eye on the situation." Francois Nel - Getty Images Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton will start Formula 1s Hungarian Grand Prix from pole position on Sunday after beating 2023s dominant driver Max Verstappen in a thrilling qualifying session. Hamilton had not taken a pole position since the penultimate round of the 2021 season, in Saudi Arabia, but performed strongly at a Hungaroring circuit on Saturday where he has historically thrived. In the final qualifying shootout, Hamilton posted a time of 1 minute, 16.09 seconds to finish just 0.003 second ahead of Verstappen to end the Dutchmans run of five consecutive pole positions. Mark Thompson - Getty Images It marked the 104th pole position of Hamiltons career and marked only the second non-Red Bull pole position of the 2023 season. Hamilton also set a new Formula 1 record as it was his ninth pole position at the Hungaroringno driver had previously claimed more than eight poles at a single venue. I dont think I breathed the whole lap, I was so out of breath at the end, its an extraordinary feeling, said an emotional Hamilton. Ive been here for such a long time, Ive had success before, but even though its 104 it feels like the first, its how special it feels. Its been massively challenging for all of us, the ups and downs, a big rollercoaster ride, weve not lost faith, and weve united together to steer the car in the direction. We were losing so much time in turns 4 and turns 11 compared to the others so I just sent it and hoped I stayed on track. Hamilton, who has 103 career wins, has not added to his victory tally since Saudi Arabia 2021, the race before his infamous title showdown against Verstappen. Verstappen was only 0.003 second away from extending his pole streak but labeled his RB19 as terrible and conceded he had been struggling through the whole weekend. It doesnt matter where you are, if (the car) doesnt feel good it doesnt feel good, Verstappen said. The whole weekend weve been struggling with balance, understeer, oversteer, never in a good window. Story continues Every time I go to the apex it was just not gripping up. I tried to correct a few things in Q3, my first lap wasnt too bad, still felt like driving on ice with the front axle, but second lap the first sector was off, I risked more in sector two which paid off, but in the last sector I lost the front. McLaren built on its strong Silverstone weekend by locking out the second row of the grid, with Lando Norris third, and Oscar Piastri fourth. There were also smiles down at Alfa Romeo as Zhou Guanyu starred to claim his career best grid result with fifth place. Sergio Perezs disappointing run of Saturday results continued; he made it through to Q3 after a five-event absence from the final shootout but went on to set only the ninth-best time. F1 Hungarian Grand Prix Saturday Qualifying Results Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko shake hands during a meeting of the Union State in Moscow, Russia, in April. File Photo by Mikhael Klimentyev/Sputnik/EPA-EFE July 23 (UPI) -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed Sunday that Poland is trying to annex Ukraine while he's had to restrain Wagner Group fighters from invading the country. Lukashenko's comments were made in a transcript of a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in a meeting in St. Petersburg provided by the Kremlin and translated from Russian. According to CNN, the Belarusian president is believed to have been largely joking with his Russian counterpart who smiled at his remarks about the Wagner Group. "I told you a long time ago, we saw this six months ago and discussed it beforehand. Why did I say all this? For us, Vladimir Vladimirovich, this is unacceptable," Lukashenko said. "The detachment of Western Ukraine, the dismemberment of Ukraine and the transfer of land to Poland is unacceptable." Lukashenko said the transfer of Ukrainian lands to Poland is "payment" for the country's help in the defense of Ukraine. "The Americans support this," Lukashenko claimed. Ukraine is "actively involving mercenaries" in the war and "started to involve Poland," Lukashenko said. He claimed Poland has stationed additional troops at the border of Union State -- the name of the supranational alliance of Russia and Belarus for economic and defense policy. Poland's Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski announced earlier this month that 500 police officers would be sent to the Belarusian border to beef up security after a surge of migrants attempted to enter the country. Hundreds of people have tried entering Poland from Belarus in recent weeks. "We can see that the ground is being prepared," Lukashenko claimed. "For example, one of the brigades found its place 40 kilometers (about 25 miles) from Brest." Lukashenko said Poland has started repairing Leopards on their territory and "activated" an airfield in Rzeszow "where the Americans and others are moving equipment." Story continues The Belarusian leader noted how there is a lot of talk about accepting Ukraine into NATO as he boldly claimed that Poland is trying to annex western Ukraine. Lukashenko said mercenaries from the Wagner Group that have arrived in Belarus are starting to "stress" him because, he claimed, they want to invade Poland. "They are asking to go to the West: 'Allow us,'" Lukashenko said. "I said, 'Why do you want to go west?' So they say, 'We control what happens: let's go on an excursion to Warsaw and Rzeszow.'" Lukashenko said Saturday was a "difficult day" for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which lost 15 Leopards and more than 20 Bradleys in one battle. "The United States estimates that since the beginning of the counter-terrorist operation, the Armed Forces of Ukraine's casualties, or whatever they are called, amounted to 26,000 people," Lukashenko said. Putin chimed in, claiming the number of Ukrainian casualties was actually "more." Alexander Lukashenko, the self-proclaimed President of Belarus, has said that the Wagner Private Military Company (PMC) fighters are "stressing him out" because they want to attack Poland. Source: Lukashenko at a meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, quoted by his press service Quote from Lukashenko: "Maybe I shouldnt say it, but I will: we are starting to get stressed out by the Wagnerites. Theyre asking to go west: "Let us go!" And Im telling them: "Why do you need to go to the west?" So they did it on the sly We know whats going on. Well, well go on a trip to Warsaw and Rzeszow. But they cant handle Rzeszow. They know where the [military] equipment was coming from when they were fighting in Bakhmut. Theyve internalised this: Rzeszow means trouble. Of course, I keep them in central Belarus, as was agreed. I wouldnt want to transfer them there. Because theyre not in good spirits. And, to give credit where credits due, they know whats happening all around the Union State." [The Union State, or Union State of Russia and Belarus, is a supranational union consisting of Belarus and Russia, with the stated aim of deepening the relationship between the two states through integration in economic and defence policy - ed.] Details: At the same time, Putin has said that he can see Ukraines counteroffensive, but "it has failed". Their meeting is expected to last for two days. Lukashenko also stated that the alleged "dismemberment of Ukraine" was unacceptable to him. Update: The media reported that Lukashenko took a map to the meeting with Putin showing the transfer of Polish troops to the borders of the NATO member state one brigade at a time, not far from Brest and Grodno in Belarus. For reference: Last time, Lukashenko showed a map of Ukraines alleged attack "from four positions", and this became a meme. Background: The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine states that there are approximately 5,000 Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group in Belarus as of 22 July. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! MEXICO CITY Eleven people were killed including an American and six others were wounded at a bar on Mexico's northern border early Saturday as dozens of people were enjoying live music when a man, who had been kicked out for harassing women, returned and set fire to the venue, according to local authorities. The incident took place in the city of San Luis Rio Colorado, on the border with Arizona, around 1:30 a.m. local time. Among those killed were seven men and four women, including some members of the music group that played in the bar, Gustavo Romulo Salas, prosecutor for the state of Sonora, said at a news conference. Most died of smoke inhalation, he added. In a second news conference on Saturday afternoon, he confirmed that among the dead were a woman from the United States, and a 17-year-old boy months shy of turning 18. He also announced the arrest of the alleged assailant at a military checkpoint. First indications were that the attacker had thrown a kind of Molotov bomb, but Salas explained that after being removed from the bar drunk and very upset, the man went to his truck, parked it in front of the venue, extracted fuel from it, sprayed the door of the establishment and with a kind of blowtorch started the fire. "Immediately the flames spread... generating chaos, smoke and electricity was interrupted," said the prosecutor, who estimated that there were between 50 and 80 people inside the bar, although the investigation is still underway and information could vary. The security cameras on the premises were burned. Images posted on social media showed huge flames and people outside shouting desperately: "There are people inside!" According to witnesses, the attacker was apparently a highly intoxicated young man who was disrespecting women in that bar and who had been kicked out from another nightclub that same night for another fight. Salas said firefighters arrived quickly and pulled the victims out through the front door and a back door. The bar had a third exit and the authorities are investigating whether it had all the permits in order. Story continues Ten people died at the scene and another in hospital. Of the other six injured, as of Saturday afternoon, there was one hospitalized in Sonora, three had crossed into the United States to be treated there and the rest were discharged, the prosecutor said. Salas also stressed that evidence indicates the fire was caused by "an isolated aggressor" and "there is no element or evidence to suggest that the attack was linked to the payment of extortion." The assailant left the truck and tried to escape the area in a vehicle belonging to a relative of his, along with a woman, but was identified and arrested at a military checkpoint. The governor of Sonora, Alfonso Durazo, offered thanks via Twitter for the support given by the local, state and federal security forces and assured that there will be no impunity in this crime. Mensaje a la opinion publica sobre el incendio provocado en un bar en San Luis Rio Colorado. pic.twitter.com/SlUPJ8JHaL Alfonso Durazo (@AlfonsoDurazo) July 22, 2023 San Luis Rio Colorado is a city in the middle of the desert that stretches between Sonora and Arizona and is a common crossing point for migrants who cross into the United States, both legally and illegally. The Sonora prosecutor ruled out any link between the bar fire and organized crime, but various criminal groups operate in the border area and use it to smuggle drugs, weapons and migrants. On Saturday, the National Guard reported in a statement the seizure of 250 liters of liquid methamphetamine that was transported in a truck from southern Sonora and that were destined for the border city of Mexicali, capital of the neighboring state of Baja California. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mexico: Intentional fire kills 11 at Sonora bar near US border A 19-year-old gunman let loose several shots outside a Queens strip mall early Sunday only to be shot to death by a rival moments later, police sources said. The youth walked out of a building on Metropolitan Ave. near 79th Place in Middle Village and started firing shots in the air around 3:25 a.m., sources said. The location houses a medical office and other businesses. Sources said that someone down the block fired at the 19-year-old, hitting him in the chest. Medics took him to Elmhurst Hospital, but he could not be saved. Not long after, a 21-year-old man showed up at Brookdale University Hospital in Brooklyn with a gunshot in the arm. Cops determined the patient was wounded in the same incident, though it was not immediately clear if he fired the deadly bullet. Witnesses told the Daily News theyd heard a commotion inside a hookah lounge on Metropolitan Ave. near where the shooting occurred. One neighbor said it was only a matter of time before violence from inside the rowdy club spilled onto the streets. That club be crazy, said Manuel Jimenez, who lives nearby. People gather here to show off their rides and hang out. I knew this would happen. There is a lot of action. It was bound to happen. No arrests have been made. The 19-year-old victim, whose name was not immediately released, had been busted on Feb. 17 for possessing a ghost gun when cops pull him over in a vehicle and he tried to run away, sources said. A Canton man is facing multiple drug charges after his arrest earlier this month. On Thursday, July 6 while assisting the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad, deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office K-9 Unit spotted a man who had active warrants driving on Reservoir Drive in Canton. The sheriffs office says Joel McCloud, 41, had active warrants for aggravated assault and kidnapping from the Canton Police Department. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Deputies say McCloud driving away from the Grand Reserve apartment complex. According to the sheriffs office, McCloud made a U-turn and drove back into the apartment complex when he saw deputies. McCloud tried to run towards an apartment building, but a deputy fired a stun gun at him and took him into custody. Deputies say McCloud was in possession of heroin and methamphetamine at the time of his arrest. Authorities then conducted a search warrant on McClouds home on Roland Drive in Canton. Agents located over 4 grams of heroin inside the home. McCloud is being held at the Cherokee Adult Detention facility. He is charged with kidnapping, aggravated assault, trafficking heroin, possession of a Schedule 1 narcotic, possession of a Schedule 2 narcotic, and obstruction. He is being held without bond. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: A man has died after jumping from a cliff at Lake Powell (Associated Press) The body of an Ohio man who died after leaping from a 50-foot cliff into Lake Powell in Utah has been recovered, authorities said. Cory Ryan Ehrnschwender, 36, died after jumping into the lake near Buoy 89 in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area at about 11.45am on Thursday, according to a press release from the National Park Service (NPS). Witnesses called 911 after Ehrnschwender failed to resurface, prompting a search by park rangers, officers from the Utah Department of Natural Resources and Kane County Sheriffs Office. Specialists from the Utah Department of Public Safety Dive Team resumed the search on Friday and located his body via sonar in 30 feet of water, the NPS said. His body was taken to Bullfrog, Utah, before being transfer to the Utah State Medical Examiner in Salt Lake City for an autopsy, officials said. No cause of death has been released. An investigation by the NPS, the sheriffs office and Utah State Medical Examiners Office is underway. The NPS warned the public that it is illegal to jump from cliffs, ledges or man-made structures from a height of 15 feet or higher into Lake Powell. Water levels at Lake Powell have fallen precipitously in recent years due to a two-decade megadrought in the southwest. The Orlando Police Department is investigating a Saturday afternoon shooting that killed one man. Police said at 2:35 pm, they arrived at the 1000 block of Dewitt Drive and found an adult male wounded. Authorities said they immediately began to try and save his life. Read: Seminole County firefighters battle house fire in Winter Park The victim was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center and declared dead, police said. Investigators said they do not have any suspects at this time. Read: Police: Man arrested after breaking into several residences in Lake Nona Police said it is an active investigation. Officials said there is no current danger to the public. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with a shooting in Vermont in May that left one man dead and another injured. Devon Dennis, 43, of Hartford, Connecticut, was arrested Saturday as he arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on a plane from Jamaica, Vermont State Police said in a statement. Dennis is jailed pending an initial appearance next week in Queens County Criminal Court. He will be extradited to Vermont to face second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder charges. An email seeking comment was left with a defense attorney listed in court records. Juan Sierra, 27, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was shot and killed in Brookfield, Vermont on May 12. He was pronounced dead at the scene from a gunshot wound to the torso. Miguel Fuentes, 29, also of Springfield, Massachusetts, was also shot but drove from the scene and was assisted by a passerby several miles away, police said. The passerby called 911. He was taken to the hospital and survived. The shooting was drug-related, police said. Police identified Dennis as a suspect and learned that he had traveled to Jamaica on May 13 from Bradley International Airport in Connecticut. He flew back from Jamaica on Saturday where he was met and arrested by members of Homeland Security Investigations, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the New York City Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Press Release July 22, 2023 Bong Go pushes enhanced gov't interventions to protect ordinary workers' welfare Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has proposed several bills aimed at creating a better and more equitable environment for employees in various sectors as part of his commitment to protect the welfare of Filipino workers. These bills include the Magna Carta of Seafarers, the institutionalization of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) hospital in San Fernando City, Pampanga, Greater Accountability from Private Employment Agencies, as well as Additional Divisions in the National Labor Relations Commission. One of Go's key priorities is the welfare of seafarers, who play a crucial role in the global maritime industry, and are considered as the country's unsung heroes. The proposed Senate Bill No. 1191 or the Magna Carta of Seafarers seeks to strengthen the protection and rights of Filipino seafarers by addressing issues such as fair compensation, adequate healthcare, and improved working conditions. This bill aims to establish a comprehensive framework that guarantees the welfare of seafarers and acknowledge their significant contributions to the nation's economy. The proposed legislation also recognizes the importance of seafarers' medical care and access to healthcare services, including mental health support. "Ang ating mga seafarers ang isa sa pinakamalaking numero na bumubuo sa industriya ng mga marino. Of the 1.5 million seafarers worldwide, 25% are Filipino sea-based workers, making them the single biggest nationality bloc in the maritime industry," Go said. "Nararapat lamang po na pangalagaan natin ang ating mga Pilipinong manggagawa na handang magsakripisyo para sa kanilang pamilya," he added. Go also continues to champion Senate Bill No. 2297, which seeks to institutionalize the OFW hospital. The proposed bill aims to improve the healthcare of OFWs and their families by strengthening and funding the existing OFW Hospital and Diagnostic Center located in San Fernando City, Pampanga. Furthermore, his proposed law is dedicated to meeting the healthcare requirements of these modern-day heroes, ensuring them comprehensive medical assistance. "Ang pagkakaroon ng iisang departamento para sa mga Pilipinong itinuturing nating mga bagong bayani nasaan man sila sa mundo, at ang pagpapatayo ng OFW hospital para sa kanila at kanilang mga pamilya na mayroong Malasakit Center ay iilan lamang sa mga patunay na kapag magtulungan tayo, ang mga pangarap noon ay kayang maisakatuparan na ngayon," Go said who authored and co-sponsored the law creating the Department of Migrant Workers. "Ngunit hindi dito natatapos ang ating hangaring mapabuti ang serbisyo para sa kanila. Kaya naman ako ay nagsumite ng Senate Bill No. 2297 na naglalayong i-institutionalize ang OFW Hospital na ito upang magkaroon ng sapat na personnel, kagamitan at pondo para masiguro ang patuloy at pangmatagalang operasyon nito," he explained. Recognizing the importance of private employment agencies in facilitating labor mobility, Go has also proposed SBN 2109 that aims to amend Republic Act No. 10361, otherwise known as the "Batas Kasambahay," which currently provides protection and ensures the rights of domestic workers in the country. By promoting transparency, fair practices, and enhanced oversight, Go's proposed legislation will provide a safer and more conducive environment for both employers and job seekers. In his pursuit of a more efficient and accessible labor justice system, Go advocates for the establishment of additional divisions within the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) through SBN 1187. NLRC is a quasi-judicial body attached to the Department of Labor and Employment tasked with promoting and maintaining industrial peace by resolving labor and management disputes involving workers. The bill seeks to expedite the resolution of labor disputes, reduce the backlog of cases and ensure timely justice for workers by expanding the capacity of the NLRC. The additional divisions will improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the labor dispute resolution process. SBN 1187 shall amend the relevant provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines and create an additional division of the NLRC to be established in Davao City. It shall likewise increase the number of commissioners from 23 to 26 as each NLRC division is composed of three members. By championing these bills, Senator Go envisions a more equitable and just environment for Filipino workers, where their contributions are recognized and their welfare prioritized. It is through such initiatives that the nation can build a strong and resilient workforce, driving economic growth and fostering social development. Third-party candidates in America dont make history. But last week the senior senator for West Virginia made headlines, at least. Joe Manchin is hinting that he might run for the presidency in 2024, representing a new No Labels party advocating for compromise between Left and Right. Currently a Democrat, Manchin wants to challenge the dominance of the two major American political parties, both of whom, he believes, have strayed too far from the centre. But if hes actually serious about running, his project could make matters worse. Manchins rejection of the Democrats has been a long time coming. His voting record is complex, diverging from the party line on numerous occasions. A lifetime member of the National Rifle Association (NRA), Manchin opposed the more progressive elements of his party after Sandy Hook. And as one of the few anti-abortion Democrats in Congress, he has consistently voted in favour of restrictions on abortion access. Meanwhile, his support for the coal industry an important economic driver in his home state and the industry that made him a millionaire before he entered politics has often put him at odds with their green agenda. He was also the only Democrat to vote in favour of Brett Kavanaughs nomination in 2018, drawing the ire of many within his party, and he voted with Donald Trump more than 50% of the time. Manchins ideology is consistent, though. Its grounded in the history of West Virginia, a former Democrat stronghold that has become solidly Republican in recent years. And his conservative bent could be perceived as a survival strategy. After all, he is currently staring down a 55% disapproval rating in West Virginia, as he contemplates seeking another term in the Senate. His opponent is likely to be the states Republican governor, Jim Justice, a former conservative Democrat who switched parties. And one does wonder: why doesnt Manchin jump ship to the Republican Party, given his voting patterns seem slightly more aligned with theirs? Trump, in 2022, actually suggested on Truth Social that Manchin be brought into the GOP. Story continues But Manchins comments signal a desire to reject both major parties. In America, there is a large cadre of politically homeless voters: roughly 49% of the electorate according to some polling. Where once they might have been drawn to candidates who could see the other sides point of view, these voters now seem disenchanted with party politics altogether, put off by the extreme fringes of the Republicans and Democrats alike. Manchin is appealing to them. While polls show dissatisfaction with candidates within both parties, Manchins potential candidacy would inevitably benefit one of them. He could appeal to a critical 1% or 2% in Rust Belt swing states such as Pennsylvania and Michigan, which would probably be enough to tilt the scales in favour of the GOP. More broadly, his rhetoric is a sign of a shift in American politics. Bipartisanship and consensus decision-making, celebrated ideals for nearly three decades after the end of the Second World War, have lost their lustre, ceasing to animate the base of either party. Marginal struggles currently define internal and external political battles. But Manchin and allies, such as former Democrat Krysten Sinema now representing Arizona in the Senate as an independent believe theres still a silent majority to be found in the centre, one that is indifferent to the culture war that drives the loudest political engagement. Manchins paradox is that, while the most active voters are increasingly drawn towards the extremes of their respective parties, he is gambling on the centre. While his voting record paints a picture of a moderate Democrat often erring on the conservative side this suggestion of a third-party candidacy implies a critical redefinition of his political stance. Instead of being the swing vote within his party, Manchin would be a fulcrum between the two major political forces. Would he survive it? Much of Manchins political career has been characterised by his unusual resilience in the face of the onrushing deep-red political tides in West Virginia. His endurance owes much to his somewhat unconventional stances, which resonate with a Rust Belt populace disenchanted by what they perceive as the Democratic Partys preoccupation with identity politics at the expense of working-class concerns relevant to their area, such as the protection of jobs in fossil fuel industries. But is there a national appetite for this brand of centrism? The country is polarised. The Pew Research Center has found that twice as many members of the two main American parties now view their opponents unfavourably, compared to 1994. In a sociopolitical environment where labels LGBTQIA, America First, MAGA, they/them have become essential to the identities of young people, not to mention their self-marketing, will there be significant support for a No Labels campaign? Third-party bids have gained some traction in Americas political history. Billionaire Ross Perots Reform Party campaign racked up some impressive numbers in 1992 and 1996. But while Perot aimed to transcend partisan politics in order to win, Manchin appears more focused on exerting influence to create a moderate shift in policy. If he runs, hes more likely to follow in the footsteps of activists such as Green Party nominee Ralph Nader, remembered more for inadvertently tipping the scales in favour of Republican George W. Bush in 2000 than for his actual campaign. And since America today is even more polarised than in the Nineties, ultimately the implications of a third-party bid are more dangerous. The mooted No Labels party does seem like a hurried experiment in political transcendence, a far too simple answer to the broad discontent with the current political binary. But if Manchin wants to be remembered as the man who shed the shackles of partisanship, this move may tarnish the legacy he has already created for himself. His bold attempt to coax the country towards the centre could end up deepening the divisions he has exposed. This has been the case with his prior attempts to preserve or create a centre on controversial issues. On gun control, Manchin co-sponsored the bipartisan Manchin-Toomey bill following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, which proposed expanded background checks for gun sales. Seen by much of the Left as an inadequate middle-ground solution, it failed to gain traction. As a result, the United States has been unable to make even minor changes related to background checks, and the two sides have only become more entrenched. On energy policy, Manchins support for the fossil fuel industry is out of step with his partys support for a progressive Green New Deal, while his reluctance to fully endorse the coal industrys unregulated expansion has drawn ire from the Right. Manchin has recently joined with Republicans to oppose the climate legislation to which he had added a degree of moderation. But in general, seeking the centrist position in America does not lead to a union of the factions; rather, it leaves the centrist isolated, at odds with both sides. His campaign would simply highlight the structural flaws of Americas political system, in which centrism can empower extremism. Part of the problem is the dynamics of party primaries. Candidates often find themselves compelled to pander to the ideological extremes to gain the nomination, pushing them away from the centre. Even if they later shift, their original stances are remembered; in the long run, this discourages bipartisan cooperation. Here is a lesson for moderates, if they really want to effect change: instead of conforming to extremism, they should look to their long-term influence on political norms and the policy-making process, as Manchin at least tried to do prior to signalling his frustration with the Democrats. They need to somehow communicate the importance of pragmatic governance, and the necessity of compromise in a democracy ideally through political advertising that emphasises the value of bipartisan dealmaking over ideological purity, of fighting gridlock and getting things done. It wont be easy. Divide and conquer has always been a potent strategy for generating enthusiasm, and centrists such as Manchin are working in an atmosphere where both parties are cynically leveraging polarisation. Democrats have recently started funding extreme Republican primary candidates, whom they believe will be easy to beat in the general election. Its a manoeuvre that, while it may yield short-term electoral gains, could backfire, by enabling candidates with more extreme views to gain power. And, if moderates abandon the major parties, they will only empower these extreme candidates, driving the Democrats and Republicans further and further apart. It would be an ironic outcome for Manchin, who claims to want the parties to come together. So what is Manchin really trying to achieve? He has been a self-avowed independent within the Democratic Party for years; his last-ditch embrace of a potential No Labels movement, then, could be characterised as an act of egoism. At the age of 75, Manchin is probably not seeking political longevity. Rather, No Labels feels like a legacy move. Manchin might just be looking back at his long career of crossing party lines, and making a final, and perhaps sincere, plea for American politics to move back to the centre. Then again, if he is against the erosion of collective solidarity by personal politics, there would be an irony in him launching a highly individual campaign. Theres no point standing in the ideological centre if youre there all by yourself. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) made the case for centrist candidates in the 2024 presidential race on Sunday, arguing that the country was not designed to be this divided, amid recent speculation about a potential third-party White House bid. The political parties have become so extreme going to the extreme left and extreme right that the average common-sense people dont have a home. Theyve been left politically homeless, Manchin told radio talk show host John Catsimatidis on WABC 770 AMs The Cats Roundtable. The country was not designed to be this divided, the conservative Democrat added. However, he also argued that the American people themselves arent divided, instead blaming the two major political parties for the current polarization. The people in New York arent divided, or in West Virginia, Manchin said. Its basically the political parties in Washington with their business model that they get better returns and their business does much better when youre fighting and dividing each other versus uniting each other. Manchin fueled speculation of a potential third-party bid earlier this week after he spoke at a town hall event sponsored by No Labels, a centrist group that plans to field a third-party unity ticket in the 2024 election. The West Virginia Democrat has so far refused to rule out a third-party bid, stoking fear among Democrats who worry it would harm President Bidens chances at a second term. However, Manchin claimed on Monday that he wasnt at the New Hampshire event to run for president. Im here trying basically to save the nation, he said. Im concerned more now than Ive ever been concerned in my lifetime. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Kuki nursing student Chiin Sianching was dragged out of her room, beaten and left for dead New allegations of violence against women are emerging in the north-east Indian state of Manipur, as the response to a viral video showing two women being paraded naked by a mob encourages others to speak. Warning: This article contains details some readers may find distressing. For more than two months, Mary (not her real name), a Kuki woman, could not find the courage to go to the police. Her 18-year-old daughter had been abducted from outside their home, gang-raped overnight and left badly beaten on their doorstep. "The attackers threatened that they'd kill my daughter if she spoke about it," Mary told me when I met her outside the relief camp where they have been living since ethnic clashes broke out between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur in May, claiming more than 130 lives. Then something changed. A video of two Kuki women being paraded naked by a mob emerged last week on social media. There was widespread outrage and condemnation, leading to the arrest of six men. This prompted Mary to make a police complaint. "I thought if I don't do this now, I won't get another chance." she says. "I will always regret that I didn't even try to get my daughter's attackers punished." Mary says that her daughter now talks about killing herself, but that she reassures her she can still make something of her life. Nineteen-year-old Chiin Sianching fears she could easily have met a similar fate. She and a friend were singled out for belonging to the Kuki community, she says, and attacked in the hostel they lived in while studying nursing in the state capital, Imphal. "The mob kept banging the door of the room we were hiding in, shouting that your men have raped our women, now we will do the same to you," she says. She called her mother to say that it could be the last time that she would speak to her. Minutes later the two young women were dragged out on to the street and beaten unconscious - Ms Sianching thinks the mob thought they were dead, so ran away. Story continues Police who found their bodies only realised they were alive after checking their pulses. Honour and shame Fake news on social media, purporting to show women being sexually assaulted by Kuki men were fuelling this mob of Meitei men against Chiin and her friend. Early in the conflict a photo of a dead woman was circulated, apparently showing a Meitei nurse who had been raped and killed by Kuki men. Later, many news outlets debunked this. Faultlines quickly deepened after the conflict flared up, causing a complete separation of two communities who had previously lived alongside one another. Both now have barricades at village entry points and there are continuing reports of overnight clashes. Meitei groups have told the BBC that women from the community also faced sexual assault - the BBC has not been able to confirm this. But the video of the two Kuki women being paraded naked united Meitei women in protest too. Sinam Surnalata Leima, a Meitei women's leader, condemns the attack on the Kuki women as a "heinous crime" Manipur has a longstanding tradition of women playing a powerful role in civil society, among them the Meira Peibis, or torch-bearers - also known as the mothers of Manipur - who have protested against abuses of power by the state and the army, and human rights violations. Sinam Surnalata Leima, who leads the Meira Peibis in a group of villages where the two Kuki women in the video were attacked, says that villagers themselves handed over the main suspect to police. Then the local members of Meira Peibis got together and burned his house. "The burning is a symbol of the community's condemnation of the heinous crime that those men committed, their actions cannot tarnish the whole Meitei community's honour," says Ms Leima. The accused's wife and three children have been banished from the village. But why did the mob act the way it did, in a society that regards its women highly? "It was grief and revenge for the Meitei women who had been attacked by Kuki men," Ms Leima reasons. She does not personally know of any such attacks, but says Meitei women would not discuss a crime of this kind, as it would be considered shameful. State police said soon after the start of the clashes that they had not received reports of violence against Meitei women, but a spokesman for the Meitei community told me there had been many unreported attacks. Khuraijam Athouba, who represents a Meitei organisation called Cocomi, said that Meitei women had chosen not to speak about the "violations they faced". In his view the focus should remain on the issue of killings and displaced people, rather than sexual violence. Justice The brother of one of the Kuki women who was seen paraded in the video is tormented by all of these issues. The mob that stripped and sexually assaulted his sister, also killed their father and their younger brother - he and his mother were saved as they were visiting family in another village when the clashes started. The 23-year-old man has a blank expression for most of the time when I meet him in a small room in the home of one of his relatives. I ask him what he would like the government and police to do? "Arrest each person in that mob, especially those who killed my father and brother," he says. "And treat both communities with fairness." Gracy Haokip: "If it wasn't for this video, we wouldn't have got so much attention" Faith in the federal and state government seems lacking in both communities. The Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh, who belongs to the Meitei community, promised the "harshest punishment to the accused, including capital punishment". But when asked about the calls for his resignation for failure to resolve the conflict, he said, "Don't want to go into this, my job is to bring peace to the state and punish miscreants." Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence on the conflict only after the video of the two women sparked national outrage. "What happened with the daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven," he said, adding that no guilty person would be spared. But for Ms Leima, that statement painted her community in a bad light and ignored the violence that has raged since May, causing 60,000 people to be displaced. "The prime minister spoke when Kuki women were attacked. What about everything we have been facing, are we Meitei women not citizens of India?" she asks. The video has put the spotlight back on the continuing Manipur conflict. "If it wasn't for this video, we would have not got so much attention from the government and other political parties," says Gracy Haokip, a researcher supporting victims of the clashes, including the nursing student, Chiin Sianching. She says it will help the survivors who have courageously shared their experiences while trying to rebuild their lives. Chiin tells me about the speech she gave to the women in her community, when she told them that she had enrolled into another nursing institute situated in her local area. "My mother told me that God has kept me alive for a reason, so I have decided I will not give up my dreams." Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said Sunday he thinks U.S. Army Pvt. Travis King made a serious mistake by crossing the border into North Korea and expressed concerns about the treatment King has received and about how difficult it will be to secure his release. He was facing disciplinary charges and was going to fly back to the United States. But, instead, he did not board the plane, went with a tour group to the [Demilitarized Zone] and then ran across the line, McCaul, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told Martha Raddatz on ABCs This Week. Thats something you just dont do. And now he was taken captive by North Koreans. And Im sure that hes not being treated very well. I think it was a serious mistake on his part and I hope we can get him back, McCaul continued. King, 23, became the first American in five years to be detained by North Korea, when he was visiting the border with South Korea as a civilian on a tour. King had been charged with assault in South Korea, and, his family said this past week, King might have felt overwhelmed by the legal trouble he faced. McCaul acknowledged in his interview Sunday that the fact that he crossed the border voluntarily could complicate negotiations to secure his return. Correct, he said, when Raddatz asked about the complications, noting there might be questions such as, Is he defecting. I think he was running from his problems. That was the wrong place to go, McCaul continued. But, we see this with Russia, China, Iran when they take an American, particularly a soldier, captive, they exact a price for that. And thats what I worry about. McCaul also said he supported the move to dock the nuclear-armed U.S. submarine in South Korea, saying, Its a projection of strength that we need right now to deter aggression. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A photo provided by the San Antonio Police Department shows Sgt. Alfred Flores and Officers Eleazar Alejandro and Nathaniel Villalobos, who have been charged with the murder of San Antonio resident Melissa Perez. (San Antonio Police Department via The New York Times) The San Antonio Police Department, like the police in other cities, has a Mental Health Unit available around the clock to respond to calls that require trained, empathetic responses and support for people in distress. No mental health officers on duty were dispatched before Melissa Perez was fatally shot in her home last month by three police officers. Perez, 46, was exhibiting unusual behavior and had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Like the incident in New York in which Raul de la Cruz, 42, was shot six times and critically injured in March by officers 28 seconds after their arrival, Perezs shooting is renewing vexing questions about police staffing, training and decision-making, and how officers deal with people experiencing mental health issues. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Police arrived at Perezs apartment complex shortly after midnight in late June, after receiving reports that she was cutting fire alarm wires outside her apartment. A lawsuit filed by her family after her death said she told police at the scene the FBI was using the alarm to spy on her. According to video from the scene and police reports, when officers tried to get her to go into their car, she ran into her apartment and locked the door. While inside her apartment, police video shows, Perez argued with the officers outside. She threw a glass candlestick toward an officer on the other side of an open window. Then, Perez, while still inside her home, grabbed a hammer and swung it toward the officers outside. Three officers, Sgt. Alfred Flores and Officers Eleazar Alejandro and Nathaniel Villalobos, shot into her apartment, hitting her at least twice. Within 24 hours, each officer was charged with murder. The cases have been assigned to the civil rights division of the district attorneys office, which will review and present evidence to a grand jury that will decide whether the officers will be indicted. William McManus, chief of the San Antonio Police Department, said Perezs death was the result of the officers failure to follow procedure not a sign of systemic problems. Story continues The Mental Health Unit was not called. It should have been, McManus said. We dont have any gaps in our policies, our protocols or our training that would have allowed that to happen. It was simply a failure on the scene by a sergeant who should have made that call. Ben Sifuentes, who is representing Alejandro, said his clients conduct was justified under Texas law. A lawyer cited in court documents as representing Flores did not respond to calls and emails. Nico LaHood, representing Villalobos, did not respond to calls, but The San Antonio Express-News reported that he said in a statement: To charge these officers so quickly with murder in a situation like this is unprecedented, Local activists disagree that Perez died as a result of an isolated bad decision. Edward Pina, former president of the San Antonio branch of the American Civil Liberties Union, said officers had told him on numerous occasions that calling in the Mental Health Unit was not policing. For as long as Ive been practicing law, which is over 35 years, theyve had a problem in dealing with persons that are exhibiting psychiatric symptoms, he said. Far too many of them wind up dead, either because of unlawful restraints or because they are, like Ms. Perez, killed when there is no justification for it. San Antonio formed its Mental Health Unit in 2008 with two officers and a sergeant. The unit has 20 sworn members 16 officers, two sergeants and two detectives. San Antonio has 2,516 police officers overall. All officers in the Mental Health Unit undergo a crisis-intervention training program, which teaches them how to handle situations appropriately and reduce arrests of people experiencing a mental health crisis. In 2022, the unit responded to 5,201 calls. It has responded to around 2,000 calls so far this year, according to the San Antonio Police Department. But, whether because officers decide not to call the unit or the unit fails to respond, those calls represent a small fraction of the total calls that make reference to mental health issues. The police department received 54,932 mental health calls from January 2019 to April 2021, according to a 2021 report by the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, which issued a mixed assessment of the departments record. Although the department has officers trained in crisis intervention and a Mental Health Unit, this is still fundamentally a law-enforcement-driven response without prevention, intervention and medically forward community connections to care, the report stated. Even for officers trained in crisis intervention, it concluded, their primary skill set remains law enforcement. Officers not in the Mental Health Unit are required to undergo 40 hours of crisis training to deal with individuals in distress. Additionally, over the next three years, the department is phasing in an advanced crisis intervention training course for its officers, McManus said. He acknowledged that there could be more members in the Mental Health Unit, but, he said, the response of those officers has been adequate. San Antonio also has a year-old program that sends a mental health clinician and a paramedic in addition to a police officer to respond to mental health 911 calls made within its specific service area. Officials say that Perezs death should not define the department. Since its inception, the department has received national recognition for its work from organizations including the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The National League of Cities published a report about San Antonios Mental Health Unit, using it as an example for other cities to model and citing the success of its crisis response. But Doug Beach, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness San Antonio affiliate, said the size of the Mental Health Unit was frankly just not enough manpower for a city this large. He said his office received too many calls from families complaining of police responses. Their family member may not have been shot and killed, but theyre not being treated or handled correctly, or theyre not getting the help they need, he said. Perezs family has filed a lawsuit against the city and the three officers, saying officers could see she was experiencing a mental health crisis that night and that routine records checks by officers determined she had a history of mental illness and had been taken into protective police custody before. But a mental health officer was still not dispatched to the scene. The lawsuit cites other cases in which, the suit asserts, San Antonio officers were sent to calls involving mental health concerns and the Mental Health Unit either was never summoned or did not respond. And it says that the entire response to Perez, particularly the failure to de-escalate a situation that did not require deadly force, reflects a department in need of systemic reform. Ms. Perez was not shot by a single officer who temporarily forgot his training in a split-second decision, the lawsuit says. There were multiple officers who acted over a two-hour period of time. Whatever the legal resolution, Perezs family lives with the aftermath of that night. Her daughter, Alexis Tovar, a 24-year-old nursing student, said she remembers her mother as funny, outgoing and always willing to help others. She loved her mothers cooking, especially her enchiladas, she said. Tovar said she had not been able to eat or sleep since the shooting. She said she no longer saw the police as people who would protect her. Its a nightmare that I dont wish upon anyone, she said. I just pray that people dont forget who my mom was because all I have left are the memories. c.2023 The New York Times Company Six days after a criminal complaint said he admitted to downloading child sexual acts, Carlos Blanco sold his house in the Westchester suburb of Miami. Expected to plead guilty to child pornography possession charges three months later, Blanco didnt show up to the federal court hearing. That was on Feb. 24, 2011. The next 12 years took Blanco to three countries in two hemispheres and ended in downtown Miami, specifically the Federal Detention Center. Blanco, 71, made his first appearance in Miami federal court Wednesday after being extradited from Spain. Hes being represented by a federal public defender as his criminal case moves forward. Children, rape and Gnutella FBI Special Agent Heather Armstrong wrote in the criminal complaint that she launched a law enforcement tool and found Internet addresses sharing child sexual act files via the Gnutella peer-to-peer network. Via an enhanced version of LiveWire, which showed where IP addresses locations, she said one actively sharing IP address tracked as sharing files involving toddlers, 7-to-9-year-old girls and 5-to-12-year-old boys. A check with Comcast, Armstrong wrote, said the IP address tracked to the account at 1705 SW 83rd Ct., where public records said owner Carlos Blanco lived. The FBI and other agencies hit Blancos house with a search warrant on Nov. 2, 2010. Armstrong claimed in the complaint that Blanco, after waiving his right to remain silent in writing and verbally, admitted using his desktop computer to watch and download videos and photos of child sexual acts. Blanco said he did it to conduct research. What was found on his computer included a videos of girls being raped anally by boys and men. READ MORE: Tropical Storm Don weakens, a Caribbean disturbance remains Selling the Westchester house and changing addresses Nov. 4, 2010: The criminal complaint was filed against Blanco. Nov. 8, 2010: Federal court records say Sylvia Blanco, who divorced Carlos in 2008, paid $15,000 so her ex-husband could be released on $150,000 bond. Miami-Dade County property records say Sylvia Blanco turned the house over to him by quit claim deed on the same day. Story continues Nov. 10, 2010: Carlos Blanco sold 1705 NW 83rd Ct. for $200,000 to Francisco Nunez. Nov. 18, 2010: Blanco was indicted on possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography charges. So, Blanco had that cash when Feb. 24, 2011 rolled around. He was expected to change his plea from not guilty rare is the criminal defendant who pleads guilty at arraignment to guilty. Blanco didnt appear at the hearing. He was declared a fugitive the next day. (As for 1705 SW 83rd Ct., two $100 quit claim deed transactions in 2012 and 2015 moved the property ownership from Francisco Nunez to Michel Nunez back to Sylvia Blanco. In 2017, she put the property into the Sylvia Juana Blanco Trust.) READ MORE: A Coral Gables doctor got fined for ignoring a liposuction patient having problems Carlos Blanco, citizen of the world Blanco was supposed to surrender all passports when released on bond. Hes also had citizenship in Cuba and Honduras, as well as the United States. The U.S. Justice Department says Blanco skipped to Honduras and stayed there from 2011 through 2022. The department believes he moved to Spain in July 2022 until his arrest in March through the efforts of Interpol and the Spanish Civil Guard. Mike Pence backed away from trading insults with his former running mate after a registered independent voter doubted whether the former vice president would ever stand up to Donald Trump. Pence, who is set to challenge the former president in the GOP presidential primaries next year, listened as the voter at a meet-and-greet event in New Hampshire offered what he referred to as an honest comment on Pences White House prospects, ABC News reported. I would love to see you be president of the United States. Im just gonna give you an honest comment. I dont believe you ever will be until the day you stand up to that man, voter Tom Loughlin told Pence. Pence, who once said Trump should never be president due to his coup attempt on Jan. 6, 2021, fired back at the voters remark. Some people think we did a fair amount of standing up two and a half years ago. ... I joined the ticket because there was a tacit commitment that we would govern as conservatives and we did ... but honestly, I think he makes no such promise today, the former vice president said. Im not interested in trading insults with my old friend. Im not. And some people think thats the way to win the presidency. I dont. But laying out the choice for the American people. Weve been doing it. Well keep doing it, Pence continued. Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks at the Family Leadership Summit earlier this month in Des Moines, Iowa. Im not interested in trading insults with my old friend, Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks at the Family Leadership Summit earlier this month in Des Moines, Iowa. Im not interested in trading insults with my old friend," Pence said of former President Donald Trump on Friday. Pences comments arrive roughly one month before the GOPs first primary debate, an event in Milwaukee that Trump has threatened to avoid. Several candidates have announced that theyve met the Republican National Committees 40,000 unique donor criteria for the debate including ex-New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and gift-card-giving North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. Pence and his campaign have yet to reveal whether hes met the threshold, ABC News noted. Story continues Loughlin said hes ill over Pences polling numbers which fall behind Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy in polling averages and called on him to go after the former president. This man deserves better than that for the people of this country. He has to talk about the future. And he has to talk about how dangerous that man is for our country, said Loughlin. Related... An independent voter at a meet-and-greet in New Hampshire on Friday told former Vice President Mike Pence that he was concerned with his place in the polls -- and with the fact that Pence is not taking on former President Donald Trump harder as he leads the field for the Republican nomination. "I would love to see you be president of the United States. I'm just gonna give you an honest comment. I don't believe you ever will be until the day you stand up to that man," Tom Loughlin, a 77-year-old who lives part-time in New Hampshire, told Pence in reference to Trump. "Maybe you're too good a Christian to ever do that." "Well, I don't know about too good a Christian. Some people think we did a fair amount of standing up two and a half years ago," Pence said, bringing some to applaud. "I joined the ticket because there was a tacit commitment that we would govern as conservatives and we did, ... but honestly, I think he makes no such promise today," he continued, laying out their difference on foreign policy, entitlement reform, and abortion regulation at the federal level. PHOTO: Tom Loughlin, 77, a registered Independent from Port St. Lucie, Florida, speaks to reporters at a meet and greet for former Vice President Mike Pence in North Conway, New Hampshire, on July 21, 2021. (Libby Cathey/ABC News) "I'm not interested in trading insults with my old friend. I'm not. And some people think that's the way to win the presidency. I don't. But laying out the choice for the American people. We've been doing it. We'll keep doing it," he said. New Hampshire is one of the smallest states in the nation, with a population of roughly 1.4 million people and just two representatives in the House. But to win in the first-in-the-nation primary, candidates usually need to be willing to talk about national concerns, like Pence's historic actions on Jan. 6, 2021, ahead of the Capitol riot. "It makes me ill that Mike Pence has 4% of the vote in this country at best right now in the Republican Party when he stood so tall and so strong on January 6. This man deserves better than that for the people of this country," Loughlin said. "He has to talk about the future. And he has to talk about how dangerous that man is for our country." Story continues MORE: Mike Pence clashes with Tucker Carlson in Iowa Loughlin, a retired attorney who lives in Florida but is spending the summer in New Hampshire, told ABC News he also doesn't want to talk about the past, "but the future is Donald Trump is running for president of the United States," he said. While Pence does not always bring up Jan. 6 at campaign stops, several voters across New Hampshire delivered to him the same message during his three-day-swing in the first-in-the-nation primary state this week: "Thank you for what you did on Jan. 6." Nancy Ryan, a Democrat, stopped by Pence's BBQ lunch at Goody Cole's Smokehouse in Brentwood on Thursday with the intention to ask him to sign a pledge to support the National Breast Cancer Coalition's cancer policy platform -- but she also told him, "Thank you for what you did on Jan. 6." Pence shook her hand, and said, "By God's grace." Again, on Friday morning a his town in Berlin, at least two women thanked Pence -- not while he was up taking questions -- but afterward when he was taking photos with attendees and chatting one on one. PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate former Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen Pence visit Goody Coles BBQ Joint in Brentwood, New Hampshire, July 20, 2023. (Brian Snyder/Reuters) "Thank you for what you did on Jan. 6," said a woman named Lisa. He once again answered, "By God's grace." MORE: Pence to Muir: Trump's words on 1/6 'endangered me and my family and everyone at the Capitol' At a meet-and-greet in Hudson on Wednesday night, Pence didn't mention Jan. 6 when he delivered his stump speech before a few dozen guests at the home of former Republican State Sen. Bob Clegg -- but Clegg did. "Jan. 6th, Mike did something that I found to be the most courageous thing anybody's ever done. He was offered a chance to ignore the Constitution, take power that wasn't the vice president and he chose not to," Bob Clegg said. "Now I'm supporting Mike, supporting him because he's the adult in the room. I really can't take much more nicknames and the bantering back and forth." And on Thursday in Meredith, 15-year-old Quinn Mitchell, a regular attendee at political town halls across the state, also brought up Jan. 6. "Given everything that has happened, Trump's indictments Trump's actions on Jan. 6, ... do you think Christians should vote for Donald Trump?" Mitchell said. "Well, look, I'm running for president in the United States because I think I should be the next president," Pence said with a smile. "I would never presume about anyone, either on their conservative convictions or on their faith, to tell people how I think they ought to live." "Elections are about choices. And I want to say to you, I'm very humbled by your gracious comments. I really do believe that democracy depends on heavy doses of civility," he added. "It's a moment for leadership." PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate former Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen Pence greet workers at Goody Coles BBQ Joint in Brentwood, New Hampshire, July 20, 2023. (Brian Snyder/Reuters) As Pence pitches himself as a conservative, a Christian and Reagan-era Republican, the former vice president is struggling to qualify to make the debate stage. Neither Pence nor his campaign will say how close he is to reaching the 40,000 donors required to make the debate stage. Campaign chair Chip Saltsman told ABC News Pence's camp is focused now on intimate events like the ones held in New Hampshire this week. "It's nice to have lots of money on TV, but in Iowa, New Hampshire especially, they want to see you earn it. They want to see you go in a hot room on a Thursday night, answer any question, talk to every voter, and talk about the issues," he said. "Because they're gonna go to work tomorrow, they're gonna go to church on Sunday, and talk to their friends about Mike Pence." MORE: Special counsel informs Trump he is target in probe of efforts to overturn 2020 election And as Trump faces another potential indictment around Jan. 6, Pence seems to be more forgiving than some voters at his events. "I'm not convinced it's criminal," Pence told reporters on Thursday, asked about the special counsel's investigation. "And I hope with the possibility of another indictment coming against the president, I hope it doesn't come to that. Truth is that the Department of Justice has lost credibility with tens of millions of Americans. I'd rather see questions about that fateful day left in the hands of the American people." But Carol Riehlam of Kingston, a registered Republican who also thanked Pence for his action on Jan. 6 at Wednesday's meet-and-greet, said she hopes Trump is indicted and found guilty. "It was an insurrection. I mean, there were crowds of people that were spurred on by president at the time Trump's rhetoric. The only thing that would stop that crowd would be for Trump to stand up and say, 'stand down, go home, peacefully,' but he wouldn't do that," she said. "Pence stood his ground and did the constitutionally right thing." PHOTO: Former Vice president Mike Pence speaks with guests during a campaign stop he made with his wife Karen, July 6, 2023, in Holstein, Iowa. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Hillary Seeger of Alexandria, an Air Force veteran and civil engineer who supported Trump in the past, also praised Pence for upholding a peaceful transfer of power but lamented that that should be the norm. "Isn't it crazy that he's [Pence's] a hero because he obeyed the Constitution? You would think that that would just be the normal for any elected official that they go by the Constitution," she said. "I'm looking for a president who's going to be the president of the entire United States, where people aren't going to be hashtagging 'not my president.'" Trump received a letter from special counsel Jack Smith earlier this week saying that he is a target in his investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News. Trump also confirmed the development in a post on his Truth Social platform. "It bothers me," the former president told Fox News' Sean Hannity on Tuesday night at a town hall in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. "I got the letter on Sunday night. Think of it, I don't think they've ever sent a letter on Sunday night. And they're in a rush because they want to interfere, it's election interference, never been done like this in the history of our country and it's a disgrace what's happening to our country." PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks to supporters from The Ellipse near the White House on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) If he is charged, those charges would mark the third indictment Trump has faced since leaving office. Trump was indicted last month on 37 criminal counts related to his handling of classified materials, after Smith's prosecutors said he repeatedly refused to return hundreds of documents containing classified information ranging from U.S. nuclear secrets to the nation's defense capabilities. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The former president has also pleaded not guilty to a 34-count indictment from the Manhattan district attorney charging him with falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels days before the 2016 presidential election. ABC News' Katherine Faulders, John Santucci, Alexander Mallin, and Luke Barr contributed to this report. Mike Pence 'not interested in trading insults' with Trump as he tries to win New Hampshire originally appeared on abcnews.go.com WASHINGTON Presidential hopeful and former Vice President Mike Pence expressed doubt Sunday over whether his former boss did anything worthy of criminal charges on Jan. 6, 2021 as former President Donald Trump faces a potential third indictment over his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Ive said many times the presidents words were reckless that day. I had no right to overturn the election, Pence said on CNNs State of the Union, referring to Trump pressuring Pence to reject the 2020 election results. But while his words were reckless, based on what I know, Im not yet convinced that they were criminal. When pressed by CNNs Dana Bash about whether he thought Trump should be charged if the Department of Justice had evidence the former president committed a crime, Pence declined to answer, instead accusing federal authorities of giving an unequal treatment of the law. I heard again and again from people about a deep concern about unequal treatment of the law, Pence said, adding that, if he was elected president, he would clean house in the Justice Department. Republican presidential candidate, former Vice President Mike Pence delivers remarks at the Christians United for Israel summit on July 17, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Mike Pence: 2024 GOP primary voters want 'new leadership' Pence maintained Trump is still wrong for his actions leading up to and during the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol but said he believes history will hold him accountable, suggesting Trump may not be the Republican nominee in the 2024 presidential election. I believe that Republican primary voters know that we need new leadership in this party, Pence said. In multiple key early voting states such as Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, Trump has remained the frontrunner in the GOP presidential field. Pence contended the rioters who breached the Capitol on Jan. 6, some of whom were chanting hang Mike Pence, were a small minority of conservative voters. The people in this movement, the people who rallied behind our cause in 2016 and 2020 are the most God-fearing, law abiding, patriotic people in this country, Pence said. Story continues Republican presidential candidate former Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen, left, chat with a patrons during a campaign stop at a diner, June 9, 2023, in Derry, N.H. What could Trump be indicted for in relation to Jan. 6? Trump could soon be indicted for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election after he was sent a letter from Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith informing him he was a target in the departments investigation. It is unclear what Trump could be charged with considering the investigation spans across Trumps actions leading up to the Capitol attack, including his efforts to overturn his losses in key battleground states and whether he incited rioters to attack the Capitol. Related: Another federal indictment threatens to engulf Donald Trump and his presidential campaign This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pence 'not convinced' Donald Trump's conduct on Jan. 6 was criminal Participants of the Miss Italy contest on stage in 2019. Stefano Mazzola/Getty Images The organizer of the Miss Italy pageant said contestants must be a "woman from birth." It comes just weeks after a transgender woman was crowned Miss Netherlands for the first time. Patrizia Mirigliani, Miss Italy's official patron, called trans inclusivity efforts "a bit absurd." A representative of the Miss Italy beauty pageant said contestants must be "woman from birth," just weeks after Rikkie Kolle made history as the first transgender woman to be crowned Miss Netherlands. Miss Italy's official patron, Patrizia Mirigliani, told Radio Cusano earlier this month that she considered transgender inclusivity efforts made by other beauty pageants to be "a bit absurd," according to Italian outlet Il Primato Nazionale. Mirigliani has been involved with Miss Italy since the 1980s, following in the footsteps of her father Enzo Mirigliani, who began leading the pageant in 1959. "Lately, beauty pageants have been trying to make headlines by also using strategies that I think are a bit absurd," Mirigliani said. "Ever since it was born, my contest has included in its regulations the specification that one must be a woman from birth." "Probably because, even then, it was expected that beauty could undergo modifications, or that women could undergo modifications, or that men could become women," she added. Representatives for the Miss Italy pageant did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider, made outside normal working hours. Rikkie Kolle was crowned Miss Netherlands this year. Evert Elzinga/Getty Images Mirigliani's stance on transgender contestants comes after Rikkie Kolle made headlines after becoming the first transgender woman crowned as Miss Netherlands. She will go on to represent the Netherlands at the 72nd Miss Universe competition, which is set to be held in El Salvador later this year. Miss Netherlands and Kolle announced the victory on social media, where they shared a photo of Kolle after she was crowned by current Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel. Story continues The image's caption said the 22-year-old shone throughout the competition and made great progress. Kolle wrote that she was proud to show the transgender community "it can be done." "And yes I am trans woman and I am happy to share my story, but I am also Rikkie," she added. "I did this in my own strength and enjoyed every moment." Kolle will be the second transgender person to compete in a Miss Universe competition after Angela Ponce. Ponce represented her home country of Spain in the international pageant in 2018. Read the original article on Insider Archbishop Viktor of Artsyz, Vicar of the Diocese of Odesa, has sent a letter to Patriarch Kirill (Gundyayev) and all members of the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church in connection with the Russian attack on Odesa on Saturday night. Source: a letter posted on Telegram by St. Elijah's Monastery Quote: "Today, when I arrived at the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa at the end of the curfew, and I saw that a Russian missile blessed by you had directly struck the altar of the church in the holy of holies, I realised that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has long had nothing in common with your understanding. Because of your personal ambitions, you have lost the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and other churches in the countries of Holy Rus! We do not dare to call you Great Lord and Father, because you are a father who has sacrificed his children to destruction and murder!" Details: The Archbishop asked Kirill to note that at the Council of the UOC [Ukrainian Orthodox Church] held on 27 May 2022, it was decided that the church headed by the Primate of the UOC would withdraw from its subordination to him. "We demand that you leave our church, our bishops and our primate alone! We have our own path, which the Council of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has chosen. Please, I beg you: stop. Every missile that strikes the territory of Ukraine today is perceived by its residents as your blessing to your children," the letter says. Background: Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Moldovan President Maia Sandu and the Moldovan Foreign Minister have condemned the latest Russian missile strike, which inflicted damage on the historical centre of Odesa. Source: European Pravda, referring to Sandu's Twitter Details: Sandu wrote that it pains her to see footage of the destruction from Odesa, which is loved by many residents of Moldova. Quote: "It's heart-wrenching to follow the scenes of destruction in Odesa, a city dear to many Moldovans. We condemn Russia's continued air assaults on peaceful cities, residential districts, and the UNESCO preserved historic centre. Our hearts and minds are with Ukraine." Details: Other Moldovan diplomats also reacted. "This is a heinous war crime committed by Russia, for which there must be responsibility," said Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The Allen Family of Monroe has been lauded by musicologists and music historians as pioneers of contemporary gospel music. Led by Rance Allen lead vocalist, pastor and founder of the Rance Allen Group, a trio that combined traditional gospel with rock, soul, R&B and jazz influences and brothers Steve and Tom, they are considered some of the very first artists to merge spiritual music with contemporary sounds of the day. Their work in the late 1960s and 1970s brought gospel music to mainstream America. As described by Mark Deming at AllMusic, Rance Allen was born in Monroe on Nov. 20, 1948, and was one of 11 children born to Thomas Allen and Emma Pearl Allen (six sisters and five brothers). Rance Allen was a prolific reader by the age of 5, and his grandmother gave him a Bible. He then received Gods call to preach and spread the Lords word through music. Rance Allen was also a naturally gifted musician; he began playing piano when he was 9, and soon mastered the guitar. In this early 1970s photo, Rance Allen is shown flanked by his brothers Tom (left) and Steve (right). The Monroe natives were widely known as the Rance Allen Group and, in the late 1960s and 1970s, brought gospel music to mainstream America. Rance Allen became a licensed minister at the age of 12 and began preaching throughout Southeast Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania. In 1969, the Allen Brothers formed the Rance Allen Group, with Rance on lead vocals, piano and guitar; Steve Allen contributing bass, guitar and vocals; and Tom Allen playing drums and adding vocals. The groups big break came in 1971 when they were discovered by a record promoter who worked with the successful soul music label Stax. He introduced the Rance Allen Group to the Stax staff and they were signed to a contract with Staxs new gospel subsidiary, Gospel Truth Records established in 1972. An appearance in 1973 at the Wattstax Festival (held Aug. 20, 1972, to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the 1965 Watts Los Angeles Riots) brought further notoriety (the concert became a concert film first distributed in 1973). Singing their song "Lying on the Truth," the Rance Allen Group then reached No. 31 on the Billboard R&B charts with "I Got to Be Myself" from their album Brothers. Story continues This is the album cover image for the Rance Allen Groups album "A Soulful Experience," released in 1975. Produced by David Porter, it produced several hit songs and another Billboard R&B single, I Belong to You, which reached No. 24. The album A Soulful Experience, released in 1975, became another notable accomplishment for the Rance Allen Group. Produced by David Porter, it produced several hit songs and another Billboard R&B single, I Belong to You (which reached No. 24). The groups 1979 album, Smile, produced another hit of the same name that reached No. 41 on the Billboard chart. The 1980s would bring continued success for the Rance Allen Group. I Feel Like Going On" was their final album for Stax, and Hear My Voice (1983) and I Give Myself to You (1984) were issued by the highly regarded gospel label Myrrh Records. In 1978, Rance Allen became an elder and, later, associate pastor at the Holiness Temple Church of God in Christ in Monroe. He later became pastor at the New Bethel Church in Toledo in 1985 and served there for many years. He continued to perform. In 2009, Allen was nominated for a Best Gospel Performance Grammy for the song "I Understand," in which he performed alongside BeBe Winans and Mariah Carey. Another album, Celebrate, was released in 2014. This circa 2010s photo shows Rance Allen group leader Rance Allen alongside brothers Steve (left) and Tom (right). The group pioneered blending R&B with gospel and was important influencers in todays gospel music scene. In 2015, Rance Allen performed at the White House for President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama as part of a national celebration of gospel music. In early 2020, Craft Recordings began to reissue recordings from the Gospel Truth record label, with three Rance Allen Group albums being released on vinyl. On Oct. 31, 2020, Rance Allen died in Sylvania, Ohio, during a medical procedure; he was 71 years old. Tom Adamich is president of Visiting Librarian Service, a firm he has operated since 1993. He also is project archivist for the Greening Nursery Co. and Family Archives and the electric vehicle awareness coordinator at Monroe County Community College. This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Monroe history: Rance Allen Group brought gospel music to mainstream The Muscogee (Creek) Nation has revived a legal fight to protect a sacred Alabama site tribal leaders say was desecrated. The casino, in Alabama, has operated on the site for more than a decade. The Muscogee Nation filed an appeal Friday in federal court to revive its legal fight to protect a sacred Alabama site tribal leaders say was desecrated. Muscogee people were forced to abandon the ceremonial grounds north of present-day Montgomery and move to Indian Territory on the Trail of Tears. Tribal leaders contend the land has been mismanaged and excavated to remove human remains, in spite of promises it would be preserved. A casino resort has operated on the grounds for nearly a decade. We feel that we have to do what we need to do to protect our homelands, our original homelands, said David Hill, the principal chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, which is now based in Okmulgee south of Tulsa. The tribe has been trying to prevent the destruction of the Hickory Ground site since before the casino was built. A federal district court dismissed the tribes lawsuit in 2021, prompting its new appeal to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals where it faces a significant legal hurdle. The Muscogee Nation will need to convince the federal appeals court that it should be allowed to sue another sovereign government. The main defendant is the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, headquartered in southwest Alabama. Hill and other Muscogee leaders contend that while they share historical ties, the Poarch Band has no clear connection to Hickory Ground Tribal Town, one of oldest and most prominent centers of civic and ceremonial life in the Muscogee Nation, a confederacy of tribal towns. More: Oklahoma tribes urge lawmakers to override governor's latest veto How the Muscogee Nation is aiming to further protect the Hickory Ground site Members of Hickory Ground Tribal Town made the 800-mile journey from Alabama to Oklahoma with other Muscogee people and carried their sacred fire with them, said RaeLynn Butler, who manages the Muscogee Nations historic and cultural preservation department. That fire still burns today by Muscogee people and by Hickory Ground ceremonial ground, Butler said. Thats why we are fighting so hard to protect such a sacred place. Story continues The Muscogee Nation wants to stop the grounds from being further disturbed and to repatriate unearthed remains and funeral objects. Oklahoma, Muscogee Nation and American flags fly in the wind. A Poarch Band spokesperson did not immediately return a request to comment on the appeal or the bigger dispute over the Hickory Ground site. The tribal town and its ceremonial grounds are led today in Oklahoma by a chief, or mekko in the Mvskoke language, who is a direct descendant of people buried at the Alabama site, the Muscogee Nation said in its legal filing. Dozens of bodies have been exhumed from site, tribal officials say Tribal officials believe at least 57 bodies have been exhumed from the grounds, including some stored today in plastic boxes, in a shed and at Auburn University. Its nothing that anyone would want to see a family member, grandparents stored, when they were buried with respect, Butler said. They should have never been dug up. The Poarch Band took over responsibility for the land in 1980 through federal historic preservation laws, and today the federal government holds the land in trust for the tribe. The Muscogee Nation contends Poarch Band officials have desecrated the site in violation of federal laws. The only reason Poarch possesses Hickory Ground is because Poarch promised to protect it, the tribe says in its legal filing. Poarch has no sovereignty interest in breaking the promises it made when it told the United States that granting Poarch the money to purchase Hickory Ground was necessary to prevent destruction of the site. High-profile Indian law attorney Mary Kathryn Nagle, a Cherokee Nation citizen, is leading the tribes appeal. Hill said he has been disappointed that the dispute has languished for so long, but believes defending the site is vital to the future of the Muscogee Nation. In our culture and our tradition, were still following what our ancestors did, and well continue to do so, as well. That basically identifies who we are, Hill said. We want to keep our language, our culture, our history (and) carry that on to our kids, our grandkids. Once we lose that, we no longer exist. Molly Young covers Indigenous affairs. Reach her at mollyyoung@gannett.com or 405-347-3534. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Muscogee Nation seeks to protect Hickory Ground in Alabama Kansas City police officer David Frazier threw 44-year-old Mack C. Nelson onto the ground last summer and forced his face into the pavement. He has been on the force less than three years, and is assigned to the patrol bureau, police said. And that was about all police would tell us about an officer that cost taxpayers $500,000 to settle a civil lawsuit Nelson filed against the department. Until now, The Star had only identified the lawman as he was listed in a fellow officers report: P.O. Frazier. Today we are naming him. Why is naming officers accused of committing egregious acts while on duty so important? Public safety officials are held to a higher standard than your ordinary citizen. They must be held accountable for their actions. In the past, weve called on the Kansas City Police Department to let us know basic facts about police officers involved in fatal encounters or where excessive force is used with a member of the public. Citing privacy laws, police here very rarely if at all tell us which officer injures or kills someone while on duty. We see no other option but to do so ourselves. Only if criminal charges or litigation are involved do we ever find out. In this case, we learned Fraziers name from municipal citations he issued to Nelson after he was a possible witness to a fatal police shooting last summer. Missouri law doesnt forbid disclosing identity We wanted to know Fraziers age, job status, which bureau he works in and whether he was disciplined for his actions during Nelsons arrest. So, we asked Kansas City Police Department officials. In an email, a spokesperson for the department said personal information such as an officers age or disciplinary record cannot be shared. Under Missouri law, discipline is not an open individually identifiable personnel record, the spokesperson wrote. State law restricts police officials from providing certain information about an officers personnel record. But the law does not prevent releasing the names, positions, salaries and lengths of service of officers and employees of public agencies involved in serious use-of-force incidents, according to statutes. Story continues Police Chief Stacey Graves and the Kansas City Police Department must change the way they inform the public about cases involving excessive force or officer-involved shootings. Hiding behind a law that doesnt stop them from identifying police officers isnt the way. In Omaha and many other peer cities, officers involved in deadly on-duty shootings or other use-of-force incidents are identified within days. Transparency helps restore trust between the community and its police department, according to civil rights advocates we spoke with. We believe in due process. Frazier is the subject of a criminal investigation into possible assault on Nelson, according to a spokesperson for the Jackson County prosecutors office. He has not been charged with a crime. But his actions led to a six-figure payout. How do we know if Frazier or any other officer is a repeat offender if the police wont tell us? Maybe thats the point. To question whether Frazier has the temperament to be a police officer is fair based on what we watched on video provided to The Star by local activist Steve Young, of the Kansas City Law Enforcement Accountability Project, a volunteer group that investigates wrongdoing commited by Kansas City cops. Nelson was at the scene of a fatal police shooting at a convenience store in the 5400 block of Prospect Avenue last summer. Officers fatally shot a man who had rammed a police van with a stolen SUV. Afterward, Nelson was among a group of customers inside the store police asked to remain on the premises. Once he was free to go, officers alleged he began shooting video of them, became belligerent and obstructed justice, according to court documents. Officers attempted to arrest Nelson but he resisted by refusing to put his arms behind his back, police said. Then, Frazier grabbed Nelson from behind and drove him into the pavement, according to Nelsons lawsuit. Video footage of Nelson lying motionless after being slammed left us with this: He could have been seriously injured or worse. Still photos of the ghastly injuries above his left eye are difficult to view. On that August night, tensions were already high. But to take down Nelson, a possible witness to that incident and who posed no threat, though? Policing doesnt work that way. At least it shouldnt. Body-worn cameras not activated At least three Kansas City police officers involved in Nelsons arrest violated department policy by not activating their body-worn cameras during the incident. Two others named in legal documents werent directly involved in the incident, according to police. We read through the departments operating guidelines for body cameras. It states: Members will activate the BWC (body-worn camera) at the outset of each contact. Neither Frazier, Kansas City police officer Alyssa Surges nor a third officer identified in Surges incident report as P.O. Powell turned on their cameras upon contact with Nelson, according to his lawsuit. We asked department officials what disciplinary action was taken against these officers. Personnel records are private, we were told again. But, additional training is always an option in any violation of policy, police officials wrote in an email. Our hope is the department better trains its officers on how to follow policy, as all good law enforcement officials must do. For years, activists in Kansas City implored the department to equip its officers with body camera technology. But if officers refuse to turn on the camera during their interactions with the public, why bother? In addition to these violations, Jackson County prosecutors are investigating whether Surges lied about what occurred in the police report related to Nelsons arrest. If Surges falsified any part of her report, as John Picerno, a Kansas City attorney representing Nelson alleges, then her job status should be under review as well. Could Mayor Quinton Lucas deliver justice? Last summer, Nelson was arrested and charged with one count each of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, according to municipal court records. On video, evidence suggests Nelson did not commit a crime, Picerno alleges. KC LEAPs Young captured the police takedown on video. Nelson didnt do anything to provoke being attacked, Young told The Star. Later, at a hospital, a trespassing charge for Nelson was tacked on. After being treated for a head wound, he refused police orders to leave Research Medical Center, according to the citation he was given. In a desperate attempt to get out of custody on other charges, Nelson pleaded guilty to all three counts and was placed on probation for two years, according to Picerno. He spent 30 days of shock time in jail, court records indicate. Nelson, we believe, would have never been hospitalized if not for Fraziers unconscionable act. We dont know whether Kansas City Municipal Judge Michael Heffernon will grant a motion to vacate Nelsons guilty plea. Theres a court date scheduled for August. If Heffernon refuses to set aside Nelsons plea made under duress, his attorney contends Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas should consider a pardon for Nelson. Heres why: Nelson is a victim of police brutality. Why should he be criminalized for that? WASHINGTON In addition to articles already covered by Native News Online, here is a roundup of other news released from Washington, D.C. that impacts Indian Country recently. 8 Bills Move to Indian Country Bills Move on to Senate for Consideration The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs passed on Wednesday the following eight bills that now will forwarded to the full Senate for consideration: Following the business meeting, the Committee held a legislative hearing on S. 2088, the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Indian Affairs Wizipan Garriott from the Department of the Interior, Chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Ryman Lebeau, and President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe Frank Star Comes Out testified. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. These Committee-passed bills unlock opportunities for Tribal economic development, protect Native children and families, help Native communities deliver housing for their members, and work to fulfill the United States trust and treaty obligations, Sen. Briand Schatz (D-HI) said. The Committee also considered a bill that would set forth a Tribal-led approach to honor the unarmed Lakota men, women, and children killed by the U.S. Army in the 1890 Wounded Knee massacre. I thank Vice Chairman Murkowski for her partnership in keeping up bipartisan momentum to move these bills out of Committee and on to the full Senate. Story continues The full video of the business meeting and legislative hearing is available here. DHS Announces Funding Allocations for Fiscal Year 2023 Preparedness Grants On Friday, the Department of Homeland Security announced final allocations of $605 million in six Fiscal Year 2023 competitive preparedness grant programs. These allocations, together with the almost $1.4 billion in non-competitive grant funding announced earlier this year, total more than $2 billion in FY 2023 to help prepare our nation against threats and natural disasters. The Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program provides $15 million to eligible tribal nations to implement preparedness initiatives to help strengthen the nation against risk associated with potential terrorist attacks and other hazards. More information on preparedness grant programs is available at www.dhs.gov and www.fema.gov/grants. Tribes Now Eligible to Participate in Local Outdoor Recreation Projects The Department of the Interior announced on Friday the distribution of $295,582,830 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) today to all 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. Recent changes to the LWCF Manual guide states to work more closely with Tribal Nations and clarify eligibility to ensure all federally recognized tribal nations can take part in and support future public outdoor recreation and conservation projects. The funds from this years distribution will be available until fiscal year 2025. The Land and Water Conservation Fund helps further President Bidens commitment to investing in Americas lands and waters, expanding access to the outdoors, and safeguarding the environment, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland said. These grants, matched primarily by state and local governments, will inspire collaborative conservation and improves equitable access to the outdoors for all. About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. " Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net A NATO-Ukraine Council meeting will discuss security in the Black Sea on July 26 following Russia's withdrawal from the grain deal, NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu told Reuters on July 22. The announcement came the same day when President Volodymyr Zelensky requested NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg to discuss the terminated Black Sea Grain Initiative. Lungescu said the meeting would take place at the level of ambassadors. It is going to be the first NATO-Ukraine Council meeting after the inaugural session at NATO's summit in Vilnius. NATO launched the council, aimed at enabling closer coordination between Kyiv and the alliance, on July 11. Ukraine gets a fraction of what it wanted at NATO summit Ukraine collected many promises at Vilnius, except the one it craved the most. In a joint communique, the 31 NATO member states said Ukraines future is in the alliance, which it will one day join. They got rid of the need for a Membership Action Plan, effectively reducing the number The Kyiv IndependentIgor Kossov Russia's July 17 withdrawal from the grain deal dealt a blow to global food security. After withdrawing, Russia said all the vessels using the maritime grain corridor would be considered military cargo to Ukraine, thus a target. In response, Ukraines Defense Ministry said on July 21 that any vessels heading to Russian or Russian-occupied ports on the Black Sea will be treated as carrying military cargo "with all associated risks." Brokered by Turkey and the U.N. last July, the grain deal has allowed Ukraine to export its agricultural products through the Black Sea to Africa, Asia, and Europe during wartime. The deal played an integral role in mitigating global food price surges triggered by Russia's war. Russian forces have since launched multiple air attacks against Ukrainian Black Sea port cities, including Odesa, destroying port infrastructure and tens of metric tons of grain after withdrawing from the deal. Story continues (Reuters) - A previously-announced meeting of a new NATO-Ukraine Council, expected to address Black Sea security, has been scheduled for Wednesday, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address on Sunday. NATO spokesperson Oanu Lungescu said on Saturday that the meeting, requested by Zelenskiy in a telephone conversation with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, would discuss the situation following Russia's withdrawal from a year-old deal overseeing grain exports from Ukrainian ports. "In fact, the date was agreed upon immediately after our conversation yesterday," Zelenskiy said. "The meeting will be held this Wednesday." He said the meeting was among events Ukraine was preparing for in the coming week that would strengthen the country's defense. He said new support packages were being prepared including more air defense, artillery, and long-range weapons. Lungescu said the meeting would address the operation of a corridor for grain exports and take place at the level of ambassadors. The council's inaugural meeting, at NATO's summit in Vilnius, was attended by heads of state or government. (Reporting by Elaine Monaghan, Editing by Nick Zieminski) The City of Newburyport announced that all beaches on Plum Island will be reopened for swimming after water testing showed significantly reduced bacteria levels. The reopening is effective Sunday, July 23, at 9 a.m. The city closed all beaches to swimming on July 17 after The Massachusetts Department of Public Health informed the city of the elevated bacteria levels, according to city officials. The city reopened the beach accessible at 55th Street on Friday when new results showed the five-test average within the state allowable limit. Follow-up tests were performed on Thursday and Friday and results received on Saturday showed bacterial levels at all testing sites are well within the States allowable limits. According to a news release, the city said the health department tests Plum Island beaches at least weekly throughout the summer. State officials monitor for Enterococci and E. coli bacteria is monitored in beach waters. The states beach testing program monitors over 1,100 public and semi-public beaches to ensure the safety of swimmers and beachgoers and prevent pathogens spread by contamination. Frequent rain, such as has occurred this season, can lead to beach closures. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Spain appears destined for painful political negotiations after Sundays elections, when no single party won enough parliamentary seats to form a government. Prospects for coalition-building now remain uncertain. With over 99% of the vote counted, the center-right Partido Popular (PP) is set to come in first, winning 136 seats. The upstart far-right Vox party, a possible coalition partner to PP, is forecast to win 33 seats. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchezs ruling center-left Socialist party meanwhile is on course to win 122 seats, with likely coalition partners Sumar at 31 seats. Supporters outside the PP headquarters waiting for election results. - Oscar del Pozo/AFP/Getty Images In order to govern, a party or coalition must achieve a working majority of 176 seats in the 350-seat legislature. PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo said he was very proud during a speech at party headquarters, lauding the fact that his partys vote share increased from 21% to 33%. Despite a party-like atmosphere at the PP headquarters, supporters of the opposition party told CNN they had expected a clearer victory. We thought we would get much more, said Mercedes Gonzalez, an English professor in Madrid. And Fernando del Rio, a 21-year-old web designer from Madrid, also said he was dissatisfied. People spoke against the socialist government, but that didnt materialize in votes, he said. Outside the Socialist party headquarters, meanwhile, supporters were upbeat. Agustin Saludes, 64, a civil servant in pre-retirement, told CNN that he felt happy with the results. Because we didnt expect to get so many votes. We thought we would lose. It was a tough campaign against Sanchez, he said. (Sanchez) has to make deals with the pro-independence parties in Catalonia and the Basque Country to win investiture, Saludes added. A political gamble Calling Sundays vote was a political gamble for Sanchez, after his party suffered major setbacks in regional and local elections in May. The PP that month made huge gains, amid a surge toward the right in European politics across the continent. Story continues Most polls predicted that PP would win the most votes on Sunday, but fall short of an absolute majority in Parliament, meaning it would likely have to form a coalition with the far-right Vox party. Such an arrangement would have courted controversy by ushering a far-right party enter government for the first time in decades. But Sundays nailbiting vote count offered no easy path for a rightwing coalition to be formed. Vox which backs policies that would roll back equality protections for women and LGBTQ people, ultimately lost some seats in Sundays vote, down from the 52 it won in the last election. Several smaller regional parties are also set to win seats, of which several have previously lent support to Sanchezs government. Andres Villena, a professor at Madrids Complutense University, told CNN before the vote that in calling the elections Sanchez made a complex chess move, and may have aimed to outmaneuver Feijoo, a longtime regional president in northwest Spain who has only been in charge of the national party since April 2022 and is untested in a national election. During his time in government Sanchez has pushed a progressive agenda, including policies on womens rights and a euthanasia law. These reforms won votes in urban areas, but the pace of change has also led to a backlash in other parts of the country. It could now be weeks until the countrys path forward becomes clearer, with inter-party negotiations and meetings involving King Felipe VI of Spain still to come as parties vie to form a government. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed on Friday another bill related to North Carolina charter schools that would ease enrollment growth caps and allow county commissioners to give them property tax proceeds for capital projects. The measure, which received final legislative approval last week, also would allow charter schools to admit out-of-state students and let more categories of students attend while avoiding enrollment lotteries that are sometimes required. Earlier this month, Cooper vetoed a measure that would transfer decision-making on approving new charter schools from the State Board of Education where most panelists are picked by Cooper to a charter review board for which Republican legislative leaders choose most appointments. ALSO READ: Drunk driving convictions bring new ignition interlock requirements to South Carolina Coopers veto message Friday focused on opposition to the lessened growth limits and the capital spending. Current laws direct giving charter schools a per-pupil share of operating funds provided to local school boards, but counties dont share capital funds with them. Diverting local resources to build charter schools without clear authority on who owns them risks financial loss to county taxpayers who have no recourse, Cooper wrote. As for enrollment, charter schools labeled as low-performing now cant grow more than 20% in a year. Under the vetoed bill, these schools could ask the State Board of Education for permission to go beyond 20%. The bill also says charter schools that arent low-performing could set their enrollment each year as they wish. Currently, these schools can grow up to 30% annually on their own, with approval by the state board required for percentages above that. Allowing more students to attend failing charter schools risks their education and their future, Cooper wrote. The State Board of Education should continue to oversee the enrollment growth of charter schools to assure success. Story continues RELATED: North Carolina medical marijuana bill likely dead for this year, House speaker says The bill now returns to the legislature, where the Republican bill received at least some Democratic support in each chamber, for a potential override. There it will sit with the proposed Charter School Review Board bill and four other measures that Cooper vetoed this month. The legislature isnt expected to return to Raleigh for votes until early August. Coopers vetoes this year on eight other bills have been overridden. All but one occurred since the GOP gained veto-proof majorities in both chambers in April. Also Friday, Cooper signed two other bills and said he will let a bill addressing changes to the state retirement system become law without his signature. (WATCH BELOW: Former state senator from Hickory joins N.C. gubernatorial race) A 69-year-old man has been charged with abusive sexual contact after allegedly groping a teenager aboard a Delta Airlines flight from Atlanta to Seattle. Jack Allen Roberson, of Andrews, North Carolina, was arrested upon landing at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and remained in custody following a detention hearing last week. According to records filed in the case, Roberson was seated next to the 15-year-old victim who was traveling with her guardian, the Department of Justice (DoJ) said in a 17 July release. According to the criminal complaint, while Roberson appeared to be sleeping, he allegedly slipped his hand onto the victims thigh and ran in up under her skirt and towards her genitals. The victim reported the unwanted touching to her guardian who contacted the flight attendant. Roberson was moved to a different seat. Law enforcement was contacted and met the plane on arrival. Roberson was arrested and taken to the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac. Abusive sexual contact on an aircraft is punishable by up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to DoJ. The case is being investigated by the FBI. United States Magistrate Judge S. Kate Vaughan, in her detention order following Mr Robersons Thursday hearing, found that release to an in-patient facility with GPS monitoring as a minimum would be required to mitigate the danger to the community, but Defendant is not able to access such a facility at this time. According to court documents, Mr Roberson had a history of alcohol abuse, his wife had obtained a protection order against him and, after one prior episode, he was placed in an in-patient treatment but checked himself out after three days. Regarding this months in-flight incident, Mr Roberson claimed he had consumed eight alcoholic drinks before the flight and a further two double alcoholic drinks during the flight, according to the documents. The judge ordered that Mr Roberson be detained pending trial. SEOUL, South Korea North Korea fired several cruise missiles toward its western sea Saturday, South Koreas military said, marking the second launch event this week, apparently in protest of the docking of a nuclear-armed U.S. submarine in South Korea. While adding to its barrage of missile launches in recent months, North Korea remained publicly silent for a fifth day on the fate of an American soldier who bolted into the North across the heavily armed Korean border this week. Soldier held in North Korea faced discharge for fights, cop car damage South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said the launches were detected beginning around 4 a.m. but did not immediately report how many missiles were fired or how far they flew. It said the United States and South Korean militaries were closely analyzing the launches. North Korea in recent years has been testing newly developed cruise missiles it describes as strategic, implying an intent to arm them with nuclear weapons. Experts say the main mission of those weapons would include striking naval assets and ports. Designed to fly like small airplanes and travel along landscape that would make them harder to detect by radar, cruise missiles are among a growing collection of North Korean weapons aimed at overwhelming missile defenses in the South. On Wednesday, North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles from an area near its capital, Pyongyang. They flew about 550 kilometers (340 miles) before landing in waters east of the Korean Peninsula. The flight distance of those missiles roughly matched the distance between Pyongyang and the South Korean port city of Busan, where the USS Kentucky on Tuesday made the first visit by a U.S. nuclear-armed submarine to South Korea since the 1980s. Also Tuesday, American soldier Pvt. Travis King sprinted across the border into North Korea while on a tour of an inter-Korean truce village. South Korean army soldiers work in font of a military guard post at the Imjingak Pavilion in in Paju, South Korea, near the border with North Korea, Friday, July 21, 2023. (Ahn Young-joon/AP) North Koreas state media has yet to comment on King and the country has not responded to U.S. requests to clarify where he is being kept and what his condition is. U.S. officials have expressed concern about Kings well-being, considering North Koreas previous rough treatment of some American detainees. It could be weeks, or even months, before North Korea releases meaningful information about King, analysts say, as the country could drag out his detention to maximize leverage and add urgency to U.S. efforts to secure his release. Story continues Some experts say the North may try to use King for propaganda or as a bargaining chip to coax political and security concessions from Washington, possibly tying his release with the United States cutting back its military activities with South Korea. With so many moving pieces, its important not to attribute causation to mere correlation of events. But North Koreas missile provocations do not foreshadow an easy negotiation to secure Travis Kings release, said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at South Koreas Ewha University. Unauthorized border crossings endanger personnel, risk a political and even military incident, and can be exploited by North Korean hostage diplomacy. The United States and South Korea have been expanding their combined military exercises and have agreed to increase the regional deployment of U.S. strategic assets like bombers, aircraft carriers and submarines in a show of force against North Korea, which has test-fired around 100 missiles since the start of 2022. The allies also kicked off new rounds of nuclear contingency planning meetings that are partially aimed at easing fears among the South Korean public about the Norths growing nuclear threat and suppressing voices within the country that it should pursue its own deterrent. North Koreas defense minister issued a veiled threat Thursday suggesting the docking of the Kentucky in South Korea could be grounds for a nuclear attack by the North. North Korea has used such rhetoric before, but the comments underscored how much relations are strained now. South Koreas Defense Ministry on Friday described the deployment of the Kentucky and the nuclear contingency planning meetings between Washington and Seoul as defensive response measures to counter the North Korean threat. The ministry said in a statement it strongly warns that any nuclear attack by the North on the allies would face an immediate, overwhelming and decisive response that would bring an end to the North Korean regime. After a week of mixed emotions, Revs. Alisha Lola Jones and Calvin Taylor Skinner reflect on Carlee Russell through a faith-based lens of spiritual formation, grace, and collective empowerment. Notes on faith is theGrios inspirational, interdenominational series featuring Black thought leaders across faiths. Phew, what an emotional rollercoaster of a news cycle this week, right, Fam? We watched the headlines and followed closely the events surrounding a temporarily missing young woman, Carlee Russell, as we hurriedly forwarded texts and tweets and reposted the latest developments on her story, all with bated breath. Then, of course, endless commentary was also provided via social posts, memes, and the like so we do not have to relive it all, right? (Screenshot/NBC News via YouTube) However, we can acknowledge the range of emotions that hit us when Carlees disappearance made the headlines followed by a new rush of feelings once it was reported shed made it home and yet another as she and her family seemingly closed ranks instead of divulging precisely what happened. Amid our collective sigh of relief as we heard the news of her return, there was an anticlimactic bittersweetness; wondering whether wed risen to the occasion only to have potentially wasted both emotion and resources. Can we admit our collective disappointment? This is a safe space, so yes, lets be honest about unresolved feelings and questions surrounding Carlees return. However, we can also recognize how they correspond to the feelings of those experiencing their prodigal sons and daughters stories as they unfold because prodigality is an essential and collective lesson in navigating the aftermath of such an emotional event. It is also an inevitable part of our reckoning with our feelings of having wasted time, energy, and money. On one hand, some of us were suspicious of the events from the onset. On the other hand, there were those of us who stood firm upon simply praying for Carlees safe return and, like it or not, in both instances, we were affirmed. But even as we acknowledge the range of emotions (which may rightfully include disappointment, disdain, and distrust), there is a pathway forward from this event, leading us toward fortifying our collective vigilance and spiritual growth. Story continues Because Family, unfortunately, of the innate fallibility of our human condition, this will not be the last moment that tests our trust and vigilance. Yes, we can feel our feelings but we should also consider this moments emotional and spiritual implications as similar moments inevitably occur. This incident was far from the first of its kind, but with the social media attention economy, we can expect more of these viral moments to leave us disappointed and asking more questions than we receive answers. Establishing a solid spiritual compass helps us process events like these and move forward as we balance our assessment of these scenarios. With an established, centered perspective about how peoples private lives often spill into the public square, we can observe precarious moments while keeping the main thing, the main thing. Because as the popular saying goes: We all we got. Whether in reference to Carlee Russell or any other moment, we do not need to succumb to colonized thinking as details unfold. A colonized view is more committed to how her story bolsters the credibility of Black women or Black people, fixated on persuading the broader public she was worthy of the attention and resources rather than cleaving to other triumphs, such as the swift strategic response from the community. The colonized construct has placed upon the Black community an unrealistic standard the dominant culture does not carry out itself. Indeed, so much healing needs to take place. So much attention towards finding missing mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters needs to take place. In her recent op-ed for TheGrio, co-founder of the Black and Missing Foundation Natalie Wilson brilliantly lays out the necessity of our continued vigilance in finding missing Black people. We already know how often we are ignored as a people; how our credibility is constantly called into question. However, whether a hoax or something far more complex, because of our awareness of how white supremacy works, one sketchy incident cannot stop our show. We cannot control the details of this matter; we never could. What we can address is how we move collectively to find and create spaces for grace and accountability among our own. The fact remains we still have an astounding number of Black and brown girls and women who are missing without a trace. We cant afford to flinch every time news breaks of a person in our community in distress, nor can we afford to ignore it as we rebuild trust. Ultimately, it is colonized constructs that keep us fatigued on every side, weary of scrutiny, waiting for the entire story, when, in truth, every minute counts in these situations. With this conveyed, we repeat: Carlee Russells credibility has no actual bearing on Black credibility regarding future crises. The spiritual implications of our pastoral lens tend toward embracing a balance of grace and accountability, one found through the well-known biblical Parable of the Prodigal Son. Here we have a son who defied his father by not only demanding his inheritance before being entitled to it, but then having the nerve to squander the wealth he demanded. After his self-inflicted harm, he had no other choice but to return home, knowing how the spectating community would likely view and deride his return, concluding he got what he deserved. There comes a time when family matters even matters that have spilled into and played out in the public square when those matters return to ones household, there is an opportunity for them to be sorted with simultaneous celebration, reasoning, and self-examination. As a community, we must be willing and open to understanding there are elements of our stories only The Creator can read and comprehend deeply. The human condition will always confront us with people and moments that will disappoint us. But in those instances where the offender has returned to themselves, searching for what is redeemable will help us along in our individual and collective healing. The universe will align accordingly. As children of the Baptist/Pentecostal tradition, this week, our prayer takes a cue from an exchange shared between Rev. Calvin and his mother: Rev. Calvin: Why were you so forgiving and gracious towards that person? Mother Skinner: I may need the same grace one day. With that in mind May grace abound. May we who receive grace, know that grace isnt cheap. It is costly, and we all will have to give an account. So what we exchange, may it align with the great plan of our Divine Creator Peace for all, nothing missing. Nothing broken. Amen. Rev. Dr. Alisha Lola Jones is a faith leader helping people to find their groove in a fast-paced world, as a consultant for various arts and faith organizations and professor of music in contemporary societies at the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England. She is an award-winning author of Flaming? The Peculiar Theopolitics of Fire and Desire in Black Male Gospel Performance (Oxford University Press). For more information, please visit DrAlisha.com. Rev. Calvin Taylor Skinner is dedicated to empowering frontline communities in Knoxville, Tenn. and the United Kingdom. He uses Faith and Policy to address energy justice, criminal justice reform, voter education/mobilization, electoral politics, and global affairs. Along with his wife, Rev. Dr. Alisha Lola Jones, they lead InSight Initiative, a consulting firm focusing on capacity building and live events production. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. TheGrios Black Podcast Network is free too. Download theGrio mobile apps today! Listen to Writing Black with Maiysha Kai. The post Notes on Faith: What can Carlee Russell teach us about Amazing Grace and moving forward? appeared first on TheGrio. Four people in Canada, including two children, have been reported missing in flooding caused by torrential rains in Nova Scotia, police have said. Officials say the heaviest rains to hit the Atlantic region in 50 years have triggered floods that have left thousands of homes without electricity. Three months of rain fell in just 24 hours in some areas. Residents have been urged not to join in searches for the missing due to the dangerous conditions. The two missing children were in a car that was submerged by flood waters, police reported. The three other people in the car managed to escape. A man and a young person are also missing after the vehicle they were in was also submerged. Two people were rescued from the vehicle. Roads have been washed away and bridges have been weakened in Nova Scotia, where a state of emergency has been announced in some areas. "We have a scary, significant situation," said Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, adding that at least seven bridges would have to be replaced or rebuilt. "The property damage to homes ... is pretty unimaginable," he told a news conference. He estimated that is could take several days for the waters to recede. More than 80,000 people were left without power at one point. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was very concerned about the floods and promised that the government "will be there" for the province. Environment Canada says torrential rain in the eastern area of the province could continue into Sunday. "People should not assume that everything is over. This is a very dynamic situation," Halifax Mayor Mike Savage told a press conference. He added that the city had been hit by "biblical proportions of rain". The flooding is the latest extreme weather event to hit northeast Canada - recent wildfires have burnt a record area, sending clouds of smoke south into the US. There has also been extreme flooding in the US this month. The body of a two-year-old girl found along a river in Pennsylvania is believed to be one of two missing children swept away by flash floods last weekend. Her nine-month-old brother is still missing. Scientists cannot say for certain that such extreme rainfall is caused by climate change, but the floods are consistent with the changes they expect in a warming world. This is because the warmer the earth becomes the more moisture the atmosphere can hold. This results in more droplets and heavier rainfall, sometimes in a shorter space of time and over a smaller area. Local residents of Odessa clean up the consequences of the destruction after the night attack Hundreds of Odesa residents have taken to the streets in a massive clean up after Russias devastating nighttime attack on their city, according to social media footage. Locals can be seen showcasing the community's unity and resolve in videos on multiple social media platforms. Determined citizens, children, and Odesa utility workers joined forces to address the extensive damage left in the wake of the attack. This video depicts the unwavering determination of the people of Odesa as they come together to clean up the debris and destruction caused by the recent terrorist attack perpetrated by Russian forces. As reported, in the early hours of July 23, Russian troops launched a ferocious assault on the historic center of Odesa. The Transfiguration Cathedral, along with other cherished historical buildings, fell victim to the barrage of Russian missiles, suffering severe damage. The toll of the attack included the death of a civilian, born in 1974; while 22 others, including four children sustained injuries. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The Bucyrus Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol is celebrating its 90th anniversary along with the grand opening of the posts new facility, located in the same area as the old building at 3665 Ohio 4, north of Bucyrus. Wow, this is wonderful. So much better than the old building, said Jean Zaebst who retired from the Bucyrus Post in 2004 after 22 years of service. The old facility was constructed in 1953. Retired trooper Robert Maxey wanted to check out the new building. The official grand opening of the new Ohio Highway Patrol facility in Bucyrus was held Friday morning. New building 'will serve the community for years' I started at the Bucyrus facility and ended here when I retired in 2006, said Maxey. Lt. Ty Skaggs, the post commander, has said the staff is very happy with the new $4.18 million structure, which houses both the Bucyrus post and District 2 headquarters. It is great that the state is in a financial surplus to invest in a building like this that will serve the community for years to come, said State Rep. Riordan McClain. McClain said he was in the old building and the interim building next door. This new facility is definitely an upgrade, said McClain. Local residents and retired Ohio Highway Patrol employees came to the 90th anniversary celebration and grand opening of the new Bucyrus Post building on Friday. Colonel Charles A. Jones, superintendent of the Ohio Highway Patrol, said a new building has been talked about for more than 30 years. There are some of us who spent time up here who never thought it would happen. Now, look at this magnificent place, said Jones. I served in the former building and have fond memories. I also remember the windows would barely open and, at times, we had flooding in the basement. Getting new building done was 'a team effort' He said the building was good to the troopers and staff, but it was old and needed a number of repairs. This project was on the list for several budget cycles and finally, it was time. This was a team effort, and I would like to thank everyone who made this happen, said Jones said. He said troopers make contact with over 1 million people annually. Last year, Bucyrus troopers answered 127,000 calls for service last year. They responded to more than 4,000 calls for reckless and impaired drivers and investigated over 7,000 crashes. They provided assistance to more than 17,000 motorists, said Jones. Service with a purpose is what the patrol was founded on. Story continues Andy Wilson, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, said the patrol is built on heritage and honor. As a policymaker in Columbus, we have an obligation to make sure that your facilities reflect that same sense of honor and heritage, said Wilson. The people who work inside this facility will save lives, bring order out of chaos and will truly make the community they serve a better place. This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Ohio Highway Patrol celebrates 90th anniversary, new Bucyrus post COLUMBUS, Ohio An unarmed Black man was mauled by a police dog in Ohio after he had already surrendered to authorities with his hands up following a high-speed car chase through multiple counties earlier this month, according to newly released body camera footage. The lengthy pursuit began after Jadarrius Rose, 23, of Tennessee, failed to stop for a vehicle inspection by an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper on July 4. The footage, which was first obtained by the Scioto Valley Guardian through a public records request, shows state troopers giving the dogs handling officer several warnings to not release the dog if the man surrendered with his hands in the air. Although Rose appeared to comply with authorities in the video, a Circleville K9-handling police officer is seen releasing the dog and commanding the dog to attack Rose. Circleville Police told The Columbus Dispatch, part of the USA TODAY Network, they are reviewing the conduct of the K9-handling officer, identified as Ryan Speakman in the highway patrol's written report. But police refused to say whether Speakman or any other officers have been placed on leave. Nana Watson, president of the NAACPs Columbus, Ohio, chapter, compared the video to images of police dogs used against protesters in the South during the Civil Rights Movement. "This type of behavior should not be tolerated," Watson said. "It brings back those hurtful memories of hate for Black people." The Dispatch has made a public records request for Speakman's personnel file. 'LIKE I WAS BEING EATEN': When police dogs bite, no one is accountable What does the video show? The full video released by the highway patrol is over 40 minutes long and begins with a part of the chase before the truck comes to a stop in Pickaway County, around 10 a.m. The vehicle, which had been following the speed limit for most of the time, according to the report, stopped after officers deployed "stop sticks" bars with spikes that flatten tires. Story continues Over a dozen officers from the highway patrol and the Pickaway County Sheriff's Office approached the truck from behind with their guns drawn, the video shows. After a few minutes, Rose is seen exiting the vehicle and standing outside his truck with his hands up. He appears to comply with state highway troopers commands to surrender. The video then shows a K-9 unit from the Circleville Police Department arriving on the opposite side of the road. Circleville officers and state troopers seem to give Rose conflicting commands, according to the video, with a trooper ordering the man to come toward him while a Circleville officer orders him to get on the ground. But Rose stands in place with his hands up, the video shows. Do not release the dog with his hands up!" a state trooper can be heard repeatedly warning. Speakman releases the dog, which initially runs toward a trooper, but then the handler redirects the dog toward Rose by yelling and pointing. The video appears to show the dog attacking Rose, dragging him to the ground. Get the dog off of him! Get the dog off of him! shouts another officer. Rose yells: Get it off! Please! Please! The dogs handlers run to Rose and pin him on the ground before the dog stops the attack, the video shows. The dog bites Rose for between 10 and 20 seconds. He is seen bleeding from his arm. Afterward, the trooper who yelled "Do not release the dog" can be heard asking colleagues, "Was I not loud enough?" "You said it three, four times," says another trooper. UNANSWERED QUESTIONS: What happens next in the Carlee Russell investigation? Police say they're still on the case. Driver faces charges for refusing to comply with police order Rose, who has been released from jail, told the Dispatch that he couldn't talk about why he didn't initially stop. About the video, he said, "I'm just glad that it was recorded. What you saw is what pretty much happened." Lt. Nathan Dennis, a spokesperson for the highway patrol, said Rose was unarmed. The only charge listed against him in the incident report is "failure to comply with an order or signal of a police officer." Jeffrey Marks, the Ross County Prosecutor, said his office is planning to press charges against Rose for failure to comply with officers orders. He added the charges normally a misdemeanor would be elevated to a third-degree felony because "hisconduct caused a substantial physical risk to persons and property." The prosecutor said the fact that Rose was attacked by the Circleville K-9 would not play into his decision to press charges against Rose. Were dealing with the conduct of what (Rose) did well before any of that happened," Marks said. Circleville Police Officer Kory Yoder said the department would provide no information until the excessive force review is complete. Circleville police have not released video footage or the incident report. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Police dog attacked Black man while he was surrendering to officers Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Getty/Reuters A car dealership guru. A state legislator whose family owns the Cleveland Guardians. An active Secretary of State. All of them have all hopped into Ohios Senate Republican primary, and a campaign brawl is brewing. Their dividing lines are mostly familiar. Donald Trump looms large, with his endorsement potentially shaping up to be the deciding factor in the race. There are self-funders who can spend with abandon, and there are candidates who will have to fundraise to propel them to victory. Theres a public relations battle shaping up for the role of political outsider. And theres a highly competitive Senate seat for Republicans on the line. But theres a notable difference in this race compared to that of other swing-seat GOP primaries this year: Any one of them could become a senator. Someone Sent Actual Crap to All of the Ohio Senates GOP Members National Republican operatives say theyre so confident that any one of these candidatescar dealership owner Bernie Moreno, state Sen. Matt Dolan or Ohio Sec. of State Frank LaRosecould topple incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) that theyre staying out of the primary altogether. When you have three candidates that any one of them could win the general election, you know, we dont stay up late at night worrying about that, National Republican Senatorial Committee chair Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) told CBS last week. Thats antithetical to the rest of the NRSCs strategy this year of choosing favorites in budding swing-seat primaries, including in West Virginia, Montana and Nevada. But with no outright insider-favorite, and polls showing a plurality of undecided voters, its a free-for-all. And with a free-for-all, the candidates arent wasting time trying to knock each other out. The moment LaRose and Moreno took off their training wheels they crashed in a ditch, Dolan strategist Chris Maloney said in a statement. [Morenos] opponents are career politicians and liberal Republicans who don't have the courage to stand up to the DC swamp, Moreno spokesperson Conor McGuinness told The Daily Beast. Story continues And in his announcement interview with Politico, LaRose sought to undercut Moreno and Dolans appeal. Theyve been prosperous in their lives, and we congratulate them for that. But that doesnt make you necessarily a good public servant or a good Senate candidate or a good senator, he said. While Ohio Republicans would largely have hoped to avoid a messy primary, that doesnt appear to be on the cards. Dolan was the first to announce, marking his second try at the U.S. Senate after he finished third in the GOP Senate primary last year. Hes served on-and-off as a state senator since 2005 and has the benefit of self-funding his bid. Dolans father previously owned the Cleveland Guardians. His brother is currently the owner and CEO, and Dolan himself holds a minority stake. Matt Dolan is the only candidate focused on prosecuting the case against Sherrod Brown as opposed to gifting him material for the general election, Maloney added in his statement. On the political front, Dolan is positioning himself as a more middle-ground option among the pack. Hes been teetering between saying hes not anti-Trump while dishing out criticism of the former president. And Dolan is not openly seeking Trumps endorsement. The same cant be said for his opponents. Moreno is running with Trumps encouragementand strongly appears to be courting his endorsement. He was second into the race and has been positioning himself as an America-First ally, not shying away from his conservative chops. Moreno has leaned into his backstory as a Colombian immigrant who came to the United States and built a car dealership empire in Ohio before moving on to work in Blockchain. Bernie Moreno is the only businessman, outsider, and pro-Trump conservative running for the GOP nomination in Ohio, McGuinness said in a statement. Its All About Him Even Without Trump on the Ballot Moreno also ran for Senate last year but dropped out before the actual primary. This time around, that outsider brand has won him support from Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), who was elected to office last year. That backstory has also positioned Moreno to be a formidable self-funder alongside Dolan. LaRose, however, wont have that same benefit on personal wealth to fuel his bid. He announced his run just last weekbut his entry was long expected. Daines himself had publicly speculated LaRose would run. While LaRose cant self-fund like his opponents, he does have name recognition and won Trumps endorsement for Secretary of State last year. Hes also signaled that he would welcome Trumps endorsement this time around and is aligning himself on the more conservative wing of the party. Army Green Beret Frank LaRose is the only battle-tested, proven conservative in this race Secretary LaRose is off to a commanding start and we expect that to continue as voters learn more about his vision for setting our nation back on course, LaRose spokesperson Ben Kindel wrote in a statement to The Daily Beast. Ohio politicos expect the trio of GOP contenders to be the last of the upper tier of candidates. Conservative Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH) was openly toying with a run earlier this year, but ultimately opted against it. The absence of a far-right contender in the primary overall would be welcome news for national Republican strategists who saw the consequences of fringe candidates in the 2022 midterms. Daines has repeatedly said hes focused on supporting Republican candidates who can win both the primary and the general election, noting the need for nominees to appeal to independent voters too. One recent poll commissioned by the LaRose campaign showed 39.8 percent of Ohio Republican voters were undecided, marking a sea of untapped potential for all of the candidates. Another 27.9 percent of respondents were set on supporting LaRose, followed by 11.1 percent for Dolan and 5 percent for Moreno. Another poll by Suffolk News/USA Today released in July showed 56.8 percent of Republican primary voters were undecided, while LaRose had 18.9 percent respond they would support him, followed by Dolan at 13.7 percent and Moreno at 9 percent. Ohio has trended red in recent years, making Brown one of the most-targeted incumbent Senate Democrats this cycle. The Ohio Republican primary will take place March 19, 2024. That leaves plenty of time for voters to be courted, swayed and turned off. Even as NRSC opts to leave the race be, outside groups and endorsers are sure to push their influence and spending on Ohio voters for months. Still, theres a fine line between a healthy, competitive primary and one that gets sloppy. Often, top GOP officials will hope to avoid the latter. Over-exposing candidates weaknesses in a primary can be fodder for opponents in a general. Suffice to say, Ohio Democrats are relishing the prospects. The Republican slugfest for Ohios Senate seat is shaping up to be another long, contentious battle that will leave whoever emerges damaged in the eyes of Ohio voters, Ohio Democratic Party spokesperson Reeves Oyster said in a statement. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. An Oklahoma mother is accused of killing her three children and then herself following an hours-long standoff with police last week. In the afternoon on Thursday, July 20, officers responded to a home in Verdigris, located about 20 miles outside of Tulsa, after noticing fireworks erupting, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said in a news release. Officers arrived to find Brandy McCaslin, 39, barricaded and armed with a firearm inside the residence. Investigators said negotiations between officers and McCaslin lasted for the next three hours. Following no response from McCaslin, officers entered the home to find the mother and her three children an 11-year-old, a 6-year-old and a 10-month-old dead, according to the news release. Investigators said it was determined that McCaslin shot all three kids then herself. The Verdigris Police Department and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation are currently working together to investigate the case. Verdigris Police Chief Jack Shackelford told the Tulsa World that a woman trapped in the garage had been shooting a Roman candle firework through the window to attract attention for help. According to Shackelford, the woman had brought one of the children to the home for a supervised visit when McCaslin pointed a gun at her and took the child. She then locked the woman and two other children who were with the woman inside the garage. The woman and two children were able to escape with the help of police, Shackelford said. Billy Jacobson, father of one of the children, shared a Facebook post July 20, writing that the four were dead and sharing two photos. "Please keep us in your prayers," he captioned the photos with a crying emoji. "Brandy McCaslin did a murder suicide with all three kids. Billy, Noe, Bryce, and Brandy have all passed." This article was originally published on TODAY.com This article was originally published on Feb. 18, 2022. It was updated on July 22, 2023. Maya Millete, a young wife and mother of three disappeared from her Southern California home in January 2021. From almost the beginning, Maya's family and friends grew suspicious of her husband Larry. Investigators say the couple had been having marital troubles and shortly before Maya's disappearance, Larry had been contacting spellcasters to have a hex put on his wife so that she would stay in the marriage. Where is Maya Millete? A DESPERATE SEARCH More than a year has gone by since 39-year-old Maya May Millete, mother of three young children, vanished in Chula Vista, California. Maricris Drouaillet: I still have hope. I still have that hope that we'll find her alive. Maya Millete, a mother of threee, was last seen in January 7, 2021 in Chula Vista, California. / Credit: Maricris Drouaillet Maya's sister, Maricris, and her husband Richard Drouaillet have fought hard so Maya's disappearance doesn't become a cold case. Richard Drouaillet: It's been a really, really tough year for the whole family we still don't have answers yet. Maya was 13 years old when she immigrated to the United States from the Philippines with her parents and five siblings in 1995. Maricris says her sister thrived in Honolulu, Hawaii, where the family settled to build a new life. Maricris Drouaillet: She's always been, you know, the smart one. And -- she's very active at school. education -- it's very important to the family. I've always been so proud of her. Maya met her future husband Larry Millete when they were both working at a fast-food restaurant in Honolulu. Larry's family had also immigrated from the Philippines. When Larry turned 18 and joined the Navy, the couple decided to get married. Jonathan Vigliotti | CBS News correspondent: They were so young. Maricris Drouaillet: Yeah. Jonathan Vigliotti: Teenagers. Maricris Drouaillet: Yes She's the first one to get married so it was a shock for everyone, but we respected her decision. Story continues Larry and Maya Millete / Credit: Maricris Drouaillet Maya and Larry moved to Southern California and built their careers working for the Navy. Larry was an optician at the Naval Medical Center, and Maya worked as a supervisor contract specialist at Naval Base San Diego. Claudia Julao: She was my mentor from day one. Allison Alexander: She was like this little, tiny person but she was a big personality. Claudia Julao and Allison Alexander worked with Maya at the base and became friends. Claudia Julao: We actually negotiate contracts for the U.S. Navy. And she was very good at it. I used to you know joke around with her because she had a photographic memory. Allison Alexander: I had a lot of respect for her. She was a very strong and confident leader. A lot of the women in the office really looked up to her. Claudia Julao: There was no glass ceiling. We could get wherever we wanted, didn't matter where we came from. Maya and Larry decided to wait 10 years before starting a family. The couple eventually welcomed two daughters and a son. Maricris Drouaillet: It's joy to see them, you know that they have their own family, too. We're always out camping We're always outdoors. Richard Drouaillet: Larry was a good dad always attentive to the kids, great parents. Jonathan Vigliotti: What kinda mother was she? Maricris Drouaillet: Very caring, loving mother. She, hands on. She's always teaching them somethin', especially, you know, music. she has some videos with her son singing with her. Richard Drouaillet: Word by word. Word by word. Brings us to tears every time we watch it. Claudia Julao: Her kids were everything. She enjoyed her kids. In early January 2021, Maya was focused on planning a ski trip to Big Bear for her daughter's birthday. But her family grew concerned when she suddenly stopped communicating on January 7. Maricris Drouaillet: For her not to tell us what's gonna happen for her daughter's birthday, you know, that was a big deal. Maricris says when their brother J.R. drove over to check on Maya the next day, her husband Larry told him Maya had been in the bedroom for several hours. J.R. knocked on the door but got no response. Maricris Drouaillet: He kinda just thinks, "OK, maybe she's just, maybe she's sleeping" Larry did say that they had an argument. He left it at that. Maricris Drouaillet: We believed Larry they had an argument and she just, she just wanna be left alone. The following day, when there was still no news from Maya, Maricris and Richard drove over to the Millete house. Richard Drouaillet: When we walked in, the house was a mess which I've never seen their house messy and it was cold. It was January and he had the AC running, which was really odd. This time, Larry told them Maya was out. Jonathan Vigliotti: So, Larry says Maya's been where? Richard Drouaillet: Hiking. She went hiking. Suspicious that something wasn't right, Maricris reported her sister missing to the Chula Vista Police Department that night. Jonathan Vigliotti: How did the police react? Maricris Drouaillet: They sent -- three officers went through the house. They questioned us Maricris and Richard were upset with what they say was a lack of concern from the police. Richard Drouaillet: It seemed like there was no urgency from the police department to investigate it properly. By January 10, Maya had now been missing for three days. Her family gathered at her home to celebrate her daughter's birthday, hoping against hope. Maricris Drouaillet (sobbing): We're all, like, looking at the door, hoping she'll walk in on her daughter's birthday. She never did. I felt so bad After that she said, "Mommy didn't show up for my birthday." I didn't know how to comfort her. As Maya's family tried to keep some normalcy for the sake of the children, Richard was watching Larry during the party. Richard Drouaillet: Just laid back, wearing his Navy sweats on a Sunday, no shoes. Richard Drouaillet says he was watching Larry during the party. Richard Drouaillet: Larry had no concern whatsoever on his face for his missing wife. Not even for his daughter's birthday. That night, Claudia got the distressing news that Maya was missing and drove over to the Millete house. By now the birthday party had turned into a search party. Claudia Julao: So, they were outside with babies and blankets, trying to look for their sister, their daughter. Her parents are elderly The brothers and the brother-in-law were out knocking on doors, giving out flyers. Claudia Julao: He had no interest in helping. As word spread that Maya was nowhere to be found, more friends stepped in trying to help. Billy Little: My wife Lou was working at the 32nd Street Naval Base. said that a friend of hers went missing. the family is concerned would you help them? , somebody asks for help, you just do it, right? Billy Little: So, if she was still alive, I needed to get to her quickly. that's why I went straight to the last place she was seen, which was that house I had no idea that it would turn into what it was. A TREASURE TROVE OF CLUES On January 11, 2021, four days after Maya Millete was last heard from, attorney Billy Little a former criminal defense investigator for the U.S. Navy decided to step into the missing person's case. Billy Little: I knew what had to be done, and I did it. Billy Little: I went straight to where the last place she was seen, which was that house. Little wanted to talk to Larry Millete. Amongst other things, he had found it odd that Maya's husband wasn't the one who initially called the Chula Vista Police Department. Billy Little: In fact, when the family wanted to call 911, he discouraged it. Jonathan Vigliotti: Were there police around also investigating at this point? No? Billy Little: No. According to the family, the police had come. He had given them I guess the same story. Larry Millete gave Maya's family different accounts about where she could have gone, from hiking to visiting wine country. But according to Maya's family, friends and colleagues at the naval base where Maya negotiated contracts for the U.S. Navy, she was not the kind of person who would just take off. / Credit: Maricris Drouaillet In news reports at the time, a Chula Vista Police spokesperson stated that Larry was being cooperative, they were treating it as a missing person's case and had found no indication of foul play. Little says after he showed Larry his naval civilian ID, he let him in. Billy Little: I started looking for things that I thought might be suspicious in the house. Just like Maricris and Richard, he noticed something strange. Billy Little: Most of the windows in the house were open. It was clear he was trying to air the house out. Little knew from Maya's family that the couple had had a fight on the day she was last heard from. Billy Little: I was looking to see if there's any damage in the house that would indicate some domestic violence. Billy Little: I'm also looking for defensive wounds on his hands, which I don't see. But Little says he did see something outside the Millete bedroom. Billy Little: We went upstairs where her bedroom was, the first thing I noticed was the hole in the door right next to the handle cause it's right in the area where, if you need access to a locked room, you're going to punch right through there. Billy Little: And I touched the patch and it felt new; it felt wet. I made a comment to Larry about, "Hey what's this?" And he says, "Oh yeah, Maya punched a hole in the door there." Inside the bedroom, Little says he noticed another hole on the wall that also appeared to have been recently repaired. Billy Little: That would've been too high for Maya to punch because she was smaller and I said, "Larry, what about this hole?" And he said, "Oh yeah, she got mad and punched that, too." Jonathan Vigliotti: Larry's creating a picture here of a woman who is violent Is this adding up to you? Billy Little: No none of this story is adding up. Jonathan Vigliotti: When you left the house that day after collecting those puzzle pieces, what were you thinking? Billy Little: I thought Larry killed her and we need to find out what he did and what he did with the body. Billy Little: But I wasn't ready to tell Maricris yet because I didn't know, right? I could be wrong. Little began canvassing the neighborhood and knocking on doors to track down home security footage to see if anything suspicious was caught on camera around the Millete house. Billy Little: So, I knew we had to get that quickly and preserve it quickly. Jonathan Vigliotti: Time was of the essence. Billy Little: Oh god, yes. What little found was a treasure trove of clues. He says a camera from a neighboring house recorded the voices of the Millete children playing in the yard, at 1030 p.m., on the night their mom was last heard from. Billy Little: On a school night and it's cold outside and the weather -- I believe it was in the high 40s that night. Another camera recorded Larry backing their Lexus into the garage at 5:58 a.m. the next morning. Billy Little: So, you can't see what's going on, but you can see it going in the garage. Larry then leaves the house at 6:45 a.m. and doesn't return home for almost 11-and-a-half hours. Jonathan Vigliotti: You could have moved on. Why did you stay on this case and take matters into your own hands? Billy Little: In my mind, my job wasn't nearly complete. Jonathan Vigliotti: It was just beginning. Billy Little: It was just beginning (tears up) When I see Maricris and I see her crying, I'm just like, I got to figure this out. Billy Little: It's just not in me to quit, so I don't. As Billy Little continued investigating, Maricris and Richard turned to local media and organized the first search for Maya on the hiking trails behind her house. Richard Drouaillet: We're desperate for answers We wanted action and we wanted to do something. Stayin' at home, sitting down wasn't gonna bring us answers. Aleida Wahn: Her sister goes on television and is begging the public for help, "help me find my missing sister" and that really moved people. Aleida Wahn, an attorney and true-crime author, saw Maya's case on the news and started following it closely. Aleida Wahn: You realize that this was somebody that was very vibrant was really out there living her life. And that is part of why it's all so shocking that she's missing It shocks your conscience. As the case gathered steam in the media, on January 23, 2021, two weeks after Maya's disappearance, the Chula Vista Police Department searched the Millete house. Aleida Wahn: And what they did find was that Larry had a lot of firearms. They seized two Glock handguns, a rifle and a shotgun. and they found that he was in possession of an illegal assault weapon. Two weeks after Maya's disappearance, the Chula Vista Police Department searched the Millete house. Investigators had found this image of Larry's guns on his phone. They seized some of Larry's firearms. / Credit: San Diego Superior Court Investigators also downloaded images from Larry's phone. Three days later, the police were back. Aleida Wahn: On January 26, they served another search warrant and the police take the navigation system, the GPS, from Larry's Lexus Meanwhile, Maya's friends had been revealing details about the couple's relationship. Claudia Julao: I will say March or so of 2020, the obsession became obvious. Larry's behavior had grown alarming before his wife went missing. Claudia Julao: He would do subliminal messages for her to be that perfect spouse. And it was everywhere she walked, at different times, they would turn on. That is insane. It sounds like from a movie. SIGNS OF TROUBLE Claudia Julao: She didn't just walk out. That's something she would never do. About a month after Maya's disappearance, her husband Larry Millete hired a lawyer and stopped cooperating with investigators. Claudia Julao: I believe that he did something to her. Billy Little was told by Maya's friends and family that troubling signs in the marriage began emerging the year before. Billy Little: And it started back in January of 2020 when they started having marital problems. Maricris Drouaillet: Larry would call every single one of us trying to ask for help to intervene, you know, into the marriage. Billy Little obtained numerous texts from Maya and Larry's friends and family indicating the couple was having trouble in the marriage. / Credit: Maricris Drouaillet Larry was complaining that Maya was having a midlife crisis. Richard Drouaillet: He's like, "Well, she's been going out with her friends more often. And she has a lotta single friends." Maricris Drouaillet: But my sister is saying you know, "It's not me, it's Larry." Maya's friend Claudia spent time with the couple socially. Claudia Julao: His relationship was very, kind of to the side and just very watchful. From what my observation of him, he always had to be in control. Claudia recalls an instance when Larry couldn't get a hold of Maya at work. Claudia Julao: You know when somebody might be agitated or you overhear their voice I did hear, you know "Where are you? it takes you this long to get from your car to your office Who were you talking to?" Maricris Drouaillet: He wants her to be submissive for her to comply to him to be the same person as, you know, she used to. Maya's advocates argue that Maya was a devoted mother who was dedicated to her job and family and would never leave her children. / Credit: Maricris Drouaillet But Maya's loved ones say that Maya was changing. Richard Drouaillet: She was growin' into someone new. A strong woman, for sure. As the months passed in 2020, Larry's grip on Maya tightened. Billy Little: He's now tracking her spending habits. He's gotten into all of her social media accounts. She doesn't have any privacy. And he suspected she was straying. Billy Little: Larry accused her of having affairs with several men at work, wrote emails to her boss at work he knows that, if he tells the boss that she's having an affair with somebody at work, that she will get fired. Billy Little: He tells all of Maya's family, she's cheating, she's sinful, help me get her back on the Christian religious way starts forcing her to go to church. These are texts that Larry sent to Maya's family. Billy Little: He's quoting the Bible and it says "for the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey Her feet go down to death. Her steps lead straight to the grave" He's talking about Maya. Billy Little: In his own words he said that he was "getting desperate" And he felt that the "devil was tempting him." At some point, Maya's family says they told her they were concerned about what was unfolding. Maricris Drouaillet: At that time, we knew that my sister is ready to move on. We told her, "Whatever your decision is, we're here to support you." By the fall of 2020, Billy Little says Larry was growing increasingly desperate to hold onto Maya. Billy Little: And, so, what does he do? He goes to witchcraft. Billy Little: There are people on the internet that'll sell you for five bucks, you know, how to make a spell that will get her to be attracted to you to bind your marriage in blood. And that's what he tried to do does a witchcraft blood altar. A photo of Larry Millete's witchcraft altar. Billy Little says he found evidence that Larry Millete purchased spells online. According to Little, Larry first tried spells to get Maya to fall back in love with him. But as the couple's marital problems worsened, police say, Larry eventually wanted to harm her. / Credit: Billy Little Billy Little [referencing photo]: That is the picture that he took of the altar An old photo of them with blood thrown on it. Little says Larry contacted numerous spellcasters and even wrote a review for one. Jonathan Vigliotti: And he writes of this spellcaster "She is kind, professional and courteous. My casting has not yet manifested, but I'm really hoping and counting on it." leaving a review like one would leave on Yelp for a food order. Billy Little: Like, it's an Uber ride. Like, "Oh, five stars. Good job spellcaster." Billy Little: So, he's not quite as smart as he thinks he is. He doesn't realize that all of that stuff is pointing the finger at him. By December 2020, Maya and Larry were sleeping in separate rooms. Little says Maya found speakers in her room and confronted Larry. He admitted he had been playing subliminal messages while she slept. Maya messaged a friend and said her marriage was definitely over. Jonathan Vigliotti: What was that message that was coming out of those speakers under the bed? Billy Little: It's right there. Jonathan Vigliotti: Oh, "No more men." Billy Little: "No more men." On New Year's weekend, Maya told her family her decision. Maricris Drouaillet: She's ready for divorce, she's finally made up her mind. I just told her, "Just be careful. Just be careful." On January 7, the last day she was heard from, Maya filled out a divorce intake form and made an appointment with a divorce attorney. Allison Alexander: I think she told him that she was going to file for divorce. Claudia Julao: He snapped when he found out that he was finally losing her. What had happened in the house that night? Little thinks he knows after a neighbor reached out with some information. Jonathan Vigliotti: The neighbors, do they say, oh yeah, we heard gunshots? Billy Little: Yeah. Not only did they tell me that they've got gunshots, but they've got the audio. A home surveillance system from the neighbor captured loud bangs around 10 p.m. that night. Little also believes they are gunshots. Billy Little: It's coming from Larry and Maya's house. Remember, Billy Little had tracked down that other home security footage that police agreed captured audio of the Millete kids playing in the backyard at 10:30 p.m. Billy Little: The picture is becoming more and more clear. He's got to clean up, and he's got to move the body so he needs to send those kids outside on a school night at 10:30. Jonathan Vigliotti: Do you try to speak to law enforcement? Billy Little: I did. I told them what I had found. And time and time again, there was just no follow up by the police. The Chula Vista Police Department declined "48 Hours"' request for an interview, but in April 2021, they told local media that it had been an active investigation since mid-January, and they were keeping their cards close to the vest. Richard Drouaillet: It's tough there was very minimal details. And that was part of our frustration working with the police department. Aleida Wahn: The family now is having various rallies in front of the Chula Vista Police Department, basically demanding answers. But the police are not going to release a lot of information to the family. This is potentially a murder investigation. In May 2021, the police served Larry Millete with a gun violence restraining order. Among the reasons: investigators had found an image of guns on Larry's phone. Another photo, which had been redacted, featured the couple's 4-year-old son surrounded by weapons. Authorities retrieved more firearms from the Millete house. Billy Little: I think that was a smart move by the police it protects the children while they try to buy a little bit of time. but it also protects them if they have to go in and arrest him. In the summer of 2021, investigators named Larry Millete a person of interest in his wife's case. Aleida Wahn: You keep wondering is this going to be the time that they are going to arrest Larry? On October 19, nine months after the disappearance of Maya, investigators did just that. CHIEF KENNEDY (press conference): Today at 11:42 a.m., the Chula Vista Police Department SWAT team arrested Larry Millete for the murder of his wife Maya Millete. And with that, even more evidence came to light. A LOOK AT THE EVIDENCE Maya's family and friends anticipated the news of an arrest for months. Allison Alexander: I understand that there is a case that needs to be built. There is only one shot. But it just seemed like it was too long. In October 2021, Larry Millete was arrested for his wife's murder. He pleaded not guilty / Credit: CBS News Yet when Maya's husband Larry Millete was arrested for her murder in October 2021, it was still a mixed range of emotions. Jonathan Vigliotti: Claudia, what was your reaction? Claudia Julao: Relieved, yet at the same time, sad and so although you keep that hope up now it became real. Richard Drouaillet: I think we had different reactions. I said, "Finally" (emotional). She started crying. Maricris Drouaillet: He's been with us for 20 years. My sister did love him. She gave him three kids. He just couldn't let it go. In a press conference, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan laid out some of the details of the months-long law enforcement investigation. SUMMER STEPHAN: In homicide cases, there's often a triggering event. In this case, the last call recorded that May made was to a divorce attorney. That call was at 3:48 p.m. home security cameras captured Maya arriving at her house at 4:42 p.m. There were no images of her leaving. Investigators had also turned up more evidence of Larry trying to keep Maya in the marriage through the supernatural before she went missing. SUMMER STEPHAN: I've never had a case where that was involved. But the spells they discovered went beyond more than asking Maya to be attracted to him. According to the arrest warrant, Larry now wanted Maya to be harmed. Aleida Wahn: Before Maya went missing, Larry sent this message to a website that claims to cast spells "Please punish May and incapacitate her enough so she can't leave the house. It's time to take the gloves off." It was evidence, they say, of his "unbalanced mindset" and "homicidal ideation." Aleida Wahn: The day Maya went missing, Larry sent countless emails to spellcasters. "I think she wants me to snap I'm shaking inside, ready to snap." What's more, according to the arrest warrant, Larry had allegedly snapped before. Jonathan Vigliotti: One of Maya's friends said that Maya told her Larry choked her, to the point where she was unconscious. Maricris Drouaillet: I just heard that. Oh, I was mad. How could he do that? Sisters Maricris Drouaillet, left, and Maya Millete. Maya had never shared that with Maricris. Maricris Drouaillet: She didn't share what she's going through, 'cause she didn't want the family to worry about her she was also protecting Larry and she was protecting the children. Jonathan Vigliotti: Were you aware of any physical abuse? Claudia Julao: No. Allison Alexander: No. Allison Alexander: She would say little things here and there, but not always to the same person. Claudia Julao: There were already incidents that were huge red flags that if we all knew it at the same time, it would have been a bigger picture. Claudia Julao: I feel guilty, you know, after the fact, once she went missing it was a very harsh reality for me (cries). I wasn't able to help her And I will forever live with that. Evelyn Rodriguez: Nobody had the full picture right besides the two of them. Evelyn Rodriguez is an associate professor of sociology who teaches on topics of race and identity at the University of San Francisco. She reviewed the case for "48 Hours." Evelyn Rodriguez: The signs of domestic abuse can be so hard to identify because we as a society are unable to distinguish the line that divides that kind of, like zealous, passionate love from controlling behavior. Evelyn Rodriguez: Larry Millete checks all the boxes for domestic partner abuse. Evelyn Rodriguez: He knew what Maya's pressure points were. And so he weaponized her work He weaponized her children, her family, her religion before he got desperate enough to try these other means of controlling her and keeping her in that marriage. Rodriguez suggests when Larry turned to spellcasting as another method to control Maya, he may have been inspired by an old-world form of folk magic in the Philippines. Evelyn Rodriguez: And this is stuff of, like, the old world to our parents even. Evelyn Rodriguez: Somehow that has evolved into what I think Larry was able to find. But Rodriguez points out that it is important not to lose sight of what the issue is here. Evelyn Rodriguez: Really the story here is that this was an abusive partner, regardless of his culture, who was exhibiting every single sign of domestic abuse. With Maya's alleged killer behind bars, her family knew their work was not done. They were more determined than ever to find her -- energized with new information that had come out after Larry's arrest. Aleida Wahn was part of that search. The search parties are made up of dozens of friends, family members, colleagues of Maya's and also strangers. They began looking for her in vast desert areas east of Chula Vista, near the Arizona border. / Credit: Help Find Maya/Instagram Aleida Wahn: The thing that this case really needed was to be able to know where to search. That was the problem here. You can't just search the entire world. Jonathan Vigliotti: Where are we right now? Richard Drouaillet: It's a hot spot that Larry could have brought Maya's body out here. Like Billy Little, investigators obtained footage that showed Larry leaving the house in the couple's Lexus for almost 11-and-a-half hours the day after his wife was last heard from. They analyzed the car's navigation system. Richard Drouaillet: According to the information that we have now he was about two-and-a-half hours out from his house when he put his address in. Somewhere two-and-a-half-hours away from his house, Larry had entered his address to find his way back home. That information was enough to center the searches on places Larry was familiar with, like the desert area where he and Maya had gone hiking. Jonathan Vigliotti: What are you specifically looking for as you comb this area? Richard Drouaillet: At this point, unfortunately, I hate to say it, but we're probably just looking for clothing or bones. Maya Millete's sister, Maricris Drouaillet, right, during a search in the Anza-Borrego Desert on October 23, 2021. / Credit: CBS News/Cindy Cesare Over the months, droves of volunteers have responded to her family's calls to the community and have joined Team Maya. Richard Drouaillet: We're just so thankful and blessed to have everybody here. James Shelby | Volunteer searcher: I'm San Diego City retired firefighter I got a team, and we go out and we systematically cover areas where someone could possibly hide a body. And it's very sad to even talk about but you have to do it. And it's the proverbial needle in a haystack. Jonathan Vigliotti: Why are you here today? Damien Hurt | Volunteer searcher: Really just to support the family. Hopefully we can bring peace to the family. Jonathan Vigliotti: What drives you to do this for a total stranger, somebody you don't even know? Keri Park | Volunteer searcher: It felt that it should be a community effort ... you just want closure for this family so much. And that's why we're out here. It's why we keep coming. They deserve it. Maya deserves it. As the search for Maya continues in the vast lands of eastern San Diego, the quest for justice is just beginning in the halls of the San Diego court system. Aleida Wahn: The problem with this case is you don't have a body. THE SEARCH CONTINUES Larry Millete has been behind bars since his arrest in October 2021, awaiting trial. He pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and illegal possession of an assault weapon. If convicted, Larry could face up to 25 years to life in prison. Billy Little: His ego was so damaged by the fact his wife didn't want to be with him anymore and he couldn't handle it. So, he killed her. Although there is still hope Maya could be found any day, a victim's body is not required to convict someone of murder. Billy Little: This is one of the strongest circumstantial cases I've ever seen you don't have a body. So what? You don't get to get away with murder because you're good at disposing of bodies. But Larry maintains Maya left on her own. His defense attorney Bonita Martinez turned down "48 Hours"' request for an interview but spoke with reporters after a hearing where Larry was denied bail. BONITA MARTINEZ [to reporters]: his wife was used to leaving the house in the past. And you cannot rule out that she's alive. Jonathan Vigliotti: Larry maintains that Maya voluntarily left him, left the children to start her own new life. Do you believe that? Claudia Julao: No. Allison Alexander: Nope. Claudia Julao: Not at all. Allison Alexander: I would never believe that. Never. Claudia Julao: Maya loved her kids. There's no way she would have up and left. Aleida Wahn: The best argument for the defense here is Maya is not dead. They don't have a body. She's alive and well. Attorney Aleida Wahn says a "no body" defense has worked before in other cases. She says without a body, the prosecution may be at a disadvantage. Aleida Wahn: They need strong evidence And the question is what do they have? Do they have something that they're going to bring out in a courtroom that definitely ties Larry to murder? Those loud bangs recorded on the neighboring security camera may not be proof of anything. An FBI analysis was inconclusive. Aleida Wahn: They couldn't definitively say those were gunshots because the sound quality was not good enough. In November 2021, Larry's attorney filed documents with the San Diego Superior Court with more allegations about Maya. Aleida Wahn: They believe that she had this wild lifestyle, that she was out there having affairs, she's dating different men off the internet that she's drinking excessively, that she's become this completely different person. And so, they're pointing to third party culpability. If she's harmed, it was somebody else. Jonathan Vigliotti: Larry and his parents claim in court documents that Maya was essentially a party girl. Claudia Julao: Definitely not. the Maya that I know was a devoted mother. Not long after Maya's disappearance, Maricris and Richard say Larry cut off contact between the children and Maya's side of the family. Richard Drouaillet: We're just trying to see them. Going from hangin' out, hugging 'em, jumping on my back seein' them at least once or twice a month -- at least, to not seein' them at all for nine months. The Millete children are still living at home in the care of Larry's parents. But after months of not seeing them, Maya's family was granted visitation rights in November 2021. But the fight is not over. Maricris has filed a petition for guardianship of her sister's children. Maricris Drouaillet: just show them that the whole entire family are waiting for them. And, you know, are eager to be with them again. Allison Alexander: What those children will go through, all those moments in life when they need their mom and she's not going to be there. It breaks my heart. In January 2022, Maya's family and friends held a vigil to mark the one-year anniversary of her disappearance. Claudia Julao (cries): There's somebody out there that knows something, that's seen something They should come forward. Have it in your heart to help us bring her home. Maya Millete / Credit: Maricris Drouaillet Claudia Julao: She will forever be my hero. that's what I'm going to take with me, is a bright, shining star of a woman that gave every other woman, regardless of what she was going through an inspiration to be whoever they wanted. That's who Maya is. If you have information on the case, contact the Chula Vista Police Department at 619-691-5139. Produced by Asena Basak. Cindy Cesare is the development producer. Hannah Vair is a producer, and Lauren Turner Dunn is the associate producer. Ken Blum, Jud Johnston, Atticus Brady and Gary Winter are the editors. Lourdes Aguiar is the senior producer. Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. Judy Tygard is the executive producer. Ukraine's port cities bear unrelenting brunt of Russian missile strikes Dr. Marci Bowers says transgender Americans are a "vulnerable population that deserves health care" New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy says transgender issues have become a "complete culture war" Reuters Videos STORY: Ukraine says Russian missiles struck the eastern city of Pokrovsk on Monday (August 7) night, killing at least seven people and injuring dozens more.Witnesses said two missiles hit the city center within 40 minutes of each other.Pictures released by Ukrainian officials showed apartment buildings badly damaged, as well as a popular hotel in the city center - one of the few still operating in the eastern Donetsk region.This woman was at home and thought she was spared when the first blast hit, but was not so lucky when the second attack came. And then, thats it, bang and thats all. The flame filled up my eyes. I fell down on the floor, on the ground. My eyes (hurt) a lot, otherwise I am ok, just the shrapnel in my neck. Thats it. This 75-year-old resident was also injured and had her home destroyed. I was talking on the phone, sitting and then suddenly this flew out and it fell wrapping me up. Then the window fell on me. My back has cuts. I just got back from the hospital, you see. My knee and my thigh have cuts. I had glass here. Well, thats it, in a nutshell. Firefighters sorted through the rubble and debris overnight, but had to stop over fear of what officials called a "high threat of repeated shelling". Witnesses told a Reuters cameraman that responders to the first strike were killed and injured in the second strike.Ukrainian authorities said at least 60 people were injured in the attacks. Andrew Truelove rests on a sleeping bag in a parking lot in Torrance on May 23. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Andrew Truelove needs a belt and a pair of socks. He takes his time getting up from the mattress he slept on the night before in the parking lot behind a Torrance shopping center. He smokes his first Lucky Strike of the day, then takes a Lyft to San Pedro, where hes heard he may be able to get into a tiny house community. Its May 17, Trueloves 32nd day in California. Shortly after he arrived at LAX from his native Virginia, he hitched a ride to Slab City, an eccentric off-grid community in the Sonoran desert. Then he spent a few weeks in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley, pursuing his dream of starting a new social media platform. The 37-year-old quickly blew through most of his money. He got ripped off twice before returning to Southern California, where he hopes to live at least through the end of summer. His is a familiar story, a modern iteration of the starry-eyed striver headed west with a dollar and a dream. But in 2023, the landing for a troubled person at the end of his rope can be brutal. Truelove is left to navigate a confusing social services landscape and jostle for scarce shelter beds and scarcer permanent housing in a sprawling region with too long a line for too little help. His experiences at the bottom of L.A.'s economic ladder raise difficult questions about what role society should play in caring for those who have the least but need the most. Andrew Truelove lights a cigarette shortly after waking up in a parking lot behind a strip mall in Torrance. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Truelove ended up in this South Bay suburb because he liked its laid-back vibe when he visited a year ago to see the high school attended by Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He burned more than $200 on restaurant meals and a room at the Howard Johnson on Torrance Boulevard, so hes turned to sleeping outside to stop the bleeding on his bank account. Hes down to $700. Hes spent most of the past couple of days sitting on the begrimed concrete outside a bustling 7-Eleven. His goal is to find somewhere to stay, then get a job, perhaps as a bartender, so he can save money for a place of his own. But its not that simple. Story continues Read more: How a homeless woman and her 'emotional support duck' survive on the streets of L.A. Truelove has PTSD and a related mood disorder and no friends or family in California. He got off supervised probation two days before he left the East Coast. Before that, he had been in prison for the latest in a string of felony convictions. His medical insurance is running out, and despite his goal of gainful employment, Truelove hopes to be approved for disability benefits. Hes seeking social services a housing voucher, food stamps, health coverage via Medi-Cal. In the meantime, if he wants to establish a foothold and avoid being preyed upon as an L.A. rookie, hes going to need somewhere to stay. At a restaurant in Torrance, Andrew Truelove gets bad news from a homeless advocate who had been helping him in his search for shelter. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Truelove hopes someone at Harbor Interfaith Services will help him get housed. When he first arrives at the squat, brick-and-stucco building near the docks in San Pedro, hes added to a list and told to come back after the lunch hour. After a quick Taco Bell meal, Truelove is one of the first in line when the center reopens at 1 p.m. Hes called inside by a security guard who searches Trueloves bag as he collapses onto a hard plastic chair, large soda cup in hand. Read more: Here's what parts of L.A. County saw biggest rise in homelessness Fifteen minutes later, he is the second person called to meet with a case manager. Inside Cathy Hetzers windowless office, the chaos of the waiting room ebbs a bit, and Truelove shares his story. Hetzer takes a tough love approach almost from the moment she meets him. So Andrew, tell me a little bit about you, she prompts. Im just trying to find a little bit of shelter, he begins. He gives the five-minute version of his life. How he came to be in California and how his few connections here quickly fell through. How he doesn't have a car or a Social Security card. How he spent all of the approximately $50,000 he inherited after his father died in 2019, while Truelove was in prison in Virginia. And how he needs a belt and a pair of socks, which Hetzer dispatches a colleague to fetch from a closet. Im worried for you, Hetzer tells Truelove repeatedly. Being out on the streets here, it's not going to be easy. Andrew Truelove stores his two worn sleeping bags in a structure that once housed a garbage dumpster behind a shopping center in Torrance. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) She tells him about resources he can apply for online and at an office in Compton. If he qualifies, she says, he will be eligible to receive $221 in general relief a month and about $200 a month in nutrition assistance. She shows him the website to apply for Medi-Cal. She tells him about a job placement resource and a housing relief program she describes as a baby step to kind of get established here in California for the first time. She writes a referral to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority for a shelter bed in any of several nearby neighborhoods. Before Truelove puts his Bass Pro Shops cap back on and stands up to leave, Hetzer warns him again about what hes up against: You have no real support system to draw on. You're really alone. You are vulnerable and you don't know this area, she says. I'm hopeful that we can get you into shelter soon. Read more: It hit 120 degrees in this California town. For the homeless, 'its a miserable life out here' As he walks out of Hetzer's office, Truelove asks again about the belt and socks. The other case manager apologizes. The facility didnt have any after all. Day 33 in California: Thursday, May 18, 2023 Truelove wakes up after 3 p.m., too late to make it from Torrance to Compton to apply for services. His cellphone died in the night, and he ended up sleeping away most of the day, unbothered, behind the shopping center. So Truelove walks to a nearby 76 gas station with a public restroom and outdoor electrical outlets. He sits on the ground by the bathroom door and smokes as people pass. Andrew Truelove smiles after Debbie Kim at Sunn Lee Cellular and Accessories in Wilmington tells him she isn't charging him for fixing his smartphone. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Hes got to keep his phone powered so he doesnt miss a call from Virginia tomorrow he hopes will bring news that hes eligible for a disability payment of about $1,000 a month. He charges his phone for 20 minutes and heads to a thrift store, where he gets a couple of pairs of socks and pays $2.99 for a belt. He tried on several before looping on a long black leather one he wears as he checks out. In his beleaguered Tom Waits drawl, Truelove says he hasnt smoked weed in more than a year and that he never got into heavier drugs such as meth or fentanyl. Read more: Cause of homelessness? It's not drugs or mental illness, researchers say But his criminal history is extensive. He has served years in state prisons and local jails in Virginia for a range of crimes, some of which were driven, in part, by extremist views he says he adopted in response to online research and YouTube videos. In his world, false-flag operations abound and conspiracies are reality. He believes so strongly that the 2012 school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School never happened that in 2014 he traveled to playgrounds in New Jersey and Connecticut and stole two signs memorializing young victims of the massacre. He was arrested weeks later and confessed to the scheme, for which he was ultimately sentenced to several years behind bars. That wasn't his first prison stint. In 2010, Truelove was sentenced to four years for an altercation outside a school in Norfolk, Va. Carrying a lug wrench, he had grabbed an 8-year-old girl by her backpack and pulled. He stated at the time he had come to the school to help protect its students from bullies. Read more: Homeless people fight to save lives, and stay alive, as L.A.s fentanyl crisis worsens The year before he was sentenced, a psychiatrist found that Truelove had symptoms of bipolar disorder and that his mental health issues were a factor in the Norfolk incident, the Virginian-Pilot reported. The judge in the case also ordered psychiatric care and that he take psychiatric medication as prescribed. All of the anger and violence is in Andrews mind, Truelove's then-attorney, B. Thomas Reed, said at the time. Like so many before him, Truelove has come to L.A. on a one-way flight in the hope that his fortunes will turn around. He deflects when asked what happens if they don't. Read more: L.A. hotel workers endure hours-long commutes, car sleeping to afford homes elsewhere Hes down to the last $650 of his five-figure inheritance. The stark realities of being down and out in L.A. are gradually becoming clear. But hes still in the afterglow of his recent arrival. It won't last much longer. Day 34 in California: Friday, May 19, 2023 Andrew Truelove hopes to find shelter so he can begin to rebuild his life. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Truelove wakes up around 10 a.m. The row of businesses hes sleeping behind has returned to life, and the peaceful morning is disrupted by the chimes of trucks backing up, clanging dumpster doors and shouts from workers. He slept last night between two unzipped sleeping bags he borrowed from an older unhoused man named Brian. The bags and his worn clothes are Truelove's only protection from the hard parking lot asphalt. He had to give up his mattress yesterday after an employee of a nearby car dealership complained. Truelove's plan today is to wait for a call from the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services about his potential candidacy for disability benefits. Read more: Given a chance to avoid jail and criminal charges, mentally ill, addicted and homeless people in L.A. pass His half-sister Carol calls and encourages his efforts to connect with services. He lights a Lucky Strike Red 100 and throws the box back down near his work boots and a copy of a book Brian had lent him, The Complete Idiots Guide to Starting Your Own Business. The social media platform Truelove dreams of building would be a space for people to share their life stories, a form of radical sharing he says he tries to live by himself. Hence these intimate interviews as he drags his heavy, towering body between the parking lots and shops of L.A.s seemingly endless suburbia. He says he wants to network while hes in town, find some collaborators or a programmer to help him build out the website. In the meantime, Trueloves got to make ends meet. Read more: Column: The truth about our homelessness crisis: As Californians age, they are priced out He eventually receives a Zoom call from an M. Bryant of the Virginia departments disability determination division, who says the agency has a policy of not providing full first names. Were trying to get you scheduled and set up to take one of our exams, she says. Truelove stares up at his phone from the ground where he lies, his bare feet sticking out between his sleeping bags as the government worker talks. Monday is when well schedule the evaluation. Day 38 in California: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 Truelove is in a good mood when he gets up around 10 a.m., though hes down to less than $200. The early-morning mist has burned off, and he begins chain-smoking his way through a half-full pack. Yesterday, Bryant helped him schedule a disability benefits call for the week after next. Truelove dialed another Virginia agency to begin the process of restarting food stamps. Last night, he said his plan for today was to find an emergency shelter where I can shower and do laundry and maybe get some more clothes. Now he's talking about his planned social media site, which he calls MyLifeStory.com. Read more: $60-million state grant to aid L.A. County in expanding homeless services in Skid Row After Slab City turned out to be a bust Truelove says he left the community after less than a week he headed north to follow his tech founder dreams. I wasnt showering. During the day theres a lot of flies, he says of his time at Slab City. I wasnt making the connections I wanted to make. For a few days, Truelove hit the pavement in Silicon Valley and San Francisco in hopes of meeting like-minded people and pitching potential investors. But he quickly realized he wasnt getting anywhere. Two years ago, it was exciting, he says of his entrepreneurial ambition. It felt like someone was going to help me with it. But nothing came of it. From left, Andrew Truelove talks with Camille Nieto, Cyrus Baker and Gitta Adam on a sidewalk in Wilmington. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Within a couple of weeks of his arrival in California, he was sleeping in a tent encampment in East Palo Alto. He says he would have stayed longer if he hadnt been ripped off the day after he got there. I set up my tent where some other people had some tents and left to get a box of food, he said. Came back an hour and a half later and the whole tents gone, everything dragged away. Truelove ended up in San Jose, where he says he gave a guy $300 for a ride to L.A. in his 2004 BMW. Instead, the man ditched him in a nearby suburb and made off with the cash and essentially all of his remaining belongings, including his belt, spare socks, sleeping bag and cellphone, which he has since replaced with a Google Pixel. Read more: Why can't L.A. create homeless camps in vacant lots? I found out the hard way On May 14, Truelove arrived via Amtrak back in L.A. County, where hes been since. He says he had planned to meet up with some hacker groups or computer clubs here, but his deteriorating living situation took priority. Most people who come out to L.A. or they come out to California with a dream or an idea, they have more money or a friend or something, or more of a plan, he says. Im down to almost nothing. Itll soon be two weeks since he wound up in Torrance, and Truelove doesnt know how many days in a row hes worn the same black T-shirt with an image of the Edvard Munch-inspired mask from the Scream films. Hes dying to wash himself, but first he has a list of tasks to complete. Truelove has decided its time to expand his outreach to service providers. His back is killing him from sleeping on the ground, and he says he needs a safe, clean home base to rebuild his life. Read more: Study traces causes and consequences of California homelessness and challenges myths Im going to do the emergency shelter thing because I need to get some new clothing and a shower, he says. Im just going to have to go to L.A. because none of the suburbs are going to have emergency, day-to-day shelters. He calls several agencies, including LAHSA, to inquire about shelter, both short-term and more permanent whatever he can get. He leaves messages and has brief exchanges with the people who answer the phone. If I can get long-term housing in a shelter, I can get a job because I can work, he says between calls. Torrance police officers talk with Andrew Truelove in the parking lot where he's been sleeping. Officer J. Craft, right, a homeless liaison for the department, connected Truelove with an advocate to help him get off the street. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Around noon, two Torrance police officers pull up in the alleyway next to where Truelove is lying. They walk over and ask him to move along, explaining that a nearby business owner had called to report a man sleeping behind his store. As the officers talk with Truelove, another uniformed man arrives. He identifies himself as Officer Craft, a homeless liaison for the Torrance Police Department. He declines to provide more than the first initial of his first name, J. How you doing, brother? Im looking for some kind of emergency shelter right now. I dont know of anything specific in Torrance, but we do have a housing navigator named Valerie. Craft steps away and calls Valerie Hernandez. She shows up a few minutes later and asks Truelove where hes been sleeping, how long hes been homeless, what brings him to Torrance. Read more: Editorial: Homeless people shouldn't spend weeks proving they're poor before they get an apartment Do you want to go back to Virginia? No, I came out to California because I have some things I want to do out here and I just want to live in California. Youre open to anything? Yeah. Hernandez calls a shelter in West Athens, but all of its beds are full. As she's looking up the number for another shelter, she tells Truelove that if they don't have a bed available, then I can see what else I can do with maybe, like, a motel voucher. Andrew Truelove sits on a sidewalk in Wilmington. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) She leaves a voicemail then departs. Shell be back, she says, around 2 p.m. with an update. When she returns, shes still waiting for the second shelter to get back to her. She and Truelove speak for a moment, and he mentions his communications with LAHSA, telling her the city-county agency had helped him try to find housing. Hernandezs tone abruptly hardens. You can only work with one homeless services provider at a time, she says. If youre working with LAHSA already, you cant work with us, too. Truelove protests and asks why hes being penalized for being proactive in his efforts to get housed. She gives him some advice. There are no beds available in L.A. County, and thats why I said you should look into going back to Virginia and seeing if theres a bed available there, she tells him. Then she drives away. Read more: Editorial: L.A.'s homeless numbers are grim. We must keep building housing and expanding services He takes his smelly clothes to a laundromat on Hawthorne Boulevard, then steps outside to smoke while he waits to transfer them to the dryer. Next stop, a nearby public pool, where the $4 entry fee gets him a hot shower. Top of mind for Truelove this morning had been clean clothes, a shower and a room. He accomplished the first two for about $10. Shelter is a taller order. His day ends once again in the now-empty lot off Hawthorne. Day 40 in California: Thursday, May 25, 2023 Truelove wakes up around 10 a.m. Thursday, packs up his few belongings, and heads out from his parking lot berth for what he expects to be the last time. Yesterday, Truelove had received a callback from a man at the Union Rescue Mission, where hed left a voicemail the day before. If he shows up at the shelter this morning, the man said, there will be a cot waiting for him. If he follows the house rules, Truelove can stay there for a month for free, after which it costs $150 per month. Read more: L.A. County homeless services workers can't afford housing themselves, study finds The oldest rescue mission in L.A. and one of the largest in the U.S., Union provides shelter beds and meals to hundreds of people each day in the heart of Skid Row. Truelove still hopes to find a tiny house eventually, but a cot in this shelter is better than sleeping outdoors. The scene on Skid Row is far different from what hes used to in Virginia and Torrance. A man is openly using fentanyl a couple of blocks from the shelter, burning flecks of the deadly substance on a crinkled piece of foil and inhaling the fumes through a plastic straw. Tents line the sidewalks, and trash spills into the streets. As he nears his destination, the mission looms large over an urban landscape strewn with the detritus of people without homes. Read more: Faced with another bad homelessness count, L.A. reacts with frustration Several men sit on worn chairs outside the mission, passing a joint and chatting up passersby when Truelove arrives a few minutes before noon. He maneuvers between them and passes through the heavy metal-and-glass doors into the stark lobby. I got called by a guy yesterday, Truelove tells the woman working the office window. He told me that if I come in the morning, they've got a cot on the first floor for me. You shouldve got a name. What you need to do is call him back, she says. But the number the man gave Truelove is the missions central phone line. Ten minutes later, Margaret White appears and identifies herself as a lead case manager at the mission. There's nothing I can do for you because I don't know what youre talking about, she tells him. Truelove again describes the call he received yesterday from the man who said there would be a cot waiting for him. Read more: L.A. mayor reports that 14,000 homeless people have moved off the streets We dont work that way at Union Rescue Mission, White says. You have to go through me, and I never got any calls about you. Truelove starts to plead his case. White cuts him off mid-sentence. Sir, instead of wasting your time here, theres a mission there, theres a mission around the corner and theres a mission on the corner over there. But Im not going to be able to get a bed or a cot or anything. How am I going to get a bed or a cot there when I havent applied? I dont know. Day 46 in California: Wednesday, May 31, 2023 A little before 1 p.m., Truelove is hunched over in his usual spot at the 76 station, demoralized by his lack of progress toward getting housed. Hes hungry and his spine aches. The tedium of living rough is getting to him. The only way hell find shelter in the near term, hes realizing, is if he pursues it on his own. Read more: Facing an unhappy judge, L.A. leaders vow to rework settlement on homeless services Today's first call is to the central LAHSA line. He finally gets a callback around 3:15 p.m., from an employee who identifies herself only as Carmen. We were trying to find out if I had gotten into any of the shelters I was on the waiting list for, Truelove tells her. It looks like that referral is still pending, Carmen says after a brief hold. There is no match. You can try calling 211 also. Truelove hasnt previously called the 211 help line, assuming he didnt need to because he was already on LAHSAs radar and working with Harbor Interfaith. But he decides to take Carmens advice and calls the county's services hotline for the first time. A man who gives his name as Byron answers and takes down Trueloves information. Read more: Black and Latino homeless people rank lower on L.A.s housing priority list Right now we have two resources available. So they have beds available? Youll have to call to find out. It changes minute to minute as people go in and out. Truelove calls both shelters. The woman who picks up the phone at the first, Skid Row's famous Midnight Mission, declines to give her name. Do you have any beds at this time? No, unfortunately were full at this time. What about tomorrow? "Im not sure, but you can call and see. The man who picks up at the other shelter says it serves only younger adults. But he provides phone numbers for four shelters across L.A. County he says may have space, one each in Glendale, Pasadena, North Hollywood and Wilmington. Andrew Truelove puts his hands over his face while sitting in front of the Beacon Light Mission in Wilmington. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Truelove calls each of them in that order. The first two arent any help. He gets a busy signal from the shelter in North Hollywood and discovers with a Google search that its permanently closed. So hes not expecting much when he dials the Beacon Light Mission in Wilmington just before 4 p.m. The woman who picks up the phone declines to say her name. Do you have any beds open? Truelove asks her. Youll have to call tomorrow. Call as early as 8:30 and see if theres any beds available, she replies. Its first-come, first-served. Read more: Many homeless people resist group shelters even as L.A. mayoral candidates push to build more Day 47 in California: Thursday, June 1, 2023 Truelove gets to Beacon Light five minutes before 9 a.m. He had called the nonprofit shelter when it opened, and a man named Steve had informed him there were a few beds available. A tall metal sign with the words Jesus Saves runs down one corner of the facility, which has two doors, one for the womens side and one for the mens. Steve Cope, the volunteer he had spoken to earlier, lets him in just after 9 a.m. Cope asks if hes prescribed any psych meds, and Truelove says no. Theres only a few requirements here, and its good for 14 days," Cope says. Andrew Truelove has a cup of coffee in the dining room at the Beacon Light Mission in Wilmington. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Cope asks Truelove if he wants coffee and fetches a small paper cupful before asking about his living situation. Where were you at, over in Torrance? Yeah. Were you camped out? Yeah. Truelove sits at a folding table in a small sunlit entry room, waiting for Cope to let him into the shelter, which isnt admitting new people for another hour. He leafs through a paperback copy of Chocolate for a Womans Heart from a nearby bookshelf. Read more: L.A. County will boost services under agreement to settle federal homelessness lawsuit Trueloves face is dirty and sweat-streaked. His dark hair is matted, and his clothes are covered in black stains from literally living on the street. Hes tired, and the daily monotony is kicking in. So is the frustration that it took him so long to find out about this shelter. It didnt seem like there was that much help, ultimately, he says. I did think it was going to be a little easier just to get a bed. Andrew Truelove makes his way down a hallway at the Beacon Light Mission in Wilmington, where he was admitted after weeks of living unsheltered on the street. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) A few minutes past 10 a.m., Cope gives Truelove the tour. Theres the dorm, where hell sleep tonight in a bed with fresh sheets and a pillow in a clean, windowless room with 14 other beds for homeless men. There's the cafeteria, where earlier this morning the kitchen served egg sandwiches and oatmeal with fresh berries. Hes got a locker and some new things to put in it: a bottle of pink shampoo, razor and shaving cream, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant. Hes required to take a shower before settling in on his first day, after which hell put on the clean socks, T-shirt, khakis, sweatshirt and shoes hes given for free from the shelters clothing pantry. Truelove can stay at the Beacon Light for the next two weeks free of charge, if he follows the rules. He must wake up early and leave the property for most of the day, preferably to seek housing or employment. Then he has his evening commitments. He's required to be back by 7 p.m. to attend chapel, followed by dinner, then lights out at 10. Read more: Are many homeless people in L.A. mentally ill? New findings back the public's perception In another small office, a brusque woman named Helen who handles intake at Beacon Light asks Truelove questions to assess his medical condition and mental health. He tells her hes obese, that he has suffered from PTSD in the past and that he doesnt have a primary doctor. He says hes white, he turns 38 in three days and his eyes are green. How long have you been homeless? she asks. I got out of prison in April 2021, and I havent had a set residence ever since, Truelove responds. She asks him about his criminal history, and he tells her about his conviction in Virginia nearly a decade ago for the felony of shooting at or throwing missiles in his case, he tells her, a traffic cone at a moving vehicle. He doesnt mention the rest of his rap sheet. Helen asks about his plans for the future. Read more: Editorial: Want to fix homelessness in Los Angeles? The pandemic showed us how to do it What are three goals you have? Get into a stable shelter, get a job, and get a car. Twenty minutes later, he's assigned bed No. 8. Youre in the best place, man, says James Turner, another worker at the mission. You want to be in a quiet, restful place where you can get access to some of the services you need. Truelove is largely silent, staring straight ahead from one of the two rigid plastic chairs shoved between his bed and the next bed over. New arrivals are allowed to sleep through the afternoon on the day they come in, Turner tells him. Thanks, man, Truelove says before heading to the bathroom for a shower. Its his first time bathing in nine days. Day 53 in California Wednesday, June 7, 2023 Andrew Truelove sits on his bed under the watchful eye of Laura Scotvold-Lemp, executive director at the Beacon Light Mission in Wilmington. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Truelove makes it less than a week at Beacon Light. Shortly after 10:30 a.m., Laura Scotvold-Lemp, the mission's executive director, says Truelove is being discharged early. He had repeatedly broken the in-house rules, she says, and a worker claimed to have found methamphetamine under his bed. Truelove vehemently denies the accusation. Even if I did drugs, I would never leave drugs in the shelter," he tells an employee on his way out of the mission. "Im not stupid, and Ive never done meth. Read more: Can this town save itself from fentanyl addiction? The race to turn around a threatened community Truelove had already been chafing against the rules, especially the required hour of chapel each evening. Scotvold-Lemp said he didn't follow directions well and that he had been caught in the kitchen in the middle of the night. But Truelove is resilient. He knew all along there was a two-week limit on his time at Beacon Light. After a brief period of anger and frustration, he calls a man named Kevin from Harbor Interfaith whom he had met earlier in the week. Kevin tells Truelove there will be a bed for him at the city's A Bridge Home Shelter in San Pedro if he gets there by 9 a.m. on June 9. Day 55 in California Friday, June 9, 2023 Truelove sleeps on the street for two nights, then shows up at the facility near the Port of Los Angeles with his tiny bag in hand. A kind-faced woman named Alexia Ramirez guides him through the intake process and gives him a tour of the shelter. Read more: They made a home under L.A.s freeways. But soon they could be forced to move She shows Truelove the kitchen, smoking area, laundry room and showers. The dorm is a vast open space with dozens of makeshift bedrooms separated by gray office-style cubicle walls. Each resident gets a bed, mattress and metal cabinet. Truelove picks bed No. 54. He sets down his things in his new home, where he can stay for 90 days for free, potentially longer if he meets certain requirements. Again, he doesn't even make it a week. Day 59 in California Tuesday, June 13, 2023 Andrew Truelove sleeps in an alley in Torrance. It's been weeks since he's showered or washed his clothes. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Just four days after his arrival at the San Pedro shelter, he's back on the street. He says he was kicked out for telling an employee he wants to kill the people who hurt him during his youth. He doesn't go into detail about what these unnamed people did to him, but he's said previously that his PTSD and mood disorder have their roots in that dark period of his early life. "That shelter was really great, but I had to learn a really important lesson," he says. "Any shelter I go to, I have to warn every member of the staff and plenty of people who stay there that every day I'm going to have several episodes where I bite my fist and sound irritated to myself. But they don't need to approach me during these episodes, and I'm not schizophrenic or delusional; this is post-traumatic stress disorder from lots of people who have hurt me in my life." Read more: Editorial: Homeless outreach workers are paid so little they risk losing their own housing Day 60 in California Wednesday, June 14, 2023 After a night on the street in downtown L.A., Truelove takes a Metro train and a bus back to Torrance. His cellular plan has lapsed so he can't make phone calls, and he's down to about $20 worth of food stamps until July 1. He's taken to smoking cheap Swisher Sweets cigars instead of cigarettes to extend what little cash he's able to scrape together. Truelove says he's looking forward to the long-awaited decision about whether he's eligible for disability benefits, and that in the meantime, he's hoping to find a new place to stay. "It sucks because I liked that shelter in San Pedro. I had no major complaints," he says. "Now I'm back here again." Read more: Editorial: With so little housing for the homeless, can outreach workers really help? Postscript For the next three weeks, Truelove sleeps in the parking lot off Hawthorne Boulevard, spending most of his days outside the 7-Eleven, where patrons sometimes give him food or a couple of bucks. Someone at the thrift store around the corner gives him a new T-shirt for free. There's drama in the street. A woman named Susan has taken to yelling in front of the 7-Eleven, drawing unwanted attention. Early one morning, a man threatens Truelove with a knife. Spooked, Truelove spends the next couple of nights in a nearby abandoned building. He goes back to sleeping in the strip mall parking lot after learning the man has been arrested and is in jail. Carol, his half-sister, has started giving him about $20 a day to keep him fed while he awaits his disability benefits decision, which he's been pursuing since May. But it's the most personal needs that are front of mind for Truelove as the summer drags on. A roof over his head. Clean clothes. Soap and water. "I haven't taken a shower or changed these shorts in a long time." Andrew Truelove carries his only belongings in plastic bags while walking on July 18 through a parking lot in Torrance near the patch of asphalt where he's been sleeping. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 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. The Missouri State Capitol is seen on Sept. 16, 2022, in Jefferson City, Mo. A powerful Missouri state senator on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, unveiled a $2.8 billion plan to widen Interstate 70 to at least three lanes across the state, an even more ambitious proposal than what the governor originally asked of lawmakers. The U.S. Supreme Courts claim to have returned abortion to the people by overturning Roe in Dobbs v. Jackson is a dubious one given the view from Missouri, where we dont have a truly representative democracy thanks to extreme gerrymandering, Jim Crow voter ID laws, and criminalizing voter registration activities. And the Dobbs majoritys assertion that women are not without electoral or political power since they can lobby and run for office is cold comfort given that having a state legislature, like ours, in which women are underrepresented correlates with having more abortion restrictions and worse outcomes for women and children. Missouris legislature being only 29 percent women (approximately 5 percent are Black women) likely has something to do with our appalling maternal mortality rate, and lack of access to contraception, maternity care, and childcare. However, the Missouri state Constitution enshrines the right to enact policy via direct democracy using a ballot initiative. So in Missouri, the legality of abortion really can be decided by the votersincluding often disempowered Black voters, who have a heightened interest in abortion policy given that Missouris felony ban causes disproportionate harm to Black women. Black women suffer greatly because of the political games Missouri politicians play with access to health care. The Missouri NAACP Travel Advisory is a reminder that Black and Brown populations suffer under the current political system. When legislators fail to enact policy with majority support, Missouri voters have a long history of doing it ourselves. For example, voters have raised the minimum wage, accepted federal funds for Medicaid expansion, and voted to remove money from politics. Now, advocates are seeking to protect reproductive freedom and reverse Missouris dangerous and unpopular abortion ban by putting it on the ballot. Missouri politicians expect that Missouri voters would approve this measureso they have launched a multi-front assault to deny us our Constitutional right to vote. Story continues First, legislators tried to amend our state Constitution to make it even more expensive and arduous to enact voter-driven policy by increasing the number of signatures required to get on the ballot or requiring that 60% of voters approve an initiative. Those legislators were completely open about the fact that this effort to take the power from the voters was aimed at keeping Missourians from decriminalizing abortion. As a frustrated House Speaker Dean Plocher put it after the effort to restrict the ballot initiative failed this session: I think we all believe that an initiative petition will be brought forth to allow choice. I believe it will pass. Absolutely. So next, Attorney General Andrew Bailey stepped in to try to block a vote single-handedly. Bailey refused to perform his pro forma job of certifying the State Auditors fiscal note, after the Auditor refused to be bullied into putting the fantastical claim on the ballot made by Bailey that decriminalizing abortion would cost the state 12.6 billion or more dollars. After the ACLU of Missouri sued, the Court explained that Bailey had an absolute absence of authority to reject the fiscal note and his claim to have veto power over the initiative process was preposterous. Ordered to certify the fiscal note within 24 hours, Bailey refused. He instead appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court, which ruled against him unanimously last week, given that his argument was, indeed, preposterous. But Bailey succeeded in depriving advocates of months of signature collection. Now, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft will take over this winning-by-losing strategywhich Ashcroft previously used with success to deny voters the opportunity to reject Missouris trigger abortion banwhen it first passed via the referendum process. He intends to do it again. Ashcrofts gambit this time is to certify a ballot summary of the initiative so filled with flagrantly deceptive and inflammatory anti-abortion language that he cant possibly expect it to survive Court review. His strategy appears to be to delay the vote away, while making his name as an anti-abortion champion as he runs for governor. This is a power grab that is rooted in self-serving political gain for politicians while the welfare of the people is left ignored. Bailey and Ashcroft are free to be anti-abortion crusaders on the campaign trail and in their personal capacities. They are not free to deprive us of our vote. Bailey and Ashcroft work for the state of Missouri. What Missouri law requires of them is a fiscal note and a ballot summary that is neither argumentative nor likely to create prejudice either for or against the proposed measure. Knowing the voters arent with them, theyve launched an open attack on Missouris democratic process instead. While this fight plays out in the Courts, now is the time to get organized, build community, and make sure your friends and family are registered to vote. Nimrod Rod Chapel, Jr. is a Missouri trial lawyer and serves as the President of the Missouri Chapter of the NAACP. This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Op-ed: Missouri officials latest voter suppression effort Michele Woodhouse The last thing North Carolinians can afford are new government mandates that would steer the health care system down the path toward a socialist Medicare-for-All style outcome. That is why the North Carolina Senate must reject HB 246. This legislation would further insert government into health care by taking away the freedom of North Carolina businesses to unlock prescription drug savings for themselves and their employees through options like lower cost pharmacy networks or home delivery of prescriptions. This would be particularly harmful for businesses and patients in North Carolinas rural, and too often forgotten, communities, where choices like the option for home delivery of prescriptions save patients time, hassle and money, while also helping their employer offer higher quality and lower cost health insurance. This bill would also tack a $10.24 fee onto the majority of prescriptions filled in North Carolina, only for the purpose of locking in profits for special interest pharmacies seeking government backed preferential treatment in the marketplace. More: Opinion: Proposed bills threaten affordable health insurance in North Carolina In other words, HB 246 would require that North Carolina patients, including seniors and those with chronic conditions like diabetes, pay more for their prescriptions to guarantee the profits of the special interests pushing for these new regulations. North Carolinas 11th Congressional District, which includes most of Western North Carolina, is home to some of the states poorest counties. When ranked by median household income, 10 of NC-11s 15 counties fall among the bottom half of the state. This means that for Western North Carolinians, HB 246s effects are going to be felt close to home. The market works best with limited government and competition. The General Assembly should not dictate government handouts for some and government mandates stripping flexibility, freedom and savings from others. Story continues North Carolina employers should have the freedom to tailor their health insurance coverage to best serve their needs and the needs of their employees. Reducing flexibility, eliminating pharmacy benefits administered by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and imposing onerous fees through new government mandates will only increase prescription drug costs and hamper the competitiveness and growth of North Carolinas approximately 964,000 small businesses. More: Opinion: Doctors, not politicians, understand transgender health care NC families need By expanding government mandates in health care, HB 246 would also play right into the hands of far left politicians eager to impose a socialist health care system on all of us. If given the choice between getting less expensive prescriptions at certain pharmacy locations or more expensive prescriptions at any location, I would choose the first option. If my medication would be more affordable if delivered to my home, I would appreciate my employer giving me that choice. Lawmakers in our state have the opportunity to support free market forces and stand against the Lefts march toward a government takeover of health care by rejecting HB 246. Ultimately, the greatest threat to patient health and access to medicines is the Democrats push to nationalize our health care system, which would undermine the discovery, innovation, flexibility and access to new medicines that make America the home of pharmaceutical discovery and innovation, Joe Grogan, former domestic policy adviser to President Donald J. Trump, recently wrote in The Washington Examiner. Republicans should reject any effort to further insert the government into the health care system, including efforts targeting PBMs. More: Opinion: Businesses can use price transparency to address the health care cost epidemic The free market forces that come with a competitive market help to keep costs down. HB 246 undermines the critical components of a healthy market. Pharmacy benefits save the average employer $878 per employee each year on their prescription drug costs allowing businesses to drive down health care costs for employees, support their wellness and invest in remaining competitive as drivers of economic vitality in our communities. Pharmacy benefits further help employers attract and retain skilled employees for critical roles and continue to compete and grow their business. Whats good for our businesses is ultimately good for our overall economy. Our lawmakers in Raleigh should stand for all North Carolinians by rejecting government mandates designed to dismantle free market forces in health care and choose who wins and who loses, with small businesses, seniors, patients and rural communities picked for the losing side. I encourage our state leaders to oppose HB 246 and protect pharmacy benefits that support economic vitality and prescription drug savings for North Carolina families. Michele Woodhouse is a conservative activist and the former NC11 GOP District Chair. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Prescription drug costs may rise if NC House Bill 246 is passed An Orange County Regional History Center exhibit recognizing an Orlando concert promoter will celebrate one year in a few months. Guests can visit the Figurehead: Music and Mayhem exhibit during its encore weekend in September. The exhibit describes how Figurehead changed the Central Florida music scene in the 1980s and 1990s. There will be three events to kick off the weekend: Downtown Walking Tour Friday, Sept. 8, 6 p.m. Take a guided tour of downtown Orlandos music history with Jim Faherty, former owner of former co-owner of Sapphire Supper Club. You will stop at venues that hosted memorable shows and get an after-hours look at the Figurehead exhibit. Guests will receive a Figurehead pint glass, a screen-printed exhibition print, and one Figurehead beer from Ten10 Brewing Company with admission. Read: Fin-natic experience: SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium kicks off Summer of Sharks Figurehead Night Out Saturday, September 9 Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. The concert features live performances from Steven Foxbury, The Riddlers, Greg Reinel, and The Tremolords. Read: Sip & Savor: Foodie festival coming to Icon Park The Morning After Brunch Sunday, September 10, 12 p.m. A buffet-style brunch with a live performance by Orlando-based artist Terri Binion wraps up the festivities. Food is included with ticket admission. For more information about tickets for the Figurehead Encore Weekend, click here. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. A huge project has been announced that is intended to revitalize the Bedford Dwellings neighborhood and surrounding areas in the Hill District. The project will be funded by a $50 million federal grant. Last year, the city approved an additional $31 million if the federal grant came through. The money will be used to help create more affordable housing in the neighborhoods and make easier connections to services and public transportation. Senators Bob Casey, John Fetterman and Congresswoman Summer Lee announced the project on Friday. Lee applauded the project and emphasized that she feels it is a step in the right direction. I am thrilled to announce $50 million to revitalize Bedford Dwellings in the Hill District, thanks to a Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant our district just received from HUD. This is a meaningful step towards righting past wrongs of racist urban development decisions, chronic disinvestment, and harmful policies. This was the product of years of hard work and coordination between community groups, the City of Pittsburgh, development partners, local organizations, philanthropy and Allegheny County to put a winning proposal together. I am thankful to Secretary Fudge and her team at HUD for this award, and look forward to continuing to work with our local leaders and federal partners as we begin the process of rehabbing affordable housing at Bedford Dwellings as well as developing the surrounding area to create a neighborhood that rights the past wrongs of chronic disinvestment in the Hill District, and centers our Black, marginalized, and low-income neighbors, Lee said. Senator Casey is hoping the addition of affordable housing will create a safer community. Housing is more than just a roof over your head; its the place where safety, well-being, and community start. As the foundation of a neighborhood, housing determines whether businesses can thrive, the potential of future economic development, and the sense of community residents that feel, said Senator Casey. Community leaders in the Hill District have been working tirelessly for years to reimagine Bedford Dwellings into a neighborhood anchor where residents can live, work, and play in a vibrant and safe environment and with this funding, they can make that vision a reality. Story continues Senator Fetterman echoed Caseys beliefs and said affordable hosing is a right that all people should have. Housing is a human right, and this massive investment will help create more affordable housing in Pittsburgh and improve the conditions of this complex and neighborhood, Senator Fetterman said. As a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, which covers housing issues, Ill always fight to make sure every Pennsylvanian has access to safe and affordable housing. ### This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW ATHENS, Greece About 19,000 people have been evacuated from the Greek island of Rhodes as wildfires burned for a sixth day on three fronts, Greek authorities said Sunday. The Ministry of Climate Change and Civil Protection said it was the largest evacuation from a wildfire in the country. Local police said 16,000 people were evacuated by land and 3,000 by sea from 12 villages and several hotels. Six people were briefly treated at a hospital for respiratory problems. A person who fell and broke a leg during a hotel evacuation and a pregnant woman remained hospitalized, the latter in good condition, authorities said. Package holiday companies TUI and Jet2 canceled flights to Rhodes. Jet2 said it was canceling five regularly scheduled passenger flights to the island on Sunday but would fly the planes to Rhodes empty to retrieve customers. TUI said it was canceling all its flights to the island until at least Tuesday. Tourists evacuated as fire rages nearby British tourist Kevin Evans was evacuated twice on Saturday with his wife and three young children first from Kiotari to Gennadi, then as the fire approached to the islands capital in the northeast, he told Britains PA news agency. There were lots of people in Gennadi sent from the hotels many in just swimsuits having been told to leave everything in the hotel, he told PA. As night fell, we could see the fire on the top of the hills in Kiotari. They said all the hotels were on fire. Rhodes travel agent Stelios Kotiadis confirmed to the Associated Press that the evacuation was hasty. There was panic. ... The authorities were overwhelmed, he said. But, he said, the abandoned hotels are in much better condition than reported in social media. ... They will be ready to reopen very soon if Civil Protection gives the go-ahead. This photograph taken on July 22, 2023 shows the burnt facilities of a hotel in the village of Kiotari on the Greek island of Rhodes. Kotiadis said he and other travel agents sent buses to the islands southeast to pick up evacuated tourists. They had to go the long way around, since the road running down Rhodes eastern side was blocked in places. Story continues There were 80-90 people cramming into 50-seater buses, he said. He added that 90% of the evacuated tourists are from European countries. The British ambassador to Greece, Matthew Lodge, said the U.K. government was sending a rapid deployment team to support British nationals on Rhodes. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs said personnel were on their way to Rhodes to set up a help desk at Rhodes International Airport for visitors who have lost their travel documents. More than 250 firefighters on the ground Fire Brigade spokesman Yannis Artopios said that as of early Sunday afternoon, 266 firefighters and 49 engines were operating on the ground, together with hundreds of volunteers. Ten firefighting planes, including two from France, two from Turkey and one from Croatia, are operating in the area, as well as eight helicopters. There are substantial reinforcements from the European Union. Over 450 firefighters and seven airplanes from the EU have been operating in Greece as fires sprout across the country, EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic tweeted early Sunday afternoon. In the mountainous part of Rhodes, an active front of the wildfire, firefighters have been trying to stop the blaze from spreading to nearby dense forests. This photograph taken on July 22, 2023, shows pine trees burning in a wildfire on the Greek island of Rhodes. Southwest of the resort of Kiotari, the main focus of Saturdays evacuations, a trench was being dug to keep the fire from crossing a creek and threatening the village of Gennadi. The weather remained hot in the Mediterranean country on Sunday. Before midday, temperatures had already reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds were low but are notoriously variable in Rhodes, as in other Greek islands. People held in hotels, gyms, conference centers Some of the evacuated, including tourists, are being accommodated in other hotels, gyms and a conference center. A shipping company has offered one of its ships for accommodation. Kotiadis, the travel agent, told The Associated Press that three ships were being used. Evacuees sit inside a stadium after fleeing a forest fire on the island of Rhodes, Greece, on July 23, 2023. Fires broke out in other parts of the country Fires broke out elsewhere in the country Sunday. The most serious one was on Evia, Greeces second-largest island, where authorities told residents of four southern villages to evacuate to the town of Karystos, west of where the fire was advancing. Central Greece Vice Governor Giorgos Kelaiditis, who was near one of the villages, told state agency ANA-MPA that the situation is difficult: The fire may be 2 kilometers (1 1/4 miles) away, but the wind is strong, the growth is low, the smoke thick and the air is hard to breathe, he said. Northern Evia was devastated by wildfires in August 2021. Authorities designated an unprecedentedly large part of the Greek mainland the whole eastern part of central and southern Greece plus Rhodes and Evia as at the highest level of risk for fire outbreaks as of Sunday. A further chunk of Greece was designated as at a very high risk for fires. Temperatures reached110 F in the capital, Athens, Sunday afternoon and 113 in the interior plains of central Greece. A relative respite from the heat Monday, with highs of 100 forecast, will be followed by yet another heat wave starting Tuesday until at least Friday, meteorologists have warned. Jill Lawless in London and Cinar Kiper in Istanbul contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rhodes, Greece, wildfires: 19,000 people evacuate, tourists flee shutterstock/ErnestRose A Jet2 passenger was reportedly tasered by police and removed from the plane for "unruly" behavior. He prompted the plane to land unscheduled on a Portuguese island 330 miles from its destination. Video footage shows the 26-year-old man and his companion being escorted off the plane by staff. A passenger on a flight to a Spanish holiday destination has been arrested and detained by Portuguese police for "disobedience" after being accused of "disorderly" behavior on a flight, The Scottish Daily Express reported. He was tasered for refusing to leave the plane, the outlet reported. The passenger's disruption caused the Jet2 plane from Edinburgh, Scotland, to make an unscheduled stop on the Portuguese Island Porto Santo in Madeira, diverting it 330 miles from its intended destination of Tenerife, the outlet reported. Reports suggested the flight was delayed by 27 hours. The Madeira Regional Command of the Public Security Police (PSP) said in a statement that officers used "an electric weapon of low lethal potential" to remove the passengers from the plane after a request to disembark was refused, per the outlet. It added that the "disorderly passenger" had exhibited behavior that "raised immediate concerns among the crew." The passenger and his companion were escorted off the plane, according to a video shared by Diario de Noticias, which also appeared on The Scottish Daily Express. "The citizen ended up being detained by the police present there for the crime of disobedience, following the normal procedural steps and the flight continued to its destination," the police force said. A Jet2 spokesperson told the MailOnline that the plane was diverted to "offload a disruptive passenger," which "subsequently delayed" a later flight from Tenerife to Edinburgh. The passenger could not immediately be reached for comment. Earlier this month, a "drunk" British Jet2 passenger had to be restrained by plane staff after threatening to open the aircraft door, the MailOnline reported, causing an emergency landing in Bulgaria. Another passenger was reportedly removed and fined 50,000, or $64,000, after urinating on his brother during a physical fight, per the outlet. Read the original article on Business Insider Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Sunday she believes Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is playing politics with his support of expunging former President Trumps two impeachments. We had no choice, [Trump] must be impeached, Pelosi told CNNs Dana Bash on State of the Union. Kevin is, you know, playing politics. Its not even clear if he constitutionally can expunge. McCarthy told reporters last month he supports erasing Trumps impeachments because one was not based on true facts, and the other was on the basis of no due process. Well, [Trump] was impeached because we had no choice, Pelosi said Sunday. He had undermined our national security, jeopardized our well being of our country. Pelosi also called the idea of expunging the impeachments not responsible. This is about being afraid, Pelosi said. As Ive said before, Donald Trump is the puppeteer. And what does he do all the time to shine light on the strings? These people look pathetic. During her time as Speaker, House Democrats impeached Trump twice once in 2019 for his abuse of power when he threatened to withhold U.S. military aid to Ukraine unless Kyiv investigated his political rivals, and again in 2021 for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Republicans in the Senate acquitted Trump in both instances. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former Vice President Pence, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, said Sunday President Biden has done a terrible job explaining Americas interest in Ukraine. I know he said were there as long as it takes, but, frankly, it shouldnt take that long, Pence told CNNs Dana Bash on State of the Union. This administration has been, not surprisingly, dragging their feet on providing military support from early on. They cut off the military aid that we had been providing to Ukraine under the Trump/Pence administration in the early going. Biden said earlier this month that the United States would not waver, on support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia. While the president said Ukraine is not ready for membership into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), he announced a long-term security plan for Kyiv at this months NATO summit. Even after the initiation of hostilities and the unconscionable Russian invasion, the administration has been slow in delivering armor and delivering munitions and still hasnt given permission to provide aircraft and F-16s for our allies, Pence said on Sunday, noting the United States invested 3 percent of its defense budget in Ukraine. Joe Biden gives these gauzy speeches about democracy in Ukraine, Pence continued. Were there supporting them on a military basis and supporting their soldiers for the reason that I believe, if [Russian President] Vladimir Putin overran Ukraine, it wouldnt be long before the Russia military crossed the border, where our men and women in uniform would be called upon to go and fight and defend, noting that the United States has a national interest in the Russia-Ukraine war. Pence also argued giving Ukrainians what is needed to fight Russia is the best way to signal to China that America is the leader of the free world. And were not going to tolerate either Russia or China, should they attempt to do so, to redraw international lines by force, he added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former Vice President Mike Pence said on Friday that hes not interested in trading insults with former President Trump after a voter at a meet-and-greet in New Hampshire pushed him to stand up to his onetime boss. Some people think we did a fair amount of standing up two and a half years ago, Pence argued, according to ABC News, in an apparent reference to his decision to certify the 2020 election on Jan. 6, 2021, in the face of pressure from Trump. However, the former vice president suggested that his campaign is more focused on laying out the choice for the American people in the election than going back and forth with Trump. Im not interested in trading insults with my old friend. Im not, Pence said, according to ABC News. And some people think thats the way to win the presidency. I dont. But laying out the choice for the American people, weve been doing it. Well keep doing it. Pences remarks came in response to a comment from a registered Independent at the meet-and-greet, who said he would love to see Pence as president. However, the voter added, Im just gonna give you an honest comment. I dont believe you ever will be until the day you stand up to that man. A recent New Hampshire poll showed Pence garnering just 1 percent support among likely Republican primary voters in the Granite State. Trump maintained a sizable lead over the crowded field of GOP candidates in the poll, with 37 percent support, despite dropping several points. The former vice president is performing slightly better in the national polls, with about 6.6 percent support on average, according to FiveThirtyEight. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former Vice President Mike Pence, a 2024 GOP White House candidate, said Sunday the Department of Justice (DOJ) has lost the confidence of the American people, following the news former President Trump could be indicted in an investigation into his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. I do think that the Department of Justice has lost the confidence of the American people, Pence told CNNs Dana Bash on State of the Union, adding he thinks another indictment against Trump would only contribute to that sense among the American people. Trump announced last week he received a target letter informing him he is a subject in the DOJ investigation into his efforts to stay in power after losing the 2020 election. Pence said on CNN he hopes Trump is not indicted again. As I said, Id rather that these issues and the judgment about his conduct on January 6 be left to the American people in the upcoming primaries, he said. Pence also told Bash that he has heard from Americans during his campaign stops who have a deep concern about unequal treatment of the law. The target letter comes after Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed a special counsel last year to oversee the Justice Departments probe into whether any person or entity unlawfully interfered with the transfer of power. If Im elected president of the United States, were not just going to have a new attorney general, were going to clean house among all senior leadership at the Justice Department, and were going to appoint men and women of integrity who will have the confidence of Americans across the political spectrum for their rule of law, Pence said Sunday. Pence previously pushed back on Trumps suggestions that his former vice president had the ability to overturn the election results. And Ive said many times that the presidents words were reckless, that I had no right to overturn the election, Pence said Sunday. But while his words were reckless, based on what I know, Im not yet convinced they were criminal. Story continues While prosecutors have not handed over a formal indictment yet, a target letter often indicates a person could soon face charges. The letter reportedly cites three statutes involving conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction of an official proceeding and conspiracy to deprive citizens the free exercise of constitutional rights like voting. Trump already faces trials over alleged hush money payments and his handling of classified documents. He is also the center of a probe in Georgia for possible election interference. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former Vice President Mike Pence said he's not concerned about Trump's rhetoric inciting violence. Trump recently said it would be "very dangerous" to indict him over the January 6 insurrection. CNN's Dana Bash responded by noting some Trump supporters called for Pence to be hanged. Former Vice President Mike Pence is convinced that history will not repeat itself. Appearing on CNN Sunday, the Republican presidential contender was asked about former President Donald Trump's recent claim that indicting him for crimes related to the January 6 insurrection would be "very dangerous" given the "passion" of his supporters. "It doesn't worry me because I have more confidence in the American people," Pence responded. The former vice president said he was "infuriated" by the violence on January 6 but argued that the ransacking of the US Capitol was carried out by a small minority of Trump supporters. "I would say not just the majority, but virtually everyone in our movement, are patriotic or law-and-order people who would never have done anything like that," Pence said. In a radio interview earlier this month, Trump appeared to suggest that some of his supporters would react violently were he to be indicted again. Special Counsel Jack Smith, who has already charged the former president with mishandling classified national security information, recently informed Trump that he's also target of his investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is also investigating Trump's efforts to overturn the results in Georgia. "I think it's a dangerous thing to even talk about," Trump told conservative talk show host Simon Conway. "Because we do have a tremendously passionate group of voters.... Much more passion than they had in 2020 and much more passion than they had in 2016. I think it would be very dangerous." Story continues After CNN played the recording of Trump's remarks, Pence said he could "hear my former running mate's frustration in his voice." But he added that he was "sure" the former president's supporters would respond in a peaceful manner. That prompted host Dana Bash to express surprise. "That's pretty remarkable that you're not concerned about it given the fact that they wanted to hang you on January 6," she said. Pence reiterated his view that the rioters were out of step with most Republicans. "There's been an effort to take those that perpetrated violence on January 6 and use a broad brush to describe everyone in our movement," he said. "It's not the case." Back in 2021, shortly after his supporters began smashing windows and overwhelming police, Trump hopped on Twitter and Facebook to attack on his own vice president. "Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution," he wrote, falsely claiming that Pence could have unilaterally blocked President Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election. Around the same time, according to videos posted from inside the US Capitol, some Trump supporters began chanting, "Hang Mike Pence." Two witnesses who later appeared before the House committee investigating January 6 testified that Mark Meadows, the former White House chief of staff, told them Trump reacted approvingly to the chants. Read the original article on Business Insider By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former U.S. vice president and Republican presidential candidate Mike Pence said on Sunday he felt former President Donald Trump's words and actions leading up to the Capitol attacks on Jan. 6, 2021, were reckless though not likely criminal. "While his words were reckless, based on what I know, I am not yet convinced that they were criminal," Pence told CNN's "State of the Union." Trump said on Tuesday he had received a letter saying he is a target of a grand jury investigation into efforts to overturn his 2020 presidential election defeat. The letter represented the clearest sign to date that Trump, the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, may face federal criminal charges around his efforts to remain in power after losing the election to Democrat Joe Biden. "I hope it does not come to that," Pence said on a potential Trump indictment over efforts to overturn the 2020 election. He said it should be left to the American public to determine whether Trump was responsible. "His actions were reckless," Pence said. He added: "I don't honestly know what his intention was" on Jan. 6, 2021. Ahead of the 2021 Capitol attacks by Trump supporters, the then-president repeatedly lambasted Pence for refusing to try to prevent Congress from certifying Biden's win in the 2020 election. Pence said on Sunday that Trump was wrong in thinking the former vice president could overturn the outcome of the election. Some rioters chanted "hang Mike Pence" during the Capitol riots. "I know I did my duty that day," Pence said on Sunday. Separately, Trump was indicted in June on charges that he unlawfully kept national security documents when he left office and lied to officials who sought to recover them. He has pleaded not guilty. He was recently also charged with falsifying business records to conceal a hush money payment to a porn star. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Andrea Ricci) CNN Former President Donald Trump warned on a conservative talk-radio show last week that it would be very dangerous if he went to prison over the Jan. 6 insurrection, as his supporters are a passionate group of voters. But his former vice president, Mike Pence, who encountered a large group of passionate Trump voters out for his blood two years ago, doesnt seem worried. Everyone in our movement are the kind of Americans who love this country, are patriotic or law-and-order people who would never have done anything like that there or anywhere else, Pence told CNNs Dana Bash on Sundays State of the Union. I have more confidence in the American people than that. I hear my former running mates frustration in his voice, but I'm sure the American people will respond in our movement in a way that will express, as they have every right to under the First Amendment, to express concerns that they have about what they perceive to be unequal treatment of the law. But I'm not concerned about it beyond that. The winding answer seemingly left Bash flabbergasted, prompting her to note why someone like Pence of all people should be concerned. Its pretty remarkable that youre not concerned about it, given the fact that they wanted to hang you on on Jan. 6, she said through a laugh before attempting to move on. But Pence wouldnt let that stand, refusing to let the CNN anchor use a broad brush to classify everyone at the Capitol on Jan. 6 as being perpetrators of violence. The people in this movement, the people who rally behind our cause in 2016 and 2020, are the most God-fearing, law-abiding, patriotic people in this country, he said. And I just I wont stand for those kinds of generalizations because they have no basis in fact. But Pence wouldnt say much about the person being investigated for allegedly helping to perpetuate some of the violence itself: His former boss. Earlier in the interview, Bash asked Pence whether the Department of Justice should charge Trump if it finds evidence he committed a crime related to the insurrection. The ex-veep, however, would only note that Trumps actions were inappropriatethough perhaps not criminal. Story continues I've said many times that the presidents words were reckless that day, he said. I had no right to overturn the election. But while his words were reckless, based on what I know, Im not yet convinced that they were criminal. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Zoe Petersen, Deseret News Editors note: This is the second article in a series about peacemaking in America. The Constitution wasnt written overnight. Throughout the course of three months of spirited discussion in Philadelphia in 1787, the Federalists and Anti-Federalists contested philosophies of governance. And even after the Constitution was ratified, several important constitutional amendments ensured additional freedom and rights. This process required compromise and negotiations. Part of the work of peacemaking involves coming together to create what President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has called inspired solutions. To do so in the public square, we must weigh political gains and losses in order to achieve a greater good. Related In this process, there will always be some deeply held moral and political convictions where compromising on policy may not align with conscience. In those instances, it may be important to shift toward other solutions where compromise feels right. But seeking inspired solutions through compromise typically means none of the involved parties have every hope or demand met; instead, they assess pragmatically what is most important to their respective causes. Incentives matter Contrary to prevailing opinion today, Latter-day Saints are regularly encouraged to remember that neither political party has a monopoly on truth. That awareness uniquely positions this community of faith to be seeking understanding and bridging opportunities. The tensions and conflicts inherent in these efforts should be appreciated as a feature of our American system, rather than a bug. As Edmund Burke once said, All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter. Story continues Instead of rewarding politicians who reach political standstills because they wont reach across the aisle, the American public could instead use their votes to make partisanship a costly venture, and practical pluralism a rewarding one. Related The importance of dignity Tami Pyfer is the director of UNITE, the national organization behind The Dignity Index, an eight-point scale to assess language for its relative level of contempt or dignity, along with its associated power to unite or divide. Pyfer argues that granting dignity to those who disagree with us can lead to inspired solutions we may not otherwise have imagined. During the Syrian refugee crisis, when several Republican governors refused to take in Syrian refugees, she noted that Utahs former governor, Gary Herbert, was the only Republican to say we welcome them with open arms. She added, We are a state built upon religious refugees seeking refuge, and he said we will take more. President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ, has spoken about how sometimes people may have to disagree with their own political party and do something different. Herberts motto was Im conservative in principle, Im moderate in tone, but Im inclusive in process, and from the former governor, Pyfer learned how to be considerate to people with whom she strongly disagreed. In another example, Pyfer highlighted the bipartisan ad from Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and his opponent, Chris Peterson, during the last election. Although we sit on different sides of the aisle, we are both committed to American civility and a peaceful transition of power, Cox said in the ad. Later, researchers at Stanford University found that this single video was able to measurably reduce partisan animosity among viewers. Even though Cox and Peterson disagreed on many policies, they agreed on the fundamental importance of a peaceful transition of power and the value of freedom. Their simple act of goodwill showcased common ground itself as an inspired solution to the lack of civility. You dont need to be a politician to find common ground with political opponents. When navigating political discussions with our neighbors, we can find which common values we share even when we disagree strongly. Cox has continued his efforts to reach across the aisle and encourage civility in political discourse. He recently launched the Disagree Better initiative, which he is promoting during his stint as chairman of the National Governors Association. The initiative will encourage governors to model a vision for America by finding bipartisan consensus on political issues like immigration. You never convince anyone by attacking them. You actually convince them by trying to bring them along, he told the Deseret News. Related Listening for the good Keith Allred, the executive director of the National Institute for Civil Discourse and the president of CommonSense American, highlighted the same foundational skill of listening as crucial for problem-solving to find inspired solutions. Whether 10% of what theyre saying has merit or 90% does, Allred said, it really is our responsibility to be listening to others points of view for whatever goodness or truth we can find. None of this requires wholly agreeing with someones perspective, or abandoning our convictions, he said. Allred highlighted U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, Joe Manchin and Mitt Romney as good models of this in their willingness to reach across the aisle and consider solutions based on compromise. Allreds work at CommonSense American is a grassroots version of these skilled leaders. Composed of 53,000 Americans across party lines who work together on bipartisan solutions, this organization suggests that Americans may not be as divided as they think. Theres usually common ground underfoot; we only need to look for it and build on it. Protesters clash with police during demonstrations against Peru's President Dina Boluarte in Lima (ERNESTO BENAVIDES) Protesters and police clashed over the weekend during renewed demonstrations against Peru's interim President Dina Boluarte in the capital Lima, where demonstrators are demanding she step down and hold elections. Boluarte came to power in December after former leftist president Pedro Castillo was ousted and arrested, triggering accusations of power grabbing and setting off months of nationwide demonstrations. The ensuing crackdown by security forces left almost 50 people dead, according to an estimate by Human Rights Watch, which accused the authorities of extrajudicial and arbitrary killings. The latest unrest kicked off on Wednesday, when more than 4,000 demonstrators took to Lima's streets, in part to demand accountability for the protesters' deaths. On Saturday, police fired tear gas to disperse a crowd that was occupying the central San Martin square. Three civilians were detained in scuffles with security forces, according to the ombudsman's office and human rights organizations. No injuries were reported. Saturday's gathering drew hundreds of protesters from unions and leftist groups, but did not include the centrist and center-right factions. Further demonstrations are planned for July 28, a national holiday celebrating Peru's 1821 independence from Spain. Boluarte, 61, is being investigated by the public prosecutor's office for alleged "genocide, qualified homicide and serious injuries," although her political position grants her immunity from prosecution. Even if Boluarte faces a concrete charge, as president, she could not face a court until her mandate ends in 2026. bur-lb/dhw A Thai Smile Air Boeing 737. Peter Charlesworth/LightRocket/Getty A Thai Smile Airways flight was reportedly forced to turn back to the gate just before takeoff. A passenger on the Bangkok-bound flight caused a disturbance over a forgotten bag, Stuff reported. Footage showed security escorting the man off the plane, which reportedly departed Chiang Mai late. A Bangkok-bound flight departing from Chiang Mai reportedly had to return to the gate moments before takeoff after a passenger became unruly over a bag he left at the airport. Footage from Newsflare via the Associated Press, published by the New Zealand outlet Stuff, purportedly showed a disagreement between the passenger and a crew member on the flight, operated by budget airline Thai Smile Airways. According to the report, while the Airbus A320 was taxiing for departure, the passenger shouted about leaving a bag of valuables including money at Chiang Mai International Airport. In a statement sent to Insider on July 24, a Thai Smile representative said the passenger caused the disturbance along with two traveling companions during the boarding and safety demonstration process. "Flight crews tried to calm the passengers down and offer to contact ground staff in order to return the said bag to passengers later. But passengers refused, shouted loudly and wanted the plane to stop in order to retrieve their belongings," the statement said. In the footage, the flight attendant asked one of the passengers: "If you still feel like this, we have to move you off the flight, so do you want to go? Or do you want to wait until Bangkok?" The man responded in the video: "Yes, yes, I want to go now. Ask the captain." In the same video, the pilot could be heard announcing over the intercom system that the flight would return to the gate to disembark a passenger in the interest of safety, adding it could take about five to 10 minutes, apologizing for the delay. The passenger in question can be seen being escorted off the plane in the footage, along with his travel companions. Thai Smile confirmed to Insider that the passengers were removed from the flight, along with five pieces of checked luggage. Story continues It's unclear if the man was arrested after being removed from the flight, according to the report from Newsflare via the AP. While Thai Smile's statement did not address whether the passenger or his companions were arrested, an airline representative said the company "followed the aviation safety procedures in accordance with international standards." The representative said the incident caused a 25-minute delay before continuing on to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. Another passenger who was on board told Newsflare via the AP that the flight was about 45 minutes late and the man who caused the disturbance "was complaining that his bag with money and important things inside was still at the airport" and that "he wanted to collect it." "It was very disruptive and they didn't care they were making other people late," the unnamed passenger said. Disruptive passenger behavior is also an issue in the US In recent years, there has been an uptick in disruptive passenger behavior on board flights in the US. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there have been 1,034 unruly passenger reports in the US as of July 16. The FAA says on its website that the data "reflects all cases the FAA investigated that cited violations of one or more FAA regulations or federal laws." And while the number of unruly passenger reports is down by more than 80% from 2021 when there was a record high of 5,793 incidents that year the FAA says more work still needs to be done. As Insider's Sebastian Cahill previously reported, alarming passenger behavior so far this year has included temper tantrums, bomb threats, and violence towards others on board. July 25, 2023: This story has been updated to include comment from Thai Smile, sent to Insider on July 24. Read the original article on Insider The Polish Foreign Ministry has summoned Sergey Andreev, the Russian ambassador to Poland, after Russian dictator Vladimir Putin made another false statement. Source: Pawel Jablonski, Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland, on Facebook; European Pravda Quote: "The Russian ambassador was urgently summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs...in connection with provocative statements and threats by Russian President Vladimir Putin against Poland, as well as other unfriendly actions of the Russian Federation against Poland and our allies." Details: The deputy head of the Polish Foreign Ministry added that Poland interprets Putin's attempts to whiten Stalin's actions as an attempt to provoke an escalation. "We fully condemn this attempt to review history and use this revision for propaganda activities in a hybrid war," Deputy Foreign Minister stressed. Jablonski added that Poland calls on Russia to stop the aggressive war and occupation of Ukraine, stop committing crimes and bring criminals to justice. "This is an issue that we, together with our allies, will never ignore. If someone in Russia has illusions that under the influence of such provocations, the position of Poland or our allies will change, I think they should be cured of these illusions," he stressed. Background: On Friday, Putin said that the western lands of Poland are a "gift from Stalin" and Poland should be grateful to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for "restoring independence." Stanisaw Zaryn, the commissioner of the Polish government for the security of the information space in response, called the Russian President a "pathetic Kremlin bore", who spreads lies about the war in Ukraine. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Women from the Meira Paibis group of the Meitei community in India's Manipur state gather in front of the partially burned house of a man accused of abusing two Kuki women after a video of the incident emerged (Arun SANKAR) Gender trumped tribe for a group of furious Indian mothers who torched the homes of two men from their own community who were accused of abusing women in a video that sparked outrage. At least 120 people have been killed during months of ethnic conflict between the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki in India's troubled northeastern state of Manipur. The women from the Meitei community decided to show their anger after the humiliating video surfaced on Wednesday, which reportedly shows two Kuki women being forced to strip naked and then jeered at and harassed by Meitei men in May. Police arrested four suspects on Thursday but, on the same day, a powerful group of Meitei women known as the "Meira Paibis", or the Mothers of Manipur, set out to burn the homes of two of the accused. "We condemn the violence against the women and that is why we want capital punishment," Sumati, who gave only her first name, told AFP. "That is why we destroyed his house." India is generally traditionalist, conservative and patriarchal but the Meitei have a history of women's activism, with women having a more prominent role in society than elsewhere. Tens of thousands of people have fled to government-run camps since the violence erupted in May but the video clip has shone a spotlight on the conflict. - 'Shamed India' - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said after the video clip emerged that the incident had "shamed India". Manipur's state government is led by Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party and has said it is investigating the "heinous" incident. "Both communities are condemning this event," said Suchitra Rajkumari, 42, a local activist. "At least in one point they are agreeing." The Meira Paibis smashed down the walls of the homes of two of the accused before stuffing bales of hay inside and setting them on fire. Story continues Thangjam Lata Devi, the mother of one of the accused, was told she had given birth to a "spoilt" son. Her home was also torched. "If they decide to exile you, then that's it," she said. The Meira Paibis said the homes were burned to send a message. "We condemn what happened to the women," said Sumati, who helped set fire to one of the houses. "The accused and their family will not be able to live in their village. That is why we destroyed the house." The Kuki oppose Meitei demands for reserved public job quotas and college admissions as a form of affirmative action, stoking fears that they might also be allowed to acquire land in areas currently reserved for tribal groups. Human Rights Watch alleges the policies "promote Hindu majoritarianism". - Vigilante justice - But just as Meira Paibis vigilantes administer their form of justice, they have also protected their men. Some 500 women blocked roads to stop about 100 armed police arresting another suspect linked to the video on Saturday, jeering at security forces in a three-hour standoff. "Kill us! Take us all!" the women screamed, brandishing burning torches. Their faces were smeared in toothpaste, which they say helps protect against tear gas. This time, they alleged the men the police wanted to arrest were not responsible and the officers left empty-handed. The group has blocked roads to bar security forces multiple times during the unrest, accusing the army of being biased towards the Kuki. "We have a legacy of protecting our people and that gives us inner strength," said Meira Paibis member Matouleibi Chanu. The Meira Paibis launched dusk-till-dawn patrols after the violence erupted, hammering on electricity poles to raise the alarm. The army said in June they were forced to release 12 Meitei militia members after troops were surrounded by a 1,500-strong "mob" of women. "We will do everything to protect our people," said 60-year-old Chongtham Thopi Devi, another Meira Paibis member. Police said in a statement on Saturday that six arrests had been made in connection with the video and they were conducting "raids" for other suspects. "We can't use the same force as we do in dispersing men," a senior police officer said, asking not to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to reporters. "We often find men hiding behind these women in protests and marches... the women lead always." ash/pjm/pbt Holly Christensen A law that needs more carrots just lost its one big stick. Since 2012, Ohios Third Grade Reading Guarantee has required all public school third graders to pass a state reading test. If a student did not pass, they had to repeat the third grade, even if the students guardians wanted them promoted to the fourth grade. Ohio is not the only state that has had stringent reading requirements for promotion to the fourth grade, and for good reason. From kindergarten through the third grade, students acquire the educational entry skills of reading, writing, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. After the third grade, students apply these skills to learn about history, geography, science, literature and advanced math. Students who have not mastered the fundamentals of learning before entering the fourth grade are not likely to succeed in school. Or as I tell the third graders I tutor, Someone with just a screwdriver cant build a house they need a toolbox full of tools. In 2013, Mississippi, which has the nations highest rate of child poverty, passed a third grade reading guarantee law similar to Ohios, which includes the requirement for third graders to pass a state reading test to enter the fourth grade. Mississippis program is far more robust than Ohios, in part due to a $100 million reading institute created by Mississippi native and former Netscape CEO, Jim Barksdale. Barksdale worked with the state government to implement teacher training in what is now called the science of reading, which emphasizes phonics. The state also expanded pre-K programs, particularly in struggling districts, and full-day school. Mississippi diligently collects metrics on the impact of their efforts. The results have been tremendous. According to a recent story in the New York Times by Nicholas Kristof, the state has moved from near the bottom to the middle for most of the exams and near the top when adjusted for demographics. Story continues Measuring success and data collection are important. In the case of Mississippi, the data proves that poverty and racism cannot be accepted as an excuse to allow students to fail. The Mississippi data also shows, contrary to common assumption, that repeating the third grade is not stigmatizing. In fact, by the sixth grade, students who have repeated the third grade are more academically successful than the students who just barely passed the third grade reading test. COVID-19 not only revealed systemic problems in Ohios K-12 public schools, it made those institutional problems worse, particularly for the most vulnerable students those with learning disabilities and the youngest students. This past June, I taught Ohios four-week Third Grade Reading Academy (TGRA) to eight Akron Public Schools students who had not passed the Ohio State Test (OST) for reading during the school year. Our six-hour days were full of activity, but generally we spent mornings working on phonics and afternoons going over the reading sections of recent past OSTs. It is important to state that the OST reading section is obtuse and should be replaced. Many of the passages are outdated, dull and contain language few third graders, regardless of demographics, would recognize. As for the questions, many are so far above a third graders abilities, I doubt most freshman at the University of Akron, where I also teach, would score 100%. My students this summer were bright and worked hard. Some struggled with behavior issues born of hunger, trauma at home, and exhaustion from staying up late playing video games. But by our last week together, the group had become a band of supportive cohorts and I, too, feel deeply invested in their success. Last week, I called the district to see if they had received my students test results. Because the OST has a written portion, it cannot be graded instantly by a computer. We expect the results in August, the woman I spoke with told me. But you might want to sit down. A few days ago, Gov. DeWine signed House Bill 33 into law, which this year allows all third graders promotion to the fourth grade no matter what their scores are. Going forward, if a student does not pass the OST, the state will promote the child to the fourth grade at their guardians request. I expect enrollment in the Third Grade Reading Academy, which has proven to increase literacy, to plummet as it will no longer be a last-chance option. Last years third graders were kindergartners in 2020 when Akrons school buildings closed that March for what was to be an entire year. Already facing academic risk as students in a large urban district with high rates of poverty, these children missed essential instruction. Ample research, particularly conducted during and after the pandemic, reveals that in-person instruction is far more effective than remote learning. This is particularly true for the youngest students and those with disabilities. Furthermore, significant numbers of students in poorer districts had difficulties attending online instruction, functionally receiving little to no education for a year. And now, instead of redoubling Ohios investment in its most vulnerable children by giving them one of the surest necessities for success in life fluent literacy the state is going to pass this group along unprepared for the fourth grade. A sure-fire recipe for failure. Holly Christensen: What do poor people look like? No different than everyone else In his piece on Mississippi, Kristof points out that before the state implemented its third grade reading guarantee, no matter how bad things were in other Deep South states, they could always say, Thank God for Mississippi! where it was inevitably worse. But, thanks to 10 years of investment and hard work, that is no longer the case. Now they can just say, Thank God for Ohio! Contact Holly Christensen at whoopsiepiggle@gmail.com This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Promoting unprepared third graders is bad idea | Holly Christensen The Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine has launched an investigation into the participation of the Belarusian Red Cross in the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. Source: Andrii Kostin, Prosecutor General on Twitter Quote: "The participation of the Belarusian Red Cross in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children from the territories occupied by the Russian Federation to Belarus is complicity in the commission of an international crime. This organisation grossly violates the norms of the Geneva Conventions, as well as the fundamental principles of the Red Cross Movement. We hope that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will address this breach of integrity and take appropriate action. For our part, we have launched an investigation to ensure that every case of forced displacement and/or deportation of Ukrainian children is held accountable." Background: In June, the Belarusian Red Cross reported that more than 700 children from Ukraine had been brought to Belarus. Earlier, the Belarusian opposition reported that more than 2,000 Ukrainian children were deported to Belarus. They added that dictator Alexander Lukashenko personally signs documents related to the commission of a war crime. On 19 July, Belarusian opposition media reported that Dmitry Shevtsov, the head of the Belarusian Red Cross, went to the occupied territories and, on air of the Belarusian state television, confessed that the Red Cross of the country "exports and will continue to export" children from the occupied territories of Ukraine. Before that, during a previous trip there, according to Belarusian media, he was noticed in camouflage with the letter Z, widely known as the symbol of Ruscism. The International Red Cross launched an investigation after the last trip of Dmitry Shevtsov, the head of the Belarusian Red Cross, to the occupied territories of Ukraine, during which he confessed to have stolen Ukrainian children and taken them to Belarus. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! For years, the carbon dioxide pipeline snaked through the fields and forests of Yazoo County, Mississippi, going largely unnoticed. But that changed forever on a winter evening in 2020. Under pressure from heavy rains and a landslide, the pipeline split in two, roaring like a jet engine, carving a 40-foot crater into the ground, and sending an invisible cloud of dangerous carbon dioxide vapor toward the tiny village of Satartia. In a scene rescue workers would later compare to a zombie movie, cars died in the middle of the road, their engines starved of oxygen. Drivers fled, leaving their hazard lights blinking in the dust and darkness. A sheriffs deputy working without an oxygen mask grew increasingly unsteady and short of breath, until he himself had to be rescued, according to Warren County fire coordinator Jerry Briggs. Closer to the deafening roar of the escaping gas, Briggs and his team spotted a stalled-out car that was still in drive, the drivers foot resting on the brake, the windows closed. All three of the men inside were unconscious. It was miraculous that they survived, Briggs said. While rare and up until now nonfatal, accidents such as the one that night in Satartia loom large as the Midwest considers the health and safety issues raised by proposals to build massive new carbon dioxide pipeline projects, including Omaha-based Navigator CO2s 1,350-mile network spanning Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota. The projects aim to prevent planet-warming CO2 from entering the atmosphere by capturing it during industrial processes, compressing it into a fluid, transporting it in steel pipelines and injecting it deep underground into naturally occurring rock formations where it will be trapped ideally for thousands of years. Navigator says this can be done safely and points to thousands of miles of CO2 pipeline already in use in the United States, mostly by the oil industry, which uses carbon dioxide to boost production. Story continues But opponents, including environmentalists and landowners, say a new generation of massive, climate-oriented CO2 pipeline projects such as Navigators should be put on hold until government officials can address alarming gaps in health and safety regulations. Among the gaps: There is no state or federal limit on how close pipelines carrying a potentially suffocating gas can be placed to a home, school or hospital. There is no requirement that an odorant be added to the CO2 to alert the public to a leak, as is done with natural gas. There is no limit on the impurities that are allowed in the carbon dioxide, despite the potential for pipeline corrosion and health hazards in the event of a leak. There is no requirement that pipeline companies use a specific method to map potential accident hazard zones, although one standard approach which failed in Mississippi doesnt take complex topography into account. Its like the Wild Wild West, said Pam Richart, co-director of the Champaign-based environmental group Eco-Justice Collaborative and lead organizer of the Coalition to Stop CO2 Pipelines, of the current state of regulation. Its whatever (the pipeline companies) say is going to go. Adding to Illinoisans health and safety concerns are the unknowns: No one has ever stored as much CO2 underground as Navigator proposes up to 15 million metric tons a year in central Illinois and while the risks are theoretically low, opponents say the stakes are high. Theyre worried about drinking water contamination due to CO2 leakage and the potential for tiny microearthquakes as subterranean pressures rise. In May, more than 150 environmental and advocacy groups including the Center for Biological Diversity, Eco-Justice Collaborative and Food & Water Watch signed a letter to President Joe Biden calling for a moratorium on new CO2 pipelines until federal regulators complete their work on new safety standards. Calls for state and federal moratoriums come at a time when the nation faces a potential tsunami of new CO2 pipelines, driven by billions of dollars in federal incentives aimed at combating climate change, according to a 2022 report from the nonprofit Pipeline Safety Trust. In the Midwest, proposed projects from other companies include the 260-mile Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline in Illinois and Iowa and the 2,000-mile Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. The United States, currently home to about 5,300 miles of CO2 pipeline, could have more than 68,000 miles by 2050, according to a Princeton University report. Navigator declined to do a phone interview but said in writing that current state and federal pipeline regulations are sufficient. The United States has thousands of miles of regulated, liquid CO2 pipelines that have been operating safely for years, the company wrote. There are many instances in which Navigator is exceeding the federal safety stipulations outlined in (CO2 pipeline) regulations. A potential bomb Karen Sanders greeted a visitor from the wide porch of her three-bedroom home in rural Nokomis, 200 miles southwest of Chicago. Petunias dangled from hanging flower baskets, drawing the occasional hummingbird. A sign just inside the front door said Grateful, thankful, blessed. This is the forever home Sanders and her husband, Eric, a farmer, built 25 years ago on 5 acres of family land. Her late father, a carpenter, helped with construction, as did her father-in-law, a retired farmer who used a scoop tractor to lift shingles to the roof. She and her husband raised their two grown children here. But Sanders, 54, a community college vice president, said she wont stay if Navigator succeeds in its plan to run a high-pressure carbon dioxide pipeline about 400 yards from her home in a farm field owned by her family. Its a huge decision, said Sanders. But we refuse to live next to what we consider a potential bomb. Of all the pipeline concerns facing Illinois landowners, none has caused more anguish than the prospect of a rupture. Ninety-nine percent of my family lives just miles from us, said Sabrina Jones, 35, of Nokomis, who has helped organize the local pipeline opposition, along with her husband, Ralph. If and when that pipeline ruptures, it would suffocate all of us. Opponents could be forced to allow pipelines to run under their properties if Navigators application for eminent domain is approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission. Under eminent domain, private property can be taken for public use against the owners wishes but with proper compensation. At the very least, landowners want setbacks or required minimum distances from homes, schools and other places where people gather. But the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration doesnt require setbacks for CO2 pipelines. Nothing prevents them from putting (a pipeline) right next to your house, said pipeline safety consultant Richard Kuprewicz, author of an influential Pipeline Safety Trust report on regulatory gaps. The pipeline proposal still needs the approval of the Illinois Commerce Commission and permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, the project will need more buy-in from landowners along the proposed route; in June only about 13% had agreed to allow Navigator to run the underground pipes through their property, according to testimony before the commerce commission. A spokesperson for Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a written statement saying the governor does not comment on proposals that are pending before the Illinois Commerce Commission. The governor has worked to appoint qualified individuals to the commission and believes in their work to ensure adequate, efficient, reliable, safe and least-cost public utility services, protect Illinois consumers and residents, and make the best decisions for the state based on current law, the statement said. In its last session, the Illinois legislature considered a bill supported by Navigator critics that would require that CO2 pipelines be placed at least a mile from homes, and at least 2 miles from hospitals and schools. Theres an exception for companies that use more sophisticated (and expensive) computer modeling to determine potential hazard zones and then route their pipelines accordingly. A second bill, backed by industry, didnt include pipeline setbacks. Neither bill made it to a floor vote. Studies of existing U.S. CO2 pipelines have found that accidents leading to the release of significant amounts of CO2 are infrequent. Accidental leaks occur at a rate of 1 incident per 1,600 miles of pipeline per year, according to a 2022 study in the Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, and many of those accidents are leaks from holes and unintended releases from relief valves. The study, based on U.S. government data, found that only 3% of leaks were serious enough to be classified as ruptures. But the 2020 pipeline rupture in Mississippi served as a reminder that when larger accidents do occur, they can be serious. People were dropping like flies all over the place, said Kuprewicz, referring to those who passed out. Im not here to scare people. Its just the reality. I dont fear this stuff, but it demands great respect. Two hundred people including those prevented from driving through the area were evacuated because of a rupture that occurred due to a landslide after heavy rains, according to a government report. The soil advanced downhill toward the pipeline, creating pressure and causing a weld to fail. Federal regulators fined the pipeline operator, Texas-based Denbury Gulf Coast Pipelines, nearly $2.9 million. Among the alleged violations listed in a March consent agreement: Denbury failed to review its procedures for monitoring and addressing geohazard risks to determine their effectiveness, and the company failed to correct deficiencies in its geohazard program. Geohazards include landslides. Denbury did not admit to any violations but agreed to pay the fine and address the alleged violations and risks. Denbury, which was recently acquired by ExxonMobil, did not respond to requests for comment. A federal database says there were no injuries in the Mississippi pipeline rupture, but thats based on a definition of injury that requires inpatient hospitalization. There were and are injuries, said Russell Serafin, an attorney at the Webster Law Firm in Houston, which is representing 104 Mississippi residents in a lawsuit against the pipeline operators parent company, Denbury Inc., alleging physical and emotional suffering and loss of income. One plaintiff, Deemmeris Burns, spoke about his health during a recent public meeting hosted by federal pipeline regulators in Des Moines. Burns, who was found unconscious in a car during the CO2 release, said he was exposed to the gas for about three hours. Im still suffering from it today: headaches, memory loss, trouble breathing, thinking, concentrating, he said. It does so much to you. Alarming safety gaps Satartia was supposed to be safe. Years before the accident, when Denbury did computer modeling to predict the area that would be potentially affected if a leak occurred a mile from Satartia, the news was good. The colorless, odorless gas wasnt expected to reach the village of 50. A company map, included in a government report, shows that the CO2 hazard zone was expected to stay within a half mile or so of the pipeline. But, in reality, the gas would follow a very different path when it escaped. Heavier than air, the CO2 flowed downhill, rested in the bowl of a crater, and, then as the discharge volume increased, crested a hill and moved into Satartia. The gas, which started leaking at 7:06 p.m., appears to have reached the outskirts of Satartia by 7:18 p.m., according to a detailed account in HuffPost. How could Denburys predictions have been so wrong? Unlike natural gas, carbon dioxide migrates in fairly unpredictable ways, depending on the weather and terrain. It can continue on for miles in dangerous or even fatal concentrations, according to Pipeline Safety Trust executive director Bill Caram. Denbury used a standard method of calculating the potential impact on Satartia, according to a letter the company sent to federal regulators. But such modeling methods dont typically account for complex topography, such as hilly terrain. Some pipeline critics want the government to require a more sophisticated approach that can handle complex topography. But that approach is newer and by some accounts much more expensive, and it is still undergoing some testing. That leaves a gap, in both knowledge and regulation. We dont have a simple formula, and we also dont yet have best practices, said Caram. Another gap is the lack of any requirement that an odorant be added to carbon dioxide, in the same manner as a rotten egg smell is added to natural gas. Thats critical, Caram said, and the search for the right candidate one that stays with the escaping gas and wont react with CO2 and corrode the pipeline is ongoing. Other concerns center around potential impurities in the CO2. The new climate-oriented pipelines will mostly draw their CO2 from multiple industrial plants, unlike the pipelines used by the oil industry, which tend to rely on a single natural source of CO2. Multiple industrial sources could increase the risk of impurities such as hydrogen sulfide, which can make leaks more hazardous to human health, according to Caram. Impurities including water can also corrode CO2 pipelines. At a time when the new climate-oriented pipelines are poised to rapidly expand, there are still no maximum limits on the amount of impurities they can carry. There are a lot of alarming gaps in the safety regulations right now, Caram said. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is working on new CO2 pipeline safety regulations in the wake of Satartia, and deputy administrator Tristan Brown said the goal is to have the update completed and in place in 2024. Were operating at light speed because of the importance of this, Brown said. Officials arent allowed to comment on the content of new rules before they are made public, but Brown said that the update will be informed by a close look at what went wrong in Satartia. We share the sentiment of the public, that were not going to rely on our regulations simply being followed and take enforcement action if theyre not, Brown said. Were trying to foolproof the process. Will stored CO2 leak? In 2011, a public-private research team began injecting thousands of metric tons of carbon dioxide more than a mile underground, into the porous rock below an Archer Daniels Midland ethanol facility in Decatur. At first, the earth below was quiet. But two months after the injections started, monitoring equipment detected a very low-intensity earthquake with a magnitude measured in negative numbers. Two days later, there was another microearthquake, and 10 days after that, another. Over the next three years, 4,700 microquakes would be detected and located, with an average magnitude of -0.9. Earthquakes caused by CO2 injection tend to be small, and those at Decatur were no exception. None reached even magnitude 2 itself still a level at which quakes are not commonly felt by people, according to a 2016 report in the International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control. That was good news, in part because of concerns that if the earthquakes triggered by CO2 injection were larger, they could have triggered carbon dioxide leaks. The Decatur project, one of the largest carbon storage projects in the world at the time, concluded with data showing there had been no CO2 leakage, according to a 2021 report to the U.S. Department of Energy. And a follow-up project at the same site has been storing about 500,000 metric tons of CO2 a year. Those were big steps forward for Illinois, considered by some a prime location for the storage of liquid CO2, due to natural features such as vast deposits of sandstone, a rock prized for both porosity, or spaces to hold the CO2, and permeability, or channels between the spaces that allow the CO2 to spread. Still, Navigator opponents say the volume of CO2 injection that Navigator is proposing is, in itself, a concern. The company plans to inject up to 15 million metric tons of CO2 a year, or about 30 times more than Decatur. According to an international database, no existing underground storage project in the world has a maximum annual capacity as large Navigators, although there are several of that magnitude in the works. Will CO2 leak? I dont know, said Richart, the Champaign environmental advocate. What I know is theres no project of this scale that has been done before for us to look back on and say, Yeah, weve been doing it safely for decades. We cant say that. Researchers typically dont speak about the risk of CO2 leakage from underground storage in general terms because hazards are calculated based on a sites specific characteristics. But a recent report from the Prairie Research Institute did offer some ballpark risk figures, based on research conducted during a previous project in Illinois and east Texas. The report estimated that the risk of a CO2 leak from an undocumented deep well perhaps abandoned during a previous wave of oil drilling was about 1 in 1,000 per well per year. Other kinds of leaks were deemed less likely. A slow leak through the caprock the layer of dense rock that forms a natural barrier to the upward movement of CO2 was considered less than half as likely. The risk of a leak through an induced fault or a fault created by the project was estimated to be 2 in 100 million per year. Stanford University professor of geophysics emeritus Mark Zoback, who has written about the CO2 storage potential of central Illinois, said that a storage project on the scale of Navigator would require three to five years of site study and testing by teams of people. That prep work would include drilling wells, collecting and analyzing data on seismic activity, and running computer models and the final result might be a finding that the proposed storage site couldnt handle the amount of CO2 proposed. Even if the site proved suitable, there would still be unknowns, due to the unprecedented amount of CO2 involved, Zoback said. More CO2 means larger areas of pressure on the basement rock below the storage area, and, in turn, a higher probability that larger faults will be reached and activated, causing larger earthquakes. Scientists cant predict exactly how the larger pressurized areas will affect earthquake size, Zoback said, although he thinks the most likely scenario for Navigator-scale projects in Illinois is that earthquakes of relatively small magnitude would increase in frequency. That would likely lead the operator of the project to try to reduce the size and number of earthquakes by decreasing CO2 injection rates. Navigator noted that Environmental Protection Agency regulations require seismic monitoring during the injection of CO2 deep into the ground. Injection rate reduction and shutdown procedures are in place, in case seismic activity is observed, the company said. Navigator also cited decades of study of the geology of central Illinois where the Decatur project has captured international attention and said that Illinois injection wells have successfully reduced seismic activity. In Decatur, that was done by changing the depth of the injection. Zoback, in contrast, stressed that the amounts of CO2 injected in Decatur are still relatively small. You cant just extrapolate from a few hundred thousand tons to 15 million tons and assume everything is just going to be all right, he said. At least, thats my opinion. nschoenberg@chicagotribune.com Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses Russian military, National Guard, FSB, and Interior Ministry personnel at the Kremlin in Moscow on June 27, 2023. SERGEI GUNEYEV/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images Putin has reinforced his National Guard with elite special forces, arming them with tanks and warplanes. The Russian president does not trust the loyalty of his security services following the Wagner mutiny. The move is seen as making the Kremlin "coup-proof," an analyst told The Telegraph. Russian President Vladimir Putin has reinforced his National Guard with an elite special-forces unit to protect him in case of another rebellion, the British newspaper The Telegraph reported. The National Guard, created by Putin in 2016, has 320,000 men and reports directly to him rather than the Ministry of Defense. It's headed by Putin's loyal former bodyguard, Viktor Zolotov, and its main functions have included cracking down on anti-government protests. An MP for Putin's United Russia party, Alexander Khinshtein, said that Putin has personally ordered the Interior Ministry's 7,000-men-strong Grom special-forces unit to move under its command. He has also brought in tanks, warplanes, and artillery to reinforce the National Guard, described by analysts as his "Praetorian Guard," drawing parallels to the elite Roman imperial bodyguards who were loyal to the emperor, per The Telegraph. Following the rebellion of Wagner Group soldiers working under his former confidant Yevgeny Prigozhin, Putin is reportedly worried about the loyalty of his security services and military officers. Russia approved the changes to the National Guard's status earlier this week and said it can now be armed with "military equipment" to "suppress the activities of illegal armed groups." This move is an attempt by Putin to "coup-proof the Kremlin," Ben Noble, an associate professor of Russian politics at University College London, told The Telegraph. "The Kremlin is likely revealing its worry about possible future domestic challenges to its rule," he said. "Prigozhin's mutiny has raised the level of uncertainty concerning elite and popular support for the regime." Story continues The Russian Vedomosti newspaper reported that Putin was using Grom to attract former Wagner fighters who didn't want to join other mercenaries in exile in Belarus. Andrei Soldatov, an expert on Russia's security services, told the Telegraph that the move was "significant." "Putin is straightening the special forces' command and control after Prigozhin's mutiny," he said. John Hardie, the deputy director of the Russia program at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, told The Telegraph that the move was a win for his former bodyguard Zolotov, as Grom was the Interior Ministry's last special police unit. Read the original article on Business Insider Historical photo of the Trinity test. As millions of people head to the theaters this weekend to see Christopher Nolans epic Oppenheimer, a new study has been released that tracks the radioactive devastation wrought by the U.S. governments first nuclear weapons test. The Trinity test, as it was secretly known, was the first nuclear detonation by the American military, occurring on July 16, 1945. That test resulted in the distribution of radioactive deposits to 46 U.S. states, as well as to parts of Canada and Mexico, the new research shows. The report also attempts to analyze the impact of the dozens of other atmospheric nuclear weapons tests carried out by the federal government between 1951 and 1962 inside the United States. The tests, researchers say, caused widespread dispersion of radioactive fallout and led to environmental contamination and population exposures. Here are some of the key takeaways from the new report. Background on Trinity Pictured: Albert Einstein and J. Robert Oppenheimer. The Trinity test and the dozens of nuclear tests that followed were the result of the top secret Manhattan Project, the WWII era U.S. government program that focused on the development of the atomic bomb. J. Robert Oppenheimer, the titular protagonist of Christopher Nolans new movie, headed the program for the government and thus was a pivotal figure in the development of the first atom bomb. The Trinity was the culmination of months of highly secretive work and took place in the New Mexico desert. The newly published research focuses on atmospheric tests, meaning tests that impacted the atmosphere, though the U.S. government has also extensively conducted underground nuclear weapons testing, blowing up an estimated 815 subterranean nukes between 1951 and 1998. Read more Trinity had a big impact on the total amount of radioactive fallout in the U.S. One of the only existing color images of the Trinity test. July 16, 1945. The new research on the Trinity and other above-ground nuclear tests uses a combination of data that wasnt previously available for other evaluations. The research paper uses high-resolution reanalyzed historical weather fields, U.S. government data, and complex atmospheric modeling to try to chart the distribution of radioactive fallout in the days following historical nuclear tests. According to the findings of the new study, the Trinity test had a large impact on the total amount of nuclear fallout that has spread throughout the U.S. Our results show the significant contribution of the Trinity fallout to the total deposition density across the contiguous U.S....and in New Mexico in particular. The report states that fallout from Trinity reached 46 states in just 10 days. Story continues Of the 101 tests carried out in the U.S., 94 created radioactive mushroom clouds Historical photo of the Trinity test. The report notes that of the 101 nuclear tests carried out during the time period studied, 94 of them created radioactive mushroom clouds that subsequently dispersed nuclear fallout across the country. Most of those tests took place in Nevada Screenshot: Lucas Ropek/study While the Trinity test took place in New Mexico, the other 93 atmospheric tests that generated a mushroom cloud took place in various locations around Nevada. The above graphic shows the extent to which researchers believe nuclear tests spread nuclear fallout across the country. The picture shows the cumulative radionuclide deposition density map following the first 5 days after each of the 94 atmospheric tests included in the study. The U.S. also carried out 45 airburst tests Photo: U.S. Department of Energy The report also notes that the U.S. carried out 45 airburst tests, the likes of which involved detonating nuclear bombs in the Earths upper atmosphere. These tests were conducted by shooting a rocket into the atmosphere that would be armed to burst at a predetermined point in space, one study notes. The above photo shows what looks like a photo of the sun but is actually visual capture of a nuclear bomb being blown up in the sky. In at least one instance, the government reportedly had volunteers stand under one such airburst explosion to test the health impacts it would have on people standing beneath one. The research could have an impact on who is eligible for compensation from the government Photo: Three Lions (Getty Images) The research could start a new conversation about how many people are due compensation from the government over the health impacts of the tests, the New York Times has reported. The 1990 Radiation Exposure Compensation Act is a federal statute designed to pay out money to communities and individuals that have been impacted by government nuclear testing, though the new research suggests that a much broader area was potentially impacted by testing than the legislation previously acknowledged. The report says that it hopes its findings provide an opportunity for re-evaluating the public health and environmental implications from atmospheric nuclear testing: Our total deposition density estimates across the contiguous United States have implications for public health and discussions about the 1990 Radiation Exposure and Compensation Act. Aggregated by counties and federally recognized tribal lands, our total deposition density estimates show that there are locations in New Mexico, and in other parts of the United States, including Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, and Idaho, where radionuclide deposition reached levels larger than those we estimate in some counties covered by RECA. Total deposition density is a metric that reflects external exposure to radiation without accounting for internal contamination via the ingestion of contaminated water, fresh milk, and other foodstuffs. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Donald Trump gave a rambling response to a question about his faith at a town hall. He spoke about how good his life was before he became president and name-dropped religious figures. Despite his vagueness about his faith, he continues to maintain strong support from evangelicals. Former President Donald Trump appeared to dodge answering a question about his faith at a Fox News town hall earlier this week. A woman in Iowa asked Trump how his faith has grown since he first ran for president and asked who has mentored him in his "faith journey." "I've seen so much heartache and turmoil. I was a developer, and I did other things, and you know I had a wonderful, I had a wonderful life before all this stuff. I didn't know what a grand jury w. I I didn't know what a subpoena was what is a subpoena?" Trump responded. He went on to say he was "so happy" he decided to run for president because "I've made America gre. Wewe can do it again. Right now, we are not a great country." Trumn added that he has gotten to know evangelicals because of his presidency and name-checked prominent evangelists Franklin Graham and Paula White. "I know so many people, and they feel so good about themselves and their family, and they base it on religion," he said. "I know so many people that are so incredible, religious people, and not just Christians, not just evangelicals." Trump then shifted focus onto how Catholics have been made the "enemy" by the FI, ane questioned how Catholics could vote for a Democrat or Biden specifically. Despite his vagueness regarding his faith, Trumps one of the frontrunners for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has long been embraced by religious figures in the US. Trump was confirmed as a Presbyterian as a child but said while he was president that he identified as a "non-denominational Christian." Story continues Attendees pray together before President Donald Trump addresses the crowd at the King Jesus International Ministry during a "Evangelicals for Trump" rally in Miami, FL on Friday, Jan. 3, 2020. Scott McIntyre/For The Washington Post via Getty Images The former president has maintained a solid support base among evangelicals, who credit him with various conservative victories, including the Supreme Court's decision to overturn federal abortion protections. Earlier this year, former Vice-President Mike Pence ridiculed Trump's religious devotion during his remarks at the annual Gridiron Dinner. Pence joked that he had "once invited President Trump to a Bible study," calling it "an experience," according to The Washington Post. Pence is well-known to be a deeply religious evangelical Christian. "He really liked the passages about smiting and perishing of thine enemies. As he put it, 'You know Mike, there's some really good stuff in there,'" Pence said, doing a verbal impression of the former president. "Which reminds me. I read that some of those classified documents they found in Mar-a-Lago were actually stuck in the president's Bible," Pence said, referencing the ongoing saga of investigations into Trump. "Which proves he had absolutely no idea they were there." Read the original article on Business Insider Dr. Chris Hakim lives in a version of the not-so-distant past. He practices modern medicine and spends as much time as he likes with patients without issue a departure from the growing trend in health care. The patient is now seeing a physician who doesnt decide how much time he spends with a given patient, Hakim said. Those things are dictated by someone else. There are guidelines to everything and they come from administration. Over the 35 years Hakim has been working in health care, hes learned the heartbeat of good cares rhythm is the trust and relationship between patient and provider. His second 15 years practicing and running an independent practice with up to 25 employees, he saw how things were changing and adapted as best he could. But those forces causing changes have been turbocharged in recent years, according to Hakim. The rheumatologist saw firsthand how some patients, particularly older ones, struggled to deal with the shifting landscape of obtaining care from people facing their own pressures in providing it. The rise of administration has stretched physicians and encouraged private practices to join with systems that could provide infrastructure to meet new IT burdens and deal with government- and industry-sponsored plans so the physician could spend more time focusing on health again. Patients are witnessing the change of command here and who is in control, who is making all these decisions and its changing the experience all around, Hakim said. Millions of Americans stopped having a primary care provider between 2002 and 2015, according to a Harvard Medical School Researchers study completed in 2019. The sector is grappling with a wave of retirements and not enough doctors taking their places causing an increasing reliance on a series of other health care providers with less formal training to fill that space. They all share the drive to make people feel better, whether they are nurse practitioners or physician assistants, and they are referred to differently depending on whom you ask physician extenders to some, advanced practice providers to others. Regardless, they are stepping up to fill the breach as a shortage of primary care physicians crests as the average age of Americans continues to grow older. This means many Americans get less face-to-face time with the dwindling number of primary care doctors. Story continues Advanced practice providers certainly expand our capacity and allow a team to manage more patients than they would if it was just a physician by themselves, said Dr. Steve Pearman, vice president of medical operations for Sentara Medical Group. Things the way we used to do (them) are not going to work for us in the future, Pearman said. The physician shortage was created by a variety of issues, from a lack of residencies despite growing medical school class sizes, more pay for specialists than primary care providers despite the debt burden of becoming one of those being similar, and other factors, he said. One of the pressures among the physician shortage is the modern reimbursement model called fee for service, Pearman said. The fee for service reimbursement model creates a tension between access and capacity and the way we get paid, he said. The transactional interaction means depending on service units times the number equals the reimbursement and primary care loses money in many ways, Pearman said. Its very hard for independent primary care physicians to make money in a free for service world, he said. And many times, the solution to reducing costs is to reduce what theyre paying the physician rather than focusing on things like do you really need to do other procedures or surgeries. So in that sense, there is a certain amount of pressure for physicians and APPs to see a certain number per day. Sentara tries to find the sweet spot between volume and the necessary amount of care for a patient, he said. This also encourages systems to avoid having open spots so that they can cover their expenses and costs, but that also comes at the expense of chilling the ability of patients to see physicians the same day. Templates exist with 15 to 20 minute slots and 30 to 40 minute slots divided by hours in the day to gauge how many patients must be seen in a day to cover expenses, he said. The trick is to be efficient enough to hone in on the most important things during that encounter and maybe address things outside the encounter if they pop up, Pearman said. He said he had APPs in his primary care practice in the 90s and patients generally understood if they couldnt see him and would trust and like the APP who would provide care for them in his stead. This transition for patients, physicians and APPs as well, is that we want to maintain a personal relationship with them, Pearman said. However, there are visits such as for a prescription refill where an APP can see the protocol and can get it done. There are a lot of parts of care that we provide and we can decant on to other parts of the team to allow more time for me in the room with you when I see you, and other ways of communication back and forth, he said. So seeing patients less often does not necessarily mean its less personal. Coordination of services provide different types of access meant to address peoples needs, Pearman said. For example, in chronic care management, there are likely those whod rather receive an in-depth call each month than wait six months to see a doctor face-to-face with a list of issues that have worsened in that time, according to Pearman. In some ways, if we do this correctly, its going to be better and more and theyll get more touches versus less touches with one person, Pearman said. And he agrees the trust and relationship between providers is vital for the patient and the system. To me, it is the crux of how primary care reduces health care costs, Pearman said. In some states, such as California, there are value-based health contracts where reimbursements are based on effectiveness in preventing health issues, he said. The fee for service model, where reimbursements are based on services provided, is much more ubiquitous in Virginia, according to Pearman. Insurance providers recognize the balance of costs and care for patients, according to Monica Schmude, president of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Virginia. If theres a limit of access to care because theres not enough providers, then certainly preventative care measures are going to be sacrificed and were going to have more chronic conditions, Schmude said. So theres a domino effect. Its critical that every patient has a relationship with a physician, she said. Very low out of-pocket/no out-of-pocket costs is a major incentive that drives patients to physicians for preventative care and in commercial groups, build incentives as well for preventative care, according to Schmude. The goal here is to have 100% compliance 100% of their workforce has a physician relationship thats the place to start, she said. Then as a physician encounter is needed, they know where to go, theyre probably less inclined to go to the emergency room for things that are less emergent and theyre more inclined to call a physicians office to direct that care accordingly. Schmude said one of Anthems leading proposed solutions is incentivizing physicians and other providers to practice at the top of their license. This means distributing tasks to those most qualified to do them allowing the most time for the most qualified people to complete the most complicated tasks, she said. Additionally, Anthem sees digital platforms like the one they have that can help bridge any potential gaps in care by ensuring people are able to get the care they need quickly. However, Schmude said she considers her parents as an example of how technology is not a single solution to the issue. Again, this is where other programs and support can be provided by insurers, like Anthem, to free up provider time for patients, she said. These wrap-around programs are more based in the community, and especially for the community, not just a technological answer, she said. These days, Hakim has a refreshing connection with the Peninsula patient community through his work as a doctor at the Lackey Clinic in Yorktown. That is what people I think are seeking in this world where so much of that is slipping away, Hakim said. And of all the places they counted on, it was going to be in their personal health care and what they thought of as a relationship-based type of interaction. Though there are many areas, such as personal banking, where new systems have risen to reduce costs and streamline, Hakim said. But health care is one area where those kinds of changes dont just mean a minor difference of seeing an ATM versus a human bank teller. Health care was kind of holy space and you didnt tamper with some of that, but were well into the process of a radical conversion there and its very difficult, especially for older people, he said. Ian Munro, 757-447-4097, ian.munro@virginiamedia.com President Joe Bidens family story has long been one of his greatest strengths politically. Republicans are starting to think they can turn it into a liability. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has had no shortage of issues on which hes attacked Biden immigration, the military or woke policies. But speaking to a group of Republicans about parental rights in Tennessee last weekend, he made it more personal. Why dont you spend some time with your granddaughter in Arkansas, or at least recognize her existence before you start worrying about our kids? DeSantis said. He also tweeted a jab at Biden on the issue on Friday. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley floated this attack on Thursday as well when she talked about her call for mental competency tests of presidents and quipped that they should include a question about how many grandchildren you have. The 2024 presidential candidates were referencing the child fathered by the presidents son, Hunter, and a woman named Lunden Roberts. Hunter Biden, who has described his relationship with Roberts as a fling while he was battling addiction, recently settled a much-publicized paternity case with Roberts in an Arkansas court. But in recent comments, the president didnt count the child among his grandchildren making him the target of criticism and the subject of ongoing conservative news coverage. NBC News reached out to the White House, Biden campaign and the Democratic National Committee. All declined to comment for this piece. The attacks on the Bidens over their family are not new. Just this week, Georgia GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene held up nude photos of Hunter Biden during a House Oversight Committee hearing. That they have now boiled over to the presidential campaign trail and focused on this young girl and her role in the Biden family underscores how Republicans are leaning into a deeply personal issue for the president and that it isnt going away. Republicans say it reveals the presidents true colors and exposes the hypocrisy of a president who has made family a central tenet of his political persona. Story continues It runs counter to the narrative that he tries to create. He talks about being such a great family man, how he calls all of his grandchildren, how he loves his family, how hes a devout Catholic, former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said in an interview. And yet, this doesnt portend. And the thing thats weird about it is theres nothing to be ashamed of. Hunter Biden initially denied he was the father of the child, but in court filings, Roberts said a paternity test established with scientific certainty that he was. Hunter Biden recently settled the paternity case with Roberts, who withdrew a request that her daughter take the Biden name. The settlement includes child support, a college fund and an undisclosed number of Hunter Bidens paintings, which have drawn scrutiny because they fetched up to $500,000 apiece. The president himself often speaks of his grandchildren publicly and has said he talks of his close relationship to them. I have six grandchildren and Im crazy about them, Biden said at a Take Your Child to Work Day event at the White House in April. I speak to them every single day. Whether the president should acknowledge the grandchild has also been the subject of conservative talk shows and news panels. Last week, Fox News Sean Hannity dispatched a reporter to Batesville, Ark., whose whole report involved asking people on the street how they felt about Bidens granddaughter and the president refusing to acknowledge her existence. In another report, Fox News cameras staked out the entrance to the U.S. Capitol and asked members of Congress whether the president should publicly count the girl among his grandchildren. A front-page, deeply reported story in The New York Times about the granddaughter followed by a column penned by New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd entitled, Its Seven Grandkids, Mr. President, reinvigorated the conversation. The presidents cold shoulder and heart is counter to every message he has sent for decades, and its out of sync with the America he wants to continue to lead, wrote Dowd. Ron Bonjean, a Republican strategist, said Dowds column helped offer Republicans a roadmap on how to attack the president over the issue. Its obviously low-hanging fruit for Republicans to reference as they question the authenticity of Bidens messaging, Bonjean said. The Republican National Committee has hit the president repeatedly on the issue, including over social media. Bidens refusal to recognize his own granddaughter is abhorrent and heartbreaking. Biden has no empathy, RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel tweeted on July 9th. The group said that wasnt about to stop. Every lie Biden tells, whether that he only has six grandchildren or that his Afghanistan withdrawal was a success, will haunt his campaign, RNC spokeswoman Emma Vaughn said in a statement. Republicans in Congress and on the campaign trail will continue to hold this failing and dishonest president accountable. Thats even as the bulk of the party has offered a muted response to GOP presidential frontrunner Donald Trumps many legal troubles, including having been found liable for sexual abuse, and criminally indicted twice with a third case looming. Its really difficult for them to defend. There are lots of pots calling the kettle black here when it comes to having problems, Bonjean added. But I think this is all about Republican primary voters. Not all Republicans are on board. Conservative Ann Coulter wrote on Substack: the idea that a crack-fueled roll in the hay entitles the mother to be treated like an honored member of the family is absurd. Focus group guru Frank Luntz, a Republican, cast the criticism as a personalization of politics with which he couldnt get on board. Hes heard nothing from voters in his focus groups about the criticism facing the president over the issue of his grandchild. No one cares, he said. And a piece on The New Republic, a liberal publication, castigated the press, arguing Republicans would never be held to the same standard: That is todays real media bias. Its a bias of expectations, and it always mitigates in favor of the people of whom nothing is expected in the first place. Republicans have lost many of their core attacks against Biden as president. So it means that they need politically to develop more attacks on him as a person, as a father, or grandfather, because the attacks on him as president are becoming less effective, longtime Democratic operative Simon Rosenberg said. Im not surprised to see greater investment or some of this ongoing obsessive investment of the Republicans trying to take him down as a man and as a dad and as a grandfather because its basically all they have. Rosenberg added, Its not going to be enough. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. blamed the media for dragging his campaign Sunday, saying he has been slammed even more than President Trump was slammed by mainstream media outlets. Ive been really, you know, slammed in a way that I think is unprecedented, Kennedy said during an interview on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures. Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic who is running a longshot primary campaign against President Joe Biden, is more popular among Republicans than Democrats, according to polling. The nephew of former President John F. Kennedy and the son of his brother, Robert F. Kennedy, Kennedy Jr. has been hit with backlash for his stances on vaccines, particularly recent comments he made suggesting that the coronavirus could have been targeted to attack Caucasians and Black people, while sparing Jewish and Chinese people. Kennedy denied allegations of racism and antisemitism, saying on Twitter: I have never, ever suggested that the Covid-19 virus was targeted to spare Jews. I mean, listen, if I believed the stuff that's written about me in the papers and reported about me on the mainstream news sites, I would definitely not vote for me, Kennedy told host Maria Bartiromo. I would think I was a very despicable person. First shipments to arrive to Ukraines frontline forces in the coming weeks German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, which will build a heavy equipment repair plant in Ukraine, promises to provide the Defense Forces with 300,000 rounds for Gepard anti-aircraft systems that help shoot down Shahed kamikaze drones, Bild reported on July 22. After facing a shortage of ammunition needed by Ukrainian defenders, Rheinmetall decided to launch a new production line at its plant in Unterluss (Lower Saxony). Rheinmetall will be able to supply Ukraine with 300,000 Gepard rounds, 40,000 of which will be delivered this year, with the first batch expected to reach frontline Ukrainian Armed Forces units in the coming weeks. Ammunition shortage is a problem for Ukrainian soldiers, as Ukrainian defenders fire only five shots when using the Gepard, though the norm is a line of up to 20 rounds, Bild reported, noting that Germany also has an ammunition shortage for these anti-aircraft systems. As the Gepard was developed in the 1980s, there have been issues with maintenance. German engineers have developed an original way to reduce the ammunition shortage by converting existing 35mm ammunition intended for infantry fighting vehicles to be used by Gepard anti-aircraft systems. Rheinmetall's cooperation with Ukraine details Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with a delegation from Rheinmetall Group led by CEO Armin Papperger in Kyiv. Ukraines Ukrboronprom later signed a strategic partnership agreement with the German manufacturer. Rheinmetalls CEO announced on July 10 that his company would begin construction of an armored vehicle manufacturing plant in Ukraine within 12 weeks. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the plant "will become alegitimate target of the Russian army," parroting the words of the odious ex-president Dmitry Medvedev about the destruction of the facility by Russian Kalibr missiles. The head of the German manufacturer, Papperger, calmly responded to the aggressive rhetoric by Russian officials by explaining that the plant would be protected from Russian attacks by air defense systems of its own production. 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 Crews were battling a wildfire scorching part of Greece's Rhodes island (EUROKINISSI) Locals and tourists fled hotspots on the Greek island of Rhodes on Sunday, as firefighters, backed by water jets and helicopters, battled a blaze that sparked the country's largest-ever fire evacuation. Wind gusts of up to 49 kilometres (31 miles) per hour were complicating efforts to bring the flames under control. The island of Rhodes is one of Greece's most popular tourist destinations, particularly with British, German and French tourists -- many of whom were being rapidly moved out of the path of the flames. As Greece has been battered by an extended spell of extreme heat, flames have burned for nearly a week on the island. Temperatures, which reached 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in central Greece on Sunday, were expected to dip on Monday before the mercury rises again for another four-day heatwave. "This is the biggest fire evacuation ever in Greece," Konstantia Dimoglidou, Greek police spokeswoman told AFP. "We had to evacuate an area of 30,000 people." Police said that authorities had transported some 16,000 people across land, with 3,000 evacuated by sea, and others fleeing by road or under their own transport after being told to leave the area. German travel giant Tui said it was suspending all of its inbound passenger flights to Rhodes until Tuesday but would fly in empty planes to help evacuate tourists. Spokesperson Linda Jonczyk told AFP that Tui had some 40,000 tourists in Rhodes, of which 7,800 are affected by the fires. The low-cost British carrier Jet2 also said it had cancelled "all flights and holidays" to the island. One German tourist told the Bild daily that they were "saved from the fire at the last moment" after returning from the beach on Saturday to a deserted hotel. "We had embers flying around our heads and no help was in sight," said 23-year-old Paul from Bielefeld. "I had the feeling of being on my own, it was so hot and the smoke was already so thick we couldn't have survived another ten minutes." Story continues He said buses then arrived to evacuate the tourists, but some were so panicked they were trying to find boats to escape on from the beach. Authorities have warned that the battle to contain the flames -- raging in the middle of peak tourism season -- will take several days. More than 260 firefighters, backed by 18 aircraft, were battling the fire on Sunday, with Croatia, France, Slovakia and Turkey having contributed equipment and personnel, officials said. Last year Rhodes, which has a population of over 100,000, welcomed some 2.5 million tourist arrivals. The fires reached the village of Laerma during the night, engulfing houses and a church, while many hotels were damaged by flames that had reached to the coast. Authorities evacuated 11 villages overnight as a precaution. On Sunday the blaze was burning along three active fronts -- including on the southeast coast of the island where firefighters tried to prevent the blaze from crossing a creek. - 'Leave everything' - Tourists and some locals spent the night in gyms, schools and hotel conference centres on the island. The Greek foreign ministry and embassies in Greece were setting up a station at the Rhodes airport to help tourists that have lost travel documents in the scramble to evacuate. TV footage broadcast by ERT Saturday showed a solo woman carrying her luggage through the smoke, looking disorientated. Firefighters were heard shouting at her: "Madam, your life! Come here! Leave everything behind.' A large part of the island was without electricity as the public power utility PPC shut down the local plant in the south for safety reasons. "This is a special fire here because the heart of Rhodes and its environment is affected," Efthymios Lekkas, a professor specialising in natural disasters told ERT TV on Sunday, warning of a severe impact to the island's tourist industry. "I just did a drive from Lindos to Gennadi," he said. "All the big hotels have closed. I don't think they will be able to operate this year because the surrounding area in each unit has been completely destroyed, and the environment is not inspiring for a holiday." The Greek presidency said it was cancelling a national holiday planned for Monday "in view of the extraordinary conditions prevailing in the country due to the fires." A separate wildfire broke out on Greece's second-largest island, Evia, according to the fire services, although it was not near any homes. Evia, situated off central Greece's eastern coast, was devastated last year by some of the worst wildfires in the country's history. kan/yap/yad/pvh AFP It was the news Kenya's timber industry had waited over five years to hear: a ban on logging was over, and the country's forests were once again open for business.But conservationists were dismayed at the announcement in July by President William Ruto, who had cast himself as a champion of the environment, and made planting 15 billion trees a centrepiece of his climate change agenda.The government defended lifting the ban, insisting that only mature trees in state-run plantations would be felled, and that Kenya's most biodiverse and carbon-rich wild forests would remain untouched.The explanation did little to quash charges of hypocrisy, with Ruto just weeks away from hosting a international climate conference in Nairobi."Kenya has been a clear leader here, investing in clean green growth and raising forest cover. Now the country is busy clearing its forests while at the same time hosting climate change negotiations," said opposition leader Raila Odinga.- 'Ruto to the rescue' -Ruto, who was deputy president when the ban was introduced in 2018, said it was "foolishness" to let trees rot while businesses were importing timber.The temptation to assist a sector that employs 50,000 people directly -- and 300,000 indirectly -- would have been strong at a time when anti-government demonstrators are protesting rising prices.In Molo, a highland town northwest of Nairobi, sawmill owner Bernard Gitau said Ruto had "come to the rescue" after he was forced to lay off workers and curb output because of the ban.His factory is still only half operational, with machinery laying idle and coated in sawdust.But a skeleton crew of 50 has been sanding doors and planing lumber as he waits for business to rebound."Some of them came and were praying outside my gate there, saying we thank God now that this sawmill has come back to life," said Gitau, who is also chairman of the Timber Manufacturers Association of Kenya, an industry group."The economy of this town is going to improve."The ban was introduced at a time when Kenya's forests were being cleared at a rate of 5,000 hectares a year, depleting water supply in the drought-prone country, and contributing to global warming.Forests have slowly started recovering since the ban took effect but, without it in place, questions are being asked about how Ruto can more than double the nation's tree cover by 2032 as he's promised."This time you're talking about planting, tomorrow you're talking about cutting. It does not add up," said Godfrey Kamau, chair of the Thogoto Forest Family, a conservation group protecting 53 hectares of native forest outside Nairobi.Environmentalists won a reprieve on August 1, when a court temporarily barred the government from issuing logging licences until a legal challenge is fully heard.- 'Rampant corruption' -The move has also revived scrutiny of the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), the state agency tasked with policing the scheme and allocating logging permits.KFS said the process would be transparent, and replanting carried out in cleared areas.But critics say the KFS has not undertaken adequate reforms since being accused of "rampant corruption" as well as the "wanton destruction" and "plunder and pillaging" of forests by a government taskforce in 2018.Sawmill owner Gitau said concerns over native forests being logged were misplaced.The timber industry was only interested in the fast-growing trees introduced during British colonial rule like pine and eucalyptus, he said, not indigenous species found in protected forests."We know the law," he said. "It is prohibited."But in the nearby Mau Forest, a vast mountain ecosystem and crucial water source, Environment Minister Soipan Tuya said trees were being illegally cleared just days after the ban was lifted.She ordered additional KFS rangers to Mau and other threatened hotspots as part of a "ruthless" campaign to stamp out illegal logging."People who imagine that our forests are available for encroachment should forget it," she said.The mixed messages from the government undermine community efforts to discourage logging, said Kamau, whose organisation works with locals to protect Thogoto Forest."The president stood and said that logging has been allowed... The common wananchi (people) will decide now it's time to start cutting a tree," he told AFP in Thogoto, which is hemmed in by hundreds of acres of plantation forest.He lamented the focus on replanting and extracting timber rather than indigenous trees that attract wildlife, store carbon and support nature for generations to come."It feels like you have been doing zero work at the end of a day."np/amu/cw As the 2023 session of the Florida Legislature was winding down in early-May, Republican Senate and House members also were in the process of pledging their support for Gov. Ron DeSantis' expected but at the time undeclared run for president in 2024. By mid-May, 99 of the 113 GOP state legislators at the time had come onboard, including six of the seven who represent Brevard County. The local legislator who didn't immediately endorse DeSantis for president was Sen. Tom Wright of New Smyrna Beach, whose district includes most of Volusia County and northern Brevard County. When DeSantis signed the 2023-24 state budget a month later, he vetoed 21 of the budget items that Wright sponsored the most vetoes tied to any state senator, according to a News Service of Florida analysis. The 21 items had a combined value of $18.95 million. Wright says he doesn't see any relation between the two. He noted that he endorsed DeSantis the day after DeSantis officially announced his candidacy on May 24 which was three weeks before the governor announced his list of line-item vetoes. Wright said he doesn't believe in endorsing anyone before he or she is a declared candidate. And he said he got lots of things into the budget that weren't vetoed by the governor, who has line-item veto powers for individual items. Gov. Ron DeSantis discusses varous law-enforcement-related bills during a news conference in May at the American Police Hall of Fame & Museum in Titusville. In June, DeSantis vetoed two appropriations totaling $2.5 million in the Florida budget for the complex. Wright said more than $80 million of the items he sponsored for his Senate district made the 2023-24 budget, compared with about $33 million in the 2022-23 budget, "so I'm feeling pretty good. I was able to bring back more state funding to our community than I ever have before." And Wright contends that DeSantis doesn't play politics with his budget veto powers, saying: "I really don't think he's that type of a man." Florida Sen. Tom Wright, R-New Smyrna Beach, had 21 appropriations he sponsored that made the state budget that was unanimously approved by the Florida Legislatures subsequently vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. But he also got more than $80 million worth of other projects he sponsored into the budget, and says DeSantis is not someone who plays politics with budget vetoes. But other prominent Florida Republicans hit by DeSantis vetoes had a different view. Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, contends that his endorsement of Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election was a factor in DeSantis vetoing 12 budget items totaling $15.6 million sponsored by Gruters, who also is the former chairman of the Florida Republican Party. Story continues "The governor is clearly upset I endorsed Donald Trump for president, and so he took it out on the people of Sarasota County," Gruters said in a statement. "Simply because I support his political opponent, the governor chose to punish ordinary Floridians who want better water quality, less traffic congestion and increased resources for disabled children to find gainful employment. Its mean-spirited acts like this that are defining him here and across the country. Lagoon projects funded: Florida lawmakers put Indian River Lagoon in line for $100 million in cleanup projects. Republican Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson who thus far has endorsed neither DeSantis nor Trump for president was upset about several major DeSantis vetoes tied to his department. That included $100 million for Conservation and Rural Land Protection" easements, a program championed by Simpson. The program, launched in 2001, involves purchasing conservation easements that allow landowners to continue farming and cattle operations, in exchange for not developing the property. After the veto list was released, Simpson who served two years as Senate president before his election to his current Cabinet post in November criticized the governors veto as harmful to the states $180 billion agriculture industry. There is no conceivable reason to target agriculture in a year when we have billions of dollars in reserves, Simpson, an egg farmer, said in a statement. Agriculture was harmed today, and so was the state of Florida. Governor's office responds DeSantis' veto list did not detail why he was vetoing specific projects. In a news release issued after he signed the $116.5 billion state budget, DeSantis said he vetoed $510.9 million worth of items as a way "to maintain Florida's sound fiscal standing in the face of continued economic headwinds due to ill-conceived federal policies." In a statement provided to FLORIDA TODAY, the governor's press secretary, Jeremy Redfern, indicated that politics played no role DeSantis' vetoes. "Sen. Gruters turning conservative governance and fiscal responsibility into a political statement is absurd," Redfern said. "Gov. DeSantis approved more than $125 million for Sarasota County, including $25 million for New College of Florida." The governor's separate actions related to New College a small state-run liberal-arts school in Sarasota have been controversial. In March, DeSantis appointed a new board that ousted the college's president, and dissolved the university's office handling diversity, equity and inclusion programs, putting it at the center of the nation's culture war debate. The board appointed a DeSantis ally former Florida House Speaker and Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran to the presidential post. In relation to agriculture funding, Redfern said, the Florida Legislature last year appropriated and DeSantis approved $300 millionto support agricultural conservation easements to preserve agricultural lands through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. "The funding was appropriated as a fixed capital outlay, which allows the funds to be available in the following fiscal year," Redfern said. "At a minimum, $240 million remains available for the program moving into the upcoming fiscal year. The governor made the prudent decision to continue to support the program through the remaining resources that will roll into next years budget." "In addition," Redfern said. "the budget includes more than $976 million for conservation and recreation land acquisition" through other state programs. Democratic legislative concerns Florida Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, contends that "Democrats substantially don't get their projects funded, particularly if you are a vocal Democrat." While Republicans took hits in the gubernatorial vetoes, Democrats say they were impacted to a greater degree proportionately, considering there are just 35 Democrats in the 120-member House and 12 in the 40-member Senate. "It's definitely frustrating how political this process is," said Florida Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, who had five of the 11 appropriation items that she sponsored and made it into budget subsequently vetoed by the governor. Those five projects were worth a total of $1.76 million. "Democrats substantially don't get their projects funded, particularly if you are a vocal Democrat," said Eskamani, who is regarded as among the more outspoken Democrats in the House. Eskamani noted that some of the appropriation requests she sponsored in the House that survived the governor's veto were sponsored in the Senate by a Republican who represents Central Florida. "Many of my Democratic colleagues also saw all or close to all of their funding requests be vetoed," Eskamani said. "These are essential programs that support Floridians in need and areas of concentrated disadvantage. Seeing these items vetoed is not just a political decision. It has real human impact. In a statement issued after the veto list came out, Rep. Ashley V. Gantt, D-Miami, said: "The governor vetoing a majority of Democrats projects is an indication that he does not understand the concept of serving all Floridians, even in blue districts. Americans everywhere are on notice that he is incapable of doing what is right for those he serves when you dare speak out against his archaic and repressive policies. Aquarium funding vetoed: Gov. DeSantis vetoes $2 million for Brevard Zoo's aquarium project after Rep. Fine spat Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, said DeSantis veto list "represents a punishment list of all the folks in office that dared speak out against his harmful policies, like myself." Fine: Democrats are whiners But Rep. Randy Fine, R-Melbourne Beach, scoffed at the idea that the governor would be using his veto power in politically motivated ways."I had things vetoed, and Im a Republican ,and Im fairly good friends with the governor," said Fine, who had a total of nine items totaling $5.18 million that he had submitted vetoed, including five Brevard-specific projects. Fine had withdrawn his support for two of the five vetoed Brevard projects during the budget process. This is an artist's rendering of the sea turtle area at the proposed aquarium and conservation center the Brevard Zoo plans to develop at Port Canaveral. Gov. Ron DeSantis in June vetoed $2 million in state funding for the project. One of those vetoed items was $2 million state budget appropriation for an aquarium that the Brevard Zoo plans to build at Port Canaveral. Fine withdrew his support for that appropriation after having a falling out with the zoo over a political fundraising event Fine held at the zoo. The fundraiser drew protests, and the zoo's executive director suggested that perhaps the zoo shouldn't allow political fundraisers going forward. Fine denied asking DeSantis to veto the item, but said that he had "given the governor's office my perspective." "Democrats whine. Its what they do," Fine said. "The governor has line-item veto authority to veto projects. He vetoed some of mine. So if only Democrat projects had been vetoed, I guess you could make that claim." Budget winners and losers: Brevard projects that made Florida's 2023-24 budget -- and what got vetoed But, with many GOP-sponsored projects vetoed, "I dont know how you can make that claim that these were political," said Fine, who also sponsored 19 projects totaling $33.6 million that got into into the budget. Among the other Brevard projects backed by GOP legislators and vetoed by DeSantis were $4.9 million for an inflow project for the Indian River Lagoon; a total of $2.5 million for two projects at the American Police Hall of Fame & Museum in Titusville; $2 million to strengthen jetties at Sebastian Inlet; and $200,000 for the Harry & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex in Mims for cultural programs and animatronic figures. In all, about 90 Brevard-specific allocations made the budget and about a dozen were vetoed. Ryan Dailey and Jim Turner of News Service of Florida contributed to this story. Dave Berman is business editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Berman at dberman@floridatoday.com, on Twitter at @bydaveberman and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54 Tyler Vazquez is the North Brevard and Brevard County Government Watchdog Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Vazquez at 321-917-7491 or tvazquez@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @tyler_vazquez This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Were DeSantis budget vetoes driven by politics as some suggest? (Reuters) - Russia's Investigative Committee said on Sunday it had launched a criminal probe into the killing of a Russian war reporter, an incident the country's defence ministry previously blamed on Ukraine's use of cluster munitions. The committee said on its website that "armed Ukrainian formations targeted and deliberately fired at a group of Russian journalists" working near Pyatikhatka, in Ukraine's southeastern Zaporizhzhia region. It did not specify the type of weapons or munitions used, but said Rostislav Zhuravlev, a journalist for RIA state news agency, was killed. It said his RIA colleague and journalist Konstantin Mikhalchevsky, and two employees of Izvestia newspaper, Roman Polshakov and Dmitry Shikov, were injured. "As part of the investigation, investigators will establish all the circumstances of the crime against media representatives, as well as those involved," it said. It said the chair of the committee was nominating Zhuravlev, "one of those journalists who always defended and informed the truth," for a medal. Ukraine, which received supplies of cluster munitions from the United States this month, has vowed to use them only to dislodge concentrations of enemy soldiers. Reuters could not independently verify details of the incident. Both sides have used cluster munitions during Russia's 17-month invasion of Ukraine. The munitions are banned by many countries because they rain shrapnel over a wide area and pose a risk to civilians. Some bomblets typically fail to explode immediately, but can blow up years later. (Reporting by Elaine Monaghan; Editing by Chris Reese) Russians are preparing for new strikes on Ukraine's energy facilities Russian intelligence is currently studying the state of Ukraines energy infrastructure, Deputy Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine, Vadym Skibitskyi, said in an interview with the We Are Ukraine TV channel on July 23. Read also: DTEK Energy to de-mothball another power unit to increase capacity by 500 MW He was answering the question of whether Russia would resume targeting Ukraines energy infrastructure. "We are monitoring all the issues related to Russian reconnaissance of our energy facilities," Skibitskyi said. "They have started such work they are now conducting additional reconnaissance, using space reconnaissance as well. First, to determine the state of our energy sector, and second, to identify those critical facilities that will affect our energy system as a whole." Russia first targeted Ukraines energy infrastructure with a large-scale attack on Oct. 10, 2022. Over the following months, Ukraine experienced more than 10 waves of large-scale Russian attacks, with dozens of missiles of various types and ranges. The Energy Ministry had to cut off electricity to consumers due to power shortages, but despite the tough winter for Ukrainians, the enemy failed to achieve its goal of creating a complete blackout in Ukraine. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Defence Intelligence of Ukraine has reported that Russian intelligence began to study the actual condition of Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Source: Vadym Skibitskyi, a representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, quoted by their press service Quote: "We are monitoring all issues related to the reconnaissance of our energy facilities by the Russian Federation. They have started such work." Details: Skibitskyi said the Russians were using various types of intelligence, including space intelligence. The purpose of such actions by the Russians is to find out the current condition of the Ukrainian energy sector and identify those critical facilities that generally affect the country's energy system. Why it is important: From early October to mid-winter last year, Russia attacked Ukraine's energy system. The country experienced power outages, when most Ukrainians were without electricity, heating and water, as well as hourly power cuts. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Putin's meeting with President Alexander Lukashenko will be the first since the Belarus leader helped end a dramatic mutiny by Wagner mercenaries (Alexander NEMENOV) The Ukrainian port city of Odesa came under renewed Russian missile attack early Sunday, just hours before President Vladimir Putin was due to hold a summit with his staunch Belarus ally Alexander Lukashenko. At the meeting in Saint Petersburg, the pair plan to discuss the "strategic partnership and alliance" between their countries, according to the Kremlin. It will be the first time they have met since Lukashenko helped end a dramatic mutiny by Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group. Hours before their meeting, Russian strikes targeted Odesa, which has been bombed several times since the start of the invasion. "Unfortunately, we have one civilian killed as a result of the nighttime terrorist attack by Russians on Odesa," regional governor Oleg Kiper said on Telegram. Earlier he had reported "18 victims, including four children", in a Russian attack at 3:00 am (0000 GMT). "Fourteen people were hospitalised in the city's hospitals, three of them were children," he said. Ukraine's Southern Operational Command said Odesa was targeted with at least five types of missile, including Kalibr cruise missiles. "Air defence forces destroyed a significant amount of the missiles," it said. "The rest caused damage to port infrastructure," and several buildings, it said, adding that a missile had hit the Orthodox cathedral in the city centre. The Orthodox Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa was damaged, according to a video posted by city hall on its Telegram channel. Nineteen people were wounded in the overnight attack, including four children, the army reported. The strategic port has come under repeated attack since Moscow pulled out of a grain export deal last week. - Drone attack in Crimea - The head of Ukraine's presidential office, Andriy Yermak, repeated Kyiv's call for more missiles and defence systems after the latest attack on Odesa. "The enemy must be deprived of the ability to hit civilians and infrastructure. More missile defence systems, as well as ATACMS -- this will help Ukraine," he said on Telegram, referring to the long-range tactical missiles that Kyiv wants Washington to supply. Story continues Odesa has been bombed several times since the start of the invasion, and in January the United Nations cultural agency UNESCO designated the historic centre of the city as a World Heritage in Danger site. Kyiv has accused Russia of targeting grain supplies and infrastructure vital to any resumption of Ukrainian grain exports. Moscow has claimed it only targeted military sites. The attack on Odesa comes a day after a Ukrainian drone strike blew up an ammunition depot in Crimea, forcing the evacuation of the surrounding population and temporary suspension of rail traffic on the peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014. Moscow also blamed the West and Kyiv for the death of a Russian war correspondent in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, saying he was killed by cluster munitions and promising a "response" against those responsible. The strike was aimed at "military installations", a Ukrainian army source told AFP. Russia's attack on Odesa comes days after Moscow said its forces had conducted live-fire exercises using cruise missiles in the Black Sea, where tensions have risen since the expiration of a key export deal which allowed the safe shipment of grain from Ukrainian ports. Northeast of Odesa, in the Zaporizhzhia region home to Europe's largest nuclear power plant, Russian forces repelled "three attacks by the armed forces of Ukraine in the direction of Rabotino", according to Russia's TASS news agency, citing the head of the forces' press centre, Oleg Chekhov. He said Ukrainian "tanks, infantry fighting vehicles" and personnel were "destroyed". The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant was seized by Russian forces in the early days of the invasion. bur/tmt/mtp/leg Putin and Mr Lukashenko have met in Russia for two-day talks - AFP Ukraines counter-offensive has failed, Vladimir Putin said on Sunday. The Russian president made the claim at the start of two-day talks with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko as the leaders toured St Petersburg on a walkabout. Mr Lukashenko said there is no counteroffensive before being interrupted by Putin who claimed there is one, but it has failed. After their talks, Putin and Lukashenko greeted crowds in the naval town and base of Kronstadt on Kotlin Island which was a rare public display for Putin who has kept strict quarantine rules since the pandemic. In a sign of the importance of the meeting, Putin said on Sunday he had changed some of my plans to facilitate the meeting. It is the first time the pair have met since Mr Lukashenko helped to end the Wagner Mutiny last month. 04:59 PM BST Today's top stories A Russian missile attack on the port city of Odesa overnight on Sunday has damaged 25 cultural buildings Russia and China have ended their joint naval exercises in the Sea of Japan, the Russian defence ministry announced on Sunday, as the two allies seek to deepen their military ties An Orthodox church in the Black Sea port of Odesa was destroyed in a Russian missile attack at dawn on Sunday Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, said Ukraine has taken back about 50 per cent of the territory that Russia seized, although Kyivs counteroffensive will extend several months Russian president Vladimir Putin has accused foreign mercenaries of suffering a high number of casualties owing to their stupidity The US has no plans to send long-range missiles to Ukraine despite mounting pressure from Kyiv, The Washington Post reported Russian forces destroyed the Palace of Culture in the city of Chasiv Yar using the widely banned cluster munitions early on Sunday morning just hours after firing missiles at the cathedral in Odesa Belarus is having to constrain Wagner mercenaries from attacking Poland, Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarusian leader, has said Story continues 04:43 PM BST Russian strikes damage 25 historical buildings in Odesa A Russian missile attack on the port city of Odesa overnight on Sunday has damaged 25 cultural buildings. Ukrainian authorities said the attack left two architectural landmarks destroyed or badly damaged including the Transfiguration Cathedral. Oleksiy Kuleba, deputy head of the presidents office, said on Sunday that Russians were targeting cultural sites to erase Ukrainian identity. This is another attempt to kill peaceful Ukrainians, erase our history, and destroy our heritage of global significance, Ms Kuleba wrote on Telegram. 04:08 PM BST Russia and China end military exercises in Sea of Japan Russia and China have ended their joint naval exercises in the Sea of Japan, the Russian defence ministry announced on Sunday, as the two allies seek to deepen their military ties. The two massive countries, which share a common desire to counter what they see as American hegemony, have grown closer in the military sphere since Russia launched its Ukraine offensive last year, a move China has not condemned. The Russian defence ministry previously said the main goal of the latest exercises, which began on Thursday, was to strengthen naval cooperation between the two countries and maintain stability and peace in the Asia-Pacific region. The joint Russian-Chinese naval exercises... have ended in the Sea of Japan, the Russian military confirmed in a statement on Sunday. Some twenty combat exercises were carried out... including joint artillery fire on maritime, coastal and air targets, the army said. The #China-#Russia joint drill, coded "Northern Joint-2023," kicked off on Thursday in the central region of the Sea of Japan. The joint drill is part of the annual military cooperation plan and targets no third party, the PLA Navy said. pic.twitter.com/YzM9QcNcoM People's Daily, China (@PDChina) July 21, 2023 03:57 PM BST Russian missile destroys Odesa cathedral An Orthodox church in the Black Sea port of Odesa was destroyed in a Russian missile attack at dawn on Sunday. One missile tore through the roof of the building and ripped down to the basement, collapsing many of the cathedrals internal walls. Two people inside were wounded. Two people were killed and 18 more injured in the overall bombardment. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday vowed to retaliate against Russian forces. Missiles against peaceful cities, against residential buildings, a cathedral, he said. There will definitely be a retaliation against Russian terrorists for Odesa. They will feel this retaliation. A social media video of the shows a distressed man walking around a burning, rubble-strewn church and repeating, The church is no longer. 03:06 PM BST Ukraine has seized 50 per cent of occupied territory, says Blinken Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, said Ukraine has taken back about 50 per cent of the territory that Russia seized, although Kyivs counteroffensive will extend several months. Its already taken back about 50 per cent of what was initially seized, Mr Blinken said in an interview with CNN on Sunday. These are still relatively early days of the counteroffensive. It is tough, he said, adding: It will not play out over the next week or two. Were still looking I think at several months. 03:03 PM BST Putin: Mercenaries in Ukraine suffer heavy losses due to stupidity Russian president Vladimir Putin has accused foreign mercenaries of suffering a high number of casualties owing to their stupidity. Putin made the claim during a meeting with Alexander Lukashenko, the president of Belarus, in their first face to face meeting on Sunday since the Wagner mutiny last month. As for foreign mercenaries, they also suffer significant losses, the Russian leader said. Big [losses] because of their tactics,Mr Lukashenko added. Yes, Putin nodded, because of their stupidity.. 02:43 PM BST Wagner mercenaries 'train Belarusian forces' #Belarus Update: The #Wagner Groups footprint in Belarus is likely expanding. The Ukrainian Resistance Center reported that 30 Wagner instructors are training Belarusian forces across Belarus at the Asipovichy, Gozhsky, & Brest Training Grounds. 1/2https://t.co/RzTekcCyXv pic.twitter.com/dizb0QiQ51 ISW (@TheStudyofWar) July 23, 2023 02:27 PM BST US has no plans to send missiles to Ukraine The US has no plans to send long-range missiles to Ukraine despite mounting pressure from Kyiv, The Washington Post reported. Officials have reportedly said the Biden administration is holding firm, for now at least, on its refusal to send long-range Army missiles to Ukraine despite mounting pressure from US lawmakers and pleas from the government in Kyiv. The newspaper added that disappointment at the slow pace of Ukraines counteroffensive against entrenched Russian forces and a newly equivocal tone by President Biden have led to widespread speculation that the missiles will soon follow the path taken by other US weapons systems. According to the officials, the US government believes that Ukraine has other, more urgent needs than ATACMS. 01:38 PM BST Russians destroy Palace of Culture with cluster munitions Russian forces destroyed the Palace of Culture in the city of Chasiv Yar using the widely banned cluster munitions early on Sunday morning just hours after firing missiles at the cathedral in Odesa. Footage of the hall in the Donetsk region, used as a humanitarian and medical aid hub, show sections of the buildings roof on fire and shelling debris. Russians reportedly opened fire in the city with cassette ammunition. The fire has been put out. Pavlo Kyrylenko, the regional head of Donetsk military, wrote on the Telegram messaging app: The occupiers attacked the town at dawn, with cluster munitions. A fire broke out. Russians reportedly opened fire in the city with cassette ammunition. The fire has been put out. Emergency workers were forced to flee the scene because the Russians did not stop firing. At least 25 architectural monuments have reportedly been damaged in Odesa by Russias missiles overnight, according to Oleh Kiper, head of the Regional Military Administration. Palace of Culture was set alight with cluster munitions - Facebook 01:06 PM BST In Pictures: Putin meets residents with Lukashenko Putin shakes hands with a resident in front of the Naval Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Kronstadt - AFP/ALEXANDR DEMYANCHUK Putin and Mr Lukashenko are in talks for two days - Reuters/Sputnik/Alexander Demyanchuk 01:00 PM BST Moscow denies striking Odesa cathedral Russia has denied it fired a missile at the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa, claiming it targeted buildings at a safe distance from the site. The Russian defence ministry said Kyivs statement that a high-precision missile hit the building does not respond to reality. In a separate statement the ministry accused Ukraine of causing the damage with missiles it places in residential areas. They said the damage was caused by incompetent actions of the operators of air defence systems, which the AFU [Armed Forces of Ukraine] deliberately places in residential areas, including Odesa. 12:47 PM BST In Pictures: Mass held in Odesa next to ruined cathedral People attend a mass outside Odesa cathedral destroyed in missile attacks - AP/Jae C Hong 12:35 PM BST Putin and Lukashenko greet crowds in St Petersburg Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, and his Belarus counterpart Alexander Lukashenko met a crowd of people in Russias Kronstadt town on Kotlin Island, in a rare walkabout after a deal to end a Wagner mutiny. Russias Kommersant newspaper posted a video of Putin and Mr Lukashenko posing for photographs with people, with bodyguards standing nearby. Asked about quarantine rules which the Russian leader has been keeping up since the pandemic, Putin replied: People are more important than quarantine. 'Putin' and Lukashenko talked to the crowd gathered outside The Naval cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Kronstadt, St. Petersburg. 'Putin' said he's not in quarantine and people are more important. pic.twitter.com/N5bU2Rd3M3 Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) July 23, 2023 12:17 PM BST Russia shells Nikopol residents overnight Russian forces fired at a residential area in Nikopol overnight on Sunday. Serhii Lysak, the governor of the region, said three homes were destroyed in heavy shelling, including a power line and a car. There were no casualties. The nearby Marhanets community was reportedly under attack last night but it is unclear if there were any fatalities. 11:23 AM BST Lukashenko claims he is holding back Wagner from attacking Poland Belarus is having to constrain Wagner mercenaries from attacking Poland, Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarusian leader, has said. He made the claim on Sunday during a meeting with Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg. Wagner mercenaries moved into Belarus this month as part of a peace plan after their rebellion in Russia in June. The Wagnerites are beginning to stretch us, he said, according to Russian news agencies. I say, why do you need to go to the West? We want to go on an excursion to Warsaw, to Rzeszow. Rzeszow is a city in southeast Poland. Poland has strengthened its borders with Belarus and has said that it is worried about the arrival of thousands of Wagner mercenaries. Wagner-linked Telegram channels have goaded Poland, saying that the mercenaries want to march on Warsaw. Mr Lukashenko also said that the mood of the Wagner mercenaries was bad. 11:14 AM BST Putin to discuss 'security in our region' with Lukashenko Russian leader Vladimir Putin will discuss security in eastern Europe with his Belarus counterpart and ally Alexander Lukashenko in their first face to face talks since Minsk helped to end a Wagner mutiny in Russia. We will of course talk about security in our region, Putin told Mr Lukashenko in televised remarks. Putin, right, with Alexander Lukashenko before their meeting at the Constantine Palace - SPUTNIK / AFP/ Alexandr Demyanchuk 10:55 AM BST Ukraine hits valuable Russian military targets Ukraines success in destroying Russias ammunition supplies in Russian-occupied territory has undermined the countrys military power, according to the Institute for the Study of War. Natalia Humeniuk, a spokesman for the southern operational command, said that Ukrainian troops had complicated Russias military operation by hitting ammunition depots in occupied territory. Now the Russians logistics are suffering, Ms Humeniuk said in a statement on Saturday. Ukrainian colonel Serhiy Baranov said on Saturday that Western high-precision missile and artillery systems helped counteroffensive troops form a fire fist. Due to the accuracy of the strikes, the Russians are no longer able to conduct effective counter-battery combat against us, Mr Baranov said. 10:37 AM BST Putin: Ukraine's counteroffensive has failed Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, told his Belarus counterpart Alexander Lukashenko on Sunday that an ongoing Ukrainian counteroffensive to push back Russian forces has failed. There is no counteroffensive, Mr Lukashenko said, according to Russian TASS news agency, before being interrupted by Putin: There is one, but it has failed. 10:25 AM BST Ukrainian residents clear up cathedral 10:07 AM BST Moscow says Odesa strike targets preparing 'terrorist act' Moscow said on Sunday it had hit all intended targets in Ukraines port city Odesa, claiming the sites were being used to prepare terrorist acts against Russia. At night the armed forces of the Russian Federation caried out a strike... on facilities where terrorist acts against the Russian Federation using unmanned boats were prepared, the Russian army said. All planned targets in the strikes were destroyed. 09:59 AM BST In Pictures: Homes damaged in Odesa A resident surrounded by damaged buildings in Odesa - REUTERS 09:54 AM BST Putin meets Belarusian president for first time since Wagner mutiny Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, has met the Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko, for the first time since he helped broker a deal to end a mutiny by Wagner fighters inside Russia last month. A video posted on Sunday by Mr Lukashenkos press service showed the two longtime leaders arriving at Saint Petersburgs Konstantinovsky palace together ahead of scheduled talks. 09:51 AM BST In Pictures: Odesa cathedral destroyed by missiles The Odesa Transfiguration Cathedral was left without a roof - AP Two people were injured inside the building - AFP 09:40 AM BST Two killed in Russian strike on Odesa Two people have died in the overnight strikes by Russia on Odesa and 22 people were injured including four children. A man born in 1974 was killed in the night time shelling, said Igor Klymenko, Ukraines minister of internal affairs. Twenty-two people were injured. Among them are four children: 11, 12, and two 17-year-olds. Russia has been pounding Odesa and other Ukrainian food export facilities nearly daily over the past week after Moscow withdrew from a United Nations-brokered sea corridor agreement that allowed for the safe shipment of Ukrainian grain. Odesa: another night attack of the monsters, said Oleh Kiper, governor of the broader southern Ukraines Odesa region of which the city of Odesa is an administrative centre, on the Telegram messaging app. Ambulance medics search for injured residents - AFP 09:23 AM BST Russia disinformation obscures front line news Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 23 July 2023. Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/Sjb1ItX9C4 #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/Pqy5hxC8Sx Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) July 23, 2023 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. Oleksiy Danilov The main goal of Russia's missile attacks on the city of Odesa and Odesa Oblast is to completely isolate Ukraine from access to the Black Sea, while neutralizing international efforts to restore the crucial "grain corridor, National Security and Defense Council secretary, Oleksiy Danilov, said on Facebook on July 23. "According to the Kremlin's plan, they seek to artificially create conditions that could threaten famine, particularly for African countries, and escalate migration risks for Europe. The Russians hope that, through blackmail tactics, they can pressure the West into accepting Putin's 'grain ultimatum', which includes demands for the resumption of Russian ammonia exports, the lifting of certain sanctions, and other restrictive measures," Danilov said. The destruction of Ukrainian infrastructure is part of a larger scheme to make the world dependent on Russian grain, logistics, and capabilities. "The objective is to bring the world to its knees and establish Russia as the sole and exclusive grain supplier. Following the setback of being an 'energy superpower,' Putin now aims to transform Russia into a 'grain superpower," he said. Read also: Zelenskyy vows retaliation after Russia levels Odesa city center in most powerful missile attack yet Ukraine is well aware of Russia's intentions and will respond appropriately, Danilov said, prioritizing full retaliation for the killings and destruction caused by the attacks. While Ukraine takes a strong stance, the world and the West "must exhibit firmness and resilience, providing a worthy response" to the Kremlin's actions. This response should focus on fully restoring the Ukrainian grain corridor under the assurance of international security. Grain Agreement Suspension and Attack on Odesa: Key Details The Kremlin announced the suspension of the "grain agreement" on July 17, previously brokered by the UN and Turkey last July. This agreement facilitated the unblocking of three Ukrainian ports for food exports. Story continues Read also: Fatality recorded after major missile attack on Odesa, Mykoliav Russia then withdrew its shipping safety guarantees under the framework of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Ukraine asked Turkey and the UN to continue the "grain corridor" operations without the involvement of Russia. In retaliation, the Kremlin issued threats, hinting at the possibility of resuming the agreement's operation without Ukraine. In the wake of these developments, Russia launched massive strikes on the port and grain infrastructure of Ukraine, targeting the port cities of Odesa and Mykolaiv. These attacks resulted in the destruction of civil infrastructure and the loss of civilian lives. Notably, on the night of July 23, Russian troops inflicted a devastating blow on the historic center of Odesa, resulting in at least one fatality, 22 injuries, and significant damage to the city. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has expressed conditional willingness to consider a return to the "grain agreement," subject to meeting all its provisions. 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 Fire at the cultural center in Chasovyi Yar Russian forces have tragically claimed the lives of four Donetsk Oblast residents, leaving another 11 injured in the past 24 hours, announced Donetsk Oblast Military Administration head, Pavlo Kyrylenko, on July 23. Read also: Military initiative on the front shifts in Ukraines favor, says Defense Ministry Occupiers opened fire on the city at dawn using cluster munitions, resulting in the outbreak of a fire. State Emergency Service rescuers rushed to the scene, but they were forced to cease operations after taking gunfire from the militants. The Culture Center building was completely engulfed in flames. Inside, a modest supply of humanitarian aid (food packages, household chemicals), and medical equipment were destroyed. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported, he wrote. Kyrylenko provided a detailed account of the casualties and damages caused by the previous day's Russian attacks in various areas: Sofiyivka, Druzhkivksa community: One person was killed, and four were injured. Druzhkivka: Three people were injured. Toretske, Shakhivska community: One person was killed, another injured, and a barley field was set ablaze. Avdiyivka: One person was killed, and another injured. Kupiansk community: Two apartment buildings in Hirnyk, five private houses in Kurakhivka, and one in Hostre suffered damage. Krasnohorivka and Zoriane of Maryinska community: Shelling incidents were recorded. Toretska community: One person was injured, and a house in Druzhba and another in New York suffered damage. Kostiantynivka: One person was injured, and two houses in Markove and one in Chervone were damaged. Chasovoyarska community: Two private houses, a shop, a multi-story building, and a cultural institution were damaged. Siversk: One person was injured, and one house was damaged. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The Russian Defence Ministry has reported that at night they conducted strikes using "high-precision" weapons allegedly on facilities "where terrorist acts against the Russian Federation were being prepared with the use of unmanned boats". Source: Kremlin-aligned news agency RIA Novosti, citing the Russian Defence Ministry Details: According to the Russian Defence Ministry, in Odesa city and its oblast, "terrorist acts against the Russian Federation were being prepared with the use of unmanned boats, as well as their production sites in Odesa Oblast". In addition, the Russians as ever added that there were "foreign mercenaries" at the facilities. Background: The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the Russian forces fired 19 missiles of various types, including five Oniks cruise missiles, on Odesa Oblast overnight on 22-23 July. Ukrainian air defence forces have shot down nine missiles. As a result of a nighttime Russian missile attack on Odesa, six houses, two architectural monuments and a church were destroyed. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The Ukrainian Air Force has reported that the Russian forces fired 19 missiles of various types, including five Oniks cruise missiles, on Odesa Oblast overnight on 22-23 July. Ukrainian air defence forces have shot down nine missiles. Source: Ukrainian Air Force Details: The authority reported that the Russian army deployed a total of 19 missiles of various types: 5 Oniks cruise missiles from the Bastion coastal missile system (Crimea); 3 Kh-22 air-launched cruise missiles, launched from Tu-22M3 aircraft (Black Sea); 4 Kalibr sea-launched cruise missiles, likely from a submarine (Black Sea); 5 Iskander-K land-launched cruise missiles (Crimea); 2 Iskander-M ballistic missiles (Crimea). Ukrainian air defence forces destroyed nine air targets: 4 Kalibr and 5 Iskander-K missiles. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Russian artillery attacked the Marhanets hromada [a hromada is an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories ed.] and the city of Nikopol in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast overnight on 22-23 July, damaging private houses, a personal vehicle and a power line. Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote: "A night of enemy fire. The occupiers' heavy artillery attacked the oblast's settlements twice. Marhanets hromada and Nikopol were targeted." Details: He said three private houses and the same number of outbuildings were damaged in Nikopol. A car and a power line were also hit. There were no civilian casualties. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The Transfiguration Cathedral was destroyed in another Russian attack on Odesa on early 23 July. Source: Odesa City Council on Telegram; Dumska, a local news agency of Odesa Oblast Details: The city council reported that, in addition to severe damage to the building, Orthodox shrines have been damaged; the Kasperivska Icon of the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of Odesa, was pulled out from under the rubble. Emergency workers and city utilities are working at the scene of the attack. Dumska posted photos and videos of the cathedral after the Russian attack. For reference: The Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa is the largest Orthodox religious building in the city; it was founded in 1794 and consecrated in 1808. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Russia has "already lost" the war in Ukraine in terms of the goals Russian President Vladimir Putin had when his tanks rolled across the border 17 months ago, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in an interview released Sunday. Blinken said Ukraine has taken back about half the land seized by Russia. He spoke with confidence about the war's outcome the same day Russian missiles slammed into the historic district of the Ukrainian port city of Odesa and Putin dismissed as a failure Ukraine's much-anticipated counteroffensive. The objective was to erase Ukraine from the map, to eliminate its independence, its sovereignty, to subsume it into Russia. That failed a long time ago, Blinken told CNN. Blinken acknowledged that Ukraine faces a very hard fight and predicted the counteroffensive would continue for several more months. But weaponry support from the West combined with the Ukrainian military grit and resolve should win the day, he said. Unlike the Russians, Ukrainians are fighting for their land, for their future, for their country, for their freedom, Blinken said, adding that the Ukraine military had "already taken back about 50% of what was initially seized." Developments: Russian tennis player Vera Zvonareva, a former world No. 2 now ranked 60th, has been banned from entering Poland for the PNB Paribas Warsaw Open tournament that begins Monday. A Ukrainian drone strike Saturday caused a massive explosion at an ammunition depot in Russia-annexed Crimea, forcing the evacuation of nearby homes. Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Crimea in recent weeks. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pledged to return control of the peninsula to Ukraine. The Biden administration continues to decline Ukraine's request for long-range missiles known as ATACMS, believing Kyiv has more urgent needs and worrying about maintaining sufficient stocks in case of need, the Washington Post reported. The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Russian ambassador Serhiy Andreyev after the "provocative" statement from Putin that western Poland was a "gift from Stalin." Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki tweeted that "Stalin was a war criminal, guilty of the death of hundreds of thousands of Poles." Story continues Zelenskyy lobbies for more defense systems Ukraine needs more help from supporting nations to develop a "full-fledged sky shield" to defeat Russian missile attacks, Zelenskyy said. He said his military has proven it can shoot down "even the Russian missiles that the terrorists boasted about" thanks to air defense systems already provided by Western nations. "Our defenders of the sky have saved thousands of lives," he said. "But we need more air defense systems for our entire territory, for all our cities and communities. The world must not get used to Russian terror. Terror must be defeated, and it is possible." A priest examines the damages after the destruction of the Transfiguration Cathedral building as a result of a missile strike in Odesa, on July, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine on Sunday said the death toll from overnight strikes by Russia on the port of Odesa rose to two, with 22 people wounded, including four children. (Photo by Oleksandr GIMANOV / AFP) (Photo by OLEKSANDR GIMANOV/AFP via Getty Images) ORIG FILE ID: AFP_33PP9AG.jpg Russian missiles destroy Ukraine historic sites Russian missiles tore through the historic district of Odesa early Sunday, damaging or destroying dozens of architectural landmarks in a city under siege from Russian might since Moscow on Monday broke off a deal that had allowed grain shipping from Odesa's port. Regional Gov. Oleh Kiper said at least one person was killed in the latest assault, and at least 22 were wounded, including four children. Authorities said 40 buildings were severely damaged or destroyed, including 25 landmarks. Among them was the historic Transfiguration Cathedral, which traces its roots to 1794 and took a direct hit from a missile that reached the basement, Archdeacon Andrii Palchuk said. "Everything that was created by great architects, destroyed by cynical people!" the Odesa Regional Authority wrote in a Telegram post. Olena Buynevych, the director of the Department of Education, reported on Telegram that five preschool buildings were also damaged. UNESCO condemned the attack "in the strongest terms,'' and Director-General Audrey Azoulay said, This outrageous destruction marks an escalation of violence against the cultural heritage of Ukraine.'' Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the destruction should be "on the conscience of the Kyiv regime and incompetent operators of air defense systems, which are deliberately deployed by the Ukrainian army in residential quarters." 'Kremlin madmen' won't succeed, Zelenskyy says Zelenskyy said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has scheduled for Wednesday the first meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council, a new feature implemented at last week's summit of the alliance in Lithuania. Ukraine is aiming for what Zelenskyy called "everything that brings the defeat of Russian terrorists closer: More air defense for Ukraine, more artillery, more long-range weapons.'' Zelenskyy vowed to restore what the Russians destroyed in Odesa, and he made a point of saying the recent attacks also damaged the Chinese and Greek consulates. "Obviously, all this is a global threat,'' he said in his nightly video address. "The destruction of cities, the destruction of culture, the destruction of ports that are fundamental to the world's food security. There has never been a terrorist capable of overcoming the world, and these Kremlin madmen will not succeed either.'' Putin dismisses Ukraine counteroffensive as a failure Ukraine's counteroffensive has failed and Kyiv's military has suffered losses of more than 26,000 troops in addition to mercenaries from other countries who have died "because of their stupidity," Putin said Sunday. The Russian leader held a public discussion with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko in St. Petersburg. Lukashenko, Putin's biggest ally, last month mediated the talks that halted a rebellion of Wagner Group fighters who had begun a march to Moscow. Thousands of those fighters are now bivouacked in Belarus. Putin previously said Kyiv's counteroffensive appeared unable to succeed despite "the colossal resources pumped in, nor the supply of weapons, tanks, artillery, armored vehicles, missiles, nor the dispatch of thousands of mercenaries and advisers." Ukraine's leaders have acknowledged that the counteroffensive has been a slow go but claim to liberate small amounts of occupied land every day. Zelenskyy promises retaliation for Odesa strikes Ukrainian authorities said 19 Russian missiles were fired and nine of them were shot down by Ukraine's missile defense system. Odesa provides a crucial port for the export of Ukrainian grain desperately needed in parts of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Last week, Russia broke off the safe-shipping agreement, reinstituted a blockade and began nightly strikes. Until Saturday night, most of the missiles targeted the city's grain silos and docks. "Missiles against peaceful cities, against residential buildings, a cathedral," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. "There can be no excuse for Russian evil. As always, this evil will lose. And there will definitely be a retaliation to Russian terrorists for Odesa. They will feel this retaliation." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ukraine live war updates: Russian missiles destroy historic sites Over the past day, Russian occupation forces fired 59 times at Kherson Oblast, launching 332 shells from mortars, artillery, Grad MLRS, aircraft, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and UAVs. Source: Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration Quote: "The enemy fired 28 shells at the city of Kherson." Details: Prokudin has noted that the Russian military hit residential areas of the region's settlements, the territory of a farm in the Beryslav district and the administrative building of a crucial infrastructure facility in Kherson. One person was killed as a result of the attacks. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office has reported that four civilians were killed and nine were wounded as a result of Russian attacks over the past 24 hours. Source: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office Details: According to the Prosecutor's Office, Russia attacked settlements in the north of the oblast with artillery and multiple-launch rocket systems. The cities of Avdiivka, Druzhkivka and Siversk, as well as Toretske and Sofiivka in the Druzhkivka territorial hromada and the cities of Druzhba, Toretsk and Fedorivka, came under Russian fire. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories ed.] People were killed in the villages of Toretske, Sofiivka and Fedorivka. The wounded were diagnosed with mine-blast injuries, shrapnel wounds and other traumas. Wounded people are currently receiving emergency medical care. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Russia has intensified repressions against Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) employees in the temporarily occupied city of Enerhodar in Zaporizhzhia Oblast for refusing to cooperate and sign contracts with the Russian occupying administration. Source: General Staff of Ukraine Quote: "But Ukrainians keep resisting: they are not going to work, they are sabotaging the implementation of the decisions of the occupying administration, etc." Details: The authority reports that the Russian invaders are using psychological and physical pressure against such employees. Therefore, staff from Rosgravdia [the Russian National Guard] and the Russian FSB [Federal Security Service] are using intimidation, threats, and blackmail, as well as physically assaulting Ukrainian specialists, taking away their cash and bank card funds, and confiscating mobile phones. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! US Secretary of State Antony Blinken believes that Russia "has already lost the war" in Ukraine, given the goals that Russia set for itself at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Source: Blinken in an interview for CNN; European Pravda Quote: "The objective was to erase Ukraine from the map, to eliminate its independence, its sovereignty, to subsume it into Russia. That failed a long time ago." Details: Blinken stressed that, unlike the Russians, "Ukrainians are fighting for their land, for their future, for their country, for their freedom." Background: In the same interview, Blinken stated that the US believes Ukraine's counteroffensive will continue for at least a few more months. He added that during the counteroffensive operations, the Armed Forces of Ukraine faced significant resistance. "These are still relatively early days of a counteroffensive. It's hard. It won't be completed in the next week or two," Blinken added. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Ho is wrong Sacramento DA is investigating citys homeless efforts, says criminal charges are possible, (sacbee.com, July 19) Sacramento District Attorney Thien Hos proposed solution to the homeless crisis furthers the criminalization of this population, this time by pursuing civil or criminal charges against city officials. Its disingenuous of the DA to claim that this effort is not against the unhoused, but rather meant to hold elected officials accountable. If this is the approach to holding people accountable, why not hold funding sources accountable, such as federal, state and county officials whose lack of funding for housing, behavioral health and social services contribute significantly to this crisis? Hos proposal is short-sighted and contributes to the fallacy that there are simple solutions to the unhoused crisis. It is definitely not compassionate. Frances Freitas Sacramento Addiction treatment War on drugs cant hold us back from responding to fentanyl, (sacbee.com, June 18) Opioids are the third leading cause of death among teens. As pediatricians, we see teens in clinics and emergency departments grappling with addiction from prescription pain medications. Many teens opt to seek addiction treatment only to face more obstacles. Buprenorphine is the only Food and Drug Administration-approved medication for individuals 16 and over to treat opioid addiction. Assembly Bill 816 would allow teenagers with opioid addiction to consent to treatment with buprenorphine without parental consent. Many teens facing addiction do not have active parental involvement, and this bill is a crucial step toward evidence-based care. California has led the nation in many initiatives to expand access to healthcare by allowing adolescents to consent to birth control, STD testing and treatment and mental health care. Addiction treatment should be no different. Dr. Jessica Jones Dr. Kelli Derrah Dr. Ken Stridiron Sacramento Coopers great idea Story continues Languishing: Sacramento sheriff homeless outreach finds mental illness, addiction, crime, (sacbee.com, July 13) I agree with the sheriff and applaud his efforts to finally offer real solutions to address the problem of homelessness. For far too long the general public has put up with encampments in doorways, parks, sidewalks and other public spaces that create squalor, filth, trash and public health and security concerns. I am strongly in favor of the sheriffs proposal to create conservatorships and force individuals into treatment. As the sheriffs May survey showed, the vast majority of the homeless suffer from drug dependence and/or mental health issues. Currently, much of our unhoused population is jailed and re-jailed again and again. Lets stop the revolving door and get them the treatment they need. Building housing alone will not fix the root causes of the problem. Kudos to Sheriff Jim Cooper for taking on this controversial issue. Chuck Robuck Newcastle Kiley takes away freedoms Gavin Newsom signs infrastructure bills, California budget, (sacbee.com, July 11) Our military personnel routinely sacrifice much on our behalf. They endure rigorous training, separations from their families, multiple deployments and, sadly, loss of life. Now Republicans, including Rep. Kevin Kiley, are demanding that they make one more sacrifice: their bodily autonomy. Instead of protecting and supporting our military readiness, Republicans are playing politics by passing amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act to appease those who want to exert control over our reproductive freedoms. Republicans like Kiley will never uphold our freedoms over partisan allegiances. We must elect leaders who represent us instead of special interests so we can focus on improving our military readiness, sustaining our soldiers and ensuring reproductive freedoms for all Americans. Barbara Smith Auburn California is askew Manson Family member Van Houten should still be in jail, (sacbee.com, July 14) The daughter of two of the victims of Leslie Van Houtens murderous rage writes of the pain she and her family experienced after her parents were brutally slaughtered. The author, Louise LaBianca, struggles, after learning of Van Houtens release, to find logic in the decision and impossibly tries to fill the void a half-century after these heinous crimes took place. LaBianca concludes: There is no justice for the victims or their families. Earlier in the article she states, something is askew here. Shes right, and one need look no further than the other two articles on the same page, one entitled, California Democrats deserve to be embarrassed, where numerous legislators could not move to increase the punishment for sex trafficking here, and Sacramento city leaders lack political will on homelessness. Something is indeed askew in this once great state. When will residents realize that and vote accordingly? Bill Motmans Sacramento Undeserved second chance Manson Family member Van Houten should still be in jail, (sacbee.com, July 14) Leslie Van Houten killed two innocent people. She received a life sentence. She took away any chance of her victims ever receiving a chance at life again, yet now she is receiving a second chance. This is so wrong. If you kill, you lose forever. Your victims lost everything, and so should you. Yet Leslie has received parole, a second chance and a new life something her victims will never, ever get. It just shows how California works: placing criminals before victims. Kathleen E Winkelman Sacramento CAIRO (AP) An international team is set to begin siphoning oil out of the hull of a decrepit tanker moored off the coast of war-torn Yemen this week, a U.N. official said Sunday. It will mark the first concrete step in an operation years in the making aimed at preventing a massive oil spill in the Red Sea. More than 1.1 million barrels of oil stored in the tanker, known as SOF Safer, will be transferred to another vessel the United Nations purchased as a replacement to the rusting storage tanker, said Achim Steiner, administrator of the U.N. development program. We have reached a critical stage in this salvage operation, Steiner told The Associated Press hours after the salvage team on Saturday managed to moor the replacement vessel alongside the Safer tanker in the Red Sea. This marks, in a sense, the completion of the month-long preparatory phase. The rusting tanker is a Japanese-made vessel built in the 1970s and sold to the Yemeni government in the 1980s to store up to 3 million barrels of export oil pumped from fields in Marib, a province in eastern Yemen. The ship is 360 meters (1,181 feet) long with 34 storage tanks. The tanker is moored 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from Yemens western Red Sea ports of Hodeida and Ras Issa, a strategic area controlled by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels who are at war with the internationally recognized government. The war in Yemen began in 2014 when the Houthi seized the capital, Sanaa, and much of the countrys north, forcing the government to flee to the south, then to Saudi Arabia. The following year, a Saudi-led coalition entered the war to fight the Houthis and try to restore the internationally recognized government to power. The vessel has not been maintained for eight years, and its structural integrity is compromised, making it at risk of breaking up or exploding. Seawater had entered the engine compartment of the tanker, causing damage to the pipes and increasing the risk of sinking, according to internal documents obtained by the AP in June 2020. Story continues For years, the U.N. and other governments as well as environmental groups have warned that a major oil spill or explosion could disrupt global commercial shipping through the vital Bab el-Mandeb and Suez Canal routes, causing untold damage to the global economy. The tanker carries four times as much as the oil that spilled in the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster off Alaska, one of the worlds worst ecological catastrophes, according to the U.N. The U.N. has for years campaigned to raise funds for the salvage operation which cost $143 million, including purchasing a new storage vessel to replace the rusting tanker, Steiner of the UNDP said. It is an extraordinarily complex operation in which, first of all, diplomacy was critical, then the logistical ability to mount such an operation and finally to actually be able to be on site with multiple vessels and put in place the conditions, but also the mitigation measures, the contingency plans, the security plans, Steiner said. The funding was a major challenge for the U.N. which resorted to crowd funding to help bridge the gap. But the operation still needs around $20 million to be completed, Steiner said. He criticized the oil and gas industry for not stepping up their contributions. One can sometimes wonder, you know, is it really up to a school class of children in Maryland to contribute to our crowd funding, he said. The replacement vessel, now named the Yemen, reached Yemens coast earlier this month and the salvage team managed to safely berth it alongside the Safer to start the ship-to-ship transfer of oil amid unprecedented measures, including a small flotilla of technical and supply vessels, to avoid missteps during the operation. Many thought it would never happen, the UNDP administrator told the AP from New York, adding the salvage team has up to five weeks to complete the whole operation. After transferring the oil, the replacement vessel would be connected to an under-sea pipeline that brings oil from the fields, he said. We will, I think, begin to breathe more easily when we see an empty Safer being towed away to a scrapyard to be recycled, he said. Following a bankruptcy filing by its parent company Friday, a key executive of the Santa Barbara News-Press has informed staff that the daily newspaper has stopped publishing, Noozhawk has learned. According to an email sent by managing editor Dave Mason: I have some bad news. Wendy (owner Wendy McCaw) filed for bankruptcy on Friday. All of our jobs are eliminated, and the News-Press has stopped publishing. They ran out of money to pay us. They will issue final paychecks to us when the bankruptcy is approved in court. Mason had not returned Noozhawks emailed requests for comment as of Sunday afternoon. On Sunday afternoon, Noozhawk obtained a copy of the Ampersand Publishing LLC Bankruptcy Petition filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California. Ampersand Publishing is the newspapers parent company. The petition lists Chapter 7 bankruptcy and notes assets of less than $50,000 and debts and estimated liabilities at between $1 million and $10 million. The estimated number of creditors is between 200 and 999. According to the petition, a meeting of creditors is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sept. 7. The possible final end of Santa Barbaras oldest newspaper which was founded in 1868 and is described as the oldest daily newspaper in Southern California is the most dramatic development yet in what has been an 18-year saga that shook both the local community and the journalism world, beginning in 2006. McCaw, a Hope Ranch billionaire, purchased the News-Press in 2000 from The New York Times Co., which had acquired the newspaper in 1986. Several high-profile events followed, beginning with then-executive editor Jerry Roberts resigning in the summer of 2006 over ethical disagreements he had with McCaw. His departure prompted dozens of other newsroom employees to resign or quit with him or soon after. Those who stayed formed a union under the aegis of the Teamsters, which led to a series of legal actions and a debt owed to the union, according to public documents. Story continues Ira Gottlieb, a partner with the Bush Gottlieb law firm in Glendale, said Ampersand owns current and former employees and the Teamsters union itself in excess of $2 million. It is owed to quite a number of former and current News-Press employees who are the victim of unfair labor practices, he told Noozhawk. The ethics battles made international news and were the subject of exposes in the American Journalism Review, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, Vanity Fair and countless other publications. The drama also was the subject of a feature-length documentary that played before a sold-out crowd at the Arlington Theatre in 2008. The News-Press ceased daily home delivery in October 2022, and then terminated its print edition in June. In April, the company vacated its historic Spanish Colonial building at 715 Anacapa St., on De la Guerra Plaza adjacent to City Hall, and all employees were moved to the Goleta printing plant at 725 S. Kellogg Ave. Shortly after, it posted a note on its website stating that the publication would be available as a digital-only format for now. About three weeks later, the News-Press informed readers that the shift to online-only publication would be permanent. It also began to rent out its main parking lot at 715 Anacapa St. a few months ago. It is unclear what this means for the future of its main building. As of several weeks ago, the door handle to the main public entrance had been removed. Noozhawk staff writer Joshua Molina can be reached at jmolina@noozhawk.com. Satellite images from the Umbra technology company show a build-up of equipment and vehicles in Belarus at a military base near the village of Cel, Asipovicy district. Source: CNN Details: Earlier images taken by Maxar Technologies on 16 July showed only about 10 trucks and 5 buses in one storage area. Images from 21 July show an increase in the number of vehicles and equipment. Background: On 19 July, there were reports that a ninth convoy of Wagner mercenaries was moving along the M5 motorway from Bobruisk towards Asipovicy. The founder of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, supposedly spoke to the mercenaries who arrived in Belarus and stated that they would be training the Belarusian army. There are about 500 wheeled vehicles near the Wagner Group tent camp in Belarus. On 20 July, the State Border Guard Service reported that the Wagner Group was continuing to arrive in Belarus, but did not pose a threat to Ukraine. On 21 July, Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak ordered the relocation of Polish troops from the west to the east of the country due to possible threats associated with the Wagner group's "exercises" in Belarus. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Squirrels are known and adored for their nutty antics, and one that has recently gained attention is the way they sploot. What is splooting? When you see an animal lying on its stomach with both legs kicked out behind them, this is called splooting. As reported by Texas Public Radio from an article in NPR, squirrels and other animals will often sploot to bring their body temperature down in extreme heat, something areas across the country have been experiencing more of lately. Sunny Corrao of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation explained it to NPR, saying, Theyre trying to find a cool space, and if they can put as much of their core body onto a cool space, then the heat is going to transfer from their bodies to the other surface. So in the case of squirrels, youll often see them maybe on a shady sidewalk, or a park path, or in the grass, just splayed out. Why is splooting not as cute as it looks? As the overheating of our planet makes extreme heat events more common, squirrels and other animals are struggling to stay cool. While humans sweat to cool down, many animals arent able to, so they need different ways to do it. Cue the sploot. If extreme heat makes it hard for humans to cope, its doing the same for animals. So, as cute as splooting may look, it can actually be a sign of an animal in distress. As the planet continues to warm, it will become increasingly difficult for animals to stay cool. If we dont stop Earths rising temperatures, animals wont only struggle to stay cool, either. Theyll struggle to survive. The International Fund for Animal Welfare reported that rising temperatures also affect vegetation, food sources, access to water, and much more, all leading to uninhabitable ecosystems. This could have dire effects ranging from forced migration to entire species dying off. In the NPR article, Carlos Botero, an associate professor of integrative biology at the University of Texas at Austin, said, The temperatures were experiencing right now are a little bit beyond the typical ability of this animal to withstand. While these heatwaves continue, more squirrels will certainly be spotted splooting, but it can only do so much to cool them down. The real solution is to stop our planet from overheating by reducing our use of dirty energies, like oil and gas, to keep it habitable for both humans and animals alike. Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. Assuming Control A team of researchers just got a $600,000 grant from Australia's Office of National Intelligence to study ways of merging human brain cells with artificial intelligence. In collaboration with Melbourne-based startup Cortical Labs, the team has already successfully demonstrated how a cluster of roughly 800,000 brain cells in a Petri dish is capable of playing a game of "Pong." The basic idea is to merge biology with AI, something that could forge new frontiers for machine learning tech for self-driving cars, autonomous drones, or delivery robots or at least that's what the government is hoping to accomplish with its investment. In Silico And the researchers aren't shying away from making some bold claims about their work. "This new technology capability in the future may eventually surpass the performance of existing, purely silicon-based hardware," said Adeel Razi, team lead and associate profess at Monarch University, in a statement. "The outcomes of such research would have significant implications across multiple fields such as, but not limited to, planning, robotics, advanced automation, brain-machine interfaces, and drug discovery, giving Australia a significant strategic advantage," he added. According to Razi, the tech could allow a machine intelligence to "learn throughout its lifetime" like human brain cells, allowing it to learn new skills without losing old ones, as well as applying existing knowledge to new tasks. Razi and his colleagues are aiming to grow brain cells in a lab dish called the DishBrain system to investigate this process of "continual lifelong learning." It's a highly ambitious project that will likely take quite some time to complete. "We will be using this grant to develop better AI machines that replicate the learning capacity of these biological neural networks," Razi said. "This will help us scale up the hardware and methods capacity to the point where they become a viable replacement for in silico computing." More on the research: Researchers Teach Human Brain Cells in a Dish to Play "Pong" A strong rebuke by the highest court of the land would make most of us pause and reconsider our actions. Not Joe Biden. The president essentially told the U.S. Supreme Court to get lost after it decisively told him late last month that his unilateral plan to cancel hundreds of billions in student loan debt (at taxpayer expense) was an egregious overreach of his office. Simply put: It was unconstitutional. The same day the ruling came down, Biden announced what he would do next essentially the same thing. Not a joke, as the president likes to say. In fact, the president seems confused about who told him he couldnt proceed with this massive loan forgiveness. According to a statement from the White House about Bidens new plan: No President has fought harder for student debt relief than President Biden, and hes not done yet. President Biden and Vice President (Kamala) Harris will not let Republican elected officials succeed in denying hardworking Americans the relief they need. Republican elected officials? Its unclear who Biden is talking about since it was the Supreme Court that told him he couldnt proceed with wiping out more than $400 billion in debt without Congress approval. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the economy on June 28, 2023, in Chicago. Even though Biden never had the authority to promise millions of borrowers he could magically make their debt disappear, he did it anyway, and hes doing it again without a legal path for him to succeed. Americans with student loan debt should be angry at Biden. Yet his messaging against big, bad Republicans appears to be resonating. Its all about 2024, not student loans Since Biden first announced his original loan forgiveness plan in August, the political play has been about winning the youth vote something Democrats really need heading into the next presidential election. A new poll by The Generation Lab, which surveyed college students and recent graduates, found that the vast majority blame the Supreme Court and Republicans for the fact that they still have student loan debt. The president who promised to do something he couldn't legally do? He's off the hook, at least for now, with younger voters. Story continues And you can be sure that Biden and his administration plan to use those young people as pawns by harnessing their frustration to get them to vote in 2024. SCOTUS issues student loan decision: Supreme Court tosses Biden's student loan forgiveness plan where it belongs So whats the new plan? Biden says he will now seek student loan cancellation through the Higher Education Act. Although the law grants the Education secretary some discretion over loan modification, it's a huge stretch to interpret this to mean the executive branch can take such a sweeping action. It was Biden's overreach in flexing executive power that got him in trouble with the Supreme Court this year. He tried to use the HEROES Act, a law passed during the 9/11-era to help ease student debt burdens for those serving the country, to erase debt for millions of Americans who clearly didn't fit under Congress' intentions when it passed the legislation in 2003. The president is basically just doubling down on what he tried to do initially, says Beth Akers, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and expert in the economics of higher education. I don't think that there's any more sense in the legal community that this is a more appropriate means for the administration taking this action unilaterally. Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store. In going through the Higher Education Act, Biden will have to slog through the rulemaking process something he skirted with the other law which could easily take months or even years. But from a political perspective, Biden just needs to show hes working on it until November 2024, even though he must know his actions will merit similar court battles. I expect that this will face legal challenges in the same way and may ultimately be stopped in the same way that the first attempt was stopped, Akers says. In the meantime, costly meddling continues While Bidens latest legally implausible attempt at loan cancellation plays out, he will rely on other measures to appease borrowers hes encouraged to feel angry and entitled. The first is a greatly expanded income-driven repayment plan to help lower-income borrowers a plan Biden calls affordable. It may be a boon to some debt holders, but its certainly not affordable to taxpayers who have to foot the bill for the presidents generosity. Biden is trying to sell 'Bidenomics.' But Americans can't afford the president's agenda. Second, the Biden administration continues to slow roll the restart of student loan repayments, which have remained frozen and interest free for the past three years. The payments are expected to start in September (as mandated recently by Republicans in Congress), yet he's finding ways around that. Biden's giving borrowers a year-long on-ramp to start payments without fear of dings to their credit rating if they dont pay right away. USA TODAY columnist Ingrid Jacques. These two actions combined are expected to cost about $500 billion more than the original loan forgiveness plan. Spending money the country doesnt have is integral to Bidenomics. That's bad enough. The continued brazen (and unconstitutional) effort to buy votes with sweeping loan cancellation is even worse. Ingrid Jacques is a columnist at USA TODAY. Contact her at ijacques@usatoday.com or on Twitter: @Ingrid_Jacques You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. To respond to a column, submit a comment to letters@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden oversteps on student loans in another ploy to buy 2024 votes Children in their games are wont to submit to rules which they have themselves established, and to punish misdemeanours which they have themselves defined. Thus did Tocqueville marvel at Americans habit of self-government, and the temperament it both required and encouraged from a young age. The same spirit, he said, pervades every act of social life. The unsupervised games and rituals of children in the 19th century were nicely depicted (with comic exaggeration) in Mark Twains novels The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. In his review of a 1993 book on the history of masculinity by one E. Anthony Rotundo, Christopher Lasch writes that boys challenged each other to spontaneous feats of daring and agility, acted out stories of heroic adventure and collaborated in the enforcement of an informal code of honour that stressed courage, loyalty and stoic endurance of pain. Such patterns of self-directed activity persisted into young adulthood in informal associations such as debate societies. The clash of wits between friends recalled the physical combat of loyal playfellows in boyhood mixing affection with attack. Such associations could serve as a substitute for college. We educated each other by criticising and laughing at each other, one informant recalled. But by the end of the 19th century, such autonomous organisations of young men were fading away. Education was increasingly confined to the classroom, agonistic rivalry to the playing field. Formal pedagogy replaced spontaneous play and self-culture. Lasch continues: The expansion of extracurricular activities, at every level of the school system, reflected the expansion of pedagogical authority over young people formerly left to their own devices. The dead hand of the educator reached deep into childhood, redesigning life as a learning experience. This was part of a larger pattern in which previously unsupervised domains of life were subject to systematic study and control. The domains of women were no less subject to this process. It was an era that saw the birth of home economics, sexology, the academic study of childhood development, social work, and professionalised training in the new sciences of pedagogy. The intimate and the spontaneous became subject to therapeutic mediation in the service of various social goods. Story continues If the life-world means the background patterns of life that are taken for granted, within which one can dwell unmolested, here was a new determination to leave nothing taken for granted, nothing unstudied. What this meant in practice was the colonisation of the life-world by organised expertise, corresponding to institutional money and power. Life under these conditions feels a bit off like the opposite of vitality. Ones own powers of making sense of the world are somehow disqualified. These are powers that develop naturally through action in the world. As the legitimacy and confidence of common sense is eroded, the field of meaningful action that is open to an individual seems also to shrink. Action is reduced to making choices from a menu of presented options, as in shopping, as opposed to a generative activity by which some mental conception of ones own is brought forward into the shared world. The shared world is already saturated. It is fully known and mastered; your task is merely to get yourself properly aligned to it. Some of us chafe against this, and I believe this is the subterranean source of an ornery political energy that we call populism. Populism often states its opposition to power in epistemic terms, as sceptical hostility to experts. What gets lost in all the screeching is that the basic impulse at work here is a positive one. Lasch writes that the new patterns of administered life at the turn of the century were experienced by many as subjection to routines that drained the joy out of work and play and wrapped everything in a smothering self-consciousness. Taking issue with the interpretation offered by Rotundo, Lasch wrote: Surely it was this feeling of suffocation, much more than the need to prove something about masculinity, that explains the idealisation of the strenuous life at the turn of the century: the attraction of imperialism and war, the longing for wide open spaces, the new interest in the primitive and exotic, the nostalgia for simplicity and lost innocence. Those restless adventurers of Teddy Roosevelts time had no idea how far the colonisation of the lifeworld had yet to progress. With Covid, we acquiesced to an extraordinary extension of expert-like supervision into every domain of life. But I think it would be a mistake to focus only on such episodes of heavy-handedness. In his book, Little Platoons, Matt Feeney details the workings of institutions that cluster around the family and feed off it, turning our most intimate loyalties to bureaucratic purposes while reshaping parents and children alike into compliant drones. To take one example, the college admissions process in America has extended its poisonous reach deep into childhood (apparently it starts with getting into the right pre-school) for the upper-middle class, requiring children and parents to collaborate in the crafting of a particular kind of self one that will appeal to admission officers. Holistic admissions downplay grades and test scores to make room for intangibles, so it is the whole person that is laid bare to the scrutiny of bureaucrats steeped in the moral vapours of their own professional formation. They sift through stacks of applications seeking people who have demonstrated what, exactly? To begin with, a willingness to shape themselves to send whatever signals are wanted by those with power over them. To know what is wanted takes a certain intelligence. At stake is the question of whether Johnny will be able to afford his own house one day. Thus is the professional managerial class (PMC) formed into a posture of complaisance. But nobody likes to think of himself as a cipher. The young mans (or womans) complaisance is overlaid with a compensating view of himself, made available to him by the simple fact of his having passed the gatekeeping: he adopts an identity centred on his smartness or knowledgeableness. The content of the knowledge that marks one as part of the PMC consists of the organised expertise through which money and power extend their dominion. They do so by seeking out those remaining pockets of the lifeworld where unselfconscious, vernacular practices may persist. Such un-mined pockets offer opportunity for further systemisation and profit if they can be brought into the fold of expert-like supervision. Theres an app for that. In certain red-pillish-tending pockets of the PMC, there seems to be a growing awareness of and unease with their role as agents of this push. The shakiness of various systems of organised expertise, and the enforced character of the consensus that they are used to anchor, has grown more apparent as the system flails against populist challenge. This can lead to nagging questions of a cui bono nature, which may reflect on the young mans identity as a knowledge worker (to use a term from a more innocent time when these ideological structures were more secure). If we may put this in the vernacular: the young man may begin to feel that his bullshit job is not only parasitical on the real economy, it is part of a system of social control that is basically anti-human. In retrospect, the long process of sitting in school (against his own nature), forming himself into something pleasing to those college admissions officers, may take on a different look: it was a process of paying for the privilege of making himself an instrument of power. This is serious alienation. Lasch rebuked Rotundo for injecting the question of gender into his discussion of vitalism, which Lasch insisted was a unisex, human response to the over-administration of every aspect of life. The rationalisation of daily life had similarly depressing effects on women, even though it was often held up as the means of their emancipation from domestic drudgery. (For a compelling brain-centred account of why this emancipation from household labour can induce depression, see the psychologist Kelly Lamberts work on effort-driven rewards.) The imperial presumptions of moral-therapeutic supervision are more advanced today than they were in Roosevelts time, and Lasch is surely right that you dont need to look on the contemporary landscape with a hyper-vigilant concern for emasculation to see that the human spirit is in danger of being smothered to death, for men and women both. But in fact, the therapeutic para-state is today staffed disproportionately by women and routinely addresses its expectations to us in gendered terms, sometimes casting dissent from the programme as an expression of toxic masculinity. So it is to be expected that such dissent will likewise make the legitimacy of the male a thematic concern. To paraphrase Trotsky, you may not be interested in a sexual holy war, but the sexual holy war is interested in you. Daily life is shot through with an ambient pedagogical project that works to create the modern subject, a creature who internalises the social discipline required by the modern state. In one of his choicest formulations, Michel Foucault referred to the minor civil servants of moral orthopaedics. They are found in corporate HR, the Office of Student Life in universities, mandatory Relationships and Sexual Health Education in schools, lifestyle magazines and countless other sites of adjustment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 71% of human resources managers are women. In the University of California system, to take one example, 70% of non-academic staff are women, and in American universities generally, the ratio of administrators to faculty has nearly doubled since 1990. Sixty-seven percent of those who hold a journalism degree are women. In psychology, female graduate students outnumber males by about three to one, and have done so for more than a decade. Seventy-seven percent of sociology majors are women, and women have received about two-thirds of all masters degrees since the early Eighties. If the norm-setting, psyche-tending, world-describing, and narrative-generating professions are staffed predominantly by women, does anything follow from this fact? It does if you grant that there are such things as male norms and female norms, as social psychology indicates there are, and if you further grant that this difference must show up in the flavour of institutional life. Jonathan Haidt says that among women you get a different kind of conflict. There is a greater emphasis on what someone said which hurt someone else, even if unintentionally. There is a greater tendency to respond to an offence by mobilising social resources to ostracise the alleged offender. This concern with offence, which tends to maintain social cohesion, also tends to come detached from the question whether the hurtful thing said was true or not. This introduces an element of arbitrariness, an invitation to caprice. Notice that in this dynamic, a hurt may be attributed, a victim identified, as an act of aggression against the putative offender. The great majority of women do not seek power within an institution under the banner of woke activism. But most of those who do seek power in this way are women, Richard Hanania observes. More broadly, due to important asymmetries between male and female modes of conflict, womens tears win in the marketplace of ideas. Such winning often results in the further extension of bureaucratic supervision into realms where harms might be found. I believe one reason the feminine mode of competition has become so prominent in institutions is that it is in harmony with our overarching political frame. Earlier I referred to a particular kind of modern subject that is required by the modern state. Who is this character? We get some insight from a recent article by the political theorist Mark Shiffman. He offers a re-interpretation of the state of nature myths that ground the liberal doctrine of rights, turning its basic logic upside down. In doing so, he casts a clarifying light on the present: It is not the case that because [by nature] we have rights to protect we are potential victims of their violation. Rather, the myths cast human beings in the position of victims and deploy the rhetoric of rights to capture this sense of violation in a way that simultaneously points to what we ought to hope for from the modern state. Liberalism is premised from its mythic beginnings upon victimhood. If I may extrapolate from Shiffmans argument: unless you can identify with some vulnerable population, you are not a full citizen. (Allyship would seem to express an anxious recognition of this fact.) That is, you are not the type of subject upon whom the authority of the state rests. Such is the underlying logic of Leviathan, fully realised only with the advent of the civil rights regime of protected classes. This logic has lately achieved a kind of totality in its reach, precisely because it has devolved from the state proper. It is expressed in the vigilance in detecting harm that holds sway in the public and private bureaucracies that make up a kind of sprawling para-state. These take on the task of cultivating and managing the identities that serve as markers of oppression in designated client groups, requiring moral orthopaedics for all. Todays Leviathan conceives its subjects as fragile beings afloat in a field of incipient traumas. Such a governing entity will look with suspicion on the unsupervised play of boys who challenged each other to spontaneous feats of daring and agility, acted out stories of heroic adventure and collaborated in the enforcement of an informal code of honour that stressed courage, loyalty and stoic endurance of pain. That is not at all what is wanted. What is at stake here is the conditions for the possibility of achieving adulthood, for men and women both. The process of development from childhood to adulthood requires departure from the safety of parental protection and affirmation, through confrontation with hard reality. It is through such confrontation that a person escapes the solipsism of unearned self-esteem, enters the world of objective standards, and begins to develop competence in some field of endeavour. If it is to be an adequate response to the forces of infantilisation, todays vitalism will have to go beyond the boyish rebellion of the online Right and articulate a positive picture of what it means to be an adult. Even, dare we say, what it means to be a man. Whatever else it means, being a responsible man today would seem to involve a tricky double task: to be respectful and protective of women in private, and to confidently disregard womens tears in public. This would be made easier if women the silent majority of them who probably value self-reliance did likewise, forming an alliance with men against a metastasising force of moral orthopaedics that diminishes us all. For at least the third time in four months, masked men have been spotted displaying a white pride banner in San Luis Obispo County an act that San Luis Obispo Mayor Erica Stewart condemned racist hate speech. On Saturday, two men holding a banner reading White men unite stood in front of the San Luis Obispo Fire Departments Station No. 1 on the corner of South Street and Broad Street in San Luis Obispo, as a third man took pictures. The sign featured Nordic runes associated with Nazis and white supremacists as well as the word blackshirts, a term using during World War II by Italian Fascists. Saturdays incident came just weeks after a split San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution denouncing racism, bigotry and hate speech. Stewart took to social media Saturday to denounce the mens racist behavior and hate. In San Luis Obispo, we believe in the power of unity, acceptance, and love. Our vision is a city that is welcoming, inclusive, and safe for all, Stewart wrote in an Instagram post accompanied by a video. We stand firmly against racism, bigotry, and discrimination of any kind. San Luis Obispo Mayor Erica Sterwart speaks at the Juneteenth Jubilee in downtown Paso Robles on June 18, 2022. Stewart, who is San Luis Obispos first Black mayor, emphasized the mens actions are not representative of the San Luis Obispo community. This is not who we are or what we believe, she said. On social media app Nextdoor, community members also decried Saturdays incident. It is sad that these cowards chose to use our very 1st amendment enshrined in the most important document of our founding, to spread their racist ideology, one Nextdoor user wrote. But it is their right to display their immaturity and ignorance, Several men with masks hold up an Embrace white pride flag on the Vineyard Drive Highway 101 overpass on Saturday, May 13, 2023. White pride banners seen in SLO, Templeton Masked men first appeared on the Highway 101 overpass at Vineyard Drive in Templeton in April with an Embrace white pride banner. More than 100 people gathered at the Vineyard Drive overpass May 10 for a Rally Against Hate event celebrating acceptance and diversity. Story continues Then, on May 13, four masked men held a sign on the Vineyard Drive overpass that read Embrace white pride. Following the second banner, a group of Templeton residents urged the Board of Supervisors to take action. On June 6, the board passed the anti-racism resolution in a 3-2 vote. Supervisors pledged in the resolution to combat hate speech and continue working with state and local agencies to enforce laws and policies meant to ensure safe travel on our freeways, sidewalks and roads. Its not clear if the men seen Saturday in San Luis Obispo were connected to the groups spotted in Templeton in April and May. More than 100 people gathered to support diversity in the first hour of a rally on the Vineyard Drive Highway 101 overpass in Templeton on May 10, 2023. The gathering was a response to a social media post showing a pair of people holding an Embrace white pride banner there last week. How to report hate crimes In May, the Civil Rights Department launched California vs. Hate, a free hotline providing resources for those who witness or experience hate crimes. San Luis Obispo residents can report hate crimes or hate-related incidents through the San Luis Obispo Police Department forms.slocity.org/Forms/hateincidentreporting, or by calling 805-781-7312. A project to build a national museum of Latino history and culture is up in the air amid a dispute over the museums contents that has cast its funding prospects into the larger fight over the fiscal 2024 budget. The House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday approved an interior and environment funding bill that bans the federal government from spending any taxpayer money on the National Museum of the American Latino, part of the Smithsonian Institution, which was approved by Congress in 2020. With zero funding for a project thats been a core priority for many U.S. Latinos, the museums immediate future is now at the mercy of highly politicized budget negotiations in Congress. This is an unfortunate roadblock: to now be talking about zeroing out funding to the museum, said Estuardo Rodriguez, president and CEO of the Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino. At Wednesdays Appropriations hearing, Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.) introduced an amendment to restore funding to the museum that was defeated 27-33. The Latino community is not monolithic. We are very diverse and the fact that Republicans want to drive a stake into the heart of the Smithsonian Museum honoring the Latino culture in America is unacceptable, wrote Espaillat on Twitter. With Wednesdays vote, the fight over funding the museum moved outside the committees reach, making it more difficult for any single legislator to reverse the action. Before the funding fight, the Latino museum was searching for a permanent home, lobbying Congress to approve construction in one of two sites on the National Mall; a parallel push is being made to house the Smithsonian American Womens History Museum, which received funding in Wednesdays vote. Republicans stripped the Latino museums funding in a dispute over its contents, vision and a gallery billed as the first physical presence of the National Museum of the American Latino the Molina Family Latino Gallery at the National Museum of American History. Story continues The Molina Gallery currently hosts the Presente! exhibit, which seeks to provide an overview of U.S. Latino history in a relatively limited space, but critics have said it reflects an ideological view, with a focus on European colonialism, forced migration and U.S. interventions in Latin America that propped up right-wing dictatorships. The Molina Gallerys avoidance of criticism of left-leaning totalitarian governments such as Fidel Castros in Cuba angered many Latinos whose communities came to the United States fleeing such regimes. I dont know who did this, I dont know if theyre Hispanic, but its really kind of like a racist portrayal of Hispanics. And also just trying to portray the United States as evil in every way, said Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), who has taken the lead in expressing GOP concerns on the issue. Diaz-Balarts issues with the exhibit generally mirror frictions that exist among communities that compose the broader U.S. Hispanic community. Those differences can stem from peoples diverse countries of origin, reasons for migrating, length of time in the United States and other factors. Broadly speaking, the dispute illustrates competing visions of Latino history, one anchored in the Mexican-American economic migration experience and another in the Cuban-American experience of fleeing the totalitarian regime set up in Cuba after 1959. Hispanic identity in the United States is a diverse patchwork quilt of cultural experiences from more than 20 countries on three continents thats created several distinct political and historical viewpoints within the community. Diaz-Balart said the gallerys focus on U.S. history of interventionism in Latin America and portrayal of Latinos as victims is offensive. The gallery is named after C. David Molina and his wife, Mary Molina, the ancestors of the Molina family that funded the project. Molina was the founder of Molina Healthcare, now a Fortune 500 company, which he started in 1980 to provide medical services to workers in Southern California. According to detractors, the Molina Gallery shows Latinos through that Southern California lens, distorting the history of the countrys Hispanic community overall. For taxpayer money to be used, its got to be done well, said Diaz-Balart. I for one have no inclination to support any entity that basically distorts the history and the reality of the Latino communities and of Latinos in the United States and then uses this as an excuse to bash, basically, the United States and make Latinos and Hispanics victims. But the museums supporters say the project cant be judged based on one gallerys contents. To hold the Smithsonian accountable to a gallery that was conceived prior to the actual bill passing in December 2020, that was conceived prior to Jorge Zamanillo ever getting the first job interview to be the director of the American Latino Museum, thats unfair, said Rodriguez. Zamanillo, a Cuban-American anthropologist who headed the HistoryMiami Museum from 2016 to 2022, was appointed director of the Smithsonian Latino museum in May of 2022, barely a month before the Molina Gallery opened. HistoryMiami, formerly the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, is a Smithsonian-affiliated institution thats the largest historical museum in Florida. The Smithsonian did not immediately respond to The Hills request for comment on this story. Rodriguez said he toured the Molina Gallery with members of Diaz-Balarts staff to alleviate Republican worries about the content. I had a very good conversation about all of the concerns. I agreed with some of the concerns, but I also said, This is 5,000 square feet. In 5,000 square feet, youre just not going to be able to give every single exhibit the attention it deserves, right? Youre jamming 500 years of history into 5,000 square feet,' said Rodriguez. But Diaz-Balart said the Smithsonian has only given lip service to his complaints. I would hope that it was done right, but Im not gonna just roll over which is I think what they expected, he said. For a long, long time, Ive been sending every message possible. Hey, folks, this is real. We have a serious problem. And its not just me, its not just me. So heres where we are, and I hope that they wake up, I do. But as of now, they clearly have not. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. 'The Popular Party has won the election,' leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo said after the party won 136 seats, falling well short of expectations (Pierre-Philippe MARCOU) Despite polls predicting victory for Spain's right-wing Popular Party, Sunday's election resulted in a hung parliament, offering a lifeline to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez who could cling on to power through a jigsaw of alliances. The closely-watched vote took place just three weeks after Spain took over the rotating presidency of the European Union with the European left bracing for a fresh blow. With 99 percent of the ballots counted, the PP won with 136 seats, while the prime minister's Socialists came second with 122 in the 350-seat parliament -- both far from the 176 needed for a governing majority. And neither was able to reach that figure even with support from their main political partners, with the far-right Vox counting 33 mandates and the radical left-wing Sumar winning 31. With the PP and Vox falling short of a working majority, that gives the left-wing bloc a fresh chance to form another government because the Socialists have more options to create alliances. In power for five years, Sanchez is in a far better position than his rival to seek the support needed to piece together a coalition, notably from the Basque and Catalan separatist parties for whom Vox is a bogeyman. Polls had predicted a decisive victory for Alberto Nunez Feijoo's PP, which was seen winning 145-150 seats. But without a working majority, the party would have been forced to turn to Vox for support to govern. "Spain and all its citizens who voted have been absolutely clear: the backwards-looking bloc that wanted to roll back all the progress we made over the past four years has failed," said a clearly jubilant Sanchez who focused his campaign on the danger of a PP-Vox government. - 'A real surprise' - "It is a real surprise given what the expectations were," said Antonio Barroso, an analyst at political consultancy Teneo, with the Socialists "holding up much better than expected". "The challenge for Sanchez is to find a majority, it all depends on one or two seats," he told AFP. Story continues "There are two scenarios: either Sanchez forms a government or there is a repeat election," he explained. In remarks after the count, Feijoo said he would push for the chance to form a government as the party with the most votes. "As the candidate of the party that won the most seats, I believe it is my duty" to try to form a government," he told supporters outside the PP headquarters in Madrid. But Barroso said he was unlikely to get anywhere. "Feijoo is going to try and argue that the party with the most votes governs, but he will need the Socialists to abstain (to be sworn in) they won't give him that." Given the results, Sanchez could rally 172 lawmakers behind him and return to power, if the hardline Catalan separatist party JxCat did not vote against him. Otherwise, Spain will find itself once again in deadlock and forced to hold a new election, as it did in 2019. - A closely-watched vote - Sanchez, 51, called the snap polls in late May after his Socialist party and its far-left junior coalition partners suffered a drubbing in local and regional elections in which the right surged. He focused his campaign on warning about the danger of a PP-Vox government in order to mobilise the electorate in a strategy that appears to have paid off, with turnout reaching almost 70 percent, some 3.5 percentage points higher than in 2019. Feijoo, who took over as head of the PP in April 2022 after 13 years as head of the northwestern Galicia region, had focused his campaign on vowing to "overthrow Sanchismo" a derogative term for Sanchez's policies. He pledged to "overturn all those minority-inspired laws that harm the majority" including legislation on gender self-determination and a botched rape law that let more than 1,000 convicted sex offenders secure a reduction in their sentences. The vote has been closely watched from abroad over the possibility, which now seems unlikely, of a government in which the far right held its first share of power since the Franco dictatorship ended in 1975. Vox, which jointly rules three of Spain's 17 regions with the PP, pledged to roll back laws on gender violence, LGBTQ rights, abortion and euthanasia, as well as a democratic memory law honouring the victims of the dictatorship. In an op-ed in France's Le Monde, Britain's former prime minister Gordon Brown called Vox's agenda "chilling", warning its entry into government "would push Europe one step further into a right-wing abyss". Despite a strong economic performance on his watch, Sanchez's standing has suffered due to the political deals his minority coalition has had to make to push through legislation, notably with Catalan and Basque separatist parties. bur-hmw/ds/mtp A voter casts their ballot in Spain. Zowy Voeten/Getty Images Spain headed to the polls Sunday in a national election that could result in seismic changes for both Spanish citizens and the greater European Union. The conservative Popular Party (PP), led by Alberto Nunez Feijoo, appears likely to oust Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) from power. Up-to-date polling shows the PP leading over PSOE 34% to 28%. However, polling also shows that the PP will likely fall short of an outright majority in Parliament. As a result, Feijoo will likely have to turn to the far-right Vox Party to help form a government by filling out the remaining parliamentary seats. The rise of the Vox Party has worried the PSOE, which has been in power longer than any other group in modern Spain. Vox is described by the Financial Times as a party that "wants to repeal a law cementing LGBT+ rights; it rejects worries about rising temperatures as 'climate fanaticism'; and has used terms such as 'Muslim invasion' in its anti-immigration campaigns." A swing to the right in Spain could also help cement additional far-right support in the EU. If the PP and Vox team up following a potential victory, it would be the first time that a far-right group would return to government in Spain since the dictatorship of Francisco Franco was toppled in 1975. It would also mean Spain would join other European nations that have recently shifted to the right, including Italy, Sweden, and Finland. However, the public may not be so quick to embrace Vox, as people "are generally happy with the economic policies and orientation of the country," Jose Ignacio Torreblanca, head of the European Council on Foreign Relations' Madrid office, told Time. "It's a paradox because the far right may be in government, but they are actually going down in polls." You may also like Florida construction and agricultural workforces diminished after new immigration law takes effect Judge limits how Biden officials can communicate with social media companies How solar and wind energy are saving Texans from a record heatwave Canadian star Laysla De Oliveira (Locke & Key) leads us through Special Ops: Lioness on Paramount+, a high-stakes and heated military thriller series from Taylor Sheridan (co-creator of Yellowstone), with a star-studded cast including Zoe Saldana and Nicole Kidman. The series is based on the real Lioness program, a group of women who are part of the Marines on-the-ground military efforts, most often referenced as being able to conduct searches of women in Iraq and Afghanistan. In Special Ops: Lioness De Oliveira plays Cruz, a woman who escapes a frightening abusive relationship in by, literally, crashing through the door of a recruitment office for the Marines. As Cruz starts her training, it's clear that she is stronger, faster and smarter than her fellow recruits, both men and women, and her skills lead her to meeting Joe (Saldana). Joe is recruiting women to infiltrate terrorist groups through the women in the lives of "high-value targets." But when Cruz executes her task to befriend the daughter of one of these targets, things take a very dangerous turn. Laysla De Oliveira as Cruz Manuelos in Special Ops: Lioness streaming on Paramount+ (Lynsey Addario/Paramount+) 'It's not about men versus women' For De Oliveira, born and raised in Toronto, being able to work on one of Sheridan's projects really excited her about being part of Special Ops: Lioness. "Taylor Sheridan is such a prolific writer, he writes these incredible powerhouse women, and when it comes to Cruz, he wrote her so beautifully," De Oliveira told Yahoo Canada in an interview in Toronto. "She's someone who's very tough on the interior, the ultimate bad-ss, if you will, but incredibly vulnerable and soft." "So playing that range, I think, is an incredible challenge and it was something that was so artistically fulfilling to do." Special Ops: Lioness is quite quick to get to the action, but the physical aspect of Cruz is what made De Oliveira "most nervous," having to go through hours of training a day. Story continues "The thing with that kind of stuff is, if you just show up to class, you show up every day, it'll show up for you," she explained. "It was such a great journey with that and Cruz really taught me how strong I am." While many are always quick to describe women as "strong" or "tough," when it comes to how Sheridan crafted the women in his story, De Oliveira highlighted that it's really about showing the different ways in which people, particularly women, can show strength. "What I mean by strong is not being a stereotype, or not being used to just guide somebody else's story, usually a man's story," De Oliveira said. "What I love about our show is, yes, these women are physically strong, they're also emotionally strong and they're also incredibly vulnerable, which is strong as well, being able to go there." "What I also like about the show is, even though you have three powerhouse females and other incredible, strong women in the show, it's not about men versus women. It's about working together and I think that's how it should be." Laysla De Oliveira as Cruz Manuelos in Special Ops: Lioness, streaming on Paramount+ (Lynsey Addario/Paramount+) But with a character like Cruz, who has experienced significant trauma in her life, being able to walk away and put aside such a complex character was also a challenge for the actor. "This is my first go-around of doing something so emotionally and physically demanding for this period of time," De Oliveira said. "I've done films where they've been emotionally demanding, but when you're in it for seven months, it's so interesting because you start needing to do less to get into the character." "But the other side of that is you start having to do more to separate from it. ... It's also incredibly artistically fulfilling that you feel like, 'hey, this character is really coming to life.' I hope that this will take somebody on a journey. I think that's the beautiful thing about acting is that you're able to manifest these emotions and feelings, and become someone so that somebody can escape, relate, connect in any which way." TORONTO, ONTARIO - JULY 11: Laysla De Oliveira attends the premiere of the Paramount+ series "Special Ops: Lioness" at TIFF Bell Lightbox on July 11, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Mathew Tsang/Getty Images) Laysla De Oliveira 'immediately started sobbing' at Toronto premiere On July 11, De Oliveira got to share the first episode of Special Ops: Lioness in her hometown of Toronto on the big screen at the city's TIFF Bell Lightbox, with her family by her side. The actor shared that the experience brought her to tears. "I had seen the show, but I hadn't seen the opening credits, and so I immediately started sobbing," De Oliveira said. "My mom looked at me and she was like, 'I will not be able to watch this thing if you're crying the whole time.'" "I finally got it together, she was squeezing my hand the whole time, it was really magical. Seeing it on a big screen with my family, just being able to share it with the ones you love, and being able to celebrate such a milestone moment in the city you were born in is an incredible feeling." Reflecting on what she's been able to achieve as a Canadian actor, now having a lead role in a TV series with some of Hollywood's biggest stars, De Oliveira said she's "still processing" this reality, but has "nothing but gratitude" for the opportunity. "I'm really grateful for the people that chose me for this part, Taylor Sheridan, the people who empowered me while shooting, Morgan [Freeman], Nicole [Kidman] and Zoe [Saldana]," she said. "I'm also really thankful for the people who came before me, like Rachel McAdams. That's someone I've also really admired my entire career. So it's really nice to hopefully have a similar trajectory." Interview was conducted prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike. Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect that Jeff Fisher's motion has not been denied by a judge. CHILLICOTHE "The Defendant is throwing all the spaghetti at the wall and praying something will stick." The state responded to Jeff Fisher's motion to have his plea deal dropped, calling Fisher "arrogant, conceited, and despicable" and suggesting his actions are desperate. In 2017, the former Chillicothe High School principal was indicted on seven counts of sexual battery, all third-degree felonies, for illegal sexual conduct with two separate CHS students. Last year, he submitted a motion to the Ross County Court of Common Pleas to have his plea deal dropped and the case dismissed. According to the state's response, "Fisher spoke during his trial and took full responsibility for the actions that harmed the victims of these offenses." The state's response says that "a post-sentence withdrawal motion is allowable only in extraordinary circumstances... in order for a dismissal to occur, there must be a violation of the Defendant's constitutional or statutory rights." The state argues that Fisher's rights were not violated. Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Marks said the court has not made a decision yet on how to proceed with Fisher's motion. Fisher claims he didn't understand the plea deal Fisher argued in the motion that he didn't understand at the time that by agreeing to the plea deal he could still be sentenced to prison. In the state's response, Marks wrote that Fisher, "knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily entered into a plea agreement with the State of Ohio." The motion goes on to say Fisher's "recollection of that meeting is incorrect at best, or his representations of that meeting are a lie, at worst." Judge Michael Ater asked Fisher if he understood that he faced prison time, to which Fisher answered in the affirmative. Story continues Allegation of using false evidence Fisher argues that there was a violation of his due process rights because of the use of falsified evidence. The state's response argues that the evidence was not falsified. Shortly after submitting his motion, Jeff Fisher offered to drop the motion if authorities could explain the "fake" evidence, including: A screenshot of an iMessage conversation that Fisher had with a victim in 2005. Fisher argues that iMessage was introduced in 2011 and therefore the conversation had to be fake. A screenshot of a conversation between Fisher and a victim that Fisher claims is fake and taken from an internet meme. Fisher argued that if individual pieces of evidence are proven as fraudulent it would also cast doubt on the rest of the case. Marks responded to both pieces of evidence in the state's response, stating that the iMessage conversation was erroneous due to an "incorrect interpretation of overwritten data from deleted text messages." Marks said "The detective wrongly attributed the data as a text exchange between the parties," and was, "incorrect in his characterization of this data," in reference to the screenshot that Fisher claimed came from an internet meme. However, Marks went on to say, "there is no evidence of a deceptive act on the part of the victim to falsify evidence to be used in this prosecution." Marks added that the defendant did not choose to question the evidence during the trial. Since he explained the evidence, Marks questioned if Fisher would withdraw the motion. Fisher said that Marks attempted to "minimize this admission by the state" by blaming detectives. "Only admitting to the most obvious instance of fraud (an internet meme), and ignoring all other examples and evidence of fraud I provided in the December 2022 Motion dealing with fake screenshots and more," Fisher said. "But, it does not change the fact the State admitted its use of fake evidence in this case to investigate, indict, prosecute, negotiate a plea, and then sentence me to prison." Marks said, "As much as the Defendant would like this Court to conclude that this evidence is falsified, that is an issue for trial. The jury, or judge if it is a trial to court, determines the credibility of the evidence presented. Jeffrey Fisher does not get to make this determination on his own." Fisher fires back Fisher, who is representing himself, filed a response to the state's motion in which he demands the court answer two questions. Did the State of Ohio knowingly (actual malice) or unknowingly (professional incompetence) accept and use falsified evidence in this case in order to falsely incriminate the Defendant? How long has the State of Ohio been aware of legitimate evidence supporting the actual innocence of the Defendant and the admitted duplicitous nature of the accusers involved in this case Throughout the response, Fisher continues to make allegations similiar to his original motion about the case and the state's handling of it. He wrote that his original motion provides "ample evidence of both legal errorand new evidence that was not known or available to the Defendant at the time of the plea proces" "If given a second opportunity to do it again the Defendant is confident and fearful the State will accept and use more fake evidence in order to win a case against the Defendant with little regard for truth or justice," Fisher wrote in his response. State questions the validity of Fisher's "new" evidence Fisher's motion contained numerous allegations about Fisher's victims, public officials and other community members. Similar to other "irrelevant" evidence used in Fisher's motion, the state alleges the evidence was, "just thrown in for good measure I guess." "The new evidence this is offered by the Defendant as having come to be known by him in the summer of 2020 forward, is suspect at best. It lacks the ability to be authenticated, it lacks the ability to be believed, and as such, cannot be considered as a basis for declaring a manifest injustice." Megan Becker is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. Call her at 740-349-1106, email her at mbecker@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @BeckerReporting. This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: State responds to Jeff Fisher's motion to have conviction overturned NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has agreed to convene a meeting of the newly formed Ukraine-NATO Council at the request of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Source: dpa; European Pravda Details: Alliance spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said that the meeting will be held on Wednesday at the ambassadors level to "consult on the latest developments and discuss Ukrainian grain transportation through the Black Sea". Background: In his evening video address on 22 July, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that during a telephone conversation he had asked Stoltenberg to immediately convene the NATO-Ukraine Council due to Russia's aggressive steps in the Black Sea. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Stoltenberg schedules Ukraine-NATO Council meeting NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has scheduled a meeting of the newly formed Ukraine-NATO Council on July 26, confirmed NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu to German news agency dpa on July 23. The meeting comes after a specific request from UkrainianPresident Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "The parties will convene to consult on the latest developments and discuss the transportation of Ukrainian grain across the Black Sea," she said. It will be an ambassador-level meeting, said Lungescu. The urgent call for the Ukraine-NATO Council meeting came in response to the situation in the Black Sea and the disruption of the crucial grain corridor, as President Zelenskyy emphasized in his July 22 video address. Zelenskyy then held a telephone conversation with Stoltenberg. The establishment of the Ukraine-NATO Council occurred during the NATO summit in Vilnius on July 11-12, marking a significant milestone in Ukraine-NATO relations. Grain Agreement Suspension and Attack on Odesa: Key Details The Kremlin announced the suspension of the "grain agreement" on July 17, previously brokered by the UN and Turkey last July. This agreement facilitated the unblocking of three Ukrainian ports for food exports. Russia then withdrew its shipping safety guarantees under the framework of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Ukraine asked Turkey andthe UN to continue the "grain corridor" operations without the involvement of Russia. In retaliation, the Kremlin issuedthreats, hinting at the possibility of resuming the agreement's operation without Ukraine. In the wake of these developments, Russia launched massive strikes on the port and grain infrastructure of Ukraine, targeting the port cities of Odesa and Mykolaiv. These attacks resulted in the destruction of civil infrastructure and the loss of civilian lives. Notably, on the night of July 23, Russian troops inflicted a devastating blow on the historic center of Odesa, resulting in at least one fatality, 22 injuries, and significant damage to the city. Story continues Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has expressed conditional willingness to consider a return to the "grain agreement," subject to meeting all its provisions. 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 Photo Illustration by Kelly Caminero / The Daily Beast / Getty In May, a bipartisan group of eight senators sent a letter to Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale detailing their concerns about the ease of the United States Post Offices ability to spy on Americans. Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Rand Paul (R-KY) were the main authors of the May 17 letter, which was also signed by Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mike Lee (R-UT), Edward Markey (D-MA), and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY). A 2020 Pew survey found that the Post Office was the most trusted federal institutioncertainly its reputation is tidier than the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or FBIs. Its most obvious flaw is the trite stand-up comedy observation that it operates slowly. Elon Musk, Joe Rogan, and the Apocalyptic Centrists But the problem observed by the senators is about as old as the USPS itself. From the bluntly named World War II-era Director of Censorships power to restrict mail, to the 1873 Comstock Act fueling the power of the post to prevent contraception information from being distributed, to the PATRIOT Acts many tentacles, the Post Office hides nasty habits under its all-American exterior. The concerns come down to a handful of issues: the number and ease of mail covers, and the lack of transparency in USPS surveillance. Mail covers involve the USPS recording any information displayed on the outside, then giving that information to law enforcement. It is an ostensibly mild form of surveillancea kind of metadata for the analog realm that gives a clearer picture of who the suspect knows, what they are interested in, and sometimes where they have gone. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) (2nd-L), speaks while U.S. Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO) (L), U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) (2ndR), and U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) listen during a news conference on Capitol Hill September 25, 2013 in Washington, DC. The bipartisan group of Senators announced new legislation for comprehensive surveillance reform. Mark Wilson/Getty However, the senators believe that it is too intrusive, especially en masse, and too easy for the government to use and abuse. The USPS Office of Inspector Generalthe agency that is supposed to report on waste, fraud, and abuses within the USPShas not reported on the changes it was requested to make in a 2020 report. The USPS has also not released data about mail covers since 2014. Story continues Furthermore, the senators want to know whether the USPS has made any changes based on the 2018 Carpenter v. United States Supreme Court decision which affirmed that the FBI should have had probable cause in order to acquire cell-site data about a suspected armed robber. Cell-site data is comparable to metadata in that its about location, call length, and numbers contacted, not the content of communications. A legal concept called the third party doctrine is arguably the longest leash in the governments kennel. This broadly says that if you willingly give your information over to a phone company, an internet service provider, or the post officebasically any time it was voluntaryyou do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy. However, Carpenter clarified that there are exceptions. The USPS is a benign-sounding, constitutionally endorsed institution that serves a necessary purpose. Many of us learned about its scrappy beginnings in history classes about the Pony Express, or we just generally appreciate how it continues to be a small lifeline to isolated corners of America. But USPS also has a law enforcement branch, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). And it can use mail covers to surveil people of interest to the FBI, DEA, or other federal law enforcement who only have to request such action in writing. No higher authority, judge or otherwise, needs to endorse the process. U.S. Postal Service mail carrier Joe Raedle/Getty In 2022, a lawsuit filed by the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) against the USPS and USPIS was dismissed due to a lack of standing. EPIC objected to the post office scanning millions of social media posts, and using facial recognition software in order to find suspects who use the mail for criminal endeavors. Sen. Wyden responded to a query from The Daily Beast via his chief communications officer, describing how mail covers are similar to what is known as metadata in the digital realm. Federal law enforcement officials invariably defend metadata and bulk data collection as necessary for catching various bad guys, but swear there is always sufficient oversight to protect the privacy rights of Americans. Congress and several appeals courts have disagreed in the decade since Edward Snowdens leaks. They use similar logic as Wyden, who argues (via his spokesperson) that the mail a person receives is a wealth of private information. If someone knows you are getting letters from a gun store, debt collector and a church, they know a lot about you, even without opening your mail. In this handout photo provided by The Guardian, Edward Snowden speaks during an interview in Hong Kong. Snowden, a 29-year-old former technical assistant for the CIA, revealed details of top-secret surveillance conducted by the United States' National Security Agency regarding telecom data. Getty Sens. Paul and Wyden often focus on Fourth Amendment issues, so their involvement shouldnt be a surprise. However, some people, including a writer over at Techdirt have wondered why its worth going after the USPS in the digital age. Ron DeSantis Anti-Free Speech Crusade Would Cancel Fox News As the Barksdale letter notes, though USPIS looks after (obviously) mail-based crimes, thousands out of the tens of thousands of Americans postal communications that it flags are sent to other law enforcement agencies. Even flimsier than the oft-critiqued method of just a federal judge signing off on surveillance, often in a quiet FISA court, mail covers are even easier to acquire. USPIS coordinates these requests from law enforcement and intelligence agencies, and delivers the list of targets to USPS, which then conducts the surveillance. USPIS mail covers regulations only require that the agency or postal inspector requesting a mail cover submit the request in writing, says the senators letter. It claims that the agencies that most frequently request mail covers are the IRS, FBI, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The letter also notes that these requests are needlessly kept secret from the targets. USPIS is choosing to provide this surveillance service [to federal agencies that request it] and to keep postal customers in the dark about the fact they have been subjected to monitoring. U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) (C) speaks while U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) (L), U.S. Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO) (2ndL) and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) (R), listen during a news conference on Capitol Hill Sept. 25, 2013 in Washington, DC. The bipartisan group of Senators announced new legislation for comprehensive surveillance reform. Mark Wilson/Getty The most well-known chief postal inspector is Anthony Comstock, who left a legacy of puritanical authoritarianism from the 1870s to the early 1900s as he prevented the mailing of medical textbooks, birth control and abortion information, marriage sex manuals, and anything written by suffragettes that he could stop. The USPIS website hosts a video depicting a happy history of the agency, but only briefly mentions Comstock, then briskly moves on to more palatable examples of the office doing good, like fighting organized crime groups such as the Black Hand in the early 1900s, or arresting child sexual abuse material distributors in the 1980s, and the recently deceased Unabomber in the 1990s. Some of the senators letter to Barksdale describes the Post Offices underbelly, which was displayed by the 1976 Church Committee. Sen. Frank Churchs Watergate-influenced efforts helped enlighten Americans about such embarrassing government moments as the activist-disrupting COINTELPRO, the supervillain-style CIA adventures of MKULTRA, and the terrifying reach of FBI head J. Edgar Hoover during his four decades in power. Less remembered is the revelation that the CIA had a long habit of intercepting mail. Over the course of two decades, the CIA reportedly opened some 200,000 letters being sent to the Soviet Union, and thousands to Communist China. The New York Times in 1975 estimated that at least 27 million mail covers had been used between 1953 and 1973. COINTELPRO and other government programs intended to infiltrate and ruin activist movements frequently also involved interrupting and surveilling the mail, as well as sending pamphlets or letter in order to foment confusion, paranoia, and infamously in the case of the FBI letter to Martin Luthor King Jr., suggest commiting suicide. As deep thinkers warn about the impending day ChatGPT takes our jobs, worrying about the 250-year-old USPS seems quant. However, none of its powers are particularly diminished. In fact, the Comstock Acts have newly reacquired relevance in the age after Roe v. Wade. What was once used to prevent the spread of pornography or birth control information may now be used to stop the distribution of abortion pills through the mail. Theres reason to even worry that information about self-managed abortions, or other resources could be intercepted. Dont Use the Buffalo Shooting to Call for New Domestic Terrorism Laws Though abortion is mostly a concern only to those left of center, the right has its own worries about federal law enforcement, particularly the FBI and the IRS of late. A spokesperson for Sen. Paul told The Daily Beast that the senator along with millions of Americans, are [sic] concerned that they are under constant warrantless surveillance, which is a violation of the liberties guaranteed by our Constitution. And this is worth looking into because, Wydens spokesperson wrote, Mail surveillance may seem old-fashioned in the year 2023, but that doesnt make it any less threatening to Americans rights. My job in Congress is to protect Americans privacy in every arena, not just the ones that are making headlines this week. This is a worthy cause, but its taken more than 250 years to get here. Good luck to the senators, but this suggests that sufficient Fourth Amendment protection for internet users may not happen before 2280. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. A Russian missile strike clobbered a Ukrainian cathedral in Odesa, killing one and injuring 19. The historic cathedral was destroyed once before, by Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin in the 1930s. The church is part of a UNESCO-protected World Heritage Site. A beloved Ukrainian cathedral has been decimated by a Russian military strike for the second time in its history. The strike in the port city of Odesa early Sunday morning left one dead and injured 19 others. The strike caused extensive damage to the cathedral, Reuters reported. Of those injured in the strike, four were children, the region's governor said in a message on Telegram. "Odesa: another night attack of the monsters," Oleh Kiper said on Telegram, per Reuters. Photos from Reuters showed the devastation in the Spaso-Preobrazhenskyi Cathedral also known as the Transfiguration Cathedral which is Odesa's largest church building. It sits in the city's historic center, which is a protected cultural heritage site recognized by UNESCO, according to Reuters. An interior view shows the Transfiguration Cathedral damaged during a Russian missile strike on Odesa, Ukraine. Nina Liashonok/Reuters It is the second time the 19th-century cathedral has been assaulted by Russian aggressors. It was destroyed for the first time in 1936 during the reign of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, according to Reuters. Ukrainians rebuilt the cathedral once they gained independence from the Soviets in 1991. Andriy Palchuk, the cathedral's archdeacon, told Reuters that the missile strike sparked a fire in one corner of the church that housed non-historic artifacts for purchase. "When the right altar chapel of the most sacred part of the cathedral was hit, a missile piece flew through the whole cathedral and hit the area where we display icons, candles, and books for purchase," Palchuk told the outlet. The destruction of the key port city is a tactic, according to Oleksiy Honcharenko, a Ukrainian MP from Odesa. Story continues "Russia's current strategy is to destroy Odesa. They would never really attack foreign-flagged ships coming to Odesa, so they are attacking Odesa to make it clear that it's too dangerous here," Honcharenko said, according to The Guardian. Russian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy swore revenge in a post on Twitter. "There can be no excuse for Russian evil," Zelenskyy said. "And there will definitely be a retaliation to Russian terrorists for Odesa. They will feel this retaliation." Read the original article on Business Insider BBB logo Student loan pause is ending. Be on the lookout for scams. Better Business Bureau serving Canton Region and Greater West Virginia offers tips and advice for consumers to avoid fraudulent practices. After more than three years of relief, the payment pause on student loans is coming to an end. The U.S. Department of Education has announced that student loan interest will resume Sept. 1, and payments will be due starting in October. BBB has already received multiple reports of scams related to student loan repayment citing new 2023 guidelines. How the scam works You receive an email, letter or phone call from someone claiming you are eligible for student loan consolidation, a payment reduction program, or a similar service. The scammer may claim to represent the Federal Student Aid department. The scammer will ask for personal information to confirm your identity or to check your eligibility. This might include your Social Security number, name and address, and even your FSA.gov login information. After verifying your identity the scammer will offer you an enticing plan to reduce your loan repayment. If you agree, you are making payments to a third-party in vain as your payments are not going towards your student loan. Even if you dont make a payment, sharing personal information puts you at risk for identity theft. One student loan holder reported the following experience: I received an email stating that the Student Loan Department has been trying to contact me to tell me all of my student loans are eligible for forgiveness under the new 2023 guidelines. They wanted me to call the number between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and give them information in order to process forgiveness. At this point the loan holder reached out to their student loan company and learned the email was a scam. Tips to avoid student loan forgiveness scams Get to know the terms of your student loan and the relief program before acting. Always do your research before sharing personal information. Be sure to understand the ins and outs of your specific loan and how the student loan terms impact you. You may have to research who your current loan servicer is, as it may have changed. Discuss with them all your repayment options and update your contact information. Never pay money for a free government program. Scammers often trick victims into paying for free government programs by claiming you can get additional benefits, faster benefits, etc., for a fee. A real government agency will not ask for an advanced processing fee. These are all red flags of a scam. Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails, or texts from government agencies. Generally, the government will not contact you using these methods unless you grant permission. If you speak to someone claiming to be a government representative offering you student loan relief, do your research before you agree to anything. Think something seems suspicious? Reach out to the agency directly. If you have any concerns about an alleged government representative's legitimacy, hang up the phone or stop emailing/texting. Find the official contact information (use ED.gov and studentaid.gov or other official sites), call to verify, and then report any suspicious calls or messages. Be cautious of information even if coming from a friend. Verify all information you receive regarding student loan relief as scammers are known to hack social media accounts to spread government impostor scams. Story continues For more information Read about more scams targeting recent college graduates at bit.ly/GradScams. If you have spotted a student loan forgiveness scam, even if you did not lose money, share your experience at BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help boost consumer awareness and make scammers tactics less effective. For BBB information Visit BBB.org or call 330-454-9401 to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, read tips, find our events, follow us on social media, and more! This article originally appeared on The Repository: Straight Talk: Watch for scams as student loan pause ends Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko While meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on July 23, self-proclaimed President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, raised concerns about Russias Wagner private military company planning an attack on Poland, reported Pul Pervogo, a Telegram channel affiliated with Lukashenko, on July 23. They are starting to stress us out with their actions the Wagner PMC is apparentlyintent on heading west: Lets take a tour to Warsaw and Rzeszow!, Lukashenko is quoted as saying. Lukashenko made it clear that he would find any attempt to disintegrate Ukraine unacceptable. During the meeting, Lukashenko firmly stated that the mercenaries are currently stationed in central Belarus, expressing reluctance to redeploy them to western Belarus due to their unfavorable disposition. We will take all necessary measures to counter this potential threat. Moreover, I kindly request that you also address this matter from your end, Lukashenko appealed directly to Putin. Lukashenko reportedly presented a new map titled Map of Redeployment of Polish Troops near the borders of the Union State: by brigade, in close proximity to Brest and Grodno. The meeting between Putin and Lukashenko took place at the Konstantinovsky Palace in Strelna, near St. Petersburg, Russia. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Press Release July 22, 2023 Bong Go hopes establishment of Department of Disaster Resilience will be part of admin's priority measures Senator Christopher "Bong" Go is hopeful that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. will also prioritize the establishment of a Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) especially amid the recent calamities and natural disasters experienced by Filipinos in various parts of the country in recent years. Drawing attention to the country's vulnerability to natural calamities, Go, in an interview on July 17, after aiding poor residents in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, advocated for a strengthened national framework on disaster preparedness, response and towards resiliency. He expressed hopes that his legislative proposal for a DDR would be included in the priority legislative agenda of the government. "Nasa committee level po ito ng Defense Committee sa Senate. Bilang vice chairman, ay hinihikayat ko po 'yung mga kasamahan ko sa Senado na sana po ay maipasa natin ito," said Go. Expounding on the proposed department's mandate, the senator stated, "Dapat po mayroon na tayo na cabinet secretary level na mamumuno ng departamento na nakatutok sa paghahanda, pagresponde at pagpapalakas ng ating mga mekanismo upang maproteksyunan ang ating mga kababayan sa panahon ng sakuna. Hindi man natin masasabi kailan darating ang kalamidad, mas mabuting laging handa tayo," he said. In his visit to Bohol, he cited the province's susceptibility to typhoons and other natural disasters, illustrating the necessity for a preemptive, responsive, and well-coordinated system. In 2013, Bohol experienced a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2, centered near the municipality of Sagbayan. The event was catastrophic, leading to at least 222 fatalities, and around 8 people reported missing. The total damage wrought by this disaster was estimated to exceed $53 million. Go further outlined the key responsibilities of the proposed department. It would preemptively coordinate with local government units ahead of disasters, ensure effective prepositioning of goods, facilitate timely evacuation, and initiate restoration and rehabilitation efforts post-disaster. Challenging the existing practice of forming task forces whenever a new administration comes into power, Go argued that a dedicated department would provide consistency and a focused approach to disaster management. "Hindi 'yung puro task force. Kapag task force, tapos bago 'yung administrasyon, bagong tao na naman. Napapabayaan, nakatiwangwang. Kaya dapat po isang departamento, Department of Disaster Resilience," he said. "Importante na mayroon tayong departamento na nakapokus at may klarong mandato pagdating sa ating disaster resiliency efforts. Hindi puwedeng laging task force na lang dahil temporary lang ito at nawawala ang continuity kapag nagpalit na ng administrasyon. Mahirap din kung mananatiling coordinating council lang ang mamamahala sa ganitong sitwasyon dahil sa kakulangan ng kapangyarihan nito," he explained further. Senate Bill No. 188, authored by Go, proposes the establishment of the DDR to centralize disaster management efforts, streamline coordination among different agencies, and ensure a more swift and effective response to emergencies. The bill's core objective is to concentrate on three key result areas: disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery and building forward better. The establishment of this Cabinet secretary-level department will allow the government to better allocate resources, improve disaster risk reduction strategies, and provide prompt assistance to affected communities, particularly those belonging to the marginalized sectors. "Halimbawa po bago dumating ang bagyo, mayroon na pong departamentong nakatutok. Preposition of goods, coordination with LGUs, ilikas ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar, at pag-alis po ng bagyo, pagtapos ng lindol o pagputok ng bulkan, restoration of normalcy kaagad at rehabilitation efforts," Go said. The Office of Civil Defense has recently voiced its support for the establishment of the DDR, emphasizing the importance of such institution in improving operations in managing and responding to future crises. "Things can be better if there will be an independent authority or department, but it's not that simple - tanggap po namin iyon... We leave it to Congress and we leave it to the Palace, to Malacanang. Meanwhile, kami naman, we are doing our best given the limitations, makakaasa po kayo," OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno said in a past interview. In complement to the DDR bill, Go also proposed SBN 193. This legislative initiative mandates the establishment of permanent, secure, and well-equipped evacuation centers in every municipality, city, and province throughout the Philippines. As the second SONA of Marcos looms, Go earlier outlined his expectations, saying: "Nais kong marinig sa second SONA ng Pangulong Bongbong Marcos ang mga additional plans nya for our full and inclusive economic recovery." He underscored the necessity of inclusive economic growth, insisting that no Filipino, especially those from marginalized sectors, be left behind in these initiatives. HONG KONG, July 23 (Xinhua) -- In the midst of Hong Kong's bustling cityscape, there are still pockets of traditional fishing villages that offer a glimpse into a way of life that is rapidly changing. Nestled in the lush greenery of Aberdeen Promenade in Hong Kong is a temporary structure that resembles the houseboats of yore. The Fishing Culture Museum, as it is called, showcases exquisite models of dragon boats, colorful fishing hats, display panels with historic photos of Aberdeen Harbor, and a cloth signboard at the entrance. This "mini" museum might be small, but the old photos on its walls bear witness to the fishing boats that once anchored in Aberdeen Harbor and the lives of the "on-water people." Aberdeen fishing village, which dates back to the 14th century, was once one of the four largest fishing villages in Hong Kong. In its heyday during the 1970s, the village was home to over 50,000 fishermen. Back then, the sampans were not just tools for fishing, but also the homes of families. "Until the mid-20th century, thousands of fisher families still lived on houseboats at sea. But now, most of them have been replaced by yachts and motorized fishing boats," said Pang Kit-ling, the curator of the Fishing Culture Museum. Through the exhibition, Pang said she hopes to preserve the most glorious era of Hong Kong's fishing industry and the maritime culture of the fishermen. "I hope that memories of savoring the taste of Aberdeen's seafood while admiring the scenery of typhoon shelters will not disappear with time," Pang said. Chan Chi-ho, a 63-year-old native of Aberdeen, shares the same wish. He grew up on a fishing boat and has worked in fishing, fish processing, and export. "Many people nowadays do not understand the fishing culture of Hong Kong. Some even go to Tsukiji market in Japan to visit the seafood market, but we have such a place in Aberdeen," said Chan, feeling somewhat disappointed. To prevent the loss of Hong Kong's fishing culture, Chan has been serving as a volunteer fish market tour guide for the South District Tourism and Cultural Festival for over a decade. He explains the changes and development of the fish market and reveals the mysterious side of Aberdeen Harbor. "Although the once-bustling typhoon shelter is no longer the same, and fishing on houseboats is gradually declining, some things, if not well-preserved, cannot be reproduced," Chan said. From the grandfather's generation going out to sea to fish, to the father's generation selling the fish, to Chan's generation taking over the family business, the family has witnessed the changes of the fishing industry's glorious period, the seafood market's heyday, and the fishermen's transition to "going ashore." Chan said the changes in fishing methods reflect the changes technology has brought to traditional industries. "When I was young and went out to sea, my mother used to listen to the movement of fish groups with her ears to determine their location. Nowadays, instruments can detect the type and precise location of fish, shrimp, and crab groups from far away, and they can be automatically captured in different ways, which saves time and effort," said Chan. Around 1990, due to his father's retirement, Chan took over the family business and switched to seafood trading and wholesale. According to him, the mainland has a large population and market, and the increasing frequency of Hong Kong's seafood import and export trade with the mainland has filled the void left by the decline of Hong Kong's fishing industry. "Hong Kong lacks competitiveness in artificial aquaculture technology, and there is a shortage of fishermen, but the mainland has provided significant support in this area," he said. As times have changed, many former boat dwellers from Hong Kong have gradually moved ashore, bidding farewell to their waterborne lives. Chan Fu-ming, born in the 1950s, comes from a long line of Hong Kong boat dwellers. His generation of fishermen has ushered in a new era of settling down on land. Despite his transition to land, he still works in the fishing industry. He assists fishermen in resolving issues that arise onshore and advocates for their rights and interests. Additionally, he devotes himself to promoting dragon boat culture. The sea has been a bountiful gift that has allowed fishermen to thrive for generations. Chan Fu-ming's deep attachment to the ocean is evident when he says, "my family and I still reside nearby after going ashore, and we hope that what we see around us are the boats and that sea we remember." He often reminisces about his life at sea. "Although it was hard work, hauling in the nets and seeing the fish, shrimp, and crabs leap onto the boat can bring joy that money could never buy." Jonathan and Ashley Dorn outside their home in Albany, N.Y., July 11, 2023. (Michelle Gabel/The New York Times) With her student loan payments on hold for three years, Ashley Dorn, a public school music teacher, found another use for the money she saved during the moratorium. She used the extra cash to pay off $10,000 in credit card debt, a bill that had been nagging at her for a decade. I could not have done it if it wasnt for this student loan debt pause, and Im worried that Im just going to have to start racking it all up again, she said of the credit card debt. She cant imagine being able to afford payments unless she finds another job, she said, on top of her already very time-consuming, already very stressful career. She earns around $50,000 a year, and her husband earns about $45,000 as a government employee, but they still live paycheck to paycheck. Since graduating in 2014 with a masters in education from State University of New York Empire State College, Dorn and her husband, Jonathan, who live near Albany, had been making monthly payments on their more than $160,000 in student debt. They paused in March 2020 when, as part of a pandemic relief effort, the Trump administration said borrowers with federal student loans could stop making monthly payments. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times The couples payments were nearly $900 a month, with Ashley Dorn on an income-driven repayment plan, or IDR, which adjusts payments to a borrowers salary. Now that the pause is ending in late August, and with President Joe Bidens debt forgiveness proposal shot down by the Supreme Court, the Dorns and millions of others are facing the reality of resuming those loan payments. For many of the 43.6 million borrowers with federal student debt, the three-year pause created a financial cushion that allowed them to use the money for other purposes: buying homes, paying off credit card debt, supporting family members, undergoing overdue medical procedures and booking vacations. Now they are figuring out how to cut back to fit those payments into their budgets. Story continues The Dorns had always assumed they would have children someday, but the burden of their student loan debt has made them reconsider. For now, their two dogs, Micah and Oscar, and two cats, Ellie and William, will have to suffice. That conversation is, like, off the table indefinitely, Dorn, 33, said. In addition to monthly expenses like their mortgage and car payments, her husband has Crohns disease, which adds an extra layer of financial stress. The couple said they expected their new monthly payments, which will be calculated by their income-driven repayment plans, to be around $800. That may change with the Department of Educations new IDR option, the Saving on a Valuable Education plan, or SAVE, which factors in income and family size. Before the payment pause, Dorn had been relying on her credit card to cover expenses like an unexpected emergency room visit, veterinary bills, health care copayments and new car tires. She used credit to replace their water heater, cover a few car insurance payments and install a new transmission in her husbands car. Within the last six months, she paid off her credit balance and closed the card using a debt-solution program. For Shantel Anderson, 27, the pause was a lifeline that allowed her to support her mother and help her avoid eviction. The two struggled when Anderson was growing up in Philadelphia, bouncing from apartment to apartment until they were evicted; they ended up at a homeless shelter for a week just before she started college. Her mother had lost her job earlier that year, and Anderson, then 18, had deferred her first fall semester of college because she couldnt afford to go. Having lost most of her possessions during the eviction, Anderson relied on donations from people in her life, including her school guidance counselor, for dorm supplies. Anderson secured financial aid and student loans to study political science at Eastern University while maintaining a work-study job and other employment but still graduated in 2018 with $43,000 in debt. The moratorium, which freed up $455 a month, allowed her to cover her mothers phone bill and some car repairs. Anderson also helped her mother with groceries, medication, gas and cat food. With these costs handled, her mother could put all of her income toward paying rent and utilities. Andersons first full-time job out of school, at a veterinary hospital, paid $32,000 annually, and the hospital provided housing at the time. When the pandemic recession hit, her hours were cut. She made one last full student loan payment in March 2020, then a few more $50 monthly payments. But when she found out she would be losing her housing, she stopped making the debt payments to afford rent and other bills. The pause allowed her to move into a three-bedroom high-rise apartment with a pool and a gym amenities she thought shed never be able to afford paying $500 for her share of monthly rent with three roommates. She bought a car, which made running errands easier, and was able to cover about $400 in copayments for unexpected health issues and medical procedures. Some borrowers were shocked last August when Bidens debt relief plan was announced. That day was crazy to me, Anderson said. She believed the plan would have cut her federal student debt in half. Her relief soon gave way to skepticism after Republican lawmakers filed a series of lawsuits to block the plan. When payments resume, Anderson expects that her monthly bill will remain around $455, which she will add to her $250 monthly car and credit card payments. She has increased her income to more than $60,000 a year working as a data manager at a nonprofit, and signed up for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) last October but she has already started cutting back on certain expenses. She stopped going to therapy to save on out-of-pocket copayments and talked to her mother about not being able to help her out as much. In an emergency, Anderson said, she would sell her car. She still helps with some of her mothers expenses: the phone bill, gas money to commute to her part-time job at a nursing home and, occasionally, groceries. But her mother has already fallen behind on rent, and her landlord filed eviction paperwork. She had a court date, Anderson said. Her landlord didnt show up, so the judge threw out her case. I was like, thank the lord; we have more time. Lifestyle Gains For others, the pause helped redirect money to items like home renovations and vacations. Elizabeth Burton and her husband, Kyle, carry private and federal student loan debt of about $175,000. The moratorium saved the couple, who live in Manchester, New Hampshire, around $650 each month. Her schedule as a sonographer allowed her to stay home during the day, saving them an additional $1,200 in child care costs during the pandemic, keeping their 8-year-old and 5-year-old at home. While Burton, 39, and her husband, 38, a sales representative, still had to pay $500 each month toward private loans, the extra funds allowed them to put a second bathroom in their house, pay off credit card debt and book an eight-day family vacation to Disney World. Now that Burton and her husband have higher-paying jobs, they believe an income-driven repayment plan would lead to a higher bill than before. Theres no money for my kids for college, Burton said. Im still going to be paying down my loans. But you know, my sons 8. I have 10 years left in my federal loans. Theres no money for him. Hell either have to take out loans, hell have to live at home, hell have to get a scholarship Ive got nothing left for him. The Dorns used some of their saved student debt money to book a vacation, too for July 2025. They plan to celebrate their anniversary in Jamaica, hoping to soak up the tropical atmosphere and explore the marine wildlife. The couple are on a payment plan for the trip, which offers the option to spread small payments over three years. Its their dream vacation, Ashley Dorn said. But with the payment pause ending, they are considering giving that up, too. c.2023 The New York Times Company TOKYO (Reuters) - Public support of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's cabinet has fallen nearly 20 percentage points to 28% over the past two months, the Mainichi Shimbun reported on Sunday, citing a poll it conducted. Kishida, who took office in October 2021, saw his approval plummeting in some polls late last year, battered by revelations of ties between the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the Unification Church, but numbers began to edge up with a thaw in ties with South Korea and a trip to Ukraine in March. He got a boost in May when he hosted a G7 leaders' summit in the city of Hiroshima but the cabinet's support has plummeted 17 percentage points since then, to just 28%, dropping below 30% for first time since February, the newspaper said. Technical problems with a national identity card system is one main issue undermining support, the newspaper said. The number of people who disapproved of the cabinet rose to 65% from 58% last month, according to the survey carried out this weekend. Kishida said last month he was ruling out a snap election for now. There is speculation he might call an election towards the end of this year, or before a ruling party leadership race next year. Some media reported this month Kishida was considering a cabinet reshuffle in September as he tries to halt the downward trend in the polls. (Reporting by Satoshi Sugiyama) As the daughter of a single mother who started college but wasnt able to finish her degree, Natalie Lebron-Marines was unsure whether to check yes or no when answering the question about first-generation status on her college applications. In the application process, one of the first questions youre asked is, Are you first-generation? And its like, 'OK, well what does that mean?' Lebron-Marines said. Now a rising senior at North Central College, a private college in Naperville, Illinois, Lebron-Marines said she could not imagine her college experience without the first-generation programming and support she was offered on her campus, where about 38% of students are considered first-generation college students. When I entered North Central, you literally have an immediate network of people and you all share one thing in common: that you are first-gen. And that program helped me find my best friends who I still talk to to this day, Lebron-Marines said. It's very reassuring to know that there are programs like this that exist. Colleges may come to rely more heavily on indicators such as applicants' first-generation status to boost their diversity after the Supreme Court ruling last month that bans considering race as a factor in admissions. How schools define first-generation, however, varies. Blow to diversity efforts: Supreme Court blocks use of affirmative action at Harvard, UNC First-generation students typically those whose parents did not attend or graduate from college made up about 56% of the undergraduate population in the United States in 2015, according to data sourced by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA). But the numbers vary widely among states and institutions. A 2018 study found that 22% to 77% of students would qualify as first-generation depending on which of some eight definitions analyzed were used. Across the country, the first-generation label is used by colleges to measure mobility and access and to indicate students who might need additional support navigating higher education. NASPA's data found these students tend to be students of color, with 59% of Black graduates and 60% of Hispanic graduates in 2016 identifying as first-generation. Many first-generation students also identify as low-income, and their median family income is about $41,000 a year, according to NASPA. Story continues Demonstrators protest outside of the Supreme Court on June 29, 2023. These students struggle in particular with the hidden curriculum of college, which includes navigating the tangled web of college policies, procedures, jargon and expectations, according to the Center for First Generation Student Success. Is first-generation the future of diverse college admissions? After a Supreme Court ruling in late June banning race-conscious admissions policies, universities are increasingly expected to turn to indicators like first-generation status and adversity scores to boost diversity on their campuses. Although colleges have asked students about their first-generation status during the application process for years, experts do expect that first-generation students will be increasingly sought-after by university admissions and recruitment offices after the ruling because it is considered a race-neutral category. But Sarah Whitley, vice president for the Center for First-Generation Student Success, cautions against universities solely relying on first-generation status as a proxy for race to maintain diversity. Whitley stressed it would be harmful to assume all first-generation students are students of color. According to NASPA, about 46% of first-generation students are white. 'Barriers are going back up for us:' Students say SCOTUS rulings on student debt, affirmative action deter them from college David Grusky, a professor of sociology at Stanford University in Northern California, said first-generation and low-income status is meant to address mobility and economic access that can target wealth and income inequality. Therefore, first-generation status is not equipped to fully address the racism that is so fundamental to society. It will be a targeted group, but first-gen is not a proxy or replacement for race-based admissions, said Abraham Anthony Jack, associate professor and faculty director of the Newbury Center for first-generation students at Boston University. The racial history of America did not discriminate against, did not sequester and segregate, first-generation students. They targeted Black and brown communities. David Garza, executive director of LEDA, a nonprofit that helps under-resourced students reach highly selective colleges, said working to recruit first-generation and under-resourced students can still benefit universities hoping to maintain racial diversity. LEDA selects a cohort of 100 high school juniors each year to participate in a five-week summer program at Princeton University and receive college application support throughout their admissions process. Although LEDA does not consider race while selecting its cohort, Garza noted 91% of their scholars are students of color and 73% of them are first generation. Were obviously able to recruit and put together a class that is incredibly diverse without using race as a factor, Garza said. I think that LEDAs work is more urgent than ever and that we can probably be helpful in helping universities identify the kinds of students that they want to keep attracting. To further support first-generation students, experts encourage the creation of nationalized data that can help improve tracking and identification of first-generation students across the country to better support their needs. Current research tells us that first-generation students are less likely to persist, and it is not their problem. It is our problem, said Daphne Rankins, associate vice president for special programs at Virginia Commonwealth University. If we are going to accept them, it is our duty to make sure that we have resources in place to level that playing field." A tassel with 2023 on it rests on a graduation cap. Who is a first-generation student? First-generation students often lack the cultural capital needed to understand the unsaid and unwritten rules and expectations of higher education, Jack said. What happens when we admit a diverse class and you forget to tell the new people the big old rules. What happens when you don't make explicit all the winks and the nods? Jack said. There are some students who are so used to campus that they will never ever use a map a day in their life. And there are some students who will live by that map because nothing is familiar. New graduates line up before the start of a community college commencement in East Rutherford, N.J., May 17, 2018. At North Central College, a student is considered first-generation if neither parent completed a four-year degree, which matches the federally recognized definition. This information is self-reported by students during the application process, said Julie Carballo, assistant dean of first-generation, transfer and veteran initiatives at the school. Although that definition is popular among many schools, some institutions opt for a more expansive one, including students whose parents or guardians did not obtain a four-year degree in the United States, Whitley said. Jack, who has studied the experience of disadvantaged students at elite schools, also said students at highly selective institutions sometimes embrace the term first-generation Ivy, which means their parent or guardian did not attend an elite university. First-generation is both an identity and a category, Jack said. The reason why it is such murky territory is because there is no universal definition or outside body to verify if you are first-gen. According to Whitley, the Center for First Generation Student Success, which is housed under NASPA, chooses not to put forth a rigid definition of first-generation because it really needs to be about what an institution needs to be successful. So schools in California have very strongly moved toward the expanded definition while, you know, a school in small-town Wyoming might not be as focused on that because that really doesn't serve their population appropriately, Whitley said. Protesters rally in support of affirmative action on July 1, 2023, in Cambridge, Mass., days after the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in college admissions. How are first-generation students supported? While many programs like LEDA aim to support disadvantaged students before and during their college application process, the Center for First Generation Student Success works directly with universities to develop programming and improve their ability to support first-generation students needs once they arrive on campus. We fundamentally believe that it's not the onus of first-generation students to figure out everything about college. It's really the responsibility of colleges and universities to do better for first-generation students to support their ability to be successful, Whitley said. With guidance and support from the center, Boston University launched the Newbury Center in 2021 with the goal of fostering support for first-generation students. Unlike many similar programs, the Newbury center is for both undergraduate and graduate first-generation students. First-generation graduate students at Boston University are considered students whose parents did not complete an advanced degree, which includes master's, Ph.D. and other professional degrees. As the inaugural director of the center, Maria Dykema felt it was important to support the graduate student community, which is oftentimes not thought of or forgotten on their campus. The center offers academic and financial aid support as well as internship and study-abroad opportunities. They also manage cohort and mentoring programs as well as family outreach. At North Central College, first-generation support is provided through their Cardinal First program, which is designed to last all four years of a student's undergraduate career. They also offer a $1,000 renewable scholarship after a students first year of participation in the program. We don't ask students to go find a community. We provide a community which is so important to students' sense of belonging, Carballo said. We have created a culture here on this campus where first-generation identity is celebrated and recognized among our students. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Affirmative action ruling puts focus on first-generation students A suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting of an undercover New Bedford police detective on Monday, July 17, the Bristol County District Attorneys office announced Sunday. Cheybane Vasconcelos-Furtado, 20, was arrested by Massachusetts State Police at a home in Worcester Street Sunday. The New Bedford man is charged with two counts of armed assault with intent to murder, two counts of assault and battery by discharge of a firearm, two counts of wanton destruction of property over $1,200, and one count each of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon-serious bodily injury, carrying an illegal firearm and carrying a loaded illegal firearm. Im pleased with this arrest and the progress that was made today. This arrives following a very long week for all the New Bedford, State, and ATF investigators who have put a great deal of time and effort into this case. Although today is a well-earned win, there is more work to be done as this investigation continues and we continue to follow up on leads, New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira said in a statement. We will not rest until each person connected with this shooting has taken a seat in our booking room. Until that time, I remain grateful for the collaborative effort and encourage everyone to keep Det. Gilbert in their thoughts as he continues to heal. Id also like to acknowledge all of the resources provided by District Attorney Tom Quinn and the A.T.F. Gilbert was working undercover in an unmarked vehicle when gunfire shattered his window and struck him in the face last week. Chief: New Bedford police detective was working undercover when he was shot in face Officers responding to reports of shots fired in the area of Rivet Street and Orchard Street around 8:45 p.m. found Gilbert suffering from a gunshot wound to the face, according to New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira. Gilbert, who is assigned to the departments organized crime intelligence office, remained conscious and was able to drive himself to St. Lukes Hospital where he received emergency medical treatment, Oliveira said. He is currently in stable condition. Story continues Shortly after Gilbert reported to the hospital, another man walked into the emergency room with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his foot. Gilbert nor any other officers fired their weapons amid the gunfire. Vasconcelos-Furtado is scheduled to be arraigned in New Bedford District Court on Monday, according to the Bristol DA. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Police lights by night A Taylorville was arrested Wednesday on a charge of aggravated sexual criminal assault of a person with an intellectual disability. James Thomas Eiskant, 64, of the 400 block of Clay Street is in Christian County Jail on a $500,000 bond. Eiskant had a probable cause hearing before Fourth Circuit Court Judge Brad Paisley on Thursday. Eiskant's preliminary hearing is Aug. 14. More: Illinois country singer on Jason Aldean's 'Small Town' song: 'What else do y'all expect' Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler said he was contacted by the grandmother of a 19-year-old Taylorville man, who has intellectual disabilities. Wheeler, reached Saturday, said the grandmother was worried that her grandson was leaving the house and that "he was going to dangerous places." The grandmother had told her grandson to stay at home or stay in the area while she was at work, Wheeler said. She was also worried because he was getting calls and texts from a phone number unknown to her, Wheeler added. In an interview with Wheeler, the 19-year-old was able to give him Eiskant's name and where he lived. The subject also gave a forensic interview at the Sangamon County Child Advocacy Center in Springfield. Taylorville Police conducted a search of Eiskant's apartment on the city's northwest side, and he was later arrested. Eiskant faces 6 to 30 years behind bars for the offense, if convicted. According to online records, Eiskant was on probation for pleading guilty to possession of methamphetamine in February 2022. Wheeler said that Eiskant had previously been a registered sex offender in Taylorville. He added that more charges are expected to be filed by Chrisian County State's Attorney John McWard against Eiskant. Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788, sspearie@sj-r.com, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie. This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Taylorville man arrested on aggravated sexual criminal assault charge On the morning of 23 July, while Oleksandr Lukashenko visited Russia, the 10th convoy of Wagner Private Military Company (PMC) fighters arrived in Belarus, activists report. Source: Belaruski Hajun, an independent Belarusian military monitoring media outlet Details: According to the activists, there are at least 10 pieces of equipment in the convoy: a tented KamAZ truck, several UAZ-452s, a Volkswagen Transporter minibus and at least six trucks. It is noted that most of the cars have their number plates covered or have number plates with Russian registration or registration in the so-called Luhansk Peoples Republic and Donetsk Peoples Republic. The convoy is accompanied by the traffic police of the Republic of Belarus. It is also noteworthy that this convoy changed its route and, unlike the previous ones, did not follow a direct motorway. Background: The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine states that approximately 5,000 Russian mercenaries of the Wagner Group are in Belarus as of 22 July. Meanwhile, Lukashenko said that the Wagnerites want to attack Poland, and he is allegedly restraining them. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! (Twitter) Terry Crews has been praised for his energetic interview at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Sky Sports Formula One host Martin Brundle finally convinced a Hollywood star to stop and speak to him on the grid walk as he engaged the Brooklyn Nine-Nine actor in a conversation. Unlike Cara Delevingne earlier this month, Crews, who also stars in the Expendables franchise, was more than happy to talk to Brundle and the muscular actor also popped his pecs for the interviewer. Crews explained how he was happy to be at the sporting event, and was learning details about the science behind the cars. He then expressed excitement about the F1 going to Los Angeles this October, and seemingly waited for a response from Brundle. However, Brundles attention had drifted, abruptly ending their interview while Crews was seemingly left hanging mid-conversation in the hope of speaking to Spanish racer Carlos Sainz Jr. Alright, good stuff, Brundle said after Crewss lengthy answer, walking away without thanking the actor. Crews brushed off the awkward moment by waving and smiling at the camera. On Twitter, many praised Crews for showing other celebrities how its done. Others said that Brundle didnt help himself when it comes to trying to get celebrities to talk to him on the grid. They noted that Crews was a willing participant, yet the presenter seemed uninterested in his answers. Brundle primarily speaks to drivers, team principals and VIPs on the grid, but often makes headlines for his attempts to speak to celebrities who attend the Grand Prix. After spotting Delevingne earlier this month, he approached the star to ask her some questions, but was instructed not to do so by a person whom he believed to be a member of her team. In response, he said: She doesnt want to talk? But everybody needs to talk on the grid, thats the deal now. He then asked Delevingne for a quick chat, to which she said no, adding: I cant hear anything, sorry. While many voiced their disapproval of Delevingnes actions, many of her fans supported her online. Delevingne herself responded to one such message of support, thanking them for seeing both sides. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) said Sunday the newly reported tactics of state troopers at the floating barriers in the Rio Grande River in Texas are not acceptable, while noting the other obstacles the state faces at the border. Everything that is happening along the border is just adding fuel to the fire because youre having people at the very top say one thing and the people down at the ground do another, Gonzales told CBSs Margaret Brennan on Face the Nation. [Gov. Greg Abbott (R)] no doubt is doing everything he can to secure the border. Abbott began implementing floating barriers in the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass, Texas earlier this month to prevent people from crossing the border from Mexico. In an email first reported by The Houston Chronicle, a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper expressed his concern over a series of incidents in which migrants were injured or killed by the floating barriers, which include razor wire. The trooper also alleged he and his team were told to deny the migrants water amid dangerously hot temperatures and push them back into the river. Gonzales noted Sunday the floating barriers are placed in a very small, little portion of the river. I dont think the buoys are the problem, he said. Honestly, Margaret, this has been happening every single week. Weve seen people drown last year, there were hundreds of migrants that are drowning. Gonzales also said he is worried about what is happening at all state, local and federal levels, claiming he sees a disconnect. I see distrust. I see Republicans blaming Democrats, Democrats blaming Republicans, and round and around we go with nothing getting accomplished, Gonzales said. To me, Congress has to solve this because weve been waiting on a president for decades to solve this and its not going to be solved, Gonzales said, noting his introduction of the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act, which focuses on legal immigration and extends work visas from one to three years. Story continues What do we do with the millions of people that are already here? What do we do with the millions of people that are coming here illegally? How do we prevent them from taking these dangerous trucks? One of those options is through work visas, Gonzales said. I dont want to see one person step one foot in the water, he said. More or less have us talk about the discussion of some of these inhumane situations that theyre put in. Updated at 11:26 a.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. BANGKOK (Reuters) - Hundreds of pro-deomcracy protesters in Thailand gathered on Sunday in a show of support for Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward party, after conservative opponents thwarted his latest attempt to become prime minister. Move Forward won the May election after receiving strong youth support on a platform of anti-establishment policies, including reforming the military, ending business monopolies and amending the royal insult law, which protects the powerful monarchy from criticism. Parliament has twice blocked the Harvard-educated Pita, 42, from becoming prime minister - once last Wednesday and previously the week before - which his supporters say was due to unfair rules. "We will keep fighting ... no matter how many months we have to support democratic principles," an activist said on stage drawing cheers from the crowd at a busy intersection in central Bangkok. "Pita! Pita! Pita!" the crowd chanted. Move Forward's policies put it on collision course with Thailand's nexus of royalist military, old money elites and conservative forces. Move Forward's eight-party coalition includes the populist Pheu Thai party and controls a majority in the 500-member lower house. Under the military-drafted constitution, the next prime minister must secure more than half the votes in the bicameral legislature, which includes 249 members the junta appointed after it seized power in 2014. They have sided with conservative parties. Another vote on the premiership is scheduled for Thursday when Move Forward coalition ally Pheu Thai will propose a candidate who is largely expected to be political newcomer real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin. (Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng; editing by Barbara Lewis) Kentucky Utilities and Louisville Gas & Electric want to replace some aging coal-fired and natural gas units with new natural gas, solar and battery storage facilities, along with some purchase agreements for solar power, and the Kentucky Public Service Commission is offering the public several opportunities to learn about and share feedback on the proposal. The PSC is hosting five public meetings where people can share their thoughts on and get information about the plan, including one virtual meeting and in-person meetings in Lexington, Louisville, Harlan and Madisonville. Following those, it will hold a public hearing on the proposal in Frankfort. KU and LG&E have filed a request to retire four coal-fired electric generating units E.W. Brown Unit 3, Ghent Unit 2 and Mill Creek Units 1 and 2, and three natural gas-fired units Haefling Units 1 and 2, and Paddys Run Unit 12, between 2024 and 2027, the PSC said in a news release. The company wants to replace those with two natural gas combined cycle facilities, two solar facilities, one battery storage facility, and four solar power purchase agreements, the PSCs release stated. If approved, the replacement generation would be online between 2026 and 2028, at a cost of $2.09 billion. The PSC said the first public meeting on the topic is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. July 31 at Frederick Douglass High School, 2000 Winchester Road. Other meetings will be held at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time at: Harlan County Judges Office, 210 E. Central Street, #111, Harlan, Aug. 3 Hopkins County Government Center, 56 N. Main Street, Madisonville, Aug. 14. Louisville Free Public Librarys Main Branch, Community Room 202, 301 York St., Louisville, Aug. 16. A virtual meeting will be held online at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 15, and instructions on how to participate will be posted on the PSCs website beforehand. The public hearing, which will be livestreamed on the PSCs YouTube channel, will begin at 9 a.m. Aug. 22 at 211 Sower Blvd. in Frankfort. The PSC said there will be time before the hearing begins for public comments. Story continues The PSC said comments can be submitted online, emailed to PSC.comment@ky.gov, or mailed to the Kentucky Public Service Commission at P.O. Box 615, Frankfort, KY 40602-0615. Commenters should be sure to include their name, address and the case number, which in this instance is 2022-00402. Together, KU and LG&E operate in 94 Kentucky counties, providing electricity to nearly 600,000 customers. Stand for our fossil. KY lawmakers tell utilities to keep the coal plants burning HAVANA, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The prison at the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay in Cuba sees the most flagrant violation of human rights perpetrated by the U.S. administration, a Cuban academic and diplomat told Xinhua in a recent interview. "This is a topic that has been presented again before the international community, but it is one of the longest human rights violations in U.S. history," said Jose Ramon Cabanas, director of Cuba's Center for International Policy (CIPI). Speaking about the recent technical visit to the U.S. Naval Station in Guantanamo by Fionnuala Ni Aolain, the United Nations (UN) special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Cabanas said that the final report was "relatively objective and impartial." Some detainees at the prison had never been taken to court, which violates U.S. law and prisoners there suffered all types of inhuman and illegal practices, including various forms of torture, said Cabanas. Noting that such abuse is a widespread practice in the context of the so-called U.S. war against terrorism, the Cuban expert said that the U.S. war against terrorism had no direct impact on tackling terrorism but resulted in the emergence of new terrorist groups and organizations across the world. Cabanas, who served as former Cuban Ambassador to the United States, said that Australian citizen Julian Assange and former U.S. National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden were victims of a witch hunt for revealing the crimes and human rights violations committed by the U.S. government. Cuba calls for the return of the territory illegally occupied by the United States at the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay against the will of Cubans, said the academic. "We continue to call to recover sovereignty in this territory occupied under the Platt Amendment imposed by the U.S. Congress to the Cuban Constitution in 1901," he said. Cabanas said that after the triumph of the 1959 Cuban Revolution, there have been attempts to use this naval base to increase tensions between Cuba and the United States, adding that the Cuban government has worked for many years to avoid an escalation of the bilateral conflict. The former diplomat said that, because of the illegal occupation of Cuban territory by the U.S. administration, residents in the neighboring town of Caimanera are deprived of a normal life. "We have nothing to negotiate with the U.S. administration about this topic. What we only accept is the return of this territory, which has been illegally occupied," he said. Tens of thousands of people have fled wildfires on the Greek island of Rhodes (SPYROS BAKALIS) Thousands of British, French and German holidaymaker were camped out at Rhodes airport Sunday trying to get a flight home after wildfires on the island drove them from their hotels. Some had walked for hours through the blistering heat to reach the airport. "We had to keep walking," British tourist Kelly Squirrel told AFP at the international airport on the Greek island. "So we walked for about six hours in the heat." She was one of thousands of tourists whose vacations have been brought to an abrupt and panicked halt by the violent fire raging for the sixth consecutive day in the south of the island. Rhodes sits in the Dodecanese archipelago off Greece's southeast coast and the fires there started with the tourist season in full swing. Squirrel said that it while she was sitting by her hotel pool on Saturday, that she "saw the flames" approaching. "The police came to reception and told everyone to get to the beach," she continued. "So we ran down to the beach. We just sat there for fifteen minutes, half an hour." As the fumes became thicker, "we were told to move along the beach", she said. - Huddled in the departure hall - In the departure hall of the airport in the northwest of the island, several dozen kilometres from the fire, some holidaymakers were sleeping, on the floor, next to their luggage. Others were huddled in front of the departure board, trying to spot a flight to Hamburg, Amsterdam or Lille, in northern France. Some passed the time playing cards, while children were trying to get some rest by lying on inflatable beach toys. Claire O'Donavan On vacation on the island off the Turkish coast, Claire O'Donovan from the UK explained that she too had taken a long walk under the sun with her suitcases. "We (finally) managed to get a truck that took us to another beach," she said. "At the hotel, we were told to 'wait here, we'll be back in an hour or two', and then they disappeared. So there we were, it was pitch dark, you could see the fire in the distance." Story continues Rhodes, which counted 2.5 million visitor arrivals in 2022, is one of Greece's leading holiday destinations. It has hotels all along its eastern coastline. Greek television broadcast images of long lines of people, some in beachwear, lugging suitcases along the island's roads on Saturday, when the evacuations were ordered. World tourism leader TUI announced that it was suspending all flights bringin in more tourists to Rhodes. "Those customers currently in Rhodes will return on their intended flight home," it added. British low-cost carrier Jet2 also cancelled flights carrying incoming tourists. - Saved at the last minute - A total of 12 towns and villages in the centre and south of the island were evacuated, including Lindos, one of the main attractions for travellers, with its hilltop Acropolis. German tourist Paul F., 23, on vacation with his girlfriend Lara in Rhodes, told the daily Bild that he "was saved at the last moment from the fire" while staying at a hotel. "It was so hot and the smoke was so dense that we couldn't have lasted more than 10 minutes," explained the man from Bielefeld in western Germany. "That's when buses finally arrived and evacuated the tourists," he added. "Some people, in a panic, ran to the beach and tried to find boats so they could get on board," he told the German newspaper. Island officials arranged for the thousands of people forced to leave their homes or hotels to shelter in gymnasiums, schools and conference centres on Saturday night. On Sunday evening, some were preparing to spend a second night there. Greece has been hit by a heatwave for the past 10 days, which intensified over the weekend with temperatures reaching over 46C locally. The fire in Rhodes was fanned by strong winds, while on Sunday, according to the EMY national weather service, the thermometer registered 36C. bur/pvh/jj Tiffany Haddish at the 2022 Oscars. Kevin Mazur/WireImage Tiffany Haddish revealed details about her years-long grocery project in the Washington Post. Haddish said she is still raising $25 million to make the BIPOC grocery store a reality. The store, called Diaspora Groceries, will be built in her neighborhood of Crenshaw. Tiffany Haddish, who has been floating the idea for a grocery store near her old neighborhood for years, revealed that she has been saving millions over the past few years to make that dream a reality. Haddish, currently starring in Disney's "Haunted Mansion," told the Washington Post that she is raising $25 million to build the alternative, affordable food market in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Crenshaw. The neighborhood, located in South LA, is predominantly Black, and is associated with celebs like the late Nipsey Hussle and Ice-T. "I've always dreamed of being in a Disney movie, and this is the biggest movie I've ever been in," Haddish told the Post. "But it's not as important as the grocery store. I don't know if movies change people's lives." The market, called Diaspora Groceries, will cater to BIPOC individuals, according to its website. A date for the launch of the store has not been announced. "There will be specialty things and a normal market and a nonprofit-like educational component, where people can take cooking classes and a financial literacy class," Haddish told the Post. "I'm a firm believer that once you understand how money works, once you understand how food works, you become a healthier, happier human being. And when you're healthier and happier, the family's healthier and happier, and the community's healthier and happier." Haddish has previously been open about her struggles with poverty, from living on an extreme budget to afford a house after years of homelessness to food insecurity growing up as a foster child. "Food insecurity is a real thing for me," Haddish told Essence in 2021. "Something I've experienced the majority of my existence. I would say the last five years have been more like, 'this is what I'm going to eat.'" Story continues The lengthy Post feature also tells about Haddish's recent revelation that she might have endometriosis, a string of heart-wrenching miscarriages, and a break-up call from Common, who she dated between 2020 and 2021. "It wasn't mutual," she said of the breakup. "It was more him saying, 'I think this relationship has run its course.' And I was like, 'Okay. Like you gonna be a 50-year-old single man. Okay?'" Diaspora Groceries did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Insider Rick Diamond/ Getty Images Jason Aldean released a music video praising small-town communities in America. Aldean featured clips of protests, but many of said demonstrations did not occur in America. One clip featured is from a 2010 protest in Canada. Jason Aldean's newest music video, praising American small towns, features multiple clips of protests outside of the US, including Canada and Ukraine, TikTok sleuths discovered. Aldean's "Try That In a Small Town," applauded by conservatives like former President Donald Trump, depicts images of people burning American flags and police confrontations with protesters during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. Aldean sings about protesters spitting at police and rails against perceived criminals that "carjack an old lady at a red light." He also references a gun his grandfather gave him and invites people to "try" the types of activities that he imagines would "fly in the city" in his small town to see how far they can "make it down the road." However, Destinee Stark, a content creator and activist based in Ohio, pointed out that much of the footage in the video is from nowhere near the small town in America that Aldean fantasizes about defending. In a series of TikToks posted Thursday, Stark uncovered multiple instances where stock footage is employed in the video. In one example, a woman flipping off protesters is a clip from Germany being sold as stock footage. In another video, Stark identifies what she believed to be footage from a 2013 protest in Ukraine. "So the consensus of Aldean's video is that he's protecting his small community from rioters and protesters protesting the police, you would think he would actually use footage actually from America," Stark said in a TikTok. "You know, it would be difficult to protect your small town in America from a festival taking place in Berlin, Germany." Aldean claimed, "There isn't a single video clip that isn't real news footage" when responding to the backlash to his song in a statement on Twitter posted Tuesday. Story continues Multiple outlets also uncovered that multiple clips featured in the video originated in Canada. One clip appears to be from the 2010 G20 protests in Toronto, Rolling Stone reported. Stark told Insider she began looking into the protest footage on a hunch. After discovering the stock videos and international protest footage she felt it was imperative to educate others on what she found even while dealing with what she called "vile comments" from Aldean's supporters, including death threats. "When dealing with controversial political issues like what protesting looks like in America, I think it's really important to make sure that we are consuming truthful, accurate information," Stark said, "because the alternative is consuming misinformation which has the ability to instill fear and paranoia that leads to situations where young people are going to protests in towns they don't live in, armed with rifles they're too young to own, to protect property they have no relation to; and that fear can push people to do impulsive, irrational, and dangerous things." The pro-gun, ultra-nationalist anthem and accompanying video garnered criticism online after people pointed out that it was filmed at a courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, where a Black man named Henry Choate was lynched in 1927. Gun-control advocates and scholars of racial violence say the video contains promotions of violence, racist undertones, and references to sundown towns. Aldean denied that his song was "pro-lynching" in his lengthy Tuesday statement, saying there wasn't "a single lyric in the song that references race." Instead, he said, the song is about "the feeling of a community that I had growing up." Aldean grew up in Macon, Georgia, the state's third-largest city, with over 150,000 residents. Stark told Insider that even if Aldean did not intend the racist undertones, the video and song still include "coded language used to stereotype people of color." "On the surface level, most people would no say racism is present because it mentions nothing about race specifically, and I'm here to educate people on how figurative language and imagery are used historically in literary works of art, which I believe music is, can uphold racist messaging," Stark said. The music video was later pulled from being played on Country Music Television. The company has not made a public statement, and a spokesperson declined to comment to NPR. Representatives for Aldean and director Shaun Silva, who has directed country music videos for stars like Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan, did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Insider Arizona State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne speaks to media inside the library of West Point Elementary School in Surprise on June 21, 2023. Tom Horne, with the approval of, I assume, Republican state legislators, says he is protecting a voter-approved initiative when it comes to dual-language programs. These Republicans are the same people who ignored the will of the people when it came to our rejection of universal school vouchers. Ann Adams, Payson Kids don't study Lincoln? Not true Goldwater Institutes Matt Beienburg predicates his guest column decrying Arizonas education standards on a falsehood (Standards gone awry: Arizona third graders must learn about Latinx but not Lincoln, Opinions, July 14). He writes that while standards mandate teaching the term Latinx, they treat learning about Lincoln as an optional luxury. Not quite. In fact, if you read the actual standard he references, you find that the option concerns the differences between Lincoln and Douglas on slavery. There is no mention of the study of Lincoln in the Civil War, as what Beienburg wants readers to believe as an option. How, you might ask him, can the Civil War not be studied without covering its most important figure? The impetus behind his column, then, seems more focused on furthering the culture wars than providing readers any clarity. Mike McClellan, Gilbert Blame lawmakers, not the Saudis Phil Boas opinion piece appropriately notes that our governor and attorney general are off base in their criticism of the Arizona State Land Department land lease to a Saudi company farming alfalfa in La Paz County. The real problem in rural Arizona is a lack of water management tools to 1) quantify available water resources and uses and 2) manage those uses in an economically productive manner. The Arizona Legislature bears much of the blame. For many years legislators have opposed groundwater metering in rural Arizona even when it is the only available supply. But the answer to this problem is not to have the current administration select individual winners and losers when it comes to the use of Arizona water supplies. Story continues Another view: Why a Saudi company is still using water Instead, the administration and our Legislature should be developing commonsense policies, laws and rules to protect rural Arizona from depleting its water supplies. These rules should also support the economic value associated with the sustainable, beneficial use of those supplies. Perri Benemelis, Mesa Don't waste water on low-value crops I did not know that Gov. Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes discovered Saudi Arabia. Or that they are trying to destroy international commerce. Im pretty sure we knew about the sweet deal given to the Saudis to pump unlimited Arizona groundwater to grow alfalfa (which is illegal in the oil kingdom) long before our current state leaders were in place. A lot of information on the subject was dug up by The Arizona Republics own reporters over years of investigation. Roughly 70% of Arizona's water goes to agriculture. And more than half of that goes to low-value crops to feed animals, and inedible cotton. Cut that out for the Saudis and American agribusiness, and there will be plenty of water left to grow lettuce and microchips while easily quenching the thirst of the 99% of Arizonans who are not farmers or ranchers. Besides the Phoenix and Tucson metropolises, most Arizonans, even in rural counties, live in cities like Kingman, Prescott or Bisbee. It may be especially galling that we sell our irreplaceable water for a song to the home of most of the 9/11 terrorists, but we shouldnt squander it on American businesses either. Andrew March, Phoenix Saudis should build us a desal plant Where is Monty Hall when we need him? Lets Make a Deal! If the Saudis wish to use our water, how about they build us a desalination plant? After all, the Saudis have more money than they know what to do with. Allan LeTourneau, Mesa Charlie Kirk is a scared, jealous bully E.J. Montini did a masterful job exposing the ugliness of Charlie Kirk and the inappropriate acceptance of him and his message by Trump and MAGA Trumpeteers. When he exposed Kirks blatantly racist attacks on four highly accomplished Black women, I gagged. Montini rightly pointed out Kirks intellectual inferiority, but its deeper than that. Kirk is your typical scared and jealous bully who projects those feelings on anyone who intimidates him. Black women are the perfect target for Kirk, because he truly believes that he, as a white male, should have all the power and privilege. All four of the women he attacked graduated from either Harvard or Yale. Little Charlie, from a wealthy, mostly white, suburb west of Chicago, attended Harper College. It is a two-year affordable school that many students I knew used to grab less expensive credits before going off to a state university. Charlie couldnt even finish the two-year college and dropped out. So when young Charlie dropped out, these women (Michelle Obama, Joy Reid, Sheila Jackson Lee and Ketanji Brown Jackson) were well into building careers and families. Charlie cant hold a dim candle to them. Dan Peel, Scottsdale Investigate Biden, not just Trump The pathology of our two-tiered justice system is graphically displayed in real time in separate yet related events. While the FBI and other Justice Deptartment agencies obstruct the investigation and prosecution of Hunter and Joe Biden in the face of mountains of evidence, both local and federal Democrat-leaning agencies vigorously pursue and attack Trump on the flimsiest grounds. The public has been largely oblivious to this, thanks to the combined efforts of the Democrats and biased media, but the tide is beginning to turn as more is revealed. Dennis Santillo, Cornville Whats on your mind? Send us a letter to the editor online or via email at opinions@arizonarepublic.com. And consider joining our moderated Voices: Engaging Arizona group on Facebook. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tom Horne only wants to protect some voter initiatives By Fedja Grulovic RHODES, Greece (Reuters) -Thousands of tourists and residents fleeing wildfires on the Greek island of Rhodes took refuge in schools and shelters on Sunday, with many evacuated on private boats as flames threatened resorts and coastal villages. Thousands spent the night on beaches and streets during what Greece said was its biggest safe transport of residents and tourists in emergency conditions. Some 19,000 people were moved from homes and hotels overnight as fires burning since Wednesday gathered pace, tearing through forests until the flames reached coastal resorts on the island's south-eastern coast. Some holidaymakers said they walked for miles in scorching heat to reach safety. The fires left trees black and skeletal. Dead animals lay in the road near burnt-out cars. Rhodes is a hugely popular holiday destination, particularly with visitors from Britain. Tour operators Jet2, TUI and Correndon cancelled flights leaving for Rhodes, which lies southeast of mainland Greece and is famous for its beaches and historic sites. "The smoke was coming. So we all set off on foot. I walked 12 miles (19 km) in this heat yesterday. It took me four hours," said British tourist Chris Freestone. He spoke from a sports hall alongside evacuees lying on mattresses in the island's principal city, Rhodes Town, which was unaffected by the fires further south. TUI said its teams were doing everything they could to support customers and had sent in additional staff in what it called "a difficult and evolving situation." Another holidaymaker, Fay Mortimer from Cheshire in northern England, said the experience had been terrifying. "I've never been so scared in my entire life," she said. The Greek transport ministry said TUI and Jet2, which handle the bulk of tourism to Rhodes, planned 14 scheduled flights from Rhodes airport, transferring about 2,700 passengers until 0300 am local time (2400 GMT). Story continues Shane and Charlie Murphy-Jones had been on Rhodes for a wedding when they received an alert to evacuate their rented villa on Saturday night. "We went from paradise to hell and it was crazy," Shane Murphy-Jones said after arriving at Gatwick airport in London late Sunday. TEMPERATURE SPIKE STOKES FLAMES Fires are common in Greece but climate change has led to more extreme heat waves across southern Europe and many parts of the world. Temperatures over the past week have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in many parts of Greece. In addition to Rhodes, emergency services were dealing with fires on the island of Evia, east of Athens and Aigio, southwest of Athens, and on the island of Corfu where authorities ordered the precautionary evacuation of a number of small settlements. The fire on Corfu, an island which lies west of Greece, was burning on a large front. Boats in the area had been dispatched to evacuate residents by sea, a government official said. A fire brigade official said the wildfires on Rhodes have affected 10% of hotels in the central and southeast parts of the island. The north and western parts were not affected. The government official who spoke of Corfu said the fires on Rhodes were largely contained. Coastguard vessels and private boats carried more than 3,000 tourists from beaches on Saturday. Many people fled hotels when huge flames reached the seaside villages of Kiotari, Gennadi, Pefki, Lindos, Lardos and Kalathos. Crowds gathered in streets under a red sky while smoke hung over deserted shorelines. Pictures and videos posted by tourists on social media showed local residents using their own cars or bundling tourists into trucks and pick-ups to take them to safety. In Lindos, famed for an acropolis on a massive rock within medieval walls, a blaze charred the hillside and buildings. Thanasis Virinis, a vice mayor of Rhodes, told Mega television on Sunday that between 4,000 and 5,000 people were in temporary accommodation. Evacuees were taken to conference centres and school buildings, where they were given food, water and medical assistance, authorities said. LOCAL GENEROSITY British, Dutch, French and German citizens were among the tourists on Rhodes, which one hotelier said can receive 150,000 visitors at a time in peak season. The resident population of the island is around 125,000. One British tourist thanked locals for their generosity, in an interview with Greek television, saying shops had refused payment for water and food and small boats had taken women and children to safety first, before returning for the men. As crowds filled Rhodes airport, the Greek foreign ministry said it was setting up a helpdesk for people who had lost travel documents. German travel association DRV said around 20,000 German tourists were on the island, but only a small proportion were affected by the evacuations. More than 250 firefighters, assisted by 18 aircraft, set up firebreaks to shield a dense forest and more residential areas. Nevertheless, some tourists were still arriving. Pawel Kozlowski, from Warsaw, landed on Sunday afternoon and drove through Kiotari. "There are burnt cars, electrical lines are on the ground, we saw a broken electricity pole, still smoking. (It) looks like a war zone," he said. (Reporting by Fedja Gruolvic in Rhodes, Renee Maltezou and Angeliki Koutantou in Athens; Additional reporting by Elizabeth Piper and Hollie Adams in London, Christoph Steitz in Frankfurt, Andi Kranz in Cologne, Mathieu Rosemain in Paris and Justyna Pawkak in Warsaw; Writing by Frank Jack Daniel; Editing by Barbara Lewis, Frances Kerry and Chris Reese) The following is a transcript of an interview with Dr. Marci Bowers, president of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, that aired on "Face the Nation" on July 23, 2023. MARGARET BRENNAN: We're joined now by Dr. Marci Bowers. She is a surgeon and one of the nation's leading experts on gender affirming health care. Also the president of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, which sets global standards for care for doctors in the field. Thank you for being here. DR. MARCI BOWERS: Thank you, Margaret, for having me. MARGARET BRENNAN: We've- you've heard our guests talk about transgender issues in the political sense. We've now seen 21 different states pass laws restricting access. And so I want to understand a little bit more about what that access actually looks like. You know, the Governor of Utah was here and said there's an explosion in his state of interest. Are you seeing that as a doctor? DR. BOWERS: Yes, there. I mean, there has been an increase in demand for services. But keep in mind, trans identities have been with us since the antiquities, I mean, the time of the Bible and in literature and art history. I mean, there's examples of people throughout. So experts feel that the incidence has actually never changed. And- but what we are seeing is more people feeling comfortable coming out. And so that explains the rise. MARGARET BRENNAN: So there's a spectrum here, though, from identity all the way to surgery. So how common is it with surgery for someone under the age of 18, to be able to access it. DR. BOWERS: Surgery really is not done under the age of 18, except in severe cases, usually top surgery for trans masculine persons. And even that is rare, I think the estimates are something like 57 surgeries under the age of 18 were done for trans individuals. So the majority of people though, that are- that do identify as TGD or transgender diverse, don't access even medicine or surgery. It's just a feeling of maleness and femaleness that- that differs from their birth assigned gender, and gender identity being diverse has lots of inputs, not just hormones, not just chromosomes, not assigned gender, but- but a variety of inputs. And that reflects the numbers, but they are, they're low, and they'll always be low. The current estimates are about 0.6% of the population, which is about 1.6 million people might be as high as two or 3%. But it'll never be much more than that. The majority of people still identify and are very comfortable with their binary assignments. And- but this is a vulnerable population that deserves health care. Story continues MARGARET BRENNAN: So deserves health care, there are other treatments as well, hormone therapies, and the like. A lot of these laws that are recently becoming or taking hold are aimed at this young segment of the population. How much research is there into the effects of puberty blockers and hormone treatments of people in this age group? DR. BOWERS: Right, well, we have decades of experience with trans treatment overall. And- and that shows unequivocally that treatment is beneficial. But in this age group, really we've only been treating with hormone blockers, which is the point of real controversy that- that people are after, since the late 2000s. But in that time, there has been research, especially from groups in, in the Netherlands, but increasingly here as well and experienced with this in this the results are similar, we're seeing certainly very high levels of satisfaction, improved self esteem, reduce suicidality. So- so they seem similar to what we've- we've already witnessed in adult populations. But the controversy is that I think people feel like this number is increasing, and it's going to like, envelop their children and- and spread like a contagion, which is just really a false narrative. MARGARET BRENNAN: You know, there has been controversy regarding your particular group, which set some of these parameters, because they removed age guidelines from the surgery recommendations. Why did you take the age guidelines out? DR. BOWERS: Well, the point of that is that, first of all, the- what was leaked apparently, was the- the draft guidelines, which we were going to consider younger age groupings. But- But the important point is that care is individualized. And so age isn't really the issue. Generally, it's adulthood and- except in severe cases. And, you know, again, a draft guideline means it gets input from around the world, with available science that provides input and consensus, so this is what the WPATH standards of care are all about. They're consensus and science based guidelines. And- and I want to add, though, that- you know, some people say the science is settled, I never say the science is settled. I really feel like science is always evolving. Medicine is always looking for new input and new data. But what we see is- is promising. And again, this very small subset of the population is- is worthy of that care, and it seems to be beneficial. MARGARET BRENNAN: So one of the things that we heard on this program from the governor of Utah was that he felt that some of the organizations like even the American Academy of Pediatrics, were too political on this issue. What science are you looking at where you think the politics aren't interfering? DR. BOWERS: Well, I mean, you know, what- what the critics are looking for is what they call level I evidence. Now, level I evidence would require a systematic review of all randomized controlled studies in this area, and if you look anywhere else in medicine, about half of what we now accept as routine treatment, in- in any field, is not guided by level I evidence. Level I- let's take for example, cancer treatment or cleft palate surgery, diabetes care, none of those have Level I evidence, because to do so, you would have to induce- introduce a placebo. In other words, a non-treatment of that group. But can you imagine offering someone who has cancer non-treatment? MARGARET BRENNAN: You're saying-- [CROSSTALK] DR. BOWERS: It would be unethical-- MARGARET BRENNAN: There's a different benchmark, you're saying, is being applied here. Doctor, thank you for your explanations. I appreciate it. We'll be right back. Ukraine's port cities bear unrelenting brunt of Russian missile strikes Dr. Marci Bowers says transgender Americans are a "vulnerable population that deserves health care" New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy says transgender issues have become a "complete culture war" The following is a transcript of an interview with New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, that aired on "Face the Nation" on July 23, 2023. MARGARET BRENNAN: We now turn to the current governor of the state of New Jersey, Democrat Phil Murphy, who joins us from Middletown. Good morning to you, Mr. Governor, I want to pick up on some of the things we just discussed there, including when it comes to transgender care in your state because I know your administration has sued three New Jersey school districts for adopting policies to tell parents if their children are showing signs of changing their gender identity. Why is Mr. Christie wrong when he says parents are the ones who knows- know best here and they should be involved? NEW JERSEY GOV. PHIL MURPHY: Well let me say unequivocally, I will not be going to Chrischristie.com. Listen, we took these actions, because it's the right thing to do to protect these precious young people. This is a complete culture war, and by the way, Chris Christie was really bad for the LGBTQIA+ community, and he underfunded public education by 9 billion, with a B, dollars. So, with all due respect to the governor, I'm not sure he's got much of a leg to stand on. But parents are always involved. It- it's certainly in our administration, they're always at the table, and they always will be. But let's be smart about this. Let's protect the rights of these precious kids. Let's do things the right way, the American way. And- and I think if we do that, in a spirit of respecting everyone's rights, protecting the LGBTQIA+ community, we'll land in a good place. MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, one of the attorneys for a school board board in Marlboro, one of these districts, said that this blocking of a school counselor or a staff member from telling a parent about this is a violation of a constitutional right for a parent to direct and control the upbringing of their children. Why isn't that compelling? Story continues GOV. MURPHY: Obviously, parents are the- the existential reality in the upbringing of any child without question. I don't deny that for one second. But let's not violate the Constitution- constitutional and civil rights of precious young folks in many cases, who are coming to grips with life as they- as they grow up and grow older, let's be respectful of that. Let's be all in this together as opposed to this, us versus them, this demonizing. And when that happens, invariably, it's the LGBT community that gets it, particularly trans folks who get behind the eight ball. MARGARET BRENNAN: I want to ask you about what's happening in your state, but you are also a Biden surrogate. And yet you decided this week to sue the Biden Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Association to stop something called congestion pricing, which is meant to cut back on pollution and traffic by charging drivers when they enter Lower Manhattan. A lot of people in your state commute there. If you are a green governor, how can you oppose this policy that was signed off on by the Biden administration? GOV. MURPHY: First of all, I support Joe Biden unequivocally. We do so much together, on this one we don't see- see it the same way and at the end of the day, the buck stops with me for standing up for the residents of our state. Secondly, this will worsen pollution in New Jersey. Congestion pricing, the MTA in New York City has admitted it. This is a financial fix, more than it is an environmental fix, and the loser here, right now, are New Jersey commuters and New Jersey communities, and I will not let that stand. We have in fact filed suit against the Federal Highway Administration. God willing, we can land in a good place and it's not like we don't have good bona fides, Margaret, we have the number one- since we got here six years running, the number one environmental track record of any state in America, we care deeply about it. This is bad for the environment, in New Jersey, not good for it. MARGARET BRENNAN: If it's bad for the environment, then tell me why the MTA said that the 4000 page environmental assessment was, "supervised at every stage and specifically approved by the Biden administration." The governor of New York says this thing is- is happening, environmentalists have studied it. GOV. MURPHY: Yeah, not so fast, with all due respect. They took a shortcut at the Federal Highway Administration, what they should have done with us at the table given how this impacts New Jersey, and this is what we're suing for, is to do what they call a full blown environmental impact study. Now, it may take a while but it's worth it. And at the end of the day, listen if we had had the two new rail tunnels built under the Hudson River which by the way Chris Christie canceled, or if we had the shiny new Port Authority bus terminal, which again he dragged his feet on, we would be in a different place with- our commuters would have alternatives. Those alternatives finally are coming to pass but it'll take a while longer. At the moment those don't exist. MARGARET BRENNAN: That was- that was an interesting turn back to Chris- Chris Christie on that. I'll give you that. On the politics front, since you're there. I lived in New York a long time, so I know this issue, but for those who are elsewhere in the country, let's go national here. Nikki Haley in particular has focused in on the Vice President, Kamala Harris, in a lot of her rhetoric, and she's done it as a way of pointing to President Biden's age. The RNC is posting, frequently, clips from her speeches, flubs, they are really taking aim at her. Why do you think Republicans have calculated it is a good strategy, and that the Vice President makes Democrats vulnerable? GOV. MURPHY: I mean, this is a classic us versus them playbook, that the- unfortunately, the other party too often than not wheels out. And it's frankly offensive. She is an icon. She is an icon in the South Asian community, in the African American community, among millions of women in this country. I frankly think it's offensive and I think at the end of the day, it's a losing strategy. Folks want to focus on the- the strength of our country, the Biden Harris team has delivered 13 million jobs, over 50- it's been over 50 years since unemployment has stayed this low, under 4 percent. The investment in infrastructure, the investment in communities, at the end of the day, the record will win out. MARGARET BRENNAN: All right, Governor, thank you for sticking with us and I know we've had audio issues, so I appreciate your patience. We'll be right back. Ukraine's port cities bear unrelenting brunt of Russian missile strikes Dr. Marci Bowers says transgender Americans are a "vulnerable population that deserves health care" New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy says transgender issues have become a "complete culture war" A statue of Sequoyah, who created the Cherokee syllabary, stands on the center of campus in Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. The northeast Oklahoma city is home to two federally recognized Cherokee tribes: the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. TAHLEQUAH In a valley among the rolling foothills of the Ozark Mountains sits this quiet town of about 16,000 rooted in Cherokee culture. The Cherokee Nation headquarters are on the southern edge of town, and the tribes museums, coffee shop, art gallery and office spaces sprawl throughout the downtown blocks. Street signs direct traffic in English and Cherokee. A bronze statue of Sequoyah, the man who created the Cherokee syllabary, stands at the center of Northeastern State University near downtown. The school was originally a seminary for Native American women. Now it brings students from all over the state to Tahlequah, which locals pronounce as Tal-uh-kwaa. Visitors may never know the underlying tension that runs through town unless they know the history of an empty parking lot near Walmart. Its the site of a former casino operated by the United Keetoowah Band, a second Cherokee tribe that also calls Tahlequah home. Leaders of the United Keetoowah Band have tried, so far unsuccessfully, to revive their gaming operations, which acted as the tribe's main economic driver. The two tribes share a history and operate less than three miles apart, but disputes over land and status have divided them for generations. Those tensions are resurfacing today around the push for Cherokee representation in Congress. An 1835 treaty promised the Cherokee Nation a congressional delegate in exchange for ceding millions of acres of land to the growing United States. Nearly 200 years later, the Cherokee Nation is building a groundswell of support around its campaign to finally seat a non-voting House delegate. However, leaders of the United Keetoowah Band believe that same treaty also guarantees a delegate for their tribe, a stance that officials from the Cherokee Nation strongly dispute. Chuck Hoskin Jr., the Cherokee Nation's principal chief, said the treaty is an agreement between two sovereign governments his tribe and the United States and continues to apply solely to those two, not the United Keetoowah Band or the related Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina. The fact that we do share this wonderful and beautiful heritage and lineage does not trump any aspect of federal Indian law or any aspect of our individualized sovereignty, Hoskin said. Story continues But Joe Bunch, the chief of the United Keetoowah Band, sees the tribes connected histories in a different light. In those days, there was only one Cherokee nation, he said. The conflicting views leave the tribes working to navigate separate paths toward a similar goal: a voice in Congress. Each has chosen a delegate to represent them, and they are trying to persuade House lawmakers to act. Signs of Cherokee language and culture fill Tahlequah, which became the capital of the Cherokee Nation after Cherokee people were forced from their homelands in the southeastern United States. Congressional delegate promised nearly 200 years ago The Treaty of New Echota established terms to remove Cherokees from their homelands around present-day North Carolina and move to Indian Territory in what is now Oklahoma. Seven million acres were ceded in exchange for $5 million and a promise for a congressional delegate whenever Congress shall make a provision. Citizens of the United Keetoowah Band assert their identity as the old settlers, because many trace their ancestry to Cherokees who were among the first to move west and establish themselves in Indian Territory, said Ernestine Berry, director of the United Keetoowah Band museum. Eventually, the federal government recognized the United Keetoowah Band and the Cherokee Nation as distinct political groups. Because the United Keetoowah Band is a standalone government, Hoskin contends it is not a party to the treaties signed by the Cherokee Nation. The distinction, factually, is that the Cherokee Nations engagement with the United States goes back to the founding of the United States, he said. More: What Cherokee leaders say Oklahoma's governor got 'wildly' wrong about tribal elections Berry said the Treaty of New Echota itself was controversial and signed by a small group of Cherokees, which led to a scene that resembled a civil war in Tahlequah, the designated removal place where some people had already moved. The impacts of the early political animosity continue to manifest today. Tahlequah's connection to Cherokee culture draws visitors from across the United States and world. The city's welcome sign greets people in both Cherokee and English. In 2013, the United Keetoowah Band shut down its casino that had operated for 27 years as the tribes biggest economic engine. The Cherokee Nation had challenged the casinos right to operate on the land, which sits within the Cherokee reservation. A federal appeals court sided with the Cherokee Nation. The casino has never reopened. More recently, Cherokee Nation officials pushed back against United Keetoowah Band Lighthorse Police exercising authority across the 14-county Cherokee reservation. There is no UKB Reservation, Cherokee Nation Attorney General Sarah Hill said in a letter sent to the United Keetoowah Band earlier this year. Treaties gave the Cherokee Nation exclusive tribal jurisdiction on the reservation, and Congress has never given any other tribe jurisdiction on the Cherokee Nation Reservation. Lawmakers examine Cherokee treaty rights in historic hearing Hoskin began advocating for Congress to seat a Cherokee Nation delegate in 2019, the same year he appointed Kimberly Teehee to serve in that role. Her nomination was approved unanimously by the Cherokee Tribal Council. The Cherokee Nation headquarters sit on the southern fringes of Tahlequah. With more than 450,000 citizens, the Cherokee Nation is the largest tribal government in the U.S. Teehees tribal service resume began when she was an intern for the late Wilma Mankiller, the first woman to be principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. More recently, Teehee, an attorney, served as the first-ever senior policy adviser on Native American Affairs for President Barack Obama, where she played an active role in enacting the Violence Against Women Act. Since her appointment by Hoskin, Teehee has worked on educating members of the House on the rights of Native people and promises granted in the Treaty of New Echota. She has taken a bipartisan approach and concentrated on reaching out to three House committees tied to the issue: rules, administration and natural resources. We focused on getting resolutions of support throughout the country, Teehee said. It was really a time to dig deep into the history, because this was a history that takes us back to the 19th century before, right? We had to develop the kinds of materials that members, especially those who wanted to look back to the historic record as it pertained to the House, wanted to know about. From the archives: A tribal delegate in Congress? Cherokee campaign ramps up under treaty promise Support for Teehee has become widespread. After learning about the nearly 200-year-old treaty in a history class and realizing the U.S. government had not fulfilled its promise, students at Palo Alto High School in California created a mural honoring Teehee as a delegate. The mural, which was completed in April, features Teehee standing in front of the seal of the Cherokee Nation and reads Why Not Now? In November 2022, the House Rules Committee also had a hearing to discuss potential pathways to seat a Cherokee delegate. It was the first time the delegate promise has been spoken of in Congress since the treaty was signed. An attorney for the Congressional Research Office testified that other treaties, specifically those signed with the Delaware and Choctaw nations, also contain provisions that discuss representation in Congress. Teehee believes Congress should look into those treaties, but move forward separately to seat her as the delegate promised in the Treaty of New Echota. Lets break the glass ceiling first before we start looking into other tribes language, Teehee said. Lets start with the strongest case here. Disagreement continues over delegate rights United Keetoowah Band officials want Victoria Holland to represent their interests in Congress. An electronic billboard advertising her as the tribe's chosen delegate stands next to the empty lot where the tribal casino once stood. The United Keetoowah Band has its headquarters and museum on the east side of Tahlequah. It has about 15,000 citizens. Holland is an attorney who works on behalf of several Oklahoma tribes, including her own, which she believes holds equal rights to the Treaty of New Echota. You seat all of the Cherokee delegates or you seat none of the Cherokee delegates, because if you're going to pick and choose which tribe gets a treaty right, then you're picking favorites, Holland said. And theres not a superior Cherokee tribe. She sees the political divide between her tribe and the Cherokee Nation as an unnecessary roadblock that prevents them from working side by side to seat a delegate or to address economic and health gaps that persist in Tahlequah. For her, the divide is personal. Her husband and children are Cherokee Nation citizens. The reality of it is we all live together. We all work together. We all go to church together, she said. Victoria Holland poses for a photo at the United Keetoowah Band museum located at its headquarters. She is the tribe's chosen delegate as it tries to assert rights under the Treaty of New Echota. As an attorney, she also helps her tribe navigate other legal issues. Bunch said he has talked to members of Congress about his tribes perspective. He said he believes key lawmakers, including Oklahoma Rep. Tom Cole, understand. But continued trips to lobby members of Congress add up for the small tribe, particularly as lawmakers cycle out of office and new members enter without knowing much about tribal treaty rights. So without anyone being there to share our story, guess what? We get left out, Bunch said. 'Unresolved issues' for Congress to address, top lawmaker says The reason Cherokee people are divided today is because the federal government imposed its will on Indigenous people and forced them to abandon nearly all of their homelands, said Richard Sneed, chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Members of his tribe are descended from Cherokee people who stayed behind on a remote part of the tribes lands. Sneed believes dissension will stall Congress from taking any steps forward on seating a Cherokee delegate. He thinks the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes should come together and select one person. If we present a united front, that takes away the argument from the federal government to say, Well, you three tribes cant even agree amongst yourselves, so were not going to take action until you do, he said. Artwork outside the Cherokee Nation headquarters depict important times in the tribal nation's history, including its forced removal from the southeastern U.S. to Oklahoma. Other tribes also are exploring their own treaty rights. Deborah Dotson, president of the Delaware Nation in Anadarko, is leading the push on behalf of the three federally recognized Delaware tribes. She points to a 1778 treaty provision that also discusses Delaware representation in Congress. Her goal is to seat three delegates to represent each of the three Delaware tribes or a joint delegate whose seat would rotate from one Delaware tribe to the next. Whichever Congress chooses, Dotson wants lawmakers to act on all delegate treaty rights at the same time. She believes congressional action is dependent on tribes working together to chart a unified path. I think if we hand it to them with a red bow and say, Here, they can pass it. Its something that everybody understands, she said. But all of the tribes are facing new hurdles. Control of the House shifted from Democrats to Republicans at the start of the year, shuffling the leadership of top committees. Cole, a Chickasaw Nation citizen, now chairs the House Rules Committee. He has pledged to keep working on the delegate issue, including by sorting through the treaty claims of all tribes. Theres a lot of unresolved issues that are institutional, not partisan, Cole told The Oklahoman earlier this spring. We dont have any other delegates that are not elected. More: The story behind Gov. Stitt's new 'One Oklahoma' video on tribal reservations Teehee said she has redoubled her efforts to meet with lawmakers to talk about tribal treaty rights and answer their lingering questions. In some ways, were back to Square One, because were back at educating a whole new body thats now the majority, and we respect that, she said. But one thing I think that is in our tribes nature, and what were accustomed to, is we dont ever give up. We are persistent. Holland thinks it also will be necessary to build more support on the ground. She wants to create a shared space for Cherokee people to work out the common issues they face. We need to start talking about how we are going to move forward together as Cherokee people. Editor's note: This story has been updated to to make clear the formal name of the Cherokee Nation is no longer the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and to correct the first name of Richard Sneed, chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: As Cherokee Nation presses for a voice in Congress, so do other tribes Former President Donald Trump said in a new interview clip aired Sunday that President Biden is not up to the task during a precarious time for the U.S. amid growing tensions around the globe. "Look, this is the most dangerous time in the history of our country because of weaponry. The nuclear power is so enormous. This isn't two Army tanks going and shooting each other in World War I, World War II, soldiers standing behind a bunker and shooting people," Trump said during a sit-down interview with Fox News host Maria Bartiromo. "This is obliteration," Trump added in the interview, the second half of which aired Sunday on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures." "And we have a man that doesn't understand what he's doing. We have a man that stood up and told the whole world that we have no ammunition," Trump said of Biden. "Do you know I had every ammunition building full to the brim three years ago. We've given it all away. But if you gave it all away terrible. The only thing worse than that is to tell the world. He has told China and these other places that are hostile that we have no ammunition." BIDEN LETS AMERICAN MILITARY INFO SLIP DURING LIVE INTERVIEW, SPARKING BACKLASH President Biden speaks about artificial intelligence at the White House on July 21, 2023. Biden was ridiculed on social media for saying that the U.S. was low on ammunition during a live CNN interview. "You talk about classified documents. That's worse than any document that you could give," Trump continued, apparently in reference to the federal indictment against him with regard to classified documents found during an FBI search of his Mar-a-Lago estate last year. "So, now these people are sitting back in China and other places that hate us, including North Korea, where I had a very good relationship with Kim Jong Un and kept our country safe. They're talking about the United States of America has no ammunition. Think of it. How stupid can somebody be to say that?" READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP During an interview on CNN this month, Biden let slip while explaining the controversial decision to send cluster bombs to Ukraine that the United States is low on 155 mm artillery ammunition rounds, sparking outrage on social media as critics called the commander in chief's competency into question. Story continues "It was a very difficult decision on my part. And by the way, I discussed this with our allies, discussed this with our friends up on the Hill," Biden told CNNs Fareed Zakaria on July 9, ahead of the president's travel to Europe to attend the NATO conference in Lithuania. "And we're in a situation where Ukraine continues to be brutally attacked across the board by munitions, by these cluster munitions that are have DOD rates that are very, very low, very high, that are dangerous to civilians, No. 1." Former President Donald Trump speaks at the Turning Point Action conference in West Palm Beach, Florida, on July 15, 2023. Trump criticized President Biden in a new interview for apparently telling America's enemies that the U.S. is low on ammunition. BIDEN TANGLES WITH REPORTER WHO QUESTIONS US COMMITMENT TO NATO: 'NO ONE CAN GUARANTEE THE FUTURE' "No. 2, the Ukrainians are running out of ammunition. The ammunition that they to call them, 155 millimeter weapons," Biden said. "This is a war relating to munitions and the running out of those that ammunition. And we're low on. And so what I finally did and took the recommendation of the Defense Department to not permanently but to allow for in this transition period where we have more 155 weapons, these shells, for the Ukrainians." A White House official walked back Biden's comment that the United States is running out of ammunition when asked to comment on criticism in response to Biden's live CNN interview. President Biden was criticized for seemingly letting slip American military information during a live CNN interview this month. "The military has specific requirements for the numbers of weapons systems and ammunition we maintain in our reserves in case of contingencies or military conflict," a White House official previously said in an email to Fox News Digital. "Everything we send to Ukraine is in excess of that. So, the U.S. is not running out of ammunition ourselves." Fox News' Matteo Cina contributed to this report. Editors note: This report has been updated to correct Tulsi Gabbards political affiliation during the 2020 presidential campaign. We regret the error. Former Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard blasted musician Jack Whites criticism of former President Trump on Twitter Saturday. Gabbard, who served as U.S. representative for Hawaiis 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2021 before leaving the Democratic Party in 2022, called out what she sees as a double standard of normalization. Jack White recently expressed his disdain for anyone who normalizes Trump, she wrote about the White Stripes frontman. In the meantime, what he wants us to do is normalize those in power abusing that power to go after political opponents, using the strong arm of the law as their goon squad. Jack White recently expressed his disdain for anyone who normalizes Trump. In the meantime, what he wants us to do is normalize those in power abusing that power to go after political opponents, using the strong arm of the law as their goon squad. pic.twitter.com/kR3SbNOWBj Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) July 22, 2023 Anybody who normalizes or treats this disgusting fascist, racist, con man, disgusting piece of s Trump with any level of respect is ALSO disgusting in my book, White wrote on Instagram. Thats you Joe Rogan, you Mel Gibson, you Mark Walhberg, you Guy Fieri, he added. This is a statement from me, not a discussion/debate. ITK previously reached out to Rogan, Gibson, Fieri and Wahlberg for comment. Updated on July 23 at 9:18 a.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. TEHRAN, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Iran and Qatar on Sunday vowed to strengthen cooperation in all areas, particularly in trade and the joint construction of infrastructure projects, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported. During a meeting held in the Iranian capital Tehran on Sunday, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Akbar Ahmadian and Qatar's Assistant Foreign Minister for Regional Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi highlighted the necessity of expanding bilateral cooperation in those areas in accordance with specific plans and schedules and removing the obstacles to such cooperation, the report said. Later in the day, the Qatari diplomat met Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Ali Bagheri Kani and discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of common interest, according to IRNA. Khulaifi pointed to the growing relations between Doha and Tehran, saying his country is willing to improve economic ties with Iran. The two diplomats called for a collective action by Islamic countries, especially through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, against the desecration of Quran in Sweden and Denmark. The Iranian deputy minister said the burning of Quran is tantamount to "trampling the basic and inalienable" rights of two billion Muslims, adding such acts in Europe are "flagrant violations" of human rights. He said that Denmark and Sweden are responsible for putting an end to such "cultural brutalities" in their countries. On Friday, the far-right Danish group of Danske Patrioter burned a copy of the Quran and trampled an Iraqi flag in front of the Iraqi Embassy in the Danish capital of Copenhagen, according to Danish media reports. The move was meant to protest against the Iraqis' attack on the Swedish embassy in Baghdad a day earlier, according to the group. Hundreds of angry protesters stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad on Thursday. They set fire to the building in protest against the desecration of the Quran and the Iraqi flag in the Swedish capital of Stockholm. Russian forces attacked Odesa on the night of 22-23 July, inflicting grave damage on the citys historic centre. The Odesa Oblast Military Administration reported that one civilian was killed and 22, including four children, were injured in the attack. The Transfiguration Cathedral, the House of Scientists, Zhvanetsky Boulevard, residential buildings and port infrastructure sustained damage. Ukrainska Pravda put together some information about the cathedral beloved by Odesa residents that last night was targeted by Russian attacks for the second time. Construction of the Transfiguration Cathedral began 200 years ago On 23 July, a Russian missile hit the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa The Transfiguration Cathedral on Soborna Square is the biggest Orthodox church in Odesa. According to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) diocese, its construction began 228 years ago to celebrate Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. "In August 1794, the city of Odesa was consecrated; as part of the consecration, a site where the church of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker would be constructed was blessed. In 1795, the first stone was laid," the dioceses website says. Architect and military engineer Vincent Vanresant was chosen to design the building. The construction began in 1803, after the Duke de Richelieu became the mayor of Odesa. The church was consecrated on 25 May 1809. In 1825, the plans for a new bell tower, designed by the Italian Giovanni Frapolli, were approved. In 1841, the architect Deolaus-Heinrich Heidenreich designed the refectory, which combined the bell tower and the old church. In the late 19th century, parts of the cathedral were renovated, and in 1894 the entire building underwent an extensive renovation. The Transfiguration Cathedral is a Classicist architectural monument. Bolsheviks destroyed the Transfiguration Cathedral 90 years ago Last night was not the first time Russian occupation forces attempted to lay waste to the Odesa cathedral; they have already done it once nearly 90 years ago. Story continues On 2 March 1932, the Bolsheviks locked the church up. In 1936, they detonated explosives in the cathedrals bell tower and its main building but only after looting it. When the Soviet occupation of Ukraine ended, Ukrainian experts found the churchs original foundation during archeological excavation. In 1999, the Cabinet of Ministers (the Ukrainian government ed.) included the Odesa cathedral in the Program for the Restoration of Outstanding Lost Monuments of History and Culture of Ukraine. The Transfiguration Church was rebuilt during 2000-2005, and on 6 January 2005, the lower church was consecrated in honour of St Innocent of Odesa. Photo: Konstantin Brizhnichenko/Wikipedia In 2010, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow "blessed" Odesa Transfiguration Cathedral On 21 June 2010, Kirill Gundyayev, the Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia, the primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, blessed the upper church of the Odesa Transfiguration Cathedral. The patriarch, Putins associate, told Ukrainian people that "no grand walls or golden lustre will save a person unless they themselves become the temple of God". He added that it was "better not to erect churches if one is not living according to Gods laws". In 2022, Patriarch Kirill blessed the Russian war against Ukraine and praised Russian soldiers who set out to fight against Ukrainian people. In his comments about the war, he often mentioned the "victory over Fascism" and the "defence of the people of Rus" from "the West". After last nights missile strike, Archdeacon Andrii Palchuk, a cleric of the Odesa Eparchy of the UOC, recorded a heartfelt video describing the destruction of the cathedral. "Russian swine hit the cathedral that was raised by all of Odesa. The [missile] hit the altar, obliterating everything there was. The cathedral is no more Thank you, Russian brothers... Thank you, Your Holiness, for striking Metropolitan Agathangels very heart. The Virgin Mary will not forgive you for this," Palchuk said. The UOC press service added that the church condemns Russias aggression. "The UOCs Odesa Eparchy once again condemns the Russian Federations aggression against Ukraine and its terrorist attack on Odesas major shrine and its spiritual heart, the Transfiguration Cathedral, which has no connection to military facilities, but has civilians living in its vicinity," the eparchys website says. Transfiguration Cathedral becomes a UNESCO World Heritage site In 2023, the Transfiguration Cathedral and the rest of Odesas historic city centre were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. UNESCO has "strongly condemn[ed]" the Russian missile strike on Odesa. "Further to the statement made by the UN Secretary-General, UNESCO condemns the Russian attack in the buffer zone of the World Heritage property The Historic Centre of Odesa, affecting buildings of cultural significance within the property," a statement issued by UNESCO reads. Russian missile hit the altar The destroyed altar in the Transfiguration Cathedral Photo: Kostiantyn and Vlada Liberov/libkos The Odesa Eparchy of the UOC has reported that the Russian missile hit the cathedrals central altar, partially destroying the building. The Russians destroyed the ceilings of the cathedrals three lower floors, severely damaged interior decoration and icons and completely destroyed service premises in the lower part of the cathedral. A security guard and a seminarian were in the cathedral during the missile strike. They survived, but the security guard was injured. Orthodox shrines were also damaged: the Kasperovskaya Icon of the Mother of God, considered the patron saint of Odesa, was retrieved from the rubble. The cathedral was a tourist favourite The Transfiguration Cathedral was a famous tourist attraction. On social media, Ukrainians have been sharing memories from their visits and pictures of the cathedral before and after the Russian missile strike. Photo: nastia_haioshko Photo: groz.va, pani_margo Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! LONDON (AP) Environmentalists cautioned Britains main political parties on Sunday not to water down their climate change promises after a special election result widely seen as a thumbs-down from voters to a tax on polluting cars. The governing Conservatives suffered two heavy defeats in a trio of by-elections for House of Commons seats on Thursday. But they managed to win the third contest, for a suburban London district, by focusing on a divisive green levy imposed by Londons Labour Party mayor. The Ultra Low Emission Zone, or ULEZ, charges drivers of older gas and diesel vehicles 12.50 pounds ($16) a day to move around the city. The charge was announced by then-Mayor Boris Johnson, a Conservative, in 2015 and took effect for central London in 2019. Mayor Sadiq Khan plans to extend it next month to the citys less densely populated suburbs, where more people rely on cars to get around. Labour Party leader Keir Starmer said the mayor should reflect on the policy in the wake of the loss in the Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency. I dont think there is any doubt that ULEZ was the reason that we lost the election in Uxbridge, he said. But naturalist Chris Packham said Labour should not abandon green policies to achieve electoral gain. Do you want to protect humanity and the rest of life on Earth, or is it just about you getting into office? Theyve got to stick to their guns here, he told Times Radio. The mayor argues that the policy has already cut air pollution in central London and will affect only one in 10 cars in areas like Uxbridge. U.K. greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by 46% from 1990 levels, mainly because of the almost complete removal of coal from electricity generation. The government had pledged to reduce emissions by 68% of 1990 levels by 2030, to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars the same year, and to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. But with just seven years to go until the first goalpost, the governments climate advisers said last month that the pace of action is worryingly slow. Story continues Some in the governing Conservative Party want to slow down even more. A right-wing group of Conservative lawmakers, the Net Zero Scrutiny Group, said the date for banning new petrol vehicles should be moved to 2035 or later. Conservative lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg said getting rid of unpopular, expensive green policies would be a vote-winner for the party, which is trailing well behind Labour in opinion polls. A national election is due by the end of 2024. Housing Secretary Michael Gove told the Sunday Telegraph that a measure requiring landlords to improve the energy efficiency of rental accommodation was asking too much, too quickly and should be delayed by several years. Other senior Tories urged the government to stick to its guns. Lawmaker Chris Skidmore, the governments net zero watchdog, said it would be an abdication of responsible government if ministers play politics with environmental policies. Alok Sharma, a former Conservative government minister who served as president of the U.N.s COP26 climate summit in 2021, tweeted: Given the economic, environmental and electoral case for climate action it would be self-defeating for any political party to seek to break the political consensus on this vital agenda. Oleksii Reznikov, Defence Minister of Ukraine, believes that Ukraine will win the war by next summer and could be admitted to NATO in July 2024. Source: Reznikov in an interview with CNN Details: The minister said that he considers the NATO summit in July next year to be a possible moment for Ukraine to join the Alliance. "Who knows, maybe it will be a very important day for Ukraine. It is just my forecast," Reznikov said. He acknowledged that Ukraine will be able to join the Alliance only after the war is over, because "we have no options to have a unanimous vote" while the fighting is going on. Asked whether he thought the war would be over by next summer, he quickly replied: "Yes. We will win this war." Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that Ukraine already regained about half of its territories that were occupied by Russia since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Source: Blinken in an interview with CNN, cited by Reuters, as European Pravda reports Quote: "Its (Ukraine ed.) already taken back about 50% of what was initially seized (by Russia ed.)." Details: At the same time, he said, the Armed Forces of Ukraine faced significant resistance during counter-offensive operations. "These are still relatively early days of the counteroffensive. It is tough," he said, adding: "It will not play out over the next week or two," Blinken added. He said that the US believes that Ukraine's counter-offensive will continue for at least several months more. Previously: Blinken said that the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine will change after the Ukrainian Armed Forces "deploy". Background: The Estonian Ministry of Defence said that attacks by Russian occupation forces in northeastern Ukraine are likely to complicate the Ukrainian Armed Forces' counter-offensive in the country's south. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Ukraine is considering the participation of Ukrainian athletes in all qualifying competitions for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, even if Russians and Belarusians will compete there under the neutral flag. Source: Vadym Gutzeit, Minister of Youth and Sports, on the air of the 24/7 national newscast Quote: "Russia and Belarus will not be represented at the Olympic Games officially. And now we have started a discussion on the possibility that, if Russia and Belarus do not attend the Olympic Games, our athletes could participate in all qualifying competitions for the Olympic Games to be held in Paris in 2024." Details: When asked whether Ukraine could allow athletes to compete with Russians and Belarusians flying a neutral flag, Gutzeit said: "We are currently considering this issue. We are in discussions with our national federations, with our athletes." The minister stressed that Ukraine had sought to ensure that Russia and Belarus were not present at the Olympics, and it succeeded: "The flag and other symbols of Russia and Belarus will not be there." "As for the participation of our athletes, we are now considering, discussing, clarifying this issue every day with all the presidents of the federations and we will soon know our joint decision," he said. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! (Bloomberg) -- President Volodymyr Zelenskiy renewed his call for a fully-fledged sky shield after Kremlin forces unleashed a missile barrage against Odesa overnight. It was the largest in a string of almost daily strikes on the Black Sea port city after Moscow pulled out of the UN-brokered Ukrainian grain export deal on July 17. Russia aims to neutralize international efforts to renew the functioning of the grain corridor, Ukrainian Security Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said on Facebook. Most Read from Bloomberg The attack damaged infrastructure, houses and other buildings, including some 25 landmarks in the citys historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage location. A total of 19 missiles were launched by Russia, including some from bases in Crimea, with air defense able to shoot down nine. One person was killed and at least 21 injured, including four children. Zelenskiy vowed retaliation, and Ukraines defense ministry called the strike a war crime. Russian President Vladimir Putin met in St. Petersburg with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko. In broadcast remarks Lukashenko joked about the Wagner militia fighters now assembling en masse in his country, saying theyve asked him for permission to go on a trip to Warsaw. Of course I am keeping them in central Belarus, like we agreed, the Belarusian strongman added. The comments were the latest provocative remarks by Russia or its ally about NATO member Poland, which has recently reinforced its border with Belarus with extra troops. Putin on Friday claimed that Polish authorities were considering seizing parts of western Ukraine a comment that saw Poland summon Russias ambassador. Lukashenko on Sunday similarly referenced the dismemberment of Ukraine and the transfer of lands to Poland. Story continues Latest Coverage Poland Summons Russian Envoy After Putins Border Comments Unilever to Allow its 3,000 Russian Workers to be Conscripted: Telegraph Russia Arrests Colonel Turned Critic of Army and Putin Ukraine Says Nationalization of Tycoons Sense Bank is Complete Russia Raises Rates for First Time Since Invasion Aftermath Coming Up Russias invasion hits 17-month mark on Monday Markets Wheat Slumps as Traders Shrug Off Ukraine Angst Wheat futures fell more than 4% on Friday, taking a breather after surging about 11% over three days as traders focused on ample global supplies even amid continued tensions in the Black Sea. Both Ukraine and Russia warned this week that ships headed to each others ports could be considered military targets, setting off alarm bells. Fridays comments by Russias deputy foreign minister suggested the worst of the worries were overblown. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. The orthodox cathedral was badly damaged in the latest attack on Odesa (Oleksandr GIMANOV) Russia's latest strike on Odesa on Sunday killed two people and severely damaged a historic Orthodox cathedral, drawing a vow of retaliation from Ukraine's leader. The attack came as President Vladimir Putin met his Belarusian counterpart for talks in Russia and claimed Kyiv's counteroffensive had "failed". Russia has pounded the Ukrainian port city of Odesa since quitting the Black Sea grain deal last week. Locals watched in disbelief as the Transfiguration Cathedral -- originally built in 1794 under imperial Russian rule -- was hit. The biggest Orthodox church in Odesa lies within the UNESCO-protected historic city centre. UNESCO condemned the "brazen" attack, which hit several sites in the World Heritage area, marking "an escalation of violence against (the) cultural heritage of Ukraine", according to UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay. Clergymen rescued icons from rubble inside the badly damaged shrine, which was demolished under Stalin in 1936 and rebuilt in the 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The culture ministry said it had so far identified damage to 29 monuments of important cultural heritage. The Ukrainian government condemned the cathedral strike as a "war crime", saying it had been "destroyed twice: by Stalin and Putin". President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed retaliation: "They will definitely feel this," he said. "We cannot allow people around the world to get used to terrorist attacks," Zelensky added in his evening speech late on Sunday. "The target of all these missiles is not just cities, villages or people. Their target is humanity and the foundations of our entire European culture." - Icons pulled from the rubble - Images showed smashed mosaics on the cathedral floor as workers cleared the rubble. The outside of the building appeared intact. "There was a direct hit to the cathedral," said Father Myroslav, the assistant rector, adding that three altars were ruined. Story continues Icons were pulled out from under the rubble and the shrine was "very badly damaged inside", with "only the bell tower intact", he added. Clergymen said a security guard and a priest getting ready for a morning liturgy were inside during the attack but both survived. Russia blamed the cathedral damage on Ukrainian air defence. It said it had hit all its intended targets in the Odesa strike, claiming the sites were being used to prepare "terrorist acts" against Russia. But local people said Russia had hit residential areas. "We have ordinary residential buildings here, where people live," a woman who owns a beauty salon nearby, Tetiana, told AFP. "There are no military facilities here. Just simple beauty salons, a marine agency, a groomer. Nothing military here at all." Russia launched a wave of attacks on the Black Sea port this week, after exiting a deal between Moscow, Kyiv, Istanbul and the UN allowing the safe passage of cargo ships. Ukraine has vowed to find a way to continue exports from the ports and said Sunday repeated Russian strikes on Odesa this week were an attempt to "prevent and neutralise international efforts to restore the functioning of the "grain corridor." - Putin meets Lukashenko - As Odesa cleared rubble from the Russian strikes, Putin hosted his closest ally, Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko, in his native city of Saint Petersburg -- their first meeting since Minsk helped end a revolt by Russia's Wagner force. Both leaders were dismissive of the Ukrainian counteroffensive to take back land captured by Russia. "There is no counteroffensive," Lukashenko said at the meeting, before being interrupted by Putin: "There is one, but it has failed." The Belarus strongman now hosts Wagner fighters on his territory, after brokering a deal that convinced its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin to end a march on Moscow and exile himself to Belarus. "We are controlling what is happening (with Wagner)," he said, thanking Putin for vowing to defend Belarus should it be attacked. Wagner's presence in Belarus has rattled EU and NATO member Poland, which has strengthened its border. On Sunday, Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said a new battalion of sappers would be formed in the country's northeast. Polish, US, British, Romanian and Croatian soldiers were training "shoulder to shoulder", he said, during a visit to the northeastern city of Augustow. The comments came two days after Putin said western Poland was a "gift" from Stalin at the end of World War II, when victorious allies decided on the contours of post-war Europe. Warsaw summoned the Russian ambassador over the remarks. Both Putin and Lukashenko also accused Warsaw of having territorial ambitions on Ukraine and Belarus. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba responded quickly on Twitter. "Putin's attempts to drive a wedge between Kyiv and Warsaw are as futile as his failing invasion of Ukraine," he wrote. "Unlike Russia, Poland and Ukraine have learned from history and will always stand united against Russian imperialism and disrespect for international law." Fighting in Ukraine continued Sunday, with Russia launching 17 cruise missiles and two ballistic missiles, according to the Ukraine army. bur/jj/lcm Key developments on July 22-23 Russia's latest missile attack on Odesa results in civilian casualties; damages 25 historical buildings Black Sea security to be discussed at NATO-Ukraine Council on July 26 Russia starts collecting intel on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, says military intelligence Ukraine destroys targets in Russian-occupied Crimea Russia destroys aid center in Chasiv Yar, kills 4 civilians across Donetsk Oblast within a day Russian troops bombarded Odesa on July 23, damaging the historic center and a UNESCO-listed cathedral and killing and injuring civilians. One person was killed, and 21, including four children, were injured, according to local authorities. At least 44 buildings were damaged, Deputy Head of the President's Office Oleksiy Kuleba reported. Among them were 25 historical buildings, including the Transfiguration Cathedral, according to Kuleba. "This is another attempt to kill peaceful Ukrainians, erase our history, and destroy our heritage of global significance," Kuleba wrote. Although the Transfiguration Cathedral was founded in 1794, the original building was destroyed by the Soviet regime in 1936, and the new cathedral was built in 2003. The cathedral belongs to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow a branch of the Russian Orthodox Church active in Ukraine, which is widely known for supporting the Russian invasion. The aftermath of the Russian deadly strike against Odesa on July 23. (Oleksiy Kuleba, Deputy Head of the Presidents Office/Telegram) Following the attack, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed its troops targeted "facilities where terrorist acts against Russia were being prepared." President Volodymyr Zelensky said "there will be a response" to Russia's attack on Odesa. "Missiles against peaceful cities, against residential buildings, a cathedral. There can be no excuse for Russian evil," Zelensky wrote on Telegram. Ukraine's Air Force said Russia launched a total of 19 missiles from the Black Sea and occupied Crimea, including Kalibr, Kh-22, and Oniks cruise missiles, along with the Iskander short-range ballistic missiles. Story continues Ukraine managed to shoot down nine of the targets, the Air Force said, without disclosing where the 10 missiles that weren't taken down hit. This is the latest in a series of attacks on Odesa Oblast and the regional capital that Russian forces have launched this week, targeting the port and critical agricultural infrastructure following Moscow's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. This Week in Ukraine Ep. 17 Black Sea grain deal is dead. What can Ukraine do? Episode #17 of our weekly video podcast This Week in Ukraine is dedicated to the Black Sea grain deal, how Russia weaponized it, and ultimately killed it. Host Anastasiia Lapatina is joined by the Kyiv Independents reporter Alexander Query. Listen to the audio version of the podcast on Apple, S The Kyiv IndependentAnastasiia Lapatina Black Sea security to be discussed at NATO-Ukraine Council The issue of security in the Black Sea will be discussed at the July 26 NATO-Ukraine Council meeting, NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu told Reuters on July 22. The announcement comes almost a week after Russia said that it pulled out from the Black Sea Grain Initiative critical for ensuring global food security effectively collapsing the deal. On July 22, Zelensky said he asked NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to convene the NATO-Ukraine Council to discuss the terminated grain deal. "I turned to Jens with a proposal to urgently convene such a council for appropriate crisis consultations. The meeting will take place in a few days. We can overcome the security crisis in the Black Sea," Zelensky said. Lungescu said the meeting would take place at the level of ambassadors. It is going to be the first NATO-Ukraine Council meeting after the inaugural session at NATO's summit in Vilnius. NATO launched the council, aimed at enabling closer coordination between Kyiv and the alliance, on July 11. Following its withdrawal from the deal, Russia declared that all vessels using the maritime grain corridor would be considered military targets. It also consequently targeted Odesa Oblast since then. In response, Ukraine's Defense Ministry said that any vessels heading to Russian or Russian-occupied ports on the Black Sea will be treated as carrying military cargo "with all associated risks." Retired chief of UK military: As international partners deliberate, Ukrainians pay the price Ukraine has been forced to do battle with less equipment than it needs because of the caution of its international partners, said Mark Carleton-Smith, the U.K.s former top military commander, during his visit to Kyiv. Carleton-Smith, who was in the country as part of the Warsaw International Forum The Kyiv IndependentIgor Kossov Russia collects intel on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, says military intelligence Speaking on Ukrainian TV, Military Intelligence Deputy Chief Vadym Skibitskyi said that Russian intelligence services are assessing Ukraine's energy infrastructure aiming to identify targets that impact the country's energy system. To do so, Russia uses different methods of reconnaissance, including satellites, according to Skibitskyi. "We are monitoring all issues related to the Russian intelligence on our energy facilities," Skibitskyi said during an interview with the "We-Ukraine" channel, published on July 23. Russia has been targeting Ukraine's critical infrastructure since early October, openly admitting it was part of its strategy. The attacks killed dozens of people and forced authorities to impose blackouts. According to the Geneva Conventions, attacking vital public infrastructure constitutes a war crime. Harder than ever: How power outages affect people with disabilities in Ukraine On Dec. 18, Kyiv resident Tetiana Venhlinska was without power at home for 10 hours straight. The blackout was imposed following another large-scale missile strike in a series of Russian attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure. For most Kyiv residents, the long power outage was likely a mere an The Kyiv IndependentDaria Shulzhenko Ukraine destroys targets in Russian-occupied Crimea; Explosion reported in occupied Kherson Oblast Ukraine destroyed a Russian oil depot and military warehouses in occupied Crimea, the Strategic Command of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on July 22. Sergey Aksyonov, the Moscow-installed head of the occupied peninsula, claimed that drones had "tried" to strike infrastructure and that emergency services had been dispatched. Traffic over the Crimean Bridge, which connects the occupied peninsula with Russia's Krasnodar Krai, was reportedly halted on July 22. In the evening of the same day, an explosion occurred in the house belonging to Heorhii Zhuravko, the Russia-installed head of occupied Oleshky in Kherson Oblast, the exiled mayor Yevhen Ryshchuk told Suspline on July 23. It is yet unclear whether Zhuravko was at the site, as Ryshchuk said he no longer lives at this house. However, according to Ryshchuk, locals spotted him at the site on the same day before the explosion. Russia installed Zhuravko as head of Oleshky in May 2022, three months into the occupation of the city, which sits just across the Dnipro River from the regional capital. How controversial cluster munitions give Ukraine needed punch during counteroffensive Ukraine has begun using American cluster munitions in the field and is doing so effectively, according to the White House. They are using them appropriately, National Security Spokesman John Kirby said on July 21. Theyre using them effectively, and they are actually having an impact on Russias The Kyiv IndependentIgor Kossov Russia destroys aid center in Chasiv Yar, kills 4 civilians across Donetsk Oblast in one day Overnight on July 23, Russian troops attacked the front-line town of Chasiv Yar with cluster munitions, according to Donetsk Oblast Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko. The governor said the attack hit the local culture center that was used as a humanitarian aid distribution point. He added that Russia's double-tap attack occurred when emergency services were trying to extinguish the fire at the center. "The building of the Palace of Culture burned down. A small stockpile of humanitarian aid and medical equipment was destroyed there," Kyrylenko wrote on Telegram. Chasiv Yar lies only five kilometers west of Bakhmut, which remains the scene of some of the heaviest fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces. It undergoes constant Russian attacks. According to Kyrylenko, Russian shelling across Donetsk Oblast killed four civilians and injured 11 on July 22. People were killed in the settlements of Sofiivka, Avdiivka, Toretsk, and Fedorivka, Kyrylenko said. Russian forces occupy large portions of Donetsk Oblast, and the region remains a target of recurrent attacks and shelling. Consequences of shelling of Odesa Ukraine managed to neutralize nine of the 19 missiles that the Russian military fired at Odesa in the early hours of July 23, the press service of Ukraines Air Force reported on Telegram. Russian forces launched missiles from two directions: the Black Sea and Crimea. The enemy fired: Read also: Police show first minutes of rescue after Russian shelling of Odesa - video Five Oniks cruise missiles from the Bastion coastal missile system (Crimea) Three Kh-22 air-launched cruise missiles from Tu-22MZ aircraft (Black Sea) Four sea-launched Kalibr cruise missiles believed from a submarine (Black Sea) Five Iskander-K land-launched cruise missiles (Crimea) Two Iskander-M ballistic missiles (Crimea) The air defense forces destroyed nine air targets: four Kalibr and five Iskander-K missiles. In the early hours of July 23, Russian troops launched the largest missile attack on the historic center of Odesa, firing five different types of missiles. The attack killed at least one person and injured 22. The Transfiguration Cathedral and other historic buildings were destroyed. Read also: Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The sailors of the Ukrainian Navy's river flotilla destroyed a group of Russian occupiers, three trucks and a Russian supply storage point. Source: Ukrainian Navy on Telegram Quote: "The sailors of the river flotilla of the Ukrainian Navy hit a group of up to 10 people, three trucks and a supply storage point!" Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (R) meets with Yemeni Foreign Minister Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak in Baghdad, Iraq, on July 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood) BAGHDAD, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Iraq on Sunday confirmed its full support for the national dialogue in Yemen to achieve security and stability in the war-torn country. During a meeting with visiting Yemeni Foreign Minister Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rasheed expressed his country's "full support for the national dialogue to achieve security and stability in Yemen, in a way that guarantees the peace for the people who have suffered greatly because of the conflict," according to a statement issued by the president's office. For his part, Mubarak praised Iraq's support for Yemen's security and stability, noting negotiations are currently underway to reach solutions that serve Yemen and the Yemenis. The visiting minister also met with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, during which they discussed bilateral relations in all fields and ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries, according to a statement issued by al-Sudani's media office. Earlier in the day, Mubarak held a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein, who said Iraq's position on Yemen is that "all parties should sit at the dialogue table," noting "the situation in Yemen affects the regional security situation, and serious work should be done to establish security and stability." "Iraq is ready to move to be part of the solution to the problems of the region and Yemen," Hussein added. Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war after the Houthi militia took control of several northern cities and ousted the Saudi-backed Yemeni government from Sanaa in 2014. The conflict has resulted in a staggering number of casualties and pushed Yemen to the brink of a humanitarian crisis, including widespread famine. Gripens over Sweden in May 2020. Swedish Armed Forces Ukraine has repeatedly asked Western countries to give it F-16 fighter jets to take on Russia. Ukrainian officials are also reportedly interested in getting the Swedish-designed JAS 39 Gripen. The Gripen is well regarded and experts say it would be a good fit for the conditions Ukraine faces. Neither Russia nor Ukraine has been able to dominate the skies during their 16-month war, but Russia's aircraft have a technological edge and numerical superiority. To better fight the air war and support its ground forces, Ukraine has repeatedly asked Western countries for F-16 fighter jets, and those countries are moving toward supplying them. Adjusting to Western-designed F-16s could be challenging for Ukrainian pilots used to Soviet-era jets, but Kyiv is also reportedly seeking a fighter that experts say may be a better fit for Ukraine's needs: Sweden's JAS 39 Gripen. The Ukrainians have "been eyeing them for over a decade," Dmitri Alperovitch, host of the Geopolitics Decanted podcast, said on a recent episode recorded after a trip to Ukraine. According to Alperovitch, Ukrainian officials say "they're quite hopeful that they may be able to get at least some of them soon even as they're pursuing the F-16." A Swedish Griffin A JAS-39C Gripen at the Royal Military Air Tattoo on July 15. Matthew Horwood/Getty Images The Gripen is well regarded by experts and may be uniquely suited for the war in Ukraine. It can reach Mach 2 and fly at supersonic speeds without using an afterburner, a feature known as super-cruise that is shared by only a few jets, none of them Russian. Besides air-to-surface missiles and bombs, the Gripen can carry a formidable suite of air-to-air missiles, including the IRIS-T, AIM-120 AMRAAM, and the cutting-edge Meteor, which boasts a range of more than 60 miles and can out-range Russia's air-to-air missiles. Many Western countries also use these weapons, which may make it easier to resupply Ukraine. The Gripen's electronic-warfare suite was reportedly developed with Russian systems in mind, which would prove useful for countering Russia's air defenses. Story continues Adopting the Gripen would also be comparatively easy for Ukraine's Air Force, as it is very pilot-friendly, according to a Gripen pilot, and only one member of the jet's ground crew needs to be highly trained to maintain it. The Gripen is also inexpensive to operate, costing less per flight hour that the F-16 and other aircraft, according to a Janes Strategic Services study commissioned by Saab, the Gripen's manufacturer. The Gripen also has a short-takeoff-and-landing capability, allowing it to use small airfields and even highways, which would be vital if Russia takes out Ukraine's bigger airfields. A good jet but hard to find A JAS-39 Gripen at a base near Prague in April 2005. REUTERS/Petr Josek PJ/AA Despite the Gripen's stellar reputation and capabilities, it has lost several competitions for contracts, primarily to the US-made F-35 stealth jet. Besides Sweden, which flies only the Gripen, the jet is operated by just five other countries. It has also never seen direct combat, but the war in Ukraine could offer the aircraft a chance to showcase its capabilities. Ukrainian officials say "the Gripens present a really unique opportunity for them to showcase how those planes are used in combat," Alperovitch said. Part of Ukraine's pitch to Sweden "is to say 'look, we can show you combat experience. We can do the marketing for your Gripens. Just give them to us and we'll show you how they do against the Russian Air Force. That'll be great for future marketing of your aircraft,'" Alperovitch added. However, even if Stockholm approves the delivery of Gripens to Kyiv, finding aircraft to send may not be easy. Of the six countries that fly the jet, only Sweden and the Czech Republic have backed Ukraine in the war. Brazil, South Africa, and Thailand are neutral, while Hungary has been unwilling to give weapons to Ukraine and has threatened to block EU military aid to Kyiv. A Czech JAS-39 Gripen during an exercise in June 2018. US Air National Guard/Tech. Sgt. Mindy Bloem The Czech Republic has 14 Gripen Cs and 2 Gripen Ds under lease until 2027, when they will be replaced by F-35s. Its only other combat aircraft are 16 Aero L-159 subsonic light aircraft, but the Czech Republic is also surrounded by allies, which could make it more willing to part with some of its jets. Sweden operates about 80 Gripen Cs and has ordered 60 Gripen Es, the new 4.5-generation variant, but has only received a handful. Russian aerial threats are a concern for Sweden, but the number of Gripens that Ukraine wants is "eminently doable and would not substantially decrease the capabilities of the Swedish Air Force," Alperovitch said, though he declined to say how many Gripens Ukraine is seeking. Nearly a dozen countries have agreed to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s beginning in August, and John Kirby, spokesman for the White House National Security Council, said this week that F-16s would likely arrive in Ukraine by the end of the year, but US defense officials have said that F-16s are not well suited for the current battlefield in Ukraine. Poland and Slovakia have provided 27 MiG-29s to supplement Ukraine's fleet, but keeping those flying will only grow more difficult as they age and their supply chains wither. In the long-term, Ukraine "probably will need to be on F-16s," Alperovitch said, "but at least in the short-term in order to help them with fighting back the Russians, I think the Gripens are a great option." Constantine Atlamazoglou works on transatlantic and European security. He holds a master's degree in security studies and European affairs from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. You can contact him on LinkedIn and follow him on Twitter. Read the original article on Business Insider The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has condemned the Russian missile attack on the historic centre of Odesa and will send a mission to the city in the coming days to conduct a preliminary damage assessment. Source: UNESCO website Quote: "UNESCO is deeply dismayed and condemns in the strongest terms the brazen attack carried out by the Russian forces, which hit several cultural sites in the city center of Odesa, home to the World Heritage property The Historic Centre of Odesa." Details: It is noted that the attack damaged a number of important cultural sites, including the Transfiguration Cathedral, the first and most important Orthodox church in Odesa, founded in 1794. Quote from Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director General: "This outrageous destruction marks an escalation of violence against cultural heritage of Ukraine. I strongly condemn this attack against culture, and I urge the Russian Federation to take meaningful action to comply with its obligations under international law, including the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and the 1972 World Heritage Convention." More details: It is noted that UNESCO will continue to cooperate with the managers of World Heritage sites, local and national authorities to identify urgent assistance needs. In the coming days, UNESCO will send a mission to Odesa to conduct a preliminary damage assessment. Quote: "Intentional destruction of cultural sites may amount to a war crime, as acknowledged also by the United Nations Security Council of which the Russian Federation is a permanent member in Resolution 2347 (2017)." Background: On the night of 22-23 July, the Russians fired 19 missiles of various types at Odesa Oblast, including five Oniks missiles. Air defence forces shot down nine missiles. The Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa was destroyed. That night, 25 architectural monuments in the historic centre of Odesa, which is under UNESCO protection, were damaged. The attack left one person dead and 20 injured, including 4 children. The building of the Greek consulate was damaged. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Russian soldiers Unilever has said it will let Russian employees be conscripted to be sent to Ukraine if they are called up. The consumer goods giant, which has about 3,000 employees in Russia, has policies that cover the well-being and safety of its workers. However, in a letter to campaign group B4Ukraine, it said it would comply with Russian conscription law. Unilever has been under pressure to pull out of Russia, but says the situation is "not straightforward". In a letter to B4Ukraine, which campaigns for companies to cease operating in Russia to hurt its economy, Unilever said it "absolutely condemns the war in Ukraine as a brutal, senseless act by the Russian state". It also said it had responsibility for its 3,000 workers, adding that it had "global principles including the safety and well-being of our employees". Nevertheless, the British firm, which makes products including Marmite and Cornetto ice creams, said it was "aware of the law requiring any company operating in Russia to permit the conscription of employees should they be called". "We always comply with all the laws of the countries we operate in," wrote Reginaldo Ecclissato, Unilever's chief business operations and supply chain officer. A spokesperson for the firm declined to say whether any Russian employees had been called up. Any who are will not continue to be paid by the firm, the spokesperson added. In its letter, it said it had paid 3.8bn roubles (33m) in tax to the Russian state in 2022, which was a similar amount to the previous year. The majority of its business in Russia is personal care and hygiene products, but it continues to supply ice cream. At least 25,000 Russians have been killed in the war, according to research by the BBC's Russian service and Russian website Mediazona, but other sources put the figure much higher. In February, UK intelligence services estimated that between 40,000 and 60,000 Russian troops had died. Story continues Russian soldiers have also been accused by the UN of war crimes, including rapes, "widespread" torture and killings. Unilever and other Western firms have been under pressure to pull out of Russia since its invasion of Ukraine. However, Unilever has said this is "not straightforward". If it abandoned operations, they would be "appropriated and then operated" by the Russian state. It has not managed to find a way to sell the business that "avoids the Russian state potentially gaining further benefit, and which safeguards our people". It said there were no "desirable" ways forward, but continuing to run the business with "strict constraints" was the best option at present. However, the Ukraine Solidarity Project, which is part of B4Ukraine, said Unilever's response was "jaw-dropping". "One day you're manufacturing ice cream, the next you're gearing up for the front line. You can't say Unilever isn't offering its employees varied work experience," said campaigner Valeriia Voshchevska. "If this is protecting your workers, I'd hate to see what putting them in harm's way looks like." The city of Los Angeles has fined Universal Studios $250 for cutting back trees that were offering shade to picketing film and TV writers during this month's brutal heatwave. Strikers voiced suspicion that the pruning had been deliberately intended to stymie their picket line. Universal denied this claim and said it was part of routine annual maintenance. On Friday, LA city controller Kenneth Meija alleged that the Hollywood studio had not acquired a permit to trim the trees and would be asked to pay a $250 penalty the maximum allowed for a first-time offence. "Trees are essential to providing Angelenos with significant environmental and public health benefits, especially during a heatwave," he said. But he criticised "outdated laws" and a lack of funding and staff for preventing StreetsLA, the agency that maintains and regulates LA's thoroughfares, from properly policing illegal tree-cuttings by large corporations. "Through our investigation, weve learned that StreetsLA cant proactively protect our 700,000-plus city city trees and investigate abuse," Mr Meija said. "The city has only 12 inspectors... the system isnt working as intended." A spokesperson for Universal said the trees were cut back around this time every year and that it had not intended to deny the picketers respite from the heat. "We support the [strikers'] right to demonstrate, and are working to provide some shade coverage," the company said. Local media later confirmed that the studio had set up tents and was giving out water to the picketers. INVESTIGATION UPDATE: StreetsLA has informed us that they are issuing a citation in the amount of $250 (first-time offense) to Universal Studios. The citation alleges a violation of trimming trees without a city permit. Outdated laws limit penalties the City can issue. https://t.co/8ge7LElRao pic.twitter.com/T1jOWvXEB4 LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia (@lacontroller) July 21, 2023 The Writers' Guild of America and the actors' union SAG-AFTRA, together representing around 172,000 showbusiness professionals, are on strike over compensation for online streaming and the use of artificial intelligence. Story continues It is the first time in 63 years that both actors and writers have been on strike simultaneously, bringing Hollywood to a standstill and threatening studios' pipeline of new content for 2024 and beyond. However, strikers protesting outside major studios have been buffeted by a relentless heatwave that drove temperatures in some parts of California and the southwest above 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 Celsius). Quick shoutout to the good people at @UniversalPics for trimming the trees that gave our picket line shade right before a 90+ degree week. pic.twitter.com/aZvvPYQ23i Chris Stephens (@ChrisStephensMD) July 17, 2023 Them cutting the trees, its almost like the strike they are trying to cut off our livelihood, they are trying to take the oxygen out of everything that is going on, actor and producer Dee Thompson told The Los Angeles Times last week. The WGA has also filed a complaint with the US National Labor Relations Board accusing Universal of "interfering with, coercing, and restraining" striking employees by blocking sidewalks in designated picketing areas and forcing protesters to march through "significant car traffic". Before the University of Idaho finalizes its purchase of the University of Phoenix, U of I still has a number of hoops that it must jump through, a process that the university said will take at least six months. After securing the State Board of Educations approval, U of I must also run the deal past the U.S. Department of Education and accreditors for both schools, according to the university. College accreditors are organizations that evaluate schools to ensure academic quality. U of I declined to make anyone available for an interview, but in an emailed statement and responses to questions, a spokesperson said the university is focused on getting accreditor approval and anticipates the pre-closing process for the sale to be done in January, though it hasnt set a closing date. U of Is accreditor told the Idaho Statesman it hasnt received anything in writing about the transaction. U of I accreditor says its still in the dark about deal Accreditation acts as a form of oversight to ensure an institution provides a good education to its students. Without accreditation, students at a school cannot receive federal financial aid, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Universities are assessed by accrediting agencies that set standards and periodically review schools. U of I has an evaluation set for spring 2025 and subsequent reviews in 2028 and 2029. For a deal like this, accreditors may look at the impact on educational programs, infrastructure and finances, said Sonny Ramaswamy, president of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, which is the accreditor for U of I. We are actively working in collaboration with the University of Phoenix on the accreditation requirements of this transaction, U of I spokesperson Jodi Walker said in an email to the Statesman. That is the priority on deadlines and approvals. But the day after she sent that statement, Ramaswamy said accreditors hadnt started the process, though they have had Zoom conversations with U of Is provost and accreditation liaison officer. Were still waiting to see information in writing, he told the Statesman in a July 14 email. Story continues Walker said U of I had made initial submissions to its accreditor and expects that process to be completed in January or possibly sooner. Ramaswamy said that it would be difficult to predict a completion date. Heather Berg, a spokesperson for the Higher Learning Commission, which accredits University of Phoenix, declined to comment on the status of the sale, but Walker said she anticipates the commission will review it at its November meeting. The accreditors role is to make sure that the quality of the institution will remain the same, and that a school will continue to follow the same mission, said Mark DeFusco, a consultant for higher education deals and a former University of Phoenix director. U of I plans to buy the University of Phoenix through a nonprofit, Four Three Education. DeFusco said he doesnt think U of Is accreditor will allow them to operate Phoenix through a new entity, because the separate organization could make it unclear whos responsible if theres a compliance issue. U of I will need to get federal sign-off The Internal Revenue Service still needs to sign off on the charitable, tax-exempt status of the nonprofit, Walker said. In addition, the U.S. Department of Education will review the transaction after the closing to decide whether the University of Phoenix can continue to participate in federal financial aid programs, she said. Bob Shireman, deputy under secretary of education under former President Barack Obama, told the Statesman the Department of Education would likely ask U of I or the Idaho State Department of Education to co-sign a program participation agreement. Thats a contract between a school and the federal government that lets them obtain federal financial aid for students. A promise from the state or U of I to back the nonprofit would likely be enough to assure the federal government that it would be repaid if something went wrong, Shireman said. If U of I officials arent willing to either promise to back the University of Phoenix or secure a letter of credit from a bank, they will have to operate the new entity without federal financial aid for two years, Shireman said. Walker said theres no plan for the state to co-sign the program participation agreement, but that it remains to be determined whether U of I will. We believe it is possible that the department will not require a letter of credit based on the affiliation between the University of Idaho and University of Phoenix through the sole member relationship, meaning the U of I board is the only owner of Four Three Education, Walker said. If a letter of credit is required, we anticipate that it will be in the name of Four Three Education, Inc. and treated as an expense of University of Phoenix operations. That could create additional complications, Shireman said. It would probably be more costly for a brand new nonprofit with no track record to obtain a letter of credit, he said. The Department of Education will also want to make sure there isnt inappropriate continued influence by the former for-profit owner, he said. They are not supposed to have any financial interest in the institution, Shireman added. The federal process will take at least 90 days, he said, but could drag out for years. Deals tend to end in stalemate with the department rather than in outright denial, he said. Walker said the department is already evaluating a pre-acquisition review application for the deal. That review generally determines whether the new owner of a school will have to provide a letter of credit if it cant produce two years of audited financial statements, according to the Department of Education. U.S. Department of Education spokesperson Jim Bradshaw declined to comment on this specific transaction. Will the sale get approved? Ricardo Azziz, a higher education mergers consultant who led the consolidation of two universities in Georgia in 2012, told the Statesman he thinks the deal will probably be approved. But for that to happen, its essential that U of Is board remain supportive of the transaction, he said. When boards waffle, sales like this fall apart, he said. Shireman said the Department of Education is likely eager for the ownership change to happen. Venture capital firms dont have a great track record of running for-profit schools, he said, referring to the University of Phoenixs current ownership. So I think theyd like to see University of Phoenix go in a different direction. They just need to make sure that its done according to the rules. The Hinds County Detention Center in Raymond has been a key topic in the race for sheriff, with recent breakouts. As voters prepare to vote in August primaries that will include hotly contested statewide races such as the one for lieutenant governor, critical county races for local officials such as sheriffs and supervisors will also be on the ballot. One of the most watched local races in the state will be for Hinds County Sheriff, as recent headlines and developments cast increased scrutiny on the rematch between Sheriff Tyree Jones and former interim-Sheriff Marshand Crisler. Jones was elected in a 2021 special election following the death of Sheriff Lee Vance. Crisler had been appointed interim sheriff to immediately replace Vance by the Hinds County Board of Supervisors, but the voters ultimately picked Jones in a runoff by a margin of about 20%. Crisler was later appointed interim executive director of the Henley-Young Juvenile Justice Center, a position he stepped down from earlier this year when he announced he would again seek the sheriff position. The two candidates have both faced scrutiny in recent months, albeit of very different kinds. In April, Crisler was indicted in federal court for allegedly soliciting and accepting thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for agreeing to pass information concerning criminal investigations to the person who paid the bribes, according to court documents. He was also indicted in the same case for allegedly providing ammunition to a convicted felon. Court documents indicate that the offenses allegedly occurred during his term as interim sheriff. Each of the two counts Crisler was indicted with carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Crisler pleaded not guilty to both charges in April and soon thereafter vowed to continue his race against Jones. Crisler did not immediately respond to requests to comment for this story, but he and Jones both appeared at a forum held last week at Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church. Crisler said the federal criminal charges do not concern him. Story continues "Im not concerned about this. The reason why is because I know who I am and whose I am," Crisler said at the forum, according to WAPT. "But more importantly, I know Im innocent. I know I didnt commit any crime. Interim Hinds County sheriff Marshand Crisler is seen during his election watch party at 4th Avenue Lounge in Jackson on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021. For Jones, the brunt of the criticism he has faced comes from his role as "chief jailer," one of the two main responsibilities the sheriff described in a Friday interview. There have been 10 escapes from the Hinds County jail since Jones took office, including four during a single April incident. At the candidate forum, Crisler vowed to put an end to the escapes. See politicians coming to Newshoba Co.: Neshoba County Fair begins Friday. Statewide political speakers start Wednesday. See details Campaign finance reports in Gov. race: Find out who cut the biggest checks last month for the leading candidates for MS governor "What I want to make sure is that I do one thing for y'all, ladies and gentlemen of Hinds County: I'm going to make sure I keep the detainees detained," Crisler said, according to WAPT. "We had 13 detainees who just walked out of jail like they have the key. That means they have the opportunity to re-victimize you. That's a basic responsibility for a sheriff, and I'm going to make sure that doesn't happen." Jones disputed that number during the forum, doing so again during the interview. Jones said Crisler is including three escapes that occurred within the juvenile detention center. "He's using those escapes in the Henley-Young detention center to make it appear that I had more escapes, but when you go and look on the structure of Hinds County, I have absolutely no oversight or responsibility for that facility at all," Jones said, noting that an escape occurred while Crisler was the administrator of the facility as well. Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones, seen in a photo from May of 2022, is running for reelection. Despite saying "the situation with the jail is an issue that I inherited," Jones said he has publicly accepted responsibility for the escapes that have occurred under his watch. "I've accepted accountability and responsibility for it, but at the same time we have also put more security measures in place to prevent that from happening again, and I'm very optimistic about those security measures that we have because I have seen that some of this has proven to be a success. We have not had any more issues," Jones said. That said, he also pointed out that many of the escapes were related to vulnerabilities of the facility's construction, and noted that building construction and maintenance is not his responsibility either. While his office provides staffing and administration, the county supervisors are responsible for upkeep. The jail, which is about three decades old, was poorly constructed from the very beginning, Jones argues. "I've not shied away from the situation at that jail. I've been transparent with the people about those issues, and this is something that has stretched for many decades, probably since the inception of the jail. It was poorly built by a company that had never built a detention center or a jail before," Jones said. Jones said that the office has made significant progress under his abbreviated first term, including securing pay raises that have made it easier to higher needed staff at the detention facilities. He also said he is particularly proud that the office is now accredited with the state of Mississippi for the first time ever. "We joined only five other sheriffs' offices in the state of Mississippi that has this accreditation," Jones said. Jones said it is important to elect a sheriff with a proven record of integrity. "I've operated in this office with integrity. I have not positioned myself to be compromised, and I have not positioned myself to compromise the Office of the Sheriff," Jones said. "I think that when the voters voted me into office in 2021 against my opponent, it's obvious today that they've made the right choice." Jones and Crisler will face off in the Democratic primary on Aug. 8. The winner will face independent candidate Reginald Thompson in the Nov. 7 general election. Based on a pay scale set by the state legislature, the Hinds County Sheriff is the highest paid in the state. Jones is paid around $124,000 annually. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: See issues that will decide the Hinds County sheriff's race in August Traffic makes its way along historic Route 66 in Albuquerque. Urbanization there are more city dwellers out West than anywhere in the country has helped transform much of the region from red to blue. (Susan Montoya Bryan / Associated Press) For five long weeks, the White House hung in the balance as one of the closest, most wrenching presidential campaigns in history went deep into overtime. It all came down to Florida, where Republican George W. Bush was finally declared the winner, by Supreme Court decree. The official margin was 537 votes. But in 2000, one state was even closer. Lost amid Florida's tumult and all the legal gladiating was Al Gore's victory here in New Mexico, where the Democrat prevailed by a mere 366 votes. The outcome may have lacked urgency; Florida's 25 electoral votes decided the contest. But the result established New Mexico as one of the country's foremost presidential battlegrounds, a status reaffirmed in Bush's 2004 reelection campaign when he won the state by less than a percentage point. Since then, it's been one Democratic victory after another none of them close. "We're not purple," said Joe Monahan, a blogger who has chronicled New Mexico politics for decades. "We're blue. Very blue." The change is part of a pattern that has remade the West, turning the onetime Republican redoubt into a deep well of Democratic support. In this series, called The New West, Im exploring how that change, from the Pacific coast to the Rocky Mountains, came about, resetting the political competition nationwide. To a large extent, it's a story of movement. Read more: How California, land of Nixon and Reagan, turned blue and changed American politics People relocating from more liberal climes, like California. Newcomers filling up cities and suburbs, as rural areas recede. Latino influence expanding. And, not least, Republicans shifting dramatically rightward especially on issues such as immigration and abortion antagonizing that burgeoning Latino population and butting up against wary Westerners bridling at those telling them how they should live their lives. President Biden and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham acknowledge the crowd at an Albuquerque rally in support of Grisham's 2022 reelection. (Patrick Semansky / Associated press) "They don't like government interference," said New Mexico's Democratic governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham. "What I mean by that is: Don't make healthcare decisions for me. Don't talk to me about what you deem to be equality. Don't tell me what books I can or cannot read. Don't tell me who I can marry." Story continues In sum, she said, "Don't tell me what to do." After more than a decade in Los Angeles, Tarra Day was ready for a change. The Hollywood makeup artist decided to return home to New Mexico, where she grew up and her father still lived. It was, she said, "a leap of faith." Things couldn't have gone better. It was 2005 and Gov. Bill Richardson was working to diversify New Mexico's tepid economy through tax rebates and other incentives aimed at making the state a hub of movie and TV production. The industry boomed. Day found plenty of work and bought a ranch-style home amid the cottonwoods and adobes of Santa Fe, the history-rich state capital. Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, left, worked to diversify the state's economy by courting Hollywood and entrepreneurs such as Sir Richard Branson, whose spaceflight company operates north of Las Cruces. (Jeff Geissler / Associated Press) A Republican who became a Democrat when Bill Clinton was president, Day, 61, is part of New Mexico's two-decade political transformation. ("I wanted a party that would be open to gay rights, women's rights," she said of her switch from the GOP.) The state hasnt exactly boomed over the last 20 years. New Mexico's population, about 2.1 million residents, is not a whole lot more than it was in 2000. With the exception of the thriving southeast oil patch called Little Texas, most of the meager growth has been in and around its largest cities. Thats boosted the strength and influence of Democratic-leaning Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Santa Fe at the expense of New Mexico's rural areas, which tend to vote Republican. The entrance to Netflix's ABQ Studios in Albuquerque. New Mexico has become a hub of TV and film production, drawing an influx of newcomers, including many who relocated from California. (Susan Montoya Bryan / Associated ) The same political and demographic shift has happened throughout the region. There is a mythology of the West, a romantic notion of wide-open spaces and rugged individuals spread far beneath the big, open sky. Although those people and places certainly exist, as anyone whos driven the empty high-desert expanse between Albuquerque and Santa Fe can attest, most Westerners live in cities. In fact, a greater percentage of residents are urban dwellers 90% than anywhere in the country. Most of them favor Democrats, like Stacy Skinner, 58, another Hollywood migrant, who does hairstyling as well as celebrity makeup. Two months ago, she leased an apartment near Albuquerque's hulking Sandia Mountains, importing her political views from California along with her. Though Skinner has concerns about crime and whether the Democratic Party has gone soft on the issue, she fully intends to support President Biden's reelection, having backed every Democrat seeking the White House since Barack Obama. "Republicans," Skinner said, "have become the party of crazy." Read more: Tech and the great outdoors transformed Oregon -- and the fight for the White House The country's urban-rural divide dates back more than 150 years, to the Industrial Revolution, with people in cities historically more inclined to vote Democratic. The chicken-egg question is whether those choosing to live amid the close quarters and disparate population of a city are, by nature, more likely to vote that way or whether living in a city makes an individual become Democratic over time. New Mexico's Roundhouse is the country's only circular Capitol. (Cedar Attanasio / Associated Press) No matter. David Damore, a political scientist at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, suggested Republicans haven't done themselves much good attacking cities, opposing diversity and adopting a very old-timey message intimating things were better when the West had fewer people, most of them were white and the economy was ruled by ranching and industries such as mining and logging. Essentially the GOP "has become a party that's anti-urban," said Damore, co-author of the book "Blue Metros, Red States," even as New Mexico and the West are becoming increasingly urban. Sometime in the mid-1990s, New Mexico passed an invisible line and became a majority-minority state. A substantial Latino population or Hispanic, as many here prefer has been deeply woven in the state's culture and politics for centuries. Some families trace their lineage to the 16th century conquistadors. As a result, there isn't nearly the same degree of animosity toward Mexico and immigrants that fires much of the Republican Party and its political base. "There is just a natural inclination in the state, first and foremost, to view things through a multicultural lens," said Dan Sena, a Democratic strategist and New Mexico native who started his political career knocking on doors in Albuquerque. But it's not just the bellicosity of build-a-wall Republicans that puts off many New Mexico voters. It's also the GOP's messengers. Charlie Gonzales of Taos joined other Democrats at the party's 2008 national convention in Denver. (Jack Dempsey / Associated Press) As the Hispanic population expands the proportion increases about 2% every five years, according to the states leading pollster and demographer, Brian Sanderoff Hispanic clout has grown along with it. Today, New Mexico has more elected Hispanic officials than any state, most of them Democrats. That's made the party's candidates more relatable and appealing to voters who see themselves reflected in the faces of the men and, increasingly, women wielding political power on city councils, at the Roundhouse as the state's circular Capitol is known and in Washington. "You've got every culture here," said Carmenita Anaya, 62, a retired Albuquerque hospital administrator who experiences that blending of beliefs under her own roof. (She's a Democrat. Her husband is a Republican.) "It's good to have people in there who know what New Mexico's all about," she said. Republicans, meantime, continue "to advance these individuals that dont necessarily represent the makeup of New Mexico," said Dan Foley, who served 10 years in the Legislature, including two as a GOP leader. "When our candidates continue to be 60-year-old millionaire Anglos, which make up less than 1/10th of 1% of New Mexico, who wants to listen to you? Read more: From red bastion to blue bulwark: What political shift in Colorado and West means for U.S. New Mexico is one of the poorest states in the country. Depending on the survey it's either first or second, behind West Virginia, in its reliance on federal spending. For every tax dollar sent to Washington in 2022, $3.69 came back to New Mexico, according to the personal finance website MoneyGeek. But unlike West Virginia, where even Democrats such as Joe Manchin III make their livelihood attacking Washington, there's not much benefit in New Mexico biting a hand that shovels billions each year into Medicaid, food stamps and three major national security labs, which employ tens of thousands of well-paid workers. The Los Alamos National Laboratory is one of New Mexico's major employers and a recipient of billions in annual federal funding. (Albuquerque Journal via Associated Press) It's another way the GOP has grown out of step with New Mexico and its political sensibilities. Even the state's former Republican senator, the late Pete Domenici, took pride in the abundance he wrung from the federal Treasury it's a reason he was reelected time and again and revered as "St. Pete" when he left office in 2009. "He's one of the few Republicans I ever voted for," said Paul Senna, 76, a former state budget analyst and lifelong Democrat, whose family roots reach back to the days of Spanish rule. "He did a lot of good things for New Mexico." Today, the five-member congressional delegation is entirely Democratic. The party holds all seven statewide offices and controls the Supreme Court and both houses of the Legislature by significant margins. Biden is a strong favorite to carry New Mexico in 2024 after beating President Trump by 10 percentage points in 2020. Once a bellwether, the state no longer swings with the national mood. It's become Democratic bedrock, part of a politically crucial base in the reconstituted West. Get the latest from Mark Z. Barabak Focusing on politics out West, from the Golden Gate to the U.S. Capitol. Sign me up. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The U.S. and its allies are looking to exploit cracks in Russian President Vladimir Putins power base by recruiting high-level Russian officials to spy for the West. The effort is taking on new urgency following the shocking but short-lived rebellion by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a former Putin ally who turned his private military Wagner Group against the Kremlin late last month. CIA Director William Burns, in his call for recruits among the Russian elite, has said the schism has presented a once-in-a-generation opportunity to exploit cracks in Moscows upper echelon. I think Putin is already a little bit uneasy as he looks over his shoulder, Burns said in remarks to the Aspen Security Forum Thursday. The CIA directors comments follow a rare speech earlier this week by the chief of the U.K.s foreign intelligence service, MI6, that echoed the call for Russians who are appalled by Putins war in Ukraine to reach out to Western intelligence. There are many Russians today who are silently appalled by the sight of their armed forces pulverizing Ukrainian cities, expelling innocent families from their homes, and kidnapping thousands of children, MI6 Chief Richard Moore said in a Wednesday speech in Prague. I invite them to do what others have already done this past 18 months and join hands with us. Our door is always open, he added. The public remarks build on earlier efforts by intelligence agencies, particularly the CIA and FBI, to appeal to Russians disaffected by Putins war. Burns said a CIA video released on Telegram in May telling Russians how they could discreetly contact the spy agency reached 2.5 million views in its first week. The Russian-language video depicts fictional Russians grappling with a decision to contact the CIA and demonstrates how using portals on the dark web can help shield their communications from surveillance. The messaging app is one of the most widely used social media tools in Russia, where other sites like YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are blocked. Story continues In todays Russia, it remains very difficult to speak out, and telling the truth often carries serious consequences, a CIA official, granted anonymity to discuss intelligence matters, told The Hill. CIA wants to know the truth about Russia, and we are looking for trustworthy people who can tell it to us and with whom we can communicate securely, they said. The goal is to reach Russian officials who serve in critical fields such as the military, intelligence services, scientific research and technology or business associates who are connected to these industries. People may also be unaware that what they know is of great value to us, the official said. More from The Hill Were interested in advanced science, military and cyber technology, financial information, sources of valuable data and foreign policy secrets, the official added, noting that information on senior leadership and the Russian economy is also prized. Russians making the choice to oppose Putin and his government face enormous dangers. Yana Gorokhovskaia, research director with the nonprofit organization Freedom House, said that Russias erasure of nearly all political freedoms has made speaking out in any way extremely dangerous. There is very little room to agitate, and the Kremlin has punished people very severely for speaking out in any way against the war, including making very anodyne comments that this is a war, that Russian soldiers shouldnt be dying in this way people are getting prison sentences, she said. The cost of speaking out is much higher now than it was 20 years ago. Clandestine and public opponents of the government have been targets of assassination attempts and exorbitant prison sentences. In 2018, Sergei Skripal, a former Russian military intelligence official who acted as a double agent for the U.K., survived a poisoning attempt by Russian security services in the British city of Bristol. In April, Russian opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza was convicted of treason and sentenced to 25 years in prison for opposing Russias war in Ukraine, a sentence criticized by the State Department as an act of repression by the Kremlin. And imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who survived an alleged assassination attempt in August 2020, currently faces a 20-year jail sentence on charges of extremism that he and his supporters criticize as attempts to silence dissent. Everyone in Russia knows that he who seeks justice in court is completely defenseless, Navalny said in a statement from prison that was read by his supporters. Disputes are resolved by bargaining, authority, bribery, deceit, betrayal and other real-life mechanisms, not by some kind of law. Burns, in his remarks in Aspen, called Putin the ultimate apostle of payback and quipped that Prigozhin who is believed to be in exile in Belarus as part of a deal with Putin that ended the rebellion should keep his food taster on salary. Putins paranoia also appears to extend to those close to him. Russias top general, Sergei Surovikin, has disappeared from public view after it was reported he may have had advanced knowledge of Prighozins mutiny plans. An atmosphere of paranoia is very bad for any organization you dont share information properly, you dont trust people, you fire people, etc, Daniel Byman, senior fellow with the Transnational Threats Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, wrote in an email to The Hill. There are probably many Russian officials who are upset about the war, may have a tougher financial situation (and thus be more open to financial inducements), or are otherwise more willing to consider spying than in the past. So there could be potential walk-ins, he said. But Byman added that even if the spy recruitment effort fails, the perception being created is that there are a lot of potential US/UK etc. spies or potential spies. The CIAs recruitment pitch does not explicitly include financial benefits, although the State Departments Rewards for Justice program provides significant compensation for actionable intelligence for a basket of U.S. national security priorities. However, the main selling point seems to be affecting change and exercising influence. MI6 Chief Moore said that the goal of the U.K.s intelligence services is to recruit Russians who can help us to bring the bloodshed in Ukraine to an end, not necessarily about overthrowing Putin. Theres nothing to do about whats going on in Russia. What happens in Russia is down to Russians ultimately, Moore said in an interview with Politico following his speech. Burns, in his remarks in Aspen, said the U.S. and U.K. are aimed at the same objective, but the CIA official who spoke to The Hill said the agency also wants to know what is happening inside Russia. We remain intently focused on gaining information on Russias invasion of Ukraine, but we also recognize that that invasion is a symptom of broader issues in the Russian system, and so were seeking broader information on Russia as well. And what can someone expect when they make the decision to reach out to the CIA? We would say, please be patient. We thank you for your brave action and we will choose the safest time and manner to respond, the official said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The administration of US President Joe Biden refuses to transfer long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, despite requests from Kyiv and pressure from US lawmakers. Source: The Washington Post referring to unnamed US officials Details: The representatives of the Pentagon and the presidential administration said that there had been neither changes nor substantive discussions on this issue over the past few months. The Pentagon believes that Ukraine has more pressing needs. The Pentagon also fears that sending long-range missiles to Ukraine would seriously undermine US readiness for potential conflicts. Officials said the number of ATACMS in the US arsenal should remain fixed until they are replaced by the next generation of longer-range PrSM missiles. They are expected to enter service by the end of this year. The Washington Post reported that Lockheed Martin company produces 500 units of ATACMS annually, but they are intended for sale to other countries. Background: New York Times reported that US President Joe Biden's administration is having a "quiet" debate about whether to send Ukraine ATACMS long-range tactical missile systems. At the same time, during the NATO summit in Vilnius, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that during his talks with US President Joe Biden, he had raised the issue of providing Ukraine with ATACMS, but no agreements had been reached. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Jake Wallin was once a small boy who sought comfort in the arms of family, terrified of fireworks that lit up the sky. On Saturday, the Fargo police officer was remembered for growing up to be a military veteran and dedicated officer whose final act of valor was staring down the face of a man intent on bloodshed. Wallin, 23, was killed July 14 when a man armed with 1,800 rounds of ammunition, multiple guns and explosives ambushed officers responding to a routine traffic crash. Two other officers and a civilian were wounded before a fourth officer returned fire, killing gunman Mohamad Barakat. Police said the actions of the fourth officer likely spared the city a bigger, bloodier attack. Wallin, who had been sworn in as a Fargo police officer in April and was still in field training, was cremated in his uniform. On Saturday, the Fargo Police Department escorted his cremains to Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, for his funeral service, which was attended by loved ones, dignitaries and law enforcement agencies from across the country. People gather during an escort of the late Fargo Police Officer Jake Wallin to his funeral near the intersection in Fargo, N.D., where he was fatally shot last week on Saturday, July 22. 2023. (Amy Felegy/Minnesota Public Radio via AP) The police procession of 10 squad cars and three buses carrying department employees left Fargo early Saturday for Pequot Lakes. Dozens of people were at the memorial honoring Wallin at the site of the shooting as the procession went past, KFGO reported. Wallin previously served in the Minnesota Army National Guard and was deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq from November 2020 to July 2021, according to a spokesperson for the Minnesota National Guard. He received final military honors at a private interment. He served his country, came back here and wanted nothing more but to serve in a position with purpose and meaning his exact words and he did that, Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski said at a media briefing after the shooting. Zibolski on Saturday recounted Wallins impressive quality as a candidate in his officer interview last fall, how he excelled in the police academy, and strived for a job with meaning and purpose. Story continues The chief shared that body-camera footage of the shooting showed Wallin hurried to create distance, intuitively after his fellow officers were hit, pulled his gun out and was taking aim at the gunman when he was fatally struck. His final act of valor was to selflessly face the shooter and attempt to neutralize him to save others, Zibolski said. His actions were valorous and exemplify the highest standards of the policing profession. Aunt Jodi Wallin recounted her nephew as the little boy I adored who grew into the young man I admired and was oh so proud of. Wallin had recently purchased a house for himself and his fiancee, and was so proud of becoming a new homeowner that he ran right out and bought himself a lawnmower and mowed his new lawn, his aunt said. I remember him as a small boy with his little arms wrapped so tightly around my neck, burying his face into me to try to avoid the fireworks that he hated so much at that age, she said. From that timid, small boy, he grew to be a driven, ambitious, brave young man. Chaplain Jordan Helming, who served with Wallin in Iraq, recalled his dedication as a soldier and his positive personality amid a changing mission as well as restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic. Jake could see the big picture in life, and he realized that it took long, disciplined, steady efforts to get you to the top of the mountain, Helming said. Wallins parents received two Fargo police awards and the Minnesota Distinguished Service Medal in honor of their son at the service. Law enforcement agencies from other states attended Wallins funeral. A caravan including Sioux Falls police and South Dakota Highway Patrol left Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Friday to make the five-and-a-half hour trip for the funeral, KELO-TV reported. Dignitaries at the funeral service included Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar. A public memorial service is planned for Wednesday in Fargo. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum will attend and give remarks, his spokesman said. On Friday, North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley provided more details about the attack, which also wounded Officers Andrew Dotas and Tyler Hawes and bystander Karlee Koswick, who had been involved in the crash. Barakat was a Syrian national who came to the U.S. on an asylum request in 2012 and became a U.S. citizen in 2019, Wrigley said. Over the past five years, he had searched the internet for terms including kill fast, explosive ammo, incendiary rounds, and mass shooting events, Wrigley said. Perhaps the most chilling search was for area events where there are crowds, which on July 13 brought up a news article with the headline, Thousands enjoy first day of Downtown Fargo Street Fair. On the day of the attack, the downtown fair was in its second day and was less than 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the crash scene. Barakat also searched for information on the Red River Valley Fair, which was a 6-mile (10-kilometer) drive from the scene, the attorney general said. Wrigley said Barakat had an obvious motive to kill and was driven by hate, but it was not directed toward any particular group including the police. Evidence suggests instead that Barakat came upon the crash by happenstance and his ensuing ambush was a diversion from his much bigger intended target, Wrigley said. DAR ES SALAAM, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa on Sunday urged African women police officers to join forces in fighting crime. Opening the International Association of Women Police (IAWP) Africa Chapter's training conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's economic hub, Majaliwa called on women police networks in African countries to sharpen their skills in fighting crime. Themed "Community service through empowerment of women in law enforcement," Majaliwa praised the IAWP for organizing the training conference aimed at increasing confidence in female police officers in providing service to the community. The conference running on July 23-29 was also aimed at increasing knowledge of women's empowerment, increasing awareness of female police officers and other law enforcement on women and children's rights, good customer care, and service delivery. The conference has brought together over 2,000 senior women police officers from 10 African countries, including Malawi, South Africa, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. IAWP Second Vice President Leah Mofomme called on African countries to establish women police networks to advance their skills. Tanzania's Inspector General of Police Camilius Wambura said women police have been playing a major role in fighting crime in Tanzania and the world at large. The IAWP is a global organization for women in criminal justice professions. Its mission is to strengthen, unite and raise the profile of women in criminal justice internationally. Al-Shabaab targeted the Dusit hotel and office complex in Nairobi, killing 21 people (Luis TATO) In Kenya's rural northeast, roadside bombs and beheadings that killed two dozen people last month appear to be part of a troubling escalation of violence by Al-Qaeda-linked Islamists, analysts say. A regional economic powerhouse and a popular tourist draw, Kenya has not suffered a high-profile jihadist attack since 2019, when 21 people lost their lives at a hotel and surrounding offices in Nairobi. The recent attacks have been small-scale and focused on minor targets, but have raised fears that Al-Shabaab jihadists, who have been blamed for the assaults, are turning their attention to Kenya as they suffer losses in their native Somalia. Estimated to have between 7,000 and 12,000 fighters, Al-Shabaab has in recent months faced a multi-pronged counterterrorism offensive by the Somali National Army and US-trained "lightning" commandos supported by clan militias known as "macawisley". The militants, who have waged war against the fragile government in Mogadishu for over 15 years, have recently carried out several attacks along Kenya's long and porous frontier with Somalia. Twenty-four people, including 15 security officers, were killed in six separate attacks last month alone. In one of the most grisly assaults claimed by the group, about 30 militants descended on two sparsely-populated villages in Kenya's coastal Lamu county on June 24 and killed five civilians, beheading some of them. One resident, Hassan Abdul, said that "women were locked in the houses and the men ordered out, where they were tied with ropes and butchered". The remote forested mainland is not normally a stopover for tourists visiting the nearby popular Indian Ocean island of Lamu, but the gruesome killings are a signal to Kenya, analysts say. The attacks are a way for "Al-Shabaab to say that despite being under pressure, they still have the firepower and are a force to be reckoned with," said Nicolas Delaunay, International Crisis Group director for East and Southern Africa. Story continues "It could also be a way of warning Kenya who has pledged to participate in the Somali government's offensive against the Al-Shabaab," he told AFP. - Risk of regional spillover - Kenya is no stranger to the long-running Islamist insurgency in Somalia and has been repeatedly targeted by Al-Shabaab since it sent troops into the country in 2011 as part of an African Union force. The militants appear to have been emboldened by the changes in Kenya's security leadership following the election of President William Ruto last August, said Roland Marchal, an Africa specialist at Sciences Po university in Paris. "There is relative disorganisation at the border," Marchal said, adding that Al-Shabaab was seizing the chance to take "revenge" against Kenya for deploying troops in rural central and southern Somalia where the militants remain entrenched. The violence has also threatened to spill into Ethiopia, as the militants try to make their presence felt in Africa's second most populous country. Addis Ababa said last month that it had foiled an attack by the jihadists in the border town of Dollo. Al-Shabaab fighters were chased out of Mogadishu in 2011 by an African Union mission which has been in Somalia since 2007. The militants have also lost some ground in the countryside after Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud last year launched an "all-out war" against the group, describing the jihadists as "bedbugs". But while the gains of the Somali offensive have been significant, the "situation still remains very fragile," African Union Commission chair Moussa Faki Mahamat warned last weekend. Hassan Khannenje, director of The Horn International Institute for Strategic Studies in Nairobi, told AFP that Al-Shabaab was "on the back foot in Somalia". "There is a desire on their part to demonstrate continued relevance and resilience." - 'Manifestation of desperation' - A US official last month told AFP the recent cross-border attacks by Al-Shabaab were a "manifestation of desperation". But Kenya is taking no chances. A string of major attacks on the Westgate shopping centre in 2013, Garissa University two years later, and the Dusit hotel complex in 2019 left hundreds of Kenyans and foreigners dead. The East African nation earlier this month said it was delaying the planned reopening of its long-closed border with Somalia over the deadly attacks. The phased reopening would not go ahead as announced "until we conclusively deal with the recent spate of terror attacks and cross-border crime," Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki said. Analyst Khannenje said the wave of attacks "should serve as a warning" to Kenya. "Vigilance is key." ho/amu/giv A passenger on budget airline Thai Smile Airways was caught on video forcing the plane to return to the airport gate minutes from takeoff because he had forgotten a bag at the terminal. In the footage, the passenger is seen arguing with a flight attendant in the aisle. The Bangkok-bound Airbus A320 was taxiing for takeoff from Chiang Mai International Airport. Thai Smile Airways did not immediately respond to USA TODAYs request for comment. According to the New Zealand-based publication Stuff, the flight crew told the man they could remove him from the plane now or he could wait until they landed at Bangkok. Do you want to go? Or do you want to wait until Bangkok? a flight attendant said in the video. The man insisted he wanted to get off the plane, saying, Yes, yes, I want to go now. Ask the captain. For everyones safety, we have to return to our gate to disembark (a passenger). This could take us around five to ten minutes, the pilot said over the intercom in the video. Sitting next to an unruly airline passenger? Here's what to do Airport security can be seen escorting the man and his two friends off the plane. The passenger allegedly had money and other valuables in the bag he left behind. The flight landed safely at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bankok after a short delay. Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at kwong@usatoday.com This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Passenger forces plane to return to gate seconds before takeoff The Joe Biden Administration is holding firm on its refusal to send ATACMS long-range missiles to Ukraine, the Washington Post reported on July 22, citing unnamed U.S. officials. The MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System, or ATACMS, is a guided long-range cruise missile with a reach of over 300 kilometers. Ukrainian officials believe ATACMS are needed for the counteroffensive to breach entrenched Russian positions. However, the Pentagon believes that Ukrainian forces have more urgent needs than ATACMS, and worries that sending the needed amount of missiles to Ukraine would undercut U.S. readiness for other possible conflicts, according to the report. ATACMS can reach farther than any of the U.S. weapons that have been delivered to Ukraine, behind the frontline. The range would allow Ukrainian forces to target the farthest targets in occupied Crimea, including the Russian Naval base in Sevastopol and the bridge over the Kerch Strait, a key logistic route for the Russian forces. Ukraine's Presidential Office head Andrii Yermak said on July 14 that the U.S. is "very close" to making a decision on whether to provide Ukraine with ATACMS missiles. Nevertheless, there has been no change in U.S. policy and no substantive discussion about ATACMS supply for months, the Washington Post reported. Editorial: Arming Ukraine wont escalate war. Reluctance to do so will First it was the tanks, now its the fighter jets. As Ukraine braces for another possible major Russian offensive in the upcoming weeks, Western leaders are yet again coming up with a variety of excuses why this time, they cannot justify supplying F-16 and F-35 fighter jets to Ukraine. The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent Since May, Ukrainian forces have been using Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles, jointly developed by the U.K. and France. Depending on the version these missiles have a maximum range of approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles). Without long-range weapons, it is difficult not only to carry out an offensive mission but also to conduct a defensive operation, President Volodymyr Zelensky said at a July 7 news conference in Prague. Story continues U.S. lawmakers submitted a bill to Congress on June 16 proposing the allocation of $80 million for the purchase of ATACMS for Ukraine. Since last year, the supply has been a contentious topic among U.S. politicians. In July 2022, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that Washington was hesitant to provide ATACMS, fearing that such a move could escalate into World War III. Sunday afternoons high temperatures in the low 90s may be the last opportunity for cooler weather in Kansas City for the next several days. The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook beginning Monday for the Kansas City region as dangerous heat moves into the region. The forecast includes high temperatures in the upper 90s through Tuesday and in the 100s the second half of the week. The heat index how hot it feels outside is expected to reach triple digits nearly every day for the next week, according to the weather service. Dusk and dawn wont provide much relief, with low temperatures only expected to drop to about 80 degrees. Temperatures start climbing as dangerously hot conditions gradually move into the region. Heat index values crest 100F Tuesday with nighttime lows this week in the 70s to near 80F, the weather service tweeted. A few isolated showers and thunderstorms will be possible today, but otherwise hot conditions are expected with high temperatures reaching the low to mid 90s. The heat only intensifies as we head into the work week. pic.twitter.com/MtyR1eUc8S NWS Kansas City (@NWSKansasCity) July 23, 2023 While predicted temperatures will fluctuate, the weather service is currently estimating the high temperatures will remain in the upper 90s or low 100s through at least Aug. 1. The weather service is urging people to plan accordingly. They recommend those who plan to be outside stay hydrated, wear loose-fitting clothing and take frequent breaks in the shade or in the air-conditioning. Its also advised to check in on family members, friends and neighbors who are susceptible to heat. Eastland County sheriff's Deputy David Bosecker who was killed in the line of duty Friday while responding to a domestic disturbance July 21, 2023. An Eastland County sheriff's deputy was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic dispute Friday evening, and a suspect was taken into custody, according to details in a media release. Deputy David Bosecker was killed by gunfire, and a suspect has been charged with capital murder for the incident about 130 miles southwest of Wichita Falls. Deputies with the Eastland County Sheriff's Office responded to a domestic fight in progress about 9 p.m. Friday at a home on State Highway 183 between Cisco and Rising Star. Bosecker was first on scene and immediately came under fire from the suspect. He was struck and fatally wounded. Other units arriving apprehended the suspect. No one else was injured. The suspect was taken to Stephens County Jail and charged. The Texas Rangers are leading this active investigation, according to the media release from the Eastland County Sheriff's Office. The name of the suspect was not listed in the press release. A blue ribbon is tied around a pecan tree outside the Eastland County Courthouse in memory of slain Eastland County Sheriffs Deputy David Bosecker Saturday July 22, 2023. However, Cody Douglas Pritchard, 42, was booked into Stephens County Jail on Saturday and charged with capital murder of a peace officer, according to online jail records. No bond amount was showing as set. Capital murder is punishable by life in prison without parole or the maximum punishment the death penalty. Anyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Bosecker is the second Eastland County deputy to die in the line of duty since March last year. Deputy Barbara Fenley died in March 2022 trying to save lives from the Eastland Complex of wildfires that hit the Big Country, according to a previous Abilene Reporter-News story. . Bosecker was in law enforcement over 21 years and was a master peace officer. He began his law enforcement career in the Wise County Sheriff's Office as a deputy and then transitioned to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. He would later become a game warden for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and an officer for the Comanche Police Department. Story continues Bosecker finally ended up at Eastland County SO as a deputy in 2021, and he also worked part time for the Cisco Police Department as a marine enforcement officer. More: Police: Wichita Falls man possibly killed by train Trish Choate, enterprise watchdog reporter for the Times Record News in Wichita Falls, covers education, courts, breaking news, investigative projects and more. Contact Trish with news tips at tchoate@gannett.com. Her Twitter handle is @Trishapedia. This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: West Texas deputy killed in line of duty, suspect charged The White House will establish a national monument honoring Emmett Till the 14-year-old Chicago boy whose abduction, torture and lynching in 1955 while visiting family in Mississippi played a role in sparking the civil rights movement and his late mother. CBS News has learned that President Biden will sign a proclamation on Tuesday, the 82nd anniversary of Till's birth, establishing the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument. The monument will be located across three sites in Mississippi and Illinois, CBS News learned. One will be located in the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in the Chicago South Side neighborhood of Bronzeville, where Till's killing was mourned in September 1955. A photo of Emmett Till is included on the plaque that marks his gravesite at Burr Oak Cemetery in Aslip, Illinois. May 4, 2005 / Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images The second site will be at Graball Landing, Mississippi, where Till's body was discovered in the Tallahatchie River. The third will be at Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse in Sumner, Mississippi, where Till's suspected killers were acquitted by an all-White jury less than a month after his brutal murder. In August of 1955, Carolyn Bryant Donham, a White woman working as a grocery clerk, accused Till of making improper advances towards her while she was alone in her store in Money, Mississippi. Three days later, Till was abducted from his relatives' home. Then on Aug. 31, 1955, three days after his abduction, his mutilated body was recovered from the Tallahatchie River. The following month, Donham's husband, Roy Bryant along with Roy's half-brother J.W. Milam were both acquitted of murder charges in Till's death. They both later confessed in a 1956 magazine interview. In 2022, a grand jury in Mississippi declined to prosecute Carolyn Donham for her role in the events that led to Till's lynching. Prior to that, in 2021, the Justice Department announced that it was ending its investigation into the case. Carolyn Donham died in April at the age of 88. At the time of her death, Till's cousin, the Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., told CBS News in a statement that even though no one would be held to account for his cousin's death "it is up to all of us to be accountable to the challenges we still face in overcoming racial injustice." Story continues Cara Tabachnick contributed to this report. Wildfires prompt largest fire evacuation in Greek history Israeli parliament approves part of judicial overhaul plan amid major protests Excessive heat expected to affect over half of Americans this week, forecasters say The Biden administration will centre White House efforts to address threats of various transmissible diseases, pathogens and other biological agents in a new permanent office headed by a member of the National Security Council (NSC). The White House announced the creation of the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy (OPPR) on Friday. OPPR will be charged with leading, coordinating, and implementing actions related to preparedness for, and response to, known and unknown biological threats or pathogens that could lead to a pandemic or to significant public health-related disruptions in the United States, according to a handout. The new office will shift the White Houses Covid reponse efforts from a standalone team to a broader group that will include experts working on a number of different potential public health-related disruptions, including new variants of the influenza (common flu) virus. Under President Bidens leadership, the Administration has taken significant steps to ensure all individuals have continued access to lifesaving protections such as vaccines, treatments, and tests, and that the nation is well prepared to manage the risks of COVID-19 or other causes of potential pandemics in the future, a White House statement read. The offices inaugural director will be Major General (retired) Paul Friedrichs, special assistant to President Biden and the Senior Director for Global Health Security and Biodefense on the National Security Council. The new office comes three months after Mr Biden formally ended the national emergency declaration over the pandemic. More than 1.1 million Americans have died from Covid since it first emerged in the US in early 2020. Mr Biden lobbied Congress against passing the resolution to end the national emergency but nevertheless signed the bipartisan piece of legislation when it hit his desk in April. The president had previously declared the Covid pandemic over in 2022, telling CBSs 60 Minutes: We still have a problem with Covid. We're still doing a lot of work on it. But the pandemic is over. If you notice, no one's wearing masks. Make no mistake about it, the decision about where the heralded National Space Command Headquarters will be located is political. If you think otherwise, you are politically naive. Richard Shelby, Alabama's former U.S. senator, is the one and only reason that the federal military officials even considered moving Space Command from Colorado to Huntsville, Alabama in the first place, period. Folks, you are just beginning to see the impact Shelbys retirement will mean to the state of Alabama. More: How the Legislature spent an enormous budget surplus | INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE Our freshman congressional members and even state and Huntsville leaders are continually referring to the results of a commission study that supposedly analyzed the qualifications and best locations for the Command Center and revealed Huntsville as the best choice. Commissions and studies like that are created every day of the week by Washingtons most powerful senators to justify what they want to accomplish. Guess what? Shelby wanted the study to say that Huntsville was the place. While some might want to blame Sen. Tommy Tuberville, show here in this May 2, 2023 photo, the retirement of Richard Shelby from the U.S. Senate likely has a stronger influence on whether Space Command winds up in Alabama or Colorado. The bottom line is the only reason there was any consideration toward moving the facility from Colorado to Alabama was Shelby, and the only reason that it might not be moving is because he is gone. I knew at the time of the announcement that Space Command Headquarters might be moved to Alabama, that if Shelby did not get it actually moved before he retired that it would probably never happen. Our two new senators, Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt, do not have the power to affect the final decision on Space Commands location. Seniority is vital in the U.S. Senate. Britt is 99th out of 100 and Tuberville is 93rd in seniority in the Senate. They have a vote and that is it. Huntsville even has a freshman congressman in Dale Strong. He is less than irrelevant as a new face in the 435-member House. It will be 10 years before they know he is even there. Strong and Britt have been in the House and Senate less than six months. If truth be known, with us having this little clout in Washington, I doubt that Huntsville is even on the radar screen for the headquarters. Story continues Huntsville should not feel so badly about the Biden administration leaving Space Command in Colorado, it was crumbs compared to what Shelby loaded Huntsville up with in the last decade anyway. This Space Command deal is more for prestige than it is for jobs and dollars. Shelby brought most of the high-tech and aerospace dollars in the country to Huntsville, which is what matters. Much more importantly, he moved most of Washington to Huntsville, including the FBI headquarters. Folks, that is real power. It is unlikely that Alabama or any other state in the nation will ever see the power wielded by Shelby in the nations history. "King" Shelby was more powerful than the president, whether it be Trump or Biden. As chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee and chairman of the Subcommittee on Armed Services Appropriations, he called the shots when it came to the U.S. military. When he spoke, the generals listened. Unfortunately, when Britt and Tuberville speak, the military generals are cordial, but they could not care less what Britt and Tuberville say. In defense of Britt and Tuberville, they are giving it their all as freshman senators. The liberal writers in Alabama have castigated Tuberville for losing Space Command because of his position on abortion. He is no more the reason than Britt or Strong . All three are representatives of Alabamas conservative Republican policy toward abortion. The Biden administration is using this decision to win two political points. First of all, if you are a liberal Democratic president and Space Command is in a liberal Democratic state like Colorado, would you move it to one of the reddest Republican states in America? Secondly, Biden is promoting the notion that since conservative ruby-red Alabama has enacted a very restrictive anti-abortion law that he is going to keep Space Command in Colorado. Most Democrats are for abortion on demand. He wins approval and points from both sides of the deal. By the way, he is running for reelection as a Democrat. That is Politics 101. Politics prevails, especially in an election year. Steve Flowers Steve Flowers served 16 years in the Alabama Legislature. Readers can email him at steve@steveflowers.us. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Who's to blame if Alabama loses Space Command? | INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE A cormorant rests on a pole along the Hackensack River in Secaucus, New Jersey (KENA BETANCUR) He is not a lawyer, finance guy or a politician, but activist Bill Sheehan has moved mountains to clean up the Hackensack River in New Jersey just outside Manhattan, which for decades has been a dumping ground for industrial chemicals. Even still, the former taxi driver says, there is still so much to do to protect the waterway. "The North Jersey area here, just across from New York, is like the cradle of the Industrial Revolution," says Sheehan, sporting his signature cap. "For over 200 years, people were doing everything they could to lay waste to this river." Once the 74-year-old Sheehan bought a boat, he witnessed the dire situation in the Hackensack River, along which he played as a child. "It didn't take me long to realize that the river that flows through my hometown... needed a full-time advocate," he says of the Hackensack, which is wedged into a densely populated urban area. In 1997, he founded Hackensack Riverkeeper, an organization devoted to preserving the watershed and raising awareness about the importance of conservation efforts. So far, Sheehan -- a one-time professional drummer with a full mustache and an earring -- has managed to block property developers and companies from doing further damage, after 60 percent of the swamps were drained for construction. After a litany of negotiations and legal maneuvering, he also saw to it that a nature preserve was created covering about 8,400 acres (3,400 hectares) -- without spending a dime. From a treatment plant upstream to a hotel down south, Captain Sheehan -- as he is often called -- has put a stop to the illegal dumping of wastewater, thanks to court rulings and coverage on local television news. He launched a lawsuit that led to industrial conglomerate Honeywell being found liable for the cleanup of a site in Jersey City along the river that was contaminated with chromium residue, at a cost of several hundred million dollars. "This nonsense that's been going on here for so long had to stop," says Sheehan, as his boat heads up the river, the wind whipping. Story continues - 'A lot cleaner' - Marc Yaggi, the CEO of Waterkeeper Alliance, an umbrella group for more than 300 associations in 47 countries, said Sheehan is "a mentor, friend, and hero to me and countless clean water advocates around the world." With numerous industrial sites shut down, swampland now protected and wastewater dumping halted, nature has already partially taken its course in the watershed. Several bird species have returned, including the great blue heron, snowy egrets and ospreys. "The river has gotten a lot cleaner, and we have to thank Captain Bill for that," says Michael Gonnelli, the mayor of Secaucus, which is located along the river. In Laurel Hill Park, south of Secaucus, fishermen catch eels at a rapid clip. "I catch and release a lot of the fish here," says Evan Ypsilanti, who often makes the trip from north of New York City, though he notes: "In my opinion, you wouldn't really want to eat it." Indeed, local officials recommend not eating fish caught in the Hackensack -- which still contains multiple pollutants -- even if many people do. In the riverbed, there is a dangerous lingering cocktail of arsenic, chromium, lead, mercury and the infamous "forever chemicals" -- polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs. "When we put up our signs that said 'Don't eat the crabs,' they said, 'I've been eating them all my life, and they haven't hurt me yet,'" recalls Sheehan. "A lot of guys aren't with us anymore. They wound up getting cancer, going into the hospital and not coming back." - Back from the brink - Decontaminating river sediment is Sheehan's ultimate goal, but he is ready to get some help with that task, after years of working with only a small crew of six. "I kind of figured it out that if I was to try and sue everybody that had a hand in polluting this river, I'd have to live to be about 300 years old," he joked. Last September, after several years of research, the US government added the Hackensack River to its list of Superfund sites, making it eligible for federal funding to aid cleanup efforts. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will now look to all companies and municipalities that had a hand, directly or indirectly, in polluting the river to get the necessary money, says project supervisor Michael Sivak. "It's a tremendously challenging site," Sivak told AFP. "We don't want it to take decades like some of our past sites have." Given that cleaning up the entire waterway seems unrealistic, the EPA is looking at the possibility of only handling the most contaminated zones. But even then, Sheehan figures billions of dollars should pour in. "I'm a live-in-the-moment kind of guy," he says. "To bring it back from that brink is not going to happen overnight." "We're talking not in my lifetime. But I'm in this for the long game." tu/sst/tjj Photograph: Seth Wenig/AP Calls for a federal government takeover of New Yorks notorious Rikers Island jail are likely to grow after a stabbing suspect died in his cell early on Sunday morning, the seventh inmate death this year and the 26th since New Yorks mayor, Eric Adams, took office in January 2022. Curtis Davis, 44, was found lifeless on the floor of his cell at about 5.10 am, according to correction department records. Davis had been held since 1 June for allegedly stabbing a 29-year-old man in the eye. Related: Long Island serial killer suspects properties searched for trophies Davis was arrested on June 1 and was being held on a $30,000 bond. His death comes a week after another inmate, William Johnstone, 47, died in custody of an apparent drug overdose. The latest death comes days after the US attorney for the southern district of New York, Damian Williams, said Rikers has been in crisis for years and he would petition a judge to switch responsibility for the detention center, which stands at the mouth of Hell Gate, an area of water between Queens and the Bronx, to the federal government. A federal report recently accused New Yorks department of correction of failing to make substantial and demonstrable progress in implementing reforms to fix longstanding problems at the complex. Adams opposes the jail being placed in federal receivership, arguing last week that his administration had brought real cultural changes to the complex and the city had started to turn the corner with the department of correction. When we inherited this department in January of 2022, it was on the brink of collapse, Adams said last week. We have lowered violence by double digits. We have decreased staffing absenteeism by over 70%. We have stabilized the citys jail system. BEIRUT, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The Swedish foreign minister on Sunday expressed regret over the recent attack on the Quran in Stockholm, Lebanon's National News Agency reported. During a phone call with his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib, Tobias Billstrom expressed Sweden's regret over the desecration of the Quran and its insult to Islamic beliefs and symbols. Bou Habib welcomed the position and encouraged Sweden to take additional "practical" steps to reduce feelings of growing hatred and Islamophobia. On Thursday, an Iraqi refugee, who burned a copy of the Quran last month, stomped on the holy book during a demonstration in the Swedish capital. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview that aired Sunday attributed the delayed start of his nations counteroffensive against Russia to insufficient munitions and training earlier this year. We did have plans to start it in spring. But we didnt, because, frankly, we had not enough munitions and armaments and not enough brigades properly trained in these weapons, still, more, that the training missions were held outside Ukraine. But, still, we started. And this is important, Zelensky told CNNs Fareed Zakaria on GPS through a translator. Ukraine launched a counteroffensive against Russia to take back occupied territory after months of preparation and some delay in the timeline. Although the counteroffensive started off strong, its pace has slowed as Ukraine has been going through munitions quickly. Zelensky explained that the delay in the attacks start gave Russia more time to lay mines in fields, which Ukrainian troops must take steps to avoid, slowing their advance. And because we started it a bit later on, it can be said, and it will be shared truth understood by all the experts that it provided Russia with time to mine all our lands and build several lines of defense. And, definitely, they had even more time than they needed. Because of that, they built more of those lines. And, really, they had a lot of mines in our fields. Because of that, a slower pace of our counteroffensive actions, Zelensky said, through a translator. We didnt want to lose our people, our personnel. And our servicemen didnt want to lose equipment because of that. Yes, I do understand that its always better to see victory come sooner. This is what we also want. But the question is the price of this victory. So, let us not throw people under tanks literally. Let us plan our counteroffensive as our analysts, our intelligence suggests. And some of our residential areas have been liberated already. So, I do believe in our victory, he added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on July 23 that the only way for Ukraine to counter Russian missile strikes is to get a full-fledged sky shield. A video published on Zelenskys official Telegram channel depicts debris and damaged Ukrainian buildings after Russian missile attacks. Zelensky added that, despite all military aid coming to Ukraine, the country needs more air defense systems to cover its entire territory. The world must not get used to Russian terror terror must be defeated. And it is possible, Zelensky said. In April, almost after a year of refusals from Western partners, Ukraine finally received Patriot air defense systems capable of shooting down Russian aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic systems. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the preparation of new assistance packages from partners. These will include air defence systems, artillery and long-range weapons. Source: President's evening address Quote: "We have already started preparing for the upcoming week. There will be a lot of different events that will definitely bolster Ukraine's defence. I thank NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg for promptly convening the first meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council. In fact, immediately after our conversation yesterday, we agreed on the date the meeting will take place this Wednesday. We are preparing it to be meaningful. We are also preparing new support packages from our partners everything that brings the defeat of Russian terrorists closer. More air defence for Ukraine, more artillery, more long-range weapons. The recipe for ending the war is obvious: everything depends on the unity and determination of all those who value freedom, culture and life." Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Russias missile attack on the city of Odesa on Saturday night has left almost 50 buildings damaged, including 25 buildings of architectural significance. The building of the Greek consulate has also suffered damage. Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his evening address Quote: "Last night alone, a total of almost 50 buildings in the city of Odesa were damaged, 25 of which are architectural monuments. The historic centre, a world heritage site, which has been taken under the protection of UNESCO. The building of the Greek consulate was also damaged. This is the second consular institution affected by Russian terror." Details: Zelenskyy recalled that the Consulate General of China suffered from a Russian strike on Odesa on 20 July. The president also said that the altar of the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa, which he called one of the most treasured cathedrals in Ukraine, was hit by a Russian Kh-22 anti-ship missile. "In 1936, it [the cathedral] was looted and destroyed by the Bolsheviks. In independent Ukraine, the cathedral was rebuilt, and now terrorists are trying to destroy it again," Zelenskyy said. He stressed that the cathedral would be restored. "The main thing is that despite any attempts to break our state and our people, we clearly know that we, Ukraine, have a future because we defend culture and humanity. Russia is only bringing one thing closer with its terror its removal from history," the president stressed. Zelenskyy also confirmed that one person was killed and 20 were injured, including four children, aged 11, 12 and two aged 17, in Saturday nights attack on Odesa. Background: The Air Force of Ukraine reported that the Russians fired 19 missiles of various types, including five Oniks missiles, on Odesa Oblast overnight. Air defence forces shot down nine missiles. 25 architectural monuments were damaged overnight in Odesa's centre, which is under UNESCO protection. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the capitals of Bulgaria and the Czech Republic on Thursday, discussing military aid and receiving assurances of support for Ukraines entry into NATO after i ts war with Russia is over. Czech President Petr Pavel said it is in the interest of his country and Ukraine that soon as the war ends negotiations about NATO membership begin. I'm convinced that Ukraine will be part of NATO, Zelenskyy said in Prague, adding that an ideal result of next weeks NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania would be an invitation for Ukraine to join the alliance. Earlier Thursday, during a brief visit at the invitation of Bulgaria's new pro-Western government sworn in a month ago, Zelenskyy also discussed European integration and bilateral energy cooperation. Talking to reporters after the meetings, he defended Ukraines right to fight Russian aggression and to seek help to do so. Occupiers came to our land, killed, tortured, kidnapped Ukrainian children, separated them from their families and tried to teach them hatred, Zelenskyy said. This is happening at a time when we need to be united and build an international order based on rules, he added. Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov emphasized the support of his country, an European Union and NATO member, for Ukraine's territorial integrity. Bulgaria is consistent in its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine because we are convinced that an independent and sovereign Ukraine is key for Euro-Atlantic security in the region, Denkov said after the talks. Russia should withdraw unconditionally within its internationally recognized borders and should bear its responsibility, he added. Also on Thursday, Bulgarias Parliament approved a declaration of support for Ukraine to join the NATO military alliance once the war is over. According to the declaration, the fastest track to the restoration of peace in Ukraine, the Black Sea region and Europe is Russias full and immediate withdrawal beyond the internationally recognized borders of the affected sovereign states. Story continues The declaration, which was backed by a majority in Parliament, also called for continued military and technical support for Ukraine so it can defend itself. The document was opposed by the Socialist party and a nationalist pro-Kremlin group. Later in the day, Zelenskyy faced opposition to sending military supplies to Ukraine from Bulgaria's largely ceremonial president, Rumen Radev. I continue to maintain that this conflict has no military solution, and more and more weapons will not solve it, Radev said. He called for consistent efforts to deescalate, for a ceasefire and a peaceful solution with the tools of diplomacy. Although the presidential post in Bulgaria is mostly ceremonial, it provides a strong platform to influence public opinion. Large parts of the population share pro-Russian sympathies based on historical and cultural bonds between the two nations. In Prague, Zelenskyy thanked Pavel for his country's support. The Czech Republic has been a staunched supporter of Ukraine in its fight against the Russian aggression and the Czech President said it's not going to change. The Czech Republic gave Ukraine arms, including heavy weapons such as Soviet era tanks, armored vehicles, ammunition and others. The country has accepted a total of 500,000 refugees from Ukraine. Zelenskyy was scheduled to discuss further military and humanitarian cooperation, defense and Ukraine's post-war reconstruction in his meeting with Czech leaders. Ahead of the NATO summit, the presidents of an informal group known as the Bucharest Nine, the nations in the easternmost parts of the NATO alliance, voiced their support in June for Ukraine's eventual membership once conditions allow. The nine countries are Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. Footage of the consequences of the enemy attack on Odesa Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to the horrific night attack on Odesa, promising an adequate response for Russias evil in a Telegram post on July 23. "Missiles against peaceful cities, against residential buildings, a cathedral," he wrote. There can be no excuse for Russian evil. As always, this evil will lose. And there will definitely be a response to Russian terrorists for Odesa. They will feel this response. All those affected by this latest terrorist attack are being provided with assistance, he noted. "I am grateful to everyone who is helping people, and to everyone who is with Odesa in their thoughts and emotions," he concluded. We will get through this. We will return peace. And for this we need to defeat the Russian evil. In the early hours of July 23, Russian troops conducted a large-scale missile attack on the historic center of Odesa. The enemy struck using five types of missiles. At least one person was killed and 22 were injured, with the city suffering significant damage. Russia has been attacking Odesa throughout the week following its unilateral withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. In a July 20 attack, four people were injured and 120 tons of grain were destroyed. Read also: 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 Thomas Jeffersons Poplar Forest, a historic retreat and plantation once owned by the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, celebrates a momentous milestone this year as it marks its 40th anniversary. Founded in December 1983, the corporation for Jeffersons Poplar Forest has tirelessly worked towards the rescue and restoration of this significant historical site, preserving it to its original appearance during Jeffersons time. For the past four decades, Poplar Forest has welcomed the public for daily tours, allowing visitors to step back in time and gain insights into the life of one of Americas founding fathers and the enslaved community that lived on the Bedford County plantation. Alyson M. Ramsey, the current president and CEO of Poplar Forest, said the organization has mainly been working towards restoring the house, which was completed this April and conducting archaeological research to uncover other structures on the plantation as well as learning about the lives of the enslaved individuals who lived on site. Were sharing this as a cultural and educational resource with the public and people of all ages, children to adults and an offering variety of different tours and public programs and lectures, she said. What started as the rescue of the house and 50 surrounding acres has grown into 617 acres of land, allowing for extensive restoration and preservation efforts. Poplar Forest was Jeffersons personal retreat where he would find solace, study and design the University of Virginia, Ramsey said. He visited the property for the last time in 1823 before he died in 1826, leaving the house to his grandson Francis Eppes. Subsequent years saw changes in ownership, but in 1983, a group of concerned citizens came together to prevent commercial development and secured the property with a $50,000 down payment, paving the way for its restoration and protection. Travis McDonald, director of Architectural Restoration, was hired in 1989 to lead the restoration efforts and played a crucial role in peeling away later additions and restoring the house to its original state. Ramsey said Poplar Forest stands out for its unique approach to restoration, allowing visitors to witness the progress in front of their eyes, making them part of the process. So theyve been able to be part of this process all the way along and over time, as people were visiting, they were seeing the house in different phases of restoration, she said. Were really pleased that weve been able to share that with everyone. One of the most distinctive aspects of the restoration was the meticulous attention to historical accuracy and authenticity. Weve been using the same materials, the same techniques, even historic tools to hand make all the interior woodwork, he said. We restored the house in the same sequence that Jefferson built it and I dont know any other museum restoration thats done that. The restoration process transformed the house into a living workshop, much like the way it was when Jefferson lived there during its unfinished state in 1809, McDonald said. He said the absence of artificial deadlines or budget constraints allowed the restoration team to undertake the project with unwavering dedication. This commitment to authenticity made Poplar Forest an idealistic restoration, he added. Never did anyone tell me to do it cheaper, quicker or in a different way. So, in the world of architectural restoration, this has kind of been a Never Never Land, he said. One of the restorations highlights was the careful recreation of the paint finishes on the walls and woodwork. An historic distemper, a paint not used since Jeffersons time, was resurrected to provide an accurate representation of the colors that adorned the walls during his era. And when the painters did this room, there were three people on a scaffolding and they could do one little strip at a time and they had a certain amount of time to do it, he said. The houses original walls and careful examination of historical documents shed light on Jeffersons meticulous planning and unique design choices. Jefferson was one of the most experienced builders in America and that starts when he first builds Monticello when hes very young. And he takes on the role of a builder as well as the role of the architect, he said. And for the rest of his life, hes building and rebuilding. And what was frustrating was when he starts Poplar Forest, hes stuck in the White House for two years and cant be here. So there are these very detailed letters back and forth from the White House to the workers here. And they are very rich in detail because this is not a generic house. Throughout the restoration, McDonald said no compromises were made. The team aimed to stay true to Jeffersons vision, even sourcing authentic Carrara marble from Italy and local white marble for the hearthstones, as originally used by Jefferson. McDonald said he is grateful to be a part of the restoration, which allowed him to witness the culmination of decades of hard work. He officially retired June 5 but still returns to Poplar Forest to wrap things up. I feel very lucky to have been allowed to do this correctly, he said. I can say honestly, after all these years, theres nothing I regret that we could have done better, which is pretty amazing. Everything was done to the best that we could do it. Throughout the years, the site has added on new hands-on history programming for school children, ongoing archaeological excavations and the addition of new exhibits. By diversifying its offerings, Ramsey said Poplar Forest has successfully drawn in different groups of people with varying interests, making it an educational and engaging experience for everyone. Poplar Forest is a very special and important part of our entire American story and there is so much that we have to share with visitors of all ages, she said. You can come here and learn about so many different things from architecture to archaeology. Despite facing challenges like the recent pandemic, Poplar Forest has continued to attract visitors from 80 countries and all 50 states, with approximately 25,000 visitors annually. She said plans for a new strategic plan include recreating other historical sites on the property and enhancing the plantation landscape as well as strengthen its outreach and engagement with the community. With no government funding, the organization relies solely on generous donations from individuals, corporations and foundations to continue its mission, Ramsey said. , Jul 22 ( News On Japan ) - A wild deer has caused a commotion in downtown Sapporo where the animal evaded the capture of authorities and escaped into a residential area. Police received a report of a deer sighting in Nakajima Park shortly after 6 a.m. on Thursday, and were dispatched to the area where they spotted what appeared to be a female deer rampaging through an urban area. The deer evaded the capture of city authorities and managed to escape into a residential area. Around 11:30 a.m., city officials and police successfully tranquilized the deer using a blowgun and removed the animal. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries to any individuals. The launch of the electronic visa, eVisa, by Morocco on July 10, 2022 has had a positive impact, making the visa granting procedure much smoother and easier for certain foreign nationals requiring a visa to visit the country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. One year after its launch, the eVisa system has processed more than 160,000 applications, of which almost 150,000 have been issued, the Ministry said in a statement. The number of applications processed increased exponentially between July 2022 (almost 6,000 applications) and November 2022 (over 15,000 applications). The peak number of applications processed by the eVisa unit was reached in May 2023, with almost 18,000 applications. This measure has made it possible to support the tourism sector which was badly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and to promote Morocco as a destination for tourism and business, noted the Ministry. Of the 150,000 eVisas issued, 96.6% were for tourism, and 3.4% for business. In the Business category, a large proportion of applicants have top-level and management profiles from large companies in all sectors (engineers, highly technical staff, decision-makers in multinationals, etc.) Since the launch of eVisa, 110 nationalities from every continent have been able to benefit from the electronic visa, thanks to the simplicity of the procedure. The breakdown of eVisas issued by nationality is as follows: Israel (55%), India (10%), Nigeria (4.44%), Egypt (4.41%), Pakistan (3.5%) and Jordan (2.7%). Nationals of several countries, including Thailand, Jordan, Israel, India, Azerbaijan, and Guatemala can apply for an e-visa to enter Morocco. The electronic visa is a single-person authorization allowing entry to and a short stay (30 days maximum) in Moroccan territory. It is valid for a maximum of 180 days from the date of issue. The construction works of Moroccos first hatchery for marine fishing were launched this week in the kingdoms northern region. This structuring project for the national aquaculture sector, which covers an area of 2.28 hectares and requires a $12.3 million investment, will provide the upstream part of the value chain with a reliable source of fingerling supply. The production of fingerlings is considered a key integration lever to secure the viability of aquaculture projects specializing in fish farming. This pioneering project is set to produce up to 30 million high-quality fry of sea bream, sea bass, meager, and other species of interest to national aquaculture farms. This is the first fish seed production project in Morocco for which the State grants financial support in the form of an investment grant for the acquisition of hatchery equipment up to 20 million Dirhams. During a press briefing at the launching event, Minister of Agriculture and fisheries Mohamed Sadiki emphasized that this hatchery is the first of its kind in Morocco to receive financial support from the government. The state has granted a $2million investment bonus for the acquisition of hatchery equipment, he said. The production of fingerlings is considered an essential integration lever to secure the viability of aquaculture projects specializing in fish farming, he commented. Sadiki highlighted the significance of the aquaculture sector within the framework of the Halieutis plan, which aims to increase production and promote the balanced, qualitative, and sustainable development of the marine fisheries sector in Morocco. He underlined the importance of fry production in ensuring the viability of fish farming projects, and noted that this initiative would also help alleviate pressure on marine resources. The project aligns with the Halieutis strategy, launched by King Mohammed VI in 2009, and serves as a precursor to similar endeavors in different regions of Morocco. In a similar statement, Director of the National Agency for the Development of Aquaculture, Majida Maarouf, drew attention to the alignment of this project with the strategies of Agency, which is, she said, committed to supporting such initiatives as part of Moroccos long-term policy in the aquaculture sector, fostering a suitable environment for investment and capitalizing on the sectors significant evolution. Maarouf emphasized the responsibility of developing aquaculture activities as a commitment to marine resource preservation, reducing environmental impact, ensuring food security, and boosting economic output and job creation. Shavit Dahan, the head of project development at Aquago Company, highlighted that this project reflects Moroccos inclination towards qualitative economic endeavors, especially those with high added value for the marine fishing sector. Morocco has established itself as a global reference in the fisheries sector. Dahan also commended the countrys ongoing efforts to encourage investments that not only support the national economy but also contribute to environmental protection and the preservation of natural resources. According to Dahan, the support Morocco provides to investments under the aquaculture development strategy exemplifies the kingdoms insightful vision for resource development, exploitation, and the development of a green economy that ensures sustainable and balanced growth. This approach aligns with the global need for rational investments that limit resource overexploitation while contributing to their preservation and development, he explained. With the launch of the first marine fish hatchery, Morocco takes a momentous stride towards developing a thriving aquaculture sector. This project marks the countrys dedication to economic progress while preserving its natural resources and reinforcing its position as a global leader in the marine fishing industry. The launch of the hatchery construction works comes after the official entry into service, on July 17, 2023, of a $10.3 million research center dedicated to shellfish farming. The center, based at Amsa in the same region, is meant to boost aquaculture industry and is part of an oyster and shellfish development program funded by Japan. Aquaculture production totaled only 2,000 tons in 2021, which represents less than 0.5% of fisheries production estimated at more than 1.4 million tons per year according to World Bank data. It should be noted that the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector at the national level is based, among other things, on the strengthening of the entire ecosystem linked to this activity, particularly the availability and accessibility on the national market of the main inputs, in this case, fry of a quality aligned with international norms and standards, at a cost allowing the competitiveness and sustainability of aquaculture enterprises. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 23) South Korean heartthrob Kim Seon-ho met with his fans, known as Seonhohadas, in his second Manila fan meet, Love to meet our Good Boy, on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum. The Start-Up actor spoke to the media in a press conference at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig a few hours ahead of his show to talk about his acting career and being a global ambassador for Filipino clothing brand Bench. I really feel blessed and grateful that I am able to visit you guys again through Bench today, he said through his interpreter. He first visited the Philippines back in January for his One, Two, Three. Smile Asia tour. Kim Seon-ho shares process of acting Kim rose to fame after portraying second lead Han Ji-Pyeong, also known as Good Boy, in the 2020 K-drama series "Start-Up." He cemented his prominence in the industry as the main lead in the 2021 K-drama series "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha," as handyman Hong Du-sik or Chief Hong. He told local media that he looks through several references and has many conversations with directors to fully understand his character. He added that it probably takes about one or two months for him to get ready. Theres a lot of characters, theres so much versatility to a lot of characters, but the character starts from me. Just like clothing, if someone wears it, its kind of a different look and style from when I wear it. Thats how I see my individuality in the character, he said through his interpreter. When asked how he felt being loved by so many people because of the character he portrays, he explained that the term Good Boy in Korea is often used by the elderly to describe young ones as innocent, naive, and pure. So it actually describes the internal character of a person who is kind and pure-hearted Since I was really into the character, when I hear the term Good Boy, it really makes me emotional as well, he said. However, Kim said he feels most similar to his character Hong Du-sik from Hometown Cha-cha-cha, because he likes having conversations with people in a light environment. The down-to-earth actor also said he enjoys working on scenes where he is most ordinary and most approaching to the people watching my films Rather than talking about the genre, I really appreciate and find it special the scenes where Im having conversations and showing people my ordinary side. Kim Seon-ho talks about his hobbies The soft-spoken celebrity shared his personal interests with the media outlets as well. When asked if he had any hidden talents, he said, Actually before, I thought I was good at drawing. But I realized recently that Im not good at drawing. So, I dont have a hidden talent yet Naghahanap pa rin po ako ng hidden talent ko [Im still looking for my hidden talent], Kim said. He also revealed that he is fond of taking walks while thinking about his worries and the events of the day. He even rides the subway train to keep himself grounded. I make sure that I see whats happening around in society, he said. Despite his successes, he described himself as a lazy actor. I try to push myself to be a better actor every day, but I think that Im a lazy actor. Theres a lot of room for improvement. But Im very optimistic of myself as an actor, so I would like to request that everyone look forward to Kim Seon-ho being a better actor day by day, he said. Kims other projects include Welcome to Waikiki, 100 Days My Prince, Catch the Ghost, among others, as well as his recently released feature film debut The Childe, an action thriller about a Korean-Filipino boxer where he plays the sinister role of the Nobleman. He currently has an upcoming action film Tyrant which began filming early this year, according to English-language daily The Korea Times. Blasphemy, sacrilege, or both? Photo: David Dee Delgado/Getty Images Back when he first captured the hearts of Republicans generally and conservative evangelicals specifically, it became fashionable for Christian Right leaders to compare Donald Trump to Cyrus the Great, the pagan Persian king who unwittingly served the will of God (according to the Hebrew Scriptures) by liberating the Jews from the Babylonian Captivity. It was a clever rationalization that enabled these holy warriors to dismiss all the evidence of Trumps heathenish belief system and sinful behavior and make him Gods (and their) vehicle for the redemption of America. Being King Cyrus also relieved the 45th president from any inconvenient obligation to change his evil ways or beg for a forgiveness he explicitly didnt think he needed. After Trump thrilled many conservative Christian activists by stacking the Supreme Court in a way that produced the reversal of Roe v. Wade and the expansion of the religious liberty to discriminate against the wicked, some of his churchy fans began to view him not as a disposable instrument of Gods will and thus as an replaceable ally but as an indispensable leader of their cause. In part thats because they have internalized his fury over the stolen election of 2020 and hence the necessity of a Trump comeback to prove the divine plan cannot be thwarted. Worse yet, some conservative Christians have conflated Trumps struggle with the eternal struggle between the heavenly hosts and their demonic enemies. Were witnessing a pop-culture moment exemplifying this confusion of religious and secular conservatism. Actor Jim Caviezel, best known for his portrayal of Jesus in Mel Gibsons 2004 movie The Passion of the Christ, made it known on Fox News that he regarded Trump as the new Moses. He made this pronouncement while flogging his latest flick, Sound of Freedom, which, much like The Passion of the Christ, has become a counter-Hollywood phenomenon heavily promoted by ticket-buying churches and church organizations. As Rolling Stones Miles Klee explains in his review, the new movie is the perfect vehicle for Caviezel, who has been flirting with QAnon-ish conspiracy theories for a good while: [Caviezel] has become a prominent figure on the conspiracist right, giving speeches and interviews in which he hints at an underground holy war between patriots and a sinister legion of evildoers who are harvesting the blood of children. Its straight-up QAnon stuff, right down to his use of catchphrases like The storm is upon us. Here, he gets to act out some of that drama by playing a fictionalized version of Tim Ballard, head of the anti-sex trafficking nonprofit Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), in a feature film that casts the operator as a Batman-style savior for kids sold into the sex trade. Caviezel pulled Trump into his story by asserting that hed be the leader who would go after the traffickers. And he also revealed that he had provided Trump with a private showing of Sound of Freedom at the former presidents Bedminster resort. Trump unsurprisingly responded with a Truth Social post vowing to administer the death penalty to human traffickers and blaming Joe Bidens border policies for this terrible danger to children. Now if you are a QAnon believer, this all fits together: America is controlled by the pedophile satanists of the Democratic Party. Trump will liberate their victims (presumably in chains awaiting their destruction by blood-drinking global cabalists) and with them their country. And the 45th president has never lifted a finger to disabuse these people of their dangerous and psychotic delusions. But even among the uninitiated, the Trump-trafficking nexus can be seductive. Human trafficking has been a major preoccupation of conservative evangelicals in recent years, perhaps as an undeniably worthy target of those whose all-purpose sexual puritanism is no longer fashionable. So Trumps identification of trafficking with lax Democratic policies and promises to save children resonate, making this cruel man a liberating Moses figure. Before Trump and his conservative evangelical fans get too comfortable with this idea, they might want to read their Bibles (or in Trumps case, have someone read to him from their Bibles) and recall Mosess ultimate fate. After leading the Israelites out of the bondage of Egypt, Moses was barred from entering the Promised Land because of his willful defiance of an edict from God. Instead a younger successor, Joshua, took over leadership of his people. Lord knows Trump is a willful defier of every godly law, and right now younger MAGA conservatives (e.g., the 44-year-old Ron DeSantis and the 37-year-old Vivek Ramaswamy) are bidding to succeed him. Maybe King Cyrus is a safer role model for the former president after all. Sign Up for the Intelligencer Newsletter Daily news about the politics, business, and technology shaping our world. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. HOT STRIKE GIRL SUMMER!! Edited at 2023-07-23 01:58 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link Yes! Even kpop is demanding it: Reply Parent Thread Link These people handle medication, medical supplies, food, and more; They deserve AT LEAST 42$/hr. I hope they get it and if they don't, I support a strike. Reply Thread Link They also deserve air conditioning in their trucks. Imagine delivering in Arizona in 115/45 degree temps. Reply Parent Thread Link This is something that BLOWS my fucking mind. They don't have goddamned AC. WTF??!!!! What car doesn't have AC? You expect employees that DRIVE for their job not to have a basic thing ALL cars/trucks have so they don't die of heatstroke? JFC I hate capitalism. Reply Parent Thread Link Oh, I definitely think we'll see more. Whether it's nationwide like UPS and SAG-AFTRA or the local union chapters like your local Starbucks, we'll see more. Cost of living keeps getting higher and companies will blame inflation for why they can't pay their workers more, yet will acquire a business here or build a billion dollar facility there, or outsource jobs for cheaper labor. Corporations can't keep playing this game of "We can't!" Reply Thread Link Agreed. I think people are finally reaching their tipping points and I love it! Fuck corporations, CEOs, and all the bootlickers. Reply Parent Thread Link We need a nationwide strike to get a fucking living wage for everyone. Reply Thread Link I'd be down for a world wide strike tbh, there are workers all over who deserve proper pay and safe workplaces. Reply Parent Thread Link yasssss let's all fuckin' STRIKE BITCHES!!! Reply Thread Link I hope they get all thier demands Reply Thread Link Solidarity! I am happy to be inconvenienced now for a chance at a future that isn't totally fucked. Reply Thread Link Ooh its so fucking on, yall. We will see a lot more of dem strikes within this next year and so. Healthcare is definitely next. Im all for it. Bless! About damn time that these CEOs, corporations and bootlickers are getting dragged thru filth and chainsaws etc. Reply Thread Link Healthcare really needs to do it! Reply Parent Thread Link They really need to do it anyways fr fr. We aint gonna get billed that high than our combined living expenses and earned income (even if were broke asf) in America already right now. Theres no way in hell that wed let this slide this time. When there are literally free accessible universal healthcare and education in the other countries outside America that have proved again and again that the ACTUAL possibilities beyond limited beliefs being advanced ahead of time. Like Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I work in healthcare & wish there was a union. I get great health insurance I don't pay for but get paid hourly & get 5 days of PTO a year. I live with my parents & could not afford to rent in this area. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Here are some: https://news.wttw.com/2023/07/19/loretto-hospital-workers-deliver-10-day-strike-notice-management-everyone-here-needs-have https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu-czImM9ph/?igshid=MmU2YjMzNjRlOQ== https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu-MyZFSGqB/?igshid=MmU2YjMzNjRlOQ== https://www.instagram.com/p/Cuj6LBHx3Hz/?igshid=MmU2YjMzNjRlOQ== Oh, healthcare is definitely doing it.Here are some: Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I hope healthcare does it but also carries to people are not required a degree but literally have lives in their hands, like home healthcare/group homes/rehab etc. Reply Parent Thread Link Everything is reaching a breaking point. The wealthy are so fucking greedy, in most cases they would lose less than 2% of their wealth. Thats it. And yet they refuse. Pluto is retrograde in Capricorn right now till October 10 but once it stations direct in Aquarius just wait to see what happens. Reply Thread Link What does the second half of your comment mean? Reply Parent Thread Link Pluto in Aquarius happens about once every 225 years. The last time it happened we got the American revolution, French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, and a lot more. Before that it started in 1532 and oversaw the formation of the Church of England and the birth of Elizabeth I. Pluto is the planet of death, destruction, and rebirth and Aquarius is about technology and advancing society. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Absolutely nothing. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link any advice for a Leo Sun + Leo Venus during this Venus retrograde Reply Parent Thread Expand Link UPS driver Juan Trujillo got an ignorant comment on one of his videos. So he turned it into a lesson on solidarity. pic.twitter.com/Sm9zt8uJ5b More Perfect Union (@MorePerfectUS) July 19, 2023 Reply Thread Link Am I just single AF or am I attracted to him? Anyway, I support all strikes. Can we do something about rent now? People can barely afford rent anymore. Why do I need to live with roommates to be able to afford a safe and decent apartment?? Reply Parent Thread Link Okay I didn't want to say anything but yes. But I also am very single Reply Parent Thread Link I'm a lesbian and he's it's the kind eyes for me. And muscles. Edited at 2023-07-23 05:05 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link He's got ~it Reply Parent Thread Link He's handsome and brave! Reply Parent Thread Link I hate when people say people with "no skills" shouldn't be paid more. Who the fuck cares? You're saying people don't deserve livable wages? I didn't do higher education and dropped out of college. I still deserve to be paid a wage that helps me pay my fucking $1650 rent instead of living on scraps. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I hope my work shoes get delivered before the strike. Other than that; STRIKE STRIKE STRIKE STRIKE !!!! Hahahahahahha Im for it. Get that $70/hr pay baby! They deserve it. They be getting heat stroke for no reason! Reply Thread Link solidarity foreverrrrrrr i was part of a failed unionizing attempt at my job within the past few years and it really is one of the hardest things i've done. my field is considered blue collar and so people don't think of themselves as workers in that way and it was SO FRUSTRATING to have some of these conversations where it was like, you realize we're being underpaid and badly managed and no way to push back against that? Edited at 2023-07-23 02:19 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link I bought a cheeseburger from five guys todaya little cheeseburger at thatand it was almost $9. For a cheeseburger that cost something like $5 just a few years ago. You mean to tell me its nearly doubled in price in a couple years? Anyway, after I took out a loan to pay for the stupid burger and stood there waiting for it, I couldnt help but watch the crew cooking it. They MIGHT be making $10 an hour. Maybe $12? Either way, it would take them an hour of working to buy that fucking burger. THATS INSANE. An entire work day would only buy you a handful of burgersbut people are supposed to pay rent and bills on these salaries? Its out of hand. Shit costs too much, people are not getting paid enough. We need a revolution at this point, but it wont happen. I support all these strikes. JUST PAY PEOPLE. Reply Thread Link That comment on that mans TikTok is pissing me off. No skill for a physically demanding job where youre expected to deliver quite literally everything from life-saving medication to textbooks for school, and often times working in all kinds of weather conditions. Its the same with postal workers too. Just pure fucking ignorance. Solidarity to the workers! Reply Thread Link The global energy crisis triggered by Russia's war in Ukraine exposed Europe's extreme vulnerability due to the continent's over-reliance on Russian energy commodities, especially natural gas. Europe responded with overkill, with the continent managing to store so much gas that it emerged from the last winter season with more than enough gas reserves. Europe has continued stockpiling gas at a record clip: StanChart has reported that gas inventories continue rising despite the current European heatwave and increased electricity demand for cooling. According to Gas Infrastructure, Europe (GIE) data, EU gas inventories stood at 94.52 billion cubic meters (bcm) on 16 July, a good 21.73 bcm higher y/y and 18.46 bcm above the five-year average. The average build over the past week of 330 million cubic meters per day (mcm/d) is nearly 100% higher than the five-year average over the equivalent period. If the current rate of gas injection is maintained, inventories will finish the injection season at just above 120 bcm, more than 10 bcm above the record high. And now it has emerged that Europe is following a similar playbook with solar energy. New research by Rystad Energy has revealed that some 7 billion ($7.8 billion) worth of solar panels--or 40 gigawatts direct current (GWdc) of capacity--are currently sitting unused in European warehouses. The stockpile is forecast to grow even larger this year, hitting 100 GWdc in storage by the end of 2023. Not surprisingly, the vast majority of those panels are coming from China, highlighting a serious risk that Europe is shifting from overlying on Russia for gas to depending too much on China for its solar needs. Source: Quartz China Dominating Global Solar Industry With China now leading the world in clean energy investments, accounting for nearly half of the $1.1 trillion that poured into the sector last year, the Asian giant is now the undisputed global leader in solar manufacturing, with four out of five solar panels sold worldwide originating from the country. China has poured over $50 billion into wafer-to-solar panel production lines, 10 times more than Europe, and also controls ~95% of the world's polysilicon and wafers. Last year, the International Energy Agency warned of the dangers the world is exposing itself to by relying so heavily on the Middle Kingdom for its solar needs: "The world will almost completely rely on China for the supply of key building blocks for solar panel production through 2025. This level of concentration in any global supply chain would represent a considerable vulnerability," the agency wrote in a special report. Now, Beijing is looking to protect its vast solar investments in a move that's very likely to be inimical to the U.S. solar sector. China plans to ban the export of several key technologies used in the manufacture of solar panels. Amongst the proposed rules, advanced technologies used in the manufacture of wafers and ingots will be placed in a list of export controls, according to a public consultation process. If the plan is adopted, Chinese solar manufacturers would be required to obtain a license from their provincial commerce authorities to export such technologies. Polysilicon is used in ingot-casting molds to construct solar wafers. The wafers are then pieced together to create photovoltaic (PV) cells. Although the proposed ban will not restrict the supply of complete wafers for solar panels, it's likely to negatively affect American solar companies because U.S. photovoltaic power generation components are highly dependent on Chinese tech. The Wall Street Journal has warned that restricting exports of key solar manufacturing technology will disrupt the US' solar ambition. According to Taipei-based market research firm TrendForce, only Chinese companies are capable of making larger 182 and 210-millimeter wafers. That's an alarming revelation because larger wafers--which allow for cheaper and more efficient solar panels to be made--are expected to make up 96% of the world's market share in 2023. Expanding American Solar Manufacturing "China's proposed export restraints are Exhibit A on the need to rapidly scale American solar manufacturing," Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the U.S. business lobby Solar Energy Industries Association, told WSJ after the Biden administration launched the IRA, which has been hailed as a game-changer for the solar sector. Over the past two years, solar manufacturers have been hampered by supply chain disruptions, including increasing material costs for polysilicon. Indeed, last year, Rystad Energy estimated that rising equipment and shipping costs led to the postponement or cancellation of 56% of worldwide utility-scale solar projects that had been planned for 2022. Luckily, these challenges have been rapidly fading, with energy prices falling back close to pre-war levels. The same scenario has been unraveling in the solar sector, with polysilicon prices on a steady decline. ADVERTISEMENT Source: PV Magazine A new report published by the Rocky Mountain Institute has forecast that wind and solar energy will produce more than 33% of total energy in the world by 2030 compared to just 12% currently. "Exponential growth of clean energy is an unstoppable force. The benefit of rapid renewable deployment is greater energy security and independence, plus long-term energy price deflation because this is a manufactured technology - the more you install the cheaper it gets," RMI said. The report concludes the COP28 goal for renewable power, which seeks to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030, is achievable as long as adequate grid investment, streamlined permitting, and investments into greater storage are made. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Donald Trump has branded the US a "third world hell-hole" run by "pervert criminals and thugs". The 77-year-old Republican is running for president again after being voted out of the White House in the 2020 election and he has claimed the American dream is "dead" under the leadership of Joe Biden and called on young conservatives to vote for him if they want to live in a "free country". Speaking at the Turning Point Action Conference in Florida, he said: "The election will decide whether your generation will inherit a fascist country or a free country. "Millions of illegal aliens have stormed across our borders, it is an invasion, like a military invasion. Our rights and liberties are being torn to shreds. "Your country is being turned into a third-world hellhole, run by censors, perverts criminals and thugs." And the former 'Apprentice' star warned "sick, sinister and evil forces" are trying to "destroy" the US in ways that wouldn't have happened if he was still president. He claimed: "We are in big trouble, today the greatest threat is not for the outside the greatest threat. It is the sick, sinister and evil forces are trying to destroy our country from within. "If you have the right leadership China is not a problem, if you have the right leadership Russia would not be a problem. They would not have done what they did, believe me, they would never have done it. "Your task, your calling, your historic mission is to liberate America from these communists, racists, Marxists, globalists and warmongers who want to plunder the future of our country." Trump pledged to "reclaim colleges" and "choke off the money" to universities he feels are leading a "Marxist assault" on "Western civilisation". He said: "After 50 years of leftist domination in the universities, I will take bold action to reclaim our colleges from the Communist leftanti-American radicals will no longer be given a free hand to dominate our institutions of higher learning. "The days of subsidizing communist indoctrination are over." The controversial politician is under investigation for various offenses and previously pleaded not guilty to 37 federal charges, after he was accused of illegally keeping hundreds of classified documents at his Florida estate. But Trump insisted he viewed his indictments as a "great badge of honour". An enormous medical bill can trigger a wave of panic, but try to resist. That startling invoice that arrived in the mail may not be what you wind up paying. Errors or slow insurance payments may have inflated the total. Even if it's accurate, financial aid or other assistance might help pare it. Sometimes a simple phone call clears up a problem. Other times, reinforcements are necessary. Debt experts say patients should attack medical bills with a plan. Here are key steps to take. Check the numbers Don't stash the bill in a pile of mail and hope it goes away, but don't rush to pay it without first understanding the amount. "Especially if it's a really high bill, consider it like an opening offer," says Caitlin Donovan, a spokesperson for the nonprofit Patient Advocate Foundation, which helps critically or chronically ill patients deal with debt and insurance problems. Medical bills can be rife with errors. They also may have been sent before insurance coverage was sorted out. Donovan recommends comparing the bill with your insurer's explanation of benefits. That's a document the insurer sends that explains how your coverage will apply to the care you received. It can give you a sense for what you may still owe based on your deductible or the plan's out-of-pocket maximum. If something looks weird, call both the insurer and hospital for an explanation. Someone at the hospital might have mistakenly entered the wrong code for the care you received or duplicated it. Request an itemized bill from the hospital to see if that happened. But be aware that those bills also can be hard to interpret or contain errors that have little to do with the charge, Donovan said. Know the law The No Surprises Act debuted last year and offers a layer of protection. Patients should check to make sure their care provider is following that law. It prevents doctors or hospitals in many situations from billing insured patients higher rates when the care providers are not in their insurer's coverage network. The law offers protection for most emergency care by basically requiring that patients receive in-network coverage with no additional billing from the provider. It also protects patients from huge bills for lab work or an out-of-network anesthesiologist when the patient was treated at an in-network hospital. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has established a "No Surprises Help Desk" for people who have questions about whether their bill complies with the law. They can call (800) 985-3059 or submit a complaint online. Seek outside help There are a host of for-profit and nonprofit organizations that can help people navigate medical bills. The Patient Advocate Foundation helped David White recoup more than $2,000 he paid for routine lab work after his kidney transplant. A case manager told White that a government database was causing complications with the claim. She also helped him file paperwork to correct the mistake. "Every single penny that I paid out was refunded," said the 61-year-old White, a volunteer foundation board member. "There's just no way I could figure this out on my own." The foundation offers an online directory of potential resources for medical or prescription bill help. Outside help might also include a state attorney general's office, which may have a health advocacy unit or a consumer protection division. Financial assistance Once you have checked for errors, ask for financial assistance. Some hospital systems may provide help for people with income levels as high as six figures. "People a lot of times assume they won't qualify," Donovan said. Patients should be persistent in asking for help or finding out why an application was denied. Many hospitals don't do a great job letting patients know about available help, said Marceline White, executive director of Economic Action Maryland, a non-profit that helps people in that state apply for financial assistance. "The onus is on the patient to apply for the assistance and do the work," she said. Ask for a discount if no financial assistance is available. Bargain and budget You've checked for errors and asked about discounts and financial assistance. Now you may have to confront a final invoice. Ask about a payment plan. Many hospitals will offer options with no interest or a very low rate. But before committing to that, go over your budget to get a sense for what sort of payment you can handle. Donovan noted that people who agree to a monthly bill that turns out to be too high may wind up having that debt land in collections if they can't make payments. "Then you're in a whole new problem," she said. KYIV, Ukraine A Ukrainian drone strike Saturday caused a massive explosion at an ammunition depot in Russia-annexed Crimea, forcing the evacuation of nearby homes in another attack that followed Moscow canceling a landmark grain deal amid Kyiv's grinding efforts to retake its occupied territories. The attack on the depot in central Crimea sent huge plumes of black smoke skyward and came five days after Ukraine struck a key bridge that links Russia to the peninsula it illegally annexed in 2014 and after Moscow suspended a wartime deal that allowed Ukraine to safely export its grain through the Black Sea. Sergey Aksyonov, the Kremlin-appointed head of Crimea, said in a Telegram post that there were no immediate reports of casualties from the strike, but that authorities were evacuating civilians within a 3-mile radius of the blast site. The Ukrainian military took credit for the strike, saying it destroyed an oil depot and Russian military warehouses in Oktyabrske, in the Krasnohvardiiske region of Crimea, though without specifying which weapons it used. A Crimean news channel posted videos Saturday showing plumes of smoke billowing above rooftops and fields near Oktyabrske, a small settlement next to an oil depot and a small military airport, as loud explosions rumbled in the background. In one video, a man can be heard saying the smoke and blast noises seemed to be coming from the direction of the airport. The strike came during a week in which Ukraine attacked the Kerch Bridge and Russia, in what it described as "retribution" for the bridge attack, bombarded southern Ukrainian port cities, damaging critical infrastructure including grain and oil terminals. Ukraine also attacked the bridge in October, when a truck bomb blew up two of its sections, which took months to repair. Moscow decried that assault as an act of terrorism and retaliated by bombarding Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, targeting the country's power grid over the winter. The Kerch Bridge is a conspicuous symbol of Moscow's claims on Crimea and an essential land link to the peninsula. The $3.6 billion, nearly 12-mile span is the longest in Europe and is crucial for Russia's military operations in southern Ukraine. Speaking at the Aspen security forum via video link, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the bridge a legitimate target for Ukraine, noting Russia used it to ferry military supplies and it must be "neutralized." In a video address to the nation later Saturday, Zelenskyy said he had a phone call with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg to discuss "our steps to unblock and ensure the stable operation of the grain corridor" following Russia's withdrawal from the grain deal. Zelenskyy said they agreed to hold a meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council in the nearest days for consultations on the issue. "We can overcome the security crisis in the Black Sea," he said. Russian shelling killed at least two civilians and wounded four others on Saturday, Ukrainian officials reported. A 52-year-old woman died in Kupiansk, a town in the northeastern Kharkiv region, while another person was killed in a cross-border Russian attack on a village in the neighboring Sumy province. Earlier Saturday, Ukrainian officials reported that Russian attacks on 11 regions across the country on Friday and overnight killed at least eight civilians and wounded others. A DW cameraman was injured Saturday by shrapnel from Russian cluster munitions that also killed one Ukrainian soldier and wounded several others near Druzhkivka in the eastern Donetsk region, the German broadcaster said. Cluster munitions, which open in the air and release multiple small bomblets, are banned by more than 100 countries because of their threat to civilians, but they have been used extensively by both sides in the war. The Pentagon said the cluster munitions the U.S. recently gave to Ukraine will give Kyiv critically needed ammunition to help bolster its counteroffensive. The Russian Defense Ministry announced that a group of Russian journalists came under artillery fire in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. It said four correspondents for pro-Kremlin media were struck by cluster munitions and one of them, Rostislav Zhuravlev of the state RIA Novosti news agency, later died from his injuries. The Kremlin-installed head of the Russia-occupied parts of the Zaporizhzhia region, Yevhen Balitsky, claimed in a Telegram post that the journalists were traveling in a civilian vehicle that was hit by shelling. The claims couldn't be independently verified. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova denounced the attack on journalists as a "heinous crime" in which the U.S. and its allies were complicit. The Ukrainian air force on Saturday morning said that overnight, it had brought down 14 Russian drones, including five Iranian-made ones, over the country's southeast, where battles are raging. In a regular social media update, the air force said that all Iranian-made Shahed exploding drones launched by Russian troops during the night were brought down, pointing to Ukraine's increasing success rate in neutralizing them. Photos: Russia's war in Ukraine reaches the 500-day mark AUSTIN, Texas The Justice Department told Texas that a floating barrier of wrecking ball-sized buoys the state put on the Rio Grande violates federal law and raises humanitarian concerns for migrants crossing into the U.S. from Mexico. President Joe Biden's administration told Republican Gov. Greg Abbott that the barrier installed this month near the border town of Eagle Pass, Texas, was unlawful in a letter dated Thursday and obtained by The Associated Press. The floating barrier poses a risk to navigation, as well as public safety, in the Rio Grande River, and it presents humanitarian concerns, reads the letter, which also informs the state that the Justice Department intends to sue if the barriers are not removed. Abbott's office did not respond to a request for comment Friday, but on Twitter, the governor wrote that Texas was acting within its rights. Texas has the sovereign authority to defend our border, Abbott tweeted. The buoys are the latest escalation of Abbotts multibillion-dollar operation to secure the state's 1,200-mile border with Mexico. Other measures included razor-wire fencing and arresting migrants on trespassing charges. The mission known as Operation Lone Star came under new scrutiny after a trooper said migrants were denied water and orders were given to push asylum-seekers back into the Rio Grande. The Texas Department of Public Safety said this past week that the trooper's accounts, which were made in an email to a supervisor, are under internal investigation. The buoy barrier covers 1,000 feet of the middle of the Rio Grande, with anchors in the riverbed. Eagle Pass is part of a Border Patrol sector that has seen the second-highest number of migrant crossings this fiscal year with about 270,000 encounters though that is lower than it was at this time last year. The Biden administration said illegal border crossings declined significantly since new immigration rules took effect in May as pandemic-related asylum restrictions expired. Photos: Migrants rush across US border in final hours before pandemic rule expires PIPESTONE, Minn. Under the tall prairie grass outside this southwestern Minnesota town lies a precious seam of dark red pipestone that, for thousands of years, Native Americans have quarried and carved into pipes essential to prayer and communication with the Creator. Only a dozen Dakota carvers remain in the mainly agricultural area bordering South Dakota. While tensions flared periodically over how broadly to produce and share the rare artifacts, many Dakota today are focusing on how to pass on to future generations a difficult skillset linked to spiritual practice. "I'd be very happy to teach anyone and the Spirit will be with you if you're meant to do that," said Cindy Pederson, who started learning how to carve from her grandparents six decades ago. Enrolled in the Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota Nation, she holds carving demonstrations at Pipestone National Monument, a small park that encompasses the quarries. In the worldview of the Dakota peoples, sometimes referred to as Sioux, "the sacred is woven in" the land where the Creator placed them, said Iyekiyapiwin Darlene St. Clair, a professor at St. Cloud State University in central Minnesota. Some places have a special relevance because of events that occurred there, a sense of stronger spiritual power or their importance in origin stories, she added. These quarries of unique red pipestone check all three, starting with a history of enemy tribes laying down arms to allow for quarrying, with several stories warning that if fights broke out over the rare resource, it would make itself unavailable to all. Colorful prayer ties and flags hang from trees along the trails that lead around the pink and red rocks. "It was always a place to go pray," said Gabrielle Drapeau, a cultural resource specialist and park ranger at the monument. From her elders in the Yankton Sioux Tribe of South Dakota, Drapeau grew up hearing one of many origin stories for the pipestone: In time immemorial, a great flood killed most people in the area, their blood seeping into the stone and turning it red. The Creator came, pronounced it a place of peace and smoked a pipe, adding this is how people could reach him. "It's like a tangible representation of how we can connect with Creator," Drapeau said. "All people before you are represented in the stone itself. It's not just willy-nilly stone." Indigenous people widely use pipes for prayer and thanksgiving, as well as to mark ceremonies, gatherings and rites of passage such as vision quests. The pipe itself is thought to become sacred when the pipestone bowl and wooden stem are joined. The smoke, from tobacco or prairie plants, then carries the prayer from a person's heart to the Creator. Because of that crucial spiritual connection, only people enrolled in federally recognized tribes can obtain permits to quarry at the monument, some traveling from as far as Montana and Nebraska. Within tribes, there's disagreement over whether pipes should be sold, especially to non-Natives, and whether the pipestone should be used to make other art objects. After extensive consultations with tribal leaders, the park decided to no longer sell pipes at its visitor center. "Sacredness is going to be defined by you that's between you and the Creator," said Travis Erickson, a fourth-generation carver who's worked pipestone in the area for more than two decades and embraces a less restrictive view. "Everything on this Earth is spiritual." His first job in the quarries, at age 10, was to break and remove the layers of harder-than-steel quartzite covering the pipestone seam then about 6 feet down. It's now more than 18 feet into the quarry, so the process can take months. Only hand tools can be used, to avoid damaging the pipestone. Taken out in sheets only about a couple inches thick, it is then carved using flint and files. "The stone talks to me," said Erickson, who fashioned pipe bowls into different shapes, such as horses. "Most of those pipes showed what they wanted to be." Growing up in the 1960s, Erickson recalled making pipes as a family affair where the day often ended with a festive grilling. He taught his children, but laments that few younger people want to take up the arduous job. So does Pederson, some of whose younger family members have shown interest, including a granddaughter. They believe the tradition will continue as long as they can share it with Native youth at the monument. During a recent field trip, Pederson's brother, Mark Pederson, who also holds demonstrations at the visitor center, took several young visitors into the quarries and taught them how to swing sledgehammers and many asked to return, she said. Other park initiatives also are trying to foster awareness for Native youth. "I remind them they have every right to come here and pray," Drapeau said a crucial point since many Native spiritual practices were systematically repressed for decades past 1937, when the monument was created to preserve the quarries. Some areas of the park are open only for ceremonial use; the 75,000 yearly visitors are asked not to interfere with the quarriers. "The National Park Service is the newcomer here for 3,000 years, different tribal nations have come to quarry here and developed different protocols to protect the site," park superintendent Lauren Blacik said. States with the biggest Native American populations States with the biggest Native American populations #51. Vermont #50. District of Columbia #49. New Hampshire #48. West Virginia #47. Rhode Island #46. Delaware #45. Maine #44. Hawaii #43. Wyoming #42. Kentucky #41. Connecticut #40. Iowa #39. Mississippi #38. Massachusetts #37. Arkansas #36. Tennessee #35. Indiana #34. South Carolina #33. Ohio #32. Kansas #31. Missouri #30. Pennsylvania #29. Nebraska #28. Louisiana #27. Idaho #26. Alabama #25. Maryland #24. Utah #23. New Jersey #22. North Dakota #21. Virginia #20. Wisconsin #19. Nevada #18. Minnesota #17. Michigan #16. Georgia #15. Oregon #14. Colorado #13. Florida #12. Montana #11. South Dakota #10. Illinois #9. Alaska #8. Washington #7. North Carolina #6. New York #5. New Mexico #4. Texas #3. Arizona #2. Oklahoma #1. California Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 23) Before Filipinos get to listen to the presidents State of the Nation Address, all eyes will be on the red carpet first, where about 100 ensembles created by Filipino fashion designer Michael Leyva are sure to grab attention. For tomorrows event, I did about a hundred barongs and Filipinianas, Leyva told CNN Philippines Newsroom Weekend on Sunday. Leyva said he again created the outfits of Senator Nancy Binay, Representative Len Alonte, and Senator Koko Pimentel's wife, Kath Yu-Pimentel, among others, for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s second SONA at the Batasang Pambansa. Making a hundred different attires was no joke even for the world-renowned fashion designer. He said he needed to constantly tweak designs to ensure their uniqueness. Some were made of floral appliques, created with different kinds of silhouettes from locally sourced textiles and fabrics from different ethnic communities, from Abra to Aklan. Nag-mix ako para mas kakaiba yung dating, at the same time, beautiful pa din yung look, Leyva said. SONA as a fashion event While some criticize the annual event for diverting attention from the president's message by turning it into a fashion show, Leyva said it serves as a platform for the countrys culture. Aside from the message of the president, its a fashion event kasi kailangan maganda yung suot [the clothes must be beautiful] because it will represent their culture (and) the designers we have here in the country, he said. Leyva said he expects this years SONA fashion to be subtle yet a little more extravagant to reflect the designers excitement as the fashion industry recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. LINCOLN Some Nebraskans struggling to pay their rent may get a hand this fall, thanks to delayed federal pandemic aid and a change of policy in the Governors Office. This spring, Gov. Jim Pillen accepted $48.2 million of federal emergency rental assistance money that former Gov. Pete Ricketts refused to take. Now Shannon Harner, executive director of the Nebraska Investment Financing Authority, said the state housing agency is gearing up to start taking applications for aid by September. The money will be available to help renters in all but Douglas and Lancaster Counties, she said. Those counties, plus Omaha and Lincoln, got their share of aid directly from the federal government last year. People in Nebraskas 91 other counties had been left to go without the help, which represented the second round of emergency rental assistance offered to the state. Ricketts repeatedly refused to take the money, even vetoing a bill that would have required him to apply for it. He argued that the COVID-19 emergency was over and the states strong economy did not warrant accepting federal aid. It would be irresponsible of me as Governor to take federal dollars that we do not need, he said in an April 2022 letter to Deputy U.S. Treasury Secretary Adewale Adeyemo. Ricketts similarly turned down emergency food assistance and ended expanded unemployment benefits, both available through federal pandemic relief programs. He argued that the aid would discourage people from working and make them too reliant on government. Pillen has taken a different stance, arguing that the state should make use of federal dollars to help lift up the working poor. Fundamentally Im a believer that if there are federal funds that are available with limited strings attached, thats a responsibility as your governor to get more than our fair share of that, he said last week, during his monthly radio show. Pillen added that he thought the rental funds were a great investment for our state. He emphasized that the money should go to help people who are working and be provided as a hand up, not a handout. His administration applied for what remained of the federal rental assistance funds on May 9. The state got the money 10 days later. Nebraska was originally allocated $120 million in the second round of rental assistance. But the federal government reallocated 60% of the money when the state did not apply by the March 31, 2022, deadline. First priority to get the reallocated funds went to other agencies in the state, namely Omaha and Lincoln and their counties. State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha, who introduced a bill this year that would have required Pillen to apply for the federal rental assistance, said he was happy that the governor decided to take the money. While he regretted that the state did not apply for the money sooner, Cavanaugh said the funds will be important for the counties that are home to the states midsize cities, such as Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista and Gretna in Sarpy County, and Grand Island in Hall County. The more we can help people stay in their houses, the better, he said. Harner said the plan is to use up to 15% of the money for services that promote housing stability, such as counseling, mediation, eviction diversion and prevention and specialized services for people with disabilities or who are older. The rest will be available to pay past-due rent, utilities, current and future rent, plus moving costs for renters whose income falls below 80% of the median income for their county. Once the majority of funds have been distributed, she said, some money may be used to support affordable housing. Top priority for the rental aid will go to households headed by seniors or people with disabilities and to domestic violence survivors. Other priority groups include households with at least one member working 30 hours a week and households with minor children. People will be limited to 18 months of assistance, counting both first- and second-round aid. NIFA did not handle the first-round aid. Harner said the agency plans to run the new program similar to the process it used to distribute federal homeowners assistance money earlier. More information will be provided when the application process gets closer to launch. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of July 2023 It has become my annual routine to report on my annual Black Votes Matter (BVM) Face to Face with Black History Tour. As you may know, the BVM Tour was created to provide a mechanism to educate high school youth on the accurate Black history, including the cause, effect and impact of the civil rights movement. The tour is conducted annually in late June and we recently completed our sixth year. I rate this years tour as our best ever. We had a wonderful group of fully engaged high school students, an extraordinarily wonderful mix of race, ethnicity, backgrounds and talents that ignited the learning for all participants. Finally, this year we allocated a small number of seats to paying adults. Please note, the high school children attend the tour at no cost. We depend on donations to fund the trip each year. Adults are charged a reasonable fee to cover their costs for transportation, lodging, meals, and venue fees. This year, the tours focal point was the historic significance of Black economic excellence and struggles. We visited, for the first time, the very complex and horrible story of the 1921 massacre in Tulsa, Oklahomas Black Wall Street. We visited the home of Alabamas first Black millionaire, A. G. Gaston, who owned and operated funeral homes, motels, insurance companies and more and was a key financier to the civil rights movement. We also visited Atlantas historic Black business corridors, with all their glory and struggles, as well as the citys new Black economic boom and a self-described new Black Wall Street. The takeaways were the similarities that could be found in all three areas, where Black prosperity was met by envy, racism, destruction, and in Tulsas case, a massacre. A special note about Tulsa. When airplanes dropped firebombs onto the wealthy Greenwood District, a Black business district in Tulsa, every structure was destroyed. But survivors of the firebombings huddled in a small basement room at the Vernon A.M.E. Church. Some 300-plus people were huddled in a room that could barely hold half of them. Outside, fires created so much heat that the churchs structural poles became so hot they could not be touched. At the church, which was rebuilt, and most of us on our tour symbolically touched the pole to honor the victims. As we learn the litany of destroyed Black economics across our nation, we must understand that our own North Omaha went through the same cycle. We had celebrated very successful commerce on our key corridor at 24th and Lake Streets, before the area suffered destruction, albeit because our residents reacted to the unceremonious murder of 14-year-old Vivian Strong by a policeman in 1969. But our story in North Omaha should focus on the lack of any major investment, or commitment to investment for 50-plus years. Now, Omaha sits on the edge of our economic recovery, with the potential of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal money as the catalyst. Will the money be spent wisely? Will it be be another lost opportunity for North Omaha? Will it be a few inside deals with the bulk going to a few in our community who already have resources? We should demand recovery, not rewards. In the Greenwood area in Tulsa, that district suffered for years from false commitments and promises, years of stalling and studies and calls for development. Tulsa, too, sits on the edge of recovery, with no assurance that it will be done correctly either. In Memphis, we were joined by Justin Pearson, one of the two Black state Senators expelled and then restored to the Tennessee State Senate. The senator spoke and answered questions from the students. who were overjoyed to meet and take pictures with him. This years trip educated, captivated, and activated both the youth and adults in attendance. The 40 high school attendees are transformed to appreciate their history, and will translate their experiences into further education, voting, leadership, and volunteerism. If we make them welcome, they will stay in Nebraska and prosper. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of July 2023 The Nebraska State Education Association, the state teachers union, is misleading Nebraskans while gathering signatures to repeal a new law giving parents the right to choose the best education setting for their child. The teachers union claim that the Opportunity Scholarships Act will take money away from Nebraskas K-12 public schools is simply not true, yet it is their leading argument for repeal of the law. The facts tell a much different story. Gov. Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Legislature increased funding for K-12 public schools by hundreds of millions of dollars this past legislative session and set aside $1 billion dollars to establish the Education Future Fund from which dollars will be directed to education priorities. An additional $250 million will be transferred annually to the fund to pay for the states increased commitment to public school funding. One of the newly funded education priorities addresses what had become a glaring disparity in state funding distributed among Nebraskas school districts. For several years most districts, including many rural districts as well as Omaha Westside, have received little to no funding from the states school equalization formula. Gov. Pillen recognized the lack of fairness for those school districts, students and local property taxpayers and secured a monumental change in education funding resulting in no less than $1,500 per student being directed to every public school. (School districts receive as much as $10,500 per student in the case of option enrollment students or more than $6,000 per student in state funding for highly equalized school districts.) In addition, using dollars from the new Education Future Fund, the state will reimburse school districts for 80% of their special education costs, which doubles the states share of those costs. This is on top of the states existing annual commitment to funding K-12 public education, which totaled more than $1.5 billion in state general fund tax dollars in fiscal year 2021-2022. The Legislature also addressed the need to recruit and retain teachers by creating and funding a new state grant program. Teachers will now receive a grant of $2,500 after completing each of their second, fourth and sixth years of teaching for a total of $7,500. But thats still not all. Any teacher who returns to school to earn a certificate with dual credit, special education, or STEM critical teacher shortage areas in Nebraska will receive a $5,000 grant. These two grant programs are in addition to a student loan forgiveness program passed in 2022 by the Legislature providing up to $25,000 per new teacher. In addition to these historic increases in state funding for public schools and dollars directed specifically to teachers, this year the Legislature also passed billions of dollars in income and property tax relief. Included in the tax relief packages were two tax credits specifically addressing the needs of Nebraska parents. One tax credit helps parents with children ages six and under pay for childcare,and the other is the Opportunity Scholarships Act that supports the parents of school age children. Both of these programs are initially capped at $25 million, but will grow if needed. Of all the new tax relief measures and education funding programs, the teachers unions are only working to repeal the Opportunity Scholarships tax credit with their petition effort. They refuse to accept that all parents should have a right to choose the education that best meets their childs needs regardless of their income. With more than $1 million already invested in their repeal petition effort, most of which is from the national teachers union, they are determined to keep students in schools that arent the best fit for their success. The teachers union is misleading Nebraskans about state funding for public schools while working to steal opportunity and hope from parents and students with their attempt to repeal the Opportunity Scholarships Act. The new law will give families of students from middle and lower-income families, students who have been bullied, those with exceptional needs, in foster care, from military families and students denied option enrollment in a public school the ability to receive a scholarship to attend the school of their choice. Nebraskans should reject the petition campaign being waged by the teachers union. Decline to sign their petition and keep kids first. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of July 2023 My wife Anita and I recently went to the College World Series, yet another amazing thing about our new home of Omaha. Clear skies, a packed stadium, and a great game between Louisiana State University and the University of Tennessee. As wonderful as that night was, it left me unsettled, because what I learned between innings drove home that Nebraska is in danger of losing many of our most valuable players on the field: our early childhood teachers. Somewhere around the third or fourth inning, we struck up a conversation with our seatmates. We learned we had a lot in common. Next to me was an early childhood teacher who runs a child care business in her Grand Island home. Im the new executive director of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska. Our mission is to make quality child care and early learning available to all families and children. We need early childhood teachers like her to succeed. So does everyone else in Nebraska. This teacher cares for 10 children between the ages of six weeks and four years. Shes been doing this as a home-based early childhood educator for many years. Like most of her colleagues, she has a long waiting list for her child care program. She loves the work she does and couldnt stop beaming with pride as she told me about her families. Her impact goes beyond her families. The young children in her care are the children of public school teachers. Seven teachers couldnt teach without her. She is the teacher who makes seven other teachers possible. Like every other child care provider in Nebraska, she is an integral part of the workforce that enables all other workforces. Nebraska doesnt work without her, and other early childhood teachers like her. So, how is she doing? Despite being completely full, her business is a money loser. Parents cant afford to pay more, despite the high demand for her services. Although she is an experienced and skilled educator who delivers great value to her community, she doesnt receive the same public support as the seven public school teachers she supports. Unlike K-12 educators, Nebraska doesnt support early childhood teachers for the public good they provide. Instead, she and her spouse subsidize Nebraska out of their own pockets. First, she is under-compensated and under-appreciated for her training and work in caring for young children and making sure theyre prepared for school and life. Second, the income from her husbands job offsets her centers losses. Thank goodness for people like them. But their situation isnt right, nor fair. Loving your job doesnt mean you shouldnt get paid what you are worth. We cant continue to expect early educators to work for poverty wages, as most do. The average salary for an in-home early childhood professional is $18,706. The majority have no benefits. We also cannot hope that every early childhood teacher has a partner who can at least partially subsidize their essential, but unrewarded, work. But thats what were doing. As a result, early childhood teachers are leaving the profession and Nebraska has a child care crisis thats creating an economic one. A recent survey by Nebraska Extension and We Care for Kids shows that 74% of Nebraska voters believe the lack of quality, affordable child care is a serious problem. Nearly a third of parents of children under five said they left the workforce because they couldnt find affordable child care. Majorities report missing work due to lack of child care, and 32% say they either have or know someone who has refused a job opportunity because it would increase child care expenses. All this while Nebraska employers struggle to fill jobs, unnecessarily putting our economy on hold. Fortunately, Nebraskans see the problem and the solution. Eighty-four percent of those surveyed say that low wages for early childhood teachers are a serious problem. The same number of people say the lack of child care is a problem that will not solve itself, and want Nebraskans to come together and invest in solutions. Now is the time to act. We have a child care crisis thats creating a crisis for Nebraskas economy, businesses, and families. Folks, were in the ninth inning, down a run, but not yet out. Our path to a win is to keep our best players on the field. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of July 2023 Jerusalem (CNN) Thousands of marchers arrived in Jerusalem Saturday, the culmination of a five-day walk from Tel Aviv to protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus plans to weaken the powers of Israels courts. The demonstrators arrived the day before Israeli lawmakers begin debating what could become the first element of the plan to be voted into law. Organizers estimated there could be as many as 30,000 people on the march, while CNN journalists said the number appeared to be closer to 5,000. The arrival of the march comes as the Knesset, Israels parliament, prepares to begin on a bill that would strip the Supreme Court of the power to declare government decisions unreasonable, removing one of the few checks on the government in a country that has no written Constitution. Netanyahu is pressing on with his plans after pausing them earlier this year in the face of widespread protests and international pressure. The reasonableness bill is one part of the package and requires two more Knesset votes to become law. It could pass as early as Monday. Other proposals include giving the government a greater say in appointing judges. Netanyahu and his allies call the measures reforms and say they are required to rebalance powers between the courts, lawmakers and the government. Opponents of the plan call it a coup say it threatens to turn Israel into a dictatorship by removing the most significant check on government actions. There are suggestions that Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, a member of Netanyahus Likud party, is trying to delay the vote after more than 1,000 Air Force reserve officers threatened to stop volunteering if the bill passed. Such a move could impact Israeli military capabilities amid a surge in Israeli-Palestinian violence and with the country regularly bombing Iranian-linked targets in Syria. The reservists signed an open letter warning against the changes. Legislation that allows the government to act in an extremely unreasonable manner will harm the security of the State of Israel, will cause a loss of trust, is a violation of my consent to continue risking my life - and will lead with deep sorrow and no choice but to suspend my volunteering of service in the reserves, the letter said. Amid Israeli media reports that Gallant was pushing for a delay, his office released a brief statement Friday night saying the defense minister is working in every way to bring about a broad consensus, prevent damage to Israels security and keep the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] out of the political controversy. Netanyahu announced earlier in the year that he was firing Gallant for calling for a delay to the overhaul, but the dismissal was quietly shelved and never took effect. In addition to the march to Jerusalem, anti-overhaul demonstrations are scheduled to take place Saturday night around the country for the 29th week in a row. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Israelis rally ahead of critical vote to weaken power of courts" (CNN) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will undergo a procedure early Sunday morning so he can be fitted with a pacemaker, a surgery scheduled just before the Knesset is set to vote on a controversial judicial reform bill, according to a statement from his office. The procedure is scheduled to happen at Tel Hashomer Hospital, says the statement. The prime minister will be sedated during the surgery. During the procedure, the Minister of Justice and Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin will take his place, the statement added. Netanyahu, 73, earlier announced on Twitter he would be fitted with the device, which sends electrical pulses to the heart. I want to update you on whats going to happen, Netanyahu said in the video. Last week they gave me a monitoring device. The device beeped and said I need a pacemaker, and I need to do that already tonight. I feel great, but I listen to my doctors, he added. The doctors tell me that I will be free tomorrow afternoon already, said the prime minister. I will be discharged from the hospital ready to arrive at the Knesset for the vote. The Knesset is scheduled to begin voting on a bill that would strip the Supreme Court of the power to declare government decisions unreasonable, removing one of the few checks on the government in a country that has no written Constitution. The controversial judicial overhaul plan has drawn thousands-wide protests in Israel over the past few weeks. Last Saturday, Netanyahu was hospitalized overnight for what his office said was dehydration amid a heat wave in the country. Doctors said the prime minister was fitted with a heart monitor during his stay. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Israels Benjamin Netanyahu to be fitted with a pacemaker" Press Release July 22, 2023 Tolentino: Burundi case a precedent on ICC's non-jurisdiction over PH MANILA - Senator Francis 'TOL' N. Tolentino insisted that the previous ruling of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the case of Burundi should serve as a precedent over the international tribunal's supposed non-jurisdiction in the Philippines. In an interview with CNN Philippines, Tolentino said the ruling on the case filed by ICC prosecutors against Burundi in 2017 "was very explicit that the state has a duty to cooperate on cases which were commenced prior to the date when the withdrawal became effective." Tolentino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights explained that the ICC's ruling with regards to Burundi, which was also cited in the dissenting opinion by Presiding Judge Marc Perrin de Brichambaut of France and Judge Gocha Lordkipanidze of Georgia, stated that although the withdrawal does not affect any cooperation, any prosecution or investigation should commence prior to the date of the effectivity of the withdrawal. Under the Burundi case, the withdrawal became effective only on October 27, 2018, a year after the said country withdrew from ICC. In the case of the Philippines, Tolentino noted that the ICC investigation started only in 2021--two years after the Philippine government officially pulled out from the international tribunal in March 2019, thus, the case should no longer have any effect as far as the Burundi case is concerned. "In our case, applying again the Burundi ruling since we withdrew 2018, effectively after 2019, the ICC no longer has jurisdiction," said Tolentino. "So, lampas na talaga, we're no longer a member of the Rome Statute and even the article 127 of the Statute would be interpreted in that manner," he added. Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra on Thursday announced that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. already agreed to fully disengage from the ICC amid the international tribunal's Appeals Chamber's decision to continue with its probe over the anti-drug war campaign of the previous administration under former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. According to Tolentino, President Marcos' latest pronouncement is the proper thing to do since ICC no longer has jurisdiction over the Philippines following its withdrawal from the international tribunal. "Dahil hindi nga po natin kinikilala yung jurisdiction ng ICC so hindi po dapat talaga humarap doon kahit um-advance po ito, huwag naman mangyari, itong investigation na gustong gawin ng prosecution, makarating sa pre-trial chamber," the senator said. Each week, Flying Horse features dozens of Central Illinois childrens thoughts and drawings on various topics. This week: Things that fly Airplane: An airplane flies. I have been on an airplane. Did you know that? I went on an airplane to see my uncles house. I felt excited, happy and kind of scared. Samuel Bowling Grade 2, Bent Drones: Bugs can fly, bees can fly, and you know what else can fly? Drones! Drones are machines that can fly and they are controlled by a remote that humans can use. Drones can come in all sorts of colors. Drones have become very popular. Luciana Quiros Rojas Grade 3, Bent Flying is cool: Flying things are really cool. Owls can fly. Airplanes can fly. Birds can fly and jets can fly. Birds are flying animals. They make nests. It would be cool if I could fly. Some birds can go upside down. Emma Willett Grade 1, Epiphany Plane: An airplane flies; a bird flies high in the sky. A lot of things fly in the sky. People can also fly in the sky on a plane. Other people go to space in a rocket. Trinity Bussan Grade 4, Epiphany Bees: Bees can fly. Bees can fly very fast. They go to get flowers. Bees get pollen from flowers to make honey. Mason Greening Grade 2, Jefferson Park High in the sky: Airplanes fly high in the sky. I have gone to Houston, Texas, on an airplane before. I had a good time. Da'Myala Dotson Grade 5, Northpoint Insects: Birds and some insects can fly. I like eagles. They are cool, especially with sunglasses on. Bennett Brucker Grade 5, St. Mary's Birds: I see birds flying in the daytime. I choose birds because I see so many different birds. They fly high in the sky. Theyre like tiny airplanes. Amanda Pierce Grade 3, Sheridan UFOs: A UFO is an unidentified flying object. I think UFOs are aliens. The U.S. Air Force has investigated thousands of UFO sightings. Zion Jones Grade 4, Sheridan Dragonflies: Dragonflies can fly but butterflies can too. My favorite thing that can fly is a butterfly. I love the monarch one. Bella Diamond Kinkela Grade 2, Stevenson Some things that fly: A fly, a bird, an eagle, airplanes, jets, mosquitos, butterflies and bees. Dakota Hoskin Grade 3, Stevenson Many things fly: A kite can fly if theres any air. Balloons can fly with air. Airplanes, birds, hot-air balloons, butterflies, flying squirrels and helicopters can fly. Ariana Williams Grade 2, Sugar Creek Dragon: I chose a dragon because I think they are really cool. Bella Miranda Grade 3, Sugar Creek Jets: I like jets because they go fast just like me and they protect the world and they are so fast. They can almost go to the moon. Ethan Seckler Grade 1, Washington Dragonfly: A dragonfly can fly. I think I saw a dragonfly one day but I could not tell if it was a dragonfly. Riley Smith Grade 2, Bent Flying squirrels: I love flying squirrels. They are so cool. I like robins. Eagles are so cool. Helicopters are so awesome. Theo Metz Grade 1, Epiphany Kites: Kites can fly in the sky. When I was 3 I flew a kite. My kite was pink. I was at the purple park. Phoenyx Mendoza Grade 2, Jefferson Park Bats: A flying bat is a majestic and graceful creature. There are very many different kinds of bats fruit and regular. They have very many powers. Palmer Graven Grade 5, St. Mary's Wings: Bugs, birds, dragonflies, and butterflies all have wings to fly. Caprice McKinney Grade 3, Sheridan Fly in the sky: When I look in the sky I see things that fly. Birds fly, planes fly, geese too. When I look up I see geese fly and touch the sky. When I play I wish to go up, up in the sky and have so much fun and come back down so happy. Alexandria Peterson Grade 4, Sheridan Hot-air balloons: Hot-air balloons are big balloons and are little box-like things that have a handle that goes up and down. That is what holds what the hot-air balloon runs on. A hot-air balloon runs on fire and that is why they call it a hot-air balloon. Dalton Slade Grade 2, Stevenson Things that fly: Birds, planes, jets, all of those are all things that fly. But did you know they are more things that fly? Max Guzman Grade 3, Stevenson Ravens: Things that fly are raven birds. There are flying squirrels and butterflies. There are kites and insects, airplanes and helicopters, birds and dragonflies. There are so much more things that can fly. Raven Cassell Grade 2, Sugar Creek Flying horse: One thing is a bird another is a plane. But Im going to say a flying horse! Brynn Kuhlman Grade 3, Sugar Creek Bald eagle: My favorite thing that flies is the bald eagle. I like the bald eagle because it is the national bird of our country. Philippa Ward Grade 1, Washington Birds on water: I saw a lot of birds flying on the water. Treasures Young Grade 2, Bent Ducks, geese, swans: Things that fly are ducks, geese, and swans. They also move to a warmer place when its cold. Wyatt Kaisner Grade 1, Epiphany Helicopters: I think helicopters are amazing. Helicopters help injured people. There are a lot of colorful helicopters. I think helicopters are useful. Anderson Wyss Grade 2, Jefferson Park Flying dish: A flying fish can glide. They can glide up to 650 feet. Lucas Prochnow Grade 5, St. Mary's A plane: One thing that flies is a plane. Theresia Kasongo Grade 3, Sheridan My favorite animal flies: My favorite thing that flies is a bald eagle. It is my favorite animal too. They have very good eyesight. They are very fast moving when trying to catch their prey. They also have very sharp claws. Jordyn Young Grade 4, Sheridan Santa's sleigh: It is in the air. It is Santas sleigh, and reindeer will help me push the sleigh so we will be in the air flying to see if kids are bad or not. If they are good they will get candy. Naomi Lane Grade 2, Stevenson Butterfly: A thing that can fly is a butterfly. The butterfly is blue. It is a girl. It will be outside. Rylee Arreola Grade 3, Stevenson Flying things: Airplanes, flies, birds, butterflies and insects, flying squirrels, helicopters and dragonflies, kites, hot-air balloons and bees. Salayah Denton Grade 2, Sugar Creek Pilots fly: I love Bessie Coleman. She is the best pilot I have ever seen on earth. Waylon Conlin Grade 1, Washington My chicken: My chicken can fly. It can fly over my fence. I had to go over my fence to get my chicken back. Lillie Carlson Grade 2, Bent Flying things are cool: Things that fly are very cool. I love things that fly very much. Imagine all of the animals. Josie Hughs Grade 1, Epiphany Jet plane: My name is Jett. I like the airplane jet because my name is Jett. My friends ask me if I can fly. I cannot fly. Jets go faster than me. I love birds. I think birds are interesting. Jett Burns Grade 2, Jefferson Park Pteromyini: One thing that can fly is a flying squirrel. Their scientific name is pteromyini. They consume 10-30 grams daily. Their altitude is 100-150. Ethan Zamora-Lopez Grade 5, St. Mary's Chinese lanterns: Things that fly are birds and bats, Chinese lanterns, parrots, fairies and bees. Samuella Wilu Grade 3, Sheridan An airplane: An airplane can fly when it is in the air. It is so cool when it takes off. Shawn Franklin Grade 4, Sheridan Unicorns: Unicorns can fly. Unicorns cant swim. Unicorns are very beautiful. Unicorns can make a rainbow. Francezz Marine Grade 2, Stevenson Something that can't fly: The biggest bird is an ostrich, but they cannot fly. Jeremiah Casas Grade 3, Stevenson Lots of things fly: Airplanes and squirrels, helicopters and butterflies, birds and balloons, and kites and insects can fly. Calvin Cook Grade 2, Sugar Creek The flying dragon: She is fantastic. She does loop-de-loops. She is wonderful. Her mission is to fly. Aria Gabbrants On Friday, March 3, 1979, The Pantagraph ran a 150-word article on Page A3 announcing the opening of Bloomington's first gay discotheque. It reported William Peden, a hairstylist from Paxton, Illinois, who spent time in the Florida disco scene, purchased My Place, a country music bar at 426 N. Main St. (Wilson Cycle Sales & Service today). He spent around $130,000 to transform the space into a proper disco with enough seating for 300 people. On April 1, 1979, two weeks after opening, Peden found his car vandalized and the door to the bar shattered by a hammer. A few days later, vandals ripped off a support beam of the overhang at the back of the building which would have collapsed had it not been for a few utility wires that managed to hold it in place. Two weeks later, another two windows and a lock were damaged. Unfortunately, these weren't isolated incidents, nor were they merely a cold welcome to the community that faded with time. My Place continued to be the target of desecrators throughout its four-year tenure downtown. However, thrown eggs were the least of the bar's worries. Frequent fines from the city and liquor license suspensions proved more of a deterrent, and the bar closed in 1982. The building was sold at auction in 1983 to Earline Smith, who intended to operate a "low-key bar with a respectable clientele" called Different Faces in the space. Smith, too, ran into bureaucratic red tape and was denied a liquor license because a church moved to within 100 feet of the building, and state law prohibits taverns from operating within that proximity to churches. After an arduous back and forth with the city over several months, Smith sued in U.S. District Court, alleging the license denial was due to her skin color. That story could be an entire article of its own. Meanwhile, Peden drafted plans for another gay bar and pursued other business ventures. He applied twice more for liquor licenses but was denied both times, after which he packed up and left town in 1986. After My Place closed, another gay bar took its place: Twylla's Place. Partners in business and life, Dan Cochran and Mark Mears (no relation to one of the authors of this article), initially tried to open Tywlla's at 722 W. Chestnut St., but the liquor commission blocked those plans, and the pair pivoted. In November 1983, they got approval from the commission to open a smorgasbord-style restaurant at 523 N. Main St. (Killarney's Irish Pub today). Cochran reportedly spent $70,000 to remodel the building and restore the vinyl bar to its original shade of pink. There is little record or review of the food at Twylla's, but on Valentine's Day 1984, an ad ran in The Pantagraph stating it was "the only gay bar in town." In the days following, seven charges were brought alleging Cochran violated city liquor ordinances. Allegations raised by a former bartender related to a New Year's Eve party at the bar before Tywlla's liquor license went into effect resulted in charges against Cochran, including selling liquor he bought at a retail store, selling to minors, selling after closing hours, selling without a state license, selling with an invalid city license and recording liquor sales as food sales. The Pantagraph reported extensively on the trial that ensued. It took over 10 nonconsecutive hours, three meetings, and 10 witnesses testifying to complete. The Bloomington Liquor Commission imposed a nine-day closure of the bar, set to start on April 5, 1984, and subjected Cochran to a 90-day audit of the business. The Pantagraph reported the conditional audit was imposed on Twylla's "by city councilmen out of concern that he was only interested in running a bar." On April 10, 1984, the Pantagraph ran a headline on Page A3: "Gay bar owner closes business, leaves town." The article reported Cochran had officially lost his liquor license just one day after the city was due to begin the audit of his financial records. Cochran and Mears left town with no forwarding address, and phones at the bar and their home were disconnected. A decade would pass before Bloomington saw another queer space open downtown. Cochran and Mears quietly returned to the area in the late 1980s and began purchasing, renovating, and selling several buildings in Bloomington. Their real estate repertoire included but was not limited to the Burr House Bed and Breakfast at 210 E. Chestnut St.; a four-story building across Washington Street from the McLean County Museum of History that houses Windy City Wieners and Poblano Burritos today; and 113-115 N. Center St., where they envisioned opening a silk flower shop and tanning salon. The pair also discussed buying the Livingston building, also on Washington Street, but the sale fell through. In 1995, Cochran and Mears bought and opened their third and final gay bar in Bloomington, Bourbon Street, at 612 N. Main St. (Euphoria today). Bourbon Street was to be a "classy, well-decorated, mature dance club," complete with a neon lavender sign hung from the building's facade. The two put ample sweat equity into the bar, restoring the original maple floors, adding new carpet and wallpaper and replacing the windows. After opening in July 1995, the bar hosted drag shows and live music. Unfortunately, like Twylla's Place and a few of the duo's other ventures, the business closed its doors after only a few months, in March 1996. Local drag queen Lauren Alexander worked at Bourbon Street as a bartender and performed there on the weekends. This is also where she met her drag daughter, Sharon ShareAlike. Sharon is now one of the most widely recognizable Central Illinois drag queens, holding numerous pageant titles, including Illinois Entertainer of the Year and Miss Gay Illinois US of A. Sharon performs every weekend, often three nights a week, all over the state, but is most at home at The Bistro. The Bistro was Cochran and Mears' second business venture into gay nightlife and is still at 316 N. Main St. After just three months, they sold the building and the business to Jan Lancaster. Lancaster, affectionately known as Momma, has owned and operated the self-proclaimed "alternative bar" ever since. Momma has transformed The Bistro to create and foster a safe environment to serve and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community over the years. It hasn't always been sunshine and rainbows, though. Like the early vandalism seen at My Place, The Bistro has also received hate over the years. The bar has been picketed and received death threats, but Momma and the loyal clientele know The Bistro is more than just a bar; it is a safe, affirming, and joyful place for the queer community of Bloomington-Normal. In the early days, The Bistro served meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas for those estranged from their families. The bar hosted AIDS fundraisers in the 1990s and served as the hub for organizing to adopt the municipal human rights ordinances that would protect LGBTQ+ folks in both Bloomington and Normal. Many AIDS fundraisers in the 1990s featured drag, one of the most impactful expressions of queer joy. Lauren Alexander performed at many of them alongside Jackie Bennett as an iconic comedy duo, The Glamour Dolls. Their campy routines were always perfectly timed on a single cassette tape, complete with their McGuire Sisters performance tracks and just enough filler music to tide the audience over during their quick changes. The crowds went wild for the Glamour Dolls, and during the AIDS crisis, the dolls stepped up to host benefit shows for the McLean County AIDS Task Force. The Task Force was a grassroots group organized to educate the public on HIV/AIDS, provide emotional support and financial assistance to those who tested positive and serve as a resource to the community. At the height of the crisis in the 1990s, the AIDS Task Force had a brick-and-mortar location across the street from The Bistro at 313 N. Main St., which they rented from local artists Harold Boyd and Rhea Edge. In the 1990s, Main Street in downtown Bloomington also was home to Once Upon a Time Alternative Books & Gifts and the Connections Community Center. Store owners Tana and Ruth banded with Jan to rent out the storefront adjacent to the Task Force (JoAnn Goetzinger's Studio and Gallery now) for the Community Center. That money came from their own pockets. The proceeds from the benefit shows were directly donated to the McLean County AIDS Task Force clients. Alexander remembers that during this difficult time for many, "the shows at The Bistro provided an escape to distract people from real life. This was our opportunity to make someone laugh a bit. "Remembering the smiling faces in the audience was justification that we were doing a good thing. As the late Joan Rivers once said, 'If I can make a shut-in sit up, it was all worth it.' This is exactly how I see drag, and I have enjoyed doing it over the years." ShareAlike says Alexander took her under her wing, teaching her to command a stage and an audience. She's passed this knowledge and wisdom down to countless queens and has 10 ShareAlike offspring performing alongside her locally and in cities across the country. DME Drag Shows and Bookings now formally represent Sharon and the ShareAlikes. For more information, please visit sharonsharealike.com. Sharon will be hosting this year's Pride Fest on Saturday, July 29, 2023, alongside her legendary children and the Glamour Dolls performing together again for the first time in over 20 years. Pride Fest is a free, family-friendly event organized by The Bistro, celebrating love and community with food, music, performances and various vendors. Less than 50 years ago, vandalism, homophobia, and bureaucratic maneuvers made it nearly impossible to operate safe LGBTQ+ spaces. Today, the city isn't shutting down gay businesses but shutting down the streets for a day to celebrate the vibrancy of the local queer community. The museum staff will have a booth on Jefferson Street to do community collecting for its LGBTQ+ collection and have activities for all ages to express their pride. To learn more, visit mchistory.org. Photos: Check out all the fun from the Bistros Pride Fest 2022 Sharon ShareAlike Ken Bays, Jan Lancaster, Bloomington Police Chief Jamal Simington Garrett VanDerHeide, Brandon Shaffer Former Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner, Celeste Randolph, Kris Williams holding Abby, Vicki Hightower Julie and Steve Kubsch with Theo and Oliver Bethany, Sylvie, Lennox and Katie Martin Aianna Zachary, Santino Lamancusa Laura and Michael OConnor, Beth Fritz Christina Rogers, Jen Hooker Madeline Smith, Thom Rakestraw, Tom Smith Geri Bastian, Renee Rongey, Vicki Tilton David Braun, General Manager of Connect Transit manning their Pride booth Sharon ShareAlike Enjoying the day Tom Smith, DJ Rakestraw, DJ Squeesa Sharon ShareAlike Sharon ShareAlike getting a tip from a young fan Sharon ShareAlike with a young fan The one and only Sharon ShareAlike Jan Lancaster, Pride organizer, enjoys the show Crowds cheer on the drag queens Miss Flo NoMo' Miss Flo NoMo' A young fan giving Miss Flo NoMo' a high five Sharon ShareAlike, Miss Flo NoMo' Miss Venice Miss Venice Obsydia Obsydia Obsydia Miss Flo NoMo Miss Flo becomes part of the audience Bianca Fox Bianca Fox Sapphire Monsoon Miss Venice Obsydia Miss Bianca Fox Sapphire Monsoon The Bistro Peter Thaddeus Dawn Peters, Mike Mash, Wayne Thomas Jerica Etheridge The Hangar Art Co. interactive art piece Drag performance Frankie Monroe ShareAlike Sharon ShareAlike Sharon and the ShareAlikes DeCevia Mann Karla Bailey Smith, DeCeiva Mann Auntie Heroin Auntie Heroin Auntie Heroin Auntie Heroin Ceduxion Carrington Freddie Fahrenheit Frankie Monroe ShareAlike : Frankie Monroe ShareAlike Ava J. ShareAlike Sharon ShareAlike Sharon ShareAlike Remi TeVoert Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe Shuga Beatz Shayna Watchinski Shuga Beatz Lawrence Lair, Carmine Beecroft Jesse Slater, Alexis Gillogly Street of hearts Madeline and Tom Smith David Koehler, Tari Renner Marcus Scott, Roxy R. Kimi and Ty Schroeder Chris Henry, Jeff Parker Todd and Denise Wyetlispach Emily Bestow, RJ McCracken with Sophie Chef Allen Chambers, Letoyia Miller Jonathan Fry and Natasha Caudle with the Hangar Art. Co. interactive art piece Ty Schroeder with the Hangar Art. Co. interactive art piece Anna Marie Aianna Zachary Amy Kuritz, Adrian Lane, David Boomgarden Rivian vehicle on display Emily Weber holding Olive Sharon ShareAlike Sharon ShareAlike getting a hug from Brandon Shaffer Susie Casey, Chet Boyle Brad and Ronda Glenn, Terri Lewis The streets of Downtown were packed Tim Downey, Ken Butler, John Tollensdorf, Raul Almanza Elizabeth Johnston, Madonna Courtrright Dakoda Neal, Nicole Adamson Noel Neal Elicia Adam, Emry Neal Nick Fitch, Mary Ochs, Kristen Lorsbuch Lawrence Lair taking a photo of Anita Dockery and Angelica Gonzalez Jeanna Rodda, Dayna Schickedanz Emily Raschke, Blair Broughton Bistro owner/Pride organizer Jan Lancaster David Bentlin Ben, Meighan, Will and Maddy Hopper McLean County Museum of History celebrating Pride The recent column on affirmative action by the President of Illinois Wesleyan University unfortunately demonstrates a common misunderstanding of the proper role of the U.S. Supreme Court. The judiciary is not empowered to make policy decisions. Under our system of government policies are to be determined by the legislative and executive branches who pass and implement statutes and regulations. Judges are to determine whether they are being properly applied and in compliance with the U.S. Constitution. Contrary to what Dr. Nugent stated, the decision in the SFFA case did not "find it illegal to offer the opportunity for higher education to a student body more diverse than was historically the case." Rather it recognized the simple truth that discrimination based on race is explicitly prohibited by the plain language of the Civil Rights Act of 1965 and the 14th amendment to the federal constitution. Colleges are still permitted to consider an applicant's actual individual experiences with overcoming racial discrimination and economic hardship. But they cannot give preference solely for being a member of a certain race. The Dobbs decision did not make a judgment on whether abortion access is good public policy. Instead, it recognized that the practice is neither mentioned or addressed in the plain language of the U.S. Constitution. Even some liberal legal scholars such as the notorious RBG had expressed concerns about the legal rationale used in Rowe v. Wade. Congress and the states are free to pass laws to either permit or restrict or prohibit abortions and many states have done so. It is good that IWU did not use race as a factor in admissions. However, it is somewhat disappointing that the leader of this highly regarded educational institution is perpetuating a common misconception of the proper role of the judiciary system in our country. Curt Oyer, Bloomington Edufirst Foundation, a Non- Governmental Organization based in the Central Region have sensitized female pupils of Breman Benin Basic School in the Asikuma Odoben Brakwa District of the Central Region on menstrual hygiene education alongside the donation of 500 sanitary pads to female pupils of the school. The gesture from the foundation mitigates the disturbing situation of 'period poverty' in which girls cannot buy sanitary pads during menstruation. Edufirst is committed to menstrual hygiene education and donating sanitary pads to needy pupils in deprived communities among other programmes to promote the wellbeing of rural dwellers. It is also setting its sight on promoting education and women empowerment, alleviating sexual abuse and sensitizing inhabitants on climate change. On the education front, the foundation envisions supporting basic schools with computer and science laboratories which is a challenge in many rural schools. In an interview, a Public Health Nurse, Madam Florence Adjei described the situation as worrying while accusing some farmers of taking advantage of girls from poor homes who cannot afford sanitary pads. She regretted the fact that the district tops the chart on teenage pregnancy in the region, a situation she described as disturbing. Madam Adjei urged parents to prioritize the needs and education of their children, particularly girls, then placing undue emphasis on attending social functions. According to her, the situation where some parents do not even know the sleeping place of their children with other parents condoning their stay with friends was condemnable. Over 500 girls, she said got impregnated and dropped out of school in 2022, a situation of immense concern to health workers. Stakeholders also say the high incidence of period poverty was as a result of unscrupulous persons like taxi drivers and tricycle riders unduly exploiting these girls. Pupils and children, she said, owe it a responsibility to themselves, their families and society to stay closer to their books in order to become responsible adults in future. A handful of pupils interviewed appealed to relevant authorities to reduce the cost of sanitary pads to enable them to afford it and to prevent them from falling prey to men on the basis of 'period poverty'. On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Edufirst, Mr Robert Dugan appealed to the government to remove the taxes on sanitary pads to afford girls from underprivileged communities the opportunity to buy them. He wondered why sanitary pads produced in Ghana would be sold at exorbitant prices. According to him, the economic situation in most rural communities was relatively dire adding that there was therefore the need to subsidize the product to enable them to benefit. He called for support from the donor community, institutions and public-spirited individuals to enable it to meet its objective of bettering the lot of rural communities. The Foundation is currently sponsored by E. O Boakye Trust Fund and individual donors. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah has reacted to public comments about a reported case of theft in her residence in Abelemkpe involving her domestic workers. The Minister is reported to have called for the arrest and prosecution of her staff who allegedly stole monies including 1 million dollars and 300,000 euros and some items from her private residence. The matter has sparked public concerns including the minority NDC calling for her dismissal. But Cecilia Dapaah in a statement released in Accra on Friday 21st July 2023 says there are "noticeable inconsistencies between what is being discussed in the public domain and the thrust of the original complaint on the matter" The Minister says she's taking steps to examine the origins of the inconsistencies and will provide a detailed response in the coming days. Here is her full statement..... Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com/ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Popular TV host, Delay says she wants to be a househelp to a Ghanaian Minister following news of two househelps of Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, allegedly stealing monies and items worth millions of cedis from the couple's residence at Abelemkpe in Accra has set up interesting conversations since yesterday. While a number of personalities including the former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama have condemned the latest development describing it as scandalous, Deloris Frimpong Manso widely known as Delay says it has increased her interest to be a house help for a Ghanaian Minister. I want to be a house help for a Ghanaian Minister she said in a tweet yesterday, July 21. I want to be a house help for a Ghanaian minister Lion Queen (@delayghana) July 21, 2023 In a report by Graphic online yesterday, it mentioned that two house helps working for Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, and her husband, Mr. Daniel Osei Kuffour are facing charges at an Accra Circuit Court, for allegedly stealing monies and items worth millions of cedis from the couple's residence at Abelemkpe in Accra. The accused individuals, 18-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei have been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing. The alleged thefts occurred between July and October 2022. During this period, the house helps allegedly stole personal effects belonging to Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, including assorted clothes valued at GH95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewellery worth US$95,000. Source: graphic.com.gh Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video " " Many national parks offer lecture series, nature walks and hands-on science projects for the public. Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images Modern society benefits when people understand science concepts. This knowledge helps explain how cryptocurrency works, why climate change is happening or how the coronavirus is transmitted from person to person. Yet the average American spends less than 5 percent of their lifetime in classrooms learning about such topics. So, besides school, where else can people go to study and explore science? Advertisement Museums, zoos and libraries are certainly a great start. As a researcher of adult STEM education, I study less conventional ways for people of all ages to learn and participate in science. Here are four alternative venues where the general public can enjoy nature, engage in hands-on science learning and get a behind-the-scenes look at scientific research in action. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The small spots of light around the asteroid Dimorphos are boulders sent off by the impact of the NASA probe, a Hubble telescope image shows. When a NASA spacecraft successfully knocked an asteroid off course last year it sent dozens of boulders skittering into space, images from the Hubble telescope showed on Thursday. NASA's fridge-sized DART probe smashed into the pyramid-sized, rugby ball-shaped asteroid Dimorphos roughly 11 million kilometers (6.8 million miles) from Earth in September last year. The spacecraft knocked the asteroid significantly off course in the first-ever such test of Earth's planetary defenses. New images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope show that the collision also sent 37 bouldersranging from one meter (three feet) to seven meters (22 feet) acrossfloating into the cosmos. They represent around two percent of the boulders that were already scattered across the surface of the loosely-held-together asteroid, scientists estimated in a new study. The finding suggests that possible future missions to divert life-threatening asteroids heading towards Earth could also spray off boulders in our direction. But these particular rocks do not pose any threat to Earthindeed they have barely gone anywhere. They are drifting away from Dimorphos at around a kilometer (half a mile) per hourroughly the speed a giant tortoise walks, Hubble said in a statement. The boulders are moving so slowly that the European Space Agency's Hera missionwhich is due to arrive at the asteroid in late 2026 to inspect the damagewill even be able to take a look at them. "The boulder cloud will still be dispersing when Hera arrives," said David Jewitt, a planetary scientist at the University of California at Los Angeles and lead author of the new study. "It's like a very slowly expanding swarm of bees," he said. The "spectacular observation" by Hubble "tells us for the first time what happens when you hit an asteroid and see material coming out," he added. "The boulders are some of the faintest things ever imaged inside our solar system." The dispersal of the boulders indicates that DART left a crater roughly 50 meters (160 feet) wide on Dimorphos, according to Jewitt. The whole asteroid is 170 meters across. The scientists plan to continue following the boulders to work out their trajectory and determine how exactly they launched off the surface. The study was published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters. More information: David Jewitt et al, The Dimorphos Boulder Swarm, The Astrophysical Journal Letters (2023). DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/ace1ec Journal information: Astrophysical Journal Letters 2023 AFP 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: Bill Sheehan, who became an activist after observing the dire situation of the Hackensack River, drives his boat in Secaucus, New Jersey in June 2023. He is not a lawyer, finance guy or a politician, but activist Bill Sheehan has moved mountains to clean up the Hackensack River in New Jersey just outside Manhattan, which for decades has been a dumping ground for industrial chemicals. Even still, the former taxi driver says, there is still so much to do to protect the waterway. "The North Jersey area here, just across from New York, is like the cradle of the Industrial Revolution," says Sheehan, sporting his signature cap. "For over 200 years, people were doing everything they could to lay waste to this river." Once the 74-year-old Sheehan bought a boat, he witnessed the dire situation in the Hackensack River, along which he played as a child. "It didn't take me long to realize that the river that flows through my hometown... needed a full-time advocate," he says of the Hackensack, which is wedged into a densely populated urban area. In 1997, he founded Hackensack Riverkeeper, an organization devoted to preserving the watershed and raising awareness about the importance of conservation efforts. So far, Sheehana one-time professional drummer with a full mustache and an earringhas managed to block property developers and companies from doing further damage, after 60 percent of the swamps were drained for construction. People stroll along the Hackensack River in New Jersey with the American Dream Mall in the background. After a litany of negotiations and legal maneuvering, he also saw to it that a nature preserve was created covering about 8,400 acres (3,400 hectares)without spending a dime. From a treatment plant upstream to a hotel down south, Captain Sheehanas he is often calledhas put a stop to the illegal dumping of wastewater, thanks to court rulings and coverage on local television news. He launched a lawsuit that led to industrial conglomerate Honeywell being found liable for the cleanup of a site in Jersey City along the river that was contaminated with chromium residue, at a cost of several hundred million dollars. "This nonsense that's been going on here for so long had to stop," says Sheehan, as his boat heads up the river, the wind whipping. 'A lot cleaner' Marc Yaggi, the CEO of Waterkeeper Alliance, an umbrella group for more than 300 associations in 47 countries, said Sheehan is "a mentor, friend, and hero to me and countless clean water advocates around the world." The New York City skyline looms behind workers cleaning a pier along the Hackensack River. With numerous industrial sites shut down, swampland now protected and wastewater dumping halted, nature has already partially taken its course in the watershed. Several bird species have returned, including the great blue heron, snowy egrets and ospreys. "The river has gotten a lot cleaner, and we have to thank Captain Bill for that," says Michael Gonnelli, the mayor of Secaucus, which is located along the river. In Laurel Hill Park, south of Secaucus, fishermen catch eels at a rapid clip. "I catch and release a lot of the fish here," says Evan Ypsilanti, who often makes the trip from north of New York City, though he notes: "In my opinion, you wouldn't really want to eat it." Indeed, local officials recommend not eating fish caught in the Hackensackwhich still contains multiple pollutantseven if many people do. The Public Service Electric and Gas Company power plant sits near the Hackensack River in Secaucus, New Jersey. In the riverbed, there is a dangerous lingering cocktail of arsenic, chromium, lead, mercury and the infamous "forever chemicals"polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs. "When we put up our signs that said 'Don't eat the crabs,' they said, 'I've been eating them all my life, and they haven't hurt me yet,'" recalls Sheehan. "A lot of guys aren't with us anymore. They wound up getting cancer, going into the hospital and not coming back." Back from the brink Decontaminating river sediment is Sheehan's ultimate goal, but he is ready to get some help with that task, after years of working with only a small crew of six. "I kind of figured it out that if I was to try and sue everybody that had a hand in polluting this river, I'd have to live to be about 300 years old," he joked. Last September, after several years of research, the US government added the Hackensack River to its list of Superfund sites, making it eligible for federal funding to aid cleanup efforts. A cormorant rests on a pole along the Hackensack River in Secaucus, New Jersey. An aerial view of the Hackensack River in Secaucus, New Jersey. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will now look to all companies and municipalities that had a hand, directly or indirectly, in polluting the river to get the necessary money, says project supervisor Michael Sivak. "It's a tremendously challenging site," Sivak told AFP. "We don't want it to take decades like some of our past sites have." Given that cleaning up the entire waterway seems unrealistic, the EPA is looking at the possibility of only handling the most contaminated zones. But even then, Sheehan figures billions of dollars should pour in. "I'm a live-in-the-moment kind of guy," he says. "To bring it back from that brink is not going to happen overnight." "We're talking not in my lifetime. But I'm in this for the long game." 2023 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The wildfires on Rhodes have been burning for five days. Around 30,000 people were moved to safety on the Greek island of Rhodes where a wildfire burned on Saturday, while people in the southern United States struggled under a record-breaking heat wave. Tens of millions of people have been suffering through intense heat this summer and the world looks set for its hottest July on record. As temperature records tumble, experts have pointed to climate change driven by the burning of fossil fuels, arguing that global warming is playing a key role in the devastating heat. On the Mediterranean island of Rhodes, where a wildfire has been blazing for days, boats carried 2,000 people to safety from beaches in the east of the popular tourist island. Greek fire service spokesman Vassilis Varthakogiannis told Skai TV: "This is not a fire that will be over tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. It'll be troubling us for days." Three coastguard ships led more than 30 private vessels in the evacuation, while a Greek navy boat was heading to the area. Island officials arranged for dozens of buses to take people to safety, but where fires had cut off road access, others had to walk. Authorities have opened up gyms, schools and hotel conference centers to serve as makeshift accommodation, while firefighters battle the blaze. Tourists sit in the back of an open air lorry as they are evacuated during wildfires on the Greek island of Rhodes. In Athens, the foreign ministry said it had activated its crisis management unit to facilitate the evacuation of foreign citizens due to the ongoing forest fires. Greece is fighting dozens of forest fires 11 days into a heat wave that has seen temperatures soaring above 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). Meteorologists have warned it could be the longest hot spell the country has ever seen. 80 million Americans sweltering Across the southern United States, about 80 million Americans will swelter in temperatures of 41C and above this weekend, the National Weather Service said. The southwestern city of Phoenix, Arizona hit 46C on Saturday, extending a record-breaking streak to 22 consecutive days of highs above 43C. Tourists have been flocking to Death Valley National Park, which straddles California and Nevada, to post selfies with a temperature display outside the visitor center. Many are hoping to see it break a world record of 56.7C, which was set in July 1913 but was likely the result of a faulty measurement, according to several meteorologists. Extended heatwave in US West and South. Further north, in Canada, which has been suffering wildfires that left Montreal blanketed in smog, torrential rain hit the eastern province of Nova Scotia, cutting off roads and threatening to burst a dam. Four people were reported missing, including two children who had been in a car engulfed by flood waters. Meanwhile, nearly 1,000 active wildfires were burning across Canada, with 11.3 million hectares scorched this season by the deadly blazes. Across the border in the US state of Washington, a wildfire burned more than 12,000 hectares (30,000 acres) in less than a day. Hottest month July 2023 is on track to be the hottest monthnot only since records began, but also in "hundreds, if not thousands, of years", said leading NASA climatologist Gavin Schmidt. The effects cannot be attributed solely to the El Nino weather pattern, which "has really only just emerged" and isn't expected to strengthen until later in the year, he added. El Nino is associated with the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. Firefighters have been battling dozens of wildfires across California this summer. Schmidt said the trend of extreme heat was expected to persist, "and the reason why we think that's going to continue, is because we continue to put greenhouse gases into the atmosphere". The exceptional temperatures in Greece also meant key tourist sites such as the Acropolis closed during the hottest part of the day. A 46-year-old man was reported to have succumbed to heatstroke on the central Greek island of Evia after being admitted to Chalkida hospital. Staff there said cardio-respiratory failure following exposure to high temperatures appeared to have been the cause. Emergency health officials told the state broadcaster they had admitted at least 38 heatstroke patients in the last three days, while hospitals were also seeing cases of fainting and other heat-related conditions. Greece is just one of many countries battling a prolonged spell of extreme heat around the globe in recent days. 2023 AFP By Politico Staff Writer The United Kingdoms Foreign Secretary James Cleverly was in Bo, Southern Sierra Leone on International Womens Day where he launched a new strategy that is committed to supporting the development of more women and girls. The strategy which will among other things tackle gender inequality across the globe and put Women and girls at the heart of the UKs international work was launched on social media at the Islamic Call School in Bo. It will set out how the UK will work to tackle global gender inequality at every opportunity, including combatting attempts to roll back womens rights and working with partners around the world to do the same. For the first time, this strategy commits the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to more than 80% of its bilateral aid programmes including a focus on gender equality by 2030, a statement on the UK website reads. The Foreign Secretary also announces a new emphasis on supporting grassroots womens rights organisations and funding for a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights programme that will support an estimated 10 million women. Foreign Secretary cleverly was quoted on the UK government website saying Advancing gender equality and challenging discrimination is obviously the right thing to do, but it also brings freedom, boosts prosperity and trade, and strengthens security it is the fundamental building block of all healthy democracies. It added Our investment to date has improved lives around the world, with more girls in school, fewer forced into early marriage and more women in top political and leadership roles. But these hard-won gains are now under increasing threat. Were ramping up our work to tackle the inequalities which remain, at every opportunity. It commits the FCDO to involve its entire network of high commissions and embassies around the world to deliver the strategy. This will include UK heads of mission developing plans and commitments specific to their host country and raising the most pressing issues with their host governments. The UK will also develop an ambitious new research offer to help the UK and its partners make investment decisions. Separately, the UK is also increasing support for womens rights organisations and movements, recognising their critical role in advancing gender equality and protecting rights, and amplifying grassroots womens and girls voices. Most of this 38 million programme according to the statement will be delivered through a new partnership with the Equality Fund. Jess Tomlin, co-CEO of the Equality Fund was also quoted saying Were really excited about this partnership because it shows that every sector can come together with boldness and urgency to deliver resources to womens rights organisations everywhere. A just, sustainable, thriving future depends on the solutions of feminist movements, and its time for all of us to trust and robustly resource their leadership at scale all across the world. The Foreign Secretarys visit to the Islamic Call Secondary School at Dubar ground in Bo was to see how UK-funded projects are having a positive impact on women and girls. At the school, he interacted with the kids both boys and girls during which the pupils joyfully expressed their desires of becoming lawyers, doctors and some politicians. At the Bo government hospital where his mother formally worked as a midwife, he inspected the facility to see how UK support is improving blood banks and equipment, increasing electricity access and saving the lives of pregnant women. The strategy puts a continued focus on educating girls, empowering women and girls, championing their health and rights and ending gender-based violence the challenges the UK believes are most acute. Prince Lappia Boima, Paramount Chief of Kakua Chiefdom, Bo district said he was impressed with the visit of their own child James Cleverly. As custom demands; they gave the British Foreign Secretary Cleverly gifts and named him Kolorbombor 111 of Kakua Chiefdom, Bo district. Babadi Kamara, An indigene of Bo District, said the visit of James Cleverly has sent a good signal that Sierra Leone is peaceful and that people should come and invest in the country. Kamara, therefore, called on Sierra Leoneans to unite and push for development. The British Foreign Secretary will meet President Julius Maada Bio in Freetown today. Cleverlys mother hailed from Bonthe District Southern Sierra Leone. Copyright 2023 Politico (09/03/23) CAPE MAY A new water treatment plant may provide millions of gallons of water a day to thirsty residents, visitors and Coast Guard recruits, if the city can find the money. In an update to City Council on Tuesday, David Samuel, managing partner with the firm Consulting and Municipal Engineers, presented a hopeful assessment of the prospect of gaining millions of dollars worth of federal grants to fund a new desalination plant. But it will take time. The reality is its a process to follow. So were in that process, consultant Michael Zumpino said at the meeting. Mayor Zack Mullock said last week it could be about two years before water starts flowing from a new plant. For more than a year, city officials have said the current plant does not have enough capacity to meet the areas water needs under state guidelines and would need to be replaced or dramatically upgraded. So where are we going to get the money, Mike? Mullock asked Zumpino. The city turned to the consultants to help guide it toward the eventual replacement of a water desalination plant and to help seek out enough grant money to make it feasible. The current plant was state-of-the-art when it was completed more than two decades ago as an answer to saltwater intrusion into the municipal wells on which Cape May and the surrounding communities depend. Cape May council authorizes bond, loan for new well CAPE MAY Cape May City Council authorized three resolutions on Tuesday, Jan. 19 to pay for The first trickle of money One of New Jerseys first beach resorts, the community has been drawing water from wells for generations, digging new ones as saltwater began to be drawn in from the old ones. That strategy was not going to work forever, and in the 1990s, the city tried a radical new approach, constructing a plant that uses reverse osmosis to filter the salt from the water, allowing the citys water utility to continue to draw from wells that would otherwise be too salty to drink. At that time, the city looked to federal grants to help cover the cost of the water treatment plant. The city hopes federal grants will come through again. The first trickles of that money already have started to flow, potentially priming the pump for millions more. A $30,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture helped fund an assessment of conditions at the plant, and Samuel told council members that $600,000 has been approved through congressionally directed spending, which will fund the next phase of engineering. Cape May requested those funds last year, and while there are still details to be worked out, Samuel expects them to be in place by the end of the year. According to Samuels presentation, that grant may draw more grants, in the range of $25 million to $32 million, enough to fund a significant portion of the construction of a new water plant. But to apply for those levels of funding, the city will need to complete more detailed plans for the plant. He spoke enthusiastically about the meetings that have taken place so far with state and federal officials about the need for the project and about communications with Sens. Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, both D-N.J., and U.S. Rep Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd. Detailed plans await the $600,000, but the preliminary proposal calls for the construction of a building with a more modern water treatment system, one Samuel said would operate more efficiently. Desal plant takes out the fresh water, leaves salt behind CAPE MAY When the Cape May Water Department runs its desalination plant, it sounds to some The new plant would include offices for staff, he said, and upgraded safety measures. In the current plant, some of the electrical systems are built close to water systems that are now less than watertight. The city should not have staff members standing in water, or potentially being sprayed with water, while operating electrical systems, Samuel said. That is an absolute no-no, he said. A new system could supply more than 3 million gallons of treated water a day, a capacity that could be increased with plans for an additional system that could remove iron from the water, allowing the use of another well with a high iron content. If the city cant get enough money to do everything, the plans are set so that the work can be accomplished in phases, to limit how much the city will bond for at one time. Youve asked us to make sure that its a modernized plant that will simplify the operations and will last as long as it possibly can, and thats what were trying to achieve, Samuel said. Zumpino said the water capacity is needed not only for tourism and residents but also for the Coast Guard Training Center, the only site for basic training for the service in the country. Federal plans are to increase the capacity for the number of recruits at the center. Zumpino said he has met with officials with the Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about the need for the project and potential funding. He said the consultants had a consistent message: This isnt just a preferred option, a whim, something that wed like to do, he said. This was critical to the continued sustainability of providing potable water to military and to communities for tourism and the quality of life. Lower Township seeking bigger allocation of state water for $12 million project LOWER TOWNSHIP A $12 million project to bring public water to 3,000 homes in the Town Bank Council member Shaine Meier spoke in favor of the water project but said he would want to make every effort to preserve the current building, or at least save the facade. The current water works are housed in a building on Canning House Lane that dates to the 1920s. With the importance Cape May places on historic preservation, Meier said, the city should try to lead by example. The water continues to flow in Cape May. City officials say while the plant is operating over capacity, the citys water utility meets the need even on crowded summer weekends. The state Department of Environmental Protection mandates that communities be able to supply more than 100% of peak demand even if the most productive well goes down. The city is in the midst of multiple large-scale projects, with work finishing up on a new fire headquarters on Franklin Street, next to another project underway to renovate the former Franklin Street School as a new Cape May branch of the county library, and plans in the works for a new police station as well. PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account. BRIGANTINE An amendment to the Atlantic County Water Management Plan will allow the construction of 14 single-family homes in the historic Rum Point section of the island, slated to start in the fall. A 0.991-acre expansion of the Atlantic County Sewer Services will allow for Rockwell Brigantine LLC to subdivide 48 acres into 18 lots. Approximately 14 of those lots will be used to build homes with stormwater improvements. "The Rum Point development area is the last large piece of developable land on the Island," said Mayor Vince Sera. "There is land across the boulevard at the base of the bridge that could be developed, but it belongs to Atlantic City not Brigantine." The single-street development, which will be accessible from Atlantic-Brigantine Boulevard, will feature a cul-du-sac and seven homes on each side of the street, according to plans. Two of the remaining lots will be used for stormwater improvements, while one will be used as open space and landscaping, and the other will remain wetlands. Rum Point was used as a drop-off point for pirates in the 18th and 19th centuries. During Prohibition in the 1920s, "rum runners" rolled barrels of rum on and off the beach, which gave the area around the Brigantine Bridge its name. "It will clear a historically used unofficial landfill site," Sera said. "Its believed that when the old Brigantine Bridge was torn down, the construction debris was dumped and/or buried in that area. The testing the developer did prior to the preliminary subdivision showed large amounts of concrete and other debris on the site. All of that will be removed as part of the proposed project." First lady encourages trade education at National Governors Association meeting The nation's first lady shared memories of growing up in South Jersey and defined "Bidenomics" as a way to create good-paying jobs for the middle class in a brief speech Thursday at the National Governors Association's meeting at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. The Planning Board first approved plans for the site in 2009. Sera said the Planning Board reapproved the plan May 24 to make sure the project was still in compliance with city codes, zoning rules and ordinances that have changed since Superstorm Sandy in 2012. "A lot has changed since Superstorm Sandy, and we wanted to make sure that the developer understood that they needed to conform to the new standards. And that they are not somehow grandfathered in under the old regulations," Sera said. Rockwell Customs, based in Media, Pennsylvania, has 10 other properties, including ones in Avalon and Brigantine. The Oceanside by Rockwell at 321 Sixth St. South is a 16-unit condo site with water views. Rockwell Customs did not return a call seeking comment on the project. "The single-family lots that are being created comply with all of the land use requirements of the city and will also need to comply with any (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection) requirements for development along the waterfront," said Sera. "Bulkheads will be added to the site that will assist the island and its residents with flood mitigation as well as erosion control on the cove side of the site." A homeowner's association will be formed and will maintain responsibility for nonstandard street amenities, like streetlamps. The Japanese macaques in Jigokudani Monkey Park begin most days with a relaxing dip in their own private hot tub. Located in Joshinetsu Kogen National Park in Japan's Nagano prefecture, the primate-only onsen is world-famous as the preferred simian hot spring. But life hasn't always been so simple for the snow monkeys of Jigokudani ("The Valley of Hell," named for its natural hot springs). They were initially forced from their habitat in the 1950s by the development of nearby ski resorts. As a result, they moved into nearby towns and quickly found trouble, raiding fruit from local farmers' orchards. The farmers petitioned the government and were granted the right to hunt the macaques. A Nagano Railway Company worker and local nature enthusiast, Sogo Hara was determined to protect the monkeys and worked for months to persuade troops to leave the creatures alone. Hara's strategy was to lure the monkeys into the mountains with apples. His group soon discovered a nearby ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn). As is typical for ryokans, Korakukan's property included outdoor onsen for guests' enjoyment. One day in 1963, so the story goes, an errant apple fell into the human's onsen. A young monkey tested the steamy water and emerged with the apple. He didn't exit the waters immediately, though, and many of the monkeys looked on as their buddy quietly enjoyed the water. It wasn't long before other young monkeys began mimicking the water-loving monkey's behavior. Within months, all of the female monkeys had taken to bathing in the hot springs. While this behavior delighted human visitors, it created a clear hygiene issue for the inn. This led to the establishment of the Jigokudani Monkey Park in 1964, thanks to the efforts of Hara. Today, this is where the snow monkeys live, freely soaking in their dedicated hot springs peacefully. Damage resulting from Typhoon No. 19 had impacted the spring's water levels and temperature but restoration work is now underway and the park is open to tourists. The Jigokudani Facebook page offers daily updates on the restoration work and presence of the monkeys. A Davenport man currently on probation in Scott County and wanted on a weapons charge in Rock Island County was arrested Friday for allegedly selling crack cocaine, possessing a firearm and driving a stolen vehicle. Deandre Julian Hensley, 28, is charged in Scott County District Court with one count each of possession with the intent to deliver cocaine base, known as crack cocaine, and first-degree theft. Each of the charges is a Class C felony under Iowa law that carry a prison sentence of 10 years. Hensley also is charged with one count each of violating Iowas drug tax stamp law and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Each of those charges is a Class D felony that carry prison sentence of five years. According to the arrest affidavit filed by Davenport Police Officer Justin Adams, at 1:41 p.m. Friday, officers saw Hensley riding in a blue 2017 Chrysler 300 with a temporary registration plate in the parking lot of the Village Shopping Center, 902 W. Kimberly Road. Hensley is a suspect in a July 4 shots fired incident in Davenport. Officers learned that Hensley had an arrest warrant out of Rock Island County for felon in possession of a firearm, a Class 3 felony under Illinois law that carries a prison sentence of two to five years. That gun charge is in connection with a shooting incident in which Hensley was struck by gunfire, Adams stated in the affidavit. Hensley also was wanted on a petition to revoke his two-year probation on a 2021 conviction in Scott County of operating without the owners consent a Volkswagen Arteon that had been stolen out of Chicago. Officers with Davenports Emergency Services Team took Hensley into custody on the warrants at the shopping center. Police say they seized a Glock 9mm semiautomatic handgun with a 31-round extended magazine from Hensley's waistband and 7.4 grams of crack cocaine and $238 in cash from his pockets. A registration check was done on the Chrysler 300 which showed that the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Chicago in April of this year. Hensley has felony convictions in Illinois for residential burglary and possession of a controlled substance, and convictions in 2015 in Scott County for felon in possession of a firearm and violating Iowas drug tax stamp law. He is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm or ammunition. During a first appearance on the charges Saturday in Scott County District Court, Magistrate Eric Syverud scheduled a preliminary hearing in the case for Aug. 1. Hensley was being held Saturday night in the Scott County Jail on cash-only bonds totaling $109,500. The bonds are $30,000 for the new Scott County charges; $75,000 for the Rock Island County weapons charge' $2,500 for a charge of third-degree criminal mischief from Aug. 11, 2022, after he allegedly cut off his GPS unit by which he was being tracked by the Iowa Department of Correctional Services; and, $2,000 for violating his probation on the 2021 conviction for operating a vehicle without the owners consent. Federal authorities could take over Hensleys gun and drug cases under Project Safe Neighborhoods. The largest lottery jackpots in US history The largest lottery jackpots in US history (through December 2022) #15. $587.5 million #14. $590.5 million #13. $632.6 million #12. $648 million #11. $656 million #10. $687.8 million #9. $699.8 million #8. $731.1 million #7. $758.7 million #6. $768.4 million #5. $1.1 billion #4. $1.3 billion #3. $1.5 billion #2. $1.6 billion #1. $2 billion #15. $632.6 million #14. $648 million #13. $656 million #12. $687.8 million #11. $699.8 million #10. $731.1 million #9. $754.6 million #8. $758.7 million #7. $768.4 million #6. $1.08 billion #5. $1.1 billion #4. $1.3 billion #3. $1.5 billion #2. $1.6 billion #1. $2.04 billion Two people are dead after the vehicle in which they were riding crashed into a Viola residence that resulted in a fire, the Mercer County Sheriffs Department reported in a news release. The crash occurred at 3:58 a.m. Saturday on U.S. 67 just south of Illinois 17. Mercer County Sheriffs Detective Anthony Baugh said deputies were sent to the house for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Deputies found that a vehicle had struck a residence, causing a fire. Both occupants of the vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene. Their names will be released by the Mercer County Coroner after family has been notified. The occupants of the residence were not injured. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Mercer County Sheriffs Department. Assisting at the scene were the Viola Police Department, Viola Fire Department, Matherville Fire Department, Genesis Ambulance and the Illinois State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit. An unconfirmed number of students around 700, sources say at Palmer College of Chiropractic were hit with ethics violations for allegedly side-stepping mandatory yearly compliance training. Palmer's Office of Compliance virtually notified students of their charges on Tuesday, July 10, the first day of classes this trimester. The notice began: "During Palmer College of Chiropractics 2023 Compliance Training cycle, our records indicate that you engaged in the following misconduct in the process of completing the mandatory annual student training: Utilized multiple devices simultaneously to complete multiple courses concurrently; or Failed to engage in the full content of the training course by substantially fast forwarding through the content; or Participated in both behaviors listed above." It proffered options on how students could respond either an informal resolution or formal hearing. In signing an informal resolution, Palmer students effectively admit to misconduct and must re-do all online training courses, "in the manner intended" by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 4. According to the notice, signed informal resolution agreements were due by 4:30 p.m. on July 14. If not, the charges default to Palmer's formal hearing process. Palmer's compliance coordinators were to process and schedule formal hearing requests. They also appoint the Hearing Panel, whose decision dictates the sanctions or consequences imposed on students. Sanctions range from written reprimands or fines to more serious outcomes, such as suspension or dismissal. Other possible repercussions include eligibility loss for financial aid and scholarships; certain clubs and organizations; immigrant status, awards, leadership positions and preceptorships. Jordan Roberts, a 27-year-old third-trimester student from Dallas, Ga., will dispute his charge through a formal hearing. As a veteran, he said he's accustomed to addressing "higher-ranking" bodies and said he's not worried about possible sanctions. "If (Palmer) would have told us not to do it, we probably wouldn't have done it," Roberts said. "Or, if they would have just said, 'Hey, would you mind redoing these couple of trainings?' instead of giving out an ethics violation because I think that's why people are so upset." To him, the sheer number of accused students warrants reconsideration. "I don't think 700 students, maliciously, were just trying to break the rules, you know?" he asked. "It just sounds like (Palmer) should have just sent out a warning for next year." Student Jackson Schmits, 22, of Findlay, Ohio, also says he wasn't aware that fast-forwarding through content or watching multiple trainings concurrently would warrant an ethics violation. He knows of at least 10 others who were notified of an ethics violation, and Roberts said the majority of his friends at the school also received letters. Palmer officials declined to say how many were cited. Seven Palmer students spoke with a reporter, including five who received letters. Several spoke off the record, saying they feared retribution if they shared their surprise and frustration with the handling of the matter. Since Palmer's classroom exam standards are clear, Roberts said, the same should apply to mandatory trainings. "Plainly state the rules, like you do on one side," he said. "I don't understand why the school can't be straightforward." Schmits also referenced technological disruptions: "The software the college uses is very glitchy, and the videos would freeze. When it did, I switched devices, and they flagged me because they were both running." Scheduling was also a concern. While Palmer officials did not confirm dates, the training was open from April through June. "I got lucky, getting the (training) emails earlier than most. but it was a load of training," Roberts said. "That's less time to study for national boards or exams. I feel like they're not really putting themselves in the students' shoes." While Schmits thinks Palmer may have believed they did enough to direct students on the training, he said responsibility falls on himself for not reviewing the Student Code of Ethics beforehand. "(Palmer) communicated very well, making sure we know what happened and how our consequences could be dealt with," he said. "My experience was that they simply are giving us a warning to do it right and dont mess up again." For this reason, Schmits said he chose the informal route. According to Article VII of Palmer's Student Code, those facing a misconduct charge are "presumed innocent until a Hearing Panel finds misconduct was proven subject to a timely appeal." When contacted by the Quad-City Times/Dispatch-Argus, Palmer responded with the following statement: "In accordance with Palmer College Board of Trustees policy, federal mandates and industry best practices, Palmer employees and students are required to complete annual online compliance training. The performance of individuals on these education modules is confidential information that will not be shared nor discussed beyond a limited number of authorized personnel." The college's response also linked to the International Center for Academic Integrity (ICAI), a global nonprofit focused on combatting academic dishonesty in higher education. According to ICAI research, more than 60 percent of university students admit to cheating in some form. Close Kitchen of a two bedroom apartment at the new Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Living room of a first floor two bedroom apartment at the new Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. A studio apartment at the Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. The kitchen area of a studio apartment at the Van Duyne Hall residence hall. A one-bedroom apartment at Van Duyne Hall. Palmer College students Jordan Roberts, left, Alex Green and Peixiang Luo work on classwork in a first-floor study room at the new Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Palmer student Jacie Pealer works on her studies in the second-floor study area at the new Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. A gathering area on the second floor over looking the main entrance of the new Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. An activity gathering room on the second floor of the new Van Duyne Hall. Over looking the main entrance from the second floor at the Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Lounge area on the third floor at the new Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Palmer College students Mallory Martini, left, Melanie Teper and Madeline Segall work in one of the study areas on the fourth floor of the Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. A lounge-TV gaming and activity room on the third floor of the new Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. A study area on the third floor at the Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Van Duyne Hall residence hall is at 1039 Perry St. in Davenport. The largest housing option Palmer offers, Van Duyne at Palmer College of Chiropractic at 1039 Perry St., in Davenport, has room for 139 students with its mixture of studio, one- and two-bedroom units. An outdoor lounge on the fourth floor overlooks the main campus. An activity room on the fourth floor of the Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Gathering area at the main entrance of Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Take a look at Van Duyne Hall, the newest student housing at Palmer College Kitchen of a two bedroom apartment at the new Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Living room of a first floor two bedroom apartment at the new Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. A studio apartment at the Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. The kitchen area of a studio apartment at the Van Duyne Hall residence hall. A one-bedroom apartment at Van Duyne Hall. Palmer College students Jordan Roberts, left, Alex Green and Peixiang Luo work on classwork in a first-floor study room at the new Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Palmer student Jacie Pealer works on her studies in the second-floor study area at the new Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. A gathering area on the second floor over looking the main entrance of the new Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. An activity gathering room on the second floor of the new Van Duyne Hall. Over looking the main entrance from the second floor at the Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Lounge area on the third floor at the new Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Palmer College students Mallory Martini, left, Melanie Teper and Madeline Segall work in one of the study areas on the fourth floor of the Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. A lounge-TV gaming and activity room on the third floor of the new Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. A study area on the third floor at the Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Van Duyne Hall residence hall is at 1039 Perry St. in Davenport. The largest housing option Palmer offers, Van Duyne at Palmer College of Chiropractic at 1039 Perry St., in Davenport, has room for 139 students with its mixture of studio, one- and two-bedroom units. An outdoor lounge on the fourth floor overlooks the main campus. An activity room on the fourth floor of the Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Gathering area at the main entrance of Van Duyne Hall residence hall at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. An Illinois-based oil lubricant distributor and industrial services company is relocating to Eldridge, taking with it an estimated 81 jobs. And it's receiving a $135,000 tax credit from the Iowa Economic Development Authority to make the move one of the projects the IEDA board approved incentives for on Friday. RILCO, Inc., is planning to relocate its corporate headquarters from Moline to an existing building at 400 S. 14th Ave., Eldridge. In addition to distributing lubricants, RILCO has its own brand of lubricants, antifreeze and greases under Tec-Guard and Tec-Kool names. The relocation is to include the office, administrative, and sales teams, as well as production operations, manufacturing and logistics, according to RILCO's application to the IEDA. The $5.4 million project presented to the IEDA includes a 58,000-sqaure-foot expansion of the building in Eldridge, as well as "substantial warehouse and office improvements." New machinery, tank farms, equipment, and furniture also will be part of the project. RILCO's current headquarters is at 3501 69th Ave., Moline. It also has a packaging facility at 2929 5th Ave., Rock Island, according to its website. RILCO's plans for its Rock Island facility are not yet clear, and RILCO representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Improvements to the office and warehouse space would be completed by January 2024, according to the company's IEDA application, and the warehouse addition is set to be finished by July 2024. The IEDA board awarded RILCO $135,000 in tax credits between 2023 and 2027 to make the move. The Eldridge city council has also considered a local economic incentive package in recent months. GRT Eldridge Property, LLC, bought the property in December 2022 for $12 million, according to county property records. M.H. Eby, Inc., a manufacturer of aluminum truck bodies and livestock haulers, was also awarded tax incentives by the IEDA Friday. The company plans to expand its Story City facility by 100,000 square feet. Its $15.3 million project is expected to create 120 jobs. The investments announced today are a testament that Iowa is a place of opportunity and economic vitality, said Gov. Kim Reynolds in an emailed news release. From being recognized as the nations most fiscally responsible state to the historic tax reform passed by our legislature, we have built a strong foundation where businesses in Iowa can thrive and prosper. I welcome RILCO to the state, congratulate both companies for their significant expansion plans and wish them continued success as they work to broaden and diversify Iowas robust manufacturing sector. Images of Moline neighborhood signs and murals The Bowles Creek fire 3 miles southwest of Skalkaho Pass grew from initial estimates of 50 acres to 831 acres on Friday as hot, dry weather conditions resulted in extensive fire growth throughout western Montana. The Bowles Creek Fire was first identified on Thursday, July 20 following a thunderstorm that caused several lightning strikes throughout the Bitterroot Valley. Bitterroot National Forest fire crews responded to the blaze Thursday night before it was determined to be burning on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Friday morning. Ground resources and an early morning helicopter flight on July 21 estimated the Bowles Fire to be approximately 50 acres and the Daly Creek fire on the Bitterroot side of the divide to be approximately 1-2 acres. The two fires merged on Friday as hot dry conditions drove active fire growth. The fire initially burned through ground fuels before moving into a group of trees. Fire behavior then increased to running, torching and spotting according to forest officials. Similar fire behavior is expected to continue with hot, dry conditions in the forecast. Smoke from the fire is visible from numerous locations along the Skalkaho Highway, in the Bitterroot Valley and Philipsburg. The fire is currently manned by 53 people and one helicopter. A Type 3 Incident Team is mobilizing to respond. The fire is burning in Steep Terrain in the Sapphire Wilderness Study Area at 7,800 feet in elevation, just north of the 2022 Hog Trough fire. The fire is in an area adjacent the footprints of two previous fires. No structures are threatened at this time. Fire crews and resources from both the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and Bitterroot National Forest will be working to establish indirect fire lines away from the active fire edge, utilizing natural barriers and the existing road and trails systems. Resources on the west side will be constructing a fuel break adjacent the Daly Creek Road. On the east side, crews will be hiking into the fire area along a trail and fireline used in the 2022 Hog Trough fire, working to the south from the Bowles Creek Road to the 313 Trail. Other resources will be working on establishing a landing zone for use by aviation resources. Officials from the Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Bitterroot National Forests are scheduled to meet with the Northern Rockies Team #8 Type 3 Incident Management Team Saturday afternoon. Transfer of command of the fire is scheduled for Sunday morning. The weather forecast is predicting critical fire weather with high temperatures and relative humidity with southwest winds in the 5-15 mph range. Warmer and drier conditions, conducive to active burning conditions, are predicted to last through the weekend. Closures surrounding a fire area are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighting efforts and access. The Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Bitterroot National Forests are currently assessing the need and potential boundaries of a closure. Specific closure information and maps will be posted on the forest websites and the fires Inciweb page as they are implemented. The Skalkaho Pass Road remains open. Those recreating or traveling in the fire area are encouraged to be aware of the situation and to pay attention to increased fire traffic. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect over the fire area for the safety of aviation resources. The Bitterroot National Forest reported Saturday morning that three smaller fires in the area had been put out. The Elk Ridge fire, Slate point fire and Lost Horse fire have been declared out according to fire officials. New fires identified in the past 48 hours include the Burell fire which is currently 1/10 of an acre and the Jew Mountain fire estimated at a of an acre. Both fires are located southwest of Sula. The fires are contained according to forest officials and mop-up will continue through the weekend. Guwahati: A week long summer theatre camp, organized by KimDaula Media in association with Jirsong Theatre (JT) for the first time in Dima Hasao district in central Assam, concluded successfully at Haflong with the presentation of three short plays in Hindi and Dimasa languages by local artistes. Presented by Swapna Daulagupu on behalf of KimDaula Media and supported by the Dima Hasao autonomous council, the camp (3 to 9 July 2023) was held at Don Bosco higher secondary school. Coordinated by Kulendra Daulagupu, an FTII, Pune alumnus and mentored by Robijita Gogoi, a National School of Drama, New Delhi alumnus was open to all age groups. Nationally acclaimed theatre director Ms Gogoi, who leads Guwahati-based JT imparted practical and realistic acting skills to the aspiring and budding local talents. She was assisted by another NSD alumnus Raju Roy along with JT alumni Kalpajit Saikia and Karishma Baro. Altogether 37 students in senior & junior categories participated in the camp. Both theory and practical lessons on body language & voices, storytelling, action & reaction, music & sense of rhythm, facing audience & technicality, face painting, theatre games, improvisation and also production process were imparted in the camp, said Ms Gogoi, who personally took care of all affairs in the camp. As the afternoon light trickled through the cracks of the barn, a white and brown mare stood at attention in front of a makeshift typewriter. Its handler had crafted the device years ago, a drastic improvement over the childrens alphabet blocks that the thoroughbred once used. Within the confines of the Chesterfield County barn, a conversation took place not between two people, but instead, between a woman and her horse. For those who looked on that December afternoon as Richmond native Claudia Fonda harnessed her horse in her stall, the feeling of silent anticipation was palpable. They were hoping to discover the whereabouts of a missing 9-year-old Rhode Island boy. The audience held a collective breath when Fonda posed her first question: Is Gary Hayman alive? All at once, the horse, almost trancelike, bobbed its head. Its eyes glazed over and drifted from side to side as they lazily darted across the keys. A few moments later, perhaps after receiving some otherworldly knowledge, Lady Wonder the famous psychic steed lowered its muzzle onto the levers that controlled each letter. Those watching mouthed each letter as it popped up from the horses keyboard until four letters stood at attention. It read: H-U-R-T. By the end of 1952, President Harry Truman had won the presidential election, the United States was sending troops to Korea and Richmond had begun installing safety systems arounds its railways all of which Lady Wonder had foretold months prior. For nearly two decades, the thoroughbred had entertained and baffled those who came to see her and, by the start of the 1950s, the brown and white mare had offered insights to a reported 150,000 people. The psychic steeds name had become a regular feature in the newsprint of The Richmond Times-Dispatch and The Richmond News Leader, and often garnered national attention. These reports, found in the archives, helped draw other people searching for answers to Richmond. Advertisements to see the horse at Fondas home off the Petersburg Turnpike began running in The Times-Dispatch starting in the 1920s. They told of an educated mind-reading horse exhibited. Fonda charged 10 cents for each question posed. By the mid-1930s, prices had increased to 50 cents for three questions. Not always correct, but still hope While not always right, Lady Wonders foretelling had some merit, often proving true. Successes included the whereabouts of another missing child, 4-year-old Massachusetts boy Danny Matson, who disappeared in January 1951. When Gary Haymans mother read of the Matson familys luck with the horse, she knew she needed to try her hand herself. For Mrs. Benjamin Hayman, identified in the newspaper only by her married name, the previous 76 days had been a grueling, grief-stricken endeavor as she agonized over the whereabouts of her son. Gary, who could not speak as a result of an illness as a toddler, had escaped the Rhode Island Exeter State School for the Feeble-Minded in the fall 1952 and was last seen running into the nearby woods. When his clothes were found neatly piled beside a small stream a few weeks after, local police all but gave up on finding Gary alive. But his mother clung to the notion that her beautiful, blue-eyed baby was still alive. With little help from the police who deemed him a runaway and no clues to go on, Hayman began her own search, searching for answers from anyone or anything on her own. Her quest found her placing a call to Times-Dispatch reporter Bill McIlwain. The following morning, McIlwain was traveling down a dirt road off of Petersburg Turnpike, slinging up dust and gravel as went. As he pulled into the driveway of Fondas farmhouse, he looked on at the large wooden barn in the distance a harbinger of hope for Hayman, who was desperate for a sign. I prayed to God that he would be alive, Hayman said in the Monday, Dec. 8, 1952, edition of The Times-Dispatch. I cant leave anything undone. In April 1951, Quincy, Massachusetts, District Attorney Edmund Ewing, who had heard of the horses mystic powers from a friend visiting Richmond, requested that the horse be asked about the missing boy. A few days later, Ewing received a call in which he was advised to search the area of the Pittsfield Water Wheel. Lady Wonder was said to have spelled Pittsfield when asked, as well as in water. Danny Matsons body was found a week later in a quarry called Field and Wildes Pit about 400 yards from his home. Its almost unbelievable, but its true, Ewing said in the Tuesday, Dec. 2, 1952, edition of The Times-Dispatch, which recounted the 1951 event. We were at our wits end. Inside the barn, Times-Dispatch reporter McIlwain scrawled down each letter Lady Wonder held up. After the steed spelled out that Gary was hurt, Fonda asked it: Where can the little boy be found? McIlwains notes read: T-R-U-C-K. When asked where the truck could be found, Lady Wonder spelled: K-A-N-S-A-S. The question was asked three times and, three times, the mare was to said to have given the same response. Fonda then asked if the boy was with good people or bad people. Lady Wonder responded: G-O-O-D. McIlwain raced back to the newsroom. The last question posed prompted a hurried call to Hayman. The call was placed late at night, and McIlwain reported that it was met with sobs. When asked if the boy was alive, Lady Wonder had responded with a head nod and a reassurance in the form of a spelled-out Y-E-S. Maybe Gary had been hit by an automobile, then picked up by a truck driver and carried to Kansas, Hayman said. Oh, God, I hope hes safe, I hope hes safe. Visitors from far and wide Lady Wonder, born in 1924, had come from royalty. Her papers listed her as the granddaughter of a thoroughbred racehorse. She came into Fondas care as a young filly. Fonda, who had owned only Shetland ponies before adopting Lady, said she knew the brown and white mare with three white stockings was special. In the horses early years, Fonda had bottle-fed her on whole milk and oatmeal gruel to maintain her energy and intelligence. Fonda decided, on a whim, to give her a 26-letter alphabet block. Fonda told the Times-Dispatch that Lady caught on quickly and could identify each letter with ease. Fonda said that, as they played, Lady began picking up commands that Fonda had not yet uttered, prompting her belief that the mare could read her mind. This notion was further reinforced as visitors from across county and state lines began to note her powers. News of the horses mystic powers spread rapidly, with numerous news outlets picking up the story. The Los Angeles Times called Lady a prophet and about as faithful a replica of Nostradamus as the 20th century has produced. While the thoroughbreds most accurate predictions were future political outcomes, folks continued to ask about their futures, love lives and fates. Police investigators grasping for any information that could be found came often. Lady helped find Danny Matson, as well as two missing Illinois boys. When the mare said they would be found in the river near their home, the waterway was searched for a second time to no avail. Months later, however, the bodies of the boys were discovered washed up on the banks of the same river. The horse also helped find a New Yorkers missing dog in Florida, unveiling a Cruella de Vil-esque dog-napping plot. A Long Island kennel had claimed that the dog had died, faked its grave and then sold the animal for a profit through its Florida branch. Later, the horse helped those betting on the Baltimore Pimlico Race Course when it chose all 28 winning horses. Lady also forecasted weather patterns and the location of oil wells, as well as her own death age. If Fonda did not know, neither did the horse But Lady Wonders successes also bred skeptics. Scientists, both believers and non-believers, came forward to study the psychic steed. Duke University parapsychology professor Joseph Banks Rhine stayed with the horse to conduct a week-long study involving hundreds of tests. In his findings, he noted that the horse answered four of every 11 questions accurately. When asked spelling and arithmetic questions, Banks found that, if Fonda did not know the answer, then the horse did not know either. Despite this, Rhines final report noted that the horse seemed responsive to telepathy and possessed some psychic power, but could not determine if the horse possessed independent thinking as she could only give a correct answer when someone in the room knew the correct answer. From the Archives "From the Archives" is a series of stories exploring the history of Richmond and the region through the files of The Times-Dispatch. Have a topic you'd like us to check out? Email reporter Em Holter at eholter@timesdispatch.com and visit richmond.com to see more from our archives. Skeptics drew their own conclusions, however, arguing that Fonda controlled the horse and gave her cues as to what letters to pull up. While those who believed in the horses abilities said the horse could not foresee the future without having some sort of insight, others chalked it up to an understanding of probability. Political races always carried a 50% chance of accuracy, and drowning was one of the leading causes of death for children. For Hayman, her hope for finding her child alive died months later when Garys bones were discovered in a creek bed near where he had disappeared. Lady Wonders divine intuition had failed in its accuracy. It would prove to be one of the last predictions the horse would make. Three years later, Lady Wonder died and was buried in the Henrico Pet Memorial Park, ending the reign of the psychic steed, telepathic thoroughbred and the 20th-century Nostradamus. In the late 1980s, Richmonds historic Main Street Station became home to the elegant Palm Court restaurant, but the stay would be short-lived. Palm Court, located on the stations first and second floors, opened in spring 1987. It was the third restaurant for owner Don Bleau; his others were The Butlery (on River Road) and The Aviary (in the James Center). In a May 1987 interview, Bleau shared that plans for Palm Court had expanded to include a jazz club on the first floor to attract nationally recognized musicians. The second floor featured the main dining area and a raw oyster and clam bar. The space also had a Victorian room, with period furniture and a fireplace, that accommodated overflow seating or was available to rent for private parties. This restaurant will be casual, fun and will have something for everyone complete with a special childrens menu, Bleau said. He also promised affordable prices. In June 1987, a Times-Dispatch dining review painted this picture of Palm Court: Imagine a restaurant that serves some of the freshest, most imaginative seafood entrees in Richmond. Add to that vision an elegantly designed decor in one of the citys historic landmarks. Join to the dream a courteous and energetic staff. The new Palm Court restaurant at Main Street Station offers just such fine elements. But, the review continued, the whole is less than the sum of its excellent parts, and the final feeling it leaves is one of frustration. The frustrations began with the menu that, according to the review, was flimsy and awkwardly organized with a quality that simply didnt match the beautiful marble and stained-glass interior. Palm Court specialized in seafood and promised fresh fish as well as fried options. The fresh fish list was another frustration for the reviewer, who was visiting the restaurant for the second time in two weeks and found that several options listed were not available again. The list of fish was accompanied by a list of sauces, which were also in low availability. Regardless, the reviewer said the entrees were excellent when they arrived and that some of the problems in service and sauces diminished between the two visits. The reviewer concluded: The possibilities are definitely there for an excellent seafood restaurant in engaging environs. But until the several imperfections are righted, frustration will reign, along with a strong hope that the Palm Courts promise can soon be fully realized. Palm Court apparently listened to critics, and by August 1987, the menu was large, laminated and presented the dishes much more clearly. In addition to its good food, Palm Court became popular for its jazz room, which measured about 60 by 100 feet with a 22-foot ceiling. It was formerly the baggage and ticket area of the station. Although the classical structure of the space was maintained, it was modified with an art deco redesign, which included 1920s vintage posters and muted lighting. A review of the space said it was comparable more to the lounge of a grand hotel than to the stereotypically dingy, funky jazz bar. Musicians from all over the United States performed there, including New Orleans pianist Ellis Marsalis, who slayed the crowd with an energetic technique, said a Times-Dispatch music review in June 1987. Despite its popularity and after only six months in business, Palm Court closed suddenly in September 1987. Bleau cited concerns about management of the space by Morton G. Thalhimer Inc. There are a lot of things that need to be done, Bleau said. We need plumbing work, electrical work, painting, wallpapering, work on the air conditioning. It just hasnt been done. In response to Bleau, Thalhimer representatives said, Were trying to keep Main Street Station operating, keep it well-maintained and secure. Were looking for a buyer at the same time. Bleau had hoped the issues would be resolved quickly so he could reopen Palm Court. But it was closed for good. Nearly six years later, in March 1993, after selling or closing all his Richmond eateries, Bleau left the restaurant business to oversee the $300 million food sales and services division of the Minneapolis-based Dayton-Hudson department stores. Bleau explained that he was burned out as a struggling entrepreneur in Richmond. The commonwealth has said it will not pursue a prosecution of Richard Murray Coe, a former church deacon and businessman accused of raping and strangling a preteen girl, after more than two years of back-and-forth in court. The family of the minor who brought allegations against Coe has also announced no intentions to pursue the case any further. Coes defense attorneys told the Daily Progress that Coe does not intend to pursue civil action. Deputy Commonwealths Attorney Nina Antony, who represented the minor and her family, filed a nolle prosequi motion July 13. While the motion does not exonerate Coe of the eight charges he faced in Charlottesville Circuit Court, it identifies the commonwealths intention to abandon the prosecution based on a lack of evidence that could be used during the trial, initially set for late October or early November. This conclusion does not alter the Commonwealths belief in the credible disclosures made by the victim, Antonys motion said. However, the Commonwealth must also comply with its ethical duties and not pursue a prosecution for which, at this time, the Commonwealth cannot present evidence in court to sustain any criminal conviction. The allegations against Coe were first disclosed in 2020, when the minor was attending Greenbrier Academy for Girls, a now-closed therapeutic boarding school in West Virginia. The disclosures were in relation to incidents that allegedly occurred from 2012 to 2016. Throughout the course of the trial, the defense alleged that several of the therapies Greenbrier used to treat the minor were equivalent or akin to hypnosis, and therefore inadmissible, which the commonwealth conceded after consulting experts in psychology and hypnotherapy, according to the motion. Evidence derived from means akin to hypnosis cannot be used during a trial, according to precedent established in the 1990s. As the prosecution did not have evidence of documented recollections prior to the events at Greenbrier, criminal prosecution is not possible at this time, the motion concluded. Given the current state of Virginia case law, we understand the Commonwealths decision to stop prosecution in this case, the minors family said in a statement to the Daily Progress. Even so, we are sickened, both for ourselves and for sexual assault victims across the state, by the tragic way that this law functionally silences the credible claims of those who most need to be heard. Coes defense team maintained the laws reasoning is not the least bit outdated or destructive. Uncorroborated, recovered memories are never enough to responsibly say someone is guilty of a crime, even when they dont involve hypnosis, Coes defense attorneys wrote to the Daily Progress in a statement. If someone has to be hypnotized to recover a memory, its not a memory and it shouldnt be admissible in a court of law. The minors testimonies were deemed credible by a grand jury October 2022, and earlier by Child Protective Services and Charlottesville police. Coes defense attorneys said the grand jury, police and Child Protective Services had no idea about Greenbriers hypnotic practices, which the defense said it uncovered through an investigation. Greenbrier has been the subject of multiple allegations of abuse and neglect, and its founder has faced million-dollar lawsuits over the practices at his facilities. Nationally, advocates have fought to address the troubled teen industry to close such therapeutic boarding schools, which the U.S. Government Accountability Office has reported for rampant negligence. The family placed the minor at Greenbrier precisely because of her experience of abuse, they said in their statement. There, she underwent therapies that were scientifically valid and personally beneficial. This ruling is simply one more tragic demonstration of what survivors know all too well: that the laws of this state and of many other states make it incredibly difficult for survivors of childhood sexual assault to be vindicated in criminal proceedings, the family said. It is a tragedy and must be addressed. This case should not deter anyone from coming forward with anything that was not the product of hypnosis, the defense said. But, they added, if someone has to be hypnotized to recover a memory, its not a memory. Tuesday morning, Judge Thomas Padrick acknowledged the cases notoriety and highly unusual nature before granting the commonwealths motion to discontinue the prosecution. Two Hampton Roadsbased warships are being sent to bolster maritime security in the Middle East after increased Iranian attempts to seize commercial ships. Amphibious ships USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall are being dispatched to the U.S. Central Command on orders by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. The ships, as well as the USS Mesa Verde and 4,000 sailors and Marines, departed this month from Hampton Roads for a regularly scheduled deployment. "Through these actions, the United States is demonstrating commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and deterring Iranian destabilization activities in the region," reads a Department of Defense statement this week. The Bataan and Carter Hall will join the USS Thomas Hudner, a guided-missile destroyer that was dispatched to the Middle East on July 14. F-35 and F-16 jets have also been monitoring the region. On July 5, Iranian forces fired on a merchant tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, fleeing the scene before U.S. naval forces arrived. The tanker was more than 20 miles off the coast of Muscat, Oman, and transiting international waters toward the Arabian Sea at the time of the attempted seizure. Iran has harassed, attacked or seized 20 internationally-flagged ships since 2021, according to the U.S. Navy. USNI News reported in May that Iranian forces seized two tankers in the span of a week. The increased presence of the U.S. Navy is meant to deter threats to commercial shipping and to reassure regional mariners. MARTINSVILLE A Bassett woman pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in Henry County Circuit Court on Friday related to the attempted shooting of four Henry County deputies. Heather Lynn Nicole Hart, 27, walked from the courtroom gallery to the table where her attorney, Michael McPheeters remained, when her name was called. Judge James McGarry asked Hart if she was under the influence of anything other than her prescribed medications and she said no. Having read the psychological report, McGarry said Hart met the clinical definition required to amend all four counts of attempted capital murder of a law enforcement officer to the attempted malicious wounding of a law enforcement officer. A charge of using a firearm in the commission of a felony remained unchanged. Henry County Commonwealths Attorney Andrew Nester agreed to the change and McGarry accepted the plea that places Harts future squarely in the hands of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. She was legally insane at the time and not guilty by reason of insanity, said McGarry, who did not favor placing her in jail until that future could be decided. A social worker seated with family members, nodded affirming McGarrys summation that Hart was responding well to medication and disrupting her present routine could be upsetting to her mental well-being. When asked by McGarry, Hart said she had been hospitalized in a mental institution before, and McGarry explained that the possibility existed that she could be again; a matter to be decided by therapists between now and a hearing to make official her treatment going forward. A hearing was expected to be set within the next couple of weeks. Not guilty by reason of insanity means that a defendant claims that she was so mentally disturbed or incapacitated at the time of the offense that she did not have the required intention to commit the crime. Hart was arrested June 23, 2022, and jailed while she underwent a competency and sanity evaluation. On Jan. 12, she was granted bond and released. The charges were the result of officers responding to a caller who claimed Hart was running through a house with a gun. A criminal complaint on file in the Henry County General District Court Clerks Office by Investigator Michael Wagoner stated someone called the 911 Communications Center on June 22, 2022, saying that there was a mental subject with a gun. Sgt. S. Munn and deputies J. Craig, A. Davis and J. Arms parked away from the house and were walking up to the residence when they heard two gunshots, Wagoner wrote in the complaint. Munn, Davis and Arms found cover behind their vehicles, but Craig realized as he was running that he was too far away, so he laid on the ground, Wagoner wrote. While lying on the ground he heard two gunshots fired by a female in the directions of all four of the deputies. Craig said he was shot at by Heather Hart four times as he remained behind his patrol car for cover and heard several more shots from the direction of the female, wrote Wagoner. Craig and Munn said they heard a total of six shots before the Henry County S.W.A.T. Team arrived and located Hart in a wooded area where Craig had seen her, Wagoner wrote. Investigator Ben Whitlock took Hart into custody and located and seized a Smith and Wesson 9mm gun in the back of Harts pants, wrote Wagoner. EAST PRAIRIE METIS SETTLEMENT, Alberta Carrol Johnston counted her blessings as she stood on the barren site where her home was destroyed by a fast-moving wildfire that forced her to flee her northern Alberta community two months ago. Her family escaped unharmed, though her beloved cat, Missy, didn't make it out before a "fireball" dropped on the house in early May. Peony bushes passed down from her late mother survived and the blackened Mayday tree planted in memory of her longtime partner is sending up new shoots hopeful signs as she prepares to start over in the East Prairie Metis Settlement, about 240 miles northwest of Edmonton. "I just can't leave," said Johnston, 72, who shared a home with her son and daughter-in-law. "Why would I want to leave such beautiful memories?" The worst wildfire season in Canadian history is displacing Indigenous communities from Nova Scotia to British Columbia, blanketing them in thick smoke, destroying homes and forests and threatening important cultural activities such as hunting, fishing and gathering native plants. Thousands of fires scorched more than 42,000 square miles across the country so far. On Tuesday, almost 900 fires were burning most of them out of control according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre website. Fires aren't uncommon on Indigenous lands, but they're now occurring over such a widespread area that many more people are experiencing them at the same time and some for the first time stoking fears of what a hotter, drier future will bring, especially to communities where traditions run deep. "I've never seen anything like this," said Raymond Supernault, chairman of the East Prairie Metis Settlement, where he said more than 85% of the 129-square-mile settlement burned in the first wildfire there in over 60 years. Fourteen houses and 60 other structures were destroyed by the intense, fast-moving fire that led to the evacuation of almost 300 people and decimated forested land. "In blink of eye, we lost so much it was devastating. I can't stress that enough," said Supernault, who said he hasn't seen any elk or moose, both important food sources, since the fire. "We don't just jump in the car and go to the IGA," for groceries, he said. "We go to the bush." In Canada, 5% of the population identifies as Indigenous First Nation, Metis or Inuit with an even smaller percentage living in predominantly Indigenous communities. Yet more than 42% of wildfire evacuations have been from communities that are more than half Indigenous, said Amy Cardinal Christianson, an Indigenous fire specialist with Parks Canada. As of Monday, 106 wildfires have affected 93 First Nations communities this year, and there have been 64 evacuations involving almost 25,000 people, according to Indigenous Services Canada. It's not uncommon for Indigenous communities to evacuate repeatedly, Christianson said. A recent analysis of the Canadian Wildland Fire Evacuation database found that 16 communities were evacuated five or more times from 1980 to 2021 all but two of them First Nations reserves, said Christianson, who participated in the analysis by the Canadian Forest Service. Fires now "are so dangerous and so fast-moving" that evacuations increasingly are necessary, a challenge in some remote communities where there might be one road in, or no roads at all, said Christianson, who is Metis. Ken McMullen, president of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs and fire chief in Red Deer, Alberta a province where about 7,600 square miles have burned this year, compared to just over 695 square miles in all of 2022 said some places burning again this year haven't fully recovered from previous fires. Christianson said the effects will be felt for generations, because the intense heat is burning the soil and making it difficult for trees and other plants to regenerate. She said Indigenous communities are increasingly vulnerable because they're often left out of decisions about forest management and fire response, and often can't afford to hire emergency managers. What's more, when fires affect urban centers at the same time, fire suppression shifts to larger communities. Indigenous communities "really want to be leaders in managing fires in their territory," including a return to preventive burning that was long suppressed by the government, Christianson said. The Algonquins of Barriere Lake in northern Quebec evacuated in June because of heavy smoke from wildfires that came within 9 miles of and almost surrounded the reserve where about 350 to 400 people live, often miles apart, said Chief Casey Ratt, who never experienced a forest fire before this year. "Last year, me and my wife were talking about how many fires there were in Alberta, then boom! There were so many in Quebec this year," Ratt said. "I was like, 'Oh my gosh, now we're dealing with wildfires like they are out west.'" He said summer heat is more intense and ice forms later in the winter and melts faster in the spring. That diminishes the ability to ice-fish and hunt for moose and beaver, which often requires crossing a lake to an island. "Something is happening," said Ratt, who believes climate change is largely to blame. "I think this will be the norm moving forward." The biggest concern is whether cultural traditions that have been passed down from generations of elders will survive into the future, Supernault said. "Our earth is changing and our traditional way of life is now put on hold," he said. "You can't put a price on culture and traditional loss." If the first morning of the first trip in our new teardrop camper provided any hint of the outdoor experiences to come, were in for exciting times. Rising too early, I bundled up to ward off the daybreak chill. The summer sun was taking its sweet time to peek over steep canyon walls along the Boulder River south of Big Timber. Sitting in my camping chair with Dakota The Shelter Dog by my side, I eagerly reopened my first really good book of 2022. As I read on, the tension grew. "Max rotated his head left toward the sound. His eyes found the source, the snub nose of a pistol that had rapped the glass, the long, bare hands behind it, the shirtless man, wraithlike in the spillover light from the trucks high-beams" Perhaps spooked by the ominous words, something made me look up from the page. There, 20 yards away, a curious grizzly bear was eyeballing our campsite between the gravel road and the river. It took a couple steps toward the grassy path leading to my chair. Dakota saw the young grizzly, too. We froze, then slowly rose as the bear turned away from us. I opened the camper door, told Dakota to get inside. My wife stirred. I said there was a grizzly outside, and Shelley was wide awake. Passing through Peering through the doorway, Shelley confirmed my sighting. I shut the door, tried to take a photo with my iPhone (it was dead), and retreated to our Jeep parked in front of the camper. Id keep watch there. This bear was not all that interested in exploring our camp, and it eventually ambled away, uphill through the trees after an hour or so. That teardrop moment came last summer, just after we upgraded from tent camping and purchased a 2022 NuCamp TAG XL, the Boondock model. Talk about your upgrade. Its basically a bedroom on two wheels with a hatchback kitchen. There are many makes and models of small campers, and most offer amenities such as a propane stove, microwave, LED lights, heater, air conditioner, small sink, portable cooler, cabinets, solar-power unit and more. The bear adventure was not featured in our brochure. The TAG XL checked our most-important boxes. The hard-sided camper allays fears of bear-in-the-tent surprises. Its 2,200-pound GAWR (gross axle weight rating) makes for an easy tow. The campers 6-foot-3-inch height, 13-foot-7-inch length and 7-foot-8-inch width fit snugly in the garage with a few inches to spare (even with a Yakima roof rack on top). Its 15-inch off-road tires add clearance for uneven terrain and its light weight makes it easy to maneuver with the Jeep or by hand, like pushing an overloaded Costco shopping cart. We peeked at other small-camper brands, and they also have a lot to offer. Todays market features models from Winnebago, Encore ROG, Sunset Park, Little Guy Trailers, Starcraft, Forest River, Travel Lite, Northwood, Flagstaff, Keystone and others. Manufacturers specs are just a Google search away. Some small campers sleep up to four, offer wet baths and U-shaped dinettes that convert to a bed. We preferred the hatchback kitchen option to keep the cooking in the great outdoors. Cabin comfort There is no seating in the TAG cabin. Two long and wide cushions atop a shallow storage box form a queen-size bed. If its time for indoor reading, games or watching a movie, its a comfy, pillow-abundant place to relax. It is tent-like, if you will, but features two doors, large windows for star gazing, three-speed fan, storage and reading lights. Having the hatchback galley keeps cooking odors and mess out of the cabin. Meal prep takes place on the galley counter and the folding table we carry. An electric pump delivers fresh water to the sink from an 8-gallon tank. Solar panels help keep the teardrops battery charged. Weve enjoyed camping nights near Cooke City, along the Boulder River and in the mountains outside Red Lodge. The drive up the steep, sinuous Beartooth Highway was smooth and not a heavy lift. Parting shots Dealers price tags for small campers vary widely with make and model. They range from $13,000 to $50,000 and beyond. Our TAG XL Boondock was $23,990. Were empty nesters, so the TAG XL is just right for two camper novices and our four-legged trail walker and influencer, @dakotatheshelterdog. So far, so good! Oh, about that book. Though the grizzly interrupted my morning read, I finished And It Will Be a Beautiful Life by Billings author Craig Lancaster the next day. Best book of the year! SIOUX CITY When the first group of RAGBRAI riders left Sioux City in August 1973, there were a few hundred cyclists pedaling out of town. By 1 p.m. on Saturday, there was easily double that number milling around the parking lots of Sioux City's Tyson Events Center where the RAGBRAI Expo was being held to mark the beginning of RAGBRAI 50. And the figure only grew as the minutes ticked away. Not just at the Tyson Events Center but also at Chris Larsen Park, Riverside Park and the Seaboard Triumph Foods Expo Center where participants were parking RVs and pitching tents and tuning up bikes. Despite the crowds promising to be record-breaking for Sioux City, which has served as the starting point seven times before, local organizers and volunteers for RAGBRAI 50 had few problems to report. "It's been going really well," said Barbara Sloniker, a RAGBRAI executive co-chair for Sioux City and executive vice president of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce. "I mean, it's crazy how many people are down here but traffic seems to be flowing pretty well. People seem excited and hospitable. It's a good day so far." In terms of numbers, Sioux City Parks and Recreation Director and Sioux City RAGBRAI Chair Matt Salvatore said, in the four times he's helped plan a RAGBRAI event, he'd never seen so many bikes. "The day was an overwhelming success," he said. "There were a lot of people in Sioux City but we expected that." Sue Chartier, who served as the co-chair of the information committee for Sioux City RAGBRAI, said it was heartening to her that so many of those people wanted to venture out into the town. "The questions are like: 'Where can we go eat? What can we do that's RAGBRAI- related?' They do want to get out in the community and be part of that," she said. Just from her table in front of the Tyson Events Center, where she was handing out pamphlets and giving advice on where to go, Chartier said she'd talked with people from England, Germany, California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, Ohio and Texas. "They've been everywhere," said Chartier. 2023 RAGBRAI Raj Mithalal install his bike pedals before the 50th annual RAGBRAI in Sioux City on Saturday. Assistant Sioux City Manager Mike Collett, who worked on the transit planning committee, said the biggest issue his team saw during the day was "a little traffic that slows things down every once in a while." Midway through the RAGBRAI Expo, which was slated to start at noon and end at 9 p.m., Collett said eight city buses were in use and shuttling people between the Tyson Events Center, the campgrounds and the RV site at the Expo Center. Salvatore said the main two campgrounds filled up so riders had to be directed to the overflow spots at Cook Park and Headington Park. Before the end of the night, Collett said the number of buses would double. "You always have a plan when you start out and you have to make some adjustments but all in all, it's been very smooth." With temperatures climbing above 90 degrees, dehydration and heat exhaustion were a concern for first aid and rescue service teams sprinkled around downtown Sioux City. However, the members of those teams weren't swamped with many people suffering from such issues. Taylor Henry, an executive assistant in the UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's C-suite, said in the first hour or so, her group only had one case of heat exhaustion it needed to treat. "And a few ankle scrapes," Henry added. 2023 RAGBRAI Spectators gather in the shake to watch the band outside at the Tyson Events Center before the 50th annual RAGBRAI in Sioux City, Iowa, Saturd 2023 RAGBRAI Matt Tromp, left, and his brother Josh Tromp, right, set up their tents beside the Missouri River as they prepare to ride in the 50th annual R The experience was similar for Sioux City Deputy Fire Marshal Joe Rodriguez who started his shift at 9 a.m. "Very minor injuries, cuts and bruises," he said. If people needed assistance at the campsites, Rodriguez said there were aid stations there as well. And people could also cool down by walking through misting tents at the Tyson Events Center. Even though he had a job to do, Rodriguez said he was able to stop and enjoy the day. "It's kind of neat seeing everyone experience this," he said. 2023 RAGBRAI People browse through clothes at the RAGBRAI merchandise outlets before the 50th annual RAGBRAI in Sioux City, Iowa, Saturday, July 22, 2023. When they all leave town Sunday morning, Sloniker said she hoped it was with pleasant memories of Sioux City. "We are interested in seeing what Iowa has to offer," Gavlek said. And the challenge of conquering the long, long route and surviving the heat. Even though both pairs had only spent a few hours in town, arriving in Sioux City late Friday night and early Saturday morning, each duo was impressed with the hospitality of locals and the amenities. The people of Sioux City now have been so gracious and have been absolutely wonderful," said Robert. "They really make RAGBRAI what it is." MANZANILLO, Mexico He quit his corporate job and moved to Mexico to pursue his dream of sailing solo across the ocean. Australian Timothy Shaddock, 54, bought his 30-foot catamaran two years ago in the Mexican Pacific resort of Puerto Vallarta. He needed a place to live and he liked the isolation. "Of course, living on a boat and sailing on a boat is two different things and that was more of a challenge," Shaddock said Wednesday after stepping onto land for the first time in months. As his training ground, Shaddock chose the Sea of Cortez, a narrow finger of water between the Baja California Peninsula and the Mexican mainland. "I was aware and the only preparation that you can really do is take the boat out to sea and test the boat at sea," Shaddock said. He would take short journeys, noting what was working on the boat and what wasn't, but was conscious that, in late April, hurricane season was coming. "It was either now or I could not really wait one more year," he said. "There's one moment where you're going and it's most likely that you will not stop," Shaddock said. "And I remember that day very well, because once you hit the Pacific, the wind and the current is behind you, it's one way, you cannot come back." He sailed out of the Sea of Cortez and into the Pacific under a full moon. He thinks it was early May, though the dates are vague in his memory. "It was very good sailing on that full moon," he recalled. "The boat was moving fast. It was a clear night. The winds were strong. I was amazed how the boat moved and it felt so good to sail under that moon and perfect direction. It was so easy to make the decision. I wanted to keep sailing." When he arrived in Mexico at the beginning of the pandemic in June 2020, he initially lived in San Miguel de Allende, a charming colonial town in central Mexico popular with foreign tourists. There, he met Bella, a black and brown stray dog, who became his constant companion for the next three years, despite occasional efforts to find her a suitable home on land. Shaddock and Bella were a few weeks into their journey when a storm changed everything in an instant. "The current changes direction. So if you're drifting you're suddenly drifting in a circle. And the wind, it's changing all the time," Shaddock described. "The waves are moving in many directions and it's hypnotizing, you sort of suddenly feel like you're in a whirlpool." He lost his sail, all of his electronics, including navigational equipment, and his ability to cook food. Days became a battle against fatigue: fixing things on the boat, fishing, capturing rainwater. He was overwhelmed by the fear that the next day he might be too exhausted, too weak. Shaddock found comfort in meditation, swimming in the ocean and writing in a journal. Keeping Bella fed and content gave him added purpose. The two subsisted on raw fish and rainwater. Shaddock thought he probably would die at sea until he heard a helicopter on July 12. Its pilot, Andres Zamorano, was the first person Shaddock had seen in months and has since become a friend. Zamorano had taken off from the tuna boat Maria Delia in search of schools of fish. They were 1,200 miles from the nearest land. Zamorano believes a moral obligation Shaddock felt to keep Bella alive helped them both survive. Aboard the Maria Delia, Shaddock and Bella were showered with attention and first aid. Crew members spoiled Bella and treated the blisters on her paws. "He would come up to the bridge every day whenever he wanted and we would drink coffee, talk," said the boat's captain, Oscar Meza. Two days after the rescue, the boat found a huge school of tuna, allowing it to fill its hold and turn for its home port of Manzanillo. "The best moment was being with the dolphins when they catch all the tuna," Shaddock said. "You hear their sounds, you see them move and you feel their magic. That is the magic of freedom and it is the truth of why we are alive." Stepping onto land Tuesday for the first time in months was both incredibly welcome and a bit uncomfortable for someone who had grown quite accustomed to being alone. Everyone asked about Bella and then felt deflated when told Shaddock had decided to give her to an animal lover on the crew of the Maria Delia. "The Australian embassy really made that decision for me," Shaddock said later, noting that his country has very strict quarantine laws. For now, Shaddock plans to return to Australia to see his parents, sister and his daughter. He still loves the sea, but said he was not sure how soon he would again go out of sight of land. There was still an air of uncertainty in his voice. "My daughter might come here, get me and bring me home," he said. "Maybe. She wants to come." HUDSON, N.H. They acknowledge Donald Trump's dominance, but weary Republicans across New Hampshire even inside the governor's office are fighting to stop the former president from winning the first-in-the-nation primary. For now, however, they're relying on little more than hope and prayers. Look no further than Mike Pence, Trump's former vice president, who repeatedly appealed to voters' faith this past week as he tried to resurrect his anemic presidential campaign while courting a few dozen voters in a former state lawmaker's backyard. "I truly do believe that different times call for different leadership," Pence told his modest crowd. "I know you all are going to do your job, because I have faith. I have faith in the American people." More than a dozen high-profile Republicans are looking to New Hampshire, the state long known for shining on political underdogs, to help stop Trump's march toward a third consecutive Republican presidential nomination. So far, none has cracked the veneer of inevitability that followed Trump through the early states on the presidential primary calendar despite or perhaps because of his mounting legal challenges. A significant portion of the Republican electorate remains open to a new presidential nominee with less baggage than Trump. The strongest Trump alternative on paper, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, began to lay off staff amid unexpected financial challenges and stagnant poll numbers. Others failed to break out of the single digits in early polls. And as Trump braces for the possibility of a third criminal indictment, his hold on the party appears to be stronger than ever. Pence, perhaps more than anyone, has been dragged down by the powerful undertow of Trumpism that reshaped the political landscape for much of the last decade. Pence barely registered in a new poll released this past week by the University of New Hampshire. He admitted he does not yet have enough donors to qualify for the opening presidential debate next month, an extraordinary position for a former vice president to find himself in. During multiple stops in New Hampshire this past week, he appealed to voters to donate even $1 to boost his numbers. "Obviously, he wishes he was doing better," New Hampshire Republican Gov. Chris Sununu said. "You're not going to find a better character and a better person than someone like Mike Pence. He's just such a great guy. But his message, for whatever reason, isn't quite resonating with folks." Pence managed to draw the wrath of Trump loyalists and critics alike. Among those who dislike Trump, Pence is viewed as a Trump acolyte who enabled his bad behavior for four years. Those who love Trump blame Pence for not blocking the certification of Joe Biden's presidential victory on Jan. 6, 2021 a power the former vice president did not have. Trump loyalists infamously chanted, "Hang Mike Pence" while storming the U.S. Capitol and his political standing within the Republican Party never recovered. "I think Mike Pence is genuinely destroyed," former New Hampshire GOP chair Jennifer Horn said. "He cannot win. There's no circumstance and no race that Mike Pence will ever win. It's sad." New Hampshire, a state that traditionally shied away from the type religious conservatism Pence espouses, would be an unlikely staging ground for a comeback for the evangelical Christian who launched his 2024 campaign in Iowa. Still, politicians of all stripes managed to break through over the years in a state that often rewarded those willing to invest time and attention. Former President Bill Clinton became the "comeback kid" after finishing second here in 1992. The state also helped resurrect Republican John McCain's struggling campaign in 2008. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, a religious conservative like Pence, scored a strong second place finish in 2016. Still, the road to relevance for anyone not named Trump in 2024 will be steep. Pence is essentially trying to reinvent himself as he reintroduces himself to New Hampshire voters. He and his staff embraced a new mantra: "He is well-known but not known well." At his first New Hampshire stop this past week, Pence largely avoided talking about his years as vice president and did not utter Trump's name. He introduced himself this way: "I'm Mike Pence. I'm from Indiana. And I'm running for president." Pence's message on the stump is a throwback of sorts to the GOP's conservative platform before Trump's big-government populism took over. He called for a muscular foreign policy, a recommitment to social conservative values and a sharp reduction in federal spending. He did not mention his support for a federal abortion ban. Breaking from Trump, he also endorsed changes to Social Security for people under 40 to ensure the government-backed safety net program is financially stable. He spoke with authority, but Pence's political challenges loomed over his New Hampshire tour. The host of Wednesday's event, former state Senate majority leader Bob Clegg, encouraged every attendee to donate $1 to the Pence campaign to ensure he reaches the 40,000 individual donor threshold set by the Republican National Committee to qualify. "They can give more," Pence quipped with a smile. He later added, "We're working around the clock to make sure we get enough donors to be up on that debate stage." Despite some chuckles, Pence's allies privately acknowledge that failing to qualify for the first GOP debate would be a political death sentence. Pence's national chairman, veteran Republican strategist Chip Saltsman, would say only, "We're getting there" when asked how close the campaign was to the donor threshold. New Hampshire's primary is still six months away. In an interview, Sununu warned that Trump has no chance of winning the general election and would drag down the rest of the party with him if he's on the November ballot. 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 HUDSON, N.H. (AP) They acknowledge Donald Trump's dominance, but weary Republicans across New Hampshire even inside the governor's office are fighting to stop the former president from winning the first-in-the-nation primary. For now, however, they're relying on little more than hope and prayers. Look no further than Mike Pence, Trump's former vice president, who repeatedly appealed to voters' faith this week as he tried to resurrect his anemic presidential campaign while courting a few dozen voters in a former state lawmaker's backyard. I truly do believe that different times call for different leadership, Pence told his modest crowd. I know you all are going to do your job, because I have faith. I have faith in the American people. More than a dozen high-profile Republicans are looking to New Hampshire, the state long known for shining on political underdogs, to help stop Trump's march toward a third consecutive Republican presidential nomination. But so far, none has cracked the veneer of inevitability that has followed Trump through the early states on the presidential primary calendar despite or perhaps because of his mounting legal challenges. A significant portion of the Republican electorate remains open to a new presidential nominee with less baggage than Trump. But months after many of them entered the race, there is little sign that the former president's rivals are breaking through. The strongest Trump alternative on paper, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, has already begun to lay off staff amid unexpected financial challenges and stagnant poll numbers. Others have failed to break out of the single digits in early polls. And as Trump braces for the possibility of a third criminal indictment, his hold on the party appears to be stronger than ever. Pence, perhaps more than anyone, has been dragged down by the powerful undertow of Trumpism that has reshaped the political landscape for much of the last decade. Pence barely registered in a new poll released this week by the University of New Hampshire. And he admitted this week that he does not yet have enough donors to qualify for the opening presidential debate next month, an extraordinary position for a former vice president to find himself in. During multiple stops in New Hampshire this week, he appealed to voters to donate even $1 to boost his numbers. Obviously, he wishes he was doing better," said New Hampshire Republican Gov. Chris Sununu. "You're not going to find a better character and a better person than someone like Mike Pence. Hes just such a great guy. But his message, for whatever reason, isnt quite resonating with folks." Pence has managed to draw the wrath of Trump loyalists and critics alike. Among those who dislike Trump, Pence is viewed as a Trump acolyte who enabled his bad behavior for four years. And those who love Trump blame Pence for not blocking the certification of Joe Biden's presidential victory on Jan. 6, 2021 a power that the former vice president did not have. Trump loyalists infamously chanted, Hang Mike Pence while storming the U.S. Capitol and his political standing within the Republican Party has never recovered. I think Mike Pence is genuinely destroyed, said former New Hampshire GOP chair Jennifer Horn. He cannot win. Theres no circumstance and no race that Mike Pence will ever win. Its sad. New Hampshire, a state that has traditionally shied away from the type religious conservatism Pence espouses, would be an unlikely staging ground for a comeback for the evangelical Christian who launched his 2024 campaign in Iowa. Still, politicians of all stripes have managed to break through over the years in a state that has often rewarded those willing to invest time and attention. Former President Bill Clinton became the comeback kid after finishing second here in 1992. The state also helped resurrect Republican John McCain's struggling campaign in 2008. Still, the road to relevance for anyone not named Trump in 2024 will be steep. Pence is essentially trying to reinvent himself as he reintroduces himself to New Hampshire voters. He and his staff have embraced a new mantra: He is well-known but not known well. At his first New Hampshire stop this week, Pence largely avoided talking about his years as vice president and did not utter Trump's name. He introduced himself this way: I'm Mike Pence. I'm from Indiana. And I'm running for president. Pence's message on the stump is a throwback of sorts to the GOP's conservative platform before Trump's big-government populism took over. He called for a muscular foreign policy, a recommitment to social conservative values and a sharp reduction in federal spending. He did not mention his support for a federal abortion ban. Breaking from Trump, he also endorsed changes to Social Security for people under 40 to ensure the government-backed safety net program is financially stable. He spoke with authority, but Pence's political challenges loomed over his New Hampshire tour. The host of Wednesday's event, former state Senate majority leader Bob Clegg, encouraged every attendee to donate $1 to the Pence campaign to ensure he reaches the 40,000 individual donor threshold set by the Republican National Committee to qualify. They can give more, Pence quipped with a smile. He later added, "Were working around the clock to make sure we get enough donors to be up on that debate stage." Despite some chuckles, Pence's allies privately acknowledge that failing to qualify for the first GOP debate would be a political death sentence. Pence's national chairman, veteran Republican strategist Chip Saltsman, would say only, We're getting there when asked how close the campaign was to the donor threshold. Saltsman dismissed Pence's struggles as a byproduct of the crowded field, which includes wealthy candidates like North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who offered donors gift cards, and others like DeSantis, whose allied super PAC raised more than $100 million. Its a lot of ebb and flow, Saltsman said. And one thing I know for a fact is I havent seen a frontrunner in the summer make it to the Iowa caucus or the New Hampshire primary in the winter yet. Sununu, the New Hampshire governor, is also betting on the weight of history to help stop Trump. He noted that primary voters typically wait until a few weeks before the primary to finalize their decision. New Hampshire's primary is still six months away. In an interview, Sununu warned that Trump has no chance of winning the general election and would drag down the rest of the party with him if hes on the November ballot. I'm hoping that most people come to their senses, Sununu said. Theres still plenty of time for this roller coaster ride to play out." Meanwhile, Pence is seeking the assistance of a higher power. This is a nation of faith, he told the modest collection of primary voters gathered in Clegg's backyard. If we will steer our party to a future built on those time-honored conservative principles that have carried our party to victory and to success for the American people over the last 50 years, and if we renew our faith in Him who has guided this great nation since they first set foot on Plymouth Rock not too far from here I truly do believe the best days for the greatest nation on earth are yet to come. In Christopher Nolans Oppenheimer, Gen. Leslie Groves (Matt Damon) yells that the Manhattan Project is the most important fucking thing to happen in the history of the world! Many historical dramas feel that way about their subjects, but most dont come right out and say it. Nolans movie attempts to back that sentiment up, though, by dramatizing the fears and guilt the bomb inspired in J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) in the postwar years. But does it matter that Oppenheimer felt guilty? Was Oppenheimer, as Nolan is telling the press now, hopelessly naive? And is Oppenheimer, the movie, telling the right story about a weapon that, almost 80 years later, still stands at the ready to annihilate the world? My friend Seth Shelden is the United Nations Liaison for the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, which has spent more than a decade developing a treaty banning nuclear weapons through international law and has now gotten nearly 100 nations to sign on. (Everyone has a friend who makes them feel like a slacker, but you get a special feeling of insignificance from a friend who had a hand in winning the Nobel Peace Prize.) After I saw Oppenheimer, Seth was the first person I wanted to talk to. We discussed what Nolans movie leaves out, what people forget about how many nuclear bombs have already been deployed in the world, and how ICAN plans to get the worlds great powersincluding the U.S.to agree to give up their nukes. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Advertisement Dan Kois: The centerpiece of the movie is the first Trinity test, which seems gigantic on an IMAX screen. How does a typical bomb in 2023 compare in strength to that test? Seth Shelden: The average bomb in one of the U.S. arsenals, lets say, is somewhere between five times and 30 times bigger than what was used in the Trinity test, which was the same size as the Hiroshima bomb. We have some in our arsenal that are over a megaton, so 80 times bigger than what we dropped in Hiroshima. The largest weapon thats ever been tested, I think its over 3,000 Hiroshima bombs. Thats the Tsar Bomb. It shattered windows in other countries when it was tested. Advertisement Advertisement Jeez. The basic answer is that the weapons that were used in New Mexicoand in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which killed hundreds of thousands of peoplelook like colonial muskets by comparison to what we have now. In the movie, Oppenheimer declares that developing these weapons will usher in a peace mankind has never seen. That seems, like, hopelessly naive to me. Why did people once believe that? You say why did people once believe that as if they dont believe it anymore. Advertisement Advertisement I guess some people still do. You dont agree with the idea that nuclear weapons are an insurer of peace, as opposed to an eventual destroyer of the world. This is a pervasive myth, one that primarily benefits the companies that build nuclear weapons. Its the myth that military power prevents conflict. A lot of our work is to help people understand that this realpolitik that came about, that really crystallized in the postWorld War II era, is incredibly dangerous, actually. The real realists recognize that by perpetuating this system of valuing nuclear weapons, we are going to ensure that theyre used. The only way to usher in a peace mankind has never seen is to prohibit and eliminate the weapons. Advertisement Oppenheimer seems to come to a similar conclusion in the movie, which focuses a great deal on his postwar career. It argues that he became something of an anti-nuclear agitator. How does the modern anti-nuclear movement actually view Robert Oppenheimer? Its true that the film depicts Oppenheimers later conviction that arms control and regulation is what is needed. But its also true that that he spends a lot of the movie talking about how the scientists dont get a role in what the government does with it. Advertisement Advertisement You pursue the science. Thats your job. And then its not up to you to figure out how to utilize it. A lot of our movements success has been contradicting that notion. The experts are not these military strategists. The experts are the scientists who can really understand the way the weapons work. Theyre the doctors who understand that theres no adequate medical response to these weapons. Theyre the climatologists who understand that in the event of a full-scale conflict between the U.S. and Russia, up to 5 billion people will die because of the crop reduction following the climate chaos that would ensue. And the experts are the victims, the affected people who can testify to what happens when these weapons are used. Advertisement So, on one hand, yes, Oppenheimer, like so many people who have worked in the military, later realized, Oh, you know what? This was a terrible idea. But at the same time, a lot of people in the modern anti-nuclear movement, especially those who are or speak for affected communities, are quite traumatized by the celebration of Oppenheimer as some sort of, I dont know, honorable person who felt guilty. Advertisement Advertisement When youre talking about affected communities, youre talking about people in Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Not only them. You hear even very high-level people saying that nuclear weapons were only used twice. Nuclear weapons were not used twice. In fact, theyve been used over 2,000 times, with all the tests that each of the nuclear-armed states have conducted. And each of those uses has had intergenerational impacts. And there are studies, including by the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, concluding that 2.4 million people are predicted to eventually die from cancers as a result of the tests that have been conducted so far. Advertisement Advertisement These tests have been done generally in Indigenous lands, in lands of their imperial control, in lands of marginalized communities. In addition to New Mexico, the French tested in Algeria, the British and the U.S. tested in the South Pacific, Russians in Kazakhstan, Chinese in Uyghur territories. Theyre not testing where their power centers are, for obvious reasons. Nolan makes a very deliberate choice not to show the effects of the bomb at Hiroshima or Nagasaki. There are some stylized moments when Oppenheimer is visualizing bomb impacts in times of great personal crisis. And there are moments when those effects are described in audio but we dont see them. Do you think the movie should have shown those impacts? Advertisement Advertisement The most unfortunate aspect of this film, again, I think, is its erasure of those who are affected by the weapons. I dont know that we always need to depict the hundreds of thousands of people dying on film, especially because these are incredibly painful and traumatic images for those who continue to suffer. But I do think its a disservice not to tell their story. As you say, everything is framed through the perspective of this tortured white scientist, struggling with this challenge of the scientific and moral challenge of the unknown. The more time you spend valorizing the scientific achievement, the more you encourage people to view it as some kind of triumph that needs to be celebrated or recognized despite the possible problems it might cause in the future. Advertisement You could argue that the main premise of the film is that the true injustice that were analyzing is the refusal to renew Oppenheimers security clearance. To punish him for his conscience. Yeah. You mention the specter of the 5 billion, as you say, who would die if theres a full-scale war between the United States and Russia. That apocalyptic possibility isnt exactly ignored in the movie. Its certainly touched on. Do you think that Nolan takes that danger seriously enough, or could you never take that danger seriously enough? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, I think you can take that danger seriously enough. By banning nuclear weapons. Yeah. By working towards a real solution instead of perpetuating the notion that nuclear weapons are terrible things but we need them. Obviously, I didnt expect the last line of the movie to be, like, Every country should join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. But even if you walk out of the film being like, Wow, these are incredibly destructive, there is a big risk that especially U.S. viewers will just come back to the false conclusion that the weapons, while clearly terrible, are better for us to have than not have, because they keep us safe. Advertisement I mean, the last line of the movie isnt a full-throated declaration of loyalty to ICAN, but it is Oppenheimer basically saying, like, I think I destroyed the world. Sure. Youre gambling, as a director, that the audience is going to walk away thinking about that moment and chewing on that. Some audience members will, probably, but in light of the three hours that have preceded it, Im not sure it has the impact that Nolan might think it has simply by dint of being the last beat. Lets talk a little bit about solutions and what your organization does. ICAN is making a bet that you can persuade people not to use this weapon, on a country-by-country basis. What is the state of your treaty? Advertisement You say were making a bet that we can convince people not to use this weapon, but the fact is that its self-evident to most of the world that these weapons do not provide security and need to be eliminated. Now, in the U.S., this isnt top-line news, in part because the U.S. has worked so hard to ignore this treaty. Advertisement We negotiated the treaty through 2017, which is when we won the Nobel Peace Prize. Its the first treaty that builds a framework for the total elimination of nuclear weapons by international law. It also contains provisions to address the harms from past nuclear weapons use and testing. The treaty would enter into force once 50 countries ratified it and fully joined it. That happened in January 2021. By now 95 states in total have made some legal commitment to the treaty, so thats close to half of the U.N. membership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had the first meeting of states parties last June in Austria, where they adopted this really powerful declaration that condemned any and all threats to use nuclear weapons, which had a demonstrable impact on the Kremlins threats in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It may be impossible to answer this question, but what is the pathway to getting the U.S. to sign a treaty like this? No, its not impossible. Its sometimes difficult to understand how massive shifts happen when youre in the middle of the problem. It took 70-plus years, but in 2021 nuclear weapons became comprehensively illegal under international law for the first time. So that was Step 1. Advertisement And the second step is then to build the norm, using this treaty to stigmatize and delegitimize the weapons as some great badge of power. Because in the U.S. right now, nuclear weapons are bizarrely baked into our national psyche as something we value, when in fact theyre just horrible, indiscriminate, and life-ending. A shift in public consciousness is a major part of this. But of course it can happen. You think about people who lived in the middle of a millennium of slavery, lets say, who were just like, Well, this is just the way the world works and couldnt ever see a way out of that. And now its not that slavery doesnt exist anywhere, but its something incomprehensible to the vast majority of people, and its banned under customary international law. Advertisement Advertisement Step 3: You build the prohibition, you build the norm, and then you negotiate how the disarmament happens. Now, the question I think that we should be asking is not whether the U.S. will sign, but whether the U.S. will join this treaty before or after theres a great nuclear disaster. Was the development of the atomic bomb, as Matt Damon says, the most important fucking thing ever to happen? Well, I can tell you that it was the most important fucking thing ever to happen for the hundreds of thousands of people it killed in the days after, and the millions of people who died of or continued to suffer from it. I mean, thats not what Matt Damon meant, of course, but it goes back to one issue I take with how the story is told. Somehow, weand the U.S. government was a big part of thishave imbued nuclear weapons with magical powers. And Matt Damons line reinforces that. But in fact, we should all push back against that. We should start by actually recognizing what they do and whos actually affected by them, instead of celebrating these people who made them. If we do that, thats a step toward finally eliminating nuclear weapons before they eliminate us. Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. In addition to our traditional advice, every Thursday we feature an assortment of teachers from across the country answering your education questions. Have a question for our teachers? Email askateacher@slate.com or post it in the Slate Parenting Facebook group. My sister has had untreated mental issues for many years. It has culminated in her losing custody of her baby. My parents are aging and realistically cannot raise the baby. I am not close to my sister, but my husband and I are more than willing and happy to take the babyexcited even. But! The big but is that we cannot give the kid the same opportunities as our own children. We live paycheck to paycheck in order to send our two kids to private school. While the public schools are not horrible where we live, they arent great, and it was a decision we made early on. Because of this, my family thinks we are more well-off than we are. The truth is sending another child to private school would certainly put us over. There is just no way. My parents think we are just ghastly in thinking wed send my nephew to public school when my other children are in private school. Might as well put him in foster care! is what they say. As is, I would have to find a different job to accommodate another child to the mix. School is a ways off and my children would be in middle school when he is old enough to attend. We really dont want to pull the kids out of their school altogether. They have friends and a community they love. Are we so horrible? Advertisement Third Times the Dilemma Dear Third, Yeah, you cannot do this. Not because I think a public school education would be unacceptably inferior to your kids private schoolI dontbut because it reveals an unmistakable difference in your perception of this baby and his role in your family and that of your biological children. Before addressing matters of schools or finances, its your mindset that you need to tend to. Advertisement Im sorry that your sister isnt well, and Im really sorry that she and her son cannot be together healthfully. This is a weighty situation, and while Im glad youre able and happy to care for the baby, you also have a responsibility to be careful and thoughtful as you proceed. I am worried that you phrased your concern as we cannot give the kid the same opportunities as our own children. If you adopt your sisters baby, he is your child, fully and completely, and you need to structure your life as thoroughly around him as you do your other kids. That is what he needs and deserves, and every decision you make has to be founded in the premise that he is an equal member of your family. I get that you werent expecting this and arent currently prepared to absorb the financial impact of adding a third child, and there will be changes and tough decisions on the horizon. But the solution cannot be that you maintain one particular standard of living for your biological kids and the baby gets whatevers left. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, in the case of your kids education, if you cant afford to pay three private school tuition bills (and there is no financial assistance available), then Id first begin by making sure youve given your public school district thorough and fair consideration. My impression is that your decision not to enroll your kids was based more on the districts reputation than your personal experience, and given what a hardship the tuition has been with just two kids enrolled, I would definitely try to get more familiar with your public option. Reach out to administrators to ask for an overview or see if you can visit; talk to local parents. If you just cant get on board with what you find, then your next step should be reaching whatever solution will allow you to distribute your resources equitably among your three kids, whether thats both parents making a job change, moving to a new district, or whatever else your personal circumstances allow. Advertisement Advertisement Again, though, its not so much about the school decision specifically; thats ultimately just one of a lifetimes worth of choices in which you are obligated to offer your generosity and consideration to all three kids as fairly as you possibly can. The first thing you need to do is ensure you are mentally and emotionally prepared to do that. Ms. Bauer (middle and high school teacher, New York) Slate needs your support right now. Sign up for Slate Plus to keep reading the advice you crave every week. I know elementary school homework can be a hot topic. Do you have any advice for getting a 7-year-old to sit down and do 10 minutes of homework a night? The work is not too hard, but the getting him to do it is hard. Taking things away doesnt seem to be working and giving him incentives doesnt seem to be working. Any other ideas/tips/tricks would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance! Advertisement Homework Police Dear HP, When both the carrot and the stick cease to have meaning for a child, that is quite the conundrum. Im happy to hear that homework is only about 10 minutes per day. Most children your childs age should be able to complete this amount of work, so perhaps a few of these ideas might help. One of the biggest barriers that children face in terms of completing work is the fear of making mistakes. This can be paralyzing to kids, so if a culture of effort over results has not been fostered at school or home, that may make an enormous difference in your childs attitude toward homework. Be sure to emphasize a solid effort over accurate results. Mistakes are valuable is the mantra in my classroom, and it often frees kids up to try their best. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You might also make homework a time when everyone in your family is academically engaged. If your child sees the rest of the family reading, writing, and otherwise engaged in intellectual interests, attitudes may change. Modeling preferred behaviors can be enormously helpful for kids. You may also want to revisit your incentives. When a teacher tells me that their incentives are not affecting student behavior, I tell them that they have the wrong incentives. Ask your child what he might like to receive in exchange for hard work. While it would be ideal for your child to be intrinsically motivated, they are still young, and frankly, most of us require incentives to do many of the things we do today. We would probably stop going to work if we didnt receive an adequate paycheck and satisfaction from our work. Your child is no different. Advertisement A mentor might be helpful, too. If your child was paired with an older student who could help with homework and talk about the importance of a work ethic, that might help, too. Kids will often listen to kids a few years older than them while ignoring parents completely. Sad but true. Best of luck. Mr. Dicks (fifth grade teacher, Connecticut) I have a 7-year-old first grader who is an excellent reader, and reading is her hobby of choice. Shes a very fast reader and often finishes two to three short, first-to-third-grade-level chapter books in a day (500700 Lexile). We chat about the books and characters enough that I feel comfortable with her comprehensionand she will often read them a second or a third time. However, I cant get her to read longer or higher-grade-level books. If she cant finish it in a day, she rejects it. Is this OK because shes reading a lot and enjoying it, or is there something I can do to get her to read at her capabilities and develop patience enough to spend a few days on a longer book? Advertisement Advertisement Short and Sweet? Dear Short and Sweet, Its amazing that your daughter has developed such a strong love for reading so early. I think its perfectly fine that shes rejecting longer and harder books at this age. In my opinion, just because a child can read more challenging books doesnt always mean that they should. In early education we try to pair children with just right books. Just right books are easy, enjoyable, can be read with no support, and most importantly are developmentally appropriate. Books like these build a love for reading instead of pushing kids to read books that may be too difficult or frankly uninteresting to them. This approach reinforces the idea that reading should be entertaining rather than laborious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you still want to push your daughter to expand her literary skill set, you could try finding shorter texts that may be a higher Lexile level to build her reading stamina slowly. Ive also found that high-Lexile picture books are incredibly effective in helping children to build their understanding of more complex topics without dampening their enthusiasm for reading in the process. Mr. Hersey (elementary school teacher, Washington) My high schooler (rising 10th grader) very much looks at homework through the lens of doing the bare minimum required to keep up his grades. I feel like homework should be completed regardless of what he needs to getto learn the subjects, get the practice, respect his teacher, and generally reinforce good work habits. Often, if I ask if hes done an assignment, hell answer with something like Even if I dont do any homework for the rest of the quarter, Ill still get an A in the class. I have no trouble with his ultimate performance in his classes (i.e., whats on his report card). Is this a genius move on his part, where hes able to preserve more of his free time, cause less headache for himself, and do less busywork? Or am I right that its better to reinforce good work habits and do the work? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reinforcer Dear Reinforcer, Im inclined to agree with you. Unchallenged students who are gifted enough to coast through on little effort arent really learning anything. Worse still, they dont learn how to be good students. They dont learn how to put in effort, how to grapple with difficult concepts, how to persevere through long study sessions or difficult tasks. They also dont get the sweet reward of having mastered something that was once beyond their grasp. When students like that encounter a difficult subject later in life, be it in college or grad school, they are often unprepared for the fight that can be learning and flunk out when it really matters. All that being said, I dont blame your son one bit. Im inclined to blame the teacher. If hes able to get the grade without doing the homework, what motivation does he have to complete it? The teacher should not have assigned work that is inconsequential to both his grade and his understanding of the material. If he isnt going to do it out of an intrinsic desire to learn and theres no extrinsic motivation when it comes to a report card, what other kind of motivation is there? Youre right that he needs to learn good work habits, but is he really going to learn the value of those work habits if hes toiling for no reason? You might as well send him into the backyard to dig holes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know this answer isnt that satisfyinghow are you going to get the teacher(s) to change their habits and practices? A first step would be to get your son into more challenging classes, at least in the subject or two he likes the most or that relates most to the field he wants to go into. Its also possible for him to learn the value of hard work through something outside of school such as sports, community service organizations, or other extracurriculars. Those kinds of passion projects can really allow for young people to come into their own. If you want him to learn how to be a hard worker, he needs to be challenged, whether that comes in the form of a teacher that really makes him work for the A or a subject that hes not innately gifted in. If you want him to be a good learner, he needs to be challenged by a teacher who gives him meaningful and rigorous assignments and a subject he values. Mr. Vona (high school teacher, Florida) More Advice From Slate My daughter is currently in half-day kindergarten. She loves it. She loves her teacher. All seems well, and she seems to be excelling academicallyat least as far as I can tell. Weve received one conference report, had one conference in mid-November, and weve received a few math assessment reports, but nothing else. Is that normal? The group The 1975 during their performance at Brits in 2019. Photo: Reuters There will be no compromise against anyone who challenges, flouts and violates Malaysian laws, Malaysias Communications Minister said Fahmi Fadzil after the cancellation of the Good festival Vibes, which should otherwise be held for three days, until Sunday. The group The 1975 was also banned from performing in Malaysia. Videos posted on social media late Friday show Healy kissing the bassist Ross MacDonald. Earlier, in a speech to the festival audience, he criticized the Malaysian governments stance on homosexuality. I made a mistake. I didnt pay attention to that when we booked the concert dates, Healy said. I dont understand the point of inviting The 1975 to a country and then telling us who we can have sex with. Healy later interrupted the performance to tell the audience: Okay, we have to go. We were just ordered to leave Kuala Lumpur. See you later. Healy was already criticized in 2019 when he kissed a male fan at a concert in the United Arab Emirates, which also has laws against homosexuality. Malaysian festival organizer, Future company Sound Asiabecause of Healys disputable behavior and statements apologies for canceling the concert. They said the members of The 1975 had promised to follow the performance guidelines. Homosexuality is a criminal offense in Muslim-majority Malaysia. Rights groups there often warn of growing intolerance towards lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transsexuals. In a move that could potentially transform the landscape of small business ownership, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched a fresh business training initiative, The Military Spouse Pathway to Business Program. This course aims to bolster economic opportunities for military spouses, aligning with the White House Executive Order 14100, which focuses on strengthening economic potential for military and Veteran spouses, caregivers, and survivors. SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman said, The Biden-Harris Administration is working hard to create more economic opportunities for military families. She stressed that the SBA is committed to investing in Veterans and military families, carving entrepreneurial paths to ensure they are included in the small business boom that has ignited job creation and innovation across the nation. Guzman affirmed the readiness of the SBA to provide tailored programs and comprehensive support resources for military spouses. Americas military spouses have served our country, and the SBA is ready to support them with customized programs and layered support resources so they can pursue their dreams of business ownership. Conduct Market Research Power Up Your Event's Success Sell Your Business Advertise Your Business Here The Military Spouse Pathway to Business Program offers classes both in-person and virtually throughout the year. The SBA encourages military spouses with solid business ideas or those contemplating entrepreneurship to enroll. The program curriculum is designed to equip participants with necessary knowledge and skills for developing business plans and evaluating business concepts. The SBA District Offices and SBA Resource Partners will deliver these courses, which aim to empower military spouse entrepreneurs with the same opportunities available to service members and Veterans. These include counseling and training, access to capital, federal contracting, and disaster assistance. Acting Associate Administrator for the Office of Veterans Business Development, Timothy Green, said, The course is designed similarly to SBAs Boots to Business and Boots to Business Reboot courses. He added that the new program considers the unique experiences of military spouses, offering them a dedicated curriculum, peer group, and a tailored schedule. Green emphasized that while military spouses were always encouraged to attend these programs, the new initiative provides a more personalized approach for them. The course covers a wide range of entrepreneurial business concepts, including market research, economics, legal considerations, and finances. Participants will be informed about additional resources to help them access startup capital, receive technical assistance, and earn contracting opportunities. For military spouses interested in embarking on an entrepreneurial journey, the opportunity to sign up for this in-person or virtual class awaits. They can reach out to their local Veterans Business Outreach Center or SBA District Office for more information about the course. This program introduced by the Biden-Harris Administration brings a promising chance for military spouses to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, thereby contributing to the flourishing small business sector and driving economic growth. For the latest, follow us on Google News. Gabriel Ferrari, a New Jersey man who owns and operates Buses and Trucks, Inc., an automotive repair business, was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for filing a false corporate income tax return with the IRS. According to court documents and statements made in court, Ferrari had used business funds to pay for personal expenses, including gambling on horse races, in 2011. He did not disclose this to his return preparer, resulting in the preparation and filing of a fraudulent corporate tax return. Furthermore, Ferrari failed to pay employment taxes in the amount of $291,600 based on an unreported cash payroll. U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler also ordered Ferrari to serve one year of supervised release following his imprisonment and to pay approximately $87,926 in restitution to the United States. The announcement was made by Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Departments Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey. The case underlines the importance of accurate tax reporting for small businesses. Tax evasion and fraudulent activities undermine the integrity of the tax system and can lead to severe consequences, including prison terms, financial penalties, and reputational damage. This case also demonstrates the importance of segregating business and personal expenses, a common challenge for small business owners. Using business funds for personal expenses, particularly without proper disclosure, can lead to legal troubles, as seen in Ferraris case. The role of IRS-Criminal Investigation, in this case, underscores the serious attention given to tax-related offenses by federal authorities. Small businesses are encouraged to maintain accurate financial records, seek advice from tax professionals if needed, and comply with all tax obligations to avoid similar repercussions. Trial Attorney Ann M. Cherry of the Justice Departments Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Trombley of the District of New Jersey prosecuted the case. For the latest, follow us on Google News. Conductor Daniel Raiskin and the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra open the 74th season in 2022 in Bratislava. (Source: Alexander Trizuljak) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Share Twitter Facebook Whatsapp E-mail Link to the page A couple of days after returning to his Amsterdam home from a concert tour, Daniel Raiskin was confronted with a serious question. Dad, why do you have to scream all the time? his daughter asked him quietly. Raiskin, an experienced conductor who was appointed the Slovak Philharmonics chief conductor three years ago, amid the coronavirus pandemic, was being gently reminded by his daughter that, at least when hes at home, he does not have to project as if he were on a large stage before dozens of artists. Raiskin says conductors must speak loudly and clearly at work if they want to avoid an even less agreeable question. What you dont want to hear, as a conductor, is: Maestro, we cant hear you. Can you repeat? Raiskin tells The Slovak Spectator, seated in one of the many high-ceilinged rooms in Bratislavas Reduta, the ornate concert hall constructed in the 1910s that is now home to the Slovak Philharmonic symphony orchestra. But to be a conductor, or a silent musician on stage, there are other qualities required. Raiskin, who was born in the Soviet Union, feels that in order to grow into a great conductor, a person needs to be a consummate professional in the world of music. For him, it is also about creating conditions for artists to feel at their best, and to create an atmosphere in which the message of a composers music can come across instead of trying tirelessly to achieve a fixed interpretation of a work of music in a rehearsal stage. What Im trying to do during rehearsals is to create an environment for absolute trust and freedom, Raiskin explains. But even he realises that, as he puts it, a perfect meal is nothing unless it is ultimately tasted and eaten by someone. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230722/netanyahu-to-undergo-heart-pacemaker-surgery-overnight---office-1112083207.html Netanyahu to Undergo Heart Pacemaker Surgery Overnight - Office Netanyahu to Undergo Heart Pacemaker Surgery Overnight - Office A week after being hospitalized, the prime minister will undergo surgery to have a pacemaker implanted. 2023-07-22T23:15+0000 2023-07-22T23:15+0000 2023-07-23T04:45+0000 world israel benjamin netanyahu /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/0f/1111896335_0:45:1655:976_1920x0_80_0_0_9b0d8066f6ba2719c2df0620be3ae869.jpg "Tonight, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will undergo a pacemaker implantation operation at the Sheba Center of Tel Hashomer Hospital," Netanyahus office said late on Saturday night.In a video released by his office, the 73 year-old prime minister addressed his health saying he feels "great" but needs to "listen to his doctors".He added that his doctors assured him he would be discharged from the Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan "tomorrow afternoon."The announcement comes a week after Netanyahu was hospitalized for dehydration, according to an Israeli outlet. During his hospitalization he had a heart monitoring device implanted. Earlier in the evening the device made an alert, which signals that a pacemaker should be implanted immediately. However, the Knesset is expected to begin debating the coalition's controversial judicial reform bill tomorrow morning, and will have a second and third reading on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. While Netanyahu is in surgery, Justice Minister Yariv Levin will serve as acting prime minister; a nomination which was decided by ministers over the phone. Netanyahu's weekly cabinet meeting, which is scheduled for the morning, will be postponed. And his meeting to discuss security issues with Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Herzi Haalevi will also be pushed back: the meeting is reported to be a discussion about the 10,000 IDF reservists who have gone on strike to protest the controversial judicial reform bill. israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg benjamin netanyahu, israel, israeli prime minister, surgery, politician https://sputnikglobe.com/20230722/preview---first-lady-jill-biden-heading-to-paris-to-mark-us-return-to-unesco-1112083000.html First Lady Jill Biden Heading to Paris to Mark US Return to UNESCO First Lady Jill Biden Heading to Paris to Mark US Return to UNESCO Jill Biden will reconnect the US to UNESCO after it became the 194th member state on July 10, five years after the Trump administration exited the organization, which is focused on prioritizing Africa and gender equality. 2023-07-22T23:04+0000 2023-07-22T23:04+0000 2023-07-23T03:47+0000 americas jill biden unesco us france biden administration education culture /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/07/0c/1097208937_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_6c41f07abe0c8215e7cc045e57ff7ef9.jpg Biden, a community college educator, will reconnect the US with the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization nearly five years after the Trump administration, citing an "anti-Israel bias," exited the institution. The US officially rejoined UNESCO on July 10, becoming the 194th member state. The key highlight on the First Lady's agenda during the visit, which will last from July 23-26, will be her remarks at the UNESCO Flag Raising Ceremony on Tuesday. The US First Lady will also participate in the event with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.The visit, according to US officials, marks an important step for the United States as it seeks more engagement on the international stage. The official pointed out that rejoining UNESCO addresses the gap in US multilateral leadership where its competitors erode the values and put the United States at a disadvantage. "The top priorities of the United States in UNESCO as we rejoin will include initial investments on Holocaust education, the preservation of cultural heritage in Ukraine, journalist safety and STEM education focused in Africa for women and girls in particular," a US official said. "We'll also be focused on playing a leadership role in UNESCO's work on artificial intelligence." UNESCO said the US first ladys presence would underscore the importance her country places on "fostering international understanding through UNESCO." Azoulay said UNESCO would now have more money to finance its two strategic priorities, Africa and gender equality. Jill Biden during the trip is also expected to meet with French Brigitte Macron, the wife of President Emmanuel Macron, according to US officials. americas france Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International jill biden, biden administration, unesco, us, france, education, un educational scientific and cultural organization https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/1112090534.html Macron Reportedly Denied Invitation to Attend BRICS Summit in South Africa Macron Reportedly Denied Invitation to Attend BRICS Summit in South Africa A French newspaper reported in June, citing sources in the Elysee Palace, that Macron had asked South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for an invitation to the upcoming BRICS summit. A source was cited as saying that South Africa did not say whether it was prepared to allow other international leaders beyond member states to attend the event. 2023-07-23T12:31+0000 2023-07-23T12:31+0000 2023-08-04T10:27+0000 south africa emmanuel macron cyril ramaphosa russia france brics asean caricom africa brics summit 2023 /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/17/1112091092_0:0:3249:1827_1920x0_80_0_0_9b327f0c181f74777ec346779b0f6844.jpg French President Emmanuel Macron, who sought to participate in the events of the upcoming BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) summit, did not receive an invitation, a South African news outlet reported.South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, as chairman of the BRICS, sent invitations to the leaders of 70 countries to the unification summit, but neither French President Macron nor the leaders of the United States and United Kingdom are among those invited, the publication said.The next day, August 24, leaders of the BRICS countries will hold meetings with the heads of state and government invited through cooperation with BRICS, and a general meeting will also be held.Along with the heads of state and government of Africa, 11 leaders of countries of the Global South, representing regional organizations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Group of 77 (G77), the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Persian Gulf (GCC), were invited to the events. Russian President Vladimir Putin will participate online in all sessions of the leaders of the BRICS member countries.South Africa's current BRICS presidency is the third in a row. With the onset of 2024, the BRICS chairship passes to Russia.A French newspaper reported in June, citing sources in the Elysee Palace, that Macron had asked South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for an invitation to the upcoming BRICS summit. A source was cited as saying that South Africa did not say whether it was prepared to allow other international leaders beyond member states to attend the event. Later, Macron's top diplomat, Catherine Colonna, comfirmed that the president was interested in coming to Johannesburg as an observer in August to attend the meeting of Brazilian, Russian, Indian, Chinese and South African leaders https://sputnikglobe.com/20230622/macrons-bid-to-join-brics-summit-signals-rift-within-g7---observer-1111405916.html south africa russia france africa Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International brics summit, emmanuel macron, south africa, brics, france, macron not invited https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/blinken-says-us-not-viewing-sanctions-on-chinese-defense-minister-as-obstacle-for-contact-1112094725.html Blinken Says US Not Viewing Sanctions on Chinese Defense Minister as Obstacle for Contact Blinken Says US Not Viewing Sanctions on Chinese Defense Minister as Obstacle for Contact The United States does not view sanctions against the Chinese military leadership as a stumbling block in maintaining contacts between the two countries' defense departments, calling Beijing's unwillingness to engage in such contacts "a political decision," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told American news channel on Sunday. 2023-07-23T16:22+0000 2023-07-23T16:22+0000 2023-07-23T16:22+0000 world antony blinken china pentagon us /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/19/1111459889_0:0:3310:1862_1920x0_80_0_0_644c80f9e38a297a7ec1fc67cf99af0e.jpg The United States does not view sanctions against the Chinese military leadership as a stumbling block in maintaining contacts between the two countries' defense departments, calling Beijing's unwillingness to engage in such contacts "a political decision," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told American news channel on Sunday. "Those sanctions don't prevent the [Chinese Defense] minister [Li Shangfu] from engaging or us engaging with him it is a political decision, in effect, for China to decide whether or not he should be engaging," Blinken told the broadcaster. He went on to say that Washington "made very clear" to Beijing that maintaining bilateral military-to-military contacts was "a responsibility" to avoid any miscalculations and wrong perceptions, according to the broadcaster. Earlier, Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said that there were no obstacles preventing open communication between the United States and China despite rising tensions between the countries. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230511/us-china-defense-chiefs-meeting-reportedly-impossible-over-sanctions-1110257074.html china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International antony blinken, li shangfu, us-china relations, us sanctions against china, sino-american relations https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/cambodia-to-hold-parliamentary-elections-on-sunday-1112083886.html Cambodia to Hold Parliamentary Elections on Sunday Cambodia to Hold Parliamentary Elections on Sunday The vote is expected to be a repeat of the 2018 elections, in which the CPP won all seats in the National Assembly. Critics have heavily criticized the legitimacy of the election. 2023-07-23T03:01+0000 2023-07-23T03:01+0000 2023-07-23T03:01+0000 world cambodia election politics /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/17/1112083728_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_379214bfd9104a4905bbb6907b4822b3.jpg With 18 parties registered to contest the election, including incumbent Prime Minister Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP), the vote is expected to be a repeat of the 2018 elections, in which the CPP won all seats in the National Assembly. Cambodia's last remaining opposition party, the Candlelight Party, was barred from the election by the Constitutional Council in May on a registration technicality. Sen, who is also running for prime minister, has held the position in Cambodia and its predecessor states since 1985 and is likely to remain the country's ruler for another five years.Critics have called the vote a fraud, as Sen, who has been in power for 38 years, does not appear to have any legitimate political challengers. Sen has also showed signs of handing power to his son, Hun Manet, possibly within weeks, as Sen has become increasingly authoritative, political analysts say. cambodia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International cambodia elections, cambodia parliamentary elections, politics, foreign politics https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/hunter-biden-may-face-up-to-10-criminal-referrals-after-gop-finishes-its-probe-1112091668.html Hunter Biden May Face Up to 10 Criminal Referrals After GOP Finishes Its Probe Hunter Biden May Face Up to 10 Criminal Referrals After GOP Finishes Its Probe The House Oversight and Accountability Committee plans to file over six criminal referrals against First Son Hunter Biden, as per the committee's chairman, James Comer (R-Ky.). 2023-07-23T13:35+0000 2023-07-23T13:35+0000 2023-07-23T13:35+0000 hunter biden james comer marjorie taylor greene burisma ukraine us investigation americas republican justice department /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/07/1a/1097820677_0:0:3073:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_d6e83251d762fed82cbdf8292125caa4.jpg Even though Hunter Biden, the son of the incumbent US president, struck a plea deal with federal prosecutors on two minor tax crimes and a gun case last month, it does not mean he is out of the woods, Republican investigators say.Earlier this week, House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman James Comer said he expects to file "between six and 10 criminal referrals" with the Justice Department related to Hunter. According to the congressman, the list would include evidence that the younger Biden violated the Mann Act, which prohibits transporting women across state lines for the purpose of prostitution or other illegal sexual acts.Per Comer, Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican representative from Georgia, showed enough evidence on Wednesday to conclude that the presidents son committed a crime by violating the Mann Act.On Wednesday, Greene testified at the a House Oversight Committee hearing alleging that the president's son had violated the Mann Act as he had paid women to cross state lines to engage in sexual relations. "This was prostitution," the lawmaker highlighted. She also showed partially censored pictures which were taken from sex tapes filmed by Hunter and later found on his infamous "laptop from hell."At the same hearing, two IRS whistleblowers, Supervisory IRS Special Agent Gary Shapley and IRS Criminal Investigator Joseph Ziegler, accused the Biden family of accepting millions from foreign entities. In particular, Ziegler told lawmakers he had discovered that Hunter Biden and his business associates had received $17 million from foreign sources, including $7.3 million from Ukrainian energy company Burisma. The whistleblowers also detailed how the Justice Department hindered their probe into the president's son in order to shield him from prosecution.Potential criminal referrals could also include violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) by Hunter Biden, who allegedly lobbied foreign interests without registering under the act.On Thursday, Iowa Republican Senator Chuck Grassley released an unclassified FBI memo containing damning information about an alleged bribery scheme involving Joe and Hunter Biden. Per the memo, Ukrainian gas firm Burisma hired Hunter Biden to use his father's influence to help the firm quash a probe into its potentially corrupt dealings. A confidential human source cited in the memo claimed that "[I]t cost $5 (million) to pay one Biden, and $5 (million) to another Biden" to do the job.Earlier, Supervisory IRS Special Agent Gary Shapley claimed that Hunter allegedly invoked Joe Biden in an attempt to force his Chinese counterpart into giving him a hefty sum of money. Shapley cited an apparent WhatsApp text message from Hunter with threats against Harvest Fund Management's Director Henry Zhao."I am sitting here with my father and we would like to understand why the commitment made has not been fulfilled. Tell the director that I would like to resolve this now before it gets out of hand, and now means tonight. 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," the message read, which was sent on July 30, 2017. Soon after that, Hunter's firm Hudson West III received $5.1 million from his Chinese associates. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230720/marjorie-taylor-greene-shares-graphic-photos-of-hunter-biden-prostitutes-at-house-hearing-1112002083.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230703/why-cia-and-fbi-would-have-never-hired-joe-biden-1111641694.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230625/ted-cruz-calls-for-biden-impeachment-over-hunters-damning-text-message-1111462600.html ukraine americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ekaterina Blinova joe biden, hunter biden, the mann act, latop from hell, ukrainian firm burisma, ukrainian oligarch mykola zlochevsky, house gop investigation biden, fara, biden's alleged bribery case, hunter biden foreign associates, hunter biden business dealings, hunter biden chinese associates, hunter biden influence peddling, hunter biden pay-to-play scheme https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/iranian-uae-foreign-ministers-condemn-quran-desecration-in-denmark-sweden-1112094556.html Iranian, UAE Foreign Ministers Condemn Quran Desecration in Denmark, Sweden Iranian, UAE Foreign Ministers Condemn Quran Desecration in Denmark, Sweden Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian held a phone conversation with his UAE counterpart, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during which the two diplomats condemned the Quran desecration in Denmark and Sweden, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday. 2023-07-23T15:59+0000 2023-07-23T15:59+0000 2023-07-23T15:59+0000 world denmark sweden uae iran quran religion /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105418/77/1054187730_0:48:1920:1128_1920x0_80_0_0_669f472b1af54ac13f53a66eda221c3c.jpg "Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian held a phone conversation with Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Saturday night, strongly condemning the sacrilege of the Holy Quran in Sweden and Denmark," the ministry said in a statement. Both parties also called for an urgent meeting of the foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries and for serious reprisals against the perpetrators, the statement read. On Friday, members of the Danish Patriots extremist group set fire to a copy of the Quran in front of the Iraqi embassy in Copenhagen and desecrated the republic's national flag. The action was broadcast on social media. On Wednesday, the Swedish police have given Iraqi immigrant Salwan Momika the go-ahead to stage yet another Quran-burning protest. His previous act in June sparked outrage in many Muslim countries. Hundreds of Iraqi demonstrators stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad ahead of Momika's action, which took place Thursday in front of the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm. In the end, the 37-year-old stepped on his copy of the Quran but did not burn it. On June 28, the first day of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, a protest took place outside Stockholm's main mosque, during which a Quran was burned. The Swedish police authorized the demonstration. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the authorization was "lawful but inappropriate." A similar demonstration took place in Sweden in January when Danish far-right politician Rasmus Paludan burned the Muslim holy book in front of the Turkish embassy. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230721/iranian-foreign-minister-calls-on-un-chief-to-prevent-further-quran-burning-acts-1112046306.html denmark sweden uae iran Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International quran burning, iran, uae, sweden, denmark https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/japans-export-controls-on-chip-manufacturing-equipment-take-effect-on-sunday-1112088953.html Japan's Export Controls on Chip Manufacturing Equipment Take Effect on Sunday Japan's Export Controls on Chip Manufacturing Equipment Take Effect on Sunday Japan's tightened restrictions on exports of 23 types of equipment used in chip manufacturing went into effect on Sunday, according to the ordinance of the Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry. 2023-07-23T10:03+0000 2023-07-23T10:03+0000 2023-07-23T10:03+0000 economy japan china semiconductors chip chipmaker /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/13/1111991456_0:320:3072:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_3ccbfef9c0d67496bb943c3da0664cc8.jpg The items on the list include equipment for lithography, etching and deposition, among others. As many as 42 countries and regions that imposed curbs on chip exports to China will not be subject to the regulation. For exports to China and other countries not on the white list, the export procedure will become more complicated, requiring the permission of Japan's trade ministry. China strongly protested Japan's move, saying that Beijing would take strong measures to protect its legal rights and interests. The Chinese Foreign Ministry pointed out that Tokyo's restrictions would seriously harm the interests of Chinese and Japanese companies as well as economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, disrupt the structure of the global semiconductor industry, and undermine the stability of global chip production and supply chains. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230722/who-is-the-biggest-supplier-of-microchips-1112061898.html japan china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International chip industry, chip manufacturing, japan chip ecport control, chip manufacturing, japanese economy trade and industry ministry https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/lukashenko-says-possible-polish-annexation-of-western-ukraine-unacceptable-1112089632.html Lukashenko Says Possible Polish Annexation of Western Ukraine Unacceptable Lukashenko Says Possible Polish Annexation of Western Ukraine Unacceptable Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Sunday that the transfer of western Ukraine to Poland would be an unacceptable scenario for Minsk and pledged to help the region if it asks for assistance. 2023-07-23T10:51+0000 2023-07-23T10:51+0000 2023-07-23T10:51+0000 world alexander lukashenko sergei naryshkin vladimir putin ukraine poland russia nato russian foreign intelligence service belarus /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/17/1112089472_0:123:3072:1851_1920x0_80_0_0_7e7158eb7f87481b891e0454f31ad77b.jpg Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Sunday that the transfer of western Ukraine to Poland would be an unacceptable scenario for Minsk and pledged to help the region if it asks for assistance. The Belarusian leader added that the plans to admit Ukraine to NATO "in parts" is a disguise to annex territories in western Ukraine. "This is a payment for the active participation of Poles in this operation against Russian troops. The Americans support it," Lukashenko argued.Earlier this week, Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Director Sergei Naryshkin said that the Polish authorities are "intensifying the mindset to introduce control in the western territories of Ukraine, the western regions by deploying their troops there." In this regard, Putin instructed the Russian foreign intelligence head to monitor Poland's plans for Ukraine. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230721/putin-poland-plans-to-form-coalition-within-nato-to-directly-intervene-seize-land-in-ukraine-1112040943.html ukraine poland russia belarus Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International poland plans to annex part of ukraine, poland, ukraine, belarus, alexander lukashenko https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/netanyahu-remains-in-hospital-after-successful-pacemaker-surgery---reports-1112092506.html Netanyahu Remains in Hospital After Successful Pacemaker Surgery - Reports Netanyahu Remains in Hospital After Successful Pacemaker Surgery - Reports TEL AVIV (Sputnik) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent a successful heart pacemaker implantation and feels fine, but it is not yet clear when... 23.07.2023, Sputnik International 2023-07-23T13:54+0000 2023-07-23T13:54+0000 2023-07-23T13:56+0000 world benjamin netanyahu surgery israel /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/03/0e/1093842994_0:27:2595:1486_1920x0_80_0_0_dcd47ee3d1cb16ba9d8f1cb7056011e7.jpg Netanyahu's office said late on Saturday night that he would undergo surgery to be fitted with a pacemaker at the Sheba Center of Tel Hashomer Hospital in a Tel Aviv neighborhood. The hospital confirmed that the prime minister's doctors recommended the surgery as the heart rate monitoring device that Netanyahu got the week before detected arrhythmia, Kan broadcaster reported. Netanyahu remains under medical supervision, as doctors at the Sheba Center need to monitor the patient's reaction to the pacemaker such as arterial blood pressure and other parameters, the broadcaster said. Ahead of his hospitalization, Netanyahu said that he expected to return to work on Sunday afternoon. The weekly cabinet meeting, presided over by Netanyahu, has been rescheduled, the prime minister's office said. While Netanyahu remains at hospital, the duties of the head of government have been assigned to Israel's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Yariv Levin. Earlier this month, Netanyahu was hospitalized at the Sheba Medical Center in the city of Ramat Gan east of Tel Aviv, where he underwent a series of comprehensive medical tests, including a heart examination. The prime minister was implanted with a subcutaneous device to monitor his heart rate. Doctors also confirmed that Netanyahu had experienced dehydration. Last October, Netanyahu felt unwell during a prayer service at Jerusalem's Great Synagogue and was taken to hospital to undergo medical checks after suffering chest pains. He was released from the hospital the next day and returned to full activity after his medical tests showed no abnormalities. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230716/netanyahu-ousts-his-partys-activist-over-offensive-holocaust-remarks-1111926058.html israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International netanyahu in hospital, netanyahu surgery, netanyahu hospitalized, netanyahu undergoes surgery, israeli prime minister undergoes heart pacemaker implantation https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/russia-to-demand-that-unesco-condemn-killing-of-sputnik-war-correspondent-1112086523.html Russia to Demand That UNESCO Condemn Killing of Sputnik War Correspondent Russia to Demand That UNESCO Condemn Killing of Sputnik War Correspondent MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian Permanent Delegation to UNESCO will demand that the organization's secretariat condemn the killing of Sputnik war correspondent... 23.07.2023, Sputnik International 2023-07-23T08:18+0000 2023-07-23T08:18+0000 2023-07-23T08:22+0000 world russia journalist sputnik ukraine killing /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/16/1112082296_0:0:1281:721_1920x0_80_0_0_1803c1212e6947fe4cea3e185dd64c32.jpg "We intend to demand that the leadership of the UNESCO secretariat condemn the murder of Russian war correspondent Rostislav Zhuravlev. This issue is within the mandate of the organization. We will also draw the attention of member countries to this latest heinous crime of the Kiev regime," Alyautdinov told Sputnik. UNESCO has not yet expressed its position on the killings of other Russian journalists, the envoy said. "Unfortunately, we observe double standards in the activities of the UNESCO secretariat, in particular, the lack of reaction to the assassinations of [Russian journalist] Daria Dugina and [military blogger] Vladlen Tatarsky. We drew attention to these terrorist attacks, spoke about it on all possible platforms at UNESCO, sent letters to the director-general, but there has been no reaction," he said. Both UNESCO and Western nations show no reaction to the deaths of Russian journalists, the diplomat said. Zhuravlev died during evacuation from injuries caused by a cluster submunition explosion in the conflict zone in Donbass on Saturday, the Russian Defense Ministry said. Several other Russian journalists, including Sputnik photojournalist Konstantin Mikhalchevsky and Izvestia journalist Roman Polshakov, received wounds of varying degrees of severity. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that those responsible for the death of Zhuravlev, including the suppliers of cluster munitions to Kiev, will be punished. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230722/russian-foreign-ministry-those-responsible-for-death-of-sputnik-war-correspondent-will-be-punished-1112065127.html russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International sputnik war correspondent killed in ukrainian strike, unesco on killing of russian war journalist, sputnik war correspondent rostislav zhuravlev https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/sputnik-military-correspondent-to-be-awarded-with-order-of-merit-posthumously-1112093420.html Sputnik Military Correspondent to Be Awarded With Order of Merit Posthumously Sputnik Military Correspondent to Be Awarded With Order of Merit Posthumously Sputnik military correspondent Rostislav Zhuravlev, killed by Ukrainian shelling in the combat zone, will be awarded with the Order of Merit for the Zaporozhye region posthumously, alongside three other journalists who were injured with him, Yevgeny Balitsky, the acting governor of the Zaporozhye region, said on Sunday. 2023-07-23T15:08+0000 2023-07-23T15:08+0000 2023-07-23T15:08+0000 russia maria zakharova russia ukraine /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/17/1112093131_0:0:2801:1575_1920x0_80_0_0_3da1f45b9207c47a082c9b826fbf8555.jpg Sputnik military correspondent Rostislav Zhuravlev, killed by Ukrainian shelling in the combat zone, will be awarded with the Order of Merit for the Zaporozhye region posthumously, alongside three other journalists who were injured with him, Yevgeny Balitsky, the acting governor of the Zaporozhye region, said on Sunday. Several other Russian journalists, including Sputnik photojournalist Konstantin Mikhalchevsky and Izvestia journalist Roman Polshakov, received wounds of varying degrees of severity. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that those responsible for the death of Zhuravlev, including the suppliers of cluster munitions to Kiev, will be punished. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/russia-to-demand-that-unesco-condemn-killing-of-sputnik-war-correspondent-1112086523.html russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian journalist killed in ukraine, sputnik journalist killed in ukraine, russia, ukraine, journalist awarded posthumously https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/ukraine-converting-soviet-thermobaric-grenades-into-landmines---russian-sapper-1112087151.html Ukraine Converting Soviet Thermobaric Grenades Into Landmines - Russian Sapper Ukraine Converting Soviet Thermobaric Grenades Into Landmines - Russian Sapper The Ukrainian military has used air-droppable mines extensively and indiscriminately over the past year, targeting not just Russian troops, but civilian infrastructure and settlements. Over the past year, more than 100 civilians in Donetsk region have been injured after stepping on Lepestok scatterable anti-personnel landmines. 2023-07-23T11:56+0000 2023-07-23T11:56+0000 2023-07-23T11:59+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine rpg-7 russia ukraine thermobaric weapon mine mine landmine video /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/17/1112086987_95:0:1254:652_1920x0_80_0_0_ba51c6ff0ce1c415de10cd9e25eee10b.png Ukrainian forces have modified old Soviet-era grenade launcher munitions, turning them into landmines which go off when approached, a Russian sapper has told Sputnik.Over the past two weeks, the Banderite-fascist enemy has been modifying munitions in this way. Theyre modifying ordinary rounds, fitting them with an improved delivery system, fitting them with this kind of tip which sticks into the ground when the ammunition is dropped. A system is installed on the rear of the munition which reacts to movement to the approach of either equipment or people. Certain parameters are set, and in the event of approach, the munition explodes, destroying its target, the sapper, going by the call sign Rakhmatulla, told Sputnik.The RPG-7 is a reusable, unguided, shoulder-launched anti-tank rocket-propelled grenade launcher introduced into service with the Soviet military in the early 1960s, and exported to dozens of countries around the world, becoming one of the most ubiquitous shoulder-fired weapons of the 20th century.RPG-7s were designed to fire high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) or high-explosive/fragmentation rounds, but could also be fitted with thermobaric warheads packed with 1.9 kg of explosives with a lethal radius of up to 10 meters (30 feet).Theromobaric weapons, also known as vacuum bombs, spray a combustible substance over an area and ignite it, resulting in oxygen from the surrounding air being sucked up and generating a high-temperature explosion.Ukrainian forces have used landmines extensively throughout the 2014-2022 Donbass crisis and after the escalation of the conflict into a full-blown NATO-Russia proxy war from 2022 onward. Human Rights Watch has urged Kiev to comply with its obligations under the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, and the United Nations has said that it would support an investigation into the matter. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230630/more-evidence-shows-use-of-banned-landmines-by-ukrainian-forces---human-rights-watch-1111579536.html russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov ukraine, russia, landmine, mine, thermobaric, weapon, modification https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/ukrainian-army-has-lost-26000-troops-since-start-of-counteroffensive---putin-1112088730.html Foreign Mercs in Ukraine Suffering Significant Losses Due to Stupidity - Putin Foreign Mercs in Ukraine Suffering Significant Losses Due to Stupidity - Putin Kiev kicked off its counteroffensive on June 4 after being pumped up with heavy weapons by the US and its NATO allies. A month-and-a-half on, Ukrainian forces... 23.07.2023, Sputnik International 2023-07-23T09:42+0000 2023-07-23T09:42+0000 2023-07-23T10:48+0000 ukraine russia's special operation in ukraine vladimir putin alexander lukashenko russia belarus nato union state /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0b/0b/1104013445_0:0:3071:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_7bbb79c073d7fe725413dee56443e335.jpg The Ukrainian military has lost "more than" 26,000 troops in the course of its counteroffensive, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said."According to US estimates, the irretrievable losses of Ukraine's Armed Forces amount to 26,000 personnel," Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said during talks with Putin in St. Petersburg on Sunday."It's more. It's now more than that," Putin responded.Putin also commented on the operations of foreign mercenaries fighting on Ukraine's side, saying they have been taking heavy losses due to their "stupidity.""Heavy losses due to their tactics," Lukashenko interjected."Yes, due to their stupidity," Putin said.The Russian military estimated Saturday that nearly 5,000 foreign mercenaries had been killed fighting in Ukraine since the start of Russia's military operation last February, with over 4,900 fleeing the combat zone and leaving Ukraine.Lukashenko said that according to his information, over 15 Leopard tanks and 20 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles had recently been destroyed all in the space of 24 hours.Putin appeared to confirm these figures, saying that "so many foreign [pieces of armor] had never been destroyed in one day like this," and that Russian forces seem to have struck units equipped entirely with foreign equipment.Polish Plans for Western Ukraine"There's been a lot of talk recently about bringing Ukraine into NATO 'piece by piece.' What is behind this? It's all just a smoke screen. Behind this is the goal of tearing off the western piece of Ukraine under the guise of being accepted into NATO, so that the population approves it; they want to chop off western Ukraine and have Poland annex it. That's the price for the Poles' active participation in this operation against Russian forces. The Americans support it," Lukashenko said.Minsk and Moscow would oppose such a scenario, and be ready to assist the population of western Ukraine resist Polish annexation, Lukashenko added."They are actively recruiting mercenaries. I brought you a map specially on the transfer of the armed forces of Poland to the borders of the Union State," Lukashenko said, referencing the Russian-Belarusian supranational union. "We see that they are preparing the groundwork," the Belarusian leader added, pointing to the deployment of Polish forces near Brest and Grodno in western Belarus, and the activation of the Rzeszow Air Base, where US forces are moving their equipment.Lukashenko conveyed gratitude to Putin personally for his support in the event of foreign aggression against Belarus. "We are taking this into account when building our armed forces."EconomyPutin and Lukashenko also discussed other matters during their meeting, including economic affairs."All our plans are being implemented, and at an even better pace than we expected. I would also like to point out the great state of the economies of both Russia and Belarus," Putin said, pointing to projections of Russian GDP growing by over 2 percent, and Belarusian GDP by 3.75 percent. "At any rate, Russia and Belarus will go through this year calmly and with confidence," he said.Lukashenko proposed the creation of a joint Russian-Belarusian economic plan based on the need to ensure self-reliance and economic independence of the two countries. "We have the brains. We have more than enough resources. And we need to create a plan for the development of our fatherland. Like I say - two states, one fatherland. We can do it. But the main forces here are concentrated in Russia...If our governments could come up with such a plan, it would be good," he said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230722/about-4990-foreign-fighters-killed-by-russian-forces-since-beginning-of-military-op-in-ukraine-1112059801.html ukraine russia belarus Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov ukraine, vladimir putin, alexander lukashenko, russia, belarus, nato, union state https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/us-sweltering-skies-cause-airlines-to-reduce-number-of-passengers-and-luggage-1112087742.html US Sweltering Skies Cause Airlines to Reduce Number of Passengers and Luggage US Sweltering Skies Cause Airlines to Reduce Number of Passengers and Luggage The spate of harsh weather conditions gripping major US cities has triggered a call to action for airlines to prioritize traveler and operational safety measures. 2023-07-23T11:17+0000 2023-07-23T11:17+0000 2023-07-23T11:17+0000 viral las vegas phoenix atlanta delta airlines delta national weather service americas /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/0c/18/1091772576_0:44:3560:2047_1920x0_80_0_0_e72123ac6e37ed98f7221916305c035e.jpg The ongoing extreme temperatures witnessed in several regions of the US are compelling airlines to recalibrate their operations to guarantee optimal flight safety and efficiency in affected cities. By curtailing fuel or passenger luggage and occasionally reducing passenger numbers, carriers aim to optimize aircraft performance.Temperature records were projected to soar to all-time highs in about 40 US cities as the country grapples with a severe heatwave. Since mid-June, high temperatures have been persisting, with places like Las Vegas hitting 117F on July 16, and Phoenix reaching 119F on July 19 and 20, prompting meteorological authorities to issue extreme heat warnings in the affected states.The National Weather Service has said that the current heatwave phenomena experienced in the southwestern US are "one of the strongest" of their kind. Experts have indicated that most regions affected by the sweltering heat are due to a "heat dome."Furthermore, with temperatures hitting unprecedented levels in the US southwest, Allegiant Airlines, a subsidiary of Allegiant Travel Co., has taken a stance to prioritize traveler safety by introducing flight delays when faced with a potential threat. The region has been under intense heat warnings, with temperatures soaring above 100F (38C) since June 30, as per NWS data.On July 17, a Delta Air Lines flight from Las Vegas to Atlanta experienced delays due to aircraft weight issues caused by the heat. Consequently, passengers willingly disembarked from the plane.American Airlines Group Inc. CEO Robert Isom assured that the company is taking decisive action in response to concerns about high temperatures. They have upgraded the cooling systems on jet bridges that link to the planes and performed early maintenance on the onboard systems.Delta, American, and United Airlines Holdings Inc. are providing additional support to their outdoor workers - airport ramp workers and baggage handlers - with measures like frequent breaks, additional water, use of sheltered zones or air conditioning, and cooling towels - amid a prolonged period of hot weather in the southwest United States. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230717/record-breaking-temperatures-hit-38-cities-across-us-southwest-1111940689.html las vegas phoenix atlanta americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International extreme temperatures, us cities, airlines, flight safety, flight efficiency, fuel curtailing, passenger luggage, aircraft performance, temperature records, heatwave, high temperatures, meteorological advisories, national weather service, heat dome, allegiant airlines, traveler safety, flight delays, us southwest, intense heat warnings, plane engines, aircraft weight issues, delta air lines, american airlines, united airlines, outdoor workers, airport ramp workers, baggage handlers, cooling systems, jet bridges, onboard systems, high temperatures concerns https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/washington-becoming-weary-of-zelenskys-never-ending-demands-for-aid---reports-1112084738.html Washington Becoming Weary of Zelenskys Never-Ending Demands For Aid - Reports Washington Becoming Weary of Zelenskys Never-Ending Demands For Aid - Reports MOSCOW (Sputnik) - American officials are growing tired of the demands that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to make with regard to Western... 23.07.2023, Sputnik International 2023-07-23T05:07+0000 2023-07-23T05:07+0000 2023-07-23T05:08+0000 world us ukraine volodymyr zelensky joe biden /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/0c/1108320099_0:0:3000:1688_1920x0_80_0_0_15cb02c1ad15a3e58e255df1471b0925.jpg MacKinnon pointed out in his Saturday article for The Hill, citing sources, that US President Joe Biden "lashed out" at Zelensky in June 2022, yelling that the Ukrainian leader "should be showing more gratitude for the billions in aid he was getting from the United States via the American people." Asked about Zelenskys never-ending demands for US aid, a former high-level Pentagon official told MacKinnon that Western support is not infinite. MacKinnon emphasized that more and more Americans are becoming unsupportive of the continued US aid to Kiev and this trend is likely to grow, "as the American people take a harder look at the horrific consequences of the war while also deciding to view Zelensky at ground level instead atop a pedestal." Earlier this week, media reported that Washington was planning to announce a new package of military assistance for Ukraine worth up to $400 million. The new package, which could be announced as early as next week, could include artillery munitions, air defense missiles and ground vehicles for Ukraines ongoing counteroffensive. Earlier this month, the US Defense Department announced a new security assistance package to Kiev worth $1.3 billion that for the first time included 155mm cluster artillery rounds. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230719/european-peace-facility-to-run-out-soon-due-to-continued-aid-to-ukraine-1111981719.html ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us aid to ukraine, us tired of helping ukraine, zelensky's demands for aid, us aid to zelensky https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/wests-hopes-for-breakthrough-in-ukraines-counteroffensive-dashed-1112089912.html West's Hopes for Breakthrough in Ukraine's Counteroffensive Dashed West's Hopes for Breakthrough in Ukraine's Counteroffensive Dashed Western countries knew that Ukraine did not have enough weapons and training for the counteroffensive, but hoped that Ukrainian courage and resourcefulness would save the day; however, these hopes have been dashed, the US press admits. 2023-07-23T12:27+0000 2023-07-23T12:27+0000 2023-07-23T12:27+0000 volodymyr zelensky vladimir putin ukraine kiev russia nato pentagon european union (eu) army tactical missile system (atacms) multiple-launch rocket systems (mlrs) /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/0f/1111898284_0:115:3233:1934_1920x0_80_0_0_b07acec2cf00f52f6d7c490148bb1993.jpg Russia's resistance, airpower, and extensive fortifications blocked the Kiev regime's advance and eventually led to Ukraine's counteroffensive stalling. There is a risk of Ukrainian lives and equipment being lost without any shift in momentum, as per a US mainstream media outlet.The media outlet noted that as the likelihood of any large-scale breakthrough by the Ukrainian forces this year fades, it raises the "unsettling prospect" for Washington and its NATO allies of a "longer war" which would require more armaments and even more training. Under these circumstances, the political calculus for the Biden administration appears especially complicated given the forthcoming election in November 2024.While the EU is continuing to help Ukraine, European leaders are unlikely to make a significant increase in aid to Ukraine if they feel a lack of enthusiasm from the United States, the newspaper noted.At the end of June, the Pentagon stated that they initially understood that the counteroffensive would be tough and entail casualties among their ranks. Still, US war planners claimed the Kiev regime was well-equipped."We have accounted for losses. We know there are going to be losses on the battlefield. That's the unfortunate part of this war," she added.However, it appears that Washington did not expect that the losses would be so heavy. The long-advertised Ukrainian counteroffensive in the South Donetsk, Artemovsk (Bakhmut), and Zaporozhye directions started on June 4 after months of delays. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky complained in an interview with the Western press earlier this month that the effort couldn't start earlier due to a lack of weaponry.Kiev deployed NATO-trained brigades armed with Western equipment, including the much-touted Leopard tanks. Shortly after, images of burned and damaged NATO-grade weaponry started to pop up in the media and social networks.Cluster Bombs, Long Range Missiles and F-16 Won't be Game Changerly disappointed with the results of Ukraine's long-anticipated counteroffensive, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, addressing a Russian Security Council meeting on July 21.Cluster Bombs, Long Range Missiles, and F-16 Won't be Game ChangerLast week, the Russian president commented on the Biden administration's decision to send deadly cluster munitions to Kiev, saying that it is a clear indication that Western ammunition stockpiles are depleted. Sputnik's interlocutors earlier noted that the US-made cluster bombs would not help the Ukrainians shift the balance in their favor during the ongoing counteroffensive. The military analysts suggested that most of these deadly munitions would be used against civilians in Russia's new regions. Previously, the Kiev regime has used long-range Storm Shadow missiles, provided by the UK, to attack civilian infrastructure.Earlier, the Western media reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had asked for hundreds of US Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) with a range of 190 miles (300 km) in order to destroy Russian command posts and logistics areas far behind front lines.However, the Pentagon fears that sending enough ATACMS to Ukraine to make a difference on the battlefield "would severely undercut US readiness" for other possible conflicts, according to another American daily. The number of ATACMS in American stockpiles is fixed and is awaiting replacement with the next generation Precision Strike Missile (the Prism). Lockheed Martin produces 500 ATACMS per year, but they are destined for other countries, according to the media.Meanwhile, the Biden administration announced that US-made F-16 fighter jets would arrive in Ukraine near the end of 2023, following months of ambiguity and seeming reluctance to authorize the supplies. At the same time, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley told the press it would take years and billions of dollars for the West to help Ukraine match the Russian fleet of fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft, train Ukrainian pilots, and facilitate the necessary maintenance.It's becoming clear that the West's new supplies of arms cannot change the balance of power on the battlefield. Instead, they are protracting the conflict and multiplying casualties among civilians. The botched Ukraine counteroffensive could cost President Joe Biden and his Democratic allies the victory in the ongoing presidential cycle. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/ukrainian-army-has-lost-26000-troops-since-start-of-counteroffensive---putin-1112088730.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230722/white-house-admits-kiev-forces-take-serious-losses-amid-hard-going-counteroffensive-1112064039.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230722/us-crossing-moral-red-lines-by-supplying-kiev-with-cluster-munitions-1112062761.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230712/what-are-scalp-missiles-and-how-may-they-affect-ukraines-counteroffensive-1111834010.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230718/ukrainian-pilots-operating-f-16s-would-be-flying-targets-heres-why-1111974402.html ukraine kiev russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ekaterina Blinova ukrainian counteroffensive, ukrainian losses, bradley, leopard tanks, us-made f-16, atacms, us-made cluster munitions, russian resistance, joe biden re-election bid 2024, west frustrated by ukraine stalled counteroffensive, protracted ukraine conflict The TVUSD school board adopted a new social studies curriculum that will allow school materials to mention gay rights. This was approved by teachers and parents during their recent school board meeting. California: TVUSD School Board Accepts New Curriculum According to CNN Edition's latest report, the curriculum "California's Cultural Contributions" was adopted after it was adjusted California Gov. Gavin Newsom said that this is good news since students in Southern California will be able to have the needed basic materials. However, he still criticized the recent disapproval of the Temecula Valley Unified School District school board. "But this vote lays bare the true motives of those who opposed this curriculum. This has never been about parents' rights," explained Newsom via CA.Gov. "It's not even about Harvey Milk - who appears nowhere in the textbook students receive," he added. The California leader explained that it is about the desire of extremists to control and censor the materials used to teach children. Read Also: Student Loan Forgiveness: Borrowers in 10 States Will Have $45,000 Debt Forgiven Why TVUSD Rejected It at First On May 16, the TVUSD school board rejected the curriculum; with board members voting 3-2. They explained that parental involvement in the creation of the curriculum wasn't enough. TVUSD school board members also criticized the curriculum since it allows materials mentioning Harvey Milk; an American politician and gay rights activist. But, since the controversial curriculum was updated and received the approval of parents and teachers, the TVUSD school board no longer has a reason to reject it. Newsom said that hate doesn't belong in the classrooms of California. But, since the previous rejection of the school board was a big deal for the Californian governor, he said that the California Department of Education is investigating the board's previous vote. Aside from California, other states across the U.S. are also trying to censor topics about LGBTQ rights. As of writing, there are almost 500 anti-LGBTQ bills that have been introduced in state legislatures. If you want to learn more about them, you can click this link. Related Article: Southern California School Board Formally Rejects Curriculum Mentioning Harvey Milk, But Why? @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Hollywood Casino at The Meadows featured two eliminations for the Delvin Miller Adios on Saturday (July 22) afternoon and victories were achieved by Cannibal and Its My Show in their respective divisions. Back in action after winning the North America Cup last month, Its My Show and Scott Zeron powered down the stretch to win the faster of the two $25,000 Delvin Miller Adios elims, winning by one length in 1:47.4. Ken Hanover (David Miller) finished second, Ervin Hanover (Yannick Gingras) was third and Flite Craft (Mike Wilder) was fourth to each punch their tickets to the Adios final. Bamboozler (Dexter Dunn) also qualified for the final as the fifth-place finisher with the highest career earnings. The time of the mile established a new world record for a three-year-old pacing gelding on a five-eighths mile oval, shaving one-fifth of a second off the record shared by Wiggle It Jiggleit and Lucan Hanover. Its My Show (Sweet Lou-Put On A Show) is trained by Linda Toscano for owners Richard and Joanne Young. The win was the seventh in seven starts this season, boosting his career earnings to $662,465. He paid $3.20 to win. "This was a really nerve-wracking race for me because it's chancy when you give one five weeks off," said Toscano. "It was what I wanted to do; I wanted to freshen him up, I want to try to keep him fresh for the whole season. Yet at the same time, you want him to be tight, happy, sound. The race was important because it's the Adios. "I'm really happy that he didn't power move back to the lead because that would have created a really tough race for him today." Cannibal and Yannick Gingras followed the pocket trip behind Seven Colors (Dave Palone) before tipping out in the stretch to win the first $25,000 Delvin Miller Adios elim by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:48.2. Redwood Hanover (James MacDonald) sped on the far outside down the lane to grab second. Seven Colors and Fulton (Dunn) also qualified for the Adios final by finishing third and fourth, respectively. Cannibal (Sweet Lou-No More Losses) is trained by Nancy Takter for owner Diamond Creek Racing. The win was the fifth in six starts this season and eighth lifetime, moving his career bankroll to $194,978. He paid $3.20 to win. His only loss this year came in the 2023 Meadowlands Pace final one week ago. "This was a different race from last week," said Takter. "The flow just didn't develop in the Meadowlands Pace the way I would have liked. But he raced super; he just wasn't in a good spot. He can race on the pace, he can race off the pace. It's the first time he's ever been here and he got around the track good. So I think we'll keep things the same for next week." The draw for Adios final post positions will take place Wednesday, July 26, with the connections of Its My Show and Cannibal choosing their post positions after a random draw to determine their selection order. All other post positions will be determined by random draw. The July 29 Adios Day card is shaping up as a blockbuster, featuring five Grand Circuit stakes in addition to the Adios. First post that day is 11:45 a.m. (with files from MSOA) A week of Indiana Sire Stakes action came to a conclusion on Saturday (July 22) at Harrahs Hoosier Park. Two $48,500 divisions of six three-year-old pacing fillies competing in leg four of eight of Indiana Sire Stakes highlighted the 12-race card, where Rollin Rosie and Queens Reign each captured their third victories of the 2023 season. In the first division for the sophomore fillies, 1-5 favourite Rollin Rosie looked the part as she strolled to an open-length victory with driver Trace Tetrick. Tetrick put Rollin Rosie into the thick of the action quickly from the pylon starting spot, landing in the pocket as John De Long guided Fortunada to the front through an easy opening quarter of :28.1. Tetrick wasnt content to follow the leader for long, popping pocket at the quarter and quickly asserting Rollin Rosie to the front up the backstretch through an opening half of :57. Tetrick hit the accelerator as the field entered the far turn, opening up by two lengths on the field reaching the three-quarter station in 1:24.4. The victory was never in doubt for Rollin Rosie as she maintained her cushion on the field in the sprint to the wire. Powering home with a :26.1 final quarter, Rollin Rosie scored decisively by nearly three lengths on the line to stop the timer in 1:51. Its Corona Time and Ricky Macomber Jr. staged a strong rally for place, with Sleazy Mama and Mike Oosting rounding out the trifecta. The victory was the third in four seasonal starts for Rollin Rosie, who has only been defeated twice in her 11-race career. Trained by Tyler George, who also co-owns the filly along with Scp Stable Inc. and Gregory Samples, Rollin Rosie has now banked $278,270 for her career. Bred by Mahlon Lambright, Rollin Rosie is a daughter of JK Endofanera out of the Rocknroll Hanover mare, Rock N Roll Baby. In the second Sire Stakes division on the card, Queens Reign went on to prove her 46-1 victory in leg three was no fluke, reigning supreme following an eventful mile. Saddled with post six, driver Pete Wrenn hustled Queens Reign towards the front in the early stages, finding themselves parked to the opening quarter in a hot :25.4 by Walkin On Sunshine and Jay Cross. Queens Reign cleared on the backstretch, but wouldnt lead as Walkin On Sunshine was intent on grabbing the front, popping the pocket and taking command to the half in a rated :55.1. The lead changed hands once again on the far turn with Firstofanera and Atlee Bender taking their turn on the front end with the favoured Tells On A Roll and Trace Tetrick in hot pursuit first over through three-quarters in 1:23. As the field spun out of the far turn, Queens Reign was faced with some traffic troubles as the inside lane jammed. However, Wrenn was able to navigate the filly off the pylons to the wide side of the track with their sights set on Tells On A Roll and Walkin On Sunshine. Surging home with a :27 final quarter, Queens Reign quickly gobbled the racetrack once she got herself straightened, blitzing by the leaders to score the victory by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:51. Walkin On Sunshine and Cross held for the place position, with Tells On A Roll finishing third. Trained by Ernie Gaskin, Queens Reign picked up her third win in six trips to the track in 2023. A homebred daughter of JK Endofanera-Queens Gold, Queens Reign has bolstered her career bankroll to $261,710 for owners Watermark Farm LLC. Earlier on the card, trainer Robert Taylor teamed up with Jordan Ross to sweep both $22,000 Open events on the night. In the Fillies and Mares Open Pace, Apple Valley was able to split rivals late in the lane to score a 17-1 victory over Shes Magical and Mike Oosting in 1:50.2. And in the Open Trot, four-year-old mare Jusmakinyalook capitalized off of a pocket trip to beat the boys in 1:51.2 over Brookview Bolt and Trace Tetrick, equalling the track record for aged trotting mares established by 2022 Dan Patch Trotter of the Year Bella Bellini in the 2022 Caesars Trotting Classic. Racing resumes at Harrahs Hoosier Park on Tuesday (July 25) with a 14-race card featuring two divisions of Indiana Sire Stakes for two-year-old trotting fillies to go along with the $10,000 guaranteed Hoosier High Five on the Race 14 finale. Post time for the Tuesday night card is 6:15 p.m. (EDT). (Harrah's Hoosier Park) Theres an old adage that those who dont learn from history are doomed to repeat its mistakes. Despite teaching history as early as kindergarten, we sometimes forget its lessons. In doing so, we miss opportunities to prevent it from repeating. Our posture toward the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine is one such example. Despite our efforts to avoid getting involved in conflicts around the world, they inevitably find their way to our doorstep. From World War I and II to the radical Islamic terror that inspired 9/11, our greatness makes us the ultimate target for adversaries on the warpath. The last century demonstrated that the United States will get dragged into global conflicts. As we grapple with what to do about Russias invasion of Ukraine, history tells us looking the other way now wont keep the bullies from setting their sights on us. To put it even more simply: as every Nebraska farmer knows, it is better to address a problem early than let it get bigger down the road. A stitch in time saves nine. After World War II, the United States and our allies set up a rules-based system. This system promotes peaceful trade between nations and has prevented global war. For nearly 80 years, this system has worked. Now, both Russia and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) want to change that system. Russian dictator Vladimir Putins invasion of its neighbor Ukraine is a land grab. It is also a direct challenge to global peace. If dictators are successful they dont stop. They grab for more. Our actions now will either open the door to more conflict or prevent catastrophe. Putins brutality is on display in Ukraine. We should not question his willingness to apply the same kind of disregard for human life in a conflict with the United States and our allies. Hes killed tens of thousands. Ukrainian children have been abducted and taken to Russian indoctrination camps. Putins troops have been accused of thousands of war crimes. This includes the indiscriminate mass killings and rape of civilians. More than 8 million Ukrainians thats four times Nebraskas entire population have been forced to flee their country. Nearly 6 million have had to abandon their homes and are displaced within Ukraine. Our support for Ukraine now can prevent a wider conflict without costing American lives. It will also be at a lesser financial cost. I said recently in our Senate Foreign Relations hearing on Russia policy that Putin sees the U.S. as his chief adversary. He has long behaved like hes at war with us. Hes wrongfully detained U.S. citizens and held them for ransom. Hes repeatedly refused to comply with U.S.-Russia arms control agreements. Hes aligned himself with our other adversaries in Iran and the CCP, who will be emboldened if he is successful in Ukraine. While Putins hostility can be shocking, the ambition behind it is not surprising. Putin invaded Georgia in 2008, Ukrainian Crimea in 2014, and Ukraine again last year. Putins actions indicate he aims to recreate the Soviet Union. If Putin succeeds in Ukraine, NATO allies like Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland could be next. At that point, the United States would be obligated to intervene with our own troops. We cannot let Putin succeed. However, our support cannot be in the form of a blank check. It is critical we also provide necessary and aggressive oversight of American tax dollars to ensure they are being used effectively. It is also critical that our NATO allies do their part to help in this fight. In 2014, all NATO members agreed to spend at least 2% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defense by 2024. That pledge is more important than ever. Seven countries met or exceeded this target last year, including the United States. Yet, twenty-four others failed to step up. This must change. Recently, I joined with 35 of my Senate colleagues to urge President Biden to push NATO countries to fulfill their defense commitments. I also personally raised these concerns with them at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania this past week. History has taught us that to stop Putin now will be far less costly in blood and treasure then what happens if we dont. We are giving Ukraine weapons to fight Russia so we dont have to. It is critical the U.S. and our allies provide Ukraine with the economic and security assistance necessary to defeat Russia so the battlefield never reaches us at home. The United States must direct a coherent policy to confront Russia that forces Putin to deal with us on our terms. We must continue to provide Ukraine the types of weapons its needs to win. We must also expand our sanctions regime on Russias energy sector and crack down on those who support Putins war machine by helping Russia evade sanctions. Finally, we must urgently accelerate efforts to modernize our nations nuclear deterrent. It is in Americas national interest to respond to these challenges. Adversaries like Putin can only be dealt with by leading with strength. If we look the other way, it will cost far more in American blood and treasure down the road. We must deter future aggression and promote security both at home and abroad before its too late. Since April, nearly 17,000 Nebraskans have lost their health care coverage previously provided by the states Medicaid program. About half of them lost coverage not because they are ineligible, but for procedural reasons, such as missed paperwork. Over the coming year, that number is expected to grow by tens of thousands more. States across the U.S. are adjusting to the end of a federal pandemic-era protection that temporarily barred removal of recipients. The resumption of annual eligibility screening marks what Nebraska Medicaid Director Kevin Bagley called a return to normal. However, Bagley and Nebraska health care advocates remain concerned that many people are unaware that the process is resuming and that procedural issues, such as the paperwork problems, could cause Nebraskans who still qualify for Medicaid to lose coverage. As we watch whats happening in Nebraska and we watch whats happening across the country, were a little concerned at the early numbers of people who are already losing coverage, said Amy Behnke, CEO of the Health Center Association of Nebraska, which works statewide on Medicaid outreach and enrollment. As of early this year, the massive state and federal program provided health care for about one in five Nebraskans. It is intended to provide health care to low-income individuals and families and people with disabilities. More than half of those on Medicaid are children. Buoyed by the states Medicaid expansion, the number of enrollees grew rapidly in recent years, rising from 249,000 in February 2020 to 392,000 in February 2023. The three-year federal pause, which ended in March, contributed to this growth. Over the coming year, the states Department of Health and Human Services will review the eligibility of each enrollee. Early estimates are that 10%-20% of those who receive Medicaid services in Nebraska, or about 40,000-80,000 people, could be deemed ineligible. This is us getting back to what we normally do as a Medicaid program, said Bagley, noting that the annual reviews have been a feature of Medicaid since 1965. But for many Medicaid recipients, this will be new. We have a lot of people who got benefits during COVID for the very first time and so theyve never gone through this process, said Behnke. Reaching these people has become a key goal of DHHS and advocates. For most, the basic message is the same: Make sure DHHS knows how to find you. Kelsey Arends, an attorney with Nebraska Appleseed, said helping enrollees understand the process will be critical to ensuring that people do not lose health coverage unnecessarily for procedural reasons. When those disenrolled for procedural reasons are added to the up to 80,000 expected to be removed due to changes in income or situation, Arends said the total number removed could reach 145,000. We dont want to see anyone who still qualifies for Medicaid being terminated for those procedural reasons, Arends said. Behnke said her group has already heard of some hiccups in the renewal process. Notices come in the wrong language, she said. Or they come partly in English and partly in Spanish. Some Nebraskans have received two notices on the same day. And one says theyre eligible and one says theyre not eligible, Behnke said. DHHS said reports of discrepancies have been rare. A spokesman encouraged residents who receive letters with potential errors to contact the department immediately through the AccessNebraska website or by calling 855-632-7633. From when it resumed reviews in March to the end of June, HHS has reviewed the eligibility of 77,329 recipients, and has disenrolled 16,974 of them, or about 22%. According to state statistics, 50% of those disenrolled were removed for procedural reasons, such as recipients who failed to provide information necessary to complete the Medicaid renewal, and when DHHS was unable to contact the client. The hard part is we dont know why they didnt respond, Bagley said. And thats been a struggle, I think, for every state. He noted that there could be multiple reasons for not returning paperwork. In addition to people who lost it, forgot about it or didnt understand it, some people likely didnt fill it out because they knew or believed they werent eligible anymore. One of the things we want to emphasize, he said, is that even if parents are no longer eligible, their children may still be. So far, Nebraska has disenrolled a smaller percentage of Medicaid enrollees than most states, and removed a smaller percentage for procedural reasons. According to data compiled by health information organization KFF, as of early July 36% of Medicaid recipients reviewed by states had been disenrolled. About 73% of those removed were for procedural reasons. The numbers are not apples to apples, however, because each state has set up its own process for conducting reviews. With most of Nebraskas reviews still to happen, advocates are keeping a close eye on the early numbers. If folks in our communities dont have access to coverage and therefore lose access to health care, that impacts the overall health of our communities, Arends said. The states hospitals are also paying close attention. In a given year, 60%-80% of total revenue from Nebraska hospitals comes from Medicaid and Medicare. Jeremy Nordquist, president of the Nebraska Hospital Association, said the group is working with DHHS to explore more proactive ways of getting the word out to Medicaid enrollees. Unfortunately, a lot of times, hospitals are having to deal with this in moments of crisis when people come to the emergency room, Nordquist said. Bagley said that DHHS has emphasized an outreach approach that targets trusted voices in communities, such as pharmacists, other health care professionals and faith leaders. While Nordquist acknowledged the departments efforts, hes still concerned about the implications. If it doesnt go well ... it will become a significant drain as more and more people fall under charity care, Nordquist said. And it just is additional losses for hospitals at a time when half of our hospitals are running in the red right now. As this process continues, advocates urge current recipients to review their information, respond promptly to any requests from DHHS and plan proactively if it appears that they may lose eligibility. We dont want to scare everyone, Arends said, but we want to make sure people are paying attention. This story about God and sin made me laugh at first. But then I puzzled over it for a bit. Its hard to know exactly what the case would be unless you want to dive off into the serious theology of it. For what is sin anyway? Romans 1:20 talks about God revealing himself in nature. Ecclesiastes 3:11 talks about God revealing himself in the hearts of people. So maybe telling the Eskimo did not change anything at all? Somewhere, and I cant find where, I read about an Eskimo hunter who asked the local missionary priest, If I did not know about God and sin, would I go to hell? No, said the priest, not if you did not know. Then why, asked the Eskimo earnestly, did you tell me? -Annie Dillard, Pilgrim At Tinker Creek A former Smyth County deputy accused of inflating the number of hours he worked to increase his paycheck pleaded guilty on Thursday to an amended misdemeanor charge of obtaining money by false pretenses. The sheriffs office placed Daniel Allen Hamm on suspension last fall after his supervising officer noticed an irregularity with the deputys timesheet. Following an internal investigation into the matter, Hamm was terminated two weeks later and in February a reconvened grand jury indicted him on a felony charge of obtaining money by false pretenses. On Thursday, prosecutors amended the charge to a misdemeanor, to which Hamm pleaded guilty, stipulating through his attorney that if called upon to do so, the Commonwealths Attorneys Office would have sufficient evidence to prove each element of the charge. Per his plea agreement, Hamm was handed a 12-month suspended jail sentence, six months of active probation, and was ordered to pay nearly $25,000 in restitution. According to the indictment, the offenses took place between July 2019 and November 2022. In February, Sheriff Chip Shuler described Hamm as a good deputy who made a bad decision, saying that while it pained him to terminated and have charges placed against him, It was the right thing to do. Following the indictment, the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services decertified Hamm to work as a police officer in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He had been employed by the sheriffs office off and on since 2011. In other courtroom news, a mental health examination is still pending in the case against a Rural Retreat man accused of the rape and the sexual battery of a child under the age of 13. Indicted in December, 28-year-old Jonathan Lee Tuggle was ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation in March. On Thursday, Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Keith Blankenship said the psychologist at Southwest Virginia Mental Health Institute who was ordered to perform the evaluation was no longer able to carry out such examinations on an out-patient basis. To proceed in the matter, Judge Deanis Simmons ordered that a new psychologist be designated to perform the evaluation. According to court records, the evaluation will determine Tuggles sanity at the time of the offense and his competency to stand trial. Few details are available regarding this case. Free on a $5,000 secured bond since February, Tuggle will return to the courtroom for a review of the evaluation in October. During Thursdays court session, a Marion man indicted in the 2019 theft of several brass Buddha statues and native drums from a downtown Marion business was sentenced to a year and a half of jail time. A grand jury indicted the now 44-year old Christopher Scott Hoover on a grand larceny charge in 2021 and he was originally scheduled to appear in court that spring. Two years after a capias was issued for his arrest on a failure to appear charge, Hoover was taken back into custody in May. On Thursday, he pleaded guilty to both charges. According, to court documents, Hoover and a co-defendant, 44-year-old Ellen Lesley Hicks, pawned some of the statues and drums at a local pawn shop where the pair used their identification cards to make the transaction. In addition to the jail sentence, Simmons ordered Hoover to pay the owner of the statues $9,000 in restitution and $400 to the owner of the pawn shop. Hicks was given an identical sentence in 2021. Both defendants were given two years of active probation to begin upon their release. No suspected locations involved in drug smuggling from Syria to Jordan in the border villages of Suweida governorate were inspected, al-Modon writes. Russian military police have conducted a patrol along the Syrian-Jordanian border in the southern Syrian governorate of Suweida, as part of an arrangement between Russia and Jordan to address the escalation of smuggling activities towards the Kingdoms territory. According to the network Sweida 24, the Russian military police embarked on their patrol from the village of Dhibin, southwest of Suweida, and proceeded to Melh, southeast of the governorate. During the patrol, they also visited the village of Um al-Rumman. These surveillance patrols on the Syrian-Jordanian border began in early 2023, in response to the surge in drug smuggling operations from the region into Jordan. However, the network claims that these patrols are merely symbolic and have not significantly contributed to combating the smuggling issue. Rayan Maarouf, the director of Sweida 24, revealed that the Russian forces conduct routine monthly patrols along the border villages in Suweida and Jordan. On this occasion, the patrol covered approximately 40 kilometres of the Syrian-Jordanian border. These patrols were initiated following Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrovs visit to Jordan in December 2022, during which discussions on the Syrian issue also focused on the drug smuggling escalation. Maarouf noted that despite the patrols, no suspected locations involved in drug smuggling from Syria to Jordan in the border villages of Suweida governorate were inspected. Additionally, similar patrols encompass border villages in the Daraa governorate, but they too are merely ceremonial and have not effectively curtailed or stopped the smuggling activities. Notably, the smuggling operations tend to occur during nighttime, avoiding the daytime patrols oversight. 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. The Turkish Interior Minister acknowledged that some abuses have occurred by certain police personnel, according to Athr Press. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya has refuted the news concerning the deportation of Syrian refugees holding the temporary protection card Kimlik from Turkey. He clarified that deportations are primarily aimed at those who have violated the laws of the states where they originally reside, and they are sent back to the state that issued their Kimlik card. In a press interview in Istanbul, Yerlikaya stated, The Turkish authorities have no issue with Syrian refugees holding the Kimlik card and residing in the state from which they obtained it, as reported by the channel Asharq. Addressing the reports of violations against refugees by the Turkish police, which have been circulating on social networking sites through various videos, the Turkish Interior Minister acknowledged that some abuses have occurred by certain police personnel during the pursuit of violating refugees. However, he assured that these incidents were dealt with promptly. Yerlikaya also mentioned that 200 officers from the Turkish Interior and the head of the station received additional training to improve their efficiency in dealing with refugees and to ensure that no abuse takes place. The Turkish Interior Ministers statement comes in response to a report by the opposition Observatory, which claimed that around 30,000 Syrians in Turkey have been forcibly deported since the beginning of the year. The report also suggested that deportations increased significantly after Recep Tayyip Erdogans re-election as President of the Republic. However, Yerlikaya did not address the specific numbers but expressed a commitment to addressing the issue effectively. In this context, Turkish political analyst and expert in international relations, Muhannad Hafezoglu, commented on the situation, stating, This campaign is part of Turkeys effort to deal with the problem of illegal immigrants, some of whom are among those being deported. He acknowledged that the number disclosed by the Observatory is not official, but it is likely not far from reality. Recently, several videos have emerged on social media depicting instances of violence against Syrian refugees, either during deportation from Turkey or at the Turkish-Syrian border by the Turkish border guards Gendarmerie. 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. A convoy of 30 trucks carrying logistical equipment, fuel, and ammunition has reportedly been dispatched by the U.S. military to Syrias northeastern province of Hassakeh. At the same time, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham carried out operations in the de-escalation zone in northwest Syria, resulting in the killing of nine soldiers from the Syrian government forces. U.S. Military Sends Equipment to Syrias Hassakeh amid Resource Plunder Concerns The Iranian news agency, Tasnim, has reported that a convoy of 30 trucks carrying logistical equipment, fuel, and ammunition has been dispatched by the U.S. military to Syrias northeastern province of Hassakeh, as reported by Russias Sputnik news agency, citing local sources. The convoy is believed to be heading towards U.S. positions in the province, including the illegal military bases in the countryside of Hassakeh, notably the base located at al-Jibsah oilfields in the town of al-Shaddadi. The Iranian outlet says this recent development comes shortly after 39 U.S. military tankers crossed the al-Mahmoudiya border crossing and headed towards Iraqs northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, having been filled with Syrian crude oil. The U.S. military has justified its presence in northeastern Syria by claiming it aims to prevent the oilfields in the area from falling into the hands of Daesh terrorists. However, Damascus says that the unauthorized US deployment is actually an attempt to exploit the countrys abundant mineral resources. Earlier this month, a senior Russian diplomat, Mikhail Bogdanov, criticized the ongoing illegal presence of US military forces in Syria, demanding an end to the Pentagons occupation of the Arab nations energy- and mineral-rich regions. Bogdanov condemned the US for using the pretext of combating terrorism to justify its presence in strategically important areas with vast crude oil and natural reserves. UN agency raises alarm over Syrian refugee relief in Jordan The UNHCR has warned of serious consequences for refugees in Jordan if no adequate funding is added to its shrinking budget, Arab News reported. The UN refugee agency has issued a recent appeal calling for immediate assistance after other agencies announced plans to reduce health services and food help in camps in Jordan. Jordanian government-owned Al-Mamlakah TV commented on a UNHCR report which said that the UN refugee agency had only received 32 percent of its financial needs for 2023, or $125.7 million of its annual budget of $390.11 million. In light of this 68 percent deficit, Dominik Bartsch, the agencys representative to Jordan, has warned of a humanitarian crisis and serious consequences for refugees and host communities. He added: The current lack of funding for the refugee response is undermining the great achievements made in over a decade. Now, there is an imminent risk that the situation is sliding back into a humanitarian crisis, with serious consequences for refugees and host communities. He said that there was growing concern that Jordans ability to include refugees in healthcare and education systems might be eroded. Sustained support over the years has allowed Syrian refugees to access the labor market, Bartsch said. Now, there is an imminent risk that the situation is sliding back into a humanitarian crisis, with serious consequences for refugees and host communities. Bartsch praised Jordanian efforts in past years in giving assistance to refugees. The country issued a record 62,000 work permits to Syrians in 2021, according to UNHCR. This was a result of the international community committing funding and expanded trade facilitation under the Jordan Compact, an initiative to improve access to education and legal employment for Syrians forced to flee their homes. Bartsch added: Jordan has done so much, and donors need to recognize what is at risk. He called for a determined and coordinated action to keep the success story in Jordan alive. Bartsch said that the lack of assistance was exacerbating the vulnerability of refugees. He added: The number of refugee families who cannot pay their rent and are at risk of eviction from their homes rose by 66 percent from December 2022 to February 2023. The representative warned of another wave of refugees toward Europe should no immediate action be taken to improve their financial situation in Jordan. He said: Another consequence of lack of assistance is that it may push refugees onto irregular routes toward Europe. UNHCR is concerned about their protection after leaving Jordan as they are exposed to exploitation, abuse, and death. The recent shipwreck off Greece was a stark reminder that people who do not see a perspective, make desperate choices. Children forcibly separated from mothers at Syrias Al-Hol, warns top rights expert A UN-appointed independent expert expressed deep concern on Friday over the distressing treatment of children being held apparently indefinitely in prison-like conditions in northeast Syria, where they are forcibly separated from their mothers. A UN official statement states that Fionnuala Ni Aolain, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, is the first independent rights expert to gain access to the infamous facilities Al Hol and Al Raj, as well as other places of detention. After her six-day visit to northeast Syria, Ms. Ni Aolain said conditions in both camps constituted arbitrary and indefinite mass detention with no prospect of legal or judicial process for those being held. Reliable witness I was able to witness first-hand, including mass arbitrary detention of children, incommunicado detention, disappearances, structural and systematic discrimination for the detained person on the basis of their nationality, she told reporters. The rights expert, who was appointed by the UN Human Rights Council in June 2017, said that she also witnessed the systematic practice of boys being separated from their mothers in the camps most frequently in the middle of the night or in the marketplace. She added: Every single woman I spoke to made clear that it was the snatching of their children that provided the most anxiety, the most suffering, the most psychological harm. The policy is based on an unproven security risk that male children are said to present when they become adolescents. Fear palpable The fear of boys below 10 (of being taken away) is palpable, she recalled, after meeting a large number of traumatized boys and their mothers. Speaking in Geneva, the rights expert expressed alarm that violence and deep insecurity pervade the detention centres where some 56,000 suspected extremists and families of alleged ISIL fighters are reportedly detained. Eight in 10 are under 12, including a two-year-old whos currently living in this facility, who doesnt get returned home and lives in a situation of mass, arbitrary detention throughout his or her life, she said. Ms. Ni Aolain also reiterated concerns about the practices of incommunicado detention and disappearances, including against children in the Gweiran Sinaa / Panorama prison, as well as a confirmed tuberculosis outbreak, exacerbating the health crisis in the facility. Ms. Ni Aolains main concern was for the mass and indefinite detention of children which constitutes an absolute contravention of international law in what appears to be a never-ending cycle of cradle to grave in detention. UK, Australia must repatriate more nationals in Syria, says terrorism policy adviser The UK and Australian governments are facing increasing pressure to allow greater repatriation of their nationals held in Syria, particularly in light of changing circumstances since 2017The Guardian reported. The UK government is facing increasing pressure to allow greater repatriation of British nationals held in Syria, particularly in light of changing circumstances since 2017, according to Jonathan Hall, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, The Guardian reported. Hall emphasized that many of these individuals are likely to return, and he predicted little security risk in allowing the return of high-profile cases like Shamima Begum. Begum, who fled her east London home at the age of 15 to join the Islamic State in Syria, is infamous, making her susceptible to lifelong anonymity orders requiring constant contact with authorities. Begum was stripped of her British citizenship in 2019, and this decision was upheld by the supreme court. The US has been urging the UK to join its European allies in repatriating more of its nationals, as Britain has been seen as an outlier in resisting such returns. Meanwhile, Fionnuala Ni Aolain, the UNs special rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights, reported that around 52,000 people, including 60% children (80% of whom are under 12), are detained in the Hol and Roj camps in Syria. She stressed that conditions in these camps are dire, with children living in fear of being separated from their mothers. Ni Aolain warned that without increased efforts by countries to repatriate from these camps, the children face life imprisonment and the stigma of being associated with terrorism merely due to their place and circumstance of birth. The situation is particularly concerning for children born to Syrian women and foreign fathers, as they are unlikely to gain citizenship or lead normal lives in Syria. Court cases in Europe have highlighted the complexities faced by children born out of mixed jihadist marriages. Some of these cases involve Australian men and foreign women who have returned from Islamic State-held territory in Syria. Mixed-nationality children from such marriages often face uncertain futures in Syrias camps, and calls are growing for their repatriation to offer them a chance at a better life. The issue of repatriation has become a pressing matter, with conditions in the camps constituting arbitrary and indefinite mass detention without legal or judicial process. Ni Aolain stressed that citizenship stripping should be a last resort and should not be used to evade a nations obligations to its citizens. Urgent action is needed to address the plight of these individuals, especially the children, who are caught in the crossfire of a complex and distressing situation. The report reveals Irans growing threat to U.S., Israel from Syria A report by JPost.com highlights Irans growing threat to the US and Israel from Syria. According to an unnamed intelligence official, Iran is supporting heavily armed forces in Syria, known as the Imam Hossein Division, which are preparing and gathering capabilities to pose a threat to American forces in Syria and Israel. This division is reportedly armed with precision-guided munitions, attack, and spy drones, along with various weaponry. It conducted drone and rocket attacks on the US military garrison in Al-Tanf in October 2021. The Imam Hossein Division consists of fighters from multiple countries, including Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, Sudan, and others. The unit operates under the Quds Force of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and is seen as a significant concern due to its powerful and robust capabilities. Irans presence in Syria is not new, and it has been assisting the Syrian regime since the beginning of the civil war in 2011. The IRGC has recruited fighters from Shiite communities in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq, including Hezbollah, to join its forces in Syria. The report suggests that Iran has been forming a second Hezbollah in Syria for years. The presence of the Imam Hossein Division in Syria, particularly in areas near Damascus and Homs, raises concerns about potential future attacks against Israel and the US. Iran has been actively supporting other militant groups, such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas, to increase threats in the West Bank. The report highlights the need for vigilance on the part of Israel and the US, as Irans activities in Syria and its support for armed forces pose a significant security challenge in the region. HTS kills 9 soldiers of government forces North Press reports that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) carried out operations in the de-escalation zone in northwest Syria, resulting in the killing of nine soldiers from the Syrian government forces. The HTSs Sniping Brigades faction was responsible for these attacks, which occurred within a 48-hour period. The soldiers were targeted on the outskirts of the town of al-Kabina, located north of Lattakia Governorate on the Syrian coast, as well as near Zawiya Mountain in southern Idlib Governorate. Al-Fateh al-Mubin Operations Room, a military source, confirmed that they have been focusing on sniper attacks against the government forces. Despite the Russian-Turkish ceasefire agreement signed in March 2020, which established a de-escalation zone in northwest Syria, the area continues to witness frequent mutual bombardments. The agreement also included provisions for the establishment of a safe corridor and joint patrols on the M4/Aleppo-Lattakia Highway. The situation in the de-escalation zone remains tense, with both sides engaging in hostilities despite the ceasefire agreement. The majority of Americans are more interested in space defense technologies than in Mars missions. This was revealed by the new survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, an American think tank based in Washington, D.C. Americans More Interested in Space Defense Than Mars Missions According to Futurism, most U.S. residents want NASA to prioritize space defense innovations to prevent asteroids and other space threats from hitting Earth. Pew's latest survey involved over 10,000 American adults. It was conducted from May 30 until June 4. Around 60% of them said that the international space agency should focus on monitoring space objects, especially asteroids, that could hit the planet. Meanwhile, 30% of them said that space defense against asteroids is indeed important but should not be a priority. The remaining adult U.S. residents (9%) said monitoring asteroids and other space objects is unimportant. Related Article: Scientists Baffled by Mysterious Radio Signal That Has Been Turning On, Off for the Past Three Decades Americans Not Interested in Mars Missions Pew's official survey report showed that only 11% of Americans agree that sending human astronauts to explore Mars must be prioritized by NASA. The majority of them (45%) said that Mars missions are important but should not be prioritized by the international space union. The remaining 43% said that Mars explorations are not important and should not be prioritized by NASA. But, will NASA officials follow the recommendations of Americans on Pew's survey and focus on space defense? As of writing, the space organization is putting billions of dollars into its Mars missions, especially the sample return activities. Statistics even revealed that the budget for Mars sample return missions doubled from $4.4 billion to around $9 billion. Meanwhile, the yearly budget for the planet's space defense activities has decreased significantly over the past years. The American Institute of Physics said that NASA is only allotting $138 million in its planetary defense, which is lower than the recent $166 million annual budget. Based on these budget patterns, NASA will still most likely focus on exploring Mars instead of enhancing Earth's planetary defenses. But rest assured that the international space agency is making efforts to keep an eye on asteroids and other space objects that could potentially crash into Earth. Related Article: Pew Research Poll Says Support for Space Tourism Skyrocketing @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Nippon Dynawave Packaging fire has been reduced to hot spots and Cowlitz County fire departments are no longer assisting, a Longview Fire Department leader reported Saturday evening. Public fire crews started pulling back from the contained Longview paper mill fire Friday as Nippon staff and contractors took over extinguishing the smoldering wood chips that ignited late Tuesday. Nippon crews were continuing Saturday to pull wood chip piles apart with bulldozers to douse the flames, but local fire departments have no need to return to the site, said Longview Battalion Chief Eric Koreis. Nippon workers attacked the blaze overnight again Friday, but Cowlitz County fire departments were not on scene. Koreis visited the fire at 1701 Industrial Way near Oregon and Industrial ways twice on Saturday and said very little smoke was visible in the fires immediate area. There were no flames, he added, but the hot spots could reignite if left unattended. He said crews are using thermal imaging to find the hot spots in the wood chip piles and expected the fire to be fully extinguished by Saturday night or Sunday. Dozens of local and regional first responders have been working to extinguish the blaze since it was first reported at 6:40 p.m. Tuesday and created a large cloud of smoke that briefly polluted the air south of Longview. The cause of the fire is under investigation. One security officer was killed Saturday and one other person was wounded in a shooting at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center in Portland that later led to a standoff in Gresham where police fatally shot the suspect. Legacy identified the security officer who was killed as Bobby Smallwood in a statement late Saturday afternoon. The statement said the other person who was shot was also a hospital employee and was in stable condition. The Northwest Portland shooting activated waves of first responders and locked down the hospital for hours in a dense urban area filled with shops and restaurants. Just before noon Saturday, police said they had activated emergency tactical units to respond to the hospital and police were searching the area for the suspect, who they believed left the building after the incident. Later, numerous police vehicles converged in the middle of Northeast 181st Avenue near Glisan Street in Gresham. Police were tightlipped throughout the day but confirmed the standoff was related to the hospital shooting. Police cornered a white and maroon van outside of the U.S. Bank on 181st and shoppers in the area said they saw a standoff between police and a person and heard three to four gunshots. At about 4:30 p.m., Portland police spokesperson Sgt. Kevin Allen confirmed that police fatally shot the suspect outside the bank. Brandon Loos, who lives along 181st Avenue, said he was in his yard when he heard three gunshots. He said he didnt hear any police commands before the gunfire rang out. The gunshots were incredibly loud, Loos said. Two consecutive, then a pause and then one more. He said he looked over his fence and saw police putting up yellow tape to block off the street. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said on Twitter he had been briefed by police on the situation. This is still an active investigation, he said, and we urge those in the area to stay alert until further notice. The mayor, who is also police commissioner, said he was receiving regular updates from the bureau. Meantime, the Police Bureau briefed reporters at the scene saying not much more than they were searching for the shooter. Just before 3 p.m., Legacy Health said it was establishing a staging area for the families of our patients and employees in the parking lot at 1120 N.W. 20th Avenue. We will provide updates as quickly as possible. The health organization encouraged others to continue to avoid Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center. The Stadium Fred Meyer at the corner of Northwest 20th Avenue and West Burnside Street was evacuated in the early afternoon as police searched for the shooting suspect. Ed Jackson, who is recovering from a kidney transplant, was on the third floor of the hospital Saturday when he heard what sounded like three gunshots. He said he couldnt tell where the shots came from, but the hospital suddenly went into lockdown, with doors shut and barricaded. He said he was told to stay in his room with the door closed. He spoke by phone with The Oregonian/ OregonLive. Tactical officers were observed earlier approaching the hospitals emergency department off Northwest 23rd Avenue, a neighbor said. Dozens of police closed off a four-block radius around the hospital, as people visited restaurants, walked and biked in the area, taking detours around the police tape. Mo Badreddine was on his way back to Good Sam when he got a call from his father, who was getting an iron infusion. I told him I was on my way back, and he said I wouldnt be able to get in, Badreddine said. He said there was an active shooter. Badreddine said his immediate concern was that the shooter hadnt been apprehended, and that his father was in danger. Its unclear how long the hospital will be on lockdown. Id just like to make sure my dad can go home, Badreddine said. Late Saturday afternoon, Legacy announced that employees and the family of employees can receive updates by calling 503-225-6242 and family of patients can call 503-225-6353. TriMet and Portland Streetcar service was shut down in the area for a few hours, but were running again by midafternoon Saturday. Russia made another missile strike in Ukraine's port city of Odesa Sunday (July 23), damaging its cathedral and other buildings in its city center, considered a UNESCO world heritage site. The shower of Iskander, Kalibr, Onix, and other missiles was the second in a row this week after an earlier strike Tuesday (July 18) as a "retribution" for an assault that had destroyed the Kerch Strait Bridge connecting the Crimean Peninsula to the Russian mainland. Authorities said at least 22 people, including children, were injured in Sunday's attacks. One person has also been killed in the latest missile strike, as per The Guardian. The strikes also followed Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal allowing Ukrainian grain to be shipped out of the Bosphorus and into the world from Odesa. The Kremlin's objective was to destroy the port infrastructure in Odesa, as well as all inbound and outbound ships there, as considered legitimate targets. "The main purpose of the Russian missile attacks on Odesa and the region is an attempt to cut off Ukraine's access to the Black Sea, and to use intimidation to prevent and neutralise international efforts to restore the functioning of the grain corridor," Ukrainian security council secretary Oleksiy Danilov said on Facebook. Three people were killed, and 13 were injured in an earlier missile strike in the city last month. Read Also: Russian Missile Kills 3, Injures 13 in Odesa Zelensky: 'We Will Retaliate' The attack on Odesa came hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin met with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko in St. Petersburg, Politico reported. In reaction, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to retaliate after the attack on Odesa. "Missiles against peaceful cities, against residential buildings, a cathedral..." he said in a statement on Telegram. "There can be no excuse for Russian evil." Odesa oblast governor Oleh Kiper added six residential buildings were damaged or destroyed in the strikes. One of the missiles in the latest strike hit Odesa's historic Transfiguration Cathedral, resulting in interior and exterior damages to the place of worship. Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa was built in the 18th century during Russian imperial times and was destroyed during the Soviet era under Joseph Stalin. The cathedral was rebuilt in the early 2000s. Related Article: Russia Attacks Ukraine's Port of Odesa in Retaliation for Crimea Bridge Strike @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Rhodes, the largest Dodecanese island in Greece, is experiencing severe wildfires that force tourists and residents to evacuate the area. Because the situation in the popular Greek island is dangerous for visitors, Jet2 and TUI decided to cancel all flights and holidays going to Rhodes. Greece Island Rhodes Wildfire: Jet2, TUI Cancel ALL Flights! According to LAD Bible's latest report, German tourism company TUI (Touristik Union International) and Jet2, the 3rd largest airline in the U.K., said they had the cancel all flights. The U.K. airline said they would contact tourists affected by the cancellations. Jet2 added that passengers whose flights were canceled could expect full refunds and another opportunity to book their holidays. "We are keeping the situation under constant review, and we will continue to make decisions in the best interests of our customers," said Jet2. Meanwhile, TUI also announced that flights to Rhodes were already voided, including those scheduled for July 25. "Customers currently in Rhodes will return on their intended flight home," added TUI. Read Also: EasyJet Passengers Forcibly Removed From Flight! Reason Behind It Will Disappoint You Will EasyJet, Other Airlines Also Cancel Flights? While Jet2 canceled its flights to the Greek island, EasyJet and Ryanair said that their flights are still operating to the country as normal. But EasyJet said they are closely monitoring the situation on the Greek island. The British airline advised its passengers who booked flights going to Rhodes to check the status of their bookings via the Flight Tracker. EasyJet added that they are coordinating with local authorities and are contacting customers to support them during the wildfire in Rhodes. "The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is our highest priority," said EasyJet via The Guardian. But, since the Ministry of Climate Change and Civil Protection considers the wildfire as the largest fire evacuation in Greek history, there's a chance EasyJet and other airlines will cancel their flights going to the tourist island. You can click this link to learn more about the ongoing wildfires on the popular Greek island. Related Article: EasyJet's Revenue Booms Despite European Heatwave; Is It Safe to Travel During Hot Weather? @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Nadine Bane of Scotia, who is vice chair of the Greeley County GOP, announced that she is running to represent District 41 in the Nebraska Legislature. Current legislator Tom Briese will reach term limits at the completion of the 2024 session. I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the District 41 position that has been filled by Senator Tom Briese Bane said in a news release. I intend to continue the good work that Mr. Briese has done as I pursue bills that will benefit hard-working Nebraskans. My key priorities include property rights, child safety and education, support for veterans and the military as well as the need for rural housing and broadband. Bane is a 35-year resident of Nebraska. She is a retired mother of two and a grandmother of five. Her son serves in the military and her daughter is a registered nurse in Nevada. Bane has career experience in home health care, the trucking industry and the family farming operation. She describes herself as a Ronald Reagan conservative Republican," she said. She has been active in the Greeley County GOP as well as the Nebraska GOP. District 41 encompasses Greeley, Howard, Valley, Wheeler, Boone and Sherman counties and the northern portions of Hall and Buffalo counties. In the upcoming months, Bane plans to travel throughout the district to meet voters "to hear their concerns about how best to serve them while serving in the state Legislature." Anyone interested in hosting Bane for a meeting or event should call, text or email her. I would be honored to serve the people of District 41 and continue to move our state in a positive direction for the good of all the residents, with particular interest in the rural areas that produce the food and fuel consumers need. A strong rural Nebraska means a stronger Nebraska for all of us, Bane said. The Nebraska State Patrol arrested a Grand Island man Thursday in connection with a Boone County sexual assault investigation. Jesse Voichahoske, 35, was arrested on multiple counts of sexual assault of a child following an investigation that began earlier this year. In May, the Nebraska State Patrol received a report from a victim of a sexual assault that had occurred on multiple occasions in Boone County several years ago. Investigators began looking into the case and discovered another victim. Both victims were children in their early teens at the time of the assaults, which occurred between 2012 and 2015. The suspect had since moved to Grand Island. Investigators located the suspect, identified as Voichahoske. Voichahoske was arrested Thursday in Grand Island for first-degree sexual assault and three counts of first-degree sexual assault of a child. He was lodged in Hall County Jail and has since been transferred to Boone County Jail. One of the accusers says she was the victim of a series of sexual assaults in Cedar Rapids when she was between the ages of 13 and 16. She said she was a babysitter for Voichahoske. The affidavit also cites another victim who alleges sexual assault in Cedar Rapids from August to December of 2013, when the victim was 14 and the defendant was 25. Voichahoske will appear in Boone County Court at 9 a.m. Aug. 17. The investigation remains ongoing. The Nebraska State Patrol urges any additional victims or anyone with additional information to contact investigators at 402-370-1024. Labor market to continue facing difficulties in H2: consultancy By Do Lan Sun, July 23, 2023 | 7:00 am GTM+7 Vietnam's labor market in the second half of 2023 will continue to face difficulties with few positive signs from employers, said recruitment consultancy Adecco Vietnam. E-commerce is among several industries expected to drive the Vietnamese job market with increasing demand for skilled professionals. Photo courtesy of the government portal. In the first six months of 2023, Vietnam did not see much improvement, according to the Vietnam talent market update H1 report released by Adecco Vietnam. Overall hiring demand decreased by more than 30% compared to the same period last year when economic activities resumed after the pandemic. Some sectors, such as consumer finance, real estate and retail, have experienced significant declines in recruitment due to restrictive policies and tightened consumer spending. Other sectors such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare and technical sales saw a more resilient demand for skilled professionals. Gloominess in the job market According to the General Statistics Office, the labor force and the number of employed persons in Q2/2023 increased compared to the previous quarter and compared with the same period last year, but the unemployment rate and underemployment in the working age also rose over Q1/2023. Hundreds of thousands of employees have been forced to take leave, severance packages and job losses since Q4/2022, and have shifted to informal employment, showing that the labour and job markets have recovered but are not sustainable. At the same time, recruitment demand among businesses is limited and has fallen significantly. Nguyen Thu Phuong, director of permanent recruitment services in Hanoi for Adecco Vietnam, commented: "As the domestic and international economies still inherit many potential risks, enterprises are gearing towards promoting lean personnel structures, focusing on recruiting replacement positions and adopting a more selective approach to filling vacancies rather than expanding to new positions. "The new vacancies mainly belong to projects that have been planned in the previous phase and are in progress. This trend affects many industries, causing a significant disparity between oversupply and limited labor demand, resulting in an extremely competitive job market." Technological innovations navigating the market The report states that although the number of vacancies at IT companies decreased by 35% compared to the same period in 2022, the requirement for IT skills is gradually becoming more common in most fields. Companies are increasingly looking for professionals with expertise in software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital development, and data analytics to meet their transformation needs. Truong Thien Kim, associate director of permanent recruitment services at Adecco Vietnam, said: "A significant drop in sales orders in industrial manufacturing led to a big lay-off, especially in electronics/semiconductors, textiles, furniture, and chemicals. "As factories have been leaning towards digitalization/automation, lean manufacturing and zero-carbonization policies, there is a shift in labor requirements, with a decreasing demand for low-skilled and repetitive manual labor. Instead, they are increasingly seeking workers with expertise in robotics, process automation, and advanced manufacturing technologies." Experiencing similar falling sales orders, some sourcing offices have gone bankrupt or closed their Vietnam branches, while others are more hesitant to recruit new staff. "Global clients expect to build the Vietnam sourcing team which helps headquarters to find alternative suppliers with more competitive prices and better standards in the local market. However, there are some categories that Vietnamese suppliers cannot compete in terms of quality and price with other markets such as stainless steel, plastics, injection molding, etc. As a consequence, the talented sourcing candidate pool with experience in these categories is extremely limited," Kim added. Regarding the retail industry, due to a shift in consumer buying preferences, many businesses are focusing on optimizing their online presence, leading to less need for traditional in-store positions. While the marketing and communications industry still maintains stable demand, traditional forms of media has seen a decrease in job opportunities. Instead, positions related to digital marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), social media, content creation, and data analysis are highly sought-after by employers. The recovering market will facilitate stability in recruitment demand in finance and banking. Highly sought-after positions are related to finance, accounting, risk management and investment analysis. Moreover, the emergence of fintech companies has created more job opportunities in this sector. The healthcare and pharmaceutical industry is anticipated to see sustained demand for professionals in light of the government's goal of improving healthcare infrastructure and increasing consumer demand. This field seeks professionals in a variety of roles, including physicians, brand managers, and medical information specialists. Applying technology to upgrade medical examinations and treatment is also a trend that affects the industry's hiring requirements. Meanwhile, the construction and real estate industries have not shown any signs of recovery with very low recruitment demand. Seize the chance amid turbulent outlook Nguyen Hoang Thanh Chuong, head of permanent recruitment services at Adecco Vietnam, predicts that the labor market in H2/2023 will continue to face many difficulties without positive signs from employers. Several industries are expected to drive the job market such as technology, healthcare, e-commerce, renewable energy and digital services with increasing demand for skilled professionals. "Opportunities will open for domestic laborers when large corporations in Vietnam change their recruitment strategies. Open positions for expats are decreasing sharply, mainly focusing only on important functions in the early stages of their investment plans. More specifically, roles for expat vacancies mainly involve training and technology transfer, and domestic candidates with high professional skills will be prioritized by businesses to take on these roles," Chuong said. Technological transformation is taking place in various industries and is expected to continue to thrive in H2/2023. Job seekers need to accelerate updating their skills in digital technology and utilizing the application of artificial intelligence, digitalization, and automation into their current fields to seize opportunities during this turbulent period, with most strategies geared towards technology reform and cost optimization. There seems to be a national social media holiday for everything. Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day. World Mosquito Day. International Talk Like a Pirate Day. That last one actually sounds pretty fun. Fortunately, there is an upcoming holiday on July 25 thats worth celebrating. National Hire a Veteran Day is a call to action for companies to employ more of our nations heroes. It is a worthwhile endeavor, as roughly 200,000 military members retire or separate from the armed services every year, according to the Department of Labor. And they dont always have a clear professional landing spot. For you veterans out there, here are some personal branding tips to market your military background effectively, which will make it easier for employers to understand what you bring to the table. Identify Your Unique Value Proposition: Begin by identifying the specific strengths and skills you gained during your military service. Consider your leadership experience, problem-solving abilities, adaptability, discipline, teamwork, and commitment to accomplishing goals. These qualities set you apart from other candidates, so highlight them in your personal brand. Tailor Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile: Customize your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight relevant military experiences and transferable skills. Use civilian-friendly language and provide concrete examples of how you demonstrated leadership and achieved goals. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to showcase the impact you made. Network Strategically: Networking is crucial in the civilian job market. Leverage both your military and civilian networks to make connections. Attend career fairs, industry events, and veteran-specific networking events. Join professional organizations and utilize online platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your desired field. Leverage Military Transition Programs: Take advantage of transition programs offered by the military or other organizations. These programs provide resources, workshops, and networking opportunities specifically designed to help veterans transition into civilian careers. They can assist you in refining your personal brand, resume, and interview skills. Translate Military Jargon: Avoid using military jargon or acronyms in your communications with civilian employers. Translate your military experiences into relatable and understandable language. Clearly articulate the skills and responsibilities you held in a way that resonates with civilian hiring managers. Showcase Relevant Civilian Experience: If you have gained civilian experience or education during or after your military service, be sure to highlight it. This helps bridge the gap between military and civilian work environments, demonstrating your ability to adapt and succeed in both. Seek Mentors and Seek Mentors and Mentee Opportunities: Look for mentors who have successfully transitioned from the military to the civilian workforce. Their guidance and insights can provide valuable advice and support. Additionally, consider becoming a mentor yourself, sharing your military expertise and leadership skills with others. Prepare for Interviews: Prior to interviews, research the organization thoroughly. Highlight how your military background aligns with the company's values and mission. Prepare compelling stories that illustrate your leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork skills in civilian contexts. Practice answering common interview questions, paying attention to how you can relate your military experiences to the specific requirements of the job. Remember, personal branding is an ongoing process. Continuously refine and update your brand as you gain civilian work experience and pursue new opportunities. By effectively marketing your work ethic and leadership skills gained during your military background, you can stand out as a valuable asset to civilian employers. Remember smorgasbords? Besides being one of those words that is simply fun to say, it has a very international feel to it. Well, I should say had a very international feel to it. I cant remember ever going to a smorgasbord, and I dont think there are many if any restaurants still around that call themselves smorgasbords. Today, the terms smorgasbord and buffet are somewhat interchangeable, but I understand that it wasnt always that way. One came from the French, describing a table where food was placed; the other is Swedish and meant a table of open sandwiches. What they have come to mean is eat-too-much. There are only a few of these restaurants and restaurant chains left that serve food in this way, but when I was a kid they were much more prevalent. One chain in particular left me with a somewhat inappropriate, but indelible memory I will never forget. It is one I have not shared outside of our family. Until now. I grew up in the western Illinois community of Galesburg. It was, in some ways, geographically perfect. We had a nearly equal mix of Cubs and Cardinals fans. As a major railroad community, we could go almost anywhere on the train and our community was almost exactly halfway between two major metropolitan areas: The Quad Cities (a collection of a whole bunch of cities in Illinois and Iowa, but primarily Moline, Davenport, Rock Island and East Moline located where believe it or not the Mississippi River actually runs west) is just 50 miles north of Peoria which was only 50 miles to our southeast. As a kid, going to Peoria on a weekend was a big deal. Wed go shopping and we would eat. In fact, we almost always ate at the same place: Shakeys Pizza. There are only a few of these restaurants left in the country today and they may not be anything like I remember which was awesome. On weekends, they offered a lunch buffet all of the pizza, fried chicken, spaghetti and more (maybe there was healthy stuff, too) you could eat. Plus, there were these seasoned and deep-fried potatoes that they called Mojos. As a pre-teen, I could make a meal just of these. Going to Shakeys was such a big deal, we often would not eat breakfast and walk in the restaurant door as soon as they opened for lunch. (It is no wonder that I have weight struggles now, huh?) Once inside, wed eat and eat and eat some more. The next stop would be a department store or shopping center and, naturally, the facilities would be the first destination. It was one of these pit stops that is etched in my mind. There was 9-year-old me taking care of business in the bathroom as I heard a gentleman in the stall next to me. Lets just say he wasnt getting much rest in the restroom. He was, to put it kindly, struggling. While fortunately, I could not see him, I could imagine the beads of sweat on his forehead. I was worried. Are you OK, Dad? I sheepishly asked, my voice traveling over the stall wall. Yeah; Ill be out in a minute son, came the reply, with measured breaths and pauses hanging between each word. My fear was less, but I was still concerned. Nonetheless, I walked out of the bathroom, where I found my brother, mother and father were waiting for me. Wait. My dad was not in the restroom. So who was I worried about? Who was I talking to? Who called me son? It probably was some other guy who had taken his family to the buffet before going shopping. I doubt that his family still laughs about the experience, but to us, it is just another item on the smorgasbord of memories more or less. Tolentino defends Duterte over China visit: He did his part for the Filipinos MANILA - Senator Francis 'TOL' N. Tolentino defended former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte following his recent trip to the People's Republic of China earlier this week. During an interview with CNN Philippines, Tolentino said that Duterte, just like other current and former world leaders, wants "to have a peaceful Indo-Pacific region" amid the ongoing tensions between claimant states--including the disputed territories within the West Philippine Sea (WPS). "I'm not privy to what was discussed but I think the president, former President Duterte, did his part for the Filipino nation. I think even the president, President BBM, took note of that," said Tolentino on Friday. "Any cooperation that would bring about peace and regional stability should be accessed, should be taken into account," the senator added. Duterte on Monday privately met with Chinese President Xi Jinping inside the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Xi reportedly asked the country's former leader to continue promoting "friendly cooperation" between Manila and Beijing. Tolentino, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, maintained that "diplomacy would have to play a role" in achieving peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The senator, who previously served as Duterte's political adviser, believed that the former leader also only wants peace and stability to succeed in the entire Indo-Pacific region, just like the rapprochement efforts being done by other countries in Asia-Pacific, particularly the United States. Meanwhile, Tolentino also lauded President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s dynamic stance in handling the geopolitical issue along the WPS especially after appointing outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Andres Centino as the new Presidential Adviser on West Philippine Sea. "So lahat po ito tama eh, kasi ang laki po ng saklaw at ang dami pong nangyayari araw-araw," Tolentino stressed. The Biden Admin's water heater crackdown is criticized by GOP lawmakers, as well as American citizens. Although the Department of Energy highlighted the benefits of the new energy efficiency standards for water heaters, many U.S. officials and residents are still disappointed. Why Biden Admin's Water Heater Crackdown is Criticized According to The New York Post, some Republican lawmakers are not happy with the proposed clampdown of the Biden Administration on water heaters in the U.S. One of them is GOP member Thomas Massie. He said that the U.S. government should leave Americans alone when it comes to water heaters. "These products already exist in the free market," he said via his official Twitter post. "Consumers should decide whether the upfront cost of a heat-pump water heater is worth the possible long-term savings," he added. Massie further explained that monthly savings don't usually cover the upfront cost of new appliances in the U.S. Based on Americans' statements on Twitter, they are concerned that the government will want them to purchase water heaters that "don't fully and quickly heat." Aside from this, they are also concerned about the upfront costs they need to cover when buying new water heaters that will comply with the Biden Admin's new energy efficiency standards. Read Also: Hunter Biden Probe: IRS Whistleblower X Set To Reveal Identity, FBI Agent Told To Avoid Congress Questions New Energy Efficiency Standards for Water Heaters DOE, via its official press release, said that the new energy efficiency standards will help consumers save over $11 billion on their water and energy bills yearly. U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm explained that the updated efficiency standards are essential to decrease utility bills for American families. Aside from this, carbon emissions can also be reduced. DOE explained how the new energy efficiency standards will help Americans save money from their water heaters. The agency said that by getting electric heat pump water heaters, U.S. residents could save up to $1,868 over the appliance's life span. If you want to learn more about the newly proposed energy efficiency standards for water heaters and other appliances, you can click here. Read Also: Biden's Campaign Touts Big Haul; Billionaire Linked to Jeffrey Epstein Backs Democratic Leader's Re-Election Bid @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A university academic building might not be a place you would expect to hear the joyful noise of children at play. speech camp 1 SC State speech pathology and audiology graduate student Juan Aristizaba works with children in SC States speech camp. But for six weeks this summer, South Carolina State Universitys William C. Lewis Building is home to about 35 young campers who are having a great time while practicing their oral communication skills. The SC State Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology offers Camp Discovery Summer Adventures as a therapeutic outreach program serving children ages 3-10 with varied communication remediation needs. The children receive both individualized attention and spend time in age-appropriate learning groups Our mission is two-fold, said Shirlain J. Darby, director of the universitys Harold Powell Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic. The campers have individual therapy in which they are working on their individual speech goals. Then they have the whole group activities when they are working in our themes. We are taking some of the drill out of the therapy and let them have fun while they are doing it, Darby said. Each week at Camp Discovery has its own theme -- fishing, farming, the beach, the zoo, the ocean, and camping with activities to match. The final week blends them all together to culminate the summer adventure. The camp serves children who are clients of the Powell Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic and others from in and around Orangeburg. Darby said the only requirements are that each child has an individualized education plan (IEP) and a documented evaluation of need. speech camp 2 Shirlain J. Darby with one of the classroom doors decorated for speech camp. Deficits can include articulation -- difficulty producing correct sounds when speaking stuttering, age-appropriate vocabulary, and even pragmatic skills involving social interaction. Darby said the latter has been particularly prevalent with children returning to group settings after being at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The camp is staffed by clinical educators -- speech pathologists certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association who supervise 21 SC State graduate students earning credit toward the 400 hours of clinical experience required for a masters degree in speech pathology and audiology. Kylee Smith is a second-year SC State masters degree candidate working at the camp this summer. She earned a bachelors degree in psychology from Clemson University before enrolling in SC States speech pathology and audiology graduate program. I love kids, and I actually did an internship during my time with Clemson University with speech, and I absolutely loved it, Smith said. So, I decided to pursue a career in it. speech camp 3 Graduate students with campers during lunchtime at the speech camp. The camp has been challenging but really fun. I have learned a lot from this experience. Ive learned from a lot of different types of kids, and its been so rewarding, she said. All of the kids are coming from different backgrounds. Dr. June Graham-Bethea, acting chair of SC States Department of Speech Pathology & Audiology, said the speech camp provides students with more than their practicum hours and the experience they need in working with children of different ages and abilities. Just the experience of having the children here is exciting not just for the skill sets our students are getting, but also for the joy that children bring them, Graham-Bethea said. And that affects the whole department, not just for our students who are serving them, but for us, as well. "We love having children in the building. When I walk in the door, I hear children, and thats exciting," she said. The summer speech camp and the year-round Harold Powell Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic are examples of the departments community outreach. Graham-Bethea said without those services, children in the region might otherwise go unserved. The children are coming in from various communities in our area, and they are receiving services that they need, she said. I think thats good for the surrounding communities, as well as SC States students. Both Darby and Graham-Bethea are SC States Speech Language and Pathology Program graduates. SC State offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in speech pathology and audiology. For more information on the programs, email Dr. June Graham-Bethea at jgraha4@scsu.edu or visit the academics section of SC States website at www.scsu.edu. speech camp 4 SC State graduate student Muhammad Wilson and camper Larry Feng. To apply for admission to SC State, visit the universitys website at www.scsu.edu and click Apply at the top of the page. All anyone wanted to know about Brian Harman was his passion for hunting. He got the biggest prize of his career from the links of Royal Liverpool. Harman is the British Open champion who now has people talking about his golf. His putting performance was sublime. His ability to avoid bunkers was key to his victory. Harman says while he loves to work, what matters to him is golf. He won for only the third time in his career. But his performance was one of the best in the British Open. He won by six shots. (TBTCO) - Bao cao tu Bo Xay dung cho thay, luong tim mua bat ong san toan quoc tinh en het quy II/2023 giam khoang 33% so voi cung ky nam truoc, luong tin ang ban bat ong san cung giam khoang 44%. Tinh hinh giao dich tram lang do niem tin cua nguoi mua, nha au tu bi anh huong va nhung kho khan ve han muc tin dung, lai suat vay van chua uoc giai quyet triet e. Editor: To correct numerous distortions in An Inconvenient Truth by Barry Crago: plainly put, the majority of the legislature votes for big tax and big government, and an anti-American redistribution of wealth. Their big-spender actions continually prevent tax relief. This year, the leftist majority in the Wyoming Legislature, including Crago, gleefully spent an additional $500 million of our property taxes. There are 36 representatives working for big government, versus 26 working for the people. A reminder for Crago, 26 is fewer than 36. Conservatives bring good bills which are killed outright or by sleight of hand. For three years property tax cap bills have been killed. This year HB 256, Tax Holiday, immediate relief for everyone was killed by House Revenue Committee. SF 136, rate reduction for everyone, killed by House Revenue by adding a poison pill, a large appropriation, sent it to House Appropriations where the entire leftist committee voted no. HB 100 Acquisition Study passed this year, but implementation will likely take a 2026 ballot vote meaning four years or more before we may see reform. The big spenders votes are easy to find on the Wyoming Legislative site, but most people lack the time to research 500 bills each year. At the Buffalo Town Hall, Crago urged us not to consider his poor scores on multiple sites which do the hours of research. So, here is a quick way to find the actual truth on wyoleg.gov. Click on 2023 legislation, then the first bill, HB0001, General Appropriations. Word search Crago to find he voted for millions in new spending. There were too few conservative legislators to stop it. Crago voted for nearly every single spending measure. Continue with the bills in the same manner or go one of the sites which do hours of work reviewing bills and yield similar results Republican Women of Sheridan County Legislative Action Committee (scwygop.us), Evidence Based Wyoming, WyoRino, and WyoVote. We residents must vote in more true conservatives, or we will continue to have the sweat of our brow taken by big government reps demanding crushing taxes and destroying our liberty. THE National Investment Fund Holding Co Ltd (NIF) will be redeeming the $1.2 billion principal on its Series A Bond today. The Series A Bond provided an annual interest rate of 4.5 per cent for five years. Series B and Series C were over 12 years and 20 years respectively. During the dark days of World War II (1939-1945), Edward Algoo packed his bags and emigrated with wife Doris to Trinidad, from Guyana, after his oil company employer shut down operations there. Algoo found work at Trinidad Leaseholds Ltd (later to close as Petrotrin) and the couple would have seven children. A boy and his grandparents walk down a street in Gwanghwamun, downtown Seoul, in this Feb. 27 photo. Korea Times file By Lee Yeon-woo As Korea's population ages rapidly, wealth becomes increasingly concentrated among older people, particularly those aged over 60. This could undermine economic activity which may otherwise be revitalized by younger people with a propensity to spend, leading experts to suggest the transfer of wealth to young people should be considered as a major policy initiative. In line with these efforts, the Ministry of Economy and Finance will announce the finalized version of its revised tax bill by the end of this month, which is expected to include easing the gift tax on newlyweds. It is expected to raise the baseline for gift tax exemption to approximately 100 million won ($77,579) from the current 50 million won. The government anticipates this policy will not only encourage marriage and increase the birthrate but also facilitate wealth transfer. Older people, particularly those in their 50s and 60s with children of marriageable age, tend to have low expenditure and consumption habits. "The government policy is expected to increase the amount of wealth transfer when people marry rather than it being transferred through inheritance (when one's parents die)," said Kim Woo-cheol, a taxation professor at the University of Seoul. According to data from Statistics Korea, as of March 2022, the net assets held by individuals in their 60s surged 79 percent from a decade ago, the greatest increase among all age groups. While those in their 30s, 40s, and 50s all saw significant increases of more than 50 percent, the net assets of those aged 29 or younger increased by only 4 percent. The Seoul Institute projected that individuals aged 60 and over held approximately 46 percent of the total net assets in Korea as of 2021. However, the average propensity to consume among those aged over 65 dropped to a record low of 66.6 percent in the second quarter of last year. An elderly man works in his shoe store in Tokyo, Japan, in September 2019. EPA-Yonhap In recent days, we have seen public uproar over the spiralling crime situation, as well as public justification for maximum self-defence against bandits. The authorities have come out issuing warnings against citizens to not use excessive force against the bandits; mind you, these criminals use all the force available to them, including firearms and large groups, when executing home invasions. Two primary races for Tucson City Council are intensifying as outside groups pour money into campaigns, and other election-related expenses emerge from unknown origins in defiance of state law. The incumbents in each race have largely outraised their opponents, according to the latest campaign finance reports. However, several candidates have yet to file the reports indicating their campaign contributions and expenses that were due July 17, which can result in nominal penalty fees for each late day but shrouds the legal right of voters to view candidates campaign expenses. Only the races in wards 1 and 2 are contested, with two Democrats vying for the City Council seats in each race. Ward 1 Council Member Lane Santa Cruz is running against challenger Miguel Ortega as Ward 2 Council Member Paul Cunningham faces political newcomer Lisa Nutt. Ballots for the primary election were mailed out on July 5 and voters have until Tuesday, July 25, to return them by mail. Voters can drop off their ballots at a voting location until 7 p.m. on Election Day, Aug. 1. Ward 1 The race between two Democratic candidates to get to the November general election has been lined with tension as both sides criticize each other for campaign contributions and a lack of transparency. Santa Cruz appears to have outraised Ortega nearly four times over. However, Ortega had yet to turn in his latest campaign finance report, missing the deadline by four days as of Friday. His campaign manager Billy Peard said the candidate has raised $16,691, compared to the $58,951 in total contributions listed in Santa Cruzs campaign finance report documenting contributions up to June 30. Santa Cruz received an extra $55,421 in public matching funds from the city, boosting her total campaign receipts to $114,372. The incumbent reports spending $51,146, while Peard said Ortega has spent $8,995. A mailer of a clandestine origin sent to Ward 1 residents has fueled discord in the race. The mailer, which said it was paid for by the Arizona Prosperity Initiative PAC, criticized Santa Cruz for voting against police funding in 2020 and spending your taxpayer dollars on vacations. Neither the Arizona Secretary of States Office nor the Tucson City Clerks Office have any record of the PAC. Failing to register political action committees that spend money in local elections is a violation of city code and state law that can result in referral to the attorney general if reasonable cause is found, according to the Secretary of States Office. A nonprofit by the same name registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission in April. The registry says the groups statutory agent is Tim La Sota, a Phoenix-based attorney who represented unsuccessful GOP candidate for governor Kari Lake in her election challenge lawsuits. La Sota did not return the Stars request for comment. The claim Santa Cruz spent taxpayer money on vacations stems from a December trip the council member and other constituents took to Philadelphia to attend a conference organized by Mijente, a national nonprofit supporting Lantinx and minority rights. Santa Cruzs budget, first requested by Ward 1 resident Scott Egan a prominent figure in local political circles who criticized the council members spending in his newsletters shows more than $15,000 in airfare, hotel stays and fees associated with the conference. The funds came from a $50,000 grant Mijente awarded the Ward 1 office for base-building projects for accelerating racial equity, according to Mijentes notice of the grant sent in a Sept. 22 letter. The city confirmed the line items on the budget were paid for by the grant and not taxpayer money. Santa Cruz said theyve worked with Mijente for several years. The Mijente AZ PAC spent more than $40,000 on mailers and staff time in support of Santa Cruzs campaign, according to finance reports, while several employees of the nonprofit also made independent contributions. The Working Families Party PAC spent $21,124 to support the incumbents campaign through mailers and phone banking. The Rural Arizona Action organization paid for $2,200 worth of Facebook ads for Santa Cruz. Both Ortega and Egan say they have nothing to do with the mailer criticizing Santa Cruz and have no idea who funded it. Ortega condemned Santa Cruz for her receipt of thousands from out-of-state donors and called their acceptance of $750 in independent donations from Tucson Electric Power employees problematic after Santa Cruz supported Proposition 412, a TEP-backed ballot initiative that would have increased electric bills. The challenger said hes not worried about his opponent out-raising him. However, it does concern me in that the incumbent can get so much money from sources from outside our local community who are driving the political destiny of our local elections, Ortega said. Santa Cruz points to the lack of transparency Ortegas late campaign filing poses and is also concerned about the dark money behind the furtive mailer opposing the council members campaign. Santa Cruz has also said said the majority of their campaigns receipts do represent local support. The reasons why people are able to see where the moneys coming from, its because its out there on my end. But there is no way of tracking down whos actually behind who put out that mailer, Santa Cruz said. Victoria Lem, the only Republican on the ballot for the general election in Ward 1, reports receiving $70 and spending nothing as of April 29. She has not filed her latest campaign finance report. Ward 2 Realty-related companies have spent thousands advertising for Nutt, a political newcomer and realtor. The Arizona Multihousing Association, a trade association for the apartment industry, paid Summit Consulting Group more than $52,000 to create Nutts candidacy website, make digital ads and send out mailers and texts in support of the candidate, according to independent expenditure notifications the group filed with the city clerks office. The public affairs firm Summit Consulting has a GOP-packed client list, featuring names including former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Congresswoman Debbie Lesko and former Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer. The choice in Ward 2 comes down to who offers more support when it comes to solving the housing supply crisis. As an experienced Realtor, Lisa Nutt understands the depth of the crisis and its solutions, Arizona Multihousing Association President and CEO Courtney Gilstrap LeVinus said in an emailed statement. Regarding the seemingly partisan nature of the firm the group used to campaign for Nutt, the groups spokesperson David Leibowitz said: The AMA has worked with Summit for the past 10 years on a number of local races. Unlike the Tucson election, most of those races were nonpartisan. A separate notice from the National Association of Realtors Fund showed the group spent more than $35,000 for direct mail, texts and digital ads in support of Nutts campaign. Nutt has raised $15,520 as of June 30, according to the latest campaign finance report, and reports spending $10,800. The candidates campaign received $3,000 in direct contributions from political action committees, with the Southern Arizona Homebuilders Association PAC Candidates Fund, Realtors of Arizona PAC and Smart TD PAC contributing $1,000 each. Cunningham, the incumbent seeking a fourth term as a City Council member, criticized Nutt for taking money from out-of-town, right-wing special interest groups and changing her voter registration before running for office. Nutt changed her voter registration from independent to Democrat on Feb. 6, according to the Pima County Recorders Office. She filed her notice of intention to run for the City Council seat on Feb. 13, city clerks records show. Purity tests in politics are a waste of time and hypocritical on anyones side. We can take the politics out of policy in order to formulate solutions that benefit our communities, Nutt said in response to her voter registration change. If my opponent wants to have a discussion on integrity, thats a conversation I welcome. Cunningham has raised $40,550 in campaign contributions as of the latest campaign finance report listing receipts up to June 30, while spending $32,098. Several employees of real estate developers HSL Properties and Diamond Ventures contributed $500 donations to Cunninghams campaign. Ernie Shack, a Republican who will face the winner of the primary election in November, has raised $1,112 and spent $972, according to his latest finance report. Libertarian Pendleton Spicer reports raising $185 and spending $14. Ward 4 Both candidates in the City Council race for Ward 4 Democratic incumbent Nikki Lee and Republican challenger Ross Kaplowitch will advance to the Nov. 7 general election without challengers within their party primaries. Lees campaign reports raising $19,683 as of June 30, severely outraising the $1,242 Kaplowitch reported up to the same date. The Republican challenger said hes received several relatively low-dollar donations from fundraising events. Lee reports spending $15,148 while Kaplowitch reports spending $832. Mayor Four candidates are vying to become Tucsons mayor in the general election. Democratic Mayor Regina Romero is seeking a second term and has raised $96,368 as of June 30, according to her latest campaign finance report. Living United for Change in Arizona spent $53,096 canvassing for the incumbent. The mayor reports spending $51,744 of her campaign contributions. Ed Ackerley, an independent candidate, reports raising $16,860 as of June 30. His campaign finance report shows $6,705 in outstanding debts and obligations to his own advertising firm, Ackerley Advertising. Hes spent $12,298 on his campaign, according to the report. Republican Janet Wittenbraker has raised $13,187 and spent $6,242 as of June 30, her campaigns latest finance report says. Arthur Kerschen, a libertarian, hasnt raised any funds. The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer: When my children head off to their elementary and middle schools next month, one item will be noticeably absent from their backpacks: a cell phone. While this might not sound like an unusual choice, consider these statistics from a 2021 Common Sense Media report. By the time American children are 10 years old, 42% of them will have a cell phone. At age 12, that number climbs to 71%; by age 14, its 91%. There are, of course, many practical reasons adults might give their elementary or middle schoolers a phone. Coordinating transportation, communicating schedule changes, or contacting family in case of an emergency are often cited when making this decision. For some families, the flexibility and peace of mind gained by providing children with a phone makes the choice easy. For others, however, the decision is not so simple. They may feel pressure from their children, other parents, or even schools to provide a phone for use as a learning tool. If they watch the news, increasingly fearful headlines might convince adults that theyre downright neglectful if they dont buy their child a phone. But for those who are on the fence, its OK and even advised by many researchers to hold off on that purchase. Here are some reasons why it may be best to delay giving children their first phone until at least eighth grade. First, cell phones can distract children from developing strong connections with their in-person peers. A study from the University of Essex showed that the mere presence of a cell phone (even one not being used) can have negative effects on closeness, connection, and the quality of conversation between two people. Adolescence is an important time to develop friendships; removing the temptation of a phone can help children foster and increase those bonds. Speaking of temptation, cell phones can also be highly addictive. Dr. Anna Lemke, author of Dopamine Nation, calls smartphones the modern-day hypodermic needle, which provide dopamine hits in the form of texts, attention, and validation. Among 13-14 year-olds who have phones with Internet access, the Pew Research Center found that 36% say they are online almost constantly. Among 13-17-year-olds, 54% self-report that they spend too much time on their cell phone, and 42% feel anxious without it. When cell phones are used to access social media, the data for children especially girls gets even worse. In a study of 11-12-year-old girls online experiences, 32% said they were exposed to eating disorder-related content at least monthly on Snapchat. Thirty-six percent said the same about suicide or self-harm-related content; concerningly, this number jumps to 64% for girls with moderate to severe depressive symptoms. In addition, a 2019 study of young women found that frequency of Instagram use is correlated with depressive symptoms, self-esteem, general and physical appearance anxiety, and body dissatisfaction. Since this is the effect on grown-ups, we should be extra cautious before allowing our children access to these platforms. While most Americans will own a cell phone eventually, there are plenty of ways to keep kids connected in the meantime. Some parents give their children a smartwatch that can only be used for calls or texting. Others allow their child to give out the parents cell number to text with friends outside school hours. My middle schoolers chat with friends on the messaging platform Discord, with all message notifications sent to my email so I can monitor their contacts. I also just reactivated an old cell phone so they can ease into phone ownership slowly and intentionally. The bottom line is, its up to parents and guardians to set limits around when and how their children use cell phones. But if you can hold out a little longer your childs mental health just may benefit as a result. Barbara Hoberock Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Barbara Hoberock Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today OKLAHOMA CITY Senators return to the Capitol on Monday in a special-session effort to override two of Gov. Kevin Stitts vetoes and thereby extend tribal compacts. The Senate is expected to make a second attempt at overriding Stitts veto of Senate Bill 26x and take up an override of House Bill 1005x. Senate Bill 26x would extend the state-tribal tobacco compacts until Dec. 31, 2024, while House Bill 1005x would extend the motor vehicle registration compacts until that date. Both compacts are set to expire by the end of 2023. The Senate in June failed by one vote to override Stitts veto of Senate Bill 26x. After the vote, Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, said the Senate would have the votes later to override the veto by a pretty good margin. I am confident we have the votes to override the vetoes, Treat said Friday. The last time we took the vote we were missing several members who had to miss for one reason or another. But those members have committed to being there this time. If the Senate can muster the 32 votes needed to override Senate Bill 26x, the House is expected to take it up on July 31, according to a House spokesman. The House has already overridden Senate Bill 1005x. Stitt has countered the bills, which would keep the terms of the compacts the same for another year, with a proposal of his own that would put limits on where the compacts would be applicable which some tribes find objectionable. Lawmakers are concerned that Stitt could let the compacts expire without new ones in place, costing the state money. Last year, with these two compacts in place, the tribes remitted over $50 million to the state, Treat said. Without them in place, the state stands to lose this money. It will leave a hole in the following years budget that we will have to find a way to backfill. By simply extending the expiration date for these two compacts, we wont create a budget hole that we need to fill while allowing the governor and the tribes to negotiate a better deal for the state and tribes. Treat said that if the override attempts fail, it would be difficult to try again before the end of the month, when the special session ends. Stitt has been reaching out to senators and has taken his message to social media, seeking to have the override effort defeated. In a social media post, Stitt said that for months he has been trying to work with tribal governments while they believe they can get a better deal from lawmakers. I will not be bullied into doing a bad deal for Oklahoma taxpayers, Stitt said in a social media post. I want an even playing field for all 4 million Oklahomans. In a July 14 resolution, the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes asked the Legislature to overturn the vetoes, saying Stitt refuses to act in good faith with the tribes on extensions. Stitt has had a rocky relationship with the tribes since shortly after starting his first term, when he attempted to negotiate new gaming compacts with higher rates to the state. The tribes successfully sued Stitt to get a court order saying their gaming compacts had automatically renewed. In addition, lawmakers successfully sued Stitt over the process for entering into other compacts. The states high court found that Stitt had exceeded his authority when he compacted with tribes either outside the bounds of the Model Tribal Gaming Compacts or without the approval of the Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations. He continues to lose court cases at every turn and, to me, launching a PR campaign does more harm than good when he should be figuring out a way to sit down and negotiate in good faith with the tribes, Treat said. On Thursday, members of Stitts administration met with representatives of the Chickasaw Nation concerning the compacts. Chickasaw Nation attorney Stephen Greetham said it appears that Stitts team used the meeting as a stunt for disrupting the Oklahoma Legislatures proceedings this coming Monday. We believe that stunt underscores the need for the Senate to act now. In fact, we believe the day may have arrived for the Oklahoma Legislature to take control of these issues away from this administration. Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby also released a statement. We call on the Oklahoma Legislature to complete its work and override the Oklahoma Governors vetoes of the compact extender bills, he said. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. James D. Watts Jr. Tulsa World Scene Writer Follow James D. Watts Jr. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today All Sam McLellan knew about The Book of Mormon the first time he ever saw the show was that it was supposed to be funny. McLellan was a youngster at the time and had started showing an interest in performing in general, and musical theater in particular. My older sister was living in Chicago at the time, and she said that I couldnt really say I wanted to be in musical theater if I hadnt seen a Broadway musical, McLellan recalled during a recent phone conversation. The Book of Mormon was playing in Chicago at the time, and she took me to see it, simply because some friends of hers had told her it was funny. But for the young McLellan, The Book of Mormon was more than funny. It was life-altering. I was just floored by it, he said. I knew instantly that this was something I wanted to do. Not just be involved in musical theater, but to be a part of that show. Now, some 10 years after his initial exposure to Matt Stone and Trey Parkers exuberantly profane tale of a couple of naive Mormon missionaries sent to a remote village in a war-torn African country, McLellan is exactly where he wanted to be all those years ago playing a lead role in the Broadway touring production of The Book of Mormon. The show is returning to Tulsa as a special bonus production from Celebrity Attractions. I wouldnt say my entire career has been spent pursuing a role in this show, McLellan said, laughing. But I will say that every time I heard that some role had come open, I would beg my agent to get me an audition. It took a number of tries, but things finally aligned. McLellan has the role of Elder Price, a golden boy type who believes that his missionary abilities would be put to the greatest and most effective use in a place like Orlando, Florida. However, he ends up being paired with a terribly insecure fellow missionary, Elder Cunningham (Sam Nackman), and sent to a small village in northern Uganda, which is plagued by sexually transmitted diseases as well as violent incursions led by a self-styled general with an unprintable name. Elder Prices self-confidence endures calamities of near-biblical proportions, to the point where he turns his back on his faith and his fellow missionary, whose extremely creative, if unorthodox, way of relating the Gospel becomes something the villagers embrace in their own, unique way. McLellan said he felt an affinity for the character of Elder Price from that very first time he saw the show. I would say that, in real life, my personality is somewhere between Elder Price and Elder Cunningham, he said. But I felt a real connection with Elder Price and the arc his character follows. One thing McLellan said he endeavored to instill in his portrayal is the idea that, in spite of his self-confidence and self-righteous attitude, Elder Price is just as naive in his own way as his more bumbling colleague. I know that some people who have played this role have gone the other direction, to the point that the audience takes a kind of joy in seeing Elder Price get his comeuppance, McLellan said. You know, the character has been such a raging (expletive) that you want to see him go through all these humiliations. But I see him as someone who really doesnt know very much, he said. Hes been talked up as this kind of golden boy all his life, and things have gone relatively easy for him. That makes him a character I think audiences are more inclined to like, and to root for. It makes all the terrible things that happen to him worse, because he really doesnt deserve such treatment. That character arc, McLellan said, is why some actors have referred to the character of Elder Price as the male equivalent of Elphaba, the green gal at the center of Wicked, in terms of its emotional and vocal extremes. It is a hard book to sing, McLellan acknowledged. There are stretches in the show where the singing is really just relentless, and its tough to have to deal with that amount of vocal work without a break. Of course, when I say that to people, he added, laughing, they say, But you make it seem so easy. And I just tell them, thats why I get paid to do this. Tulsa audiences might recognize McLellan from the musical Anastasia. He performed the romantic lead of Dmitri when that show came to Tulsa in July 2022. Tulsa was one of my last shows with that company, he said. We closed in Tulsa, then I did two shows in Boston, and the next day I was in New York City rehearsing for The Book of Mormon. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond told a national publication early last week that he is concerned about the melding of religion and government into a form of Christian nationalism. There are believers that are confusing true religion and religious liberty, and faith in God with political power. And this Christian nationalism is the movement that is giving oxygen to this attempt to eviscerate the Establishment Clause, Drummond told Politicos Weekly Education newsletter in a story about a proposed state-funded Catholic charter school. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution begins with the words: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The first part is known as the Establishment Clause because it prohibits establishment of a state or national religion. The second part is known as the Free Exercise Clause because it prohibits limits on the exercise of religion. In addition, Article VI of the U.S. Constitution specifies that no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States. Taken together, these have generally been taken to mean that individuals may exercise their religion or not in their private life but not in official capacities. Some public officials and voters disagree and seek to combine religious and patriotic fervor. Drummond told Politico he believes thats shortsighted. There will be a day in America where Christianity is a plurality, and not a majority, he said. That day may not come in my lifetime, but it will come in the lifetime of my children or grandchildren, Drummond said. We need to be careful of the establishment of laws, and rules of law, that will take what weve considered sacred these last 250 years and do away with it. Drummond has said he believes the Catholic virtual charter school authorized by a state board is unconstitutional and that legal action will be needed to stop state funds from going to it. To those in the Christian nationalist movement that would say Drummonds anti-religion, I would say just the opposite. I may very well be the last defender of religious liberty in the movement to eviscerate the separation of church and state. This photo shows a building in Kyiv which Samsung Electronics has an office in after it suffered a missile attack, Ukraine, Jan. 7. Yonhap The government plans to allow businesspeople to enter Ukraine for reconstruction projects by making exceptions to the travel ban on the war-torn country, officials said Sunday. The decision was part of measures that the government is taking after President Yoon Suk Yeol made a surprise visit to Ukraine earlier this month and promised to provide a package of security, humanitarian and reconstruction assistance. Since February last year, the government has been maintaining a travel ban for all of Ukraine. But the government plans to exceptionally allow businesspeople to enter the country for the post-war reconstruction programs, officials said. This is not the first time for the government to allow Korean businesses to enter a war-torn country. In 2007, the government imposed a travel ban on Iraq, but Korean companies have traveled to the country with the exceptional use of their passports. This week, the Korea International Trade Association plans to host a meeting between trade ministry officials and construction, infrastructure and energy companies interested in Ukraine reconstruction projects. The issue of allowing visits to Ukraine could come up during the meeting set for Tuesday, officials said. The government is also considering sending a delegation comprising senior government officials and businesspeople to Ukraine for discussions on reconstruction projects reportedly estimated to reach over $1 trillion. (Yonhap) Keele joins Hall Estill after serving as Special Judge for the Fourteenth Judicial District for the State of Oklahoma from 2019-2023. During her time as a Special Judge, Keele presided over the Victim Protective Order, Misdemeanor and Emergency Guardianship dockets in Tulsa and Pawnee Counties. She was selected as Oklahoma Family Judge of the Year by the Oklahoma Bar Association Family Law Section in 2022 and was named Oklahoma Family Law Attorney of the Year in 2017. Andrea Eger Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Andrea Eger Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today A charter school looking to expand to a second small Oklahoma town has been summarily shut out by the local school board it had hoped to partner with. But thats hardly the end of this school choice story out of Okmulgee. The founder and operators of The Academy of Seminole faced the same rejection by the Seminole Board of Education in 2017. They appealed and won sponsorship from the Oklahoma State Board of Education. Now they have five years experience running a charter school and just graduated their third senior class, for a total of 54 high school graduates with 36 leaving high school with at least one year of college credit and 20 earning their associate degrees from Seminole State College. The proposed Academy of Okmulgees Early College high school model aims to allow juniors and seniors there to get the same kind of head start on their post-high school goals. They would attend college classes at Okmulgee-based Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, designed also to meet high school graduation requirements, or take courses at Green Country Technology Center. Someone elses school Wren Hawthorne, head of school, said a requisite appeal to the Okmulgee school board later this month is a forgone conclusion, so hes already focusing on a pivot to seek sponsorship from the State Board of Education. It would just have been icing on the cake to get support from the local school board because we genuinely want to go in there and work with the community, said Hawthorne. Only one board member (Vickie Jones) seemed to have read the application and really asked some good questions and seemed genuinely interested in the school. Asked for his reflection on the Okmulgee boards recent unanimous rejection of the Academy of Okmulgee proposal, school board President Rod Wiemer told the Tulsa World: Very simply, the administrative burden placed on the school district to sponsor a charter school is not worth the 3% of state aid given to the sponsor. We have more than enough administrative burden from the state and federal governments just from our own operations. We arent looking to be responsible for someone elses school. Charter schools are public schools funded with taxpayer money but governed by independent boards and exempted from some state requirements for public schools. The proposed Academy of Okmulgee would be founded by Advance Rural Education ARE an Oklahoma-based nonprofit foundation whose mission is to support education in rural areas. Hawthorne said ARE has already secured about $2 million in private funds through local foundations and charter school startup grants for the proposed new school, including a competitive grant from the NewSchools Venture Fund, based in California. And the school itself, which would open in August 2024, would be taking over the facilities of a nonprofit private school in Okmulgee, with an estimated 60 to 70 private school students becoming public school students. Cheating our kids Hawthorne, who said he has a masters degree in public policy with a focus on education policy from Harvard University, has devoted his career to education in small towns because hes from one. The idea of expanding The Academy of Seminole model to other small towns in Oklahoma extends only to locales where schools are not already offering students such an opportunity. I grew up in Choctaw. Back then, it was probably about the same size as Okmulgee, said Hawthorne. Im the first in my family to go to college. From going from Choctaw to Oklahoma State to Harvard was a big transition in my life. I want to make sure more people have the opportunity to get a good education. Ina Agnew, OSUIT vice president of student services and a board member for the proposed Academy of Okmulgee, recently addressed the local school board during its discussion of the matter, according to news coverage by the Okmulgee Times. Agnew, a resident of Okmulgee, told the board she believes the expansion site of a charter school with a proven track record of success in graduating students with one to two years worth of college credit has the potential to positively affect the other public schools in town by reducing their burden because they are under-resourced by the state. Asked for her reflections on the unanimous no vote, Agnew told the Tulsa World: Im very disappointed. The reason they gave for the denial they didnt feel like the administrative fee was worth it to move forward with the application? I think thats a disappointing reason. Everything is circling around the financials and not creating better opportunities for children. Were already losing students from Okmulgee Public Schools to Morris, Beggs, Henryetta. Here is an opportunity to work together to have our students remain in the city of Okmulgee. Every school across the board has F on their school report card. This has been every single year. I just think that we are cheating our kids. There isnt another option Matthew Yates, an instructor at the College of the Muscogee Nation in Okmulgee, is also on the proposed charter schools governing board. He said his own stepdaughter attends the local private school but that it can no longer sustain itself because income levels are so low across much of the community. As the economy has worsened, more families have had to leave the private school, Yates said. We have to go outside the Okmulgee school district. Most of us who can take our children to the private school or to Preston or Morris or any other district with decent grades. I dont think there has been much of an apology or a plan of action from the principals in Okmulgee. If we dont have that charter school, there isnt another option for those without transportation. Eric Doss, director of quality charter services for the Oklahoma Public School Resource Center, said Oklahoma may not have many rural charter schools yet but he said that likely will change over time. Those local school districts hold the cards. Theyve got the abilities to do those types of things (like an early college model), but theyre used to anybody in this area is automatically going to come to my school, no matter what, Doss said. I think that was a big shock in Seminole Wait, people actually want to choose and go to a school thats going to offer something different? It is a paradigm shift. Doss said the rapidly growing state of Idaho is an example where rural charter schools are taking hold and local school districts are having to compete for students. Charter schools are about giving kids the opportunities to do something different. Up until now in a place like Okmulgee, you had the private school or something like Epic (virtual charter school). I dont think every single small town is going to end up with a charter school, but there are some places where there could be some really awesome things. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has ordered local authorities and relevant agencies to intensify control over and monitoring of phytosanitary processes for multiple fruits after Chinas General Administration of Customs issued a warning against Vietnamese fruits that failed to meet phytosanitary standards. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Hoang Trung on Friday signed a dispatch asking the administrations of localities to enhance phytosanitary measures for fruit exports, according to the ministry. The ministry has recently received some complaints from the Chinese side about several batches of fruits imported from Vietnam. These fruits such as bananas, jackfruits, mangoes, longans, dragon fruits, and durians failed to meet requirements on plant quarantine. The Vietnamese ministry urged the provincial and municipal Peoples Committees to strengthen manpower for phytosanitary operations at packaging facilities and growing areas provided with codes by China to avoid Chinas suspension of buying Vietnamese fruits. Cities and provinces should publicize Chinas requirements on plant quarantine and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Developments guidelines on food safety so that farmers, farming households, and exporters can follow them. Apart from closer supervision of phytosanitary processes, the provincial and municipal administrations were told to ask packaging facilities to sanitize batches of fruits before export and have packaging processes checked carefully. The ministry will halt the use of planting area codes and the operations of packaging facilities for their involvement in the batches that fail to meet Chinas phytosanitary requirements, and issue a ban on those for repeated violations. Besides, the ministry asked localities home to border gates to direct plant quarantine agencies to heighten their work to ensure fruits will meet Chinas requirements. Loose examination on the quality of fruits and ineffective phytosanitary operations can lead to tighter control over imports by China and other nations, even to a suspension of importing some of Vietnamese farm produce, noted the ministry. Chinas General Administration of Customs will conduct on-site checks on some coconut growing areas and packaging facilities in Vietnam in mid-August to issue export codes, according to the Plant Protection Department under the ministry. China is one of Vietnam's key farm produce buyers. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee has suggested the State Audit of Vietnam (SAV) impose sanctions on Phu My Construction Investment Corporation, the investor of a road project leading to the Phu My Bridge, as the company failed to submit VND342.7 billion (US$14.5 million) as illegal payments to the municipal coffers even though the city has asked the company to pay the amount 10 times. Construction of the road leading to the Phu My Bridge started in 2008 and finished in 2013. The investment in the project increased from VND1.3 trillion ($55 million) to VND2.8 trillion ($118.3 million). In 2019, the SAV issued findings of its audit of build-transfer projects in Ho Chi Minh City in the 2014-18 period, including the road project leading to the Phu My Bridge. The audit agency pointed out many shortcomings during the execution of the project. In particular, the execution did not follow the design for the project, resulting in some incidents and broken items. The city and relevant agencies failed to determine the responsibility of the investor for the slow progress of the project, which lasted 55 months. The company also made illegal payments totaling VND355.4 billion ($15 million). The SAV required Phu My Construction Investment Corporation to submit the amount to the citys budget. In 2020, the company proposed submitting the amount by installments with VND35.5 billion ($1.5 million) per quarter to fulfill its obligation by the end of 2022. A road leading to the Phu My Bridge in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Finance rejected the proposal, saying it was inappropriate to the SAVs recommendations and the municipal Peoples Committees requirement. Since 2020, the department alone has required the company to submit the amount 10 times. As of June this year, Phu My Construction Investment Corporation had submitted VND12.7 billion ($536,767) and owed VND342.7 billion ($14.5 million). The Ho Chi Minh City Taxation Department said it had applied all possible solutions but failed to recover the amount. A working team established by the Ho Chi Minh City authorities to implement the SAVs recommendations has proposed that the city review Phu My Construction Investment Corporations business registration, ecosystem, housing projects, and land lots. The municipal Department of Transport will look over the remaining time for toll collection at the Phu My Bridge, whose investor is also Phu My Construction Investment Corporation, and report the estimated toll revenue and plans to collect the VND342.7 billion to the municipal Peoples Committee. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! NEW DELHI -- Energy ministers from the group of 20 nations meeting in India Saturday failed to agree on a roadmap to phase down the use of fossil fuels in the global energy mix. A final statement after the meeting did not even mention coal, a major contributor to global warming. The dirty fuel is also a key energy source for many developing economies such as India -- the world's most-populous country -- and China, the world's second-largest economy. Campaigners were dismayed by the failure to reach agreement in Goa on COP goals including tripling the world's renewable capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. It came despite G7 leaders agreeing in Hiroshima in May to "accelerate the phase-out of unabated fossil fuels". Global temperatures are hitting record highs, triggering floods, storms and heatwaves. Explaining the stalemate, G20 president India said that some members had emphasised the importance of seeking a "phase down of unabated fossil fuels, in line with different national circumstances". Global temperatures are hitting record highs, triggering floods, storms and heatwaves. Photo: AFP But "others had different views on the matter that abatement and removal technologies will address such concerns," it added. Alden Meyer, a senior associate at independent climate think tank E3G, condemned the outcome of the meeting. "With temperature records being set daily around the world and the impacts of climate change spiralling out of control, the world needed to hear a clarion call to action from the G20 energy ministers," he said in a statement. "Instead, what we got was very weak tea indeed." 'Cannot afford delay' A coalition of key EU economies -- including Germany and France -- and some of the most vulnerable island states this week urged the G20 to accelerate plans to reach net zero emissions and phase out fossil fuels, adding: "Humankind cannot afford to delay". They called for greenhouse gas emissions to peak by 2025 at the latest and be cut by 43 percent by 2030, compared to 2019 levels, in line with recent updates from UN climate experts. But many developing economies argue that the developed West must pay more as a legacy polluter and greenhouse contributor. They insist that any transition needs huge capital and new technology, while giving up on polluting fuels without affordable alternatives will condemn their huge populations to poverty. G20 host nation India is itself only pledging to reach net zero by 2070, 20 years later than the commitment made by many other countries. Experts say climate change is increasing the flooding and landslides that cause widespread devastation during India's monsoon season. Photo: AFP A report prepared for its G20 presidency estimated the cost of the energy transition at $4 trillion a year and emphasised the importance of low-cost financing for developing countries and technology transfers -- a key demand of New Delhi's. Some major oil producers have also resisted a quick transition away from fossil fuels. Ed King from the climate-oriented communications firm GSCC blamed Russia and Saudi Arabia for a lack of progress at the meeting. They had "blocked efforts to land agreement on tripling clean energy, targeting fossil fuel cuts," King tweeted. Emirati oil boss Sultan Al Jaber, who will head up the COP28 talks, has said he expects fossil fuels to continue to play a role with the use of often controversial technologies to "abate", or neutralise, the emissions. He has said that a phase down of fossil fuels is both "inevitable" and "essential", but has been reluctant to spell out a time frame. Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong and his spouse Phan Thi Thanh Tam departed from Hanoi on Sunday morning for an official visit to Austria, a state visit to Italy, and another to the Vatican. The visits, taking place from Sunday to next Friday, are made at the invitations of Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and Pope Francis. President Thuong and his spouse are accompanied by Chairman of the Presidential Office Le Khanh Hai, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung, in addition to some Vietnamese officials and diplomats. This will be the first Austria visit by a Vietnamese state president in the past 15 years and the first visits to Italy and the Vatican by a Vietnamese state leader in the past seven years. President Thuongs Italy visit marks an important milestone as the two nations are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership. The Vietnamese state leader will hold talks with Austrian and Italian officials to discuss measures to beef up cooperation in multiple fields, such as trade, investment, national defense, national security, employment and training, renewable energy, and people-to-people exchange. He will also work with some Italian officials and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Besides, the top Vietnamese official will meet with Pope Francis and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican. Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong (R) talks to some officials before leaving Hanoi on July 23, 2023 to visit Austria, Italy, and the Vatican. Photo: Vietnam News Agency Regarding the bilateral relations between Vietnam and Austria, the latter was among the first Western nations to establish diplomatic ties with the Southeast Asian country in December 1972, when the war in Vietnam was still not over. Both sides have maintained high-level visits and phone talks during the given period, making their bilateral ties flourish over the past five decades. Two-way trade reached US$2.9 billion last year, with Austria being among the top EU buyers of Vietnamese products and Vietnam being among Austrias top trade partners in ASEAN. As for Italy, this EU nation and Vietnam established their diplomatic relations on March 23, 1973 and upgraded them to a strategic partnership in January 2013. Vietnam and Italy also arranged regular high-level visits. Late last year, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the EU-ASEAN commemorative summit, taking place in Belgium on December 14, 2022. Trade between Vietnam and Italy surpassed $6.2 billion last year, with Italy currently being Vietnams third-largest trade partner in the EU and ranking 36th among the 141 countries and regions pouring investments in Vietnam. When it comes to the Vatican, Pham Thu Hang, spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told a press briefing on Thursday that the ties between Vietnam and the Vatican have reaped positive outcomes over the time. Both sides have maintained the exchange of high-ranking delegations and meetings of the Vietnam - Holy See Joint Working Group. This Joint Working Group on March 31 this year held the 10th-round meeting in the Vatican, co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and Monsignor Miroslaw Wachowski, Under-Secretary for the Holy See's Relations with States. The Holy See has also sent its non-resident Special Envoy to Vietnam since 2011. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communications has proposed suspending the Internet access of users who commit violations in cyberspace. The proposal is included in a draft decree on the management, provision, and use of Internet services and online information on which the ministry is consulting other agencies. In particular, ministries, agencies, and localities will be responsible for proposing removing illegal information in their sectors or precincts. Telecom, Internet, and website service providers as well as data centers will remove unlawful information, services, and apps from the Internet no more than 24 hours after the Ministry of Information and Communications issues a removal request. They will also refuse or terminate the provision of telecom and Internet services to organizations and individuals committing violations in cyberspace. The proposal is aimed at managing the Internet and information provided online, preventing those using the Net to threaten national security, social order and ethical values, and protecting children and teenagers from its negative impacts, according to the Ministry of Information and Communications. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Police in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak have found dozens of metric tons of fake coffee produced in Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring Dong Nai Province before being transported to many other localities for consumption. Police officers in Dak Lak said on Sunday that they were completing procedures to handle units producing and trading the bogus coffee. Officers of Ea Knop Town in Ea Kar District under Dak Lak Province on Wednesday last week checked a car driven by Le Van Khoa, a 33-year-old resident of north-central Thanh Hoa Province, on National Highway 26 heading to Buon Ma Thuot City, the capital of Dak Lak, and detected some 1.2 metric tons of powder which looked like coffee with many labels. The driver failed to show proof of the origin of the batch. The powder was later found to be fake coffee. Police officers later inspected a coffee production facility named Trong Tin, which churned out fake coffee, in Bac Son Commune, Trang Bom District, Dong Nai Province. The facility owner, Van Ba Dung, admitted to having asked drivers and salesmen to transport the bogus coffee to many central, southern, and Central Highlands provinces, including Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Phu Yen, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Ba Ria Vung Tau, Ben Tre, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, and Dak Nong, for sale. Police confiscated nine kilograms of fake coffee, eight bags of materials for fake coffee production, eight boxes of packaging products, and all machines at the facility. The fake coffee confiscated by police in Dak Lak Province, Vietnam. Photo: Tam An / Tuoi Tre Police also caught driver Ngo Cong Son and Trinh Ngoc An, an employee of Tan Vinh Ky Co. Ltd. in Ho Chi Minh City, red-handed selling 120 packets of counterfeit coffee weighing some 60 kilograms to a woman in Krong Nang District, Dak Lak Province on Thursday last week without invoices. Officers also found 621 kilograms of fake coffee produced by Tan Vinh Ky in the company's car without documents proving the shipments origin. Expanding their investigation, the Dak Lak police seized some six metric tons of fake coffee, materials, and equipment at a production facility owned by Truong Cao Ky in Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. A further probe is ongoing. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! ATACMS Army Tactical Missile System US Army/Wikipedia Commons/Public Domain US officials say there's been no change in US policy on sending ATACMS, despite Ukraine's pleas. Kyiv has repeatedly called on the US to send the powerful long-range missiles. No major discussions on the issue have taken place for months, officials told The Washington Post. US defense officials said the Biden administration remains hesitant to provide long-range ballistic missiles to Ukraine, despite reports the US was considering sending the weapons earlier this month, according to The Washington Post. They told the outlet there had been no substantive discussions on providing the Army Tactical Missile System, the ATACMS, to Ukraine, for months despite President Biden's remarks that the missiles were "still in play" in May. The ATACMS are missiles with a range of about 190 miles, which could strike Russian targets beyond the front line and threaten any Russian base or ammunition depot in Ukraine, according to a retired US general. ATACMS not a priority and could escalate the conflict US resistance to sending ATACMS to Ukraine is partially down to fears that it could trigger Russian escalation of the conflict. But the Pentagon is holding firm on its stance that the ATACMS are not a priority for Kyiv's forces, per the outlet. It remains concerned that sending enough missiles to Ukraine would deplete the US's limited stock, weakening its response to other potential conflicts, officials told The Post. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking hundreds of missiles from the US. "Without long-range weapons, it is difficult not only to carry out an offensive mission but also to conduct a defensive operation," Zelensky said during a press conference earlier this month. Ukraine's forces, engaged in a counteroffensive, have been forced to advance slowly on foot in the face of dense Russian minefields and an area of landmines the size of Florida. Yesterday, Zelenskyy told the Aspen Security Forum that Ukraine's counteroffensive was poised to "gain pace." Story continues Andriy Yermak, the head of Zelenkyy's office, told the Forum that a decision on the ATACMS was at the top of Ukraine's list of security needs, per The Post. No shift despite US lawmaker calls The House Foreign Affairs Committee passed a resolution calling for ATACMS to "immediately" send the missiles to Ukraine earlier this month. But one official familiar with the issue told The Post that the US position remained firm despite the perception that there was "some sort of slow, gravitational pull" towards sending the missiles. The UK announced it sent Ukraine a number of Storm Shadow cruise missiles in May, which have a range of around 140 miles, according to The Post. The UK's Defence Minister Ben Wallace said the missiles were striking their targets with "accuracy" and "almost without fault." Read the original article on Business Insider Matt Healy finds himself at the centre of the controversy credit:Bang Showbiz The 1975 have cancelled shows in Taiwan and Indonesia after Malaysia banned the group from performing there. The band were recently banned from performing in Malaysia after frontman Matt Healy kissed bandmate Ross MacDonald on stage and criticised the country's anti-LGBTQ laws. The band said in a statement on Instagram: "The 1975 regret to announce that their forthcoming shows in Jakarta and Taipei will no longer be going ahead as planned. "The band never take the decision to cancel a show lightly and had been eagerly looking forward to playing for fans in Jakarta and Taipei but unfortunately, due to current circumstances, it is impossible to proceed with the scheduled shows." The band recently performed at a three-day music festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. However, their performance was cut short and the event was subsequently cancelled following the on-stage kiss. The event organisers said in a statement: "We deeply regret to announce that the remaining schedule of Good Vibes Festival 2023, planned for today and tomorrow has been cancelled following the controversial conduct and remarks by UK artist Matt Healy from the band The 1975. "This decision adheres to the immediate cancellation directive issued ... by the Ministry of Communications and Digital. "The ministry has underlined its unwavering stance against any parties that challenge, ridicule, or contravene Malaysian laws. "We sincerely apologise to all of our ticket holders, vendors, sponsors, and partners." Matt's on-stage kiss sparked controversy in Malaysia, with the band even receiving criticism from the country's LGBTQ community, which observed that it could actually lead to even more unwanted scrutiny. Homosexuality is a crime in Malaysia and is punishable by 20 years in prison. However, the decision to cancel the show in Taipei, Taiwan, has surprised many, as the island is known for being one of the most LGBT-friendly places in east Asia. Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, center, who was impeached by the parliament, attends the initial hearing on his impeachment that has suspended his duties at the Constitutional Court in Seoul, May 9. Korea Times file The Constitutional Court plans to rule this week on whether to endorse or reject the National Assembly's impeachment of Interior Minister Lee Sang-min over last year's deadly Itaewon crowd crush. The court will deliver its decision on Tuesday, more than five months after Lee was impeached on Feb. 8 for mishandling the crowd crush that left 159 people killed in Seoul's popular nightlife district of Itaewon on Oct. 29 last year. Upon the impeachment, Lee was suspended from duties as minister. Should the court endorse the impeachment, Lee will be removed from office, but he will be reinstated if the court rejects the impeachment. (Yonhap) The death of a number of cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa that had been introduced into an Indian nature reserve last year is a major setback for India, which hopes to fill its forests with the rare cats after the loss of its own native species seven decades ago. Experts say plastic radio collars could be behind some of the fatalities, as some of the eight cats found dead in central Indias Kuno National Park bore telltale injuries to the neck. Rajesh Gopal, who heads the project, conceded that collars may have caused the latest deaths in Kuno, where 20 African cheetahs were relocated in an experiment to try and revive Indias vanished population of the worlds fastest mammal. "All cheetahs fitted with radio collars will now be inspected," Gopal added. Three of four cubs born to a cheetah in the 749 square kilometre park in Madhya Pradesh state also did not make it due to dehydration. The area was experiencing a heat wave at the time. Last September, India imported eight Namibian cheetahs and five months later flew in 12 more from South Africa. But the death of eight cheetahs since 23 March has sparked a row. Read more on RFI English Read also: Global Tiger Day: India's tiger population roars to record heights Second African cheetah dies of heart failure in sun-baked Indian reserve South African cheetahs arrive to start new lives in India THUA THIEN-HUE Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended a meeting in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on Saturday to honour outstanding contributors to the revolution on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of the War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1947 - 2023). The event saw the presence of 300 delegates representing more than 9.2 million revolution contributors across Viet Nam. PM Chinh expressed his deep gratitude to veteran revolutionaries, Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, Heroes of the Peoples Armed Forces, war invalids, martyrs families, and other contributors to the revolution. He said that over revolutionary periods, especially the struggles for national independence and reunification, the defence of the border, and the performance of international missions, generations of Vietnamese people bravely devoted their lives for the sake of national construction and safeguarding and the peoples peace and happiness, and many fell down or sustained wounds. Over the last 76 years, the Party and State have paid special attention to gratitude expressing activities, issued a number of policies to support war invalids, martyrs relatives and other revolution contributors, and considered this as an important and regular political task, he noted. PM Chinh highlighted the development of the Paying the Debt of Gratitude movement in society, the building and upgrade of martyr graves, cemeteries and monuments, as well as the fruitful search for, repatriation and identification of martyr remains. On behalf of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other Party and State leaders, PM Chinh voiced his admiration for the strong will and efforts by war invalids, martyrs relatives, and other revolution contributors to move forwards and continue dedicating their strength, wisdom, and talent to supporting their families, hometowns, and the nation. Pointing out difficulties facing revolution contributors, he asked all-level administrations, sectors, and localities to continue properly implementing the Partys guidelines and the States policies and laws, further promote the care for the contributors, and overhaul related policies and legal regulations to help make up for their disadvantages. The Government leader demanded grassroots-level administrations to create favourable conditions for war invalids and martyrs families to better bring into play their role in economic development to further contribute to the society. The PM underlined the need to increase communications to educate young people on the countrys history. He also called on revolution contributors nationwide to continue upholding traditions, making dedications, and setting bright examples for younger generations to follow. Also on July 22, PM Chinh visited and presented gifts to Nguyen Trung Chinh, 94, a veteran revolutionary in Phu Nhuan Ward, and Heroic Vietnamese Mother Nguyen Thi Vang, 100, in Thuy Xuan Ward of Hue City. The same day Prime Minister Chinh toured key projects in the central province of Quang Tri. On the occasion of the upcoming 76th anniversary of the War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1947-2023), he offered incense and flowers at the Truong Son National Martyrs Cemetery, the Road 9 National Martyrs Cemetery, the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel. He also visited some beneficiaries of State policies who rendered their service to the nation. VNS Thu Hang Tourism and health authorities in HCM City are actively promoting medical tourism packages in an effort to make the city an attractive destination for this type of tourism. With 131 healthcare establishments, highly-qualified medical professionals, top-notch technologies, and affordable costs, the city has enormous potential to become a preferred global destination for medical tourists, Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, deputy director of the city's Department of Tourism, says. The number of overseas Vietnamese and foreigners travelling to Viet Nam for medical checks and treatment has increased steadily. Around 300,000 now visit annually, helping generate revenues of US$2 billion, according to the department. HCM City received nearly half the medical tourists coming to the country. Many of the city's hospitals offer a wide range of specialised treatments such as heart surgeries, organ transplants, cosmetic surgeries, dental surgeries, and infertility treatments, she adds. Facilities that meet international healthcare standards include the University Medical Centre, the Heart Institute, the Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology, the Traditional Medicine Hospital, Tu Du Hospital, Gia An 115 Hospital, Vinmec, FV Hospital, and the City International Hospital. The City International Hospital in Binh Tan District receives more than 30,000 foreigners a year, with Cambodian patients accounting for 90 per cent. Nguyen Thi Kim Thuy, head of the hospitals planning and marketing department, says the 320-bed hospital with skilled medical professionals and state-of-the-art facilities provides high-quality treatment in 21 specialties. Separate rooms are provided to these patients, who get dedicated assistance from Cambodian staff, she adds. Coordinated efforts To realise the citys untapped potential for medical tourism, the municipal Tourism and Health departments last month launched a marketing and promotion programme that has drawn the participation of 50 health establishments, spas, travel agencies, and accommodation providers. At least 30 packages that combine medical treatment with visits to popular tourist destinations are expected to be rolled out by year end. Tang Chi Thuong, director of the Department of Health, says most medical tourists come for cosmetic and dental surgeries and traditional medicinal and infertility treatments. "The city is focusing its efforts on turning into a specialised healthcare hub in Southeast Asia. This is also expected to reduce the number of [Vietnamese] patients travelling overseas for medical treatment," he says. "But to develop medical tourism, coordination between the tourism and health sectors for delivery and promotion of services is key," he adds. o Tan Khoa, director of the city-based Traditional Medicine Hospital, says: The development of medical tourism will help boost the citys economy and promote the quality of healthcare facilities and services. It is the first traditional medicinal hospital in the country to meet Good Manufacturing Practice, Good Laboratory Practice and Good Storage Practice standards, which means it ensures the quality of inputs and semi-finished and final products, he says. Non-pharmacological treatments used in traditional medicine such as acupressure, acupuncture and thread embedding not only effectively help relieve aches and pains, but also mitigate the consequences of chronic pain such as insomnia, and anxiety, he says. The hospitals pharmacy department produces more than 240 herbal medicines and 50 other traditional medicine products. Assoc. Prof. Hoang Thi Diem Tuyet, director of Hung Vuong Hospital, says an increasing number of foreigners and overseas Vietnamese are seeking infertility treatments in the city due to the high success rate and low cost of treatment. Many hospitals are now attaining in vitro fertilisation (IVF) success rates of 50 per cent or more due to the application of advanced medical techniques, the same rates as in other countries in the region. However, in Viet Nam the cost is only around a sixth of that in other countries, she says. Health establishments need to upgrade their facilities and equipment to be able to compete with their rivals in popular medical tourism destinations in the region, she says. Preferential policies are needed to retain skilled medical professionals, she adds. The HCM City Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology offers a wide range of dental care packages for tourists to combine their vacation with treatment. It treats around 500 foreigners a year including many overseas Vietnamese who seek dental care here during their family visits to the city. Nguyen uc Minh, its director, says the hospital constantly upgrades its facilities and uses the latest techniques in dentistry to improve its quality of treatment. Huynh Phan Phuong Hoang, deputy director of Vietravel, says the company has developed medical tourism packages for visitors from Southeast Asian countries, with Cambodia being a key and promising market. Dental holiday packages that are attractive to tourists are a focus of health tourism that it is developing, she adds. VNS By Thuy Hang I had a short two-day work trip to a Nang last week. Unlike my previous trips when I celebrated my vacations by soaking in the bright sun and the blue sea, this trip I didnt have a chance to dip into the sea to feel the cool water on my skin. When we arrived the voco Ma Belle Danang a newly opened hotel located right on the citys beachside road, it was almost noon and I immediately grabbed my laptop to work. I met the work deadline, but was a bit late for a group lunch hosted by the hotel. When I rushed to Lyla, the hotels all-day-dining restaurant, to gather with colleagues, Italian Executive Chef Igor Pescarolo was presenting the menu that he and his kitchen team had designed especially for us. I was surprised and also admired the foreign chef as he talked about Vietnamese dishes with knowledge and passion. The restaurant has a contemporary design, and is the place where guests can indulge with authentic Vietnamese food or popular Western dishes, while taking in the magnificent view of the beach through large floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Pescarolo said that he fell in love right away with Vietnamese culture and food soon after arriving in the county to work nine years ago in a resort on Phu Quoc. He knew right away that he wanted to stay. His knowledge of local Vietnamese food has been accumulated over the years as he had the fortune to work with some very skilled sous chefs from all three regions of Viet Nam North, Central and South. Each of them taught me little secrets on Vietnamese food and their own recipes, Pescarolo said. Our lunch kicked off with pepper elder (locally called rau cang cua) salad with prawn and tomato dressing. Although this wild herb is not eaten widely in the North, it is a very popular salad in the Central and the Southern regions. The rau cang cua salad by Pescarolo was a perfect version of this dish, as the salad was fresh, the sauce jubilant, and the prawn moist yet firm. The crispy fried shallot scattered on top of the salad enhanced my enjoyment. The salad not only treated our taste buds but also our eyes, with its vivid colours green pepper elder, pink prawns, red cherry tomatoes, and yellow and red ribbons made from bell peppers. Our second course was crab and sweet corn soup a simple yet comforting treat that seems brought me some much-needed energy, especially as I had been up since the early morning to catch my flight. Pescarolo said seafood was his favourite, as he comes from a small village in Italy on the Mediterranean Sea. Besides this, its the fantastic quality and freshness of seafood in a Nang that inspires him to showcase these ocean delicacies to his clients. Our lunch was spiced up with steamed grouper with soy sauce and ginger, a flavoursome dish very different from those that I have had recently. Usually, the soy sauce is too much, causing a saltiness that dominates the flavours of the fish, and I can't take a second bite. The grouper at Lyla was cooked to silky perfection. It was steamed with a savoury sauce and different types of julienned aromatics and vegetables, which provided aroma and colour. The fish itself was moist and juicy and lightly coated with the fragrant sauce. I nibbled slowly to fully feel the flavours. We also had grilled beef with mushroom small rolls of enoki mushroom wrapped by thin slices of beef. Although I had sampled this dish before, this was the first time I was happy with it. The beef was tender and revealed a delightful smoky BBQ smell. Pescarolo was very creative, adding small pieces of onion in the centre of the roll to offer a natural sweetness. Next, we have stir-fried bok choy and mushroom a healthy dish that I sometimes cook at home. Unlike my home-cooked version, in which I use both the leave and stem, Pescarolo's mainly features the stem. I have since taken to using his method A Vietnamese meal cannot be completed without rice, so our menu also includes seafood fried rice. Although I didnt want it as I no longer had enough room after the previous courses, I soon changed my mind when my colleagues persuaded me to try. The rice was nice and flavourful thanks to the balance of seasoning, aromatics, vegetables, and seafood. The lunch was concluded by a very fresh dessert of assorted fruits. Alongside Lyla, guests can also enjoy an enticing selection of refreshing drinks and casual bites at the Ciela Skybar & Dining that perches on the hotels rooftop on the 26th floor. When dusk arrives, the venue transforms into a trendy cocktail bar and South American restaurant the first of its kind in a Nang. The menu features dishes that consist of Peruvian ingredients, shaped by Japanese techniques. VNS LYLA RESTAURANT Address: 1st Floor, voco Ma Belle Danang, 168 Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Son Tra District, a Nang City Tel: +84 (236) 3939 969 Opening hour: For breakfast: 6am-10am (Mon-Fri); 6am-10.30pm (Sat-Sun), and for occasional events. OVERTON, Nev. (AP) Two women hikers have been found dead in a state park in southern Nevada, authorities said Sunday. The Nevada State Parks did not release any details on the hikers' identities or a possible cause of death. However, the southern part of the state remains in an excessive heat warning, and the high temperature on Saturday was 114 degrees (45 degrees Celsius.) Authorities said they were asked to do a welfare check shortly before 3 p.m. Saturday for two women who didnt finish their hike at Valley of Fire State Park, south of Overton in Moapa Valley. A group of hikers reported seeing the women enter the trails in the morning and became concerned when they noticed the pair hadn't returned. State parks officials said one woman was found dead on the trail and the other body was located in a canyon. Valley of Fire State Park is about 65 miles (105 kilometers) northeast of Las Vegas. There have been seven heat-related deaths in Clark County as of mid-July, according to the Southern Nevada Health District. - This story has been corrected to show the name of the agency is Nevada State Parks, not Nevada State Police. This photo, provided by the Daejeon Fire Service, shows firefighters checking an unidentified international parcel sent from Taiwan to a home in Daejeon, July 21. Yonhap Close to 2,000 reports of suspicious parcels have been received from across the nation over the past four days, police said Sunday, amid concern they might contain hazardous materials. A total of 257 new reports related to the delivery of dubious parcels have been filed with the police in the last 12 hours, officials said, bringing the total number of such reports to 1,904 as of 5 a.m. Sunday, according to the National Police Agency. Of them, 587 packages were collected by police for investigation while the rest were mistaken reports. Reports of suspicious parcels began coming in on Thursday, sparking fears that they could contain hazardous or poisonous material. But no such substances have been found so far. In most parcels, lip balm or other cheap products were found, with some packages delivered empty. Earlier in the day, police received a report of a suspicious international parcel sent from Taiwan to a home in the central city of Cheonan. They conducted an investigation after X-ray scans raised suspicions the package contained an unknown gas, but no gas was found, police said. Police are looking into the possibility of a "brushing scam," in which sellers at online shopping platforms send unordered products to people after illegally acquiring personal information. The scam is aimed at boosting sales and manipulating sellers' ratings on online shopping sites. Authorities called for vigilance against suspicious international parcels. They said the color of such packages could be yellow or black, and they could have "CHUNGHWA POST" written on them. The sender could be P.O. Box 100561-003777, Taipei Taiwan. The Taipei Mission in Korea said it had found that such parcels were initially sent from China and arrived in Korea after a stopover in Taiwan. (Yonhap) BOSTON (AP) The pilot of a small plane that crash-landed on the Massachusetts island of Martha's Vineyard last weekend after he suffered a medical emergency has died, authorities said. Randolph Bonnist, 79, of Norwalk, Connecticut, died at a Boston hospital on Thursday night, according to a statement from the office of Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois. The plane was on its final approach to Martha's Vineyard Airport in West Tisbury, Massachusetts on July 15 when Bonnist fell ill and his wife took the controls, which resulted in a hard landing outside the runway that caused the aircrafts left wing to break in half, state police said at the time. His wife was not injured. The 2006 Piper Meridian airplane departed from Westchester County, New York, earlier that afternoon. The crash is being investigated by state police, the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration. An FAA spokesperson said the NTSB is in charge of the investigation. It is not considered suspicious, Galibois said. The crash happened almost 24 years to the day after a Piper crash killed John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette and her sister Lauren Bessette off Martha's Vineyard. Sheryl Crow has shared her thoughts on Jason Aldeans controversial song, Try That in a Small Town. Aldeans single, which was released in May, stirred new controversy when the music video debuted on July 14. The lyrics and visual references in the video, critics say, are evocative of vigilantism and racism, which Aldean has disputed. Got a gun that my granddad gave me / They say one day theyre gonna round up / Well, that s might fly in the city, good luck/Try that in a small town, Aldean sings in the song. Crow reacted in a tweet on Tuesday. @Jason_Aldean Im from a small town. Even people in small towns are sick of violence, she wrote. .@Jason_Aldean Im from a small town. Even people in small towns are sick of violence.Theres nothing small-town or American about promoting violence. You should know that better than anyone having survived a mass shooting. This is not American or small town-like. Its just lame https://t.co/cuOtUO9xjr Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) July 19, 2023 Crow grew up from Kennett, Missouri, which has a current population of roughly 10,200. Aldean was born in Macon, Georgia, which has a population of about 156,000. Theres nothing small-town or American about promoting violence, Crow added. You should know that better than anyone having survived a mass shooting. This is not American or small town-like. Its just lame. Aldean was performing at the Route 91 Music Harvest Festival in Las Vegas in 2017 when a gunman killed 58 people and injured hundreds more, the deadliest mass shooting in American history. Crow is a longtime advocate for gun safety. In March, she performed at a vigil in Nashville following a school shooting in which three staff members and three students were killed. She is also among several artists who lobbied the Tennessee legislature for gun reform following the shooting. Aldean, who now lives in Nashville, referenced both mass shootings in a tweet on Tuesday. In the past 24 hours I have been accused of releasing a pro-lynching song (a song that has been out since May) and was subject to the comparison that I (direct quote) was not too pleased with the nationwide BLM protests. These references are not only meritless, but dangerous. Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) July 18, 2023 As so many pointed out, I was present at Route 91-where so many lost their lives- and our community recently suffered another heartbreaking tragedy. NO ONE, including me, wants to continue to see senseless headlines or families ripped apart, Aldean wrote. Try That in a Small Town, produced by longtime Aldean collaborator Michael Knox, was written by Kurt Allison, Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher and Tully Kennedy. Aldean shared his interpretation of the songs lyrics in his tweet. Try That In A Small Town, for me, refers to the feeling of a community that I had growing up, where we took care of our neighbors, regardless of differences of background or belief, Aldean wrote. Because they were our neighbors, and that was above any differences. My political views have never been something Ive hidden from, and I know that a lot of us in this Country dont agree on how we get back to a sense of normalcy where we go at least a day without a headline that keeps us up at night. But the desire for it to- thats what this song is about. Top country song from the year you graduated high school 1948 (tie): 'I'll Hold You in My Heart (Till I Can Hold You in My Arms)' by Eddy Arnold and His Tennessee Plowboys, "Bouquet of Roses" by Eddy Arnold and his Tennessee Plowboys 1949: 'Lovesick Blues' by Hank Williams with His Drifting Cowboys 1950: 'I'm Movin' On' by Hank Snow 1951: 'Shotgun Boogie' by Tennessee Ernie Ford 1952: 'The Wild Side of Life' by Hank Thompson 1953: 'Kaw-Liga' by Hank Williams 1954: 'I Don't Hurt Anymore' by Hank Snow 1955: 'In The Jailhouse Now' by Webb Pierce 1956: 'Heartbreak Hotel' by Elvis Presley 1957: 'Gone' by Ferlin Husky 1958 (tie): 'Ballad Of A Teenage Queen' by Johnny Cash, 'Guess Things Happen That Way' by Johnny Cash 1959 (tie): 'The Battle of New Orleans' by Johnny Horton, 'The Three Bells' by The Browns 1960 (tie): 'He'll Have to Go' by Jim Reeves, 'Please Help Me, I'm Falling' by Hank Locklin 1961: 'Don't Worry' by Marty Robbins 1962 (tie): 'Walk On By' by Leroy Van Dyke, 'Wolverton Mountain' by Claude King 1963: 'Love's Gonna Live Here' by Buck Owens 1964: 'I Guess I'm Crazy' by Jim Reeves 1965: 'Before You Go' by Buck Owens 1966: 'Almost Persuaded' by David Houston 1967 (tie): 'There Goes My Everything' by Jack Greene, 'All The Time' by Jack Greene, 'It's The Little Things' by Sonny James 1968: 'Skip A Rope' by Henson Cargill 1969: 'Daddy Sang Bass' by Johnny Cash 1970 (tie): 'Baby Baby (I Know You're a Lady)' by David Houston, 'It's Just a Matter of Time' by Sonny James, 'Hello Darlin'' by Conway Twitty, 'Don't Keep Me Hangin' On' by Sonny James 1971: 'When You're Hot, You're Hot' by Jerry Reed 1972: 'My Hang-Up Is You' by Freddie Hart 1973 (tie): 'You've Never Been This Far Before' by Conway Twitty, 'The Most Beautiful Girl' by Charlie Rich 1974: 'A Very Special Love Song' by Charlie Rich 1975 (tie): 'Before the Next Teardrop Falls' by Freddy Fender, 'Rhinestone Cowboy' by Glen Campbell, 'Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain' by Willie Nelson, 'Always Wanting You' by Merle Haggard, 'Touch the Hand' by Conway Twitty, and three more 1976: 'Convoy' by C. W. McCall 1977: 'Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)' by Waylon Jennings 1978: 'Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys' by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson 1979 (tie): 'Every Which Way but Loose' by Eddie Rabbitt, 'I Just Fall in Love Again" by Anne Murray, 'If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me' by The Bellamy Brothers, 'Amanda' by Waylon Jennings, and two more 1980 (tie): 'Coward of the County' by Kenny Rogers, 'My Heart / Silent Night (After the Fight)' by Ronnie Milsap, 'Lookin' for Love' by Johnny Lee 1981 (tie): 'I Don't Need You' by Kenny Rogers, '(There's) No Gettin' Over Me' by Ronnie Milsap, 'Never Been So Loved (In All My Life)' by Charley Pride 1982 (tie): 'Always on My Mind' by Willie Nelson, 'Just to Satisfy You' by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, 'Slow Hand' by Conway Twitty, 'She Got the Goldmine (I Got the Shaft)' by Jerry Reed 1983 (tie): 'Islands in the Stream' by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, 'Houston (Means I'm One Day Closer to You)' by Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers 1984 (tie): 'To All the Girls I've Loved Before' by Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson, 'Why Not Me' by The Judds 1985: 'Lost in the Fifties Tonight (In the Still of the Night)' by Ronnie Milsap 1986 (tie): 'Whoever's in New England' by Reba McEntire, 'Have Mercy' by The Judds, 'Desperado Love' by Conway Twitty, and two more 1987: 'Forever and Ever, Amen' by Randy Travis 1988 (tie): 'Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses' by Kathy Mattea, 'I Told You So' by Randy Travis, 'I'll Leave This World Loving You' by Ricky Van Shelton, 'When You Say Nothing at All' by Keith Whitley 1989 (tie): 'I'm No Stranger to the Rain' by Keith Whitley, 'The Church on Cumberland Road' by Shenandoah 1990: 'Love Without End, Amen' by George Strait 1991 (tie): 'Down Home' by Alabama, 'Don't Rock the Jukebox' by Alan Jackson, 'You Know Me Better Than That' by George Strait 1992: 'Achy Breaky Heart' by Billy Ray Cyrus 1993: 'Chattahoochee' by Alan Jackson 1994 (tie): 'Wild One' by Faith Hill, 'I Swear' by John Michael Montgomery, 'Wink' by Neal McCoy 1995: 'I Like It, I Love It' by Tim McGraw 1996 (tie): 'It Matters to Me' by Faith Hill, 'No News' by Lonestar, 'Time Marches On' by Tracy Lawrence, 'My Maria' by Brooks and Dunn, 'Carried Away' by George Strait, and two more 1997: 'It's Your Love' by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill 1998: 'Just to See You Smile' by Tim McGraw 1999: 'Amazed' by Lonestar 2000 (tie): 'Breathe' by Faith Hill, 'How Do You Like Me Now?!' by Toby Keith, 'I Hope You Dance' by Lee Ann Womack and Sons of the Desert 2001 (tie): 'Ain't Nothing 'bout You' by Brooks and Dunn, 'I'm Already There' by Lonestar 2002: 'The Good Stuff' by Kenny Chesney 2003 (tie): 'Have You Forgotten?' by Darryl Worley, 'It's Five O'Clock Somewhere' by Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett 2004 (tie): 'There Goes My Life' by Kenny Chesney, 'When the Sun Goes Down' by Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker, 'Redneck Woman' by Gretchen Wilson 2005 (tie): 'As Good as I Once Was' by Toby Keith, 'Better Life' by Keith Urban 2006: 'Jesus, Take the Wheel' by Carrie Underwood 2007: 'Never Wanted Nothing More' by Kenny Chesney 2008 (tie): 'Our Song' by Taylor Swift, 'Letter to Me' by Brad Paisley 2009: 'Need You Now' by Lady A 2010 (tie): 'Consider Me Gone' by Reba McEntire, 'Why Don't We Just Dance' by Josh Turner, 'The House That Built Me' by Miranda Lambert 2011: 'Honey Bee' by Blake Shelton 2012: 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together' by Taylor Swift 2013: 'Cruise' by Florida Georgia Line 2014: 'Burnin' It Down' by Jason Aldean 2015: 'Girl Crush' by Little Big Town 2016: 'H.O.L.Y.' by Florida Georgia Line 2017: 'Body Like a Back Road' by Sam Hunt 2018: 'Meant to Be' by Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line 2019: 'Whiskey Glasses' by Morgan Wallen 2020: 'The Bones' by Maren Morris 2021: 'Fancy Like' by Walker Hayes Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation Tonight the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out another strike with long-range sea-based precision weapons against sites where terrorist acts against the Russian Federation were being prepared using strike drones. The goal of the attack has been reached. All the assigned targets have been neutralised. The AFU continued unsuccessful attempts to conduct offensive actions in Donetsk, Krasny Liman and South Donetsk directions. In Donetsk direction, as a result of coordinated and active actions by units of the Yug Group of Forces, aviation and artillery, 9 enemy attacks have been successfully repelled near Zolotaryovka (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Mayorsk, Vesyoloye, Maryinka, Vodyanoye and north of Kleshcheevka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). As a result of active actions by Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, AFU manpower and hardware have been hit close to Novomikhailovka, Dyleevka, Belaya Gora and Aleksandro-Shultino (Donetsk Peoples Republic). In addition, two ammunition depots of the AFU 38th Marine Brigade and the 118th Territorial Defence Brigade have been destroyed near Razliv and Vyemka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The enemy losses were up to 185 Ukrainian servicemen, three armoured fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, as well as D-20 and D-30 howitzers. In Krasny Liman direction, as a result of coordinated actions by aviation, artillery, heavy flamethrower systems, and units of the Tsentr Group of Forces, three enemy attacks have been repelled forward Chervonaya Dibrova, Kovalyovka, and Karmazinovka (Lugansk Peoples Republic). In addition, enemy units have been hit close to Nevskoye, Makeevka, Novogorovka and Raigorodka (Lugansk Peoples Republic), and Yampolovka, Terny (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The actions of one Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group have been suppressed near Torskoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The enemy losses were up to 100 Ukrainian servicemen, one tank, four armoured fighting vehicles, seven pickup trucks, and two howitzers: D-20 and D-30. In South Donetsk direction, as a result of active actions by aviation and artillery by the Vostok Group of Forces, AFU manpower and hardware have been hit close to Makarovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic) and Levadnoye (Zaporozhye region). One AFU sabotage and reconnaissance group has been destroyed near Priyutnoye (Zaporozhye region). In Zaporozhye direction, as a result of the actions by units and artillery, an enemy attack has been repelled near Malaya Tokmachka (Zaporozhye region). In addition, two ammunition depots of the 23rd Mechanised Brigade and the 36th Marine Brigade of the AFU have been destroyed close to Uspenovka and Rovnopolye (Zaporozhye region). The enemy losses were up to 175 Ukrainian servicemen, three armoured fighting vehicles, two motor vehicles, two D-20 howitzers, as well as one U.S.-manufactured AN/TPQ-36 counter-battery radar station. In Kupyansk direction, as a result of active actions by aviation and artillery by the Zapad Group of Forces, AFU manpower and hardware have been hit close to Stelmakhovka (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Figolyovka, Kalinovo, Zagoruykovka, Timkovka and Krasnoye Pervoye (Kharkov region). The activities of one Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group have been suppressed close to Novosyolovskoye (Lugansk Peoples Republic). One ammunition depot of the 1st Special Forces Brigade of the AFU has been destroyed near Volchansk (Kharkov region). The enemy losses were up to 30 Ukrainian servicemen, two armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, Msta-B and D-20 howitzers, two D-30 guns, and one U.S.-manufactured AN/TPQ-50 counter-battery radar station. In Kherson direction, the enemy losses were up to 35 Ukrainian servicemen, four motor vehicles, and one U.S.-manufactured AN/TPQ-36 counter-battery radar station have been. One ammunition depot of the AFU 123th Territorial Defence Brigade has been destroyed near Veletenskoye (Kherson region). Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have neutralised 102 AFU artillery units at their firing positions, manpower and hardware in 123 areas. In addition, a fuel depot of the 36th Brigade of the AFU Marine Corps has been destroyed near Rovnopolye (Zaporozhye region). The command post of the 79th Airborne Assault Brigade of the AFU has been neutralised near Novomikhailovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Air defence facilities have shot down six projectiles launched by HIMARS MLRS. In addition, Ukrainian 14 unmanned aerial vehicles have been destroyed close to Zolotaryovka, Krasnorechenskoye, Shipilovka, Svatovo (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Artyomovsk, Bakhmutskoye, Mariupol, Klyuchevoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Gusarka, Chapaevka, Romanovskoye and Malye Shcherbaki (Zaporozhye region). In total, 456 airplanes, 243 helicopters, 5,154 unmanned aerial vehicles, 426 air defence missile systems, 10,789 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,139 fighting vehicles equipped with MLRS, 5,547 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 11,787 special military motor vehicles have been destroyed during the special military operation. WtR A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked them out. Here are the facts: ___ Contrary to claims, Pfizer plant damaged by tornado didn't hold COVID vaccines CLAIM: A Pfizer warehouse in North Carolina damaged by a tornado was stocked with the company's COVID-19 vaccine. THE FACTS: Pfizer does not manufacture or store its COVID-19 vaccine or treatment for the disease at the facility, a company representative told the AP. The tornado on Wednesday ripped the roof of the drugmaker's factory near Rocky Mount, North Carolina potentially disrupting drug supplies at U.S. hospitals. But the news quickly gave rise to false claims online that the twister had struck a site specifically storing doses of the company's COVID-19 vaccine which has been the center of persistent misinformation since its release in December 2020. "BREAKING: A Pfizer Warehouse that was stocked with COVID-19 vaccines was just destroyed by a tornado in Rocky Mountain, North Carolina," reads one popular tweet. The plant in question is not used to manufacture or store any doses of the company's COVID-19 vaccine, Comirnaty, said Pfizer spokesperson Pam Eisele. Nor is the site used to make or store Paxlovid, the company's pill used to treat those who get sick with the disease. Instead, the plant produces injectables like drugs used in IV infusions or that are delivered under the skin or into patient muscles. Some examples include anesthesia drugs and anti-infectives, typically used to treat things such as fungal infections. Pfizer has said all employees were safely evacuated and accounted for, and that it is still assessing damage. Associated Press writer Angelo Fichera in New Jersey contributed this report. ___ Deadly mosquitoes did not swarm Baltimore music festival CLAIM: Video shows deadly mosquitoes released at a Baltimore music festival. THE FACTS: While concertgoers were swarmed by flying insects at one point during an African American music festival last month, concertgoers said they were not bitten by mosquitoes but gnats. Experts said swarming mosquitoes would behave differently than the bugs in the video. The Baltimore Health Department also said no insect-borne illnesses were reported following the event. Social media users are nevertheless sharing a video clip they claim shows hordes of killer skeeters dumped on unwitting concertgoers in Maryland's largest city. The clip pans across a crowd of revelers at a park, many of whom are vigorously waving hats, blankets and other personal items to try and shoo away the teeny pests. "Helicopter released deadly mosquitoes in Baltimore, MD AFRAM 2023," the text on the video reads. The idea could have been pulled straight from the history books: a Cold War-era military program called Operation Big Buzz involved dropping thousands of mosquitoes across George and Florida in order to see whether the insects could be used in disease warfare. But the airborne invasion at the Baltimore concert wasn't a swarm of mosquitoes, some of which are known to transmit diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue and Zika, which can be fatal if left untreated. Concert attendees described the bugs as gnats, which are small flying insects that tend to travel en masse. "Y'all can deal with the gnats. Y'all dealt with the cicadas, you can handle the gnats," Mayor Brandon Scott implored attendees from the stage at one point. "Calm down. Calm down." Beige Ojai, a Maryland resident who shared a video of the swarm on TikTok, told the AP that the gnats filled her hair and covered her arms but didn't leave any bites. "They were stuck onto our skin, flying down people's shirts, flying into people's hair," Ojai recounted in an email Tuesday. "They were completely stuck onto my sisters' eyelashes her eyelashes were filled with gnats! " The city health department also hasn't received any reports of bug-borne illness following the June 17 event, according to Arinze Ifekauche, an agency spokesperson. "I'm assuming they were the normal bugs you'd encounter in a City Park," he wrote in an email. "We do know definitively that they were not killer bugs dropped from a helicopter as evidenced by the lack of deaths from said suspected bugs." What's more, insect experts say the swarms captured on video aren't indicative of mosquitoes. Michael Raupp, an entomologist at the University of Maryland, suggested they could be "eye gnats," which are attracted to the face and eyes. Those gnats breed in lawns like the grassy field at Druid Hill Park where the Juneteenth celebration took place. Associated Press writer Philip Marcelo in New York contributed this report. ___ The DOJ did not announce that international child sex trafficking is no longer a concern CLAIM: The U.S. Department of Justice said international child sex trafficking is not an area of concern. THE FACTS: The Justice Department has made no such declaration. The agency acknowledged that it recently updated language on its website, including removing a lengthy passage about international child sex trafficking from one page. But the DOJ says the issue is more thoroughly covered elsewhere on the site, namely as part of its recently released national strategy on preventing child exploitation. The agency also cited several recent cases it prosecuted that dealt with international sex trafficking. Social media users, however, are claiming the nation's primary law enforcement agency is de-emphasizing efforts to combat international child sex trafficking because it removed a subsection in its website titled " International Sex Trafficking of Minors." The passage was found on the webpage outlining various "subject areas" covered by the agency's "Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section," which is the unit focused on prosecuting child exploitation cases. It had been part of a broader section describing child sex trafficking updated in May, according to a timestamp on the webpage. "Wow!!! And did you know that Joe's DOJ just said that 'International Sex Trafficking of Minors' was not an area of concern and removed it from their list of offenses that deserve a high degree of attention?," wrote one Instagram user in a post. But there's nothing to suggest the agency has removed international sex trafficking from any list of high priority offenses or pulled back on its efforts to crackdown on the scourge. "Child sex trafficking" remains one of the "subject areas" highlighted on the webpage for the Child Exploitation and Obscenity unit, but it no longer distinguishes between "international" and "domestic" offenses. The website update also comes as the DOJ has released a new strategy to address child sex trafficking, as well as other forms of child exploitation. In an emailed statement, the DOJ said it continues to place a "very high priority on and devote substantial resources" to fighting child exploitation and sex trafficking abroad and at home. The agency cited several recent prosecutions involving international child sex trafficking found in press releases for the Child Exploitation and Obscenity unit. Submitted to Congress last month, the DOJ's " National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction " is meant to lay out long-range goals for reducing child exploitation, including budget and funding priorities, a review of past and ongoing investigations and prosecutions, grant programs, policy, research and other related efforts. A series of detailed reports focused on specific areas of child exploitation was also released with the new national strategy, the DOJ noted. The agency said the documents, when taken together, represent the "most up to date information" about the complex, ever-evolving challenges around child exploitation. Alicia Peters, an anthropology professor at the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine, who focuses on human trafficking, said the updated website language helps "rebalance the disproportionate focus on child sex trafficking" previously found on the DOJ site. Peters noted that people are trafficked not just for sex but also to work in industries ranging from domestic work to agriculture and manufacturing. Philip Marcelo ___ Florida isn't going to be hit by a massive sandstorm seen in footage from the Suez Canal CLAIM: A video of ships being engulfed by an enormous sandstorm shows weather that is heading toward U.S. states including Florida and New York. THE FACTS: The video shows a June sandstorm in Egypt as it blew over the Suez Canal. Although dust from the Sahara Desert has reached Florida multiple times this summer a common occurrence known as the Saharan Air Layer the sandstorm in the video has nothing to do with this phenomenon, meteorologists told the AP. The video misrepresented by social media users includes two separate clips. In one, a monolithic plume of sand encroaches on a cargo ship that appears miniscule in comparison. The second shows the sand engulfing the boat from which the video is being filmed, until hardly anything is visible. "Sandstorm about to hit Florida," reads a TikTok post that shared the footage. It had received approximately 1.1 million views as of Thursday. The video was also shared with the false claim on Facebook and Twitter, where some suggested it would hit New York as well. But the video shows a sandstorm in Egypt early last month as it hit the Suez Canal, and users are falsely conflating it with news about dust from the Sahara Desert that regularly crosses the North Atlantic this time of year. A Facebook user first posted a longer version of the footage on June 1 with the caption, "Sand Storm at Bitter Lake, Suez Egypt," referring to the saltwater lake that is part of the canal. The user did not return a request for comment, but other social media posts support the accuracy of the caption. The same account shared a photo posted by another Facebook user of a container ship seen in the video. The latter user has shared multiple photos from aboard an oil and chemical tanker named "Eva Usuki," whose characteristics match the ship from which the video was filmed. For example, both have a large, central tan crane near a collection of blue barrels. The boat also flies under the flag of the Philippines, and people can be heard speaking in Tagalog in the background of the original footage. The Eva Usuki was in the Suez Canal on June 1, according to ship tracking data. Other news outlets reporting on the sandstorm also posted similarfootage at the time, showing different ships being engulfed by the cloud. Multiple meteorologists told the AP that this sandstorm did not and will not impact the U.S. And it has nothing to do with the Saharan Air Layer, a mass of extremely dry and dusty air that forms over the Sahara Desert and moves across the North Atlantic from late spring to early fall, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "The video definitely showed a sandstorm, which definitely has a clear leading edge of dust that is at the ground and extends upward from there," said Stephen Mullens, an assistant instructional professor of meteorology at the University of Florida. "What is coming across the Atlantic Ocean is still sand and dust, but we'd definitely not call it a sandstorm at all." Associated Press writer Melissa Goldin in New York contributed this report. ___ Israelis march along Highway 1 on their way to Jerusalem near Moshav Shoresh in Israel, as part of protests against plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to overhaul the judicial system, Friday, July 21, 2023. The protest march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is growing as Netanyahu vows to forge ahead on the controversial overhaul. Protest organizers planned to camp overnight at Shoresh, before making their way to Israel's parliament on Saturday. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg) It is suggested you walk pets in the early morning or late at night and get them paw protection for walking on sidewalks or asphalt. Facebook Celebrity The Memphis rapper, whose real name is Ricky Hampton, previously had an arrest warrant issued for him as he was accused of stealing a car that was supposed to be returned to Enterprise Holdings in March. Jul 23, 2023 AceShowbiz - Finesse2Tymes' legal issue has been sorted out. The "Back End" rapper is now off the hook as charges against him were dismissed in the rental car theft case. Prosecutors dropped charges on Friday, July 21. According to the Harris County District Attorney's Office, the case was thrown out due to insufficient evidence. The report arrived after Houston police issued an arrest warrant for Finesse2Tymes on Wednesday. He was accused of stealing a car that was supposed to be returned to Enterprise Holdings in March. A man named Ronald Bell rented an Infiniti QX80 SUV valued at $72,000 in Houston in February. Ronald then told an Enterprise employee that the MC was the person in possession of the vehicle in April. Finesse2Tymes reportedly spoke with the employee, telling them that he was in Atlanta. Though he said he would return the vehicle to an Enterprise location in the city, the rap star allegedly never did so. Authorities later found the car in Houston on April 25 with a woman driving it. The woman claimed Finesse2Tymes was her boss and he gave her the keys. She also acknowledged that the vehicle needed to be returned. Police initially sought to charge Finesse2Tymes with felony theft between $30,000 and $150,000. Despite the good news, Finesse2Tymes still had another issue. Taking to Instagram, the Memphis native shared a video of him seemingly being pulled over by law enforcement. He said that " trouble always finds him," adding that he's never seen an artist this talked about and harassed in his life." You can share this post! Firefighters and soldiers enter a post office in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, after receiving a report about a suspicious parcel found there, Sunday. Yonhap Presidential office holds meeting with police, spy agency amid ongoing investigation By Jung Min-ho Concerns about possible terrorist acts using chemicals continued over the weekend amid an investigation into suspicious international packages delivered to hundreds of seemingly unrelated Korean addresses. In a message to the public, police warned against opening the parcels labeled with "CHUNGHWA POST," as they could contain toxic materials. So far, more than 640 such packages sent via Taiwan were confirmed to have been delivered to addresses across the nation including Jeju Island since Thursday. Police said all of them are now under scrutiny. An X-ray scan raised an alarm early Sunday over a potentially harmful gas inside a package delivered to a home in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province. But after an additional inspection, police later said they found no such gas. The mysterious parcels have stoked fear and confusion since last Thursday when three staffers at a care center for the disabled in Ulsan said they experienced dizziness and difficulty breathing after opening one. The Agency for Defense Development, a government agency for research and development in defense technology, later concluded that there was nothing unusual in the box. The next day, a similar parcel sent to the Seoul Central Post Office in downtown Seoul prompted 1,700 people in that building to evacuate until they were told it was safe to return. Such boxes were found to be empty or contain cheap commercial products such as lip balm, police said. A firefighter picks up a suspicious international package delivered to a home in Busan, Saturday. Yonhap According to the Taipei Mission in Seoul, its investigation found that the Ulsan package was sent originally from China and transshipped to South Korea by Chunghwa Post, Taiwan's postal service, after a stopover there. Given that most such parcels contain the same sender information "P.O. Box 100561-003777, Taipei Taiwan" it is possible that they came from the same source in China. "We have shared our investigation results with the Korean police and other authorities," the mission office said in a statement. "Related government departments in both countries have been in close contact for cooperation." To address rising concerns in both Korea and Taiwan, principal deputy national security adviser Kim Tae-hyo held an emergency meeting of the National Security Office with representatives of the police, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Intelligence Service among other state agencies. The foreign ministry said later in the day that it asked its Chinese counterpart to cooperate in the investigation as the parcels are believed to have been sent from China to Korea via Taiwan, adding the Chinese side agreed to do so. This photo provided by the Incheon fire department shows a suspicious package delivered to a home in the city, Friday. Yonhap Instagram Celebrity The 'Ghostbusters' actor claims he saw his brother Peter Aykroyd's spirit after the latter died due to an untreated illness and admonished the ghost for not seeking help. Jul 23, 2023 AceShowbiz - Dan Aykroyd quarrels with his brother's ghost. The afterlife-obsessed "Ghostbusters" actor, 71, was heartbroken when his younger sibling Peter Aykroyd died aged 65 in 2021 two weeks before his 66th birthday from sepsis caused by an untreated abdominal hernia, and Dan says he tells off his spirit for not going to hospital for treatment that would probably have saved his life. "I say (to Peter's ghost), 'Will you just get into the ambulance?' He had an impacted bowel, but he was very anti-medicine and refused help and it ended up killing him," he told the Daily Mail. Dan added the other spirits he regularly sees are grinning to remind him of better days, saying, "They're smiling, as they were in life. They're reminding me of the good times." The comic still regularly performs as a Blues Brother with the late John Belushi's brother Jim Belushi, 69, and says he still feels his friend's presence when they play, 41 years after John's drug overdose death in 1982 aged 33. Dan said, "We dedicate the show to John and I feel his spirit. I feel it when I go into House of Blues (Dan's music club franchise). Every time I go in I think about him and how much fun he's missed." Dan also said about how ghost sightings are in his blood, "It has always been in my family. My great-grandfather was an Edwardian spiritualist. My dad wrote a book about the history of ghosts. I grew up with it." Dan has been filming the follow-up movie to "Ghostbusters" sequel "Afterlife" in the UK, where he has indulged in his love of visiting haunted spots. He said, "I love working with the British crew, they're superb. The studios are state of the art and vie with anything we have in Hollywood." "And I have an idea for a sequel I would set here in the UK. There are lots of ghosts and mythical creatures in Scotland. I put a thousand miles on the car driving up there and it was wonderful. I went to Skye, to the Glencoe valley, Edinburgh, Glasgow I loved it." You can share this post! Instagram Music Matt Healy and co find it 'impossible' to perform in Southeast Asian countries as they got banned in Malaysia after their frontman kissed his bandmate on stage. Jul 23, 2023 AceShowbiz - The 1975 have scrapped shows in Taiwan and Indonesia after Malaysia banned the group from performing there. The band was recently barred from performing in Malaysia after frontman Matt Healy kissed bandmate Ross MacDonald on stage and criticised the country's anti-LGBTQ laws. "The 1975 regret to announce that their forthcoming shows in Jakarta and Taipei will no longer be going ahead as planned. The band never take the decision to cancel a show lightly and had been eagerly looking forward to playing for fans in Jakarta and Taipei but unfortunately, due to current circumstances, it is impossible to proceed with the scheduled shows," the band said in a statement on Instagram. The band recently performed at a three-day music festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. However, their performance was cut short and the event was subsequently cancelled following the on-stage kiss. The event organisers said in a statement, "We deeply regret to announce that the remaining schedule of Good Vibes Festival 2023, planned for today and tomorrow has been cancelled following the controversial conduct and remarks by UK artist Matt Healy from the band The 1975." "This decision adheres to the immediate cancellation directive issued ... by the Ministry of Communications and Digital. The ministry has underlined its unwavering stance against any parties that challenge, ridicule, or contravene Malaysian laws. We sincerely apologise to all of our ticket holders, vendors, sponsors, and partners." Matt's on-stage kiss sparked controversy in Malaysia, with the band even receiving criticism from the country's LGBTQ community, which observed that it could actually lead to even more unwanted scrutiny. Homosexuality is a crime in Malaysia and is punishable by 20 years in prison. However, the decision to cancel the show in Taipei, Taiwan, has surprised many, as the island is known for being one of the most LGBT-friendly places in east Asia. You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity While it ended in an abrupt way, the 'Girls Trip' actress claims what she had with the 51-year-old rapper was 'the healthiest, the funnest relationship I've ever had.' Jul 23, 2023 AceShowbiz - Tiffany Haddish has shared her side of the story of her breakup with Common. In a recent interview, the "Girls Trip" actress said it "wasn't mutual" and she revealed how he ended their romance. "It wasn't mutual," the 43-year-old told The Washington Post, noting that the rapper broke up with her over the phone. "It was more him saying, 'I think this relationship has run its course.' And I was like, 'Okay. Like you gonna be a 50-year-old single man. Okay?' " While it ended in an abrupt way, Tiffany claimed what she had with Common was "the healthiest, the funnest relationship I've ever had." She also said it was the safest one given all the trauma she has with men. Tiffany and Common split in November 2021 after dating for over a year. Revealing what led to their breakup, the emcee previously shared, "I don't think the love really dispersed. I think it was just like we weren't feeding the relationship." He added, "It was harder for me to balance all of that and keep the relationship fed." After hearing his comments, Tiffany admitted she was disappointed by her ex-boyfriend's remarks. "I was very disappointed. I was like, 'Oh, OK. 'Cause that's not what you told me, but OK,' " she said during an appearance on Fox Soul's "Hollywood Unlocked Uncensored with Jason Lee". Tiffany has been reported in a romantic relationship with Bitcoin investor Marvin Jones following her split from Common. However, she was recently linked to "The Bachelorette" alum Dale Moss after a report suggested that the who shared a kiss at the 2023 Cannes Lions Festival. Tiffany has shut down the report though, writing in the comments section of Page Six's Instagram post, "I never kissed nobody last night and nobody kissed me. Sorry guys this isn't true." In another comment, she claimed, "Sure since everybody making up stories." You can share this post! Instagram/Cover Images/Faye's Vision/JOHN NACION Celebrity A number of Hollywood A-listers have offered words of support to the 'Django Unchained' actor after he addressed his medical crisis in an Instagram video recently. Jul 24, 2023 AceShowbiz - Kevin Hart is glad to see Jamie Foxx "in good spirits" following his recent health struggles. The 55-year-old actor was rushed to hospital in April after suffering a "medical complication," and Kevin has taken to social media to offer Jamie some words of support after he addressed the issue in an Instagram video. "This video just warmed my soul. Foxx you are needed man. We love you and we are forever with you. So glad to see my brother and so glad to see that you are in good spirits (sic)," Kevin said on the photo-sharing platform in response. Reese Witherspoon has also offered her support to the Hollywood actor. The 47-year-old star wrote, "Oh Jamie ! So happy to see your light shining so BRIGHT!! You are so loved and appreciated [stars emojis] (sic)." Meanwhile, Will Smith said, "Awww Man!! Who's cuttin' onions?? Love U Foxx!! Your Light Is Needed 'n Appreciated Right Now! (sic)" Jamie recently took to social media to address his health struggles. The actor said in a video message, "First of all, I want to say thank you to everybody that's prayed and sent me messages. I cannot even begin to tell you how far [the health problem] took me and how it brought me back. I went through something that I thought I would never, ever go through." "I know a lot of people were waiting and wanting to hear updates but, to be honest with you, I just didn't want you to see me like that. I want you to see me laughing, having a good time, partying and cracking a joke, doing a movie [or] television show. I didn't want you to see me with tubes running out of me and trying to figure out if I was going to make it through." Jamie didn't discuss the specific details of his medical problem. However, he rubbished speculation that he was paralysed or blind. He added, "I went to hell and back, and my road to recovery had some potholes as well, but I'm coming back and I'm able to work." You can share this post! Note: Back to school is stressful enough without the worries of compliance issues that do not match your family's needs. Curious which exemptions exist in your state? Check out www.nvic.org/law-policy-state for information. Thank you, Cathy. By Cathy Jameson I wrote this several years ago on another platform in response to a letter I received. Since we just got a similar notice, I thought Id share the post here. -- Late Summer 2016 - We got a reminder note from the kids' school a few weeks ago. One of our children was "due" for a booster shot. Documentation of that booster would be required prior to the start of the next school year. We were not given the "...or else!" threat that's usually added to school shot notices, but the tone of the letter certainly implied it. I'd be lying if I said I didn't let the notice bother me much, but it did bother me. A lot. After rereading the current law - to include the section about vaccine exemptions, I wrote an email to the school nurse. Knowing what I know about school shots (that in many states they are in fact not a requirement for school entry), I knew just how to respond to the misinformation that had been sent home with my child. Now, I could've gone all Encyclopedia Brown citing the law word-for-word. Or I could've ripped her a new one for bullying my son into getting a vaccine he didn't need (the way the note was worded, he was so worried that he wouldn't be able to return to school in the fall without this booster). But in my email, I was kind, cordial, and very respectful. I did that not just because that's how people should be treated, but because this woman, and the staff she works with, will be the first people my child must rely on in an emergency medical situation should there be one on campus. We need a positive working relationship with the staff, not one full of animosity. So in my email, I simply asked for clarification. Will the exemption that we have on file with the school still be valid for the 2016-17 school year? If not, I shall provide an updated one promptly. Then, I prayed. Oh, how I prayed. I haven't had the best of luck with other school nurses, which was one reason why I still write about this topic every few years. Thankfully, the nurse we've been working with most recently has been more than helpful, more than knowledgeable, more than understanding, and more than accommodating. She usually stays abreast of the law, to include recognizing that parents have choices. But she failed to add that in the recent letter that came home. That's why in my email, besides an 'exercising of my parental rights' notice, it was also a gentle reminder to her: Psst. You forgot to mention one of the most important parts of the law - the exemptions! I waited for her reply all the while praying that not mentioning exemptions was just an oversight. It was. In her reply to me the following day, the school nurse apologized for not including all of the information. She also assured me that the current document we had on file would suffice. Whew. Whew. Whew! I thanked her, and since I had her attention I added, can you please consider revising the notice that was sent home to include that exemptions are also acceptable as I'm sure other families would appreciate being aware of that information. She replied that future notices would contain that information*. We've yet to get any other vaccine-related notices this school year, but I'll be looking for a line that states that parents may certainly submit an exemption in lieu of a booster shot. I know that other parents are not so fortunate, and my heart breaks for them as I think about the stress they've encountered while trying to advocate for their rights and for their children. It is a sad, sad day when threatening another human (forced vaccines) is the norm and when withholding a child's education based on a medical procedure (no shots...or else!) is an acceptable practice. Shame on those who think that that's okay. Because it's not. -- Cathy Jameson is a Contributing Editor for Age of Autism. Curious which exemptions exist in your state? Check out https://www.nvic.org/law-policy-state for information. *To this day, that school nurse continues to provide exemptions information to families in that school community. ### Order today, from Skyhorse Publishing. The Wuhan Cover Up How Health Officials Conspired with the Chinese Military to Hide the Origins of COVID-19 (Childrens Health Defense) The Wuhan Cover-Up pulls back the curtain on how the US government's increase in biosecurity spending after the 2001 terror attacksfacilitated by Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)set in motion a plan to transform the NIAID into a de facto Defense Department agency. While Dr. Fauci zealously funded and pursued gain-of-function research, concern grew among some scientists and government officials about the potential for accidental or deliberate release of weaponized viruses from labs that might trigger worldwide pandemics. A moratorium was placed on this research, but true to form, Dr. Fauci found ways to continue unperturbedoutsourcing some of the most controversial experiments offshore to China and providing federal funding to Wuhan Institute of Virology's (WIV's) leading researchers for gain-of-function studies in partnership with the Chinese military and the Chinese Communist Party. Vax-Unvax: Let the Science Speak (Childrens Health Defense) Hardcover Illustrated, August 15, 2023 by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Author), Brian Hooker (Author) Based on over one hundred studies in the peer-reviewed literature that consider vaccinated versus unvaccinated populations. Each of these studies is analyzed and put in context of the difference in health outcomes of vaccinated versus unvaccinated infants, children, and adults. Given the massive push to vaccinate the entire global population, this book is timely and necessary for individuals to make informed choices for themselves and their families. A 46-year-old Pine Hill man was killed in a single-vehicle crash Saturday night, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Zechariah Jones died after the 2004 GMC Yukon he was driving left the roadway and struck a tree, state troopers reported. Jones was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the report. The crash happened about 9:20 p.m. Saturday on Wilcox County Road 30, about 10 miles south of Pine Hill, in Wilcox County, according to the trooper statement. No other information is available as troopers with ALEAs Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate. An investigation is underway after a Saturday night shooting left a woman with serious injuries. The shooting happened at 6:46 p.m. in the 6000 block of First Avenue South. That location is in a Woodlawn neighborhood. Officer Truman Fitzgerald said the victim was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. He said few details were available in the shooting. No one is in custody. Anyone with information is asked to call Birmingham police at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Do leftists believe what they say they believe? And if not, how would we know? On key issues, the evidence shows that their positions cannot be taken at face value. In "Barack Obama's Rules for Revolution: The Alinsky Model", David Horowitz quoted an SDS radical who wrote, "The issue is never the issue. The issue is always the revolution." In other words, when the left picks an issue to demonstrate on, the issue itself is seen as a step to bigger goals. Let us look at a few such issues. While many undoubtably believe in the dangers of man's contribution to global warming, consider Christine Stewart former Canadian environment minister who said, "No matter if the science is all phony, there are still collateral environmental benefits. ... Climate change [provides] the greatest chance to bring about justice and equality in the world." So if you were to debate Christine Stewart on E.V.s or wind turbines, for example, you would not persuade her, because you would not be arguing against "social justice," which is the deeper issue. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's chief of staff, Saikat Chakrabarti, admitted that the true motivation behind her Green New Deal, which proposes transitioning the U.S. economy away from all fossil fuels in ten years, is to overhaul the "entire economy." Note that AOC didn't call the Green New Deal the "Socialist New Deal," even though the Green Party site says it is a "major step towards ending unemployment for good and a tool to fight the corporate takeover of our democracy and exploitation of the poor." Sometimes the deeper agenda reveals contradictions. For instance, Jane Fonda, a famous (and very left-wing) actress, said this: [L]et us commit to freeing ourselves, our country and its institutions from white supremacy, the enabler of climate destruction. And let us all work to truly understand why the two are inseparable. Jane conveniently ignored the fact that China, which is certainly not run by white men, is by far the largest emitter of greenhouse gases today. Pointing this fact out to her would get you nowhere because of a deeper worldview. (Jane also once said, "If you understood what communism was, you would hope, you would pray on your knees that we would someday become communist.") What about the issue of increasing welfare payments? Richard Cloward and Frances Piven were both professors at Columbia University. They had a goal, and they had a strategy. The goal was "to wipe out poverty by establishing a guaranteed annual income." To achieve this goal, the strategy was to overwhelm the welfare system with applicants until it failed and caused divisions in the coalition that a Democrat government relies on, thus forcing the Democrat administration to solve poverty with a guaranteed income. If you were to argue with Piven about welfare eligibility, you would get nowhere, because her agenda is a guaranteed income, not tinkering with criteria for eligibility. (You might spot a practical problem: if the government can't pay the welfare burden, how will it afford a guaranteed income?) We can agree with leftists that we should take care of children their hearts must be in the right place it is just a question of means, not ends. Right? Well, no. Ellen Willis progressive, journalism professor, and writer for Rolling Stone and the Nation, said this: "The object of every feminist reform ... [including] child care programs, is to undermine traditional family values." So arguing with Willis about pros and cons of daycare centers would be a waste of time. At least the advocates of more immigration feel we would be enriched by the aspiring entrepreneurs of other nations, right? The huddled masses yearning to breathe free? We can agree with them on part of their agenda, right? Well, no. In the U.K.: "The huge increases in migrants over the last decade were partly due to a politically motivated attempt by [Labor] ministers to radically change the country and 'rub the Right's nose in diversity', according to Andrew Neather, a former adviser to Tony Blair." The motivations of the left can be truly hard to fathom. Karl Marx, who developed a whole theory of class that convinced many an idealistic adherent, actually laughed at those who believed in "that class s---." So if Marx himself didn't believe it, why write books about it? Apart from hiding a real agenda, even when the agenda is transparent, there is what Dr. Susan Crockford calls "noble cause corruption." The idea is that people lie to advance what they believe is a noble cause. One of the lies was how polar bears were dying because of global warming. Dr. Susan Crockford was fired from her job after she pointed out that the population of polar bears was increasing. To sum up this article, if you are a conservative arguing with the left (assuming that's even possible nowadays), it is not possible to have an honest debate when the "cause is not the cause" and you are debating a goal put forward as part of a strategy, instead of the real goal behind the strategy. Image: Praveenp via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped). President Yoon Suk Yeol, center, visits a farm house hit by days of heavy rain in Gongju, South Chungcheong Province, July 18. Yonhap The government is considering establishing a standing organization comprising civilian experts to tackle extreme weather events, such as the recent deadly downpours, an official said Sunday. The envisioned organization under the prime minister's office is aimed at gathering ideas from experts outside of the government to come up with disaster response strategies at a time when such extreme weather events are becoming a "new normal," the official said. "It's necessary not only for the government but for experts from the private sector, to deliberate on fundamental and long-term measures," the official said in a call with Yonhap News Agency on customary condition of anonymity. Earlier last week, President Yoon Suk Yeol called for a fundamental change to the country's disaster response system, stressing that extreme weather events will continue in the future due to climate change. Yoon said government officials must "tear down perceptions that we can't help it" regarding extreme weather events, and urged for government-wide cooperation and experts' participation in tackling natural disasters. Torrential rains have battered the country since early this month, causing floods and landslides, and a total of 47 people have been killed, while three remain missing. (Yonhap) Where has the Democrat party gone? To totalitarian Stalinism. It did not start yesterday, but it is proceeding at ever increasing speed. Think what you will of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and many of his positions seem classic crackpot to me, but unlike many in the Democrat party today, he understands the beauty and value of Israel. In an interview with the Jewish News Syndicate, Kennedy stated: There is nobody in the presidential race who is going to be a stronger champion for Israel than meThis affection, the affinity relationship with Israel, is part of the DNA of our family,Its been a great disappointment and troubling development to me that the Democratic Party has drifted away from its traditions. But this is a simply a symptom of the Democrat party being totalitarian Stalinists. Todays Democrat party hates Israel. But it also hates the United States, capitalism, freedom, individual rights, the very notion that human life has value. It believes the proletariat are cells in a collective owned by the government. Many years ago, I was a history major as an undergraduate. My father did not think highly of that. He called history a bubbe meise, or literally an old wive's tale, and a term used to describe something untrue or unimportant. And indeed we have seen the mockery leftists have made of history, Marxist history is all untrue. But history is important. The only way we can act rationally in the present is by learning from the past. So this is going to be a little bit of a personal history of my late father. My father survived the Holocaust in the Stalinist USSR. His siblings and his parents were exterminated. They had lived in Krakow, Poland. But when Stalin and Hitler, both socialists and allies at the time, divided Poland, my father, 11 at the time, happened by chance to be away from home, and in a part of Poland the Russians took over. By chance or by God's plan or perhaps both, take your choice, he survived because he was on a trip with a relative. This man could not have children of his own because of a venereal disease, so he doted on the boy who became my father. Years later my father would make his way to Israel, marry my mother, have me, spend nine years in the Israeli Defense Forces, and find himself in bloody combat, on the front in the 1956 Suez Crisis. He often said he was proud of two things in his life, defending Israel and his son. Shortly after the war, my mother persuaded my father to come to the United States. My mother could not stand the heat in Israel; there was no air conditioning then, nor could she stand the constant threat of war and the military actions my father was sent on. She was a Holocaust survivor herself, and she wanted peace. Not surprisingly my father despised communism. People who lived under communism despise communism. People who stand in bread lines in the snow are not communists. Communists in the West are pampered graduate students who throw a hissy fit because Starbucks messes up their cinnamon dolce latte with almond milk. My father never stopped talking about the horrors he had seen under Stalin. He saw starvation and executions. I regret I was too stupid to record the stories. More than a decade ago, when I belonged to academic, science, and skeptic groups in New York City, I would routinely hear praise for Stalin from the cultural elites. I would also hear praise for the bravery of Palestinian terrorists. This is what progressives stand for. This is what Democrats stand for. My mother and father adored John F. Kennedy and were crushed at his assassination. At the time they supported the Democratic Party. It was unthinkable to like the Republicans. My parents supported Lyndon Johnson in the 1964 election. They believed that Barry Goldwater was a fascist who would start World War III if elected. I still remember my father being shocked while having a discussion with a repairman to learn that the man was voting for Goldwater. My parents supported Robert F. Kennedy when he was running, and were crushed at his assassination. The 1968 election was the first in which my parents were eligible to vote. Naturally they voted for Hubert Humphrey. They were certain Humphrey would win. Days after the election I was in a cab with my father and my Uncle, my fathers brother-in-law. As I said my father lost his family, his brother-in-law lived with us, and my father treated him like he was his own brother. I still remember their conversation in the cab. They were mortified at Nixon's victory. Absolutely horrified. They were worried about the future of Jews in America. They were talking about Nixon as if he were a Nazi. It is 1972, and the Democrats nominated George McGovern for president. I recall my fathers words as if it were yesterday, I recognize communism when I see it, he said. McGovern is a communist. He voted for Nixon. The same Nixon who terrified him four years previously. My father never voted Democrat again in the rest of his too-short life. My father was all set to vote for Bob Dole in 1996 and was happy to learn that he was five years younger than Bob Dole. But alas he passed away just prior to the election. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License Democrats in Congress and their legacy media enablers dropped their veils this week, revealing how dear they hold their desire and capacity to censor truth. The drop came during Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s testimony about vaccines and shows how frightened they are that he may out-primary their demented puppet Joe Biden and his cackling numbskull veep. The New York Times' Sheryl Gay Stolberg tweeted: Despite the theater, the hearing raised thorny questions about free speech in a democratic society: Is misinformation protected by the First Amendment. When is it appropriate for the federal government to seek to tamp down the spread of falsehoods? Her comment was apparently inspired by Rep. Deborah Wasserman Schultz, who sought to hide his testimony from the public by moving it to executive session. When that failed, she and other Democrats on the committee peppered him with questions and denied him an opportunity to respond. Ranking Democrat Stacey Plaskett, in the context of an investigation of the censorship by the FBI and other agencies, said in her opening statement I hope that [all members] recognize that there is speech that is not constitutionally protected, referencing "hate speech." Her views, wrong as they are, echo similar censorship fan Senator Ben Cardin. Professor Jonathan Turley took strong issue with this distortion of the First Amendment. Surveys show that college students are especially indoctrinated to believe the Schultz-Plaskett-Stolberg fallacy about the limits on free speech. (Students surveyed indicate it should be a criminal offense to misgender someone.) You might want to read his very sound rebuttal. Misinformation is protected, simply stating something that others view as misleading or wrong [ed: or offensive to the listener] is protected under the First Amendment. That Amendment makes no distinction between different types of speech: Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech. [I]t is unconstitutional to criminalize lies. The idea that you can permit the government to decide true from false statements will always be selectively enforced to protect the interests of the officeholders. What is so troubling, he concludes, is how the legacy media has jettisoned the most noble aspects of its legacy and has become the enabler of censors. Censorship, whether it is direct or indirect through threats to social media (enjoined by Judge Terry A. Doughty in Missouri v. Biden a few weeks ago) is a danger to us. We saw how the serious concerns about the COVID vaccine by reputable scientists were blocked from public view; how bad medical treatment (use of ventilators for COVID victims) and denial of alternative therapies cost lives; how exaggeration of COVID mortality locked down schools, businesses, and place of worship, magnifying terror in those who misunderstood the degree of risk. Indeed, the overblown coverage paved the way for overriding sensible election integrity laws and surely enabled fraud. For almost three years the extensive videotapes of the J6 Capitol riot were kept hidden from the public. Now they are released and people are closely examining them. What they show in clear relief is that the crowd of thousands peacefully assembled for thirty minutes on the Capitols West Plaza, and were brutally and deliberately attacked for exercising their right to freely assemble. Here is the timeline of the beginning of events there, and it is matched by videoframes of the event. It begins at 1:13 when Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Thau arrives and requests blast munitions. Four minutes later he orders the police snipers to continue firing into the crowd. Eleven minutes later he tased a random protestor. At 1:25 blast and incendiary munitions arrive and for about one hour Capitol and DC police incite the crowd with an unrelenting barrage of grenades and mortars. Three minutes into the attack, Kevin Greeson, part of the crowd, drops dead, witnesses alleging he was killed by one of the grenades. Without giving the three warnings required by D.C. protocol, the police use their long-range acoustic device to clear the crowd. This conduct, which incited the peaceful crowd, violated the law. DC police Sgt. Edwards admits to his Commander that they are inciting ten protestors for every person they hit. At 2:25 more 40 mm munitions arrive and Thau orders Officer Rich to shoot a CS mortar over the scaffolding. Rich misfires and gases the entire DC police line, causing them to retreat. It looks like something out of the Three Stooges. If you think this was not deliberate, but understandable because these officers were ill-trained, remember that outgoing President Trump asked the mayor for permission to call up the National Guard, which has better training for such things, and she refused. So did "security officials at the House and Senate" when the then-chief of the Capitol Police six times requested it. Former chief Steven Sund -- who resigned his post last week after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called for him to step down -- made the assertions in an interview with The Washington Post published Sunday. Sund contradicts claims made by officials after Wednesday's assault on Capitol Hill. Sund's superiors said previously that the National Guard and other additional security support could have been provided, but no one at the Capitol requested it. Sund told the Post that House Sergeant-at-Arms Paul Irving was concerned with the "optics" of declaring an emergency ahead of the protests and rejected a National Guard presence. He says Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Michael Stenger recommended that he informally request the Guard to be ready in case it was needed to maintain security. Like Sund, Irving and Stenger have also since resigned their posts. Irving was appointed by Nancy Pelosi, who used the occasion to invite her daughter in to videotape the event. This is the true story of how a peaceful assembly led protestors to enter the Capitol. It has been bottled up for years, even though for many of the J6 defendants who have been jailed for years without trial, it is exculpatory evidence. It has been kept locked from view for one main reason: to advance the Democrats' narrative that this was an insurrection ginned up by Trump. In fact, it was a peaceful gathering, incited by outrageous and illegal conduct by the D.C. and Capitol police. Starting prior to the 2020 election and lasting until this week, the FBI bottled up evidence that President Biden, beginning when he was vice-president, received substantial bribes from foreign governments that he had threatened. Last week Senator Chuck Grassley made public a redacted version of FBI Form 1023 detailing a number of damaging accusations from an FBI informant, accusations buttressed by bank records, with a promise of more to come. Grassley wants to know why the FBI failed to investigate these credible allegations and hid them from Congress and the American people. Guess! I think its for the same reason the FBI never investigates what appear to be multiple crimes by Hunter Biden on his laptop, which the agency knew was authentic at the time that 51 fomer IC officials publicly claimed it was likely Russian disinformation, a claim concocted by the Hillary Clinton campaign. And for the same reason the reporter who broke the story about the laptop Hunter left at a computer repair shop was muzzled by the government, social media, and legacy media. Almost everything you have read or viewed by legacy media has been damn lies. Almost everything that is truthful has been kept hidden by the government, Democrat officials, and social media. Now you know why they all insist the First Amendment doesnt say what it says. The most well-known historical record in the world holds a wealth of information and among the annals, one can find the wise dealings of King Solomon. One particular story, known as the Judgment of Solomon, details the ancient kings approach to a dispute; it is a timeless tale, and its lessons can be applied to current circumstances. From Wikipedia: The Judgement of Solomon is a story from the Hebrew Bible in which Solomon ruled between two women who both claimed to be the mother of a child. Solomon ordered the baby be cut in half, with each woman to receive one half. The first woman accepted the compromise as fair, but the second begged Solomon to give the baby to her rival, preferring the baby to live, even without her. Solomon ordered the baby given to the second woman, as her love was selfless, as opposed to the first womans selfish disregard for the babys actual well-being. This chronicle provides us with two takeaways. The first is that it takes us to the heart of many modern political problems; the traits expressed by the illegitimate mother in Solomons day are the same traits burdening societies today. At the societal level, we lack the ability to be impartial and just while living with a nature that is inherently self-absorbed and unconcerned with objectivity. Its natural to see things in the context that most closely matches our needs and desires, and its completely unnatural to put aside our biases in the search for truth and justice. Secondly, the schism we now have in America is just like Solomons call to judgment: many Americans are unable to tolerate leadership that is cutthroat yet wise. It may not appear to be as dramatic as the threat of a bisected baby, but it is. Despite that, it should be evident by now that we must prioritize the need to find common ground where we canbut finding common ground is not the same as compromising away whats right and whats wrong, although unfortunately it does often become a moral quicksand. Historically, we as Americans have come together during times of crisis, especially wartime. We wage war, but now, its in a compartmented and somewhat sanitary way that most of us dont see or feel beyond reading about or seeing on TV. We have moved from sharing in the painful sacrifices, like in WWII, to a guns-and-butter mode that tends to shelter those in the homeland from the horrors of war. Our modern military conflicts are seemingly never-ending as we dont have defined enemies, and they are far too easy to ignore being in faraway lands. Out of sight, out of mind. Im neither a dove nor a hawk. The reality of war is that when you wage it, it needs to be brutal and unrestrained; thats the fastest way to a resolution. A radical suggestion? Wouldnt some say the same about Solomons judgment? Half measures in war cost lives and treasure, and prolong suffering. We no longer conduct war as the zero-sum game that it is, which is why weve lost all our recent wars while never losing an actual battle. The controversial issue of whether or not to supply cluster munitions to Ukraine is an excellent example of the failure of a weakening U.S. policy, and where it inevitably leads; Ukraine is shaping up to be another forever war. Consider these facts: Russia is the aggressor. Russia is already using cluster munitions in Ukraine, primarily on civilians. Ukraine will use U.S.-supplied cluster munitions on Ukrainian soil and against the Russian military only. Cluster munitions could end the war sooner, on terms favorable to Ukraine, thereby saving lives. According to the Pentagon, U.S.-designed bomblets have a low dud rate, unlike Russias. Therefore, post-war clean-up would be much easier, at least considering U.S. supplied munitions, allaying some concerns about accidental civilian casualties. The wrong issue is that some have moral qualms about doing what we must do to win and get out. The correct issue is that wars are far too easy to get into in the first place, setting us up for the same problems weve had since Viet Nam. Engagement in war cant be left up to fickle public opinion. Case in point, look at Europe and its reluctance to defend itself. Only three of 31 NATO countries now pay the minimum of 2% of GDP that NATO nations set as the self-imposed minimum financial contribution level. For comparison, the U.S. spends 3.5% of its GDP. Most of Europe today is a paper tiger. Living for two generations under the protection of America has encouraged their social spending to explode. More importantly, European reluctance to confront evil has emboldened our joint enemies. What European leader in their right mind would allow Russia to become Europes primary source of natural gas? Yet they did. This was a recipe for disaster, and thats precisely what happened; European governments were forced to ration heat, and its citizens were abused by extortion-level energy costs. This was entirely foreseeable. Back to old King Solomon and his wisdom. He did not consult his subjects on the issue between the women, he simply made the hard but tough call. Whether we are speaking about NATO or our own country, weak leadership wants to split the baby rather than face complex realities that require strong governance. Remember the old adage pay me now, or pay me later? Thats exactly how our country works today. To placate American citizens, our political leadership astutely figured out that a significant degree of legerdemain is in order in such an environment as this, as citizens are split on so many issues, with a decent portion intolerable to harsh but wise commanders. Since our institutions moral authority is cratering and our political leaderships weakness is on full display, an unspoken mode of operation has developed with crisis management at its core. Sadly, we have adopted the opposite strategy that King Solomon employedwe split the baby daily and pay a terrible price for our cowardice, narcissism, and the slavish devotion paid to winning the political game at all costs, while little to no attention is given to the long-term ramifications of current policy. Were Solomon to rule us, hed clean up this mess, and were we a moral society, great leadership like that of Solomon wouldnt be so controversial. God Bless America! Allan J. FeiferPatriot, Author, Businessman, and Thinker. Read more about Allan, his background, and his ideas to create a better tomorrow at www.1plus1equals2.com. Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required. Many people, including blacks, question the current demand for reparations. However, few, if any, call out reparations by their true name, and that name is Grave Injustice. There are several reasons why they should be seen for what they are rather than what they promise. Reparation is defined as The making of amends for the wrong one has done. This implies both a currently existing wrongdoer and victim. However, in America, there is no slaveowner (or government official) alive today who can make amends for the wrong one has done, nor is there a slave to whom one can make amends. By definition, reparation payments are a grave injustice to those forced to pay anyone via their taxes today. Consider Californias proposal to pay millions of dollars to alleged descendants of slaves. First, California was not a slave state. Secondly, California has a huge population of Asians and Hispanics who were neither slave owners nor descendants of slave owners. The vast majority of American whites before the Civil War didnt own slaves either. Blacks were also slave owners, but there is no effort to trace their descendants to assign them guilt for their ancestors sins. Five Native American tribes owned Black slaves, but their descendants arent expected to pay reparations today. Such facts corroborate the overwhelming evidence of their grave injustice to people today. Image: California reparations hearing (cropped). YouTube screen grab. Politically, the Democratic Party is the guilty party because it was the slave party, the Jim Crow party, the Ku Klux Klan party (lynching both blacks and Republicans), and, very recently, the anti-civil rights party. It has not apologized for its historical role in this injustice, nor has it offered to pay reparations. With most American blacks forgiving the political party most responsible for their ancestors or, if elderly, their own oppression, it appears that any innocents of such oppression should not be held responsible for such offenses. That includes most taxpayers of every race. Thats another reason for recognizing reparations as a grave injustice. Relative to this issue is this question: When are guilty blacks in Africa, the ones who kidnapped and sold blacks by the millions into slavery, going to be recognized as oppressors? The same is true for the thousands of blacks who owned slaves in America or were bounty hunters for escaped slaves. Wouldnt their descendants be liable for paying reparations and denied accepting reparations due to the color of their skin? This historical fact relates to the grave injustice reparations represent at this time in history. Black history cannot and must not be ignored. Neither should free blacks or black slave owners be ignored. Simply put: Not all now-dead blacks were slaves, nor were all now-dead whites slaveowners. Moreover, despite obstacles, millions of blacks are successful in life and represent both the middle and wealthy classes of Americans. The great black economist, Thomas Sowell, has written: No way are millions of white, Asian, and Hispanic Americans going to pay reparations for something that happened before their ancestors ever set foot on American Soil. Even those whites whose ancestors were here before the Civil War know that most of those ancestorswhether they lived in the North or the Southowned no slaves. Seen in this light, the demand for reparations may seem like an exercise in futility. However, seen as a source of a lasting unmet grievance, it is a stroke of genius to keep blacks separated from other Americans and an aggrieved constituency to support black leaders in politics, organizations and movements. Reparations are truly a grave injustice to so many. Nor do wealth gaps justify reparations. People of all races are on the downside of the wealth gap. For many, their economic situation relates more to personal choices in life as opposed to their ancestors circumstances. The tendency to continuously compare blacks to whites is unwise and wrongly headed. The United States is multi-racial and full-blown technicolor as to race. Ignoring such diversity and other groups of people is imprudent and irrational. Any merited reparations, if paid, should come from the guilty political force and party behind black oppression. No innocent parties should be forced to contribute in any way to what can only be recognized as extortion and an illegitimate and immoral shakedown. Reparations, as currently demanded, arent simply an injustice; they are a serious grave injustice. How's this as a consequence of radical leftist policies that coddle society's troublemakers? As of Sunday, the San Diego Union-Tribune ran a Page One above-the-fold story by Paul Sisson headlined "Hospitals in County Look for Ways to Cut Attacks on Workers," which is an important story indeed because it points to the consequences to innocent hospital workers of constantly coddling bums, illegals, drug addicts and criminals, all of whom were named as perpetrators in the piece. For some strange reason, the story not there on the San Diego Union-Tribune's website and I looked and looked. I don't think it's a time delay, as there are other significant Page One stories up on the site -- one about the sleazy world of "Fat Leonard" who is linked to corruption in the Navy, and another on Comic-Con, for example. But this story is somehow not up there. Maybe it's an innocent overlooking. Maybe it's a mistake. Maybe it's a legal issue. Maybe I am bad at 'search.' Maybe there was something wrong with the story and it was pulled. But it appears well reported in the paper edition, and the correspondent is a veteran health care reporter so I am skeptical it was that. What I am less skeptical about is that in light of its sensitive content to the city's ruling leftists, is that they just don't want this important story getting out there. Wonder why. Sisson starts with doozy figures as to what is going on. I'll transcribe: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of intentional injuries against health care workers and technicians has increased from 6.7 to 12.9 per 10,000 workers from 2011 to 2020. A survey of health care workers nationwide conducted in early 2023 found that 40 percent reported that they were directly involved in workplace violence in the previous two years. That's right about when Joe Biden opened the U.S. border, the homeless-industrial complex ballooned into a surge of homelessness, and Soros district attorneys started running blue cities into the ground by effectively refusing to enforce laws against criminals. Sisson reports that people are pretty mad about this and have begun to form a health care task force to find some way to make it stop. It must be horrendous for the health care workers, especially if they are working at hospitals in areas with large concentrations of vagrants, based on open air drug dealing along with large numbers of federally-fattened NGOs there to "serve" these clients otherwise. You can bet the figures for them are higher. In addition, the Border Patrol has been bringing in its caught criminals and illegal border crossers in for treatment and some of them have been reportedly violent and fought doctors, too, the report said. Places around the Hillcrest area were named by the writer as sites of attacks. Hillcrest, recall, shut down one of the nation's oldest Starbucks stores because they couldn't keep the bums away. Hillcrest and adjacent North Park are where the vagrants are so aggressive and entitled they've been caught eating food off diners' plates in sidewalk cafes, prompting local businesses to install plastic sheetings. But the task force solutions don't look as though they'll be up to solving the problem. Start with this picture described by Sisson: The meeting's minutes detail cases where patients have choked, punched and pulled their caregivers to the ground by their coast, even doing hand-to-hand combat with their officers in the middle of busy emergency rooms. One emergency room specialist at the meeting said that her facility was handling between 34 and 64 cases of "code green," where a cop has to be called into the hospital -- per month, or one to two police call incidents a day, and have since installed a "Taser protocol" in its emergency departments. They've since had to install metal detectors. Some, after all, have been caught coming in armed with guns and knives, another testified. What is this task force talking about? Increasing communication, said one hospital administrator at one of the hellish hospitals. Better communication, he said, is especially necessary in common situations such as bringing patients picked up on "5250" holds when incidents in the community cause officers to suspect someone may be a danger to themselves or others or gravely disabled and unable to take care of themselves. He said he hoped to have a number to call when violent types threaten hospital staff. San Diego's reasonably able anti-Soros district attorney, Summer Stephan, says that another problem is that while she's happy to prosecute, the hospitals often don't report these attacks, often due to (leftist) medical personnel (the dancing COVID nurse types) being anti-police. Her solution sounds pretty wretched, though: "In my mind, it's important that these incidents are investigated and prosecuted if appropriate because, you know, then you send a clear message that the hospital workforce is something we value and are going to take care of," Stephan said. "But within the justice system, there are different, very humane ways to deal with people with, for example, mental health (issues), through behavioral health court, collaborative courts, mental health diversion." What kind of nonsense is that? They already have that coddling garbage going on with stone cold criminals and they have the situation they have. The first emergency room person cited said that having the cops come around on rounds and recommend security measures was their other solution. I've got a better solution for them: Prison hospitals, where people who commit crimes can get their treatment with appropriate bite masks, handcuffs and leg cuffs. Hospitals should not be treating drug addicts or bums or cartel members rolling over the border illegally and exposing their workers or their patients to this thuggery and violence. The hospitals are there for people to get treated, not for bums to gather around and camp out and city funds to flow to pay for it. If they become as dangerous as the streets of San Francisco, people won't come to get treated, and medical workers will go remote or quit and move to a red state. These namby-pamby solutions are not going to cut it until they admit there's a problem with bum proliferation, drug proliferation and illegals proliferation and take on those policies at their root causes. In the meantime, hospitals are becoming battlefields and someone at the Union-Tribune seems to not want this news to get out. The numbers Sisson reported look very big indeed and mandate priority attention. And patients should be warned before they come about the bum risk that isn't being resolved. Let's not count on any solutions soon, based on the tired committee recommendations and what looks like the actual suppression of the news. Just that it seems like a big story out there that's ought to be out. Image: Screen shot from CBS8 YouTube video. Well, as the old joke about lawyers puts it, Its a good start. Kevin Haggerty at BizPac Review writes: Texass largest school district aimed to balance the scales amid worsening student enrollment with tough news for hundreds of administrators: were cutting some of that bloat. At the beginning of June, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) took dramatic steps to address a number of problems in the Houston Independent School District (HISD), including the appointment of a new superintendent, Mike Miles. Thursday, he announced his plan to reform the district for the benefit of students with the issuance of 672 pink slips. Speaking at a virtual forum, Miles revealed that roughly 20 percent of administrative positions were being cut from the district. Between the layoffs and 1,675 vacant positions that were done away with, the total cuts came to 2,347 jobs getting axed. Note that Houston is the second-fastest growing metro area in the country, and the core city of Houston is suffering no noticeable population loss. Public domain photo Were not talking about Youngstown. Enrollment is suffering because parents would rather pay for private school than accept the lousy government school education that costs them nothing. They cant even give it away, applies to a growing percentage of parents. I do credit Superintendent Miles for cutting 20% of administrators. That such a large percentage can be dispensed with is not surprising and suggests similar cuts could be done nationwide. I do think that we can credit the ridiculous school closures imposed over Covid, a disease that killed almost no children, with opening the eyes of many parents to the low quality of the education their children were receiving. Teachers union head Randi Weingarten who fought to keep our schools closed even as schools in most countries stayed open laments what happened to the esteem in which her profession (and union) is held: Like some of you, my father would say "it's time for a frank talk" whenever he needed to tell me something I did not want to hear. Back then, it was often a reminder that filling the gas tank was part of driving his car on Saturday nights. Well, it's time for a little frank talk with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada because he's been eating too many free lunches lately. Canada is not paying its "fair share" as the liberals like to say. The New York Times has quite a doozy of a front-page story about the ruins and rubble of socialism in Venezuela. But instead of using that famous 's' word which brought it on, the Times used 1,375 words to blame the oil industry instead, focusing on environmental pollution. Here's their nut graf on it: Venezuelas oil industry, which helped transform the countrys fortunes, has been decimated by mismanagement and several years of U.S. sanctions imposed on the countrys authoritarian government, leaving behind a ravaged economy and a devastated environment. Note the dollop of blame about U.S. sanctions, too, as if sanctioning actual drug dealers running that government and stealing elections was somehow a bad thing. And as if Venezuela's oil industry had not collapsed already before them. A quick Google search tells us Venezuela's oil industry went to hell a long time ago. Here's a New York Times piece about Venezuela's shambling oil industry that ran well before President Trump's sanctions were enacted. and these: It was once the richest country in Latin America. Now its falling apart -Time, June 15, 2016 Learning from a Nation's Complete Economic Collapse -OffGrid, July 4, 2016 The Rise and Fall of the State Oil Company in Venezuela -Scielo.org (affiliated with the University of Venezuela) 2008 Some of the many pieces seen through the years blamed the price of oil, as if other nations with oil had become as shambling as Venezuela. The big thrust of the article now is to blame the oil, despite the obvious signs of socialism being the culprit: The state-owned oil company has struggled to maintain minimal production for export to other countries, as well as domestic consumption. But to do so it has sacrificed basic maintenance and relied on increasingly shoddy equipment that has led to a growing environmental toll, environmental activists say. ..and this: The national oil industrys travails have been worsened by a corruption investigation into missing oil money that has so far led to dozens of arrests and the resignation of the countrys oil minister. In eastern Venezuela, rusting refineries burn off methane gases that are part of the fossil fuel industrys operations and are important drivers of global warming. Here are the basic signatures of socialism being the problem: And yet, paradoxically, widespread fuel shortages in the country with the worlds largest proven oil reserves mean virtually no one in this region has cooking gas at home. Shortages? Gee, where do shortages of this extended kind occur? Any former denizen of the Soviet Union or China would be able to fill us in. There's also the more blatant stuff: The Venezuelan people must pay the consequences of an imbalance caused by the worlds leading capitalist economies, Mr. Maduro said in a speech at the summit. A top government minister, Josue Alejandro Lorca, said in 2021 that oil spills were not a big deal because, historically, all oil companies have had them. He added that the government did not have the resources to address the problem. ...and, actually, Biden is the hero here, despite lifting sanctions leaving Venezuela in the same environmental mess as it had been: After grinding nearly to a halt, the oil sector has seen a modest rebound, in part because the Biden administration last year allowed Chevron, the last American company producing oil in Venezuela, to restart operations on a limited basis. The Times should get some credit for reporting on the scope of the disaster which continues to unfold, with many dramatic pictures showing the destruction. But there's no excuse for the editing that somehow leaves off the word 'socialism' and focuses solely on the oil industry as the source of the problem. Other countries with large oil industries don't have this problem -- whether the U.S., Canada, or even Saudi Arabia. But Venezuela does. Obviously, the socialist government is the problem here and the country is paying for it. Install more of that in the U.S. against its oil industry and eventually the same problems follow. Why they have taken a greenie angle now, right around the time Joe Biden is trying to destroy the fossil fuel industy is pretty obnoxious and politically slanted. Blaming oil and not socialism is misleading -- and no way to fix this problem. Image: Screen shot from CSIS YouTube video Several days ago, RFK Jr. was alleged to have made statements with a distinctly antisemitic feel when he opined about the way in which COVID was engineered to attack different races. It turns out that he wasnt being racist, which is good. However, facts, including accidentally revealed information from China about its death rates over the past three-and-a-half-years, show just how foolish his theory was. The New York Post published an article claiming that RFK Jr. said that COVID was ethnically targeted to spare Jews and Asians. It did so by selectively quoting what RFK Jr. actually said. In fact, Kennedy was trying to talk about the danger of bioweapons and the way in which they can be genetically engineered to target specific people (and, therefore, nations). Thats a matter of legitimate concern. Putting aside the sneak attack of selective omission, the real problem with Kennedys statement is that it was factually wrong. He claims that The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese. There is no reliable data to show that the particular geoengineering in which the scientists at the Wuhan Lab engaged was genetically targetedand when I say reliable data, I mean death rates. For example, when it comes to Jews, Israel reacted with absolute draconian panic to prevent COVIDs spread. Doing so made sense when one considers that Israel is surrounded by nations that will attack her if they detect any weakness. Therefore, Israel shut herself off from the rest of the world and, when vaccines came along, embarked on an unprecedented vaccination program. Image: A Chinese child taken to quarantine. YouTube screen grab. The jury is out on the long-term damage from the vaccines but, in the short term, they may have limited Israels COVID deaths. In addition, Israel has one of the best medical systems in the world, which would also affect death rates. And unlike America, Israel had no incentive to fake numbers for political advantage or for monetary benefit (as was the case of hospitals that received a huge financial payoff for reporting every death as a case of died from COVID rather than died with COVID). Outside of Israel, the New York Times reported that COVID hit Ashkenazi Jews hard. If some Jewish groups had a lower death rate, that might have been because they ignored Fauci and the CDC and, instead, followed Dr. Vladimir Zelenkos COVID protocol. Meanwhile, in Canada, Ashkenazi Jews were badly affected by COVID. In other words, the data is way, way, way out on whether the disease spared Ashkenazi Jews or not, although indications are that they were not spared. It was foolish of RFK Jr. to make a statement that wasnt intentionally antisemitic but still smelled vaguely of deadly canards about Jews surviving the Black Death because they created it. When it comes to Kennedys point about COVID sparing the Chinese, his assertion was based on even more factually suspect information. First, the Chinese will never admit true death totals from any kind of disaster, for they see large death tolls as an indictment of their system. (See e.g., the official and probable death tolls from the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.) Throughout COVIDs reign, China has claimed to have been minimally affected. The New York Timess COVID chart says that the US had 341 deaths per 100,000 (an obviously inflated number for the reasons stated above) but that China has had only 6 deaths per 100,000, based on Chinas reported numbers. Only someone incredibly naive or not very bright would believe those numbers, especially when we recall Chinas mass graves (seen by satellite) and Chinas brutal Zero COVID response, which saw people locked up and arrested. Zero COVID was not the act of a country that had genetically engineered a virus to spare its own citizens. Its possible that Zero COVID was a Machiavellian trick to hide Chinas self-serving genetic manipulation. However, data that Zhejiang province accidentally released just the other day suggests that China wasnt faking panic. Instead, people were dying in droves: China has claimed that approximately only 83,700 people have died throughout the course of the entire pandemic across the country. However, the new data showed that in Zhejiang, the province saw a 72,000+ increase in excess deaths during the first quarter of this year alone compared to the same time period last year. The 70% increase of excess deaths in the province of roughly 65 million people, when extrapolated across the entire country of nearly 1.5 billion people, results in an estimated 1.5 million excess deaths for just the first three months of this year. RFK Jr., like other Kennedys before him, isnt the brightest bulb in the box. The genius in the family was Joe Kennedy, the antisemitic Nazi supporter. Using money, power, and ghostwriters, he set up his sons to succeed. Since then, generations of Kennedys have been coasting on that Astro-turf reputation. We can gain an insight into just how far America has fallen by examining two facts that are neither generally known nor mentioned today: (1) The common law of England is the fundamental law of America, and (2) Biblical morality is embedded in the common law of England. Someone will no doubt object to Fact No. 1 and assert, The US Constitution says that it is the supreme law of the land. True. The US Constitution is the supreme law of the law. But the common law of England is the fundamental law of the land. Let me explain. Before the Founders signed off on the Declaration of Independence, the thirteen sisters were thirteen British colonies, and their law was the common law of England. After they executed the Declaration of Independence, the thirteen sisters were thirteen sovereign states, and there was a puzzle as to what their law should be. Over the span of a few months, all thirteen adopted the common law as their law. Does that seem odd? Not at all, as the very purpose of the revolution was to preserve and protect the colonies rights and privileges under the common law. All those rights now enshrined in the US Constitutions Bill of Rights originated in the common law, including the principle of No taxation without representation. Image made using Bible by jcomp and Blind Justice by freepik. Today, 49 American states (all of them but for Louisiana) have a statute or a state supreme court decision stating that the common law is the law of the state. This common law is an unwritten law that comes down only in the decisions of the courts. In the mid-20th century, the states and the United States engaged in a vast movement to reduce major parts of the common law to writing. This statutory effort produced two kinds of statutes: those declaratory of the common law and those derogatory of the common law. The common law itself had principles of interpretation ready and waiting for these declaratory or derogatory statutes. The basic principle is that all legislation is to be considered in the light of the common law. More specifically, the principles of interpretation provided statutes declaratory of the common law should be interpreted in light of the common law and statutes derogatory of the common law should be strictly construed. As Justice Antonin Scalia put it, statutes will not be interpreted as changing the common law unless they effect the change with clarity. And what about Fact No. 2, the Biblical basis of American law? One of the bedrock principles of the common law is that Christianity is Part of the Common Law. Here we must be quick to explain that this principle is not about Christian theologynot Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. This principle is about Christian morality; that is, Biblical morality, that is, Judeo-Christian morality. Many readers are now asking, Why have I never heard this before? The answer is that this principle is out of fashion. Although this principle remains in the books of the decisional literature, it has fallen into disuse among the judges as out of style. Likewise, no doubt many readers have never heard that the Supreme Court of the United States has declared that America is a Christian Nation. The fact that Americans do not know these principles is a measure of just how far America has fallen. By Hanna Kim Right then, wrong now. During the African American civil rights movement in 1961, President John F. Kennedy established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and introduced preferential policies to benefit minority races and economically disadvantaged individuals. Former President Lyndon B. Johnson further reinforced these principles in 1965, emphasizing that employment decisions should be unbiased toward race, creed, color or national origin. Consequently, these policies extended to college admissions, offering additional points to minority racial groups. Referred to as affirmative action, these proactive measures aimed to address racial discrimination, creating a foundation for rectifying imbalances and expanding opportunities for African Americans and Hispanics in a predominantly white society. However, the issue of reverse discrimination has been raised by other minority groups, such as Asians, who feel excluded from these preferential policies, as granting advantages to some may result in disadvantages for others. On June 29, the U.S. Supreme Court declared affirmative action policies in minority race admissions unconstitutional, violating the Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause. Affirmative action aimed to provide opportunities for historically disadvantaged minority races, but this decision now prohibits American universities from considering race explicitly in admissions. Students for Fair Admissions sued Harvard University and the University of North Carolina, arguing that Asian applicants were disadvantaged by preferential policies. Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized evaluating students based on their individual experiences, rather than their racial background. This decision reflects a shift toward eliminating preferential treatment for minorities, although opinions differ on its correctness. The controversy surrounding affirmative action persists. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, of Hispanic descent, acknowledged benefiting from these policies and argued that achieving equality requires recognizing existing inequalities. President Joe Biden strongly opposed the Supreme Court decision, emphasizing the ongoing presence of discrimination in the U.S. He intends to establish government guidelines to ensure diversity in universities, which he views as a vital national strength. Affirmative action measures have been misunderstood as accepting unqualified students, but universities prioritize verifying qualifications such as grades before considering race. Harvard University expressed its commitment to comply with the court's decision while striving to uphold its core values that celebrate diversity and provide opportunities for previously unattainable dreams. The constitutionality of affirmative action should be viewed pragmatically, considering the country's present social circumstances rather than solely as a legal matter of constitutional interpretation. Affirmative action is a global policy found in different forms across many countries. Approximately 10 nations have established systems to combat discrimination in higher education admissions. France's preferential admission policies consider regional and socio-economic backgrounds, granting advantages to students from specific high schools. Large-scale vocational training programs also form part of affirmative action efforts, targeting long-term unemployed individuals and marginalized groups. In Brazil, a quota system inspired by the U.S. model aims to increase representation of Black, mixed-race and Indigenous students in universities, considering their lower income levels. Unlike the U.S., each country's policies vary, encompassing criteria such as race, ethnicity, gender, region, class and social strata, tailored to local contexts. South Korea has implemented its own version of affirmative action across different sectors, and there is strong support from experts and the government. The country is grappling with deepening polarization and crises in various social sectors. Since 2006, proactive measures have been taken to improve employment and promote gender equality. However, the female employment rate in public institutions and large companies remains low, with only 38.1 percent of employees women and a mere 21.8 percent of those holding managerial positions being women. To address this, the Ministry of Employment and Labor plans to publish a list of non-compliant workplaces and make it publicly available for six months. Additionally, South Korea needs comprehensive support and considerate policies to tackle regional depopulation and achieve balanced national development. This includes region-specific industrial promotion, enhancements to educational environments for talent development, support for childbirth and improved living conditions in local areas. North Chungcheong Province Governor Kim Young-hwan highlights the importance of affirmative action in terms of educational opportunities, cultural development and transportation infrastructure. These regional measures are closely connected to local universities with a focus on revitalizing them and providing substantial national financial support. Furthermore, South Korea already has laws in place that implement preferential policies for minority groups and socially vulnerable segments of society, such as individuals with disabilities, economically disadvantaged individuals, immigrant workers and multicultural families. Education in South Korea incorporates affirmative action practices, such as region-based admissions policies and opportunity-balancing measures. POSTECH President Kim Moo-hwan highlights the significance of diversity in the admissions process, advocating for consideration of factors like living conditions, gender and regional distribution when selecting students. This approach acknowledges the need to address the unequal starting point and prepares students for the diverse society they will encounter after graduation. Education policies should prioritize the principle that every student has the right to receive education, rather than being influenced by political or social factors. Admissions and education should be guided by educational logic, ensuring equal opportunities and fostering a well-rounded educational experience. It is important to assess the areas in society where affirmative action is necessary and where it is not. In the areas requiring affirmative action, proactive measures should be strengthened. Conversely, a review process should be in place for areas where preferential treatment or policies contrary to the intended purpose are implemented. It is crucial that these policies are not influenced by political factors but maintain consistency in addressing inequality, regardless of the ruling party. Justice Sotomayor's case reminds us that recognizing inequality is an essential step towards achieving equality and societal progress. Hanna Kim is a professor at the Department of Education at Chongshin University and majored in educational administration at Ewha Womans University. She served as a teacher, a researcher at the Korea Educational Development Institute and a research professor at Tsinghua University in China. In south West Virginia, near the border with Kentucky, the United States, is a small unincorporated community named Vulcan. Vulcan was once a thriving coal mining town, but in the early 1960s, the mines dried up and many residents moved away in search of employment elsewhere. No longer a productive community, Vulcans infrastructure deteriorated and even the state government forgot the town existed. The town of Vulcan was built on a fork of the Big Sandy River near the main line of the Norfolk & Western Railroad. There was no road connecting Vulcan to Kentucky across the river, only a suspension foot bridge. The swing bridge itself was on the verge of collapse with many footboards missing. Yet, every morning children had to walk across it to catch the school bus on the Kentucky side. Sometimes they had to crawl under parked rail cars to get to the bridge, which was a dangerous practice. The alternative route was a gravel road maintained by the Railroad company. This road ran parallel to the tracks, passed through Vulcan, and continued north to the community of Delmore, located five miles away. The road, however, was legally not accessible to the public, and the Railroad company hung No Trespassing signs on either ends. The company explained their actions saying that the road was dangerous to use, and in any case, it was not the companys responsibility to provide transportation in and out of the impoverished community. In 1975, the suspension bridge collapsed, leaving the community of about fifty families with no other option but to trespass on the Railroads gravel road. Vulcans residents appealed to the West Virginia government to build them a new bridge, but officials were reluctant to spend money on a project they thought few people would use. Feeling forsaken by their own government, John Robinette, a 42-year-old bartender and resident of Vulcan, wrote to the Soviet Embassy in Washington, as well as to communist officials in East Germany, explaining their plight and requesting foreign aid from the nations. Robinette figured the Soviets might like to grab the opportunity to humiliate the Americans. While the Kremlin officials never replied to Robinettes plea, a New York-based Russian journalist, Iona Andronov, got wind of the story and travelled to Vulcan to interview the people and assess the situation. The news of a small West Virginia community seeking the help of the communists to finance a bridge was already setting newspaper headlines on fire across the nation. Embarrassed by the attention the governments apathy was receiving, the state immediately committed $1.3 million to build a bridge for the community. Coincidentally, the announcement came the same day Iona Andronov decided to pay Vulcan a visit. The states official response was that the bridge had long been planned, and that such things require months to get done. But everybody knew itthe state was embarrassed into it. Two years later Vulcan got their own one-lane bridge connecting to the outside world. (ANSA) - ROME, JUL 23 - Freed Egyptian researcher, human rights activist and Bologna University alumnus Patrick Zaki arrived back in Italy on Sunday afternoon, landing at Milan's Malpensa airport around 4.50 pm local time. "It is the most important day of my life, see you in Bologna," Zaki told reporters at the airport. "I'm happy to be in Italy," he added smiling. He was met by his girlfriend Reny Iskander, his sister Marise, the rector of the University of Bologna Giovanni Molari and Professor Rita Monticelli, who will take him to Bologna. There he will be presented with his degree certificate during a meeting with the press in the rector's office at 8.30 pm. On July 5 Zaki obtained a masters degree in women's and gender studies from the university with the maximum grade of 110 with distinction, defending his thesis via video link after the authorities in his homeland refused permission for him to present it in person. He was on trial for allegedly spreading fake news and under a travel ban at the time. On Tuesday Zaki was sentenced to three years in prison but then pardoned by President Al Sisi the following day and released from police custody on Thursday. His travel ban, imposed following his release from pre-trial custody after 22 months in December 2021, was lifted on Sunday. On Sunday evening after receiving the graduation parchment and taking questions from reporters Zaki will meet Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore in Piazza Maggiore. (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, JUL 23 - Freed Egyptian researcher, human rights activist and Bologna University alumnus Patrick Zaki on Sunday thanked the Italian government for its commitment to ensuring his release in Egypt. "Thank you to the Italian government for what they have done over the past few days, I have really appreciated everything they have done," Zaki told reporters at Cairo airport before boarding an EgyptAir flight to Milan. Zaki also thanked the Italian diplomatic representation in Egypt, in particular the Italian ambassador to Cairo Michele Quaroni and advisor Marco Cardoni, for their efforts. Earlier the 22-year-old activist told reporters he was "happy to be on my way to Italy". "Thank you to Bologna, thank you to everyone, thank you to the Italians who have worked during these three years to arrive at this moment," he said. On Sunday Premier Giorgia Meloni told TG1 that she did not expect "gratitude" from Zaki amid controversy over his decision to return to Italy on a scheduled flight rather than on a flight made available by Italy and to not meet representatives of Rome. "For us (securing his freedom) was an important goal, I am very happy to have achieved it," said Meloni. "I also want to say that, with respect to the debate over the last few days, I don't expect any gratitude, I'm not interested. It was right to do what we did, we did it, we do it regardless of any other consideration," she added. On Friday Amnesty International Italia said Zaki's decision was to be seen as an act of independence, not of political opposition. "The reputation of human rights defenders is based on their independence from governments,' said spokesman Riccardo Noury. "They say thank you and express appreciation when things are done for them, as has been the case; and in fact Patrick has repeatedly thanked the government and the embassy," he continued. "Deciding to travel on a scheduled flight is not a gesture of political opposition, but a gesture of independence," concluded Noury. Following his arrival in Milan on Sunday afternoon, Zaki will travel to Bologna where he will give a press conference at the university at 8.30 pm local time. The municipality has organised a public celebration in Piazza Maggiore on July 30. (ANSA). (see related stories) (ANSA) - ROME, JUL 23 - Freed Egyptian researcher, human rights activist and Bologna University alumnus Patrick Zaki will be presented with his degree certificate during a meeting with the press in the rector's office on Sunday evening, Bologna University has said. On July 5 Zaki obtained a masters degree in women's and gender studies from the university with the maximum grade of 110 with distinction, defending his thesis via video link after the authorities in his homeland refused permission for him to present it in person. He was on trial for allegedly spreading fake news and under a travel ban at the time. After receiving the parchment and taking questions from reporters he will meet Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore in Piazza Maggiore. (ANSA). Relatives of victims of the NHS infected blood scandal are to hand in a letter to Downing Street telling Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that action is needed now to set up a body to give full compensation. It comes amid complaints the Government is dragging its heels over compensation payments and ahead of Mr Sunak and Chancellor and former health secretary Jeremy Hunt giving evidence to the Infected Blood Inquiry this month. Jason Evans, 33, was four years old when his father Jonathan, a 31-year-old carpenter from Coventry, died after being infected with hepatitis C and HIV. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Mr Evans, who will be among those who will hand in the letter addressed to Mr Sunak on Monday, said that having to personally bring their concerns to Whitehall totally compounds the trauma and grief of the survivors and bereaved families who fought for an inquiry and have seen widespread recognition that compensation should be paid. He told PA news agency: We need action to happen now because people are dying, not just people infected but the bereaved families as well. We know that 380 children were infected with HIV, many of those died in childhood, and their parents are now in their 80s. We know of people who have died only recently. People are dying without seeing any acknowledgement. The inquiry was established in 2017 to examine how thousands of patients in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C through contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s. About 2,400 people died in what has been labelled the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS. Inquiry chairman Sir Brian Langstaff said in April that he was taking the unusual step of publishing the recommendation ahead of the publication of the full report into the scandal so that victims would not face any more delays. Under the initial scheme victims themselves or bereaved partners can receive an interim payment of around 100,000. The letter reminds Mr Sunak that, while he was running last year to become the Conservative Party leader, he said he would ensure the interim compensation payments recommended by Sir Brian Langstaff are paid without delay. The letter notes that Mr Sunak said at the time: The contaminated blood scandal is a tragic injustice and we must now match words with action, just as we did with those affected by the Thalidomide scandal. Imagine losing a loved one to the #InfectedBlood Scandal, then fighting for years for recognition that never comes. The @cabinetofficeuk delay is not just negligenceit's a gross disregard for human life and dignity. #EnoughIsEnough Factor 8 (@Factor8Campaign) July 3, 2023 Survivors and their families need to have certainty now The relatives and survivors want action on interim payments to be made in respect of deaths not yet recognised. This covers a range of relationships including the unmarried parents of deceased children and also children who were orphaned when both of their parents died. The inquiry has recommended the Government establish an arms length compensation body now and definitely before the final report in the autumn. The letter states: This delay denies victims and their families any sense of tangible progress. Many continue to die without full redress, this can not be right. The interim payment for deaths not yet recognised is critical. These payments are not just about compensation, they symbolise acknowledgement and the represent initial recognition of each life lost. Mr Sunak has previously said the Government will wait for the full report into the infected blood scandal before considering whether to extend the compensation scheme for victims. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt (Aaron Chown/PA) Mr Sunak will give evidence to the inquiry on July 26 and Mr Hunt is due to appear on July 28. Commons Leader and former paymaster general Penny Mordaunt will appear on July 24, with current Paymaster General Jeremy Quin at the inquiry the following day. The ministers will give evidence on the Governments response to the use of infected blood and the question of compensation. The chairman of the inquiry has said that an interim compensation scheme should be widened so more people, including orphaned children and parents who lost children, could be compensated. Mr Evans, director of campaign group Factor 8, said: The transparency has never been there from the beginning, it is probably the main thing that makes it a scandal. Despite the Governments warm words we may not get that transparency even now that is the fear. The transparency we would like to have is with the various ministers who are giving evidence next week to say `this is what we have been doing, these are the recommendations we are prepared to accept and this is the timetable for when it is going to happen. We would like just some clear answers rather than the line that they give which is `we are working at pace. A Government spokesman said: The Government accepts the moral case for compensation and work is ongoing across the UK Government and in consultation with the devolved administrations to consider as quickly as possible the recommendations put forward in the inquirys second interim report. A male youth has been charged in connection with the serious assault of a US tourist in central Dublin. On Sunday, gardai announced the juvenile had been arrested. He later appeared before a special sitting of the Childrens Court at the Criminal Courts of Justice on Sunday for an alleged offence contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act 1997. He was remanded on bail to appear before the Childrens Court again on Thursday. Stephen Termini, a US tourist aged in his 50s, was injured in an attack on Talbot Street on Wednesday. Abigail Barlow was 'specially trained to target and combat the very behaviours that she perpetrated'. (MEN Media) A former police officer has been banned from serving the profession again for repeatedly subjecting her partner to a "sustained" campaign of "cruel, coercive and violent" abuse. Abigail Barlow resigned from her role as police constable three days after being sentenced by magistrates for coercive and controlling behaviour in January. She was handed a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, after pleading guilty at Mold Magistrates Court in December last year. Now, Greater Manchester Police has held its own misconduct hearing, which found that Barlow, 32, caused "serious psychological impact" to her victim. Chief Constable Stephen Watson said her actions were "incompatible with the role of police officer" and undermined public trust in the force. Watch: Driver whose 'erratic' driving killed mother-of-three is jailed for 12 years He said Barlow's behaviour amounted to gross misconduct and she would have been dismissed from the force had she not already quit. Gareth Madgwick, the solicitor representing GMP, said Barlow, who joined the force in May 2018, "must have known of the serious effect of her behaviour on her partner", adding: "There has been regular, repeated or sustained behaviour over a period of time." Mr Madgwick said Barlow's actions had left a 'serious psychological impact' on her victim, adding: "There is a loss of public trust in policing caused by an officer having been convicted of such a grave offence." Read more: Anger after tourists drive 4x4 onto protected beauty spot Exact details of the nature of Barlow's offending were not disclosed in public at the hearing, which was held on Friday. Chf Con Watson said: "Ms Barlow was specially trained to target and combat the very behaviours that she perpetrated over a prolonged period of time. "Her level of knowledge as to the effect of domestic violence was such that her misconduct must be considered to be particularly serious." Read more: Robber who murdered grandfather as he tried to hold onto his wallet is jailed for life The chief constable ruled that Barlow should be added to the College of Policing barred list, describing her "cruel, coercive and violent behaviour" as "more than a simple lapse of judgement". Barlow, of Clifton Street, Milnrow, turned down the opportunity to attend the hearing, be represented by the Police Federation or submit further mitigation to be considered. She declined to comment following the hearing. Dozens of Britons have had their holidays disrupted as a blaze sweeps across the Greek island of Rhodes, with some holidaymakers forced to evacuate from resorts. British tourists described terrifying scenes of turmoil as the five-day fire continues to rage, with power cuts causing chaos and an absence of information from travel agencies. In previous days the wildfire was confined to the islands mountainous centre, but aided by winds, very high temperatures and dry conditions, it spread on Saturday towards the coast on the islands central-eastern side. Local media reported the fires had reached three hotels, which had already been evacuated, while three coast guard vessels, plus one from the army, were evacuating people from two beaches. Three coast guard vessels, plus one from the army, were evacuating people from two beaches (Argyris Mantikos/AP) Fire Service spokesman Yannis Artopios said on Saturday that more wildfires could break out as temperatures are set to reach 45C on Sunday. Thomas Cook said 40 of its customers were at hotels in Lardos and Kiotari the areas most affected by the fire. Corinne Watson, 42, who is holidaying with her husband and two sons, told the PA news agency she had only received one automated text message from Tui, telling her they were sorry for any disruptions. The mother-of-two said: Our hotel has accepted some evacuees and hosted a few while other accommodation was found. Power losses affecting the kitchens has caused chaos but hotel staff are working exceptionally hard to manage the situation they must be very worried for their island. Hotel staff [are] working flat out under desperate worry. However, she said Tui had offered a poor service with no information on whether her area was safe or what to do in the event of an evacuation. A wildfire is burning on the Greek island of Rhodes for a fifth day (Argyris Mantikos/AP) Ms Watson, a local government worker from Cumbria, added: Today the sky has rarely been blue and we have had the water planes above us frequently collecting from the sea. Getting information is very difficult. Currently we are lucky, in a lovely hotel and hope it stays that way. For others, both tourists and locals, it is awful and terrifying. I hope they bring them under control quickly with limited damage. Speaking to the BBC, Simon Wheatley said: We were told by police that we had to evacuate the building because the air was just unbreathable it had turned bright orange and black above our heads. A man carries a child as they leave an area where a forest fire burns (Lefteris Diamanidis/AP) Katie Piercefield-Holmes told the BBC it was really quite terrifying. A spokesman for Thomas Cook said: We are monitoring closely the wildfires in Rhodes and are in touch with our customers who are on holiday there. Our teams are in regular contact with our holidaymakers on the island currently as well as those about to depart to discuss their options. There will be a brief respite in the heatwave on Monday, but it will resume on Tuesday and could last until at least Friday, meteorologists have said. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly tweeted: The safety of British Nationals is our top priority. I encourage those in Rhodes, and those with family and friends there, to continue checking FCDO travel advice for updates. The safety of British Nationals is our top priority. I encourage those in Rhodes, and those with family and friends there, to continue checking FCDO travel advice for updates. https://t.co/kv6y9sGIar James Cleverly (@JamesCleverly) July 22, 2023 The Foreign Office updated its foreign travel advice on the heatwaves and wildfires in Europe. It said: If you are a British national affected by wildfires in Rhodes, please follow the guidance from the emergency services. Call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger. The Greek government has established a crisis management Unit to facilitate the evacuation of foreign citizens from Rhodes. They can be contacted on +30 210 368 1730. For 24/7 British consular assistance, call +4420 7008 5000. If you are planning to travel to Rhodes, please check with your travel operator or hotel prior to travel that the area you plan to visit is not impacted by the current wildfires, Firefighting forces from eight EU countries are either operating or due to arrive soon, Mr Artopios said. Israel, Jordan and Turkey have also sent reinforcements, mostly aerial equipment. A Tui spokeswoman said they are continuing to do all they can in a fast moving situation and had representatives at evacuation points. She said: Were closely monitoring the situation in Rhodes where wildfires have led to the evacuation of a number of hotels in the South of the island. Our resort teams are doing everything they can to support customers and asking them to follow the advice of the local authorities who we are working closely with. Our main priority is always the safety of our customers and well continue to do all we can to assist those impacted. By Bernard Rowan Recently, I completed work on a short biography of my maternal grandfather, Louis David Socey, Sr. My mother, Mary Anne Socey Rowan, wrote the book in honor of his life. Daddy Lou, as we grandchildren called him, was a self-made lawyer. He left home younger than an adult to join the U.S. Calvary. He went on to be an early member of the Fingerprinting Division of the United States Department of the Treasury. Later he was an agent and Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He served in many places throughout the United States. He chased Pretty Boy Floyd and other criminals. My grandfather also served in the United States Secret Service, guarding members of the Franklin D. Roosevelt family. Sound interesting? Read the book: "A Shadow Man, An Average Ordinary Guy: Louis David Socey, Sr." I published my mother's book through Amazon, with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). It's so easy to do, once one gets the hang of the system, as they say. A book can be self-published, cost-free. One may choose hardcover, paperback and digital versions of a manuscript, or all three! The publisher provides a free International Standard Book Number (ISBN) through KDP. Amazon has selling houses in many countries, including England, Germany, France, Australia and Japan. A book can be priced at the author's instruction. It's a wonderful system. I also hasten to say there are other online publishing companies, including Apple Books, Kobo and Barnes and Noble Press, among many possibilities. During the pandemic, my mother published five children's books with illustrations. She had written stories over the years about her mother, her grandchildren and some of the family pets. As she is now an octogenarian, it's time to put those wonderful memories and stories on paper. This enriches our family's history and archives. It also creates valuable resources for others, including students and those who enjoy reading. My mother and I have taken a lot of satisfaction in these projects. As I've shared in this column, I also published a dictionary of English intended for non-native speakers. Kujong Jung sought me out in what I'd call a singular honor. He shared with me a manuscript for an English dictionary. We worked together to publish it on Amazon as well. You can find "Native English: A Guide From Down Under." It constitutes my second effort at a dictionary. In the past, I assisted the late Suh Cheong Soo to publish "The 21st Century Korean-English Dictionary" with Hansebon Press. Now in the third decade of this century, many children of the World War II and Korean War generations are reaching late life. Their stories should find expression. Oral histories make great conversation moments. Taping them and transcribing can occur. Even with voice typewriters! In 2021, with friends and the late Choi Yearn-hong, again on Amazon, we published the book "The Forgotten War of 1950 in Their Adolescence Remembered by Eight Octogenarians." This example of the kind of story now precious for our families and history deserves wider reading. You also may have stories to share with your community and the world. Self-publishing makes that entirely too easy. Democracy didn't emerge full-blown in any one place. Part of its spread has included the technology of writing. As individuals and groups write down what they think and feel, the possibilities of freedom grow. Free thought and free discussion depend on communication. No longer should the sharing of history occur at the heels of commercial and academic publishing houses alone. Granted, they have important purposes. However, each person can memorialize and publicize more of the real histories of our world, past, present and future, with self-publishing. Consider places like North Korea where democracy remains a far-off place and dream. There one cannot tell stories of real lives and their meanings. One may face punishment for sharing truths inconvenient to the government. One may not challenge or criticize "cherished institutions" and those holding power. Even in advanced democracies, individuals require rights and legal protections to do so. Many still put buffers on the free exchange of ideas that require legal challenges and vigilant action for freedom. Freedom includes the pen! Have you shared your stories with the world? It's easier than ever to do so, and to create lasting memories for oneself and for the use of humanity. Consider self-publishing, a leading technology of the present and future and for the cause of democracy and freedom of thought. Bernard Rowan (browan10@yahoo.com) is associate provost for contract administration and academic services and professor of political science at Chicago State University. He is a past fellow of the Korea Foundation and a former visiting professor at Hanyang University. SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has written to the head of the civil service raising concerns that the UK Government is exerting ever tighter control on Scotlands national democratic institutions. With Mr Flynn insisting that Westminster is seeking to stop the Scottish Government from carrying out the work it was elected to do with regards to a second independence referendum, he wrote to Simon Case, the Cabinet Secretary and head of the Civil Service. It comes in the wake of comments from Mr Case that that civil servants in Scotland could be issued with new guidance on this within weeks. Meanwhile, Scottish Government spending on independence minister as part of Jamie Hepburns portfolio is being investigated by the advocate general for Scotland, Lord Stewart, the UK Governments top adviser on Scots law. Simon Case, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, said new guidance to civil servants in Scotland could be issued in weeks (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA) Mr Flynn, however, stressed the democratic decision made by Scots in the 2021 Holyrood election, which he said resulted in a clear majority in favour of independence. As a result, he said he was seeking clarification from Mr Case over Scottish Government work promoting independence. The SNP MP said that the UK Government was clearly active in attempts to counter pro-independence arguments, noting that a so-called Union hub had been established by senior Tory minister Michael Gove. Mr Flynn added that a Union Strategy Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, had also been established and that there had been a large increase in the communications budget of the Scotland Office, which has become increasingly assertive in its anti-independence stance. The SNP Westminster leader continued: I assume there are various other initiatives in Whitehall to support the UK Governments policy position in favour of the Union. I have no argument with that. But I struggle to see why that work is deemed impartial but Scottish Government work on independence is not. Mr Flynn said: The fact that attempts are now being made not only to deny people in Scotland the right to decide their own future, but to stop the Scottish Government from carrying out the work it was elected to do, will reinforce the sense that Westminster is not interested in working in partnership but is only concerned with exerting ever tighter control on Scotlands national democratic institutions. While the UK is supposed to be a partnership of equal nations the SNP Westminster leader added that many people in Scotland now believe the UK is no longer an equal partnership because of the actions of the UK Government, which he accused of denying the clear mandate given by the people in Scotland for a referendum on independence. But giving evidence to the House of Lords Constitution Committee recently, Mr Case said that having civil servants working to break up the United Kingdom would be unusual and worrying. Two climate activists who scaled a well-known Scottish landmark in protest at the oil industry have been arrested. Two members of pressure group This Is Rigged scaled The Kelpies, situated between Grangemouth and Falkirk, forcing the closure of the park on Sunday. The pair pinned a banner near the top of the head of one the horse sculptures, which read no new oil and fair transition now. We won't stop until Scottish Gov opposes all new fossil fuel projects and funds fair transition from fossil fuels. It's too damn important . pic.twitter.com/YcAtDGjva4 This Is Rigged (@Thisis_Rigged) July 23, 2023 The protesters who scaled the 100ft steel giant were brought down by police and arrested. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: Around 6am on Sunday 23 July 2023, officers received a report of two protesters climbing The Kelpies structure in the Helix Park, Falkirk. Officers attended and a 23-year-old man and 22-year-old woman were safely removed. They have both been arrested in connection with the incident and inquiries remain ongoing. The Helix Park later announced on Twitter that the park had reopened to the public. The Helix Park has now fully re-opened for visitors following an earlier Police Scotland operation. Were sorry for the disruption and look forward to seeing you soon. The Helix (@HelixFalkirk) July 23, 2023 A spokesperson said: The Helix Park has now fully reopened for visitors following an earlier Police Scotland operation. Were sorry for the disruption and look forward to seeing you soon. One of the climbers previously said: In Scottish folklore, kelpies are water spirits which lure people to a watery grave. As the Scottish Government continues to allow oil and gas licences to go ahead in Scotland, theyre leading us to the same fate. The land on which the Kelpies were built will be submerged underwater by 2050. Isnt this a bit ironic? Labour will head into the second day of its national policy forum facing reports of rows over its child benefit cap stance and on workers rights. Sir Keir Starmer has warned the forum, which on Sunday will continue to consider ideas that could make it into the general election manifesto, the party cannot commit to unfunded spending pledges. The leader has urged members, trade unions and other affiliated groups taking part in the talks in Nottingham not to pile Labour up with baggage that could stand in the way of it forming the next government. There were several reports on Saturday a row had developed over workers rights, including over a push to set the national living wage at 15 per hour, a move said to be backed by Unison. The Sunday Times said unions were likely to put forward an amendment designed to force a change of policy over the two-child limit to child benefit. Sir Keir has said Labour will keep the cap, which was introduced by Tory former chancellor George Osborne during his austerity drive. It prevents parents claiming Universal Credit for any third or subsequent child. Campaigners say scrapping the cap would lift around 270,000 households with children out of poverty at an estimated cost of 1.4 billion in the first year. The likes of Unison, the UKs biggest trade union, the Fire Brigades Union, the Communication and Workers Union (CWU) and train drivers union Aslef are preparing to test the leaderships resolve on the issue, according to The Sunday Times. But Sir Keir seemed unmoved under questioning on Saturday. He told broadcasters during a visit to Shefford, Bedfordshire, the priority for his premiership would be to fix a broken economy and broken public services. That is why Ive been absolutely clear that we wont have any unfunded spending commitments, so we proceed on that basis, Sir Keir said. And that is why were not going to change our policy on the two-child benefit cap. It is expected senior figures will look to talk down any attempt to bring controversial matters to a vote at the forum on Sunday. There is the possibility that some testing matters could be knocked-on for discussion at the partys autumn conference in Liverpool but officials are keen to avoid a show of division at such a public forum. The BBC reported there will be wording in the agreed policy documents at the Nottingham forum which will state that Labours fiscal rules are non-negotiable, giving shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves a get-out clause on any pledges she does not like. Addressing the forum on Saturday, Sir Keir said the party needed to show historic levels of effort, discipline and focus ahead of a likely election next year. Weve got to ask ourselves seriously are our priorities the priorities of working people? he said Or are they just baggage that shows them we dont see the country through their eyes? He added: Tough choices is not a soundbite. It is the day-to-day reality we will face if we win power clearing up their (the Tories) mess. Labour said it would not be commenting on the forum, saying it was a private meeting. The Prime Minister said the bulk of Britains new homes will be built in major cities as he vowed not to concrete over the countryside. Ahead of planning reforms due to be announced by Housing Secretary Michael Gove, Rishi Sunak has confirmed that the Conservative Westminster Government is on course to meet its target of building one million homes between 2019-24. Mr Sunak, who is due to visit the West Midlands, and Mr Gove are expected to provide more details on Monday about plans to prioritise house building in inner city areas. The proposals include developing a new urban quarter in Cambridge with space for homes, art facilities, laboratories and green areas. Mr Sunak said: Today I can confirm that we will meet our manifesto commitment to build one million homes over this Parliament. Thats a beautiful new home for a million individual families in every corner of our country. We need to keep going because we want more people to realise the dream of owning their own home. We wont do that by concreting over the countryside our plan is to build the right homes where there is the most need and where there is local support, in the heart of Britains great cities. Our reforms today will help make that a reality by regenerating disused brownfield land, streamlining the planning process and helping homeowners to renovate and extend their houses outwards and upwards. The announcement comes only two weeks after a cross-party panel of MPs warned that Tory ministers are unlikely to deliver 300,000 new homes per year after the Prime Minister made the target advisory rather than mandatory as he looked to see off a potential backbench rebellion. Rishi Sunaks decision to downgrade the 300,000 housing target has already had a depressing impact on numbers, according to MPs (Rui Vieira/PA) The Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee, in a report published earlier this month, said that, while the Government was on track to deliver one million new homes over the course of the current Parliament, it was not forecast to deliver 300,000 net new homes per year by the mid-2020s. Clive Betts, the Labour committee chairman, said Mr Sunaks decision was already having a damaging impact on efforts to increase the building of new homes. Mr Gove, in a speech in London, will announce plans to slash red tape to pave the way for more conversions of shops and takeaways into houses in efforts to address the housing crisis. A review into the extension of permitted development rights is expected to make it simpler to extend homes and convert lofts so buildings can be expanded upwards and outwards. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said ministers will also take steps to unblock bottlenecks in the planning system to speed up development approvals. Mr Gove will unveil intentions to invest 24 million into a planning skills delivery fund to help clear backlogs. Housing Secretary Michael Gove is set to announce housing reforms in a speech on Monday (Lucy North/PA) A super-squad team of leading planners and other experts will be established to work across the planning system to unblock major housing developments, with their first port of call being in Cambridge to help realise the ambitions for the city. Developers will be asked to contribute more through fees to help fund the upgrades, officials in Mr Goves department confirmed. In an interview with The Sunday Telegraph, Mr Gove said his proposals would also include creating development corporations to unleash a wave of new homes in cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool. Councils will be given the opportunities to bid to set up the Government-sponsored bodies which will have the power to use compulsory purchase orders to buy up land and sell parts of it on to developers to build new homes. Inspired by the regeneration created in east London by the Docklands Development Corporation in the 1980s, Mr Gove said his plans are to kick-start a 21st century renaissance for our great cities. In a statement ahead of his speech, the Housing Secretary said: Most people agree that we need to build more homes the question is how we go about it. A super-squad of planning experts will focus its attention on delivering a development in Cambridge (Joe Giddens/PA) Rather than concreting over the countryside, we have set out a plan today to build the right homes in the right places where there is community support and were putting the resources behind it to help make this vision a reality. At the heart of this is making sure that we build beautiful and empower communities to have a say in the development in their area. Other plans included in Mr Goves reforms package involve setting up the Office for Place, a body charged with ensuring a high standard of housing design and that communities have a say in the look of new developments. The plans have been welcomed by construction firm Mace and the Royal Institute of British Architects. But the Local Government Association (LGA) has flagged concerns about the prospect of loosening the rules around permitted development rights, arguing it can lead to substandard housing. Councillor Shaun Davies, chairman of the LGA, said: Premises such as offices, barns and shops are not always suitable for housing. Labours Lisa Nandy said house building is due to drop to its lowest levels since WWII under the Tories (James Speakman/PA) Further expanding permitted development rights risks creating poor quality residential environments that negatively impact peoples health and wellbeing, as well as a lack of affordable housing or suitable infrastructure. It is disappointing that the Government have ignored their own commissioned research that concluded that homes converted through a planning application process deliver higher quality homes than those converted via permitted development rights. Lisa Nandy, Labours shadow housing secretary, said: It takes some serious brass neck for the Tories to make yet more promises when the housing crisis has gone from bad to worse on their watch, and when housebuilding is on course to hit its lowest rate since the Second World War because Rishi Sunak rolled over to his own MPs. We dont need more reviews, press releases or empty promises, we need bold action to get Britain building. Ms Nandy has already announced plans to make it easier to build on unsightly parts of the greenbelt under a future Labour government, and a pledge to restore the 300,000 homes target. Croatia has coastal cities and scenic islands (Getty Images/iStockphoto) With a mix of Venetian-influenced cities, ancient walled Old Towns, spectacular coastline and over a thousand islands, Croatia is a unique blend of natural beauty and architectural elegance. Its popularity with foreign visitors has increased dramatically in recent years, with tourist numbers rising in the last decade from 10.4 million in 2010 to a record 19.6 million in 2019. With warm weather arriving as early as spring in some parts of the country, the summer brings average temperatures in the mid-20s in many areas, with largely sunshine-filled, rain-free holidays making it an incredibly attractive destination. Many visitors will want to experience the marble streets and medieval walls of Dubrovnik or the palm tree-lined waterfront of Split, but Croatia has several lesser-known destinations that are also just as worthy of a trip, from islands like Korcula to a range of National Parks such as Plitvice. For anyone wanting to explore this Adriatic gem, the places below are a good starting point. Zagreb The Croatian capital is one of few major cities that arent on the coast (Getty Images/iStockphoto) While Zagreb may be occasionally overlooked in favour of coastal destinations and islands, it is worth a visit to experience Croatias laid-back capital. Sit in its medieval Upper Town, filled with cobbled streets and buildings of local significance, or wander the streets of the Austro-Hungarian influenced Lower Town. TkalAiAa is the citys main street a picturesque mix of cafes, bars and restaurants while an array of quirky museums, such as the Museum of Broken Relationships, also awaits. When to visit Zagreb This is one Croatian destination where the temperature drops significantly in winter, so its best to stick to the summer when visiting the capital. August is the driest month, while daily average temperatures of 22C will keep you warm without being sweltering. Where to stay Set in a converted 1920s bank, the Hotel Capital has retained many period features in its reception and restaurant areas. The rooms are spacious with minimalistic interiors, while its Lower Town location makes a great base for exploring the city. Dubrovnik The walled city of Dubrovnik has increased in popularity over the last few decades (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Perhaps the countrys most well-known destination, Dubrovnik is located in the Dalmatian region in the south and boasts a spectacular medieval walled Old Town. The 16th-century walls surround an area that is paved with limestone, lined with shops and restaurants and home to Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic buildings, surrounded on one side by the rugged coastline and turquoise waters of the Adriatic. There are several appealing beaches (including Lapad and Copacabana), while the Lovrijenac Fort has grown in popularity due to featuring in Game of Thrones as the Red Keep. When to visit Dubrovnik High season brings a very high numbers of tourists and the warmest temperatures, so consider visiting in June or September. Rainfall is low and sunshine hours are high, with average temperatures around 24C. Where to stay While youll inevitably spend a lot of time in the Old Town, the crowds can become irritating. Instead, opt for a stay by the sea at the Dubrovnik Palace, a hotel with three swimming pools and a secluded beach, where all the rooms have sweeping sea views. Split A view of the waterfront in Split (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Croatias second-largest city is a mix of eclectic architecture, coastal beauty and a wide range of historical influences. Youll find some of the best-preserved examples of Roman and Venetian architecture outside of Rome and Venice, a mazy Old Town and buzzing beaches such as Bacvice. The city thrives on its pedestrianised areas, filled with shops and restaurants. Diocletians Palace is a large complex that makes up half of the Old Town, while the Marjan area and Matejuska port are other popular daytime and evening hangouts. If youre staying for a while, the scenic harbour is also the gateway to some of the countrys best islands: Hvar, Brac, Vis and Korcula. When to visit Split To avoid crowds while still experiencing the citys great weather, consider visiting in May or June. Average temperatures will hover between 20C and 23C, while it only rains for five days on average. Where to stay Found in an old stone building within Diocletians Palace, the Murum Heritage Hotel provides a unique blend of modern interiors and period features. Read more on Europe travel: Hvar The island of Hvar is located close to Split on the mainland (Getty Images) A popular summer resort and one of the countrys best-known islands, Hvar lies roughly an hour south from Split by boat. Hvar Town is the main settlement on the island, where the medieval Fortica castle looms over a variety of Venetian architecture and the bustling St Stephens Square in the towns Stari Grad (Old Town). Jagodna, Pokonji Dol and Bonj are among the best beaches on the island (though some choose to take a water taxi to the neighbouring Pakleni islands). As well as stunning beaches and elegant architecture, Hvar is well-known as one of Croatias premier party destinations. MajeroviAa is a popular spot for daytime parties, while the town itself contains dozens of bars and clubs for evening drinks. When to visit Hvar May and June are again the best time to visit this area, as temperatures will stay below sweltering (averages are around 21C in May and 24C in June) and youll likely avoid the summer island-hopping crowds. Where to stay Located on the waterfront overlooking Hvar Town, the Adriana Hvar is a contemporary hotel complete with a spa and pool, with panoramic views of the surrounding area available from its roof terrace. Rijeka A view of Rijeka harbour (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Yet another Croatian port city, Rijeka is often overlooked by visitors, but is more than worthy of a visit. It is a city influenced by a mix of Habsburg and Italian rule, where the countrys main port stretches along much of the seafront. The popular Korzo promenade provides locals and visitors with a wide paved street lined with a plethora of shops and restaurants. Unsurprisingly, its beaches are popular too; Kantrida, SabliAevo and Kostrena are recommended. When to visit Rijeka Rijeka recevies more rain than the countrys southern cities, but the driest month is July. Average temperatures are around 24C, and while it is the height of summer, it is still a good time to visit as the city doesnt attract nearly the same number of tourists as Dubrovnik or Split. Where to stay The Teatro Suite & Rooms has a waterfront location near the centre of Rijeka, offering contemporary rooms. Zadar An aerial view of Zadar and its marina (Getty Images) Zadar is a peninsular city, known for the historic influences that are visible in its Old Town. Roman streets house Venetian gates, cathedrals and castles as well as the citys own Roman Forum, while part of the citys defensive walls themselves a Unesco World Heritage Site is now a popular promenade area on the waterfront. As well as the usual enjoyment of Mediterranean and Adriatic food and wine, tourists here flock to see sunsets from the northwest area of the Old Town (complemented by the sounds and sights of the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation), while many will take the short trip to visit Plitvice National Park, a spectacular region of lakes, waterfalls and caves. When to visit Zadar Another city that benefits from being less popular than the countrys main tourist destinations, Zadar is best visited in June or July. These are the driest months, where average temperatures hover around 24C. Where to stay Hotel Bastion is a waterfront hotel built on a former 13th-century Venetian fortress, complete with harbour views, a spa, a fine dining restaurant and a lovely shaded terrace. Pula An aerial view of Pula, including its Roman amphitheatre (Getty Images) Pula is the largest city on the Istrian Peninsula the largest in the Adriatic, shared by Croatia, Italy and Slovenia and is home to the countrys best-preserved example of Roman architecture, the Pula Arena (an amphitheatre). Built over 2,000 years ago, the passages, tiers and galleries are the citys main tourist attraction and even host screenings during the citys annual film festival in July. The Temple of Augustus and the outside Forum Square are the other main Roman features that remain in a city of russet-roofed buildings that was also heavily influenced by Venice and Austro-Hungarian rule. While simply wandering the Old Town could keep you busy for days, the Pulski Kastel (a Venetian fortress), the church of St. Francis, the Zerostrasse tunnels and the citys golden-sanded beaches are all worth visiting. When to visit Pula The weather here can really vary, so it is best to opt for a summer or early autumn holiday in Pula. June and September have the most pleasant weather, with average temperatures around 20C. Where to stay Located just outside of the city (just over half a mile from the Amphitheatre) and with its own private restaurant, bar and terrace, Hotel Milan offers a stylish and modern stay in a tranquil setting. Korcula A promenade over the turquoise waters of Korcula (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Korcula is a small but popular island that lies just south of Hvar (and next to Brac, another popular island destination). Populated by dense pine forest and several small towns and villages, its main visitor attraction is Korcula Town, a smaller alternative to the walled city of Dubrovnik. Like Dubrovnik, Korculas Old Town area consists of cobbled streets, towers, a cathedral and stone houses with red-tiled roofs, while many visitors also make a trip to the rumoured birthplace of Marco Polo. Away from Korcula Town itself, the island has several beach areas and other trip-worthy towns, including Vela Luka and Blato. When to visit Korcula The shoulder season months of June and September are a good time to visit, when crowds will be minimal and weather is still enjoyable you can expect average temperatures of 22C. Where to stay The Korcula Heritage Hotel is situated right on the quay where the boats from Dubrovnik and Split dock, offering breathtaking views of over the sea. It is housed in a large stone villa, with a 150-person terrace providing mountain and sea views. Zagorje Zagorje is famed for its green hills and abundance of castles (Getty Images) The Zagorje region is a rural area known for its castles, churches and lush greenery. It is popular with people from neighbouring Zagreb, and in recent years has opted to increase its focus on becoming a destination for rest and relaxation. It is an area of dense forest and rolling green hills, peppered by medieval castles and churches (of which TrakosAan Castle and the Shrine of Our Lady of Bistrica are the most well-known) and small towns including Krapina and Marija Bistrica. Visits here are pleasantly tranquil, although the area can get busy in the summer months. When to visit Zagorje July and August might be the busiest months, but they are also the driest and welcome average temperatures of 22C. Where to stay The Hotel Terme Jezercica is next to Medvednica Nature Park, less than 20 miles from Zagreb. This spa hotel contains four Finnish saunas, five indoor pools and three outdoor pools. Read our reviews of the best Croatia hotels The Scottish Government is to publish policy proposals on who could become a Scottish citizen if the country becomes independent. The proposals will be published on Thursday and will highlight how non-Scots can qualify for citizenship. They will also detail who would automatically be considered a citizen if Scotland leaves the UK. The proposals are the fifth Building a New Scotland paper, which will also cover proposals on Scottish passports and assistance for Scots travelling, living or working abroad if the nation becomes independent. Migrants rights, freedom of movement and citizenship fees will also be discussed in the paper. Minister for independence Jamie Hepburn MSP said: As an independent nation, Scotland would have the opportunity to re-define what it means to be a citizen of this country, building on our inclusive national identity and sense of collective purpose. Independence would also enable us to take a fairer and more welcoming approach to citizenship to make it easier for those who have made Scotland their home to settle here permanently, helping to grow our population and support our communities and public services. The proposals in this paper explain how we plan to achieve these aims, on the way to re-joining the European Union as an independent nation, and I look forward to setting them out with the First Minister on Thursday. The upcoming proposals have been criticised by the Scottish Conservatives, who labelled the plans a waste of taxpayers money. Alexander Stewart MSP, Scottish Conservative depute spokesperson for the constitution, external affairs and culture, said: These independence plans are a blatant misuse of public money and resources by the SNP civil servants are supposed to support the governments agenda, not push the nationalists pet project at taxpayers expense. The SNP are constantly blurring the lines between party and government. It is utterly unacceptable for the SNP to be wasting taxpayers money and civil servants time on pushing a divisive party political agenda which the Scottish government lacks the authority to pursue unilaterally. This is the wrong priority at the worst time, when Humza Yousaf and his ministers should be concentrating on unacceptable NHS waiting times and the cost-of-living crisis. Only the Scottish Conservatives are focused on Scotlands real priorities. The SNP must drop their independence obsession and instead devote every penny towards helping our struggling public services. The Scottish Labour party was contacted for comment. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer have been urged not to ditch their parties green policies, as a Cabinet minister said environmental reforms being placed on landlords were asking too much, too quickly. London mayor Sadiq Khans expansion of the ultra low emission zone (Ulez) has been blamed on Labour failing to take Boris Johnsons old seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip, with the Conservatives hanging on by 495 votes. Sir Keir has vowed to stick with his green pledges but said the party would need to reflect and learn the lessons over how they are implemented. It comes as Housing Secretary Michael Gove said he wants to relax the deadline for landlords in the private rented sector to make energy efficiency improvements to their properties. He told The Sunday Telegraph the proposal to ban landlords from renting out their homes unless they pay to increase the energy performance certificate rating of their properties should be pushed back past 2028. The upgrade required to increase a propertys energy performance could include fitting a heat pump, providing insulation or installing solar panels, which the newspaper suggested could cost thousands of pounds. Mr Gove said: My own strong view is that were asking too much too quickly. Separately, he also warned about treating the cause of the environment as a religious crusade as he called for thoughtful environmentalism. With the result in Uxbridge a rare bright spot in Thursdays set of three by-elections, the Prime Minister has come under renewed pressure to water down pledges designed to help the UK meet its pledge of having a net zero carbon economy by 2050. Tory MP Craig Mackinlay, chairman of the Net Zero Scrutiny Group, has suggested delaying the ban on new petrol and diesel cars, pushing it back at least five years to 2035. Mr Gove, who was environment secretary when the 2050 net zero pledge was made during Theresa Mays premiership, said he did not know whether the car-ban deadline was perfectly calibrated but said it was achievable. Health minister Maria Caulfield on Saturday avoided questions on whether policies such as the phasing out of gas boilers by 2035 should be postponed. Senior environmentally-minded Tories have urged both their own party and Labour not to drop green policies in the hope of short-term electoral gains. Alok Sharma, the former president of the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow, tweeted: Given the economic, environmental and electoral case for climate action it would be self-defeating for any political party to seek to break the political consensus on this vital agenda. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been urged to water down environmental pledges after the Uxbridge win (Carl Court/PA) Baron Goldsmith of Richmond Park, who resigned as an environment minister in the Foreign Office last month with a scathing attack on Mr Sunaks apathy on the matter, said dropping climate change-tackling policies would be politically suicidal given their growing support among voters. To use these recent results to advocate abandonment of the UKs previous environmental leadership is cynical and idiotic, Lord Goldsmith told The Observer. Chris Skidmore, the UK Governments net zero tsar, told the PA news agency it would be both deeply regrettable and an abdication of responsible government if ministers play politics with environmental policies. For Labour, despite delivering a huge blow to the Tories with a by-election win in Selby and Ainsty, the post-mortem examination has been far more focused on what went wrong in Uxbridge. The party required a much smaller swing in west London than the 24 percentage points it secured in north Yorkshire to unseat the Tories the Selby swing was the second largest produced by Labour at a by-election since 1945 but it came up short against Tory challenger Steve Tuckwell, the newly-elected MP who painted the vote as a referendum on Ulez. Sadiq Khans plans to extend Ulez have been challenged in the courts (Lucy North/PA) Mr Khan, the Labour incumbent in City Hall, plans next month to widen the 12.50 daily charge for vehicles which fail to meet emissions standards to all London boroughs, taking it beyond the capitals north and south circular roads. Sir Keir told broadcasters on Saturday: I dont think there is any doubt that Ulez was the reason that we lost the election in Uxbridge. He has confirmed he has spoken to Mr Khan about the policy, which currently faces a legal challenge. According to The Sunday Times, Sir Keirs senior advisers had predicted Ulez could be a vote loser and had spent months urging Mr Khan to scrap the expansion. PA understands Mr Khan is currently looking at whether there are any further ways of mitigating the impact on Londoners without reducing the effectiveness of the policy. A source close to the Labour mayor said: Sadiq has been clear he is listening to Londoners following this by-election. Mr Khans team defended his plan, saying only one out of 10 cars driving in outer London would face the charge, with a 110 million scrappage scheme available to help lower earners to upgrade their vehicles. A yellow rain warning has been issued for Sunday across most of northern England and Wales, with travel disruption possible and major outdoor events affected. The Met Office said the region would widely see 20-30mm of rain, while places over higher ground could see up to 50-70mm as wet weather persists across the entire weekend. It follows heavy and persistent rainfall on Saturday throughout the country, with Wales, south-west and north-west England all seeing substantial downpours. Both The Open Championship and The Ashes, taking place in Merseyside and Manchester respectively, were plagued by showers throughout the day that affected play. Here is your Sunday morning forecast Sunny spells and showers for some Rain, heavy at times across northern England and Wales pic.twitter.com/rrU31Xoky5 Met Office (@metoffice) July 22, 2023 The UKs poor weather is due to the position of the jet stream, which is also pushing high pressure to the south where parts of Europe have a heatwave. Jonathan Vautrey, meteorologist at the Met Office, said: The band of rain that weve currently got from Northern Ireland down to Wales and parts of central and southern England, such as Oxfordshire and Hampshire, will continue to push its way northwards overnight. By tomorrow morning, its going to stall across the central swathe of the UK in Northern Ireland, northern England and parts of north Wales. It primarily sits there for a fair amount of Sunday, particularly in England and Wales, which is why the Met Office has issued a yellow rain warning for that area. The USs Brian Harman (left) is shielded from the weather during day three of The Open at Royal Liverpool (David Davies/PA) We have had a relatively wet Saturday, so topping up with the rainfall expected quite persistently throughout Sunday does have the potential to cause some travel disruption and issues with any outdoor events taking place through there. Elsewhere, parts of south-west, central and south-eastern England will see a slightly better day with a few brighter spells trying to emerge but still a scattering of showers around, with one or two possibly on the heavier side. The best of the sunny spells will continue to be across Scotland, with temperatures rising above 22C on Saturday, the forecaster added. Temperatures in southern England will be about average for the time of year, but northern England will be feeling particularly cool with the rain and cloud meaning it will be three degrees or so below the average. A male youth has been arrested in connection with a serious assault in central Dublin. Stephen Termini, a US tourist aged in his 50s, was said to have received life-changing injuries in the attack on Talbot Street in the Irish capital. He was taken to Beaumont Hospital after the attack on Wednesday, which was condemned as vicious by Irelands Minister for Justice Helen McEntee. On Sunday, gardai investigators said a juvenile had been arrested for an alleged offence contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act 1997. He is being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a garda station in north Dublin. The latest Russian attack on Odesa, Ukraine left at least one person dead, 22 others injured and a historic Orthodox cathedral severely damaged. Regional Gov. Oleh Kiper said Sunday that four children were among the injured, adding that other residents of the southern Ukrainian city were trapped in their apartments. Six residential buildings, including apartment buildings, were also destroyed in the latest attack, which left much of the city covered in rubble and damaged the power lines, Kiper added. The strike on the Black Sea port city, which comes days after Russia pulled out of the grain export deal with Kyiv, is the latest in a series of attacks this past week that caused severe damage to its infrastructure. The damage to the historical cathedral, meanwhile, marks a severe blow to the community of Odesa. The Transfiguration Cathedral is one of the most important and largest in Odesa. Volunteers tried to salvage as many church artifacts as they could after the fires were extinguished. Paintings of the saints remained largely intact. Archdeacon Andrii Palchuk said the cathedral took a direct hit from a Russian missile., adding that two people inside the structure at the time of the attack were wounded. The destruction is enormous, half of the cathedral is now roofless, he said, later saying through tears, But with Gods help, we will restore it. Russias defense ministry took credit for the attacks and said in a statement the strikes were carried out with sea- and air-based long-range high-precision weapons. In a later statement, the ministry denied that the attacks struck the cathedral and said its destruction was likely a result of the fall of a Ukrainian anti-aircraft guided missile. Russias defense ministry said it attacked places in Odesa, where terrorist acts against the Russian Federation were being prepared. It also claimed in the initial statement there were foreign mercenaries at the targeted sites. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church, to which the cathedral belongs, has been accused of maintaining links to Russia. Ukrainian security agencies have raided some holy sites and discovered some Russian leaflets and passports, which they claim to be evidence of a link to Russia. Leaders have insisted, however, that the church is loyal to Ukraine and have denounced the Russian invasion from the start. The Associated Press contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. gettyimagesbank This article is the second in a series about intercountry adoptions. While over 160,000 Korean children have been adopted abroad since the 1950-53 Korean War, it is believed that many cases have infringed on relevant laws or violated children's right to know the truth about their filiation. The series will review such violations in transnational adoptions of Korean children and elsewhere, and discuss receiving countries' moves for their own investigations. This series is co-organized with Human Rights Beyond Borders. ED. By Joyce Bex Joyce Bex, case manager at Afstammingscentrum / Courtesy of Joyce Bex ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) A rescue and recovery dive team was deployed Saturday after a helicopter with a pilot and three state workers crashed in a large lake on Alaskas North Slope, officials said. No survivors have been located. The official word is, they are missing, presumed fatal, said Clint Johnson, the chief of the National Transportation Safety Boards Alaska region. An NTSB investigator was also en route to the accident scene Saturday as plans were being made to recover the wreckage from the water, he said. Challenges with the lake crash site and the availability of another helicopter in the area likely mean the aircraft won't be raised from the middle of the shallow, 1-mile-wide (1.6-kilometer-wide) lake until Monday or Tuesday, Johnson said. The downed helicopter had been chartered by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, the department said in a statement Friday. It was carrying three employees from the Division of Geological and Geophysical Survey who had been conducting field work. DNR is praying for our employees and the pilot, their families, and the DNR team, the statement said. We are continuing to await updates from the search and rescue effort. Natural Resources Commissioner John Boyle flew to the crash site Friday night with a North Slope Search and Rescue spotter ahead of the recovery operation, said Lorraine Henry, a spokesperson for the state agency. The Bell 206 helicopter was reported overdue Thursday night. A North Slope Borough search and rescue team in a helicopter found debris matching the description of the missing helicopter, D.J. Fauske, the boroughs director of government and external affairs, said in a text to The Associated Press on Friday. Fauske did not immediately respond to a list of questions sent to him by email Saturday. The helicopters wreckage was found in the lake near Wainwright, which is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Utqiagvik, the northernmost city in the U.S., formerly known as Barrow. Johnson said because of where the helicopter came to rest, in the middle of the lake, they will have to use another helicopter to pull it out. This is going to be a helicopter recovery, no ifs, no ands, no buts, out in the middle of no place," he said. That location, hundreds of miles north of Anchorage, also means helicopters are hard to come by. The helicopters up here are at an absolute premium, he said. Also complicating matters is that from the photographs he's seen of the submerged helicopter, it's in fragments, Johnson said. The North Slope Borough requested that the Alaska State Troopers activate the Alaska Dive Search, Rescue and Recovery Team, troopers spokesperson Austin McDaniel said in an email to The Associated Press. The team was en route Saturday to Utqiagvik, located on the coast of the Arctic Ocean about 720 miles (1,159 kilometers) northwest of Anchorage. The borough is the primary agency coordinating efforts at the crash site, McDaniel said. The helicopter flight originated in Utqiagvik and was supposed to return there, Johnson said, adding other details of the flight were not immediately available. The helicopter was operated by Maritime Helicopters Inc., according to a statement on the companys website. It confirmed the accident was fatal and said names of the pilot and passengers would be released pending notification of next of kin. ___ Associated Press writer Becky Bohrer in Juneau contributed. Knowing that a police officer would go to prison for killing her 62-year-old brother didnt dull Bettersten Wades grief. But it helped that someone would be held responsible. Then Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch asked a judge last week to throw out the officers 2022 conviction, taking his side over the district attorney who prosecuted him. The unusual move strengthened the officers case before the Mississippi Court of Appeals. And it left Wade angry and hurt. It means she doesnt care about my brother, Wade said of Fitchs motion. Shes showing that she doesnt have any kind of feelings for my brother. The only thing she has feelings for is a police officer. It is not just Wade who is upset. Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens accused Fitch of undermining the work of the jury that voted last year to convict former Jackson Police Officer Anthony Fox of culpable negligent manslaughter for slamming George Robinson to the ground and inflicting a fatal head injury. It was dismissive to the rule of law, and justice, and the will of the people, Owens said in an interview. Fitchs office declined to comment and referred to her July 10 brief, which argues that evidence presented at trial did not support Foxs conviction and that the jury made a mistake. Lynn Fitch (Rogelio V. Solis / AP file) After thorough review, the State has concluded that the evidence at trial was insufficient as a matter of law to allow a rational juror to convict Fox of culpable-negligence manslaughter, Fitchs brief says. It concludes: Fox should never have been convicted and should not face another trial. Matthew Steffey, a law professor at Mississippi College, called Fitchs motion extraordinary, not just because she essentially bigfooted Owens, but also because it pits a white Republican attorney general against a Black Democratic district attorney, both of whom are running for re-election this fall. The dispute, Steffey said, mirrors the political and racial dynamics of an ongoing legal battle over white Republican state officials attempts to assert more control over the justice system in Jackson, the majority-Black and heavily Democratic state capital and the seat of Hinds County. Jody Owens. (Hinds County District Attorney's Office / via Facebook) The conservatives who run state government dont appear to trust the voters and elected officials in Hinds County, and certainly view them as their political opponents, not their allies, Steffey said. Fitchs office also makes the final determination whether to pursue criminal charges against police officers in Mississippi who have shot someone. The Jan. 13, 2019, encounter between Fox and Robinson began after police were sent to Robinsons neighborhood to search for a suspect in the killing of a local pastor. Soon after arriving, Fox said he noticed a woman standing at a parked car holding money. Suspecting a drug deal, Fox said he approached. Robinson was sitting in the drivers seat. Robinson had recently been released from the hospital after having a stroke that had left him partially paralyzed but able to drive; witnesses told investigators he was returning home to a celebratory cookout after making a trip to the store. Fox said Robinson did not comply with his orders to exit the car and seemed to be trying to hide something; witnesses said they heard Robinson say hed just had a stroke and was struggling to get out. A brief struggle followed in which Fox, with help from other officers, slammed Robinson to the ground. An ambulance arrived, and an EMT bandaged a cut on Robinsons head. He refused further treatment. No drugs were found, but Robinson was given a citation alleging failure to obey and resisting arrest. He was allowed to leave. Later that night, Robinsons girlfriend found him in bed unconscious and foaming at the mouth. He was taken to the hospital, where he died two days later. An autopsy determined that Robinson died of a subdural hematoma, or bleeding around the brain, caused by multiple blunt head injury, and labeled his death a homicide meaning that it was the result of actions by another person. The Justice Department launched a civil rights investigation that did not result in charges, but a Hinds County grand jury indicted Fox and two other Jackson police officers all of whom are Black, as was Robinson on second-degree murder charges. A judge later dismissed the charges against the other officers. Fox, however, was convicted of culpable negligent manslaughter and sentenced to five years in prison. Anthony Fox. (Hinds County Sheriffs Office) Fox appealed that conviction, arguing that the evidence at trial did not support the verdict that Robinsons injuries were due to his resisting arrest and his underlying medical condition, and not the result of excessive force. Foxs lawyers have also said the judge gave erroneous instructions to the jury and unfairly prevented Fox from recounting what Robinson said to him. One of Foxs lawyers, Merrida Coxwell, said in an interview that since Robinson suffered only a small cut, he could not have been thrown headfirst to the ground or beaten, as some witnesses said. The medical evidence doesnt support it, Coxwell said. Fitchs brief embraces Foxs argument of insufficient evidence. Fox had a struggle with Robinson in which he assertedly slammed Robinson on the groundyet that struggle was prolonged and made harder by Robinsons continual resistance and failure to follow commands, one of Fitchs deputies wrote. The brief also says Robinson suffered only superficial visible injuries. Owens said Fitchs office gave him five minutes notice that it was going to file that brief. He responded first in a public statement that accused her of making an unprecedented political maneuver to support a police officer. In a later brief to the Court of Appeals, Owens office accused Fitchs office of making factual misrepresentations while zealously advocating for the interest of a convicted criminal defendant. We did everything related to this case by the book, Owens said. A textbook examination. We followed evidence where it led; we didnt have any preconceived notions; we gave the benefit of the doubt in many instances to police and the nature of their jobs. Derrick Johnson, the president of the NAACP and a longtime Jackson resident, said Fitchs actions on the Fox case should be seen as a preview of what could happen if a new law creating a state-appointed court to handle criminal cases in Jackson is allowed to go into effect. The NAACP has sued to block the law a challenge backed by the U.S. Justice Department saying it strips Jackson residents of their voting power and weakens their say in how justice is administered in the city, where judges and district attorneys are elected. A judge has put the law on hold while the case proceeds. Fitchs support of Fox is not just. It is the height of unfairness, Johnson said. And thats what the rest of Jackson will be confronted with with the taking of local authority and home rule. Robinsons family filed a wrongful death lawsuit accusing Fox and the two other officers of excessive force and attempting to cover up their actions, accusing the city of Jackson of failing to properly train and supervise the officers, and accusing the ambulance company that responded to the scene of failing to properly treat Robinson. The city has denied the familys claims and said it isnt liable for what happened to Robinson. The officers lawyers responded that they acted reasonably and prudently and had a legitimate and lawful justification for all actions taken. The ambulance company, American Medical Response, denied failing to provide proper care. A federal court judge dismissed some of the claims, while others remain pending in state court. Bettersten Wade holding a family photo of her mother, center, and siblings, including her brother George Robinson, second right. (Imani Khayyam for NBC News) For Wade, this is all about her brother. She acknowledged that Robinson had a criminal record, including drug-related arrests and a conviction for fatally shooting a friend, for which he spent nearly 20 years in prison. Hed been out more than eight years when he was confronted by Fox. Robinson always accepted his punishment, Wade said. But Fox doesnt even want to acknowledge that he killed my brother, she said. Wade said she is still haunted by thoughts of her brothers encounter with police, and his last hours unconscious, drifting toward death. If they didnt mess with my brother, hed still be around, she said. Senior lawmakers are increasingly demanding that military and other government officials provide them with information about intelligence on unidentified flying objects (UFOs) or unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs). The demands reflect frustrations on the part of some lawmakers that they are being kept in the dark about whats known about UFOs and UAPs. The lawmakers do not necessarily believe the government is hiding signs of extraterrestrial life from the public and congressional oversight. But they are frustrated they are not learning more about unknown objects flying in restricted U.S. air space. My primary interest in this topic is if there are object[s] operating over restricted air space, its not ours and we dont know whose it is, thats a problem that we need to get to the bottom of, said Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. If theres an explanation for it thats being kept from Congress, then we need to force the issue. Were not getting answers, Rubio told The Hill. The Senate has adopted an amendment to an annual defense bill that would require the federal government to collect and disclose all records related to UFOs and UAPs unless a special review board determines they must be kept classified. The amendment was sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence committees, and is backed by Rubio and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), the chairwoman of the Armed Services subcommittee on emerging threats, as well as Sens. Todd Young (R-Ind.), a former Marine intelligence officer, and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). Rubio, the top-ranking Republican on the intelligence committee, has more access to classified information than the vast majority of lawmakers on Capitol Hill. He said he suspects there are records related to unidentified aerial phenomena that are being kept secret from congressional oversight. Right now, what I know is reliable people tell us that and weve seen objects operating over restricted military and national security airspace. They claim its not ours. They claim they dont know whose it is. Thats like the definition of a national security threat, he said. Either theres an answer that exists and is not being provided, or there is no answer. Beyond that, I dont want to speculate anything, he added. Rubio said he was familiar with the claims of David Grusch, a career intelligence officer who worked for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. He claims the federal government has retrieved non-human origin technical vehicles that have landed or crashed on Earth. We have a number of people including that gentleman who have come forward both publicly and privately to make claims, Rubio said. One of two things are true. Either A, theyre telling the truth or some version of the truth or B, we have a bunch of people with high clearances and really important jobs in our government are nuts. Both are a problem. And Im not accusing these people of being nuts. That said, thats something well look at and continue to look at seriously, he said. Interest in the subject is also reflected by this weeks House Oversight Committee hearing Thursday on UAPs and UFOs. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), who is chairing the hearing, says lawmakers will hear testimony from Grusch, as well as former Navy Cmdr. David Fravor and former Navy pilot Ryan Graves. Burchett claimed on a podcast this month that the federal government has known about UFOs for decades and they can fly underwater and dont show a heat trail, appearing to defy the laws of physics. Congressional sources familiar with efforts to gain more information from the Defense Department and intelligence agencies say UAPs and UFOs are being detected more frequently because of improvements in military sensor technology. The Department of Defense released three Navy videos in 2020 that show objects flying in extraordinary ways and capturing confused and awe-struck comments of Naval aviators who witnessed the phenomena. Grusch, who describes himself as a whistleblower, says senior intelligence officers have told him they participated in a secret UAP task force, though he says he has not personally witnessed nonhuman intelligence. He says he was retaliated against when he tried to gain more information about the program. Rubio said we dont know if such a program exists and what evidence it might have collected. Without speculating or adding to intrigue about this whole topic, theres no doubt that in this field, generally, theres more than what we know, he said. Were trying to get to a process where at least some people in Congress do know. Asked why he suspects theres more for Congress to know about UAPs, Rubio said theres pieces of puzzles that dont fit. Most certainly there are elements of things, whether historic or current, that potentially Congress has not been kept fully informed of and that would be a problem, he said. Theres really no function of the executive that shouldnt require congressional oversight at some level. The language in the Senate defense bill would require the National Archives and Records Administration to create a collection of records related to UAPs across government agencies that would be declassified for public use. UAPs generate a lot of curiosity for many Americans, and with that curiosity sometimes comes misinformation, Schumer said Tuesday on the Senate floor. Most lawmakers are extremely reluctant to say they suspect aliens from other solar systems are visiting Earth because there isnt any undisputable evidence of such visits in the public domain. Also, the nearest star to planet Earth is 40,000 billion kilometers away, making it seem impossible that any alien craft could travel the distance necessary to span solar systems. The nearest star, Proxima Centauri, is so far away that it would take the Voyager 1 spacecraft, which travels at 17.3 km per second, 73,000 years to reach it, according to NASA. Its also hard to fathom that a foreign adversary such as China possesses such advanced technology that it can fly aerial vehicles in ways that appear to defy the laws of physics, as U.S. military personnel have observed of UFOs or UAPs. Rounds said he has seen no evidence personally that extraterrestrial craft are visiting the planet but said, I know that theres a lot of people that have questions about it. Its just like with JFK and the [1963] assassination. We set up separate archive for that or central collection place for all that data, which I think gave the American people a sense of security that there was a location where it was being held. This is following that same approach, he said. The White House announced late last month that the National Archives had concluded its review of documents related to the assassination of former President Kennedy and that 99 percent of the relevant records had been made publicly available. Asked about whether he personally believes military personnel and sensors are encountering extraterrestrial visitors, Rounds said: I dont think you can discount the possibility just simply because of the size of the universe. I dont think anybody should say that they know for certain either way, he said. If we simply refuse to acknowledge theres even a remote possibility, then were probably not being honest. Some of the items we simply cant explain, he said of the Naval videos of UAPs. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. An extraordinary campaign by the Mexican president to undermine a leading opposition contender for the countrys 2024 presidential election has drawn an official rebuke from the federal election authority and criticism that he is damaging the democratic process. It also appears to be having an unintended effect: delivering a much-needed boost to the coalition aiming to unseat his party. New polling this week from a Mexican newspaper showed Xochitl Galvez, a freshman senator vying for the ticket of Frente Amplio por Mexico, an alliance of three parties, within striking distance of the front-runners from the leftist presidents party a significant development in a race that had widely been seen as leaning in the presidents partys favor. Galvezs remarkable ascent comes as President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has levied a near-daily stream of attacks against her. In regular news conferences this month, Lopez Obrador has called her a wimp, puppet, and employee of the oligarchy, questioned her upbringing in poverty, and, last week, released the private financial information of her business. Galvez has proven so adept at turning the attention into momentum that commentators joke the president has become her campaign manager. AMLO is obsessed with Senator Galvez, Enrique Quintana, the general editorial director for the business newspaper El Financiero, wrote in a recent column, using a nickname for the president. In a few weeks, he made her the most mentioned opposition candidate and considered by many to be the favorite. This is gold for her, political analyst Carlos Bravo Regidor told Americas Quarterly. The immensely popular Lopez Obrador is barred under Mexican law from seeking re-election after completing his six-year term. Crowded primaries began this summer to determine his successor, with both the opposition coalition and Morena, the presidents party, set to select their candidates in September. The general election will take place next June. Despite disastrous pandemic policies that ranked Mexico among the countries with the highest Covid-19 death rates and mostly unchecked cartel violence, Lopez Obrador has enjoyed some of the highest favorability ratings of any world leader. The eventual Morena flagbearer among the candidates are the recent mayor of Mexico City, referred to as his political daughter and his former foreign secretary has been viewed as his likely successor. Lopez Obrador speaks at the National Palace in Mexico City in January 2023. - Fernando Llano/AP With a compelling personal story and a tendency for headline-grabbing stunts she once dressed as a T. rex on the senate floor to protest a controversial electoral reform, a proposal from political dinosaurs Galvez brought immediate energy and a media frenzy with her entrance into an opposition contest that had as yet failed to resonate with the public. In a series of press interviews and viral social media posts, the senator, who represents the conservative PAN party but has staked out a number of progressive policy positions, has fought back with characteristic candor, framing the president as reckless and machista. Her standing has jumped in the polls. In a new survey released this week by El Financiero, Galvezs support within the coalition primary increased by nine percent from two weeks ago, putting her six points ahead of her closest contender, the president of the lower house of Congress. In hypothetical match-ups against the three leading Morena candidates, she trails by five to 12 points. He wants to undermine me psychologically, to make me fold, to put me in a corner, she told CNN en Espanols Conclusiones program on Monday. Im a very badass woman. Im a very daring woman. Im a brave and forward-thinking woman. So this is just the beginning. Lopez Obradors commentary has drawn the scrutiny of the National Electoral Institute, an independent agency. Last week, a complaints commission within the body said that Lopez Obradors remarks may violate the principles of impartiality, neutrality, and equity and ordered him to stop making comments, opinions, or statements on electoral issues. On Thursday, the panel again agreed to order Lopez Obrador to revise a number of offending comments. However it dismissed a complaint from Galvez that the president had violated laws against gender-based political violence. Electoral neutrality laws in Mexico date back to the 1990s, when lawmakers passed sweeping reforms in response to decades of single-party rule that allowed outgoing presidents virtually unchallenged abilities to select their political heirs. The reforms established mechanisms to set the time periods during which campaigns could take place, regulated campaign finance, and limited how government officials can use public funds for political communication. By using the mananera, which involves spending public resources, the executives social communication is being appropriated to attack a possible candidate, said Arturo Ramos Sobarzo, the director of the Center for Investigation and Legal Informatics at Mexico Citys Escuela Libre de Derecho, referring to the presidents daily news conferences. In the days since the ruling against him, Lopez Obrador has moved between open disregard, winking half-measures, and begrudging obedience. After contending that he was not bound by the order because his office had not been formally notified of it, Lopez Obrador shared a document online that purported to contain information about government contracts that Galvezs technological services company had received. Lopez Obrador has sought to tie the candidate to the countrys historic ruling elite with the claims, which she has denied. Galvez has called the release of information an illegal invasion of her privacy and said she would file a complaint with the authorities. Such brazen actions against a political rival are without precedent in recent Mexican elections, legal experts say, but the tact is familiar for a president who has relished upending norms and targeting his perceived enemies. In a widely condemned episode last year, Lopez Obrador publicized the salary of a prominent journalist apparently pulled from privileged government filings after the reporter published an investigation into one of the presidents sons. Lopez Obrador has also pushed a legislative package that aims to diminish the election agencys autonomy and its ability to punish politicians for breaking election laws, though key pieces of the measure have been struck down by the Supreme Court. With his disregard for the electoral ruling, Lopez Obrador is putting at risk what we Mexicans have built as our democratic foundations, said Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal, the opposition coalitions director for international liaisons. We need the attention of international public opinion and pro-democracy organizations that will begin to take note of what we are beginning to face in Mexico in this election, he said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden will establish a national monument honoring Emmett Till, the Black teenager from Chicago who was abducted, tortured and killed in 1955 after he was accused of whistling at a white woman in Mississippi, and his mother, a White House official said Saturday. Biden will sign a proclamation on Tuesday to create the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument across three sites in Illinois and Mississippi, according to the official. The individual spoke on condition of anonymity because the White House had not formally announced the president's plans. Tuesday is the anniversary of Emmett Till's birth in 1941. The monument will protect places that are central to the story of Till's life and death at age 14, the acquittal of his white killers and his mother's activism. Till's mother's insistence on an open casket to show the world how her son had been brutalized and Jet's magazine's decision to publish photos of his mutilated body helped galvanize the Civil Rights Movement. Biden's decision also comes at a fraught time in the United States over matters concerning race. Conservative leaders are pushing back against the teaching of slavery and Black history in public schools, as well as the incorporation of diversity, equity and inclusion programs from college classrooms to corporate boardrooms. On Friday, Vice President Kamala Harris criticized a revised Black history curriculum in Florida that includes teaching that enslaved people benefited from the skills they learned at the hands of the people who denied them freedom. The Florida Board of Education approved the curriculum to satisfy legislation signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican presidential candidate who has accused public schools of liberal indoctrination. How is it that anyone could suggest that in the midst of these atrocities that there was any benefit to being subjected to this level of dehumanization? Harris asked in a speech delivered from Jacksonville, Florida. DeSantis said he had no role in devising his states new education standards but defended the components on how enslaved people benefited. All of that is rooted in whatever is factual, he said in response. The monument to Till and his mother will include three sites in the two states. The Illinois site is Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Bronzeville, a historically Black neighborhood on Chicagos South Side. Thousands of people gathered at the church to mourn Emmett Till in September 1955. The Mississippi locations are Graball Landing, believed to be where Tills mutilated body was pulled from the Tallahatchie River, and the Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse in Sumner, Mississippi, where Tills killers were tried and acquitted by an all-white jury. Till was visiting relatives in Mississippi when Carolyn Bryant Donham said the 14-year-old Till whistled and made sexual advances at her while she worked in a store in the small community of Money. Till was later abducted and his body eventually pulled from the Tallahatchie River, where he had been tossed after he was shot and weighted down with a cotton gin fan. Two white men, Roy Bryant and his half-brother J.W. Milam, were tried on murder charges about a month after Till was killed, but an all-white Mississippi jury acquitted them. Months later, they confessed to killing Till in a paid interview with Look magazine. Bryant was married to Donham in 1955. She died earlier this year. The monument will be the fourth Biden has created since taking office in 2021, and just his latest tribute to the younger Till. For Black History Month this year, Biden hosted a screening of the movie Till, a drama about his lynching. In March 2022, Biden signed the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act into law. Congress had first considered such legislation more than 120 years ago. The Justice Department announced in December 2021 that it was closing its investigation into Till's killing. Columbus P\police officers on bikes patrol Downtown prior to Red, White & Boom. Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and other top Columbus officials such as the city attorney, auditor, public safety director and health commissioner failed to make the list of highest-compensated city employees for 2022. In fact, they didn't even come close largely, but not entirely, due to a $20 million police retirement buyout that paid $200,000 each to 100 longtime police officers who agreed to leave their civil service jobs. Including overtime, buyouts, other severance payments, court settlements, payouts of accumulated sick and vacation time upon termination and other forms of city financial compensation, Ginther's total pay of $205,463 put him 129th on the list of top paid city employees last year. But even taking out the $200,000 one-time retirement bonuses to 100 police officers, Ginther still ranked only 30th among the total highest-paid city employees in 2022. Ginther introduced the buyout in the wake of allegations of police brutality during social justice protests in Columbus following the May 2020 murder of George Floyd Jr. in Minneapolis and subsequent police shootings of Black residents in Columbus, including Ma'Khia Bryant and Andre Hill, who was unarmed. Ginther said at the time he introduced the buyout plan that some officers might be resistant to changes the city was making in response and that the buyout would help reform the Division of Police. The top 100 on the list of Columbus' highest-compensated city employees were all sworn Division of Police personnel: 66 officers; 21 sergeants; nine lieutenants; and four captains. All but one of the top 100 took the buyout, and the lone employee who didn't was also a police officer. The list does not include four deputy police chiefs whom the city agreed to pay $500,000 buyouts each as those payments didn't occur until after the close of the year. All of the top 100 last year were paid more than $262,900, even though most apparently didn't work a full year. On average, the top 100 received: $37,767 in regular pay; $4,031 in overtime; and $264,958 in "other" compensation. Columbus police on the scene of a fatal police shooting and a Franklin County Sheriff's deputy on, July 8 in an apartment building on East Livingston Avenue near South James Road on the city's East Side. In fact, the city paid a total of $224.54 million in "other" compensation, about 42% of what it paid in salaries and almost four times what it paid in overtime. Almost nine out of 10 city employees received "other" pay, with the median employee taking home $15,578, The Dispatch review found. On top of that, it paid out over $57 million in overtime pay, tacking on another 11% to the budget for regular salaries. While the median regular salary for the city's roughly 11,000 total employees was $50,464, almost a third of them, or 3,441, had taxable income of almost double that, collecting $100,000 or more. The median city employee took home 32% more than their regular salary last year, and 921 employees at least doubled their regular pay, The Dispatch review found. What does 'other' pay include? The other pay column also can include "sick, personal and vacation leave" payments as well as "short-term disability pay, service credit payment (an annual longevity payment that is tiered based on years of service), car allowance, taxable tuition reimbursement ... safety forces residential incentive plan, sick leave reciprocity, sick pay at termination, vacation pay at termination, uniform allowance, hero pay, sick pay, annual holiday payout, plus any other earnings outside of regular worked hours and overtime," according to Amber Epling, a spokesperson for the City Auditor's Office. "In a nutshell, 'other' earnings are those received outside of ones regular pay" and overtime, Epling said in an email. For example, Dr. Mysheika Roberts, the city health commissioner, received $65,465 in "other pay on top of her $180,292 salary last year, which "includes all paid leave taken as time away from work, service credit payment, sick leave reciprocity, car allowance, and a lump sum payment due to a percentage pay increase," Epling said. Almost 1,800 Columbus Division of Fire firefighters and civilian employees collected $23.4 million in overtime pay in 2022, and another $54.6 million in "other" compensation, on top of their total $116.2 million in regular pay. Including the buyouts, the top 10 highest-paid were police officers, sergeants, commanders and lieutenants who received hundreds of thousands of dollars each in "other" compensation besides regular and overtime pay, ending the year with each having received a total of more than $350,000. That's more than double the about $160,000 a year what Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is paid. The highest-compensated city employee in 2022 was Columbus police Lt. Jimmie D. Barnes, who was paid a total $411,514, including $319,582 in "other" compensation, which the City Auditor's Office says could include an early-retirement buyout, a lump-sum sick and vacation settlement or other compensation. The bulk of that "other" pay, almost $95 million, went to employees in the Police Division. Over 3,300 out of almost 11,000 city employees received "other" compensation last year of $25,000 or greater, a Dispatch analysis of city payroll data shows. Of those, 1,690 worked for the Division of Police and another 1,168 for the Division of Fire, with the remaining 449 spread across 37 other departments. Of all 128 city workers who made more than Ginther, 114 worked for the Division of Police and nine for the Division of Fire. The five others are: a Development Department housing rehab technician who won an out-of-court settlement with the city concerning his termination (total pay: $251,475); city Health Commissioner Mysheika Roberts (total pay: $245,757, including $65,465 in "other" compensation); former Public Safety Director Robert Clark ($240,092, all in regular salary); Ginther's chief of staff Ken Paul ($213,311, including $1,000 in "other" pay); and a Utilities Department wastewater plant supervisor (who netted $206,839, including $112,049 in overtime pay and $50,752 in "other" pay, while earning only $44,038 in regular pay). City taxpayers paid for more than $57 million in overtime last year, spread across 5,657 city employees who collected an average of $5,189, The Dispatch found. Of them, 37% worked for the Division of Police, 26% for the Division of Fire, 5% for Public Utilities' Division of Sewage and Drainage and 4% for its Division of Water. The other 28% of employees were spread across 31 other departments. Three police officers were the top three in overtime pay, each netting between $139,795 and $143,876 in OT in addition to their regular salaries and "other" compensation. All of them made $250,000 or more last year about 14% more than the average family physician makes in Columbus, according to Salary.com. Next, beyond those three among the top OT recipients, was a city 911 dispatcher, who collected $135,182 in OT, about 2 times her $54,332 regular salary. She also netted another $15,074 in "other" pay. In all, 746 city employees took home more than $25,000 in overtime. That's about 43% of the median household income for Columbus, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Is this an efficient use of tax dollars? Ginther declined through a spokesperson to answer any questions directly for this story, including whether these compensation numbers show an efficient use of tax dollars to provide city services. The following prepared statement was issued on Ginther's behalf: The city is committed to a living wage for every city employee. Every full-time employee makes at least $20/hour, which is well over the average income in Columbus. Even so, we are finding it difficult to recruit and retain employees in a highly competitive job market, as are other employers. The vast majority of our highest-income workers fall under Public Safety, and I would argue that the work they provide is vital. Ginther's opponent in the November election, Joe Motil, said the city would be better off if it hired more employees and stopped paying them large sums to quit. "When does it end?" Motil said in an email. "And what did this buyout accomplish? I have yet to hear Ginther or any other public official explain this." Motil wondered aloud if the city is going to repeat the expensive buyout again five years from now, when more city police officers reach retirement age. "Mandatory overtime can result in fatigue and burnout, which can lead to a lapse in judgment for fire and police," Motil said. "Poor decisions due to burnout may cause unintended injuries to not only public safety employees, but citizens, too. In my opinion, both (police and fire) departments are understaffed, and overtime needs to be reduced." Top 10 Columbus city employees in total 2022 compensation Employee name Job class YTD total Jimmie Barnes Police lieutenant $411,514 Robert Strausbaugh Police commander $400,322 John Gagnon Police officer $397,658 Brenton Mull Police lieutenant $376,360 Larry Yates Police lieutenant $371,126 David Griffith Police commander $369,029 Dennis Kline Police sergeant $357,364 Terry Moore Police commander $357,023 Scott Hyland Police commander $351,877 Dennis Prestel Police officer $350,469 Top 10 overtime recipients in 2022 Employee name Job class OT YTD Adam Banks Police officer $143,876 Michael Exline Police officer $141,808 Troy Hammel Police officer $139,795 Patricia Todhunter 911 emergency dispatcher $135,182 Bruce Tyo Wastewater plant supervisor $112,049 Stephen Banks Police officer $95,693 Brian Steel Police sergeant $86,338 William Parry-Dillen 911 emergency dispatcher $85,422 Richard Arrowsmith Jr. Firefighter $82,875 Roderrick Stewart Firefighter $81,235 Top 10 highest salary city employees in 2022 Highest regular salary Employee name Job class Reg YTD Clark, Robert Public safety director $240,092 Bryant, Elaine Police chief $213,040 Kenneth Paul Chief of staff to mayor $212,311 Andrew J. Ginther Mayor $204,683 Michael Stevens Development director $202,591 Megan Kilgore City auditor $200,339 Zachary Klein City attorney $200,339 Jennifer Gallagher Public service director $196,636 Kathy Owens Finance director $195,194 Scott Messer Building and zoning service director $187,953 wbush@gannett.com @ReporterBush Get more political analysis by listening to the Ohio Politics Explained podcast This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Mayor Andrew Ginther 129th among city's highest-paid employees in 2022 Special counsel Jack Smith arrives to speak to reporters on June 9 in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP) We dont know what specific charges special counsel Jack Smith will pursue if former President Trump is indicted on allegations of attempting to overturn the 2020 election. We cant even be certain that there will be an indictment, although it looks imminent after Smith sent Trump a target letter last week. But thanks to persons briefed on the matter, presumably Trumps leaky lawyers, we know which federal statutes are likely to form the basis of Smiths case, and they suggest what some of his charges will be. According to several news organizations, the target letter mentions three laws that would enable Smith to charge Trump with directing a vast conspiracy to undo President Bidens election by fraudulent means. Alternatively, they would allow Smith to charge the former president with a limited number of improper acts aimed at the same purpose. I talked with former prosecutors and defense lawyers last week, and they all had similar advice for Smith: Make the case streamlined, focused and clear. Go for the simplest charges you can, former federal prosecutor Paul Rosenzweig said. Focus on actions that are readily and directly tied to Donald Trump. Read more:The newest third-party mirage Keep it simple, stupid, echoed Norman Eisen, a former defense lawyer who is a fellow at the Brookings Institution. Dont try to jam everything in. You dont want to run the risk of confusing a judge or a jury. Trumps effort to block Bidens victory included a long list of potentially illegal acts. The then-president jawboned officials in states he lost to declare him the winner anyway. He asked Georgias secretary of state to find 11,780 votes, the number he needed to win. Trump and his allies developed a scheme to submit phony electoral vote certificates to Congress to replace Bidens real electoral votes. And he encouraged his supporters to march to the Capitol and fight like hell on Jan. 6, 2021, the day Congress was scheduled to certify Bidens victory. Thats a lot of potential charges too many, possibly, for a jury to focus on. Smiths target letter suggests that hell probably settle on a shorter list. Lets take the three statutes in turn, beginning with conspiracy to defraud the United States, which basically means attempting to interfere with government functions by dishonest means. Case in point: the bizarre fake elector scheme, in which GOP activists in eight states represented themselves as legitimate electors even though Biden had won the most votes. The plot failed, but it was central to Trumps larger attempt to invalidate Bidens victory. It shouldnt be too hard to convince a jury that the scheme qualified as deliberate fraud. The activists declared they were their states true electors in official-looking statements sent to then-Vice President Mike Pence in his role as presiding officer of the Senate. Those documents may now serve as damningevidence of an attempt to defraud the United States. Moreover, the chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, Ronna McDaniel, told the House Jan. 6 investigators that Trump had personally asked her to recruit alternative electors evidence that the president was directly involved. The second statute on Smiths list prohibits obstructing federal proceedings. That would probably produce charges focusing on Trumps efforts to block Congress from certifying Bidens election on Jan. 6, including his relentless pressure on Pence to halt or delay the process. The Justice Department has charged more than 300 of the Jan. 6 rioters with this offense. Many of the defendants said they invaded the Capitol to try to disrupt the certification; some believed they were acting at Trumps behest. It only seems fair to subject Trump to the same scrutiny. Its probably a stronger charge against Trump than it is against the rioters, said Donald B. Ayer, a former top Justice Department official in the George H.W. Bush administration. The third statute prohibits any conspiracy to deprive people of their constitutional rights, including the right to vote and have their votes counted. It has been used to prosecute officials who tried to rig elections or interfere with vote counting. In the view of some lawyers, this statute could apply to almost any illegitimate action Trump took to change the outcome of the election. The challenge for Smith will be to confine it to a few easily provable counts. Whats missing from this list? Inciting to riot or abetting an insurrection. Thats probably because those charges could be difficult to prove and become distractions in a trial. An incitement charge raises 1st Amendment problems, Ayer said. And an insurrection charge comes with a lot of complexities, beginning with the definition of insurrection. That suggests that Smith is already doing what the former prosecutors hoped: keeping the case focused on a few charges that could be relatively easy to prove. Theres also time pressure at work, Rosenzweig added. Part of the incentive to keep it simple is to get it done before the presidential election. If the case lands before a judge who wants to move quickly, he said, he could see this coming to trial next May or June. That will be the tail end of next years primary election season and about the same time Trump will be tried over hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Its going to be a busy spring. Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.